Fall Festival: Northland’s 130th Anniversary, SOEI’s 50th

Sep 21–24, 2022.

Fall Festival 2022

After three years of being apart we are delighted to gather with alumni and friends at Fall Festival again! This year is extra special as we recognize the 50th anniversary of the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute and celebrate the 130th anniversary of our Northland fair. Friends and alumni are encouraged to attend some or all of the week long festivities and to stay tuned for updates over the coming months.

Use the links above to see the full schedule of activities, bios for the impressive lineup of presenters at the Institute’s Conference, a running list of who’s coming, details on where to stay, and an opportunity to curate your own party pack of carefully-selected Northland gear.

Contact the Office of Alumni Relations with questions about Fall Festival at alumni@northland.edu or 715-682-1811.

SOEI 50th Anniversary Conference

In 1971, an environmental conference hosted by Northland College inspired Robert Matteson to propose the creation of an environmental institute at the College. Matteson’s proposal was timely, and in March of 1972, the College’s Board of Trustees founded the Sigurd Olson Institute of Environmental Studies. In honor of its 50th anniversary, the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute is hosting a celebratory, environmental conference September 21 and 22, 2022.

The conference will include retrospective presentations on the founding and history of the Institute, features on its current programs, and exploration of contemporary environmental issues and the roles the Institute might play in the years ahead.

Conference speakers will include Rocky Barker, an attendee at the College’s 1971 environmental conference and an accomplished environmental journalist, and Kendra Atleework, author of the Sigurd Olson Nature Writing Award winning book Miracle Country: A Memoir of a Family and a Landscape. The conference will also feature music and reflections by folk singer, author, and past Listening Point Foundation board president Doug Wood, who performed at the dedication of the Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute building in 1981.

The conference will begin at 9 a.m. on September 21 and conclude at 12 p.m. on September 22. Registration includes lunch and refreshments both days. A Wednesday evening dinner prior to the public keynote address is optional.

As a special treat—and to remember Sigurd Olson as we celebrate our 50th—we have 40 copies of Doug Wood’s original LP Solitary Shores to offer when you donate $50 or more to SOEI. Make your donation now while they’re still available!

Alumni Awards

The Northland College Alumni Board proudly facilitates the Alumni Awards Program to recognize notable Northlanders for their many achievements. After three years away from campus, this Fall Festival will feature a special reception to present a total of seven awards to remarkable alumni from 1969–2017. The first official announcement about the winners will be in the spring edition of the Northland College Magazine coming to your mailbox in mid-April. To ensure you receive all future publications, join the magazine mailing list.

2020 Award Winners
Chris Case ’74—Environmental Achievement Award
Wade Grabowski ’85—Distinguished Alumni Award
Sjana Schanning ’00—Environmental Achievement Award

2021 Award Winners
Dr. Todd Rosenstiel ’95—Distinguished Alumni Award
Robert Schopp ’69—Distinguished Alumni Award

2022 Award Winners
Melissa Damaschke ’03—Environmental Achievement Award
Sarah Szymaniak ’17—Young Alumni Award

Athletic Hall of Fame

Dan Crawford ’76—Wrestling and Football
Steve Franklin ’81—Men’s Soccer and Coach
Craig Ponzio ’72—Football, Coach, and Builder
Kyle Rogers ’06—Baseball
Sarah Strobino ’10—Women’s Soccer
Steve Wammer—AD and Coach

Brownell Key Presentation

The purpose of the Brownell Memorial Key is to honor Northland Alumni on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of their graduation from the College and to perpetuate the memories of President J.D. and Mrs. Beatrice Brownell. This year, the graduates from the Classes of 1970, 1971, and 1972 will be presented their Brownell Keys on Saturday, September 24th at Fall Festival 2022.

Dr. and Mrs. Brownell both graduated from the Northland Academy. Dr. Brownell went on to earn his B.A. from Amherst College and in 1910 was asked to return to Northland College as a Professor of English. In 1914, he was elevated to the Presidency and he served in that role until 1942. The Brownells worked tirelessly and often with great personal sacrifice during their 32-year tenure.

The Brownell Memorial Key is presented to all 50-year graduates of the College to honor their commitment to their alma mater and to celebrate their life’s work. It is especially fitting that the key is named for the Brownells. They committed their entire lives to Northland.

The first Brownell Key was presented to Mrs. Brownell, along with one given to her posthumously for Dr. Brownell, at commencement in 1954. It has been the tradition to present the key to each 50-year graduate at the annual Alumni Dinner every year since.

If you or someone you know is celebrating or has celebrated their 50th anniversary of graduating from Northland College and has not received a Brownell Key, please contact Jackie Moore ’05 at the Alumni Office, ph: 715-682-1811.