Pika! Pika! Pik-a-chu!

These aren't words most college students hear on a regular basis. Unless you watch Pokčmon, you've maybe never heard them.

However, if you hang around Ben French for more than a few minutes, there's a good chance you'll hear "Pika!" at least once. See, there aren't many Oles who name their closest friends after their favorite Pokčmon characters. Then again, there aren't any other Oles quite like French.

There is definitely no single word that can summarize the many facets of the unique individual known as Benjamin Charles French. Some know him as a hard-working (usually) math and Norwegian major, others as the "cute, fun, Chapel Choir president." Still others know him as a dedicated and endlessly entertaining friend.

Math professor Jill Dietz describes French as arguably "the most fashionable math major in this year's graduating class." She adds, however, that some might see his desire for a Justin Timberlake perm to be a bit outdated, "though if anyone could pull it off it would be Ben."

These characterizations are not out of line, however, considering that French's idea of a perfect day consists of "a great hair day paired with a great outfit. Seriously. Quit laughing!"

Outside the academic world, French is known for the enthusiasm and dedication he exudes as president of the St. Olaf Chapel Choir, a position he has held for the past two years.

Gillian Teoh, a junior and a soprano in Chapel Choir, sees French's endless energy as a huge asset to the ensemble. His energetic way of keeping the choir informed through e-mails to the Œstallions,' not to mention his status as Dr. Bob's number one fan, keeps everyone entertained as well as up to date."

Amy Bonhag, a junior in the alto section, adds, "Ben's attention to every minor detail allows us to concentrate on making beautiful music together, without having to worry about logistical details."

Senior student Faith Korbel met French during their freshman year in Ellingson Hall, when her roommate was looking for someone to set her up with for a "screw-your-roommate" corridor function.

She sees the essence of French falling "somewhere between his yearly Christmas Fest tears, his endless Œyour mom' replies, and his love for his cat." She will remember him best, though, for his role as host of the legendary Millenium New Year's Eve Ball held at the French Estate in Chatfield, Minn. last year.

French's other interests cover a wide spectrum of topics, from Bach cantatas (his favorites being Erschallet, ihr Lieder, BWV 172 and Ein Herz das seinen Jesum lebend weiss, BWV 134) to Tom Jones' greatest hits; from late-night games of frisbee on Mellby Lawn to chasing his cat Emma around the house.

With this eclectic taste in music and diverse assortment of leisure activities, it's no wonder his friends describe him as "social and upbeat" and "fun, inventive and CRAZY!"

Junior math major Jamie Bown even claims she's never had more fun studying for an abstract algebra quiz than she has with French.

Following graduation, French will leave his motherland of Chatfield for Seattle, pursuing graduate studies at the University of Washington. There he will continue along the path toward his dream of becoming a math professor at St. Olaf, and eventually the next college president. Of course, the latter may be a bit far-fetched, but you can be certain that if President French is ever inaugurated, President's Ball that year will be a party not to be missed.

So, the next time you're innocently walking around campus and you hear the "tweet-tweeeeeeet" of a Pokč-whistle or notice someone humming strains of "Splendor is Coming," don't be alarmed. It's just Ben French procrastinating, happily playing some frisbee or planning a formal ball. Nothing out of the ordinary, for someone who is definitely anything but ordinary.

"Pika! Pika! I choose you! Tweeeeeet!"