Letter from Co-Chairs
Greetings Black Grinnellians,
As we welcome Black History Month, we do so grounded in gratitude, memory, and joy. In a time and environment that too often seeks to minimize, distort, or erase Black stories, our gathering—across generations, geographies, and experiences—is itself an act of affirmation. Black history is not only something we commemorate; it is something we live, build, and pass forward through community.
This month, the Grinnell Black Alumni Network is proud to celebrate the contributions of Black Grinnellians—past, present, and future. One of GBAN’s core commitments is connection: connecting alumni to one another, honoring the many ways we show up, and creating space to recognize our own. What better way to do that than by spotlighting the brilliance, leadership, and service within our community?
We are especially grateful for the Black alumni who have devoted their time and talents to serving Grinnell—particularly those concluding their service on the Alumni Council and those recently recognized with alumni awards. Their commitment reflects the very best of what it means to give back: taking what was cultivated at Grinnell and using it to make an impact in classrooms, boardrooms, communities, and movements around the world. We thank you for your leadership, your care, and your continued investment in the College and in us.
Many of us were reminded of this shared legacy during Reunion Weekend. Seeing Black alumni gather in fellowship—laughing, reflecting, reconnecting—was a powerful reminder that community sustains us. As you flip through photos or spot a familiar face, we hope you feel the continuity: how much we’ve changed, and how deeply connected we remain.
As we look ahead, GBAN remains focused on three priorities: supporting current students, strengthening alumni connections across regions and generations, and creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue and collective action. Community building has always been at the heart of this work—and it will continue to guide where we go next.
In the coming weeks, we’ll begin sharing more about Black philanthropy and collective giving—and how pooling our resources can help us claim power, build legacy, and directly support the initiatives that matter most to our community and to current students. We are grateful to those who already give and warmly invite partnership from those returning—or joining for the first time. Stay tuned for more information and an opportunity to connect directly with College leadership in March.
Thank you for being here. Thank you for showing up. Thank you for helping to carry this legacy forward—with joy, intention, and care.
In solidarity
Opeyemi Awe ’15 and Noel Green ’94
Co-Chairs | Grinnell Black Alumni Network
Student Connections Committee Update
Grinnell Black Alumni Network’s (GBAN) Student Connections committee strives to facilitate relationships between Black alumni and Black students, empowering current students through their Grinnell journey. One way we do this is through mentorship. Mentor Grinnell provides a forum for Black students and alumni to connect one on one and explore topics such as academics, belonging, and careers.
In December, Kari Bassett ’98 and Langston Thomas ’20 hosted a conversation with Black students and alumni around mentoring. During this session, alumni and students shared their experiences through both formal and informal mentoring relationships, and the importance of having both a cheerleader and a soundboard while navigating life’s path. Last spring, GBAN had 8 student alumni pairs who met over 6 sessions to explore topics related to belonging, identity, resilience, and goals.
Kristina Hill (’27) shared her mentoring experience with Grinnell Magazine last fall: “I wanted to meet with Black alumni specifically because as a Black woman, I wanted to see how (Kari) handled any academic or personal hardships and get any advice she could give me,” Hill says. “Having these affinity groups for students (like the Black Student Union) to connect with someone of a similar race, or cultural identity, or other identities, is important.”
Sign up for MentorGrinnell with GBAN!
Alumni Spotlights
Thank you for your service on the Alumni Council, Ed Atkins ’66 and Ben Vaughn Jr. ’15.
Edmund E Atkins
Class Year: 1966
Current City/State: Washington, District of Columbia
Major: Political Science
Email Address: okced87@gmail.com
Why I Wanted to Serve on the Alumni Council:
Attending Grinnell, a seminal experience, formed me as an adult more than I realized when I graduated. My Grinnell education helped me manage a varied work life ranging from an urban planner in California to serving as a diplomat in South America, Africa and Europe. I wish to give back to the college, not only financially, but also with my time and effort. I’m interested in alumni student connections as well as diversity and inclusion initiatives. I enjoy mentoring students, especially those who are first generation.
A Quote I Like:
“You can learn something from everyone you meet”
―my Dad
A Little Bit About Me:
I retired from the State Department Senior Foreign Service in 2009. Since then, I’ve been active in my neighborhood in Washington DC. I served on the board of the Shepherd Park Citizens Association where I spearheaded efforts to deal with planning and development issues affecting our neighborhood. I’ve been married to the former Vera Clayton for over 50 years. We have one son, and two active grandchildren. I enjoy sports, the theater, and the visual arts.
Other Alumni Involvement: Black Reunion Planning Committee, Reunion Class Committee; mentored student
Benjamin Vaughn, Jr.
Class Year: 2015
Current City/State: Takoma Park, Maryland
Major: Gender, Women’s, and Sexuality Studies
Email Address: ben.vaughn05@gmail.com
Why I Wanted to Serve on the Alumni Council:
I have always been an ear to those who felt unheard or those who may have a hard time connecting. I participated in Athletics (yay Swimming/Diving and Track), Theater/Dance, QAA in Stonewall, KDIC, and Noteworthy acapella as a DC Posse Scholar (DC7) during my time as a student. I had a great time on campus but felt the students’ voice was often limited in power. I joined the Alumni Council in the hopes of bringing light to celebrations and trials facing current students and recent alumni to create a more cohesive bridge between campus and community.
A Quote I Like:
“The sun doesn’t give light to the moon, assuming the moon’s gonna owe it one.”
