The Inauguration of the 18th President

John C. Volin, PhD

Inauguration banner for the 18th President of the College
John C Volin

John C. Volin

John C. Volin, PhD

 

The Gustavus Adolphus College Board of Trustees announces the inauguration of John C. Volin, PhD as the eighteenth President of the College.

Following a postdoctoral fellowship in plant physiological ecology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Volin accepted a faculty position at Florida Atlantic University, where he rose to the rank of full professor in the Department of Biological Sciences and served as the director of the Environmental Sciences graduate program. Volin joined the University of Connecticut in 2007 to head the Department of Natural Resources and the Environment, advancing to serve as Vice Provost of Academic Affairs. From 2020-2025, Volin served as the Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost at the University of Maine, where his portfolio included oversight of more than 1,000 faculty and staff and a budget of over $250 million. Volin is recognized as a national leader in using evidence-based practices to support holistic student wellbeing. He serves on the Executive Committee of the LearningWell Coalition and is a co-founder and senior advisor of LearningWell magazine.

Born and raised in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Volin holds a BS in botany and biology and an MS in agronomy from South Dakota State University, and a PhD in forestry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Volin and his wife, Valeria, have five children and six grandchildren.

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Friday, April 17

 

Inauguration Symposium

 

9 - 11:30 a.m. in Björling Recital Hall

The inauguration symposium is an exploration of key themes that inform the presidency at Gustavus Adolphus College. Invited speakers will offer reflections on each theme, followed by a response and dialogue with a member of the Gustavus faculty. 

 

9:00 a.m. | Intellectual Inquiry

As political polarization, information disorder, and artificial intelligence reshape today’s intellectual landscape, how might Gustavus cultivate modes of inquiry grounded in curiosity, humility, and moral discernment — preparing students to navigate and contribute wisely to an increasingly complex world?

Speaker: Dr. Tom Katsouleas, Response: Dr. Laura Triplett

 

9:45 a.m. | Community

What does it mean to build a flourishing community — one that honors human dignity, sustains the natural world, and prepares us to live responsibly with one another in a complex and polarized society?

Speaker: Dr. Amy Donahue, Response: Dr. Yurie Hong

 

10:30 a.m. | Faith

How might the Lutheran spirit of radical inquiry and intellectual humility shape the future of liberal arts education at Gustavus amid growing complexity and moral urgency, while fostering meaningful dialogue across multifaith, interfaith, and secular perspectives?

Speaker: Reverend Lamont Wells, Response: Dr. Jon Gill

 

Featured Student Performance —  Zoom In Zoom Out

Zoom In Zoom Out asks us to consider the prospect of seeking and building hope and community, forged amongst the ruins of isolation and despair. The dance earned the “Gala selection” by adjudicators and “People’s Choice” awards at the 2026 North Central Regional American College Dance Association Conference. The piece is choreographed by Sarah Hauss, Department of Theatre and Dance, with contributions from the cast from the 2025 Gustavus dance concert, Wintering.

 

 

Community Lunch

 

11:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. in the Evelyn Young Dining Room

A festive meal for all off-campus guests, employees, and students to celebrate the Gustavus community. Please see menu below.

 

Inauguration Service

 

2:00 p.m. in Christ Chapel

Installation of John C. Volin, 18th President of Gustavus. Featuring remarks from Dr. Domenico Grasso, an inaugural address by President Volin, and the musical artistry of Gustavus student ensembles.

 

Please RSVP

 

RSVP is requested by April 3.

Questions? Email rsvp [at] gustavus.edu (rsvp[at]gustavus[dot]edu)

Greens & Sides
  • Spring mix with fresh strawberries and candied almonds (v, vg, gf)
  • Spring peas, asparagus, edamame, portobello mushrooms, and onions (v, vg)
  • Artisan breads served with butter (gf/df options available)
  • Berries and cream (gf, nf; df/vg/nf options available)
 
Entrees
  • Fontina and prosciutto stuffed chicken (gf)
  • Herbed farro risotto with crispy shallots (v, gf)
  • Gardein Chick’n stuffed with spinach topped with red pepper coulis (v, vg, gf, df)
 
Desserts
  • Chocolate velvet mocha torte (gf)
  • Carrot cake
  • Almond cream pie
  • Salted caramel bread pudding
 
v = vegetarian, vg = vegan, gf = gluten free. df = dairy free, nf = nut free

FAQs

Black and gold Gustavus apparel or business casual attire is appropriate for all events. Institutional delegates are asked to wear academic regalia for the Inauguration Service processional.

Accessibile Seating

 

Accessible seating is available at all events. It is helpful to notify the event planners at least one week in advance about your need for accessible seating.

 

Accessibility Support

 

We believe part of our mission is creating a campus culture of belonging. Basic accessibility and visitor accommodation information is provided here. For a specific accessibility request for an event, please complete the form below. 

 

Visitor Accessibility Form

 

Campus Parking

Campus Map

 

Parking locations on campus:

  • Parking signs will direct you to parking areas.
  • All lots are open for parking without a permit. 
  • Accessibility Parking: Limited accessible parking for people with special needs will be available near Christ Chapel and the Campus Center. Vehicles will be allowed to drive close to Christ Chapel for drop-off or pick-up.
  • Valet parking is not offered.
  • Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
    • Several parking spaces with charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) are available on a first come, first serve basis for all employees, students, and visitors in accordance with the following Use Policy and Guidelines. There is no fee for the vehicle charge. The College cannot guarantee that the EV charging parking spaces will be open. There are EV chargers available in St. Peter at the St. Peter Food Coop and River Rock Coffee, as well as Tesla Superchargers at Hy-Vee.

 

No overnight parking allowed in these lots, unless you request a special permit from Campus Safety.

Reach far. Dig deep.
Go Beyond.