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< September 2005
November 2005 >


St. Olaf co-sponsors seminar featuring world's top business leaders
McDaniel
OCTOBER 31, 2005 — St. Olaf recently co-sponsored the world's largest training seminar, "The Best of the Best," that was seen Nov. 2 in numerous locations across the globe. "As a leading liberal arts college that has always produced a steady stream of business leaders, this is a great partnership for St. Olaf," says Jan McDaniel, vice president for college relations.

St. Olaf hosts talk by Republican Party veteran Eric Hoplin '01
Hoplin
OCTOBER 31, 2005 — Eric Hoplin '01, former chair of the College Republican National Committee and current deputy chair of the Minnesota Republican Party, returns to campus Thursday to present "The Vocation of Party Politics," part of a series of political speakers that St. Olaf is hosting through December.

The Mischevious Machinations of Scapin to be first theater production of 2005-06 academic year
OCTOBER 30, 2005 — The St. Olaf Theater Department annually presents five theater productions plus a One Act Festival each May. The first production will be The Mischevious Machinations of Scapin by Moliere and directed by Visiting Artist Mariana Araoz, in the Theater Building, Kelsey Theater, Oct. 26-29 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 29-30 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available two weeks prior to the opening night.

St. Olaf Orchestra to perform home concert at Orchestra Hall
OCTOBER 30, 2005 — For the third time in its 100-year history, the St. Olaf Orchestra will perform its "home" concert at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis. Today's event, at 4:30 p.m., will be followed by a reception at the Dakota, featuring the St. Olaf ensemble Jazz I.

St. Olaf Orchestra to present "home" concert
OCTOBER 30, 2005 — Concluding their fall concert tour, the St. Olaf Orchestra, conducted by Steven Amundson, will present their "home" concert at 4:30 p.m., Oct. 30 at Orchestra Hall. Tickets, $26 and $20, can be ordered by calling 612-371-5656 or online, www.minnesotaorchestra.org. After the concert the St. Olaf Jazz Band will entertain at the Dakota Jazz Club and Restaurant. There isn't a cover charge, but dinner reservations are suggested if you plan to attend.

Undefeated Oles suffer first loss of season, against football powerhouse St. John's
OCTOBER 29, 2005 — Despite leading 3-0 in the first quarter on Saturday, the previously undefeated Ole football team couldn't outpace the Johnnies of St. John's University, traditionally a football powerhouse. For the full story, click here.

Broadway Revue to hold two showings
OCTOBER 29, 2005 — The inaugural of the new theatrical lighting in Urness Recital Hall will shine on the Broadway Revue as it features 16 talented actors, supported by a great combo, in two showings at 7 and 9:30 p.m. Performances by the students will include love songs from "Ragtime" and "Aida," dance numbers from "Chicago," hysterical comedy from "I do, I do" and "Pajama Game." Broadway Revue is free and open to the public.

Scholarship, sportsmanship, a zeal to win all blend on Ole football team
OCTOBER 28, 2005 — When head football coach Chris Meidt took over the Ole team in 2001, he was faced with limited resources and a so-so record. Since then, the former Bethel University quarterback and assistant coach has added to his coaching staff, enlarged his recruiting efforts and built a winning philosophy -- that complements his student-athletes' scholarship.

The Bergen Woodwind Quintet will present an Artist Series Concert
OCTOBER 28, 2005 — The Bergen Woodwind Quintet, one of Scandinavia's leading chamber music groups, will give an Artist Series Concert at 8 p.m. in Urness Recital Hall. The quintet consisting of present and past principal wind players of the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra, is one of the world's oldest orchestral institutions. They will perform works by J.S. Bach, Theodore Blumer, Paul Hindemith and Paquito D'Rivera. The concert is free and open to the public.

