Homecoming and Family Weekend provides a virtual look at life on campus
St. Olaf College typically welcomes hundreds of families and alumni to campus each fall to celebrate Homecoming and Family Weekend. As the changing leaves provide a stunning backdrop in vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange, Oles and families enjoy music performances, athletic competitions, and the opportunity to share campus life together.
This year, St. Olaf was unable to host Homecoming and Family Weekend in person due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. However, the college provided a number of virtual Homecoming and Family Weekend opportunities October 2-4 for Oles to share campus experiences with each other.
The virtual gathering included a showing of “Life at St. Olaf,” which features Associate Dean of Students for Residence Life Pamela McDowell describing how students are living and learning in community together this fall; Bon Appetit General Manager Traci Quinnell sharing how the college is providing high-quality food safely for students; Assistant Director of Wellness and Health Promotions Jenny Ortiz outlining the resources available to help students practice self-care; and Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies Kathleen Shea highlighting how the college’s 350 acres of Natural Lands provide an important space for campus community members to connect with nature.
The Homecoming and Family Weekend online events included a town hall with President David R. Anderson ’74; a conversation with members of the College Ministry team about having a multifaith ministry staff, including the recent additions of Associate Chaplain for Jewish Life Shosh Dworsky and Associate Chaplain for Muslim Life Iman Jafri; a panel discussion for parents about the resources available on campus; and a virtual 5K run/walk/roll.
Students participated in exclusive on-campus events, which are featured on the St. Olaf Student Activities Committee Instagram account @StOlafSAC.
