ARCHIVE

< October 2004
December 2004 >


Travel writer Doug Lansky to speak Tuesday evening on campus
NOVEMBER 30, 2004 — Nationally known travel writer and expert Doug Lansky will bring his "World Travel Show" to the Viking Theater in Buntrock Commons on Tuesday, speaking on "how to see the world on a student's budget." His nationally syndicated travel column is seen in newspapers in St. Paul, San Francisco, Detroit and Denver, among other cities, and Lansky has the enviable job of "world travel expert" on Public Radio International's "The Savvy Traveler" program. The event begins at 7 p.m. and is open to the public.

Tostrud Center offers head start on New Year's resolution
NOVEMBER 29, 2004 — As winter approaches and temperatures drop, many people from the community take advantage of the indoor and outdoor recreational offerings at St. Olaf.

Free concert to celebrate WCAL 89.3
NOVEMBER 28, 2004 — A free concert celebrating the history and public service of WCAL 89.3 FM, the radio service operated by St. Olaf College from 1922 to 2004, will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 28, at Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. This concert is free and open to the public and parking is available for $3 in the Central Lutheran parking ramp. A reception follows the concert.

Music at St. Olaf to be featured on KARE 11 "Extra"
NOVEMBER 25, 2004 — After spending Thanksgiving Day surrounded by good folk and good food, tune in KARE 11 at 10 p.m. when the evening EXTRA will feature music at St. Olaf College and much of what goes into the making of the St. Olaf Christmas Festival. Since the segment airs prior to the Christmas Festival concert, Twin Cities Public Television has allowed KARE 11 to use a portion of its 2001 PBS special, "Christmas at St. Olaf." A second broadcast of the EXTRA segment is tentatively set to air on the opening night of this year's Christmas Festival concert, Dec. 2. KARE 11's Emmy-award winning photojournalist Jim Douglas recently spent three days on campus where he spoke at length with Anton Armstrong and Robert Scholz, as well as with a number of our extraordinary students - notably Sonja Tengblad, Matt Johnson, Kate Mabuce, Tory Pence, Melinda Fechner, Ryan Christensen and Isaac Kidder, and filmed the St. Olaf Choir, Chapel Choir and St. Olaf Orchestra in rehearsals. KARE 11 reporter Joe Fryer tells our story.

Where in the World is Integrity will inspire readers
NOVEMBER 23, 2004 — For people concerned that integrity is a missing value in today's world, the authors of Where in the World is Integrity? share inspiring stories of integrity as seen and told by ordinary people. St. Olaf Professor Emeritus of Psychology Bruce B. Roberts, St. Olaf Associate Director of Informational Services Craig D. Rice, and Rev. Joe E. Smith have gathered stories spanning several decades to demonstrate that integrity is still very much a core value in American society.

A cappella group, Chapter 6, to give concert
NOVEMBER 20, 2004 — "Chapter 6," an a cappella group, that has performed on ABC's "Good Morning America," Rockapella's "Big Millikin Event" and the University of Michigan's "Acappalooza" will give a public concert at 8 p.m. in Buntrock Commons, the Pause. These six young men and their award-winning arranger, Mark Grizzard, share their passion for music, humor and a message of hope, with their original renditions from jazz to classical, gospel to pop-rock. Tickets, $5, will be available at the door.

Valhalla Band to give fall concert
NOVEMBER 20, 2004 — St. Olaf College's student-organized concert band, the Valhalla Band, will give their fall concert at 7 p.m. in Boe Memorial Chapel. The program will include music by Bach, Susato, Grainger, Reed and other traditional and contemporary band composers. This concert is free and open to the public.

Daniel Sinykin '05 named finalist for Rhodes Scholarship
NOVEMBER 19, 2004 — Daniel Sinykin '05, has been named one of two Minnesota finalists for the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship that is awarded annually to only 95 people worldwide. The triple mathematics, English and philosophy major is currently navigating his way through the grueling selection process that continues with a series of interviews Nov. 20-22.

Faculty art exhibit features work of Mary Griep and Irve Dell
NOVEMBER 19, 2004 — An exciting new St. Olaf faculty art exhibit featuring the work of artists Irve Dell and Mary Griep is on display through Dec. 15. The artists, both of whom are associate professors of art, deal with puppet theater and 11th-century European and Asian sacred spaces, respectively.

