History of the Stephen K. Kent `67 Memorial Senior Challenge

Steve Kent `67, a member of the Alumni Council and a Class Fund Director, started the Senior Challenge in 1988 to introduce seniors to Grinnell's tradition of generous alumni support of the institution. He initiated the challenge by donating an additional $5 to the annual fund for every graduating senior who donated to the 1988 Senior Challenge. He also donated an additional $500 to the annual fund because the Class of 1988, with 54% participation, surpassed Kent's own Class of 1967 in percentage of participation.

The Senior Challenge was renamed the Stephen K. Kent `67 Memorial Senior Challenge after Kent's death in 1989. In the second year of the Challenge, more than 50% of seniors gave a total of over $1,400.

Current Program
The Grinnell College Alumni Association Council has challenged us to make a gift to the Pioneer Fund during our senior year. We in turn want to share the experience of philanthropy that comes from being an educated philanthropist and balance with volunteerism to propel the Grinnell College mission and support social justice.

Gifts to the Pioneer Fund help ensure other students receive the same quality experience we did and demonstrate to fellow alumni our commitment to the future of Grinnell and our appreciation of alumni support that we have received during our time at Grinnell. Please join us by making a gift that is meaningful to you and appropriate to your situation.

The Senior Challenge Committee encourages participation from the senior class through letter-writing campaigns, personal contacts, and a Senior Challenge Visibility Day on campus. Seniors who participate may give cash, by credit card, or may have gifts deducted from their student paychecks.