Inside Gustavus February 18, 2016 | Volume 48, Number 21
Faculty/Staff Activities & Student Achievements
Jeff Jeremiason, Chemistry and Environmental Studies, recently published a paper in the journal Ecotoxicology entitled "Aeshnid Dragonfly Larvae as Bioindicators of Methylmercury Contamination in Aquatic Systems Impacted by Elevated Sulfate Loading". Gustavus students Kris Reiser '16 (Biochemistry) and Rachel Weitz '16 (Environmental Studies and Geography) were co-authors.
Position Openings
-Assistant Professor of Economics and Management (Finance and Business Economics),
-Assistant Professor of Economics and Management (Macroeconomics and Statistics),
-Athletic Training Clinical Education Coordinator and Instructor,
-Instructor of Music (Jazz Piano),
-Instructor of Music (Trombone),
-Visiting Assistant Professor of Art and Art History (Photography/Video),
-Visiting Assistant Professor of Chemistry (Biochemistry),
-Visiting Assistant Professor of Chemistry (Organic),
-Visiting Assistant Professor of Communication Studies (Public Discourse and Political Campaign Communication),
-Visiting Assistant Professor of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Statistics (Computer Science),
-Visiting Assistant Professor of Mathematics, Computer Science, and Statistics (Mathematics),
-Visiting Assistant Professor of Music (Theory and Composition),
-Visiting Assistant Professor of Philosophy,
-Visiting Assistant Professor of Psychological Science (Experimental Psychology),
-Visiting Instructor of Health and Exercise Science (Health and Physical Education),
-Visiting Instructor of Modern Languages, Literatures, and Cultures (French),
-Visiting Instructor of Nursing (Pediatrics, Public Health, and Nursing Research)
-Director of Human Resources,
-Director of Physical Plant,
-Vice President for Finance and Treasurer
-Assistant Director of Campus Activities,
-Administrative Assistant
For more information on the aforementioned position(s), call Human Resources (x7304).
President's Cabinet Summary
January 26
1. Members reviewed a document outlining the progress on the 2015-2016 institutional goals. The final document will be shared with trustees at the Jan. 28-29 Board meeting.
2. Last minute details regarding the January board meeting were discussed.
3. Continued discussion was held regarding a proposed policy concerning employee responsibilities associated with College-owned computers and Gustavus email accounts. Provost Braun will have further discussions with GTS and vet this proposed policy with appropriate committees/individuals and then provide a final version for discussion/approval at an upcoming Cabinet meeting.
4. Continued discussion was held regarding a proposed pet policy. Following discussion, Provost Braun will provide a final version and draft a community-l message for review at the next Cabinet meeting. Vice presidents were asked to have preliminary conversations with their respective divisional colleagues.
5. Members approved the hiring of an administrative assistant replacement position in math/computer science and physics (35 hours/45 weeks).
6. Members briefly discussed a part-time replacement position for the Gustavus office at the American Swedish Institute. Further discussions will be held regarding options for staffing the Gustavus Office at ASI.
7. Cabinet members were asked to encourage their respective divisional colleagues to attend Professional Development Days on Feb. 2-3.
8. An all-employee meeting was scheduled for Fri., Feb. 12 at 2:30 p.m. in Alumni Hall.
9. Members had a brief discussion regarding the Cabinet reviewing/approving replacement or new positions. Consensus was that if any person, with the exception of adjunct faculty, in a position is expected to receive a W-2, the requested position should come to the Cabinet for review/approval.
February 12
1. Members reviewed the activities surrounding the Jan. 28-29 board meeting.
2. Members discussed the agenda for Friday’s all-employee meeting.
3. Discussion was held regarding the benchmarks for the FY 2017 operating budget.
4. Members approved the hiring of an administrative assistant in the psychological science, sociology/anthropology, and history departments.
5. Members approved the hiring of a Campus Safety Reserve Officer replacement position.
6. Members approved the hiring of an Assistant Director of Campus Activities replacement position.
7. Establishing a winter closing policy was discussed. This topic will be placed on the agenda for the Cabinet retreat this summer.
