When asked about their first impression of Junior Haley Coller, every one of her friends answered that they were immediately drawn toward her genuine and contagious laughter. As each of them grew closer to Haley, it didn’t take long to realize that she has the personality and heart to match.
“The first time I met Haley, I had just gotten to campus and she was one of the Greeters. I saw her in the cafeteria with her greeter group and the very first thing I noticed about her was her joyous and very loud laughter. I quickly got the impression that she is someone who is very genuine and not afraid to show who she is,” First-year Judith Gabriel said.

While she has her own secure niche within the Gustavus community now, which she uses to help others fit in, Haley owes a lot of her leadership ability to her experience with Gustie Greeters.
“It’s challenged me to grow the most in terms of leadership qualities and communication skills. I’ve also become passionate about helping people transition and find their place within the community. I love helping and watching people grow from their shy, first-year selves, to members and sometimes even leaders in the community,” Haley said.
One of Haley’s biggest values is relationship building. Any of the free time she finds is spent with friends and acquaintances practicing meaningful conversation in order to genuinely get to know people.

“I quickly got the impression that she is someone who is very genuine and not afraid to show who she is.”—Judith Gabrie

“I would describe her personality as both authentic and intentional. Haley has countless friends not only across campus, but also across the globe because of her ability to invest in the lives of the people around her with a genuine interest in their wellbeing and to help people live out their unique contribution to this world. She’s a testament to what servant-leadership looks like,” Junior Breanna Schlegel said.
If she’s not spending time getting to know people, she busy with her Public Accounting and Political Science majors as well as the various organizations she’s involved in. She is a Gustie Greeter, treasurer of the Pan-Afrikan Student Organization, member of Gustavus Women and Leadership, Accounting Club, Model United Nations president, and Peer Career Advisor.
“Haley deserves Gustie of the Week because of all of her dedication and efforts inside and outside Gustavus. She is a key part of the community. She’s involved in so many things that help others and her hard work is inspiring,” Junior Sofia Huitron said.

“She’s a testament to what servant-leadership looks like.“—Breanna Schlegel

Still, Haley strives to create a meaningful legacy.
“If I’m considered to be a leader of campus, I think it’s very important to leave a legacy for people to look up to. I want to continue to be who I am and influence lives in the ways that I have been. Even if my legacy is only remembered by a small group of people who I influenced positively, I’ll be content,” Haley said.
After college, Haley says she would like to take a year off to explore the world, then she’ll decide what direction she’d like to take her career. She prides herself in being adaptable and has confidence that she’ll figure life out as she moves along.
“She has big plans to go big places and be very successful and I have no doubt in my mind that, that is exactly what she will do. So many Gusties can learn from Haley just like I have,” Sophomore Hannah Markquart said.