PEP Students

Khadar Abdi comes to us from Rochester, Minnesota where he graduated from Mayo High School. Khadar enjoys reading and worshipping. He also enjoys playing soccer and tennis. Khadar is considering biology as his major and is thinking about Tanzania as his off campus option. Khadar hopes to contribute and share his way of life with the St. Olaf community. The best thing about SSS/PEP summer bridge program is that it is great to get to know the college before other students. Khadar would like to share with us that PEP makes you feel like you are part of a family.

Faiz Abdirahonan is from Rochester, Minnesota where he graduated from Mayo High School. Faiz enjoys reading, watching sports, and chilling with his friends. His favorite sport is soccer. Faiz plans on majoring in political science and family values. He is involved in upward bound, culture club, and conflict management. The best thing about SSS/PEP summer bridge program for Faiz is taking a semester class in only 4 weeks. One thing that he would like to share about himself is that he is a friendly person, but a shy guy.

Brittany Bunke is from Rushford, Minnesota where she graduated from Rushford-Peterson. Brittany likes to spend time with her family and she enjoys canoeing. Her favorite sports are golfing and skiing. Brittany is thinking about majoring in biology and is planning on studying abroad somewhere. The best thing about SSS/PEP summer bridge program for Brittany is getting to register early and all the great friendships that she made. One thing that she would like to share about herself is that her favorite color is green.

Celia (Yue) Chen is from Minneapolis, Minnesota where she graduated from Patrick Henry. Celia’s favorite hobby is surfing the Internet and her favorite sport is badminton. Celia is majoring in pre-med and computer science and is involved with AAA. She plans to study abroad in Europe or Asia. The best thing about SSS/PEP summer bridge program for Celia is that they were able to take a biology course and gets to know the campus and people earlier.

Andre (Dre) Conner

Mayra Correa (Gonzalez) is from Northfield, Minnesota where she graduated from Northfield High School. Mayra’s favorite hobbies include reading, listening to music, and hanging out with friends and family. Her favorite sport is soccer. Mayra is thinking about majoring in economics with a concentration in Spanish. The best thing about SSS/PEP summer bridge program for Mayra is EVERYTHING! The whole program prepares you for college and offers you the opportunity to earn a college credit before the actual school year begins. Mayra would like to share with us that she welcomes Yatzemhani Abigail Correa on September 5, 2002 into her life.

Mustafa Dualeh is from Rochester, Minnesota where he graduated from Mayo High School. He enjoys listening to music, hanging out with friends, and playing soccer. Mustafa is majoring in political science and would like to start a Muslim Students Association here at St. Olaf. He plans to study abroad in Senegal or Paris. The best thing about SSS/PEP summer bridge program for Mustafa is getting to know people and the college before everyone else. One thing that he would like to share about himself is, “I am cool!”

Barry Duckworth is from Pensacola, Florida where he graduated from Pensacola High. Barry is planning on majoring in computer science here at St. Olaf and plans to possibly study abroad in Japan. He is on St. Olaf’s football team and involved with FCA. His favorite hobby is playing video games. Barry hopes to earn his degree and go off to graduate school. The best thing about SSS/PEP for him is to get one class under the belt and to see what college is like before being shoved directly in the mix.

Mary Earm is from Oakdale, Minnesota where she graduated from Cretin- Derham Hall. Mary’s favorite hobbies are watching movies, listening to music, and cooking. Her favorite sports are soccer and volleyball. Mary is majoring in chemistry and is involved with AAA, Volunteering @ Commond Bond, and ISO. Her study abroad plan is to go to Australia. The best thing about SSS/PEP summer bridge program for Mary is meeting new people.

Bryan Freeman comes to us from Pensacola, Florida where he graduated from Pensacola High School. Bryan enjoys playing football, playing Madden 2003, and talking to his girlfriend. He is considering Exercise Science as his major and is involved with PEP. The best thing about SSS/PEP summer bridge program for Bryan is the bonds that were created between friends that will be with them at the start of the school year. Bryan quotes, “We already have 38 new friends when school starts.”

