Gustavus Adolphus College sophomore Joy Dunna was crowned St. Lucia at the College’s 77th annual Festival of St. Lucia Celebration on Thursday, December 7. After being nominated along with five other sophomore women based on service to others, strength of character, courageous leadership, and compassion, Dunna was selected as the 2017 honoree after a campus-wide vote.
“Gustavus means a lot to me, so it’s always been a natural thing to be a presence, to connect with people, and to give back to the community,” Dunna said. “I’ve seen the women on the court being active on campus and I’m proud to be among them. All of the women are equally deserving, so it’s an honor to be chosen as St. Lucia.”
Dunna, a graduate of Hill-Murray High School, studies nursing and gender, women, and sexuality studies. She is involved on campus as a member of the Gustie Greeters, Building Bridges, Feminist Bible Study, and serves as secretary of the Women’s Action Coalition. In addition, Dunna introduces prospective students to Gustavus as an admission tour guide, is a member of the Alpha Sigma Tau sorority, and recently joined the Cribbage Club. Dunna, who counts her brother Miles among her biggest influences, seeks to be her best self and live a life of charity, integrity, and selflessness.
The day of celebration at Gustavus included the St. Lucia court members singing carols throughout the College’s residence halls, the breakfast with members of the Guild of Lucia, the annual chapel service in Christ Chapel, and a traditional Scandinavian smorgasbord luncheon sponsored by the Gustavus Library Associates. This year’s luncheon was highlighted by speaker John Noltner, who discussed his A Peace of My Mind project, which explores the concept of peace through photography and personal interviews.
The College’s celebration of the Swedish tradition began in 1941 and commemorates the courage shown by the legendary St. Lucia, who is known for her faith and service to others. In homes throughout Sweden, the eldest daughter plays the role of St. Lucia by preparing and serving baked goods and coffee to her family at sunrise. Lucia is a day celebrating community, light, and the end to long winter nights as a symbol of hope and peace for the Christmas season.
The 2017 St. Lucia court included Dunna, from St. Paul, Minn.; Greta Dupslaff from Harris, Minn.; Sarah Anderson from Roseville, Minn.; Carly Miller from Brainerd, Minn.; Joyce Amakoue from Bloomington, Minn.; and Nicole Willis from Farmington, Minn.
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