When I reflect on my time at St. Olaf, I’m immediately reminded of my deep-rooted family connection to the college. My great-grandma (Class of 1927), grandpa, mom, uncles, cousins, husband, and I are all Oles, resulting in countless stories passed down through generations.

One summer, my cousin (then a current student) and I were reminiscing about our dorm experiences. I had lived in Hoyme, Hilleboe, and, finally, Thorson during my junior year. My cousin followed a similar path, also ending up in Thorson. As we compared our room views, we made a startling discovery: we had both resided in the same room!

This revelation shocked my mom (Class of 1987) and uncle (Class of 1981). My uncle delved into the family archives and unearthed a postcard addressed to my grandma from my late grandpa, Duane Reiter ’52. To our amazement, the postcard depicted Thorson Hall with our shared dorm room circled in black ink! Could any other St. Olaf family boast such a strong connection to a single room: Room 125 in Thorson Hall?

This unexpected find revealed a profound and multi-generational connection to the past. My grandpa, decades before me, had occupied the very same space within those historic walls. It was a tangible link between generations, a testament to the enduring legacy of St. Olaf, and a heartwarming reminder of my grandpa, whom we all deeply miss.

St. Olaf is synonymous with the on-campus experience. The connection between our family’s belief in and pride of St. Olaf has spanned generations. We are fortunate to share not only lifelong friendships forged on campus and cherished memories of our wedding in Boe Chapel, but also a unique family legacy that my husband and I hope to pass on to our first child, expected to arrive in June 2025.