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Student writer assures professors, the 'rents: The Kids are Alright

Peter Hill '08
October 20, 2005

As crisp autumn winds envelop the campus, first-year Oles are settling into their new home away from home. With support from friends, faculty and residence life staff, they quickly find their niche within the college community.

"One of the best parts of my job is developing relationships with first-year students and helping them feel at home," says Mandy Frank, a junior counselor (JC) in Kittlesby Hall whose hometown is St. Charles, Ill. "We build our own family that's supportive and fun amid the challenges that St. Olaf brings."

Hoyme Hall resident Trent Chaffee recognizes the important role that JCs play in campus life. "The junior counselors are enthusiastic and outgoing — they make every student feel welcome and are great role models," says Chaffee, who is from Edina, Minn.

Lifelong friendships form and mature over Ultimate Frisbee on the Kittlesby lawn, grilled cheese in the Kildahl lounge or late-night talks in Ellingson Hall among students enrolled in The Great Conversation program. And they do have "great conversations." JCs provide a variety of community-building activities, such as trips to downtown Northfield or the nearby apple orchard and touch football games on the college's expansive grounds.

Since St. Olaf is an academically rigorous liberal arts college, students soon get accustomed to spending time in R?lvaag Memorial Library. Fortunately for them, the Princeton Review recently ranked the St. Olaf library as the nation's ninth-best college library. The library staff is quick to help with tours, research and instruction.

"It is obvious that [first-years] are taking a giant leap forward in academic proficiency," says first-year student Maren Anderson, who came to St. Olaf from Tacoma, Wash. "The classes at St. Olaf provide an equal amount of challenge and support."

New students discover that professors lend support both inside and outside of the classroom. Professors are eager to coach and inspire because they understand that first-years are just beginning the academic journey.

"All of my professors are engaging, and I look forward to my classes each day," says Meggie Wade, a first-year student from Nevada, Iowa.

Given that it's a residential campus, the St. Olaf experience extends beyond the classroom. At the Co-Curricular Extravaganza held during Week One, first-years discover the staggering array of exciting extracurricular opportunities on campus.

"I could lead five different lives here," Chaffee says. "There are so many opportunities to get involved, whether it be varsity or intramural sports, music, volunteering or other organizations."

Students can learn to dance at Ballroom Club, voice their concerns on the Board of Regents Student Committee, develop their faith at Fellowship of Christian Athlete or explore world cultures at Harambe, a multicultural student group, to name just a few of the more than 100 student organizations.

And don't forget the food. Bon Appetit, recently voted the third best college dining service in the nation by the Princeton Review, is central to the St. Olaf tradition. New students soon discover that dinner at Stav Hall is not simply a meal ? it is an opportunity to linger and enjoy fellowship over first-rate cuisine that emphasizes healthful choices and support of regional farmers.

"It is almost as good as my mom's cooking," Chaffee says.

An underlying energy develops on campus as Oles realize they are part of a close-knit community. It is the St. Olaf experience: Taking in a lecture from a nationally renowned professor. Chanting "Um! Yah! Yah!" at a football game. Mingling with friends at a Sunday-night corridor meeting.

As any alum can attest, being an Ole is a role that stays with you for life, well beyond the four years of college.

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