Academic Department
Business and Economics
Through the Gustavus Business and Economics Department, students study accounting, finance, economics, and management. Expect emphasis on global learning, entrepreneurship, mentorship, and internships.
Office
Apply - Financial Aid
Find out how to apply for financial aid at Gustavus using the FAFSA. Learn about deadlines, required documents, and how to receive your Financial Aid award.
Our People
Rebecca Fremo
Rebecca Taylor Fremo (Professor of English) earned her Ph.D. in Rhetoric and Composition at Ohio State University after completing her BA and MA in English at Virginia Tech. In the nearly three decades she’s spent at Gustavus, she’s served as English department chair, English co-chair, Director of Writing Across the Curriculum, and Director of the Writing Center. But Fremo’s real passion is teaching writing, and she’s been awarded the Edgar M. Carlson Award and the Swenson and Bunn Award for this work. Fremo likes nothing better than rolling up her sleeves and sitting side by side with student writers as they work through the challenges of sharing their stories. Fremo has published a variety of scholarly essays about teaching writing, but she’s most excited about her work as a creative writer. She recently completed a memoir titled Controlled Burn, which applies her observations as a gardener to her experiences raising three neurodivergent sons. Her poems and essays appear in journals including Mud Season Review, Mankato Magazine, Full Grown People, Paper Darts, and Water~Stone Review. She is also the author of one collection of poetry, Moving This Body, and a chapbook of poems titled Chasing Northern Lights. When she’s not at work, she’s probably in her garden or daydreaming about her next visit to the North Shore. She’s originally from Richmond, Virginia and still dreads the Minnesota winters–but the summers are worth it!
Our People
Espen Fredrick
Espen Fredrick is a Visiting Assistant Professor of Physics. A 2021 Gustavus alumnus, Dr. Fredrick earned his Ph.D. in Physics from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2025 before returning to the college, bringing with him a strong commitment to undergraduate education and student-centered research.
In the classroom, Dr. Fredrick emphasizes preparing students for future careers in science and related fields through a teaching philosophy centering on helping students develop the habits needed for independent problem solving. His favorite courses to teach include electromagnetic theory and quantum mechanics, where he enjoys helping students contextualize new mathematical formalisms to build their own physical intuition.
Dr. Fredrick’s research focuses on space plasma physics, particularly the interaction between the solar wind and Earth’s magnetic field. His work aims to improve predictions of how and when solar wind disturbances impact near-Earth space, contributing to a broader understanding of space weather and its effects on technological systems. At Gustavus, he is interested in involving undergraduates in research that emphasizes the accessibility of computational physics and empowers students to conduct meaningful research beyond traditional settings.
Beyond teaching and research, Dr. Fredrick currently assists students who operate the Olin Observatory, helping them gain hands-on experience with astronomical instrumentation. He values close collaboration with students and sees mentoring as one of the most rewarding aspects of his role. He is excited to help students grow as scientists, problem solvers, and future leaders.
Housing options - residential life
Housing options include singles, doubles, triples, apartments, suites, and special interest houses. Open-gender housing is also available for students. Use the housing portal to select your room.
Student Organization
Theta Xi Gamma
We are a sorority that creates a strong, supportive community where women can grow as leaders, students, and active citizens. We focus on friendship, personal development, academic success, and giving back to others.
Our People
John Tengwall
Mr. Tengwall is a visiting professor in the Department of Business & Economics, where he engages students on a range of topics including Management & Leadership, Business Models & Growth Strategy, Sales & Marketing, and Supply Chain/Operations Management. He also serves on the Boards of two companies and provides management consulting services to a range of businesses.
Previously, Mr. Tengwall had a 12-year career with the Marmon Group, a Berkshire Hathaway Company. During this time he was President of EcoWater Systems LLC (2019 – 2024), a leading North American manufacturer and marketer of residential and light commercial water softening and filtration systems. Prior to that, he was president of Marmon Food & Beverage Solutions Group (2013 – 2019), which was comprised of two different businesses, Marmon Link and Marmon Renew. Marmon Link (previous dba 3Wire Group Inc) is a provider of parts, training and service for foodservice and beverage dispensing equipment. Marmon Renew is a re-manufacturer of commercial beverage dispensing and related foodservice equipment.
Prior to his executive leadership roles with Marmon/Berkshire Hathaway, he had a 17-year career with Ecolab (NYSE: ECL). There he held several progressively more responsible leadership roles in the Institutional and Food & Beverage operating divisions. He led the marketing function for both business segments and engaged in multiple acquisitions as part of the overall business growth strategy.
Mr. Tengwall began his career as a microbiologist in the Sterilization Technology & Process Control Validation group at The Upjohn Company (now Pfizer). He then pivoted into marketing and business development roles with IMI Cornelius Inc., a subsidiary (at the time) of IMI plc.
Major/Minor
Dance
As a Dance major the goal is to produce technically skilled, articulate movers who use dance to perceive, discover, create, and communicate. You will collaborate with a close-knit community of dancers across numerous genres and professional pursuits. Your education will center on the history and theory of dance, anatomy and kinesiology, and technical skills for theatrical design.
Student Organizations
Gusties get involved with 100 plus clubs and organizations, small classes, and supportive mentors—plus time built in to explore passions beyond the classroom.
Academic Department
Offerings - Athletic Training
The master of athletic training program offers two tracks, a Master of Athletic Training 4+2 which is for people who have completed an undergraduate degree and the 3+2 Exercise Physiology B.A. and Master of Athletic Training is for students enrolled at Gustavus and officially begins the summer before your 4th year.
Event
Midnight Express: Bingo & BBQ
Major/Minor
Film and Media Arts
This major offers space to study, practice, and experiment with film and media within a broad interdisciplinary context that includes production, critical theory, and performance. You'll hone your command of form, content and craft, and develop creativity and visual literacy. And you'll gain understanding of media production and processes within a global environment.