Meet Your Fellow Gustie: Michael J. Sielaff
Michael J. Sielaff is not an unfamiliar face on the Gustavus campus. In fact, his face might be the first thing (you) notice about him. Whether he is making crowds laugh with his unique sense of humor or picking favorite foods of the dish line carousel in the caf, the (foot) towering senior can be easily spotted with his lanky build, blond hair, and Kansas baseball cap.
Michael J., a Religion major and Theatre minor, is originally from Fridley, a community north of the cities with a small high school and good neighborhoods to play bike tag, kick the can, and the infamous park ball.
“There are some definite legends in park ball,” said Michael J.
Michael J. originally decided to come to Gustavus with the intent of playing on the basketball team. However, a heart condition kept him from playing his freshman year. After getting a second opinion on his condition, he decided to try out for the team sophomore year. “I tried out for varsity. I thought I should have made it, but I didn’t. That JV year was a very humbling experience,” he said.
After his sophomore year experience with basketball, Michael J. had a choice between another year of basketball or to be involved with theatre instead.
“I got involved in theatre my freshmen year,” said Michael J. “It was a big decision, but I decided to go with theatre. I sort of eased into the theatre scene and took a few classes.”
During his Gustavus experience, Michael J. has been involved in a number of one-act plays, as well as three main stage productions: Experiment with an Air Pump, The Tempest and a recent role in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.
“[Theatre is] definitely a talent he has. I don’t think anyone can move his face the way he can,” said senior Holly Andersen. “It shows diversity in his personality. Through humor he can display the love of making people happy.”
In addition to his many productions, Michael J. has also been involved with “I Am, We Are,” a social-justice theatre troupe on campus.
“At first I thought he was a character actor, but recently I’ve noticed he has a very realistic aspect to his acting,” said senior Yoshi Suzuki, who shares a radio show with Michael J. on Saturdays. He’s not just about the comedy. But there is obviously more to him than being that funny guy. His personality is well reflected in his sell of acting.”
“We dedicate the show to someone before each performance,” said Michael J. “I dedicate each show to Jesus, the ultimate social justice. I feel that it’s my joyful obligation to promote justice in any way I can. My faith plays an important role there.”
Michael J.’s faith is also reflected by his avid participation in Proclaim and in Men’s Christian Fellowship. Down the road, Michael J. is interested in becoming a pastor, but for now he is undecided what to do after graduation.
“I’ve never really met someone so committed to his faith,” said Suzuki. “I just enjoy being around him and being around somebody who lives his life to the fullest possible. “
During fall semester of this year, Michael J. studied abroad at the Visthar institute in Bangalore, India with the abroad program led by Philosophy Professor Doug Huff.
“He’s got this magical spirit,” said Huff. He raised the morale virtually everyday for the group. Plus he’s just funny. At one point we were asked to divide into groups and imitate animals. Michael J came out as the most amazing stork I had ever seen. Anytime he was asked to perform, he went beyond the call of duty. And he of course was a very good student.”
While touring India, Michael J.’s tall frame and blond hair caught the attention of almost every local child.
“He was absolutely magical with all the children in India,” said Huff. “He was like the pied piper. Whether on trains busses, or stations, it would only take a few minutes and Michael would have a group of children around him, and the Indian mothers smiling proudly.”
“It was really fun for me to play with the younger kids,” said Michael J. “You can’t help by calling attention to yourself by being tall, white, and blond.”
He’s really positive,” said senior Lydia Davitt, who went on the trip with Michael J. He doesn’t’ complain a lot. He kept the mood really light and his sense of humor in general was really nice when most of us were really stressed in India.”
Along with his faith, Michael J. values relationships and the friends he makes at an extremely high level. To Michael J., a simple, “How’s it going?” does not fulfill a complete conversation.
“When I pass people in the hallway, I try to avoid a [simple conversation],” said Michael J. “To sit down and talk to someone for two minutes is not real. People energize me. People are great.”
“I have a lot of fun with Michael J,” said Andersen. “He makes people a priority and makes them feel special. With him, things always seem to go deeper. He’ll talk about our favorite fears and dreams. I feel like I’ve gotten to share myself with him more than I have with other people.”
When he is not performing on the stage, talking to friends, or deepening his faith, Michael J. can be found on the front row of the stands cheering loudly at almost every Gustavus basketball game.
“I love heckling,” said Michael J. “I said to myself if I never play basketball [for Gustavus], I’m going to be one of those people yelling at the other team. I don’t swear and I try to be as creative as possible.”
“He’s a big fan of chanting,” said Suzuki, who sometimes accompanies Michael J. in the front row of basketball games.
“It’s not a personal thing,” said Michael J. “I’m just trying to get into their heads to they do not play as well.”
He has so much pride,” said Andersen. “If I were on the team I would be so proud to have him as a fan at games.”
No matter where Michael J.’s life will lead him in the future. He will always have people to energize who he is.
“I’d much rather talk to someone, than do my schoolwork,” he said. Is that what I’m “here for?” Well, probably not, but that’s what I want to do with for the rest of my life.”
Michael J. wears a 14 ½ shoe size. The worst injury he has ever received was a jammed pinky in seventh grade basketball. He also likes to take time in the bathroom.
“I don’t like to pay attention to the clock,” said Michael J. “If I’m late somewhere, then that’s okay.”
He’s definitely one of the people I want to be friends with forever,” said Suzuki. “I’ve never really met someone like him before I cam here. I would like to have him as a friend until I die.”
“[Michael J] is what all human beings should be more like,” said Andersen. He’s really tall and goofy and outgoing and super friendly, but overall the best way to describe him is that he’s just top notch.”
Photo by: Alex Messenger