The Grinnell Experience: A Lifelong Connection

Many Grinnellians have experienced the small world of the College extending significantly beyond campus, beyond borders, and even across generations. For Ivy Chang '01 and Jeremiah Garza '98, everything began when they lived across the hall from one another in Younker Hall. But that was only the start.

Chang, originally from L.A., and Garza, from south Texas, married in June 2007. They met at the College in 1997. Although they shared an immediate connection, Garza admits his feelings for Chang grew exponentially upon reading some of her writing for the college admission publications."Although we like to tease each other regarding who made the first move, I admit, she had me when she introduced herself as my floor representative on the my first day back at school," Garza says.

The Grinnell connection went even further. Alan Rosenfield '73 interviewed Chang when she applied to Grinnell. They stayed in touch, and Rosenfield attended Changšs Grinnell commencement and even presided over the couple's wedding last year.

Chang earned a master's degree in social work at Smith College; she now works as health services manager for the Early Head Start program at the Venice Family Clinic. Garza earned master's degrees in health promotion and public health at the University of Iowa while Chang completed her Grinnell education. He now works at Samuels and Associates, a research and evaluation firm, where he works with foundations, health departments, school districts, and other clients, to help communities and policymakers understand and respond to public health issues.

Chang and Garza both volunteer in support of Grinnell admission and alumni relations for the College in the greater Los Angeles area. They conduct admission interviews, attending college fairs, and speak passionately the experience that shaped their lives. Garza was proud to serve on the Posse admission committee, a responsibility he did not take lightly.

"Grinnell was simply the best experience of my life, and I wanted to give back," Garza says. "The countless formal and informal learning opportunities at Grinnell challenged me profoundly and helped shape who I am, as well as the academic and professional options I have today. Though the culture shock of studying in Iowa was immense, having grown up on the Texas-Mexico border, being at Grinnell helped me clarify my ethnic identity and my commitment to social service. I want these students to understand the resources they have at this school and how this opportunity can change their lives too."

Chang and Garza are both pleased to see the Los Angeles Grinnell community grow. The annual summer kick-off picnic has become a great gathering not just for incoming and prospective students and their families, but also for alumni. Chang found her new intern, Phoebe Souza '08, at the picnic last summer. "I met a student there who was very interested in the work I was doing," Chang says. "It is a wonderful opportunity to mentor a recent graduate. Everybody wins."

The picnic has become a great networking opportunity for alumni, as well as an opportunity for new and prospective students to learn about the value of a Grinnell education.

The growing Grinnell community in L.A. has developed creative ways to connect with new students. This year the Grinnell in L.A. Committee chose to welcome the record 18 new students from Los Angeles by assembling individual care packages including personal notes of encouragement and support as well as small jars of sand from famous Venice beach.

"We both love the College," says Chang. "When admission needs us, we're here. We are all part of the larger Grinnell community and we want others to know you can live anywhere and experience it."