Archive for Marketing and Communication

iStan Helps Nursing Students Practice Real Scenarios

Walking into the nursing lab in P.A. Mattson Hall, one’s attention is immediately drawn to the row of mannequins in hospital beds lined up and awaiting treatment. One special mannequin, called iStan and in a room by itself, is a new learning tool for nursing students. iStan simulates human symptoms making it possible for the students to practice real-life medical scenarios.

It’s Easy Being Green

Kermit says, "It isn't easy being green." But, Gustavus begs to differ. It's as easy as printing less paper. And, through ongoing paper conservation, Gustavus students have helped reduce paper use by more than 1.5 million sheets of paper in 1 year. That’s a savings of close to 150 trees, 52,500 gallons of water, 22.5 cubic yards of landfill space, 450 pounds of air pollutants, and 14 barrels of oil, which is enough energy to power the average American home for almost 4 years.

John Banitt: Advocating the Gift of Literacy

John Banitt '91 and Shannon Banitt '93 give back to their community in Florida, specifically Indian River County where the illiteracy rate among adults, at 20 percent, is 6 percent higher than the national average. That means that 1 in 5 adults in the county can't read and write well enough to fill out a job application. John serves as volunteer President of Literacy Services in the county and Shannon, who previously served as a volunteer tutor with the program, now helps plan and organize fundraising events for the now 40-year-old organization.

Citizenship at Its Finest

The Minnesota state capitol was abuzz Thursday, April 7, 2011 when more than 50 current Gustavus students made their way to the annual Day at the Capitol to lobby for the State Grant program.

Sustainability. Empowerment. Dignity.

Who are you and how are you going to change the world? What really matters? What is your purpose? Who do you want to be? These are the "big," challenging questions. Mary Duvall ’05 is one Gustavus graduate who asked such questions at Gustavus and let them lead her on a journey of helping others.

Laura Mueller: An Unexpected Passion

You never know what might happen when you take a class at Gustavus. You might make a best friend. You might learn that you really can write a 20-page paper. Or you might find a topic that sparks a lifelong interest. This last possibility was the case for Laura Mueller ’92.

Good Food for All!

On Feb. 12-13, 2011, Gustavus Adolphus College, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, and Feed My Starving Children collaborated to host an event on the Gustavus campus that addressed the complexities of food security and local and global hunger through speakers, advocacy work, and an emergency food pack. The event drew more than 1,000 people and the result was an increased awareness of food and hunger issues as well as the packing of meals to feed 256,608 people.

A Lesson in Pig Farms and Giving Back

Dr. Scott Dee '81 has an impact on the swine industry and the Gustavus community. The veterinarian is mentoring Gustavus students who want to follow in his professional footsteps.

Dancing with Life

I am a professor of biology. Teaching is my calling, my passion and love. It is through teaching that I am freest to express my true self. I can play. Teaching is a playful dance staged in the wonders of biology. As the student learns the steps, the dance becomes a thing of beauty. Teacher and student, both rise to new ideas, inspirations and questions. The probing is deep and the awe is profound. The dance contains elements of a spiritual quest for a deep connection to one another and to the study of life. –Cindy Johnson (blog entry)

Like St. Lucia, Shed Light

The annual Festival of St. Lucia at Gustavus serves as a reminder to all to take hold of legendary St. Lucia's values -- leadership, service, thoughtfulness, charity, and kindness -- and take initiative to be the light in a sometimes dark world. 2009 Gustavus St. Lucia Jen Fox '12 says now, with a finals' sleepless haze on campus and the cold and dark days of winter setting in, is the perfect season to find humility, take a new opportunity to serve, ignite thoughtfulness in your peers, and never miss a new chance to show kindness. It is now your time to shine. Make Saint Lucia proud in your community. Be the light.