Senior administrators that answered questions during the Town Hall meeting included (l to r): JJ Akin, moderator, Admission Office, JoNes VanHecke, Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students, Tom Crady Vice President for Enrollment Management, President Jack Ohle, Vice President for Institutional Advancement Tom Young, Vice President for Marketing and Communications Tim Kennedy, Provost and Dean of the College Mark Braun, and Vice President for Finance and Treasurer Ken Westphal.
Professor Emeritus Larry Owen used to welcome incoming first-year students by saying, “Welcome to the conversation.” Gustavus has always been a place where great conversations happen, and last night the Gustie conversation moved off the hill and into the homes of alumni, parents, and friends.
President Ohle and other senior leaders of the College hosted the first-ever Gustavus Town Hall Meeting from the College’s Board Room on Thursday, May 23. The Office of Institutional Advancement worked with the Munley Company and Community Phonecast to coordinate a conference call with more than 13,000 constituents throughout the United States.
Nearly 4,000 people joined the conversation with discussion topics including the status of the Nobel Hall renovation, the cost of attending a private liberal arts college, the status of the incoming class, and the progress of Campaign Gustavus among many other topics.
“One reason Gustavus continues to be a great place is because our broader community continues to be involved with the College long after they leave campus,” said Tom Young, Vice President for Advancement. “That involvement includes sharing ideas and time as well as gifts. This conversation was an opportunity for us to say ‘thank you’ for the important role our alumni and friends play in the success of the College. ”
The next Town Hall Meeting is planned to take place early in the fall semester.
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Media Contact: Director of Media Relations and Internal Communication Luc Hatlestad
luch@gustavus.edu
507-933-7510