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Understanding other cultures may have been optional
once
upon a time – but no more. As recent events around the world have
demonstrated, a global perspective is necessary for anyone who aspires
to be, in the words of the St. Olaf mission statement, a “responsible
and knowledgeable citizen of the world.”
St. Olaf Regent Kathleen Althoff Brekken ’71
and her husband, Dennis Brekken, have teamed with Todd ’81 and
Nancy Barber Dalaska ’81 to lead the volunteer effort to increase
support for the college’s extraordinary, longstanding commitment
to international and off-campus studies.
Fostering understanding
Kathleen and Dennis Brekken
“The term ‘global perspective’ speaks to how we think
not only in our daily work but as parents,” says Kathleen. “Our
children had the opportunity to travel internationally both with us
as a family when they were younger, and in off-campus programs in college.
As a result, I think both Alex and John have fewer preconceived notions
about how things are ‘supposed’ to be and a much larger understanding
of how things are.
“The St. Olaf International and Off-Campus Studies Program gives
students a chance to observe and participate in cultural diversity at
its best. In today’s world, I believe that is of critical importance.”
 Todd
and Nancy Dalaska
“Both of our careers have involved international banking,”
says Todd. “We have traveled, quite literally, around the world
and have grown enormously because of these experiences. This type of
personal growth cannot be obtained in a classroom. It is about meeting
people and seeing where they live and work.” “St. Olaf College
international and off-campus study programs allow students to broaden
their knowledge beyond our relatively privileged culture,” Nancy
says. “A large percentage of students who receive financial assistance
are unable to shoulder the additional cost of off-campus study. Many
participate only in programs they can afford rather than those that
would have a closer tie to their areas of interest. In addition, this
endowment also will enable a limited number of international students
to study on the St. Olaf campus, enriching the experience of the entire
St. Olaf community.”
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Kathleen and Dennis Brekken
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