Schedule of Events

The Spencer Grill in the JRC is a great place to meet friends for morning coffee, a light breakfast or lunch, or some fresh-baked goodies. Open late Thursday as the only open venue serving food on campus.

 

 

The Grinnell Authors Display, featuring works by Grinnell alums, faculty, and staff, is proudly presented throughout the weekend at the Pioneer Bookshop, during normal business hours as posted.

To have your original work included in the display, please complete and submit the registration form by May 1, 2025.

 

A quiet space to preserve and share memories of classmates who have passed; open all weekend for visits. 

 

Shuttle and Golf Cart service is available throughout Reunion weekend.

To request golf cart transportation on campus or shuttle service to/from the local motels and hotels, please call 641-269-4403 during open hours to arrange for a pickup.

In addition, shuttle van or bus service is available for CERA Tours, Observatory Tours and all off-campus Reunion events. All shuttles depart from outside the south entrance of the Joe Rosenfield Center (near JRC 101). 

 

Please sign up in the JRC Lobby to reserve your spot for a student-led tour of campus.  Tours depart from the JRC Mailroom.

In case of rain, this event will be cancelled. 

 

Help the Burling Library Special Collections and Archives staff identify photographs from your time at Grinnell. Staff from the Special Collections and Archives will host a table in the JRC lobby, asking alumni to help identify people, places, and events found in our photograph collection. We will have photos available from every class celebrating Reunion, so please stop by and lend a hand!

 

This market is 100-percent producers market; all vendors must sell products that they produce themselves. With dozens of vendors, there is never a shortage of things to buy and see: locally-grown fresh produce, baked goods, honey, jams, plants and flowers, hand-made crafts, and more!

In case of rain, this event will be cancelled. 

 

Please sign up in the JRC Lobby to reserve your spot for a student-led tour of campus.  Tours depart from the JRC Mailroom.

In case of rain, this event will be cancelled. 

 

Grinnell College operates a local shuttle van that makes stops at a variety of shopping and care destinations around Grinnell, including McNally’s, Hy-Vee, Walmart, Urgent Care, and downtown Grinnell.

The shuttle runs Thursday, May 30 through Saturday, June 1 from 4-10 p.m. daily, departing campus on the hour.

Leaves from the front of the Noyce Science Center on Thursday. 

Leaves from corner of 8th Ave and East Street on Friday and Saturday.

Show your Reunion badge as your ticket for a free ride.

Riders missing the last shuttle of the evening will be responsible for finding their own way back to campus.

Visit the Local Transportation website for more information and a detailed schedule.

 

 

Please sign up in the JRC Lobby to reserve your spot for a student-led tour of campus.  Tours depart from the JRC Mailroom.

In case of rain, this event will be cancelled. 

 

Alumni, their families, staff, and students are welcome to attend. 

 

Build community with alumni who are BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, members of disability community, are from various religious affiliations, and who were first generation or international students. We will eat yummy food, share amazing stories, laugh too much, and get to know some of the staff members from Intercultural Affairs, Accessibility and Disability Resources, the Center for Religion, Spirituality, and Social Justice, and the Office of International Student Affairs.

 

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The Spencer Grill in the JRC is a great place to meet friends for morning coffee, a light breakfast or lunch, or some fresh-baked goodies.

 

 

Join your classmates at the cluster tent for bagels and drinks! 

Rain location: Norris Lounge 

 

Join faculty from the Department of Biology in touring the College's biological field station. The one-mile hike will take you through reconstructed prairie, restored savanna, along Willow Creek and Perry Pond, and through two experimental plot arrays, ending with a brief tour of the Environmental Education Center.

The tour size is limited. Reservations are available only when you register for Reunion. 

The CERA tour departs from the JRC Lobby. 

In case of rain, this event will be cancelled. 

 

A quiet memorial space to preserve and share memories of classmates who have passed; open all weekend for visits. 

 

Shuttle and Golf Cart service is available throughout Reunion weekend.

To request golf cart transportation on campus or shuttle service to/from the local motels and hotels, please call 641-269-4403 during open hours to arrange for a pickup.

In addition, shuttle van or bus service is available for CERA Tours, Observatory Tours and all off-campus Reunion events. All shuttles depart from outside the south entrance of the Joe Rosenfield Center (near JRC 101).  

 

 

Alumni, their families, staff, and students are welcome to attend.

 

The Grinnell Authors Display, featuring works by Grinnell alums, faculty, and staff, is proudly presented throughout the weekend at the Pioneer Bookshop, during normal business hours as posted.

