The 2019 Homecoming and Family Weekend schedule is here. See all that the weekend has to offer and plan your time on campus, October 4-6.
View, download, or print a .pdf Schedule of Events
Art Exhibition
Center for Art and Dance, Flaten Art Museum and Groot Gallery
Museum hours
Friday: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Saturday: Noon–4 p.m.
Sunday: Noon–4 p.m.
Swimming on Dry Land/Nadar en seco | September 5 – December 18, 2019
Swimming on Dry Land/Nadar en seco features video and installation work by interdisciplinary artist Coco Fusco. Over the past three decades, the Cuban-American artist has remained committed to issues related to the production of knowledge, gender, race, and power. Building on those themes, this exhibition explores the intersections of historicity, memory, absence, and the challenge that poetic license and critical vision represent for the Cuban revolution. Of her work Fusco notes, “Visitors to Cuba invariably arrive because they are obsessed with its past. For Cubans, however, there is an ongoing struggle, both to shape a vision of a postrevolutionary future and to address suppressed events from the past and present. My work is part of that effort.” As Fusco grapples with Cuba’s impact on her own political vision, she questions the country’s mythological place in collective global consciousness.
Theater Performances
Haugen Theater
Performance times
Friday: 7:30 p.m.
Saturday: 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Sunday: 1 p.m. and 6 p.m.
She Kills Monsters written by Qui Nguyen
Directed by Michelle Cowin Gibbs, Assistant Professor of Theater
After the untimely death of her estranged younger sister, Agnes Evans goes on a daring imaginary adventure into her sister’s final campaign in the world of Dungeons and Dragons. With the help of Chuck the dungeon master, Lilith the Demon Queen, Kalope the Dark Elf, and Tillius the Paladin, they battle hordes of monsters, memories, loss, and grief as Agnes attempts to rebuild a relationship with her sister that death took away.
Tickets are $10.00 and can be reserved by calling the box office at 507-786-3332. Cash and check accepted.
Friday, October 4
7–9:45 a.m. Breakfast
Buntrock Commons, Stav Hall
Pay at the door ($7.25 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 members open their classrooms for visiting families and alumni. Get a list at the registration table in Buntrock Commons Crossroads.
10-11 a.m. Follow the Food Tour with Bon Appétit
Buntrock Commons, gather at KSTO Studio (lower level by the elevators)
Join St. Olaf’s Bon Appétit General Manager Traci Quinnell as she shows what makes our nationally recognized dining experience so extraordinary. Our tour starts where the product arrives and ends where we serve 6,000 meals a day. The tour is limited to 12 participants, and additional tours will be given on Friday at 2 p.m. and on Saturday at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sign up at the registration area in Buntrock Commons Crossroads.
10:10-10:30 a.m. Chapel Service of Morning Prayer
Boe Memorial Chapel
10:30 a.m.–2 p.m. Lunch
Buntrock Commons, Stav Hall
Pay at the door ($11.25 plus tax for adults, children ages 5–11 half price; students can use Ole cards).
12:55-1:50 p.m. Celebrating 50 Years of Race and Ethnic Studies
Buntrock Commons, Viking Theater
Join students in class with a lecture by Jennifer Kwon Dobbs, Associate Professor of English; Director of Race and Ethnic Studies on “History of Race and Ethnic Studies at St. Olaf College.”
2-3 p.m. Follow the Food Tour with Bon Appétit
Buntrock Commons, gather at KSTO Studio (lower level by the elevators)
Join St. Olaf’s Bon Appétit General Manager Traci Quinnell as she shows what makes our nationally recognized dining experience so extraordinary. Our tour starts where the product arrives and ends where we serve 6,000 meals a day. The tour is limited to 12 participants, and additional tours will be given on Friday at 10 a.m. and on Saturday at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sign up at the registration area in Buntrock Commons Crossroads.
3:15–4:15 p.m. Behind-the-Scenes Tour of the Ice Arena
Tostrud Center for Recreation
Ready to see the brand-new ice arena? Enjoy a tour of the arena and related spaces, learning many fun facts about St. Olaf’s state-of-the-art ice facility. Check out the open skating times, too!
4–5 p.m. Dance Department ‘First Glimpse’
Center for Art and Dance, Wagner Bundgaard Dance Studio 1 (3rd floor)
Enjoy a preview of this year’s upcoming dances in this informal showing. Dance faculty will provide insight into their creative process for works that will be performed later in the year during the Companydance, Veselica International Dance Ensemble, and First-Year Dance Project spring concerts.
4:30–7:30 p.m. Dinner
Buntrock Commons, Stav Hall
Pay at the door ($11.25 plus tax for adults, children ages 5–11 half price; students can use Ole cards).
