Staff Writer- Cora Hess

This week’s Gustie of the Week is Senior Micah Lesch. As he finishes off his final year, Lesch is keeping busy on campus. He is a member of the Gustavus Student Senate, Men’s Soccer, Political Science Club, and the Mentorship Leadership Team. He was formerly a Board of Trustees Student Experience Committee Representative and a Peer Career Advisor. 

After watching his cousin play in a volleyball game at Gustavus, Lesch felt drawn to the community here and wanted to reach out after he got home that day. 

“I saw how lively and energetic the student body was, got home and immediately e-mailed the former Gustavus men’s soccer coach, Tudor Flintham. When I came to Gustavus, I didn’t know exactly who I was or what I wanted to do. It was through Gustavus that I was able to figure that out, and that’s why I stayed,” Lesch shared. 

Lesch’s Student Senate Co-President Junior Laura Sunnarborg. Sunnarborg admires Lesch’s ability to command a room while still being approachable. 

“Something special about Micah is his ability to command a room and command respect while still being approachable and easy-going. Micah is very personable and represents Gustavus and Student Senate well, whether that is at a Board of Trustees meeting or in his internship with the MN State Senate,” Sunnarborg exclaimed. 

While he’s not doing school work and being involved on campus, Lesch loves to spend his time being active.

“I love playing pickleball with family and friends, I always enjoy a game of gin rummy, and am always down to make some chocolate chip cookies,” Lesch expressed. 

Associate Professor of Economics Professor Shu-Ling Wang only shared kind words in regards to Lesch’s work ethic, specifically in regards to her Intermediate Microeconomics class.

“Micah stands out for his strong passion for public affairs, his willingness to take action, and his care for the well-being and equity of the community. He is eager to learn from different perspectives and continuously expand his horizons,” Professor Wang shared. 

As his senior year comes to a close, Lesch reflected on what he is most proud of from his time at Gustavus. 

“I’m really proud of the recent investment Gustavus Student Senate made into an organizational software system called “Lounge,” where clubs and organizations will live on campus, a one stop shop for everyone. This initiative will make involvement on campus more accessible for everyone. I’m looking forward to seeing this implemented, and am proud of the work that the Senate put into making it a reality.” 

Another member of Gustavus, Associate Dean of Students Megan Ruble has had many years to experience who Lesch is as a person and how he shows leadership. 

“Micah is a fantastic leader, both in formal and informal ways. When he speaks up, his peers listen. He knows when to voice his opinion and when not to, which comes with experience and maturity. He is always open to and respectful of a different perspective. He can easily talk with anyone, from a prospective student to a Board of Trustees member,” Ruble shared. 

“Micah knows when to prioritize things and when to let things go. In whatever career path he chooses, Micah has a bright future ahead. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to work closely with him in Student Senate this Spring, and to get to know him as a person,” Sunnarborg expressed.

The end of the school year ignites emotions and causes reflection on time spent with friends over the past school year. 

“Some of my favorite memories at Gustavus have been the simplest moments spent with my friends: watching Brooks, Jonah, Jovan, and Sam scream at each other during super competitive games of FIFA, taking ballet with Parker, watching Rivas rage-bait our friends and giggle incessantly, singing the absolute worst impromptu a cappella with Mason, and watching Dylan endlessly grieve the failures of Minnesota sports teams,” Lesch shared. 

Professors here at Gustavus have been watching Lesch become the leader that he is. They appreciate the determination he gives to his school work and his peers around him. 

“In class, Micah is a natural leader in team settings. He is attentive to his peers, reaches out proactively, and helps ensure that the group functions effectively. During a team-based class debate his team presented thoughtful, well-reasoned arguments, and his leadership played an important role in that process.” Professor Wang expressed. 

There have been many roles that Lesch has occupied, and through them he has shared his talents with the organizations he’s in. 

“Aside from Student Senate, I’m so appreciative of his work with campus voter engagement during the 2024 election cycle. He’s made a difference on campus in many ways!” Ruble exclaimed. 

Lesch believes that experiences are key to having an extra enjoyable time at Gustavus.

“Say ‘yes.’ So many of my best memories and experiences have come from saying yes to something that I wasn’t totally sure about. Also, go abroad!” Lesch expressed. 

There is something uniquely special about Lesch, and everyone he comes into contact with appreciates that.

“Micah’s passion, care, leadership, and commitment to community embody the goals of a liberal arts education—developing responsible citizens and lifelong learners. Gustavus is very fortunate to have him, and I feel honored to have him in my class, where he contributes to a dynamic and nourishing learning environment,” Professor Wang expressed.