Robert Barron, pictured, a 2002 Grinnell College graduate who co-founded the Latino Political Network, recently received the college’s Joseph F. Wall ’41 Alumni Service Award. Barron plans to hire a full-time staff member for LPN with the $30,000 award. A nonpartisan organization, LPN strives to educate and empower Latinos to serve at all levels of elected office throughout Iowa. “I am honored by Grinnell College’s faith in me and support of the work of the Latino Political Network,” Barron said. “This award gives the LPN a transformational boost for our work to educate and empower new leaders in Iowa.” The award is named in honor of Joseph Wall, a 1941 graduate who inspired his students to embrace the ideal of service through his work as a professor of history and longtime dean of the college. Barron is special assistant for government and community relations to Grand View University President Kent Henning, and was recently elected to a second term on the Des Moines School Board. A public reception for Barron will be held Dec. 2 beginning at 1 p.m. at El Fogon restaurant, 1250 Eighth St., West Des Moines.