Jenna Anderson-

This week’s Gustie of the Week is Mark Hanson ‘83, Recreation Program Coordinator. Hanson has a BA in Environmental Studies from Gustavus, and an MA in Experiential Education from Mankato State University. He coached the Men’s Basketball team for 36 years and has previously served as a mentor and advisor for the Title IX office. Outside of Gustavus, he enjoys fly-fishing, canoeing, birding, golf, and many other outdoor activities as well as being a member of the St. Peter Ambassadors in town. 

Hanson came to Gustavus in 1979, after taking a gap year in which he canoeed and biked from Minnesota to New Orleans, Louisiana. During his time at Gustavus, he was recognized as the most prolific scorer in the history of Gustavus basketball, scoring an average of 20.4 points per game his junior year. He was inducted into the Gustavus Athletics Hall of Fame in 1998. In addition to his basketball career, he hiked the Appalachian Trail during his senior year. After graduating, he spent a year abroad playing professional basketball in Sweden, then returned for grad school in Mankato, when he was asked to be an assistant basketball coach at Gustavus.

Hanson’s career in recreation started from the numerous outdoor interests he loves with his master’s degree paper on developing a recreation program at Gustavus. When thinking about what he’s most proud of from his time at Gustavus, Hanson states that “I would like to think that I have been part of building a very strong basketball program and a recreation program that has added to Gustavus students’ experiences.” The Recreation Office is well-loved by students for its amazing opportunities such as lots of trips and workshops with camping, kayaking, rock climbing, and much more. “He is remarkably inquisitive, especially about the natural world. No one I know asks more thoughtful questions than Mark does,” Chair of the MCS department and good friend of Hanson, Thomas LoFaro, said.

One of Hanson’s favorite experiences at Gustavus was making it to the Final Four with the Men’s Basketball team in 2003 and placing second in the nation. He was named MIAC Coach of the Year eight times, having a 519-308 win-loss record as a coach. In the 2020-21 season, he ranked 11th in career victories among all active Division III coaches. “Mark embodies all of the best attributes of a Gustie. As a student, coach, and teacher, Mark always puts the community as the top priority. He seems to know everyone and values their contributions to the Gustavus community,” LoFaro said. 

Well known for his positive spirit and love for nature, Mark Hanson ‘83 is a prime example of what it means to be a Gustie; passionate, friendly, and welcoming. “Gustavus has always been about the people for me. I value the strong friendships I have from my time as a student and think the mentoring and involvement with students through a career as a coach and recreation coordinator have continued to make me feel strongly that we are producing great Gusties,” Hanson said.