Schedule of Events

Grinnell College adopted a formal Sustainability Plan in 2018 and has been working toward that goal ever since. However, sustainability efforts at the college date back to the 1990s. This display explores these student- and college-driven initiatives of the past and previews the Library Sustainability Certificate Series, which will begin in Fall 2026. In partnership with the Sustainability Department, students, staff, and faculty, Grinnell College Libraries will pursue this certificate to re-dedicate itself to sustainability. Learn more about the series of events and activities we have in store to inform and engage the community and celebrate progress made along the way.

This quiet space to preserve and share memories of classmates who have passed will be open all weekend for visits.

Thursday, Friday and Saturday: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Sunday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Welcome to Reunion! The Information Desk is here to make your experience smooth and enjoyable. Our team is happy to answer questions, provide assistance, and help you find what you need. If we don’t have the answer, we’ll gladly track it down or point you in the right direction.

Services Available:

• Event Information & Updates – Get the latest schedules, program details, and any changes.
• Campus Maps & Directions – Find your way around campus with maps and guidance.
• Meal additions – Add meals to your registration if needed.
• Name Badge Ribbons – Personalize your badge with ribbons.
• Printed Materials – Pick up extra schedules.
• Basic Toiletries – Forgot something? We have a supply of essentials like toothbrushes and toothpaste.
• Lost & Found – Report or retrieve lost items during Reunion.
• Accessibility Support – Learn about available accommodations and resources.
• Emergency Contacts – Quick access to campus safety and medical assistance information.

Whatever you need, we’re here to help—stop by anytime!

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

To have your original work included in the display, please complete and submit the registration form by May 1, 2026.

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 till late Thursday as the only venue serving food on campus.

The career of Swiss-born artist Sonja Sekula (1918–1963) unfolded at both the center and the margins of surrealist and abstract expressionist circles in Europe and North America. Despite an early diagnosis of mental illness and periods of hospitalization throughout her career, Sekula achieved success as an artist, finding community among some of the most notable art-world figures of her time while forging her own path. The exhibition, co-curated by Professor of Art History Jenny Anger and Associate Director Daniel Strong, will travel to The Gund at Kenyon College in the second half of 2026.

Come share your story! The Alumni Oral History Project aims to better understand and share Grinnell College's history by recording and preserving the oral histories of our alumni community. Individuals or small groups are welcome.

Please sign up during reunion registration if you are interested in participating. One representative may hold the reservation for a small group. Reunion Student Staff will contact you the week before your arrival on campus to schedule your specific half-hour time slot and arrange a meeting location.

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 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).

The Grinnell Historical Museum hosts multiple exhibits that bring local and regional history to life.

Current exhibits include stories of the Cyclone of 1882, which devastated the town and early campus buildings; the history of Spaulding Buggies, once a major Grinnell industry; and The Land: A History of Farming in Poweshiek County, tracing how agriculture has shaped the region over time.

A special highlight is Our Meskwaki Neighbors, curated by Jon Andelson ’70 and Jonathan Buffalo, Director of the Meskwaki Tribal Museum. The exhibit features photographs, artifacts, and stories that explore the history, culture, and enduring presence of the Meskwaki people and their deep connection to the land.

Admission:

• General: $10
• Ages 65+: $8
• Ages 17 & under: $5
• Ages 4 & under: Free
  

Please sign up in the JRC Lobby to reserve your spot for a student-led campus tour. 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. Special Collections and Archives staff will host a table in the JRC lobby, asking alumni to help identify people, places, and events in our photograph collection. We will have photos available from every class celebrating Reunion, so please stop by and lend a hand!

You are invited to a reception celebrating the new Dr. Michelle Rebelsky First Generation and Low‑Income (FGLI) Lounge, a dedicated, student‑centered space for connection, study, and community. The lounge responds directly to long‑standing student requests for a shared space that affirms FGLI identities as strengths and assets. The FGLI Lounge reflects Grinnell’s ongoing commitment to belonging, access, and student‑driven community building.

In honor of Professor Gregg-Jolly's distinguished career and the beginning of a well-deserved new chapter.

RSVP to richardsa@grinnell.edu

Those unable to attend may send well wishes to:

A. Richards

Department of Biology

1116 8th Ave

Grinnell, IA 50112

This market is 100 percent a producer's market; all vendors must sell products 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 canceled.

Sandy Moffett, Professor Emeritus of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies, will read from Cloud Peak, a forthcoming book scheduled for publication shortly after Reunion. The work moves across varied landscapes, from mountains to prairie to ocean, offering a wide range of settings and perspectives.

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

In case of rain, this event will be cancelled.

The GCMoA invites you to an open house featuring an informal visual and storytelling presentation of recently acquired photographs of Viet Nam by Robert Hodierne '68.

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

• The shuttle runs from Wednesday, May 27, through Saturday, May 30, from 4 to 10 p.m. daily, departing campus on the hour. 
• Departs from the front of the Noyce Science Center.
• If 8th Avenue is closed for a Reunion event, the shuttle departs from the corner of 8th Avenue and East Street. 
• 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 way back to campus. 
  

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

In gratitude for your volunteer service and to provide a space to connect over your support of the college, we invite class agents, class fund directors, and their guests to a casual reception in the Global Event Room, located on the north end of the first floor of the Humanities and Social Studies Center (HSSC).

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

In case of rain, this event will be cancelled.

Celebrate the 30th Reunion in style with our 30 & Thirsty Pub Crawl! Open to everyone—not just the Class of ’95, ’96, and ’97 cluster—this weekend-long crawl invites you to visit four local establishments (two popular "then" and 2 popular "now"), pick up your punch card at Reunion check-in, collect a hole punch at each stop, and return your completed card to the 30th cluster tent to claim your prize.

Participate anytime throughout the weekend at your own pace, and check out our “recommended meet-up times” at each location to reconnect and raise a glass with more classmates along the way. Cheers to 30 years!

