2024 Honorary Degree Recipients
Grinnell College is honored to recognize four exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to their fields of expertise. During the 2024 Commencement ceremony, the College will bestow honorary degrees upon distinguished scholars in law, science, and humanities. These celebrated recipients are Stuart Allan Yeager ’82, Alvin Irby ’07, Shane Rasmussen, and Peter Sagal. Their remarkable achievements and profound impact serve as inspirations to us all.
Stuart Allan Yeager ’82, Doctor of Laws
Stuart Allan Yeager’s (’82) life journey is a testament to his unwavering commitment to justice, advocacy, and compassion. From his roots in Washington, D.C., to his illustrious career as an immigration attorney, Yeager has dedicated himself to defending the rights of the marginalized and oppressed, leaving an indelible mark on the legal landscape.
His academic pursuits began at Grinnell College, where he majored in American studies with a concentration in African American Studies. During his undergraduate years, he demonstrated a keen intellect and a deep-seated commitment to social justice, culminating in groundbreaking research projects such as his study on the treatment of Jamaican immigrants in 1950s London and his extensive examination of the Black experience at Grinnell College.
After completing his undergraduate studies, Yeager pursued a Juris Doctor degree at Tulane University School of Law, where he honed his legal acumen and embarked on a career dedicated to making a difference. Admitted to both the District of Columbia and Pennsylvania bars, he began his legal career at prestigious law firms, specializing in transportation law and later international aviation law.
In 1989, Yeager founded his own law firm, Yeager & Etkind, where he focused on legal and regulatory issues facing transportation companies. With the implementation of NAFTA in the late 1980s, he played a pivotal role in representing U.S. trucking companies seeking entry into the Canadian market, showcasing his expertise and commitment to facilitating global commerce.
However, his career took a significant turn in 1994 when President Bill Clinton deregulated surface transportation, prompting him to expand his practice to include immigration law. Over the next three decades, he exclusively practiced immigration and nationality law, representing thousands of immigrants from over 120 countries. His dedication to his clients and his unwavering commitment to justice have earned him widespread acclaim and respect within the legal community.
Throughout his career, he has been a tireless advocate for the marginalized and vulnerable, taking on a diverse array of cases ranging from defending victims of female genital mutilation and torture survivors to representing victims of domestic violence and persecuted LGBTQ+ individuals. His notable cases include handling early same-sex marriage cases after the landmark 2015 U.S. Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges.
Beyond his legal career, Yeager is a devoted family man and an active member of his community. He is the proud father of two accomplished children, Allison and Jeremy, and has been married to his wife, Dr. Amy Friedman Yeager, for 35 years. Together, they have built a life rooted in service, compassion, and dedication to others. In his free time, he enjoys indulging his passions for reading, art collecting, traveling, and being active. As a native Washingtonian, he is an avid supporter of the Washington Commanders and the Washington Nationals, reflecting his deep-rooted connection to his hometown.
Yeager’s life and work exemplify the highest ideals of justice, compassion, and advocacy. For his dedication to defending the rights of the marginalized and oppressed, making a profound and lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals and communities, Grinnell College is pleased to honor Stuart Allan Yeager with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.
Alvin Irby ’07, Doctor of Humane Letters
Alvin Irby ’07 is a multifaceted force for positive change, seamlessly blending the roles of educator, social entrepreneur, comedian, and author. With a passion for early childhood education and a commitment to empowering young learners, Irby has left an indelible mark on the landscape of literacy advocacy.
At the heart of Irby’s mission lies Barbershop Books, a national literacy nonprofit he founded and where he serves as the chief reading inspirer. Barbershop Books is dedicated to cultivating the reading identity of Black boys and other vulnerable children and inspiring them to read for fun. Through innovative programs and initiatives, Barbershop Books partners with library systems, school districts, and community-based organizations to transform local barbershops into vibrant, child-friendly reading spaces, increasing access to male reading role models and engaging titles curated by boys.
Irby’s groundbreaking work with Barbershop Books has garnered widespread acclaim, earning him the National Book Foundation’s prestigious Innovations in Reading Prize. His tireless efforts to promote early literacy have touched the lives of countless children, providing them with the tools they need to succeed both academically and personally.
A sought-after speaker and thought leader, Irby’s TED Talk, “How to inspire every child to be a lifelong reader,” has captivated audiences worldwide, amassing over 1 million views. His engaging keynotes, professional development sessions, and parent workshops challenge educators, librarians, and caregivers to think deeply about how to help young learners identify as readers. Described as inspiring, insightful, engaging, and humorous, Irby’s presentations leave a lasting impact, sparking meaningful conversations and driving actionable change.
Irby is deeply committed to addressing the systemic barriers that hinder children’s intrinsic motivation to read and learn. With a Master of Science in Childhood Education from Bank Street Graduate School of Education, a Master of Public Administration from New York University’s Robert F. Wagner School of Public Service, and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Grinnell College in 2007, he brings a unique blend of academic rigor and real-world experience to his advocacy work.
