How’s it going in the land of Ollie Olsen?
I’m sure you will remember Ollie Olsen who comes from Minnesota and then went to Bella Coola and then back to Minnesota…of course, you would have had to be working with me on the Salmonid Enhancement Program (SEP) back in the 70’s…nevermind, poor sense of humour no doubt due to the dramatic change in the weather (thunderstorms and copious amounts of rain suddenly this morning).

First of all, hockey practices have started and at first glance most of the kids seem to be in shape and eager for another week of hockey. Of course, with it pouring rain outside, and the temperatures dropping into the low 20’s (C not F), even a rink seems like a good place to be.

Secondly, Monday really was a positive day. We got to Gustavus Adolphus just after 9:00 a.m. and the boys were immediately impressed. Their three names (properly spelt) were on the welcome video screens in the main building. From there they were greeted by the main person in charge of tours and they were off to see the campus, with a senior student. Meanwhile, awaiting me at the top of the stairs was Will Freiert. Will was doubtless my best residence friend over the first six months I was in Grad Studies at the U of Minnesota back in 69/70. He was a former Jesuit (dating a Presbyterian, studying the classics) who was one of the brightest minds I have met to that point (on a par with my long time U of A colleague, Dr. O). Will looks great. Now in his late seventies (and still married to his Prebyterian wife who also taught at Gustavus all her professorial life) he looks just like he did back when, except for a slight shifting in the colour of his hair!! He also over his time at Gustavus, built up the Classics Department to 5 full time teaching staff and with all of the originals now retired, dead or somewhere in-between, he has recruited five new ones from all over the place. It is a dynamic legacy he has left for the students.

Will took me on a personal tour of Gustavus Adolphus and I have to admit — it is a beautiful campus. It is well supported by its alumni and it is thoughtfully designed with lots of walking paths but buildings are not that far away from each other. For example, from the hockey rink to the farthest dorm may be a seven minute walk. There is also a 200+ acre arboretum which includes meditation spaces, a maze, and various environmental learning spots. The performing and visual arts all have their own buildings. The music program also benefits from additional access to an amazing chapel with a pipe organ befitting any large Protestant church (the interesting thing about the choir loft is that it appears to be floating above the congregational pews — wonderful architecture). There are also several science buildings as well, including the physics hall which has its own astronmical telescope. There is a definite feeling that learning and growing the entire brain is what this school is all about.

Thirdly, the dining hall is ranked #4 in the country and puts all kinds of restaurants to shame just for the variety of foods available (not to mention the quality and quantity). I was very impressed at the price too. It’s a school I would recommend in a heartbeat — even though it has a stiff tuition ($47K), most students pay next to nothing due to the strong scholarship, busary and “part-time work” programs available to students. And every student gets a professor as an advisor when they start and they only get shifted over to a senior (or occcasionally junior) student when they are fully accepted into their particular program of studies, usually in second year. And this is all acompanyed by a very strong psychological and cultural support counselling group.

After my tour we met with the Dean of Admissions who gave the three some printed materials plus a “Gustie” t-shirt each. He also has noted their names and said he is looking forward to more conversations going forward before they enroll!! From there Will left to go get Pat (his wife) to join us for lunch. I went with the three boys (and their guide) to meet the hockey coach. Once that connection was made, the student guide departed — he was an exceptional ambassador for the school simply judging by how much the boys said they learned from him and how he would answer any question.

Fourthly, the hockey coach is a gem as well. Very passionate about his teams and his program, he also made it very clear that schooling comes first. He even makes the commitment to each member of his Varsity and Junior Varsity teams that should they start to have academic problems, he will personally escort them over to Student Counselling to make sure that the issue gets addressed right away while simultaneously making them aware that it not a sign of weakness or foolishness to ask for help when at College. His program does not send kids to the NHL but some do go on to play professional hockey in Europe. Most of his graduating Senior class go on to professional or graduate school programs. Those that don’t do either then are offered a position in the business or organization of a previously involved alumnus. This year some of the incoming seniors already have their offers of employment for next May. This past year the grade-point average for the 61 kids in his program was 3.2 out of 4.0! This is a good place!!

Afterward on the way to lunch the three all made an interesting, collective comment: “Grandpa we thought today was going to be boring, but this visit was simply the best!” They also talked about how much wider they now see their opportunities going forward. They also are more comfortable asking questions which will be invaluable when they are in conversations with other universities and colleges. Lunch turned out to be special too because Will and Pat then talked to them from a professor’s point-of-view: what the classes are like, how well students get to know their profs, the way the College is seen by Graduate Studies and Professional School programs at other universities, the on-campus life experience, and the wonderful inventiveness to be found within each program. It was fun just watching the boys interact with two older profs.

We then drove to the Twin Cities when I took them to the U of Minnesota campus. It has changed dramatically since my time there including a huge new football stadium and a very classy new hockey arena. But, a general tour was not planned; instead I just wanted them to see a Division I school’s hockey facility. We were met by an assistant of the hckey program who took us into the arena and then allowed me to oversee the exploration of the place. It is very opulent with considerable alumnus-support. The three were suitably impressed.

Due to road construction and the pending rush hour, we were advised to get on the Inter-state by 3:30 p.m. which we did… That enabled us to get to the Holiday Inn in Duluth by suppertime. The time was somewhat laid back as everyone was a bit tired after three days and about 3,000 kms of driving…

More to follow…
g.w.