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This fall will mark the 150th anniversary of the founding of St. Olaf College — and we want you to help us tell the story!

In the coming months we will be gathering reflections from alumni, faculty, staff, retirees, and students about their St. Olaf experience. As we celebrate the college’s sesquicentennial during the 2024-25 academic year, we will share stories each month centered on the themes below. To help Oles reflect on their experiences, we have developed prompts for each topic: 

• The Hill: What is your favorite place on campus? What places hold special memories for you? 
• Vocation: How did St. Olaf help you find your path in life? 
• Creation of the College: What are your favorite St. Olaf traditions? Are there ways that you have seen these traditions change over the years? Do you have any strange or unusual Ole lore to share? 
• Fine Arts: What were your most moving artistic experiences as a student? What did you create as a student that still matters to you today?
• Global Engagement: Did you study abroad as a student? Any memorable stories to share about that experience? How did it shape your life today?
• Academic Excellence: How did your experiences in the classroom impact your time at St. Olaf? Who were your favorite professors? What were the biggest lessons you learned from them?
• Athletics: If you participated in athletics (including varsity, club sports, intramurals, or even pick-up games) at St. Olaf, what do you remember the most about being on an Ole team? If you were not an athlete, do you have any memories of cheering on the Oles at a particular game or event?
• Community Impact: Oles are known for making a difference. How have you made a difference in your community? Were there Oles who made a difference for you? Did your experience at St. Olaf influence your path to become a difference-maker?
• Responding to Moments in History: No institution is perfect. If you could change or evolve one thing about St. Olaf, what would it be? What does the future hold for our alma mater? 

To share your reflection, go to 150th.stolaf.edu/share-your-story. You can write or record your story, and submit up to 10 photos from your days on the Hill.

Sharing the untold stories of the people, places, and programs that have made up the fabric of the campus community over the decades is an important part of celebrating the college’s sesquicentennial. The history of St. Olaf is not one story, but many — and we want to hear yours!