Inside Gustavus September 10, 2009 | Volume 42, Number 2

President's Cabinet Summary

At its Sept. 8 meeting, the President's Cabinet discussed the Sept. 2 President's Colloquium. The event featured updates by President Ohle on Commission Gustavus 150 and the State of the College. A presentation of the College's new branding work was enthusiastically received and is scheduled to be initially rolled out publicly on Oct. 9.

The President and Vice Presidents shared experiences and impressions from Opening Day activities on Sept. 4. New student move-in went well, as did the ice cream social for students, hosted by President and Kris Ohle at their home. President Ohle and the Vice Presidents noted the clear enthusiasm of the Class of 2013 and commented with appreciation on the excellent work done by Student Affairs staff and Gustie Greeters.

This week's Commission Gustavus 150 update covered the upcoming schedule for Trustee review of the report from its August Workshop, in which it prioritized 385 recommendations from eight task forces.

The Cabinet also discussed long-term planning for the Nobel Conference, including the importance of expanding the event's educational reach and leveraging it for greater institutional visibility.

The Cabinet approved the replacement of three budgeted custodial positions. It also decided to engage Datatel to redesign the Admission website in keeping with the rebranding of the College. The Cabinet explored the idea of a local business fair on campus this fall to support local retailers and other business owners while Highway 169 construction limits customer traffic downtown.

Another event under discussion was a Candidates Forum in early November, in which declared Minnesota gubernatorial candidates from all parties will be invited to speak and take questions from Gustavus students and community members. H1N1 discussion included a review of the communications plan for the opening of the academic year.

Lastly, the Cabinet received an update on Gustavus student Brendan Loney, who was injured this summer in a diving accident. The Loney family has appreciated the incredible support they have received from Gustavus students, coaches, and many others. The Cabinet will next meet on Tuesday, Sept. 15.

News & Announcements

Christmas in Christ Chapel Tickets Online This Year... Christmas in Christ Chapel worship service and buffet tickets will be available online this year. Tickets are $17.50 each and will go on sale to the Gustavus Campus Community starting on Monday, Sept. 21, at 8 a.m. To order, go to www.gustavustickets.com, choose “Login” from the top menu, and then click on “Gustavus Community Login” on the left side. Enter your Gustavus login and password (or register with the site, if you've not already done so) and then click on the “Send Login to University Tickets” button. Choose the “Christmas in Christ Chapel” event. You may order your complimentary ticket and any additional tickets through this site. Tickets will go on sale to the general public beginning Oct. 15, so for the best selection, order early. Tickets will be mailed to your campus P.O. box in late October. For questions, contact the Office of Marketing and Communication at x7520 or marketing@gustavus.edu.

Van Pool Organized... A Gustavus Van Pool is up and running, transporting riders to the campus from the Twin Cities. The VanGo program of the Metro Council subsidizes 55% of the van lease, thus offering riders an economical, relaxed, and environmentally conscious way to commute to the College. Riders are welcome to use the service on a regular or an occasional basis. The van pool arrives at Gustavus at 8a.m. and departs at 4:45 p.m. every weekday. Contact edugdale@gustavus.edu to find out more. There will be an informational meeting offered by Randy Rosvold (VanGo) and Eric Dugdale (classics) on Friday, Sept. 11, at 11:30 a.m. in Linner Lounge.

Holiday Schedule... The College will observe the following holidays through the end of 2009:

• Thanksgiving Day - Thursday, Nov. 26, 2009
• Day after Thanksgiving - Friday, Nov. 27, 2009
• Floating Holiday - Thursday, Dec. 24, 2009
• Christmas Day - Friday, Dec. 25, 2009
• Floating Holiday - Monday, Dec. 28, 2009
• Floating Holiday - Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2009
• Floating Holiday - Wed., Dec. 30, 2009
• Floating Holiday - Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009
• New Year’s Day - Friday, Jan. 1, 2010

Nobel Conference Tickets Available for Faculty and Staff... Gustavus faculty and staff may receive one complimentary ticket to the Nobel Conference, which will be held on October 6 and 7. To pick up your ticket, stop by the Office of Marketing and Communication, or e-mail marketing@gustavus.edu.

