St. Olaf, Carleton make annual donation to Northfield
St. Olaf College and Carleton College made their annual donation to the city of Northfield.
This year’s donation is $156,000, split by the two colleges.
St. Olaf Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Janet Hanson and Carleton Vice President and Treasurer Fred Rogers presented the donation. Northfield Mayor Rhonda Pownell and Northfield City Administrator Ben Martig accepted the donation.
The gift dates back to the 1920s. Carleton and St. Olaf are among the first colleges in the United States to make such a gift.
Nearly 5,000 college students from the two colleges call Northfield home for the academic year. Northfield provides students with restaurants, shopping, and emergency and professional services. Students enjoy local employment, internships, and volunteer opportunities that expand their academic experience. The students are significant consumers and clients for local businesses. Local schools and organizations utilize student volunteers.
Local residents experience a wide range of athletic, art, and musical offerings at both colleges. Most of these are free and open to the public.
The colleges are two of the largest employers in Northfield. Carleton and St. Olaf employ more 1,500 people combined.