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The Scarlet & Black

The Independent Student News Site of Grinnell College
The S&B won the Iowa college newspaper of the year award and 19 individual awards at the Iowa College Media Association conference in Des Moines, Iowa on Feb. 8, 2024.
The Scarlet & Black wins Iowa college newspaper of the year award
Learning Environment Policy Update
Learning Environment Policy Update
Ramaswamys talks on the phone as he prepares to walk into the event in Grinnell on Oct. 5, 2023. Moments later, a Grinnell College students accidentally backed into a campaign vehicle.
Ramaswamy’s vehicle was parked illegally during Grinnell accident; police and driver refute misleading accounts of the incident
Presidential Candidate Vivek Ramaswamy speaks with Grinnell College students following a televised panel with KCCI at Saints Rest Coffee House.
“It was truly just an accident”: Students who hit Ramaswamy’s car speak out after media frenzy
Juniper Schwartzman `27 joined the football team as a kicker. She became the first woman to play and score for the team during their Sept. 30 game against Lawrence University.
Juniper Schwartzman `27 becomes first woman to play for Grinnell football
Following a national search, Grinnell College has announced that JC Lopez, current interim Vice President for the Division of Student Affairs, will fill his role permanently.
JC Lopez appointed full-time Vice President of Student Affairs
Student Registration Liaisons attempt to calm preregistration storm
Student Registration Liaisons attempt to calm preregistration storm
Students protest outside of Wells Fargo in 2017. Among Grinnell students, 77% said they worry a little or a lot about damaging their reputation because someone misunderstood them.
Grinnell College ranked worst school in the US for comfort expressing ideas
Kyla Miller `25 was elected as the president of Grinnells Student Government Association.
SGA elects president and VPAA for 2024-25
Members of the Union of Grinnell Student Dining Workers display the first wall-to-wall undergraduate contract in U.S. history. The Union approved the contract by a vote of 162-1. It will immediately take effect after Grinnell College signs it on Friday, April 5, 2024.
Grinnell College student Union ratifies historic contract
Iowans came together on April 10, 2024 to celebrate Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes womens basketball team, deemed the team that changed the game.
Iowans celebrate Caitlin Clark, Lisa Bluder and the team that changed basketball
Its their club. I just run it: Book club leader fosters inclusion and belonging
“It’s their club. I just run it”: Book club leader fosters inclusion and belonging
Grinnell teachers respond to Iowa bill on arming school personnel
Grinnell teachers respond to Iowa bill on arming school personnel
The Veterans Memorial Commission voted to demolish the Veterans Memorial Building in downtown Central Park this past September. Shortly after, the Commission began exploring monument designs to replace the building.
Controversial monument to replace Grinnell Veterans Memorial Building
Local Foods Connection takes on food insecurity in Poweshiek County
Local Foods Connection takes on food insecurity in Poweshiek County
Grinnell is considering rebranding away from the Pioneer identity.
History Takeover: Are Pioneers Wanted Here?
The Black Church and Bible Study work to rebuild a post-pandemic religious tradition on campus.
Students build sacred spaces as spirituality thrives
Sandy Moffet reflects on his legacy
Sandy Moffet reflects on his legacy
For student workers, off-campus work can present a chance to prepare for life after college and build relationships with the community.
Off-campus workers “pop” the Grinnell college bubble
Marina Busby `24
Student speaks: Dorm Hall Defense
From left: Georgia Carbone `24 and John Murphy `26 stand in the KDIC studio after working to bring back student music and talk shows.
KDIC tunes into Grinnell campus community
Grinnell continued its Disco Harris tradition of a band performance, with students covering high-energy hits on Saturday, April 6.
Photos Series: Boogie down with Disco Band
Karis McCaskill `24 grins in front of the gallery wearing a Kermit sweater — a green frog to match the green leaves in her exhibition.
Karis McCaskill `24 transforms Smith Gallery
Carl Phillips reads from “Then The War: And Selected Poems,” telling the Writers@Grinnell crowd about his writing process.
Writers@Grinnell names Carl Phillips this year’s Distinguished Author
Aisha Saparali, foreign language teaching assistant for Russian, holds scarlet and black ribbons in her hand.
“Songs of the Scarlet and Wayback” chronicles Grinnell across time
From left: Aidan Klass 25 and Lucas Willett 26 beat theur Lake Forest College opponents 8-6. The Pioneers won the entire game 8-1, only giving up a single match.
Men’s tennis winds up for MWC tournament
Amy Nguyen `26 putts the ball towards a hole at a team practice at the Grinnell College Golf Course.
Women’s golf looks to continue decade-long conference title streak
