St Olaf College - Viking Yearbook (Northfield, MN)

Page 19 text:

-Q .Mg l'Rl',S. L.xRs XVlLHl',l,lVl llOl?.. lJ.ID..I.I..IJ. MISS CIlARI.O'l l'Ii JACOHSON Secretary to tht- President AN INsTITL'TioN is L'sL'.x1.Lv the proiection of the personalities that have been connected with it. St. Olaf has been exceedingly fortunate in having outstanding men and women carry on its work. In various fields they have made their contribution, and the sum total is the college as we know it, an exponent of the Gospel of Iesus Christ and of a philosophy based upon His teachings. The Vifiing this year is dedicated to a man who is still in the midst of his work, who in the realm of music has made a contribution of lasting influence not merely to St. Olaf but to the nation as a whole. It is given to few men to live long enough to see tangible results from their efforts. The cumulative power and inspiration that comes from the more than thirty years that Dr. Christiansen has been at St. Olaf can hardly be estimated today. He has literally sung his way into the heart of America. Dr. Christiansen's singular devotion to high ideals in his chosen lield is the factor that explains the eternal freshness of his contribution. He has cut himself off from the larger opportunities that many a time have come to him in order that he might intensify the work he is doing here. Christ said of old that He sanctified Himself for His disciples. He cut Himself off from everything that might hinder the service He would render them. ln this spirit Dr. Christiansen has sanctified himself for us that we might give larger and fuller expression to the deepest thoughts of our hearts. May his days be many among us.

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A FORTRESS OF FAITH, the Administration Building radiantly crowns Manitou Heights with its majestic ruggedness.

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? . Mr. Sovik, Miss Aasgaard, Miss Hilleboe, Mr. Thompson DEANS KNIGHTED IN 1936 by the Order of St. Olaf for his work with the Norwegian American Historical Association, Dean I. Iorgen Thompson continued to show an active interest in the promotion of Norwegian culture in this country. In 1936 he conducted a European tour for the Bureau of University Travel. Once a member of the St. Olaf Choir, he is still called upon for extemporaneous solos. His fifteen years as Dean of Men have deep- ened the patience and understanding which cause the men to respect him as a true friend and capable adviser. Thinking always in terms of others, Dean Gertrude M. Hilleboe realized one of her fondest dreams this year when, with the completion of Agnes Mellby Hall, two hundred more girls were able to stay on the campus. Fifteen years of prayer and planning made that achievement possible, and much of the credit goes to Miss Hilleboe. Her days were filled with everything from conferring with the girls on vocational or spiritual problems, to fixing the water-tap on the fourth floor of the dorm. Having strong Christian convic- tions, her opinions were valued not only at St. Olaf, but also in state and national groups. Prominent in A. A. U. W. work, she has been the successful president of the Northfield branch for the past two years. Miss Mary Aasgaard, assistant dean of women and daughter of President Aasgaard of the N. L. C. A., shared in her wholesome and friendly manner an immeasurable amount of vital Christian spirit with all students whom she contacted. Her genuine love of living, her wide range of interests, and her passion for souls made her an excellent big-sister. The girls who knew her best realized that it hurt her more to lock the door at 10:30 than it did them. Born in China and educated in China, Norway and America, Ansgar Sovik served this year as assistant dean of men. Young enough to appreciate the enthusiasms of the Ytterboe Hall residents, and strong and handsome enough to win their respect, he gained the friendship of many by putting all of their relationships on a man-to-man basis. Besides furnishing the Gospel Team with transportation, he coached the St. Olaf Gym- nastics squad and participated in many sports himself. Mrs. Clara L. Rygh was also new to St. Olaf this year. By her gracious presence as Agnes Mellby House Mother, and her genuine interest in the girls, she won a definite place in the heart of many a lonely freshman.