Congratulations Cass of 2020 History Graduates!
In honor of our graduates, we’ve put together some information about our senior majors. Some of them shared memories and thoughts about their time at Gustavus. As a department we are so proud of their hard work over the last four years, and especially this final semester that brought so many unexpected challenges. Congratulations and best wishes for your future! Please stay in touch with your history professors.
Louis Gagnon
Louis is a History major but while working on his major, he was also a writer for The Fourth Crown and shared his passion for multiple music genres in a radio show he produced with a friend at Gustavus.
Tatiana Gust
What is your favorite memory of being a History major at Gustavus?
Planning a historic revolution to take over the Pittman room with my HIS300 class. Unfortunately, we were unable to carry out such a revolution due to the pandemic.
What do you plan to do after you leave Gustavus?
I was accepted to the JET Program, so I will be living in Japan for a couple years as an English teacher.
Jerry Calengor
Jerry is a double major in Political Science and History and is also a member of Tau Psi Omega.
Joy Dunna
What is your favorite memory of being a History major at Gustavus?
Nothing will top having to transition our capstone class to accommodate for the pandemic. Prof. Keller gave us a space to express our frustrations and successes.
What do you plan to do after you leave Gustavus?
I will be attending graduate school at the University of Minnesota beginning the Summer of 2020 and will be pursuing a Master’s in Education and Initial Teaching Licensure for Social Studies.
Max Aufderheide
Why did you choose to be a History major?
It’s been a topic I’ve always been interested in and I decided to major after I finished my first college history class freshman year because I really enjoyed the learning process.
What class inspired you to keep studying History?
American Age of the Civil War by Professor Kaster is what inspired me to continue in history and it’s still my favorite college class I’ve ever taken.
What do you plan to do after you leave Gustavus?
I will be attending law school at St. Thomas School of Law.
Adam Johnson
What would you have told yourself when you were a first-year student about majoring in History?
Not everything you study in history will capture your interest, but it is all important for having a complete and wholistic understanding of human history. Keep at it, and in time you’ll narrow down what brings you the greatest joy to study.
Is there anything else you would like to share about being a History major at Gustavus?
Be proactive in your readings and your study. Seek out extra information outside of class – you never know when something you read for fun might be applicable in the classroom, and being able to draw those larger connections is one of the great joys of continuing to study history.
Reece Porter
Vy Nguyen
What is your favorite memory of being a History major at Gustavus?
It is impossible to pick one favorite memory of being a History major at Gustavus. Being a History major significantly changed my world view, expanded my perspective, and helped me navigate as a Vietnamese international student at Gustavus. I have grown so much intellectually, and I love the fact that I still feel so stupid and curious right now (because there is so much more to learn). I love all of my history professors so much, every single one of them! They all pushed me, encouraged me, cared about me (I’m sobbing writing this). I guess a fun memory was that I used to fancy two guys in a history class, and they were (still are) best friends!
What do you plan to do after you leave Gustavus?
I will take a gap year due to the coronavirus pandemic and fly home. I will probably learn to drive and finally get my driver license (so I wouldn’t have to bring my passport to the bar when I get back to the U.S). Fall 2021, I will be at Bard College, learning Environmental Policy!
Cullen Osen
What is your favorite memory of being a History major at Gustavus?
Completing my senior capstone presentation for my professors and classmates. It was a huge weight off and very satisfying personally and academically.
Why did you choose to be a History major?
I always had an interest in history as a topic. When I took history classes in my first two years at GAC, I had great experiences with the professors. They made me want to keep going in the field.
What would you have told yourself when you were a first-year student about majoring in History?
Don’t wait so long to get involved in the major, it’s a great group of people.
William Naas
William was a History major who graduated in fall 2019. He also served as President of Kappa Sigma Chi. In a 2019 interview with the Gustavian Weekly, Bill said, “My time on the hill has been filled with so much joy and excitement that I could not possibly pinpoint one moment,”.
Amy Rose
What is your favorite memory of being a History major at Gustavus?
I think my favorite memory of being a History major at Gustavus is the time I shared with my capstone friends in class and getting to know them more. Most of us actually were in a seminar together in the fall, so we’ve spent the entire year together. We’ve had a lot of fun and a lot of laughs, and I would not have made it through this year without them.
What would you have told yourself when you were a first-year student about majoring in History?
I would have told my first-year self that it’s okay to take a chance and pursue studying something you love. Over time you’ll meet amazing people through this degree and you’ll love learning more than you ever did before!
Is there anything else you would like to share about being a History major at Gustavus?
Though it’s not always easy, it’s all worth it. I’ve learned more than I ever thought I would and am walking away feeling grateful for not only that but my history professors who pushed me and encouraged me the past 4 years.
Congratulations, graduating History majors! Your comments are inspiring to profs and students alike. We look forward to learning about your paths in the years ahead.