Magazine

St. Olaf Magazine | Winter 2019
February 8, 2019
Alumni Features
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Making a Difference: The Alumni Board Welcomes Two New Members

 

The 2019 Alumni Board includes: (Back Row, Left to Right) Brad Hoff ’89, Curt Nelson ’91, Bill Lindberg ’70, Mark Williamson ’88, P’20; (Middle Row, Left to Right) Mario Paez ’01, Lee Sather ’66, P’92, P’94, P’95; Sonja Clark ’03, Henry Latimer P’20; (Front Row, Left to Right) Aldra Henry Allison ’77, Janine Braman P’17, P’20, Eirik Davey-Gislason ’97, Abraham Payton ’08, and Mariah DuBose ’16

The St. Olaf Alumni Board welcomes two new members, both of whom are looking forward to making connections with the larger alumni community.

Aldra Henry Allison ’77

Aldra Henry Allison ’77 | Altadena, California | Retired, Affordable Housing Program Manager
What is your inspiration?

I was inspired to join the St. Olaf College Alumni Board following my participation on the committee for the 50th Anniversary Reunion of the Cultural Union for Black Expression (CUBE). The reunion brought back to the Hill alumni, faculty, and staff from across the country. It was very moving in the sense that we were able to share our experience on the Hill and how we were able to utilize that experience to become productive members of our respective communities. The reunion was also a reminder of how meaningful relationships established on campus can become lifelong friendships.

What impacts do you hope to make?

I hope the board will be able to increase their visibility and communication with current students, especially students of color who may feel socially isolated and need additional support. Many of the attendees of the CUBE reunion would like to help current students through mentoring programs, career internships, and other programs that would make the students experience at St. Olaf rewarding.

William H. Lindberg ’70

William H. Lindberg ’70 | Edina, Minnesota | President of the Ash Grove Group
What is your inspiration?

I was part of a pilot program about vocational issues for alumni that was compelling. In addition, I was a member of the second Global Semester, and we had a remarkable gathering during the Global Semester 50th Reunion event on campus. Being able to reconnect with distant friends from that experience heightened my connection to St. Olaf College and served as a vivid reminder of the value of St. Olaf’s mission in the 21st century. I want to do what I can at this point to help further that mission. As the college evolves in turbulent times, there are both challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. I’m pleased to share what I can based on my life experience and skills.

What impacts do you hope to make?

I hope to explore possibilities in deepening alumni engagement with St. Olaf in an ongoing way. Given expanded life expectancies, I believe strongly that lifelong learning and being part of a meaningful community are among the most central characteristics of vital aging. As many Oles enter their “Third Act,” attending to the need for robust vocational opportunities becomes very important, especially when one’s work persona recedes. Finding ways to connect kindred spirits with graduates and current activities on the Hill through technology and other means holds great promise.