Patricia Kazarow retires from Gustavus Adolphus

ST. PETER, MN — Upon first meeting Patricia Kazarow, one may not be aware of the passion, intelligence and high dedication that the choral professor has brought to Gustavus. But then she bursts with an energy and enthusiasm that immediately draws the listener in to what she is saying.

One cannot help but be engaged when around Professor Kazarow. This is one of Patricia Kazarow’s (or PK, as she is known among choir students) most appreciated qualities. Reflecting on her first meeting with Patricia, Junior Sociology and Anthropology Major Anna Ayers Looby noticed this quality. “Her musical knowledge and professionalism was very apparent, yet somehow not intimidating,” Looby said. “I immediately had the sense that we were on the same side. The side that wanted to make music.”

Patricia joined the Gustavus faculty 27 years ago as a professor of music and will be retiring after this semester. She has taught applied organ, music theory, a series of courses on church music and a large variety of January Interim Experience courses in the past, and is currently teaching a first term seminar course, History of Western Music I and Music of World Cultures.

Patricia is also the conductor of small choral ensembles as well as the Choir of Christ Chapel. “Each professor wears many hats here at Gustavus. My principal one is as a choral conductor,” Patricia said. “I get to teach in my specialty.”