Irene Agusti `24.5 returns the ball during Grinnell womens tennis March 2 game against Morningside University. The Pioneers won the face-off 5-4.
Nationally-ranked women’s tennis sets the stage for NCAA appearance
The stands were filled with fans. friends, and family during the Grinnell College Mens Basketball Teams Feb. 17 game against Monmouth College. The Pioneers won 111-86.
“They’re my team,” local fans connect with athletes
Clark broke the all-time National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) scoring record this season, en route to her second championship appearance and second Naismith Player of the Year Award.
Photo Series: Caitlin Clark’s season in review
Horoscope: Which practical mode of transportation are you?
Horoscope: Which practical mode of transportation are you?
Marcy Cassidy-Mapp `24 thinks FoMO is prevalent at Grinnell College.
Op-Ed: FoMO at a Liberal Arts College
Allison Moore `24 believes senioritis can be cured by spending time with the people you are close to.
Op-Ed: Why do all the fourth years seem so anxious?
Sasha Laugen `26 believes wearing a mask when sick should be the norm.
Op-Ed: Grinnell masking culture needs to change
Horoscope: Your Zodiacs Cat Breed
Horoscope: Your Zodiac’s Cat Breed
Members of the womens volleyball team practicing on Wednesday Nov. 8 in preparation for their matches at the Midwest Conference tournament.
Letter to the Editor: Support women’s athletics
Letter to the Editor: Alumni weigh in on student protests
Letter to the Editor: Alumni weigh in on student protests
Letter to the Editor
Letter to the Editor
Letter to the Editor: Alumni support trans athletes at Grinnell after NCAA removes LGBTQ+ protections
Members of Chaverim Elizabeth Collinger, Batyah Selis and Nick Raphaelson (left to right), all 21.
Letter to the Editor: “Pioneers” no more
Comic: False Spring
Comic: False Spring
Comic: You Are What You Eat
Comic: You Are What You Eat
Comic: Ambroos and Wilhelmina van Buskirk the Tulip Fairies
Comic: Ambroos and Wilhelmina van Buskirk the Tulip Fairies
Comic: Spring Break Expectation vs. Reality
Comic: Spring Break Expectation vs. Reality
Comic: The Scariest Things on Halloween in Grinnell
Comic: The Scariest Things on Halloween in Grinnell
Horoscope: Which practical mode of transportation are you?
Horoscope: Which practical mode of transportation are you?
Horoscope: Your Zodiacs Cat Breed
Horoscope: Your Zodiac’s Cat Breed
Horoscope: What the Signs are saying about spring break
Horoscope: What the Signs are saying about spring break
Horoscope: Which residence hall are you?
Horoscope: Which residence hall are you?
Horoscope: Which U.S. president are you?
Horoscope: Which U.S. president are you?
Marcy Cassidy-Mapp `24 thinks FoMO is prevalent at Grinnell College.
Op-Ed: FoMO at a Liberal Arts College
Allison Moore `24 believes senioritis can be cured by spending time with the people you are close to.
Op-Ed: Why do all the fourth years seem so anxious?
Sasha Laugen `26 believes wearing a mask when sick should be the norm.
Op-Ed: Grinnell masking culture needs to change
Caitlin Clark broke the NCAA Womens basketball scoring record on Thursday, Feb. 15, surpassing Kelsey Plum.
Caitlin Clark breaks scoring record, but her legacy was already cemented
Syd Weller `26.
Grinnell and Title IX: How ineffective training breeds discomfort and distrust
Sandy Moffet reflects on his legacy
Sandy Moffet reflects on his legacy
Local Foods Connection takes on food insecurity in Poweshiek County
Local Foods Connection takes on food insecurity in Poweshiek County
From left: Laura Fendt and Kamal Hammouda pose in front of their future co-op housing project at 834 Park St.
Relish restaurateurs cook up new co-op housing initiative for students
The thrill of running, told by Grinnell College cross country runners
The thrill of running, told by Grinnell College cross country runners
Kai Te Huki `27 leads the National Collegiate Athletic Association across divisions in average points scored per game and in three point attempts. He scored 30 of the Pioneers’ 111 points against Knox College on Jan. 23.
KAI IS THAT GUY
Grinnell continued its Disco Harris tradition of a band performance, with students covering high-energy hits on Saturday, April 6.
Photos Series: Boogie down with Disco Band
Clark broke the all-time National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) scoring record this season, en route to her second championship appearance and second Naismith Player of the Year Award.
Photo Series: Caitlin Clark’s season in review
Temperatures swelled to 70 degrees as the false spring beckoned Grinnell students into the outdoors this past week.
Photo Series: False Spring in full swing
Creeping Charlie, a band based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, rocked the halls of Gardner Lounge in what was the first concert of the school year.
Photo Series: Creeping Charlie brings first concert of the year to campus
Grinnell College student band plays their debut performance at Masquerade Harris. On the stage from left: Maddie Church `27, Theo Richter `24, Renzo Iurino `27, Grant Anguiano and Noah Mendola `26.
Photo Series: South of Tama debuts at Masquerade Harris

