News

1,792 St. Olaf College alumni and guests returned to the Hill for Reunion Weekend 2026, reconnecting with classmates, revisiting favorite campus spots, and celebrating the lifelong bonds that define the Ole experience. 

Throughout the weekend, alumni from classes ending in 1 and 6 gathered for tours, lectures, performances, worship services, class dinners, and special celebrations. From first-time reunion attendees from the Class of 2021 to members of the Class of 1976 celebrating their 50th reunion, Oles from across generations came together to reflect on their time at St. Olaf while looking ahead to the college’s future.

The weekend began Thursday May 28, as the Class of 1976 arrived early for its 50th reunion celebration, with a welcome reception and late-night gathering in Ytterboe Lounge. Friday included a Service of Remembrance and Gratitude in Boe Chapel, followed by a meal and a series of Ole Talks planned by the 50th reunion committee. Classmates heard from fellow alumni and St. Olaf faculty and staff on topics including “Medical Innovations in Our Generation,” “Study Abroad and Global Engagement,” and “Challenges for Christianity in America.”

Also on Friday, the celebration expanded as reunion attendees from other classes checked in, toured campus, gathered for class dinners on and off the Hill, and enjoyed evening entertainments including a live jazz band, silent disco, and film screenings. 

During the All-Alumni Celebration on Saturday, May 30, President Susan Rundell Singer greeted alums and highlighted St. Olaf’s momentum. 

“Welcome home to the Hill, Oles” she said. “It is so wonderful to have all of you here and to really enjoy the electricity in the room as you reconnect with people who have shaped you from early on. It has been a terrific year on the Hill, in spite of the headwinds across all of higher education.”

Rundell Singer shared updates on enrollment, academic initiatives, and the college’s strategic plan, which focuses on vocation, innovation, and community. She noted that applications continue to rise, the incoming Class of 2030 is among the most diverse in St. Olaf’s history, and alumni support remains central to the college’s success. 

“Oles are always connected for good […] and we would not be thriving the way we are if it was not for your generosity,” she said. “As we move towards our next comprehensive campaign, for the first time we are working on ways to track the contributions people make [not only monetarily, but] in terms of time and talent. As we move forward, think about how you can stay connected with us, and the many ways to stay informed about and engaged with St. Olaf.”

That spirit of connection was evident throughout the weekend. Alumni attended faculty and staff lightning talks on topics ranging from student-led art acquisitions and the future of Ole Engineering to sustainability, multi-religious ministry, and “Beethoven, Beyonce, and the Long History of Sampling.” Others explored the St. Olaf Natural Lands, toured residence halls and new campus facilities, visited St. Olaf Archives and Norwegian-American Historical Association pop-up exhibits, and gathered with current and retired faculty at special receptions. Oles also had the opportunity to attend open houses at the Piper Center for Vocation and Career, the Lutheran Center for Faith, Values, and Community, the Smith Center for Global Engagement, the Taylor Center for Equity and Inclusion, and the Buntrock Institute for Freedom and Community. The day concluded with dueling pianos and late-night storytelling from the St. Olaf “ghost files.”

While the relationship between the college and its alums was clear over the weekend, reunion attendees also learned about its manifestations over the academic year. Alumni and Family Board member Annie Waters ‘01 noted that more than 800 alumni volunteered their time and expertise this past year as classroom speakers, committee members, and mentors. More than 5,000 alumni participated in events across the country, and 27,658 alumni engaged with the college through time, talent, treasure, and communication. 

“The Ole network is vibrant, it’s active, and it’s deeply connected,” Waters said. “By staying engaged, you remain a vital part of our shared St. Olaf legacy.”

St. Olaf Fund Board members Julie Buckley ’91 and Joanne Smestad Claussen ’81 shared that from June 1, 2025, 4,609 Oles have given $29,279,489 to support the college’s mission. The Class of 1976 also announced a reunion gift of $15,126,984. More than a third of the class made direct donations, pledges, or included St. Olaf in their estate plans. The reports drew cheers and applause from the audience in Boe Memorial Chapel, underscoring the lasting impact alumni continue to have on the Hill. 

As Reunion Weekend wound to a close, Oles came together one last time for the All-Alumni Worship Service to reflect on how much has changed on campus since their attendance and the gratitude the college and its alums have for one another. 

And of course, to reaffirm a shared commitment to the bonds that continue to connect them.