TOM McHUGH
Associate 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 had a life before Gustavus? I'm realizing now that was almost half my lifetime ago. I grew up in Bloomington, MN, the youngest of three. My parents were patient enough to put up with my obsession with Minnesota sports. I'm not sure one kid should have so many baseball cards, pennants and leftover plastic Metrodome cups.
What are your professional/work interests?
My primary interest is helping prospective students find a terrific match with Gustavus. I also oversee our team of admission student employees and tour guides. Finally, I've recently become more closely involved with MACAC, the Minnesota Association for College Admission Counseling. This year I'm participating in MACAC's Leadership Development Program, which has been a great experience.
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?
Gusties are amazing people. First and foremost I learn that I wish I would have been a lot more like them when I was in college! As a group, they're intelligent, driven, talented and caring. Individually, each one has a compelling story to tell. They know how to seek out opportunities, better their community and enjoy life.
What do you value most about working at Gustavus?
Gustavus is a place both steeped in history and forever on the move! There's never a dull day. Never less work to be done, less to see, less to enjoy than the previous day. Gustavus is a place that inspires loyalty, dedication, excellence and more.
What are your hobbies?
I would love to include here a long list of worthy, enjoyable pursuits. But let's face it, I have one hobby: chasing a toddler from here to there and back again.
How have you been involved in your community?
In addition to my involvement at Gustavus, I sit on the Board of Directors at Kids' Corner Child Care Center and am a proud member/owner of the wonderful Saint Peter Food Co-op.
What is your favorite Gustavus tradition?
It's hard to beat the energy on move-in day: Gustie Greeters enthusiastically greeting the new students and families. Anxious students and parents lugging box after box into the residence halls. Finally, the touching Convocation for New Students & Families in Christ Chapel. Guaranteed to be a tearjerker every year.