The Worldwide Crisis in Fisheries to be addressed by guest speaker Colin Clark
OCTOBER 28, 2005 — Colin Clark, department of mathematics at the University of British Columbia, will give his second public lecture at St. Olaf at 4 p.m. in Holland Hall, room 501. The lecture "The Worldwide Crisis in Fisheries: The use and misuse of models" will focus on the application of mathematical models to public policy questions. Clark is a leader in the application of mathematical dynamics to problems of resource management. The lecture is free and open to the public.

The Mischevious Machinations of Scapin to be first theater production of the year
OCTOBER 28, 2005 — The St. Olaf Theater Department annually presents five theater productions a year, plus a One Act Festival each May. Its first production, The Mischevious Machinations of Scapin by Moliere and directed by visiting artist Mariana Araoz, runs through Sunday.

St. Olaf hosts second international conference examining the intersection of sport and religion
OCTOBER 28, 2005 — Billed as an "inquiry into cultural values," the second annual Sport and Religion conference -- which begins today -- will draw national speakers addressing issues such as whether the sports have become a "religion" for today's fans?

St. Olaf College to host second annual Sport and Religion Conference
OCTOBER 28, 2005 — The second international Conference on Sport and Religion: An Inquiry into Cultural Values, will be held Oct. 28 and 29 on St. Olaf College campus. The guest speakers, conversations and presented academic papers will look at the tensions between religion and sport, the ethics and values manifeted in sport and historical influences of religious traditions on sport.

St. Olaf professor will tie together Homer, Jesus and bass fishing in 'classic' lecture
Reece
OCTOBER 27, 2005 — Classics Professor Steve Reece has spent more than 15 years researching ancient texts. Tonight, in the first Mellby lecture of the year, Reece reconstructs the Homeric epics, exploring the textual and oral differences in early Greek culture.

Monster Concert to feature eight pianists
OCTOBER 27, 2005 — The second of five Faculty Artist Series concerts will take place in Urness Recital Hall at 11:30 a.m. This hour-long concert will be Halloween themed, featuring eight pianists playing on four pianos.

Football coach Chris Meidt and his team's perfect record score big in Star Tribune
Meidt
OCTOBER 27, 2005 — As the Oles prepare to face the football dynasty of St. John's this weekend, the team and coach Chris Meidt scored a laudatory writeup in Star Tribune South for being a "football tradition on the rise." Meidt has led his team to a 7-0 record this year and will play St. John's this Saturday in Collegeville.

Reece to present fall Mellby Lecture on Homer
OCTOBER 27, 2005 — Steve Reece, associate professor of classics at St. Olaf, will give the Fall Mellby lecture, "Homer, Jesus, and Bass Fishing in Minnesota" at 7 p.m. in Viking Theater, Buntrock Commons. He will discuss the differences between an oral and textual culture and try to reconstruct what the Homeric epics were like before they became a text.

Guest speaker Colin Clark to lecture on the economics of renewable resources
OCTOBER 27, 2005 — Colin Clark from the department of mathematics at the University of British Columbia, will give a public lecture "The Economics of Renewable Resources" in Holland Hall, room 501 at 7 p.m. Clark, whose work spans economics, mathematics and biology, is a leader in the application of mathematical dynamics to problems of resource management.

Sixteen-handed 'Monster' concert features faculty pianists
OCTOBER 25, 2005 — Halloween treats, costumes and... four pianos. Gear up for Halloween at this high-energy recital featuring eight costumed faculty members playing Rachmaninov, Joplin and Sousa, plus the world premiere of "Hive" by St. Olaf's own Justin Merritt.

The sixth annual Ole Artisans' Bazaar will be held at St. Olaf
OCTOBER 25, 2005 — The sixth annual Ole Artisans' Bazaar will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Buntrock Commons, the Crossroads. Faculty, staff and students showcase their arts and craft pieces, including such items as jewelry, holiday decorations, silk floral arrangements, baskets, handmade soaps, and toys. Free parking, available in front of the Buntrock Commons, makes this a perfect time to begin holiday shopping.

