Few people have involved themselves in the Gustavus community as much as Lucio Gonzalez.  Lucio is a junior Political Science and Philosophy double major from Inglewood, California.  He chose Gustavus particularly for the Political Science department and wanted the adventure of going to college far from home.  Lucio is heavily involved on campus in a variety of ways. He currently holds three different on-campus jobs, … Continue reading Gustie of the Week: Lucio Gonzalez

The Gustavus community is fortunate to have well-rounded students who live up to the five pillars of the college: excellence, community, justice, service, and faith. Junior Zachary “Zach” Diedrich adheres to all these values, as he is an accurate representation of the pure goodness that Gustavus has to offer.  “Zach Diedrich approaches every situation with the perfect amount of charisma and thoughtfulness. He is passionate … Continue reading Gustie of the Week – Zach Diedrich

Shaun Gilyard is about as active on campus as any Gustavus student. Shaun is a senior Economics major, specifically focused on financial economics, who is truly engaged in the Gustavus community. Lately, Shaun has been focused on off-campus research. He spent his summer doing research with some Gustavus faculty members in the Economics department.  They were lucky enough to receive a research grant and Shaun … Continue reading Gustie of the Week – Shaun Gilyard

Patricia English, an Associate Professor in the Communication Studies Department, is currently celebrating her eighteenth year teaching at Gustavus. Well-beloved on the Hill, she is known among her dear colleagues and students as Patty. On campus, Patty teaches Intercultural, Interpersonal, and Small-group Communication and her studies focus on Intercultural Communication and Performance studies.  Patty considers herself a curious person, always eager to learn about new … Continue reading Gustie of the Week – Patricia English

At the age of nineteen, college sophomore, double major, double minor, Amanda or Mandii Braun heads to meeting with politician, Jeff Brand.  For her, this is a normal Tuesday afternoon.  Braun grew up in the suburbs of the Twin Cities. Coming from Bloomington Minn. Bruan hadn’t thought she would achieve her dream of being highly active in the political world.   Her freshman year of … Continue reading Gustie of the Week – Mandii Braun

Senior Rafay Arshad came to Gustavus from Pakistan three years ago, aspiring to endeavor in the unknown and his understanding of different cultures and people. Since coming to Gustavus, Mr. Arshad has developed multiple meaningful relationships and participated in several co- curricular activities on campus, including Student Senate and Building Bridges. Arshad shares that he most values the meaningful relationships that he has developed and … Continue reading Gustie of the Week – Rafay Arshad

Junior Joyce Amakoue is the epitome of a person who makes the most of every day. Originally born in the West African nation of Togo, Joyce and her family came to Minnesota in 2002, and currently reside in the city of Bloomington. This past week, Joyce traveled from Bloomington to Gustavus to begin training to become a Gustie Greeter and welcome the Class of 2022 to … Continue reading Gustie of the Week – Joyce Amakoue

In just a few short years as a physics professor at Gustavus, Dr. Darsa Donelan has become a pillar of the Gustie community. Her excellence in the physics field, dedication to her students, and altruistic engagement in campus life make Darsa stand out as an excellent professor. Between her roles as professor, adviser for Queers & Allies, A Moment of Magic, and the Society of … Continue reading Gustie of the Week – Darsa Donelan

From the tennis court to excelling in his classes, Patrick Whaling is a great example of a Golden Gustie. Patrick is currently a Junior business management major and coaching minor on campus and is an active member of the Gustavus community. Patrick is grateful for his experience both on the Men’s Tennis team and working with organizations on campus like Big Partner Little Partner. “I … Continue reading Gustie of the Week – Patrick Whaling

As a tour guide for the admissions office, Elise Stepka is an expert in all things Gustavus.  When prospective students ask about her favorite aspects of college life, Elise is proud to always have an answer ready due to her love of the campus feel and the programs Gustavus has to offer.  “The community aspect is really nice,” Elise said. “Gustavus is the perfect size … Continue reading Gustie of the Week – Elise Stepka