The St. Olaf community has been graced these past four years by the presence of an individual, the likes of whom may never be seen again among the college's student body, unless perhaps his children end up here someday.

Erik Hult is a pillar of stability, one of those people who exemplify the qualities of honesty and integrity.

As a first-year student, Erik dove headfirst into St. Olaf academia through his participation in The Great Conversation. As many of the members of Great Con, Erik took up residence in Ellingson Hall, where he provided his fellow corridor mates, "The Mighty Wookies," with plenty of entertainment.

Here is an example: after pleasantly readying himself for a bed, Erik returned to his room in anticipation for an evening of restful slumber. He innocently climbed the ladder to his toe-to-toe loft when suddenly, as he was precariously straddling the ladder and loft, the whole thing collapsed sending him crashing onto his desk and computer and eventually the floor.

He was not hurt, to the relief of the crowd gathering at his door, but he did spend the next several weeks sleeping on the floor before he dared venture back up to the loft.

Along with Great Con, Erik also immersed himself in music. As a member of the tenor section and Secretary of Viking Chorus, Erik provided great leadership as the infallible "attendance-taker."

Erik was also a regular attendee at bi-weekly Viking executive meetings in the Heartland Café where, over a hearty dinner, he and the rest of the executive board discussed many important choir issues, such as how they could all get better acquainted with the members of Manitou Singers.

While resigned to hermitage during sophomore year due to the strain of Music History 242, Erik emerged triumphantly and during junior year lived in the Norwegian House as an ambassador of good will for Norwegians the world over.

While living on Ole Avenue, Erik used his skills and experiences from his studies of Norwegian to enlighten other St. Olaf students though his participation in various activities and presentations put on by he and other members of the honor house throughout the year.

Erik has been a dedicated student throughout his entire career atop the dear old hill. His ability to maintain a ridiculously high GPA, while retaining a personality and social life make Erik stand out, especially among those who know him well.

When he is brought up in conversation, particularly when women are present, the swooning begins. "OhŠErik" this and "Oh, ErikŠ" that. Such is the life of a passionate musician. In the words of Cindy Tholen, Erik is "frisky, friendly, excitable, and eager to please whoever happens to be around." As well as his status as CHM resident teddy bear and trauma counselor, Erik is also an extension of the music department faculty.

During the recent St. Olaf Choir tour, Erik led several music history study sessions for fellow choir members. Look out, Alice Hanson! His leadership is also evident through his position as tenor section leader, which he assumes humbly, yet confidently.

Said Greg Wright, also a tenor I, "He does a good job in sectionalŠwhen he plays the right key!"

Next year, Erik plans to pursue a degree in music history at a yet-to-be-determined institution. He's hoping for some sort of fellowship because there won't exactly be a pot of gold waiting for him when he returns to the hill as Mr. Alice Hanson Jr.

Throughout his time at St. Olaf, Erik has thoroughly sampled the varying aspects that make up what is often called the "St. Olaf experience." His commitments to academic excellence, passionate musicianship, and loyal friendship have left their mark on the most important part of St. Olaf: the people.