The Augustana: Summer 2017

VOLUME 8 • ISSUE 1

The THE MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI, PARENTS AND FRIENDS OF AUGUSTANA UNIVERSITY

FAITH

SUMMER 2017

VIEW FROM SUMMIT AVENUE

Dear fellow Vikings, I’ve spent my summer making my way around campus to say goodbye to the amazing professors, administrators and staff I’ve had the pleasure of serving with over the last 11 years. As I write this, my office is packed and my desk is clear.

My heart, on the other hand, is aching a bit as the finality of my retirement from Augustana becomes a reality. I will miss this place. The people. The magic that happens here every day.

They say we fall in love with people and places who bring out the best parts of ourselves; the parts we ourselves would like to see more of. It’s why I fell in love, and continue to fall in love with Angie, and it’s why I fell in love with Augustana.

The person I am today thinks more broadly, loves more deeply, and looks at life through a much wider lens.

I believe that Augustana’s influence on me has been much like its influence on students. Here we teach not only a foundation of knowledge, we also embrace students in a caring community, support them as they discern their vocation, offer them multiple perspectives, and encourage them to seek the answers to life’s toughest questions.

Our ability to do this lies at the heart of who we really are as an institution of higher education. Our core is not in academia.

It’s in the church.

I believe Augustana is a life-changing place because it is rooted in the Lutheran church and because it is committed to integrating faith with learning and service.

I also believe in the world today, places like Augustana are more important than ever.

In the book “The Vocation of Lutheran Higher Education” Tom Christenson of Capital University writes that “education informed by the freedom of the Christian can be ... bold, open, multi-dimensional, dialogical and engaging. Education, informed by freedom, is not afraid of the largeness, the darkness, the inexplicable mystery of the world.”

Bold, open, multi-dimensional, dialogical and engaging. Isn’t this what we should want higher education to be? I believe so.

I hope you enjoy this issue, featuring the different ways in which dialogue and faith are nurtured at Augustana — as told through many voices. Faith — in all its forms — is the thread that weaves Augustana’s culture together. It is, I believe, one of the elements that makes Augie truly unique.

And so, as I bid you all a fond farewell, I also say thank you.

Thank you for loving Augustana and holding it close to your hearts. Thank you for believing in us, for entrusting us, and for all the ways you show your Viking Pride. Angie and I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to have served this wonderful place.

Dear Vikings near and far, I’m writing this message with both enthusiasm and humility. Augustana University is an institution I’ve long admired for its commitment to excellence, its foundation in the liberal arts, and its dedication to helping young people build lives of meaning and purpose. The opportunity to serve as its president is both exciting and incredibly humbling.

For my husband, Max, my son, Zachary, and me, it’s a great honor to join a community dedicated to preparing students for the world — encouraging them to pursue their ambitions with zeal, to be servant leaders in their chosen professions, and to be engaged citizens in communities either near or far from their upbringings. As Max and I continue to meet faculty and staff, students and their families, Augie alumni and friends, I am affirmed in my belief that Augustana is a place enriched by a vast community, all grounded and inspired by God’s love and the teachings of Christ.

The opportunity to lead Augustana is, for me, a way of coming back full circle to higher education. When I was in law school more than 20 years ago, political philosophy and constitutional law were my passions, but I believed education would be my vocation. This was to be my path, or so I thought in my mid- to late-20s. The call to public service interrupted that plan, but I believe the 10 years I spent in public life and the past six years in the private sector have equipped me with knowledge and skills that will be assets for me in this new role.

I’m honored to accept the reins from Rob Oliver, someone who has been an exceptional and transformational leader for Augustana. I’ve known Rob for nearly 10 years and have great admiration and respect for him and all that he has accomplished. He has truly left his mark on Augustana and I will be forever grateful for the wisdom and advice he has passed on to me throughout this presidential transition.

As I begin my new role, I want you to know I pledge to use my God-given talents and abilities to their utmost potential to serve this great place — a place that does good and important work; a place so many hold dear.

Like Rob, I, too, am excited to share this issue of The Augustana with you. The pages that follow illustrate why I respect and revere Augustana, and why I am so honored to have the chance to be part of it. This is a place dedicated to making a positive impact on the world in a tradition guided by the Christian faith.

