Reunion 2023 Schedule of Events

    Reunion pre-registration is now closed.
    Information about walk-up registration HERE.

    LOOK WHO’S COMING

    THURSDAY

    THURSDAY, JUNE 1

    Class of 1973 Early Arrival
    Registration opens at 3 p.m.
    3-5 p.m. | Class of 1973 Service of Remembrance Rehearsal — Boe Chapel
    Join those participating in the Class of 1973 Service of Remembrance for a rehearsal in Boe Chapel.
    3-7 p.m. | Class of 1973 Early Registration Open — Buntrock Commons
    Make this your first stop! Pick up your name tag, lanyard, and Ole swag ticket. Redeem your Ole swag ticket for a swag item of your choice in Ole Shop.
    6:30-9 p.m. | Class of 1973 50th Reunion Class–Sponsored Event — Reunion Restaurant, Northfield
    Your reunion committee is hosting an event at Reunion Restaurant in downtown Northfield. Pre-registration required. Transportation via shuttle bus for registered attendees will be provided from Buntrock Commons to Reunion Restaurant beginning at 6 p.m. The last shuttle will leave Reunion Restaurant for St. Olaf campus at 9:50 p.m.

    FRIDAY

    FRIDAY, JUNE 2

    General Registration Opens at 2 p.m. for Classes of
    1948, 1953, 1958, 1963, 1968, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993,
    1998, 2003, 2008, 2013, 2018
    7-9:30 a.m. | Breakfast — Stav Hall
    Included with 1973 All-Weekend package. If arriving early, meal can be purchased at the door to Stav Hall.
    7:00 a.m.-5 p.m. | Class of 1973 Hospitality Room in Ytterboe Lounge
    Coffee, water, and tea will be available throughout the day.
    8 a.m.-5 p.m. | Bookstore Open — Buntrock Commons
    Stock up on your Ole gear in the St. Olaf Bookstore.
    9 a.m.-2 p.m. | Class of 1973 Registration and Check-In — Buntrock Commons
    Make this your first stop! Pick up your name tag, lanyard, housing assignment, and Ole swag ticket.
    9 a.m.-9 p.m. | Ole Shop — Buntrock Commons
    Redeem your Ole swag ticket for an item of your choice at the Ole Shop.
    10 a.m. | Class of 1973 Service of Remembrance — Boe Chapel
    Attend this special worship service to remember and honor your classmates. Immediately following the Service of Remembrance, the Class of 1973 will take a class photo in Boe Chapel.
    12-1:30 p.m. | Class of 1973 Welcome Lunch — Buntrock Ballrooms
    Join your classmates for a welcome lunch as you begin your 50th reunion celebration.
    2-5 p.m. | 50th Reunion Alumni College — Tomson 280
    Three thought-provoking sessions planned by your 50th reunion committee. Featuring classmates and St. Olaf faculty speakers.

    SESSION ONE
    2:00 to 2:40 p.m.

    Transitions from a Time of Tumult:  Watershed Moments that Shaped Our Lives
    Featuring Lyn Bearinger ’73, facilitator, with Brent Berry ’73, Carla Johnson ’73, and Holly Branch ’73

    Reflect on personal and professional transformations since 1973 through the experiences  of three alumni.

    SESSION TWO
    2:45 to 3:45 p.m.

    Creating Awareness and Enacting Change for the Health of People and the Planet
    Featuring Douglas Hanto ’73, Paul Jackson ’92, Mark Swiggum ’73, Leslie Swiggum ’74

    Through the voices of four alumni who have taken different paths, consider the impact of an Olaf education as it has and can contribute to the health and well-being of individuals, communities, and the environment, at home and globally. 

    BREAK
    3:45 to 4:00 p.m.

    SESSION THREE  
    4:00 to 4:55 p.m.

