Grad Year: 2005
Major: Political Science major; History, Geography minors
Hometown: West Saint Paul, Minnesota
Current City: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Current Profession: I am currently a Partner on the Marketing and Communications team at ICF Next, formerly Olson + Co. ICF Next is a full-service consulting agency and my team focuses primarily on advertising, public relations and corporate communications. One day, I’m working with the Minister of Tourism in Belize on strategy to get more Americans and Canadians to his country. The next, I’m working with a Fortune 50 company on how to merge together two of their largest brands. Every day is different which is why I love it.
What is your favorite Gustavus memory?
Move-in day is by far the best memory any Greeter has of Gustavus. The energy, the enthusiasm, the love of the school. I think back fondly on every single move-in day. Studying abroad is also a favorite memory. I’m thankful to have gone to a school that valued international experiences.
What was your favorite class and/or professor and why?
I had lots of favorite classes:
– My FTS “The Politics of Homelessness” with Richard Leitch. The class was true experiential learning at its best. It taught you the politics behind the housing crisis (which has unfortunately only worsened since). Dr. Leitch, a tour de force, asked you to spend a week “experiencing homelessness.” I still regularly think about this.
– “Abolitionism” with Dr. Greg Kaster was teaching at its best. You could feel the people behind the stories he was telling. True master craft.
– “Democracy and Citizenship” with Dr. Jill Locke taught me how to think and how to write. Nobody gave more thoughtful feedback to their students or challenged them to work harder.
– “School and Society” with Lisa Heldke opened my eyes to how philosophy meets the real world.
What do you miss the most about your time as a student at Gustavus?
I miss being able to walk across the street for lunch; I miss the enthusiasm and energy of the people; I miss an educational environment filled with brilliantly smart people that prioritized conversation, discussion and valued disagreement.
What brought you to campus the last time you visited?
A wedding of two fellow class of 2005 graduates, Annie Michaletz Burgart and Evan Burgart
How has your Gustavus experience most impacted your life beyond the Hill?
It taught me my most valuable professional skill – how to be an effective writer. It also connected me with people who would be my life-long best friends. It has connected me to people – people I would meet years later – who are all connected by a shared experience.
What do you enjoy the most about being a Gustie alum?
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