We asked alumni 10 years out,
What is your essential Gustavus experience? — The Gustavus Class of 2011 have only a few short weeks before commencement. What do you think they must do before they graduate?
Here are some of the great responses we received.
2010
Sneak onto the football field, walk by the goal post and thrust your triumphant fist into the air like Judd Nelson in Breakfast Club. Preferably have “Don’t You Forget About Me” playing while this is happening.
Take advantage of every moment that you have – take time for yourself and cherishing those special places on campus. But most importantly, spend time with your friends, no matter how close your friendship is, because being around other Gusties you know and love is what you’re going to miss most!
2009
Honestly, drink it all up. You can sleep after graduation. Savor your final days with the campus you have grown to love and the friends you have shared your laughter and tears with over the past four years. Walk barefoot through the beautiful lawns, let your mind rest from all of the knowledge you have been constantly accumulating, and TAKE PICTURES! I truly had the time of my life while I was a student at Gustavus. Unfortunately, I didn’t realize that until I was gone. It is my hope that the current seniors take the time to reflect and realize how great Gustavus is while they can still relish the awesomeness of the place and the people. So what are you waiting for? Go outside, walk over to your friend’s place instead of texting them to set up a meeting time and place, kick off your shoes, and live it up!
2008
Start with the obvious. Eat lunch at the buffer, observe stars from the roof of Olin, and thank a professor. Then go to the rotisserie and ask for the sliced turkey. Take the turkey to the deli and ask for your favorite toppings on a sub. Next, find some cayenne pepper and other spices near the salad bar and add extra seasoning to the turkey. Assemble all of it on a sub and run it through the toaster. The sandwich isn’t nearly so good as making fun of your friends who always make fun of you for not getting the steak. Finally, guys, find the girl from your greeter group that you’ve had a crush on for four years and invite her to do one of these activities with you. Or ask the complete stranger studying next to you in the library. Gustie gals really are the best and they are much harder to find once you’re off the hill. And ladies, the guys are pretty good too and it’s the 21st century. I think you can use your Gustavus education to figure out what to do. One more thing. Bring at least a gallon of water with you onto the field at graduation.
2007
Get your professors’ emails.
Take a picture at the Gustavus sign! Also, I’d suggest a last drive up college avenue and take in the beauty that is Gustavus!
2006
Climb up to the roof of the library. Visit the telescopes on top of Olin Hall and do some stargazing. One last run around ring road / thru the Arb Trivia at Patty’s on Tuesday night….be sure to keep your glass. As much as you can during the senior week events The chocolate chip cookies in the caf are the best ever, so eat up as many as you can while you can
Enjoy every moment you can to the fullest! Whether it be with your friends or professors they will always be wonderful memories. One of my favorite memories of senior week was actually just sitting in a friends apartment in College View remembering past memories we had shared. It will forever be etched in my mind!
2005
Hang out in the Caf late at night as much as possible…no homework, just chillin’ out with friends. Sunbathe in the Arb. Spend time with your friends. I know it seems like you have to study 24/7 for finals… you can do well on your tests and still get in those last great memories, I promise!
2004
My advice is simple. Make the time in the midst of the senior chaos to take in the final moments as a Gustavus Student. It’s wonderful to be able to recollect the campus, the people and the atmosphere at that awesome time after you’ve been removed from it for a few years.
Find out what you have in common with your fellow Gusties–not what makes you different from them! Share stories, experiences, dreams, goals, and plans. You’ve spent four years figuring out who you are, now spend some time finding out how you can work with your classmates to make big things happen at Gustavus and in the world beyond. Best wishes to you all!
Take in all of the events during senior week. This will be your last week living next door to your best friends, and spending quality time with them! Take it in, and always remember these special times in your life.
Enjoy the time with your friends. Say thank you to the professors and staff who have helped you on your journey. Don’t worry about packing your car & cleaning your room & getting ready to leave–there will be plenty of time for that after the graduation ceremony! Savor the things that make Gustavus special to you because in a few years, you are going to find yourself reflecting on the great time you had & wishing it could be those “good old days” again. Congratulations Class of 2011 & all the best!
2003
Use these last weeks to do something you haven’t yet done on campus – see an area or building you haven’t walked through – connect with someone you kind of know but don’t know that well – chat with and thank a professor who you never took time to talk with much – attend a group or activity you haven’t yet. Don’t just celebrate being done – reflect on all your experiences and all you’ve accomplished and what that will mean to you as you start a new chapter.
2002
This might be your last chance to tell someone you are in love with them and want to be with them. Put yourself out there and take the chance. Even if you are turned down and broken hearted you will remember how you followed your heart. As one gets older we tend to follow the brain more than the heart. Make your young self an inspiration for your adult self. My heart was broken, but I am proud of myself for being true to myself. Maybe you will be luckier in love! I wish you the best!
Tell your friends and profs how much they mean to you; take in the view from Old Main; pray and trust God has a whole new world that needs your time and attention.
Enjoy every last second of your time at GAC! Once you graduate you will miss the community and accessibility that the hill has to offer. Best of luck to you!
2001
Spend as much time as you can with the friends you hope to have lifelong friendships with. You see them, maybe even live with them, everyday right now, but once you get careers and families, you will have difficulty getting together often!
2000
Whatever you do, make sure it is with the people who mean the most of you! You will miss seeing them every day!
My advice would be to enjoy every moment during your last few weeks on campus. Hang out with your friends, go for walks, tour each of the buildings or at least your favorite ones just one last time, send a note or visit with your advisor or favorite profs and just enjoy all for the planned (and unplanned) activities. Life at GAC is wonderful and you probably won’t fully appreciate it until you’ve left.
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