All Saint Mary’s employees are invited to participate in the blessing and dedication of a very special Saint Mary’s University kubbestol to be located in Aquinas Hall.
What is a kubbestol? A “kubbstol” or “kubbestol” is a traditional Scandinavian chair made from a log. The kubbestol was quite common in some districts of Norway from about 1750 to 1960, where it was usually made from logs with significant girth and three to four feet in length.
Why a kubbestol at Saint Mary’s? When the Science and Learning Center, now part of Aquinas Hall, was built, several trees were removed, including a beloved Ginkgo tree. This particular Ginkgo tree had been planted by Brother Charles Severin. Brother Charles, the founder of the Saint Mary’s University’s Biology Department and a renowned ecologist, taught students a profound admiration for trees and all plant life for six decades — between 1933 and close to his death in 1992.
The Ginkgo tree’s base was kept and has been honored in a kubbestol. The woodcarver, Mr. Steve Speltz, will be present for the kubbestol blessing. The blessing ceremony will take place at the entrance to Aquinas at 8:45 am on Wednesday, August 28.
