Community Announcements
The heart of our community. Celebrations, life transitions, and public notices from your neighbors and local organizations.
Regional Spotlight
Elizabeth Day Obituary
Elizabeth M. Day, age 92, passed away on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at the Northfield Retirement Community. 'Liz' was born on October 13, 1933 in Frost, MN, the daughter of Edwin and Mabel Amundson. She graduated from Albert Lea High School and attended Waldorf College in Forest City, IA. She was united in marriage to Earl Day shortly after and they resided in Austin, MN, until relocating to Northfield in 2018 to be near family.Liz worked in the administration office of the St. Olaf Hospital in Austin until retirement when they began spending their winter months in Apache Junction, AZ, with their travel trailer. Liz was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church in Austin where she enjoyed women's groups and their quilting which became a life-long pastime. Liz will be lovingly remembered as a dedicated caregiver to her daughter and husband; she was a loving grandmother and great-grandmother which brought her much pride and happiness.Liz be will missed by her son, Loren (Deborah) Day of Northfield; grandson, Michael (Crystal) Day of Seattle, WA; granddaughter, Laura (Sean) Simonson of Northfield; great-granddaughters, Maren and Madison Simonson; son-in-law, Ron Smith of Ammon, ID, and sister-in-law, Phyllis Day of Springfield, MO. She is preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Earl Day; parents, Edwin and Mabel; daughter, Cheryl Smith; brother, Robert Amundson; sister, Jean; and sister-in-law, Helen Amundson.Elizabeth's family wishes to extend a 'thank you' to the staff of the Northfield Retirement Community, Evergreen Lodge, and Minnesota Hospice for their exceptional care.Elizabeth will be laid to rest at the Oakwood Cemetery next to her husband at a later date. Arrangements are with the Bierman, Benson, & Langehough Funeral Home.
Recent Community News
Elizabeth Day Obituary
Elizabeth M. Day, age 92, passed away on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at the Northfield Retirement Community. 'Liz' was born on October 13, 1933 in Frost, MN, the daughter of Edwin and Mabel Amundson. She graduated from Albert Lea High School and attended Waldorf College in Forest City, IA. She was united in marriage to Earl Day shortly after and they resided in Austin, MN, until relocating to Northfield in 2018 to be near family.Liz worked in the administration office of the St. Olaf Hospital in Austin until retirement when they began spending their winter months in Apache Junction, AZ, with their travel trailer. Liz was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church in Austin where she enjoyed women's groups and their quilting which became a life-long pastime. Liz will be lovingly remembered as a dedicated caregiver to her daughter and husband; she was a loving grandmother and great-grandmother which brought her much pride and happiness.Liz be will missed by her son, Loren (Deborah) Day of Northfield; grandson, Michael (Crystal) Day of Seattle, WA; granddaughter, Laura (Sean) Simonson of Northfield; great-granddaughters, Maren and Madison Simonson; son-in-law, Ron Smith of Ammon, ID, and sister-in-law, Phyllis Day of Springfield, MO. She is preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Earl Day; parents, Edwin and Mabel; daughter, Cheryl Smith; brother, Robert Amundson; sister, Jean; and sister-in-law, Helen Amundson.Elizabeth's family wishes to extend a 'thank you' to the staff of the Northfield Retirement Community, Evergreen Lodge, and Minnesota Hospice for their exceptional care.Elizabeth will be laid to rest at the Oakwood Cemetery next to her husband at a later date. Arrangements are with the Bierman, Benson, & Langehough Funeral Home.
