Gustavus Adolphus College

Former Interim President of the College Dennis Johnson.

Former religion professor Robert Esbjornson.

Dennis Johnson and Robert Esbjornson, both longstanding members of the Gustavus Adolphus College community, have collaborated to produce a book titled, Esbj! The Heart and Mind of a Professor. The book will be released on Oct. 13 during homecoming festivities at Gustavus where both contributors will be present for a book signing.

The book is described as the memoirs of Esbjornson’s 33-year career as a religion professor at Gustavus as well as a collection of his writings. Johnson provides the narrative that puts Esbjornson’s writings in context.

“My role was also that of an editor who took the wealth of material available to me and selected samples of the wide range of topics addressed by Esbj [pronounced Es-be],” Johnson said. “It is my hope to open the reader to the heart and mind of a professor who had an extraordinary influence on students during his 33-year teaching career.”

Esbjornson graduated from Gustavus in 1941 and was a fixture in the College’s religion department from 1950 to 1983. Johnson graduated from Gustavus in 1960 and has served the College in many administrative roles including class agent, alumni board member, trustee, vice president for church relations, vice president for college relations, acting vice president for development, and interim president.

The book signing, hosted by the Book Mark, will take place from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. The Book Mark is located on the lower level of the C. Charles Jackson Campus Center.