Spring 2008

St. Norbert—Parents’ Perspectives

Education Beyond the Classroom
by Laurel Flinn, proud mother of Kelley Flinn

The brochure came in the mail in the middle of the college selection process. Not quite sure why it stood out from the rest, I hurried to investigate St. Norbert College further by scanning its web site. It appeared to be a beautiful campus with an exquisite college look, all while offering an education with an emphasis on community service. What an outstanding concept!

Orientation determined challenging class selections and preparation for a top notch education. Ample information for choir auditions, theatrical options, social groups and service opportunities was presented. Actually, from the look on my daughter’s face, the information overload was a lot to absorb. We left campus with so much to talk and think about. Kelley was ready for St. Norbert College and to jump in with both feet.

I would say that Kelley embraced the entire college experience. She not only excelled in her academic classes, she became actively involved in many of the extra activities offered. She welcomed her opportunity to sing in the top choir; actively participate in homecoming activities; was cast in two musicals and produced one; joined the social group The Untouchables, implementing some reorganization and working her way to president of the group; was involved in coordinating Junior Knights and Days; and contributed to several other on-campus groups.

She grew to become a philanthropist, supporting the St. Jude fundraiser and the cancer walk. Kelley found that life is best when carried out with a serving heart; fulfilling required community service hours and, specifically, befriending residents and playing BINGO weekly at an assisted living facility; and making meals and serving them to the HIV/AIDS community in New York City over Christmas break.

All of these opportunities and many more enhanced the academic education offered to Kelley by St. Norbert College. It did not all take place in the lecture hall, yet extended into the fortunate communities of De Pere, Green Bay and beyond. This extensive education has indeed prepared her to be the outstanding adult I knew she would become.



Good Job - I Got My Money’s Worth
by Larry Flinn, proud father of Kelley Flinn

After four years of paying college tuition, room/board and books, I can honestly say, “I got my money’s worth.” The price of a college education is a killer! When Kelley was looking at colleges, I kept asking myself: Where is she going to get the best education? Where will she fit in the best? What school will help transform my little girl to a bright, independent, caring woman? Lastly, what school offers the best value for the dollar?

St. Norbert, you have exceeded my expectations!

Challenging school work – Kelley has always been a good student. St. Norbert has challenged Kelley academically. Every class she has taken has been a valuable learning experience and has reinforced the work ethic that we as parents have tried to instill—hard work and serious effort pay off.

Developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills – St. Norbert has really helped my daughter to think and solve problems. Taking challenging classes that make you think and problem solve, and having professors that care about you as a person have prepared Kelley for whatever challenges life puts down in front of her.

Leadership – If you want to get involved, St. Norbert has a wide array of opportunities to develop and sharpen leadership skills—whether it is through involvement in a social group, helping out on a community service project, being involved with Knight Theatre, helping to organize Junior Knights and Days, or going on a mission trip through T.R.I.P.S. All of these programs have helped my daughter build the necessary leadership skills she needs to be successful in life.

A caring heart – Our family has always been involved in helping those less fortunate than ourselves. St. Norbert picked up right where we left off by giving Kelley meaningful opportunities to help others—whether it was raising money for St. Jude’s Hospital, participating with Packer Pals, volunteering at a an assisted living facility, participating in a Relay for Life cancer walk event, or spending a week working with the homeless and those with HIV/AIDS in New York City—Kelley has a caring heart and sincere compassion to help others.

St. Norbert, thank you for the opportunities you have given Kelley. I can honestly say, “Yes, I have gotten my money’s worth!”

>> Read Kelley Flinn's senior reflection on her time at St. Norbert