Early childhood development to be topic of speech by Rob Grunewald '93
OCTOBER 24, 2005 — Rob Grunewald '93, economic analyst at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis, will give a presentation on the impact of his research on public policy in Minnesota and other states. Grunewald and Art Rolnick, director of research at the Federal Reserve Bank in Minneapolis, argue that spending on early childhood development is more than an investment in today's youth, but is a strategic economic development tool with a higher return than most conventional initiatives. The lecture will take place in the Buntrock Commons, Valhalla room at 5 p.m.

Kleber-Gery Lecture addresses the economics of renewable resources
OCTOBER 24, 2005 — Bio-mathematician and resource economist Colin Clark of the University of British Columbia will present this year's Kleber-Gery Lecture, Oct. 27 and 28, focusing on the economics of renewable resources, a topic central to sustainability, the college's theme for this academic year.

Ole football keeps perfect record
OCTOBER 24, 2005 — The St. Olaf football team outgained Hamline University 432-174 in a 49-14 win Saturday to keep their perfect record intact. Read the full story here.

Alumni featured as top entrepreneurs in Twin Cities Business Journal
OCTOBER 24, 2005 — Three Oles, each a successful entrepreneur and business leader, made this year's list of the 100 fastest-growing private companies in Minnesota. The list is published every October by the Twin Cities Business Journal.

St. Olaf Chapel Choir to lead Vespers service
OCTOBER 23, 2005 — The St. Olaf Chapel Choir, conducted by Christopher Aspaas, will lead a service of evening worship at 7:30 p.m. in Boe Memorial Chapel. This year's Vespers combines the Lutheran Service of Vespers and Choral Evensong, a service of the Anglican Communiion added to the Book of Common Prayer in 1662. The public is welcome.

Art exhibit featuring Norwegian artists to close Oct. 23
OCTOBER 23, 2005 — Fjord-Born from Harding Puls; Nordic Heritage Museum, opens the 2005-06 exhibition schedule in the Flaten Art Museum, Dittmann Center. The works of contemporary Norwegian artists will be available for viewing through Oct. 23.

St. Olaf Orchestra members reflect on joy of playing in their hometowns
OCTOBER 22, 2005 — When the St. Olaf Orchestra planned its 2005 autumn tour, Conductor Steve Amundson had no idea that two student-musicians would get the opportunity to play before a hometown crowd. For Lisa Schaus and Levi Comstock, this year's tour -- which ends Sunday, Oct. 30, with a home concert at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis -- was a dream come true.

St. Olaf Cantorei to lead Sing for Joy hymn festival
OCTOBER 20, 2005 — Returning from a five-state tour the St. Olaf Cantorei, directed by John Ferguson, and Sing for Joy "Songs of Grateful Praise" hymn festival will conclude with a home concert at 8 p.m. in Boe Memorial Chapel. The St. Olaf Choir, directed by Anton Armstrong, will join the Cantorei for this special home concert. Sing for Joy a radio production of St. Olafg College, was established in 1955, and is heard today in nearly 200 communities nation wide. The hymn festival aids in furthering its mission of providing music and commentary in order to support the church in evangelism and worship. The public is welcome.

Student writer assures professors, the 'rents: The Kids are Alright
OCTOBER 20, 2005 — As crisp autumn winds envelop the campus, first-year Oles are settling into their new home away from home. With support from friends, faculty and residence life staff, they quickly find their niche within the college community.

Yale bioethicist-in-residence to present lecture
OCTOBER 20, 2005 — Karen Lebacqz, the 2005-06 bioethicist-in-residence at Yale University Interdisciplinary Center for Bioethics, will give a presentation "Bible Bites and International Justice," at 11:30 a.m. in Holland Hall, room 501. Other Northfield presentations will take place at Carleton College, the United Methodist Church and First United Church of Christ. The events are free and open to the public.

St. Olaf's sustainability theme garners national attention
OCTOBER 19, 2005 — St. Olaf's current sustainability theme has been highlighted recently by three websites that focus on "green" issues: grist.org, organic.org and energyaction.net. The sites are helping the college's progressive policies gain national exposure.