From Augustana, graduates receive foundational teachings designed to do good and serve humankind — teachings that also provide strength and inspiration over the course of a lifetime.

So thank you for entrusting me with your Augustana. I’m looking forward to working with you as we begin a new chapter and write new pages of possibility for future generations of Vikings.

Yours, for Augustana, Rob Oliver President #23

Yours, for Augustana, Stephanie Herseth Sandlin President #24

CONTENTS THE AUGUSTANA The Augustana is published three times per year for alumni, parents and friends of Augustana University by the Office of Advancement.

Send correspondence, name changes and address corrections to: The Augustana, 2001 S. Summit Ave., Sioux Falls, S.D. 57197 or via email at alumni@augie.edu.

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Visit the magazine online at augie.edu/magazine. Find more news about Augustana at augie.edu.

Editor: Kelly Sprecher, Communications Class Notes: Carolyn Cordie, Alumni Office Adrienne McKeown ‘00, Alumni Office Contributors: Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, President Bob Preloger, Vice President for Advancement Amy Smolik, Communications Katie Foutz ‘00, Communications Kaia Chambers, Center for Campus Life Bruce Conley, Sports Information Tim Evans, Sports Information Mike Shafer ‘18, Photography Matt Addington ‘95, Photography

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.

CORE 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 & Service.

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FEATURES

4. MOMENTS & MEMORIES Retiring President Rob Oliver and First Lady Angie Oliver look back on their Augustana journey.

10. A NEW CHAPTER Stephanie Herseth Sandlin will be inaugurated as Augustana’s 24th president in September.

14. FAITH Living. Growing. Learning. Testing. Sharing.

Thinking. Transforming. Keeping.

It all happens here.

36. FAIRWAY TO HISTORY Led by great coaches and buoyed by strong student-athletes, the AU Women’s Golf and Tennis teams closed the spring season at new heights.

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DEPARTMENTS

CONNECT WITH US!

Augustana is an affirmative action, Title IX, equal opportunity institution.

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13. NEWS FROM THE HUDDLE Seeking advances in research.

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22. IN THEIR OWN WORDS Alumni share their faith journeys.

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28. FACULTY FEATURE Creating dialogue in class.

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33. VIKING DAYS 2017 Show your Viking spirit Oct. 13-15!

© Augustana University 2017 ON THE COVER: The statue of the “Glorified and Risen Christ “ by Palmer Eide is found in the narthex of the Chapel of Reconciliation. Photo by Matt Addington ‘95.

THE AUGUSTANA MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2017

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Matthew Moe ‘18 prepares DNA samples for analysis. Photo by Mike Shafer ‘18.

SUMMER OF

SCIENCE This summer, 85 Augustana students gained invaluable hands-on experience and personal perspective by participating in undergraduate research, internships, and volunteer opportunities organized through the University’s Natural Science Division and supported through agencies such as the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network (BRIN), the Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR), the Sanford Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR), the Avera Institute for Human Genomics, and more.

Learn more about undergraduate research at Augustana on page 13.

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MOMENTS

MEMORIES

Retiring President Rob Oliver & First Lady Angie Oliver look back on their Augustana Journey.

OPPOSITE PAGE, 1: Rob Oliver with students at Kirkeby-Over Stadium on Sept. 1, 2015, following the announcement that Augustana College was changing to Augustana University.

2: Rob giving high-fives to students at New Student Orientation in 2012. 3: Rob riding his Harley during the Hogs & Horns campus picnic in 2006. 4: At Commencement in 2012.

5: Rob and Angie at the Spark, the gala event to celebrate Augustana turing 150 in 2011. 6: Viking Days in 2011. 6: Inauguration in 2006 with former presidents Dr. Ralph Wagoner and Dr. Bruce Halverson. ABOVE: Angie and Rob in 2017.

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3 #OLIVERDAY: Augustana celebrated the retirement of President Rob Oliver and First Lady Angie Oliver with several campus-wide activities on Friday, May 12, a day proclaimed across South Dakota and Sioux Falls as Oliver Day. 1: Rob and Angie were joined by their family on campus for Oliver Day. From left to right: son-in-law Michael Cammilleri, grandson Ivan, daughter Andrea Cammilleri, daughter Laura Donnelly and son-in-law Paul Donnelly. 2: Rob received an authentic Viking axe from Augustana students, presented

by Augustana Student Association leaders Mason VanEssen and Abbie Sell. 3: Rob and Angie near the Ole statue. 4: President Stephanie Herseth Sandlin and Max Sandlin joined Angie and Rob, former first lady Susie Wagoner and former president Dr. Ralph Wagoner at the campus picnic.