8. Members agreed to create a Google calendar for the Cabinet showing when members will be traveling, on vacation, and/or out of the office.
News & Announcements
Save the Date...Students, faculty, administrators, and staff are invited to hear national CAMPUSPEAK speaker Mark Sterner share his amazing and tragic story about the spring break he never imagined. Over two million students have been impacted by Mark's incredible presentation. As the Gustavus community prepares for spring break trips, join us to hear Mark's powerful message about decision making during spring break. Presentation will be held on Tuesday, March 15 at 7 p.m. in Alumni Hall.
Spring Fitness Challenge...The annual Wellbeing for Employees (WE) Spring Fitness Challenge is about to begin. Registration is from March 7 through March 31. You can register online at or pick up a paper copy next to the Lund Information Desk. The challenge begins on April 3 and runs until April 30. The prizes are the State Park Annual Pass or a MN Fishing License. Please contact Laurie Kelly (lkelly@gustavus.edu or call x6145) with any questions.
ClearCost Health...ClearCost is a service that will enable you to save on your out of pocket expenses by shopping for health care services such as office visits, lab tests, radiology services, basic procedures and prescription drugs based on cost, quality and convenience. Registration takes two minutes. This service is available to all South Central Service Cooperative pool members on a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota health plan, their spouses and dependents over age 18. If you have questions, call a ClearCost Health Shopper at (866) 381-9961 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. central time or e-mail servicecooperatives@clearcosthealth.com.
It's that time of year again... Endowed Scholarship Thank-You Time! Please encourage students to complete their scholarship thank yous. If you could make an announcement in your classes, to your student employees, or to the student group you advise to encourage students to express their appreciation to those folks who continue to provide opportunities for Gusties. It is a quick and easy process, and is all online. Email links will be in their email inbox and the Thank-You Portal will be open until March 25, 2016. Questions can be directed to Maggie Hedlund Forster '09 or by calling 507-933-6513.
Guild of St. Lucia Nominees...The Guild of St. Lucia was established in 1958 to honor women who have achieved academic success, displayed leadership qualities, and provided service to the College and others. Fifteen junior women are elected in the spring of each year. Please send names of nominees, along with a brief explanation of how nominees meet the membership criteria, to Guild co-advisor Julie Gilbert by Friday, March 4.
Campus Happenings
Möbius Project Reception...You are warmly invited to come and support your colleagues Scott Bur (Chemistry) and Kristen Lowe (Art/Art History) and Gustavus student Haley Bell '16 (Art Studio/Communication Studies) as they present the inaugural Möbius project at 4 p.m. on Thurs. Feb. 18 at The Courtyard Café. Lowe and Bell participated as artists-in-residence in Bur’s Organic and Synthetic Chemistry research class this January. Their presentation of this collaboration exploring the space between forming probabilities (science) and endless possibilities (art) is accompanied by an exhibit of their works. Refreshments will be served.
Building Bridges Conference...This year’s Building Bridges Conference will be held on Sat. March 5 and will focus on two major aspects of the War on Drugs: the effects of the United States Government's massive spending on drug-fighting efforts, and the role of United States Drug Policy in the creation of international and domestic violence. Through this conference, we hope to educate our community about the average US citizen’s proximity to instances of violence that may seem far removed from their daily lives, but nonetheless contribute to loss of life, liberty, and human dignity. Tickets can be requested at gustavustickets.com
Home Athletic Events
Support the Golden Gusties at one or more of these home athletic events this weekend.
- Gymnastics hosts UW-Eau Claire at 6 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1
- Men's hockey hosts Hamline at 7:05 p.m. Friday, Feb. 19
- Men's tennis hosts St. Thomas at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 20
- Men's basketball hosts Carleton at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20
- Women's hockey hosts Hamline at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20
- Women's basketball hosts Carleton at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20
Fine Art Events
Hillstrom Museum of Art
Submerge, Recent Paintings by Betsy Ruth Byers, and FOCUS IN/ON: B.J.O. Nordfeldt’s Two Pigeons
Open Feb. 15 through April 24, 2016
Love's Labour's Lost...Tickets are now available online or by calling 507-933-7590 for the Department of Theatre & Dance production of Love's Labour's Lost, a new musical based on the play by William Shakespeare. Performances will be held Feb. 19-20 & 26-27 at 8 p.m., with matinee performances on Feb. 21 & 28 at 2 p.m. Gustavus students and staff are entitled to one free ticket for the production. Other tickets are $9 for adults and $6 for senior citizens and other students. Tickets not sold before the event will be placed on sale one hour prior to curtain at the Anderson Theatre box office.
