GRINNELL, Iowa — Grinnell College is gearing up to celebrate one of its most historic alumna ahead of her 111th birthday. Edith Renfrow Smith was the first African American alumna from Grinnell College, and now, 88 years after graduating, Grinnell is celebrating her legacy by hosting a birthday card drive ahead of her birthday in July.

During her time at the college, Smith majored in psychology with minors in economics and history. She graduated in 1937. The Grinnell-native’s legacy has been cemented at the school, having a women’s library, an art exhibit, and most recently, a resident hall named in her honor.

While Smith currently lives in Chicago, the alumni association is inviting the community to help wish her a happy birthday.

“So, ever since 2020, folks in the community and around campus have been collecting cards to send to her on her birthday. So, recently, our office has been happy to be involved and help do a birthday card drive for Mrs. Edith, and so we’ll have folks send birthday cards to Mrs. Edith Renfrow Smith to us at the alumni office in Grinnell here,” said Nino Parker, Director of Alumni and Donor Relations.

While not a student herself, Smith’s story still inspires current students at the college today.

“Well, for a lot of students, the most I hear is that knowing that Edith could have gone through this place in 1937 gives them inspiration to believe that they can get through it today,” Parker said.

Alumni relations will accept cards for Edith through July 11. Cards can be sent to their office at 733 Broad Street in Grinnell.

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