Northfield Remembers Russell Franek
Russell Raymond Franek, age 44, passed away at his home in Northfield on Saturday, May 23, 2026.Russell was born on July 5, 1981 in Faribault, MN to parents Glenn and Colleen (Kuchinka) Franek of Northfield, MN.We remember Russell for his magnetic charisma. His warm, beautiful, big smile that easily took over the room. His presence showed a quiet confidence and quick wit. There were always fun spontaneous and amusing remarks in our conversations that made us laugh. He had the ability to make you feel special. His hugs were the best. His spirit was warm and larger than life. He truly was a gentle soul.Russell’s true passion in life was music. He enjoyed listening to all genres and at age of 12 began teaching himself guitar by ear. This is where it all began, the love of performing live music. It did not matter if it was a living room, a back yard or a big stage, it was home to him. If you have ever been to one of his shows you know just how he could engage the crowd. When he sang his voice was resonant and unforgettable. He spent time in several bands over the years, Communication Break Down, Flatrate, The 8th Street Band, Harley and The Butcher, and most recently, Russ Franek and The Biscuits.Russell's true love and force for life were his children, Paige and Cooper. He deeply cherished his time spent with them. He shared his love of music, movies and sports with the kids making times full of memories. He was a very proud father who will undoubtedly be watching over from above.Russell's life was cut far too short but the impact he made to those he knew and those he loved will be felt forever.Russell is survived by his children, Paige and Cooper Franek; his parents, Glenn and Colleen (Kuchinka) Franek of Northfield; and his siblings, Lori (Tim) Freeland of Northfield, Rick (Stephanie) Franek of Faribault, and Mandy (Shawn) Hansen of Northfield. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Kayla (Tyler), Rylie, Alisha (Ben), RJ (Jacob), Seth, Madison, and Makena; his great-nephews, Charlie and William; and his great-niece, Lyla.He was preceded in death by his brother, Robert A. Franek; and his grandparents, Raymond and Lillian Franek, and Arnold and Elsie Kuchinka.Mass of Christian Burial for Russ will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday, May 30 at the Church of St. Patrick in Shieldsville. Visitation will be held from 3-7 PM on Friday, May 29 at the Bierman, Benson, & Langehough Funeral Home of Northfield as well as one hour prior to Mass at church from 9-10 AM on Saturday,May 30. Russ will be laid to rest at the St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery with a luncheon to follow.Arrangements are with the Bierman, Benson, & Langehough Funeral Home & Crematory. www.northfieldfuneral.com
Tobias Howard Obituary
Tobias William Howard, age 20, of Lonsdale, passed away unexpectedly at home on Sunday, May 17, 2026.Tobias was born on February 9, 2006, in Edina to Robert and Robyn (Welt) Howard. He grew up in Lonsdale, where he graduated from New Prague High School in 2024 and built many lasting friendships.Tobias loved music and especially enjoyed playing guitar. Music gave him a way to connect with others and express himself, and it was something that brought him a great deal of happiness throughout his life.He was a genuinely kind and thoughtful young man with a bright future ahead of him. Tobias had a smile that could light up a room and a way of making people feel welcome, appreciated, and understood. He worked hard in everything he did and cared deeply for his family and friends. Those closest to him knew him as dependable, caring, and always willing to help when someone needed him.Tobias will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His memory will live on through the love he shared, the music he played, and the many lives he touched in his short but meaningful life.Tobias is survived by his parents, Robert and Robyn; brother, Michael Howard of Lonsdale; paternal grandmother, Trish "Mawmaw" of Richfield; maternal grandmother, Linda Welt of Bloomington; Uncles Ken (Rachel) Welt of Rogers and Landon (Katie) Gustafson of Shakopee; Aunts, Stephanie (Glen) Wollin of Hastings and Lori Warn; Great Uncle Huck (Rhonda} Gibson of Tellico Plains, TN; and cousins, Joshua (Kristin) of Roseville, Jonathan Evans of Richfield, Kelsey Welt, Evelyn Welt and Alexandra Wollin. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Steven Welt.A celebration of life party will be held from 1-4 PM, Saturday, June 6th, 2026, at Creeksbend Golf Course located at 26826 Langford Ave in New Prague, MN.Arrangements are with Bierman, Bierman & Langehough Fuenral Home & Crematory. www.northfieldfuneral.com
