Vesterheim Competitors

One of the nation’s leading liberal arts colleges, St. Olaf offers an academically rigorous education with a vibrant faith tradition. A St. Olaf College education develops the habits of mind and heart that enable students to embrace the challenges of a changing world, leading to lives of professional accomplishment, financial independence, and personal fulfillment. This uncommon educational experience is grounded in intellectual rigor, residential learning, global engagement, and a deep commitment to the exploration of the important questions of faith. These pillars help St. Olaf students become fully formed and actively engaged individuals prepared to make a difference in the lives of their families, friends, colleagues, and communities. Many excellent colleges provide one, two, or three of the elements of the St. Olaf experience. What makes St. Olaf unique is the combination of so many distinguishing features working together at the highest level: an intense academic program that sharpens minds, and an emphasis on a global perspective that broadens them; the vitality of a residential community that engages thoughtful people across the full range of human experiences, and a faith tradition that encourages reflection and honors different perspectives.

Mission The National Nordic Museum shares Nordic culture with people of all ages and backgrounds by exhibiting art and objects, preserving collections, providing educational and cultural experiences, and serving as a community gathering place. Vision The National Nordic Museum is an internationally recognized museum and cultural center where people of all backgrounds are welcomed to be inspired by the values, traditions, art, and spirit of the Nordic peoples. The National Nordic Museum is housed in a 57,000 sq. ft., purpose-built facility, which includes an interactive and immersive core exhibition, two classrooms, a craft studio, and a state-of-the art auditorium. Special exhibitions are presented in a dynamic 3,700 sq. ft. gallery, designed to accommodate world-class exhibitions from the national galleries of the Nordic countries.

The mission of Sons of Norway is to promote and to preserve the heritage and culture of Norway, to celebrate our relationship with other Nordic Countries, and provide quality insurance and financial products to our members. Sons of Norway was organized as a fraternal benefit society by 18 Norwegian immigrants in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on January 16, 1895. The purposes and goals of the Founding Fathers were to protect members of Sons of Norway and their families from the financial hardships experienced during times of sickness or death in the family. Over time, the mission of Sons of Norway was expanded to include the preservation of Norwegian heritage and culture in our Society. We promote Norwegian traditions and fraternal fellowship through the cultural and social opportunities offered in local lodge and district lodge activities. These activities include language camps and classes, scholarships, handicrafts, cooking and heritage classes, heritage programs, sports programs, travel opportunities, Viking Magazine, and outreach programs sponsored by the Sons of Norway Foundation. In 2026, Sons of Norway joined the BetterLife family of organizations. Together, we serve more than 400 communities nationwide while preserving the traditions, lodge structure, and cultural heritage that have defined Sons of Norway for generations. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to building stronger communities, supporting members, and helping people prepare for the future through BetterLife's life insurance and retirement products.