Colleen Coleman-
This week’s Gusties of the Week are Seniors Eli Simon and Beck LaCanne. Both are from Faribault, Minnesota, Simon is a Communications major while LaCanne is a Studio Art and Art History double major. Both are involved in the Fine Arts department, are student workers in the Fine Arts office, and are involved in many theater productions.
Originally drawn to Gustavus for its small community vibe and proximity to home, Simon came to Gustavus and quickly became involved in campus life. “I met Eli freshman year when we were in the same quad in Co-Ed. He said he liked to act and I immediately started having visions of him in movies and brought this to his attention,” Senior Patrick Stonecipher said.
Originally starting her college career at a different school, LaCanne visited campus to see Simon but was drawn to transfer to Gustavus for her sophomore year. “What got me to come here was just how nice everyone was, ’cause Eli went here all four years so I came to visit him. Everyone was just extraordinarily nice and just really focused on collaboration and creativity, so I thought that was really nice,” LaCanne said.
When looking back on their time together at Gustavus, Simon and LaCanne both cite theater productions The Last Days of Judas Iscariot and Cymbeline as some of their favorite experiences. “I was personally a part of The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, and that production was stressful but really enjoyable. It was a J-term show, so I got to know the cast and crew really well, and I am probably most proud of that on my theater side of things,” Simon stated. Being an Anderson Scholar, Simon has been involved in the theater department since coming to campus. “Cymbeline was super fun. The cast was small enough where you could get to know everyone, and all of us said it was unlike any cast we’ve ever worked with. Everyone was actually friends on and off stage, which was really cool,” LaCanne said.
When thinking about her favorite part about Gustavus, LaCanne looks back on the close community on The Hill. “I really think Gustavus echoes a small-town vibe – people are really aware of each other and focused on teamwork, which is something I really appreciated. Especially in the Art department, it’s just full of collaboration,” LaCanne said. Being a part of the Senior Art Major cooperative the Comeback Kids, LaCanne has embraced her creativity at Gustavus. Another one of LaCanne’s favorite experiences on campus was the Comeback Kids’ exhibition last semester at River Rock. “We did everything, from the marketing, making the pieces, installing it, and communicating with the store owners. It was a huge win and we had a great turnout and support from campus,” LaCanne said. “Beck’s art is incredible, and often a testament to her character as well. I might be biased, but my favorite work of hers is a charcoal drawing of this cool abstract skull she made for me for Christmas. It was such an unbelievably thoughtful gesture that just blew me away,” Stonecipher said.
Recently, Simon’s time has been focused on starting his own business. Bluestem Films focuses on video and photo production in south central Minnesota and is a team of two with Simon and his good friend from home. Simon has been involved in the Gustie Cup recently, focusing on pitching to investors and working with Gustie alumni and professors to work on forming the company and gaining connections. Simon hopes to take away real-life skills from his time at Gustavus and working with the Gustie Cup. “Being open and honest with the people around you is really important. You’d be really surprised how flexible and respectful people actually are when you give them a little honesty. Taking that with me, I’m starting a business and I want to be really transparent with my clients and I think that will help us go a long way,” Simon said.
Having recently studied abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark together, LaCanne and Simon studied European Arts and Cinema and Strategic Communications respectively. During their five months abroad, the pair took five different classes, got engaged, went to nine countries, and explored life abroad for the first time for both of them. Being Hasselquist Scandinavian Scholars, the pair loved the support of the Study Abroad office throughout their time on campus.
“It was a big surprise for us to go abroad together, we’re not really the type of couple that has to stick together. After we went to a study abroad fair, we both were really interested in the program and thought it was kind of convenient. We then talked to our friend Cora and realized she was also going to Denmark, and then by happenstance all three of us went which was really special,” LaCanne said. “We would each make dinner at least once a month to spend time together, as well as Beck and I taking Danish together, we had tons of fun,” Senior Cora Pelkey said. “Since coming back to Gustavus, we are all closer than ever – whether it’s our weekly morning coffee dates, or staying up until 2 A.M. to watch a Formula 1 race, it’s always a great time. I love them like they are family, and I am so honored to have them in my life,” Pelkey said.
After graduation, Simon plans to pursue Bluestem Films full-time within the next 2 years. LaCanne will be working in Arlington, TN with a 3-month goldsmithing program at New Approach School for Jewelers. Afterward, LaCanne will come back to Minnesota to work for a small jewelry company in Faribault. The pair is a prime example of what it means to be a Gustie: involved, passionate, and creative. With the pair’s innovation and kindness, Eli Simon and Beck LaCanne continue to have a lasting impact on the Gustavus community and will continue to inspire originality long after their graduation.