After being nominated by her peers with five other sophomore women based on service to others, strength of character, courageous leadership, and compassion, Lupe Olague ’26 was selected as the 2023 honoree after a campus-wide vote. The College celebrated the 83rd anniversary of the tradition on December 7 in Christ Chapel.
In addition to Olague, this year’s St. Lucia Court included sophomores Erin Farrell, Nina Nordstrom, Sigrid Rohrer, Ava White, and Kendra Stanton. The Guild of St. Lucia, which honors 15 juniors women each year who have achieved academic success, displayed leadership qualities, and provided service to the College, selects the St. Lucia Court, and students, faculty, and staff select the Court based on how they exemplify hard work and impressive engagement with the Gustavus community. The ceremony was livestreamed on the St. Lucia website and featured a processional hymn, a prayer and blessing from Chaplain Betsy Hoium, and children of Gustavus employees joining the Court’s processional.
The St. Lucia Festival comes from a Swedish Christmas tradition, a nod to the College’s Swedish immigrant founders. On the day of the festival in Sweden, traditionally the eldest daughter of the family will embody the role of St. Lucia by rising early in the morning to serve her family with coffee and baked goods. Wearing a white dress and adorned with a crown of candles, Lucia represents the return of light that brings an end to the long, dark winter, as well as a symbol of hope and peace for the upcoming holiday season.
As part of the Gustavus tradition, last year’s St. Lucia, Cristina Sirbu ’24, delivered remarks to the assembled guests, illuminating how her St. Lucia experience has motivated her to be even more generous to her community through volunteer work and an enhanced awareness of what it means to be a “light” in the world. “One common mistake is that we may surround ourselves with negativity, sometimes choosing to remain in that state of mind,” she said. “Fortunately, I realized the existence of positive individuals who prioritize God and light, and some of them are present here today. I’m grateful for their influence in my life. I encourage you all to also realize that you can be a light in someone’s life. Whether it is joining us this morning, cheering and helping those who are struggling, becoming more selfless about resources and opportunities, or just being an overall kind human, Lucia’s refusal to compromise her principles in the face of adversity speaks to the desires of the human spirit.”
The day also included a luncheon in Alumni Hall sponsored by the Friends of the Library – Gustavus Library Associates. This portion of the event featured a Swedish smörgåsbord, an invocation from Sirbu, the presentation of the 2023-24 Patricia Lindell Scholar Award Winner Ainsley Lingered ’24, and guest speaker Meghan Krause ’00, who delivered an address called, “Creating Your Purpose-Powered Life.” “Real satisfaction comes from engaging in things that matter,” Krause said. “Purpose is universally significant, and you don’t find your purpose; you develop it.”
Along with Olague—who is an Exercise Physiology major with a minor in Spanish and is involved in organizations including Campus Activities Board and President’s Cabinet of Indigenous Relations—the 2023 St. Lucia Court members are:
Erin Farrell — an Elementary Education major who is involved in organizations including Gustie Buddies and the Alpha Sigma Tau sorority.
Nina Nordstrom — an Elementary Education major with a minor in Studio Art who is involved in organizations including Swing Dance and Gustie Guides.
Sigrid Rohrer — a Biology and French double major who is involved in organizations including Gustavus Women’s Soccer and French Club.
Ava White — a Psychology major with a minor in Political Science who is involved in organizations including the ROTC program and the American Cancer Society.
Kendra Stanton — a Communication Studies and Psychological Science double major with a minor in Gender, Women’s, and Sexuality studies. She is involved in organizations including MOMENTS and Pound Pals.
For more information on the festival of St. Lucia, please visit the Festival of St.Lucia website.