2025 Schedule of Events

  • Reunion Weekend
  • 2025 Schedule of Events

Reunion 2025 Schedule of Events

More events to come!
Schedule is subject to change

 

Registration open!

register for reunion

THURSDAY

THURSDAY, MAY 29

Class of 1975 Early Arrival
50th Reunion registration opens at 3 p.m.
7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. | The Cage — Buntrock Commons
Short-order meals, snacks, beverages, and baked goods are available for purchase.
3-5 p.m. | Class of 1975 Service of Remembrance Rehearsal — Boe Chapel
Join those participating in the Class of 1975 Service of Remembrance for a rehearsal in Boe Chapel.
3-7 p.m. | Class of 1975 Early Registration Open — Buntrock Commons
Make this your first stop! Pick up your nametag, lanyard, and Ole swag ticket. Redeem your Ole swag ticket for an item of your choice at the Ole Shop on Friday or Saturday.
5-7:30 p.m. | Class of 1975 50th Reunion Welcome Reception — King’s Dining Room
Kickstart your 50th reunion weekend with this fun and casual welcome reception. Enjoy connecting with your classmates over heavy appetizers, wine, and beer.
8-10 p.m. | Class of 1975 Arts Cafe — Ytterboe Lounge
Join classmates in the Ytterboe lounge for live music, poetry and conversation. All are welcome to participate.

FRIDAY

FRIDAY, MAY 30

General Registration opens at 2 p.m. for the classes of 1945, 1950, 1955, 1960, 1965, 1970, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, 2020.
All Day | Self-Guided Then and Now Campus Tour
Grab your earbuds and access the self-guided St. Olaf Then and Now Tour. Take this tour of campus when its convenient for you during Reunion Weekend.
7 a.m.-5 p.m. | Class of 1975 Hospitality Room — Ytterboe Lounge7:15-9:30 a.m. | Reunion Guest Breakfast — Stav Hall, Buntrock Commons
Coffee, water, and tea will be available throughout the day.
7:15-9:30 a.m. | Reunion Guest Breakfast — Stav Hall, Buntrock Commons
Included in the 1975 All-Weekend package. Meal can be purchased at the door to Stav Hall for other guests who arrive early.
7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. | The Cage — Buntrock Commons
Short-order meals, snacks, beverages, and baked goods are available for purchase. The kitchen will close at 3 p.m. “Grab and Go” items and coffee available until 5 p.m.
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 1975 Registration and Check-In — Buntrock Commons
Make this your first stop! Pick up your nametag, lanyard, housing assignment, and Ole swag ticket.
9 a.m.-9 p.m. | Ole Shop — Buntrock Plaza
Redeem your Ole swag ticket for an item of your choice at the Ole Shop.
10 a.m. | Class of 1975 Service of Remembrance — Boe Chapel
Attend this special worship service to remember and honor your classmates. You may wish to bring and reference your copy of the Viking Update.

The Class of 1975 will take a class photo in Boe Chapel immediately following the Service of Remembrance.
noon-1:30 p.m. | Class of 1975 Welcome Lunch — Ballrooms, Buntrock Commons
Join your class for plated lunch in the Black and Gold Ballrooms in Buntrock Commons. Enjoy good food and even better conversation! The program for Friday’s lunch is planned by your class reunion committee.
2-4:30 p.m. | Class of 1975 Ole Talks in Tomson 280
Don’t miss these thought-provoking talks on a variety of topics planned by your 50th reunion committee. Featuring classmates and St. Olaf faculty and staff speakers.

2–2:45 p.m. SESSION I

​Civil Discourse in Challenging Times
Tony Trimble ’75, Patrick Cabello Hansel ’75, and Joel Ario ’75

Session Description:
Join Tony Trimble and Patrick Hansel for an engaging conversation on civil discourse moderated by Joel Ario. Tony and Patrick will discuss experiences with civil discourse during the Vietnam War and Nixon-McGovern eras, as well as considerations for the future.

