Twelve Remarkable Alumni Honored with 2024 Alumni Awards at Reunion

The Grinnell College Alumni Council has selected 12 remarkable Grinnell College alumni to receive the 2024 Alumni Awards. The Alumni Awards recognize individuals who embody Grinnell College’s mission of lifetime learning and service. Nominated by their classmates and peers, recipients have distinguished themselves by their service to their careers, their community, and/or the College. The recipients were presented with their awards June 1 during the Alumni Assembly at Reunion 2024.

The Alumni Award recognizes outstanding achievements and dedication, as evidenced by this year’s honorees:

Kathleen DuBois ’74, of St. Louis, Missouri

For decades, Kathleen DuBois championed the rights and integrity of Missouri’s families. Practicing public interest law, she provided free legal representation to indigent clients, including Hurricane Katrina victims and death row inmates. Her Parental Justice Program in St. Louis reunited over 400 children with their parents.

Denise Iverson-Payne ’74, of St. Pete Beach, Florida

Denise Iverson-Payne’s dedication to higher education and diversity began as a student at Grinnell’s Black Cultural Center. She went on the lead diversity initiatives at Gustavus Adolphus College and served as assistant vice chancellor for student development at North Carolina A&T. Her deep desire to ensure that Black students had a feeling of belonging and value on Grinnell’s campus drew her back to plan Black Alumni Weekend in 2014.

Tony Reid ’78, of San Diego, California

Renowned for his contributions to cancer treatment, Reid has advanced medical research in cancer gene therapy and gastroenterology oncology. He has established 25 patents, authored over 100 research papers, and started three companies, including Epicentrx, which received a grant in 2022 to study Parkinson’s disease.

Ed Fry ’79, of Indianapolis, Indiana

Fry’s excellence in cardiology is matched by his leadership and patient care. Joining Ascension-St. Vincent Medical Group in 1991, he has participated in over 75 clinical trials and served as president of the American College of Cardiology. Fry also supports Grinnell through externship hosting and a research award in his parents’ honor.

Trish Fitzgibbons Anderson ’80, of Long Lake, Minnesota

Fitzgibbons Anderson’s commitment to Grinnell College is unparalleled. A trustee for 16 years, she held key roles and participated in three presidential searches. Her career as a licensed marriage and family therapist reflects her compassion and dedication to human potential.

Nora Mann ’80, Arlington, Massachusetts

Mann’s work in politics and social justice addresses systemic issues like racism and economic inequity. At the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, she managed a team regulating the nonprofit sector. She also has worked on voter protection efforts during four presidential campaigns and the 2022 midterms.

Elizabeth Lee ’99, of Washington, D.C.

Lee’s 16-year career as a U.S. diplomat includes challenging assignments in the Middle East and UN peacekeeping. As head of the U.S. Consulate in Thessaloniki, Greece, she supported economic ties and minority groups, including women entrepreneurs and the LGBTQIA+ community.

Carla Talarico ’99, of North Potomac, Maryland

Talarico’s work in public health and epidemiology focuses on vaccine development for underserved populations. At Moderna, she was pivotal in the rapid development of the COVID vaccine. She also assists global disease surveillance and reporting systems through the CDC and WHO.

Brian Vicente ’99, of Denver, Colorado

Vicente pioneered the legal transition of cannabis from prohibition to regulation. He led Colorado’s legalization efforts and assisted other states and Uruguay in similar initiatives, significantly reducing cannabis-related arrests and transforming drug laws.

Charles Blake ’05, of Little Rock, Arkansas

Blake’s political career in Arkansas has focused on voting integrity, criminal reform, and combating systemic racism. As House minority leader and vice chair of the Arkansas Legislative Black Caucus, he significantly influenced state policies. He also served as chief of staff for the Little Rock’s Mayor’s office.

Alissa Briggs ’05, of Lexington, Kentucky

Briggs’ work in child psychology has profoundly impacted school-based mental health services and neurodevelopmental assessments. At the University of Kentucky, she directs initiatives for suicide screening and intervention, and is developing a clinic for pediatric abusive head trauma.

Pioneer Award

Additionally, Lisa Eshun-Wilson ’14, of La Jolla, California, received the Pioneer Award. This award honors alumni who have graduated within the past ten years and demonstrated remarkable commitment to Grinnell’s values. Eshun-Wilson’s biomedical research and efforts to increase diversity and inclusion in STEM fields exemplify this spirit. As a postdoctoral researcher, she uses cryo-electron microscopy to study aging and disease while also designing programs for marginalized groups.

Visit Alumni Awards for additional details about the award recipients.