TOM McHUGH
Assistant Director of Admission
Direct: (507) 933-6390
Toll-free: 1-800-GUSTAVUS
Territory:
Education: B.A., history, Gustavus, 1999; M.S., counseling and student personnel,
Life before Gustavus
I was born and raised in the Twin Cities, eventually graduating from Thomas Jefferson High School in Bloomington. My family spent quite a bit of time at our cabin on Lake Amelia in the summer, while we stayed busy the rest of the year with school, relatives and plenty of activities for me and my two older sisters. I have a family history with Gustavus (both my mother and my oldest sister attended), so I began to learn at an early age about what makes this a special place.
What are your professional/work interests?
One reason I continue to enjoy the admission profession is the ongoing opportunity to help students find the best college fit. I have a real love for Gustavus and I enjoy promoting the College to students from all walks of life. I also have a passion for diversity and multiculturalism, especially as these issues relate to this college and my community. I consider myself fortunate to be able to say that my professional interests and the demands of my job are an extremely congruent fit.
What is your best college search tip?
Ignore the stereotypes! Find out for yourself what these different colleges are all about. Do your research: tour campus, observe classes, ask questions, stay overnight, read the student newspaper, eat the food, regularly check the website, compare financial aid awards. Once you've done this, go back and do it all over again. You are the one who will be attending the college - not your parents, not your friends. Making a well-informed decision is a lot of work, but it's better than ending up at the wrong place.
What are your most recent professional/work projects?
In addition to travel and visit day organization, I continue to stay busy with supervising our team of over thirty student employees/tour guides. I'm always learning more about effective scheduling, training, project management and more. They would tell you that it's also vital that I manage to turn in the payroll every month.
What do you learn from interacting with Gustavus students?
I learn that they are a motivated, talented and generally humble bunch. Gustavus students are committed to excellence in their classes and community, care deeply about their family and friends, while at the same time avoid the temptation to take themselves too seriously. It's a distinctive group.
What do you value most about working at Gustavus?
I really enjoy and value interacting with our current students, both in and outside of this office. I enjoy the variety of events and activities offered on campus: athletic events, music performances, guest speakers, holiday celebrations, etc. I value that this is a place both steeped in tradition and constantly changing. Finally, I value my relationships with my admission colleagues.
What are your hobbies?
Does work count as a hobby? My hobbies rotate on a seasonal basis. Spring and summer involve working on the lawn, spending time at the lake, camping with friends, and general relaxation. Fall and winter are much more sedentary: reading, doing crossword puzzles and exercising total domination and masterful control over the movies in my Netflix Queue. I also try to catch as many Twins and Vikings games on TV as is humanly possible.
How have you been involved in your community?
St. Peter is a great town with plenty of tradition. My wife Brenda and I never miss 'the big three' parades (St. Patrick's Day, Fourth of July and Winterfest). In addition to being proud homeowners, we are also members of several local organizations, including the unparalleled and wonderful St Peter Food Co-op.
What is your favorite Gustavus tradition?
Though some would argue that it's not a tradition, I would choose what I call "Summertime at Gustavus." When I was a student, the summer I spent living in St Peter between my junior and senior years is when I really came to appreciate this campus and town. Though we're missing a majority of our students, this three-month period stays busy with athletic camps, campus visitors and new student registration. And just when you're ready for it to be over, the fall semester begins. It's a beautiful cycle.
