Recognizing Four Individuals Who Helped Shape the Class of 2025’s Time at Grinnell

Each year, Grinnell College’s graduating class has the opportunity to recognize individuals who have profoundly shaped their student experience—not just in the classroom, but in moments of everyday care, kindness, and connection. Voted on by the Commencement Committee, Honorary Class Memberships are a cherished Grinnell tradition that acknowledges staff and community members who leave a lasting imprint on the graduating class.

For the Class of 2025, four exceptional individuals have been named Honorary Class Members: Peggy Elliott, Renee Bourgeois Parsons, David Stanley, and Jani Springer. Their stories are as heartfelt as the impact they’ve had on students.

Peggy Elliott, Grinnell College Dining Services Cheery Checker 
Presented by Eleanor Hedges-Duroy ’25

Described as “a ray of sunshine,” Peggy Elliott has been a beloved figure in the Grinnell community. Students know her for her warmth, kindness, and a remarkable memory for names. Peggy makes a point to greet students as they pass, offering smiles and conversations that brighten even the most stressful days. As Eleanor Hedges-Duroy ’25 shared, “A Grinnell experience is not complete without checking in with her and seeing her beautiful smile.”

Renee Bourgeois Parsons ’96, Director of the Mathematics Laboratory
Presented by Destany Best ’25

Destany Best ’25 explained, “Some people quietly shape the heart of the campus, not through grand gestures, but through daily acts of care, presence, and unwavering commitment. Renee is one of those people. Her deep dedication to student success is matched only by their genuine compassion they extend to every student who walks through their door. With an incredible ability to listen deeply and respond with understanding. She consistently puts students' well-being and best interests at the center of their work. Whether offering guidance, advocating behind the scenes, or simply showing up when it matters, they have created a lasting impact on the community and on me personally.”

Parsons shared, “I am so proud to be chosen by the Class of ’25 as an honorary member! As an alum (’96, mathematics), I know how many staff and faculty members each student has interactions with during their time at Grinnell, so to be among the four recipients of honorary membership from this year’s class truly touches my heart.”

David Stanley, Global Kitchen Culinary Coordinator 
Presented by Bianca Morcho ’25

Working in the Global Kitchen, David Stanley is known for much more than his culinary talents. His kindness and attentiveness have made him a memorable part of many students’ lives. “David has been a very integral part to my Grinnell Experience, and many others working in the Global kitchen… He is very kind, he extends a smile to everyone he sees, and his kindness extends beyond the kitchen.”

Stanley shared, “I’ve been at Grinnell College for about seven years, and I started working as the Global Kitchen Culinary Coordinator the same year the Class of 2025 began their first year. I’m proud to have met many of the students in this class through events in the Global Kitchen and was lucky to get to know a lot of them really well. He added, “You never get too old to do something that would make your mom proud.’ I dropped out of college in 1985, and she was worried about my future. Things worked out for me eventually—I guess I was on the 40-year plan.”

Jani Springer, Assistant Athletic Director/Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Student Success 
Presented by Erin Jarvis ’25

Joining Grinnell in fall 2021—the same time as the Class of 2025—Jani Springer has become an essential presence for student-athletes as assistant athletic director. Through her leadership of student-athlete organizations and her consistent support in all aspects of student life, she’s built a reputation for care and encouragement. Erin Jarvis ’25 noted her signature optimism, adding, “She makes us feel like, every little thing is going to be alright.”

These four individuals have helped shape the Class of 2025’s experience at Grinnell in unique and powerful ways. In recognizing them as honorary class members, students not only honor their contributions—they celebrate the spirit of community that defines Grinnell.