FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

June 4, 2008

BABAK J. ARMAJANI '68 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.

Babak J. Armajani, a 1968 graduate of Grinnell College from St. Paul, Minn., received an Alumni Award as a member of the 40th reunion class. Following is the citation read about Armajani’s accomplishments: "The government and private sector often seem like polar opposites. But by bringing the best features of the private sector to public institutions, this alumnus is helping make government more efficient, creative, and responsive.

A political science major at Grinnell, this alumnus was an activist for a variety of campus causes. He went on to earn an M.P.A. degree in public affairs from Princeton. Early in his career, this alumnus founded an internship program called Twin City Urban Corps. The program connected students and city government to help foster change, and it became a model for similar programs across the nation. In 1991, he became CEO of Public Strategies Group, an organization dedicated to improving government services.

During the past 17 years, PSG has taken on major challenges. The organization helped run Minneapolis Public Schools for four years. It earned rave reviews for stabilizing finances and restoring trust among teachers. More recently, the organization took on an ambitious project to reorganize Iowa’s government. By redesigning programs and reducing paperwork, PSG saved the state millions of dollars.

In addition to his innovative work, this alumnus has brought his game-changing ideas to others. He is the co-author of 'Breaking Through Bureaucracy,' and he has taught courses at several universities. For his unwavering dedication to building better government, Grinnell is pleased to recognize Babak J. Armajani ’68."

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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