Connecting history

DE PERE – As the NFL Draft approaches in Green Bay, a unique partnership between the Green Bay Packers and St. Norbert College (SNC) is taking center stage.

Under the guidance of Meghan Walsh, executive director of academic advising and career development, a group of 10 SNC students have embarked on a one-of-a-kind internship, delving into the rich history between their college and the Packers.

This project will lead to exclusive campus tours during Draft Week, offering a fresh perspective on SNC’s storied connection with the iconic football team.
The relationship between St. Norbert College and the Green Bay Packers runs deep.

Walsh is particularly fascinated by the legacy of Vince Lombardi, the legendary Packers coach who formed a close bond with Father Dennis Burke of SNC.

From hosting summer training camps to the college’s cheerleaders once being invited to a pep rally with the team, SNC has been an integral part of Packers history.

The now famous “G” logo was even designed by an SNC former faculty member and alumni.

These and other stories will come to life through the student-led tours, but Walsh didn’t want to give too much away just yet.

The idea for this internship emerged over a year ago when SNC President Laurie Joyner created a group to explore how the draft’s arrival could benefit the college.

Early discussions included ideas involving campus spaces, but the concept of an internship quickly gained traction.

“This internship is interdisciplinary—students from communication, business, history, and all over the place are designing a campus tour that focuses on the special history and relationship between the Packers and SNC,” Walsh explained. “The students are in charge, taking control, doing great work. They are so excited to celebrate the history of St. Norbert on this really big stage.”
Walsh’s role has been to facilitate and provide support.

“I am their convener, their guide,” she said. “The students have all been so engaged, it has been so fun to watch them uncover things and get really excited about it. Everyone has taken ownership of things.”

The students will even have the opportunity to tour Lambeau Field with former SNC Athletic Director Tim Bald, now with the Packers.

Beyond celebrating SNC’s history, the project has provided invaluable professional development for the students involved.

Walsh explained that students are gaining many professional skills, such as communication, meeting deadlines, working in groups and understanding the components of a large project like this one.

She feels as though the internship will be a great thing for students to add to their resumes due to the fact that they are driving the project.

The research process has been just as exciting as the final product.

Students have scoured the SNC archives, sifted through old newspaper clippings and photographs, and even tapped into alumni stories.

The project has revealed surprising details, including the fact that SNC has had players drafted into the NFL — something many don’t realize given its Division III status.

The tours, which will take place on April 22 and 23, are free and open to students, faculty, alumni and the general public.

Walsh shared that she wants visitors to take something away from the tours.
“The reminder that the packers have such a unique history in Green Bay, being a small market team means they have engaged with their fans and the city in ways that other teams have not, and St. Norbert is a super cool and unique part of their history,” she said.

As for the future, Walsh is optimistic, “We haven’t asked the students yet about what comes next. Maybe it could happen annually. We are hopeful this shines a light on our beautiful campus and its place in Packers history.”

With the energy and dedication of these students, it’s clear that SNC’s legacy with the Packers isn’t just something of the past — it’s still being written today.

For more information, visit www.snc.edu.