Commencement 2024

Celebrated Graduates

The 2024 Commencement ceremony provided a capstone to a weekend of events that showcased 332 graduates and celebrated their achievements at Grinnell. For many, the ceremonies were their first full-scale, traditional graduation ceremony, a rite of passage denied to them as high school grads due to the pandemic challenges of 2020.

Honored Guests

Peter Sagal, the host of NPR’s acclaimed comedy news quiz show Wait Wait... Don’t Tell Me!, gave the Commencement address. During the ceremony, Sagal was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters, in recognition of his 20-plus year career in radio, television, and writing. In addition, honorary degrees were given to: Alvin Irby ’07, Doctor of Humane Letters, for his innovative initiatives, passionate advocacy, and being an inspiration to a new generation of readers and changemakers; Shane Rasmussen, Doctor of Science, for a lifetime of dedication to education, mentorship, and community; and Stuart Allan Yeager ’82, Doctor of Laws, for his dedication to defending the rights of the marginalized and oppressed.

Emeriti Faculty Recognized

Five faculty members received emeriti recognition during Commencement: Professor of Music Eugene Gaub, Professor of French Susan Ireland, Associate Professor of Theatre Ellen Mease, Professor of Anthropology Katya Gibel Mevorach, and Professor of Economics Mark Montgomery.