As the founder of St. Norbert College, and having a prime seat in the center of campus throughout the years, I, Abbot Bernard Pennings, hold the answers to many of your burning questions about the college. .
Submissions from 2012
When was the first St. Norbert College Magazine published?, Brett Buboltz '08
It was exciting to hear that the De Pere Norbertines recently re-elected the Rt. Rev. Gary Neville as their abbot. How does the election process work?, Jay DeCleene '94
How many students have graduated from St. Norbert College?, MaryBeth Earle Davich Ascher '71
Did any former St. Norbert football players ever go on to play for the Green Bay Packers?, Dan King '15
I was wondering how old is Norby the Knight? Also, when he reaches the end of his fourth year on campus, can he receive an honorary degree?, Holly Nickerson '15
Was Van Dyke Gym the first gymnasium at St. Norbert College?, Jena Paul '14
At this year’s Commencement, it was quite a sight to see all the faculty and even staff wearing a cap and gown along with me and my classmates. Has this always been the tradition at St. Norbert?, Samantha Schurhammer '12
Can you tell me, what’s this year’s Homecoming theme?, Casey Wopat '07
Submissions from 2011
Can you share the story behind the Nativity scene that is set up in front of Main Hall every holiday season?, Ben Cahall '11
Was there really a high school on campus at one time?, Brittany Draxler '12
What state has the highest population of SNC alumni, other than Wisconsin?, Nick Fry '08
How many students received their diplomas this year? Out of curiosity, how many students graduated in 1982?, Andrew Herson '82
What is the significance and meaning behind St. Norbert College’s presidential seal?, Paul "Beta" Koehler '59
Where did students dine on campus prior to the Union Cafeteria?, Brea Lee '07
I lived in Mad/Lor Hall and am curious to know why it was given that name. What is the story behind it?, Christine Linnehan Strigenz '76
Now that Minahan Stadium is history, who was the Minahan for whom the stadium was named? Did he contribute the funds for the stadium?, James Reinkober '55
Where did St. Norbert College football games take place prior to Schneider and Minahan stadiums?, Connor Romenesko '15
I noticed that the Shakespeare Garden between JMS, Bemis, Cofrin, and Todd Wehr halls had pavers added to the walkway this spring. When was the garden created? And is it really named after William Shakespeare?, Patti VandenBusch Albers '76
It’s quite remarkable that the St. Norbert College Music Theatre program is celebrating its 50th year this summer. I’m curious as to what the first production was., Patti VandenBusch Albers '76
Submissions from 2010
Any information on what happened to Betsy [Fr. Anselm Keefe's Great Dane]?, Arnie Beimborn '43
Is it true that a former Green Bay Packer player was involved in a St. Norbert College Homecoming?, Tressa Boldt '10
I wonder if there are any other couples who met at Camp Tivoli (the Norbertine camp near Cecil, Wis.) the way my husband and I did, Carla Cucciatti Overbeck '66
What notable American read the oath of office to the graduating ROTC cadets from the class of 1965?, Bern Diederich '65
Back in the day there was a St. Norbert yearbook. Do you know why the title of it used to be ‘Des Pères’?, Mallory Ford '09
When did St. Norbert change from an institution for future priests to a Catholic college open to any student?, Ashley Knoke '10
What would you like for Christmas?, Jess Kropp '12
During my Commencement from St. Norbert, I recall the Norbertines wearing a special hat that I believe is called a biretta. Does it symbolize anything in particular?, Andrew McIlree '06
Who is Mel Nicks and why is St. Norbert’s sports complex named after him?, Bridget Zach '11
Submissions from 2009
What does the “F.K.” stand for in the F.K. Bemis International Center?, Kaylee Beck ’13
There was a song we sang at graduation … I believe it was called the “Alma Mater.” Could you share with me the history behind it?, Kristen Buettner '09
I keep hearing that the old library will be renovated – but into what? I am curious to know, having spent many an evening inside its walls., Beth Clabots '83
When I was a student, there was a white squirrel on campus. Is it still around?, Christine Donovan '07
Just what is the history of the relationship between the Packers and St. Norbert College?, Deirdre Gehant
What are the most popular items at the caf nowadays?, Kat (Kilok) Herald '07
How many Norbertines are there at St. Norbert Abbey?, Frank McQuilkin '53
Last time I saw you, you were not looking yourself at all. Would you like to tell us about what’s been happening to you recently?, Nick Patton '03
When was the first year in which St. Norbert College graduated more women than men?, Alissa Roff '09
I wonder if the college archives have any more information on [Father Luke Dionne's] legacy?, Kim Szatkowski '81
[Taking a photo with you] has been a tradition of so many graduates who have come before me – how can you keep it going?, Caitlin Zach '09
Submissions from 2008
I’ve heard that there was an auditorium housed in Main Hall. What have been all the uses for Main Hall over the years?, John Connelly '89
I'm curious to know how long the alumni association has been in existence., Billy Falk '08
How ‘old’ is Old St. Joe’s?, Maribeth Frinzi '05
I have heard that an elephant participated in a particular St. Norbert Homecoming parade. Did this really happen, and if so, when?, Kate Geenen '89
Who was Francis Boyle? How did Boyle Hall come to be named after him?, Libby Hauser '08
Are there plans to keep alumni informed of the progress [of the building of Mulva Library]?, Sarah Kaminski '08
What is inside the dome on top of the Ray Van Den Heuvel Family Campus Center?, Mike Kelly '08
I’ve noticed that the school was referred to as St. Norbert’s College at one time, When was the ‘s’ removed?, Chris Kirwen '08
Are any of the social groups getting together during Reunion Weekend this fall?, Grace Meyer '84
I’m curious to know how long the Green Bay Packers have been using St. Norbert College for training camp., Ragan Prucha Jorgensen '97
Are there time capsules in any campus buildings, and if so, do you know what’s in them?, Kara Wymelenberg Eulgen '91
Submissions from 2007
I have always wondered how St. Norbert came to adopt the Green Knight mascot. Do you know the history on this?, James Boyd '84
What is the origin of the Green and Gold – did we take them from the Packers?, Brian Bunkelman '94
I was wondering how many couples who met at St. Norbert are now married?, Olivia Dart '99
What is the oldest social group on campus?, George Emert '02
What programs or fields of study are most commonly selected by current students?, Ann Hillman '04
I’d love to find a way that I can easily connect with some of the faculty. Is there a way that I can do this?, Mallory Kroon '06
I have started to lose track of some of my St. Norbert friends. Addresses change so fast as people get new jobs, shift careers or get married. Can you help me locate them?, Kristin Michails '03
Is it really true that a Miss America attended St. Norbert College?, Alison Schmidt '05
Do you mind when people sit on your lap and take pictures?, Sarah Schmidt '05
How did the college radio station come by its call letters?, St. Norbert College
What became of [the two] cannons [on campus]?, Tom Vavrek '70
Submissions from 2006
What is the most popular meal for students at the cafeteria today?, Kitty Finn '82
I heard that astronaut John Glenn attended St. Norbert College in the 1960s, St. Norbert College
I’ve heard so much about ghosts on campus, especially in the current bookstore (formally St. Boniface). Any truth to these rumors?, St. Norbert College
When did the tradition of “uglies” and “queens” first begin on campus?, St. Norbert College
