Oscar and Gertrude Boe Overby Distinguished Professor
Established in 2006 by the Board of Regents to recognize long-time servants of the College who are distinguished for their teaching, professional work, and service to the college and community, this chair honors two legendary members of the St. Olaf music department: Oscar R. Overby '21, who taught, composed, directed, and performed music from 1921 to 1950, and soprano Gertrude Boe Overby '23, who taught voice and sang solos with the St. Olaf choir from 1930 through 1952.
Wendell Arneson, the second holder of this professorship, is professor of Art/Art History at St. Olaf College. A member of the St. Olaf Faculty since 1978, he specializes in painting (oil, acrylic, & watercolor), drawing, and color design foremost in his work. His works have been shown at places like the Toledo Museum of Art, Groveland Gallery in Minneapolis, Wichita Art Center, Rochester Art Center to name just a few. There are numerous corporate and public collections of his work found in businesses such as the Ford Motor Corporation, 3M Corporation, and the First Bank Corporation.
Samiha Peterson, Professor Emerita of Sociology/Anthropology was the first to hold this appointment.
