Class of 1997

Spring_Aerial-2

Welcome Back. Welcome Home.

Celebrate your 25th reunion on the Hill!

Dear Class of 1997:

There is no way to describe the tingle you feel in your gut when the Hill pops into view as you drive east on Highway 3, retracing the path you took to class or the cafeteria, remembering fun activities like movies in the science center, and discovering the creative ways the college has built upon an already beautiful campus.

I promise you that at our 25th reunion, you’ll see friends, floormates, and student work co-workers that you forgot you missed. You’ll also make special new connections derived from our common experience of living together for four years.

Reunions allow you to revisit all of the good stuff that made up our college years. Our 25th is the best time to reconnect and celebrate the Class of 1997’s many accomplishments, both on and off the Hill.

We hope to see you this summer. We have missed you.

Milyon and Eirik

Class of 1997, Reunion Co-chairs

MAKE YOUR REUNION GIFT

UPDATE YOUR CONTACT INFORMATION

Class of 1997 Reunion — Play Video Class of 1997 Reunion

Hear from your classmates, Jason and Jane, and get excited about returning to campus for your 25th!

Old Main Tower

3 – 9 p.m. Optional Early Registration

Alumni from the Class of 1997 are invited to check-in a day early at no additional charge to enjoy all that Reunion Weekend has to offer!

6 p.m. Volunteer Reception and Thank You Dinner: Buntrock Ballrooms

Members of the 25th reunion committee 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
6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. Dinner

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

8-9 a.m. Breakfast in Stav Hall
Ticket required.

9 a.m.-9 p.m. Registration and Guest Services Open
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

Checking in late?

9-11 a.m. Campus Open Houses
For more information, see printed schedule or Guidebook.

10 a.m. Chapel
All guests are requested to mask at this event.

11 a.m.-1 p.m. Lunch in Stav Hall
Limited number of tickets available for purchase

6 p.m.-8 p.m. Class of 1997 Welcome Reception
Join our classmates for heavy hors d’oeuvres, wine, and beer.

8 – 12 a.m. Late Night Entertainment
For more information, see printed schedule or Guidebook.

7:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Breakfast in Stav Hall

8 a.m.-8 p.m. Registration and Guest Services Open
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. Ole 5k Walk/Run

9 a.m. 25th Reunion Alumni Seminar: Creating a More Inclusive St. Olaf
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 María 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.

9 – 11 a.m. Campus Tours and Open Houses
Relive your days as a prospective student by taking an official campus tour or explore on your own! See Guidebook for more information.

11 – 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 – 12:30 p.m. All Alumni Celebration
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.

12:45-2:30 p.m. All Reunion Celebration Lunch in Stav Hall

2:30 p.m. 25th Reunion Alumni Seminar: Tomson, Regents, Buntrock, OH MY!
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 – 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.

4 p.m. 25th Reunion Alumni Seminar: 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 offices for a dynamic presentation on St. Olaf’s process for recruiting and enrolling prospective students, including a dedicated time for Q&A if YOU have a prospective Ole in your life!

6 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Class of 1997 Dinner: RNS 4th Floor Atrium
Join your classmates for conversation and connection for a dinner buffet with wine, and beer.

9 p.m. Holden Evening Prayer

9 – 12 a.m. Late Night Entertainment

10 p.m. Late Night Pizza Delivery in Mellby Hall Lounge

7:30-9 a.m. Breakfast in Stav Hall
Ticket required. A limited number of tickets available for purchase at registration.

8:00 a.m.-12:00pm Guest Services, Buntrock Commons
On your way out please recycle your lanyard and nametag at guest services.

8:45-10:15 a.m. Walking Tour of the Natural Lands
Join a guided tour of the unique and abundant variety of plants and wildlife that live and grow in this protected area. Meet at the Art Barn Big Ole (wind turbine).

9 – 10:15 a.m. All-Singers Worship Choir Rehearsal
All those who love to sing are welcome at this rehearsal to prepare for the All-Alumni Worship Service.

Masks are requested for all participants.

10:30 a.m. All-Alumni Worship Service
We gather together to worship and to give thanks for the blessings of the St. Olaf community. The service will feature music by the Worship Choir.

Masks are requested for all participants.

11 a.m.-1 p.m. All-Guest Lunch in Stav Hall
Ticket required. Tickets will be available for cash purchase at Stav Hall.

2 p.m. Residence Halls Close

REGISTRATION FAQ

Community Skate - Ice Arena

Explore what is new on campus.

Ole Avenue Project St. Olaf Ice Arena

We are excited to be able to host Reunion Weekend on campus again! Now is the time to return to the Hill to reconnect, reminisce, and explore what is new on campus.