Starting April 21, 2008, Twin Cities Live (TCL) began its career as a local talk show. Covering events and activities occurring in the Twin Cities, the show airs five days a week at 3 p.m. The show covers several different segments focusing on fashion, nutrition and food, local businesses, music, people, gardening, bargains, and entertainment. Hosted by Elizabeth Ries and Chris Egert, the show’s main intention is to focus on the people and places that make the Twin Cities unique. The show celebrates many aspects of Minnesota and is known for their  coverage of all things “Minnesota State Fair” including various kinds of food on a stick, the Miracle of Birth barn, and all the concerts that take place.

For the past week TCL has been showcasing colleges in Minnesota. Audiences are welcomed on Fridays to view live shootings of the show and sometimes take part.  For “College Week,” TCL has invited students from the selected colleges to represent and support their school.

Gustavus was chosen as one of the few to be showcased. Sponsored by the Campus Activities Board, students were given the opportunity last Tuesday to be a part of the live audience. Not only was the event free for all Gustavus students, but they were also given the opportunity to tour the 5 Eyewitness News studio and provided with food. Those who went, decked out in their Gustie gear, were able to participate in a Q&A with the Ries and Egert.

As Co-President of the Campus Activities Board, Junior Jenny Marquette helped organize the event with an alum. Mike Marcotte ‘08. Marcotte is now working at KSTP as an Assistant Producer & Guest Coordinator.

“I’m really excited for Gustavus. Only eight or so colleges were selected. Given that we have an alum working there, it shows the connections Gustavus builds with so many different places. It also shows that as an alum, Mike is still deeply invested in supporting Gustavus,” Marquette said.

While Marquette has only seen the show a few times, she is excited to see Gustavus be featured on television during its prime.

“I’m most excited to see Gustavus students share their experiences with the audience. It will be nice to see the viewers witness some of the amazing stories carried within this campus and to be shared with many,” Marquette said.

Junior Baseme Osuamkpe was most looking forward to seeing all the behind the scenes efforts that go into creating a live show or any regular broadcasted show function seamlessly.

“It was fascinating to see the little details that go into production,” Osuamkpe said

Sophomore Paget Pengelly also took the opportunity to go on the trip.

“I chose to go on this little field trip to Twin Cities Live because my Grandma watches it, and I knew she’d love to see an episode with me in the audience,” said Pengelly.

As a vocal supporter of our campus and personality, Pengelly appreciates the work of the Campus Activities Board.

“I think this CAB sponsored event will be a really great way to show our pride and to represent our amazing college. It makes me proud to see how much recognition Gustavus has gotten this year in US Newsweek, and other websites. We even got a bigger booth at the National College Fair this year; I think we deserve it,” Pengelly said.

Thanks to an alum and the Campus Activities Board, students had the opportunity to spend an exciting day in the cities. With the chance to be featured on television, go through a guided tour of the studio, those who went to enjoyed themselves. Gustavus was a star on television for everyone in the cities to witness. Next stop for Gustavus, the big screen.