3–3:30 p.m. SESSION II

Regenerative Farming Practices: Good for Farmers, Fields, and Food Production
Deb Held Fant ’75

Session Description:
Deb Held Fant ’75 will present on the farmer-led regenerative farming movement, which is bringing hope to farming families by increasing yields and profits. Learn how farmers are teaching fellow farmers alternative practices that work with nature’s systems to increase biodiversity on farms: Feeding and protecting soil, increasing water percolation into the ground, encouraging the presence of pollinators, and adding rotational grazing to fertilize and aerate the soil. Deb will share how consumers can support this “green revolution” in food production and how they can apply regenerative principles to their own gardens.

To make the most of this session, participants may wish to pre-watch the video Kiss the Ground: How We Can Reverse Climate Change.

3:45–4:30 p.m. SESSION III

Composing a Life in the Third Chapter
Dr. Deanna A. Thompson ’89, Director of the St. Olaf Lutheran Center for Faith, Values, and Community

Session Description:
The late Mary Catherine  Bateson describes the work of being human as “composing a life.” In this interactive session, Deanna Thompson ’89, will help us explore the life and vocations we composed during our time at St. Olaf and how that “college composition” has directed and influenced our lives and callings over the past 50 years. We will also consider what life composing is calling most to us in this current chapter of life and our vision for what’s ahead.   

2-8 p.m. | All-Classes Registration and Check-In — Buntrock Commons
All classes 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 1945, 1950,  1955, 1960, 1965, and 1970.
6-8 p.m. | 1975 50th Reunion Class Dinner — Ballrooms, Buntrock Commons
The 50th reunion class will gather for dinner and a program planned by your reunion committee.
6-8 p.m. | Friday Golden Oles Buffet Dinner — King’s Dining Room, Buntrock Commons
Start Reunion Weekend with great food and even better conversation! Catch-up with your classmates over a casual buffet dinner. There is no formal program for this meal.

All members of the classes of 1945, 1950, 1955, 1960, and 1965, along with any alumni graduating prior to 1965 are invited to attend.
6-8 p.m. | Reunion Class Toast and Social — 5th to 55th Reunions
Kick-off the weekend by raising a glass with your classmates. Then, take your crew on a progressive culinary journey through Buntrock Commons, savoring delicious food and drink along the way!

CLASS STARTING LOCATIONS:

Class of 1970
Johnson Board Room, King’s Dining Room
Class of 1980 Holland Hall Lounge
Class of 1985 Rolvaag Memorial Library 525
Class of 1990 Rolvaag Memorial Library 515
Class of 1995 CAD Gallery Hall, Center for Art and Dance
Class of 2000 CAD Link, Center for Art and Dance
Class of 2005 Boe Chapel Undercroft
Class of 2010 The Pause Jungle, Buntrock Commons
Class of 2015 Stav Hall, Buntrock Commons
Class of 2020 The Pause, Buntrock Commons
8 p.m.-midnight | Friday Night Entertainment — Campus Green
Continue your evening with live entertainment from “The Ultimate Entertainer” — Grant Jones! Take a seat outdoors and enjoy local tap beer, non-alcoholic beverages, soda, and specialty drinks available for purchase.

Later, 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.

Drink tokens will be available for purchase.

Rain location: Buntrock Commons
9-11 p.m. | Outdoor Movie — Campus Green
Watch a feature film on the big screen from a seat on the campus green. Family–friendly.

Movie title coming soon.

