Viking Life: Spring 2024

VIKING LIFE

STUDENT LIFE AT AUGUSTANA UNIVERSITY SPRING

WELCOME TO AUGUSTANA

Dear future Vikings,

There is nothing quite like spring at Augustana University. Our campus community is brimming with energy and excitement!

Spring concerts, theatre performances and athletic events, along with intramural competitions, faith & spiritual life activities, student clubs, service projects, the senior art show and more provide endless opportunities for students to engage in the life of campus in fun and meaningful ways.

In March, we hosted the Boe Forum on Public Affairs, an annual event featuring a world-renowned speaker addressing a topic of national and/or global interest. New York Times opinion columnist and bestselling author David Brooks was this year’s featured speaker, with his talk entitled “America at the Crossroads: The Rule of Law and the Future of Democracy.”

In April, the Arthur Olsen Student Research Symposium showcased student presentations of their original research — the level and significance of their work is always inspiring. Throughout the spring, we celebrate, too, with the Covenant Awards (recognizing students who embody the university’s core values), Holi Festival of Colors and, most significantly, commencement ceremonies for our undergraduate and graduate students.

As you flip through this edition of Viking Life, I hope you imagine yourself as a student at AU — gaining a sense of belonging and the joy of being part of something bigger than yourself.

As your journey continues, know that you are welcome to visit campus as often as you would like. Questions are sure to arise and we will be happy to provide answers to each of them.

We’re looking forward to continuing to learn more about you and your future plans!

Sincerely,

Stephanie Herseth Sandlin President

OUR MISSION

Inspired by Lutheran scholarly tradition and the liberal arts, Augustana provides an education of enduring worth that challenges the intellect, fosters integrity and integrates faith with learning and service in a diverse world.

OUR VISION

Augustana aspires to become one of America’s premier church-related universities.

OUR VALUES

Central to the Augustana experience are five core values. The community lives them and honors them, and they infuse the academic curriculum as well as student life: Christian, Liberal Arts, Excellence, Community and Service.

1) The AU Theatre Department debuted an original play called “This is my Body,” written by Augustana students Grace Ahles ‘24 and Hanna Beshai ‘25, as well as Professor of Religion Dr. Richard Swanson. The play features the story of three generations of women. 2) In March, Augustana hosted the 27th Boe Forum featuring David Brooks, New York Times opinion columnist, PBS NewsHour commentator and bestselling author, pictured with Augustana President Stephanie Herseth Sandlin. 3) Biology students take measurements as they check on plants in the on-campus greenhouse. 4) The Augustana String Quartet is one of many music ensembles in Augustana’s School of Music. The quartet treated AU to an on-campus performance this spring. 5-6) Augustana Hockey opened Midco Arena to a sold-out crowd on Jan. 26. The new, 3,082-seat arena has quickly become home to students cheering on our Division I hockey team. 7) Matthew Whitaker, an internationallytouring pianist and Hammond B3, Yamaha and Nord-performing artist, graced the stage during Augustana’s 49th Annual Jazz on the Upper Great Plains Festival. 8) While hosting No. 1 Baylor University, AU Acrobatics & Tumbling set a total score program record in March. 9) Students relax in hammocks around campus, especially on nice spring days. 10) Lauren Teller ‘24 shares her story during her senior sermon in the Chapel of Reconciliation on AU’s campus. Throughout the year, seniors share their challenges, triumphs and lessons learned during senior sermons.

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Augustana Swimmer Qualifies for U.S. Olympic Team Trials

Just two years into her swimming career at Augustana, Bryn Greenwaldt ‘26 of Foley, Minnesota, has accomplished a lot. She is a three-time national runner-up, has earned eight All-America Honors and was named NSIC Swimmer of the Year twice. As a dualsport athlete, Greenwaldt also earned the title of Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) Indoor High Jump Champion for 2024. In November 2023, Greenwaldt qualified for the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials.

“I have an opportunity where I get to go and be a part of something that’s really cool. But, no stress has to be attached — if I don’t get last, that will be crazy! I just get to go and do something that I’ve worked really hard for and have fun and be in an environment that’s bigger than anything I’ve ever experienced before.”

Despite doing the unexpected, Greenwaldt said she’s not done yet.

“It’s a goal to be a national champion,” Greenwaldt explained. “I don’t think there’s ever really a point where you can kind of just say, ‘I’ve reached all my goals, I’m finished.’”

I’m not even close to done. I’m hoping that one day, I can be the girl to win and set the record.

— Bryn Greenwaldt ‘26

Learn by Doing: Health Care Internships

At Augustana, students explore career aspirations through experiences like internships, clinicals, faculty-led research, student teaching and performing art opportunities. The following students participated in internships in the health care field. Read on to learn about their experiences!