Lesly Gamez is a resident of Saint Paul, Minnesota. She was a student at Saint Paul’s Arlington Senior high school, from whence she graduated. Lesly’s favorite hobbies include running the gamut from being with her friends, listening to music, dancing, and talking, to reading and writing creatively. Lesly’s ideas for a major are settled on doubling with Spanish and art history with a concentration in journalism. She hopes to be involved in the on campus newspaper and possibly theatre as well. Lesly thought that being given the opportunity to get to know the Saint Olaf campus was one of the greatest benefits of PEP. She states that “Making lots of new friends was the greatest” as was “just getting a taste of college life”.

Wendy Gonzalez comes to us from El Monte, California where she graduated from Mountain View High School. Although Wendy doesn’t have a favorite hobby, she played soccer for three years in high school. Wendy is planning on English as her major and possibly joining the journalism club. She is thinking possibly England as her off campus option. The best thing about SSS/PEP for Wendy is the people that you meet and the memories that you will take with you about them. She especially enjoyed the mentors and TA’s because they were the first people you really get to know.

Nathan Hofstad is from Pine City, Minnesota where he graduated from Pine City High School. Nathan plans to major in biology and is involve with NARF and the St. Olaf scuba. He would like to study abroad in Ireland and/or Australia or the Galapagos. Nathan enjoys reading, watching TV, and surfing the Internet. He also enjoys swimming. The best thing about SSS/PEP summer bridge program for Nathan is the companionship and the weekend activities.

Chandler Jayasekera is from Bloomington, Minnesota where he graduated from Kennedy High School. Chandler is planning on majoring in social studies education at St. Olaf and is thinking about possibly participating in the Urban / Minneapolis Program. He would also like to be involved with boys varsity soccer/ club soccer, bible study, Frisbee-golf club, and the ultimate Frisbee team. Chandler enjoys hanging out with friends, playing numerous activities and sports, such as, soccer, broomball, and track and field. Some of the best things about SSS/PEP summer bridge program for Chandler are making new friends, getting a head start from the freshmen class and meeting Stacie… Yay! Chandler stated, “I’ve desired to come to St. Olaf ever since my sophomore year in high school and I have finally arrived.”

Mary Buki Lepe comes to us from Bloomington, Minnesota where she graduated from John F. Kennedy. She enjoys reading, dancing singing, and watching movies. Her favorite sport is swimming. Buki is considering biology for her major and would like to be involved with the Multicultural Club and the Hip Hop Club. Italy is her choice for an off campus study. The best things about SSS/PEP summer bridge program for Buki are having the opportunity to meet all the people, easing their way into college, getting to know the campus, having 40 new friends before the school year begins, and learning better note taking and study skills.

Pongakorn (Pong) Lertserhanant is from Bangkok, Thailand. He graduated from Seaside High School in Monterey, CA. Pong enjoys playing badminton and swimming. Pong would like to major in economics at St. Olaf. One of the best things about SSS/PEP summer bridge program for Pong is making good friends and preparing positive study skills for the year. He also wanted to share with everyone that he loves PEP!

Tseeb Tsim (John) Lyfoung hails to us from Vadnais Heights, Minnesota and attended Saint Paul's illustrious Central High School. Some of John’s favorite hobbies are poetry, listening to music, partying, dancing, and clubbing. He also enjoys playing soccer, table tennis, badminton, and volleyball. John is thinking about majoring in economics and possibly Asian Studies and getting involved with the Hmong Club, MACO, and church. His study abroad plans include Japan, Southeast Asia, or Korea. What John sees himself accomplishing at St. Olaf is making good friends and making unforgettable memories. The best things about SSS/PEP summer bridge program are getting acquainted with the campus, getting to know some people before school starts, the work experience, and getting one credit/requirement fulfilled. John would like to share with us; “I hope to make a difference at St. Olaf and be a mentor to new incoming students.”

Jason Moore attended Brooklyn Center high school in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. Jason enjoys listening to music, wrestling, and playing a stately game of golf. Football is also a sport favored by this young gentleman. Jason really enjoyed how the summer program prepared him for the classes that he hopes will help him to earn his degree in four years. Jason hopes to do well in sports and to take advantage of the abroad programs while working towards a major in economics. Jason is particularly interested in studying in Mexico.

