By: Sophia Loehr, Class of ‘30, Elementary Education Major
As autumn begins to work its magic across St. Norbert’s campus, students are finding ways to celebrate and appreciate the fall season. With campus-wide events including the fall photoshoot, decorating, concerts, and sports games, there are plenty of activities to choose from. In Bergstrom, students have come up with some of their own as well.
Several students took a field trip to the on-campus pumpkin patch, and pumpkins have adorned the doorstep of Bergstrom ever since. Other students initiated pumpkin carving and a jack-o-lantern contest. Passers-by were asked to rank the jack-o-lanterns, and a chart has been used to track the dorm favorite. As a product of this activity, there was a multitude of pumpkin seeds available, which were roasted and enjoyed.
Bergstrom has multiple floor events occurring throughout October, such as a Christmas coloring event, including crafts, hot chocolate, treats, and Christmas music. There is also a bracelet-making event and a Halloween costume contest approaching. Kayla Smudde, a first-year Biomedical Sciences major on the pre-pharmacy track, is looking forward to celebrating Halloween and has had a fun time with friends in Bergstrom so far this year. She shares, “We have done so many things and made so many amazing memories together. My favorite activities that I have done with people in Bergstrom have been karaoke, bowling, and pickleball. I think Bergstrom is special because it is a group of students who value school, community, and having fun!” First-year Business Administration major Dominic Santine agrees with Kayla, especially regarding the residence hall’s community. “Bergstrom is special because we all deeply respect and care about each other. We have a strong sense of who we are, and all want to succeed together.” Dominic is planning to dress up as Anakin Skywalker for the Halloween costume contest. Thinking about the events and activities in Bergstrom so far, he says, “I’ve played ping pong, poker, watched football and baseball, and just hung out.” There are so many opportunities for community building.
Dominic isn’t the only Wisconsin dweller to be watching baseball recently. Along with their peers at St. Norbert and people all over Wisconsin, Bergstrom students have followed the Brewers as they’ve advanced to the World Series. With a large assortment of various hometowns and sports team loyalties, watching games together can become lively, to say the least. Often, students on the highest floor who are not even watching the game can clearly tell when there’s been a run scored, due to the sounds of celebration emanating from the floors below. Students typically watch in the lounges while doing homework, baking, or playing games simultaneously.
Another fun activity Bergstrom students have participated in is a fishing program led by resident assistant Liam Warr. Liam says, “I hope that my residents will build better connections with each other and their RA, …that Bergstrom residents who have maybe not fished before or don’t fish often will attend the program and learn how to fish, and …to engage residents with the outdoors in a relaxing manner to help them de-stress for an hour or so from more stressful college life.” The fishing program has already had a successful fishing trip. A good number of residents attended, and several caught fish. Liam says that there are plans for one more fishing program before winter, on November 1st.
As a whole, Bergstrom is staying busy and productive with a variety of planned, spontaneous, outdoor, and indoor activities as the fall season progresses.
