November 2017

Question:

Dear Abbot Pennings,

Why haven’t I seen the latest albino squirrel on campus?

Dan Decker ’20

Answer:

Dearest Dan,

I, too, have been wondering about the same thing! That is, may I assume that this squirrel you reference is a descendant of our furry friend of legend, and not its namesake, the White Squirrel coffee drink prepared at Ed’s Cafe across the way from me at the Mulva Library? (Ahh… the aroma of brewed coffee!) 

To the question at hand, then. I can confirm that I’ve heard of sightings of the latest albino squirrel, and these sightings have been concentrated upon the southern side of campus. In due course, I’m certain your own opportunity for an, ahem, “visual” will arise. Take a regular stroll around the Mulva Family Fitness & Sports Center, Victor McCormick Hall, Michels Hall or Gries Hall. In due course, I’m certain your patience will be rewarded. 

My dear Dan, your question encourages me to make mention of the numerous other creatures that frequent the college grounds. Redtail hawks are known to nest in the tall pine tree to the west of Main Hall. One can often see them, or even an occasional bald eagle, perched upon the cupola of this venerable building. Over the summer, a whitetail deer took to gallivanting around campus – and a mother cat and her kittens made their home beneath the steps of Main Hall. In years past, we’ve seen pelicans and geese meandering, too. Several springs ago, a mother mallard built her nest behind the Alumni House, where she tended to her eggs until they hatched.

You see, Dan, all God’s creatures great and small marvel at the beautiful haven that is our St. Norbert College. No surprise, truly. 

Responses to “Ask the Abbot” questions are penned by St. Norbert College staff in the name of Abbot Bernard Pennings, who founded St. Norbert College in 1898.