Inside Gustavus March 21, 2019 | Volume 51, Number 25

Fine Arts

Hillstrom Museum of Art
February 18-April 18, "For the Gods: Photographs of India by Priscilla Briggs," and "Recent Acquisitions of the Hillstrom Museum of Art."

Weekend Home Athletic Events

Women's Tennis hosts MSU, Mankato at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 23
Men's Tennis hosts Saint Mary's at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 23
Men's Tennis hosts Saint John's at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 23
Women's Tennis hosts Southwest Minnesota State at 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 23

Tips and Reminders

Saving for Retirement...Retirement savings are an important consideration for all Gustavus employees. TIAA has excellent tools to aid in your plans and savings strategies. Use this tool to view an average savings plan based on your age and income. Bookmark this site for stories of inspiration and valuable insights and resources on topics from money to health to lifestyle to help you live smart in retirement. Are you thinking of retiring in the next five years? Create a Retirement Profile online with TIAA for advice and savings strategies. If you are currently not personally contributing to your 403(b) retirement account and would like to do so, or make a change to your election, complete this form and return it to Nicole Goebel in the Office of Human Resources.

Risk Management Minute: Van Safety… Spring break is almost here and many groups are traveling across the US and we want everyone to return safely. All van drivers need to be aware of the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) statistics for 15-passenger van for the years 2007-2016:
 -70 percent of occupants killed in crashes were unrestrained
 -41 percent of the occupants killed were ejected from the vehicle
 -11 percent of fatal rollover crashes were attributed to tire failure
The NHTSA recommends that van drivers insist that all occupants always wear their seat belts; van drivers should be trained and experienced; tires should be checked at least once a week using the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressure levels; and no loads should be placed on the van’s roof. Let's all have a Safe Spring Break.

Sustainability tip... At Gustavus, climate change can appear invisible. In many parts of the world, climate change is not easy to detect on a day-to-day basis because it requires tracking change over time. Despite what might feel like the same seasons, climate experts and scientists have documented the following trends in Minnesota:
1. Lakes are getting warmer. Warmer lakes mean chemical and biological changes, as well as a shorter winter ice season. DNR analysis shows inland lakes have about four days fewer of ice cover per decade over the past three decades.
2. Rainfall is increasing across the state, yet we will experience warmer, drier conditions in late summer, including the potential for August dry-out that would crisp plants. According to Dr. Tracy Twine and Dr. Peter Reich, professors at the University of Minnesota Department of Forest Resources, parts of the state through the upper middle and southeastern corner could see average August rainfall drop by up to 60 percent by the end of the century.
3. Minnesota’s tree population will change as its pine woods retreat north.

You can help reduce the impacts of climate change by calling and/or meeting with your elected officials to encourage their support of policy and legislation that mitigates climate change. You can also take simple actions at home to help reduce carbon emissions, such as biking or walking as a mode of transportation, turning down the thermostat by 1-2 degrees, hanging your clothes up to dry rather than putting them in the drier, and/or choosing to eat less meat.

Off Campus Events of Interest

Saint Peter Chamber Annual Social and Fundraiser…The annual social is from 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m. on Friday, April 5 in Cec Eckhoff Alumni Hall. The country western-themed event will feature a silent auction, classic country music by Sheldon Lee Brandt, and dinner. Cost is $40 per person. Make a reservation by contacting the Saint Peter Chamber at 934-3400.

Saints Booster Bash… The second annual Saints Booster Bash will be held Saturday, April 6 from 6:30-11:30 p.m. in Johnson Hall at the Saint Peter Fairgrounds. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $20 onlineor for $25 at the door. This is a 21+ event. Silent Auction will run 6:30-9 p.m. Dance with the band "Rock of Ages" from 8:30-11:30 p.m. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. All proceeds will benefit the Saint Peter Booster Club. Contact Tracey if you have questions or would like to donate to the silent auction. Go Saints.

Irish Fun Run Fundraiser... The Luck of The Irish Fun Run was started to help promote and raise funds for John Ireland Catholic School in Saint Peter. We are excited about this growing family event. Over the past five years, we have raised close to $25,000 for John Ireland with this race. The 7K is a chip timed race and all participants, young and old will receive a t-shirt. Taking place on Saturday, March 23, the 7K starts at 9:30 a.m. and the kids race will begin at 10:30 a.m. All races will begin and end at the Church of Saint Peter parking lot in Saint Peter. Join us for this family fun, community event. To register click here.For more about John Ireland Catholic School, you can visit our website.

Plugs

Seeking Housing...Two 2015 Gustavus grads moving to Saint Peter in June are looking for a house to rent for one year. Needs room for a baby grand piano. Contact Jana at janacwilkes@gmail.com.

Affordable Homes...North Mankato is partnering with Minnesota Housing to provide affordable mortgages to first-time homebuyers through the Start Up loan program. Start Up offers fixed interest rates and downpayment and closing cost loans up to $15,000 for eligible first-time homebuyers. Buyers can purchase homes in North Mankato that cost up to $271,100. First-time buyers can get started by contacting participating lenders in the North Mankato area. Go online to find approved lenders, current interest rates, and program eligibility info.