Beverly Lohmann, 98
Beverly Mae Johnson Lohmann, born October 3, 1927, died peacefully on June 3, 2026, at the age of 98. Bev was pre-deceased by her parents, Edwin and Omega (Mae) Johnson; by her beloved husband of 57 years, Arthur; and by the third of her four sons, John. Bev was an only child who became the beloved matriarch of a large and loving family. She is survived by sons Paul (Linda), Karl, Judd (Susan), and faithful daughter-in-law Debra. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, who loved her dearly: Claire (Tyler) Van Eps, Katie (Bo) Van Ornum, Siri (Adei) Shaqra, Erik (Katie) Lohmann, Daniel (Anna) Lohmann, Amy (David) Hahn, Wyatt Lohmann, and Elise (Peter) Irvine. Bev’s grandchildren gave her 17 great-grandchildren, with two more on the way.Bev was proud of her Swedish heritage, and loved to wear a button stating, “Made in America with 100% Swedish parts!” She was a graduate of Minnehaha Academy (class of 1945) and later served as the first female member of her alma mater’s Board of Education. She received a B.A. degree from the University of Minnesota in June 1949. While at the U, she met and fell in love with the dashing Arthur Lohmann. Art and Bev married on September 10, 1949, and over the next nine years added four sons to their family. Bev’s second family was Crosstown (formerly Elim Swedish) Covenant Church, where she was baptized, confirmed, and married. She was loyal to her church her entire life, serving as board member of the Evangelical Church of America, counselor at Covenant Pines Bible Camp, public speaker for Christian women’s clubs, Bible Study Fellowship facilitator, church Vice-Chair and Elder, and founder and vibrant leader of “Spice of Life.”Bev was a lifelong learner with an innate sense of curiosity, joy and adventure. She loved to travel and meet new people and created amazing travel experiences for her entire family. She and Art explored the world together; their passports were always up-to-date, and they were always ready for their next adventure. Now they are reunited and undoubtedly reliving the blessings of their lives.Bev’s family is deeply grateful for the loving, attentive care provided by staff at Northfield Retirement Community memory care, and by the Minnesota Hospice team.A Celebration of Bev’s Life will be held at Crosstown Covenant Church, 5540 30th Avenue South, Minneapolis, on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 11:00am; visitation at 10:00am. Lunch will be provided following the service; interment at Lakewood Cemetery.Memorials preferred to Crosstown Covenant, Minnehaha Academy, and Minnesota Hospice.Arrangements are with Bierman, Benson & Langehough Funeral Home & Crematory. www.northfieldfuneral.com
Northfield Schools Family Update No. 21
en Español*** Dear Northfield School District Families: » Use this link to read the 2025-26 Family Update No. 21 (reading time: eight minutes, 39 seconds) As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or feedback about our school district. Sincerely, Matt — Matt Hillmann, Ed.D. Superintendent mhillmann@northfieldschools. Source
Northfield Schools Family Update No. 19
en Español*** Dear Northfield School District Families: » Use this link to read the 2025-26 Family Update No. 19 (reading time: five minutes, 30 seconds) As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or feedback about our school district. Sincerely, Matt — Matt Hillmann, Ed.D. Superintendent mhillmann@northfieldschools. Source
Northfield Schools Family Update No. 20
en Español*** Dear Northfield School District Families: » Use this link to read the 2025-26 Family Update No. 20 (reading time: six minutes, 45 seconds) As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or feedback about our school district. Sincerely, Matt — Matt Hillmann, Ed.D. Superintendent mhillmann@northfieldschools. Source
Northfield Schools Family Update No. 22
en Español*** Dear Northfield School District Families: » Use this link to read the 2025-26 Family Update No. 22 (reading time: seven minutes, 14 seconds) As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or feedback about our school district. Sincerely, Matt — Matt Hillmann, Ed.D. Superintendent mhillmann@northfieldschools. Source
