sneak
peek
a guide for families
and class reunions
Every May at St. Olaf College, Celebration Weekend honors
graduating seniors and alumni who are celebrating class reunions.
This year’s reunions include the classes of 1938, ’43, ’48, ’53, ’58, ’63, ’68, ’73, ’78 and ’83. We hope you will come to the Hill this spring
for gatherings, concerts, speakers, meals, worship and reminiscing.
This information highlights the preliminary schedule for
Celebration 2008. For alumni celebrating a reunion, specific
events are listed on your reunion letter, posted at your
class home page. As updates to the schedule become available,
they will be posted online at stolaf.edu/alumni/celebration.
Your final schedule, complete with updated times and locations,
will be available during registration hours in the Buntrock
Commons Crossroads throughout the weekend. Some event options
and times may change.
We look forward to welcoming you in
person during Celebration 2008.
— The St. Olaf Alumni
and Parent Relations staff
Friday, May 23
Noon–7 p.m. Registration and check in
Buntrock Commons, Crossroads
Noon Residence halls open
Pick up room assignments at the Buntrock Commons registration
table. If you arrive after 7 p.m., check in at the front
desk of Mohn Hall.
Afternoon and evening Class reunion events
On and off campus
1948 Hospitality Room
Buntrock Commons
Meet classmates after the St. Olaf Orchestra concert.
1953
Daytime Golf Outing
Northfield Golf Club
Pre-registration required.
2–4 p.m. 1958 Social Gathering
At the home of Mac ’58 & Jackie
Gimse
Shuttle service is available from Buntrock Commons.
6:30–10 p.m. 1963 Gathering
Bloomington Hilton Hotel
7 p.m. –midnight 1968 Gathering
Embassy Suites Hotel–Airport,
Bloomington
7 p.m.–midnight 1973 Gathering
Bloomington Hilton Hotel
7 p.m. –midnight 1978 Gathering
Il VescoVino restaurant, St. Paul
7 p.m. –midnight 1983 Gathering
Lafayette Country Club, Minnetonka
4:30–7 p.m. Regular dining for students, family and
friends
Stav Dining Hall
Ticket required. Pre-register.
5 p.m. President’s
Dinner
for the Class of 1958
6 p.m. Alumni Awards Banquet
Mellby Lawn Tent
St. Olaf’s highest alumni awards are presented at this
elegant event hosted by President David R. Anderson ’74.
Come honor the achievements of our award winners during a
reception at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. Reservations
are required.
This year’s award winners are:
Distinguished Alumni Award
Malcolm Gimse ’58
Alumni Achievement Award
Mark Dimunation ’74
Jane Leland Iverson ’70
S. Paul Sandrock ’73
Distinguished Service Award
David L. Brye ’60
Ruth Froiland Hansen ’45
Ruth Gerber Hiddleson ’58
8 p.m. St. Olaf Orchestra
concert
Skoglund Center Auditorium
Saturday, May 24
7 a.m.–6 p.m. Registration and check-in
Buntrock Commons, Crossroads
7–7:45 a.m. 5K Ole Run/Walk registration and check
in
Skoglund Fieldhouse (northwest corner, by the garage door)
8 a.m.–8 p.m. All Alumni Hospitality Room
Buntrock Commons, Norway Room
A perfect gathering space for conversations and refreshments.
8 a.m. Class of 1958 Memorial
Service and Worship
Skifter Hall, Studio A
8 a.m. 5K Ole Run/Walk
Pre-register for this event.
9 a.m. Morning chapel
Boe Memorial Chapel
All alumni, parents and friends are welcome to this worship
service led by Pastor W. Bruce Benson.
9:30–10:30 a.m. Parent
Learning Seminar:
Life After College — Now
What?
Join our panel of experts who will help parents prepare for
life after their students leave the Hill.
9:45–11 a.m. Sammenkomst
(”The Gathering” for all
alumni)
Boe Memorial Chapel
The president invites all alumni, families and guests — including
our newest alumni from
the Class of 2008 — to celebrate the spirit of
St. Olaf and the talents and accomplishments
of its alumni. Come hear the state of the college address
by President David R. Anderson ’74.
10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Alumni Author Book Signing Event
hosted by the St. Olaf Bookstore
Buntrock Commons (outside the bookstore)
Jean Cross Rostallan '73, Lowell Erdahl '53, Thomas
Swift '95, David Jarratt '58, Angela Nickerson '95
*Other interested
alumni authors are welcome to join this event! Please contact
Ruth Block at block@stolaf.edu for
further information.
11 a.m. Class of 1958 reunion photo
11:30 a.m. Reunion class luncheons
Luncheons are scheduled for the classes of 1938, ’43, ’48, ’53, ’58, ’63, ’68, ’73, ’78
and ’83. See registration information links on your
class home page if you are in one of these classes.
