The crisp shirts, the pressed pants, the nifty hats—even if you’ve never met him in person, you can still recall seeing this sharply dressed man out and about on campus. Always one to give a cheerful smile, Preston Schlueter is this issue’s deserving Gustie of the Week.
Preston is a senior History major, with a focus in U.S. pop culture in the first half of the 20th century. This focus in part stems from his childhood years, specifically when he first encountered a Christmas hits album from recording legend and cultural icon, Bing Crosby.
This kicked off an abiding admiration and interest in the man, and the era he emerged from, influencing everything from musical tastes, to fashion choices, even to life goals and aspirations.
“I really liked the way men and women put themselves together,” Preston said about his interest towards the early 20th century. “It was born of historic curiosity, and now it’s a hobby I can research for hours.”
“It’s hard not to like him and his sense of style. He could have a bucket of moldy eggs balanced precariously on his head and people would still like him.” — Jack Poblocki
Preston’s dedication to his search for knowledge has been acknowledged by a number of people, one of which being his lifelong friend Senior Noah Grothe.
“When he develops an interest in a particular area, he really puts in the effort to expand his base of knowledge,” Grothe said. “I’ve learned quite a lot from him over our years together. If you ever have questions on what to wear, in what color, and with what hat or shoes, he’s your man.”
Preston keeps busy with a variety of performance groups on the Hill, ranging from singing in the prestigious Gustavus Choir, to crooning solos accompanied by the Gustavus Jazz Lab Band, to doing standup comedy with the hilarious improv troupe LineUs. He may even pick up MC-ing again this year through the campus radio station, KGSM.
“LineUs made him quite the celebrity,” Preston’s four-time roommate Senior Jack Poblocki said. “Everyone knows Preston. They know he regards puns as the highest form of humor, and will never pass up a good opportunity to let one fly.”
Aside from soaking up the limelight, Preston also enjoys giving back to the community by tutoring in the Writing Center with Poblocki, where anyone can schedule a meeting or stop by for assistance and advice on tricky papers.
“I love helping Gusties. I also like getting a chance to find out what it is they’re into and see what fruitful conversations can come out of it,” Preston said.
“While certain colors or articles of clothing may not go well together, being full of self-confidence is key to looking good in whatever you’re wearing.” — Preston Schlueter
Anyone who knows Preston can tell you that he’s a kind and fun-loving soul and a gentleman at heart.
One of Poblocki’s favorite memories of him is from the December of their sophomore year when he held the door open for everyone coming out of the Chapel after the Christmas in Christ Chapel concert.
Preston’s generous attitude has earned him the respect of a number of Gustavus students and professors.
“Preston is quite the social animal to say the least,” Poblocki said. “It’s hard not to like him and his sense of style. He could have a bucket of moldy eggs balanced precariously on his head and people would still like him. He could grow a toothbrush mustache and random pedestrians would say he looks like Charlie Chaplin.”
Preston’s hobbies, outside of his various extracurricular activities, include collecting comic books (chiefly DC), watching movies, and generally hanging out with large groups of friends and having a good time.
What advice does such a well-rounded and active Gustie have for freshmen? As much as many students would prefer not to think of them, Preston believes the first step is good grades.
“Grades come first, especially during the first year. With a strong base of knowledge, and a firm grasp on what will require the most focus, then you can get involved and find organizations you can meaningfully add to,” Preston said.
Even though Preston considers himself “woefully-underqualified for time management,” he still knows how to deal with difficulties that arise from being so involved.
“Be as pro-active as possible,” he said. “Always voice concerns and head off conflicts right away. In my eyes, it is much easier to square problems up when they arise than it is to get caught off guard in the middle of something when they have gone on for some time.”
The last important piece of advice Mr. Schlueter has to give is to be confident in whatever you do.
“While certain colors or articles of clothing may not go well together, being full of self-confidence is key to looking good in whatever you’re wearing,” Preston said.
From prominent performer to helpful tutor, sharp dresser to comic book historian, Preston is an outstanding human being that many can proudly call a fellow Gustie. And who knows, perhaps one day his name will be known alongside that of his hero, Bing Crosby himself.