Crown Prince Haakon Magnus of Norway visits campus
His Royal Highness Crown Prince Haakon Magnus of Norway visited St. Olaf College on Wednesday, October 8, as a part of a weeklong trip to the United States to commemorate the 200th anniversary of organized Norwegian migration to North America.
The Crown Prince was greeted on his arrival at Buntrock Commons by St. Olaf President Susan Rundell Singer, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Tarshia Stanley, Student Government Association President Fiona Mundy ’26, and Norwegian student Herman Hjorthaug ’27.
“This is a once in a lifetime event,” Pearl Swanson ’28 said, as she stood with friends on the campus green waiting to welcome the Crown Prince. “Even though it’s a little chilly out this morning, you can’t just miss an opportunity like this – it’s not an everyday thing, for a prince to come to your school and meet you. It’s just cool.”
Crown Prince Haakon’s visit continues a long tradition of royal family engagements at St. Olaf: he himself last visited in 2005, Her Majesty Queen Sonja of Norway visited in the fall of 2022, and earlier visits from King Harald V, Princess Astrid, Princess Märtha Louise, and King Olav V have marked the college’s history.
As the Crown Prince, his attendants, and the St. Olaf receiving committee stepped onto the plaza, the crowd erupted in cheers and applause, welcoming the heir to the Norwegian throne to a celebration of heritage, scholarship, and cultural exchange. As he walked through campus, the Crown Prince greeted several students, and chatted with them about their studies and interests — even offering advice to undecided first-year Robert Munoz-Reynoso ’29.
“Just focus on your intro studies right now,” he advised. “You have plenty of time before you need to decide.”
The Crown Prince stops to talk with Pearl Swanson ’27, Ivy Seibert ’28, and Hannah Nicklay ’28. Photo by Steven Garcia ’20. 
The air buzzed with hardanger fiddle and swedish violin music from the Lars Skjervheim Spelemannslag, as the crowd eagerly awaited a glimpse of the Crown Prince. Photo by Steven Garcia ’20. 
The Crown Prince and attendants learn about Norwegian-American history in Rølvaag Memorial Library. Photo by Steven Garcia ’20. 
The student body and various faculty and staff members gathered on the campus green between Buntrock Commons and Rølvaag Memorial Library, waving Norwegian flags — their red, white, and blue standing out against the autumn leaves. Photo by Steven Garcia ’20.
The Crown Prince’s first official stop was the Rølvaag Memorial Library Reference Room, where King Olav V Chair in Scandinavian-American Studies and Director of Nordic Studies Kari Lie Dorer guided him through various presentations, including select student research showcases on Norwegian-American life. Annie McMullen ’27 presented courses designed to commemorate the bicentennial of migration, while Andrew Bonk ’28 and Preston Lee ’29 shared a digital timeline of the college’s early years. Sophia Gonzalez ’26 highlighted Henrik Ibsen’s influence in America, and Otelia Lighthill ’27 presented research on Norwegian-American women – in Norwegian.
Representatives for the Norwegian American Historical Association introduced archival materials from World War II, and student Jean Butler ’26 described a 1930s royal visit. The session concluded with a presentation about the history of the Oslo International Summer School (ISS) from the Head of the Office of the Oslo ISS North American Branch Michelle Fredrickson and Administrative Coordinator for the Oslo ISS Lance Halberg ’23, and a talk from Smaby Peace Scholar Evan Atchison ’26, who discussed how immigrant communities find belonging through soccer.
By mid-morning, the procession moved to Boe Memorial Chapel, where the St. Olaf Choir and St. Olaf Orchestra filled the sanctuary with music. President Rundell Singer opened the convocation with an acknowledgement of the bicentennial of the vessel Restauration’s journey to America, which launched a century of migration that saw nearly a third of Norway’s population cross the Atlantic.
“This year marks the 200th anniversary of Norwegian migration to America — a milestone that is particularly noteworthy for our campus community because some of those intrepid Norwegian immigrants went on to found St. Olaf College in 1874,” she said. “Today, we are honored to host a distinguished guest whose presence underscores the deep and enduring ties between Norway and St. Olaf.”
After President Rundell Singer’s greeting, Crown Prince Haakon stepped to the podium to reflect on the bonds uniting his country and ours, and the 200 years between.
