In 1892, at a time when there had only been three graduated classes, a group of alumni created the St. Olaf College Alumni Association. The mission of this new association was to “promote in every proper way the interest of the college, and to foster among the graduates a sentiment of regard for each other, and attachment to their Alma Mater.” Any graduate of St. Olaf could be a member and faculty members were honorary members. Years later, each member was required to pay an annual fee of one dollar. Officers of the Association included a president, a vice president, a secretary, and a treasurer. All officers were elected by ballot at the annual meeting held the day after graduation. In the 1930’s, twelve more officer positions were added including a nominating committee, a board of trustees and an auditing committee.

By 1982, the Alumni Association re-focused to say, “its purpose shall be to promote the interests of the college and its alumni by serving as a resource for support and communication between the alumni and St. Olaf College.” Members continued to assist St. Olaf with recruitment of students, fund raising and development projects, alumni and parent club activities, and other areas of advancement.

Continuing the tradition, the Alumni Board today is a diverse group of alumni who volunteer their time, talents and energy to provide leadership within the alumni community on behalf of the programs and mission of the college. Arriving from various locations throughout the nation, they continue to meet twice a year, on campus, in an effort to better understand the college and its needs.  As an advisory board, they offer suggestions and perspectives gleaned from the larger alumni community, and work with Office of Alumni and Parent Relations on various components of the alumni program. Sixteen alumni are chosen for single four-year terms and a fourth of the Board is elected annually.