Yale bioethicist to visit St. Olaf, Carleton
Lebacqz
OCTOBER 19, 2005 — Karen Lebacqz, bioethicist-in-residence at the Yale University Interdisciplinary Center for Bioethics, will present a number of public lectures in Northfield and at St. Olaf and Carleton colleges beginning Oct. 20. Lebacqz will begin her three-day visit by presenting "Bible Bites and International Justice" at St. Olaf.

Alumni profs find their way back to the Hill
OCTOBER 19, 2005 — Dana Maeda '92 thought it was curious when her oboe instructor told her that one day she would have the key to his room. And now she's back -- one of three new faculty members who didn't need to take the campus tour during faculty orientation.

Flaten Gallery hosts exhibit of contemporary Norwegian art
OCTOBER 19, 2005 — Flaten Museum Director Jill Ewald calls the museum's "Fjord Born" exhibit "stunning" and says it "provokes thought and brings smiles." The exhibit runs through Oct. 23.

Terror expert Col. Wayne Quist to speak at St. Olaf College
OCTOBER 19, 2005 — An expert on Saudi Arabia and the Middle East will speak at 7 p.m. in Buntrock Commons, Viking Theater. Retired Air Force Colonel B. Wayne Quist, author of Winning the War on Terror: A Triumph of American Values has served in Saudi Arabia and lectured at the 2004 Peace Prize Forum and is an expert on the ideology of al Qaeda. Quist makes his home in Northfield.

Alumnus Quist to read from Winning the War on Terror
OCTOBER 19, 2005 — B. Wayne Quist '58 will read from his book, Winning the War on Terror: a triumph of American values at 7 p.m. in Viking Theater. Quist has spent most of his life living and working in government and the private sector in the Middle East. Quist's co-author, David F. Drake, is a Carleton alumnus.

Sing For Joy presents hymn festival tour
OCTOBER 18, 2005 — The acclaimed St. Olaf radio program Sing For Joy took its message on the road as it traveled with the St. Olaf Cantorei on a hymn festival tour of the Midwest. The final festival of the tour was at St. Olaf.

Presidential search committee seeks 'right kind of leadership' for the college
OCTOBER 18, 2005 — Addison (Tad) Piper, a member of the St. Olaf Board of Regents and chair of the search committee to replace President Christopher Thomforde, told a group of students, faculty and staff members recently that a new president will be in place by early July. He also asked for feedback and suggestions.

Newly named athletic facilities honor Porter, Dimick
Inside Porter Hall
OCTOBER 18, 2005 — The fieldhouse adjacent to Manitou Field is now Tom Porter Hall, while the baseball game and practice facilities are the Jim Dimick Baseball Complex. The facilities were named at a halftime ceremony during Saturday's football game.

Joakim Garff to present Kierkegaard lecture
OCTOBER 17, 2005 — Joakim Garff, author of Soren Kierkegaard: A Biography, will present "The Inexhaustible Kierkegaard," in Holland Hall, room 501 at 7 p.m. St. Olaf faculty member Gordon Marino, in a review that appeared recently in the Wall Street Journal, calls Garff's book "a superb portrait of the philosopher that offers drama, psychological insight and social history as well as a guide to his profound, if perplexing, ideas."

Book reading addresses origins of Al-Qaeda
OCTOBER 17, 2005 — St. Olaf alumnus B. Wayne Quist '58 provides a valuable resource to understanding the origins of radical militant Islamic philosophy in his new book Winning the War on Terror.

St. Olaf to host controversial Kierkegaard biographer
Garff
OCTOBER 17, 2005 — Questions have been raised in the academic community regarding the sources author Joakim Garff used for his newly translated biography of Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard. But in his review published in the Wall Street Journal, Gordon Marino, curator of the world-renowned Hong Kierkegaard Library at St. Olaf, calls the book "The best biography of Kierkegaard written to date." Catch Garff at St. Olaf tonight.