In every facet of his career, Irby exemplifies the transformative power of education and the importance of fostering a lifelong love for learning. For his innovative initiatives, passionate advocacy and being an inspiration to a new generation of readers and changemakers, Grinnell College is pleased to honor Alvin Irby with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.
Shane Rasmussen, Doctor of Science
Shane Rasmussen’s journey began on a family dairy farm in northwestern Wisconsin. From those roots, he has grown into a pillar of his community, dedicating himself to education, leadership, and service. Married to Amanda, a special education teacher, and proud father to their daughter Sarah, his life is characterized by a profound commitment to learning and growth.
With a career spanning over three decades, he has served as an inspiration at Centennial High School in Circle Pines, Minnesota. As a mathematics teacher, he has instilled a love for learning in countless students, teaching a diverse range of subjects including pre-calculus, algebra, geometry, and applied mathematics. His classrooms are not just spaces for instruction, but also incubators for critical thinking and problem-solving skills, where every student’s potential is nurtured.
Beyond the classroom, Rasmussen has assumed multiple leadership roles within his school district. As the math department chair, he guides a team of educators toward excellence, ensuring that curriculum and instruction remain at the forefront of educational practice. Additionally, Rasmussen serves as a mentor for new teachers, embodying the values of collaboration and continuous improvement.
Rasmussen’s impact extends beyond the confines of Centennial High School. He has been a driving force in various educational programs and initiatives, including his tenure as the summer coordinator for the Upward Bound Math and Science Program at Century College. Here, he played a pivotal role in designing and implementing a holistic curriculum, inspiring students from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in STEM fields.
Education isn’t just a profession for Rasmussen ; it’s also a calling. His commitment to lifelong learning is evident in his own academic achievements, including a Master of Education from Saint Mary’s University in Winona, Minnesota. Furthermore, he holds certifications in secondary mathematics teaching and coaching, underscoring his dedication to both academic excellence and holistic student development.
In addition to his educational endeavors, he has also made significant contributions to athletics as a coach in volleyball, basketball, baseball, and fishing. Through sports, he imparts invaluable life lessons to young athletes, emphasizing the importance of hard work, dedication, and teamwork.
As he receives this honorary degree, it symbolizes not just his individual accomplishments, but also the collective impact of educators who tirelessly strive to shape the minds and futures of generations to come. For a lifetime of dedication to education, mentorship and community, Grinnell College is pleased to honor Shane Rasmussen with an honorary Doctor of Science degree.
Peter Sagal, Doctor of Humane Letters
Peter Sagal, the dynamic host of NPR’s acclaimed comedy news quiz show Wait Wait... Don’t Tell Me!, has a career spanning over two decades in radio, television, and writing. Sagal is renowned for his witty commentary on current events, politics, and the American experience. His ability to seamlessly blend humor with insightful analysis has captivated audiences nationwide. He will address the Grinnell College graduates at the 2024 Commencement Ceremony.
Sagal, a Harvard alumnus, offers a unique perspective on the intersections of politics, civics, and entertainment that makes him an ideal choice to address our graduating class. His ability to engage and entertain audiences while delivering meaningful insights will undoubtedly inspire Grinnell graduates as they embark on their next chapter.
Sagal’s journey as a humorist and commentator has taken him from sold-out theaters across the country to prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall. As the host of Wait Wait... Don’t Tell Me!, he has interviewed luminaries ranging from presidents to Nobel Prize winners, all while entertaining millions of listeners each week.
Beyond his radio work, Sagal is a prolific playwright, screenwriter, author, and journalist. He has received numerous awards and accolades, including a Peabody Award and the Kurt Vonnegut Award for Humor. Sagal’s versatility and wide-ranging interests reflect the spirit of curiosity and exploration that Grinnell College seeks to instill in its students.
In addition to his work in broadcasting, he is a devoted marathoner, playwright, and screenwriter. His theatrical works have been produced by esteemed institutions such as the Long Wharf Theater, Seattle Rep, and Actors Theater of Louisville. Sagal’s contributions to literature include The Book of Vice: Naughty Things (and How to Do Them) and The Incomplete Book of Running, offering readers insights into his experiences and reflections on life.
For his unparalleled ability to use humor and insightful commentary to engage and inform audiences on a wide range of important societal issues, thus enriching the cultural landscape and inspiring intellectual curiosity, Grinnell College is pleased to honor Peter Sagal with an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree.
2024 Commencement Ceremony
The Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2024 will take place at 10 a.m. on May 20, 2024, on the College’s central campus. The ceremony marks the culmination of hard work, dedication, and academic achievement by the graduates. The ceremony will be available via livestream to allow all to join in the celebration of our graduates’ accomplishments. Learn more about Commencement and the week’s activities.