Lily Moua is from St. Paul, Minnesota where she graduated from Arlington High School. Some of Lily’s favorite hobbies are cooking, photography, sticker collecting, craft projects, volunteer service projects, and playing sports. Her favorite sports are volleyball, badminton, and wrestling cheerleading. Lily is thinking about majoring in psychology or sociology/anthropology, hopefully with an education and a concentration in biomedicine. She would like to get involve with HAG, AAA, intramural volleyball and badminton, mentoring with ETS and the Volunteer Service Projects. Lily also plans to go on the Global Term and/or Term in Asia and hopefully student teach abroad somewhere. Lily sees herself studying abroad and achieving at least a 3.0 GPA. She wants to meet lots of different people and learn about different cultures. She also hopes to help Admissions recruit lots of minorities to St. Olaf. One of the best things about SSS/PEP summer bridge program for Lily is getting the free bio credit, getting ahead to know the campus and getting the connection to everyone before all the other incoming freshmen. She also wants to share that, “PEP is awesome! I love it!”

Mai Yang (Youa) Moua comes to us from Minneapolis, Minnesota where she graduated from Washburn High School. Youa plans on majoring in International studies and hope to go to a Spanish speaking country for her off campus option. What Youa she sees herself accomplishing at St. Olaf is building and keeping friendships and of course graduating after four years. The best thing about SSS/PEP summer bridge program is that it gave her the opportunity to develop friendships with many people and familiarize herself with the campus.

Euthumn (Skip) Napier is from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where he graduated from Shady Side Academy. Skip’s favorite hobbies are playing video games, playing sports, and collecting DB2 cards. His favorite sport is football. Skip is majoring in music education and is involved in Alliance Church Organization. The best thing about SSS/PEP summer bridge program for Skip is the mentors and the TA’s friendliness. One thing that he would like to share with us is that, “music is my life.”

Stephanie Nevilles is from Minneapolis, Minnesota where she graduated from Patrick Henry. Stephanie enjoys writing music, dancing, and singing. Her favorite sport is tennis. Stephanie is majoring in music composition and is involved in hand bell ensemble, multicultural group and boxing club. The best thing about SSS/PEP summer bridge program for Stephanie is taking a free biology course, meeting new people, an getting introduced to the college.

JinXia Ni is from Decorah, Iowa where she graduated from Decorah High School. JinXia’s favorite hobbies are eating, hanging out with friends, and reading in Chinese. She enjoys playing tennis. JinXia is considering math psychologist as her major and would like to be a part of Ole dancers, Gospel Club, Asian Awareness Association, International Students Organization while she is at St. Olaf. She is also thinking about studying abroad somewhere in Asia. The best things about SSS/PEP summer bridge program are the people and the weekend activities. JinXia wants to share with us that although at times she may not act like she doesn’t care, in reality she is a warm and caring person.

Kirstan Paulson is from Moorhead, Minnesota where she graduated from Moorhead Senior High. Kirsten enjoys going to the lake, taking pictures and being with friends. Her favorite sport is hockey. Kirsten is majoring in biology and education and is involved with hockey at St. Olaf. Her plans for study abroad are possibly studying in Norway, Hawaii, or Australia. The best thing about SSS/PEP summer bridge program for Kirsten is building a great relationship with the mentors and the other freshmen.

Brenda (Victoria) Pederson comes to us from Bemidji high school in Bemidji, Minnesota. The things she enjoys doing most are dancing, playing pool, bowling, and of course, mud wrestling with Hai and Molly. Victoria is very interested in those high-energy sports like track and cross-country. Though she is not quite sure about which organizations to participate in, Victoria intends to major in economics with a concentration in dance. Taking advantage of the many off campus programs at Saint Olaf, Victoria intends to participate in a global studies program during her junior year. Victoria feels that the best part of the bridge program was meeting people that she would be friends for all time with.

Hai Thien Quach is from Northfield, Minnesota where he graduated from Northfield High. He enjoys listening to music. His favorite sports are soccer, volleyball, and badminton. Hai is majoring in economics and Asian studies. His study abroad plan is to participate in the Term in Asia. One of the best about SSS/PEP summer bridge program for Hai is, “the biology class, I couldn’t believe how much I learned in that class.”

Jeff Robertson proudly brings us a taste of Wisconsin. He graduated from Brookfield East High School in Milwaukee before he became a St. Olaf PEP student. Jeff loves to sing, so music is one of his well-loved pastimes. Jeff also enjoys playing the piano and playing with computers. Jeff would like to share his love of music by pursuing a major in music education. He intends to be a part of the illustrious St. Olaf Choirs and would like to study in Oxford, England for an off campus study experience. Jeff’s favorite part of the summer program was learning study skills and honing his test taking skills. The most important thing that Jeff would like us to know about him is that he likes cheese.