Armstrong '78 presents 'Cherry' lecture
Armstrong
OCTOBER 13, 2005 — If St. Olaf Choir Conductor Anton Armstrong '78 wins Baylor University's prestigious Cherry Award this year he stands to take home more than $200,000. In October he presented a public lecture about vocation and music education that moved him closer to the end of the award selection process.

Schwinefus, Muth receive NSF grant
OCTOBER 12, 2005 — Chemistry faculty members Jeff Schwinefus and Greg Muth have received an $88,994 grant from the National Science Foundation. The two are using the grant to fund a project that emphasizes thermodynaic principles for juniors and seniors. It also will be used for interdisciplinary science labs in the areas of biology and chemistry.

Meet the Class of 2009
OCTOBER 11, 2005 — With autumn's arrival comes a new crop of students to the St. Olaf campus and to the larger community. They come with a variety of experiences from a variety of backgrounds. And, this year, 23 members of the class of 2009 are "townies."

Jeff Blodgett to deliver lecture on politics as a vocation
OCTOBER 11, 2005 — Politics as a Vocation lecture series brings Jeff Blodgett to campus for a 5:30 p.m. lecture in Buntrock Commons, Valhalla Room. Blodgett, Paul Wellstone's longtime campaign manager, is the Executive Director of Wellstone Action, will offer strategies to help students channel their political energy into winning issue-based and electoral campaigns. Beginning at 5 p.m., individuals may purchase their evening meal in Stav Hall and bring their dinner trays to the Valhalla Room for the 5:30 p.m. lecture.

Pokhanovski brothers to perform string recital
Oleg Pokhanovski
OCTOBER 11, 2005 — It might be difficult to tell Oleg and Mikhail Pokhanovski apart, but there's no need once they start making music together. Hear the beautiful sounds of this dynamic duo when they perform this evening in Urness Recital Hall.

The Bravery to perform in the Lion's Pause
OCTOBER 8, 2005 — The New York alternative band The Bravery will present their one Minnesota concert this fall at 7:30 p.m. in Buntrock Commons, Lion's Pause. Tickets are $10 for students in advance and $13 at the door. Tickets are now on sale for the general public, $12 in advance and $15 at the door.

Political scientist to discuss Caribbean socioeconomic development and human rights
OCTOBER 7, 2005 — "Post-Revolutionary Cuba and other Caribbean States: Socio-Economic Development and Human Rights," will be presented at 3:15 p.m. in Buntrock Commons, Viking Theater. This talk is the second of two talks by Distinguished Professor Emeritus Richard S. Hillman, St. John Fisher College. On Friday, Oct. 7, 3.15-4:15 p.m., Professor Hillman will discuss his experiences in post-revolutionary Cuba, comparing that country to other Caribbean states in terms of socioeconomic development and human rights. This event is part of the St. Olaf Latino Heritage Month celebration and is sponsored by the Hispanic Studies program and Community Life & Diversity.

Political scientist to discuss Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez
OCTOBER 6, 2005 — Distinguished Professor Emeritus Richard S. Hillman, St. John Fisher College will give a guest lecture in Buntrock Commons, Viking Theatre at 7:15 p.m. He will speak on how and why Hugo Chavez, a former military coup plotter, rose to the elected presidency of a country that appeared to be a paradigm of democracy, and the effects Chavez has had on relations between Venezuela and the United States. "Hugo Chavez/Venezuela and U.S. relations" is part of St. Olaf's Latino Heritage Month celebration and is sponsored by the Hispanic Studies program and Community Life & Diversity.

St. Olaf Hispanic Heritage Month lectures to focus on Latin American politics
Hillman
OCTOBER 6, 2005 — Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez calls the current U.S. administration "terrorist." The Rev. Pat Robertson has called publicly for Chavez's assassination. Learn about the politics behind the election of this controversial president -- and more about Latin America -- from author and three-time Fulbright scholar Richard Hillman.

