Grinnell College President Anne F. Harris congratulates the Class of 2025 at the closing of their commencement ceremony and leads graduates as they turn their tassels and toss their caps in celebration.
{{ arguments.name }} News
Grinnell College President Anne F. Harris congratulates the Class of 2025 at the closing of their commencement ceremony and leads graduates as they turn their tassels and toss their caps in celebration.
A visual journey through the 2025 spring athletic season at Grinnell.

Isabella ‘Bella’ Nesbeth ’26 has received the Frederick Baumann Essay Prize.

Isabella ‘Bella’ Nesbeth ’26 has received the Frederick Baumann Essay Prize.

Isabella ‘Bella’ Nesbeth ’26 has received the Frederick Baumann Essay Prize.

Elisabeth Kille ’23 crafted global educational experiences to work in, learn from, and explore different cultures using her Grinnell experiences. She worked an internship for Chile, went abroad to Greece, and made amazing Grinnellian friends along the way!

Professor Jin Feng developed a new Grinnell course that is likely one of the only stand-alone courses devoted to Chinese web fiction in North America.

Professor Jin Feng developed a new Grinnell course that is likely one of the only stand-alone courses devoted to Chinese web fiction in North America.

Professor Jin Feng developed a new Grinnell course that is likely one of the only stand-alone courses devoted to Chinese web fiction in North America.
{{ arguments.name }} Stories

Because of Grinnell, I had the confidence to explore new places. ... Grinnell made me more enthusiastic about getting out of my comfort zone and meeting new people.

Because of Grinnell, I had the confidence to explore new places. ... Grinnell made me more enthusiastic about getting out of my comfort zone and meeting new people.

I’m passionate about the idea of creating work that lives outside traditional gallery settings — art and design that people encounter in their everyday lives, often without even realizing it at first.

I’m passionate about the idea of creating work that lives outside traditional gallery settings — art and design that people encounter in their everyday lives, often without even realizing it at first.

I’m passionate about the idea of creating work that lives outside traditional gallery settings — art and design that people encounter in their everyday lives, often without even realizing it at first.

I’m passionate about the idea of creating work that lives outside traditional gallery settings — art and design that people encounter in their everyday lives, often without even realizing it at first.
Our feeling was that if you are not connected to your place, you won’t take care of it. From this conversation emerged the idea of embracing our location and using it as a teaching and learning tool.
Our feeling was that if you are not connected to your place, you won’t take care of it. From this conversation emerged the idea of embracing our location and using it as a teaching and learning tool.
Our feeling was that if you are not connected to your place, you won’t take care of it. From this conversation emerged the idea of embracing our location and using it as a teaching and learning tool.
Our feeling was that if you are not connected to your place, you won’t take care of it. From this conversation emerged the idea of embracing our location and using it as a teaching and learning tool.
Our feeling was that if you are not connected to your place, you won’t take care of it. From this conversation emerged the idea of embracing our location and using it as a teaching and learning tool.

There's no substitute for the psychological impact of face-to-face interactions … The emotion in the workers’ voices and being in their spaces — that’s what sticks with you.

There's no substitute for the psychological impact of face-to-face interactions … The emotion in the workers’ voices and being in their spaces — that’s what sticks with you.

Waterways in Iowa are stressed like never before, and the trusted repositories of environmental data are being eviscerated ... If we want to know what's going on, increasingly it's good if we can collect data ourselves.

Waterways in Iowa are stressed like never before, and the trusted repositories of environmental data are being eviscerated ... If we want to know what's going on, increasingly it's good if we can collect data ourselves.

Surfing has always been a part of my life throughout college, but the fellowship gave me the opportunity to pursue it beyond recreation.

Surfing has always been a part of my life throughout college, but the fellowship gave me the opportunity to pursue it beyond recreation.

Surfing has always been a part of my life throughout college, but the fellowship gave me the opportunity to pursue it beyond recreation.

Meeting others who also work on the comfort women issue continuously ignites my passion to expand the network with more of those people who explore the same issue from various approaches.

Meeting others who also work on the comfort women issue continuously ignites my passion to expand the network with more of those people who explore the same issue from various approaches.

The Goldwater Scholarship will provide me with newfound opportunities to not just seek answers, but crucially and critically propose pressing, thought-provoking questions for an ever-evolving world in need of each other’s gifts.

The Goldwater Scholarship will provide me with newfound opportunities to not just seek answers, but crucially and critically propose pressing, thought-provoking questions for an ever-evolving world in need of each other’s gifts.

