News & Links Michael Abdella, St. Olaf Assistant AD for Strategic Communications

St. Olaf adds Bostrom as creative and digital media strategist

NORTHFIELD, Minn. - The St. Olaf College Department of Athletics and Assistant Athletic Director for Strategic Communications Michael Abdella '13 announced the hiring of Mike Bostrom as the department's Creative and Digital Media Strategist on Monday.
 
Bostrom comes to St. Olaf after serving as the graphic designer and running backs coach at the University of Northwestern (Minn.) since August 2024. A former NCAA Division III student-athlete at Northwestern, he also gained experience as the creative intern for the University of Minnesota football program during 2023-24. At St. Olaf, he will be the department's primary photographer, videographer, and graphic designer, while also helping to run the Oles' social media accounts.
 
"I could not be more excited to have Mike join our team," Abdella said. "Mike is a talented graphic designer and photographer and his talents will be a major asset to our department. In addition to his talents, it was clear in the interview process that he has a strong work ethic and vision for this role, and I am excited to see the impact he will make."
 
After playing two years of football at Northwestern to conclude his collegiate career, Bostrom returned to his alma mater in August 2024 as the running backs coach and graphic designer for the football program. In addition to his coaching responsibilities, Bostrom oversaw and maintained the program's social media platforms, creating engaging content, including custom graphics, to promote the team's activities, achievements, and foster fan engagement.
 
"I am so thankful for the opportunity to be part of St. Olaf Athletics," Bostrom said. "I am excited to get started and use my role to highlight the incredible student-athletes and all of the great thins happening here."
 
Prior to returning to Northwestern, Bostrom worked as the football creative intern at the University of Minnesota from May 2023 to July 2024. In that role, he was responsible for developing content that strengthened the program's brand, shooting photography at games, practices, and recruiting visits, assisting with video production in content creation, and maintaining the program's social media accounts.
 
Bostrom holds a bachelor of arts in graphic design from Northwestern and an associate in arts in graphic design from Central Lakes College and played two years of football at both institutions. During his career, he was a two-time all-conference honoree and a two-time team captain.