Concerns raised over the future of Nisei students were thankfully addressed by several leaders in higher education.  Administrators from institutions on the West Coast including UC Berkeley, Washington University, and Occidental College established the Student Relocation Committee and argued for the continued education of Nisei students.

The authorization of Executive Order 9066 sent thousands of Japanese Americans on the West Coast into disorder. Families were forced to quickly sell their businesses, homes, and belongings as they prepared for the unknown.

This uncertainty was particularly salient for current and soon-to-be college students.

Grinnell College President Samuel Stevens supported this initiative and worked with Professor Conard to find a way to bring Nisei students to Grinnell. Despite resistance and objections from several faculty and adminsitrative staff, scholarships for the students were created and their arrival was announced to the study body on May 5, 1942 in the Scarlet and Black.