Oles urge current students to seek even higher education
NOVEMBER 17, 2004 — St. Olaf College hosted a graduate school panel this winter dedicated to Undergraduate Scholars Program participants. The panel included five outstanding graduate scholars of color -- four who completed their undergraduate education at St. Olaf College and one at Princeton University. The panel provided the opportunity for students interested in attending graduate school to learn more about the panelists' journeys and experiences.

Author Heidi Neumark to give bookreading at St. Olaf as part of Meet the Authors! series
NOVEMBER 16, 2004 — The Fall 2004 author series brings to campus Heidi Neumark, author of "Breathing Space: A Spiritual Journey in the South Bronx" for a bookreading on Tuesday, Nov. 16, at 7:30 p.m., in Buntrock Commons, Viking Theater.

FCC approves sale of WCAL to Minnesota Public Radio
NOVEMBER 15, 2004 — The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) formally authorized St. Olaf College to sell radio stations WCAL 89.3 FM in Northfield and affiliate KMSE 88.7 FM in Rochester, Minn., to Minnesota Public Radio. MPR issued the announcement Nov. 15. The purchase agreement, signed by the parties in August, was contingent upon the FCC's consent. Under this agreement, the sale must now be finalized within 10 business days, or by Nov. 26. The FCC rejected a petition filed by a group opposing the sale: SaveWCAL.org.

'Breathing Space' author and urban pastor to appear
NOVEMBER 15, 2004 — Heidi Neumark for 20 years led an impoverished Lutheran congregation in the South Bronx, where the asthma rates for children are the highest in the nation. She will make several appearances at St. Olaf Nov. 16-18 to read from her acclaimed 2003 book Breathing Space: A Spiritual Journey in the South Bronx.

'Sing For Joy,' produced by WCAL, will continue its home at St. Olaf College
NOVEMBER 15, 2004 — "Sing For Joy" -- the weekly sacred music program hosted by Pastor Bruce Benson -- is moving into the Office of Church Relations. Formerly produced by WCAL, whose sale to Minnesota Public Radio was approved Nov. 15 by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), "Sing For Joy" exemplies the college's legacy of sharing sacred music.

Nirmala Rajasekar to give South Indian music lecture and demonstration
NOVEMBER 15, 2004 — Singer, vina player, composer and music teacher, Nirmala Rajasekar will give a guest lecture and demonstration of South Indian music, mridangam, at 8:15 p.m. in Christiansen Hall of Music, Urness Recital Hall. A lifelong musician, Rajasekar began her music training at the age of six and began performing at age 13 in the ancient tradition of Carnatic music. This event is free and open to the public.

Eric Lund named director of International and Off-Campus Studies
NOVEMBER 15, 2004 — Professor of Religion Eric Lund "has vast experience in international study and a forward-looking vision for the Office of International and Off-Campus Studies," says College Dean James May. As the new director of St. Olaf off campus and study-abroad programs, Lund looks forward to helping enhance the college's leadership in this important field.

St. Olaf Band Day concert to have guest conductor
NOVEMBER 13, 2004 — The annual St. Olaf Band Day culminates in an exciting concert at 4 p.m. in Skoglund Center Auditorium. After the intense day of rehearsals, the Festival Band, made up of high school musicians, will be joined by the St. Olaf Band and the Norseman Band to perform under the baton of a prominent guest conductor. This concert is free and open to the public.

Fall Swing Dance to have live music provided by the St. Olaf Jazz Bands
NOVEMBER 12, 2004 — The St. Olaf Jazz Bands, conducted by David Hagedorn, artist-in-residence, will provide the music for the fall swing dance scheduled for Friday, Nov. 12 at 9 p.m., in the Buntrock Commons, Lion's Pause.

The event sponsored by the St. Olaf Swing Club isn't a competition, but there will be some amazing dancing on the floor by the students. There may also be a 'swing circle' sometime during the evening, where everyone is invited to 'show off their stuff.' The music begins at 9 p.m., but there is an introductory dance lesson at 8:30 provided by the Swimg Club.

