As director of the Sportman's Alliance for Alaska, Scott Hed '90 is helping lead a campaign to prevent what would be North America's largest open-pit mine from starting up near the world's largest salmon fishery.

Judge John Rodenberg '78, the latest in a series of Oles to serve on the Minnesota Court of Appeals, has a wide range of interests besides courtroom drama.

A front-page Star Tribune story, "In tough times, liberal arts colleges defend their value," checks in with President Anderson about how St. Olaf is addressing the concerns of prospective college students and their parents, including plans to publicize data about alumni employment and salaries, and renaming the office that helps students determine their post-graduate plans. 

Professor of Philosophy Charles Taliaferro's book that he co-authored with Elsa Marty '07, A Dictionary of the Philosophy of Religion, has been named an "Outstanding Academic Title" by Choice magazine.

"Though he was a genius of the intellectual high wire, Kierkegaard was a philosopher who wrote from experience," writes St. Olaf Professor of Philosophy Gordon Marino in the New York Times. "And that experience included considerable acquaintance with the chronic, disquieting feeling that something not so good was about to happen."

With 67,900 community service hours contributed by St. Olaf students in the 2010–11 academic year, the Corporation for National and Community Service has once again honored the college with a place on the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll.

President David R. Anderson '74 has announced that Greg Kneser, currently vice president and dean of students, will become vice president for student life, while Rosalyn Eaton-Neeb '87 will be promoted from associate dean to dean of students. 

Since learning to read music at age 16, Egemen Kesikli '12 has become an accomplished composer. Most recently, the young Turk was named Minnesota Collegiate Composer of the Year.

Although St. Olaf students often get the chance to display their work for professors and students, few find themselves presenting to hundreds of graduate students, Ph.D.s, and professionals in their field of interest. But five students will do exactly that when they show up at PittCon — the world's largest annual analytical chemistry conference.

Six Ole debaters will compete at the national tournament later this month in the wake of their team placing first — against 28 teams representing 12 colleges — at this year's state tournament.

Twin Cities Metro magazine recently checked in with St. Olaf Associate Professor of Music Justin Merritt to find out how his McKnight Foundation grant is shaping up. Not surprisingly, he told them he's excited by the opportunities and creative freedoms the award allows.