Letters Sought for Tenure Candidates... The following members of the faculty are currently being considered for appointments with continuous tenure:

• Brenda Kelly (biology and chemistry)
• Michele Koomen (education)
• Karl Larson (health & exercise science)
• San Skulrattanakulchai (math & computer science)

Letters written on behalf of these candidates should be sent to Provost David Fienen and should address the criteria for tenure as stated in the Faculty Manual (see below). Letters are due by Monday, Sept. 28, at 4 p.m. All members of the Gustavus community are invited to submit letters. Candidates will have access to their letters. The specific criteria for tenure are as follows:

• Excellence as a teacher as reflected in quality of and enthusiasm for work, effectiveness of methods, interest in subject matter, concern for student learning, effective advising of students within and outside the major and continued academic preparation and improvement.
• An emerging pattern of professional activities as reflected, for example, by publications, presentations at scholarly meetings or conferences, and, in the arts, by manifestations of creativity demonstrated through exhibits or performances; another example may be involvement in professional and/or public organizations, boards, and commissions related to one's academic fields or college assignments.
• An emerging pattern of involvement in the activities of the College.
• Continuing evidence of sympathy with the aims and purposes of Gustavus Adolphus College as stated in the Mission Statement of the College.

Staff Reclassification Committee to Meet... The Staff Reclassification Committee (SRC) is scheduled to meet Sept. 30 to review and evaluate complete reclassification requests received in the Department of Human Resources by Sept. 24. Complete requests are those submitted on the "Position Description Questionnaire" form (normally completed by the employee) and accompanied by a "Request for Job Description Review" form completed by the supervisor. Both forms are available in the Department of Human Resources. Requests for reclassification received after Sept. 24 will be carried to the next meeting of the Committee, to be scheduled in March 2010.

Campus Happenings

Chapel Schedule... All are invited to the worship services at 10 a.m. on weekdays and 10:30 a.m. on Sundays in Christ Chapel. The upcoming schedule is as follows:

• Friday, Sept. 11 - Chaplain Rachel Larson
• Sunday, Sept. 13 - Chaplain Brian Johnson
• Monday, Sept. 14 - Distinguished Visiting Professor Erazim Kohák
• Tuesday, Sept. 15 - Dean of Students Jeff Stocco
• Wednesday, Sept. 16 - Morning Praise
• Thursday, Sept. 17 - Daniel Jackson, senior student
• Friday, Sept. 18 - Chaplain Brian Johnson

Chem Alumni Symposium Scheduled... Join the Gustavus Chemistry Department for an Alumni Symposium on Saturday, Sept. 12. Chemistry alumni will present their current research in Wallenberg Auditorium, Nobel Hall of Science. The schedule for the day is as follows:

• 1 p.m. - Joe Katzenmeyer '04 (title to be determined)
• 2 p.m. - Carolyn Wanamaker '04, "Green Plastics"
• 3 p.m. - Joe Dalluge '91, "Mass Spectroscopy in Food and Biotechnologies"
• 4 p.m. - Matthew Shores '97, "Paramagnetic Metals"
• 6 p.m. - Dinner with President Jack R. Ohle, Jackson Campus Center, Professor Emeritus Lawrence Potts will reflect on research with students.

The symposium is open to the public. There is no charge to attend the alumni research presentations, but dinner will cost $15. Reservations are required for dinner; RSVP to Scott Bur at sbur@gustavus.edu.

Noted Philosophy Professor Returns to Gustavus... Erazim Kohák, professor emeritus of philosophy at Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic, who taught at Gustavus from 1958 to 1960, returns to the campus next week as a Distinguished Visiting Professor. He will give the homily during chapel services at 10 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 14, and will present a public lecture, "When Democracy Is Not Enough," that evening at 7:30 p.m. in Olin 103. On Tuesday, Sept. 15, he will address the group at the Teachers Talking lunches (11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.) on teaching and the responsibilities of a public intellectual and will deliver a second public lecture, "Will to History," at 7:30 p.m. in Olin 103. Kohák went on to a long and distinguished career at Boston University after leaving Gustavus. When the "Velvet Revolution" occurred in 1989, he returned to his native Czechoslovakia, where he joined the faculty at Charles University and as a leading public intellectual had a profound influence on the shaping of the Czech Republic, which split off in 1993. His visit is sponsored by the Department of Philosophy.

