������ý

������ý College Staff Council has named three staff members as recipients of the Fall 2026 Grand ������ýian Award, recognizing their dedication to the College, exceptional work, and commitment to supporting students and colleagues.

Emily Westergaard ’02 and By Degrees are helping Des Moines students see college — and ������ý — as a possibility.

Jon Andelson ’70, professor of anthropology, has been recognized by the Communal Studies Association (CSA) with the 2026 Distinguished Scholar Award.

Curiosity takes many forms at ������ý College — in the questions students pursue, the ideas they explore with faculty and classmates, and the paths they create for themselves. That distinctive approach to learning continues to earn national recognition.

A unique partnership among students, art collectors, faculty, and museum staff transformed classroom learning into a public exhibition — and created a network of relationships that continues to grow.

“Sounds of Collective Motion” brings ������ý students and community members together.

Building on decades of environmental education at ������ý, the College will launch a new major in Environmental Studies (ENV), bringing together perspectives from across the curriculum and responding to strong student interest in the existing Environmental Studies concentration. At the same time, ������ý will introduce Semester@CERA, an immersive program centered at the College’s 365-acre Conard Environmental Research Area (CERA).

Nathaniel Cremascoli ’28 wanted to know how RNA viruses interact with soil ecosystems — so he built and led his own research project to find out.

President Harris was quoted in an article titled "Why presidents now want to redesign shared governance" published by universitybusiness.com on September 15, 2026.

President Harris was quoted in an article titled "3 Takeaways From a Dinner With Presidents" published by insidehighered.com on September 14, 2026.