On Thursday, Dec. 12, sophomore Zainab Syed ’27 was introduced as this year’s St. Lucia, the culmination of the annual Gustavus holiday tradition that celebrates young women’s achievements, character, and contributions to the Gustavus community.
In addition to Syed, this year’s St. Lucia Court includes fellow sophomores Chloe Knuteson, Grace LaTourelle, Mara Lien, Frances Lindgren, and Laura Sunnarborg. The Guild of St. Lucia selects the St. Lucia Court every year based on their academic success, leadership qualities, and service to the College community. Students, faculty, and staff vote for St. Lucia, who this year was unveiled for the first time at the beginning of today’s ceremony. The event was livestreamed on the St. Lucia website and featured a processional hymn, a prayer and blessing from Chaplain Betsy Hoium, and children of Gustavus employees joining the Court processional.
Gustavus has been celebrating the St. Lucia Festival since 1941. In keeping with the College’s Swedish Lutheran roots, it is inspired by a Swedish Christmas tradition. On the day of the festival in Sweden, families’ eldest daughter plays the role of St. Lucia by rising early to serve her family coffee and baked goods. In her white dress and wearing a crown of candles, Lucia represents the return of light, signaling the end of the dark winter and representing a symbol of hope and peace.
The student organizers of the Chapel service partnered with Gustavus Women in Leadership this year to stress the themes of Lucia’s story of elevating women and honoring those who are lights in the world. The 2023 St. Lucia, Lupe Olague ’26, read the Lucia legend to the assembled guests, and after the ceremony, they stayed behind to participate in a craft and service project, enjoy some Swedish treats, and socialize.
More about the 2024 St. Lucia Court:
Zainab Syed is an English and Biology double major from Mankato who works as a Biology TA and Writing Center tutor. She’s a member of Theta Xi Gamma and serves on the e-boards of the Asian Student Union, Womxn in Stem, and Biochemistry clubs. She also plays flute and piccolo in the Gustavus Wind and Symphony orchestras.
Chloe Knuteson is from Stillwater, MN, and majors in Communication Studies and Business Management. She is a Gustie Greeter, serves on the Habitat for Humanity Executive Board, works in the Recreation Department, and is a member of Gustie Buddies and Delight.
Grace LaTourelle is from Shorewood, MN. She is a Biology, Environmental Studies, and Religion triple major. She is President of United Christian Ministries and is active in each of the eight Christian organizations on campus. She conducts environmental chemistry research with Jeff Jeremiason, is a news writer for the Gustavian Weekly, and works in the Chaplains Office.
Mara Lien is an Elementary Education major from Richfield, MN. She is a Gustie Buddies coordinator and a member of Alpha Sigma Tau, where she was recently elected as the chapter’s Vice President of Organizational Development. She volunteers at the Saint Peter elementary schools through Study Buddies and is a soprano in Chapel Choir. She also works at Saints Overtime, the after-school childcare program in Saint Peter.
Frances Lindgren is from Minnetonka. She is a History major and a Business Management; Spanish; Political Science; and Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies minor. She’s on the Cross Country and Track teams, is a Campus Activities Board Recreation Executive, the American Cancer Society Treasurer, and a Gustie Guide.
Laura Sunnarborg is from Mound, MN. She is a double major in Political Science and Environmental Studies on the Environmental Justice track, and a Spanish minor. She is on the Cross Country and Track teams, is the Vice President of the Political Science Club, serves as the Class of 2027 Representative and Environmental Sustainability Committee Chair for the Student Senate, and as the Co-Finance Chair for Gustavus Women in Leadership. She also has worked with the Model UN, as a sustainability intern, as a student research assistant in the EGE and PCJS departments, and as a Nobel Conference Student Liaison.