Every October, St. Norbert College celebrates its history, which began when the Rev. Bernard Pennings, O. Praem., founded the college in 1898. It was, and remains, the only Norbertine college in the world.

Heritage Month 2025 festivities started Oct. 1, with free cake and ice cream on Baer Mall. A special Heritage Month art exhibit, on display in the Bush Art Center, also debuted that day. The exhibit, titled “From the Maas to the Fox,” contains items from the college’s permanent collection that showcase the college’s history. The exhibit will be up all month.

Here are the remaining Heritage Month activities, many of which are open to the public.

Founder’s Award Breakfast. The Founder’s Award is given to current SNC employees and students who advance the Norbertine principles of community, spiritual commitment, service, collegiality and learning through their lives and work. This year’s honorees will be announced and feted at the breakfast.

Tuesday Timeline Tunnel Tours. Did you know there is a tunnel connecting the F. K. Bemis International Center and Austin E. Cofrin Hall? The tunnel is decorated with photos and other items depicting the development of the Norbertine Order, plus the growth and development of St. Norbert College. These Tuesday presentations will explain the histories behind these items. 

“The Medieval Norbertines and the Liberal Arts.” This lecture about the ancient Norbertines will be presented by Carol Neel, a Norbertine scholar and history professor from Colorado College in Colorado Springs, Colo. 

Free tour of St. Norbert Abbey. Students are welcome to tour the abbey on this day, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary of receiving abbey status.

Lunch & Learn with Prof. Hennecken. John Hennecken (Music), a composer and associate professor of music theory and composition, will discuss “Cantata for the Divine Hours,” the concert-length cantata he composed to celebrate the 100th anniversary of St. Norbert Abbey. A cantata is a vocal composition with an instrumental accompaniment. It typically contains several movements.

Communio in Action. This afternoon of service will involve working with the Ecumenical Partnership for Housing, a local organization providing assistance to families with children facing homelessness. 

Pizza with the Premonstratensians. The Norbertines are also known as the Premonstratensians, as they are part of the Order of Prémontré. The order, spread across six continents, includes more than 1,600 Roman Catholic priests, brothers, deacons, novices, nuns and sisters. Another common name for the order is the White Canons. During this open house event, attendees can chat with the Norbertines about their work and lives.