Through the Lens of Time: Grinnell College Commencement
A Photo Essay Capturing Generations of Achievement and Tradition
Published:
May 01, 2024
A student with a flower necklace around their neck walks down the center aisle at the 1989 Commencement ceremony. Courtesy of Grinnell College Special Collections and Archives
In the halls and open spaces of Grinnell College, the passage of time is marked not only by the turning of seasons, but also by the traditions of Commencement. From the graduating class of Edith Renfrow Smith in 1937 to the vibrant ceremonies of today, each year’s Commencement has been a special intersection of achievement, reflection, and aspiration. We look forward to celebrating the 2024 graduating class on Monday, May 20.
1937 Commencement
Edith Renfrow Smith ’37 poses in her cap and gown on the day of her graduation from Grinnell College, Grinnell, Iowa, in June 1937. She was the first Black woman to graduate from Grinnell College. Courtesy of Grinnell College Special Collections and Archives
1939 Commencement
This photo is taken from the Cyclone, which is the name of the student yearbook. The student pictured is standing on the steps of Blair Hall, which was torn down in 1961. Courtesy of Grinnell College Special Collections and Archives
1949 Commencement
This photo from the 1949 Commencement ceremony was taken in what we now refer to as old Darby Gym. Torn down in 2004, it stood where the Rosenfield Center is now.
1951 Commencement
The choir performs at Commencement in 1951. Courtesy of Grinnell College Special Collections and Archives
1957 Commencement
Marilyn Clarke Sippy ’57, Judy Doubenmier McCormick ’57, Alphanette White Price ’57, and Darrell Fisher ’57 join their classmates in line to receive their diplomas at Commencement. Courtesy of Grinnell College Special Collections and Archives
1961 Commencement
Graduating seniors walk through the gauntlet of faculty during Commencement, June 4, 1961. Linda Newman Woito ’61 is at the front of the line on the right. Courtesy of Grinnell College Special Collections and Archives
1969 Commencement
The view from back of audience at the 1969 Commencement ceremonies. Far right, Mark Moulding ’71 rests his arm on the chair of Debby Huntsinger Moulding ’70 in the back row. Courtesy of Grinnell College Special Collections and Archives
1972 Commencement
President Glenn Leggett presents a student with their diploma at the 1972 Commencement. Courtesy of Grinnell College Special Collections and Archives
1975 Commencement
Graduates line up for the 1975 Commencement ceremony. Courtesy of Grinnell College Special Collections and Archives
1981 Commencement
Commencement 1981. Grinnell College President George Drake ’56 shakes hands with Katherine Hill’81. Courtesy of Grinnell College Special Collections and Archives
1986 Commencement
Todd Coulter’86 receives a hug at the 1986 Commencement ceremony. The photo was featured in The Grinnell Magazine in summer 1986. Courtesy of Grinnell College Special Collections and Archives
1993 Commencement
Graduating students at 1993 Commencement. Laura Free ’93 is pictured at far left, and Jak Pick ’93 second from right. Courtesy of Grinnell College Special Collections and Archives
1998 Commencement
Khutso Madubanya ’98 during 1998 Commencement. Courtesy of Grinnell College Special Collections and Archives
2003 Commencement
Students pose for a photo at the 2003 Commencement ceremony. Courtesy of Grinnell College Special Collections and Archives
2008 Commencement
Students gather in their graduation robes. Foreground, left to right: Amanda Baker ’08, David Barrett ’08, and Topher Elderkin ’08. Blurred in the center background, left to right: Matt Scharr '08, Clare Patterson ’08, and Renee Boss ’08. Courtesy of Grinnell College Special Collections and Archives
2012 Commencement
Ethan Chun ’12 shakes hands with Grinnell College President Raynard Kington during the 2012 Commencement ceremony. Ethan is wearing a Batman costume under his graduation robes. Courtesy of Grinnell College Special Collections and Archives
2014 Commencement
The 168th Commencement at Grinnell College, held Monday, May 19, 2014. Photo by Justin Hayworth, Grinnell College
2021 Commencement
A chilly and socially distanced Commencement ceremony held at Rosenbloom Field. High temperatures across Central Iowa ranged from 25–30° below average on May 28, 2021. Photo by Justin Hayworth, Grinnell College
2023 Commencement
President Anne F. Harris smiles as a student receives their diploma at the May 21, 2023, Commencement ceremony. Photo by Justin Hayworth, Grinnell College
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