Have you read the entire Gustavus Adolphus College mission statement lately? It clearly states who we are, who we serve, what we do, why we do it, and the impact we hope to have on the world. It represents a “north star” that guides us in our daily work. It sets the foundation for a strong, student-centered culture on our campus, and it reflects our ongoing commitment to our core values. Here it is — read it slowly and let the words really sink in:
Gustavus Adolphus College is a church-related, residential liberal arts college firmly rooted in its Swedish and Lutheran heritage.
The College offers students of high aspiration and promise a liberal arts education of recognized excellence provided by faculty who embody the highest standards of teaching and scholarship. The Gustavus curriculum is designed to bring students to mastery of a particular area of study within a general framework that is both interdisciplinary and international in perspective.
The College strives to balance educational tradition with innovation and to foster the development of values as an integral part of intellectual growth. It seeks to promote the open exchange of ideas and the independent pursuit of learning.
The College aspires to be a community of persons from diverse backgrounds who respect and affirm the dignity of all people. It is a community where a mature understanding of the Christian faith and lives of service are nurtured and students are encouraged to work toward a just and peaceful world.
The purpose of a Gustavus education is to help its students attain their full potential as persons, to develop in them a capacity and passion for lifelong learning, and to prepare them for fulfilling lives of leadership and service in society.
I am proud of the fact that Gustavus is a mission-driven organization. I believe that our mission gives meaning to our work, and it reinforces our primary purpose of providing the gift of education and lifelong learning to our students. We make the world a better place through the careers and vocations of our graduates. I have the privilege of witnessing that firsthand when I am visiting with our alumni, including at last week’s gatherings in Denver, Phoenix, and Tucson. Our alumni share their stories with me, and they articulate how their undergraduate experiences positively impacted their lives. The conversations are inspiring, and I am reminded that our collective work strongly influences the future lives of hundreds of young people every year.
This week, I suggest that you start each day by re-reading our mission statement. Ask yourself which phrases particularly resonate with you. Know that every Gustavus job supports our ability to deliver on our mission, including yours. Thank you for being mission-driven people, for having a strong sense of purpose, and for the many ways you thoughtfully engage in the work of the College.
Until next week, keep up the good work, Gusties!
With respect,
Becky