From left to right: Sarah Cartwright, Amber Kirk, Rachel Schmitt, Kimberly Braun, Bergit Nerheim, and Megan Myhre
Gustavus Adolphus College will celebrate its 68th annual Festival of St. Lucia at 10 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 11 in Christ Chapel. As a part of this seasonal tradition, six sophomore women have been chosen to serve on the Lucia court.
This year’s court consists of Kimberly Braun, Sarah Cartwright, Amber Kirk, Megan Myhre, Bergit Nerheim, and Rachel Schmitt. The women are chosen based on academic achievement, spiritual leadership, charity, kindness, and service to the College and others.
The festival of St. Lucia begins the Christmas season in Swedish custom and is
traditionally held on December 13. On this day in Sweden, the eldest daughter plays the role of St. Lucia by preparing and serving baked goods and coffee to her family at
sunrise. Wearing a crown of lighted candles, Lucia represents the return of light that
will end the long winter nights and serves as a symbol of hope and peace for the
Christmas season.
At Gustavus, the St. Lucia Court traditionally sings carols through the College’s residence halls during the early morning on the day of the crowning. Lucia is chosen through a campus community vote.
A traditional Scandinavian smorgasbord luncheon will take place in Alumni Hall at 11 a.m. following the crowning of this year’s St. Lucia. The ceremony is open to the public, however luncheon tickets are sold out. For more information contact the Office of Marketing and Communication at 507-933-7550.
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Media Contact: Director of Media Relations and Internal Communication Luc Hatlestad
luch@gustavus.edu
507-933-7510