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 Schulz.
On-Campus Events
Wednesday, April 15
(Students, Faculty, and Staff)
Retirees Book Club
9 - 9:45 a.m.
Gustie Den, Jackson Campus Center-lower level
Campus Book Club
10 - 10:45 a.m.
Campus stakeholders have met throughout the spring semester to read and discuss The Good Life
Class Meeting
11:45 a.m. - 12:50 p.m.
Wallenberg Auditorium, Nobel Hall of Science
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Positive Psychology, Dr. Patrick Heath
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Biochemistry, Dr. Heather Haemig
Pop-up Student Interviews
1:15 - 2:15 p.m.
Courtyard Café, Jackson Campus Center-lower level
- Moderated by Tane Danger '07
The Good Life - Bob Waldinger in Conversation with Cathy Wurzer
Wednesday, April 15
3:30 pm
Björling Recital Hall
Free and Open to the Public
Celebrate The Great Gustie Read as bestselling author of The Good Life, Dr. Robert Waldinger visits campus for a conversation with legendary Minnesota Public Radio host Cathy Wurzer. The interview kicks off a slate of events leading up to the inauguration of John C. Volin as the 18th president of the College on Friday, April 17.