St. Olaf Magazine wins three statewide honors, including one for overall excellence
NOVEMBER 12, 2004 — St. Olaf Magazine won three awards at the eighth annual Minnesota Publishing Excellence Awards, sponsored by the Minnesota Magazine & Publications Association (MMPA). The magazine earned honors for "overall excellence" and for two cover stories.

St. Olaf College Theater Department presents "Moonchildren"
NOVEMBER 12, 2004 — The popular comedy "Moonchildren" is the second fall production by the St. Olaf College Theater Department. "Moonchildren" was written by Michael Weller and will be directed by Associate Professor of Theater William Sonnega in the Speech Theater Building, Kelsey Theater, on Nov. 12-13 and Nov. 18-20 at 7:30 p.m. and also Nov. 14 at 2 p.m.

Humke to present fourth dimension in year's first Mellby lecture
NOVEMBER 11, 2004 — Professor of Mathematics Paul Humke will present "Voyager From the Fourth Dimension" on Thursday as part of the college's annual Carl Mellby Memorial Lecture Series. Inspired by a course Humke taught 20 years ago, the lecture includes demonstrations of geometric objects and a movie.

St. Olaf ranks in the top 10 of the Princeton Review for...food
NOVEMBER 11, 2004 — According to a survey by The Princeton Review of over 110,000 students at 357 top colleges, St. Olaf College ranks No. 9 in the nation for Best Food. Intrigued by this fun fact, WCCO 4 television, Minnesota's CBS affiliate, send news reporter Darcy Pohland to Stav Hall to sample offerings by the college's food service, Bon Appetit, and to talk to students who are more than satisfied with the college cuisine.

The Princeton Review is a New York City-based company known for its test prep courses, education services, and books. It has conducted the survey since 1992. "All of the schools in this book are academically outstanding," says Princeton Review's Robert Franek, the book's lead author. "We report ranking lists in many categories to help college applicants and their parents decide which of these very different, but all great colleges is best for them."

A Voyager from the Fourth Dimension is the title for the fall 2004 Mellby Lecture
NOVEMBER 11, 2004 — The fall Mellby Memorial Lecture will be delivered by Paul Humke, on Thursday, Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. in the Buntrock Commons, Viking Theater. Humke is professor of mathematics and the North American Director of the Budapest Semester in Math and has chosen the title "A Voyager from the Fourth Dimension for the lecture."

'Breathing Space' author and urban pastor to appear
NOVEMBER 11, 2004 — Heidi Neumark for 20 years led an impoverished Lutheran congregation in the South Bronx, where the asthma rates for children are the highest in the nation. She will make several appearances at St. Olaf Nov. 16-18 to read from her acclaimed 2003 book Breathing Space: A Spiritual Journey in the South Bronx.

Jazz performer and composer Phil Markowitz to appear in concert
NOVEMBER 11, 2004 — Phil Markowitz, celebrating his 33rd year as a jazz performer and composer, will perform in concert in Buntrock Commons, the Pause at 8 p.m. Markowitz has been honored six times for his composition and performance by the Howard Foundation, Doris Duke Foundation, twice by the National Endowment of the Arts and twice by the New York Foundation for the Arts. In 2003, Markowitz was part of a major European tour with the all-star group "Tenor Summit" with Michael Brecker, Joe Lovano, Billy Hart, Dave Liebman and Cecil McBee. Tickets, $5, will be available at the door.

Pianist Robert Palmer to present concert at St. Olaf College
NOVEMBER 11, 2004 — Well-known pianist, Robert Palmer, will give a concert at St. Olaf College on Thursday, Nov. 11, 11:30 a.m., in Christiansen Hall of Music, Urness Recital Hall. Palmer will also give a masterclass in Urness from 2-4 p.m. His program will includes pieces by Beethoven, Debussy, Chopin and Brahms. This concert is free and open to the public.

Josie Robinson Johnson to be speaker for Servant Leadership Week
NOVEMBER 11, 2004 — The O. Jay and Pat Tomson Lecture on Servant Leadership presents Josie Robinson Johnson, Ed. D. at 4 p.m. in Buntrock Commons, Viking Theater. Dr. Johnson has a long and distinguished career, serving in many roles: wife, mother, grandmother, educator, community activist and public servant, demonstrating a commitment to social justice and educational opportunities for all. This event is free and open to the public.