Northfield Schools Family Update No. 23
en Español*** Dear Northfield School District Families: » Use this link to read the 2025-26 Family Update No. 23 (reading time: seven minutes, 34 seconds) As always, please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions or feedback about our school district. Sincerely, Matt — Matt Hillmann, Ed.D. Superintendent mhillmann@northfieldschools. Source
Daniel Stadler Obituary
Dan (Daniel) J. Stadler, 82, Northfield, MN passed away on April 23, 2026. Dan was born in Faribault, MN on April 11, 1944 to Frank and Phyllis (Vailencour) Stadler. He attended Sacred Heart and Bethlehem Academy in Faribault. Dan spent most of his career at Carleton College (27 years) as Director of Custodial Services and Project Manager. He was in his happy place as project manager overseeing repair of various houses on the campus and interacting with the faculty, staff and students. He was their “go-to” guy if they really needed something done. Dan had a love for car repair and restoration even when a young man. He had several collector cars during his lifetime with a ’46 Mercury being his favorite or maybe it was the ’34 Ford or maybe the ’64 Thunderbird. He will be remembered for his belief in repairing rather than replacing—a car, a snowblower, a toaster all could be repaired (sometimes taking days). The boys would say “Dad, we can buy a new one for $5” but still he worked until it was usable. His garage was a hardware store—he invited people to shop there before going to Menards.Dan was a very proud dad but was especially proud of his grandchildren’s successes and families.Survived by his wife, Linda (Niebur), children Jim (Resa), Corey (Darla), Brett, Jay (Tina), Abi, Dani (Jim), Denys (Tony) and many, many grandchildren and great-grandchildren and his brothers Larry (Judy), Wesley, Mark (Lisa) and sister, Janet. Preceded in death by son Daniel Joseph Jr., brothers, Russ and Butch, and sister Elaine, son-in-law Danny Malecha and his parents.Donations may be directed to the Northfield Community Action Center or a charity of your choice.A visitation in celebration of Dan's life will be held from 3-7 PM, Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at Bierman, Benson & Langehough Funeral Home in Northfield.Arrangements are with Bierman, Benson & Langehough Funeral Home & Crematory. www.northfieldfuneral.com
Kevin Docken Obituary
Kevin Joseph Docken, age 60, passed away unexpectedly on April 15, 2026 with his family by his side.Kevin, son of Joseph and Lorna (Meyer) Docken, was born on November 29, 1965 in New Prague, MN. He married his high school sweetheart, Nada, on May 20, 1989. They shared 42 years together raising their family, building careers, and enjoying time with lifelong friends. Kevin “Doc” was an innovative problem solver, who was counted on by many. He took great pride in his family and his lasting connections with friends and colleagues. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and fishing trips, especially Kab (Go Team Red!). He loved being a “Papa”, looking forward to weekly visits with granddaughter Brooklyn; Thursday night bingo with the guys, time at Woman Lake with family and treasured boating the Mississippi River with Nada, planning their “Loop” trip. He will be remembered for his knowledge of random facts, love of music, baseball and a good game of cards, the joy his 1979 Firebird (a.k.a. Firechicken and one time family car) brought him, honoring family traditions (klubb and lefse were specialties), and his loyalty to those in his life; being a great friend, husband, father, brother, son-in-law and brother-in-law, always there for anyone who needed him. All of these things and more made him the man he was and will be lasting, loving memories for those who knew him. Kevin’s roots ran deep, his sense of humor always present creating joy, his honesty and integrity never wavering and his pride and love for his children beyond words. Kevin is survived by his wife, Nada; daughters, Emma and Sara; sons, Joseph and Jonathan; his beloved granddaughter, Brooklyn; sisters, Lorie (Bob Batyko) and Jody (Darren) Curl; brothers, Jim (Tiffany) and Mark; many nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and wonderful friends. He is preceded in death by his parents. Visitation hours will be held at Bierman, Benson & Langehough Funeral Home on Friday, May 8, from 1:30-4:00 with a brief service at 4:00. A private interment will be held at Solor Lutheran Cemetery at a later date.
