O. C. and Patricia Boldt Distinguished Teaching Professor in the Humanities
Established in 1994 by Oscar C. Boldt and his wife Patricia Hamar Boldt, the Boldt chair is offered to a current St. Olaf faculty member whose scholarship and professional endeavors advance the teaching and learning of humanities at the baccalaureate level. Oscar Boldt is chairman of The Boldt Group, Inc., a family-owned consulting and construction firm headquartered in Appleton, Wisconsin since 1889. The Boldt Chair is awarded for terms of three years; prior holders are Diana Postlethwaite (English) Carol Holly (English), James Farrell (History), Edward Langerak (Philosophy) and Gordon Marino (Philosophy).
In a teaching career that has spanned four decades, Zempel has taught Norwegian language courses at all levels as well as courses in Norwegian literature and culture, both in Norwegian and English. She has taught in the Great Conversation program and regularly teaches an ethics course. She has led students abroad on the Oslo Year Program and adult learners on a study tour to Norway, as well as teaching adult language and culture courses. She has studied abroad herself at the University of Oslo and several times at the University of Oslo International Summer School. She has also served as the campus Fulbright advisor and as an advisor to study abroad programs in Norway. Presently, she sits on the board of the Norwegian-American Historical Association and Nordmanns-Forbundet.
