Fall 2008  

Interview with President Kunkel
Caitlin Zach ’09, Alumni and Parent Relations Intern

On Oct. 10, St. Norbert College began a new phase in its 110 years of existence with the inauguration of Thomas Kunkel as its seventh president. Since his appointment, President Kunkel has been very active at the college, including serving students at an ice cream social and attending campus events, including Family Weekend and Reunion/Homecoming.

I had the privilege of sitting down with President Kunkel after his inauguration to talk about his vision for St. Norbert College as it relates to the students and their parents.

In your inaugural speech, you spoke about your goals for St. Norbert College in the upcoming years. What are your goals for the student body of St. Norbert College?  

First, to make sure that we are delivering on our promises by giving students a top quality education in their given field. We also want to encourage them to explore their spiritual development and values, and give them opportunities for research and to serve in the community. The development of the whole person is foremost in what we do at St. Norbert College.

Second, I want to continue to improve St. Norbert College so that the caliber of the student body will continue to improve. Tuition is not inexpensive, but we want to make sure that we do not turn away students who are interested in attending St. Norbert College.

You also spoke about endowment and the St. Norbert Fund. How do you see parents and students supporting the college, financially and in other ways?

I am delighted that people who have had a great experience at St. Norbert are inclined to donate. I want to continue to grow the college’s endowment to provide for student scholarships, and also raising funds for other important initiatives, such as a new athletics complex. This in turn will have a domino effect, allowing for more intramural and club sports, thus improving the college at every level for all students.

In terms of alumni giving, it is an indicator of support and satisfaction of the college. Sometimes, it is less about money and more about the atmosphere.

If parents cannot support the college financially, do you see them supporting St. Norbert College in other ways? 

There are always opportunities for parents to be involved, with public events, service and community initiatives, such as the new Mulva Library will be. Being involved in the college helps keeps you young and gives you a stake in continuing education.

As a parent of four daughters, two of whom are undergraduate students, do you have any advice for St. Norbert College parents? 

First, have confidence in the job that you did raising your son or daughter. It is hard not to be a “helicopter” parent, but recognize that the college experience is part of the maturation process. Stay in touch with your student, but do not smother them. Trust they have good values and that they will be fine. They will come through as the people you know, but stronger from the experience.

Also, what have you seen or experienced at St. Norbert College that would be reassuring to you as a parent? 

The core values of the school, in particular the Norbertine and liberal arts values. This is very reassuring to a parent in such a material world. Also, because St. Norbert is a small school with small class sizes, instructors will know their students on a personal level and be able to recognize if a student is not living up to their potential. St. Norbert College has an embracing and warm atmosphere, and students will not get lost or be ignored. I have seen this reaffirmed with events such as Family Weekend and Homecoming/Reunion.

>> Learn more about President Kunkel and view his inaugural address.