5: Rob, Angie and their family were surrounded by members of the campus community for a group blessing during worship in the Chapel of Reconciliation. 6: Faculty, staff and students at the #OliverDay picnic.

See more photos and video from #OliverDay at augie.edu/oliver.

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hen Rob Oliver became Augustana’s 23rd president in 2006, he vowed to create an “Augustana like always” and an “Augustana like never before.”

It’s safe to say, he has succeeded.

Unconventional in some ways — he might be the only Augustana president to have ever ridden a motorcycle to the office — and traditional in others — the Olivers’ annual Christmas open house still serves lefse — his presidency will be remembered as a time of unprecedented growth. The campus he inherited nearly 12 years ago now boasts new facilities, new academic programs and offices, new partnerships and, last fall, saw its highest enrollment in 26 years.

Now, as their time as President and First Lady comes to a close, Rob and Angie Oliver share their reflections of the past 12 years.

Q. First, some background on the two of you. Everyone knows you two have been together for a long time. But, how and when did you actually meet?

Angie: We were both from Rapid City. We knew of each other through friends. After the Rapid City flood in 1972, Rob’s home was destroyed and he moved in with mutual friends who lived right next door to me.

Rob: So I married the girl next door — well, several years later!

Q. How did you become affiliated with Augustana?

Rob. It was more than 25 years ago. Our pastor, Bruce Williams, was on the Board of Trustees. We were at lunch one day talking and higher education came up. Bruce asked me if I would ever consider serving on the Augustana board. I ended up being nominated to serve. And I said yes. That’s a good memory that I’ve thought of often. To recall that it was really the church that brought us here.

So, I did it. I applied. Then I went home and told Angie what I did.

Once I applied, my mind just kind of went to a new place. I was thinking all about what it would be like to be in this role.

Q. Angie, you’ve been by Rob’s side throughout his presidency.

How did you begin to learn about what the role of First Lady would be like?

Angie: I spent some time with (previous First Lady) Nancy Halverson. We walked through the Fellows’ Presidential Residence together and she reflected on some of her experiences. She talked about the flow of the academic year — how some times are busier than others. The start of the academic year, for example, is always a busy and exciting time. As is Viking Days. The Christmas season is busy, too, as is the close of the academic year around Commencement. I spoke with (previous First Lady) Susie Wagoner, too. It was great to get their perspectives.

Q. Rob and Angie, now that your time as president and first lady is coming to an end, as you reflect back over the years, was the experience anything like you thought it was going to be?

Rob: I think we had a pretty realistic understanding what it was going to be like. From being on the board for 12 years and from having been a president at Wells Fargo for 16 years. But, obviously there were a lot of new experiences.

Angie: When Rob was on the board, he often said he had a good “aerial view” of what was happening at Augustana. But then when he started teaching here, he realized he had a “view from the ground.”

Rob: When you’re on the ground, you see things from a different perspective. But even then, to use a metaphor, sometimes there’s a fog between the buildings on campus. From being on the board

“That’s a good memory that I’ve thought of often.

To recall that it was really the church that brought us here.”

— Rob Oliver Q. Rob, after working in banking for nearly three decades, you joined Augustana as a faculty member in the business department. Shortly thereafter, the presidential search commenced. Can you share how you ended up applying for the role of president?

Rob: I had received a lot of encouragement to apply for the position. I tried to resist it for a while. But, there was a persistent nudging from friends and others.

Throughout the search, I’d gotten several calls from the search firm.

Then, it was a Friday — the last day to submit an application. It was late in the afternoon and I got another call from the search firm. She asked me what I was still doing in the office that late on a Friday.

Then she said, “Rob, you have to do this. You’re wired to do this.”

I hadn’t done a resume in years. When I applied to teach here, my oldest daughter helped me build a resume. As you can imagine from my background, it was clearly not an academic vita — it was mostly my professional experiences. But, nonetheless, I did have a resume.