“The migrants [who left Norway], they came for land, for liberty, for a chance to live out their faith,” he said. “When they arrived, they built communities right here in Minnesota and across the Midwest — they built churches and schools, they built lives, and they built a bridge between our nations that still stands today. I would like to thank St. Olaf for its major and lasting contribution to keeping our common history and legacy alive, not just as dusty memories fixed in time, but as a living bond that keeps evolving.”
He spoke of his own time studying at the University of California, Berkeley, describing the mix of perspectives he encountered as formative.
“I learned from impressive professors, but I learned just as much from my fellow students, people from every corner of the globe with every kind of perspective,” the Crown Prince said. “We didn’t always agree, but we listened, we argued, we learned. That is the essence of a free society. Independent teaching and research is at the heart of democracy, and so to the students here today, cherish that freedom. Seek out those who are different from you. Be curious, be generous, because that is how we grow.”
Parker Chelikowsky ‘27, Odin Milbury ‘27, Maren Miller ‘27, and Madi Tally ‘26 asked the Crown Prince questions. Photo by Steven Garcia ’20. 
Some community members had pulled out their patterned Norwegian sweaters, while a select few had opted instead for full bunads, a traditional Norwegian folk costume. Photo by Steven Garcia ’20. 
The St. Olaf Choir and St. Olaf Orchestra provided musical accompaniment for the convocation. Photo by Steven Garcia ’20.
Following his remarks, Dorer introduced four students for a discussion with the Crown Prince: Norwegian, English and creative writing major Parker Chelikowsky ‘27, Norwegian and quantitative economics major Odin Milbury ‘27, Nordic studies and quantitative economics major Maren Miller ‘27, and psychology major Madi Tally ‘26.
Miller opened by asking why this anniversary matters.
“200 years ago, it was a tough time in Norway,” the Crown Prince began. “People left because they saw opportunities in the United States, and I think the U.S. captured the imagination of the world back then, as it has done since. Today, there are millions of Americans that have Norwegian ancestry, and that is the foundation of the good relationship between the United States and Norway today. When I meet Americans with Norwegian heritage, I feel very proud of how you take care of that culture, and see it as an important part of your identity. “
Tally, who had studied abroad in Oslo and Copenhagen, asked about the value of an international education.
“I think it’s interesting to meet people who see things completely different that you do, and who do not care so much about the things you care a lot about, and who care a lot about other things that you don’t really know anything about — the world is big, and there is a lot out there,” the Crown Prince replied. “I think it is important to listen, to learn from the people around you, and to have a little bit of humility when we engage with other people.”
Chelikowsky asked why studying Norwegian still matters. The Crown Prince laughed and flipped the question back: “It would be more interesting to hear your answer.” After Chelikowsky described how the language deepened his love of the culture, Crown Prince Haakon responded warmly.
“I’m happy to hear that. Of course, we as Norwegians think that it’s worthwhile, because there are a lot of interesting things when you look at the history, how America, Norway, and Norwegian American society has evolved.”
Milbury, a dual Norwegian American citizen, asked about the Crown Prince’s work with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and which projects have left the deepest impression on him.
“I’ve been working with the UNDP for more than 20 years,” he said. “Sometimes global challenges like poverty or climate change can feel overwhelming. But when I visit specific projects, I see that change is possible. When local communities and governments take ownership and work together with international partners, it can really make people’s lives better. That is something I always bring with me.”
The dialogue ended on a lighter note, with a question about his rumored DJing days. The Crown Prince admitted he had played at “a very low level” during his college years, and he praised today’s thriving Norwegian music scene — as well as the chapel performance of the choir and orchestra.
“What a gift, to be able to listen to you playing and singing. Well done.”
As the same orchestra played the recessional, the Crown Prince returned to Buntrock Commons for a final farewell. Students in the Crossroads waved as he departed.
Founded by Norwegian immigrants in 1874, St. Olaf has preserved its heritage through language, archives, and music — all of which were on display throughout the day.
“I think a key to [St. Olaf’s] success is the way you have lifted the Norwegian American experience into a global context, welcoming students and guests from all backgrounds,” the Crown Prince said. “Thank you again, for receiving me so kindly here today.”
Watch the full Convocation below.