Dr. Jennifer Reichel Named Director of Instructional Services at Northfield Public Schools
Dr. Jennifer Reichel has been appointed as the new Director of Instructional Services at Northfield Public Schools, effective July 1, 2026. Dr. Reichel was chosen from a highly competitive pool of 35 applicants. She currently serves as the Director of Teaching and Learning for the Mahtomedi Public Schools. Previously, she held the same position with Hastings Public Schools. Throughout her career, Dr. Reichel has also taken on building-level leadership roles in both traditional and charter schools, and she has taught English and Language Arts at the middle and high school levels. Dr. Reichel holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and Speech/Theatre from Moorhead State University, a Master’s degree in Education from St. Mary’s University, and both a Specialist and a Doctoral degree from the University of St. Thomas.
Noella O'Rourke Named Director of Human Resources at Northfield Public Schools
Noella O’Rourke has been appointed as the new Director of Human Resources at Northfield Public Schools, effective July 1, 2026. Ms. O’Rourke was selected from a pool that included 17 applicants. She currently serves as the Senior Human Resources Officer for Hiawatha Academies, a network of charter schools in Minneapolis. Previously, she held human resources roles at Roseville Area Public Schools and Edina Public Schools. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from William Penn University and a Master’s degree in Human Resources with a concentration in Organizational Development from Strayer University.
Northfield Public Schools Requests Quotations for Transportation Services
Independent School District 659 Northfield Public Schools Attention: Student Transportation Companies Independent School District 659, Northfield Public Schools, is requesting quotations for student transportation services. The student transportation company will provide transportation services for public and private school students subject to the terms and conditions contained in the specifications. The specifications may be obtained at the District Office at the address listed below or by sending an email request to [email protected]. Student transportation companies and/or their representatives must submit quotations to: Northfield Public Schools District Office 201 Orchard Street South Northfield, MN 55057 All quotations must be submitted no later than 1:00 p.m. on Monday, June 15, 2026. All quotations must be emailed to [email protected] with the subject line reading “Student Transportation Services” to be considered. Independent School District 659 reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all proposals or to accept the proposal that is in the best interest of the school district. **View the Notice of Request for Quotations as a PDF**
Jodi Grundhoefer Obituary
Jodi Lynn Grundhoefer, 58, of Northfield, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, on Monday, April 27, 2026.Jodi was born on October 27, 1967, in Northfield to Fred and Gloria (Woodward) Wroblewski. She was raised in Dennison alongside her older brother, Danny, and younger brother, David. Jodi graduated from Northfield High School and, in 1988, welcomed her beloved daughter, Tawnie, who remained the center of her world.Jodi began working at the Reub N Stein in 1994, where she became a familiar and friendly face to many for years until its closing. In 2017, she began working at Carleton College with Bon Appétit Catering, where she continued to do what she loved—caring for and connecting with people—until illness forced her to step away in March of this year.In May 1994, Jodi met Joe Grundhoefer while serving his father, Marv, at the bar at the Northfield Golf Course —a meeting that would change her life. They were married in July 1996 and built a life filled with love, laughter, and cherished traditions. Together, they enjoyed trips to Key West, summer vacations on Gull Lake, and simple joys like cruising in their Mustang, playing tennis, and pickleball.Jodi had a gift for making people feel welcome and cared for. Known as the "hostess with the mostest," she made sure no one ever left her home hungry or without a drink in hand. Her door was always open, especially to her grandchildren, who brought her immense joy. She loved spoiling them and creating special memories, often taking them on shopping trips and spending as much time with them as she could. She even sometimes let them win when playing games.She is survived by her husband, Joe; daughter, Tawnie Valek of Northfield; step-children, Mark (Karly) of North Oaks, Nick (Becca) of Northfield, Landy (Michelle) of Zephyrhills, FL, and Jojo of Richfield; grandchildren, Kaia, Magnolia, Levon, Dean, Dawson, Bailee, Rylee, Fynlee, Layla, Cohen, Thea, and Waylon; brothers, Danny, David, Freddy and Michael; father, Fred (Sarah) Wroblewski of Bullhead City, AZ; step-father, Dan Storlie of Dennison; and Tawnie's close friend, like a daughter to Jodi, Jackie Purvis of Northfield. She was preceded in death by her mother, Gloria, and father and mother-in-law, Marv and Jackie.Jodi's family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Mayo Hospice, Hospice Aide Connie, Becca Grundhoefer, Liz Sandberg, Jackie Purvis, Dan Storlie, and Mary Langan for their compassionate care and support.Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 AM, Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at the Church of St. Dominic in Northfield. Visitation will be from 3-7 PM on Tuesday, May 5, at Bierman, Benson & Langehough Funeral Home in Northfield, and will continue one hour prior to Mass at the church. Interment will be in Calvary Cemetery in Northfield following Mass. A reception will follow the interment at Northfield Golf Club.Arrangements are with Bierman, Benson & Langehough Funeral Home & Crematory. www.northfieldfuneral.com
In Memoriam: Frida Rosas
Frida Xochi Rosas, crossed the rainbow bridge on May 6, 2026. Frida was a beautiful Great Dane with a gentle caring heart.Frida was a foodie at heart! Her guilty pleasure was pepperoni pizza. She was a sneaky and clever girl when it came to counter surfing. Frida enjoyed spending her days with her mini schnauzer brother Santi, along with keeping an eye on the hens. Frida especially enjoyed playing ball, however wasn’t the greatest at bringing the ball back…Whenever Frida was outside, she could never miss out on rolling her body on the grass!Frida will be deeply missed by all family, friends, and the CVVC team who gave their best care for her.Rest easy Frida, play to your hearts content and keep your brother Apollo company 💗 We love you forever and always.
Two St. Olaf Students Named 2026 Phillips Scholars for Community Projects
St. Olaf College | News June 3, 2026 Campus & Community SHARE IT Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare through Email Two Oles selected as 2026 Phillips Scholars José Antonio Preciado ’28 (left) and Hemen Belete ’29 (right) have been selected as this years Phillips Scholars. Photo by Callista Robertson ’26. Two St. Olaf College students have been named 2026–27 Phillips Scholars, earning funding and support for innovative summer projects that address community needs in Minnesota. José Antonio Preciado ’28 and Hemen Belete ’29 were among just 10 students selected statewide for the competitive program, which is sponsored by the Minnesota Private College Fund. The Phillips Scholars Program supports students pursuing community-centered summer projects through leadership, innovation, and service. Each Phillips Scholar designs and implements a summer project focused on social impact, supported by $9,000 in funding and professional development opportunities. For Preciado and Belete, the scholarship offers a platform to give back to the communities that shaped them. Hemen Belete ’29 is a computer science major developing a STEM summer program for high school students. Photo by Callista Robertson ’26. “I want to be able to create something for my community,” Belete says. “My project is providing more stem-focused activities for students. Through a hands-on learning experience — making semiconductor wafers and even building a camera at a Virginia Tech summer program — I discovered that I love STEM, and I want to inspire that interest in others.” Belete is a computer science major from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Her project, a hands-on STEM summer program for high school students, will give participants an opportunity to work with physical technology such as semiconductor wafers as well as digital tools like coding. Students will work directly with the technology, allowing them to explore science and software in an accessible format. “Students often have to actively look for technology-based things, which requires them to already be interested in STEM,” Belete explains. “If the opportunity was presented to them and they had the chance to experience what I experienced, they would have a more accessible space to develop an interest in STEM.” José Antonio Preciado ’28 is designing a youth theater program to help children build confidence. Photo by Callista Robertson ’29. Preciado, a social work and theater major from Dallas, Texas, is planning a theater and storytelling-based program for youth to help them explore their voices. Inspired by his own experience with theater, he hopes this experience will provide children with the opportunity to gain confidence. “Theater gave me a voice when I was young,” Preciado says. “I had a very bad speech impediment, and it was hard for me to talk because I learned Spanish and English at the same time. I finally got into theater, and that helped me articulate myself and have better diction — it helped me have a voice. I hope to provide that for many people.” Preciado says his project aligns with his personal values and long-term goals. “I hope to practice therapeutic theater in the future,” Preciado says. “This program is a step in that direction.” For Belete, one of the most meaningful aspects of the program was its emphasis on community impact. “The intent of the Phillips Scholars is to create something for your community,” Belete