Colleen Coleman-
This week’s Gustie of the Week is Senior Computer Science and Biology major Lauren Williams. Williams is a co-coordinator of the Peer Assistants, Co-President of Theta Xi Gamma, President of Sigma Delta Pi Honors Society, student worker in the counseling center, is in the Guild of St. Lucia, and is a Biology TA.
Williams stated that one of her favorite parts about Gustavus is the growth as a community since the COVID-19 lockdown protocols of her freshman year. “Now the community at Gustavus is unreal. The fact that we’re such a small campus makes it so that I can’t go anywhere without bumping into or saying hi to someone I know, and I like that because I didn’t have that my first year. I live for and love being able to have those little interactions with people I see everyday,” Williams said.
Senior and fellow PA Jay Baldus believes that Williams is extremely hardworking, especially as a coordinator for the PAs, “She has a lot of responsibilities, and yet still manages to do an amazing job with them all. Lauren deserves to be credited for the work she does and for the person she is,” Baldus said. Williams states that being a PA is one of her favorite experiences she’s had on campus, creating a positive environment of wellness within the team and the student body.
“I think the idea is that we’re doing something meaningful on campus. It’s really nice being surrounded by people who want to do the best for themselves and want to create a community of wellness,” Williams said. “The PA work we’re doing is more than just fun events for the students, it has purpose and data and research put in behind it.”
Recreation Program Coordinator and Health and Exercise Science Professor Mark Hanson describes Williams as the epitome of a caring and energetic Gustie, with a contagious enthusiasm. “She makes people feel important and is an understanding presence as a PA.”
Counseling Center Administrative Assistant Melanie Bexell says that Williams is a joy to have working in the counseling center. “She is such an upbeat and positive person that spreads her light wherever she is! She is so helpful, caring, kind and gentle with all of our clients putting them at ease when they come into the center and answers all questions they may have.”
Bexell also noted that Williams’ optimism goes beyond her work in the counseling center, and she excels in not only her academics as a double major, but in her involvement here at Gustavus. “I got to witness her hard work in the planning of [Theta Xi Gamma’s] fundraiser for Pinky Swear where they raised over $11,000 for kids going through cancer. It was a beautifully put together event,” Bexell stated.
Gusties have been noticing Williams’ positive energy ever since her first day on campus. Senior Abby Eaton describes Williams as insightful, kind, and caring. “Lauren was the very first person I met at Gustavus in our hall freshman year, and I have been so lucky to call her one of my best friends ever since,” Eaton said. Eaton also stated that Gustavus is a better place because of Williams. “One of the things I admire most about Lauren is her ability to self-reflect, not only in her personal life but also in her leadership roles,” Eaton shared.
Williams would urge a first-year at Gustavus or a prospective student to get involved in student life here on the Hill. She states that her leadership positions have done more than give experiences in leading an organization, but have led to connections and friendships that she wouldn’t have found without them. Although not certain of what her plans for after graduation are, Williams wants to find something that intersects biology and computer science, but is still flexible and keeping an open mind as to where the world will take her.