What Makes for a Happy Life?
When President John Volin stepped into the role in the summer of 2025, one of the first things he learned about Gusties is how passionate they are. In conversation with first-year students to alumni who graduated over 50 years ago, he found a shared commitment to lifelong learning and leading fulfilling lives of leadership and service in society.
New this year, the Great Gustie Read connects the Gustavus community on- and off- the hill through a shared reading experience that culminates in an author visit to campus during the week of President Volin's inauguration this April.
The inaugural book gets to the heart of what it means to lead that fulfilling life promised in the Gustavus mission statement.
And what makes for a happy life? For more than 80 years, researchers at Harvard University have explored the question. The surprising answer? Meaningful connections with others—just like the relationships that are built on campus at Gustavus.
The bestselling author of The Good Life, Dr. Robert Waldinger, visits Gustavus Adolphus College on April 15, 2026. More information about campus events and possible opportunities to meet Dr. Waldinger will be available later this spring.
Great Gustie
Read Activities
The Great Gustie Read connects the Gustavus community through a shared reading experience that culminates in an author visit to campus. The book for this year is The Good Life: Lessons from the World's Longest Scientific Study of Happiness by Robert Waldinger and Marc Shulz.
Drop Everything and Read Tea Tuesdays
Every Tuesday
11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Folke Bernadotte Memorial Library - Main Level
Bring your book and grab a cup of tea or cocoa. Head for the comfy couches near the entrance. Join Library employees for silent group reading, along with occasional conversation and other activities.
Community Lunch and Learn
The Good Life Lesson - Relationships Matter
Wednesday, February 25
11:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.
Heritage Room
Grab food at the Community Lunch and come to the Heritage room for small group discussions about building strong relationships.
Daily Chapel
Reflections on The Good Life During Times of Uncertainty
Thursday, March 26
11:30 - 11:50 a.m.
Christ Chapel
Community Lunch and Learn
The Good Life - TED Talk and Discussion
Thursday, March 26
12 - 1 p.m.
Heritage Room
Grab food at the Community Lunch and Learn in the Heritage room to watch and discuss the TED Talk by Robert Waldinger.
The Good Life - Author Visit
Wednesday, April 15
Time and Location TBD
The bestselling author of The Good Life, Dr. Robert Waldinger, will be on campus to share his insights.