    Engagement in Our 70s : Finding Vocation that Gives Us Purpose
    Featuring Deanna Thompson ’89 and classmates’ reflections via short video vignettes

    Guided by the director of St. Olaf’s Lutheran Center for Faith, Values and Community, consider the roles that vocation and avocation play in giving meaning and purpose to the 7th decade of life.  Listen to voices of classmates in video vignettes as they share thoughts on what sparks their energy.  And, gain ideas that could be a catalyst for future connections with our classmates, St. Olaf, and other organizations.
    2-8 p.m. | All-Class Registration and Check-In — Buntrock Commons
    All–class check-in. Make this your first stop! Pick up your name tag, lanyard, housing assignment, and Ole swag ticket.
    2-10 p.m. | 55th and Golden Oles Hospitality Room — Norway Room, Buntrock Commons
    Shared hospitality room for the classes of 1948, 1953, 1958, 1963, 1968.
    6 p.m. | Class of 1973 Dinner — Ballrooms, Buntrock Commons
    The 50th reunion class will gather for dinner and a program planned by your reunion committee.
    6 p.m. | All–Reunion Progressive Social
    Join your classmates at 6:00 p.m. for a celebratory toast in a space reserved just for you. This one-of-a-kind Ole dinner party will feature food and beverages at various locations throughout Buntrock Commons.

    Golden Oles – King’s Dining Room–Valhalla, Buntrock Commons
    Class of 1968 – King’s Dining Room–Boardroom, Buntrock Commons
    Class of 1978 – Rolvaag Memorial Library 525
    Class of 1983 – Rolvaag Memorial Library 515
    Class of 1988 –The Cage, Buntrock Commons
    Class of 1993 – Undset Room, Buntrock Commons
    Class of 1998 – Groot Gallery, Center for Art and Dance (Rain Location: The Pause)
    Class of 2003 – The Pause Jungle, Buntrock Commons
    Class of 2008 – Boe Undercroft, Boe Chapel
    Class of 2013 – Fireside Lounge, Buntrock Commons
    Class of 2018 – King’s Dining Room–Trollhaugen, Buntrock Commons
    8:30 p.m.-10 p.m. | Friday Night Entertainment: Ole Showcase featuring Shotgun Jeans — Campus Green
    Rock the night away to the music of Shot Gun Jeans, featuring members of the Class of 1993. Rain location will be in The Pause.
    9-11 p.m. | Outdoor Movie — Campus Green
    Watch The Karate Kid on the big screen from a seat on the campus lawn. Family–friendly. Rain location will be in Viking Theater, Buntrock Commons.
    9:30 p.m.-midnight | Friday Night Entertainment: Silent Disco — Campus Green
    Dance with your classmates under the stars! The campus green will 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. Rain location will be in Buntrock Commons.

    SATURDAY

    SATURDAY, JUNE 3

    7 a.m.-5 p.m. | Class of 1973 Hospitality Room — Ytterboe Lounge
    7 a.m.-5 p.m. | 55th and Golden Oles Hospitality Room — Buntrock Commons, Norway Room
    7-9:30 a.m. | All–Reunion Breakfast — Stav Hall
    Included in All–Weekend package. Additional meals can be purchased at the door of Stav Hall.
    8 a.m.-8 p.m. | Registration and Check-In — Buntrock Commons
    Make this your first stop! Pick up your name tag, lanyard, housing assignment, and Ole swag ticket.
    8 a.m.-8 p.m. | Ole Shop — Buntrock Commons
    Redeem your Ole swag ticket for an item of your choice at the Ole Shop
    8-10 a.m. | 5k Ole Reunion Walk/Run — Tostrud
    Check-in begins at 7 a.m. Takes place rain or shine, but canceled in case of severe weather.

    All alumni are invited to participate in the 5K Ole Run/Walk, sponsored by Campus Recreation. Those who register prior to May 1, 2023 and complete the race will receive a finisher medal.
    8:30 a.m.-9:45 a.m. | Ole Yoga and Gratitude Meditation — Campus Green Stage
    Pre-register for this morning yoga and meditation session and receive an Ole yoga towel. Bring your own mat if preferred. Check in begins at 8 a.m. Rain location is in the Pause.
    8:30-10:30 a.m. | Campus Open Houses and Pop-Up Exhibits
    Explore on your own or grab a friend! Attend open houses and pop-up exhibits to connect with staff members and learn more about St. Olaf’s history and current programs.

    • Norwegian-American Historical Association (NAHA) – Buntrock Commons, 1st Floor
    • Lutheran Center for Faith, Values, and Community – Buntrock Commons 146
    • Lego Model of Campus – Buntrock Commons, Kings Dining Room
    • Kierkegaard Library – Steensland Hall
    • St. Olaf Ice Arena (open for viewing, no skating available) – Tostrud Center
    8:30-10:30 a.m. | Campus Tours, St. Olaf Then and Now — Tomson Hall Admissions Office
    Current St. Olaf students will lead small groups on walking tours of campus. Learn more about the newest buildings and discover how the Hill has changed since you were a student. Meet at the Admissions Office entrance on the west side of Tomson Hall. Tours will depart every 30 minutes. Canceled in case of severe weather.
    9-10:30 a.m. | St. Olaf Faculty and Staff Lightning Talks — Viking Theater, Buntrock Commons
    Join us for one or all of these 20-minute talks by St. Olaf faculty and staff members.

