The Homecoming and Family Weekend schedule is here. See all that the weekend has to offer and plan your time on campus. Download the .pdf version of the Schedule of Events.
Art Exhibitions
Center for Art and Dance, Flaten Art Museum and Groot Gallery
Museum hours
Friday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Sunday: Noon–5 p.m.
Ken Gonzales-Day: Shadowlands | September 1 – October 29, 2017
This exhibition is a survey of the artist’s career and considers the historical construction of race in America. Gonzales-Day combines scholarly research and a photo-journalistic sensibility with rich aesthetics to create jarringly haunting portraits of historical trauma present in both the people and the land of the United States.
Object Study: Fall 2017 | September 8 – December 20, 2017
Object Study (CAD 205) is a hybrid gallery-classroom — a place where students can have close and repeated encounters with artworks from Flaten Art Museum’s collection to deepen their understanding of the subjects covered in classes across the curriculum.
Theater
Haugen Theater, Kelsey Theater Building
Friday: 7:30 p.m.
Saturday: 7:30 p.m.
Sunday: 2 p.m.
Be Here Now | Written by Carson Kreitzer | Directed by Professor Karen Wilson
A modern day take on Anton Chekhov’s Three Sisters. This is part of our New Plays on Campus collaboration with the Playwrights’ Center in Minneapolis.
For tickets, please call the box office at 507-786-8987.
Oles in Northfield
Downtown Northfield
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
Several restaurants and eating establishments will be offering specials in celebration of Homecoming and Family Weekend. Pick up a flyer at registration when you check in to take advantage of these great deals.
Friday, October 6
7–9:45 a.m. Breakfast
Buntrock Commons, Stav Hall
Pay at the door ($7.10 plus tax for adults, children (ages 5-11) half price; students can use Ole cards).
8 a.m.–6 p.m. Registration
Buntrock Commons, Crossroads
8 a.m.–3 p.m. Open Classes
Many faculty open their classrooms for visiting families and alumni. Get a list at the registration table in Buntrock Commons Crossroads.
10:10 a.m. Chapel Service of Morning Prayer
Boe Memorial Chapel
TBA Celebrating the Renewal and Renovation of Holland Hall
Holland Hall
Join us for a celebration of Holland Hall following the year-and-a-half long remodeling project transforming one of St. Olaf College’s oldest and most iconic academic buildings into its newest high-tech learning space. As the details of this event are finalized we will update the Schedule of Events. Call 888-865-6537 for more information.
10:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Lunch
Buntrock Commons, Stav Hall
Pay at the door ($11 plus tax for adults, children (ages 5-11) half price; students can use Ole cards).
10:45–11:40 a.m. Maj. Gen. William Collins ’84 presents ‘Leadership in a Changing World’
Buntrock Commons, Viking Theater
President David R. Anderson ’74 hosts this year’s 2016 Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, Maj. Gen. William Collins ’84 (USMC), in a discussion about navigating an organization through rapid change.
4 p.m. Dance Department “We Dance: First Glimpse”
Center for Art and Dance, Wagner Bundgaard Studio 1
See a preview of this year’s upcoming dances in an informal showing.
4:30–7:30 p.m. Dinner
Buntrock Commons, Stav Hall
Pay at the door ($11 plus tax for adults, children (ages 5-11) half price; students can use Ole cards).
7–11 p.m. Young Alumni Event in the Twin Cities
Stella’s Fish Cafe, Minneapolis
Alumni from the classes of 2007 through 2017 are invited to Stella’s to kick off Homecoming and Family Weekend. RSVP online for the chance to win a St. Olaf sweatshirt! There will be appetizers and a cash bar.
7 p.m. Women’s Volleyball vs. Macalester College
Skoglund Center
8 p.m. ‘Ghosts of St. Olaf’ tour
Begins on the steps of the Theater Building
(Rain site: Tomson Hall 280 – Alumni Auditorium)
Vice President for Student Life Greg Kneser will lead a tour of haunted venues on the Hill, ending behind Thorson Hall with a bonfire, hot chocolate, and the tale of the “Red Hat Boy”.