To have your original work included in the display, please complete and submit the registration form by May 1, 2025.

 

Please sign up in the JRC Lobby to reserve your spot for a student-led tour of campus.  Tours depart from the JRC Mailroom.

In case of rain, this event will be cancelled. 

 

Join John C. Rommereim, Blanche Johnson Professor of Music to rehearse for performance during Saturday afternoon’s 4:30 Alumni Assembly.

Please note, there is also a dress rehearsal scheduled at 3:45 Saturday, just prior to Alumni Assembly. Both rehearsals are required.

 

The Grinnell College Preschool provides a high-quality preschool program for the College and town and a research lab for Grinnell students and faculty. Preschool staff members use developmentally appropriate practices to create a supportive, nurturing learning environment that meets individual needs and encourages children’s natural curiosity.

 

Join Coordinator Craig Gibbens ’95 for an open house at the Stew Makerspace to learn about its role as a creative hub for the entire Grinnell Community and make buttons to celebrate Reunion. Approaching its fourth year, the Stew now serves over 20% of all students and dozens of community members with activities including ceramics, woodworking, 3D printing, and much more! The program is a collaboration between the Grinnell Area Arts Council and the Wilson Center for Innovation and Leadership. 

 

Enjoy a walking tour of downtown Grinnell hosted by the Chamber of Commerce. Bring your questions and your camera. You'll likely see some of your old haunts as well as new businesses and buildings that are part of the thriving culture of Grinnell. This will be a walking tour, rain or shine.

Departs from the Goodnow Hall front portico, 1118 Park St.

 

 

Please sign up in the JRC Lobby to reserve your spot for a student-led tour of campus.  Tours depart from the JRC Mailroom.

 

Gain firsthand insights into the vision driving Grinnell College forward in this conversation with President Anne F. Harris. This intimate and candid conversation will offer attendees a deeper understanding of the decisions and opportunities guiding the College's trajectory. Join us live on campus at Reunion or tune in at www.grinnell.edu/livestream.

Sponsored by the Class of 1975 and Grinnell College Alumni Council.

 

Imam Abdul Muhaymin Priester will host Jumu'a Prayer in the Muslim Prayer Room.

 

Enjoy a walking tour of downtown Grinnell hosted by the Chamber of Commerce. Bring your questions and your camera. You'll likely see some of your old haunts as well as new businesses and buildings that are part of the thriving culture of Grinnell. This will be a walking tour, rain or shine.

Departs from the Goodnow Hall front portico, 1118 Park St.

 

Help the Burling Library Special Collections and Archives staff identify photographs from your time at Grinnell. Staff from the Special Collections and Archives will host a table in the JRC lobby, asking alumni to help identify people, places, and events found in our photograph collection. We will have photos available from every class celebrating Reunion, so please stop by and lend a hand!

 

Stop by the Center for Religion, Spirituality, and Social Justice to take a tour of the space. See the Muslim and Hindu Prayer and cultural rooms, meditation spaces, lending library, food pantry, student lounges and more.  Enjoy a beverage and snack in our comfy chairs while meeting the CRSSJ  staff and fellow alumni. 

 

Join current students and alumni from Grinnell's LGBTQIA and ally community for this casual reception. Founded in 2023, Grinnell Rainbow Alumni is Grinnell College's first alumni affinity group.

 

 

Alumni, their families, staff, and students are welcome to attend.

 

Check in by Commencement Stage on Central Campus to have your name badge scanned and receive your food truck tokens and hand stamp. Exchange a token (or two, for larger plates) for a dish from the array of food trucks. Children can pick up a meal for one token at the Kids Tent, or they may also use their tokens at the food trucks. The hand stamp indicates you purchased a block party meal and have full access to the beverage tents.

The beverage tent by Younker Grove will remain open until midnight. If you are getting beer or wine, the first time you stop at the tent, please be prepared to show your ID (to verify age) and handstamp to receive a wristband. Sparkling water, sodas, and cups for the water monsters will be available self-serve.

Food truck lines look long? Feel free to grab something to drink from one of the beverage tents and enjoy the music, games, and other activities while the line settles.

* In case of rain, the live music and carnival will be relocated to Bucksbaum. Food will still be provided by the food trucks. Classes will be asked to arrive at more staggered times to help with the lines. More information will be sent to the contact you provided in registration if rain plans become necessary.

 

This reception, for College volunteers and leadership donors, is by invitation only. 

