Grinnell College Welcomes a New President

On Aug. 1, 2010, Raynard S. Kington, M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A., will become the 13th president of Grinnell College. When Kington was introduced to a packed Herrick Chapel on Feb. 17, the response was remarkable in its passion and its volume. Photos by Jim Heemstra.

This article appeared as a web extra for The Grinnell Magazine, Summer 2010.

Kington with organ pipes in background
Herrick Chapel, which has served as a setting for Grinnell’s defining moments for more than a century, overflowed with joy (and Grinnellians) for the presidential announcement.
David White in pew, Grinnell College banner in background
David White ’90, chair of the Grinnell College Board of Trustees, introduced Kington to the standing-room-only audience.
Kington at podium, smiling. Stained glass in the background
Kington received three standing ovations from the happy crowd in Herrick.
Peter and Emerson playing quietly with toys in pew
As most parents would agree, keeping a small child quiet in church can be challenging. Kington’s partner, Dr. Peter Daniolos, entertains the couple’s older son Emerson during the announcement ceremony.
Daniolos watches Kington while Emerson looks to side.
Emerson's attention wandered, but he would soon be on the move.
Kington motioning Emerson to join him at podium, Daniolos encourages Emerson to go
“C’mon up!”
Kington continues to address crowd, with hand touching Emerson on the top of the head
Emerson and his father face the audience together.
Emerson shows drawing over the top of the podium rail, while Kington continues to address the audience
Emerson appears to be thinking, "Hmmmm … what happens if I drop this over the side?"
Kington smiles, turned to look over back of pew, with Grinnell College banner in the background
A sunny day greeted Kington for the presidential announcement, complemented by a warm reception from Grinnellians in Herrick.
Kington talks to Emerson while others are gathered around
Jeff Phelps ’71 (right) greets the new president and his partner, while Seth Allen (second from left), dean of admission and financial aid, waits to speak with the new president.
Daniolos holds Emerson, both in coats, against snowy campus. Emerson smiles as he holds construct of tape and paper.
Daniolos and Emerson wore big smiles as they walked to lunch at the Joe Rosenfield ’25 Center.
Fuson walks next to Kington, who is pushing a stroller filled with child supplies
Trustee Hal Fuson ’67 walks with Kington on their way to the Rosenfield Center.
Kington walks through the dining hall tables with Emerson walking under his arm
Kington got a round of applause from students eating lunch when he and his family walked into the dining hall.
Kington raising hands before him at front of Herrick Chapel
Raynard S. Kington, M.D. — Grinnell’s 13th president.

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