St. Olaf Receives Sustainability Grant from Lilly Endowment

The Center for Experiential Learning, Lilly Program Committee and Lilly Sustainability Task Force are pleased to report the receipt of a $430K Lilly Sustainability Grant from the Lilly Endowment.

In fall of 2005, the Lilly Endowment invited St. Olaf to submit a proposal for a Lilly Sustainability Grant. The three-year grant's purpose is to help the College transition and institutionalize some of the vocational exploration programs and services awarded in the original grant. In May 2006, we were pleased to be notified that St. Olaf College was awarded a $430K grant. We feel that this award is a testament to the good work we have done with infiltrating the notion of vocation on campus. The full proposal may be found here.

The following programs will continue through the Sustainability Grant:

Lilly Teaching Fellows Program
Over the last four years, 17 faculty members were awarded one course-release time to reflect on and implement vocational components into their existing or newly created courses. The Lilly Sustainability Grant will provide funding to create intentional opportunities for these faculty members to continue their dialogue on how the implementation has impacted their students' discernment process.

EIN Faculty Development
Summer 2006 marked the fourth year where the Lilly Program Grant funded Ethical Issues/Normative Perspectives workshops for a total of 36 faculty members. These courses, led by Profs. of Religion, Douglas Schuurman and Ed Langerak assist St. Olaf faculty in preparing EIN courses which contain a vocational theme. Going forward, the CEL will create a workshop series, based on the EIN model for faculty to continue this mission.

Lilly Vocational Intern
The Lilly Sustainability Grant will provide funding for a dedicated intern for all Lilly related programming. The intent is to engage a recent St. Olaf graduate who has an interest in pursing a life of worth and service in the non-profit sector. The intern will work directly with the executive director on all facets of Lilly programs and services.

Vocational Community Internships
By far, one of the most successful programs instituted through the original Lilly Program Grant was that of the Summer Vocational Internships. Each summer, five to six students explored their ministerial callings within a Twin Cities urban congregation while being mentored by Randy Nelson of Luther Seminary. The Sustainability Grant will provide monetary support to continue this notable work.

Pastoral Intern
The original Lilly Program Grant provided funding and housing for past Pastoral Interns Erik Hall and Elizabeth Musselman. The Pastor's Office has greatly benefited from the insight and expertise these two have offered while the interns benefited from engagement in campus life. The Sustainability Grant will continue to subsidize this program.

Vocational Retreats
Several models of delivery for student vocational retreats have been tested in the CEL. In academic year 2005-06, the CEL has perfected a three part workshop series where students thoroughly explore their vocation through specific activities and assessment tools. These workshops will continue to be administered by CEL professionals for the student body.

International Service Learning
Lilly Summer International Service Learning faculty, staff and students have traveled from Russia, Morocco, Peru, India and most recently Thailand to perform service-learning projects, reflect on faith, and experience cultural and religious diversity. Although traditionally organized during the summer months, International Service Learning trips will shifts to interim to complement the College's existing study-abroad programming.