Gustavus Adolphus College is a church-related, residential liberal arts college firmly rooted in its Swedish and Lutheran heritage. The College aspires to be a community of persons from diverse backgrounds who respect and affirm the dignity of all people. It is a community where a mature understanding of the Christian faith and lives of service are nurtured and students are encouraged to work toward a just and peaceful world.
—from the Gustavus Mission Statement
As late as 1920, graduating seniors maintained a tradition of gathering on the roof of Old Main on the day of their commencement for a sunrise breakfast.