Gustavus Adolphus College senior Rosalie Repke has been chosen by a committee of faculty, staff, and students to speak at the College’s commencement ceremony on Sunday, May 31 at Hollingsworth Field.
A native of Orono, Minn., who will graduate with degrees in management and political science, Repke says that she spent the last four years at Gustavus trying to touch as many corners of campus as she could. She served on the College’s Judicial Board, Student Senate, Inter-Greek Senate, and Hall Council. She also participated in G.O.L.D. (Gusties In Ongoing Leadership Development), Gustavus Women in Leadership, the Alumni Mentoring Program, the Tau Mu Tau sorority, and the women’s track and field team.
“I have come to realize that I was most drawn to these activities because I was able to learn more about how this amazing institution works,” Repke said. “Throughout every commitment, I’ve witnessed how passionate this community is. Gusties are incredibly patient people and I am confident that has contributed to how much I’ve been able to grow during my time here, both personally and professionally.”
By becoming involved in a long list of co-curricular activities, Repke says that she has gained several valuable mentors, including Vince Thomas in the Center for Servant Leadership and Megan Ruble in the Dean of Students Office.
“Vince has made a point to make a personal connection with me and actively listens to whatever I put in front of him. He will champion for any student that asks him to and is the most objective person I have ever met,” Repke said. “Megan is an incredible mentor who has taught me invaluable lessons about making ethical decisions and staying true to myself. I’ve admired her dedication to this community and I believe she is an unsung hero if I’ve ever met one.”
Repke has also developed several mentors inside the classroom, including economics and management professor Kristian Braekkan.
“Kristian has gone above and beyond in personally mentoring me and has truly shaped my time here at Gustavus,” Repke said. “He challenges his students to look beyond what is put in front of them and many of his lessons will continue on with me long after I leave. I have nothing but great respect and appreciation for him and all he has done for me and my peers.”
While Repke’s four years at Gustavus is coming to a close, she will have the opportunity to go to work each day with a couple of fellow Gustavus alumni. Repke has accepted a job as a project coordinator for Patterson Companies, Inc., in St. Paul. The CEO of Patterson is Gustavus alumnus Scott Anderson ’89 and Repke will be working directly under Gustavus alumnus Rob Cully ’90. Repke’s classmate and friend, Joey Bies ’15, will also be joining her at Patterson after graduation.
“I plan to continue to sing Gustavus’s praises and encourage as many young people I can to become Gusties,” Repke said. “Students won’t find support comparable to Gustavus anywhere else. From day one, my professors knew my name and were invested in my success and I know they will continue to be far beyond my time here.”
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