Carleton, St. Olaf Colleges Make Annual Donation to Northfield

In a tradition that dates back to the 1920's, St. Olaf College and Carleton College of Northfield made their annual donation to the city of Northfield this week.

This year's donation is $156,000, split by the two colleges.

The Northfield colleges were among the first colleges in the United States to make such a gift.

The colleges are two of the largest employers in Northfield.

Carleton and St. Olaf employ more than 1,500 people combined.

Five thousand college students from the two colleges call Northfield home for their education at the high acclaimed academic institutions of higher learning.

The students eat in Northfield restaurants, shop in the local stores and are served by the community emergency and professional services.

Students enjoy local employment, internship and volunteer opportunities that expand their academic experience.

Local schools and organizations use student volunteers.

Members of the Northfield community also get to experience a wide range of athletic, art, and musical offerings at both colleges.

Most of those events are free and open to the public.