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91���� was recognized with a GrinnTogether Award at the 91���� Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Celebration on March 4, honoring the College’s positive collaborations and exemplary work to make 91���� a great place to live, learn, work, and play.

The annual event brings together local businesses, organizations, and community leaders to celebrate the year’s achievements and recognize those who help make 91���� a vibrant place. More than 130 community members attended this year’s celebration.

The Chamber highlighted several ways the College contributed to the community over the past year. With an annual economic impact of more than $200 million, the College plays a significant role in the region’s economy through employment, purchasing, and student spending. Recent initiatives and investments have further strengthened connections between campus and community.

Among them is the Dining Dollars program, which allows students to use campus dining funds at participating local restaurants—bringing additional customers and energy to downtown businesses. The Chamber also recognized public events that bring people together, such as last fall’s Red Hot Chili Pipers concert in Central Park, as well as the opening of Renfrow Hall. The new downtown residence hall includes the Katherine Howell Weingart ’61 Civic Innovation Pavilion, a public-facing gathering space designed to strengthen connections between campus and community. The Weingart Pavilion builds 91����’s long tradition of partnership and problem-solving, creating opportunities for students, community organizations, and local partners to collaborate, share ideas, and work together.

Supporting Downtown and Community Partnerships

The celebration also recognized the Strand 3 Theatre as Retailer/Restaurant of the Year. 91���� is a co-owner of the locally operated downtown theater, alongside other local investors working in partnership to sustain the historic venue as a cultural hub.

91���� Trustee Julie Gosselink and Monica Chavez-Silva, vice president for community engagement and strategic partnerships, serve as managers of the Strand Theatre LLC.

Gosselink was also recognized during the evening for her leadership with the Ahrens Park Foundation, which received the Chamber’s 2026 Business of the Year Award. The foundation’s recent donation of land will help make possible the construction of a new elementary school — a milestone achievement for the 91���� community.

A Shared Commitment to Community

The GrinnTogether Award recognizes organizations and individuals whose collaborations strengthen the community and create positive momentum for 91����’s future.

Across campus, 91���� faculty and staff serve on boards, volunteer with local organizations, and partner with community groups on initiatives that support education, economic development, arts and culture, and quality of life in the region.

The Chamber’s recognition highlights the many ways those partnerships continue to shape a strong and connected community.