Since the sixth grade, Junior Bobby Rasmussen had always dreamed of attending Indiana’s University of Notre Dame. It wasn’t until he received the letter of rejection that he gave Gustavus a chance, weary of following in the footsteps of his brother, who had also attended Gustavus. Reflecting back on his experiences Bobby says if any other college were to call him, including Notre Dame, he’d respectfully decline.
“Gustavus has become my second home. There aren’t many other places where you can make the connections with people that you do here. For example, I’ve built such a great relationship with my Spanish professor that he called me on my 21st birthday to sing to me. I would never give that up,” Bobby said.
While he doesn’t consider himself the most naturally outgoing person at Gustavus, Bobby’s work ethic and caring personality have helped him shape his own important niche within the community.
“Bobby has taken on an exemplary leadership role at this college in terms of academics and involvement. He is a great leader and a true friend. In my mind, the honor of Gustie of the Week could not be awarded to a more deserving individual,” Junior Kyle Krzmarzick said.
Bobby is involved with Student Senate, now elected for co-presidency alongside Sam Panzer, Gustavus Ambassadors, the Accounting Club, the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, and he’s a spotter for the gymnastics team. He says that Student Senate has had the biggest impact on him. Bobby enjoys giving back to the community by helping students have their voices heard.
“Bobby serves as a role model to other students.”—Kathi Tunheim
“Bobby has dedicated himself to not only making sure he receives the most complete Gustavus experience, but equally, he is ensuring that all other Gusties are getting the same. As an advisor and member of the staff I have not only gotten to see how intentional Bobby is about doing good work, but have witnessed the strength of his peer relationships and how they support him,” Assistant Director of the Gustavus Annual Fund Benjamin Smith said.
As a public accounting major with a minor in religion, Bobby works very hard to balance everything he’s involved in alongside school. However, he still finds time to step back and have fun as well.
“Bobby has one of the best personalities of anyone I know. He presents himself as a very educated, well-spoken individual and this is very representative of who he is. However, he is also extremely caring and loves to have fun. School is definitely important to him but he routinely preaches that the college experience is much more than classes and exams,” Junior Kyle Krzmarzick said.
Bobby believes that making connections and gaining life experiences are equally important to studying and working toward good grades here at Gustavus. Bobby says that in the time that he has left here he wants to focus on spending more time just having fun with good company.
“I tend to get tied up with being super involved. I think I’ve done a good job of being involved and I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished, but it’s really important to relax with friends. I think it’s important for all of us to just take a step back and look at the big picture. Find time to enjoy our lives,” Bobby said.
Whether he’s spending time with friends or working in one of his many activities, those who know Bobby are excited to see the rest of his future unravel, confident of its positive direction.
“I think Bobby serves as a role model to other students: he engages, he listens, he leads and he gets results. It will be fun to see where Bobby goes in life after graduating from college. I predict he will accomplish great things in the world, not only at work, but in his community as well,” Associate Professor and Board of Trustees Endowed Chair in Management Kathi Tunheim said.
-Jaurdyn Dobler