Then: Canary Underground Speakeasy ("The Pub") and Grinnell Pub ("State Street" or "The Bar")

Now: Grinnell Craft Brewhouse and The Periodic Table

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

Join faculty from the Department of Biology on a tour of the College's biological field station. This one-mile hike will take you through reconstructed prairie and restored savanna, along Willow Creek and Perry Pond, and through two experimental plot arrays. It will end 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 canceled.

The CERA trails are also open for self-guided exploration daily sunrise to sunset. The education building is open 9am to 5pm Thursday and Friday during Reunion.

For more information visit the CERA website.

Music in the Park, a Grinnell summer tradition, opens the season with a one‑hour concert at 7:00 p.m. by Justin Roberts & the Not‑Ready‑for‑Naptime Players. Known nationally for smart, funny, and heartfelt songs for young audiences, the band’s music resonates with listeners of all ages and promises an evening that’s playful, welcoming, and fun for the whole family.

Members of the 2020, 2021, and 2022 classes are invited to join your Reunion Planning Committee as we kick off this weekend of reconnecting. After 10 p.m., you are welcome to BYOB!

Rain Location: Bob's Underground

Members of the class of 2016 are invited to join your Reunion Planning Committee as we kick off this weekend of reconnecting. After 10 p.m., you are welcome to BYOB!

Rain Location: Read Lounge 

Members of the class of 2001 are invited to join your Reunion Planning Committee as we kick off this weekend of reconnecting. BYOB after 10 p.m.

Rain Location: Natatorium Lobby 

Members of the 1995, 1996, and 1997 classes are invited to join your Reunion Planning Committee as we kick off this weekend of reconnecting. After 10 p.m., you are welcome to BYOB!

Rain Location: HSSC Atrium

Members of the 1986 and 1987 classes are invited to join your Reunion Planning Committee and classmates as we kick off this weekend of reconnecting. After 10 p.m., you are welcome to BYOB!

Rain Location: Main Hall, First Floor Lounge 

Members of the class of 1976 are invited to join your Reunion Planning Committee as we kick off this weekend of reconnecting.

Members of the 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, and 1972 classes are invited to join your Reunion Planning Committee and classmates as we kick off this weekend of reconnecting.

Rain Location: Golf Course Clubhouse

Members of the 1961 and 1962 classes are invited to join your Reunion Planning Committee and classmates as we kick off this weekend of reconnecting.

Members of the class of 1956 are invited to gather to begin the weekend of connecting. 

Join the Class of 2016 for "Sips and Stars," a heavenly kick-off for our ten-year college reunion! Reconnect with classmates at the Observatory as you star gaze and enjoy a selection of beverages. It’s the perfect opportunity to relax, reminisce, and make new memories on your reunion picnic blanket under a blanket of stars.

You'll find All-Reunion After-Party tucked in the middle of campus, further from dorms where Reunion celebrants sleep. Turn off that sound system at your class or cluster tent at or before midnight, and come to Kington Plaza. Make new Grinnellian friends from across the years, or pull up to a table with your classmates. BYOB and please check the sign-up sheet for sound system control by the speakers!

In case of rain, this event will be cancelled.

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 faculty from the Department of Biology on a tour of the College's biological field station. This one-mile hike will take you through reconstructed prairie and restored savanna, along Willow Creek and Perry Pond, and through two experimental plot arrays. It will end 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 canceled. 

The CERA trails are also open for self-guided exploration daily sunrise to sunset. The education building is open 9am to 5pm Thursday and Friday during Reunion.

The 40th Reunion Cluster welcomes fellow alumni to campus with grilled bagels – “Forum style!”

Rain location: JRC second floor lobby area.

Hosted by the classes of 1986 and 1987.

Grinnell College adopted a formal Sustainability Plan in 2018 and has been working toward that goal ever since. However, sustainability efforts at the college date back to the 1990s. This display explores these student- and college-driven initiatives of the past and previews the Library Sustainability Certificate Series, which will begin in Fall 2026. In partnership with the Sustainability Department, students, staff, and faculty, Grinnell College Libraries will pursue this certificate to re-dedicate itself to sustainability. Learn more about the series of events and activities we have in store to inform and engage the community and celebrate progress made along the way.

This quiet space to preserve and share memories of classmates who have passed will be open all weekend for visits.

Thursday: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Friday and Saturday: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Sunday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

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 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).

Welcome to Reunion! The Information Desk is here to make your experience smooth and enjoyable. Our team is happy to answer questions, provide assistance, and help you find what you need. If we don’t have the answer, we’ll gladly track it down or point you in the right direction.

Services Available:

• Event Information & Updates – Get the latest schedules, program details, and any changes.
• Campus Maps & Directions – Find your way around campus with maps and guidance.
• Meal additions – Add meals to your registration if needed.
• Name Badge Ribbons – Personalize your badge with ribbons.
• Printed Materials – Pick up extra schedules.
• Basic Toiletries – Forgot something? We have a supply of essentials like toothbrushes and toothpaste.
• Lost & Found – Report or retrieve lost items during Reunion.
• Accessibility Support – Learn about available accommodations and resources.
• Emergency Contacts – Quick access to campus safety and medical assistance information.

Whatever you need, we’re here to help—stop by anytime!

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

Explore Grinnell and the Iowa countryside in this guided ride with the Prairie Burners. The group will bike approximately 10 miles on gentle mixed surfaces. Please contact reunionhelpdesk@grinnell.edu with any mobility needs so the route may be planned accordingly.

Note: All complimentary bikes have been spoken for. Please bring your own bike to the ride.

Prairie Burners are a group of gravel bike enthusiasts who have a weekly ride in and around Grinnell on gravel. This is an initiative of Imagine Grinnell with a fundraising event called Prairie Burn 100 with gravel loops of 25, 50 or 100 miles. They also have a 5K fun run event at the same time.

Visit Prairie Burn 100 website with activities and sign up information. 

Support Imagine Grinnell and/or the Grinnell Bike Share program here!