1:30 p.m. Class of 1953 Show and Tell
Margaret Skoglund Reception Room, Christiansen Hall of Music
105
1:30–3:30 p.m. Class of 1968 Service Project
Join the class of 1968 service project and learn about the
college’s plan to “green” the campus
with natural plantings throughout the college lands. Then
grab your gloves and a shovel and start planting in the
new community gardens. The event is open to everyone, but
space is limited. RSVP required.
1:30–5:30 p.m. Class of 1973 Afternoon Gathering
Marguerite’s (L&M) Bar, Dundas
No RSVP necessary.
1:30 p.m. –2:30 p.m. Class
of 1978 Tour of Old Main Tower
4th Floor of Old Main
Explore Old Main tower and join in the 100-year tradition
of chalking your name on the walls.
1:30 p.m. Class of 1983 reunion photo
1:45–2:45 p.m. Learning Seminar: Ole Reels
Old films recently transferred to DVDs provide new glimpses
of the
St. Olaf Choir, students at work and play, and faculty personalities
from the 1930s through the 1950s. These treasured images
have not been viewed for decades. Meet the college archivists,
discuss the films and help bring the past to life.
1:45–2:45 p.m. Learning Seminar: The
Middle East: Rights and Wrongs in the
Over-Promised Land
Professor of Philosophy and Study Travel leader Ed Langerak
will lead a presentation on the past, present and future
of the Middle East.
1:45–2:45 p.m. Alumni Choir rehearsal
Former St. Olaf Choir members are invited to rehearse for
the evening concert performance with the St. Olaf Choir.
2 p.m. Class of 1958
Experiences and Expresssions, and Circle of Sharing Silent
Auction
2:30–4 p.m. The Class of 1963 and All-Class
Science + Math Gathering
Alumni, graduating seniors, emeriti, parents and friends
are invited to learn about the new Science Complex. The class
of 1963 will host a special gathering for science majors
from their class.
2:30–6 p.m. Class of 1978 Afternoon Gathering
The Contented Cow Pub, Northfield
Please RSVP.
2:30 p.m–6 p.m. Class of 1983 Afternoon Gathering
Carlson Capital Management, Northfield
Registration requested.
3 p.m. St. Olaf Band concert
Skoglund Auditorium
3–4 p.m. Learning
Seminar: Global Climate Change — What
Can I Do?
Hear a panel discussion on climate change led by Professor
of History Jim Farrell. Learn about the issue and
what you can do to decrease your carbon imprint.
3 p.m. Panel Discussion: Race,
Gender & Politics:
Implications
for the 2008 Presidential Election
Sponsored by the Multicultural Alumni Network
3–4:30 p.m. Open
House hosted by the Shaw-Olson Center for College History
and NAHA
The college archives actively collects diaries, letters,
photographs and slides, sports memorabilia, scrapbooks, recordings
and other personal items that reflect life on the Hill. The
NAHA archives collects letters and diaries, family records,
local and congregational histories, and images that reflect
the history of Norwegian-American immigrants of all generations.
Both archives welcome the donation of such materials during
their open houses. In addition, the college archives will
run a yearbook sale and exchange during its open house. Unwanted
yearbooks will be accepted for donation or for exchange for
books from other years (subject to availability). Yearbooks
from many years will be on sale for $15.
4:30 p.m. Last Lecture for the Class of 2008 and guests
The last lecturer will address graduating seniors, families
and friends, and will be a class-selected faculty member.
5 p.m. Class
of 1958 “The Dance We Never Had”
"The Dance We Never Had" is the 50th reunion's "grand
finale" event, and it promises to be an evening to remember.
You and your classmates will be served a gourmet meal while
you enjoy music from your era. Dancing is purely optional -
the goal is to enjoy the company of each other in a classy
setting for our final evening together.
5 p.m. Class of 1963 Gathering
Northfield Golf Club
*5:30 p.m. Celebration
Banquet for the Class of 2008 and guests
Graduating seniors and their guests register together for
this meal hosted by President David R. Anderson ’74
to celebrate their years on the Hill. This elegant event
will feature musical entertainment, festive food and a presentation
by President Anderson. Don’t miss this special celebratory
event hosted in a ballroom-styled tent on Mellby Lawn. Business
casual attire recommended.
Seating begins immediately following the Last Lecture. For
the best chance of being seated with your entire party, please
proceed directly to the venue. Tickets for students and their
guests are required for this dinner and space is limited,
so please register early.
*Attention! Parents,
Family and Friends of Graduating Seniors
The Celebration Banquet registration has reached capacity.
We are no longer taking reservations. We encourage you
to join us for other Celebration events such as the Friday
Stav Hall dinner or the Sunday Celebration Brunch.
