This year, Junior Maya Jayawardena was a co-chair of Building Bridges, her favorite organization and something she has been involved with since her first year at Gustavus. In addition to Building Bridges, Maya also is involved with Gustavus Meditation, Pan Afrikan Student Organization and Big Partner/Little Partner. Alex Messenger. After visiting Gustavus for Tennis and Life Camp when she was younger, Maya Jayawardena knew immediately … Continue reading Maya Jayawardena: Appreciating and recognizing diversity

Evan Curtin has been a Gustie since day one. The son of Department Chair and Professor of Philosophy Deane Curtin, Evan really got to know his way around campus before most students were in kindergarten. “I’ve grown up here. [Gustavus] is my home. My first day on campus was before I was three months old, and I went on a study abroad trip to Kansai … Continue reading Evan Curtin: Balancing school and parenthood

Kathi Tunheim is a passionate, hard-working woman who has had an amazing journey through life so far. She has had six careers that have taken her all over the world and eventually led her to her current position as an Assistant Professor of Economics and Management at Gustavus. Kathi attended Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn., and double majored in Communication Studies and Spanish. During her … Continue reading Kathi Tunheim: Bringing real-world experience to the management department

Whether he is in the classroom or on the stage, you are most likely to find Sophomore Computer Science Major Max Beyer amusing crowds of Gusties. The Eagle Scout and dedicated First Degree Blackbelt originally from Saint Peter, Minn., has shared numerous talents on our campus. The most obvious of these talents is his ability to entertain. After seeing several LineUs shows, Max was immediately … Continue reading Max Beyer: Representing Gustavus to the max

Senior Management Major Sam Paulson is a friendly, outgoing Gustie Greeter, a member of the SAE Fraternity and a varsity basketball player. If this doesn’t make him stand out from a crowd, one other thing will for sure: Sam’s height. “My height is my most defining characteristic; I am the tallest person on campus, six feet and nine inches. It has it pros and cons, … Continue reading Senior Sam Paulson: Big man on campus

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