A word with Dr. Smith

Dr. Leonard Smith, emeritus professor of history at California Lutheran University and a former professor at Luther College, is scheduled to deliver two presentations on the Gustavus campus as part of a publicity tour for his new book Religion and the Rise of History: Martin Luther and the Cultural Revolution in Germany, 1760-1810, available in the Book Mark. The first lecture, titled “Teaching the Idea … Continue reading A word with Dr. Smith

CAB changes nomination process for Homecoming Court

Last year, some students may have noticed a change during Homecoming Week: the seniors were not asked for their Homecoming Court nominations. Instead, the faculty, administration and staff were asked for Homecoming Court nominations. The court is then selected by tallying the nominations, and the five most nominated men and five most nominated women make up the homecoming court. After the selection of the court, … Continue reading CAB changes nomination process for Homecoming Court

Sophia Backman: Getting the education of a lifetime

Sophia Backman, a senior international management and Spanish major, has spent half her college career traveling around the world. Her experiences have brought her into contact with many cultures and has encouraged her to improve the world around her. Sophia’s version of first-year orientation consisted of meeting students speaking a variety of languages all from very different backgrounds on her flight to Franklin College, an … Continue reading Sophia Backman: Getting the education of a lifetime

Crowd favorite Ari Herstand returns to Gustavus for another performance

Ever since his first performance opening for Ben Folds two years ago, singer/songwriter Ari Herstand has become a favorite performer on campus. “I was able to see Ari last year when he performed here in the Courtyard Café. He has a great voice and plays many instruments … well,” Sophomore Political Science Major Jen Fox said. 23-year-old Herstand is perhaps best known for his incredible … Continue reading Crowd favorite Ari Herstand returns to Gustavus for another performance

Gustavus welcomes alumni for Homecoming Weekend

Whether you are a first-year, an international student, a transfer student, an alumnus, a staff member, a sophomore, a junior, a senior or community member, you have to admit there is something special about the Gustavus campus. Wherever you go, you are never in want of a friendly face at Gustavus. It therefore only seems natural that many people proudly call this campus home. This … Continue reading Gustavus welcomes alumni for Homecoming Weekend

Harvest season proves bountiful

It’s harvest season and Big Hill Student Farm is in full bloom. Throughout the summer and all of this semester, the farm interns have been keeping themselves busy in order to produce crops for the Market Place. Established in early 2009 by Gustavus alumni Eliza Swedenborg ‘09 and Cat Wiechmann ‘09, the Big Hill Student Farm is located in the Linnaeus Arboretum. “Our mission is … Continue reading Harvest season proves bountiful

Minnesota’s niceties: staring at the floor

Minnesota Nice is a definite piece of Gustavus culture. During my three years here, I have come to conclude that Minnesota Nice is perhaps a complete representation of Gustavian culture; the good and the bad aspects of Minnesota Nice define the Gustavian identity. But what exactly is “Minnesota Nice?” It is a term that can be used positively or derisively, alternately implying genuine politeness or … Continue reading Minnesota’s niceties: staring at the floor

Take a moment to breathe in the present

It’s a gorgeous day atop the Hill, the Old Main clock ticks away steadily, and the question flies out of our mouths: Howareya? As the wind brushes up the autumn leaves, this salutation is immediately overtaken by a mission to beat the clock. Hanging in the air is a conversation about someone’s unique and present well-being. How do we treat the answer—as if we’ve heard … Continue reading Take a moment to breathe in the present