Then, while I was teaching, I’d spent some time writing a vision document about Augustana. It was a pretty rough document at that point, but anyway, I sent that. I sent my resume and that vision document.

and from working with (former presidents) Ralph Wagoner and Bruce Halverson, I had a good sense of the culture and the shared governance. I understood how across the institution, different groups took ownership of Augustana in different ways.

Angie: We learned a lot about how different things and places and practices across campus mean different things to different people.

There are strong traditions here. And, those will change because the students change and times change. But, that doesn’t mean we don’t respect what was done and why it was done at the time. Those are all a big part of what Augustana was and is today.

Q. As you both look back over the years, what thoughts come to mind?

Angie: I was reading “Pastrix” by Nadia Bolz-Weber. She has this interesting way of describing Lutheran liturgy like a river that existed before and will flow on after you. It’s a river, she said, that you get to swim in for a while. It reminded me of Augustana. Augustana existed long before we did. We’ve been in it and now we are about to step onto the shore. And, it will go on after us.

Rob: You step into the flow for the time that you’re here.

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2010 Boe Forum on Public Affairs with former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.

2017 Boe Forum with astrophysicist and author Neil deGrasse Tyson.

Q. Best memory from your time at Augie?

Q. Most challenging moment during your presidency?

Rob: That very first big gift we received for the library (an anonymous $6 million gift to fund a complete renovation of Mikkelsen Library in 2007). That was huge. It was huge for Augie, but it also helped ignite a momentum that we were hoping to get started.

Shortly thereafter we received the gift for the football stadium (a $6.1 million gift from Bob and Kari Hall, also in 2007). That was really a momentous time.

Rob: I think the economic downturn of 2008 and the subsequent downturn in enrollment were certainly challenging. We wondered how we were going to get things done — how were we going to get the science building built when people’s portfolios were cut in half?

Those big gifts stand out because of their size. But there were so many smaller gifts that stand out because people gave what they could.

I think of every fall during opening days. Move-in day and seeing how excited the students and families are. Commencement time — that goal successfully reached. That’s huge.

I think of Vespers — when you can feel the music.

I think of watching our student athletes, perhaps especially the first game at K-O Stadium. My favorite photo is still the one of our women’s cross country team winning the national championship in Spokane, Washington, in 2011. The team is gathered around the finish line in their shorts and tank tops with smiles on their faces and snow falling in the background.

I think of traveling with students in Greece and Ireland. Going to the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Norway.

There’s not any one thing. There are just so many great memories.

Q. Tell us about “studying abroad.”

Rob: We went to Greece with Dr. David O’Hara (philosophy) and Dr. Rocki Wentzel (philosophy) and we went to Ireland with Dr. Patrick Hicks (English) and Dr. Bill Swart (sociology). We learned so much, but we got to be with students and experience things through their eyes as well.

Angie: We stayed so connected with those students we traveled with. We shared the joys of being caught in the rain, or falling asleep on the bus, or being really hungry and learning new things in amazing places.

I remember being in Greece at the Areopagus, standing at the site where Paul preached to the Athenians about worshipping to different gods. He was trying to tell them about the one true God. We each took turns standing on the rock where Paul had preached.

A student who was with us turned and said to me, “If someone came to me and told me my religion wasn’t the right one, like the Athenians heard, that would be really hard for me.”

So there I was in that place, having that conversation with a young person, and I thought, “Wow. Look at the learning and evaluation that is happening here.”

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I think of 2011 when the Augustana Band, along with members of our faculty and staff and alumni were caught in Egypt during the revolution.

I think of the difficulty of losing Dr. Dan Swets in a plane crash and trying to console our community.

Q. Proudest moment?

Rob: Again, there are many but, I think the Froiland Science Complex is huge. The number of years we dreamed about that and imagined it. To see it completed was a pretty proud moment for me and the entire campus community. We take pride in it, but it happened thanks to so many people saying ‘yes’, giving of themselves, and investing.

The national championships. Our Rhodes scholar from Pakistan, our Schwarzman scholar. The accomplishments of our young people create those proud moments. We take pride in their accomplishments.