In case of rain, this event will be cancelled. 

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

To have your original work included in the display, please complete and submit the registration form by May 1, 2026.

Re-experience the intellectual stimulation of the classroom with Mark Laver, associate professor of music.

Country music is full of contradictions. A bedrock American musical genre, its defining sounds come from Appalachia and the US south, but also Hawaii, Switzerland, and Canada. In spite of the literally thousands of songs that celebrate rural working-class authenticity, the Nashville-based country music industry is maybe the biggest and most corporatized of any musical genre in North America. As a Canadian who grew up listening to country music - and as a scholar of music and capitalism - Professor Mark Laver has long been fascinated by the life of the genre outside of the US. This talk considers the genre's many hits and misses outside of the US.

Enjoy a round of nine holes of golf on the beautiful Grinnell Golf Course. Bring your clubs; carts will be provided. Preregistration is required. 

This event will be canceled in case of inclement weather.

Come share your story! The Alumni Oral History Project aims to better understand and share Grinnell College's history by recording and preserving the oral histories of our alumni community. Individuals or small groups are welcome.

Please sign up during reunion registration if you are interested in participating. One representative may hold the reservation for a small group. Reunion Student Staff will contact you the week before your arrival on campus to schedule your specific half-hour time slot and arrange a meeting location.

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

In case of rain, this event will be cancelled.

Led by Aguibou Sanou, assistant professor of theatre, dance, and performance studies.

Yeleen Falleen, in Bambara and Dioula (spoken in Mali and Burkina Faso), can be translated as the exchange of light or the growth of light. Light is a vital source of energy — the light of the sun, the light of the soul, the light of the heart — and also the light as a trace of the ancestors.

This gathering is a moment of encounter — a meeting of many lights from diverse horizons. Yeleen Falleen is intended as a space of connection between Grinnellians and alumni, a place where we explore how a single movement or a single word can spark the creation of something collective.

The workshop will feature movements from traditional Mandingue dances, blended with everyday gestures. These movements will serve as our ingredients — our spices — to "cook" a shared creation: a collective dance, born from our lights coming together.

Share in the joy of creating music with fellow Grinnellians by singing in the Alumni Choir during Reunion weekend. Under the direction of John Rommereim, Blanche Johnson Professor of Music, the choir will perform in Herrick Chapel at Alumni Assembly on Saturday afternoon.

Rehearsal will take place late Friday morning, and choir members are also invited to share the same piece during the Ecumenical Christian Service on Sunday morning.

Sign up by May 1, and you’ll receive a PDF of the score to prepare in advance.

Please note that a dress rehearsal is also scheduled at 3:45 on Saturday, just before the Alumni Assembly. Both rehearsals are required.

The Grinnell College Disability Cultural Center aims to form a diverse, disability-centered community for students, faculty, and staff. We seek to empower our community by expanding our views of normality and success. We aim to foster campus connections and revolutionize Grinnell’s view of disability. Through advocacy, we will make Grinnell College’s disability culture prominent and respected.

Join us at the Conney M. Kimbo Black Cultural Center (BCC) to learn more about the new affinity group, the Grinnell Black Alumni Network. We will enjoy spending time together and seeing the improvements made to the house.

The BCC seeks to unify students across the African Diaspora by centering Black voices and experiences in a global and intersectional community. It also aspires to build individual agency and collective understanding, contributing to a sense of belonging and tradition.

Stop by the Grinnell College Preschool for a special Open House this year, celebrating the joyful, play‑based community that makes the Preschool such a beloved place on campus.

This year’s gathering also celebrates the remarkable legacies of Karen Veerhusen‑Langerud and Connie Molison, whose decades of care and dedication have shaped the Preschool and generations of children and families.

Children are warmly welcome to come play, explore, and enjoy the space—while guests reconnect, share memories, and celebrate an especially meaningful year for the Preschool.

Join us for an open house at Student Health and Wellness (SHAW), Grinnell’s integrated health, counseling, and wellness center! We invite you to drop in and explore our space. Our SHAW team is happy to share how we support student wellbeing through holistic, collaborative approaches to care. Whether you stay for a few minutes or linger awhile, we’re excited to have you here!

To stay connected and learn more about our services, follow us on Instagram @grinnellcollegeshaw or visit our website. 

Join faculty from the Department of Biology on a tour of the College's biological field station. This one-mile hike will take you through reconstructed prairie and restored savanna, along Willow Creek and Perry Pond, and through two experimental plot arrays. It will end 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 canceled.

The CERA trails are also open for self-guided exploration daily sunrise to sunset. The education building is open 9am to 5pm Thursday and Friday during Reunion.

For more information visit the CERA website.

Join 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. The "Stew" serves over 20% of all students and dozens of community members through activities that include 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.

Hosted by the 30th Reunion Classes

Stop by the Center for Religion, Spirituality, and Social Justice to tour 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 CRSSJ staff and fellow alumni.

Conexiones is an affinity group for Latine alumni. Spend some time in the new Latinx/e Cultural Center (LCC) with us and learn more about how you can get involved.

Join Pan-Asian alumni for a casual reception and discussion about forming an affinity group.

Enjoy a walking tour of downtown Grinnell hosted by the Chamber of Commerce. Bring your questions and your camera. Revisit some of your old haunts and see new businesses and buildings that are part of Grinnell's thriving culture.

This tour will take place rain or shine.

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

Our 45-50 minute “Fun, Fun, Fun,” Water Aerobics class will start with 5 minutes of warm up followed by 40 minutes of exercises addressing cardio-vascular, strength, speed and flexibility fitness components. Water dumbbells, noodles and the pool wall will be used. Class will finish with a short cool-down and flexibility work before exiting the pool. A microphone & speaker will be used by the instructor. The class will be in the shallow end of the pool. No previous experience is required.

The Meskwaki Settlement and the Amana Colonies: How Grinnell’s Most Distinctive Neighbors Left Their Homelands and Settled in Iowa.