    9:00 to 9:20 a.m.
    Lost in the Woods: Engagement in the St. Olaf Natural Lands
    Wes Braker, Natural Lands Manager

    9:30 to 9:50 a.m.
    Icelandic Nature, Literature, and Cinema
    Linda Mokdad, Associate Professor of English
    Björn Nordfjörd, Associate Professor of English; Director of Film and Media Studies

    10:00 to 10:20 a.m.
    Global Flows and Two Tigers: Taiwan and South Korea
    Karil Kucera, Professor of Art and Art History
    9-10:30 a.m. | Stained Glass Tour — Boe Chapel
    Enjoy an illuminating tour of the stained glass windows in Boe Memorial Chapel with Matt Marohl, St. Olaf College Pastor.
    9:30 a.m. | Walking Tour of the Natural Lands — Art Barn
    Experience a guided tour of the St. Olaf Natural Lands. View the unique and abundant variety of plants and wildlife that live and grow in this protected area. Meet at the Art Barn by the wind turbine, Big Ole.
    10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Bookstore Open — Buntrock Commons
    Stock up on your Ole gear in the St. Olaf Bookstore.
    10:30-11:30 a.m. | All-Class Rally — Campus Green Stage
    What’s better than mid-morning donuts and coffee? How about mid-morning donuts, coffee, 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. 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 will also include President Anderson’s final State of the College address before his retirement.
    12:45-2:30 p.m. | All–Reunion Celebration Lunch — Campus Green
    Included in the All-Weekend Package and Saturday Only Package. Ice cream novelties provided in gratitude by the St. Olaf Fund and the Manitou Heights Society. Rain location will be in Stav Hall.
    12:45-2:30 p.m. | Golden Oles Classes of 1948, 1953, 1958 & 1963 Lunch — Kings Dining Room, Buntrock Commons
    Pre-registration required. Included in the All-Weekend and Saturday Only packages.
    1:30-2:30 p.m. | Manitou Heights Society Reception — Kings Dining Room, Buntrock Commons
    All MHS members are invited to enjoy an afternoon reception in the King’s Dining Room.
    2-3 p.m. | Class of 1968 Service of Remembrance — Skifter Hall, Studio A
    Class of 1968, attend this special worship service to remember and honor your classmates.
    2 p.m. | Nursing Affinity Group Tour
    Nursing alumni are invited to meet at the Regents Natural Science Building for a tour of the nursing department with Emily Carroll, visiting assistant professor of nursing.
    2:30-4:30 p.m. | 50th Reunion Affinity Group Gatherings
    Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with Oles from your academic or study abroad cohort for casual conversation. Light refreshments will be served on the third floor of Regents Hall.

    • Nursing Majors, Class of 1973 – Regents Hall of Natural Sciences 160
    • Paracollege, Class of 1973 – Regents Hall of Natural Sciences 401 U
    • Global Semester, 1971-1972 – Regents Hall of Natural Sciences 237 U
    2:30-4:30 p.m. | Fun on the Campus Green
    Make your way over to the Campus Green to enjoy campus views, giant lawn games, an inflatable obstacle course, and refreshments. Toast to good friends and making new memories. Family-friendly.
    2:30-4:30 p.m. | Campus Open Houses and Pop-up Exhibits
    Explore on your own or grab a friend! Attend open houses and pop-up exhibits to connect with staff members and learn more about St. Olaf’s history and current programs.

    • St. Olaf Archives: “Special Collections: Lab for the Liberal Arts Pop-Up” – Buntrock Commons, 1st Floor
    • Norwegian-American Historical Association (NAHA) – Buntrock Commons, 1st Floor
    • Piper Center for Vocation and Career – Tomson 270
    • Taylor Center for Equity and Inclusion – Buntrock Commons, 111
    • Lego Display – Buntrock Commons, Kings Dining Room
    • Kierkegaard Library – Steensland Hall
    • St. Olaf Ice Arena (arena will open for viewing, no skating available) – Tostrud Center
    2:30-4:30 p.m. | Campus Tours, St. Olaf Then and Now — Tomson Hall Admissions Office
    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 at the Admissions Office entrance on the west side of Tomson Hall. Tours will depart every 30 minutes. Canceled in case of severe weather.
    2:30-4:30 p.m. | St. Olaf Faculty and Staff Lightning Talks — Viking Theater
    Join us for one or all of these 20-minute talks by St. Olaf faculty and staff members.

