Get Into Grinnell Blog

Over their years working at Grinnell College, Sarah Smith and Donnette Ellis have seen a lot of new residents move into Grinnell. As connectors of the College and town community, they will both greet newcomers at the upcoming New Resident Welcome event, hosted by the Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce, on September 25, 2025!

As part of their positions in the Community Partnerships, Planning, & Research office, Smith and Ellis work side by side to foster College and community connections all year round. As the Director of Community and Government Relations, Smith cultivates strong relationships with elected officials and policymakers to support institutional and regional goals and initiatives. She also helps coordinate programming at the new Renfrow Hall and the Katherine Howell Weingart ’61 Civic Innovation Pavilion. Ellis, the Community Relations and Grant Coordinator, is a friendly face at the new faculty orientation for Grinnell College and welcomes them into local volunteering programs or giving initiatives. She also facilitates Grinnell College’s mini-grants program, helping distribute funds to places such as the Grinnell School of Music, the Drake Community Library, and more, which new and long-standing residents alike can take advantage of. 

“I love when I meet new faculty and staff members and see them out and about in town and in the community,” shares Smith. Together, Smith and Ellis will gift pamphlets and handouts with all information about Grinnell College! You can also sign up with them for campus tours, as well as a look into the Conard Environmental Research Area. As a sponsor of the New Resident Welcome event on behalf of Grinnell College and their Community Partnerships Office, Smith and Ellis want to share some tips and tricks to new and long-standing residents alike:

1. Most Grinnell College events are free and open to the public. Take a peek at Grinnell College’s community calendar, events.grinnell.edu, or peek at their Instagram’s Story highlight on Mondays to find public events — including sporting events, singing and music recitals, and educational lectures.
2. To stay up to date on Grinnell College news, take a peek at their Newsroom site on the College website.
3. If you have a library card at the Drake Library, use it at the Burling Library! No extra cost.
4. Explore free places during open hours or tours, such as the Grinnell College Museum of Art, the Grant O. Gale Observatory, and the Conard Environmental Research Area.
5. Purchase a membership to the Charles Benson Bear '39 Recreation and Athletic Center and use their facilities! They cost $125 per year, or receive a special discount if you are 60 years of age and older.
6. The dining hall, the Spencer Grill, and the Global Cafe are open to the public. Anyone can purchase hot meals, drinks, and delicious side foods during open hours. Plus, individuals can order from Grinnell College’s catering services.
7. The public Grinnell College Golf Course hosts annual events, such as their Halloween Party, Fourth of July celebration, and a Super Bowl watch party. Join in on the fun!
8. Opt into as many newsletters as you can, suggests Ellis. Sign up for the Chamber of Commerce and Community Connections email newsletter.

“Like we tell our new students,” says Smith, “we want to invite our new residents to get out and do things — eventually you’ll find your people! Go to the Grinnell Farmers Market or eat at local restaurants. Say hi to our Grinnell College students as they move in while you continue to settle in!” Whether you are a long-standing resident or a brand new one, Grinnell College will make sure you fit right in!