Re-experience the intellectual stimulation of the classroom with Rosenfield Professor in Social Science and Senior Faculty Jon Andelson '70.

Hosted by the 55th Reunion classes of 1968, 1969, 1970, 1971, and 1972.

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

The career of Swiss-born artist Sonja Sekula (1918–1963) unfolded at both the center and the margins of surrealist and abstract expressionist circles in Europe and North America. Despite an early diagnosis of mental illness and periods of hospitalization throughout her career, Sekula achieved success as an artist, finding community among some of the most notable art-world figures of her time while forging her own path. The exhibition, co-curated by Professor of Art History Jenny Anger and Associate Director Daniel Strong, will travel to The Gund at Kenyon College in the second half of 2026.

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

In case of rain, this event will be cancelled.

The Grinnell Historical Museum hosts multiple exhibits that bring local and regional history to life.

Current exhibits include stories of the Cyclone of 1882, which devastated the town and early campus buildings; the history of Spaulding Buggies, once a major Grinnell industry; and The Land: A History of Farming in Poweshiek County, tracing how agriculture has shaped the region over time.

A special highlight is Our Meskwaki Neighbors, curated by Jon Andelson ’70 and Jonathan Buffalo, Director of the Meskwaki Tribal Museum. The exhibit features photographs, artifacts, and stories that explore the history, culture, and enduring presence of the Meskwaki people and their deep connection to the land.

Admission 

• General: $10
• Ages 65+: $8
• Ages 17 & under: $5
• Ages 4 & under: Free
  

A special tour of campus for younger Reunion guests led by Reunion Student Staff. The tour departs from and concludes at the Information Desk in the JRC Lobby.

Hear from President Anne F. Harris as she shares updates and reflections on the College and its future. This session offers an opportunity to learn more about Grinnell College today and what lies ahead.

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. Revisit some of your old haunts and see new businesses and buildings that are part of Grinnell's thriving culture.

This tour will take place rain or shine.

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

Join for a relaxed and welcoming gathering bringing together faculty and alums. Stop by Kington Plaza to pick up maps of department locations and enjoy light refreshments inspired by the HSSC's Global Cafe before heading out to explore and connect.

Departments represented: Anthropology, Biological Chemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Classics, Computer Science, Economics, Education, English, French and Arabic, History, Mathematics, Neuroscience, Physics, Philosophy, Psychology, Spanish, Statistics.

Join the athletic staff, current coaches, and former coaches for a reception honoring Grinnell Athletics. A short program will begin at 3:30.

Civic Education and Innovation staff in the CLS offer a suite of "Social Justice Tours" for student groups and classes throughout the academic year, each focused on the intersectional nature of a particular community social justice or environmental challenge. This year, we will offer reunion participants a more general version of the tour to introduce you to the local Grinnell context and how students, faculty, and community members collaborate to address regional challenges. Focused on some of Grinnell's core community players, you will venture beyond a conventional tour to grapple with challenging ethical concepts and begin to identify your distinctive role as alumni in the fabric of civic life at Grinnell.

Please sign up in the JRC lobby to reserve your spot. This will be a walking tour departing from the John Chrystal Center lobby. Please indicate on the sign-up sheet or inform the Reunion Help Desk if you need accommodations or a golf cart.

In case of rain, this event will be canceled.

Join alumni from Grinnell’s LGBTQIA+ and ally community for this reception celebrating connection, pride, and community. Founded in 2023, the Grinnell Rainbow Alumni is the College’s first alumni affinity group, created to foster engagement and support among LGBTQIA+ Grinnellians across generations. Thanks to a generous gift from the GRA leadership, we will have a celebration commemorating 40 years of the SRC at Grinnell College. We will have awesome swag that has a special commemorative logo designed by Mitch Avitt ‘10!

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

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

• The shuttle runs from Wednesday, May 27, through Saturday, May 30, from 4 to 10 p.m. daily, departing campus on the hour.
• Departs from the front of the Noyce Science Center.
• If 8th Avenue is closed for a Reunion event, the shuttle departs from the corner of 8th Avenue and East Street.
• 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 way back to campus. 

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

Check in with staff in front of the food truck parade to have your badge scanned and receive your food truck tokens. Exchange a token (or more, for larger plates) for a dish from the array of food trucks on Central Campus. Children can pick up a meal for one token at the Kids’ Tent or use their tokens at the food trucks.

To ensure everyone can enjoy their meal comfortably, please wait to choose a seat until after you’ve gotten your food. This helps guests who are ready to eat find a place to sit. If you have any trouble locating a seat, Reunion staff will be happy to assist you.

If you are getting beer or cider, please be prepared to show your ID (to verify age) and name badge 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 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 street artists will move to the JRC. Food trucks will be relocated to 8th Avenue to allow dining in the Marketplace Dining Hall. 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.

Join your 2016 classmates for a happy hour to welcome folks back to campus and reconnect! Join us in Bucksbaum for some light drinks and snacks as a pre-game to Block Party.

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

Rain Location: HSSC - Atrium 

The accessibility table, located between Steiner Hall and the beverage tent and marked with a banner, will be open from 5 to 8 p.m. Guests may review food truck menus, place their orders with Reunion staff, and specify where they would like their meals delivered.

Guests may also check in for Block Party and receive their food truck tokens at this location. To help keep the area uncrowded and accessible, we ask that only guests using accessibility services check in at this table.

* If rain requires Block Party to move indoors, the accessibility table will move to the JRC lobby. Food trucks will shift to 8th Avenue, and meals may be enjoyed in the Marketplace Dining Hall. Classes may be assigned staggered arrival times to ease lines. If the rain plan is activated, additional details will be sent to the contact information you provided during registration.

Join fellow Reunion attendees for a fun evening of live music by alumni bands, games, street artists, food trucks, and more!

* In case of rain, the live music and street artists will move to the JRC. Food trucks will be relocated to 8th Avenue to allow for dining in the Marketplace Dining Hall. 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.

