Grinnell College Athletics

Joseph F. Rosenfield '25, though not an athlete, is saluted as an advocate and benefactor of Grinnell athletics. A graduate of Roosevelt High School, Rosenfield has shown a continued interest in bringing students from the Des Moines area to Grinnell. In 1988 he established the Joseph F. Rosenfield scholarship, which provides financial assistance to students from the five public schools in Des Moines, as well as Dowling and Valley in West Des Moines. The Rosenfield scholarship has helped over 200 students pay for a Grinnell education. Over the years, several student-athletes have benefited from this award. Rosenfield is the donor of furnishings for the Honor G/Cubs Room in the Physical Education Complex. The commodious Cubs Room has accommodated countless meetings, classes, team gatherings, and social events. The Cubs corner of the room contains memorabilia of the Chicago baseball team that was Rosenfield's favorite as a fan and minor stockholder. In regard to athletics, Joe says, "I was a great spectator. I don't think I ever missed a sporting event. I was no athlete at all, but I don't think I missed a football game or a basketball game or a track meet, and I would go out and watch football practice and basketball practice and got a big kick out of it." Rosenfield's induction into the Hall of Fame is in recognition of the enormous contribution he has made to the college and the widespread benefits his commitment has had on the various departments, including athletics.