As a fourth generation Gustie and the ninth member of her family to attend Gustavus, Junior Addie Konnad had considered other colleges after high school with the support of her family, but says nowhere else compared to the friendliness and comfort of life on The Hill.
“I had come to so many events growing up that I came to love the community and the environment. I love that I’m on a personal note with most of my professors. Nothing compares to how comfortable it is here. You know almost everybody,” Addie said.
The environment and friendliness of those in the community aren’t the only reasons for the comfortability Addie felt right away at Gustavus. Her outgoing personality and infectious excitement for almost anything helped her fit in on the first day of her first year.
“I vividly remember the first time I met Addie. She came to my room to introduce herself during our first few days here. She was full of life and very outgoing. I think I was immediately drawn to her because she was so friendly and made me feel so welcome, even though we were both new freshmen,” Junior Lauren Schiltz said.
Now a junior, Addie’s personality drives her friendships in everything she’s involved in from her classes to being a Student Supervisor in the Caf, secretary of the PageTurners Book Club, Vice President of Uhler Hall, and especially Gustavus Choir.
“Addie is such a welcoming person who gladly includes others and makes friends wherever she goes. It’s also pretty easy for her because she’s so quirky and outgoing. There’s never a dull moment with her. She tends to give off waves of energy that are just contagious,” Junior Hayley Solheim said.
Not only does her contagious and outgoing personality gain the attention of others, but also her positive enthusiasm in classes helps her hit if off nicely with professors.
“Addie took a class from me last spring and we hit it off from the start. I was immediately impressed with her as she sat in the front row and leaned in. She’s fun loving, enthusiastic, curious, and one of the nicest people around,” Professor of English Joyce Sutphen said.
“She can always make us laugh and bring a smile to our day. She’s very involved in the Gustavus community and she is always willing to help others out.” —Lauren Schiltz
As a double major in English and Psychology, Addie is trying to decide if she’d like to attend graduate school for psychology in order to eventually work with special needs children, or if she’d rather delve straight into publishing and editing after Gustavus. No matter what she chooses, her friends say her dedication and unique interests will secure her success.
“She is dedicated to learning about anything that interests her and she is always on the lookout for an adventure,” Junior Ashley Haller said.
When she finds free time, Addies likes to read, listen to different music, watch TV, bike, and hang out with friends. Her fondest memories have been made star tipping on the Gustavus soccer field with her core group of friends.
“Addie will go to the mat for her friends. She can always make us laugh and bring a smile to our day. She’s very involved in the Gustavus community and she is always willing to help others out,” Schiltz said.
In the rest of her time at college, Addie says her one goal is solidification.
“I’m at a stage in which it’s important for me to solidify. I want to solidify my knowledge, goals, and relationships. When I leave I won’t make many more safety nets for myself so I think it’s important to solidify the ones I have now,” Addie said.
While she’s focusing on existing relationships, Addie also says that she wants to always continue to make more.
“Those who don’t know Addie should get to know her. She is a wonderful friend and a kind and thoughtful listener. While her energy is contagious and uplifting, she is very apt to notice when someone’s day might not be going the best,” Junior Hannah Walters said.
-Jaurdyn Dobler
