June 2026 GBAN Alumni Newsletter
A Letter from the Co-Chairs: Building the Legacy We Deserve
Dear Black Grinnell Alumni Community,
As we celebrate Juneteenth this month, we are reminded that progress has always been powered by community. Juneteenth is not simply a commemoration of freedom delayed — it is a celebration of resilience, collective care, and the generations of Black people who invested in futures they themselves might never fully see. It reminds us that we are here because someone before us believed we were worth supporting.
Since the arrival of African American students at Grinnell College in 1879, Black students have shaped the fabric, history, and future of our institution in profound ways. Our presence has never been accidental, nor has our path always been easy. Across generations, Black Grinnellians have navigated challenges, insisted on belonging, pushed institutions forward, and achieved excellence — often because someone extended support, opened a door, offered guidance, or helped make the journey possible.
That spirit of collective investment has always existed within our community. Many Black alumni have consistently supported Grinnell and current students through mentorship, advocacy, volunteerism, and financial contributions. To those who have been giving for years: thank you. We do not take your generosity for granted. Your investment has mattered more than you may know.
In collaboration with the Office of Development and Alumni Relations, the Grinnell Black Alumni Network is proud to introduce the GBAN Giving Circle — a new opportunity to deepen our collective impact and build a sustainable culture of Black philanthropy at Grinnell.
A giving circle is a model rooted in community. Rather than relying on individual gifts alone, members pool contributions to create a larger, more meaningful collective impact. But a giving circle is about more than dollars — it is about shared vision, shared ownership, and shared responsibility. Members learn together, give together, and celebrate together.
For Black alumni of Grinnell, this is especially meaningful. The GBAN Giving Circle is not simply a philanthropic initiative; it is a continuation of a tradition that has always defined the Black Grinnellian experience: making a way for one another.
Our vision is simple but ambitious: to help ensure that every Black student who arrives at Grinnell feels supported, seen, and connected to a broader community invested in their success. We want to cultivate an enduring culture in which giving back — whether through mentorship, service, advocacy, or financial support — becomes an expected and joyful part of what it means to be a Black Grinnellian.
Every gift becomes part of something larger. It is a message to current students that says: You belong here. We see you. And you are not walking this journey alone.
As we celebrate Juneteenth and reflect on the communities that sustained us, we invite you to consider how you might pay it forward. In the coming months, GBAN leaders will begin reaching out to share more about the Giving Circle, answer questions, and hear your ideas. We formally look forward to launching this effort during National Black Philanthropy Month in August.
When you hear from us, we hope you will give us a chance to engage. Ask questions. Share feedback. Consider joining us in shaping what this next chapter of Black alumni giving can look like.
Because the truth is: Black alumni have never been better positioned than we are today to collectively invest in the students, leaders, and communities that will come after us.
We have cherished the opportunities to engage with you virtually and on campus since GBAN’s creation. The experiences have been meaningful, genuine and representative of GBAN goals. We will continue to create ways in which to continue our positive momentum. We can only do it with your support, so stay invested and stay tuned!
In community,
Opeyemi Awe (‘15), Noel Green (‘94)
Co-Chairs, Grinnell Black Alumni Network
Senior Profiles
Avril (Avi) Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota
First-Year Tutorial: Element of Color: Theory and Practice with Matthew Kluber
Major(s), minor(s), concentration(s): Psychology and Studio Art
Grinnell Highlight: My highlight was being able to bring my childhood cat from home and also adopting a kitten during my second year from in town! Skittles is 12, and Momo is turning 3.
Lorraine Antwi, Ghana
First-Year Tutorial:It’s a Different World with Dr Stephanie Jones!
Major(s), minor(s), concentration(s): Biochemistry
Grinnell Highlight: Having the opportunity to serve on the Black Student Union cab for some time was such a good experience. From all the meetings we had as a cab to talking Jeneé’s ear off about the problems we had lol.
Jaxon Willoughby, Atlanta, Georgia
First-Year Tutorial:African-American Literary Ties to Russian Intellectual Thought with Raquel Greene
Major(s), minor(s), concentration(s): Double Major: Psychology and History
Grinnell Highlight: Captaining the Grinnell Men’s Soccer Team
People of Nia
On Friday, May 2, Black students, staff, faculty, parents, and alumni gathered in the Weingart Pavilion of Renfrow Hall to celebrate the class of 2026. This year marks the third anniversary of the event, and the first year that the event was held at Renfrow Hall.
Kierra Powell ’26, Yaleigh Harris ’26 and Cedric Hakeem ’15 delivered remarks, exploring topics related to Black Joy, resilience, and freedom. As always, Black Student Specialist, Jeneé Spencer concluded the celebration with her signature Sawubona Affirmation:
You are significant.
You come from significant people,
Who have done significant things,
And you are significant as well.
You were significant before you got here, and you will be significant long after you leave.
We see you.
We see the work you are doing.
We see what you’re building.
We see how you’re investing in yourself and others,
And we are so honored to walk alongside of you.
So if you need something, say something.
Supporting Our New Alumni
It’s no secret that the class of 2026 graduates are entering this next chapter facing challenges ranging from artificial intelligence, reduced federal aid for graduate programs, rising costs, and global uncertainty. We can support the newest members of Grinnell’s Black Alumni Network by:
- Extending and accepting invitations to connect via email or professional platforms such as LinkedIn.
- Extending and accepting invitations to meet for coffee, in person or remotely.
- Offering mentorship to guide them in their career paths.
- Introducing new alumni to people in our personal and professional networks.
- Sharing job leads and resources for job searching.
- Providing emotional support and encouragement during their transition to “real life.”
Finals Week Care Packages
Since GBAN’s inception, we have dedicated a portion of our funds to purchase care packages and “Finals Week Fire-Ups” for Black Students. Thank you, to all of the alumni who wrote notes of encouragement and support.
Alumni Engagement
Kudos | Kari Bassett ‘98 receives Lori Ann Schwab ‘95 Award, inaugural Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Ambassador Award.
In April, Kari Bassett and the Iowa Black History Research Collective received one of four Lori Ann Schwab ‘95 Alumni Grants. The Schwab grant honors Lori Ann Schwab ’95, who passed away during her semester abroad. To honor her legacy, Lori’s family and the College created a grant to fund projects that Lori would have supported. Kari will be using the funds to purchase nearly 300 diverse books to be given away at community events over the course of the next year.
Nino Parker ’07 received the ODEI Ambassador Award. This award recognizes individuals whose consistent, care-centered, and often unseen efforts sustain belonging, build relationships, and move equity forward without reliance on formal authority.
- Upcoming Events
- Let’s celebrate Juneteenth with an evening of storytelling through bingo on June 17 at 7:00 p.m. CDT. Register now.
- August 2026 – National Black Philanthropy Month | Formal Launch of Giving Circles
- Holding Space: save Wednesday September 23rd. Holding Space is a time to connect informally with Black Grinnellians. We will discuss forming a team, so we can to build Black themed care packages for the Alumni Care Package project to be distributed in February.