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

Senior Art Studio and Art History Major Kali Griggs has been playing golf competitively since the sixth grade, but she has always played golf with her dad. Kali started talking with the Men’s and Women’s Golf Coach Scott Moe her senior year in high school about playing on the Golf team at Gustavus. “I choose to play because I  like competition, and I figured it … Continue reading Kali Griggs: A champion on and off the green

Sophia Backman, a senior international management and Spanish major, has spent half her college career traveling around the world. Her experiences have brought her into contact with many cultures and has encouraged her to improve the world around her. Sophia’s version of first-year orientation consisted of meeting students speaking a variety of languages all from very different backgrounds on her flight to Franklin College, an … Continue reading Sophia Backman: Getting the education of a lifetime

Senior Daniel Jackson began his college career three years ago with the desire to pursue an education that combined his passion for serving others and science. His passion led him to choose biochemistry as his major, with the intention of becoming a doctor. Daniel chose the pre-med field because he wanted to be able to establish relationships with those he helps.  Relationships with others are … Continue reading Daniel Jackson: Changing lives around the world