FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Cindy Deppe, media relations, 641-269-4834

June 4, 2008

CAROLYN HEWES TOFT '58 HONORED AT GRINNELL COLLEGE ALUMNI REUNION

GRINNELL, IA - Grinnell College recognized the professional accomplishments and service contributions of 12 alumni during Alumni Reunion Weekend, May 28-June 1 on the Grinnell campus. Alumni Award winners are members of reunion classes who have distinguished themselves in their careers and communities and embody Grinnell’s mission of life-long learning and service.

Carolyn Hewes Toft, a 1958 Grinnell College graduate from St. Louis, received a Distinguished Alumni Award as a member of the 50th reunion class. Following is the citation read about Toft’s accomplishments: "From the Empire State Building in New York City to Louis Sullivan’s Jewel Box Bank on Fourth and Broad, buildings help define the character of a place. For more than three decades, this alumna has fought to preserve historically significant buildings in St. Louis.

This alumna originally planned to pursue a career in music, but found herself fascinated by architectural preservation after living in a 15th-century German house. She earned a master’s degree in urban studies and architectural history from Washington University.

In 1978, she became the executive director of the Landmarks Association of St. Louis, an organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the city’s architectural heritage. Thanks in no small part to this alumna’s work, St. Louis now has more than 120 landmarks on the National Historic Register. Without her efforts, many of these historic buildings would have disappeared.

With wit and passion, this alumna has successfully fought to preserve the city’s historic neighborhoods. She also spearheaded efforts to create an illustrated catalog of St. Louis landmarks and historic districts. The publication has been called an ‘indispensable reference.’ In 1989, the American Institute of Architects recognized her achievements by awarding her honorary membership. For her efforts to preserve the historic buildings of St. Louis for future generations, Grinnell is pleased to honor Carolyn Hewes Toft ’58."

Grinnell College is a nationally recognized, private, four year, liberal arts college located in Grinnell, Iowa. Founded in 1846, Grinnell enrolls 1,600 students from all 50 states and from as many international countries in more than 25 major fields, interdisciplinary concentrations, and pre-professional programs.

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