The Scarlet & Black

The Independent Student News Site of Grinnell College
From left: Assistant Vice President for Auxiliary Services Rachel Bly `93, College President Anne Harris and Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations Bernadine Douglas cut the ceremonial ribbon to open the Hannah Alumni House on Thursday, Nov. 6.
Hannah Alumni house opens after three year renovation process
From left: Maria Pinto, writer and mycology educator, and Hai-Dang Phan, associate professor of English and environmental studies. Pinto stayed at CERA’s renovated lodging as an artist-in-residence.
CERA finalizes renovations, hosts first visitor
Monica Ramirez Reyes `26 takes orders from students at the Spencer Grill. The Grill has instated a new meal replacement system this year.
Inside the changes to the meal replacement process
Students allege unequal pay from wage rounding system
Students allege unequal pay from wage rounding system
SGA late credit card access delays events, student involvement continues to assist with purchases
SGA late credit card access delays events, student involvement continues to assist with purchases
Sam Cox, recently elected mayor of Grinnell, poses for a picture.
“I’m here to listen”: Sam Cox becomes Grinnell’s first female mayor
Dan Agnew, 81, Grinnell's outgoing mayor, fills out his ballot inside a polling booth at Drake Community Library, Grinnell, Iowa, on Nov. 4, 2025.
Live Updates and Results: Grinnell voters cast their ballots
Ryan Hollibaugh, 26, fills out his ballot inside a polling booth at Elks Lodge, Grinnell, Iowa, on Tues. Nov. 5, 2024.
The inner workings of a Poweshiek County local election
Kay Balleau, 76, casts her ballot into the machine at Elks Lodge in Grinnell, Iowa on Nov. 5, 2024.
As midterms loom over the upcoming election, Poweshiek County Democrats and Republicans gather efforts
Kum & Go's two stores in Grinnell have been officially converted into Maverik stores. Since the past two weeks, signage is being changed to reflect the new brand.
Kum & Gone: Grinnell’s gas stations rebranded to Maverik
Damianos Mitsis `29 and Achille L’oliva `29 pose in character on Oct. 31, 2025.
Photo Series: Halloween Harris, hauntingly hype
Daniel Immerwahr, last week’s scholar’s convocation speaker, poses for a portrait on Oct. 30, 2025
Historian Daniel Immerwahr draws parallels between 19th-century fires and climate change
Aguibou Bougobali Sanou and Julien Creuzet discuss their incorporation of African masks in their art at the Stanley Museum of Art on Oct. 16, 2025.
Artist Conversation Series contemplates African masks, performance and display
Students gather for Cheese Club's first event featuring platters of cheese, cider and fruit on Wed., Oct. 29, 2025 in Joe Rosenfield `25 Center room 101.
Un-brie-lievable crowd gathers for Cheese Club premiere
Dr. John Thabiti Willis traces “webs not triangles” to reimagine African diaspora
Dr. John Thabiti Willis traces “webs not triangles” to reimagine African diaspora
The milk-jug-princess-soldier made by Nora Hammond, 8.
Stewart Gallery show featuring kids’ art takes visitors to SpookyTown
Poet Ahmad Almallah reads from his poetry collection "Bitter English" on Thurs., Oct. 30.
Writers@Grinnell: An interview with Ahmad Almallah, Palestinian-born poet
During the mushroom walk, Pinto carried a stick with a spout of mushroom growth and a bag for foraging.
Photo Series: A look at Maria Pinto’s residency at CERA
From left: Meet Ethan Reske, Renz Iurino and Nicole Amoah, all `27, the Grinnell Concerts coordinators of 2025-26.
Grinnell Concerts coordinators on building campus music culture
Francis Miller in rehearsal for their solo performance, "Body of the State."
“MAKE ME CHOOSE:” Francis Miller’s interpretation on transgender bodily autonomy
Grinnell College women's volleyball played against Cornell College on Nov. 5.
Grinnell College women’s volleyball packs the gym with Party at Darby
Andy Hamilton speaks to students of the sport journalism class on Oct. 30.
Andy Hamilton `85 teaches the art, techniques of sport journalism to students
Jack Reed `27 (10) clashes with a Beloit College player on Sept. 13.
“There’s some obvious frustration”: Football players reflect on the season
