President Rebecca M. Bergman
What a busy weekend for Gustavus students, faculty, staff, and alumni! As the semester winds down, it certainly seems like Gustie events are in high gear.
Men’s and Women’s Track & Field competed at the MIAC Outdoor Championships. Men’s and Women’s Tennis teams, both of which took first place in the MIAC, competed in NCAA Regional Championship matches, and Gustie Baseball competed in the MIAC playoffs. Please join me in congratulating all our spring athletes, including these teams as well as our softball team and men’s and women’s golf teams for their successful seasons. Many thanks to our coaches, athletic trainers, and all those who assist our teams for their dedication to providing excellent athletic experiences for our students.
Fine Arts had a busy weekend as well. The Senior Studio Art Exhibition continued at the Hillstrom Museum of Art, and the Gustavus Dance Company presented their spring concert, called “Falling Toward Beginning.” The Gustavus Wind Orchestra celebrated their 140th Anniversary with 175 alumni returning for the weekend. Current GWO students and our returning alumni presented a joint concert on Saturday night. It was a performance to remember, with almost 240 musicians and current and former conductors filling Christ Chapel with inspiring moments and beautiful music. Finally, our Gustavus Handbell Ensemble also presented their spring concert. I greatly appreciate all those who contributed to the success of all these events, from faculty to dining services to our set-up and take-down crews.
The Gustie Entrepreneur Cup was held on Saturday, with nine student teams competing for a chance for prize money and a chance to enter the Minnesota Cup. I was impressed with the creativity, innovations, prototypes, early successes, and spirit of entrepreneurship demonstrated by all our student teams. A big thank you goes to the faculty, alumni judges, team coaches, and other friends of the College who helped these teams prepare for the competition.
Finally, we were thrilled to host nearly 150 prospective high school juniors on campus on Saturday with their parents. These students are considering whether they will be part of the Gustavus Class of 2023. Our campus looked absolutely beautiful, and our admission staff displayed true Gustie hospitality for all our visitors. While we continue to recruit students who will enter Gustavus in Fall 2018, we are now looking ahead another year with great excitement and enthusiasm about our institution.
As I walked around campus and participated in many of the amazing events that we packed into one weekend, I could not help smiling about the many ways that we display our theme of “Valuing Community and Delivering Excellence.” You all make me very proud to be a part of Gustavus Adolphus College.
Until next week, keep up the good work, Gusties!
With respect,
Becky