The meaning of “liberal arts”

How often do we take time out of our day to think about our thinking? Is what we are learning really important? Am I becoming a well rounded person through my classes? These are some serious questions that the philosophy department and the the Hanson-Peterson chair want students at Gustavus to spend more time thinking about. On Monday Feb. 21 at 7:00 p.m. in room … Continue reading The meaning of “liberal arts”

Courage to rethink “disability”

Welcome back Gusties to the spring semester of 2011 and, for seniors including myself, the very last semester as undergraduates. At this point in my college career, I can’t help but get nostalgic about all the experiences I’ve had here—the classes I’ve taken, the friends I’ve made, the good, the bad and the silly. Truth be told, I’ve had some crazy opportunities at Gustavus to … Continue reading Courage to rethink “disability”

To get off or not to get off?

One of the most memorable experiences of our lives will be attending college. The most obvious change is that we don’t need to be under the watchful eye of our parents. Basically every decision we make is our own and not made for us. We chose our classes, meals, friends, social activities and where we want to live. Second semester demands our full attention, but … Continue reading To get off or not to get off?

The importance of being humerous

You know the YouTube hit “David After Dentist,” the video a dad took of his young son after a dental procedure involving some type of anesthetic. You laughed at it, right? Don’t lie. As much as you questioned why Dad just so happened to have a video camera at that moment, you still laughed. “Is this real life?” David slurs under the influence. “Why is … Continue reading The importance of being humerous

Empathy?! I’ll show you Empathy.

In shaping a teeming and generally senseless group of people into something resembling a society, empathy is probably the most important social adhesive. It is, for our purposes, the ability to discern and understand the feelings of others. It is a direct symptom of a kind of internal language to which most humans are naturally privy. As a result, it is a concept most strongly … Continue reading Empathy?! I’ll show you Empathy.

Living an insulated life

Even with the little thaw we’ve experienced this past week, I still need plenty of insulation to be comfortable outdoors. I’m not a warm-bodied person (although I was when I was younger, but that was when I was also much heavier … I mean, when I had more natural insulation) and frequently get cold—not just outside, but basically everywhere from drafty classrooms to my own … Continue reading Living an insulated life

Weapons on campus

The college campus shouldn’t be a place where holders of state-issued carry permits should have to feel like their safety and well-being are at risk; instead, these persons ought to be allowed the same measure of personal protection on college campuses that they practice virtually everywhere else. Since the mission of the Department of Campus Safety at Gustavus “is to provide the safest environment possible … Continue reading Weapons on campus

Men’s and Women’s Swimming & Diving teams look to contend at MIAC Championships

Last season, the Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving teams had tremendous success at the MIAC Championships with the women winning the MIAC title and the men falling just short and finishing runner-up by merely eight points. Both teams will look to build on their solid seasons this year and win MIAC titles this weekend. The men will contend for their first MIAC Championship since … Continue reading Men’s and Women’s Swimming & Diving teams look to contend at MIAC Championships

NBA Dunk Contest: Above the rim

Back in 1976, Julius Irving won the ABA All-Star Game Dunk Contest, the first professional competition of its kind. The same year the dunk was legalized in NCAA basketball. These two events collectively shaped basketball into the explosive and exciting sport it is today. The NBA will celebrate its 60th anniversary of All Star Weekend this year at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, highlighted … Continue reading NBA Dunk Contest: Above the rim