TO: Gustavus Students & Parents
FROM: President Bergman
SUBJECT: Looking Forward
DATE: August 4, 2021
Happy August, Gusties! In less than one month, we will be together on campus. I am excited to see all of you in person again, or in the case of our Class of 2025 Gusties and new faculty and staff, welcome you to your new home in the Gustavus community.
This year will be one of growth and renewal, of adaptation and celebration. As we reflect on the challenges of the past 18 months and look with optimism to the future, the 2021-2022 academic year presents us with the opportunity to regain a much-needed sense of normalcy while also capitalizing on the many lessons we have learned throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
We are planning to return to the rich classroom and co-curricular experiences that exemplify liberal arts learning at Gustavus. Over 90% of Gustavus courses plan to have in-person meetings in the classroom, laboratory, rehearsal hall, or studio with limited social distancing. Our music ensembles plan to perform live, in-person concerts. Our athletics teams are planning to play in front of family and friends during their normal competition seasons. Our student organizations and residence halls plan to host events and buzz with activity.
Of course, it will take all of us working together to make this happen. We are carefully watching the Delta variant and we must remain diligent in practicing good public health behaviors. Throughout the year, our COVID-19 Response Leadership Team will continue to adjust on-campus protocols as necessary to help protect our campus community. We will continue to deal with challenges as they arise, provide for COVID-19 testing and quarantine/isolation as necessary, and work to ensure that Gustavus continues to manage the pandemic with a focus on safety and community.
Gusties, this year has the potential to be truly special. I ask that you join me in doing your part to make it so. If you haven’t already, please get vaccinated. Commit to the Gustavus experience. Lean into learning both inside and outside the classroom. Take to your work with gusto, embracing the opportunity to spend time in one another’s company once more.
Get ready, Gusties. The year is about to begin. I can’t wait to see you in person!
Yours in community,
President Bergman
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