Celebrate the 30th Reunion in style with our 30 & Thirsty Pub Crawl! Open to everyone—not just the Class of ’95, ’96, and ’97 cluster—this weekend-long crawl invites you to visit four local establishments (two popular "then" and 2 popular "now"), pick up your punch card at Reunion check-in, collect a hole punch at each stop, and return your completed card to the 30th cluster tent to claim your prize.

Participate anytime throughout the weekend at your own pace, and check out our “recommended meet-up times” at each location to reconnect and raise a glass with more classmates along the way. Cheers to 30 years!

Then: Canary Underground Speakeasy ("The Pub") and Grinnell Pub ("State Street" or "The Bar")

Now: Grinnell Craft Brewhouse and The Periodic Table

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 where students celebrate and learn about Judaism. Reunion's Shabbat Blessing is open to all, and preregistration is not required.

Don't miss the band Maelstrom, featuring alums from the 30th Reunion cluster.

Hosted by the 30th Reunion classes of 1995, 1996, and 1997.

Rain Location: Marketplace Dining Hall 

A celebratory dinner for the class of 2001 with a "today" spin" on the late 90s classic dishes.

A special celebratory dinner for the class of 1956.

Catch She-Man and the Masters of the Universe, featuring alums from the 40th Reunion cluster, live at Commencement Stage. 

Hosted by the 40th Reunion Classes of 1986 and 1987.

Rain Location: Marketplace Dining Hall

The Classes of 1968–1972 will celebrate together with live music by Independent 398, dancing, and complimentary beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages. A cash bar will be available for spirits.

Hosted by the 55th Reunion Planning Committee.

Professor Bob Cadmus will show you the stars. You can walk to the observatory or take a shuttle departing from the JRC parking lot approximately every half hour. The last shuttle departs at 10:45 p.m.

The Grinnell Rainbow Alumni are excited to present the fifth Grinnell College Reunion Drag Show. 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 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.

You'll find All-Reunion After-Party tucked in the middle of campus, further from dorms where Reunion celebrants sleep. Turn off that sound system at your class or cluster tent at or before midnight, and come to Kington Plaza. Make new Grinnellian friends from across the years, or pull up to a table with your classmates. Please share control of the sound system and bring your own beverage!

In case of rain, this event will be cancelled.

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

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

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.

This event will be canceled in case of inclement weather.

Join faculty from the Department of Biology on a tour of the College's biological field station. This one-mile hike will take you through reconstructed prairie and restored savanna, along Willow Creek and Perry Pond, and through two experimental plot arrays. It will end 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 canceled.

The CERA trails are also open for self-guided exploration daily sunrise to sunset. The education building is open 9am to 5pm Thursday and Friday during Reunion.

For more information visit the CERA website.

This quiet space to preserve and share memories of classmates who have passed will be open all weekend for visits.

Thursday, Friday and Saturday: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Sunday: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

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 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). 

Welcome to Reunion! The Information Desk is here to make your experience smooth and enjoyable. Our team is happy to answer questions, provide assistance, and help you find what you need. If we don’t have the answer, we’ll gladly track it down or point you in the right direction.

Services Available:

• Event Information & Updates – Get the latest schedules, program details, and any changes.
• Campus Maps & Directions – Find your way around campus with maps and guidance.
• Meal additions – Add meals to your registration if needed.
• Name Badge Ribbons – Personalize your badge with ribbons.
• Printed Materials – Pick up extra schedules. Basic
• Toiletries – Forgot something? We have a supply of essentials like toothbrushes and toothpaste.
• Lost & Found – Report or retrieve lost items during Reunion.
• Accessibility Support – Learn about available accommodations and resources.
• Emergency Contacts – Quick access to campus safety and medical assistance information.

Whatever you need, we’re here to help—stop by anytime!

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

In case of rain, this event will be cancelled.

Join for a relaxed and welcoming gathering uniting faculty, staff, and alums in Buckley Dining Hall at the Mayflower Community. Enjoy light refreshments, explore the Mayflower's beautiful spaces, and engage in meaningful conversation. We also invite you to time your visit to catch a short program in the dining room at 9:30 am. 

Shuttles will be departing from the front of the JRC on 8th Ave. If you drive, the closest parking is on Park Street in front of the Buckley building or in the Beebe Circle, off Mayflower Lane between Park and Broad at 1st Avenue.

Mayflower residents planning to attend.

Mayflower Campus Map 

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

To have your original work included in the display, please complete and submit the registration form by May 1, 2026.

Come share your story! The Alumni Oral History Project aims to better understand and share Grinnell College's history by recording and preserving the oral histories of our alumni community. Individuals or small groups are welcome.

Please sign up during reunion registration if you are interested in participating. One representative may hold the reservation for a small group. Reunion Student Staff will contact you the week before your arrival on campus to schedule your specific half-hour time slot and arrange a meeting location.

Grinnell College adopted a formal Sustainability Plan in 2018 and has been working toward that goal ever since. However, sustainability efforts at the college date back to the 1990s. This display explores these student- and college-driven initiatives of the past and previews the Library Sustainability Certificate Series, which will begin in Fall 2026. In partnership with the Sustainability Department, students, staff, and faculty, Grinnell College Libraries will pursue this certificate to re-dedicate itself to sustainability. Learn more about the series of events and activities we have in store to inform and engage the community and celebrate progress made along the way.

This market is 100 percent a producer's market; all vendors must sell products 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 canceled.

Led by Aguibou Sanou, assistant professor of theatre, dance, and performance studies.

Yeleen Falleen, in Bambara and Dioula (spoken in Mali and Burkina Faso), can be translated as the exchange of light or the growth of light. Light is a vital source of energy — the light of the sun, the light of the soul, the light of the heart — and also the light as a trace of the ancestors.

This gathering is a moment of encounter — a meeting of many lights from diverse horizons. Yeleen Falleen is intended as a space of connection between Grinnellians and alumni, a place where we explore how a single movement or a single word can spark the creation of something collective.

