Michele Rusinko: Celebration of LifeSaturday, April 13, 2024

Please join us as we celebrate Michele’s life and legacy on her birthday! 

11:30 a.m. ~ Embracing Ease Yoga
Location: Kresge Dance Studio
Led by Katy Becker '02

Michele taught a yoga class each Tuesday and Friday called Embracing Ease which combined her training in dance, somatic sciences, personal experience of undergoing cancer treatment, and yoga. It started as a way to help others facing the aftermath of mastectomies but evolved to welcome all who wanted to explore a gentle, strength-building class. Start the day on the mat as a way to move together!

1 p.m. ~ A Tribute to Michele
Location: Christ Chapel

We will pay tribute to Michele’s memory through dance, poetry, music, and shared stories.

LIVE STREAM LINK: https://youtube.com/live/ho2RvxnyMHA

2:30 p.m. ~ Fika
Location: Christ Chapel Foyer

Two things Michele loved were coffee and rituals. Fika (fee-ka) is the twice-daily ritual act of gathering socially for a cup of coffee or tea in Sweden. Enjoy a cup and a treat following the Tribute! If you are interested in bringing a pan of bars or helping serve, please sign up here. 

3 p.m. ~ Story Circles
Location: Arboretum
Led by Betsy Maloney Leaf '97 and Florence Amamoto, Associate Professor in English

Stories were at the heart of Michele's life -- as a teacher, as an artist, and as a human. Join circle guides Florence Amamoto and Betsy Maloney Leaf to share memories, stories, and words of gratitude as part of Michele Rusinko's celebration of life. 

Given Saturday's beautiful weather forecast, we plan to gather near the Interpretive Center. We encourage people to bring blankets, chairs, or anything else that would make your time outdoors more comfortable. 

Dinner on Your Own

Explore St. Peter's restaurants and try some of Michele’s favorites like the Golden Milk from River Rock Coffee, the Red, White & Blue Salad from 3rd Street Tavern, or a sandwich from St. Peter Co-op. If you’d rather stay on The Hill, visit the Market Place on campus. 

8 p.m. ~ Emanate: The Gustavus Dance Company in Concert
Location: Anderson Theatre

Immerse yourselves by connecting to dancers who emanate and embody expressive and vital energy. Join us and share the exhilaration of this year’s spring dance concert featuring choreography of guest artist Marciano Silva dos Santos, faculty members Sue Gunness, Sarah Hauss, Jill Patterson, Melissa C. Rolnick and selected student work. The concert is being dedicated to Michele, and a reconstruction of one of her personal solos will be performed, ‘Seed for the Planting,’ based on the work and life story of visual artist Kathë Kollwitz.

8 p.m. - 1 a.m. ~ Social at Patrick’s
Location: Patrick's on Third, 125 S 3rd St, St Peter

Please join us anytime during the evening, but especially at 10pm as we close out the night with a group toast to Michele! We’ll be pouring her favorites: Gin & Tonic and Moscow Mules!