The Institute and the Svoboda Center are the focal point for public affairs, community engagement, and citizenship preparedness on the St. Olaf campus.
The Institute
Established at St. Olaf College in 2014, the Institute encourages inquiry and debate on important political and social issues. By exploring diverse ideas about politics, markets, and society, The Institute aims to challenge presuppositions, question easy answers, and foster constructive dialogue among those with differing values and contending points of view.
The Svoboda Center
The Svoboda Center, established in 2025, aims to foster the College’s civic leadership and responsible community engagement with the local community through many opportunities such as civically engaged courses, internships, volunteering, and research opportunities.
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The Legacy of Legendary Visitors
Recognizing changemakers in civic engagement: St. Olaf announces 2025 awardees