The Goldwater Scholarship will provide me with newfound opportunities to not just seek answers, but crucially and critically propose pressing, thought-provoking questions for an ever-evolving world in need of each other’s gifts.

Being the first in a new role comes with both responsibility and possibility. I see this residency as a chance to build a foundation that combines rigorous academic inquiry with hands-on, community-centered innovation.

It's a story about ... seeking a greater understanding of existence. I hope this musical inspires audiences to reflect on their own journey and the shared human search for meaning.

It's a story about ... seeking a greater understanding of existence. I hope this musical inspires audiences to reflect on their own journey and the shared human search for meaning.

I knew I wanted to … foster an environment that could promote a safe space for people to get to know each other, feel safe and most importantly, at home.

I knew I wanted to … foster an environment that could promote a safe space for people to get to know each other, feel safe and most importantly, at home.

Your campus and classroom experience is going to challenge you to grow and expand your understanding of the world. But there is much that can be learned off campus, too.

Students experience random acts of kindness around the town here, and there are myriad opportunities to participate and find a seat at the table as active and engaged citizens.

Many of your fellow students become personally involved in a community, social, or educational endeavor off campus, which strengthens their college experience. I hope you will be part of this movement.
Our social environment affects how we study other organisms. We often use the animal world as justification or examples for how humans should be, which is dangerous.
Our social environment affects how we study other organisms. We often use the animal world as justification or examples for how humans should be, which is dangerous.

What is One Health? It’s “recognizing the interconnected relationships between human, animal, and environmental health and working together across those disciplines and sectors," says Griffith.

What is One Health? It’s “recognizing the interconnected relationships between human, animal, and environmental health and working together across those disciplines and sectors," says Griffith.

Conservation work needs individuals who can foster a mindset of interconnectedness.

Conservation work needs individuals who can foster a mindset of interconnectedness.

Conservation work needs individuals who can foster a mindset of interconnectedness.
You never know where your life is going to take you. So be open to possibilities that might open up.
You never know where your life is going to take you. So be open to possibilities that might open up.

I really appreciate that I went to school in a time when I learned to relate to the patient, professionally, socially, and personally.

I really appreciate that I went to school in a time when I learned to relate to the patient, professionally, socially, and personally.

College is a moment of self-discovery, and as you make sense of who you are becoming through this new experience, our team works to co-create opportunities for you to reflect, connect, explore, engage, and strategize.

The CRSSJ is for you whether you identify as religious or not; we hope this is a place for you to connect, explore big questions, and drink hot chocolate with friends.

Each year, the entering class is a highly qualified group of students that includes people with physical, psychological, and learning disabilities. We want you to know that Grinnell is committed to providing equal access and reasonable accommodations for our students with disabilities. We are happy to begin working with you on your access needs anytime.

As you make your way as a young adult, there are many discoveries and choices that you'll make. My crew is eager to join you on your journey and can help you every step of the way.

Our organization represents student voices to College faculty and administration, encourages student dialogue, and advocates for any other needs of the students.
Most services at SHAW are free for all students, and health insurance is not billed. If you have any questions or want to ask about specifics related to your health, feel free to reach out.

Although it’s voluntary to work with our office, we get to know more than half of the student body. We hope that will include you!

The experience of learning how to think scientifically can help develop a person's critical thinking skills. Scientific inquiry helps people differentiate between things that are real and things that are not real.

My work allows me to better see the connection between the research realm and the more human part of the world. In my current position, I am able to work towards making science more relevant for policy and decision making, and I find those goals to be a lot more tangible.
If you have taken a class with Professor Lafontant, you may have picked up on a sense of what he calls wonderment. Wonderment is a word that reflects his belief that the whole world of science is fascinating.

It’s a physician’s role to look beyond the analytics and think ‘What does this feel like to the patient and family? What does a longer wait time mean for future care?’

The best work that we can do for the environment, for nature and wildlife, and for each other, is get involved with the local communities because that is where the impact of our work can be seen.

The best work that we can do for the environment, for nature and wildlife, and for each other, is get involved with the local communities because that is where the impact of our work can be seen.

She is a truth seeker and has an endless amount of energy to ensure her reporting is accurate, insightful, compassionate, and, if possible, connected to relatable historic events.

Whether I was devouring brisket or Egusi, I obtained knowledge through debates with my sisters, my moral compass through lessons from my parents, and wisdom by listening to elders who spoke at the table.

I want to meet people from other places who can help me reach my goals and who I can help to reach theirs.

He is one of the greatest leaders our school has ever seen.

