For Jeff Smith, basketball in Grinnell has never just been about the game—it’s been about family, community, and the places that shape you long before you realize it. Smith’s journey reflects a story Grinnell knows well: roots that run deep, a willingness to explore beyond them, and a return driven by connection, service, and community.

For the many Grinnellians who knew Mrs. Renfrow Smith personally, as well as the countless others who were inspired by her remarkable life as a Grinnellian who strived always to serve the common good and to live life to the fullest, her passing holds great meaning.

Hannah Sweet ’25 wanted a small community where she could know her professors and classmates well. The Grinnell community offered that and more.

The spirit of community that enlivens residence life at Grinnell College continues to expand, thrive, and grow.

The Grinnell community gathered for a truly special performance of The Nutcracker, made possible through a collaboration between Grinnell College, the Grinnell School of Music, the Grinnell Area Arts Council, and Ballet Des Moines. Photos were provided by Jennifer Weinman Photography.

The Haitian Art Digital Crossroads (HADC) is creating a multilingual, community-centered digital platform that rethinks how Haitian art is documented, interpreted, and shared.

The College, Grinnell School of Music, and the Grinnell Area Arts Council worked together to bring the Ballet Des Moines’ professional production of The Nutcracker to Grinnell. Notably, this performance also brought together 30 Grinnell area young dancers to collaborate with the professional ballerinas. Leading up to the performance, the Des Moines Ballet collaborated with these students to gracefully integrate them into the production.

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?

Kylie Snell ’26 spent the summer as a market research intern for the Walt Disney Corporation, learning how the magic is made at one of the most recognizable companies in the world.