Christina Saari is from Little Falls, Minnesota where she graduated from Little Falls Community High School. Christina enjoys reading, writing poetry, listening to music, painting, and taking nature photos. While at St. Olaf, Christina will be majoring in Hispanic studies and pre-med and planning on traveling to Costa Rica to study abroad. Inspired by our very own John Chapman, Christina intends to be a part of SOC, SAG, Student Senate, and of course SSS/PEP. She also looks forward to the long lasting friendships that she’ll make here at St. Olaf. The best thing about SSS/PEP for her is the opportunity it gave her to have the college experience, which prepared her for the next months to come. Christina would like to share with us that she hopes to become a PEP Bio TA or Group Mentor next year.

Jessica Say comes to us from Minneapolis, Minnesota where she graduated from Roosevelt High. Jessica enjoys dancing, playing and watching sports, and simply having fun. Some of her favorite sports are track, gymnastics, football, and basketball. Jessica is thinking about majoring in pre-vet, French, biology, chemistry, or psychology. She would like to go to Martinique either her first or second year as an off campus option. The best thing about SSS/PEP for Jessica is meeting a lot of great people and getting a biology and lab credit even before the actually school year begins. Jessica would like to share with us that she was a cat in her previous life.

Stacie Spikula is from Burnsville, Minnesota where she graduated from Burnsville Senior High. Stacie enjoys hanging out with friends, rollerblading, and water skiing. Her favorite sports are soccer and football. Stacie is undecided about her major, but hopes to achieve good grades and graduate so she can be successful in the future. The best things about SSS/PEP for Stacie is meeting Chandler, building a lot of friendships, and getting to know the college.

Kia Thao is from St. Paul, Minnesota where she graduated from Como Park Senior High. Kia enjoys hanging out with friends and family, eating variety cuisines, sleeping and taking walks. Her favorite sports are volleyball and badminton. Although Kia is undecided about her major, she plans to get involved with Hmong Awareness Group and THINC. The best thing about SSS/PEP for Kia is getting money for the lunches and dinners, the weekend activities, getting free time, and swimming (when the water is warm). Kia would like to share with us that even at this age; she is still able to do a one handed cartwheel.

Molly Tuerk hails from Oakdale, Minnesota. She graduated from North high school located in St. Paul, Minnesota. Playing the piano is a favorite pastime of Molly’s but, like most of us, she greatly enjoys being goofy and having fun. Snowboarding is a sport that Molly dares to dabble in. Molly considered the opportunity to take a biology class before the school year started to be one of the best things about the bridge program. We can see why Molly appreciated the biology class because she is planning on a double major in nursing and German. While she is a student here on the hill, Molly intends to be involved in the many music programs, to join snowboarding, and to be a part of the student government.

Kia Vang is from Minneapolis, Minnesota where she graduated from Henry High School. Kia enjoys singing, dancing, shopping, reading, and listening to music. Her favorite sport is badminton. Kia is thinking about majoring in possibly pre-med (pediatrics) and is involve in the Hmong Awareness Group, Asian Awareness Group, and Multi-Cultural Group. She is also planning on studying abroad in certain parts of Asia and Europe. Kia stated, “the best thing about SSS/PEP summer program is that they provided me with greater knowledge. The program offers great opportunities. Also the faculty, staff, mentors, students are the best.”

Lee (Lele) Vang is from St. Paul, Minnesota where she graduated from Arlington High School. Lee enjoys shopping and spending time with her family. She also enjoys playing volleyball and badminton. Lee plans on majoring in nursing or biology. She plans on getting involved with the different organizations at St. Olaf; however, she would like to go “check them out first!” Lee also plans to study abroad in Thailand or Mexico. The best thing about SSS/PEP summer bridge program for Lee is all the field trips and the great help! One thing she would like to share about herself is that she hates chocolate and cheese.

Mang Vang graduated from the much-esteemed Humboldt high school in Saint Paul, Minnesota. She is a wonderful artist and enjoys reading and watching anime. The sports that she most enjoys are soccer and badminton. Mang is going to major in visual art and will be part of film club, AAA, and theatre among others. Mang hopes to study in Japan and France. Her favorite part of the summer was getting to bond with her fellow Peppers and having a free class at this wonderful institution. One important thing that Mang would like us to remember about her is that she loves fairies.