6–8 p.m. Alumni Awards Banquet
Buntrock Commons, Black and Gold Ballrooms
Pre-registration is required. $30/person
Join us in honoring St. Olaf’s finest and their contributions to the world. The 2019 Alumni Award honorees are:
Distinguished Alumni Award: Nathan Lindgren ’63
Alumni Achievement Award: Karine Moe ’85
Outstanding Service Award: Jerome Appeldoorn ’67, Robert Gehringer ’71, John Mittelsteadt ’81, Douglas Tate ’70
7 p.m. Women’s Volleyball vs. University of Northwestern (Minn.)
Skoglund Center
7–11 p.m. Young Alumni Event in the Twin Cities
Lynlake Brewery, Minneapolis
Alumni from the Classes of 2009 through 2019 are invited to LynLake Brewery to kick off Homecoming and Family Weekend. Drink tickets are provided to the first 100 registrants. There will be appetizers and a cash bar.
8–10 p.m. Open Skating at the Ice Arena
Tostrud Center for Recreation
Here’s your chance to skate at St. Olaf’s new ice arena with free skate rental for the weekend. A waiver must be signed for all participants.
9–11 p.m. Bonfire
Mellby Lawn (Rain site: Buntrock Commons, Crossroads)
Gather around fire pits for s’mores and conversation. All alumni, family members, students, and community members are welcome to attend.
Saturday, October 5
7 a.m.–6 p.m. Registration
Buntrock Commons, Crossroads
7–9:45 a.m. Breakfast
Buntrock Commons, Stav Hall
Pay at the door ($7.25 plus tax for adults, children ages 5–11 half price; students can use Ole cards).
7:15 a.m. Homecoming 5K Run Check-in
Tostrud Center (Enter at the north side by garage door)
(Takes place 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 Tostrud Fieldhouse
(rain or shine, but canceled in case of severe weather)
Check in prior to the run to sign your waiver.
**Note: Deadline to register including a t-shirt is September 18**
9–9:45 a.m. Behind-the-Scenes Tour of the Ice Arena
Tostrud Center for Recreation
Ready to see the brand-new ice arena? Enjoy a tour of the arena and related spaces, learning many fun facts about St. Olaf’s state-of-the-art ice facility. Check out the open skating times, too!
9–10 a.m. The Piper Center for Vocation and Career – Open House
Tomson Hall 270
Drop by for a cup of coffee and a pastry to discover how the Piper Center is supporting current students and alumni as they pursue their vocation and careers. Connect with Piper Center Career Coaches, including our new Associate Director of Alumni Career Services Jenele Grassle, to learn how we support professional development and explore ways you can assist students with jobs, internships, and networking.
9–10 a.m. Follow the Food Tour with Bon Appetit
Buntrock Commons, gather at KSTO Studio (lower level, by the elevators)
Join Traci Quinnell, St. Olaf’s Bon Appetit General Manager, as she shows off what makes our nationally recognized dining experience so extraordinary. Our “Follow the Food” tour starts where the product arrives and ends where we serve 6000 meals a day. The tour is limited to 12 participants. Additional tours will be given on Friday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and on Saturday at 2 p.m. Sign up at the registration area in Buntrock Commons Crossroads.
9–11 a.m. The 9th 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.–1 p.m. St. Olaf Fund Volunteer Summit on the Hill
Tomson Hall 210
*For current St. Olaf Fund alumni volunteers only
Includes attendance at Town Hall Gathering with President David R. Anderson ’74 from 10-11 a.m., followed by a working lunch.
St. Olaf Fund alumni volunteers will gather to hear updates on what’s new with the St. Olaf Fund and volunteer efforts in FY20, receive tips and tricks from staff, talk with current students, and connect with fellow volunteers.
10–11 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.
11 a.m.–12 p.m. Family Resource Expo
Campus quad (Rain site: Buntrock Commons, The Pause)
Join us at the Family Resource Expo to learn about the vast amounts of resources and services that are available to your students while at St. Olaf. Tables will be staffed to help answer your questions about a variety of topics including: Boe House Counseling Services, Academic Advising, Student Housing, Health Services, Public Safety, Student Employment, the Libraries & Information Technology, among many others.
11:00 a.m.–noon City of Northfield Tour
Shuttle departs from Buntrock Commons circle
Adults $7, children (ages 5–11) $5
Take a guided shuttle bus tour of Northfield, led by Barb Evans, a member of the Heritage Preservation Commission, to learn about its historic and interesting sites, including architectural points of interest and its historic downtown. This tour is led in conjunction with the Northfield Historical Society.
11 a.m.–5 p.m. Um! Yah! Yah! Photo Wall
Outside Boe Memorial Chapel
(Rain site: Buntrock Commons, Crossroads)
Bring your family and friends to take a photo at the Um! Yah! Yah! photo wall.
