This spring, members of the Gustavus Cabinet will write guest posts for Monday Moments. This week, I’m pleased to share thoughts from Rich Aune ’81, our associate vice president for enrollment and dean of admission. – Becky
I looked out my window in the Jackson Campus center on Friday morning to see snow! Spring break has come and gone, but Minnesota weather continues to surprise us. Have faith, Gusties, spring will come. Thank you to President Bergman for allowing each cabinet member to provide an update on what’s happening in their respective areas.
As May 1 approaches and high school seniors across the country are making their college selection, all of us in the enrollment division are excited for our new class and the talents that these new Gusties will share with the Gustavus community. We are especially looking forward to welcoming a large number of international students this fall as a result of these individuals finally being able to obtain visas after a difficult couple years due to COVID-19.
Despite the many challenges presented by the pandemic, our community has come together in true Gustie fashion to provide traditional and non-traditional opportunities for prospective students and families to learn about this place we call home. For those efforts, the admission office sends a heartfelt thank you. I would also like to give a special shout out to our admission Hill Hosts, who have done incredible work touring and conversing with students and families during a challenging time. And, since I’m a recruiter at heart, I would like to encourage any students who are interested in becoming a Hill Host (tour guide), student panelist, or overnight host to please stop in the admission office to hear more about these opportunities!
Here in enrollment, there is much cause for excitement moving forward. Most of all, we are looking forward once again to traveling and connecting with students in their high schools and at college fairs. We are expanding our reach to areas that will see population growth in the coming years as the country faces an overall decline in high school student enrollment. We will expand our alumni network of “Gustavus Recruiting Partners” to engage with admitted students and share their Gustavus experience with the next generation of students. Connecting with community-based organizations will be a priority as we continue our efforts to recruit and enroll students from diverse backgrounds in alignment with the College’s strategic plan. Hosting students for signature on campus events such as Building Bridges, Nobel Conference, and Christmas in Christ Chapel will continue to be a priority. We will also expand opportunities for prospective students to connect with students, faculty, and staff virtually if they cannot visit campus in person. We anticipate a larger number of individual campus visits this summer and beyond, which is already reflected in the number of high school juniors who are scheduled this spring. Lastly, we can’t wait to show off the Lund Center expansion to prospective students and families beginning in a few short weeks!
Gusties, it’s an exciting time to be a part of this community. Our office is grateful for all the assistance across campus that allows us to recruit and enroll an incoming class of talented students who will leave Gustavus in four years prepared to make a difference through lives of leadership and service in society.
This week, reflect on your own journey to Gustavus. Whether you are a student, faculty member, or staff employee, each of us has found our own way to this “home on the hill.” Let’s all work together to connect even more future Gusties with this incredible community.
With optimism,
Rich