Rain Location: HSSC - Atrium 

 

Join fellow Reunion attendees for a fun evening of live music by alum bands, games, street artists, food trucks, and more! Beer/wine tents will remain open until midnight.

Child registration will include the option to choose a child-sized meal or an adult-sized meal. 

Rain Location: Check in and eating areas in the JRC. Other events at the Bucksbaum Rotunda and Sebring Lewis Hall.

 

A brief service followed by blessings over challah and wine in the Chaverim Lounge on the second floor of the JRC. Chaverim, the Grinnell College Jewish student organization, is a diverse community in which students celebrate and learn about Judaism. Reunion's Shabbat Blessing is open to all with no-preregistration required.

 

 

The class of 2000 celebrates its 25th Reunion with a special dinner featuring honored guests and familiar faces. There will be a short program at 7:30.

 

For the classes of 1984 and 1985, sponsored by the 40th Reunion Planning Committee. Join together for music from the old jukebox, dancing, and beverages (adult and N/A) Bring your memento glass and avoid the ubiquitous solo cup (or grab one of those for old times' sake)!

 

Rain location: Sebring Lewis Hall 

 

Professor Bob Cadmus will show you the stars. Shuttles will depart from the JRC parking lot approximately every half hour. Or feel free to walk out to the Observatory. Last shuttle will depart at 10:45 p.m.

 

The Grinnell Rainbow alumni are excited to present the fourth Grinnell College Reunion Drag Show. After more than a decade of biannual shows, the event has become a successful and enduring tradition for Grinnell College students since 2006. The extravaganza, which occurs in the fall and spring, raises money for various LGBTQIA+ organizations both on and off campus. It is an event that encapsulates the lasting spirit of Grinnell: a celebration of diversity with a commitment to social justice. Come see what all the fuss is about. This performance includes flashing lights and loud music. Capacity is limited, so please arrive early.

 

Meet at the steps of Herrick Chapel to head to Grin City Bakery at 934 Main St.

Revisit an old tradition at the new bakery. Grin City Bakery will serve some familiar favorites and some new, soon-to-be favorites, too.

 

The Spencer Grill in the JRC is a great place to meet friends for morning coffee, a light breakfast or lunch, or some fresh-baked goodies.

 

A tradition for more than 20 years, the Alumni Fun Run/Walk is a great way to start your Reunion Saturday. In case of inclement weather, this event will be cancelled.

 

 

Join faculty from the Department of Biology in touring the College's biological field station. The one-mile hike will take you through reconstructed prairie, restored savanna, along Willow Creek and Perry Pond, and through two experimental plot arrays, ending with a brief tour of the Environmental Education Center.

The tour size is limited. Reservations are available only when you register for Reunion.

The CERA tour departs from the JRC Lobby.

In case of rain, this event will be cancelled.

For more information visit the CERA website.

 

A quiet memorial space to preserve and share memories of classmates who have passed; open all weekend for visits.

 

Shuttle and Golf Cart service is available throughout Reunion weekend.

To request golf cart transportation on campus or shuttle service to/from the local motels and hotels, please call 641-269-4403 during open hours to arrange for a pickup.

In addition, shuttle van or bus service is available for CERA Tours, Observatory Tours and all off-campus Reunion events. All shuttles depart from outside the south entrance of the Joe Rosenfield Center (near JRC 101).

 

 

Please sign up in the JRC Lobby to reserve your spot for a student-led tour of campus.  Tours depart from the JRC Mailroom.

In case of rain, this event will be cancelled. 

 

Enjoy a walking tour of downtown Grinnell hosted by the Chamber of Commerce. Bring your questions and your camera. You'll likely see some of your old haunts as well as new businesses and buildings that are part of the thriving culture of Grinnell. This will be a walking tour, rain or shine.

Departs from the Goodnow Hall front portico, 1118 Park St.

 

The Grinnell Authors Display, featuring works by Grinnell alums, faculty, and staff, is proudly presented throughout the weekend at the Pioneer Bookshop, during normal business hours as posted.

To have your original work included in the display, please complete and submit the registration form by May 1, 2025.

 

All women are welcome to this on-line recovery meeting, held on Zoom. Please contact Jill Petsel at petselji@grinnell.edu for the meeting link.

 

This market is 100-percent producers market; all vendors must sell products that they produce themselves. With dozens of vendors, there is never a shortage of things to buy and see: locally-grown fresh produce, baked goods, honey, jams, plants and flowers, hand-made crafts, and more!

In case of rain, this event will be cancelled. 

