Olivia Braun
Class Year: 2027
Major: Political Science and Business Management Studies
Why did you want to be an IFC Fellow?
I wanted to be an IFC Fellow because of the opportunity to be more involved on campus and among my peers. I feel passionate about creating opportunities to have constructive conversations regarding political and social issues affecting our world.
Aisling Cox
Class Year: 2028
Major: Political Science and Quantitative Economics
Why did you want to be an IFC Fellow?
One of my core values is care for others. Working at the IFC allows me to actualize this value by promoting respectful dialogue among my peers and working with the campus community to address how we engage in conversation. When we are able to approach conversation with an open mind and the intention to learn, it becomes easier to discover where our core values overlap and strategize collaboratively about how to pursue improvement.
Soren Gjesfjeld
Class Year: 2028
Major: Political Science and Philosophy
Why did you want to be an IFC Fellow?
I wanted to work at the IFC because I felt it offered a great opportunity to contribute to meaningful conversations on campus and connect with the informative speakers who the IFC invites.
Reece Howell
Class Year: 2027
Major: Philosophy and Political Science
Why did you want to be an IFC Fellow?
I wanted to be an IFC Fellow because I saw something in the office that was beyond a simple work study. With this position, there’s the opportunity to bring about real change through dialogue, and you can see it all around. As part of the campus engagement team I set up a table in the commons space every Wednesday and listen to people’s thoughts on weekly political topics, giving students a space to share their perspectives and engage with ideas they might not otherwise encounter without our work!
Gabriel Hudson
Class Year: 2027
Major: Political Science
Why did you want to be an IFC Fellow?
I had previously worked as a Residence Assistant, and one of my favorite parts of that job was being able to create environments to foster community. Working at the IFC has combined that aspect with my academic interests in a way that I find personally and intellectually fulfilling.
Adeline Johnson
Class Year: 2027
Major: Economics and French
Why did you want to be an IFC Fellow?
I applied to be an IFC fellow because I’m passionate about cultivating a community of meaningful dialogue here at St. Olaf, and I love challenging my thoughts! The IFC is a place where I can collaborate with my peers in an intellectual, open-minded, and curious atmosphere.
Marishka Kavtardze
Class Year: 2028
Major: Political Science
Why did you want to be an IFC Fellow?
I wanted to become an IFC fellow because I have always been incredibly passionate about politics and creating political awareness & engagement within my community.
Lydia Lucke
Class Year: 2029
Major: Political Science and Latin American Studies
Why did you want to be an IFC Fellow?
I wanted to be an IFC fellow because it was an opportunity to be more civically engaged on campus. The IFC allows students to explore a multitude of issues and challenges them to think critically about their own beliefs. In a time of division, I really value being involved in an organization that encourages political conversation as a way to connect and learn.
Bonga Nsimbini
Class Year: 2027
Major: Psychology and Public Health
Why did you want to be an IFC Fellow?
I find the work of fostering constructive dialogue within the campus community meaningful. Being an IFC fellow challenges me to grow in that area while affording me the opportunity to engage with diverse student opinions on various topics.
Annie Rezac
Class Year: 2028
Majors: Sociology and Anthropology, History, and Dance
Why did you want to be an IFC Fellow?
I wanted to be an IFC Fellow because I am interested in “building bridges,” despite the polarized reality of today. Though constructive dialogue, the IFC promotes exploration, critique, empathy, community, and change. It provides a space on campus for students to challenge ourselves and develop skills of navigating and connecting a divided world.
Dan Sterup
Class Year: 2028
Major: Psychology and Russian with an International Relations concentration
Why did you want to be an IFC Fellow?
I wanted to be an IFC fellow because I knew getting involved on campus was important to me, as is tapping into open dialogue and political awareness. Additionally, I really admired the work ethic and drive this office demonstrated, and I knew I would benefit from having the chance to work with motivated, determined, and hard working people.
Kylie York
Class Year: 2029
Major: French and Political Science
Why did you want to be an IFC Fellow?
Becoming an IFC Fellow aligns with my commitment to fostering open and respectful dialogue about complex political and social issues. I wished to contribute to a community that engages with challenging questions, encourages diverse perspectives, and prepares students to engage thoughtfully in public discourse.