Michaela Woodward – Staff Writer This Gustie of the Week came to Gustavus seeking a welcoming community and a new atmosphere, and that is exactly what she found. Senior Habeke Bekele was born in Ethiopia before her family moved to Washington D.C. in 2008. Now, she calls both D.C. and Minnesota home. “I was very adamant about pursuing higher education just because my parents did not, … Continue reading GUSTIE of the WEEK: Habeke Bekele

Korrie Wojack – Staff Writer This week’s Gustie of the Week is none other than Professor Philip Bryant, or as we all know him, “Professor B.” Specializing in English and African Studies, Professor Bryant is not only current Gustavus faculty, but a Gustavus Alumnus as well, graduating with the class of 1973. When asked about his life story that led him to where he is now, … Continue reading GUSTIE off the WEEK: Philip Bryant

Michaela Woodward – Staff Writer For this Gustie of the Week, many of the decisions she has made during her time at Gustavus have been the ones that felt “right.” Originally from Forest Lake, MN, senior Courtney Leonard found campus “homey” when she came to visit her older sister here when she was a student. “Having family here [as a] transitional period, having someone on campus … Continue reading GUSTIE of the WEEK: Courtney Leonard

Michaela Woodward – Staff Writer This Gustie of the Week knew she had found a home at Gustavus when she visited campus and experienced the academic opportunities during a class visit. Originally from Foley, Minnesota, Senior Emily Falk was familiar with Gustavus through an uncle and a teacher who are alumni. Once she visited campus for herself, she knew she had found the place she wanted … Continue reading GUSTIE of the WEEK: Emily Falk

Zhipeng Li – Staff Writer Needing advice on dining service, but afraid there is no one you could talk to? Need extra information for your upcoming curling practice? Or even simply yearning for some wild mushrooms— Kevin Birr is the one you should talk to here in the Gustavus community. Serving for the Gustavus community as the Assistant Director of Dining Service for more than a … Continue reading GUSTIE of the WEEK: Kevin Birr

Michaela Woodward – Staff Writer Originally from Bemidji, Minnesota, this Gustie of the Week came to Gustavus because of their long-held passions and has discovered plenty of new ones during their time here. Junior Carley Swanson-Garro was looking for an institution where she could continue to be a part of a music ensemble without studying music. “I was looking for somewhere that I could do music … Continue reading GUSTIE of the WEEK: Carley Swanson-Garro

Michaela Woodward – Staff Writer Even if you’ve never visited this Gustie of the Week’s office, housed in the basement of Olin, you’ve almost certainly benefited from the work they do on campus. Customer Support Specialist in Telecommunications, Nancy Roessler, is responsible for various duties on campus that range from answering the main phone line to putting together campus directories. Some consider her “the voice of Gustavus.” … Continue reading GUSTIE of the WEEK: Nancy Roessler

Michaela Woodward – Staff Writer Originally from Cambodia, Senior Ratana Chheng’s Gustavus experience has been built on community, the liberal arts experience and being able to grow and share her knowledge with her peers. While attending public school in Cambodia, Chheng was recruited in elementary school to study with an NGO program that taught English. Learning English brought her to attend Phillips Exeter Academy, a highly-ranked … Continue reading GUSTIE of the WEEK: Ratana Chheng

Michaela Woodward – Staff Writer For Visiting Assistant Professor in History Misti Harper, her area of study has not only shaped her career, but every aspect of her life. Originally from Arkansas, Harper was always fascinated by the history of the region she was from. “I went to undergrad at a school that was really similar to Gustavus. It’s a place called University of the Ozarks … Continue reading GUSTIE of the WEEK: Misti Harper

Samantha Raghu – Staff Writer Senior Kylie Arvidson, an Elementary Education major and English minor, enrolled at Gustavus after she was captivated by the homely and friendly atmosphere of the campus. “I knew I wanted a small, private school in Minnesota. My sister went to Gustavus, so I ended up touring the campus with my sister and I saw all the fun she had here … Continue reading GUSTIE of the WEEK: Kylie Arvidson