5:30 p.m. Class of 1968 Dinner on campus
8 p.m. St. Olaf Choir concert
Skoglund Auditorium
The St. Olaf Choir will be joined by the Alumni Choir for
part of
the performance.
9–11:30 p.m. Campus Illumination
Spanning from Mellby to Rølvaag, the campus green
will be host to live music, desserts, beverages and a lantern-lighting
ceremony. Stroll the sidewalks with your family, friends
and loved ones. At 10:15 p.m. each senior will be asked to
find his/her lantern hung throughout the green and, as a
collective Class of 2008, illuminate the campus.
Sunday, May 25
7–8:30 a.m. Golden Ole/Golden Anniversary Breakfast
Members of the classes of 1938, 43, ’48, ’53
and ’58 are guests of the college for this meal. Register
to reserve your space.
8 a.m.–3 p.m. Registration and check-in
Buntrock Commons, Crossroads
9 a.m. Baccalaureate
Skoglund Center Auditorium
St. Olaf Pastor W. Bruce Benson will preach at this service
for graduating seniors, their families, friends and alumni.
10 a.m.–1 p.m. Celebration Brunch
Stav Dining Hall
Enjoy this special brunch with family, friends and students.
Tickets required. No charge for students with a valid caf
card.
10 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Department receptions
Seniors and their families are invited to attend department
receptions at various locations across campus before commencement.
You’ll receive a complete list of reception times
and locations at registration. (Note: most department receptions
begin at 11 a.m.)
12:30 p.m. Commencement
rehearsal and line-up for 2008 graduates
Skoglund Field House
Lunch will be provided for seniors, who should arrive in
cap and gown.
1–3 p.m. Open Houses for the Class of 1963
See the 1963 class letter for details and locations.
1 p.m. Commencement seating opens
2 p.m. Commencement
Commencement is scheduled to be outdoors on Manitou Field;
no tickets are required for general seating at this location.
In case of rain, commencement will be held in Skoglund
Center Auditorium and tickets will be required. Each graduating
senior is entitled to three tickets for her or his guests.
Seniors must pick up their tickets in the main office in
Buntrock Commons between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through
Friday, the week prior to commencement. If your family
will need more than three tickets, your senior is encouraged
to ask classmates for extras.
Special seating is available at both Manitou Field and Skoglund
Center Auditorium for those who cannot climb bleacher steps.
Please note that tickets for this section are required whether
commencement is indoors or outdoors. Seniors may exchange
their general seating tickets for those in special seating
when they pick up their tickets. If you have questions about
seating for physically challenged guests, call Pam Dresow
in the office of the Dean of the College at 507-786-6799.
If you will not see your student before Commencement, he
or she may leave tickets at the information desk in Buntrock
Commons.
The decision to hold commencement outdoors or indoors is
made Sunday morning and is announced during baccalaureate,
posted in
Buntrock Commons, available through the main switchboard
at 507-786-2222 and posted at stolaf.edu. If commencement
is held in Skoglund Center Auditorium, the ceremony will
be broadcast in Science Center 280 and 282 and Viking Theater.
No tickets are required at these locations. Space is limited.
4 p.m. Commencement
reception
Stav Dining Hall
Graduates and their guests are invited to celebrate together
following the ceremony.
Register to attend
Your registration must be received by Friday, May 9, 2008.
Registration fees are assessed on a per-activity/meal basis.
We encourage you to register early as some events sell out.
If an event does not sell out, tickets will be available
for purchase during registration hours.
Pick up your registration packet when you arrive on campus
at the Buntrock Commons, Crossroads registration area. Those
who register in advance will receive all necessary tickets
(including meals), a complete weekend schedule (including
event locations) and their housing assignments at registration.
Tickets are not mailed in advance. All tickets are held at
registration tables throughout the weekend and can be picked
up during registration hours: Friday, noon–7 p.m.,
Saturday, 7 a.m.–6 p.m. and Sunday, 8 a.m.–3
p.m.
Three ways to make a reservation:
- Register
securely online.
- Fill out the form you received and
mail to: St. Olaf College, Alumni and Parent Relations
office, 1520 St. Olaf Ave., Northfield, MN 55057. You may
pay by check or credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American
Express or Discover). Make checks payable to St. Olaf College.
- Fax
your reservation form with credit card number and expiration
date to 507-786-3313.
For more information about reservations call 888-865-6537
or e-mail alum-office@stolaf.edu.
Getting to St. Olaf
Air travel
As the preferred airline for St. Olaf College, Northwest/KLM
Airlines offers a discounted airfare. A unique code for
Celebration Weekend 2008 delivers fast and efficient service,
and you are guaranteed the lowest fare applicable at the
time of ticketing.
