Morningside Connect

The history of Iowa came to Morningside College via Bus-eum Tour by Traces.

Mass communication senior Haley Rustvold transferred to Morningside from her hometown community college. She is on the softball team, a part of the National Broadcasting Society and is involved in the college’s television station (MCTV) and radio station (KMSC).

Rustvold is vocal about her pride for the college.

“Everyone’s super friendly; meeting new friends wasn’t too hard and my professors were amazing. Also, the campus is probably the prettiest campus I’ve ever seen.”

Rustvold believes that the best part about being a Morningsider is that the college feels like home. She says that she will not forget the opportunities that she has experienced at Morningside. She fell in love with the school and the people.

“[It’s a] very friendly environment, so I will definitely never forget that. Also, meeting someone special is a wonderful memory too.”

In addition to her media and sports involvement, Rustvold was crowned Homecoming Queen 2015.

“I was only at Morningside for about a year and a half, and I had no idea that many people knew me. At first I thought it was a joke, but it turned out to be very, very real. It was an exciting feeling because at that moment I was like, ‘Wow, some people must really like me!’ Plus it was simply an honor being recognized.”

Homecoming is Rustvold’s favorite time of the year.

“It’s fall. Everyone loves the weather, the sports, and the activities that go on around this time. Homecoming is super important because a lot of alumni return to the campus, which is extra beautiful during the fall. Homecoming is such a huge success at Morningside. I am excited to come back every year to see old friends and the college itself!”

Paul Johnson, a 2016 graduate from Nigeria, says that he will remember everything about his Morningside experience.

“The last four years have been so special for me, and I absolutely love this college so the memories will stay with me forever. I remember the fun in classes, broadcasting sports games, the friendships made. The highs and lows of being a college student will always stay with me.”

The close-knit family feel of Morningside was something he enjoyed. He reminisces on cheering at sports games with friends or social time in the café. The feeling that people cared made Morningside special to him.

Johnson was crowned Morningside College Homecoming King 2015. He believes that the tradition of a Homecoming Court is a good one. He describes being crowned as an incredible feeling.

“It was special for me because I did not expect it. I did not campaign or tell anyone to vote for me. So for my peers to think highly enough of me for that position was what made it special.”

Johnson believes that Homecoming fosters an important connection with the college and alumni.

“The college realizes that, and that is why it puts a lot of effort into its alumni relations. Homecoming is great time for the alumni to [return and] see what has changed and [how] the college has grown since they’ve been gone.”

Here’s this month’s trivia question: In what year was Eppley Auditorium built?

Leave your answer below in the comment section. At the end of the month if your answer is correct, we will be in contact with you through the e-mail address you leave (an e-mail address is required to be able to post a comment and only we can see it). Be sure to use an e-mail address you check so we are able to find out where to send your prize! The correct answer will be posted in the next newsletter along with the winners.