“Every course I take puts a new perspective on the knowledge I may have already learned in a previous course.”
Delaney Bluhm is a recent graduate from La Porte, Indiana. She chose her major of Political Science and Peace, Justice, and Conflict Studies because she’s always known that she wants to help people.
Soon after arriving at Gustavus, Bluhm had an opportunity to study abroad in Rwanda, which prompted her to take multiple courses focused on Africa, including “Introduction to Africa ” and “Modern Africa.” While in the “Modern Africa” course, her professor, Kathleen Keller, noticed Delaney’s interest in decolonial theory and the hundreds of cultures of the African continent. “That’s when Keller encouraged me to think about adding an African and African Diaspora Studies minor to my majors” Bluhm said.
One of Bluhm’s favorite class experiences was when Danish-Trinidadian artist Jeannette Ehlers visited her “Women Writing Africa” class during Ehlers’ recent residency at Gustavus. Bluhm said being able to talk to an accomplished artist in such a small setting was truly memorable.
Looking back on her years in the African Studies Department, Bluhm said that she most valued how the professors are all well rounded and have a variety of knowledge reflected in the mixture of courses they offer, creating a learning atmosphere that’s riveting and informative. Bluhm’s motivation to help people carried over to the Student Senate, where she served as Administrative Director for a year-and-a-half before being elected Co-President in her senior year.
Post-Gustavus, Bluhm will begin her new career with Lutheran Social Services as a guardian/conservator.