Gustavus Adolphus College Professor Don Ostrom has been honored by the student body for his teaching. Ostrom, professor of political science, received the 2004 Swenson-Bunn Teaching Award, which recognizes a professor whose teaching is judged extraordinary.
Many students nominated Ostrom for this award, recognizing him as “more than a professor. He is always willing to go the extra mile for his students.”
Students also appreciate his willingness to discuss lifelong goals and aspirations, help plan their futures, or just share a listening ear. Also they enjoy his passionate teaching style, noting that his knowledge of politics and history is endless.
Ostrom has been a member of the Gustavus political science faculty since 1972, and will retire this spring. His interests include the U.S. government, particularly the legislative and executive branches, elections, and mass media.
Originally from Chicago, he received a B.A. in U.S. Government and Politics in 1960 from St. Olaf College and dedicated two years to the Peace Corps at the University of Nigeria. Ostrom then obtained an M.A. in 1970 and a Ph.D. in 1972 from Washington University (St. Louis).
Throughout his career at Gustavus, Ostrom has served as chair of the St. Peter School Board and as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives.
In 1989, Ostrom received the Gustavus Faculty Service Award given by the campus community, the highest accolade a Gustavus faculty member can receive for distinguished service activities. Ostrom is currently the president of the DFL Education Foundation, an organization devoted to raising issues in public dialogue.
The Swenson-Bunn Teaching Award honors the memory of two Gustavus students, Gregory Swenson and Holly Bunn, who were killed in a car accident in 1989.
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Media Contact: Director of Media Relations and Internal Communication Luc Hatlestad
luch@gustavus.edu
507-933-7510