On the western coast of Great Britain, bordered by England on its east side and the Irish Sea on the west, lies the principality of Wales. Originally one of the Celtic nations, the Welsh people and their descendants retain a strong sense of national pride for their rich heritage. On Friday, Feb. 27 in Christ Chapel, students will have the opportunity to experience an important … Continue reading 36th Annual St. David’s Day observance to be held at Gustavus

Two summers ago, an elderly lady in a Bloomington, MN, church asked her congregation for assistance. Her garden needed weeding, her fence painting, her gutters cleaning, etc. The to-do list was daunting for an aged woman, but not for First-year Ben Batz, who stepped up to the plate. Since then, Ben has run “Ben and Friends Handyman Service” in his neighborhood. He walks dogs, waters … Continue reading Ben Batz: Lending a helping hand

It has been a very interesting year for movies. The frustrating-yet-justified writer’s strike that ended in February 2008 put a stall on the film industry as a whole, making it a relatively slow first half of the year. Besides a few enjoyable summer blockbusters (Wall-E, Hellboy II, The Dark Knight), and some hilariously over-the-top comedies (Pineapple Express, Tropic Thunder), there wasn’t much to speak of. … Continue reading Must see flicks from 2008

Ah, January. Most Gustavus students enjoy a whole month of light workloads, increased free time and, for those involved in student organizations, decreased responsibility. For many, it is the perfect time to break out a new video game, hang out with fellow Gusties and get started on an autobiography. But while this low-key atmosphere may cause laziness in some students, others, like Sophomore Communication Studies … Continue reading Phil Helt takes leadership to a new level

Sitting still, Jill Marie Scheel might look like any other Gustie sophomore. She sports straightened hair, a book in her hands, loves to snack on puppy chow and always wears a friendly smile. But inside this young lady, two polar opposite forces battle for control. Jill, a native of Hector, Minnesota, perfectly demonstrates the left-brain—right-brain duality of a liberal arts education. On the right side, … Continue reading Sophomore Jill Scheel strikes a balance

For a student rarely featured in the spotlight, Kristen “Kiki” Mead certainly knows how to use one. The sophomore theatre and sociology and anthropology double major has, at the tender age of nineteen, served as a light operator for four Anderson main stage productions, master electrician for Topsy Turvy Mouse and most recently as the manual light board operator for The Lesson. As a lighting … Continue reading Sophomore Kristen Mead moves into the spotlight

Born in the Midwest and educated in the classical guitar style, his songs range from statements of protest of the late sixties to crossover country hits of the seventies. He is intimate with his audience at every performance. I could be describing Bob Dylan here, but I’m actually referring to an artist who has much closer ties with the Gustavus community. Michael Johnson is on … Continue reading Michael Johnson presents his 40th anniversary concert

The Theta Xi Gamma sorority will host the “Miracles of Mitch” fundraiser this Saturday, Nov. 21, at 5:30 p.m. in the banquet rooms of the Jackson Campus Center. “All proceeds raised from the silent auction and dinner go directly to ‘Miracles of Mitch.’ It is a non-profit charity based in Chanhassen, MN, that provides financial support for families that have children with cancer,” said Junior … Continue reading Thetas host “Miracles of Mitch” benefit

Surely most Gustavus students have heard the word genocide, but not all students know that genocide is occurring at this moment in the Darfur region of Sudan. Despite the attention given to Darfur by such events as the Building Bridges conference last year, the Camp Darfur tent this fall and the Wallenberg lecture on Nov. 13, many members of the Gustavus community remain unaware of … Continue reading Gustavus class takes action against genocide in Darfur