Student Life Awards and ScholarshipsDean of Students
*Click on each award for more detailed descriptions and requirements.
*You may use the electronic form (button below) to nominate a student for multiple awards. Self-nominations are accepted.
- Paul Magnuson Student Leadership and Service Award
- Recognizes the significant contributions that individual students and student groups make to campus life. Each year, outstanding students, student organizations, and student-led events/programs are nominated by fellow students, faculty, administrators, and staff for recognition. Established in 1991 by the Hon. Paul Magnuson '59, chief judge of the U.S. Federal District Court in St. Paul and former trustee of the College (served 1986-1993), to recognize the significant contributions that individual students and student groups make to campus life. Each year, outstanding students and student organizations are nominated by fellow students, faculty, administrators, and staff for recognition and a selection committee assembled by the Dean of Students reviews nominations and determines honorees in three categories: individual student leaders, campus organizations, and student-initiated events and programs.
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- Requirements: Nominated events must have taken place in the last twelve calendar months
- Preferred qualifications
- Nominees that demonstrate persistence, extraordinary impact and innovation will be given priority consideration
- Both new and long standing events are welcome
- Students who are seniors are given priority consideration in the individual category, but younger students are eligible
- For a full list of recipients since 1991: Magnuson Leadership and Service Award - Past Recipients
- Ovanlig Award
- Awarded to a current junior or senior who has “demonstrated leadership in raising campus awareness of gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender rights and concerns.” Established in 1999 by Tim Flatt '91 and Tracie Kurth '94, the Ovanlig Award is given to a current junior or senior who has "demonstrated leadership in raising campus awareness of gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender rights and concerns." The primary purpose of this endowed award of $2,500 is to provide encouragement and financial support to young people who desire a Gustavus education.
- Guild of St. Ansgar
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Up to 8 percent of the graduating class will be selected on the basis of scholarship, leadership, and participation in extra-curricular activities. Students should be nominated by faculty. .The Guild of St. Ansgar, which is named for the first Christian missionary to the Scandinavians (and in honor of St. Ansgar's Academy, the name by which the College was known in the first decade following its founding), is an honorary society for seniors at the College. It was established in the spring of 1952 in response to a desire to recognize the overall achievements - scholarship, leadership, and participation in extracurricular activities - of graduating seniors. Faculty nominations are considered in selection; however, students do not need to be nominated to apply.
- Guild of St. Lucia
- The Guild of St. Lucia was established in 1957 and named for a saint revered by the Swedish people, celebrating the College's Swedish heritage. It honors women who have achieved academic success, displayed leadership qualities, and provided service to the College. Fifteen juniors are selected in the spring of each year.
- Edward and Patty Lindell Scholarship
- This scholarship is designated for a senior student (junior at the time of nomination) to be selected in the spring prior to their senior year with a grade point average greater than 3.0 who has provided service and/or leadership, and has otherwise participated in Gustavus life. The Edward and Patty Lindell Scholarship is funded by an endowment established in 1980 by members of the Class of 1980 in honor of the 11th president of the College (served 1975-1980) and his wife.
- Bunn-Swenson Scholarship
- It is intended that the recipient(s) of this scholarship be a sophomore, junior, or senior (first year, sophomore, or junior at the time of nomination) involved in student life in leadership roles through student government or other campus organizations, including writing for student publications. It is desired that factors such as appreciation of community and sensitivity to racial or other personal injustices also be taken into consideration in selecting scholarship awardees. The Bunn-Swenson Scholarship is funded by and endowment established in 1989 as a permanent expression of the affection of family and friends for Gustavus students Holly and Greg, who lives were taken during their respective freshman and sophomore years when their automobile was struck by a drunk driver. The receipient is selected by the Bunn and Swenson families upon the recommendation of the Dean of Students on the basis of scholarship, significant activities, and service to the College. This scholarship is not tied to a particular field of study, although recipients should be of sophomore standing or above. It is intended that the recipients of this scholarship be involved in student life in leadership roles through student government or other campus organizations, including writing for student publications. I
- Schwalm-Brostrom Leadership in Service Awards (one awardee for Service, one awardee for Faith)
- These awards recognize two current Gustavus sophomores, juniors, or seniors (at the time of nomination) who, in his or her voluntary and community service for the benefit of those outside the Gustavus campus, "models an understanding of vocation and leadership embodied in creative, innovative, and extraordinary efforts or new initiatives that respond to the needs of society." Established in 2000 by Ann Schwalm Schwanke ’69 and her husband, Dr. Arlyn Schwanke, with gratitude for the example of her parents, Mark and Helen Schwalm, and for the encouragement of Gustavus mentors Milton Brostrom ’49, professor emeritus of mathematics and computer science, and his wife, Elaine, retired director of public affairs. The award recognizes a student who, in his or her voluntary and community service for the benefit of those outside the Gustavus campus, “models an understanding of vocation and leadership embodied in creative, innovative, and extraordinary efforts or new initiatives that respond to the needs of society.” The service award recipient is selected by the Community Based Service and Learning Office and the faith award recipient is selected by the Chaplain’s Office.
- R. John Van Deusen Award
- This award is given in recognition of an individual who will attain a Gustavus degree (graduating senior) through unusual perseverance, courage, and effort in dealing with significant challenges presented by a disability. It is named in honor of John Van Deusen, a 1961 Gustavus graduate, who overcame incredible odds, obtaining his degree while battling dystonia, a rare neuromuscular disorder. It is awarded only in years when there is a suitable candidate identified.
Student Life Award Nominations
- Center for Inclusive Excellence
- Numerous awards and fellowships are available for student leaders in campus climate change around equity and inclusion. Awards will be presented at the annual Diversity Ball event in April. Contact the Center for more information about the nomination and selection processes and deadlines.
- Champion of Interfaith Understanding
- Champion of Cultural & Ethnic Understanding
- Champion of Gender & Sexuality Advocacy
- Champion of Political & Social Dialogue
- Outstanding First Year Student (DEI)
- Outstanding Senior Student(s) (DEI)
- Elizabeth A. Coco Award
- Mark Anderson Award for Faculty & Staff
- Community Engagement Center (CEC)
- Multiple awards and fellowships are bestowed for significant student achievement and effort in civic engagement and service-learning. In addition to the Schwalm-Brostrom Award for Service and Faith (see above), the CEC coordinates the nomination/application process for
- Minnesota Campus Compact President's Award for Civic Engagement - the current year's deadline is February 20, 2024.