See It in Action News

As Executive Director of Seed Coalition, a group of colleges and universities focused on community and civic engagement, Rob Barron ’02 has two pieces of advice that he gives to the college students he encounters.

From the start, the meal stood out for its collaborative spirit. Different community organizations took turns cooking and serving each week, creating a shared effort that, over time, fed thousands of community members and reflected the generosity of Grinnell itself.

The College awarded over $14,000 in Community Mini-Grants to support efforts by local non-profits.

A unique course dedicated to the mbira dzaVaNdau challenges students with constructing and playing this instrument originating from Zimbabwe.

For more than a year, about 100 Grinnell students have been experiencing apartment-style living at Renfrow Hall. With a year of experience behind us, how is it going?

Educators and changemakers from around the world gather at Grinnell College to explore complexity, collaboration, and new approaches to systems change.

These student leaders offer meaningful perspectives on community engagement, showcasing their lived experience, their academic interests, and their identities in the work of strengthening community through service, leadership, and collaboration.

Student Estella Newton ’26 recently stepped forward to support local families by organizing a community food drive as part of Iowa Sen. Zach Wahls’ Iowa Giving Week of Action — a statewide effort focused on strengthening food access through grassroots service projects.

The College is joining Grinnell Mutual and the Campbell Fund in responding to an urgent call from the Grinnell Food Coalition (GFC), which is mobilizing support for Poweshiek County families affected by the temporary suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits earlier this fall. Although benefits are expected to return, many households and local food providers continue to face significant strain as demand for food assistance rises.

Grinnell College has been recognized with the 2024–25 Best of CASE District VI Award in the category of Special Events: In-Person (Multi-Day) for the dedication of Renfrow Hall. The honor, announced last week by the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), highlights the collaborative work that made the September 2024 celebration a powerful tribute to community, legacy, and place.