End of an Era

After 15 years of working in Admissions at St. Olaf, I've taken a new job. I wondered if the day would ever come that I would leave StO and here it is.

I have always felt very proud to work at StO -- I never hesitated to tell a stranger about my job, the community the people, etc. I got excited to talk about the work I did in recruiting new Oles every year. As an alum, I had a strong sense of pride in the role I played in shaping the future of St. Olaf.

It's overwhelming to think about all the people who have had an impact on me -- and who I have had an impact on over the years! I posted a comment on Facebook, as people tend to do in times of transition, and the responses I received were humbling. Students I worked with 14 years ago remember me visiting their high school to talk about StO -- others said I was the reason they chose StO or thanked me for helping make their college search enjoyable. During the weeks leading up to my departure, I had several visitors bidding farewell and more emails than I expected from students, staff, parents, faculty, friends, etc.

I created a bucket list of things to do before leaving StO (in no particular order):

1. Chapel

2. Run in Tostrud

3. Egg and Cheese sandwich from the Cage

4. Shamrock Shake from the Pause

5. Lunch in Stav

6. One last purchase from the Bookstore

7. Wind Turbine

8. Boe undercroft

9. Buffalo chicken wrap from the Cage

Some memorable moments from my last days/weeks:

-Pastor Matt saying that he wished I could see the reaction Colorado students give him when he says, you're from Colorado, you must know Jill. He said they light up.
-5 members of the MarCom group coming over to Admissions on my last day to wish me well.
-Coffee/shamrock shakes/goodbye conversations with Drew V, Ian T, Ryan M, Drue E, Emma S, Trevor Y, Sam W, Isaac R, Rachael B, Mac L, Annika B, Emnet S.
-Committee Happy Hour in Brian's office.

-One more run in Tostrud with Jenny P and Janice.

-Walk about campus with Dave on a nice afternoon during committee.
-Arthur C stopping by to wish me well.
-Goodbye tears from our custodian, Beverly.
-Conversation with Dennis R, our mail person, about how I made him feel special.
-Hug from Jeff D in IT, saying that I'm one of the nice ones.
-Lunch in Stav with Melissa and Eric and again with Marie.

The best of all was my office going away party. Not only was it great to be surrounded by my colleagues, the picture Maggie put together was beautiful (natural lands w/ wind turbine and Old Main), Jenny made the point that we've been fortunate to work with our best friends for so long, Jeff had nice words, Dave read something from Michael, and Maggie presented me with a book full of letters, memories, pictures from friends, colleagues and students (current and former), Colorado families, etc. I was overcome with emotion. They titled the book Hugs for Jill because the theme throughout the letters was hugs. And that wasn't the end! Mary and The Officers (MATO) performed a song -- complete with printed lyrics and a visual aid. Next to Me(g). My face hurt from smiling and laughing. Well done, friends.

It's strange trying to picture myself going to work somewhere other than St. Olaf. StO Admissions has really been an extension of home when you consider how much time I've spent there over the years.

I'm incredibly grateful for the things I've learned, people I've met, travel I've done and opportunities I've had. As Jenny said, my departure signifies the end of an era. I'm happy to have been part of that era.

Um ya ya!
Jill