Four exceptional individuals will be awarded honorary degrees in recognition of the significant contributions each has made to their fields of expertise during Grinnell College’s 2025 Commencement ceremony to be held on May 19, 2025.

Conner Stanfield ’21 sang a cappella at his professor’s wedding, conducted research (and performed!) with a professional theatre company in Taiwan, and explored the United Kingdom during an off-campus semester based in London.

President Anne F. Harris and her husband, Professor of Art History Michael Mackenzie, have created the Emmett and Pierrette Harris Endowed Scholarship, which honors Harris’ parents and benefits under-resourced students at Grinnell College.

Annette Bicher and Ken Nechin have been annual donors since Zoe “Zee’ Nechin ’25 arrived at Grinnell. Now that Zee is getting ready to graduate in May, Ken and Annette have made a capstone gift to be split between the Pioneer Fund and Chaverim, Grinnell’s Jewish student organization.

Ruth P. Feingold will join Grinnell College on July 1 as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College. She will also hold the rank of professor in the department of English with contributions to Gender, Women’s, and Sexuality Studies. Dr. Feingold currently serves as Dean the College and Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Sciences at Willamette University in Salem, OR.

Nina Kouchi ’22 loved how welcoming and curious the students were when she visited Grinnell. Her excitement about Grinnell has only grown as she has traveled across the country for golf, explored the town of Grinnell, carried out a computer science Mentored Advanced Project, and spent time enjoying Iowa’s natural beauty.

Enjoy this photo essay showcasing the vibrant energy, cultural pride, and artistic expression that made the night unforgettable.

Celebrated author, poet, and University of Georgia professor LeAnne Howe visited the Grinnell College campus in early April. She presented a Scholars’ Convocation and led a writers’ workshop.

Rudacille is one of 54 new Truman Scholars selected from 743 candidates nominated by 288 colleges and universities. Truman Scholars must demonstrate outstanding leadership potential, a commitment to a career in public service, and academic excellence. Each Truman Scholar receives a scholarship worth up to $30,000 for graduate or professional school, leadership training, career advising, and special internship and fellowship opportunities within the federal government.

Exploring and preserving the history of concerts at Grinnell