It was such a great experience to participate in this
ceremony. There were several speakers,
most of which were alumni from several different decades. The history of this event is rooted deep in
Grinnell history and lore. So here is
the story we were told:
The Iowa Band, a group of abolitionist ministers wanted to
form an “ideal community” where students could learn and live together. As they were deciding where to go and how to
fund the college a man named James J. Hill came into the picture. James Hill
was a self-made man who could not afford more than 9 years of education. When he heard about the Iowa Band’s goals and
dreams he sought them out and lay before them a sliver dollar. He said that this would be the start of an
endowment for the college. He told the
Iowa Band to nurture and grow this dollar so others who could not afford a
higher education could still have an opportunity to attend a great institution.
Every student gets a medallion to represent this silver
dollar and the possibilities that Grinnell offers its students. Every medallion has the graduation year of
the incoming class.
Also, first day of classes were today! After I attend the rest of my classes tomorrow I will post about each one!
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