A Kilimanjaro, Junior Max Stelzner’s adventurous nature is evident after a single conversation with him. While he’s explored places as far away as Tanzania, Max also finds substantial benefit in something as simple as the exploration of knowledge. The inspiration for his passion for learning came from his first-term seminar professor, Kent Kalm, during Max’s first year at Gustavus.

“His enthusiasm for teaching and the fact that he always seemed so interested really inspired me,” Max said. “It made me bring that to other classes. I learned that if you’re more interested in what you’re learning about, then you’re going to get a greater benefit from that.”

Max now utilizes his outlook on learning as he goes on to pursue a major in Biochemisty. His class schedule is rigorous, but he makes an impression in any classroom nonetheless.

“He’s an ambassador for Gustavus,” Biology Professor Cindy Johnson said. “He works hard, asks great questions, and is engaged in class and in activities outside of class.”

Along with his demanding class schedule, Max is also a member of the Epsilon Pi Alpha fraternity. He was drawn in by the brotherhood exemplified in the fraternity during his sophomore year and has been a dedicated member ever since.

“He is the glue that holds us together,” Junior Joe Thayer said. “Whether he knows you or not, he cares about you.”

Max’s dedication to the fraternity has gained him the title “Sergeant at Arms” while they begin pledging, which means that he makes sure everything runs smoothly.

“I want to be a leader on and off campus,” Max said. “Just as they always tell you at Gustavus, I want to make my life count.”

As captain of the men’s Ultimate Frisbee team, Max is in charge of setting up practices, running practices, managing tournaments, handling jersey designs, and communicating effectively with others.

“Max never complains but rather takes everything in,” Johnson said.

While Max would like to join a multitude of different groups on campus, his roles in the fraternity and on the ultimate team combined with balancing course work keeps him plenty busy. He finds that putting most of his time into the two groups has benefited him just as much as taking part in many groups would have.

“In the fraternity I gained more social experience while having fun with the guys,” Max said. “But as captain of the Ultimate team, I gained leadership experience.”

Free time is a luxury that doesn’t surface very often for Max, but when it does, he enjoys goofing around with the guys, staying active by throwing a football, and enjoying the outdoors.

“He’s very personable, easy going, really funny and kind hearted,” Thayer said. “He has no strangers, just friends he hasn’t met yet.”

In the eyes of those who know him, Max’s constant role as a friend, student, and member of the Gustavus community speak toward the reason he was chosen for Gustie of the Week.

“Max has done so much for others. He has listened to people vent, taken care of people when they were sick, been a study buddy and seem to always be around,” Thayer said. “He is a resource on campus. He will make you laugh. He’s the kind of guy who will be a part of the memories you look back on 40 years from now.”