Commencement Experienced Via Technology

Alexis “Lexy” Greenwell ’15 is thrilled to be alive, thanks to the power of music.

The 22-year-old singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and beatboxer says music played a key role in helping her recover from several brain hemorrhages and two brain surgeries that threatened her life.

“Music definitely helped save me. It was a huge part of my healing process,” Greenwell says. She recovered from both surgeries by singing, rapping, and beatboxing while supplementing her intense neurological rehabilitation by playing the guitar and drums. Greenwell, who completed her College courses via interactive technology, graduated from Grinnell with a bachelor’s degree in computer science and technology studies.

For the time being, Greenwell needs to remain close to her medical team in the Denver area. So instead of attending commencement exercises, she actively participated via technology at Craig Hospital in Englewood, Colo., where she received her neurorehabilitation.

With family, friends, and her medical team at Craig, Greenwell, sporting a cap and gown, viewed a live stream of the ceremony. Janet Davis, associate professor of computer science and Greenwell’s faculty adviser, walked across the stage in Greenwell’s place, holding an iPhone connected to Greenwell’s laptop in Englewood via FaceTime. Greenwell saw the view from the stage and shared in the experience as Grinnell College President Raynard S. Kington conveyed his congratulations.

Shortly after Davis left the stage, Elizabeth Alexander Holtze ’68 and Steve Holtze ’68, a Grinnell College trustee, presented Greenwell with her diploma at Craig Hospital in Englewood.

“With her sparkling personality and can-do attitude, Lexy has always been a pleasure to teach and advise,” Davis says. “She has shown remarkable determination in the face of adversity. Lexy has worked closely with faculty, staff, and classmates to participate fully in all of her classes — including a team software development project — despite being far away from Grinnell.”

Following graduation, Greenwell will work remotely as a summer intern for a music data analytics firm. She aims to combine her love of music and technology to become a music executive. She also plans to write a book about her experiences in hopes of inspiring others.

“It takes some time when you go through something like this to get yourself to a place where you feel like you can move forward,” she says, adding with a smile, “My future is wide open, and I’m so grateful for the amazing life I have.”