“Each professor has a unique style that promotes student engagement and application of theory and practice.”
Coming to Gustavus undecided on a major, Elizabeth was drawn to a Communication Studies major after taking Sarah Wolter’s Public Discourse class. In this course, each student developed a change making campaign in their community, which aligned with Elizabeth’s passion for public engagement. She says this opportunity “strengthened my understanding of communication as a socially responsive art form with the opportunity to create real and lasting change”. Within the department, Elizabeth feels a sense of comfort and community in which students and faculty respect each other and can have open discussions. Elizabeth says “The leadership shown by faculty members translates well onto their students, creating a classroom environment that is respectful and introspective”. Through the Communication Studies Department, Elizabeth has also had opportunities to learn off-campus. She was able to present research from her Rhetorical Criticism course at the 2023 Undergraduate Communication Research Conference, which was an experience that expanded her writing and research skills. Elizabeth was also able to travel to Vietnam with Communication Professors Patty English and Phil Voight, saying “This was an unforgettable experience that heightened my understanding of the intricacies of intercultural communication”. As a whole, Elizabeth is very appreciative of the Communication Studies faculty, who “hold their students’ best interests at heart” and allow students to have courageous conversations on contentious topics. Outside of the Communication Studies Department, Elizabeth is also involved on campus with Big Partner Little Partner and the Public Deliberation and Dialogue Program.