9 p.m. Homecoming Bonfire
Behind Thorson Hall
(Rain site: Buntrock Commons Crossroads)
Gather for a fire, hot chocolate, and s’mores. All alumni, family members, students, and community members are welcome to attend.
Saturday, October 7
7 a.m.–6 p.m. Registration
Buntrock Commons, Crossroads
7–9:45 a.m. Breakfast
Buntrock Commons, Stav Hall
Pay at the door ($7.10 plus tax for adults, children (ages 5-11) half price; students can use Ole cards).
7:15 a.m. Homecoming 5K Run Check-In
North side of Skoglund Fieldhouse
(Rain or shine, but canceled in case of severe weather)
T-shirts will be available to pre-registered runners only during the pre-race check-in. Same-day registrants (including current students) may participate for $5 (but you will not receive a t-shirt).
8 a.m. Homecoming 5K Run
Starts at Skoglund Fieldhouse
(Rain or shine, but canceled in case of severe weather)
Check in prior to the run to sign your waiver.
8 a.m.–2 p.m. Photo Scavenger Hunt
Play the Homecoming photo scavenger hunt and you’ll be entered into a drawing for prizes! Clues will be printed in the Schedule of Events program when you check in and on the Homecoming and Family Weekend webpage.
8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Holland Hall Open House and Tour
Holland Hall
Enjoy a self-led tour showcasing the newly remodeled spaces of Holland Hall. With natural light throughout the building, students and faculty will enjoy the new offices, classrooms, and gathering areas. Come check out all of the new features and designs of this historic building.
9–9:45 a.m. Learning Seminar: The Piper Center for Vocation and Career
Regents Hall, Room 150
Parents and students are invited to hear directly from the Director of the Piper Center and from current Oles who have leveraged the Piper Center’s resources. Learn more about the current job market for graduates of four-year institutions and about the support that the Piper Center can provide to students: vocational discernment, career coaching, student-alumni networking, career exploration trips, on-campus recruiting, internships, entrepreneurial programs, and much more.
9–9:45 a.m. Study Travel for Alumni, Parents, and Friends: Cuba in Transition
Rølvaag Memorial Library, English Wing 525
What has been the impact of the Obama era changes in U.S. policy toward Cuba, and what lies ahead for Cuba-U.S. relations under President Trump? What did the death of Fidel Castro mean for Cuba’s communist regime, and has his passing opened the way for more reforms? Professor of History, Jeane Delaney, who has led groups to Cuba for over fifteen years (including seven Interim programs and two Study Travel programs for adults), will provide her insights into these changes and their impact on the lives of ordinary Cubans.
9–10 a.m. Town Hall Gathering with President David R. Anderson ’74
Tomson Hall 280 (Alumni Auditorium)
All visiting alumni, family members, and campus guests are invited to an interactive presentation by President Anderson, who will provide his perspective on higher education in America today and St. Olaf College’s place within that landscape. Refreshments provided.
9-11 a.m. The 7th Annual Legacy Homecoming Event *
Buntrock Commons, Viking Theater
A special event for high school students whose parent(s), sibling(s), or relative(s) attend or attended St Olaf.
9 a.m. Check In — Refreshments
9:15 a.m. Welcome
Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid Chris George ‘94
Legacy: Not a Reason to Come, Not a Reason to Stay Away!
9:30 a.m. STO Talk
Mark Robinson, Professor or Russian
10 a.m. Legacy Student Panel Discussion and Q&A
10:30 a.m. Campus Tours
Even if you think you know the place, take a fresh look with a current student tour guide. Tours end at the luncheon on Buntrock Commons Plaza.
*This event requires a separate registration. Register today!
10 a.m.–1 p.m. Ole Gear Sale
Buntrock Commons, St. Olaf Bookstore
Get into the spirit with our sale outside the bookstore.
10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Panel Discussion on Inclusion and Diversity
Tomson Hall 280 (Alumni Auditorium)
You are invited to join Bruce King, Assistant to the President and Chief Diversity Officer along with other members of the college community for an informative conversation on how St.Olaf strives to meet the needs of an inclusive and diverse campus environment. This will be a great time to engage in this important conversation.