"We'll have it all, while we are young.” In this contemporary musical adaptation of Shakespeare's classic comedy, music and lyrics create a sexy and irreverent look at love, homecoming, and hookups.
Love's Labour's Lost is a new musical based on the play by William Shakespeare.
Songs by Michael Friedman, book adapted by Alex Timbers.
Henry MacCarthy, Director; Samuel Grace '11, Music Director
Lydia Francis ‘11, Scenic Design; Terena M. Wilkens, Lighting Design;
Elsa Larsen ‘17, Costume Design
Gustavus United Way Rally… All faculty, staff and administrators are invited to join us from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Leap Day, Feb. 29, in the Heritage Room us for a fun hour to learn about the 2016 United Way on-campus campaign. Come for…
• A chance to win a $100 Bookmark gift certificate (no pledge necessary…all attendees will be in the drawing),
• Frost-your-own sugar cookies,
• Hot chocolate,
• Information about all of the GREAT things our area UNITED WAY does for the Saint Peter and Mankato communities – we will hear from President Becky Bergman as well as area United Way President Barb Kaus,
• The opportunity to make a one-time pledge or a calendar year 2016 payroll deduction pledge for the United Way, and
• Information about Gustavus’s decision to LEAP AHEAD in future years and hold the employee United Way campaign in the fall instead of in the spring.
Congregational Outreach
Retreats...The Office of Church Relations will host a weekend confirmation retreat for Cross Lutheran Church of Maplewood from Thursday, Feb. 18 to Sun., Feb 20. The retreat program is a resource offered to ELCA congregations that are also members of the Gustavus Association of Congregations.
Preaching in Congregations...Rev. Grady St. Dennis will preach at Bethel Lutheran Church in Lester Prairie at Lenten mid-week worship service on Wed., Feb. 17. The pulpit supply program is coordinated by The Office of Church Relations for Gustavus Association member congregations.
Exploring Religious Questions Series..."Introduction to Judaism: Religious Practices, Central Texts, and Jewish-Christian Relations Today." This mini-course continues from 7 to 9 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 22 in Olin Hall 103, in the third session with a discussion led by David Jordan Harris (Special Consultant in the Arts at the University of St. Thomas's Jay Phillips Center of Interfaith Learning) about "Religious and Cultural Diversity among Jews" and "Modern Jewish Thinkers". The mini-course is sponsored by the Office of Church Relations.
Pastor-2-Pastor...Pastors from the southwestern and southeastern Minnesota synods will be on campus for a 24-hour Sabbath retreat beginning at noon on Thurs. Feb. 18 and ending on Fri. Feb. 19. The theme for the gathering will be "Celebrating a Whole Life of Worship: Loving God with Heart, Mind, and Strength." The speakers for this two-day period will be Siri Erickson, Katherine Rood, Scott Olson, Grady St. Dennis, and Peter Rogness. Pastor-2-Pastor is a program sponsored by The Office of Church Relations, the ELCA synods of southern Minnesota, and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, and is open to pastors of the ELCA (and CCM/ecumenical partners). The purpose of the program is to help pastors partner for pastoral excellence, and focuses on professional growth and mutual accountability for wellness.
In The News
KEYC interviewed multifaith advisor Ailya Vajid and student Hanan Mohamud in a segment on Thursday, Feb. 11. The Mankato Free Press also interviewed Vajid and Chaplain Siri Erickson about Vajid's role on campus in a piece that ran on Thursday, Feb. 18.
Jim Gilbert, former director of the Linnaeus Arboretum, wrote a short piece in the Star Tribune's "Nature Notes."
