Celebrating Excellence in Diverse Fields

Nancy Giles

Known for her sharp social commentary leavened with wit, this Emmy Award-winning CBS News Sunday Morning commentator is a respected and popular voice in nearly every medium. She’s had success in radio, television, theatre, and film; a forthcoming book will expand her reach even further. She received a doctor of humane letters degree.

Born and raised in Queens, N.Y., Giles went on to graduate from Oberlin College. She spent three years touring with Chicago’s improv comedy troupe Second City before returning to New York to pursue work in theatre. She worked at Playwrights Horizons and Manhattan Theatre Club.

Giles appeared for three seasons on China Beach and two on Fox After Breakfast. She also has had roles in movies ranging from Working Girl to Big.

Dorje Gurung ’94

Growing up in Nepal, this honorary doctor of science recipient started his life with only the most basic educational options, but he eventually landed in a top boarding school in Nepal’s capital city, Kathmandu. Gurung later came to Grinnell on a full-ride scholarship and earned a degree in chemistry.

In April 2013, while teaching science in Qatar, he was accused of insulting Islam and was jailed for nearly two weeks. After a powerful international outcry from former students, colleagues, and classmates — including many Grinnellians — he was released. Shortly after his release, he raised more than $30,000 to serve children in rural Nepal.

At Commencement 2014, he was recognized for his lifelong efforts to offer better education for all.

Sterling Lord ’42

This honorary doctor of humane letters recipient is widely known for helping to bring some of the greatest American voices to a wide audience.

Lord had just set up shop as an agent in 1952 when a distinguished editor called him and said he’d soon be hearing from an unknown writer named Jack Kerouac. A few days later, Kerouac stopped by Lord’s one-room office with a manuscript for what would become On the Road.

It took Lord nearly four years to land a deal for Kerouac’s unconventional tale, but he was Kerouac’s tireless champion.

Lord’s other clients have included Ken Kesey, Dick Francis, Frank Deford, Gloria Naylor, and Stan and Jan Berenstain, whose Berenstain Bears books for children have sold nearly 300 million copies in North America alone.

Jaya Subramanian

An inspirational teacher, this honorary doctor of social studies recipient was recognized for her work with high school social studies students.

Subramanian encourages students to learn through hands-on volunteer projects, food and toy drives, and educational travel.

For 10 years, Subramanian taught at Presentation High School in San Jose, Calif., and was a co-leader of Presentation’s community involvement organization. San Jose Magazine named her Teacher of the Year in 2006.

In 2010, she took a position at Eastside College Preparatory School in Palo Alto, Calif. The school helps students who are historically underrepresented in higher education.