Molly Kuhn `29 (13) strikes the ball during a home tournament against Knox College on Aug. 29.
Grinnell College volleyball falls short of win against Wartburg College
Samora Lumonya `27 and Hannah Sweet `25 pose in the Natatorium.
New swim kids on the starting block
Peyton Willams wants to demystify investing for students.
Opinion: How to actually invest as a college student
From KDIC to Apple Music to SFMoMA, Garrett Shelton `01 curates music for Devon Turnbull’s (Ojas) HiFi Listening Room Dream No. 1 (2024).
Opinion: Self governance isn’t self abandonment: Where does KDIC go from here?
Horoscope: Which muppet are you?
Horoscope: Which muppet are you?
Opinion: A burnt-out activist’s guide
Opinion: A burnt-out activist’s guide
Hayden Suarez-Davis `25 wants Grinnellians to know what happened to KDIC's FM broadcasting license.
Opinion: What really happened to KDIC’s FM broadcast license?
Horoscope: Which muppet are you?
Horoscope: Which muppet are you?
Horseoscope: Which famous horse are you?
Horseoscope: Which famous horse are you?
Horoscope: What's your biggest secret?
Horoscope: What’s your biggest secret?
Horoscope: What do you spread?
Horoscope: What do you spread?
Horoscope: What's your new zodiac sign?
Horoscope: What’s your new zodiac sign?
Peyton Willams wants to demystify investing for students.
Opinion: How to actually invest as a college student
From KDIC to Apple Music to SFMoMA, Garrett Shelton `01 curates music for Devon Turnbull’s (Ojas) HiFi Listening Room Dream No. 1 (2024).
Opinion: Self governance isn’t self abandonment: Where does KDIC go from here?
Opinion: A burnt-out activist’s guide
Opinion: A burnt-out activist’s guide
Hayden Suarez-Davis `25 wants Grinnellians to know what happened to KDIC's FM broadcasting license.
Opinion: What really happened to KDIC’s FM broadcast license?
Horoscope: Where are you on the Mohs hardness scale?
Horoscope: Where are you on the Mohs hardness scale?
Letter to the Editor: All I need to say
Letter to the Editor: All I need to say
Letter to the Editor: Required Meal Plans
Letter to the Editor: Required Meal Plans
Sharyn Obsatz `93 is a journalism professor at Santa Monica College.
Letter to the Editor: Support The S&B
Jay Dick `93 works as Sr. Director of Advocacy and Partnerships at Americans for the Arts.
Letter to the Editor: The Vanishing of Printed Student Media?
Sasha Aslanian `90 is a member of the Grinnell College Alumni Council.
Letter to the Editor: Physical papers have pull on Grinnell campus
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
A protester holds a “No Kings” sign during the Grinnell No Kings rally on Oct. 18, 2025.
Downtown Grinnell No Kings protest joins thousands nationwide, draws counter-protestors
From pitch to print: How The S&B gets made
From pitch to print: How The S&B gets made
Supplies for the Puja adorn the central table, framed by a painting of the Hindu goddess Durga on Oct. 2, 2025.
Hindu students launch cultural community
Winner Quentin Patrick Kelly `29 poses with two matchas, labubus, unplugged wired earbuds and jorts.
Performative Male Contest hits Grinnell
Sex and the Cornfields, Episode 1: There's tons of fish in the sea... but is Grinnell a fishbowl?
Sex and the Cornfields, Episode 1: There’s tons of fish in the sea… but is Grinnell a fishbowl?
Damianos Mitsis `29 and Achille L’oliva `29 pose in character on Oct. 31, 2025.
Photo Series: Halloween Harris, hauntingly hype
During the mushroom walk, Pinto carried a stick with a spout of mushroom growth and a bag for foraging.
Photo Series: A look at Maria Pinto’s residency at CERA
As the siren went off just after 9 a.m., the runners ran across the start line, beginning the race.
Photo Series: Hundreds of participants attend Unity in the Community Fun Run
From left: Avaash Bhattarai, Diya Shrestha and Medhashree Adhikari, all `26, gave out Waiwai and phool makhana at the Nepali Student Organization (NEPSO) table.
Photo Series: Around the world with the International Student Organization
Outside Hitter Kinsey Carrigan `29 (15) serves in the Grinnell/Central Volleyball Tournament.
Photo Series: Grinnell College women’s volleyball begins with home tournament

