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St. Olaf College's Buntrock Commons, a model for student unions in the 21st century, turns five.

By Kristina Boyer '05
April 7, 2005

It's been five years since Buntrock Commons opened its doors at St. Olaf College. Called "the model for student unions in the 21st century" by Sasaki Associates principal architect Norris Strawbridge, and hailed as "the most attractive, most student-friendly college union in the nation," Buntrock Commons represents the physical and social crossroads of campus life.

On April 7, St. Olaf students, faculty and staff celebrated the fifth anniversary of the Buntrock Commons. Organized by student senators from the St. Olaf Student Government Association, Buntrock Commons Appreciation Day celebrations were held in the Crossroads on first floor of Buntrock Commons.

Indoor walkways converge on the Commons' atrium and link it with Boe Memorial Chapel and Rolvaag Memorial Library, symbolizing the college's commitment to developing the whole person in mind, body and spirit. Together they also represent an intentional effort to replicate life on the old American village green. Nearly everything a student needs to support his and her academic, residential and social life can be found at this crossroad: church and library, restaurant and coffee shop, bookstore and post office, entertainment and academic activities.

Dedicated in 1999, the $26 million dollar Commons was an extraordinary gift to St. Olaf from the Buntrock family, Dean L. Buntrock, his wife, Rosemarie, their three children, Dana, Margot and Charley and his brother Clayton Buntrock. Founder and retired chairman of WMX Technologies, Dean Buntrock graduated from St. Olaf in 1955. Buntrock served on the St. Olaf board of regents, was instrumental in the expansion of Rolvaag Memorial Library, the construction of Ytterboe and Rand residential halls and the improvements to Manitou Field. Clayton Buntrock graduated from St. Olaf in 1957.

Contact Carole Engblom at 507-646-3271 or leigh@stolaf.edu.