Saint Paul College is fortunate to have a dedicated Student Senate led by student leaders each year. This year’s Student Senate President is a true blessing, Blessing Norvell, who is here to “blessify SPC.”

Blessing took a seven-year break after graduating high school to travel and see the world. She recalls having a negative view of education, describing it as “torture.” However, Blessing fell in love with sign language after watching Switched at Birth at a young age, and she enrolled in SPC’s American Sign Language Studies Program in 2024. Initially hesitant about returning to school, Blessing quickly felt welcomed on campus, which she describes as a “Loving School with excellent faculty, students, advisors, basic needs programs, and hundreds of program options.” She adds that SPC is the perfect size – small enough to feel like family and large enough to attract diverse students from around the world.

One of Blessing’s main goals for the upcoming school year is to increase student activities on campus. She notes that SPC has one of the lowest activity fees in MN State, and she wants to make the most of this investment by fostering student camaraderie through educational and entertaining activities throughout the year. Blessing believes her Student Senate team has excellent student leadership skills, which will help her bring her vision to life throughout the school year. Her fellow Student Senate leaders include Vice President Celine Wongoue, Treasurer Sarah Lwin, and Secretary Junior Koffi. The DEI and Events & Communication positions are open with these Position Descriptions and Responsibilities. Highly motivated, Blessing aims to be the best SPC Student Senate President ever!

Blessing has enjoyed participating in the Student Senate process, including visits to our state and national capitals to advocate for education. After earning her AAS Degree next spring, Blessing plans to attend Gallaudet University, a private school in Washington, DC, to pursue her BA degree in Sign Language Interpretation. This university claims to be the “World leader in deaf education,” and was authorized to serve the deaf and hard of hearing in 1864 by President Abraham Lincoln.

The SPC’s Student Senate Executive Board officially represents students’ ideas, needs, and interests.

Blessing’s leadership maintains an excellent balance of fun, positivity, and professionalism. She takes her role seriously, always aiming to provide the best for her fellow students and never misses the opportunity to smile and laugh while serving others.

Becky Kaarbo

SPC Director of Student Life and Diversity