Spring 2007

Junior Knights and Days 2007:
"Sometimes the people we meet will change us forever."
Al and Mary Adamski, Verona, Wis.

What a great weekend! The whole experience helped us understand how education, faith and community are a big part of our daughter’s life at St. Norbert College. And even though it is still winter, we were reminded what a beautiful campus we have here.

The Friday night dance was a good ice-breaker to kick off the weekend. It was nice to visit with parents and students from freshman year move-in day that we hadn’t seen in a while and we made some new friends as well.

The Saturday mini-lectures were excellent. We had a chance to experience what our students learn in the classroom from an excellent group of professors. The sessions were both educational and entertaining and we left with a new perspective on life.

Fr. Jim Baraniak presided at a special mass for juniors and their parents on Saturday afternoon. We all received a “footprints” prayer coin after the mass reminding us to “follow the footprints of the Lord.”

The Sunday brunch featured guest speaker Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila, defensive end for the Green Bay Packers. His presentation on how the three Fs—family, faith and football—play a role in his life was both educational and entertaining. His enthusiasm to work for a balance in life should be an inspiration for us all. It was refreshing to see a professional athlete include God in his life.

Finally, Sarah Kaminski ’08, the Junior Knights and Days intern, offered the following insightful words that capture the essence of the weekend:

“When our committee sat down to try and pick the theme for this year’s JKD, it wasn’t easy. We had many ideas, but one theme that resounded with everyone was the community and friendship our class represents. Trying to keep that in mind, we found the quote ‘Sometimes the people we meet will change us forever.’

“As first-year freshmen in college, we left our families and friends back home and embarked on an adventure that would change us forever. We came to college and found a new family. Whether it was the girls or guys that lived down the hall from us or friends we found in our classes, we met these people that would help us get through the next three years of our lives. These ‘new-found families’ changed us and molded us into the individuals we are today.

“As we enter into our final year at SNC, I know that I have, and I feel as though I can speak for many of us here, that we have met people who have changed us forever. I hope that all of you can say that this was a rewarding experience for you and that you will always remember that you have family, friendship and community surrounding you all the places you go.”