―Linkin Park
A Little Bit About Me:
I teach 2nd Grade in a Title I DC Public School. This was my first position after Grinnell as I accepted the call to join Teach for American DC Region as a Corps member, and I am still teaching at my placement school. I love teaching, and while it is challenging, it ultimately is exponentially as rewarding when you review all the progress at the end of the year. I am a certified indoor cycle instructor and fitness professional which is my current side hustle/passion. I love running classes in-person and cardio classes on Instagram.
Other Alumni Involvement: Reunion Class Committee; Class Fund Director
Congratulations to Alumni Award winners:
Robert Quashie ’86
A bridge-builder and community-creator, Robert Quashie has an uncommon ability to explore potentially contentious topics in ways that bring people together. In 2000, Quashie established his own consulting practice often focusing on initiatives that served diverse populations, such as leading a strategic plan to rebrand the National Black MBA Association and supporting L’Oréal’s public relations outreach to the Black, Latine, and Asian American communities. Quashie later joined the American Dental Association, rising to chief operating officer in 2022. He also has served in numerous volunteer roles at the College, notably co-chairing Grinnell’s 2021 virtual Multicultural Reunion, nurturing relationships with alums and students during the depths of the pandemic.
Althea Ricketts ’86
Known for her positivity, compassion, intelligence, and action, Althea Ricketts is a leader in the audio/visual profession and in bringing Grinnellians together. She incorporates the values of sustainability and diversity, equity, and inclusion as the vice president of corporate initiatives at Shure – an audio products manufacturer. Ricketts has traveled the world as a respected ambassador in her field. She has volunteered for many industry, DEI, and sustainability boards and has mentored countless new professionals. Ricketts also served as co-chair for Grinnell’s 2023 Multicultural Reunion and helped engineer the launch of the Grinnell Black Alumni Network (GBAN).
Christyne Lawson ’87
With little fanfare and quiet humility, Christyne Lawson uses her healing powers in one of the most underserved parts of the country. Lawson left private practice in 2015 to become a family physician at the Detroit Community Health Connection. Her ability to relate to her patients provided invaluable insights into the cultural beliefs and fears they were experiencing regarding their medical care – viewpoints often rooted in past trauma or mistreatment. She began transforming the patient experience, building holistic practices and taking time to learn about her patients’ lives. As a result, patients now often regularly return and refer friends. Lawson also volunteers to teach medical students at Wayne State University.
Langston Thomas ’20
Motivated by the belief that equity must guide institutional design and public policy, Langston Thomas is confronting complex problems to strengthen vulnerable communities. Currently pursuing his Ph.D. in urban studies at Georgia State University, his research is developing a strategic blueprint for community empowerment that seeks to understand systemic inequalities in democratic nations. Turning ideas into action, Thomas founded Democratic Systems, Inc., an innovative nonprofit focused on targeting the roots of systemic inequalities and empowering sustainable solutions. Thomas also has taken on a leadership role in the Grinnell Black Alumni Network (GBAN) serving as co-chair of the Student Engagement Committee.
Student Spotlight
Name: Priya Boyce
Class Year: 2028
Hometown: Queens, New York
First Year Tutorial: African American Literary Ties to Russia with
Major (Intended): Political Science & Psychology with a Policy Studies Concentration
Priya Boyce came into the Grinnell Black Alumni fold (GBAN) her first year at Grinnell, when she volunteered for the Black Alumni Weekend (BAW) Planning Committee. “I had never been to Chicago. I got to meet so many Black alumni and students. I felt like I really belonged.” Planning weekend yielded another unexpected outcome: a cool campus job. “I didn’t know that you could work in the alumni office until Aziza (Mabrey-Wakefield ’25) told me.” This year, Priya works as an Alumni Affinity Group Coordinator. In her role, Priya helps keep GBAN connected and supported by acting as a liaison between alumni and campus offices, as well as planning and running events. “A bit part of my role is helping with outreach and engagement efforts, especially increasing participation and representation, while working closely with campus partners to make sure alumni programming is intentional and aligned with community needs.”
In addition to her work with Black alumni, Priya has enjoyed several transformational experiences at Grinnell. Priya really enjoyed her first year tutorial, African American Literary Ties to Russia with Professor Raquel Greene, where she learned more about how Black people have historically been treated in Europe, as well as the Black Panther Party’s connections to the Soviet Union (Russia). Another transformational course was learning more about primary sources and oral histories in Rise and Fall of New World Slavery with Professor Paul (Al) Lacson. Earlier this year, Priya was selected to participate in Second Year Convocation is a program that prepares students to navigate professional settings, including resume review, interview prep, and dining etiquette.
Priya’s story is a reminder that finding community often starts with simply saying “yes”—to a committee, a conversation, or a new experience you didn’t even know was possible. From finding community through GBAN and BAW, to discovering meaningful coursework and professional development opportunities, Priya has leaned into her Grinnell experience with curiosity and courage. We’re proud to celebrate Priya and the energy she brings to our alumni-student community and the Grinnell community at large.
Stay tuned for our next Student Spotlight!
Upcoming Events
February 26, 7 – 8pm CST | Holding Space: Black Joy Month | Join Here
March 4, 7 – 8pm CST | Book Talk with Dr. Beronda Montgomery and Dr. Thabiti Willis | Register Here
–Books purchased through the College Bookstore, will receive $5 off using the code Trees342026
Get Involved
Sign up for a GBAN committee
Volunteer for our Mentorship Program