Coe College issued the following announcement on August 18.
Ella Brazell ’25 was facing a decision typical of others her age on May 1, National College Decision Day. The then-high school senior had narrowed down her college list to two — one of the options being Coe College. But, it was time to decide where she would enroll in the fall.
What wasn’t typical, though, was that both her parents — Bill ’97 and Jenny (Kallevang) ’97 — are alumni of Coe, and both had tried their best to be unbiased for the last two years as Ella explored colleges. But on the morning of May 1, they just couldn’t keep it inside any longer.
Both Bill and Jenny and each of Ella’s three siblings showed up to breakfast downstairs at their Rochester, Minnesota, home wearing Kohawk gear.
The official decision came soon after, and Ella was going to be a second-generation Kohawk.
“This was definitely my choice,” Ella said.
The display at breakfast wasn’t why Ella chose Coe, it just made her announcement a little sweeter. She knows Coe will provide the environment and experience to help her reach her goal of becoming a CEO. She plans to double major in history and business administration.
While Ella had grown up hearing about Coe, serious consideration started with a 2019 campus visit.
“There was just a feeling I left with,” Ella said about the visit.
“There was an energy on campus, and everyone was saying ‘hi,’” Bill added. “It’s still the same as how I remember it because you always feel like you’re part of a community. Nothing else felt like Coe.”
Fast forward...the crimson and gold breakfast gear her family adorned was swapped out for a Coe Orientation shirt this past weekend as Ella was one of 442 new students who moved into their Coe residences for the first time. Ella’s Kohawk experience already has started quickly with dance team practices.
“It hasn’t been overwhelming, but it is a little nerve-wracking,” Ella said.
Mostly, though, the weekend was a prolonged moment of pride for the entire Brazell family, who all came to move in Ella. This includes her three younger sisters, Ava, Grace and Sophia.
In between unpacking boxes and shopping, Bill and Jenny have marveled at how the campus has changed physically with the addition of new student apartments and upgraded athletic facilities. They also relayed some insider advice.
“I told her the best spot to study by far is the third floor of the library,” Jenny said. “It’s also a good napping spot,” she added with a wink.
“I told her where all the Diet Pepsi spots are,” Bill chimed in.
Despite all the great memories and good-natured advice, the goodbye was hard as the family headed back to Rochester without Ella.
“But at least I’m leaving her at a place I love,” Jenny said.
Original source can be found here.
Source: Coe College
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