Celebrating the Fall 2024 Grand Grinnellian Award Winners
On Oct. 23, the Staff Council recognized three staff members with the fall 2024 Staff Council Grand Grinnellian Award. Each of the winners has demonstrated a commitment and dedication to the College through the excellent performance of their duties, while also representing the mission and core values of the institution, as well as our THRIVE principles.
Vrinda Varia, Associate Chief Diversity Officer for Intercultural Student Life
Vrinda Varia has consistently gone above and beyond in her role to foster an inclusive campus environment at Grinnell College. Known for her commitment to inclusivity, Varia’s work touches students, faculty, and staff from diverse backgrounds. She is also a champion of collaboration. Whether developing the Intercultural Affairs team or working across departments, Varia’s student-centered approach has made Grinnell a more welcoming place for all. Her leadership is also evident in her innovative thinking and deep community engagement, making her a key contributor to the thriving culture of Grinnell College.
Beyond her formal responsibilities, Varia’s work on campus is marked by her ability to build strong relationships and offer support wherever needed. Her contributions to CARE and the Bias Incident Report Team demonstrate her commitment to helping students navigate challenges, while her efforts to connect various campus offices ensure that students have access to vital resources. Varia’s nominator summed it up well: “Grinnell would undoubtedly be a different place without her dedication and leadership.”
Dayna Jensen, Strategic Communications Manager
Dayna Jensen plays a pivotal role in shaping Grinnell College’s online presence, ensuring that its social media channels are vibrant, diverse, and engaging. As the strategic communications manager, Jensen leads content creation for the College’s social platforms, including Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. Her expertise in social media trends and best practices helps ensure that Grinnell’s digital presence remains a powerful tool for connecting with students, alumni, and prospective students. In particular, she has been instrumental in launching initiatives like the “This Week at Grinnell” Instagram story, which highlights key campus events and has become a staple for the community.
Her work goes far beyond the digital realm. She collaborates closely with departments such as the offices of Development and Alumni Relations and Admission, lending her skills to projects such as the quarterly alumni newsletter for athletics, which has been warmly received by former student-athletes. Her dedication to creating content that reflects the values of Grinnell and her willingness to mentor others have made her an indispensable asset to the College.
Carolyn Bosse, Senior Biology Technical Assistant
With 35 years of service at Grinnell College, Carolyn Bosse has been a cornerstone of the Biology Department. Her technical expertise, ranging from maintaining lab equipment to developing lab curricula, has made her an invaluable resource for both students and faculty. Bosse’s calm, level-headed demeanor makes her a trusted mentor for students, who often seek her guidance on experiments and lab protocols. Her dedication to fostering a learning environment is further underscored by her commitment to student success, as seen in her creative problem-solving and willingness to go the extra mile—such as providing equipment from home for student experiments.
Bosse’s contributions extend beyond the lab. She has been instrumental in designing renovated spaces in Noyce Science Center, ensuring that they meet the needs of students and faculty alike. Known for her patience and generosity, she is a constant source of support for anyone in the department, whether it’s assisting with a malfunctioning piece of equipment or offering words of encouragement during stressful times. Her dedication to Grinnell College and its students exemplifies what it means to be a Grand Grinnellian.
The Staff Council presents the Grand Grinnellian Award in collaboration with the Office of the President, the Office of Human Resources, and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.