Faculty Shop Talk... Sean Cobb (English) will present the first Faculty Shop Talk of the 2009-10 academic year. His talk, titled "Paranoia, State Sovereignty and the Bracero Program in Anthony Mann's Border Incident," will be presented on Friday, Sept. 18, at 4:30 p.m. in the Interpretive Center. Feel free to arrive any time after 4:15 p.m. The abstract for this and future talks may be viewed at http://gustavus.edu/events/shoptalks/.

GLA Fall Membership Tea... Gustavus Library Associates cordially invites you to the Fall Membership Tea hosted by President Jack and Kris Ohle on Monday, Sept. 21, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. at the President’s campus home. Founded in 1977, this preeminent academic library-support group has been dedicated to the advancement of Folke Bernadotte Memorial Library. With an active membership nearing 500, GLA has built a library endowment in excess of $2.6 million that supports the academic program of the College. All friends and friends of friends are welcome to attend. For more information, contact GLA board member Ginny Bakke at x7571, or Dana Lamb at x7550 in the Office of Marketing and Communication.

'Business After Hours'... At 5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, in the Anderson Theatre in Schaefer Fine Arts Center, employees are invited to visit with President Ohle over refreshments at the close of the workday. This will be a casual social gathering. All are encouraged to come and enjoy one another’s company.  Future Business After Hours gatherings are scheduled for Oct. 21 in the lobby area of Confer/Vickner and Nov. 30 in the lobby area of the Nobel Hall of Science.

Faculty Lunches with the President... President Ohle is pleased to invite faculty members to join him for luncheon forums this fall. These events will provide opportunities for regular interaction and a time for sharing ideas. The first forum is scheduled for Monday, Oct. 12. The second luncheon will be held on Friday, Nov. 13. Both lunches will be held from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in the Heritage Room. RSVP at least one week ahead to the President’s Office by calling Pat Leagjeld at x7538 or e-mailing her at pleagjel@gustavus.edu.

Off-Campus Events of Interest

Mankato Pridefest This Weekend... The 2009 Pridefest in Mankato, "In the Spirit of Stonewall," is scheduled for Friday-Sunday, Sept. 11-13. The event kicks off on Friday with "Queer"aoke at Pub 500 featuring the Night Owls, 8 p.m.-1 a.m. Saturday events include the "Pride 5K" fun run (starting from Sibley Park, 9 a.m.), the Pride parade (Riverfront Drive, 11 a.m.), and the Pride Festival (note venue change to Sibley Park, noon-5 p.m.), where you can enjoy good food, drink, a beer garden, music, vendors, crafts, a children's play area, and activities like a Bounce House and face painting. There is something for everyone at this exciting pride-filled afternoon! On Saturday evening there will be a Pride Dance at the Morson Ario VFW (1900 Riverfront Drive, Mankato, 8 p.m.-midnight). Events conclude on Sunday with a Post Pride Pub Brunch at Pub 500 (9 a.m.-2 p.m.). Check out the event website for updates to the schedule at: http://www.scmnpride.org/pridefest.

Walking Club Organizes... Enjoy the beauty of fall with the Tour of Fall Walking Club, which meets each Tuesday from 6 to 7 p.m. starting Tuesday, Sept. 15. The approximately one-hour walks will feature different local parks and walking trails. Each week Mary Kramer, exercise physiologist from Live Well Fitness, will encourage participants to walk at a pace that will increase breath and heart rate, yet is comfortable enough to maintain for a period of time. Warm-up stretching will be introduced prior to each walk. The first walk on Sept. 15 will start at Jefferson Fields shelter, St. Peter. In case of inclement weather, meet at the St. Peter Community Center walking track. The Tour of Fall is co-sponsored by Live Well Fitness and the St. Peter Recreation & Leisure Services Department. Register online at www.saintpetermn.gov/recreation or by calling 934-0667. For more information call 934-8476.

