Today, Gustavus Adolphus College began its 155th academic year, with early-rising students attending classes beginning at 8 a.m. Students, faculty, staff, and community members were officially welcomed to the 2016-2017 school year with a 10 a.m. convocation service in Christ Chapel.
During the service, President Rebecca Bergman encouraged the Gustavus community to move ahead with energy and boldness. “We recall the accomplishments of the past with gratitude, and we have the opportunity to look to the future,” she said during the message. “It is our collective efforts every day that will move us forward.”
The theme of progress resonated with members of the community, many of whom helped develop the new Gustavus Acts Strategic Plan over the course of the past year. The beginning of the plan’s implementation is a key objective of the 2016-2017 term.
“You are a part of the Gustavus community and an integral part of its future,” Bergman continued before closing with a simple question: “Are you in?”
“I came to Gustavus not knowing anyone and not sure what to expect,” first-year student Daniel Eiden, a native of Menomonie, Wis. said after his first college class. “But over orientation weekend I got to know a lot of great people who I can see myself being friends with throughout my college career.”
After Friday’s first-year move-in day festivities, the Class of 2020 spent Saturday, Sunday, and Monday getting acclimated to Gustavus campus life through a series of activities, the full schedule of which can be found online.
“During the college search, everyone said that people at Gustavus will do everything they can to help you,” Eiden continued. “Even though it’s just the first week, I’ve already seen that the professors and other students really look out for one another. I’m excited to dive deeply into academics and campus life here on the hill.”
Today’s first day of classes kicks off busy month on campus, including the following large events:
Tuesday, September 13 – Fall Involvement Fair
Tuesday, September 13 – Reading in Common Lecture by Jamelle Bouie
Monday-Tuesday, September 27-28 – Nobel Conference 52: In Search of Economic Balance
Saturday, October 1 – Homecoming: The Great Gustie Gathering
Many campus events, athletic contests, and fine arts performances are also scheduled for the first month of the academic year. To see a full list of events, visit the Gustavus College Calendar..
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