 

Join Coordinator Craig Gibbens ’95 for an open house at the Stew Makerspace to learn about its role as a creative hub for the entire Grinnell Community and make buttons to celebrate Reunion. Approaching its fourth year, the Stew now serves over 20% of all students and dozens of community members with activities including ceramics, woodworking, 3D printing, and much more! The program is a collaboration between the Grinnell Area Arts Council and the Wilson Center for Innovation and Leadership. 

 

The class of 2015 celebrates their 10th Reunion with a special brunch featuring puppies, professors, and President Anne F. Harris. There will be a short program at 11:30 a.m. 

 

Help the Burling Library Special Collections and Archives staff identify photographs from your time at Grinnell. Staff from the Special Collections and Archives will host a table in the JRC lobby, asking alumni to help identify people, places, and events found in our photograph collection. We will have photos available from every class celebrating Reunion, so please stop by and lend a hand!

 

 

For all classes and clusters! Grab a blanket or your camp chair and find your class/cluster banner on Mac Field. Join your classmates to relax, reminisce, and recharge in whatever way suits you best. There will be a wide variety of activities available.

 

Please sign up in the JRC Lobby to reserve your spot for a student-led tour of campus.  Tours depart from the JRC Mailroom.

In case of rain, this event will be cancelled. 

 

Alumni Choir will meet in Herrick Chapel for a short dress rehearsal prior to performance at Alumni Assembly.

 

Grinnell College operates a local shuttle van that makes stops at a variety of shopping and care destinations around Grinnell, including McNally’s, Hy-Vee, Walmart, Urgent Care, and downtown Grinnell.

The shuttle runs Thursday, May 30 through Saturday, June 1 from 4-10 p.m. daily, departing campus on the hour.

Leaves from the front of the Noyce Science Center on Thursday. 

Leaves from corner of 8th Ave and East Street on Friday and Saturday.

Show your Reunion badge as your ticket for a free ride.

Riders missing the last shuttle of the evening will be responsible for finding their own way back to campus.

Visit the Local Transportation website for more information and a detailed schedule.

 

The premier event of the weekend. All alumni are encouraged to attend. This event will also be livestreamed at https://www.grinnell.edu/livestream.

 

Join all Reunion attendees for dinner. This meal is included with your registration. Please present your name badge to gain entrance to this meal.

In case of inclement weather, this event will be moved inside to the Marketplace, and classes will be assigned specific times in order to allow seating for all. We appreciate your cooperation with a rain plan if it is necessary.

Rain Location: Marketplace Dining Hall 

 

Alumni, their families, staff, and students are welcome to attend.

 

Class of 2015, come back to Quad after the All-Reunion dinner for wine tasting guided by Vernon Jackson '15. Open to all 10th Reunion guests. Pre-registration to taste is required.

 

Please present your name badge for entrance to the party. 

 

Professor Bob Cadmus will show you the stars. Shuttles will depart from the JRC parking lot approximately every half hour. Or feel free to walk out to the Observatory. Last shuttle will depart at 10:45 p.m.

The observatory will remain open rain or shine. 

 

The Spencer Grill in the JRC is a great place to meet friends for morning coffee, a light breakfast or lunch, or some fresh-baked goodies.

 

Herrick Chapel is open for self-guided prayer or reflection. Please visit the Reunion Help Desk in the JRC lobby for a guide to Sunday morning services at Grinnell's community churches. 

 

Shuttle and Golf Cart service is available throughout Reunion weekend.

To request golf cart transportation on campus or shuttle service to/from the local motels and hotels, please call 641-269-4403 during open hours to arrange for a pickup.

In addition, shuttle van or bus service is available for CERA Tours, Observatory Tours and all off-campus Reunion events. All shuttles depart from outside the south entrance of the Joe Rosenfield Center (near JRC 101).

 

 

A quiet memorial space to preserve and share memories of classmates who have passed; open all weekend for visits.

 

End the weekend right. This is the perfect setting to say goodbye before heading home. 

 

Make one last stop before you leave Grinnell!

The Grinnell Authors Display, featuring works by Grinnell alums, faculty, and staff, is proudly presented throughout the weekend at the Pioneer Bookshop, during normal business hours as posted.

To have your original work included in the display, please complete and submit the registration form by May 1, 2025.

 

 

Please write your name, dorm and room number on the card provided within the keychain card holder. Place completed card and p-card in the zippered key pouch. Return to the registration desk at the JRC or place in one of the key drop boxes in the residence halls.

Thank you!