Emma Kelsey – Staff Writer

This week’s Gustie of the Week is a Gustie Greeter, member of Gustavus Symphony Orchestra, Writing Center Tutor and Team Lead, Swedish Language tutor, and Co-Chair of Building Bridges. A Scandinavian Studies and History double major Junior Mad Chase reaches for her passions whilst making an impact here on The Hill.
While Chase is involved in many orgs and activities here on campus, Building Bridges specifically holds a special place in her heart. It is an organization where she has “been able to explore so many facets of social justice both in research and action” Chase said. With the Building Bridges conference coming up on Saturday, March 5, Chase is excited to share the culmination of the organization’s hard work.

The conference is a month-long process, involving a lot of time and effort. This group has put much time and effort into this conference, which will tackle the important issue of education and bias in today’s world.

Chase and her co-chair Elizabeth Hartmann especially have put much effort into making sure the conference is a success. Coming up with the title of the conference, Knowledge is Power: Dismantling Systematic Bias in Educational Institutions, and organizing keynote speakers, Dr. Michelle Tovar and Dr. Christian Uwe, are just a few examples of the many responsibilities they have taken on. Chase is excited to see the group’s efforts come together for the conference.
Through her involvement in orgs like Building Bridges, and her classes, Chase says this year has been fantastic for her. Being able to connect with the campus in a number of ways, she has made priceless memories with the people around her here at Gustavus.

Chase says her favorite part of Gustavus is easily the student body, which constantly amazes her with its commitment to positive change.

And though campus may not be completely back to normal, to Chase, every event taking place through campus has brought back more of the community, one bit at a time, and for that, she expresses incredible gratitude.

Chase takes pride in the work and dedication her fellow Gusties show to the future of the world and the college of Gustavus itself.

“From protests regarding the abrupt ending of Gustavus-Indigenous relations last year, renaming The Arb, the LC Bloc Party in The Center to climate justice strikes, Fridays for our Future, and Lyrical Café events– Gusties are changing the culture of the world and the campus.” Chase said.

She adds that though the campus isn’t perfect and work remains to be done, amazing peers and friends have helped make Gustavus the place it is today–“a fantastic place to be and to learn”.
Chase loves being able to witness what her fellow Gusties have to offer as change-makers and students, and can’t wait to see what they have in store for the rest of the semester. She will also continue to follow her own passions on campus in order to make a difference as an ardent leader, musician, student, and friend in the Gustavus community.