Senior Political Science and Communication Studies Major Stephanie Swanson has used her four years at Gustavus to develop her passion of absorbing cultures, deepen her involvement in the Gustavus community, and show off her bubbly personality.

Stephanie grew up in Grand Forks, ND with a family that encouraged her college pursuit. Drawn to the personable community and great food, Stephanie chose Gustavus. She has given this school great discipline, motivation, and infectious character.

Political Science Professor Richard Lietch has known Stephanie since her first semester in his First Term Seminar “Politics of Homelessness.” Lietch talks of Stephanie’s irreplaceable role through a clever image.

“[Stephanie is] irreplaceable, but if cloning were legal we would have the perfect candidate,” Lietch said.

As she prospered at Gustavus, Stephanie impacted many groups and organizations. She  is a Tri-Sigma Sorority member, Gustie Greeter, Co-president of German Club, participant in Big Partner-Little Partner, and coordinator of Gustie Guides.

Stephanie’s friend and sister Tri-Sigma Sorority member, Brita VanOsdol shares the passion Stephanie has shown her through their involvement on campus together.

“She is involved, caring, and an overall beautiful person inside and out,” VanOsdol said.

Stephanie values the friendships and connections she has made with teachers and students alike. Her bubbly prescence will be greatly missed on campus when she graduates in June.

Lietch was impressed by Stephanie since her first semester and attributes it to her remarkable involvement and shining personality.

“The Gustavus community will miss her when she leaves. [She’s] always positive, fun, smart, kind, and caring. The perfect Gustie Greeter, and the perfect present Gustavus student to take prospectives and their parents on campus tours,” Lietch said.

In addition to her extensive involvement on campus, Stephanie’s passion for exploring other cultures was fostered throughout her many international experiences. Stephanie experienced life in Germany as a foreign exchange student her junior year in high school, which influenced her desire to travel abroad during college.

One of Stephanie’s favorite experiences was her trip to Vienna, Austria, where she was able to see life from a new perspective and challenge her existing knowledge.

“It was an incredible time for me to explore a new city, explore a new culture and really kind of think with a new perspective about the United States. It just challenged everything I ever thought,” Stephanie said.

As a result of these life changing, international experiences, Stephanie has decided to apply to work for the study abroad program in Vienna and help American students transition into the culture as she did.

Her best friend and roommate Senior Kaylena Greenwell, elaborates on where she sees Stephanie’s bright future going. Kaylena describes how Stephanie will utilize her knowledge and passion for people in every place she inhabits by seeking growth in these new environments and experiences.

“I definitely think Stephanie will be living in Europe, immersing herself in an environment that not only is thriving culturally, but also one that challenges her to grow as a person. She’ll be doing all of this while having the time of her life and making new friends around every corner,” Greenwell said.

Stephanie has been a treasure to the community of Gustavus. This, however, is only the beginning for her. She will continue to positively transform each area she goes with her beauty, passion, and drive as she has done here at Gustavus.