News Archives - 2007

Anyone who has walked through the quad has seen and heard "the guy with the boom box."  Some may wonder who he is. The man behind the mystery is Ricky Oudekerk, and he has just been elected the Day Student Body President for next year.

When asked about his boom box, Ricky responded: “That was something I started late last year. I prefer external music to ear buds or headphones. I feel isolated and cut off from people when I wear them. I can be groovin' out to something but no one else can share my experience. I see friends walk by in the quad with head phones on and their head down. They're in their own world, but I prefer to live in the one my friends are in. Even if I'm alone, I like to be part of my surroundings, and enjoy the natural ambiance mixed with the beautiful sounds of music."

Ricky adds: "When I first bought the boom box, it was pretty amusing and interesting watching everyone's reactions. I could tell many people enjoyed it and many people pretended it wasn't there. I don't mean to aggravate others, but I figure those who don't enjoy the music can walk away. That's the beauty of public space!"

Ricky is a third year student at Augsburg and his hometown is St. Paul. "I'm a bit behind the 'schedule' everyone refers to because it's my third year and I have yet to officially declare a major. I plan to double major in Metro-Urban Studies and International Relations and minor in Global Peace Studies." 

Photo: Ricky Oudekerk