President Rebecca M. Bergman
Do you remember what was happening in your life on March 29, 1998? At that time, I was working with Medtronic’s leadership team on a strategic technology plan for the company. I don’t recall the exact specifics of the day, but I do remember hearing about the tornado and seeing photos of the destruction on the news that evening. And I remember how devastating the damage was to Gustavus and the town of Saint Peter.
A number of you have firsthand memories of that pivotal day in the history of Gustavus Adolphus College. This week, as we commemorate the 20th anniversary of the tornado, I encourage you to tell those stories. It is fitting that we pause to reflect on that momentous day in our past and the weeks that immediately followed. This was a time when the values of community and excellence became uniquely intertwined at Gustavus. In fact, it’s as if the two were swirled tightly together by the power of the tornado and bonded by collective efforts to rebuild the campus.
Community and excellence. They define our tornado history and the ongoing work we now do to fulfill the possibilities and promises of the Gustavus Acts Strategic Plan. As we move boldly into the future, let us not forget the hard work of the past. With this time of remembrance at hand, I invite you to join me at Daily Sabbath on Thursday at 10 a.m. in Christ Chapel, as former Gustavus President Axel Steuer gives a homily that reflects on the first days after the tornado, when recovery, healing, and perseverance were prominently on display on our campus. Then, I invite you to the citywide celebration at Saint Peter High School on Thursday at 5:15 p.m., when our community comes together to commemorate those first dark days and the tremendous resilience of Saint Peter and all of its inhabitants in the hard work that followed.
As was evident in 1998, we stand on a foundation of excellent effort and a community that knows how to get things done. For that, I give great thanks.
Until next week, keep up the good work, Gusties!
With respect,
Becky