Angie: Every single game day at home — the feeling on campus when people are filing into Kirkeby-Over Stadium. It’s just heartwarming and you can’t help but feel proud.

Rob: Everyone is so excited and celebratory on a Saturday game day. It really is a celebration of Augustana. How could you not be proud of that? Mostly because of what it represents. I always say there are 100 kids on the team, but there are thousands of fans in the stands cheering for Augustana. That’s community!

Q. What was it like to lead the name change effort from college to university?

Rob: I think it was an exciting moment because it gave everyone a new voice with which to tell the story of Augustana. That was the most important thing — the opportunity to tell that story with excitement and energy and to be really proud of this place. I think it has a more far-reaching impact than we can even see right now. It was an opportunity for the institution to really move forward and commit ourselves to the dreams we’ve outlined in our strategic plan — that includes expanding the mission to include adult learners, not just undergraduates.

Q. How have you both changed in the last 11 years?

Rob: I think one of the big differences is that being part of a learning community, we’ve dedicated ourselves to deeper thought and broader thinking about a lot of things. We’ve been exposed to so much; I think we’ve been broadened by those experiences and the people we’ve met.

Receiving an honorary doctorate of humane letters at the 2017 Commencement ceremony.

Angie: We think differently now. We think a little more like students now. They bring their viewpoints and passions and, during 11 years, some of those have become our viewpoints and passions. Students have a different view of society than most people our age. It’s helped keep us young. We have a sense of the future, and a sense of optimism from being around these students.

Q. How has your faith changed during your time at Augustana?

Rob: I don’t think people truly understand what it means to be so fortunate as to be in a community of faith like this — where, in your work life, you have chapel opportunities in the middle of the day where you can go hear preaching and hear music. We have this great opportunity multiple times a week to have our faith affirmed and to share it with people. To hear so many different voices — we have great pastors and they are wonderful. But we also have the students’ voices and staff voices. It affirms that this is an entire community of faith. Everyone is participating in that. Our students see that behavior modeled when they see their professors or coaches preach, or see their friends preach. It’s such a neat community.

Inside the chapel, there’s artwork depicting the parable of the sower right outside the door to the sanctuary and I think that’s so appropriate because there are seeds being sown each and every day here.

Those seeds are going to land in good soil, and germinate and bear fruit. Isn’t that just a wonderful thing that happens here? What a blessing to be part of that.

As president, sometimes I find myself caught in the middle of conversations where some say Augustana is not Lutheran enough while others say we are too Lutheran. I think they’re missing the whole point of what this faith community is about. They’re missing how we honor and celebrate faith and how we help people — in mature, thoughtful ways — examine their own beliefs and faith systems and how those systems inform their actions throughout life and their decisions toward other people. There’s no question that my faith journey has been enhanced by being in this community. And what a gift that is.

Q. In the last 11 years, Augustana has changed significantly and so has the city of Sioux Falls. Each entity has experienced so much growth and development and innovation. In the midst of that growth, how has the partnership between AU and other organizations in Sioux Falls deepened over the years?

Rob: Partnerships have really been key for us. These are initiatives that will continue to bear fruit well into the future with more and more employers and different organizations.

I think of the legacy relationship between Augustana and Sanford Health. Over the years that has given way to academic collaborations — think of our master’s program in genetic counseling — as well as countless internship and clinical opportunities for our students, athletic partnerships and outreach to the community. It’s a partnership that has grown and developed over time.

Announcing Stephanie Herseth Sandlin as Augustana’s 24th president.

I think in the community now — thanks to organizations like the Sioux Falls Chamber and Sioux Falls Thrive — we’re seeing new and enhanced opportunities for Augustana and for our students.

In June, Augustana was named the host for a new data warehouse that will act as a central repository of workforce, economic vitality, social services, education and quality-of-life data for the Sioux Falls metro area. We’re just so fortunate to be right in the heart of a growing, vibrant city. So I think it’s a matter of us taking advantage of our presence in Sioux Falls but also of us really reaching out and being proactive about building relationships effectively. That’s how we’ll continue to serve our students and the community we call home.