The workshop will feature movements from traditional Mandingue dances, blended with everyday gestures. These movements will serve as our ingredients — our spices — to "cook" a shared creation: a collective dance, born from our lights coming together.

Civic Education and Innovation staff in the CLS offer a suite of "Social Justice Tours" for student groups and classes throughout the academic year, each focused on the intersectional nature of a particular community social justice or environmental challenge. This year, we will offer reunion participants a more general version of the tour to introduce you to the local Grinnell context and how students, faculty, and community members collaborate to address regional challenges. Focused on some of Grinnell's core community players, you will venture beyond a conventional tour to grapple with challenging ethical concepts and begin to identify your distinctive role as alumni in the fabric of civic life at Grinnell.

Please sign up in the JRC lobby to reserve your spot. This will be a walking tour departing from the John Chrystal Center lobby. Please indicate on the sign-up sheet or inform the Reunion Help Desk if you need accommodations or a golf cart.

In case of rain, this event will be canceled.

Join faculty from the Department of Biology on a tour of the College's biological field station. This one-mile hike will take you through reconstructed prairie and restored savanna, along Willow Creek and Perry Pond, and through two experimental plot arrays. It will end 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 canceled.

The CERA trails are also open for self-guided exploration daily sunrise to sunset. The education building is open 9am to 5pm Thursday and Friday during Reunion.

For more information visit the CERA website.

Join 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. The "Stew" serves over 20% of all students and dozens of community members through activities that include 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.

Hosted by the 30th Reunion Classes

Everyone has heard that “laughter is the best medicine.” It’s true that laughter can provide many physical, social, mental, and emotional benefits including enhanced immune function, reduced stress, greater clarity, and connection. Usually we think we need humour, like a funny video, to make us laugh. It’s a lot easier to get a good dose of laughter by joining with others in this fun, social, gentle exercise, led by Billy Strean '86.

The only “yoga” part is really “pranayama” or controlled breathing, that we do along with some gentle stretching between laughter exercises. No equipment is needed and there’s no asana (or poses that people think you need to bend like a pretzel to do) included. We add laughter to playful movements. Everyone is welcome. If you could use a laugh, give it a try.

Hosted by the 40th Reunion Planning Committee.

In the case of rain, Laughter Yoga will be held in Main Hall lounge.

The class of 2016 celebrates its 10th Reunion with a special brunch featuring puppies, pancakes, professors, and President Anne F. Harris. A short program will begin at 11:30 a.m.

Hosted by the 55th Reunion classes and open to all.

The first is a 16-minute film never before shown on campus featuring photos of students back then and interviews with some decades later. The second is a 13-minute slide show with music. A longer version was shown unannounced to a surprised and delighted audience at a 2022 reunion. It’s back by popular demand. They will be followed by an all-hands discussion which the alums who created these videos call “Lessons in History and Humility.” (Audience participation demanded.)

Please come to the rotunda in the Bucksbaum Fine Arts Center to check in prior to your class's assigned time! Your class photo will be taken in Sebring-Lewis Hall. Kindly note that no food or drink is allowed in the recital hall or in the rehearsal space you will pass through on your way to the hall.

• 10:30 - 2001
• 10:45 - 1995
• 11:00 - 1996
• 11:15 - 1997
• 11:30 - 1976
• 12:15 - 2016
• 12:30 - 1968
• 12:45 - 1969
• 1:00 - 1972
• 1:15 - 1971
• 1:30 - 1970
• 1:45 - 1970 & 2020
• 2:00  - 2020, 2021, & 2022
• 2:30 - 1986
• 2:45 - 1987

The class of 1956 and classes of 1961 and 1962 class photos will be taken at your Saturday evening dinner.

In the weeks after Reunion, we will send you a link to your class photo's free download.

In keeping with Grinnell’s mission and core values, the Liberal Arts in Prison Program enrolls incarcerated students in a demanding, rich college program that offers up to sixty credits from Grinnell College. Through this work, we foster reciprocal learning that enriches lives inside and outside the fences and affirms the power of liberal arts education to support human flourishing. The prison program operates at the Newton Correctional Facility (a medium-security men’s prison) and the Iowa Correctional Institute for Women in Mitchellville (the only women’s prison in Iowa). Join former incarcerated students, program director Emily Guenther ’07, and faculty members for a panel discussion about the program's impact.

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

Explore Renfrow Hall, a one‑of‑a‑kind facility that brings together student housing, the Social Innovator in Residence program, and the Katherine Howell Weingart ’61 Civic Innovation Pavilion. Highlights include:

In the Weingart Pavilion:

Displays by and discussion with the Offices of Civic Education & Innovation and Community Partnerships, Planning, & Research, key partners in illustrating how Renfrow Hall connects campus and community.

In the north tower:

"Stepping into her Grinnell: Three Maps of Edith Renfrow Smith’s Hometown and Alma Mater" When she received her honorary doctorate in May 2019, Edith Renfrow Smith ‘37 stated simply yet profoundly, “Grinnell has been my life.” In this interactive session, step back into her world to feel her family’s neighborhood, the 1930s campus, and the mile she traversed between the two.

The Grinnell Historical Museum hosts multiple exhibits that bring local and regional history to life.

Current exhibits include stories of the Cyclone of 1882, which devastated the town and early campus buildings; the history of Spaulding Buggies, once a major Grinnell industry; and The Land: A History of Farming in Poweshiek County, tracing how agriculture has shaped the region over time.

A special highlight is Our Meskwaki Neighbors, curated by Jon Andelson ’70 and Jonathan Buffalo, Director of the Meskwaki Tribal Museum. The exhibit features photographs, artifacts, and stories that explore the history, culture, and enduring presence of the Meskwaki people and their deep connection to the land.

