Scott Christensen ’85, US/Thailand
Scott (center) with Michael Kyle '85 (left) and Chartchai Lertsachanant ’72 (right) in Bangkok.
Scott is originally from St. Paul, Minnesota, and currently lives in Bangkok. He graduated from St. Olaf in 1985 with majors in history and political science. He later went on to pursue a PhD at the University of Wisconsin – Madison, and now serves as Managing Director and deputy head of Asian equity research at JPMorganChase, a major international bank.
How did you learn about St. Olaf and why did you choose to study here?
Both my parents went to the University of Minnesota, got acquainted with St. Olaf from family friends who were alums; also my high school music teacher was an alum and Olaf champion and pushed me in that direction.
What were you involved in at St. Olaf?
Concert band, jazz band, junior counselor (where he helped first-year or freshman students adjust to college life), intramural sports, participated in three international studies and off-campus programs - Term in the Middle East, Term in the Asia, and did a winter internship at the US Senate in Washington DC
What do you miss most about St. Olaf?
Autumn, community of friends, intellectual challenge, great relationships with the faculty, and the Rueb (a local bar).
What advice would you give to international students and Global Nomads considering St. Olaf? Why should they choose St. Olaf?
World-class academics in a small, semi-rural community setting but close enough to major cities (Minneapolis/St. Paul) and with a major international studies program to provide a global viewpoint. Particular strengths in math, science, social sciences, world languages. Low student-to-teacher ratio, you benefit from more individual attention than at a larger university. Facilities were always strong and have gotten even better with upgrades, additions. World-class student union, athletic facility, and science facility, set amidst rolling hills and trees.
What is the St. Olaf community like from your perspective? Why would it be a good choice for internationally minded families?
I found St Olaf excellent intellectual training for PhD in social sciences at a top 10 university and for entering the international banking industry. Rigorous, well-rounded education in a setting that was intellectually diverse and challenging, forced development of social skills, and all set amidst a beautiful semi-rural, state-of-the-art campus.