The Scarlet & Black

The Scarlet & Black
Latest Stories
From left: Aidan Klass 25 and Lucas Willett 26 beat theur Lake Forest College opponents 8-6. The Pioneers won the entire game 8-1, only giving up a single match.
Men's tennis winds up for MWC tournament
April 19, 2024
From left: Georgia Carbone `24 and John Murphy `26 stand in the KDIC studio after working to bring back student music and talk shows.
KDIC tunes into Grinnell campus community
April 19, 2024
Following a national search, Grinnell College has announced that JC Lopez, current interim Vice President for the Division of Student Affairs, will fill his role permanently.
JC Lopez appointed full-time Vice President of Student Affairs
April 15, 2024
Iowans came together on April 10, 2024 to celebrate Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes womens basketball team, deemed the team that changed the game.
Iowans celebrate Caitlin Clark, Lisa Bluder and the team that changed basketball
April 15, 2024
Student Registration Liaisons attempt to calm preregistration storm
Student Registration Liaisons attempt to calm preregistration storm
April 15, 2024
Horoscope: Which practical mode of transportation are you?
Horoscope: Which practical mode of transportation are you?
April 15, 2024

Community Speaks: Reflecting on President Kington

February 6, 2020
Community Speaks: Reflecting on President Kington
Raynard Kington beams after he is introduced as Grinnell College’s 13th President at an announcement ceremony in February 2010. Photo by Cait De Mott Grady.

We sent S&B reporter and photographer Shabana Gupta to Saints Rest Coffee House, hoping to get community members’ perspectives on President Raynard S. Kington’s departure and their hopes for the next President of Grinnell College. Here’s what they said.

Jessica Menary `13: “I went to Grinnell College and I graduated in 2013. [I’m looking for] someone who’s focused … the culture of the college, which is being accepting of everyone and focusing on quality academics but also the balance of student life. I’d want a president who cares about the student experience so that yes, they’re getting a quality education, but they’re not overworked and that they’re focused on the important issues … The previous presidents gave me a sense of security, like they cared about their students and about their work.”
Lowell Bungle: I thought the current president, Raynard, has done a great job and I hope they continue that … They maybe overdid … the Area of Confluence, where I was, and there’s people who are a little concerned about the amount of property they own downtown, but I think the College is a real asset to Grinnell and most of what he did was very good. I hope they continue. … The College and the town are working together to make things good.”

