Reunion Weekend 2022
Below, you will find a schedule of events for Reunion Weekend. Click on the day of the week to see a variety of scheduled opportunities for you to reconnect with your classmates and enjoy all that campus has to offer.
Enjoy your time on the Hill!
All schedules are subject to change.
$ = event with a required fee
# = pre-registration required
Questions? Call the Alumni and Parent Relations Office
888-865-6537 or email alum-office@stolaf.edu.
| 3 p.m.-9 p.m. | Class of 1997 and 1972 Early Registration Open |
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| Alumni from the Class of 1997 and 1972 are invited to check-in a day early as they celebrate their milestone 25th and 50th reunions. |
| 6 p.m. | Volunteer Reception and Thank You Dinner: Buntrock Commons, Ballrooms |
| Members of the 25th and 50th reunion committees are invited to this special dinner, hosted by St. Olaf, to thank you for planning this milestone event for your classmates.
6:00 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Social Time |
| Not On Your Reunion Committee? |
| You may purchase dinner in Stav Hall or visit one of Northfield’s many wonderful restaurants. A few of our favorites: The Ole Store and Lena’s Lawn Reunion Tanzenwald Brewing Company Hogan Brothers Basil’s Pizza Palace |
| 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. | Class of 1972 Hospitality Room in Ytterboe Lounge |
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| Coffee, water, and pastries will be available for breakfast. Beverages will be available throughout the day. |
| 8 a.m.-9 a.m. | Breakfast in Stav Hall |
| Ticket required |
| 9 a.m.-9 p.m. | Registration and Check-In: Buntrock Commons |
| Make this your first stop! Pick up your name tag, lanyard, meal tickets, and Ole swag. Don’t forget your proof of Covid-19 vaccination or negative test. |
| 9 a.m.-9 p.m. |Ole Shop Open: The Pause Lair |
| Redeem your Ole Shop Ticket for a swag item of your choice in Ole Shop, located in the Pause Lair |
| 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m. | Coffee with President Anderson: Tomson 260 |
| Stop in for a cup of coffee and visit with President Anderson in the President’s office located in Tomson 260 |
| 9 a.m.-11 a.m. | Campus Open Houses and Pop-up Exhibits |
| Nursing Department: RNS 160 Kelsey Theater: Kelsey Theater Kierkegaard Library Open House: Steensland Hall Archives and Special Collections Exhibits: Rolvaag Library Lutheran Center: Buntrock, BC146 NAHA Pop-Up Exhibit: Buntrock Commons Taylor Center for Equity and Inclusion: Buntrock, BC 111 View a dorm room as it would have looked in 1997: Mellby Hall 1st Floor |
| 9 a.m.-11 a.m. | Campus Tours: Outside Tomson Hall Near Admissions Office Entrance |
| (Cancelled in case of severe weather) Current St. Olaf students will lead small groups on a walking tour of campus. Learn more about the newest buildings and discover how the Hill has changed since you were a student. Meet outside of Tomson Hall near the Admissions office entrance on the west entrance of Tomson Hall. |
| 10 a.m.-11 a.m. | St. Olaf History in Two Videos: Buntrock Commons, Viking Theater |
| Take a nostalgic trip through time by watching two videos: One about Ytterboe, the college’s most famous dog, and one about the rivalry between St. Olaf and Carleton colleges. |
| 10 a.m.-11 a.m. | 1972 Nurses’ Reception: Buntrock Commons, Norway Room |
| 10 a.m.-10:20 | Chapel |
| Chapel Speaker: Rachel Wyffels 2021.
