With Record Enrollment, New Academic Year Begins

Gustavus Adolphus College will begin its 144th academic year Wednesday, Sept. 7 when classes begin for the college’s expected 2,570 full-time students. Approximately 710 first-year students are enrolled at Gustavus this fall — constituting the largest incoming class in the college’s history.*

An opening convocation with President Jim Peterson will mark the beginning of the 2005-06 academic year at 10 a.m. Sept. 7 in Christ Chapel. Gustavus will also open Southwest Hall, a new 200-bed residence hall to replace the recently razed Wahlstrom Hall, on Wednesday, Sept. 7 with a dedication ceremony at 7 p.m.

Orientation for this year’s incoming class runs Sept. 3 — 6, with activities including:

• A session for parents “Parenting Successful College Students” featuring a panel discussion with students, parents, and college staff on Saturday afternoon, Sept. 3;
• The annual President’s Banquet and following traditional square dance on Sunday evening, Sept. 4;
• Orientation group book discussions on this year’s required reading The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseni in the afternoon of Sept. 5. (Note: The book is also being read by the St. Peter community; a book discussion is scheduled for Sept. 15 and a panel discussion is set for Sept. 22.);
• The annual “E Pluribus Gustavus” diversity presentation and discussion from 6-9:30 p.m. Sept. 5 in Anderson Theatre;
• A Kick-off Concert featuring Dropping Daylight with Gus Leavenbread from 6-8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 7 on Eckman Mall.