As we look back on 20 years of Vintage Band Festival awesomeness, we are having a blast reconnecting with the St. Olaf College students that assisted us in the planning and execution of each VBF from 2010 – 2019. Each festival paired two students with the board and volunteers to form a fantastic team dedicated to doing everything required to bring the music to the audience. In the summer of 2015 that pair was Rachel Gaul and Lauren Hahn. We haven’t been able to reach Lauren yet, but VBF secretary Joy Riggs recently caught up with Rachel and filed this report. Rachel is still in Minnesota 10 years after graduation!

Q: What year did you graduate from St. Olaf, and what was your major?

2016, Mathematics Major with Concentration in Management Studies

Q: What do you do now for work and for fun?

Work: I am an associate executive director with an association management company based in Minneapolis called Management HQ – we provide management services for nonprofit organizations around the world.

Fun: I enjoy spending time with my friends, trying new restaurants, going to concerts and local festivals, and exploring the outdoors with my dog, Walter.

Q: What are your favorite memories from the experience?

I enjoyed learning from the Board, planning logistics with all of the bands and vendors, and getting to hear all of the live music on the day of the festival.

Q: Is there something you learned as a VBF intern that has been useful for later in your life?

I learned a lot about balancing multiple priorities at once, event planning, and quick problem solving. These are all skills that have definitely come in handy throughout my career so far!

Q: Have you been back to a festival since you interned? If so, when?

I haven’t been able to yet, but hope to!

Q: Are you coming back for this year’s 20th anniversary (it’s July 30-Aug. 1)?

It’s on the calendar, and I’m hoping to make it down for a day!

Q: Any other updates you’d like to share?

Interning for the VBF was a great experience and really ignited my passion for nonprofit management. I’m grateful that I got to do it!