Megan Farrell: “My youngest is going to Grinnell College Preschool. I really feel like there’s a disconnect between the College and the community. I think that the current president has tried to foster those relationships, so that I really appreciate. I would love to see the students do more. I’d love to have youth coming in and being more a part of our community … I think he’s just been really supported [in] leading the way [by] trying to connect with our Grinnell public schools and connecting with what the College can do to support and foster student success even within our public schools.”
Howard McDonough: “I enjoy [it] very much if they interact with the community a lot. They’ve done more of that than they’ve used to, so it’s good that the college kids and the faculty get together … [Kington] was very hard to communicate with, or even visit with, and if it weren’t for knowing his secretary very well, I probably wouldn’t have gotten to bond with him at all. But he kept himself very sheltered from the community.”
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More in Article
From left: Aidan Klass 25 and Lucas Willett 26 beat theur Lake Forest College opponents 8-6. The Pioneers won the entire game 8-1, only giving up a single match.
Men's tennis winds up for MWC tournament
From left: Georgia Carbone `24 and John Murphy `26 stand in the KDIC studio after working to bring back student music and talk shows.
KDIC tunes into Grinnell campus community
Iowans came together on April 10, 2024 to celebrate Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes womens basketball team, deemed the team that changed the game.
Iowans celebrate Caitlin Clark, Lisa Bluder and the team that changed basketball
Student Registration Liaisons attempt to calm preregistration storm
Student Registration Liaisons attempt to calm preregistration storm
Students protest outside of Wells Fargo in 2017. Among Grinnell students, 77% said they worry a little or a lot about damaging their reputation because someone misunderstood them.
Grinnell College ranked worst school in the US for comfort expressing ideas
Amy Nguyen `26 putts the ball towards a hole at a team practice at the Grinnell College Golf Course.
Women's golf looks to continue decade-long conference title streak
More in Community
Its their club. I just run it: Book club leader fosters inclusion and belonging
"It's their club. I just run it": Book club leader fosters inclusion and belonging
Grinnell teachers respond to Iowa bill on arming school personnel
Grinnell teachers respond to Iowa bill on arming school personnel
The Veterans Memorial Commission voted to demolish the Veterans Memorial Building in downtown Central Park this past September. Shortly after, the Commission began exploring monument designs to replace the building.
Controversial monument to replace Grinnell Veterans Memorial Building
Local Foods Connection takes on food insecurity in Poweshiek County
Local Foods Connection takes on food insecurity in Poweshiek County
Tommy Hexter, 24, declared that he is running for election in Iowa House District 53, aiming to defeat six-term Republican incumbent Dean Fisher.
Tommy Hexter running for Iowa House District 53: “I want to see Iowa investing in Iowa”
Speed cameras to be installed on I-80 and Iowa Highway 146 intersection
Speed cameras to be installed on I-80 and Iowa Highway 146 intersection
More in Community Speaks
Community Members Speak: Holiday season in Grinnell, Iowa
Community Members Speak: Holiday season in Grinnell, Iowa
Sheryl Anderson, 72, showcasing her ceramic booth at the Farmers Market
Community Members Speak: On small-town living
I went to college at a time when spring break wasn’t quite as glamorous as what it is today, but because I was part of the Central College wrestling team, we would go south someplace warm, Florida, and wrestle. It was a typical bunch of guys in a mini bus, just going from gas station to gas station, and then when we got down there we did a wrestling tournament and spent the week on the beach. —Craig Cooper
Community Speaks: What's your favorite memory from spring break?
“We always had a sleigh in the barn, and my dad would always say that it was Santa’s sleigh. Each year we’d have a great big family dinner and have sleigh rides.” —L’ena Hotchkin
Community Speaks: What's your favorite holiday memory?
I’m thankful that the teachers are adamant about helping the students. They are interested in what you’re doing and how you are. -Ayrian (left) Im thankful for my mom. -Gabbi (right)
Community Speaks: What are you thankful for?
“I’m the Hulk ... He’s awesome!” -Blake
Community Speaks: Halloween

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