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

Tech-savvy and friendly face around campus, Cody Horman is a junior computer science major who has, and continues to, contribute to the Gustavus campus and community in enormous ways. Cody is a percussionist in the Gustavus Wind Symphony and loves being in the ensemble, playing music with the intent to make people happy. “I’ve been playing music since middle school and ever since then, I’ve … Continue reading Gustie of the Week – Cody Horman

There is a high probability you have seen Megan “MJ” Johnson during your time at Gustavus as she is involved almost everywhere on campus .  MJ is a senior double major in English and history and a double minor in Japanese studies and comparative literature.  Not only is she invested in her studies, but MJ is also a Gustie Greeter, Co-Editor of The Fourth Crown, … Continue reading Gustie of the Week – MJ Johnson

Junior Tanner Sonnek made a splash at swim nationals this week as he represented Gustavus in the 100 and 200 yard breaststroke. Ranked third and fourth in the nation for his two events prior to nationals, Tanner took on the top ranked competitors in the D3 level, racing against some of the best in the country. Placing in the top eight, Tanner won All-American for … Continue reading Gustie of the Week – Tanner Sonnek

While it might take some students years beyond graduation to understand what it means to be a Gustie, First-year Liza Johnson has already mastered the craft in her first year. Hailing from Roseville, Minnesota, this ball of sunshine knows no bounds in the sheer reach of her influence on this campus. In true Gustie form, Liza has transformed her passions into a vehicle for meaningful … Continue reading Gustie of the Week – Liza Johnson