Admission

• General: $10 
• Ages 65+: $8 
• Ages 17 & under: $5 
• Ages 4 & under: Free
  

One-time only screening followed by Q and A with director JB Letchinger ‘87 and John Jensen, pianist. This new 25 minute film celebrates the life and legacy of John Jensen—classical pianist, jazz musician, and beloved teacher. A longtime Grinnell College artist-in-residence and member of the renowned Mirecourt Trio with Terry King and Ken Goldsmith, Jensen shaped generations of students through his artistry and mentorship. The film follows Jensen at age 80 as he rehearses and performs in Northern California, reflecting on music, teaching, and resilience. Featuring interviews with former students, collaborators, and Mirecourt co-founder Terry King, "Jensen’s Still At It" is a moving portrait of a musician whose influence spans six decades. Created with generous support from Grinnell alumni, former students, and friends, the documentary underscores the enduring impact of Jensen’s inspiration across the Grinnell community and beyond.

Link to trailer. 

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

In case of rain, this event will be cancelled.

For all classes and clusters! Join us at Mac Field for a laid-back afternoon on the lawn. Bring a blanket, enjoy some yard games, or simply relax and take time to mingle and connect. Gather your friends, bring your family, and soak in a lovely day together—just like the old days.

Including music, yard games, and an inflatable obstacle course. Yard game planning is courtesy of Grinnell College Grown-Up Camp, hosted by the 25th Reunion class of 2001.

Get ready to dance to, or in this case, to chill to your favorite songs at Reunion! Download the “Request Box” app onto your phone or tablet. No need to create a login. Simply open the app, search for “Grinnell Reunion” and select the event you’re attending. Click the “+” icon in the bottom center of your screen to add a song. It’s that easy! The app will be available for All-Reunion Mac Chill Time and the Harris Dance Party on Saturday.

The career of Swiss-born artist Sonja Sekula (1918–1963) unfolded at both the center and the margins of surrealist and abstract expressionist circles in Europe and North America. Despite an early diagnosis of mental illness and periods of hospitalization throughout her career, Sekula achieved success as an artist, finding community among some of the most notable art-world figures of her time while forging her own path. The exhibition, co-curated by Professor of Art History Jenny Anger and Associate Director Daniel Strong, will travel to The Gund at Kenyon College in the second half of 2026.

Conversations on Issues We Care about consists of seven concurrent, 90-minute discussion sessions on different topics. Each session begins with brief opening remarks from a cluster expert, followed by a facilitated discussion among 10–15 participants. You’ll select your session when registering online for Reunion. We ask that participants remain in their chosen session for the full 90 minutes. For 55th Reunion celebrants, hosted by the 55th Reunion Planning Committee.

Discussion Sessions:

• The Future of Liberal Arts Education in the Face of Current Political Turmoil
• America's Role in the World: The Evolution of the Post-Cold War Order
• The Arts and Society
• Media & Journalism
• The Supreme Court: Role and Reform?
• Environmental Crises: Paths to Solutions or Failures
• Exploring Artificial Intelligence 

Link to view details of each session.

For the Class of 1976: How does your Grinnell experience influence your response to our present moment in history? Participants will break out into several coordinated small group discussions to explore how our education provided us (or, perhaps, did not provide us) with ways to meet now-emerging challenges.

Check in at the table in the HSSC Atrium to receive your room assignment.

Hosted by the Class of 1976 Reunion Planning Committee.

All Classes are invited to join the 30th reunion cluster on a family-friendly, laid back trip around the “Penrose Loop.” Want to relive the charm of this special route but a 7:30am race doesn’t quite fit your reunion plans? No problem! Come walk/stroll/run/wrun three-ish miles with us and re-experience the nostalgic views and vistas on this casual circumambulation of the north side of town. All ages and abilities welcome! No starting gun, no stopwatch, just good vibes.

Meet in front of the Bear main entrance.

In this open jam session, players and singers of all instruments and ability levels are invited to gather together to make music under the guidance of Mark Laver, associate professor of music, and John Jensen, former artist-in-residence.

Drums and piano will be available; otherwise participants should bring their own instruments. Amplifiers, patch cables, a PA system, and microphones (for singers) will be available. Depending on experience, participants may find it helpful to bring a fakebook or use a digital lead‑sheet app such as iReal Pro. A limited number of fakebooks will be available on site.

Song requests may be submitted in advance to help with preparation. There is no guarantee that all requests will be played, depending on the number and type of submissions.

The Alumni Choir will meet in Herrick Chapel for a short dress rehearsal before the Alumni Assembly performance.

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

• The shuttle runs from Wednesday, May 27, through Saturday, May 30, from 4 to 10 p.m. daily, departing campus on the hour.
• Departs from the front of the Noyce Science Center.
• If 8th Avenue is closed for a Reunion event, the shuttle departs from the corner of 8th Avenue and East Street.
• 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 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. 

Learn more about the 2026 Alumni Award recipients online.

Celebrate the 30th Reunion in style with our 30 & Thirsty Pub Crawl! Open to everyone—not just the Class of ’95, ’96, and ’97 cluster—this weekend-long crawl invites you to visit four local establishments (two popular "then" and 2 popular "now"), pick up your punch card at Reunion check-in, collect a hole punch at each stop, and return your completed card to the 30th cluster tent to claim your prize.

Participate anytime throughout the weekend at your own pace, and check out our “recommended meet-up times” at each location to reconnect and raise a glass with more classmates along the way. Cheers to 30 years!

Then: Canary Underground Speakeasy ("The Pub") and Grinnell Pub ("State Street" or "The Bar")

Now: Grinnell Craft Brewhouse and The Periodic Table

Immediately following the Alumni Assembly, enjoy a festive drink reception in the HSSC Atrium—a perfect opportunity to reconnect with classmates, share memories, and toast to this milestone. Drinks will be served before we gather for dinner at 6:30 p.m. in the Marketplace Dining Hall.

A special opportunity for our 65th reunion classes of 1961 and 1962 to celebrate this milestone Reunion with special guests!

