Staff Writer- Nhi Le The “overinvolved Gustie” is widely seen as a badge of honor on campus. For many students, a packed schedule is the norm, and burnout is simply accepted as a collegiate rite of passage. Senior Music major Drew Lyford, focusing on euphonium performance and music composition, knows this lifestyle all too well. But as he navigates his final year on the hill, … Continue reading GoW: Drew Lyford

Staff Writer- Nhi Lee Photo Credits: Sebastian Ellis Altoro “My favorite thing about Professor Lang is that his door is genuinely always open,” Senior Clark Decaire said. “He has indulged me in talking about other classes, filmmaking, professional advice and more. He is an embodiment of all the things college should be for students.” This accessibility defines the teaching philosophy of Professor of Communication Studies … Continue reading GoW: Martin Lang

Staff Writer- Cora Hess Photo credits: August Marcusen The first Gustie of the Week of the 2026-2027 academic school year is Senior Laura Sunnarborg. As she begins her final year at Gustavus, Sunnarborg has thoroughly involved herself on campus. She is a member of the Cross Country and Track and Field team, the Student Senate Co-President, the Model United Nations Co-President, the Gustavus Empowered Leaders … Continue reading GoW: Laura Sunnarborg

Staff Writer- Cora Hess This week’s Gustie of the Week is Senior Micah Lesch. As he finishes off his final year, Lesch is keeping busy on campus. He is a member of the Gustavus Student Senate, Men’s Soccer, Political Science Club, and the Mentorship Leadership Team. He was formerly a Board of Trustees Student Experience Committee Representative and a Peer Career Advisor.  After watching his … Continue reading GoW: Micah Lesch

Staff Writer- Amelia Dewberry This week’s Gustie of the Week is Meg Balfanz, known for her infectious laugh and unique skills. Balfanz first came to Gustavus as a Biology major because she was drawn to Nobel Hall on her campus tour and enjoyed the subject in high school. Since then, she has appreciated that “every single professor in that department is so personable and friendly … Continue reading GoW: Meg Balfanz

Variety Editor- Colleen Coleman This week’s Gustie of the Week is Dr. Amy Vizenor, Grace and Bertil Pehrson Endowed Associate Professor of Education. Vizenor has been with the Education Department since 2001, starting as Admissions and Field Experience Coordinator and teaching courses as needed. After briefly leaving to finish her doctoral dissertation and support her growing family, she has been at Gustavus full-time since 2009, … Continue reading GOW: Amy Vizenor

Staff Writer- Cora Hess This week’s Gustie of the Week is the Assistant Director of the Chaplains’ Office, Jodi Maas. Maas, a member of Sensemaking and Storytelling Circle, a Vocation Ambassador, and part of the First Generation community, is very involved around campus. Her job in the Chaplain’s Office consists of managing Chapel and Chill, Lunch and Learn programming, the Gustie Pantry, and working alongside … Continue reading GoW: Jodi Maas

Staff Writer- Amelia Dewberry This week’s Gustie of the Week is Senior Brandon Wilcek. Wilcek is highly visible on campus as a Swim and Dive Captain, Gustie Greeter, Captain of a Caring Hands team, Co-President of Pre-Physician Assistant Club, and a member of Pediatric Cancer Outreach Crew and Tri-Beta.  For Wilcek, involvement in student organizations has been essential to his Gustavus experience. “They all allow … Continue reading GoW: Brandon Wilcek

Staff Writer- Cora Hess This week’s Gustie of the Week is Professor of Communication Studies, Patrica English-Schneider. Professor English-Schneider, who has been a member of the Gustavus community since 2001, is involved with several committees on campus. These include the Personnel Committee and the Lambda Pi Eta Honor Society, which recognizes excellent studies within the Communication Studies Major.  “I came to Gustavus in 2001 and … Continue reading GoW: Patty English-Schneider

Staff Writer- Amelia Dewberry Soren Sackreiter This week’s Gustie of the Week is Professor of Political Science, African Studies, and LALACS, and Co-director of Peace Studies, Mimi Gerstbauer. Dr. Gerstbauer teaches a variety of classes related to international relations, Latin American politics, and peace studies.  Dr. Gerstbauer first studied Political Science at Wheaton College in Illinois, where she had a formative study away experience in … Continue reading GOtW: Mimi Gerstbauer