Gustavus Adolphus College junior Olivia Peterson has been awarded two scholarships from the National Association for Campus Activities (NACA) due to her leadership and involvement on campus. Peterson’s Heart of America Region Scholarship and Scholarship for Student Leaders will be officially announced in an upcoming issue of NACA’s Campus Activities Programming magazine.
A native of La Crescent, Minn., Peterson is a communication studies major and studio art minor. She’s involved on campus as the founder and president of the advertising club, vice president for marketing of Gustavus Student Entrepreneurs (GSE), and as a publicity executive of the Campus Activities Board.
To be eligible for the NACA scholarships, a student must hold significant leadership positions on their campus, have made a large contribution to their college community, and have demonstrated leadership skills and ability. According to the scholarship committee, Peterson was selected because of her high level of involvement, attendance at two NACA conferences, high grade point average, and understanding of the impact that campus activities can have on students.
“It’s an honor to be recognized,” Peterson said. “I’ve always thought it was important to be well-rounded and involved. While working with these organizations has benefited me, I hope it has also benefited the Gustavus community.”
Gustavus Director of Campus Activities Andrea Junso highlighted Peterson’s ability to relate to the student body. “Olivia has led and motivated students with her energetic and positive spirit, her ability to turn ideas into actions, and her talent to develop publicity that reaches the entire student body,” she explained. “She has gained a lot of opportunities from simply putting herself out there and trying new things.”
Peterson encourages other college students to join organizations on campus. “Being involved with CAB completely changed my life. It’s challenged me to grow and helped me find a career path,” she said.
After graduating from Gustavus in 2017, Peterson hopes to pursue a career in advertising, marketing, or project management.
The National Association for Campus Activities (NACA) is a recognized leader in higher education providing knowledge, ideas and resources for campus life. The organization provides members with programs and events focusing on student and professional leadership development, program planning, concert management, diversity and more. NACA school and associate members also have access to one of the largest campus activities networking and talent buying resources in the country.
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