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32 reasons why it’s good to be here
By Lisa Strandberg and Susan Allen
With Kellie Herson ’11 and Paige Caulum ’11
Before you chose St. Norbert as your college home, you studied the
viewbook and scrutinized the reasons to enroll here.You compared and
contrasted, weighed and wondered, doubted and deliberated. Ultimately,
logic led you to decide that this was indeed the place.
Then you arrived on campus and your heart took over.
There
is so much to love at St. Norbert. You know it, because you’ve
discovered it firsthand: You’ve delighted in the river; fallen for the
people; stood in awe of the sacred; and been surprised by small joys.
On
paper, the campus is a lovely place. But you only uncover its true
character when you walk its paths and live in the embrace of its
community. You’ve done that. You know. Now read on to relive your student
days. You’ll remember why it’s good to be here.
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Traditions ...
... they have to start somewhere. Michael Rosewall
(Music), with a wink and a smile, told one incoming class that it was
customary for every new St. Norbert student to touch the college bell to
ensure their academic success. It wasn’t – but it is now. |
It’s up to us
“I love the fact that we’re the only Norbertine college in the world,” says Paul Wadell
(Religious Studies). “There are many Jesuit institutions, for instance,
but only one Norbertine college, so if we don’t get it right, there’s
no-one else who can pick up the slack! We have a unique and compelling
story that is definitely worth telling well. Norbert was a man of bold
and courageous spirit – indeed, he was not afraid to be a trouble-maker
if he thought something wrong needed to be addressed. Maybe this calls
St. Norbert College to nurture ‘timely troublemakers’ like Norbert.
Being faithful to the story of Norbert and the Norbertines summons us to
the same boldness of spirit that empowers us to be agents of love,
justice, and truth in our world.” |
The Green and Gold
St. Norbert
loves its special relationship with The Pack and, round about Super Bowl
time last winter, even our beloved founder got into the spirit of the
thing. |
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Office hours
“Office hours are phenomenal!” says Katy Coutley ’12.
“I really like them because they give me a chance to continue class
discussions at a deeper level. The value has always been there, but I’ve
recognized it more and more over the semesters. I think my favorite
part is that I’ve gotten to know my professors on a personal level. I
use those hours to address important issues in my major that relate to
what we’re studying, but just can’t seem to fit into classes. By making
my way up to the upper levels of the academic halls, I find myself
growing not only intellectually, but spiritually and as a member of the
college community.” |
Campus golf
When the golfers
emerge, it’s a sure sign of spring. All you need is a club, a tennis
ball and a buddy. Pick a target – might be a tree, might be a bench –
and see who gets there in the fewest strokes. |
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Meeting professors outside class
Seeing
faculty members in contexts other than the classroom or their offices
is surreal – and opportune. Sometimes students need a reminder that
professors aren’t just around to teach and grade: that they parent their
children, wander around Target, enjoy Olive Garden breadsticks, and
walk their dogs. These encounters keep awe in check – and it’s plain
endearing to see your philosophy professor attending to his toddler. |
It’s the Burke experience
Behind
those stately pillars are the smallest, most awkwardly shaped rooms on
campus. Maybe it’s the close quarters that bring people together, but
once you’ve lived in Burke, it seems you can never forget the friends
and fun found there. When we surveyed our students recently, the Burke
Mass on Wednesday nights made their list of what they treasured most
about campus life. And, the Burke experience comes with some 275 feet of
riverfront, too – not bad, for your first year in college. |
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Learning on the job
Compared to
other colleges, St. Norbert’s student employment offerings are pretty
swank, our students tell us. Teaching assistantships, internships and
peer tutor jobs provide excellent résumé fodder and phenomenal
professional development. Our internships mean more than sitting at a
desk or working at a campus restaurant. Here, student employment isn’t
about spinning your wheels just to make an okay paycheck. It’s a
legitimate way to explore the potential to turn your interests into a
career. |
Branches with roots
Thanks to the
foresight (and green thumbs) of earlier Norbertines, we have a beautiful
campus canopy to shade us on warm spring and summer days. Over time,
the fraters helped plant an arboretum now recognized as such by the
American Public Gardens Association. It is said that, if a species grows
in Wisconsin, there is an example growing on this campus. |
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Faculty, Flapjacks and Finals
It
takes a very special event to turn the first day of finals week into the
favorite day of the year, but what could be better for easing the pain
of term papers and study guides than unlimited late-night pancakes,
sausage, and tater tots – all dished up by illustrious members of the
college community like the president or a favorite professor – while the
Norbertones play in the background? Every semester as Joanna Holzhaeuser ’12
waits in line, she says, “I hope I get my pancakes from somebody
fabulous.” And her wish always comes true, because everything about FFF
is, indeed, fabulous. |
Blissful solitude
Many peaceful
corners on campus invite study or solitude. In the Mulva Library, the
Center for Norbertine Studies boasts a commanding view of campus, and
the quiet Children’s Literature Center isn’t just for education majors.