Rain location: Viking Theater, Buntrock Commons

 

SATURDAY

SATURDAY, MAY 31

 

All Day | Self Guided Then and Now Campus Tour
Grab your earbuds and access the self-guided St. Olaf Then and Now Tour. Take this tour of campus when its convenient for you during Reunion Weekend.
7 a.m.-5 p.m. | Class of 1975 Hospitality Room — Ytterboe Lounge
Coffee, water, and tea will be available throughout the day.
7:15-9:30 a.m. | Reunion Guest Breakfast — Stav Hall
Included in All–Weekend package. Meal can be purchased at the door of Stav Hall.
7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. | The Cage — Buntrock Commons
A limited menu of snacks, beverages, and baked goods will be available for purchase.
8 a.m.-8 p.m. | Registration and Check-In — Buntrock Commons
Make this your first stop! Pick up your nametag, lanyard, housing assignment, and Ole swag ticket.
8 a.m.-8 p.m. | Ole Shop — Buntrock Plaza
Redeem your Ole swag ticket for an item of your choice at the Ole Shop.
8 a.m.-10 p.m. | 55th and Golden Oles Hospitality Room — Norway Room, Buntrock Commons
Shared hospitality room for the classes of  1945, 1950, 1955, 1960, 1965, 1970.
8:30-9:15 a.m. | Saturday Morning Ole Yoga and Gratitude Meditation — Skoglund Gym
Pre-register or walk up to enjoy a gentle morning yoga and gratitude meditation session with Heidi Henriksen Amouta ’07. A limited number of mats are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Or, bring your own!
8:30-10:30 a.m. | St. Olaf Archives and NAHA Pop-Up Exhibits — Buntrock Commons
Grab a friend and learn more about St. Olaf’s history and current programming. Visit the St. Olaf Archives exhibit featuring items curated for the 1975 50th class reunion.  Then visit the Norwegian American Historical Association (NAHA) pop-up exhibits.
8:30-10:30 a.m. | Guided Then and Now Campus Tours— Old Main
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 doors of Old Main. Tours will depart every 30 minutes. Last tour leaves at 10 a.m.
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.

Topics will be posted soon!

9:00 to 9:20 a.m.

9:30 to 9:50 a.m.

10:00 to 10:20 a.m.
9-10 a.m. | Stained Glass Tour and Visio Divina with the St. John’s Bible Heritage Edition — Boe Chapel
Enjoy an illuminating tour of the stained glass windows in Boe Memorial Chapel with a chance to reflect on the illuminations in the St. John’s Bible Heritage edition with St. Olaf College Pastor Katie Fick and Lutheran Center Associate Director Peter Schattauer ’07.
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.
10-11 a.m. | Class of 1970 Coffee, Tea, and Treats with President Susan Rundell Singer — St. Olaf House
President Susan Rundell Singer cordially invites the Class of 1970 to an exclusive coffee hour at the St. Olaf House (president’s residence) in honor of your 55th reunion. Transportation to and from Buntrock Commons will be provided.
10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Bookstore Open — Buntrock Commons
Stock up on your Ole gear in the St. Olaf Bookstore.
10:45-11:30 a.m. | Donuts and All-Class Rally — Boe Chapel Plaza
Enjoy a tasty snack before the All-Alumni Celebration! Don’t miss swag giveaways, trivia, and a rousing all-reunion rendition of Um! Yah! Yah! accompanied by a live brass band.
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | All-Alumni Celebration — Boe Chapel
President Susan Rundell Singer invites you to join this joyful, multi-generational celebration of the St. Olaf community. Join us as we recognize the vital alumni contributions of time, talent and treasure to St. Olaf.
Noon-2:30 p.m. | Celebration Lunch – Stav Hall
This lunch is for the classes of 2020, 2015, 2010, 2005, 2000, 1995, 1990, 1985, 1980, 1975, 1970. Included in the All-Weekend, All-Saturday, Saturday Celebration Lunch and Campus Programming packages. Meal can be purchased at the door of Stav Hall.

