Joy Dunna likes to start off her day by thinking, “I am alive, I am awake, I am alert, I am enthusiastic!” With her positive mindset, she makes the most of every day and is able to brighten up the people around her, as well as the campus at Gustavus Adolphus College. Joy grew up in Saint Paul, Minnesota and attended Hill Murray High School … Continue reading Gustie of the Week – Joy Dunna

She is a mathematician, a musician, and maybe most importantly, motivated. “She combines humor, wit, silliness, passion and focus into everything she does. She doesn’t let challenges and mistakes overcome her and she always figures a way out to overcome them as well as help others overcome their own challenges,” Savannah Maynard said. If you have ever met Olivia Niles, you know this describes her … Continue reading Gustie of the Week – Olivia Niles

Jared Morningstar has made Gustavus his home and as he gets ready to graduate, our community can see his positive influence on campus. The Gustie senior from Stillwater, Minnesota fully embraces the versatility of a liberal arts education, currently majoring in Religion and Scandinavian Studies with a minor in Music. The variety of Swedish opportunities offered at Gustavus originally drew him here. After a few … Continue reading Gustie of the Week – Jared Morningstar

Chances are, if you have not been taught by, worked with, or even met her, you have heard the name Yurie Hong around Gustavus. Yurie is described by those who know her well as a caring, ambitious, and energetic person. “[Yurie] is the kind of professor I aspire to be: wicked smart, deeply curious about everything around her, able to effortlessly recognize and communicate important … Continue reading Gustie of the Week – Yurie Hong

Trina Rinke originally chose to attend Gustavus after visiting the college many times to watch her older siblings play sports. By the time it came to make her own college decision, there was no question. Trina had already fallen in love with Gustavus. “I was hooked before I even started any college visits,” Trina said. A member of the women’s soccer team, Trina was looking … Continue reading Gustie of the Week – Trina Rinke

Funny, caring, and dedicated; the words that junior, Daniel Barnes’ closest friends would use to describe him. Daniel spent most of his upbringing in Lund, Sweden, however, as an eighth grader, he moved to Shanghai, China with his family for two years. He returned to Sweden and remained there until graduation. After graduation, he traveled 4,330 miles and ended up here at Gustavus after discovering … Continue reading Gustie of the Week – Daniel Barnes

One look at Senior Liz Toeben’s busy schedule may scare off the faint of heart, but for Toeben it is nothing short of normal; Liz thrives in her involvement with campus clubs and organizations. Toeben went to school in both Milaca and Sartell, MN, but graduated from Sartell High School. She took a chance at Gustavus and accepted admission without even touring the campus. “It … Continue reading Gustie of the Week – Liz Toeben

Junior Charlie Barnhouse excels at representing what it means to be a Gustie. He is involved in many activities and organizations on campus and maintains a busy schedule. Barnhouse is from Princeton, MN and graduated from Cambridge High School. He is a double major in Biology and Music with honors in music composition. When Charlie is not in class he keeps himself busy in the … Continue reading Gustie of the Week – Charlie Barnhouse

Senior TJ Zemlin originally chose Gustavus, after graduating from Eden Prairie High School, to study biology and chemistry. However, once on campus he decided to go a completely different route. Zemlin declared his major in music education. The catalyst for his reaction? “I decided bio-chem wasn’t as much fun, so instead I’d go for music. Plus I had been thinking about being an educator for … Continue reading Gustie of the Week – TJ Zemlin

Four years ago Edward Snowden released thousands of documents about the National Security Agency’s monitoring of innocent American citizens in addition to countless world leaders. Four years ago President Jack Ohle announced his retirement from Gustavus and the search for current President Becky Bergman had begun. Four years ago Chaplain Brian Konkol started his career at Gustavus. And now, four years later, Brian has announced … Continue reading Gustie of the Week – Brian Konkol