- Please list your education beyond your St. Olaf degree?
I have an MA in mathematics from Northwestern University (1990)
and a DA in Community College Education from George Mason University
(2003).
- What is your current occupation?
I am a Professor of Mathematics at Northern Virginia Community
College in Alexandria, Virginia.
- What was your major and
how has that played out into your life today?
My major was mathematics with a concentration in statistics.
I had excellent professors at St. Olaf and then went on to graduate
school so that I could teach mathematics at the college level.
After teaching at the community college for several years, I
realized I loved teaching fearful adults at the lowest levels.
I went on to specialize in teaching introductory mathematics
often through learning style activities such as projects, games,
and group work.
- Tell us your favorite Ole memory.
I went to a lot of music recitals at St. Olaf and sat in the
balcony and studied. That way I could do my homework, but enjoy
the music as well.
- What is your favorite alumni event?
My wife
Kathy (Anderson Wahl ’87) and I run a lefse-making
event for the DC area alumni. We have a great turn out each year
with a variety of ages—graduates from the 1950’s
up to today. We love helping to keep this Norwegian tradition
alive.
- What do you consider your greatest achievement
that St. Olaf has played a part in?
The excellent teaching
and role models I had at St. Olaf is a key part of me getting
to the place I am today in teaching mathematics at the community
college.
- Why do you support St. Olaf College?
Kathy
and I support St. Olaf because we believe in the value of a
liberal arts education. We feel strong connections to the college
and to the friends we made while we were students. We also
recognize the role liberal arts education has in developing
students’ leadership skills. We want to help others have
similar experiences.
- What do you hope to accomplish on
the Alumni Board?
I am new to Alumni Board this year so I am not yet sure of
what I can contribute.
- Any advice you have for current
students?
Students at St. Olaf should take advantage
of investigating lots of different discipline areas. Skills
in writing, communicating, and critical thinking are key, and
with a wide variety of classes, St. Olaf students have a broad
background for future careers. Beyond the classroom, students
should participate in extracurricular activities—sports,
music, clubs, etc. They will find life-long friends and life-long
hobbies.
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