As a first-year student at Gustavus, Matt Rasmussen had his eyes set on a major in Computer Science, but like the typical college student, he soon found greater passions elsewhere. Unlike the average college student, those passions have brought him back to the Gustavus community more than 20 years later as Visiting Assistant Professor in English and a highly decorated poet. “Matt was in my … Continue reading GUSTIE of the WEEK: Matt Rasmussen

As a family oriented and somewhat introverted person, Junior Hayley Nemmers still gets sick for her home back in Des Moines, Iowa. However, as a social justice oriented leader and outgoing, cheerful student, Hayley has found herself a comfortable niche within the Gustavus community that she’s learned to appreciate as her home away from home. “Hayley encompasses all the pillars that Gustavus holds in high … Continue reading GUSTIE of the WEEK: Hayley Nemmers

Since the sixth grade, Junior Bobby Rasmussen had always dreamed of attending Indiana’s University of Notre Dame. It wasn’t until he received the letter of rejection that he gave Gustavus a chance, weary of following in the footsteps of his brother, who had also attended Gustavus. Reflecting back on his experiences Bobby says if any other college were to call him, including Notre Dame, he’d … Continue reading GUSTIE of the WEEK: Bobby Rasmussen

As a senior, Donte Curtis often reflects on his senior year in high school and his college application process. After being met with the same enthusiasm and hospitality that he now shares with others in the community, Donte believes that he didn’t choose Gustavus but rather, Gustavus chose him. “I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything, and I honestly don’t want to. I’m kind of … Continue reading GUSTIE of the WEEK: Donte Curtis

Senior Lesley Darling describes herself as “not the typical overly involved Gustie.” If you asked her for a list of the organizations she’s involved in on campus, this may seem accurate. However, if you dig a little deeper than the surface level titles and accolades, it’s very apparent that Lesley is just as valuable in the community as a student involved in six different organizations. … Continue reading GUSTIE of the WEEK: Lesley Darling

As a fourth generation Gustie and the ninth member of her family to attend Gustavus, Junior Addie Konnad had considered other colleges after high school with the support of her family, but says nowhere else compared to the friendliness and comfort of life on The Hill. “I had come to so many events growing up that I came to love the community and the environment. … Continue reading GUSTIE of the WEEK: Addie Konnad

Junior Jesse Brown is of the small percentage of students at Gustavus  who grew up right here in St. Peter. While many students yearn to get away from their hometown after high school, Jesse, who worked in the Gustavus cafeteria throughout high school, said that he never felt that desire, as he always had a deep appreciation for the community on  the hill. “I’d always … Continue reading GUSTIE of the WEEK: Jesse Brown

Growing up in Custer, South Dakota without many good friends, now Junior Allison Hosman remembers turning to books for comfort. In second grade she began reading the Harry Potter series and frequented the library so often that the librarians had memorized her number. To this day Allison continues to revisit the series every year and wears a Harry Potter tattoo with pride for the numerous … Continue reading GUSTIE of the WEEK: Allison Hosman

The double bass is the largest and lowest pitched bowed string instrument used in the modern symphony orchestra. It’s a sizeable challenge to play, easily met by the stronger fingered, broader-built stature of Senior Michael Eastwood, who began playing the double bass in 5th grade. “They had everyone try out all of these different instruments and pick whichever they wanted to play. I was drawn … Continue reading GUSTIE of the WEEK: Michael Eastwood

When Senior Matthew Spoden was a high school student sitting among his peers during a summer mission trip in the mountains of Colorado, he looked up at the stars. His eyes fixed on one particular star that seemed to be gazing back at him. As he continued to look at the stars he began to feel as if he was being watched. That’s when he … Continue reading GUSTIE of the WEEK: Matthew Spoden