December 2023
REFLECTIONS FROM THE INTERIM VICE PRESIDENT FOR EQUITY AND INCLUSION
Greetings St. Olaf Community,
I still cannot wrap my head around the fact that December is here and that we are approaching the end of 2023. As I reflect on my conversations with many of you from January through the present, I know that it has been a challenging year for some, and for others it has brought many opportunities.
Throughout this fall, I have been working with colleagues across campus on various tenure-track faculty searches. Kudos to everyone on the search committees and to the members behind the scenes for all of their hard work. This is definitely a team effort!
I am honored to share that the Office of Equity and Inclusion is wrapping up plans for our annual Inclusive Excellence Summit, which will feature presentations by campus community members and a keynote address by Professor of Music and St. Olaf Choir Conductor Anton Armstrong. I invite you to submit a proposal to present at the summit — more details below.
During this holiday season, I hope that we can all reflect on our blessings. Please use your time away as an opportunity to recharge, maybe start a new book, try a new dish, visit with family and friends, or simply explore a new city, etc. My hope is that each of you return to campus well rested for a fresh start in 2024.
Many of you will be traveling around the state, country, and globe. Please be safe.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday season,
— Dr. Reginald H. Miles
Interim Vice President for Equity and Inclusion
2024 Inclusive Excellence Summit: You Belong
Call for Presentation Proposals
St. Olaf College will host its annual Inclusive Excellence Summit: You Belong on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, featuring presentations by campus community members and Professor of Music and St. Olaf Choir Conductor Anton Armstrong’s keynote address “Belonging and Thriving on the Hill.”
The Office for Equity and Inclusion invites current students, staff, faculty, and alumni to submit proposals for presentations addressing ongoing and emerging areas of diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, social justice, and anti-racism in and outside higher education. You may submit as an individual or a group. More information on presentation formats and suggested areas of emphasis is available here.
Proposals must be submitted by January 15, 2024, via this form. Decisions will be communicated to presenters by late January.
If you have any questions, please contact Program Coordinator for Equity and Inclusion Marina Edlund at edlund1@stolaf.edu or 507-786-3910.
Posse Selection for Fall 2024
Staff and Faculty members Hassel Morrison, Joseph Jefferson, Mari Avaloz, Chris George, David Wagner, Seda Bagiryan, and Reginald Miles will be part of the selection process for the next cohort of Posse students. Currently, we have one Chicago cohort (Seniors), Bay area cohorts (Juniors, Sophomores, and First-Years), and virtual cohorts (First-Years and Sophomores). Big thanks to the Posse Mentors: Trish Zimmerman, Corliss Swain, Eric Hazlett, Norma Charlton, and Mari Avaloz.
Meet Members of Our Community
Staff Spotlight with College Registrar
Ericka Peterson
Education:
B.A., Social Work; Psychology, Sociology | Concordia College
When did you start your St. Olaf journey?
June 2018
Why did you want to work at St. Olaf College?
Having grown up in Minnesota, I knew of St. Olaf’s excellent reputation, that of being a high-quality education — and with many study-away opportunities for students. Later my daughter attended and graduated from here and truly enjoyed her experience. When this opportunity opened up, I knew I had to apply!
What are you most looking forward to this holiday season?
Spending time with my kids. Since they are grown and gone, having us all together in one place fills my heart!
What is your favorite holiday dish or dessert?
Mashed potatoes probably!? And of course, topped with a lot of gravy. As a child, my aunt used to make a strawberry pretzel dessert that was always so delicious! Haven’t had it in some time and it’s so good that maybe I will make it this year!
What is your definition of an inclusive community?
One in which we can be authentic and bring our whole selves to work. And one in which all voices can be heard, and we are truly supporting one another.
What is your personal ‘tagline’?
Lead with love. I believe that when you do all things from a place of love (vs. fear, as an example) good things will happen. Most times those good things won’t happen immediately, but you will see!
No one knows that I…
I have parented/fostered/loved six teenagers through the years, only two of whom were my own birth children.
Faculty Spotlight with Assistant Professor of Music – Voice
Emery Stephens
From: Boston, MA
Education:
B.A., Music | Gordon College
M.M., Performance | Boston University
D.M.A., Performance | University of Michigan
When did you start your St. Olaf journey as a staff member?
August 2019
Why did you want to work at St. Olaf College?
I wanted to teach at St. Olaf College because I also attended a liberal arts college in Massachusetts and valued the experiences of a medium-sized learning environment. In addition to my music studies, I managed the ordering of textbooks for the college bookstore, directed the gospel choir, and completed a marketing and training internship at Polaroid Corporation in Technology Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
What is your definition of an inclusive community?
One in which everyone can feel safe and that they belong.
What are you most looking forward to this holiday season?
Time, rest, good food, and social gatherings.
What is your favorite holiday dish or dessert?
Scalloped potatoes and a good cheesecake (i.e., strawberry, pumpkin).
What is your personal ‘tagline’?
It’s not about me.
What is your definition of an inclusive community?
My definition of an inclusive community is not excluding anyone, respecting the good in everyone, and inviting them to participate at any level they choose.
What is your personal ‘tagline’?
Take care of yourself so that you may serve others.
No one knows that I …
Worked as a state employee in the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and received a statewide employee recognition award from the Honorable William Weld, the former Governor of Massachusetts.
Congratulations to Professor of Music and Conductor of the St. Olaf Choir Anton Armstrong
The National Collegiate Choral Organization selects Honorary Life Members to recognize a member of the choral profession who has devoted their life to the enhancement and artistic growth of choral art. This award recognizes leaders in the profession who have mentored young conductors, inspired singers, supported music educators in the arts, and shared their talents and gifts in the United States and abroad. Armstong was named in 2021. However, because the COVID-19 pandemic prevented the national conference that year, he received the award in December.
Events
Out for Lunch: What does it mean to be LGBTQIA+ and religious at a Lutheran college?
Wednesday, December 6 | 12 p.m. | Trollhaugen (King’s Dining Room) | RSVP
Explore LGBTQIA+ identity intersectionality with religion at a Lutheran institution. Please bring canned goods as we are collecting them for the local food bank.
Student Haircare Advisory Council Virtual Event with Tianna Marie of The Humans of Color Haircare
Thursday, December 7 | 6:00 p.m. | Zoom webinar | RSVP
Taylor Center is starting an advisory council with Tianna Thompson to talk about hair care at St. Olaf and help students navigate hair care on the Hill. Haircare gift packages will be given to students who attend the event.
Key Dates in December
- December 1–2: Christmas Festival
- December 1–10: International Awareness Week
- December 7–15: Hanukkah
- December 21: First Day of Winter
- December 25: Christmas Day
- December 26: Kwanzaa
- December 31: New Year’s Eve
The next DEI Updates newsletter will be available in February 2024.
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