CAMRYN VAN NIEUWENHUYZEN ‘25

Sioux Falls, SD | Biology Major, Anthropology and Medical Humanities & Society Minors | Sanford Health - Forensic Pathology Intern

Q: HOW DID YOU GET CONNECTED TO YOUR INTERNSHIP?

A: During an anthropology course at Augustana, I met Dr. Snell, who is Sanford’s forensic pathologist. I began shadowing Dr. Snell and started an internship this spring.

Q: WHAT DID YOU LEARN THROUGH YOUR INTERNSHIP?

A: I have received hands-on experience during autopsies, as well as learned the process for reviewing case reports, evaluating specimens, obtaining samples and human anatomy and physiology.

Q: HOW WILL YOUR INTERNSHIP HELP YOU IN YOUR FUTURE?

A: My internship has been an incredible resource for helping me build my scientific knowledge and experience before pursuing medical school in the near future.

Sioux Center, IA | Biology Major, Medical Humanities & Society Minor Avera Health - Administration Intern

Q: WHAT WAS THE FOCUS OF YOUR INTERNSHIP?

A: My internship exposed me to the administrative side of medicine and understanding the dynamics between hospital administration and doctors and nurses.

Q: WHAT DID YOU LEARN THROUGH YOUR INTERNSHIP?

A: One of the key things I have learned from my internship is the critical nature of communication, transparency and feedback between leadership and workforce.

Q: HOW WILL YOUR INTERNSHIP HELP YOU IN YOUR FUTURE?

A: This internship has given me a lot of insight into how and why decisions are made at the leadership level.

ANNIKA MEYER ‘25

Eau Claire, WI | Biology Major, Medical Humanities & Society Minor Sanford Health - DeGoot Center Ethics Intern

Q: HOW DID YOU GET CONNECTED TO YOUR INTERNSHIP?

A: I had been looking for an internship in genetic counseling and Dr. Ann Pederson (professor of religion) suggested the Sanford Health ethics department since genetic counseling deals with a lot of ethics-related issues.

Q: WHAT DID YOU LEARN THROUGH YOUR INTERNSHIP?

A: I have learned to look at medicine through a different lens. I gained insight on how to talk to patients and listen in order to provide the best care.

Q: HOW WILL YOUR INTERNSHIP HELP YOU IN YOUR FUTURE?

A: My internship will help me make my patients feel supported throughout their journey.

Coming Together through Club Sports

Augustana University’s campus is a thriving community of student life, and there are many ways to get involved on campus and create a sense of community. Recently, three club sports have joined the AU community.

CLUB FIGURE SKATING

The new state-of-the-art Midco Arena provides the perfect space for Augustana Club Figure Skating.

The newest of the club sports, the club was formed by students and is led by President Mikayla Kolbeck ‘25 and Vice President Sophia Eisma ‘25. Augustana will make the club sport even more competitive with the addition of a coach in 2024.

To join the club, students do not need any previous experience. According to Eisma, around 80% of the club’s members have never skated before. The club is poised for the future — hoping to compete in the 2024-25 season, perform an ice show and offer skating lessons to children in Sioux Falls.

ESPORTS

Esports has seen unprecedented growth in recent years, leading more schools to add teams to their club offerings. Augustana has two varsity Esports teams led by Esports Team Manager Chris Knutson and Esports Program Coordinator Jacob Mahowald ‘16 — one for League of Legends and one for Valorant. Knutson said his goal is to grow a community for all gamers on campus. “Gaming is a way for people of all walks of life to come together and enjoy something fun,” Knutson said.

No matter what skill level a student’s gaming abilities might be, AU Esports has a place for them. The team’s goal is to travel to local area network (LAN) tournaments and other events.

CLUB HOCKEY

Club hockey, both men’s and women’s, will play within the American Collegiate Hockey Association (ACHA). While the inaugural 2024-25 season will have a limited schedule while the teams get established, Head Coach Ben Prisbe hopes the men’s team will join a conference and play a full schedule in its second year.

Prisbe is excited to assist students in continuing their hockey careers beyond high school. When talking to players, Prisbe emphasizes three areas of commitment: in the classroom, as an athlete and being a good person. “At the end of the day, we want to build our program around people with good character that represent our school and our club hockey program with pride every single day,” Prisbe said.

Oh, the Places Vikings Go...

More than 50% of Augustana students study away during their college experience. AU encourages students to immerse themselves in other cultures, traditions and customs. Students can choose from more than 600 programs in more than 70 countries. There’s a program for everyone to pursue travel and broaden their horizons!

