Joanne Bunge '56
2011 Alumni Award
Most Grinnellians spend four years as part of a college community, but for this alumna, her Grinnell College connection has been a lifetime commitment. As a devoted employee, dedicated volunteer, and steadfast supporter, she exemplifies the spirit of Grinnell.
As a student, this alumna was a music education major. She was heavily involved in extracurriculars, including drama, theater, choir, women’s glee club, band, and cheerleading. She was president of Read Hall her senior year.
She was a champion of Grinnell early on, volunteering to introduce high school students to the college and participating in numerous class events. In 1990, she became more formally connected to the college when she became Grinnell’s planned giving director, a position she held for five years.
In addition to these roles, she spent 17 years as a class agent and is currently an Asa Turner Associate. She has served as a class committee member for more than a decade and helped lead the effort for her class’s exceptionally successful 50th reunion. Her townhouse near the college has become a frequent stopping place for many ’50s-era alumni.
While the college has long been a top priority for this alumna, she has made time for a variety of other worthy causes. In 1988, she received a certificate of commendation by Minnesota Governor Rudy Perpich for her volunteer work and involvement with the Business Education Partnerships. In 1995, she was named volunteer of the year by the town’s Grinnell 2000 Foundation, and in 2000, she received a certificate of appreciation from Iowa Valley Community College for her commitment to adult and continuing education.
For her unceasing commitment to improve Grinnell and connect Grinnellians to one another, we are honored to recognize Joanne Bunge ’56.
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