This past weekend, alumni from far and wide returned to the Hill for The Great Gustie Gathering!

Events occurred throughout the week, culminating with the final homecoming events on Saturday.

On Monday, the hunt began for the Homecoming Medallion.

A medallion was hidden around campus each day of the week by Gustavus Campus Activities Board.

On their social media, they posted clues each day and the Gustie to find the medallion won a prize.

This year’s medallion winners were sophomores, Vanessa Case and Kelsey Larson, as well as junior, Eli Jasnoch.

On Monday evening, student organizations brought out their creative side in the annual window painting competition, hosted by CAB.

The designs were judged, and the top three organizations won a monetary donation for their group. ICC won first place, Society of Physics came in second, and Gustavus Women’s Rugby in third.

On Tuesday, CAB started handing out Homecoming jerseys.

Gusties were able to trade in any new or gently used piece of clothing for a 2017 Homecoming Jersey, which proved to be a hit as just about everyone walking around campus on Saturday was wearing one.

Later that evening, 200 Gusties were able to “Stuff-A-Gus” in the Courtyard Cafe with CAB.

After waiting in line, they were given a Gus to stuff (just like Build-a-Bear) and even topped it off with a crown.

“Stuff-A-Gus was a super creative and fun event! I know everyone there was super excited to get their own individual Gus,” Sophomore Erin Oberle said.

Wednesday evening hit, and The Dive was officially revived.

Students took a break from their homework and studying and made their way to The Dive to get their groove on for a bit.

Many weren’t sure how this event would go, but it exceeded expectations, and most left with smiles on their faces.

“It was a sweaty time, but super fun! I loved getting down to all of the old school jams,” Sophomore Linsey Wolf said.

On Friday afternoon Career Development, Parent Engagement, and the Office of Alumni hosted a meet-and-greet with a few of Gustavus’ Distinguished Alumni Award recipients, and board members.

The speakers on the panel at the event included Warren Beck ‘67, Eric Espeland ‘92, Ben Levy ‘07, Krista Cruse Meierbachtol ‘07, Ian Grant ‘91, George Hicks ‘75, Patricia Pellikka ‘79, and Steven O. Anderson ‘87.

Students were able to ask these Distinguished Alumni many questions related to their career interests.

After the panel, the Gustavus Alumni Association celebrated its class of 2017 award recipients.

Later that evening the Gustavus Alumni Association Awards Banquet took place in Alumni Hall.

The banquet celebrated this year’s recipients of the Alumni Association Awards.

Those who attended the banquet were past award recipients, members of the Alumni Board, and their friends and family.

Lots of photos were taken, and many heartwarming speeches were given, including one from Gustavus President Rebecca Bergman.

Friday night was also home to several anticipated events. In Eckman Mall CAB hosted a Pizza Tailgate, where there were over 1000 slices of pizza from Jake’s Stadium Pizza, Dominos, and Godfathers.

Not only was there pizza at this tailgate, but also an extreme trampoline, yard games, water pong, and music.

After the tailgate, CAB hosted the Annual Lip Sync Battle in the caf.

Many student orgs competed against each other for the honorary title.

The winners received a monetary prize. This year Gustavus Women’s Rugby came in first place with their performance, followed by DEEP and then OLAS for second and third places.

This event was one that many Gustie’s had been looking forward to.

“Winning 3rd place in window painting was nice, but winning 1st in the lip sync battle was exhilarating,” Junior Rugby player Elizabeth Hur said.

Gusties spent the evening hanging out with friends and staying awake for Insomnia Cookies at 11:59 pm, with some lining up for these late night cookies as early as 10:00 p.m.

“I was looking forward to those cookies all week long! Totally worth the wait,” Sophomore Linsey Wolf said.

Come Saturday the campus was flooded with Gustie spirit.

Just about every sport had a game, many alumni were back on the hill, and there was an immense amount of events.

The day began with multiple luncheons and Affinity gatherings hosted by multiple Gustavus departments and organizations.

A popular event was the football game.

The first 1,000 students to arrive at the game received a 2017 Homecoming bandana.

The Gustavus football team ended up defeating Hamline, 51-7 and that was enough to make it already a great Homecoming.

Outside of the football field was a Family Fun Zone, which included multiple inflatables, yard games, a photo booth and craft zone, and two popular activities: The petting zoo, and the Gustie Pub Beer Garden.

Later in the afternoon, there was an Alumni Dance Celebration in Bjorling Recital Hall.

The dance department welcomed back alumni dancers to perform on the stage for another time.

Homecoming Saturday ended with a Rave for the student body.
CAB lit up the homecoming tent with DJ’s and performers, LED robots and lights.

Overall, The Great Gustie Gathering was a success, and created so many unforgettable memories for both current students and alumni.