11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Festival Lunch
Buntrock Commons, Stav Hall
Pre-registration for this meal is requested, though not required, as on-site tickets will be available for cash/card/check purchase at registration or cash purchase outside of Stav Hall. Adults $13, children (ages 5–11) half price; students may use Ole Cards.
All guests and students are invited to dine in Stav Hall for cuisine prepared by the college’s award-winning food service provider, Bon Appétit, and featuring ingredients from southern Minnesota.
11:00 a.m. Touchdown Club Picnic
Klein Field at Manitou (east end)
Join athletic alumni, current student athletes, coaches, and Ole Club donors to connect and reminisce.
12:45–1:45 p.m. City of Northfield Tour
Shuttle departs from Buntrock Commons circle (North door facing the parking lot; shuttle loading begins at 12:45 p.m. and departs at 1 p.m.)
Adults $7, children (ages 5–11) $5
Take a guided shuttle bus tour of Northfield, led by Barb Evans, a member of the Heritage Preservation Commission, to learn about its historic and interesting sites, including architectural points of interest and its historic downtown. This tour is led in conjunction with the Northfield Historical Society.
1 p.m. Football Game vs. Hamline University
Klein Field at Manitou
1:30–3 p.m. Celebrating 50 Years of Race and Ethnic Studies
Buntrock Commons, Viking Theater
Attend a conversation with Jennifer Kwon Dobbs, Associate Professor English; Director of Race and Ethnic Studies, and Ron Hunter ’70.
2–3 p.m. Follow the Food Tour with Bon Appetit
Buntrock Commons, gather at KSTO Studio (lower level, by the elevators)
Join St. Olaf’s Bon Appétit General Manager Traci Quinnell as she shows what makes our nationally recognized dining experience so extraordinary. Our tour starts where the product arrives and ends where we serve 6,000 meals a day. The tour is limited to 12 participants. Additional tours will be given on Friday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and on Saturday at 9 a.m. Sign up at the registration area in Buntrock Commons Crossroads.
3–4 p.m. Meet Deanna Thompson ’89, Director of the Lutheran Center for Faith, Values, and Community
Buntrock Commons, Heritage Room
This October St. Olaf is launching the new Lutheran Center for Faith, Values, and Community. The Center is dedicated to enriching the spiritual and relational well-being of members and friends of the St. Olaf community by being committed to and nourished by Lutheran tradition as well as actively and intentionally inclusive of those of all religions and no religion.
You’re invited to an open house to meet the new Director of the Lutheran Center, Deanna Thompson ’89. Hear remarks by Deanna at 3:20 p.m.
3–4:30 p.m. Celebrating 50 Years of Race and Ethnic Studies
Buntrock Commons, Glenn and Myretta Taylor Center for Equity and Inclusion, Room 111
Open House and Professional Networking: “The impact of Race and Ethnic Studies in Professional Life.”
3:30–4:30 p.m. Behind-the-Scenes Tour of the Ice Arena
Tostrud Center for Recreation
Ready to see the brand-new ice arena? Enjoy a tour of the arena and related spaces, learning many fun facts about St. Olaf’s state-of-the-art ice facility. Check out the open skating times, too!
3:30–4:30 p.m. Student Government Association (SGA) Reunion
Buntrock Commons, Student Activities Office
All SGA alumni are invited to gather outside the Office of Student Activities for snacks and refreshments, and to meet and mingle with past and current SGA members.
4 p.m. St. Olaf Natural Lands Tour
Meet at the Art Barn (Canceled in case of severe weather.)
Walk the trails with Kathy Shea, Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies and Curator of Natural Lands, 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.
4-5 p.m. Limestones 30th Anniversary Concert
Buntrock Commons, The Pause
Limestones young and old(er), past and present, will come together to present a concert to celebrate the 30th year of the group’s existence. Featured music will be from past CD’s as well as a few new pieces arranged for this concert. Doors open at 3:30 p.m.
4:30-5:30 p.m. SAGA Campfire Social
Fire pit behind Thorson Hall (Rain site: Thorson Hall Lounge)
St. Olaf’s SAGA (Sexuality and Gender Alliance) and the members of the Intersectionality House invite all LGBTQ+ alumni, family members, and allies to join us around the warm light of a campfire for s’mores and conversation. Come 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.
4:30–5:30 p.m. Celebrating 50 Years of Race and Ethnic Studies
Buntrock Commons, Heritage Room
Join us for a reception in honor of 50 years of the Race and Ethnic Studies program at St. Olaf College.
4:30–7:30 p.m. Dinner
Buntrock Commons, Stav Dining Hall
Pay at the door ($11.25 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 6
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 ($7.25 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 Cantorei.
11 a.m.–1:30 p.m. Brunch
Buntrock Commons, Stav Dining Hall
Tickets are required and are available at the registration table or outside Stav Hall ($13 for adults, children ages 5–11 half price; students can use Ole cards).
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.