Pa Vang hails from Henry high school in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She loves to shop and catch movies at the mall. Bowling and playing pool while chilling out are some of her other favorite pastimes. Tennis is Pa’s sport of choice. Though she is undecided about her major, Pa hopes to get a degree in something. While at Saint Olaf, Pa intends to participate in the Hmong Awareness group, AAA, and in dance. She also intends to do a term in Asia or Europe as an off campus study option. In spite of the weather, tubing and an evening at Comedy Sportz were high on Pa’s list as the best things about the summer bridge program.

Trey Williams is from Pensacola, Florida where he graduated from Pensacola High School. Trey enjoys talking on the phone and chillin’ with his family and friends. Football, basketball, track, water polo, and table tennis are among some of the sports that Trey engages in. Although he is undecided about his major, Trey hopes to accomplish a degree of higher learning at St. Olaf. Trey is part of the football team and the FCA. The best thing about SSS/PEP summer bridge program is that it helps you make the transition from high school to college. Trey would like to share with us all the love and admiration he has for the mentors and TA’s.

Phia Xiong comes to us from Patrick Henry High School in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His favorite thing to do is play a driven match of tennis. This canny young man has many interests when it comes to majors. Pre-med, nursing, and education are just some of the subjects on Phia’s mind. Phia plans to be a part of the tennis team, HAG, and AAA. At some point he would like to go to Japan, Korea, China, S. E. Asia, Hong Kong, France, and England as off campus study options. We sincerely hope that he can fit it all in. Phia’s favorite part of the summer program was getting to know this wonderful campus, and “meeting awesome people.”

Neenah Yang is from Minneapolis, Minnesota where she graduated from Washburn High School. Neenah enjoys talking and laughing with friends and taking pictures. Her favorite sports are soccer, badminton, and football. Neenah is considering in majoring in social work or psychology and getting involved with Asian Awareness Association, Hmong Awareness Group, Hip Hop, and bible study. She would also like to do the 5 months Term in Asian her sophomore year. The best things about SSS/PEP summer bridge program for Neenah are the biology course, the activities, and the people. She would also like to share with all of us that she loves us all!

PEP Student Staff

Julia Jackson (Biology TA)

Pha Le Nguyen (Biology TA) is from Kenyon, Minnesota. She is a junior (class of 2004) and biology major. At St. Olaf, Pha Le is involved with Asian Awareness Association, Hmong Awareness Group, and Volunteer Network. The best things about SSS/PEP summer bridge program are that the program helps students to have smooth transition from high school to college. It helps students to make new friends and to succeed in college. It also helps students with study skills. One unique thing about Pha Le is that her family is the only Asians in Kenyon.

Shawntel Carter (Biology TA) is from Richfield, Minnesota. She is a junior (class of 2004). Shawntel is involved with cheerleading and FCA at St. Olaf. Although she doesn’t have a particular place in mind, Shawntel does hope to study abroad someday. The best thing about SSS/PEP for Shawntel is meeting all the students. She quoted, “there were some really sweet students.” One unique thing about Shawntel is that she has a crush on Conan O’Brien.

Yesenia Velasquez (Biology TA) is from Bell Gardens, California. She is a senior (class of 2003) majoring in social work. Yesenia is involved with PEP advisory board, Presente, Harambe, Women of Color, Project Friendship, Reaching our Goals, and Social Work Club. She has been to Mexico during Interim in 2001 and will be going to Hawaii this Interim. Yesenia enjoys everything about SSS/PEP summer bridge program: the $100.00 for books, the early registration, meeting other incoming freshmen, upper classmen, faculty, staff, getting acquainted with the campus, and who could forget taking the biology class with the assistance from the lovely and helpful Bio TA’s. One thing Yesenia would like to share with us is, “I have long eye lashes and people call me La Bambi.”

Molly Woods (Biology TA/ Group Mentor) is from Nerstrand, Minnesota. She is a sophomore (class of 2005) majoring in education and ARMS. Molly is involved in many organizations at St. Olaf. She is part of SORC, manager for SOC, DCC Committee member (CUBE rep.), and a member of Cube, Presente, and Gospel Choir. The best thing about SSS/PEP summer bridge program for Molly is, “the fact that you get to meet so many great people who offer you support and more often becomes your best friends.” Molly would also like to share with us that she wants to change the world.

