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We provide a welcoming space to explore your identity, share your adoption experiences, and build understanding. Whether you're an adoptee or passionate about learning, we support you.

We provide professional development opportunities within a supportive environment that nurtures musical growth. Whether you’re sparking a new interest or deepening your love of jazz, we offer a space where your musical journey can truly flourish. Discover, express, and share your passion for jazz with a community that feels the same.

A Minnesota native, Steve Mellema received his undergraduate degree (with majors in physics and mathematics) from Gustavus Adolphus College in 1972. Following his graduation, he spent six years in Malaysia as a teacher and trainer with the United States Peace Corps. He subsequently attended graduate school at Ohio University, receiving a Ph.D. in experimental nuclear physics in 1983. 

Following postdoctoral positions at Ohio University and the University of Wisconsin, he joined the faculty at Gustavus in 1986. He taught in the physics department through 40 years of graduating classes, and also served three terms as chair of the department. 

As an active member of the American Association of Physics Teachers, Steve incorporated the results of physics-education research into his own teaching of physics for more than three decades, including peer instruction, cooperative-group problem solving, computer simulations, and studio methods. Steve was fortunate to receive two Fulbright Scholar appointments to Malaysia, and used them to bring some of those advancements in physics pedagogy to his adopted "second home'", teaching at the School of Physics at Universiti Sains Malaysia in Penang. 

Over the years, he has also led four study-abroad courses taking Gustavus students to visit and study Malaysia. Steve retired from active teaching in 2025, and is currently a Research Professor of Physics. 

Through the Gustavus Japanese Studies Department, students study the Japanese language, literature, history, politics, art, and religion. Plus, there's a required semester abroad in Japan, and faculty mentoring.

The Gustavus Writing Center offers peer support for papers and presentations and writing resources for all disciplines.

The Theatre and Dance Department produces four main stage plays, two dance concerts, and a variable number of student-directed plays and senior projects each year. For most productions, roughly half of the student participants are majors or minors. Dance students may audition for the Gustavus Dance Company and the Apprentice Company as well as for the two dance concerts. Main stage shows represent a variety of styles and time periods and are intended to entertain and challenge. In alternating years, the Department produces a major musical.

Learning a new language? We connect you with native or fluent speakers. Want to help others learn a language you’re fluent in? It’s a great way to improve your language skills, give your skills to others, learn about other cultures, and make meaningful friendships with people from around the world.

Through the Gustavus Business and Economics Department, students study accounting, finance, economics, and management. Expect emphasis on global learning, entrepreneurship, mentorship, and internships.

Nicolas teaches beginning and intermediate levels ceramics courses as well as sculptural foundations and design. Other responsibilities include managing the Studios and Department Programs. He was a two-year Resident Artist at the Archie Bray Foundation. He has exhibited regionally and nationally in small group and solo exhibitions at venues including Minnetonka Center for the Arts, Carnegie Art Center, Phipps Center for the Arts, Modlin Center for the Arts, and Mulvane Art Museum. Nicolas has recently received a McKnight Artist Fellowship and a Minnesota State Arts Board, Artist Initiative Grant.

Nicolas uses clay and press-molded multiples to build sculptural accumulations which investigate the confluence of society, geography, and memory. Regarding clay and the ceramic process, he reflects “…a material which is both intimately connected to our humanity and can be made to take any form, a companion to society, I feel it owns a historicity like almost no other.”

At Gustavus the performing and visual arts are for everyone. Learn more about music, theatre, dance, visual arts. Including a calendar for fine arts events.

Whether you're a first-year, transfer, or international applicant, we guide you through the admission process including applying, visiting campus, understanding financial aid, and connecting with admission counselors during every step of your admission journey.