In recognition of its Sesquicentennial, Gustavus Adolphus College has published two books chronicling the College’s history. Written by Minnesota based writer Dave Kenney, Gustavus: 150 Years of History and Gustavus: 150 Years of Images & Stories are now both available for purchase at the Book Mark and online.
Gustavus: 150 Years of History captures the evolution of the College from 1862 to present day in a narrative that draws the reader into the story. It has been fifty years since the College produced such a narrative history. The book not only retells many of the familiar stories wonderfully documented in previous books, but also captures for the first time much of the remarkable growth and change of the last fifty years. The book includes a foreword by current President Jack R. Ohle and an introduction by Emeritus Professor of History and Scandinavian Studies Byron Nordstrom
Gustavus: 150 Years of Images & Stories is a coffee table style compliment to the narrative history book. This book is organized around an alphabet of words, some expected and some not. Each serves as the theme for a featured story, and a layout including related photos and anecdotes that are sure to evoke alumni recollections and dreams of the College. The presentation is informal and inviting, yet is content-rich with stories and facts so that even the well-versed Gustie will learn something new.
Kenney, the author commissioned by the College to write the two books, is a freelance writer specializing in Minnesota history. His previous books include Twin Cities Picture Show; Minnesota Goes to War; Twin Cities Album; and the state history textbook, Northern Lights. He has also chronicled the histories of significant Minnesota institutions, including the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, the Minneapolis Grain Exchange, and the Northern Star Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Kenney is a two-time Minnesota Book Award winner.
Kenney will discuss the books when he serves as the special guest at the Wednesday, Dec. 21 Gustie Breakfast at the Doubletree Hotel in St. Louis Park. The event will go from 8 to 9:30 a.m. and costs $10, payable at the door. Attendees are asked to RSVP to the Office of Alumni Relations at 1-800-487-8437 or alumni@gustavus.edu.
A perfect gift for the holidays, the two books can be purchased together for $55. Sold separately, Gustavus: 150 Years of History is on sale for $35 and Gustavus: 150 Years of Images & Stories is on sale for $24.99. To purchase the books online, go to gustavus.edu/150/books.php.
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