11 a.m.–1 p.m. Alumni Author Signing
Buntrock Commons, St. Olaf Bookstore
Meet Nan Rucker Johnson ’79, writing as M.M. Holaday, and Jonathan Wiese ’89.
11 a.m.–5 p.m. Um! Yah! Yah! photo wall
Outside Boe Memorial Chapel, near the Festival Lunch
(Rain site: Buntrock Commons, Crossroads)
Grab your family and friends to take a photo at the Um! Yah! Yah! photo wall and re-live your Homecoming memories for years to come.
11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Festival Lunch
Buntrock Commons Plaza
(Rain site: Stav Hall, with overflow seating available in the Ballroom; activities will relocate to Buntrock Commons)
Pre-registration requested
Adults $15, children (ages 5-11) $8, students may use Ole Cards.
All guests and students are invited for lunch on the campus green, where the college’s food service provider, Bon Appétit, will serve a local harvest feast featuring local ingredients from southern Minnesota. Pre-registration for this meal is requested, though not required, as on-site tickets will be available for purchase. During lunch, enjoy a game of BINGO from your table, vying for St. Olaf-themed prizes.
11:30 a.m. Ole Club Picnic
Manitou Field (east end)
Join athletic alumni, current student athletes, coaches, and Ole Club donors to reconnect and reminisce.
Noon–2 p.m. Alumni Spirit Tent
Manitou Field
Stop at the Alumni spirit tent for a free decal featuring the new St. Olaf logo. Check out the new logo inspired t-shirts and sweatshirts for sale! Purchase a cheer kit to show your Ole spirit at today’s athletic events.
Saturday Athletics events
1 p.m. Football vs. Hamline University
Manitou Field
1 p.m. Men’s Soccer vs. Macalester College
Rolf Mellby Field
3:30 p.m. Women’s Soccer vs. Macalester College
Rolf Mellby Field
3:30 – 4:30 p.m. Student Government Association Reunion
Buntrock Commons, Student Activities Office 107
SGA executive team and senate alumni are invited to gather outside the Office of Student Activities for snacks and refreshments, to meet and mingle with past and current SGA members, and to check out the recent office remodel.
4 p.m. St. Olaf Natural Lands tour
Meet at the Art Barn (canceled in case of severe weather)
Walk the trails with Natural Lands Curator Kathy Shea and student naturalists. Learn about the abundant variety of flora and fauna in this protected area and how St. Olaf faculty and students use the land.
4:15–6 p.m. GLOW! campfire social
Fire pit behind Thorson Hall (Thorson Lounge in case of rain)
St. Olaf GLOW! (Gay, Lesbian, Or Whatever!) and the members of the Intersectionality House invite all gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and allied alumni and family members to gather around the warm light of a campfire for s’mores, hot chocolate, and conversation, and learn about St. Olaf’s LGBTQ+ community from current students on the Hill.
4:30–5:30 p.m. Parents’ Reception
Buntrock Commons, Black and Gold Ballrooms
Parents and family members are invited to a reception to meet others from your geographic area and from your student’s residence hall.
4:30–7:30 p.m. Dinner
Buntrock Commons, Stav Hall
Pay at the door ($11 plus tax for adults, children (ages 5-11) half price; students can use Ole cards).
7:30 p.m. St. Olaf Band Concert
Skoglund Center Auditorium
Open to all. No tickets required.
Sunday, October 8
8 a.m.–noon Registration
Buntrock Commons, Crossroads
8:30–10:15 a.m. Sunday Continental Breakfast
Buntrock Commons, Stav Hall
Pay at the door ($7.10 plus tax for adults, children (ages 5-11) half price; students can use Ole cards).
10:30 a.m. Service of Holy Communion
Boe Memorial Chapel
Music by the St. Olaf Handbell Choir and the Chamber Singers.
11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Brunch
Buntrock Commons, Stav Dining Hall
Tickets are required and are available at the registration table ($12 plus tax for adults, children(ages 5 -11) half price; students can use Ole cards).
1 p.m. Men’s Soccer vs. University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
Rolf Melby Field
3:30 p.m. Family Weekend Concert
Skoglund Center Auditorium
This concert will feature the Manitou Singers, Norseman Band, Philharmonia, and Viking Chorus. Open to all. No tickets required.