On Friday, August 31, an early-morning thunderstorm swept across the Minnesota River valley. It passed over the hilltop campus of Gustavus Adolphus College and ushered in a pleasant late-summer day as the community welcomed nearly 700 members of the Class of 2022.
Hailing from 35 states and 17 countries, the new Gusties arrived on campus as Gustie Greeter orientation leaders cheered and waved them on. The students, 22 percent of whom hold a high school GPA of 4.0 or greater, unloaded their cars in front of Pittman, Sohre, or Norelius Hall and were helped into their rooms by the Gustie Move Crew, a new volunteer group of returning students, faculty, and staff. After lugging futons and mini-fridges up flights of stairs, meeting their roommates for the first time, and assembling bed lofts, the Gusties settled in as parents, grandparents, and siblings unpacked totes or were dispatched to the grocery store or nearby Mankato for last-minute provisions.
After lunch in Lund Center, the families descended on Eckman Mall, snapping selfies with President Rebecca Bergman, taking traditional photos at the Gustavus sign on Old Main Hill, and eating ice cream treats provided by the Center for Career Development. Other Gusties took advantage of the afternoon to finish unpacking, explore the campus, or get to know their new classmates.
Amid the hustle and bustle of move-in day, first-year student Daniel Wang found a moment of respite in Christ Chapel, where he and his father walked among the pews, taking in the quartz-and-concrete pillars and stained glass accents, before Daniel sat down to play the Steinway piano near the pulpit. “This is a beautiful place,” his father said quietly.
An hour later, the chapel was brimming with people as President Bergman was joined by Dean of Admission Richard Aune ’81, Provost Brenda Kelly, Vice President for Student Life JoNes VanHecke ’88, and other members of the community for a convocation service for new students and families.
“Your family has brought you here for the biggest adventure of your life. And we at Gustavus Adolphus College are proud to have you,” President Rebecca M. Bergman said. Then, with a grin, she advised them: “Stay on top of your homework, eat only healthy foods, and brush your teeth twice a day.”
The students, who included fourth-generation Gusties and those who were the first in their family to go to college, rose for a blessing at the conclusion of the service. Christ Chapel was filled with wistful smiles and proud tears as parents, guardians, and families wished their new Gusties well.
“May you wake each morning here at Gustavus with the realization that your life is freshly yours to live,” President Bergman said. “I wish for each of you gathered here today the fullness of wellbeing and wholeness, an abundance of joy, and the blessings of grace and peace.”
“Beginnings are indeed exciting times,” the President continued. “So let’s get started on this amazing Gustavus journey.”
Gustavus Class of 2022 Orientation Schedule
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