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.

Grinnell’s annual Jingle Bell Holiday celebration once again lit up downtown on Friday, Nov. 21, drawing crowds of students, families, and community members for an evening filled with connection, tradition, and festive cheer.

Over fall break, the College’s Theatre, Dance and Performance Studies Department offered a free three-day theatre camp for fourth-through eighth grade students from the Grinnell-Newburg schools.

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.

Assistant Professor of Biology Caroline Dong shares information her life, work, and time at Grinnell.

First opened in 1918, the historic residence has long welcomed generations of alumni. The dedication marked the beginning of its next chapter, unveiling a resplendent renovation that transforms the 107-year-old home into a comfortable hub where alumni can relax, socialize, network, and reminisce whenever they return to Grinnell.

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.

Every year on November 8, we express our gratitude for the accomplishments of all first-generation Grinnellians – faculty, staff, students, and alumni – by observing First-Generation College Celebration Day. This day commemorates the signing of the Higher Education Act of 1965, which increased access, retention, and completion rates for first-generation and low-income (FGLI) students.