Please note the classes of 1945, 1950, 1955, 1960, 1965 will be served lunch in the King’s Dining Room at 12:45 p.m.
Noon-5 p.m. | Rolvaag Library Open — Rolvaag Memorial Library
Step back into the heart of campus and visit the Rolvaag Memorial Library. Discover the resources available to today’s students, browse our extensive collections, and revisit your favorite study spot. Visitors can also enjoy a self-guided tour created just for Reunion Weekend by current student Louisa Lamarre ’28.
12:45-2:30 p.m. | Classes of 1945, 1950, 1955 Reunion Lunch and Program – King’s Dining Room, Buntrock Commons
Pre-registration required. Included in the All-Weekend package or the á la carte option available to Golden Oles. This meal will have a program.
12:45-2:30 p.m. | Class of 1960 Reunion Lunch and Program – King’s Dining Room, Buntrock Commons
Pre-registration required. Included in the All-Weekend package or the á la carte option available to Golden Oles. This meal will have a program.
12:45-2:30 p.m. | Class of 1965 Reunion Lunch and Program – King’s Dining Room, Buntrock Commons
Pre-registration required. Included in the All-Weekend package or the á la carte option available to Golden Oles. This meal will have a program.
2 p.m. | Nursing Department Tour — Nursing Department, Regents Hall of Natural Sciences
Nursing alumni are invited to meet in Regents Hall of Natural Sciences for a tour of the nursing department led by Susan Huehn, Associate Professor of Nursing; Department Chair of Nursing.
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.
2:30-3:30 p.m. | Manitou Heights Society Reception — Kings Dining Room, Buntrock Commons
All MHS members are invited to enjoy an afternoon dessert reception in the King’s Dining Room.
2:30-4 p.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.

Topics will be posted soon!

2:30 to 2:50 p.m.

3:00 to 3:20 p.m.

3:30 to 3:50 p.m.
2:30-4:30 p.m. | Class of 1975 Reunion Affinity Group Gatherings
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with your classmates who shared some of your most important experiences on the Hill.

Paracollege Hosted by Joel Ario and Jane Wilkens
Music Hosted by Ruth Bretheim Aaseng, Paul Beck, Tom Schattauer, and Mary Nitz Hayek
Medicine and Dentistry Hosted by John Bancroft and Richard Sveum
Theater and Performing Arts Hosted by Gary Briggle and David Ellertson
Clergy and Religious Studies Hosted by Kari Requiem and Rick Hoyme
Overseas Study Programs Hosted by Lynn Anderson, Steve Juergens, and Laura Helleloid Morris
Kildahl Hosted by Becky Lee and John Noel
Hoyme Hosted by Patty Miller, Inge Velde, and Mark E. Peterson
Mellby Hosted by Shelly Duoos and Chris Jerpbak
Ellingson Hosted by Tim Carlson and Hershel Ousley
2:30-4:30 p.m. | Campus Open Houses
Grab a friend and learn more about how St. Olaf supports current students. List of open houses coming soon.
2:30-4:30 p.m. | Guided Then and Now Campus Tours — Old Main
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 doors of Old Main. Tours will depart every 30 minutes. Last tour leaves at 4 p.m.

Cancelled in case of severe weather.
2:30-4:30 p.m. | St. Olaf Avenue Open Houses
The entrance to campus was completely transformed with the completion of the Ole Avenue Project in 2022. Stop down for a tour of one of the townhouse-style residences that now line St. Olaf Avenue and see a room in New Hall, St. Olaf’s newest dormitory.
2:30-6 p.m. | Fun on the Campus Green
Make your way over to the Campus Green to enjoy live music, campus views, giant lawn games, a petting zoo, an inflatable obstacle course, and refreshments. Toast to good friends and making new memories. Family-friendly.

The Rollin’ Ole will be serving Johnny Pops sponsored by the St. Olaf Fund office.
3-5 p.m. | 1975 50th Reunion Nursing Majors Gathering — Regents Hall of Natural Sciences
Nursing majors from the Class of 1975 are invited to gather for a casual conversation and light refreshments.
4 p.m. | Class of 1970 Service of Remembrance — Studio A
Join us for this special worship service to remember and honor your 1970 classmates who have passed away.
6-8 p.m. | Saturday Golden Oles Buffet Dinner — King’s Dining Room-Trollhaugen
Pre-registration required. Included in the All-Weekend package or the á la carte option available to Golden Oles. There is no formal program for this meal.

