Gustavus Adolphus College sophomore Abby Joy Neptun was crowned St. Lucia at the College’s 81st annual Festival of St. Lucia on December 9, 2021. After being nominated along with five other sophomore women based on service to others, strength of character, courageous leadership, and compassion, Neptun was selected as the 2021 honoree after a campus-wide vote.
“It’s a great group of girls that are on the court,” said Neptun. “Some of them are my best friends; one of them I’ve been friends with for 11 years. I’m so proud to be on the court with them, and the fact that I was chosen out of all these amazing women is such a huge honor.”
Neptun is a communication studies major from Glenview, Illinois. She is a member of the Gustavus Choir and Gustavus Women’s Acapella. Additionally, she is a leader for United Christian Ministries, Proclaim, and the Sunday Worship Community. Neptun works in the admission office and is a member of Big Partner Little Partner.
The Festival of Saint Lucia took place at 10 a.m. on Thursday, December 9 in Christ Chapel. The ceremony was livestreamed on the Saint Lucia website. The day included a luncheon in Alumni Hall sponsored by the Friends of the Library – Gustavus Library Associates starting at 11 a.m. The luncheon featured Laurie Jacobi, author of Storyteller in Wool, discussing her work combining Nordic legend, nature, beauty and craftsmanship to create textiles and wearable works of art.
The College’s celebration of the Swedish tradition began in 1941 and commemorates the courage shown by the legendary St. Lucia, who is known for her faith and service to others. In homes throughout Sweden, the eldest daughter plays the role of St. Lucia by preparing and serving baked goods and coffee to her family at sunrise. Lucia is a day celebrating community, light, and the end to long winter nights as a symbol of hope and peace for the holiday season.
Along with Neptun, this year’s court consisted of Tania Monse Perez Barrios (St. Paul, Minn.), Lluvia Infante (Cancun, Mexico), Kathryn Lillemon (Austin, Minn.), Claire Lind (Minneapolis, Minn.), and Claire Schoenfield (Mundelein, Ill.).