All guests are requested to mask at this event. |
| 10:30 a.m.-11 a.m. | Kierkegaard Library Presentation by Gordon Marino: Steensland Hall |
| Join Gordon Marino for a presentation after a tour of the Howard V. and Edna H. Hong Kierkegaard Library. This special collection and center for research and publication serves as an international hub for the scholarship of Søren Kierkegaard and of existentialism more broadly. It serves students, scholars, faculty, alumni, and anyone interested in the writings and ideas of the Danish philosopher. |
| 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. | Class of 1972 Welcome Lunch: Buntrock Commons, Ballrooms $# |
| Ticket and pre-registration required |
| 11 a.m.-1:00 p.m. | All-guest Lunch: Stav Hall $ |
| Limited tickets available for purchase at registration. |
| 12 p.m.-5 p.m. | Golden Oles Hospitality Room: Buntrock Commons, Norway Room |
| Shared hospitality room for the classes of 1952, 1957, 1962, 1967. Coffee and cookies will be served. |
| 2 p.m.-2:50 p.m. | 50th Reunion Alumni College Session One: Tomson 280 |
| REFLECT: 1968-1972 – Who We Were Becoming in Our Tumultuous Time In the 60s and 70s, our generation either bore witness to or participated in truly profound cultural, social, and political transformations, including on the St. Olaf campus. In what ways were our lives shaped in the midst of all this upheaval, and how was St. Olaf changed in the process. Panelists: Carl Warren ’72, Deb Clemmensen ’72, Richard Huskey ’72 Moderator: Kari Lie Dorer: Professor of Norwegian, Director of Nordic Studies at St. Olaf College |
| 3 p.m.-3:50 p.m. | 50th Reunion Alumni College Session Two, Tomson 280 |
| REDEFINE: Reckoning with Racism at St. Olaf In recent years, a new generation of students has challenged the college to address racism in all its forms. After protests on campus and the murder of George Floyd, their appeals have inspired faculty, staff, administration, and alumni to hasten and elevate this important work. What does this look like on campus today and into the future? Panelists: María Pabón: Vice President for Equity and Inclusion, Jonathan Naito: Associate Professor of English; Director of Race and Ethnic Studies, Kari Lie Dorer: Professor of Norwegian; Director of Nordic Studies, Anja Bunge Dulin ’23 (she/her/hers), B.A. Biology, Race and Ethnic Studies Moderator: Camilla Madson ’72 |
| 4 p.m.-4:50 p.m. | 50th Reunion Alumni College Session Three, Tomson 280 |
| RENEW: Who Are We Called To Be? Deanna Thompson will guide us through an interactive presentation on what it means to live out our vocation in the Third Chapter of our lives, and how we can continue to find meaning in this stage of life. Presenter: Deanna Thompson ’89, Director of the Lutheran Center for Faith, Values, and Community |
| 5 p.m-6 p.m. | Dinner Stav Hall $ |
| This dinner is intended for our under 21 reunion guests and late registrants. A limited number of tickets will be available for purchase at registration. |
| 6 p.m.-8 p.m. | Friday Night Class Reunion Dinners and Socials $# |
| Catch up with your classmates at your class reunion dinner or reception. Some classes will have a sit-down dinner and others will have a reception with heavy hors d’oeuvres.
Ticket and pre-registration required. Classes of 1952, 1957, 1962: Boe Undercroft |
| 6 p.m.-10 p.m. | St. Olaf Orchestra Alumni Social and Hors d’oeuvres $# |
| Orchies are invited to attend the social and enjoy hors d’oeuvres in the Orchestra Tent on Mellby lawn.
Ticket and pre-registration required. *Rain location will be in The Pause |
| 8 p.m.-midnight | Friday Night Live Entertainment: Alumni Band Showcase, The Pause Mane Stage |
| Enjoy our alumni band showcase! Rock the night away to the music of Shot Gun Jeans, featuring members from the St. Olaf Class of 1992, followed by Liars & Saints, featuring members from the classes of 2002 and 2003. Finish the night with 2001 alumnus and Minneapolis-based professional musician, Chris Koza. |
| 9 p.m.-midnight | Friday Night Outdoor Entertainment: Silent Disco, Campus Green |
| Dance the night away under the stars! The campus green will be feature a silent disco with three DJ stations, each with music from a different era. There will be plenty of space to socialize, play outdoor games, and enjoy s’mores by the fire. |
| 10 p.m.-midnight. | Friday Outdoor Movie |
| Featuring Respect on the big screen from a seat on the campus lawn. Sponsored by the Class of 1972. |
| Refreshments |
| Snacks and beverages including soda, water, beer and wine will be available for purchase throughout the weekend at the following locations: The Pause (8-11:45 p.m.) and the refreshment tent on the campus green (8:30-11:45 p.m.). |
| 7 a.m.-7:45 a.m. | 5k Ole Reunion Walk/Run Check-in $# |
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| 7 a.m.-2 p.m. | Class of 1972 Hospitality Room: Ytterboe Lounge |
| 7 a.m.-5 p.m. | Golden Oles Hospitality Room: Buntrock Commons, Norway Room |
| Check-in opens 7:00 a.m. Enter at the north side of Tostrud Center, by garage door. All alumni are invited to participate in the 5K Ole Run/Walk, sponsored by Campus Recreation. Those who registered prior to May 1, 2022 and complete the race will receive a finisher medal. Please pick up at the 5k check-in table. (Takes place rain or shine, but canceled in case of severe weather.) |
| 7:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. | All Reunion Breakfast: Stav Hall $ |
| A limited number of tickets available for purchase at registration. |
| 8 a.m.-8 p.m. | Registration and Check-In: Buntrock Commons |
| Make this your first stop! Pick up your name tag, lanyard, meal tickets, and Ole swag. Don’t forget your proof of Covid-19 vaccination or negative test. |
| 8 a.m.-10 a.m.| 5k Ole Reunion Walk/Run $ |
| See the results of the 5k. |
| 8:00 a.m. | Orchie Softball Game: St. Olaf Softball Field, behind Tostrud Center |
| 8 a.m.-8:00 p.m. | Ole Shop Hours: The Pause Lair |
| Redeem your Ole Shop Ticket for a swag item of your choice in our Ole Shop, located in the Pause Lair |
| 9 a.m.-10:00 a.m. | Alumni Seminar Sponsored by the 25th Reunion |
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Creating a More Inclusive St. Olaf
All are welcome to join the Class of 1997 for the first of three Alumni Seminars. In a survey last fall, the 25th reunion class indicated that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion was one of their strongest interest areas. This session – featuring Maria Pabón, VP for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion – will include updates on the college’s current DEI efforts and ideas for how alumni can partner with the college to create a more inclusive St. Olaf.