Join all Reunion attendees for dinner! Meals may be enjoyed in Younker Grove or at your class or cluster tent.

To ensure everyone can enjoy their meal comfortably, please wait to choose a seat until after you’ve gotten your food. This helps guests who are ready to eat find a place to sit. If you have any trouble locating a seat, Reunion staff will be happy to assist you.

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.

A warm and joyful evening celebrating the 55th Reunion of our remarkable classes. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., with time to gather, reconnect, and enjoy pre‑dinner music from a special acoustic quartet featuring three alumni, performing until 6:35 p.m.

A slideshow and dozens of treasured photos from years past will be on display to peruse as you reminisce and decide where you'd like to sit for the evening’s dinner and celebration.

A celebratory dinner for the class of 1956. 

Join us for a warm and joyful evening as we gather to celebrate the 50th Reunion of our remarkable class. Drinks will be served in the HSSC Atrium after Alumni Assembly, to be followed by dinner at 6:30 in JRC 101.

Enjoy acoustic folk and bluegrass music performed by some of your favorite Grinnell professors. This is a substance-free event.

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

The greatest show of Grinnell College cinema is back for Reunion! Come watch a compilation of films from both the 5th and 25th year reunion clusters’ time at Grinnell. There will be a few chances to win prizes in the classic intermission games.

Hosted by the 5th Reunion cluster of 2020, 2021, and 2022, and the 25th Reunion class of 2001.

Drum roll please, for The Loggia Patrol now performing in Loose Lounge.

Hosted by the 50th Reunion Class of 1976.

The Classes of 1968–1972 will celebrate together with live music by Independent 398, dancing, and complimentary beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages. A cash bar will be available for spirits.

Hosted by the 55th Reunion Planning Committee.

Please present your name badge for entrance to the party. 

Get ready to dance to your favorite songs at Reunion! Download the “Request Box” app onto your phone or tablet. No need to create a login. Simply open the app, search for “Grinnell Reunion” and select the event you’re attending. Click the “+” icon in the bottom center of your screen to add a song. It’s that easy! The app will be available for All-Reunion Mac Chill Time and the Harris Dance Party on Saturday.

Professor Bob Cadmus will show you the stars. You can walk to the observatory or take a shuttle departing from the JRC parking lot approximately every half hour. The last shuttle departs at 10:45 p.m.

You'll find All-Reunion After-Party tucked in the middle of campus, further from dorms where Reunion celebrants sleep. Turn off that sound system at your class or cluster tent at or before midnight, and come to Kington Plaza. Make new Grinnellian friends from across the years, or pull up to a table with your classmates. Please share control of the sound system and bring your own beverage!

In case of rain, this event will be cancelled.

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.

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 pickup.

All shuttles depart from outside the south entrance of the Joe Rosenfield Center (near JRC 101).

Welcome to Reunion! The Information Desk is here to make your experience smooth and enjoyable. Our team is happy to answer questions, provide assistance, and help you find what you need. If we don’t have the answer, we’ll gladly track it down or point you in the right direction.

Services Available:

• Event Information & Updates – Get the latest schedules, program details, and any changes.
• Campus Maps & Directions – Find your way around campus with maps and guidance.
• Meal additions – Add meals to your registration if needed.
• Name Badge Ribbons – Personalize your badge with ribbons.
• Printed Materials – Pick up extra schedules.
• Basic Toiletries – Forgot something? We have a supply of essentials like toothbrushes and toothpaste.
• Lost & Found – Report or retrieve lost items during Reunion.
• Accessibility Support – Learn about available accommodations and resources.
• Emergency Contacts – Quick access to campus safety and medical assistance information.

Whatever you need, we’re here to help—stop by anytime!

This quiet space to preserve and share memories of classmates who have passed will be open all weekend for visits.

End the weekend on a high note by enjoying one last conversation with your classmates at the Farewell Brunch. This warm and relaxed gathering offers the perfect opportunity to say goodbye before heading home. Make your way through the dining hall and join your classmates in the beautiful reserved room on the west end of the dining hall.

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 at the Pioneer Bookshop during regular business hours as posted throughout the weekend.

To have your original work included in the display, please complete and submit the registration form by May 1, 2026.

Join fellow alum and community members for an ecumenical worship service with music. All Are Welcome. No Matter where you come from, No matter what you believe or doubt, No matter what you feel or do not feel, No matter your immigration status, No matter whom you love. You are welcome.

All are welcome to come and experience an intimate musical tribute, hosted by Valeriya Woodard '25, the inaugural Public History Collective Post Baccalaureate Fellow. The program will highlight early Black Grinnellians, Mrs. Edith's deep Black Iowan roots, and her enduring legacy.

Grinnell College adopted a formal Sustainability Plan in 2018 and has been working toward that goal ever since. However, sustainability efforts at the college date back to the 1990s. This display explores these student- and college-driven initiatives of the past and previews the Library Sustainability Certificate Series, which will begin in Fall 2026. In partnership with the Sustainability Department, students, staff, and faculty, Grinnell College Libraries will pursue this certificate to re-dedicate itself to sustainability. Learn more about the series of events and activities we have in store to inform and engage the community and celebrate progress made along the way.

The career of Swiss-born artist Sonja Sekula (1918–1963) unfolded at both the center and the margins of surrealist and abstract expressionist circles in Europe and North America. Despite an early diagnosis of mental illness and periods of hospitalization throughout her career, Sekula achieved success as an artist, finding community among some of the most notable art-world figures of her time while forging her own path. The exhibition, co-curated by Professor of Art History Jenny Anger and Associate Director Daniel Strong, will travel to The Gund at Kenyon College in the second half of 2026.

Please write your name, dorm, and room number on the card provided within the keychain card holder. Place the completed card in the zippered key pouch. PLEASE RETURN KEY(S) to the JRC registration desk, or after hours to Campus Safety (Mears Cottage), before departing Reunion.

A $75 FEE WILL BE ASSESSED FOR EACH MISSING KEY.

Thank you!