Many changes are in store for the college this year. The most notable by far is the Ole version of the changing of the guard. As President Mark Edwards steps down in early October, the college prepares to welcome a new presence on campus.

In his acceptance address, Rev. Dr. Christopher Thomforde compared his new role as president of St. Olaf to a dance. He said he is anxious to meet his partner and begin the art of working and moving forward together. With size 16B feet, he better be careful or he'll step on a lot of people's toes. Expectations are high from all points of the St. Olaf community - faculty, administration, students and alumni.

What does a new president mean to the student body? More than many think. Being president of any college is a daunting and complicated task. All eyes are looking to him to take the lead, and not because he is 6'8". President Thomforde will be responsible for a variety of challenges, including college finances, enrollment issues, campus well-being and academic programs.

President Edwards has spent the last five years whipping the college finances into shape. Thanks to him, we are in a much better position to move forward than we were before his arrival. Now the responsibility falls into the hands of President Thomforde. We look to him to continue the fundraising campaign and maintain the overall financial health of the college. We hope staff and faculty cuts and athletic team eliminations are things of the past.

President Thomforde will also oversee the enrollment process. A total of 2,939 students are attending With increased lines for the caf, more students in the classrooms and less room in residence halls, many are frustrated with the current size of the student body. We hope that he will take the initiative to keep enrollment at a size the college is capable of serving at the quality the students deserve.

With the addition of the Buntrock Commons, the student body has a heightened awareness as to the state of other buildings on campus. President Thomforde will lead the force responsible for restoring and improving buildings such as the Science Center. We also hope he will maintain the high level of technology accessibility for the benefit of all.

St. Olaf has a bright future ahead and we are confident President Thomforde will be able to waltz his way through the next few years. We just hope it is to the tune of "Um ya ya!"