explains. “I’m an international student, and being able to do that is a huge thing — we don’t have a lot of support for initiatives like that back home. The program provides the opportunity to think outside of where you are right now, considering how you can help someone else.” Both Belete and Preciado encouraged other Oles to consider applying for the upcoming 2027–28 cohort. “I think [The Phillips Scholars Program] allows Oles to impact their community in a different way than they normally could here,” Preciado says. “The Phillips Scholars program lets you practice your leadership and creativity — and facilitate good in your home community through those skills.” Campus & Community AwardsCareersComputer ScienceEntrepreneurshipOle AchieversOles in ActionPiper Center for Vocation and CareerResearchSocial Impact and NonprofitsSocial WorkStudents Jakeb Hunter '26 Student Staff Writer Share It Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare through Email
Two St. Olaf Students Named 2026 Phillips Scholars for Community Projects
St. Olaf College | News June 3, 2026 Campus & Community SHARE IT Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare through Email Two Oles selected as 2026 Phillips Scholars José Antonio Preciado ’28 (left) and Hemen Belete ’29 (right) have been selected as this years Phillips Scholars. Photo by Callista Robertson ’26. Two St. Olaf College students have been named 2026–27 Phillips Scholars, earning funding and support for innovative summer projects that address community needs in Minnesota. José Antonio Preciado ’28 and Hemen Belete ’29 were among just 10 students selected statewide for the competitive program, which is sponsored by the Minnesota Private College Fund. The Phillips Scholars Program supports students pursuing community-centered summer projects through leadership, innovation, and service. Each Phillips Scholar designs and implements a summer project focused on social impact, supported by $9,000 in funding and professional development opportunities. For Preciado and Belete, the scholarship offers a platform to give back to the communities that shaped them. Hemen Belete ’29 is a computer science major developing a STEM summer program for high school students. Photo by Callista Robertson ’26. “I want to be able to create something for my community,” Belete says. “My project is providing more stem-focused activities for students. Through a hands-on learning experience — making semiconductor wafers and even building a camera at a Virginia Tech summer program — I discovered that I love STEM, and I want to inspire that interest in others.” Belete is a computer science major from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Her project, a hands-on STEM summer program for high school students, will give participants an opportunity to work with physical technology such as semiconductor wafers as well as digital tools like coding. Students will work directly with the technology, allowing them to explore science and software in an accessible format. “Students often have to actively look for technology-based things, which requires them to already be interested in STEM,” Belete explains. “If the opportunity was presented to them and they had the chance to experience what I experienced, they would have a more accessible space to develop an interest in STEM.” José Antonio Preciado ’28 is designing a youth theater program to help children build confidence. Photo by Callista Robertson ’29. Preciado, a social work and theater major from Dallas, Texas, is planning a theater and storytelling-based program for youth to help them explore their voices. Inspired by his own experience with theater, he hopes this experience will provide children with the opportunity to gain confidence. “Theater gave me a voice when I was young,” Preciado says. “I had a very bad speech impediment, and it was hard for me to talk because I learned Spanish and English at the same time. I finally got into theater, and that helped me articulate myself and have better diction — it helped me have a voice. I hope to provide that for many people.” Preciado says his project aligns with his personal values and long-term goals. “I hope to practice therapeutic theater in the future,” Preciado says. “This program is a step in that direction.” For Belete, one of the most meaningful aspects of the program was its emphasis on community impact. “The intent of the Phillips Scholars is to create something for your community,” Belete explains. “I’m an international student, and being able to do that is a huge thing — we don’t have a lot of support for initiatives like that back home. The program provides the opportunity to think outside of where you are right now, considering how you can help someone else.” Both Belete and Preciado encouraged other Oles to consider applying for the upcoming 2027–28 cohort. “I think [The Phillips Scholars Program] allows Oles to impact their community in a different way than they normally could here,” Preciado says. “The Phillips Scholars program lets you practice your leadership and creativity — and facilitate good in your home community through those skills.” Campus & Community AwardsCareersComputer ScienceEntrepreneurshipOle AchieversOles in ActionPiper Center for Vocation and CareerResearchSocial Impact and NonprofitsSocial WorkStudents Jakeb Hunter '26 Student Staff Writer Share It Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare through Email
