Leraas Funds

Faculty interested in arranging for special lectures, events, or speakers to enhance interdisciplinary studies at St. Olaf are invited to apply for funding available through an endowment established by the Robert Andrew Leraas estate.

1. Leraas Interdisciplinary Lecture Series

The purpose of this series is to bring to campus scholars and lecturers who demonstrate the role of interdisciplinary studies in the solution of current and topical problems. Up to $7500 is available this round for a program of lectures that typically includes bringing two outside speakers to campus. Proposals for a lecture series may be developed by faculty in an interdisciplinary program or by an ad hoc group of faculty formed for this purpose.

Funds available: $7500 maximum.

Proposals should include:

  • the issue or problem that is the focus of the lecture series
  • probable lecture topics
  • plans for publicity and dissemination
  • a budget of not more than $7500
  • a list of the faculty proposing the series.

Deadline: Proposals should be submitted to Solveig Zempel, Associate Dean for IGS by noon on March 1, 2005.

2. Leraas Occasional Lecture Fund

This fund supports visits to campus by scholars and experts to share their expertise with students, faculty, and the general public through lectures and classroom talks. The purpose is to support interdisciplinary studies at St. Olaf.

Funds available: $1000 maximum, with a maximum of two speakers in any one academic year.

Deadline: Proposals may be submitted to Solveig Zempel, Associate Dean for IGS, at any time during the year.

3. Leraas Special Speakers/Events Fund

This fund provides "seed money" to support speakers, broadcasts, or other special events sponsored by St. Olaf student, faculty, or staff groups for whom funding is not routinely available. Grants are on a one-time basis and aim to demonstrate how promotion of, or support for, events or talks can assist a group in gaining recognition for its program.

Funds available: Dependent upon availability of funds after Leraas opportunities #1 and #2 have been funded.

Deadline: Proposals may be submitted to Solveig Zempel, Associate Dean for IGS, at any time during the year.