The Scarlet & Black

The Scarlet & Black
All content by Ohana Sarvotham
For student workers, off-campus work can present a chance to prepare for life after college and build relationships with the community.

[Photo] Off-campus workers “pop” the Grinnell college bubble

Addie Persian, Staff Writer
April 8, 2024
A community member speaks in support of Jeannette Walls's memoir, "The Glass Castle," at the first of two meetings to reconsider the book in Grinnell-Newburg High School curriculum.

[Photo] “The Glass Castle” to remain in GHS curriculum with alterations

Taylor Nunley, Staff Writer
May 4, 2023
Customers standing in line to order at Dari Barn.

[Photo] Dari Barn, the beacon that signals the coming of spring

Taylor Nunley, Staff Writer
May 1, 2023
Ensemble members pose as a group around their instruments.

[Photo] Spotlight on Latin American Ensemble

Ashley Baek, Staff Writer
April 24, 2023
Mary Binzley `22 speaking to a crowd while standing up.

[Photo] “The Glass Castle” in jeopardy after parent files complaint

Taylor Nunley, Staff Writer
April 21, 2023
From left: Imam Kamal Hammouda, Rabbi Sarah Brammer-Shlay and Dean of Religious Life Deanna Shorb.

[Photo] Muslim-Jewish discussions boost interfaith dialogue

Oliver Palmer, Staff Writer
April 17, 2023
A new policy left some students struggling to access campus housing over break.

[Photo] Change in winter break policies leads to move-in confusion

February 6, 2023
Singers of various ages stand in the aisle of a theatre, each standing on a separate stair. They are singing and holding sheet music.

[Photo] Spotlight on Grinnell Oratorio Society

Krista Spies, Staff Writer
April 10, 2023
Steffanie Sieck (left) and Shanna Sieck (right) hosted the official grand opening on Saturday, after acquiring the Fourth Avenue storefront in May.

[Photo] Two Sisters Tea & Apothecary opens on Fourth Avenue

September 12, 2022
Steffanie Sieck (left) and Shanna Sieck (right) hosted the official grand opening on Saturday, after acquiring the Fourth Avenue storefront in May.

[Photo] Two Sisters Tea & Apothecary opens on Fourth Avenue

Molly Wilcoxson, Staff Writer
September 12, 2022
While the updates of Norris Hall are a welcome addition to the dorm, the disruption construction causes to daily life is not so welcome.

[Photo] Renovations to Norris Hall complicate dorm life

September 12, 2022
Grinnell's chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness hosted a meeting to discuss their planning for National Suicide Prevention Month.

[Photo] NAMI raises awareness for National Suicide Prevention

September 19, 2022
The Global Café, located on the north side of the Humanities and Social Studies Center, welcomed its first customers on Aug. 20.

[Photo] Global Café finally open to customers

September 19, 2022
"Paper Trails" showcases the diversity of contemporary Indian art.

[Photo] "Paper Trails" explores art in postcolonialist India

October 3, 2022
"Reverent Ornament" showcases "portable arts," many of which are functional items such as glassware and rugs.

[Photo] "Reverent Ornament" spans nations, centuries

October 3, 2022
"blur" will hold 49 performances, each for a single audience member.

[Photo] "blur" defies definition

November 10, 2022
Lori Voss (pictured above) has owned and operated Loralei's Giftshoppe since its opening in 2003.

[Photo] True Grinnellian: Lori Vos of Loralei's Giftshoppe

October 10, 2022
President of the College, Anne Harris speaks at the HSSC Dedication on Oct. 1.

[Photo] HSSC finally dedicated after 2.5 years

October 10, 2022
Nagamatsu read excerpts from his novel "How High We Go in the Dark."

[Photo] Writers@Grinnell: Sequoia Nagamatsu `04

October 28, 2022
Giovanna Romero `24 expresses gratitude for the altar as a visible space to celebrate her culture.

[Photo] Celebrating the Day of the Dead in Grinnell

Allison Moore, Editor in Chief
November 7, 2022
Kate Nakamura `26 handles the ball in the Midwest Conference Tournament. Grinnell hosted the tournament and qualified for the NCAA Division II Tournament for the first time since 2006.

[Photo] Shootout! Women's soccer wins conference title at home

November 14, 2022
Students in HUM/SST-120 Introduction to Material Culture Studies hold up their donations to Empty Bowls.

[Photo] Students lend their creativity to Empty Bowls fundraiser

November 14, 2022
Students in HUM/SST-120 Introduction to Material Culture Studies hold up their donations to Empty Bowls.

[Photo] Students lend their creativity to Empty Bowls fundraiser

Ella Labarre, Staff Writer
November 14, 2022
Disability Resources is working to make sure campus is accessible.

[Photo] “On the backs of vulnerable students:” Accessibility concerns on campus

November 14, 2022
Disability Resources is working to make sure campus is accessible.

[Photo] “On the backs of vulnerable students:” Accessibility concerns on campus

Eleanor Corbin, Community Editor
November 14, 2022
Cast members of "House of Desires" during a dress rehearsal.

[Photo] "House of Desires" queers 17th-century theatre

November 21, 2022
Michell's Dance Company and Stepping Out Dance Studio kicked off Jingle Bell Holiday with a performance.

[Photo] Jingle Bell Holiday brings seasonal joy to Grinnell

Cadence Chen, Staff Writer
December 5, 2022
NewSGACabinet.Ohana.1

[Photo] SGA announces new cabinet appointees

December 5, 2022
Vonda Earnhart is the owner of Vonda's Flowers and Gifts.

