Five Questions for This Year’s Alumni Award Winners
The 2024 Alumni Award winners are (from left) Ward Sutton ’89, Sylvia Strobel ’88, Cal Husmann ’90, Lazarus Letcher ’14, and John Hegg ’63. Photo by Steven Garcia ’20 
Sylvia Strobel ’88 and Cal Husmann ’90 answer questions from students in Director of Business and Management Studies Sian Christie’s class. Photo by Steven Garcia ’20 
John Hegg ’63 speaks with students in Associate Professor of Social Work and Family Studies Wendy Anderson’s class. Photo by Steven Garcia ’20 
Lazarus Letcher ’14 speaks to students in Associate Professor of Practice in Religion Trish Zimmerman’s class. Photo by Steven Garcia ’20 
Ward Sutton ’89 discusses his work with staff members of the Olaf Messenger, the college’s student newspaper. Photo by Steven Garcia ’20
Each year, St. Olaf College recognizes alumni whose service and leadership exemplify the ideals and mission of the college. In honoring these graduates for their exceptional achievements and professional contributions, they become an integral part of college history and a testament to St. Olaf’s tradition of excellence.
The 2024 Alumni Award recipients are Sylvia Strobel ’88, the president and CEO of Twin Cities PBS (TPT); Ward Sutton ’89, an award-winning editorial cartoonist; Lazarus Letcher ’14, a scholar and musician; John Hegg ’63, a school counselor; and Cal Husmann ’90, an advancement professional.
While on campus to receive their awards last fall, these alumni sat down to answer five questions from St. Olaf students. Watch their responses to each question in the videos below.
And if you know a St. Olaf graduate who should be considered for an Alumni Award, use this form to nominate them now!
Question #1: How did you find your professional path at St. Olaf?
Question #2: Was there a specific experience or moment that defined your journey at St. Olaf?
Question #3: Is there a piece of advice you received that has stuck with you over the years?
Question #4: If you could go back to your time at St. Olaf, is there something that you would do differently?
Question #5: If you could add a class to the St. Olaf curriculum, what would it be?