Benjamin M. Offenberg '11
Alumni Senior Award
Great leadership goes beyond a rank and a title. It requires an ability to commit to a course of action, to connect with others, and to handle even the most difficult situations with grace and integrity. This student has earned the respect of the campus community through both his work and his wisdom.
This student has served as both vice president and president of the student government association. In his capacity as president, he introduced a number of meaningful proposals, including a successful plan to bring student representation to the Committee on Academic Standing.
During the fall of 2010, when the college community was challenged by a campus hate crime, this student showed strength, compassion, and thoughtfulness as he helped guide students through this tumultuous period. Students say there is "no one [they] would rather have showing President Kington what it is like to be a Grinnellian."
His commitment to the world outside of campus boundaries is exemplified by the work he did during the summer with a Muslim social service agency in Detroit, work that one staff member says is "indicative of his broad interest in the world around him and how he hopes to make it a better place."
For showing how the right kind of leadership can be a positive and significant influence on others, Grinnell is proud to honor Benjamin M. Offenberg '11.
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