Staff Writer- Alex Ogle

This week’s Gusties of the Week are partners Ben and Alicia Hilding. The Hildings currently share the positions of Dean of Christ Chapel and Chaplain of the College, where they provide spiritual support, preside over worship services, and facilitate spiritual growth opportunities for everyone within the Gustavus community. Both of the Hildings are Gustie alumni, with Ben holding a B.A. in Religion with a minor in Studio Art, and Alicia a B.A. in Psychology. After graduating with their respective degrees, they attended seminary school together and went on to work in various positions in and outside of the church before coming back to Gustavus in the Summer of 2025.

When the Hildings first came to Gustavus as students, they came for different reasons. Alicia remembers being moved at the sight of Christ Chapel in the center of campus, which, along with the strong athletics and music departments, firmly rooted her in her desire to attend the school. Benjamin had been familiar with Gustavus his whole life; his grandfather taught mathematics at the school for decades; however, he was still a bit hesitant to attend. But through the application process, Benjamin realized that Gustavus fully received him for who he was, and decided to enroll.

Once they graduated, the importance of Gustavus in the Hildings’ lives remained. They attended Christmas in Christ Chapel, became part of various boards, and concerned themselves with student life. When the opportunity arose to apply for Chaplain, they were hesitant to leave the beautiful community they had built outside of Gustavus. But, with nudging from a few trustworthy people, and trusting the communal process of discernment, the Hildings entered happily into their joint roles as Chaplain.

The Gustavus community has continuously welcomed the couple with open arms, giving them so many memorable moments that they are eternally grateful for.

“I’m hesitant to highlight anything; it’s all been so meaningful,” Alicia stated.

There have been a few noteworthy moments that continue to influence the lives of Alicia and Ben. Ben recalls his senior year, when his religion advisor, Darrell Jodock, invited him and Alicia into his office, just one month after they married. Professor Jodock encouraged them to attend seminary school – a doctoral program for religious leaders– offering his unwavering belief in their ability to complete it together. That moment set their lives on their current path, Ben stated, and without the motivation from people like Professor Jodock, they are unsure if they would still be where they are today.

The search process for Chaplain was also designed in a very memorable way, Alicia noted. Through the selection process, the couple got to know the community and bridge connections before they even started. They are constantly reminded of how not just one, but many people have helped them on their journey.

“I won’t name an individual because for me it’s truly a web. A collection of relationships that together have shaped me and molded me into the person I’m called to be today,” Ben stated.

Not only have the Hildings experienced the everlasting kindness of the Gustavus community, they have also contributed to it. No one knows this better than Gustavus Associate Vice President of Mission and Executive Chaplain Grady St. Dennis who has known the couple for many years, even going back to their time as students. St. Dennis remembers many positive experiences with Alicia and Ben, noting their involvement in Christmas in Christ Chapel and various leadership positions they held within the school, demonstrating the passion and hard-working mindset that they bring to the Gustavus community.

“Chaplain Alicia and Chaplain Ben are gifted leaders and deeply thoughtful pastors. Gustavus is fortunate to have them as spiritual leaders for the campus community,” St. Dennis commented.

As they continue their lives back on The Hill, the Hildings hope to give back to the community as much as they can. They want to genuinely invest in others without transaction, care for the community, and value each person at the school. Alicia spoke of the fact that everyone has a calling that the world needs, and through listening and affirmation, they hope to help others recognize their callings.

Many are excited to see the impact the Hildings will make on the school. Senior Eva McClelland, who sat on the Hildings call committee and works in the Chaplain’s office, notices the welcoming and passionate work of the Hildings to bring a spark of faith onto campus.

“I think that the Hildings will be bringing back a spark to the roots of Gustavus’ faith life on campus. Whether one belongs to the ELCA tradition or not, they will feel a part of this community thanks to their work to get to know each and every student that crosses their path!” McClelland said.

But most excited of all are the Hildings, who recognize the importance of Gusties in and outside the school community. Having met many Gustavus alumni who hold communal leadership roles, they know the importance of keeping the caring, encouraging culture of Gustavus alive. The Hildings are aware of the greater impact it could have.

“I believe in Gustavus. I believe that what happens here matters for the sake of the world. There’s no place I’d rather be,” Ben stated.