[Photo] Vonda’s Flowers and Gifts makes Grinnell’s creativity bloom

Conrad Dahm, Staff Writer
March 13, 2023
Nicole Cabe `23, Spanish major and community engagement coordinator.

[Photo] Year-long Spanish course innovates MAP structure

Oliver Wolfe, Staff Writer
March 12, 2023
Some students with dietary restrictions struggle to find options in the Dining Hall.

[Photo] Meal plan price increase raises questions about Dining Hall quality

Zach Spindler-Krage, Staff Writer
March 12, 2023
Paige Olowu standing outside a South Campus residence hall.

[Photo] On the same Paige

Paige Olowu
February 6, 2023
Steve Fenske recently opened Vinyl Stop to create a musical hub in the Grinnell community.

[Photo] Vinyl Stop turns up the music

Kailee Shermak, Staff Writer
February 13, 2023
The Union of Grinnell Student Dining Workers (UGSDW) announced their new leadership board for the Spring 2023 semester. From left to right: Lu Johnston `24, Sam Hiller `25, Hannah Sweet `25, Secretary-Treasurer Con- rad Dahm `26, Kelly Banfield `24, President Lena Wiebe `25, Amani Alqaisi `25, Jules Covitz `24. Not pictured: Malcolm Galpern-Levin `24, Lyn Guinto `25.

[Photo] UGSDW President calls for strike date

Taylor Nunley, Staff Writer
February 13, 2023
Will `24 (right) visited Connor `24 (left) while he studied in France.

[Photo] Couples Speak: The first dates that started everything

Ashley Baek, Staff Writer
February 13, 2023
Jan Gloor `24, Jacob Heinrich `24 and Abigail Davison `26 work together on a tune in Jazz Ensemble.

[Photo] Spotlight on Grinnell Jazz Ensemble

Oliver Wolfe, Staff Writer
February 19, 2023
From left to right: Dylan Laurianti `23, Nick Parker `23, Will Sweek `23, Henry Gold `25 and Kenny Atlas `23.

[Photo] The many aliases of Soi Disantra

Oliver Wolfe, Staff Writer
February 27, 2023
Photo illustrating a student using the InformaCast app, which features a Campus Alert button.

[Photo] New campus safety measures fall short of addressing BSU demands

Oliver Palmer, Staff Writer
February 20, 2023
Student Government President Loyal Terry `23 will lead the new SGA Cabinet this academic year.

[Photo] “Big things coming,” new SGA cabinet takes office

Eleanor Corbin, Staff Writer
September 12, 2022
SGA announces new cabinet appointees

SGA announces new cabinet appointees

Ohana Sarvotham, Staff Photographer
December 5, 2022
After taking a year off during the COVID-19 pandemic, Grinnell continues its tradition of an annual Jingle Bell Holiday celebration downtown. Graphic by Hannah Agpoon.

Grinnell’s Jingle Bell Holiday celebration resumes

Ohana Sarvotham
November 19, 2021
Studio E offers music lessons to students of all ages, and opened their doors to the public on Nov. 6. Photo contributed by Erin Bustin.

New music school Studio E opens its doors

Ohana Sarvotham
November 17, 2021
Emma Schaefer '23 competes in the Midwest Conference championship. Contributed by Ted Schultz.

Emma Schaefer finishes third in Midwest Conference Championship

Ohana Sarvotham
November 13, 2021
The writing workshop began with Santiago Sanchez reading aloud three short pieces of fiction by queer authors, each work picked for its resonance with a specific work of art in the “Queer/Dialogue” exhibit. Photo by Elisa Carrasco Lanusse.

“How to Write a Queer Story:” Connecting art and literature with Santiago Sanchez

Ohana Sarvotham
November 4, 2021
Students Speak: What art has moved you recently?

Students Speak: What art has moved you recently?

Ohana Sarvotham
October 12, 2021
Grinnell hosted LifeServe for a blood drive in Harris Center on October 6. Photo by Alex Fontana.

Grinnell hosts LifeServe blood drive in Harris Center

Ohana Sarvotham
October 8, 2021
Grinnell hosted its first outdoor concert of the fall semester featuring Juan Wauters, a singer-songwriter from New York City. Photo by Isabel Torrence.

Juan Wauters brings live music back to the Grinnell stage

Ohana Sarvotham
October 7, 2021
Catherine Ashton

New Registrar of the College hired as large student class sizes impact registration for classes

Ohana Sarvotham
September 19, 2021
Tray with discarded leftovers and napkins being put on the dish line.

Food Recovery Network is back, facing new sustainability challenges in a COVID-19 world

Ohana Sarvotham
September 9, 2021
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