WHEN LIZZIE MET BECKY

Studio art major Elizabeth “Lizzie” Cleary ’17 is an orientation leader, active member of several student clubs and a thriving artist. Here she joins our magazine staff and speaks with President Becky Roloff about the University they love:

INTERVIEW BY LIZZIE CLEARY

Lizzie: What’s your favorite memory as a St. Kate’s student?

Becky: I remember first semester, freshman year we had to read this book written in 1898 about women and economics. The idea was that if you didn’t control your economic life, you really didn’t control your life. And I thought, “That is important; I have to remember this!” My mom was a housewife who had worked in business, but other than her, I had only ever seen women work as nurses or teachers.

Lizzie: Were you involved on campus?

Becky: Yes, I did synchronized swimming my first year, then I was a resident advisor sophomore year in overflow rooms above the Chapel. Five of us shared a bathroom, and Sister Helen Lucille lived down the hall. In junior year, I was over in Caecilian Hall. I was also very involved in student government. In fact, we got the first men allowed into dorms! How about that?

Lizzie: Thank you!

Becky: You’re welcome! Now, they had to be out by 1 a.m. but we got them in. Do you still have house mothers here?

Lizzie: No.

PHOTOS/REBECCA ZENEFSKI, BY REBECCA STUDIOS

Becky: We had house mothers who sat at the desk and we had to sign out. I often laugh now because, well, they were probably my age today but they looked ancient, and generally were retired women or nuns. I don’t know how they would have protected a dormitory if someone was coming in, but they were fierce!

Lizzie: How did you choose St. Kate’s? Did you visit?

Becky: I had heard of it, but never imagined I could go. My friend’s aunt went to St. Kate’s and her parents said she could visit, but she couldn’t go alone. So she asked me to go with her on the train from Dickinson, North Dakota. I walked in the gates, and I had never seen anything so beautiful. I went home and declared, “I am going to St. Kate’s.” Lizzie: Why St. Kate’s now?

Becky: I thought about applying for the president’s position for a long time, and more so, I thought about what it would be like if I didn’t apply. As soon as I sent my application in, I knew I did the right thing. It just felt right. It felt like my whole career had prepared me for this. I had often said, “I have another mountain to climb, maybe even a couple.” So, why would I not climb this one? I’ve always believed in St. Kate’s mission.

Lizzie: What are your plans for this year?

Becky: I’d like to get to know the community. There is so much strength to build on here. I’m going to meet people in small groups, and then I’ll start going to student activities. Next August, I’d like to lead a team in a triathlon. I did the YWCA Minneapolis Women’s Triathlon this summer and I wore orange, but next year I’m wearing purple! I’m working with some trainers and the sports team to structure this for students, staff and faculty.

Lizzie: So, this issue is about food. Do you like to cook, and is there any dish you’re really good at?

Becky: I love to cook, and we always cook dinner at home. Oh, I make the best key lime pie, including crust! My husband likes to grill.

Read the full interview at mag.skate.edu

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