When she was younger, Brita’s favorite activity was chasing the ice cream man. She now brings that same vivacious attitude to her campus endeavors. Her love of singing led her to become a member of the Gustavus Choir, and she also serves as a chapel apprentice. As a little girl,  Junior Nursing Major Brita Gilyard always knew she would one day become a Gustie. Her … Continue reading Brita Gilyard: Pursuing a passion for helping others

Junior Theatre and Political Science Major Kim Braun has always been interested in how she can change the world. Kim’s recent trip with Gustavus’ Social Justice, Peace and Development in India underlined how much change is needed, both in America and around the world. One of the things that impacted Kim the most was working with the local people, and people of the varying castes … Continue reading Kim Braun: Working for change

Senior Communication Arts and Literature Teaching Major Rebekah Schulz has a strong interest in foreign culture. She has explored  this interest at Gustavus; through an African studies program she helped lead, her leadership role with Building Bridges, Spanish composition tutoring and a special January Interim Experience course. Workshop Africa This past December, Rebekah led a discussion group, called “Workshop Africa.” “The goal is to raise … Continue reading Rebekah Schulz: Global Citizen

Senior Nursing Major Kirstin Smedstad is full of life and wants to make a difference in the world. During her first year at Gustavus, she became involved in Habitat for Humanity by going on the Spring Break Work Trip to New Orleans, LA. This was a way for Kirstin to become involved on campus and meet new people. But most importantly, it helped her to … Continue reading Kirstin Smedstad: Leading students through Habitat for Humanity

For most college athletes, competing in a prestigious international competition is merely a dream. Winning is an even bigger challenge. For First-year Anna Eames, this dream has become a reality. Anna began her swimming career at the age of five and initially picked the sport to copy her older brother. Although she tried out several other sports during her childhood, Anna discovered that her true … Continue reading Anna Eames: Making a splash in the athletic world

As many college students know, balancing both academics and athletics can be extremely challenging. This is a challenge Senior Biology Major T.J. Ridley knows well. In fact, he has managed to balance playing two demanding sports, all while earning and maintaining a high grade point average. T.J., a pre-med student from Edina, MN, has always had a passion for sports and academics. He chose Gustavus … Continue reading T.J. Ridley: Conquering academics and athletics

Co-President of the Campus Activities Board (CAB) Executive Board and Senior Management Major Adam Toppin has had a good run at Gustavus Adolphus College. He is an extremely dedicated and committed member of the Gustavus community. In addition to his work on CAB, he also is the Student Activities Intern, and he is devoted to the Leadership Development Program on campus. “I’m really glad he … Continue reading Adam Toppin: Taking Gustavus’ core values to heart

His involvement on campus ranges from the Peer Assistants to the Sauna Society. He is well-versed in the customs and traditions here at Gustavus and has participated in several study abroad programs and choir trips. Adam Strand embodies the active Gustavus lifestyle. The senior biology major and music minor was born and raised in Sioux Falls, SD, along with his two brothers, one of whom … Continue reading Adam Strand: Involvement at its finest

Fall has been a season of firsts for Junior Biology Major Dan Shimek. A new member of the LineUs Improv Comedy Troupe and a new member of Epsilon Pi Alpha, he has flourished during his junior year and worked to take advantage of every opportunity Gustavus has to offer. “Dan has made a really great addition to LineUs this year. His bone-dry humor, subtle wit … Continue reading Dan Shimek: A step above the rest

Playwright, teacher, writer, philosopher. Each of these can be used to describe Professor of Philosophy Doug Huff. He leads a life driven by the pursuit of knowledge and finds immeasurable joy in sharing that knowledge with others. After graduating from Concordia College, Moorhead with a B.A. in English and political science in 1966, Huff went on to further his educational experience at the University of … Continue reading Professor Doug Huff: A true Renaissance man