To purchase your tickets, either call 800-328-1111 or visit
nwa.com.
Under the “Flights” tab, select “NWA Discount
Travel E-Cert Redemption.” Fill in flight information
and at the bottom of the new page select the “Meeting
agreement, WorldFile number.” Enter NYVJG in the box
to complete your transaction. Some restrictions may apply.
Shuttle service
EcoTrans, a privately owned shuttle service in Northfield,
is available for fee-based transportation to and from the
Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. For reservations
and information about EcoTrans, call 888-492-7433 or visit
goecotrans.com.
When you arrive
Parking
Park the easy way. Find a parking spot and then call the
Ole shuttle to bring you where you need to go. This on-call
service is available at 507-786-6880 or dial 6880 from
any campus phone. Shuttles will not leave campus. The Ole
shuttle is available during the following hours: Friday
11 a.m.–11:30 p.m., Saturday 7:30 a.m.–midnight
and Sunday 7 a.m.–5 p.m. Members of the Class of
1958 who will be staying on campus may drop off their luggage
at Larson Hall before parking.
Check-in
Make your way to Buntrock Commons, Crossroads, to pick up
your registration packet, which includes housing assignments,
tickets to events, name tags and a weekend schedule of
events. Registration is open Friday noon–7 p.m.,
Saturday 7 a.m.–6 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m.–3
p.m.
If you are staying on campus you will need to check in at
registration to
receive your housing assignment. Housing desk hours and locations
are as follows:
Friday
Noon–7 p.m. Buntrock Commons, Crossroads
7 p.m.–1 a.m. Mohn Hall front desk
After 1 a.m. closed
Saturday
7 a.m.–6 p.m. Buntrock Commons, Crossroads
6 p.m.–1 a.m. Mohn Hall, front desk
After 1 a.m. closed
Sunday
8 a.m.–3 p.m. Buntrock Commons, Crossroads
2–4 p.m. Mohn Hall, front desk
After 4 p.m. closed
Where to stay
There are numerous hotels, motels and bed-and-breakfasts
in the surrounding area. For a complete list of overnight
accommodations, visit stolaf.edu/admissions/visiting/hotels.html or call the Office of Alumni and Parent Relations at 888-865-6537.
Make reservations immediately, as rooms fill quickly.
Twin Cities Hotel Option
St. Olaf has secured a special $89/room rate for rooms at
the new Hilton–Minneapolis South Hotel in west Bloomington.
Those interested should call 1-800-HILTONS or 952-893-9500.
Make sure that you mention you are celebrating your St.
Olaf Reunion. You must book your room(s) by April 23, 2008
to qualify for this special group rate.
Housing on campus
- Rooms in various residence halls are available for alumni,
family and friends who wish to stay on campus for the weekend.
Each room is furnished with two single beds. The charge
is $22 per person/per night. Bed linens (pillow, sheets
and blanket) and a wash cloth and towels are furnished
along with a coffee and pastry breakfast in the residence
hall lobby. Bathrooms are not located in your room. You
may wish to bring an extra blanket, hangers, an alarm clock,
a fan, a reading light and a sleeping bag for children
wishing to sleep on the floor.
- Keys are not issued for individual
residence hall rooms, so we encourage you to leave valuables
at home.
- Out of consideration for students and guests, pets
are forbidden in residence halls.
- If you have questions
about special housing needs, please e-mail alum-office@stolaf.edu or call 888-865-6537.
Campus accommodations
Special accommodations
If you or any of your guests require special accommodations
for the weekend, please contact the Alumni and Parent Relations
office early.
For those who find it difficult to walk long distances,
transportation to and from many campus events is available
throughout the weekend. Before and after all three concerts,
baccalaureate and commencement, a special shuttle bus with
wheel chair accessibility will transport guests requiring
this special service to and from Buntrock Commons.
If you have special dietary needs, please contact the Alumni
and Parent Relations office. Meatless entrees are available
at all meals. Indicate vegetarian or special dietary needs
on your reservation form, or attach a note
when you make your reservations.
Recreation
Skoglund Athletic Center and Tostrud Center are open throughout
the weekend for use and touring. The fitness room, indoor
track, tennis courts and racquetball courts are open throughout
the weekend. The climbing wall is not available for use.
Moving out
If you live nearby, you may want to transport some of your
senior’s belongings prior to Celebration Weekend.
If you will be moving your senior out on Sunday afternoon
or Monday morning, be forewarned that parking will be tight.
Park in designated spots only and follow the flow of traffic. “No
parking” areas will be marked clearly.
Your senior is required to be out of his or her residence
hall by 11 a.m. on Monday, May 26.
Questions
Call 888-865-6537
or email us at: alum-office@stolaf.edu
Space cannot be guaranteed after May 9, 2008.
Register now! |
