<p>Many of the threads on CC are started by people who have heard something negative about a school and want more information. This isn't one of those threads. I would like to share a good story about Grinnell. My D is flying into Des Moines this evening for accepted students day at Grinnell. As often happens, her flight out of Minneapolis was unexpectedly delayed. Unfortunately, she was scheduled to arrive in Des Moines at 8:22 pm and had a reservation on the last shuttle to Grinnell at 8:30 pm. She called me to ask what to do, so I called Grinnell. Admissions was closed for the day, so I tried campus security. The women I talked with could not have been more helpful, and put me in touch with the main information desk. Again, the person I spoke with was terrific. I was assured that my 17 year old daughter would not be left to her own devices in a strange airport. Within 5 minutes, I was contacted by Quinton Clay, Assistant Dean of Admission and Coordinator of Multicultural Admission, who said that he would personally meet her at the airport and drive her to Grinnell. Given that her plane was scheduled to land sometime between 9:30 and 10:00 pm, and Des Moines is an hour away, I was rather overwhelmed, as was my daughter when I called to tell her the new plan. Frankly, as a parent I couldn't be more impressed with Grinnell's concern for my daughter's well being.</p>
<p>And as an alum and active volunteer for Grinnell, I couldn’t be more proud. Thanks for posting.</p>
<p>It really is that kind of place. My son is a junior and I have never had a moment’s worry about his well being while he’s on campus.</p>
<p>My daughter ended up choosing another school (wanted a stronger film/media studies program) but it was such a difficult decision. She interviewed with Quinton Clay and was very impressed with the students, faculty, and facilities while visiting Grinnell. This story does not surprise me at all. Congratulations to all the accepted students - Grinnell is a very special place!</p>
<p>I had read another similar story last year about Grinnell. I can’t remember all of the specifics other than to say that a male student had a big show or concert and could not find his dress shirt. One of his professors took him out shopping and bought him one, then they went to the professors home and ironed it and ate dinner together. This professor was not at all connected to the event that the student needed this shirt for. How sweet is that? There have been other stories of the close knit community feel and it’s nice to read about them. Many times we only hear the negative. These stories make it more comfortable for parents like me who are sending their child all the way to Grinnell from very far away. Thanks for posting this Treeman!</p>
<p>Doesn’t surprise me in the least. Two years ago our S did an externship in Grinnell over Spring break and we had to ship out dress clothes. I asked Diane at the CDO whether there was a cleaners nearby so he could get his shirts ironed. To make a long story short, she ironed all of his dress shirts and her husband picked up our S each morning and drove him to the hospital/physicians office. It’s part of what makes Grinnell.</p>
<p>Last year, D’s flight was five hours late (caught in Detroit). Someone from Grinnell security was at the airport gathering up delayed kids and brought a carload back to campus at 1:00 AM. No extra charges for the ride either. We have been very happy with how Grinnell deals with late planes.</p>
<p>Very late one snowy January night when school was
not in session, my daughter went to the only place open (WalMart) to get
some food. Her car started making terrible sounds and she called in a panic.
I told her to approach ANY person she found in the automotive aisle
and ask for help. A kindly shopper got some cardboard and wire
and climbed under her car in the snow and tied up the muffler. </p>
<p>I’m not sure that would happen in New York :-)</p>
<p>^wow rider90, that is amazing!!! Gotta love that mid-west hospitality!!!</p>