First Bay Area Posse Joins St. Olaf Campus

Posse Bay Area’s first cohort of Posse Scholars matriculated on campus at St. Olaf College this past fall.

Now the fourth school to join existing Posse Bay Area partners Boston University, Lehigh University and University of Puget Sound, St. Olaf is officially home to the Bay’s first cohort to venture to the Midwest, forging a path for future Posses from the area.

“The Scholars’ presence on campus and their engagement inside and outside of the classroom enhances the campus environment.”

Justin Fleming, Associate Dean of Students, St. Olaf College

St. Olaf Associate Dean of Students Justin Fleming, the institution’s Posse liaison, expressed high hopes for the Bay Area Scholars in their first year.

“In the first semester I expected them to transition to campus life, get to know people, and get familiar with the surroundings and the pace of things,” Justin says. “As they transition into the spring, I foresee the Scholars in clubs and organizations, learning the ropes so they can engage at a higher level in their sophomore year. The Scholars’ presence on campus and their engagement inside and outside of the classroom enhances the campus environment.”

St. Olaf first became a Posse partner in 2013 and has recruited Posse Scholars from Chicago for nearly a decade. As a result of the recently expanded partnership, Bay Area Scholars have now joined established Posse cohorts from Chicago.

“Our sophomore, junior and senior Posse Scholars from Chicago are welcoming, go-to peers for the Posse Bay Area students,” Justin says. “Our entire campus is excited to have the Bay with us. From the classroom to the Dean’s office, we continue to interact and give Posse love to our new Posses.”