The Stories that Started at St. Olaf
Throughout the last year, we invited Oles to reflect on their St. Olaf experiences in honor of the college’s sesquicentennial. Alumni from a wide range of class years shared stories that range from hilarious to poignant to inspiring. Yet they all had one thing in common: the enduring impact that a St. Olaf education had on their life far beyond the Hill, from career paths to relationships to an unwavering commitment to the common good.
Read some of these stories at the links below. To enjoy more Ole reflections, visit 150th.stolaf.edu.
The 1946 football team that won the homecoming game versus Carleton. 
Dick Ensrud ’48 on campus in the fall of 1947 with Newell “Bud” Nelson ’49. 
John “The Tulsa Toe” Sibole ’49 kicks the football for St. Olaf in 1946. 
Dick Ensrud ’48 and Nathalie Peterson Ensrud ’49 on the steps of Rølvaag Memorial Library in the winter of 1948.
Fond memories of a homecoming rivalry
Read the Reflection By Dick Ensrud ’48
Viva Yang ’01 (bottom, center) at his graduation from his study-abroad program in Japan in 2000. 
Viva Yang ’01 in Osaka, Japan, during his study-abroad program. 
Viva Yang ’01 continues to be involved with the St. Olaf community, serving as the inaugural chair of the college’s Hmong Alumni Network, which hosts events and works to connect Oles — both graduates and current students — and build community.
Connecting with my own culture through my college journey
Read the reflection by Viva Yang ’01
A profound connection to the past in Thorson Hall Room 125
Read the reflection by Sydney Mason Casey ’16
From study abroad to a Fulbright to an international career
Read the reflection by Sara Padula ’11
The powerful experience of the inaugural women’s cross country team
Read the reflection by Mären Schmidt DeLaitsch ’76
Jon Campbell ’00
A path in research paved with mentorship from inspirational Oles
Read the reflection by Jonathan (Jon) Campbell ’00
The beauty of a life in harmony
Read the reflection by Gail Hedblom Gallagher ’80
The family together in New Hall for Homecoming and Family Weekend 2024. Back row: Michael Marlett ’94 and Brook Jacobsen ’99. Front Row: Carey Jacobsen ’96, Elise Marlett ’25, Anna Jacobsen ’28, and Emily Jacobsen. 
Carey Jacobsen ’96, Cheryl Rose Jacobsen ’69, and Brook Jacobsen ’99 on Old Main Hill, which was decorated with the St. Olaf crest in celebration of the 1999 Commencement Weekend. 
Michael Marlett ’94 and Carey Jacobsen ’96 in an Ellingson Hall dorm room. 
Mary Evelyn Fogde Rose ’46 standing in front of Mellby Hall following the 1946 commencement ceremony. 
Bertha Fogde, Class of 1925, as pictured in the St. Olaf yearbook.
Five generations spanning 100 of St. Olaf’s 150 years