Norway

Guatemala

Kenya

Sahara Desert, Morocco

Greece

Kenya

Ecuador

Egypt

Costa Rica

Sustainability Spotlight at AU

A 2023 survey of undergraduates found that 85% of students say it’s at least somewhat important to them that their college campus prioritizes sustainability. The students, faculty and staff at Augustana are working each day to keep sustainability top of mind with academic programs, clubs and community action. Let’s take a look at a couple of ways AU is focusing on sustainability as a habit, rather than a movement.

AUGIE THRIFT

An on-campus thrift store had long been a desire of AU students, and in February, Augie Thrift had its grand opening. Within the store, students can purchase clothing and accessories, home goods and even furniture — all for under $10. Spearheaded by Libby Breckon ‘25 and Grace Lenning ‘25, the logistical plan for the store came together when Lenning took a Principles of Marketing course and created a marketing plan around the idea of Augie Thrift. The idea grew from there and earned the support of students and faculty alike. This year, Augie Thrift hopes to reduce a significant amount of waste during move-out week, repurposing items for the next wave of Vikings. Students, staff and community members can donate items at any of the drop boxes on campus. According to Breckon, the next steps for Augie Thrift are to partner with the art department to help prevent unwanted art from ending up in dumpsters, increase their open hours (which are currently one sale a month) and host a textbook swap store. So far, Augie Thrift has prevented 437 pounds of clothing waste from being discarded.

“College campuses make a big impact, whether it is negative or positive, depending on the campus’ value on sustainability.”

— Grace Lenning ‘25, Augie Thrift President

AUGUSTANA BEE SANCTUARY

AU students and faculty banded together to change Sioux Falls city ordinances to bring honeybee hives to campus, allowing students to broaden their academic horizons with thousands of buzzing pollinators. The bees facilitate research for students studying topics such as food systems, scientific advancements in antibiotics and even social behaviors. Janae Becher ‘24, a triple major in biochemistry, German and environmental studies and Augustana’s head beekeeper, has done research on honeybees for three years, studying the gut microbiome of the honeybee and production of bee bread as a food source. Because of this program, Becher plans to pursue a graduate degree in entomology to study honeybees and continue the research she started at Augustana. Becher was one of three students in the nation to be named a 2024 Exceptional Student & Extension Activity Award Recipient from the American Association of Professional Apiculturists. Through the beekeeping experience, Becher and other students have learned about city processes and ordinances, collaboration with the business community and research techniques.

Students looking to major in environmental studies have the opportunity to apply for a scholarship through AU.

augie.edu/EnvironmentalStudies

Meet World Traveler & Faculty Member

Matt Erickson

Ukraine. Romania. Bulgaria. France. These are just a few of the countries where Matt Erickson has performed. Starting his professional career as a trombonist in the United States Air Force Bands, Erickson performed more than 1,800 times during his military career, including performances for five U.S. presidents. After 22 years of service, Erickson retired from the military and made his way to Augustana University.

Erickson found a home on AU’s campus in his many roles: manager of operations & community partnerships for the School of Music, instructor of trombone and euphonium, and conductor of the Augustana Brass Choir, Augustana Trombone Choir and student brass quintet.

“My days are very full, but I would not have it any other way. I love interacting with and teaching the students and giving them real-world experiences at Augustana,” Erickson said.

And, it’s no surprise Erickson feels this way — his daughter, Gabrielle ‘27, is an AU student studying exercise science and is involved in the School of Music. He enjoys the moments where their worlds converge on campus. But, Erickson’s favorite part of Augustana is how music is integrated across campus — in concerts, chapel services, athletic events and more.

“The music adds a soundtrack to our beautiful campus,” he said.

The music adds a soundtrack to our beautiful campus.

— Matt Erickson Manager of Operations & Community Partnerships for the AU School of Music

Matt Erickson and his daughter, Gabrielle ‘27, show AU pride in front of the Ole statue.

BEYOND GRADUATION: AU OUTCOMES

Augustana University students excel inside the classroom and beyond. Graduates are making a positive impact across the country, achieving success in their elds by using the skills they learned at AU to help navigate their career pathways. Below are the career outcomes of the Augustana Class of 2023, which show just how far the AU impact can go. Where will an Augustana education take you?

100+ MAJORS, MINORS, PRE-PROFESSIONAL AND GRADUATE PROGRAMS

AUGIE.EDU/ACADEMICS

Your highest ACT/SAT score or GPA determines your annual academic scholarship. These amounts apply to first-time undergraduate students enrolling for the Fall 2024 semester.

Learn more at augie.edu/scholarships.