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| 9:00-11:00 a.m. | Campus Open Houses and Pop-up Exhibits |
| St Olaf Archives Pop-up Exhibit: Rolvaag Patio St. Olaf Ice Arena: Tostrud Center Archives and Special Collections Exhibits: Rolvaag Library Lutheran Center: Buntrock, BC146 NAHA Pop-Up Exhibit: Buntrock Commons Piper Center: Tomson 270 Study Travel Pop-Up Exhibit: Buntrock Commons Taylor Center for Equity and Inclusion: Buntrock Commons, BC 111 View a dorm room as it would have appeared in 1997: Mellby Hall 1st Floor |
| 9 a.m.-11 a.m. | Campus Tours: Outside Tomson Hall Near Admissions Office Entrance |
| (Cancelled in case of severe weather) Current students will lead small groups on a walking tour of campus. Learn more about the newest buildings and discover how the Hill has changed since you were a student. Meet outside of Tomson Hall near the Admissions office entrance on the west entrance of Tomson Hall. |
| 9:30-10:30 a.m. | Class of 1972 Service of Remembrance: Boe Chapel |
| Join us for this special worship service to remember and honor your classmates have died. All guests are requested to mask at this event. Watch now. |
| 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Orchestra Rehearsal: Skoglund Auditorium |
| Arrive early! Downbeat at 10 a.m. |
| 11 a.m.-11:30 a.m. | All-Class Rally, Buntrock Plaza |
| What’s better than mid-morning donuts and coffee? How about mid-morning donuts, coffee, kazoos, and the biggest all-class rendition of Um Yah! Yah! in St. Olaf history! Gather at Buntrock Plaza where a live brass band will lead us in the only American college fight song written in three-quarter time. We’ll record the singing and also take an all class photo spanning eight decades of St. Olaf alumni. Don’t miss it! |
| 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | All Alumni Celebration, Boe Chapel |
| President David R. Anderson ’74 invites everyone to celebrate the accomplishments of alumni and the hard work of volunteers. Representatives from each reunion class will present their class gift to the college at this event, which also includes President Anderson’s State of the College address.
All guests are requested to mask at this event. |
| 12:45 p.m.-2:30 p.m. | All Reunion Celebration Lunch: Stav Hall $ |
| Ticket required. Walk-up tickets can be purchased with cash outside Stav Hall. |
| 12:45 p.m.-2:30 p.m. | Class of 1952, 1957 Lunch and Program: Boe Undercroft $ |
| Pre-registration and ticket required |
| 2 p.m.-3 p.m. | Class of 1967 Service of Remembrance: Skifter Hall, Studio A |
| All guests are requested to mask at this event. |
| 2 p.m.-4 p.m. | Manitou Heights Society Member Reception: Holland Hall First Floor Atrium |
| 2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. | Alumni Seminar Sponsored by the 25th Reunion |
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Tomson, Regents, Buntrock, OH MY!
All are welcome! The Hill has changed significantly since the Class of 1997 graduated 25 years ago. Hear about some of the highlights—including the recent renovation of Holland Hall. There will also be an update on the “Ole Avenue” project, which will add 440 new dormitory beds and create a brand new gateway to campus. |
| 2:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. | Fun on the Campus Green |
| Make your way over to the Campus Green to enjoy campus views, giant lawn games, and refreshments. Toast to good friends and making new memories. |
| 3 p.m. | St. Olaf Orchestra Alumni Concert, Skoglund Auditorium |
| The concert will feature the Alumni Orchestra and the current St. Olaf Orchestra.
