President Rebecca M. Bergman
Blizzards and Snowdrifts and Ice, Oh My! I hope everyone is coping with this challenging weather without incident. Our grounds crew and Campus Safety staff have been heroes in helping to keep our roads, sidewalks, and parking lots cleared and our students safe. Thank you!
This week, I invite you to check out a new Gustavus microsite, gustav.us. There you will find stories and videos of Gusties who are living out the Gustavus mission, vision, and values. They are extraordinary people and, at the same time, they are typical Gusties—dedicated to making a difference in their communities and in the world. While the site is geared toward prospective students, I know that you will find it to be inspiring.
Here is a bit of the “behind the scenes” story. As the College reviewed the “Make your life count” brand over the past 18 months, the Office of Marketing and Communication spoke to hundreds of members of the Gustavus community to learn more about what the phrase means to our alumni, students, faculty, and staff. They learned that Gusties share a common educational experience grounded in our mission and core values, and we also share something else—a commitment to living a life of purpose with a bias toward taking action.
Each person featured on the microsite chose a single word that encapsulates their approach to life—words like freedom, empowering, influence, change, and love. As you explore the stories, think about what your special word might be. Remember that each of us as faculty and staff helps to build the foundation for our students’ success in their chosen field. Whatever path they choose, it’s our job to help them get there. Whatever dreams they have, it’s our job to help them make those dreams come true.
Until next week, keep up the good work, Gusties!
With respect,
Becky