All members of the classes 1945, 1950, 1955, 1960, 1965, along with any alumni graduating prior to 1965, are invited to attend.
6-8 p.m. | Saturday Night Class Reunion Dinners
Reconnect and celebrate with your classmates over dinner. All classes except Golden Oles will have a program planned by your class reunion committee.

Pre-registration required. Included in the All-Weekend, All-Saturday, Saturday Reunion Dinner and Entertainment Packages.

CLASS DINNER LOCATIONS:

Class of 1970 TBD
Class of 1975 Ballrooms, Buntrock Commons
Class of 1980 TBD
Class of 1985 TBD
Class of 1990 TBD
Class of 1995 TBD
Class of 2000 TBD
Class of 2005 TBD
Class of 2010 TBD
Class of 2015 TBD
Class of 2020 TBD

 
8-10 p.m. | Dueling Pianos — Boe Plaza
Grab a beverage and sing along to all your favorites during this high-energy show!

Rain location: The Pause
9-9:30 p.m. | Holden Evening Prayer — Studio A
Join us for this special evening service of reflection and song.
9-11 p.m. | Outdoor Movie — Campus Green
Watch a feature film on the big screen from a seat on the campus lawn. Family–friendly.

Rain location: Viking Theater, Buntrock Commons
9:30 p.m.-midnight | Saturday Night Entertainment — 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: Buntrock Commons
10 p.m.-midnight | Haunted Hill — Rolvaag Library Plaza
Join former Dean of Students and Northfield resident Greg Kneser, keeper of the St. Olaf “ghost file,” for an evening of chilling tales. Hear legendary stories of the “red cap boy” haunting Thorson Hall, mysterious stereo disruptions, and other unexplained phenomena that have earned St. Olaf its reputation as one of the Midwest’s most haunted campuses. Dare to delve into the folklore that has spooked Oles for generations! Meet at the Rolvaag Library Plaza.

Rain location: Tomson 280

 

SUNDAY

SUNDAY, JUNE 1

7-11 a.m. | Grab and Go Pastries and Coffee— Buntrock Commons, near The Cage
Complimentary for all reunion guests.
7 a.m.-1 p.m. | Class of 1975 Hospitality Room — Ytterboe Lounge
Coffee, water, and tea will be available.
8 a.m.-noon | Guest Services — Buntrock Commons
Recycle your nametag and lanyard at Guest Services on your way out.
8 a.m.-noon | The Cage — Buntrock Commons
A limited menu of snacks, beverages, and baked goods will be available for purchase.
8 a.m.-2 p.m. | Bookstore Open — Buntrock Commons
Stock up on your Ole gear in the St. Olaf Bookstore.
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 Chapel
St. Olaf welcomes all reunion guests who love to sing to this rehearsal to prepare for the All-Alumni Worship Service, directed by Anton Armstrong ’78, the Harry R. and Thora H. Tosdal Professor of Music and Conductor of the St. Olaf Choir.
10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Reunion Guest Brunch — Stav Hall
Included in the All–Weekend package. Meal can be purchased at the door of Stav Hall.
10:30-11:45 a.m. | All-Alumni Worship Service — Boe Chapel
We gather together to worship and to give thanks for the blessings of the St. Olaf community. Worship will be accompanied by the All-Singers Worship Choir, directed by Anton Armstrong ’78, the Harry R. and Thora H. Tosdal Professor of Music and Conductor of the St. Olaf Choir.
1 p.m. | Residence Halls Close

Questions? Call the Alumni and Parent Relations Office
888-865-6537 or email alum-office@stolaf.edu.