Jared Morningstar has made Gustavus his home and as he gets ready to graduate, our community can see his positive influence on campus.

The Gustie senior from Stillwater, Minnesota fully embraces the versatility of a liberal arts education, currently majoring in Religion and Scandinavian Studies with a minor in Music.

The variety of Swedish opportunities offered at Gustavus originally drew him here. After a few years of studying the language on his own, Gustavus allowed him to “continue [Swedish studies] in a more formalized setting” Jared said.

The thriving music department also contributed to his interest, where Jared now plays French horn in the Gustavus Wind Orchestra and Brass Choir.

On campus, Jared is known for his constructive involvement and genuine interest in making meaningful connections. As the co-founder and current co-president of the Interfaith Lodge, Jared has started a precedent of progress in religious acceptance at Gustavus.

“[He] becomes fully invested in whatever projects [he] takes on,” Senior Walker Pearson, Jared’s close friend, said.

Along with religious acceptance,  Jared is fully invested in the connections he makes as well.  In an environment where most students live with tunnel vision—on academics, social life, or activities—Jared dares to put aside his ego and make sure everyone feels included.

“I remember him always inviting first years to the first Fikas of the year when he lived in Swedish House,” Oakley Clark, co-founder of the Interfaith Lodge alongside Jared, said. “He made Fika a great place to meet people on campus”.

“He always has time to listen to personal stores and gives great advice, [but can also] discuss abstract topics like politics, philosophy, and religion.” — Walker Pearson

His friends know Jared as an avid conversationalist, willing to discuss anything. Clark praises his “unique perspectives on a number of topics,” admitting that he “certainly always [learns] something from him when [they] chat”.

Pearson’s opinions align very similarly, adding that “he always has time to listen to personal stories and gives great advice, [but can also] discuss abstract topics like politics, philosophy, and religion.”

In addition to his involvement in music and interfaith pursuits, Jared also stays engaged in the on-campus Libertarian Party organizations.

One of Jared’s favorite memories from Gustavus occurred in his sophomore year when he went to a political conference in Chicago with Clark and other friends.  His academic engagement in discussion stems from a well-rounded background of interests in a variety of subjects.

While many students know Jared as a great friend, faculty Professor Fuad Naeem notes his excellence as a scholar. “Jared is extremely attentive. He’s easily one of the most prepared [and engaged] students I’ve had, ” Naeem said.

This excellence shows in Jared’s holistic eagerness to learn, a trait Naeem finds very impressive. “He’s always on top of it, not just to get a grade, [but] because of a true love for learning.”

Naeem can’t help but notice Jared’s strong character outside of the classroom as well, proving his excellence as a student but also as “a thoughtful human being.” Professor Naeem himself has heard from students—even international students—how kind hearted Jared is.

Jared possesses a powerful passion for both learning new things and showing others altruistic kindness, regardless of class, color, or creed.

This wholesome thirst for knowledge and meaningful connection is apparent in Jared just by sitting down and having a short conversation with him. “Things that you do [as a student] matter,” Jared said, reflecting on lessons learned at Gustavus.

“He’s always very ontop of it, not just to get a grade, [but] because of a love for learning.” — Professor Faud Naeem

“Sure, you’re going to college so you can—hopefully—get a better job, [but] the ideas you’re encountering here also matter.” He goes on to emphasize the importance of using information gained in college as a way to foster character within oneself; a way of connecting with others, rather than a ‘means to an end.’

As far as his plans for the future are concerned, Jared is currently applying for graduate admission at University of Chicago, where he hopes to pursue a Master’s Degree in Humanities.

Jared Morningstar will be leaving Gustavus with a legacy of outstanding involvement. His groundbreaking work with the Interfaith Lodge and his selfless regard for the people in his life is overwhelmingly apparent, whether you’re his closest friend or merely an acquaintance.

Jared hasn’t simply established himself here as a student, but as an insightful scholar, supportive friend, and compassionate human being.