Class of 2000
10 Year Reunion

Fall Homecoming is full of events and activities. There are Class Reunions for the 5th, 10th, 15th, 20th, 25th, 30th, 35th, and 40th reunion classes. There is also a post game event, with alumni, families, students, and friends. Homecoming 2010 is scheduled for September 24–25.

GUEST LETTER BY KELLY COLVIN SMITH:

If someone told me as a graduating senior 10 years ago that I’d be living and working in Oxford, England, I would have said they were mad! (Er, “crazy” in American English.) But with our 10-year reunion year approaching, I look back on how my experiences at Gustavus helped launch my life’s direction. I landed in Oxford due to our classmate and my hubby Brian Smith (Physics/Mathematics). His route as an academic, post-Gustavus, has taken us to Eugene, Oregon, and now to the U.K.

Living on the hill in sleepy Saint Peter, I think exposure to the international world was somewhat limiting. Perhaps it was because while we were students, we were so focused on the great opportunities available right in front of us. However, I did travel to London for a J-term (fell in love with the city as a sophomore!) and worked in the Office of Admission as a student assistant recruiting international students to attend Gustavus. What an eye opener to learn about all of the countries represented at our beloved alma mater! Now in my current role in the Alumni Relations Office at Oxford University’s Saïd Business School, I meet and talk with students and alumni living all over the globe. The world doesn’t seem so big anymore.

I am definitely an alumna who enjoys reading the Quarterly cover to cover the minute it lands in our flat (apartment!). Reading what my classmates are up to and the latest news at Gustavus really helps me continue to feel connected to campus and my Gustie friends. And now that I work in alumni relations in higher education, I take even greater notice of how and why the Gustavus Alumni Office moves forwards with their communication and event initiatives. For instance, I loved the postcards they sent this past Valentine’s Day to all married Gustie couples!) Not only is keeping in touch with Gustavus personally fantastic, but professionally rewarding as well.

Even though I live “across the pond,” I still keep in touch with my close Gustie friends via all of these newfangled social media platforms and the good, old-fashioned channels (phone and cards). I really miss being able to meet up with friends for a drink in the Twin Cities, or visit all the new babies that keep springing up. But when I do, it’s wonderful to reconnect with my lifelong friends from Gustavus!