John Chapman (Group Mentor) is from Alexandria, Virginia. He is a senior (class of 2003) majoring in social studies education. John is involved in everything! He is a part of SOC, SGA, CUBE, Mentor Net, Lacrosse Club, SSS/PEP Advisory Board, DJAT KSTO, to name a few. The best thing about SSS/PEP summer bridge program for him is getting the new students acquainted with St. Olaf. One thing John would like all of us to know is that he is a really cool person.

Mee Yang (Group Mentor) is from St. Paul, Minnesota. She is a junior (class of 2004) at St. Olaf majoring in social work and A.R.M.S. (American Racial and Multicultural Studies. At St. Olaf, Mee is involved in H.A.G. (Hmong Awareness Group), H.L.U.B. (Hmong Language and Understanding the Basics), M.C.E.B. (Multicultural and Executive Board), A.A.A. (Asian Awareness Association), St.Olaf Philharmonic Orchestra, Collegiate Choir, ETS mentor, and HEAD start. Mee plans and is very excited to travel abroad to Mexico this J-term. With the time she has left at St. Olaf, she also hopes to study abroad in Ireland, Thailand or Hawaii. Mee stated, “The best thing about SSS/PEP summer bridge program is that the program is very unique and beneficial. In-coming freshmen are able to experience academia and social life before the school year begins. The weekend activities are awesome because they’re fun and free. The activities are also a time to take a study break and have entertainment. I’m glad I’m able to meet so many students who are talented in many ways. It’s great to see the commitment, hard work and team work among the staff and students in order to have a successful summer program.”

Martin Olague (Group Mentor) is from San Bernardino, California. He is a senior (class of 2003) and a social studies education major. At St. Olaf, Martin is involved in Reaching Our Goals, Presente, and KSTO radio. The best thing about SSS/PEP summer bridge program is that it allows students to be given the opportunity to start college on the right path. One unique thing about Martin is that he can be a great storyteller.

Monique Galvan (Group Mentor) is from Pico Rivera, California. She is a junior (class of 2004) majoring in social studies education. At St. Olaf, Monique is involved with Student Organizations Committee, Presente, Harambe, Cube and soccer. The best thing about the SSS/PEP summer bridge program for Monique is getting to know different people from different places. Also, all the events were a lot of fun (even tubing). One unique thing about her is that she is 5 ft tall and have been that size since her freshmen year in high school.

Brian Strand (Group Mentor) is from Bryon, Minnesota. He is a sophomore (class of 2005) at St. Olaf. Brian is majoring in Art/ Math and involved with KSTO as a dj and SSS/PEP. He also studied abroad in Costa Rica during Interim of 2002. The best thing about SSS/PEP summer bridge program for Brian is meeting new people from diverse backgrounds. One unique thing about him is that his family didn’t have a color television until he was in the first grade.

PEP Professional Staff

Kathy Glampe (Director of SSS/PEP) is from Northfield, Minnesota. She grew up in Morris, Minnesota. Kathy graduated from St. Olaf College in 1992 with a degree in history, social studies, and German education. While attending St. Olaf College, she was involve with the Sexual Assault Resources Network (SARN) and was a junior counselor. She also studied abroad in Germany (1998) and in China (1992). Kathy has two little boys, Danny (3 ½) and Joey (8 months). She said that the best thing about SSS/PEP summer bridge program is meeting all the AWESOME new students and working with the great staff. Kathy stated “I have worked with TRIO for 12 years and I LOVE IT! SSS/PEP students are the GREATEST!!!”

Joy Lakosky (Assistant Director of SSS/PEP) lives in Dundas, Minnesota. She graduated with a BS in sociology from University of Wisconsin- River Falls and received her MA in organizational management from Concordia University in St. Paul. While in her undergrad years at River Falls, Joy was involved in a lot of organizations. She was in African- American Alliance (AAA), Native American Counsel, Hmong Association, Latino organization, Student Government and many more. The best thing about the SSS/PEP summer bridge program for Joy is meeting all the new students. One unique thing about her is that she is the eighth child out of nine adopted children.