Pet an Alpaca... You're invited to the 6th annual Farm Tour Open House at Cozy Acres Alpacas the weekend of Sept. 26 and 27, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. See, feel, and learn about alpacas. Kathy Erlandsen (Annual Fund office) will be opening up her barn for people to visit and pet the alpacas. Visit their website (www.alpacanation.com/cozyacres.asp) for directions and more information. Also on Saturday, Sept. 26, at 1 p.m., there will be a class teaching how to make Scandinavian hand-felted slippers using alpaca wool. If interested, call Kathy at x6514 for details.

'Girls Night Out' Planned for October 1... The Retail Promotion Committee of the St. Peter Chamber of Commerce is hosting "Girls Night Out" on Thursday, Oct. 1, from 5 to 8 p.m. Over 40 participating businesses will offer discounts, giveaways, storewide specials, prize drawings, and refreshments. Get your GNO brochure (available at businesses and the Chamber) punched at 10 different places of business to be eligible for a $200 grand prize and forty $25 gift certificates. So, don’t let the Hwy 169 construction get you down. Gather a group of friends and go "Shop St. Peter!" For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 934-3400. 

Obituaries

• Barbara Paul, sister of Garrett Paul (religion), died suddenly on August 24 in Chicago Heights, Illinois. She had served as director of the Chicago Heights Public Library for 40 years before retiring last year and was co-author of three books on the history of the city. The funeral was on Sept. 1.
• Mayona A. Schultz, mother of Sylvia Straub (library) died on Sept. 3. Her funeral service was held on Tuesday, Sept. 8, at St. Anne's Catholic Church in Le Sueur.

To inform the campus community of the death of a current student, employee, or trustee; an emeritus professor or trustee; or an immediate family member of a current employee, contact the Office of the President (x7538 or pleagjel@gustavus.edu). Death announcements and funeral notices for students, current and emeritus faculty and employees, and trustees will be sent to the community via written notice from the president, posted on community-l, the official campus-wide e-mail list, and published in Inside Gustavus or the Summer Scoop. Notices for immediate family members of current employees will be published in Inside Gustavus or the Summer Scoop unless they occur during a publication break, in which case they will be posted on employee-l.

Congregational Outreach

Music in Worship... Any Gustavus music ensemble of soloist is welcome to perform in congregations. For more information, contact Marilyn Beyer (x7001).

Plugs

For Sale... King bedroom set. All pieces made of wood for a very rustic "northwoodsy" look. Includes king-size bed frame (headboard, footboard, side rails, and all hardware), dresser, and nightstand. All in good condition, pics available. Asking $250 o/b/o. Call 952-358-1646 or e-mail mcoe@gustavus.edu.

House for Sale or Rent... 318 W. Myrtle in St. Peter. 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1,700 sq. ft., 1-car detached garage, large backyard, ample storage space, newer appliances, easy walk to campus or downtown, move-in ready. $129,900 or $1,000/month + utilities. Contact Scott Moe, smoe@gustavus.edu or x7610.

"Plugs" is maintained as a forum by which members of the Gustavus community may offer goods and/or services to others in the community, or seek the same from them. It is not meant to accommodate ads or announcements from area businesses such as real estate agents or retailers, although from time to time such announcements may be published when deemed to be of particular interest to the community.

 



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Inside Gustavus is a newsletter for Gustavus Adolphus College employees produced by the Office of Marketing and Communication. It is published weekly during the academic year (except during the week of Thanksgiving, the Christmas break, Touring Week, and the Spring and Easter breaks). Anyone may submit items by filling out an online submission form. While online submissions are preferred, items may also be submitted typewritten on a letter-sized sheet of paper. Send "snail mail" items to: Inside Gustavus, Office of Marketing and Communication. Items must reach the office no later than 4:30 p.m. on the Tuesday before publication. The week of Nobel Conference the deadline is 4:30 p.m. Monday. For more information, contact Steve Waldhauser (waldo@gustavus.edu or x6413).

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