    2:30 to 2:50 p.m.
    Writing Through Grief
    Juliet Patterson, Associate Professor of Practice in English

    3:00 to 3:20 p.m.
    The NAHA Archives Illuminated
    Amy Boxrud, Executive Director of the Norwegian-American Historical Association (NAHA)

    3:30 to 3:50 p.m.
    Exercise Unplugged
    Judy Tegtmeyer, Director of Campus Recreation

    4:00 to 4:20 p.m.
    Multi-Religious Ministry at a Lutheran Affiliated College
    Matthew Marohl, College Pastor and Katie Fick, Associate College Pastor
    2:30 p.m. | Walking Tour of the Natural Lands — Art Barn
    Experience a guided tour of the St. Olaf Natural Lands. View the unique and abundant variety of plants and wildlife that live and grow in this protected area. Meet at the Art Barn by the wind turbine, Big Ole.
    6 p.m. | Saturday Night Class Reunion Dinners
    Reconnect and celebrate with your classmates over dinner. The program for Saturday evening is planned by your class reunion committee.

    Golden Oles – King’s Dining Room–Valhalla, Buntrock Commons
    Class of 1968 – CAD Link, Center for Art and Dance
    Class of 1973 – Ballrooms, Buntrock Commons
    Class of 1978 –RNS 356 A & B, Regents Hall of Natural Sciences
    Class of 1983 – Boe Undercroft, Boe Chapel
    Class of 1988 – RNS 4th Floor, Regents Hall of Natural Sciences
    Class of 1993 – Groot Gallery, Center for Art and Dance
    Class of 1998 – King’s Dining Room–Trollhaugen, Buntrock Commons
    Class of 2003 – Tomson Atrium, Tomson Hall
    Class of 2008 – Urness Recital Hall, Christiansen Hall of Music
    Class of 2013 – Stav Hall, Buntrock Commons
    Class of 2018 – The Pause, Buntrock Commons
    8:30-10 p.m. | Saturday Night Entertainment — Dueling Pianos on the Campus Green
    Grab a beverage and sing along to all of your favorites during this high-energy show! Rain location in The Pause.
    9-9:30 p.m. | Holden Evening Prayer: Skifter Hall, Studio A
    Join us for this special evening service of reflection and song.
    9-11 p.m. | Outdoor Movie — Campus Green
    Watch Aladdin on the big screen from a seat on the campus lawn. Family–friendly. Rain location will be in Viking Theater, Buntrock Commons.
    9:30 p.m.-midnight | Saturday Night Entertainment: Silent Disco — Campus Green
    Dance under the stars with your classmates! The campus green will feature a silent disco with three DJ stations, each with music from a different era. There will be plenty of space to dance, socialize, play outdoor games, and enjoy s’mores by the fire. Rain location in Buntrock Commons.

    SUNDAY

    SUNDAY, JUNE 4

    7-9:30 a.m. | All-Guest Breakfast — Stav Hall
    Included in All–Weekend package. Additional meals can be purchased at the door of Stav Hall.
    8 a.m.-12 p.m. | Guest Services — Buntrock Commons
    Recycle your nametag and lanyard at Guest Services on your way out.
    8:45 a.m. | Walking Tour of the Natural Lands — Art Barn
    Experience a guided tour of the St. Olaf Natural Lands. View the unique and abundant variety of plants and wildlife that live and grow in this protected area. Meet at the Art Barn by the wind turbine, Big Ole.
    9-10:15 a.m. | All-Singers Worship Choir Rehearsal — Boe Memorial Chapel
    St. Olaf Choir Conductor Anton Armstrong ’78 welcomes all those who love to sing for rehearsal to prepare for the All-Alumni Worship Service. 
    10 a.m.-2 p.m. | Bookstore Open — Buntrock Commons
    Stock up on your Ole gear in the St. Olaf Bookstore.
    10:30-11:45 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. Worship will be led by the All-Alumni Worship Choir, conducted by Anton Armstrong ’78.
    11:00 a.m.-1 p.m. | All-Guest Lunch — Stav Hall
    Included in All–Weekend package. Meal can be purchased at the door of 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.

    Campus Housing