Staff Writer- Cora Hess

This week’s Gustie of the Week is Eva McClelland. As she comes to a close on her final year at Gustavus, Senior McClelland, a double major in Religion and Sociology/Anthropology, is involved throughout campus. Outside of classes, McClelland keeps herself busy as a member of the Gustavus Choir, Delta Phi Omega, Legacy A Cappella, Sunday Worship Community, and as a worker in the Chaplain’s Office. 

Ever since high school, McClelland has had a desire to further her faith. She shared her plan that she’s had since high school. 

“I have been planning on going into pastoral ministry since high school, and these two majors have really given me the preparation I need for thinking critically about theology, my faith, and the role that both play in the larger world.” McClelland shared.

Aside from school, McClelland loves to read for fun when she doesn’t have readings for classes. She is a server at Olive Garden and enjoys hanging out with the friends she has made through the different organizations she is involved in. 

Executive Chaplain, Grady St. Dennis, has known McClelland since she was a freshman in high school. He met her when she first attended the Gustavus Faith, Science, and Ethics Camp. She has worked in the Chaplain’s Office for all four years, which St. Dennis exclaims has created another amazing connection. 

“Eva McClelland is a bright light who not only shines but helps others to shine bright as well. To me, this is a truly special gift that brings so much goodness to our community.” St. Dennis shared. 

After attending the camp all four years of high school, McClelland worked as a camp counselor for the past three years at Gustavus. 

“One of my favorite things about Gustavus, and what has kept me here, is the community, cliché answer, I know, but it truly is what makes GAC special. We do such an excellent job of connecting students with faculty and staff on a personal basis, and have such a network of Gusties outside of campus that we can always turn to!” McClelland shared. 

While reflecting on her time at Gustavus, McClelland describes how her choice of major will help her future aspirations.

“I am set to begin seminary at Luther Seminary this upcoming fall! Applying sociology into ministry is important because we come across people of various walks of life; knowing how the greater society impacts them and vice versa can help to navigate the best way to serve them,” McClelland shared. 

A member of her sorority, Junior Paige Hendricks, met McClelland at an informal sorority event two years ago and said they clicked right away.

“I think something special about Eva is how she can make connections with anyone. She is able to meet a random person and walk away with a best friend. She radiates positivity and truly cares about the people in her life.” Hendricks shared.

There is only positivity being spread wherever McClelland goes, and she makes sure to spread that through whatever she is involved in or pursues.

“One of Eva’s biggest strengths is her ability to listen to others and be a team player. In our sorority, I have seen her as a co-chair for numerous positions, and her co-chairs only have good things to say. She is always doing things for the bigger picture and for the good of others.” Hendricks exclaimed. 

While being involved in many things around campus, McClelland shares what she is most proud of from her time at Gustavus.

“In the various leadership roles I have held in my involvement on campus, I would say that I am most proud of the ways in which I have worked to uplift others, helping them to shine and grow into the excellent people and leaders that they are and are becoming. In short, I am so proud of the people I have worked with, and I am excited to see how they continue this form of ‘ground-up’ and ‘meeting where they’re at’ leadership.” McClelland expressed.

There is something special about McClelland that St. Dennis speaks fondly about. 

“Eva is a hard worker and [a] positive presence. She is organized, other-focused, and down to earth. A big skill of Eva’s is how she has learned the fine art of leading strong while also knowing when to follow and share leadership.” St. Dennis shared. 

While she moves through the next courses of her life, McClelland reflects on her memories at Gustavus.

“My favorite memories are most definitely those informal hangouts with friends, where we maybe stay up a little too late in order to have deep conversations or sing along to our favorite songs.” McClelland expressed.

While McClelland prepares to move on from her college experience, she shares advice she would give her first-year self that might also impact other first-year students. 

“I would tell my first-year self to trust in the process and trust in yourself, because everything is going to work out. Give yourself some grace, be patient, and truly truly revel in every special moment. It is true what they say (I didn’t believe it until recently), that four years go by in the blink of an eye.” McClelland states.

Everybody around McClelland only has positive things to share about her, proving that she will leave an impact on Gustavus even after she leaves to pursue her aspirations. 

“When Eva is around, she has a way of making everyone feel seen and included.” St. Dennis added. 

“She is a sweetheart and the absolute best person ever!” Hendricks shared.