Geoff Blanton, ’09, UWC USA alum
Growing up in Mississippi, Geoff was involved in his Lutheran church’s youth organizations, which led him explore St. Olaf, where he found the admissions material particularly helpful. He considered a European university and mostly U.S. east coast liberal arts colleges, but in the end chose St. Olaf for its international and off-campus programs. While a student at St. Olaf, Geoff participated in the Term in Middle East program, and hopes to participate in a January interim abroad as a senior.
What are some of the activities you’ve been involved in at St. Olaf?
As a student at UWC USA’s New Mexico campus, he was involved in their wilderness program, and at St. Olaf he continues to be active in outdoor activities: including ultimate Frisbee, Technical Director at the Pause (student night club), and St. Olaf Emergency Medical Technicians (SOEMTs). Although not active in band and choir like he was in high school, working for the Pause has allowed him to continue his love of music (another reason that led him to St. Olaf).
What are you studying and what are your future plans?
Geoff is a religion and political science major with a concentration (like a minor) in Middle East studies, influenced by his Term in the Middle East program. His study of World Religions in the IB program and personal interest led him to pursue religion as a major.
Although St. Olaf is a church affiliated school, Geoff appreciates that fact that people from many backgrounds are welcomed here, that as a student, you are not required to have a certain belief. He pointed out that the current head of the religion department is Prof. Anant Rambachan, somewhat who is particularly interested in interreligous dialogue and, in particular, the between Hinduism and Christianity.
He may pursue graduate school in those areas, but for now hopes actually to use the technical skills he’s developed in the Pause night club to go into sound production.
What sort of things have you appreciated about your St. Olaf education?
"At St. Olaf I have been encouraged to seek out independent study, looking at how education is structured and how to find answers by myself. I have appreciated the comments teachers have provided, especially in my majors." Although the demographics does not yet reflect it, he appreciates the emphasis on global perspective in the classroom and activities on campus. Geoff has enjoyed the Global Citizenship lecturers, especially this year’s discussion on Liberal Arts in Times of War, as well as the organization of theWeek or micro-financing seminar organized in November at St. Olaf.
Why would (or wouldn’t) a UWC (or international) student be interested in St. Olaf?
UWC students may not know about St. Olaf and what we offer, and some students he knows may not have the financial resources to study at St. Olaf (St. Olaf does offer up to tuition scholarships for strong candidates and is looking at ways to expand financial aid to international students).
On the other hand, UWC candidates would be interested in St. Olaf because of our international studies program, variety of activities (from science and music to community service and intramural sports), and if they have a passion for their studies and community. St. Olaf students, like UWC ones, are engaged in the campus.
For Geoff, the decision to attend St. Olaf includes our international studies program, the Tostrud recreation center, and Pause student night club.
