Rolf Charlston

Architecture, history, literature, and music constitute the guiding forces of Renaissance Rolf's life. In addition to his work at WRTI, he's an architecture and history guide, and a lecturer on literature and music.

Rolf's radio career began as a high school sports announcer in Portland, Oregon and continued at St. Olaf College where he received his undergraduate degree in history. Then he collected a bevy of graduate degrees in theology, the arts, and English literature at the University of Chicago and the University of Illinois. He received his Ph.D. in English specializing in Joseph Conrad.  He served as a university Lutheran chaplain, choir director, and English professor in Chicago, and as an academic dean at St. Joseph's University.

Music is in his genes: Rolf has sung bass with the St. Olaf Choir and Philadelphia's Choral Arts Society.  His two children are Juilliard graduates and professional musicians in New York City, doing classical music and jazz.

Rolf can be heard on Saturdays from 6 to 11 am.