Kyla is among the most capable and intellectually curious students I have ever had the opportunity to teach.

Tolu interacts with peers kindly, praising classmates for their presentations or arguments in class, and is someone who supports fellow students.

Since my freshman year, I’ve made it my priority to be in the front row of every class.

She is one of the most perseverant students I have taught in my 15-year career. She’s an incredibly selfless human . . . who impresses and inspires me beyond belief.

Essi’s achievement reflects a work ethic unmatched by any current or former student.

Aziza sees injustice and she fights it with action and filmmaking. I admire her work.
The greater Grinnell community looks forward to the excitement and energy that students bring to our town each year. Grinnell is a town of many treasures, so we hope you’ll do some exploring and come to love the town of Grinnell as much as we do.

Many students come from very different backgrounds than my own, and it has been fascinating to hear about their lives and share about mine with them. Despite our differences, I’m always able to find wonderful similarities.

Many students say that taking a break from campus life to spend time with their mentee has been a highlight of their time in our community.

The work toward achieving inclusion is never done; there is always progress to be made toward equity. We want you to be a contributing member of that progress and hope you’ll join this distinct community.

The College is a religiously and spiritually diverse community, rich in personalities and filled with students, faculty, and staff who are eager to share their experiences and hear about yours.

I had no idea what four years in Iowa was going to be like, and that turned out to be perfect for me.

That sense of social responsibility and really using your platform for good, which I very much learned at Grinnell, is something that [is] really important to me.

I got confidence, really, in my own skills, in my own ability to learn and to lead.

I love that Grinnell allows me to pursue both my passions—physics and art. I appreciate the wealth of resources Grinnell provides its students, whether this has been in the form of cost-free art supplies or scientific conference funding. I hope to pursue a research career studying the formation history of our galaxy. My dream is to become one of the only 23 Black women to hold a Ph.D. in astronomy.

I am an active member in the Grinnell community. I have found my passion for social justice and being an advocate for people in need. During my four years, I have felt so much support and love, which have helped me blossom into the person I am today.

After two younger brothers saw my financial aid package they chose to come to Grinnell too. Your support has changed the lives of my family.

I am taking every opportunity that I have been granted. I am on the football team and on my way toward a double major and a concentration. I have completed a MAP [Mentored Advanced Project] and look forward to future internships made possible by Grinnell. I would otherwise not be able to afford this education. I am so grateful for my time and experience thus far.

Why would I go somewhere that doesn’t feel the way Grinnell feels? I knew I wanted to be in an intentional community — with individuals who were both focused on their academics and dedicated to creating a supportive environment.

There was a point that I was like ‘I love teaching, but I also really love research,’ and I didn’t realize that there was a career where I could kind of meld the two.
Coming to Grinnell, seeing so many interesting people organizing and doing different things …, opened me to other ways of thinking and thinking I could do more [creative work].

We have not only a common origin, but a common fate as well — death. That being the case, why can’t we be a little kinder to one another?
John M. Mohan, 1936-2003

I recently congratulated Scott Turley on his 20-year anniversary, and, of course, I asked him if my sweet potato pie is still in the dessert rotation at Grinnell.
Scott said, ‘We serve your pie recipe every Thanksgiving at the College. We never have leftover sweet potato pie.’

If you’re an international student considering studying at Grinnell, a great way to feel at home quickly is to participate in Friends of International Students (FIS). FIS will pair you with an American host family and introduce you to life in Iowa.

My language skills ended up being one of my strongest, and most important, assets.

I came to Grinnell as a biology major and had also thought about law school for social justice issues. Then I fell in love with anthropology.
Where the sciences are headed with research is exactly what’s embedded into classes at Grinnell. It starts from the very beginning with Intro to Biology, and continues as two or three authentic research projects for every class after that.

Research is a huge component in the arts. It's what you perform, it's what you study, it's what you create scripts based upon. It’s what leads you to stages and shows well beyond Grinnell.

I love that I go to a college where the only thing people care about is the quality of the character and the things that I bring to the table, not what I'm wearing, or how I sound, or how I look. At Grinnell, I feel free to be who I am.

Grinnell was really the first place where I actually had the chance, or the self-awareness, to pursue something that was a little bit out of my comfort zone.

I would definitely credit that experience with helping me to have a persuasive application and making me want to do this type of work.

We went through the fire, went through the ice, and I learned how to come out stronger. I’m a resilient Grinnellian.
{{ arguments.name }} In The Media
{{ arguments.name }} In The Media