Sensenbrenner’s Women’s Center makes a tranquil and homey retreat. And
JMS and Todd Wehr halls both offer spacious after-hours study rooms
(some with coveted white boards!) that often stand empty when the
library’s are all occupied. |
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Praying with the Norbertines
Every evening, the Norbertine fathers on campus gather in the oratory. Bonnie Halberstadt ’13
likes to join them for prayer and the chance to reflect upon her day
and seek help for her tomorrows. “It gives me needed time to center my
thoughts and quiet the busyness all around me.” |
Knight-time
Knights on Broadway,
KnightKlub, Knight of Sophistication, Knightline, Knight Owl, Junior
Knights and Days, Entertainment 2 Knight ... if you can spell it with a
K, we’ll do it. There’s even a new school spirit group, Knight Riders.
So, we’re proud to be Green Knights – knothing wrong with that! |
The Dali in Gries
Yup, that’s our
Salvador Dali. “Christ of St. John of the Cross” is one of the carefully
chosen works of art that help designate the sacred space in Gries Hall.
The bronze is part of a remarkable art collection gifted by Andrew Masterson ’85. |
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Hallway conversations
“After a recent Feminist Theory in Sociology class, my roommate and I spent 15 minutes talking to Dr. [Cheryl] Carpenter-Siegel, articulating why we personally find American wedding culture so problematic,” says Kellie Herson ’11. “Most of the discussion revolved around TLC’s wedding shows. We talked
about our personal reservations about the selling of marriage as the
most vital day of a woman’s life; and our own feelings that the longer
trajectory of our interpersonal relationships is more important to us
than a single day of living out feminine ideals. “I love the
feeling that I can talk to my professors about anything and never for a
second feel that they are talking down to me.” |
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Canine companions
The affection Jim Neuliep (Communication) feels for his Great Dane, Becket, is legendary on campus. And evident, too. Becket, 215 lbs, brings his owners to the college for exercise,
playtime – and study-time. He is a regular at Neuliep’s study sessions.
Becket is named after the movie, Neuliep says. “It is one of our
favorites. Thomas à Becket was so loyal and so strong.” (The Neuliep
cat is named Eleanor, after Eleanor of Aquitaine.) |
The perfect accompaniment
Elaine Moss ’79
is the heart and soul of music at St. Norbert, say her students. As a
pianist, she is involved in everything from voice and instrumental study
to choral and band ensembles. “They could not do it without her!” says Emily Slavek ’07,
who was so inspired by Moss that she worked with her teacher to design a
personalized major in piano accompanying. “Not only is she always there
to support with her amazing playing, but her warm-hearted personality
and sense of humor put everyone at ease and help soothe performance
jitters.” |
Sofa-ah-aaahs
The Campus Center
reflection lounge offers, quite simply, the comfiest seating you’ll ever
sink into – sofas and chairs that one nap-happy student calls “clouds
of wonder.” They’re not bad for studying, either, if you can pull your
eyes away from the best river views on campus. |
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Parties at the Campus Center
“I’m actually writing this the morning of my last End of the Year Celebration party at the Campus Center,” says Paige Caulum ’11.
“I love how the Campus Center parties allow us 20-somethings to act
like kids again – there are inflatable bounce-houses, a caricature
artist, a photo booth and more, along with awesome bands and food. The
Beginning of the Year Celebration party has always been a great way to
kick off the school year and get together with everyone you hadn’t seen
all summer for some burgers and fireworks. Plus, you can’t go wrong with
Boogie and the Yo-Yoz, the band hired every year for this event.” |
Virtually a wash
Because the
laundry room is less than exciting, LaundryView lets you dodge the dull
wait for an open washer by listing real-time availability online. The
monitoring system will even text you when a specified washer or dryer is
free. |
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For you are standing on holy ground
When
even the stadium offers a place for prayer, you know you’re at
a college that upholds its Catholic heritage. The labyrinth on the
grounds of the new Schneider Stadium invites contemplation even in the
midst of game-day frenzy – or on any day, since the outdoor labyrinth is
open to visitors at any time. Underwritten by Don and Carol Kress ’67,
the labyrinth has a single winding gravel path that leads to its
center. On the inward journey, you release your distractions; at the
center, you pause to be present to the divine; and on the outward
journey, you establish your intent to carry your labyrinth experience
into your life. |
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Buon vini
At the annual Senior
Wine-Tasting, students don’t just learn how to appreciate a fine
vintage; they also get to take a sip of life after college. Alumni
stationed at each of the event’s tables enlighten students on wine
etiquette while connecting with them across the Commencement divide. It’s a great networking opportunity, too.
