High on a hilltop in southern Minnesota, 2,800 or so college students go about their day, the hours filled with classes, meetings, studying, and socializing. Everything they need to get through the week is provided: food, places to study, a nice warm place to sleep, friendly people to talk to. Who could ask for anything more?

The hill is Manitou Heights; the college, St. Olaf. The students come from both near and far to St. Olaf, its campus a refuge from the world outside. But as it is out of town, it can also seem out of touch. The Hill can easily, and for many people often does, become a sort of bubble, seemingly cut off from the greater world that surrounds it.

John Farrell and the rest of the 2000-2001 Political Awareness Committee plan to change that. Farrell is the student-elected Political Awareness Coordinator, and works with a well rounded team of students working together to promote awareness of and active participation in the issues that shape the course of events worldwide.

This is looking to be a good year for the Political Awareness Committee, PAC for short, with several events already completed and many more in the works. September seventh brought United States Senator Mike Ciresi to campus to hear concerns and answer questions from students and community members in preparation for upcoming elections. The event proved a success, answering many questions and raising several new ones.

PAC has a long standing tradition of bringing high profile speakers to campus at certain key points throughout the school year. Recent visitors include former Vice President Dan Quayle, Pulitzer Prize winning author Maya Angelou, Attorney Sarah Weddington, and Former United States House of Representatives Speaker Newt Gingrich.

While speakers are always a highlight on campus, PAC hopes to keep political dialogue going on The Hill through many channels besides the occasional speaker. This year marks the addition of weekly PAC dinners. Occuring at 5:30 p.m. each Tuesday they are open to all. Those wishing to attend should bring their trays to the Valhalla Room, located in Buntrock Commons for friendly and engaging discussion.

It is important for everyone to become and remain involved in the political process, Farrell says, because "we are in a situation to work to change the world around us for the better."

Anyone who is interested and would like to learn more about PAC should feel free to send an email to John Farrell at 'farreljf @ stolaf.edu'.