Sung Baek (Academic Advisor) is from Fridley, Minnesota. He graduated from St. Olaf College in 2001 with a degree in biology and education. While at St. Olaf, Sung was involved in wrestling, football, and FCA. He also went abroad and studied marine turtles in Costa Rica (4 months on the beach was really roughJ) and did student teacher in Korea. Some of the best things about SSS/PEP summer bridge program for Sung are helping students transition to the college life, getting to know each other, and forming a PEP family. Sung also enjoys salsa dancing he stated, “I like to salsa dance so much that I even take lessons!”

Cecelia Lee (Academic Advisor) is from St. Paul, Minnesota. She graduated from Gustavus Adolphus College in 2000 with a degree in sociology/anthropology. This is Cecelia’s first year with SSS/PEP and the summer bridge program. At Gustavus Cecelia was involved with the Asian Cultures Club and Building Bridges. She also studied abroad in China (1999). The best thing about SSS/PEP summer bridge program for Cecelia are the students… especially the class of 2006! She is very excited and look forward to continue working with all the wonderful students and staff!

Sarah Knox-Nguyen (Program Coordinator) is from Crystal, Minnesota. She graduated from St. Olaf College in 1998 with a major in music. While at St. Olaf, Sarah was involved with Manitou Messenger (photographer) and St. Olaf Philharmonia. Sarah stated, “The best things about the bridge program are being able to meet, work and learn about such a great group of students. I have enjoyed getting to know a little bit about all of you. I wish you all much success as you begin your college journey. To Kathy… without you this program would not be offering such diverse, important, and worthwhile opportunities such as the bridge program.” Sarah would also like to share with us that she really enjoys crafting, especially making beaded jewelry and sewing on the sewing machine. She hopes to one day sell her stuff at craft shows. Sarah would also like to go visit Vietnam someday.

Hoa Nguyen (Program Coordinator) is from Crystal, Minnesota. He graduated from St. Olaf in 1998 majoring in math, physics, and education. Hoa commented about some of the best things about the SSS/PEP summer bridge program. “First our staff was really great to work with. They really helped make our large group run smoothly. Second, the students were great. I really enjoyed getting to meet all of you! Last, but not least, Kathy. Without her leadership this program would not be what it is today.” Hoa would like to share with us that he hopes to one day soon bring his family back to where he grew up- Vietnam. Hoa also enjoys corvettes. His dream is to one day buy an old model corvette and fix it up.

Charles Umbanhowar Jr. (Biology Instructor) was born in Chicago, Illinois, but is now living in Northfield, Minnesota. He has been teaching biology and Environmental Studies since 1991. Some of Charles favorite hobbies include gardening, model trains, computer games, and reading books. His favorite sport is curling. Charles is involved in the Minnesota Native Plant Society, Owatonna Curling Club, and Friends of the Cannon River Wilderness Area. He has been to New Zealand and Australia, Europe, the Virgin Islands, and now Hawaii. The best things about SSS/PEP summer bridge program for Charles are the students.

Kurt Stimeling (Biology Lab Instructor) is from River Falls, Wisconsin, but is living in Northfield now. He graduated from St. Olaf College in 1987 with a degree in biology. While at St. Olaf, Kurt was involved with two off campus programs: Canyonlands Geology (Interim 1985) with Bob Jacobel and the Trudeau Cancer Research facility, Saranac Lake, NY (Interim 1987) with Ted Johnson. Kurt is an Associate Dean of Students at St. Olaf. For the PEP summer bridge program he was one of the lab instructor. Aside from his daily Associate Dean of Students duties, Kurt run chains for Olaf home football games, is a goal judge for Ole Hockey, follow the SAC activities closely, and present the “400 (or more) things to do on a date in Northfield” program. The best thing about SSS/PEP summer bridge program for Kurt is, “I’ve thoroughly enjoyed teaching the Biology lab, but the best thing for me is getting to know 40 students very well before the rest of the class of 2006 arrives.” One unique thing about Kurt is that he is left-handed, play the trumpet and is an only child. He married an only child (Shawnna) and now has their first child, Zachary. They’ll see if a second baby is in their future!

Signe Levine (Writing Instructor) is from Bismarck, North Dakota. She graduated from St. Olaf in 1993. Signe have taught First Year Seminar and Creative Nonfiction in the English department. This is her third year working with the PEP program as the instructor for the writing workshop. Signe quoted the best thing about SSS/PEP summer bridge program is, “I love working with the PEP program because it provides me with the opportunity to share in the unique and amazing stories of the PEP students.” One unique thing about Signe is that she likes to buy fruit in even numbers.