Two St. Olaf Students Named 2026 Phillips Scholars for Community Projects
St. Olaf College | News June 3, 2026 Campus & Community SHARE IT Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare through Email Two Oles selected as 2026 Phillips Scholars José Antonio Preciado ’28 (left) and Hemen Belete ’29 (right) have been selected as this years Phillips Scholars. Photo by Callista Robertson ’26. Two St. Olaf College students have been named 2026–27 Phillips Scholars, earning funding and support for innovative summer projects that address community needs in Minnesota. José Antonio Preciado ’28 and Hemen Belete ’29 were among just 10 students selected statewide for the competitive program, which is sponsored by the Minnesota Private College Fund. The Phillips Scholars Program supports students pursuing community-centered summer projects through leadership, innovation, and service. Each Phillips Scholar designs and implements a summer project focused on social impact, supported by $9,000 in funding and professional development opportunities. For Preciado and Belete, the scholarship offers a platform to give back to the communities that shaped them. Hemen Belete ’29 is a computer science major developing a STEM summer program for high school students. Photo by Callista Robertson ’26. “I want to be able to create something for my community,” Belete says. “My project is providing more stem-focused activities for students. Through a hands-on learning experience — making semiconductor wafers and even building a camera at a Virginia Tech summer program — I discovered that I love STEM, and I want to inspire that interest in others.” Belete is a computer science major from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Her project, a hands-on STEM summer program for high school students, will give participants an opportunity to work with physical technology such as semiconductor wafers as well as digital tools like coding. Students will work directly with the technology, allowing them to explore science and software in an accessible format. “Students often have to actively look for technology-based things, which requires them to already be interested in STEM,” Belete explains. “If the opportunity was presented to them and they had the chance to experience what I experienced, they would have a more accessible space to develop an interest in STEM.” José Antonio Preciado ’28 is designing a youth theater program to help children build confidence. Photo by Callista Robertson ’29. Preciado, a social work and theater major from Dallas, Texas, is planning a theater and storytelling-based program for youth to help them explore their voices. Inspired by his own experience with theater, he hopes this experience will provide children with the opportunity to gain confidence. “Theater gave me a voice when I was young,” Preciado says. “I had a very bad speech impediment, and it was hard for me to talk because I learned Spanish and English at the same time. I finally got into theater, and that helped me articulate myself and have better diction — it helped me have a voice. I hope to provide that for many people.” Preciado says his project aligns with his personal values and long-term goals. “I hope to practice therapeutic theater in the future,” Preciado says. “This program is a step in that direction.” For Belete, one of the most meaningful aspects of the program was its emphasis on community impact. “The intent of the Phillips Scholars is to create something for your community,” Belete explains. “I’m an international student, and being able to do that is a huge thing — we don’t have a lot of support for initiatives like that back home. The program provides the opportunity to think outside of where you are right now, considering how you can help someone else.” Both Belete and Preciado encouraged other Oles to consider applying for the upcoming 2027–28 cohort. “I think [The Phillips Scholars Program] allows Oles to impact their community in a different way than they normally could here,” Preciado says. “The Phillips Scholars program lets you practice your leadership and creativity — and facilitate good in your home community through those skills.” Campus & Community AwardsCareersComputer ScienceEntrepreneurshipOle AchieversOles in ActionPiper Center for Vocation and CareerResearchSocial Impact and NonprofitsSocial WorkStudents Jakeb Hunter '26 Student Staff Writer Share It Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare through Email
Robert Moore Obituary
Robert William Moore, age 97, of Northfield, passed away on Monday, May 25, 2026, at the Northfield Hospital.Arrangements are pending with the Bierman, Benson & Langehough Funeral Home & Crematory. www.northfieldfuneral.com
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