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Visitors from all over the world
An
alum from Japan, a biographer from Berne Abbey in Holland, an exchange
professor from the Philippines, nuns from Vietnam ... and that’s not to
mention students from each of the 32 countries represented by the flags
flying above the Bemis International Center. We accommodate a global
village made up of long- and short-stay guests who enrich the campus
experience. They include speakers; faculty and staff members; visitors
to the Center for Norbertine Studies; undergraduate and ESL students. |
Bill Van Ess ’85
SNC Day
boat-driver by avocation and financial advisor by profession, the chair
of the alumni board regularly breaks from business Wednesday mornings to
attend Common Prayer. He says: “During our years here, we all have many
opportunities to give back, to help others, to volunteer our time for
the benefit of others. Those who can, do. Those who can do more,
volunteer!” |
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Church bells
The St. Norbert
community asks not for whom the bells toll when peals resonate from Old
St. Joe’s. Instead, we simply relish the melody that marks the passing
hour. |
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Eva Forslund (Facilities)
Her
presence really brightens the day, as well as the buildings she cleans.
Forslund’s residents think she is simply wonderful. According to Jessica Wang ’13,
“It’s not so much what, as it is how she does what she does. Eva is
always so open for conversation and friendly to talk to.” Without
Forslund, and her similarly dedicated housekeeper colleagues, this
wouldn’t be such a nice place to call home. |
Shooting stars at the marina
Says Caitlin Goll ’12,
”When the docks are on the river, look up the schedule for meteor
showers. My friends and I go out and lie on our backs at three or four in the
morning and watch the shooting stars. We bring hot chocolate when it’s
cold.” |
The oldest of friends
We love our
Golden Knights. Membership in their venerable society depends on only
one qualification: a St. Norbert graduation date of at least 50 years’
vintage. The Golden Knights are invited back every year for a May Mass
at Old St. Joe’s, followed by a luncheon on campus, and for the October
ceremony at which the new “class” is installed. Half a century and more
after their graduation, we cherish the connection with these old friends. |
Michael Poradek ’11
Self-styled
“president of the village” (he was actually the building manager of the
Townhouse Village), he broadcast State of the Village addresses; mounted
a Christmas pageant; proposed Swiss Guards for the student-housing
complex; and declared – via Facebook update – his undying love for Kate
Middleton (now Duchess of Cambridge). Presiding over campus from
his student-worker station at the Todd Wehr inquiry desk, Poradek still
had plenty of time to come up with daft ideas – ideas that worked. The
political science major was the founder of the Inter-Residential
Olympics; reviver of the Alpha Delta Gamma fraternity; assistant master
of ceremonies to the Bishop of Green Bay. He (who else?) organized the
funeral for the campus’s beloved white squirrel (lost to us too soon
after a run-in with a vehicle on Third Street). Every year, seems we’re
lucky enough to have a one-off campus leader, and this year it was
Poradek. This summer sees him launched upon a waiting world; we can only
wait and see. |
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Alumni weddings
A full parking lot
and formal attire around Old St. Joe’s usually means one thing: a
wedding. Out of the 42 couples tying the knot on campus this summer, 28
will be alumni weddings. At left, Pam (Ripp) Schmitz ’09 on her special day this spring. |
March of science
Amid the lab
equipment in JMS 325, a shelf of specimen jars filled and carefully
labeled many decades ago bears witness to the inquiring mind of our
best-known botanist: the Rev. Anselm Keefe, O.Praem. |
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The trophy case
Being the national
champions: It never gets old. Congratulations to our Green Knight
hockey team, Div. III National Champions 2011. The Green Knights emerged
triumphant from the “Thriller at Ridder,” defeating Adrian College 4-3
at the University of Minnesota’s Ridder Arena. The team finished the
season with a 25-4-1 record, its eighth season with at least 25 wins. And
congratulations twice over to our senior skaters. As freshmen, they
were among the players who helped bring home the team’s 2008
championship title, an extraordinary achievement. |
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