Can you imagine a party to celebrate turning 110 years old?! That's exactly what's happening for Miss Edith Renfrow Smith this Sunday (July 14) as she turns 110 years old! Ms. Renfrow Smith is originally from Grinnell, having graduated from Grinnell High School in 1932 and is the first black alumna of Grinnell College, receiving her diploma from the institution in 1937. Edith later relocated to the Chicago area where she worked as a public-school teacher for many years before retiring and going on to have a long volunteer career with Goodwill and the Art Institute of Chicago.
Grinnell College recently announced they would be naming the new downtown residence hall in honor of Ms. Edith Renfrow Smith, in recognition of her long-standing dedication to community service. We are thrilled to share this announcement, and her love for her hometown, and cannot wait to see students enjoying their new downtown living experience later this fall!
You, too, can help celebrate this amazing 110-year milestone for Ms. Renfrow Smith and learn more about she and her family. Drake Community Library's Poweshiek History Preservation Project has partnered with the Grinnell Area Arts Council to host an exhibit that will be on display through August 10 at the Arts Council (926 Broad St). Community members are encouraged to experience the new exhibit "Connections" which combines history and art to explore Grinnell's past, and TODAY (July 12) from 4-6PM they'll also be celebrating Ms. Renfrow Smith with birthday cupcakes and greetings!
In Ms. Renfrow Smith's response to being awarded an honorary doctorate from Grinnell College in 2019, she said 'Grinnell has been my life.' We are proud to help honor this true Grinnellian, and aspire to her long-standing dedication to community; may we all be so diligent to engage with our community and service in the ways that she has over her incredible lifetime.
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