Staff Council Recognizes Three Staff Members with the Fall 2023 Grand Grinnellian Award
The Staff Council recognized three staff members with the fall 2023 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 core values of the institution, our THRIVE principles, and the mission of Grinnell College.
This award comes as a testament to Sarah Brammer-Shlay, associate chaplain and rabbi in the Center for Religion, Spirituality, and Social Justice and her commitment to fostering an atmosphere of acceptance and unity on campus.
Her nominator shared that Rabbi Sarah has played a pivotal role in enhancing religious and cultural events on campus for Jewish students while also acting as a guiding light for the entire campus community. She has gone the extra mile to ensure inclusivity, allowing students from diverse backgrounds to observe their faith and practice traditions away from home. Her efforts extend beyond the Jewish community, as she dedicates herself to creating spaces for students of all religious backgrounds — even those who identify as non-religious. Rabbi Sarah’s impactful leadership resonates across campus, serving as a beacon of understanding among students.
She leads prayer services for the Jewish Student Organization and actively participates in interfaith discussions. Her constant support and commitment to inclusivity have played an important part in creating a safe and respectful environment for students of all faiths.
Jason Haddrell, plant custodian in Facilities Management, is a shining example of kindness and dedication to our campus community.
Jason’s nominator shared that he stands out as a compassionate and approachable individual on campus, always going out of his way to greet and befriend everyone he encounters. His dedication to his role is evident in his attention to detail; he not only remembers students' names, but also their majors, demonstrating a genuine interest in the lives and pursuits of Grinnell students.
Jason excels in his role and consistently goes above and beyond. His genuine care and concern for both his job and the well-being of everyone at Grinnell is evident in every interaction. There is no one more deserving of the Grand Grinnellian Award — he personifies kindness and the spirit of our community.
Dave Robinson, chief information officer in Information Technology Services, has led by example during his time at Grinnell. His nominator shared that Dave’s open-door policy and approachable demeanor has made him a constant presence at departmental events, where he has taken the time to engage with colleagues and create a welcoming atmosphere.
Dave’s dedication to transparency and effective communication are commendable. He has worked to keep the entire campus community informed about changes and developments within ITS and to ensure that everyone understands the reasons behind these changes. He upholds the highest standards of policy enforcement, ensuring that ITS policies are applied fairly and consistently across the campus. Dave’s exceptional leadership is further demonstrated by his openness to discussion and flexibility when improving processes or policies, always with a focus on ensuring that all stakeholders are heard.
Beyond his significant contributions within the IT realm, Dave is a tireless ally for women in the tech field. He serves on the Women for Economic and Leadership Development (WELD) board and has actively participated in tech conferences, shedding light on the gender gap in this field. His dedication to fostering opportunities for recent graduates by spearheading springboard positions within ITS underscores his commitment to the growth and development of the next generation of tech professionals.
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.