MBU Senior Stories: Erik Gustafson
B.A. in Exercise Science, B.S. in Mathematics | St. Louis, Missouri | Exercise is Medicine, Academic Success Center tutor
Favorite MBU hangout?
I would have to say the Academic Success Center is my favorite place to hangout. Through tutoring, I have developed great friendships with my fellow tutors and the MBU staff.
Favorite spot on campus?
The quad is probably my favorite spot on campus, especially when the weather is nice out. I like sit on the swings and just contemplate life.
Favorite Perk drink?
I am quite partial to a good cup of black coffee. However, I do like a nice mocha every now and then.
What advice would you give to your freshman self?
Find an organization that interests you, and dive right in. Develop a sense of community with your teachers, peers, teammates, and fellow classmates. It may not seem like it, but your time at MBU is short and is going to go by faster than you know it. You’re going to be here for 4 years (or 5 years in my case), so make the best of the time you have here.
What does being a Spartan mean to you?
Being a Spartan is about embracing MBU’s mission to make a difference in the lives of others in the community around us. The community aspect of a small campus like MBU, even as a commuter, is one of the main reasons I chose this university. Through community outreach and partnerships at MBU, we have the opportunity to make a major contribution to our city.
Tell us your favorite MBU memory.
My favorite memory is all the Welcome Weekends I helped with. I always had a good time meeting new freshmen for the year and getting into the swing of things with them. I actually met two of my best friends at Welcome Weekend when I was a sophomore and didn’t know it until the following year.
Funniest memory?
After not a lot of sleep because you know, its finals week, I had a lot of coffee to make it to finals feast. I am usually a pretty quiet person, but I guess so many cups of coffee makes me an outgoing and social butterfly. Halfway through finals feast, the coffee must have worn off because I crashed.
How has MBU impacted your faith?
Being in a Christian environment like MBU has helped me maintain my faith throughout my college career. Even during times where I didn’t feel strong, I was able to find my faith again because of MBU’s Christian atmosphere. One great attribute about MBU’s Christian atmosphere is having professors that are outspoken about their faith in Christ.
What professors/staff inspired you and why?
Mr. Mark Kimzey, Mr. Guy Danhoff, and Dr. Jessie Stapleton have all been great teachers and role models in my life. Each one of them inspired me to be the best I can be both in and out of their classrooms. They never stopped believing in me and pushing me to do things I didn’t think I was capable of accomplishing.
How has MBU prepared you for your future?
I feel very prepared for my future career. The Exercise Science program fosters a sense of professional development in all of the core classes. I have no doubt that I will do well in my chosen field.
What are your next steps after graduation?
I am attending Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to pursue my master’s degree in exercise physiology.
