Gustavus has a history of excellence when it comes to educating undergraduate students in the sciences. In recent years at Gustavus, the physics department has enjoyed a sharp rise in the number of females seeking degrees. The physics department’s 2008 graduating class included 16 graduates—seven of whom were women. This is in sharp contrast to the national trend where women have been and continue to be underrepresented in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines, including the fact that nationally women account for only 20 percent of bachelor’s degrees in physics. Even more unusual is the fact that all seven of those female graduates are pursuing advanced degrees in stellar programs this fall. For more information, go to Physics