St. Olaf to host 'Save Seafood' tour
OCTOBER 5, 2005 — Hmmm. What's the origin of that shrimp in your cocktail? How much longer will it be safe to eat your favorite seafood? Learn more at a documentary and discussion during the "Save Seafood" event tonight, which will explain the relationship of aquatic ecology to your palate.

Former Editor of Copper Canyon Press and Poet Sam Hamill to give bookreading
OCTOBER 4, 2005 — Founding editor of Copper Canyon Press and poet Sam Hamill will give a bookreading of his original poetry and translations in Chinese in Rolvaag Memorial Library, room 525 at 7 p.m. Hamill founded Poets Against War and edited a best-selling selection Poets Against the War in 2003.

World-renowned Hardanger rocker Annbjorg Lien dazzles St. Olaf
OCTOBER 4, 2005 — Fiddler and rock musician Annbjorg Lien, one of Norway's most accomplished musicians, performed a recital and conducted a Hardanger masterclass at St. Olaf yesterday. Families were especially encouraged to catch the unique style of this dynamic virtuoso who is acclaimed for her stage presence and presentation, not to mention her great music.

Football 4-0 after win over St. Thomas
OCTOBER 3, 2005 — The St. Olaf football team moved to 4-0 for the first time since 1978 with a 53-27 win over the University of St. Thomas during Saturday's Homecoming game. Highlights included running back Jay Higgins rushing for 80 yards and three touchdowns, and quarterback Jason Wilsey throwing for 320 yards, including four touchdowns.

Walk and Learn Tidbit Tours to be held this fall during lunchtime
OCTOBER 3, 2005 — St. Olaf Associate Archivist Jeff Sauve will offer a "walk and learn tidbit tour" Monday, Oct. 3 and again on Monday, Oct. 17, noon to 1 p.m. In case of inclement weather the group will meet the following day. Please e-mail sauve@stolaf.edu if you are interested in joining the group.

Homecoming featured big plans for returning Oles
OCTOBER 3, 2005 — Homecoming and Family Weekend 2005 played host to a Limestones Reunion, an all-alumni gathering, class reunion festivities, a Pause Reunion, athletic events, musical concerts, classes, campus tours ... and the list goes on.

Nationwide, students are wired, but they still talk face to face at St. Olaf
OCTOBER 2, 2005 — "As the wired generation comes of age, colleges worry that growing devotion to digital life is driving young adults to distraction or isolation," said a recent Page 1 story in the Minneapolis-based Star Tribune. St. Olaf students are as wired as anybody, says Dean of Students Greg Kneser, but they still "are talking to each other."

Alumni art to be displayed during homecoming weekend
OCTOBER 2, 2005 — Studio art majors from reuniting classes have been invited to participate in St. Olaf's first mail-art show. Each studio art major received a 10 x 10 mat board to transform into art and then mail back to campus. The display will be in the Virginia and Jennifer C. Groot Student Gallery during homecoming weekend, Friday, Sept. 30 through Sunday, Oct. 2.

Annual St. Olaf Band concert to give tribute to J.R.R. Tolkien
OCTOBER 1, 2005 — The annual St. Olaf Band "Collage" concert will be held in Skoglund Center Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. The Band, directed by Timothy Mahr '78, will give a musical tribute to British novelist J.R.R. Tolkien, of the famed "The Lord of the Rings," and features guest conductor Dr. Elizabeth Jackson '83 and a work by Northfield composer Daniel Kallman. The concert is free and open to the public.

Historian emeritus Shaw to read from new biography of President Mohn
OCTOBER 1, 2005 — Joseph Shaw, Professor Emeritus of Religion at St. Olaf College, will read from his upcoming biography of St. Olaf's first president, Thorbjorn Nelson Mohn, at 10:30 a.m. in the Undset Room of Buntrock Commons. Since his retirement, Shaw has worked on college history projects, publishing Dear Old Hill, a book about the St. Olaf campus, in 1992.