A Decade After the Storm

Ten years ago, a tornado damaged the Gustavus Adolphus College campus and the city of St. Peter, as well as other areas in Southern Minnesota. This month, the College commemorates this devastating event and the immense response by Gustavus alumni and friends.

The tornado that swept through the town and the campus on Sunday, March 29, 1998 shattered 80 percent of Gustavus’s windows and uprooted more than 2,000 campus trees. Total damage to the College was estimated at $50-60 million and classes were cancelled for three weeks. Fortunately, no deaths or serious injuries were sustained on campus.

The outpouring of support in the clean-up and rebuilding efforts was incredible and a testament that the distinct Gustavus community spirit was alive and well despite the destruction. Gustavus alumni and friends came in hordes to help with the relief effort—cleaning up building debris, hauling away broken trees, and fundraising thousands of dollars to replace the trees that were lost and provide funds for other uninsured items.

Along with supervisors, construction workers, and campus community members, the volunteers worked 12 hours a day, seven days a week until the clean up was finished.

The tornado remains a large part of Gustavus history, and many earlier aspects of the College are referred to as “pre-tornado.” Even current students understand how the effects have made Gustavus what it is today. The storm was also the catalyst behind the “Building a Greater Gustavus” campaign, which has allowed the College to strengthen academic programs, upgrade facilities to better meet student needs, and provide greater access to Gustavus for many excellent students.

Among the post-tornado additions were new trees, windows, roofs, computers, pianos, a campus center, art museum, outdoor track and soccer complex, and much more.

Gustavus marked the 10th anniversary of the tornado with a Chapel service on Monday, March 17. The public commemorative service included a prayer in four directions to replicate a prayer that was said during the first Chapel service following the tornado. The cross from Christ Chapel’s original spire, found near Rundstrom Hall following the storm, was placed over the baptismal font. The eternal flame, which was still burning despite every window in the chapel being broken, was carried during the service as well.

Members of the Gustavus community will participate in and are helping plan the Greater St. Peter community TREEmendous Twister Party set for March 29 at the St. Peter Community Center. This free public event will run from 12 to 5 p.m. Activities include family fun and games, a silent service auction, and a “quiet room” in which tornado photos and memorabilia will be showcased. It is also an opportunity for community members to share their stories of the tornado and its aftermath. This is the primary commemorative event in the city marking the storm’s anniversary.

For images of Gustavus taken immediately after the tornado and new images of campus today, visit http://gustavus.edu/events/tornado.