All audience members are requested to mask at this event. |
| 4 p.m.-4:50 p.m. | Alumni Seminar Sponsored by the 25th Reunion |
| Enrolling the Next Generation of Oles Did you know St. Olaf admissions is now test-optional? Or that 20% of Oles are first-generation college students? Join representatives from the Admissions and Financial Aid office, and the Piper Center for Vocation and Career for a panel on what to expect during the college admissions process, including a dedicated time for Q&A if YOU have a prospective college student in your life! |
| 5 p.m.-6 p.m. | Dinner: Stav Hall $ |
| This dinner is intended for our under 21 reunion guests and late registrants. A limited number of tickets are available for purchase at registration. |
| 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. | A Celebration of St. Olaf Orchestra: Boe Chapel |
| Gather in Boe Chapel for a program celebrating the legacy and traditions of the St. Olaf Orchestra and the singular contributions that Steven Amundson – aka “SMA” – has made during his 41 years at the helm.
All guests are requested to mask at this event. |
| 6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. | Saturday Night Class Reunion Dinners $# |
| Ticket and Pre-registration required.
Classes of 1952, 1957, 1962: Boe Undercroft |
| 7 p.m.-9 p.m. | St. Olaf Orchestra Alumni Dinner: Stav Hall $# |
| Pre-registration and ticket required. |
| 9 p.m.-9:30 p.m. | Holden Evening Prayer: Skifter Hall, Studio A |
| Join us for this special evening service of reflection and song.
All guests are requested to mask at this event. |
| 9 p.m.-midnight | St. Olaf Orchestra Alumni Reception: Orchestra Tent, Mellby Lawn. |
| The fun and reminiscing continues into the night in the orchestra tent. Cash bar. |
| 9 p.m.-midnight | Saturday Night Live Entertainment: G.B. Leighton, The Pause Mane Stage |
| Enjoy the music from Minnesota’s own G.B. Leighton, the legendary band named after one of the region’s most incendiary live performers and consistently solid songwriters, Brian Leighton. |
| 9 p.m.-midnight | Saturday Night Outdoor Entertainment: Silent Disco, Campus Green |
| Dance the night away under the stars! The campus green will be feature a silent disco with three DJ stations, each with music from a different era. There will be plenty of space to socialize, play outdoor games, and enjoy s’mores by the fire. |
| 10 p.m.-12 a.m. | Friday Outdoor Movie |
| Enjoy Field of Dreams on the big screen from a seat on the campus lawn. Sponsored by the Class of 1992. |
| Refreshments |
| Snacks and beverages including soda, water, beer and wine will be available for purchase throughout the weekend at the following locations: The Pause (8-11:45 p.m.) and the Campus Green Refreshment Tent (8:30-11:45 p.m.). |
| 7:30-9:00 a.m. | All-Guest Breakfast in Stav Hall $ |
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| Ticket required. A limited amount tickets are available for purchase at registration. |
| 8 a.m.-12 p.m. | Guest Services at Buntrock Commons |
| Recycle your nametag and lanyard at guest services on your way out. |
| 8:45-10:15 a.m. | Walking Tour of the Natural Lands: Art Barn |
| Experience a guided tour of the St. Olaf Natural Lands. The tour will be lead by Director and Professor of Biology, Charles Umbanhowar Jr., along with Wesley Braker, natural lands manager. View the unique and abundant variety of plants and wildlife that live and grow in this protected area. Meet at the Art Barn by Big Ole (wind turbine). |
| 9-10:15 a.m. | All-Singers Worship Choir Rehearsal: Boe Memorial Chapel |
| All those who love to sing are welcome at this rehearsal to prepare for the All-Alumni Worship service. The All-Singers Worship Choir will be conducted by Jason Etten ’97 with organ accompaniment by John Ferguson.
Masks are requested for all participants. |
| 10:30 a.m.-11:45 a.m. | All-Alumni Worship Service: Boe Memorial Chapel |
| We gather together to worship and to give thanks for the blessings of the St. Olaf community. The service will feature music by organist John Ferguson and the All-Singers Worship Choir, conducted by Jason Etten ’97
All guests are requested to mask at this event. |
| 11:00 a.m.-1 p.m. | All-Guest Lunch in Stav Hall $ |
| Ticket required. Tickets available for cash purchase outside Stav Hall. |
| 2 p.m. | Residence Halls Close |
Questions? Call the Alumni and Parent Relations Office
888-865-6537 or email alum-office@stolaf.edu.