The Mankato Free Press highlighted the College's diversity and inclusion efforts in an editorial on Sunday, Feb. 14.
The Mankato Free Press mentioned the Department of Theatre and Dance's production of Love's Labour's Lost, which runs the next two weekends. They also included a plug for the Hillstrom Museum, which is hosting recent works by professor Betsy Byers and a reflection on B.J.O Norfeldt's "Two Pigeons."
Five Gustavus alumnae who are competing in this weekend's Women's World Bandy Championships were mentioned in the Mankato Free Press.
Off Campus Events
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St. Peter Reads is pleased to announce its upcoming annual Spring Author event. Allen Eskens, Mankato lawyer and author, will speak at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 10, at the Treaty Site History Center in St. Peter. Mr. Eskens’ recently published second book, The Guise of Another, is not a direct sequel to his debut novel, but in an interesting twist, the main character is a brother to the first book’s detective.
Mr. Eskens was a favorite at the 2015 Spring Book Festival when he presented his first book, The Life We Bury. That book went on to win many awards and accolades, including a Starred Review in Publishers Weekly, the Rosebud Award for Best First Mystery Novel, finalist for the Edgar Award for Best First Novel, and a finalist for the Minnesota Book Award for Best Genre Fiction. He is truly a treasure in southern Minnesota – you won’t want to miss this opportunity to hear more about his books and combining his day job along with his writing life.
This event is free and open to all. Partners for this event include The Gustavus Book Mark, Community and Family Education, Nicollet County Historical Society, and Friends of the St. Peter Public Library. For more information, please check out St Peter Reads on Facebook.
Obituaries
Keith MacGregor Downs, youngest brother of Dr. Deborah Downs-Miers, Professor Emerita of English, became fully spirit on 19 Dec. 2015. Keith was a surveyor, served in the US Marine Corps, and was a wonderful uncle to 7 nieces and nephews. Throughout his long struggle with cancer, all those who cared for him often mentioned how glad they were to have met him, "because he was always interesting, witty, and kind." A memorial service will be held in Bath, Maine this summer.
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 jolene@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 the Inside Gustavus or Summer Scoop. Notices for immediate family members of current employees will be published in the Inside Gustavus or the Summer Scoop unless they occur during a publication break, in which case they will be posted on employee-l.
Plugs
CSA Shares for Sale...Dan Zimmerli, Gustavus alum and Macintosh coordinator for Gustavus has some CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) shares for sale for the 2016 season. Get fresh produce weekly, grown by Dan. For more information contact dan@cedarcratefarm.com.
"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.
To add or change items on the calendar, please fill out and submit a College Calendar event form. View the entire College Calendar online.
News
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How NLE Choppa Ended Up Playing Gustavus
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Gustavus Adolphus College President Rebecca Bergman Announces Retirement
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Junior Art Exhibition: Trample Yearn Crash and Burn
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Expressing Gratitude to the Gustie Community
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Christenson Lecture to Focus on Land Back Questions
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Emanate: The Gustavus Dance Company in Concert
2 weeks ago by Marisa Bacon
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Waking Hours – Gustavus Student Indie-Rock Band
2 weeks ago by addisonschloo
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Exploring Paths: A Journey through Art, Psychology, and Identity with Jada Zevenbergen
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Lifelong Learning and Connection: Alumni Collaborate at MMEA
Last month by Chasey Wedge
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Aney, Nelson Receive DIIICA Regional Student-Athletes of the Year Honors
9 months ago by CJ Siewert
From Athletics
Softball Has 12 Named NFCA Scholar-Athletes
9 months ago by Jordan Modjeski
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Women’s Basketball Earns WBCA Academic Top 25 Team Honor Roll
9 months ago by Jordan Modjeski
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MIAC nominates Nelson for NCAA Woman of the Year, Aney for DIIICA Men’s Sport Student-Athlete of the Year
9 months ago by CJ Siewert
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Men’s Hoops Earns NABC Academic Awards
10 months ago by CJ Siewert
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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. For more information, contact Lorie Siebels (lsiebels@gustavus.edu or x7520).
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