The House of O
Who Makes the House of O Happen
Housing Ambassador
Serves as a peer representative for Residence Life, supporting students in understanding housing processes, and the on campus living experience. This role promotes community engagement through outreach, events, and peer support, while assisting professional staff in creating a welcoming, inclusive, and informed residential experience for all students on campus life.
Graphic Design Assistant (GDA)
Supports the Residence Life Team, with secondary responsibilities in social media engagement and strategy, website management, and visual content creation. This position serves as a representative of Residence Life. The individual will create, support, and integrate the office’s branding across physical, visual, and social media platforms.
Event Planning Assistant
Works closely with Resident Life staff to develop unique and engaging events that foster a sense of community and contribute to the well-being of students living on campus, creating innovative event concepts that match Resident Life aims and values and contribute to a dynamic campus community experience enhancement.
Photographer/ Videographer
Supports the Residence Life Team by capturing high-quality photos and videos of campus events, student life, and programs. This role edits and curates visual content for social media, marketing, and website use, while maintaining a consistent brand identity and building an engaging visual archive for Residence Life communications initiatives support.
Meet the 2025-26 AY Team!
Housing Ambassadors: Ashley Gonzaga ’29, Evan Holt ’27, Joel Tauro ’27
Graphic Design Assistant: Esther Nawrocki ’26
Event Planning Assistants: Engelina Melgar ’26, Anna Kolesnyk ’28, Lu Chaput ’28, Katie Garner ’28, Jack Goodman ’28
Our Signature Experiences
Residence Life Outreach & Engagement
The House of O team facilitates tabling and outreach events throughout the academic year to highlight and celebrate the on-campus living experience. Key engagements include Admitted Students Day, on-campus employment fairs, Residence Life January Term H.O.M.E. programs, and more. These efforts promote resources, encourage student involvement, and support meaningful connections within the residential community.
The Smoothie Bike
The Smoothie Bike Event is one of Residence Life’s most popular interactive programs, typically held in Buntrock Crossroads. Students create their own smoothie while powering the blender through pedaling. This high-energy event combines wellness, fun, and community connection into one refreshing experience you won’t want to miss.
Mohn: Games & Talk Night
Games & Talk Night is a weekly Wednesday evening program held at Mohn Hall as part of the First-Year Neighborhood Experience. First-year students are invited to gather, play games, and engage in meaningful conversation in a relaxed and welcoming environment designed to build community and connection.
The Duck Day!
First launched in 2023, Duck Day is a campus-wide favorite where 200 ducks are hidden across St. Olaf’s campus. Students who find a duck can bring it to the Ytterboe Main Lounge to redeem a prize. This initiative encourages campus exploration, participation, and community engagement in a fun and interactive format.
The O Boutique
The O Boutique
A Residence Life initiative launched in 2025 that promotes sustainability and community sharing. Donation racks are placed in residence halls, allowing students to contribute gently used clothing items at their convenience. All collected items are gathered and made available at The O Boutique (Ytterboe Hall, Room 046). The boutique functions as a free, student-supported clothing space, where all items are donated by members of the St. Olaf community. Students are welcome to browse and select items at no cost. Opening details and updates are shared through Residence Life newsletter communications.
House of O Spring Fashion Show: The Conscious Collective
The House of O is excited to present its first-ever Spring Fashion Show in April 2026, featuring upcycled and sustainable designs sourced from The O Boutique. This event highlights creativity, sustainability, and student expression through fashion. Join us for The Conscious Collective: Sewn with Purpose, and support your fellow Oles as they showcase innovative, upcycled designs that celebrate sustainability and style.