Q. Speaking of lifelong learning, Rob, what do you see for the future of Augustana’s graduate programs?

Rob: I think graduate programs will continue to play an important part in our future. As our community continues to grow, one of the demographics that is really growing is the 20- and 30-somethings. As they grow in their careers, they continue to seek to add value and life experiences. At the same time, their employers are seeking to invest in them. So offering continuing education and graduate education is just a really logical opportunity for us. So the question is how do you create something that is really needed and of great value to both the students in the workforce and the employers. And how do you do that in a manner that is cost-effective for everyone. We don’t need to duplicate what’s already out there. We need to fill in gaps that are not being well served and there’s some great opportunities there. I believe we can leverage some of our strengths to do that. I think our grad and continuing ed programs will continue to grow and will be, in our future, more and more a part of what Augustana University is all about. I don’t see that we’re going to abandon who we are as a residential, four-year, liberal arts baccalaureate institution. I see grad programs as quite complementary to that.

Q. Can you talk about any new grad programs in the works?

Rob: I can see a master’s degree in nursing on the horizon. I can see the prospect of a master’s degree program in health care administration. Perhaps a business administration program and a public administration program. I can envision a professional science management program which would be right up our alley in terms of the strength of our science program but also for our students who will go out and work in the world of commercial science. Developing one of those programs helps to build the infrastructure for others.

Q. So, what’s next for you both?

Angie: It’s crazy to look ahead and not see the calendar so full. It feels pretty good! Even looking at October — we can just leave and drive away: take a trip, go explore and spend time together.

Rob: There’s a lot to see in this country. Lots of national parks. Just to be able to do that together, to enjoy it together, and not feel like we’re in a great big hurry, that will be wonderful.

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Stephanie Herseth Sandlin will be inaugurated as Augustana’s 24th president on Friday, Sept. 15

A NEW CHAPTER: HERSETH SANDLIN INAUGURATION SET FOR SEPTEMBER Former congresswoman Stephanie Herseth Sandlin will be inaugurated as the 24th president of Augustana University on Friday, Sept. 15. Inaugural events are planned for Sept. 10-16.

Herseth Sandlin’s appointment, made by the Augustana Board of Trustees in February following an extensive national search, marks the first time in Augustana’s 157-year history that a woman will serve as president.

Herseth Sandlin most recently served as general counsel and vice president of corporate development for Raven Industries in Sioux Falls. Prior to that, she served as South Dakota’s lone U.S. representative from 2004-11. When elected in 2004, she was the first woman from South Dakota to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives as well as the youngest woman serving in the House during that time.

Becky Blue ’81, chair of the Presidential Search Committee, called Herseth Sandlin a “respected and visionary leader.”

“She is a locally-grown, nationally-known pioneer with a fervent drive to bring good ideas, opportunity and possibility to the state of South Dakota and beyond. She is a skilled diplomat who has vast experience working with a variety of constituents on a variety of issues,” Blue said.

“Stephanie has spent the last two decades working to build a better South Dakota, a better region, and a better world — first as a congresswoman and, most recently, as general counsel for Raven Industries, a Sioux Falls, South Dakota-based business that holds place among the city’s major employers. Having served as the elected voice for more than 800,000 citizens of the state, Stephanie knows and understands that the greatest leaders are first and foremost effective communicators — individuals who listen first, then make decisions. At Raven, she further established her impressive business acumen — building a new legal department, strengthening governance practices and helping to lead a major acquisition. Her leadership experience, her time abroad — both as a student and as a professional — her enthusiasm for the liberal arts and her passion for 10

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possibility make Stephanie well-equipped to lead Augustana.

We are certain that she will build on the firm foundation established by President Rob Oliver and the exciting momentum alive on campus today and will no doubt take AU to new heights in the future,” she said.

Blue said the Presidential Search Committee was impressed by Herseth Sandlin’s “sense of calling for the work ahead.”

“We know that she will lead from her foundation of faith and community. She is simply an inspiring individual who will be a transformational leader for Augustana University,” Blue said.

Herseth Sandlin said the opportunity to serve Augustana is both exciting and humbling.

“I am very grateful for and humbled by the opportunity to lead Augustana, and I thank the Board of Trustees for entrusting me with the responsibilities of this position. The mission of the University, its traditions and its plans for the future are inspiring, and I look forward to joining a campus community dedicated to helping students be servant leaders and engaged citizens,” Herseth Sandlin said.

