Signature Events

Artist Series

For 35 years, Gustavus Adolphus College has brought world-class artists to the campus for performances in music, theatre, dance, and the visual arts. Some guests artists have included South Africa's Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Philip Brunelle's VocalEssence with legendary Swedish jazz pianist Nils Lindberg, opera singer Marilyn Horne, the Kings Singers, and Wynton Marsalis.

The Nobel Conference

The Nobel Conference brings world-class researchers and scientists to the Gustavus campus for two days each fall. The best in their fields, the speakers present and discuss topics ranging from economics to medicine; from evolution to Einstein.

A Royal Affair

A Royal Affair is a biennial tradition of Gustavus Library Associates. As a fundraiser, social gathering, and celebration of the Folke Bernadotte Memorial Library, A Royal Affair continues to play an essential role in the growth of the library itself, as well as in the preservation of the library as a celebrated part of the Gustavus community.

Linnaeus Symposium

Among the objectives of Linnaeus Arboretum, education is its foremost priority. The Linnaeus Symposium, established in 2003, has been designed to help enrich faculty, student, and larger community thinking about environmental stewardship and the wise use of resources.

The Festival of St. Lucia

The Festival of St. Lucia marks the beginning of the Christmas season in Swedish custom. The festival is celebrated annually at Gustavus with a chapel service featuring a court of five sophomore women chosen for their leadership, service to the College and others, charity, kindness, and thoughtfulness.

Christmas in Christ Chapel

Christmas in Christ Chapel is an annual celebration of the Christmas season since 1973. Alumni, friends of the College, students, staff, and faculty gather for the traditions, with approximately 1,200 people attending each of five services.

Building Bridges

Building Bridges is an annual conference on diversity. Student-led and student-initiated, it promotes proactive, social change through awareness and it fosters mutual respect and understanding of diversity. The conference has been held annually in March since 1995. New themes are developed and presented each year.

Gustavus Music Showcase

Gustavus Music Showcase provides a unique opportunity to hear the College's three internationally touring music ensembles perform together in concert in the Twin Cities. The Gustavus Choir, the Gustavus Symphony Orchestra, and the Gustavus Wind Orchestra will once again join forces in March 2008 to present the Gustavus Music Showcase at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis.

MAYDAY! Peace Conference

The MAYDAY! Peace Conference is an opportunity for the greater Gustavus community to join in conversation regarding issues of peace and social justice throughout the world. Each spring, classes are shortened to allow all students to attend the conference and listen to a special keynote speaker.

Commencement

Commencement is a time for families and friends to celebrate the accomplishments of graduating Gustavus students. Events are held throughout the weekend to recognize and celebrate the new graduates as they depart Gustavus in pursuit of new endeavors.