Big Partner Little Partner
Big Partner/Little Partner (BPLP) is a mentorship program that pairs Gustavus students with youth from St. Peter and the surrounding communities to foster friendship and personal growth. The program started in 1963 and is still going strong! Big Partner/Little Partner pairs meet 2-4 times per month for an hour. These meeting times are determined by the schedule of the Big Partner (Gustie) and the Little Partner (youth). Monthly events organized by the program coordinators bring together the whole group for fun activities and social-emotional skill building.
Mission
To build stronger ties between the St. Peter Community and Gustavus Adolphus College by having the leaders of today mentor the leaders of tomorrow through a one-on-one relationship.
Expectations
- Little Partners need to be dropped off at Gustavus and picked up after one hour with their Big Partner. Most Bigs and Littles meet at the 3 Flags.
- Bigs and Littles do not need to meet for over an hour - this is a good amount of time for the partners to have fun and catch up without becoming overwhelming.
- During the weeks when a large group event is planned (Trick or Treating, Holiday party, etc) Partners are not excpected to meet additionally in that week.
- Bigs and Littles are matched in a one-on-one basis meaning that there should not be additional family members or friends coming along. This is for one Gustie, one youth.
Important Dates
- Spring 2025 Events
-
- Tuesday, January 28th 6:00 - 7:30pm | St. Peter & Heritage Rooms
- Thursday, February 20th 6:00 - 7:30pm | St. Peter & Heritage Rooms
- Wednesday, March 26th 6:00 - 7:30pm | Alumni Hall
- Monday, April 14th 6:00 - 7:30pm | Lund Forum
Important Contacts
Maria, Lead Coordinator - mariatrochez@gustavus.edu
Ellen, Events Coordinator - edow@gustavus.edu
Eavan McCormick, Program Coordinator of the Community Engagement Center - emccormick@gustavus.edu or 507-933-6011.
Applying for the program? Applications for the 2024-2025 year now available!
Thinking about becoming a Big Partner? Check out this video on all the reasons why you should do it!
- Returning Big Applications are open! Please complete asap: Returning Big Partner Application
- New Big Applications! Please complete asap: New Big Partner Application
- Little Partner Applications! Please complete by asap: Little Partner Application
- Little Partner Applications are now closed.
- Aplicación para el programa de Gustavus Big Partner Little Partner (BPLP): Aplicación
Find Us on Social Media
| Name |
Role |
Gustavus Email Address |
|---|---|---|
| Maria Trochez | Lead Coordinator | mariatrochez@gustavus.edu |
| Ellen Dow | Lead Coordinator | edow@gustavus.edu |
| Becca Hoffman | Events Coordinator | beccahoffman@gustavus.edu |
| Kendra Stanton | Events Coordinator (fall) | kendrastanton@gustavus.edu |
| Allison Held | Events Coordinator (fall) | aheld@gustavus.edu |
| Megan Lipke | Activities Coordinator (fall) | meganlipke@gustavus.edu |
| Caitlyn Dresselhaus | Activites Coordinator | cdresselhaus@gustavus.edu |
| Lexi Anderson | Ats & Crafts | alexiaanderson@gustavus.edu |
| Ainsley Thode | Arts & Crafts | ainsleythode@gustavus.edu |
| Maddi Burton | Social Media (fall) | maddiburton@gustavus.edu |
| Kendra Stanton | Social Media (spring) | kendrastanton@gustavus.edu |