Katie Samek-

The Gustavus History Department would like to formally invite you to join them for “Pizza, Profs, and the Past” on Tuesday, Nov. 7th from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. in Beck 301. This year’s event, “We Were Displaced”, will be discussing Estonia’s Swedish minority during its periods of occupation under both Soviet and Nazi rule, and will be hosted by Dr. Glenn Kranking. A free pizza lunch will be provided for all attendees.

“Pizza, Profs, and the Past” is an annual outreach event hosted by the History Department, with a rotating cast of professors presenting their independent research and explaining how it connects to what they teach in the classroom here on campus. While intended for both current and aspiring History majors/minors, all students from all disciplines are welcome to attend and learn more about the department and what it has to offer. This year the event will be taking place during lunch on Advising Day in an effort to connect with students who may be interested in what the History Department has to offer.

Dr. Glenn Kranking will be presenting at the event this year, and his topic “We Were Displaced” will discuss the Swedish minorities in Estonia and their history of occupation by the Soviet Union and then Nazi Germany during World War II. By the end of the war, almost the entire population had fled their homes in Estonia and sought refugee status in Sweden. This topic relates to themes of wartime occupation, refugees, and immigration policy, and will be expanded upon further in the book that Dr. Kranking is currently compiling about his research on the subject. Following the discussion, there will be a discussion period where students will be able to ask Dr. Kranking questions about his research, as well as discuss the talk with their peers.

“Although this minority population is relatively unknown to most people, their stories can help illuminate the complexities of the Second World War, as well as the difficult decisions people make to leave their homes – even after so many generations,” Kranking said. “I think it is [a] story that can still resonate in our own time.”

While every department on campus will be busy this upcoming Advising Day, the History Department hopes that anyone interested in history – not just students with a major or minor – will stop by the event and take a minute to speak with the professors, enjoy some pizza, and learn a little more about the vast range of topics that the History department has to offer. Events like these are an excellent opportunity to look outside of their own major and explore subjects that may not be immediately of interest, or simply that they might not have known even existed.

“Advising Day is an excellent opportunity for students to connect with their advisors and plan for Spring Term, but it is also an opportunity to explore the many different majors and minors across campus,” Kranking said. “I hope all students take advantage of the opportunities – if they are still trying to decide what to major in, or if they are preparing for the final semester.”