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Outdoor commencement to be streamed live

By Linnae Stole '10
May 24, 2009

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St. Olaf alumni, parents and friends will gather on the Hill May 22-24 to remember their college years and celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2009. Celebration Weekend will feature a variety of events, including a fine art and craft exhibit presented by members of the Class of 1959; concerts by the St. Olaf Band, Choir and Orchestra; reunion events both on and off campus; a 5K Ole Run/Walk; faculty and alumni book signings; and faculty- and staff-led learning seminars. The weekend will conclude Sunday afternoon with the commencement ceremony for seniors, featuring an address, titled "Listen, learn, serve, lead," by Congressman Erik Paulsen '87.

Many of the weekend's events, including concerts and the Last Lecture, will be streamed live (and archived) online, as will the commencement ceremony.

Friday, May 22
The Celebration Weekend festivities kick off Friday with reunion events in various locations around Northfield and the Twin Cities. President David R. Anderson '74 will host a dinner that evening for the Class of 1959, while alumni from the classes of 1939, '44 and '49 will be treated to a "Golden Ole" dinner.

Friday's events will also feature a concert by the St. Olaf Band, conducted by Timothy Mahr '78. It will begin at 8 p.m. in Skoglund Center Auditorium and will include the presentation of original compositions by senior members of the ensemble.

Saturday, May 23
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Saturday's events will begin with a 5K Ole Run/Walk through portions of the cross country course. Registration and check-in will be held from 7-7:45 a.m., and the run/walk begins at 8 a.m. Walk-in registrations are welcome.

All alumni, parents and guests are invited to attend Sammenkomst ("The Gathering") on Saturday morning in Boe Memorial Chapel. The event celebrates the unique St. Olaf spirit and the accomplishments of its alumni. Anderson also will deliver a state of the college address.

Learning seminars on aspects of St. Olaf culture will be held throughout the afternoon. St. Olaf College associate archivist Jeff Sauve will host a presentation of "The History of Science Education at St. Olaf," a documentary that outlines the many changes in the teaching of science on campus over the years. Assistant Professor of Religion Jamie Schillinger will lead a discussion on "Understanding Islam," exploring the common themes that influence Christian and Islamic interreligious dialogue. The final seminar, "The U.S. Economy: Where Do We Go From Here?" will discuss the current state of the U.S. economy and guiding principles to follow in an-ever changing environment.

Saturday will also feature reunion luncheons for the classes of 1939, '44, '49, '54, '59, '64, '69, '74, '79 and '84. The St. Olaf Orchestra will present a concert at 3 p.m. in Skoglund Center Auditorium, led by conductor Steven Amundson. The St. Olaf Choir, conducted by Anton Armstrong '78, will perform at 8 p.m. It will be the final on-campus appearance for the choir before they depart on a two-week tour to the British Isles the following week.

Anderson also will host a celebration banquet Saturday evening for members of the Class of 2009 and their families.

Continuing a tradition that began with the Class of 2008, a campus illumination ceremony will again be held this year to honor the graduating seniors. A candle-lighting ceremony will be held at 10:15 p.m., as the Class of 1959 "passes the light" to the Class of 2009 and welcomes them into the alumni body. The seniors will then hang their lanterns on the green from Mellby Hall to Rolvaag Library, illuminating the campus.

Sunday, May 24
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Congressman Erik Paulsen '87 will present "Listen, learn, serve, lead" during St. Olaf Commencement Sunday, May 24.
Sunday's events begin with a baccalaureate service in Skoglund Center Auditorium at 9 a.m., led by St. Olaf Pastor Bruce Benson. Stav Dining Hall will be open from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for family, friends and students for a special Celebration Brunch.

The weekend will conclude with commencement exercises for the Class of 2009, which will be held on Manitou Field beginning at 2 p.m. In case of rain, the ceremony will become a ticketed event in Skoglund Center Auditorium.

Contact David Gonnerman at 507-786-3315 or gonnermd@stolaf.edu.