ST. PETER, Minn. (April 25, 2025) — Gustavus Adolphus College President Rebecca M. Bergman today announced that Reverends Alicia and Ben Hilding will serve in a joint role as Dean of Christ Chapel and Chaplain of the College beginning June 1.
Both Gustavus graduates, Chaplains Alicia (2008 graduate, B.A. Psychology) and Ben (2009 graduate, B.A. Religion, Studio Art Minor) have worked together for more than 17 years, both within and outside of the church. Their strong commitment to self-awareness and differentiation has made them successful leaders in a shared ministry model.
They bring an impressive track record and passion for providing meaningful worship experiences, spiritual development and faith formation opportunities with strong commitments to ecumenical and interfaith community development.
“Chaplains Alicia and Ben Hilding have a deep sense of appreciation and rootedness both at Gustavus Adolphus College and within the broader landscape of Lutheran Higher Education,” said Grady St. Dennis, Associate Vice President of Mission and Executive Chaplain of the Chaplains’ Office. “They have a proven track record in building collaborative partnerships to drive student engagement and an authentic leadership style that instills trust. They consistently curate spiritually inspiring worship experiences and compelling preaching. They seek to be justice-minded advocates for the common good, and they are compassionate and wise companions in the community.”
The Hildings join Gustavus after having most recently served as co-pastors at Holy Trinity Church in New Prague, Minnesota. During their time at Holy Trinity, they led two significant processes: An extensive congregation-wide strategic plan with mission and vision development, and a facilities renovation discernment process that resulted in a successful $1.25 million campaign and sanctuary renovation.
Chaplain Alicia brings extensive service to her alma mater, having served on Gustavus Adolphus College Association of Congregations (GACAC) Board of Directors since 2020 and as Board Chair since 2021. She has also served as an Ex-Officio member of the Gustavus Board of Trustees, with service on the Institutional Mission Group and Student Experience Committee.
“We are so honored to return to Gustavus and serve in this way,” Alicia Hilding said. “We are drawn to the mission, vision and values of Gustavus and the opportunity to contribute to such a respected learning community.”
Chaplain Ben is a third-generation Gustie whose grandfather, Dr. Stephen Hilding, taught mathematics at Gustavus for the entirety of his career from 1965 to 1998. He has been active in various forms of community engagement, including the serving on the New Prague Rotary, as Board Chair of the Prairie Oak Institute Board of Directors from 2022-24, and a member of the POPS Leadership Team of the New Prague Performing Arts Center.
“We feel invigorated by the opportunity to collaborate with many gifted leaders to create exceptional experiences like Christmas in Christ Chapel,” Ben Hilding said. “We are also grateful for the ongoing embrace of Gustavus, and are eager to offer faith formation, spiritual care, and support to students, faculty, staff and the broader community.”
The Dean of Christ Chapel stewards the development of a community of belonging and vocational reflection where a mature understanding of Christian faith is inspired, lives of leadership and service are nourished, and life skills for interfaith leadership and cooperation obtained. As Chaplain, they are the spiritual leaders of the entire campus — offering spiritual care and support to all members of the Gustavus community regardless of religious or non-religious identity.