While it might take some students years beyond graduation to understand what it means to be a Gustie, First-year Liza Johnson has already mastered the craft in her first year.

Hailing from Roseville, Minnesota, this ball of sunshine knows no bounds in the sheer reach of her influence on this campus.

In true Gustie form, Liza has transformed her passions into a vehicle for meaningful impact on the Gustavus platform for the sake of her dreams and the service of those around her.

Liza is majoring in political science and minoring in peace, justice, conflict studies, but not for the reasons you might expect.

“I think it would be cool to work in an embassy or a consulate helping people with immigration services or getting new visas or green cards,” Liza said.

“I think it’s a really neat way to help people at a point where they really need help.”

In this case especially, Liza has taken some of the more difficult parts of her life and used them as motivation for helping others, referencing her background as an internationally adopted child.

“As a person who was born in another country, [it’s] definitely something that draws me to that aspect of life… Of where people want to live, where people feel they need to belong,” Liza said.

“Liza has been a great addition to the Gustavus community. She is thoughtful, kind-hearted, and embodies the Gustie spirit.” — Katie Peroutka

Liza’s political science professor, Dr. Mimi Gerstbauer, can see Liza’s motivation in the classroom.

“Liza is an eager student and has jumped right in as a first year,” Gerstbauer said.

“In and out of the classroom I have observed her openness, sense of humor, and leadership skills… [She] also has interest in Sweden, Ireland, diplomacy, politics and more. I can’t wait to see how these passions continue to develop and change during her time at Gustavus.”

Like many Gusties, Liza’s decision to enroll at Gustavus was multifaceted, a journey that began with the recognition of the importance of a liberal arts education.

“It’s good to be well-rounded, and I definitely like that aspect of [Gustavus]… Without realizing it, so many different subjects can affect you,” Liza said.

But what drew her to Gustavus went much deeper than its liberal arts curriculum. “I applied originally to be a music ed major. Gustavus has an insane music program—and fine arts program in general,” Liza said.

She credits her switch in majors to her love of music. “There’s too much worry in me that [music] would become unenjoyable once I make it a job,” Liza said.

Thankfully, the strength of Gustavus’ liberal arts curriculum provides for an array of programs, one that includes both music and political science.

Additionally, Liza’s Swedish background played a motivational role in her interest for Gustavus.

“I’m very close to my Swedish heritage, and this is a Swedish college. I just love that there are little hints of Sweden everywhere… It makes me feel like I’m at home,” Liza said.

Liza also notes the unique kindness that permeates the Gustavus campus—an inclusiveness that goes beyond the Minnesota Nice we may be familiar with to a sort of Gustavus Nice.

“The community here is fun because you can be in different kinds of groups but still be friends with everyone,” Liza said.

Among Liza’s many extracurricular involvements, her participation in the Gustavus music community is one of the most prominent.

Liza is in the Gustavus Choir with Dr. Aune, continues practicing as a piano accompanist, and is involved in hand bells with Dr. Winterfeldt, all within these first seven months of her college career. Winterfeldt, the Cantor of Christ Chapel and Adjunct Professor of organ, handbells, and keyboard, is one among many to notice Liza’s influence.

“Liza is a very positive, energetic, outgoing, and—this is not the Minnesotan use of the word, but—interesting person,” Winterfeldt said.

“She’s got a lot of fascinating influences in her life. And she’s a storyteller; she just has all of these fascinating stories of influences of her grandmother… She comes from a lot of places. And [she’s] so active and willing to be involved,” Winterfeldt said.

Within her Gustavus career so far, Liza feels her music experiences have created the most impactful memories for her. “Going on G-choir tour and bonding with the [choir] and Dr. A, feeling like we were really spreading the joy of music that Gustavus holds [was] a really ethereal experience for me,” Liza said.

“And walking into that first day of [Christmas in Christ Chapel] … Realizing I was there, standing between two ridiculously tall guys—I just remember beaming. [Knowing] we were all there to [share] the gift that is music, [that’s] a big memory for me.”

In addition to the slew of impressive involvements Liza has cultivated in the music department, she is also in the Gustavus division of Colleges Against Cancer. “We’re starting [fundraising] and getting the word out for Relay for Life,” Liza said.

She notes that there’s an unfortunately low amount of involvement in Colleges Against Cancer right now at Gustavus. “Our numbers are pretty bad right now. I’m really hoping that [next] year we can really amp it up more,” Liza said.

Evidently, Liza’s commitment to cultivating positivity and change on this campus is a force that impacts herself, the greater Gustavus community, and the individuals influence by her reach.

“Liza has a been a great addition to the Gustavus community. She is thoughtful, kind hearted, and embodies the Gustie spirit,” Senior Katie Peroutka said.

Liza Johnson has internalized the virtue of Gustavus involvement in astounding fashion, contributing to a larger mission of campus unity with flying colors.

Her passions manifest in outright acts of generosity and kindness, to the appreciation and admiration of her professors and peers alike.

She has already influenced a massive amount of good on this campus in a matter of months. If one thing is for certain, it’s that her coming years at Gustavus will harbor greater change for the better.