Bob Roepke introduced our speaker – Rebecca Bergman, the President of Gustavus Adolphus College. From its web page, “the school’s is a church-related, residential liberal arts college firmly rooted in its Swedish and Lutheran heritage. The purpose of a Gustavus education is to help its students attain their full potential as persons, to develop in them a capacity and passion for lifelong learning, and to prepare them for fulfilling lives of leadership and service in society.” Becky started her professional life after receiving an engineering degree from Princeton University. Prior to her position at Gustavus, she served on the Board of Directors of St. Catherine University in St. Paul, while leading research and medical technology work at Medtronic. In 2007, Becky joined the Directors at Gustavus Adolphus, and was surprised one day in 2014 when she was asked to take the President’s position.
The campus is located in St. Peter, MN and 85% of the 2,400 students live in college housing. The average “sticker price” for a year of studies is about $50,000 before scholarships, grants and other supplements are applied. Becky is leading the development of a strategic plan that will focus on ensuring the college leads change, instead of catching up to it. She wants to be able to ensure their success by preparing graduates for the 6-12 months after leaving with a 4-year degree, with the balance and well-being to become productive members of communities throughout the country and the world. Becky is proud that the small classes and campus home create friendships for “Gusties” that last their whole lives.