St. Olaf to host 'state treasure' Josie Johnson speaking on civility in peril
NOVEMBER 11, 2004 — Described by one Twin Cities paper as a "state treasure," longtime Minnesota public servant and volunteer Josie Johnson will speak about civility this afternoon at 4 p.m. "I define civility as more than manners, politeness, courtesy and decorum," explains Johnson, who fears that warning signs about our society's loss of civility are being ignored.

Green receives Innovations in Student Development Award
NOVEMBER 10, 2004 — St. Olaf Assistant Dean of Community Life and Diversity and Director of Multicultural Affairs and Community Outreach (MACO) Bill Green, along with the Diversity Design Team, has received the 2004 Innovations in Student Development Award from the Minnesota College Personnel Association (MCPA).

Ole Artisans to hold annual bazaar
NOVEMBER 10, 2004 — The fifth annual Ole Artisans Bazaar is scheduled for Buntrock Commons, Crossroads from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Handy free parking is available in the Buntrock parking lot on the north side of the building. Typical vendor items found at the fall bazaar cover a wide variety of categories: hoiliday (ornaments, cards, baskets), jewelry, kitchen (baskets, table runners, coasters, aprons, placemats), knitted items, art (photography, prints, painings, pottery), children's items (puppets, toys, books), hobbies (cards, handmade paper, photo albums, notecards) and pantry items (honey, syrup, jams and jellies). A new item to look for this year is a CD recorded by a St. Olaf student.

St. Olaf to host students from 74 schools for Festival of Bands
Camphouse
NOVEMBER 10, 2004 — The St. Olaf Festival of Bands concert at 4 p.m. Saturday in Skoglund Center Auditorium will include performances by the St. Olaf Band, the Norseman Band and 160 musicians selected from 74 area high schools. The guest conductor for the event is composer Mark Camphouse from the University of Virginia.

Meet the authors series presents St. Olaf professor Raymond DeVries
NOVEMBER 10, 2004 — The fall 2004 author series "Meet the authors!" presents Raymond DeVries, St. Olaf college professor of sociology and anthropology and author of "A Pleasing Birth: Midwives and Maternity Care in the Netherlands." The bookreading will be on Wednesday, Nov. 10, at 7:30 p.m., in Buntrock Commons, Viking Theater and is free and open to the public.

Ole artisans show their goods
NOVEMBER 9, 2004 — The fifth annual Ole Artisans Bazaar will be take place on Wednesday, Nov. 10, beginning at 9:30 a.m. in Buntrock Commons. The bazaar features St. Olaf faculty, staff and student vendors showing and selling a variety of craft items.

St. Olaf College to host 102nd annual Choral Day
NOVEMBER 7, 2004 — The 102nd annual Choral Day will be held at St. Olaf college on Sunday, Nov. 7, concluding with a concert at 4 p.m. in Skoglund Center Auditorium. The concert will feature approximately 1200 Festival Chorus members made up of both church and high school choir members and St. Olaf choirs: Viking Chorus, Manitou Singers, Chapel Choir, St. Olaf Cantorei and the St. Olaf Choir. The concert is free and open to the public.

Songwriting and self-discovery is topic of a lecture and performance by St. Olaf alum
NOVEMBER 6, 2004 — Helen Nienhaus Barba, a doctoral candidate in clinical psychology and a 1981 St. Olaf College alum, will present her arts-based research into the creative process of songwriting and human shadow studies. The lecture is set for Saturday, Nov. 6 at 7:30 p.m. in Christiansen Hall of Music, Urness Recital Hall. The event is free and open to the public.

Art exhibit "Voice Your Vote" to be on display at Dittmann Center
NOVEMBER 6, 2004 — "Voice Your Vote" art show expresses the political opinions of young voters aged 18 to 30 through their original works of art. Gallery hours are Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursdays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and weekends, 2 to 5 p.m. The show will be open to the public through Nov. 6.

Festival of Lights to be celebrated
NOVEMBER 6, 2004 — The Indian Festival of Lights, a Diwali celebration, will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. in Buntrock Commons, King's Dining Room. There will be dancers, a speaker and Indian food. Tickets are $5 with student ID or $6 for the public.

St. Olaf Orchestra to conclude Southwestern tour with 'home concert'
NOVEMBER 5, 2004 — The St. Olaf Orchestra, conducted by Steven Amundson, will present its fall tour to the southwestern United States. The 92-member orchestra has been called "one of the best college orchestra's in the nation," by "Time" magazine's Richard Ostling.

The fall tour will take the orchestra to Iowa, Nebraska, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona, and culminate with a "home" concert on Friday, Nov. 5 at 8 p.m. in Skoglund Center Auditorium. The concert is free and open to the public.

Lois Rand will be Founders Day chapel speaker
NOVEMBER 5, 2004 — Lois Rand, wife of the late St. Olaf College President Sidney Rand, will be the Founders Day chapel speaker in Boe Memorial Chapel at 10:10 a.m. Friday, Nov. 5. The college's Norwegian heritage will be the topic of her address. The Rands served in the U.S. Embassy in Norway for one year after Dr. Rand retired from the St. Olaf presidency in 1980. Last month Lois Rand received the Ambassador's Award for U.S. Special Services award for her work in helping to strengthen U.S. and Norwegian relations. Founders Day marks the anniversary of the signing of the articles of incorporation for St. Olaf's School on Nov. 6, 1874.

Swing a Club, reprised
NOVEMBER 4, 2004 — Swing a Club: Facing Cancer, a multimedia dance piece that brings to life themes of struggle, support and letting go, will be performed Nov. 4, 5 and 6 in Dittmann Center, Studio One. All performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Audience members are invited to stay for a post-performance discussion each evening to ask questions, make comments or share their stories and experiences with cancer.

Ronald Young will offer a post-election perspective
NOVEMBER 3, 2004 — St. Olaf College will host guest speaker Ronald J. Young whose lecture, "Prospects for Israeli-Palestinian Peace: A Post-Election Perspective" will consider the implications of Americaŭs presidential choice on the Middle East on the day following the national election. The lecture is at 7 p.m. in Holland Hall 501 and is sponsored by the St. Olaf Middle East Studies concentration.

Guest artist cellist Mihai Tetel to perform at St. Olaf College
NOVEMBER 3, 2004 — Mihai Tetel, cellist, will give a guest artist recital at St. Olaf College on Wednesday, Nov. 3, at 8:15 p.m. in Christiansen Hall of Music, Urness Recital Hall. Tetel, associate professor of cello at Ball State University and cellist of the American Piano Trio has a CD of Spanish works for cello and piano on the Tristan label, and also has collaborated with cellist Ofra Harnoy on several CDs.

Lois Rand to speak at Founders Day chapel service Nov. 5
NOVEMBER 2, 2004 — Lois Rand, wife of the late St. Olaf College President Sidney Rand, will speak at Boe Memorial Chapel on Nov. 5 at 10:10 a.m. during the St. Olaf Founders Day celebration. Rand will speak about the college's Norwegian heritage in her address, "Stumbling Blocks and Launching Pads."

Guest speaker Ronald Young offers a post-election perspective
Young
NOVEMBER 1, 2004 — On Nov. 3 St. Olaf will host guest speaker Ronald J. Young, whose lecture, "Prospects for Israeli-Palestinian Peace: A Post-Election Perspective" will consider the implications of America's presidential choice on the Middle East. The lecture is free and open to the public.

St. Olaf Orchestra ends fall tour with home concert Nov. 5
Amundson
NOVEMBER 1, 2004 — The St. Olaf Orchestra will end its nine-city fall tour from Iowa to Arizona with a home concert on Friday, Nov. 5. The program will include Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition, Romeo and Juliet Overture-Fantasy by Tchaikovsky and Sola Gratia by conductor Steven Amundson.

Sara Davis Buechner to present recital and masterclass at St. Olaf College
NOVEMBER 1, 2004 — Well-known classical pianist and composer, Sara Davis Buechner, will present a recital at St. Olaf College on Monday, Nov. 1 at 8 p.m. in Christiansen Hall of Music, Urness Recital Hall. Buechner is assistant professor of piano and chamber music at the University of British Columbia. She will also present a piano masterclass from 2-4 p.m. in Urness Recital Hall. These events are free and open to the public.