Meet the President In addition to attending Inaugural Events, alumni, parents and friends are invited to meet President Herseth Sandlin at events in the following cities: • Sioux Falls — Sept. 13 (as part of Inauguration) • Twin Cities — Sept. 25-27 • Watertown, South Dakota — Oct. 18 • Fargo, North Dakota — Oct. 19 • Washington, D.C. — Oct. 24 • Rapid City, South Dakota — Oct. 26 • Lincoln, Nebraska — Nov. 8 • Omaha, Nebraska — Nov. 9 • Mahtomedi, Minnesota — Dec. 15 (Vespers service) To learn more about these events and to register, visit augie.edu/inauguration.

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GURATING THE NEXT CHAPTER

SINCE 1860, AUGUSTANA HAS BEEN THE PLACE GREAT THINKERS COME TO DREAM BIG DREAMS.

HERE, WE ARE THE CURATORS OF CURIOSITY AND CREATIVITY, CONNECTORS OF KNOWLEDGE AND DISCOVERY, AND BUILDERS OF CONFIDENCE. WE ARE 157 YEARS STRONG IN HISTORY AND TRADITION. NOW, OUR STORY TURNS TO A NEW CHAPTER.

WITH REAMS OF POTENTIAL BEFORE US, WE STAND READY TO WRITE NEW PAGES OF POSSIBILITY. TODAY, WE PREPARE TO PIONEER NEW FIELDS SOW THE SEEDS OF NEW IDEAS REALIZE DREAMS HARVEST POSSIBILITY

JOIN US AS WE CELEBRATE THE IN GURATION OF STEPHANIE HERSETH SANDLIN, TWENTY-FOURTH PRESIDENT.

SEPTEMBER 10-16, 2017

See the full schedule of events and register to join us at AUGIE.EDU/INAUGURATION See the full schedule and register to join us at augie.edu/inauguration

NEWS FROM THE HUDDLE

AU NURSING PROGRAM EARNS NO. 1 RANKING Augustana’s nursing program has been ranked the No. 1 program in South Dakota, according to RegisteredNursing.org.

Organized by registered nurses, RegisteredNursing.org is an online resource dedicated to promoting excellence in nursing by providing future nurses with the tools they need to succeed.

Augustana’s No. 1 ranking is based on the pass rates of nursing graduates who take the NCLEX-RN exam (National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse).

Augustana’s 2016 NCLEX-RN pass rate is 98 percent (including fall 2015 and spring 2016 graduates).

Learn more at augie.edu/nursing.

AUGUSTANA REPORTS 98 PERCENT JOB PLACEMENT RATE A report earlier this year by the Student Success Center offers a snapshot of postgraduation activities and destinations for members of the Augustana Class of 2016 (grads who completed bachelor’s degrees between July 1, 2015, and June 30, 2016).

Graduates were surveyed within six months of graduation.

The Augustana Experience

Boe Forum with Neil deGrasse Tyson Draws Thousands to Campus Nearly 4,000 people filled Augustana’s Elmen Center in March to hear acclaimed astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson discuss “Science and Discovery” as the featured speaker for the Boe Forum on Public Affairs, presented by the Center for Western Studies.

Free tickets went on sale last November and sold out in just over 10 minutes — an all-time record for Augustana. By the afternoon of the event, a line of so-excited-theywere-almost-giddy ticket holders stretched out of the Elmen Center, through the parking lot and around the corner. It was a night that promised to be cosmically awesome for science-lovers of all ages — from gradeschoolers, to college students, 30-,40- and 50-somethings, retirees and more. And Tyson did not disappoint.

Read the full recap and see photos at augie.edu/boe.

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In addition to employment and grad school placement details, the Outcomes Report also captures key data points that illustrate how satisfied members of the Class of 2016 are with their Augustana experience.

For these reasons, AU grads reported that they launched their careers and post-graduate study with confidence and enthusiasm: • 93 percent of 2016 grads strongly agreed or agreed that they received a solid education from Augustana.

• 97 percent strongly agreed or agreed that they had at least one professor who made them excited about learning.

• 95 percent strongly agreed or agreed that there was a faculty or staff member at Augustana who cared about them as a person.

• 96 percent strongly agreed or agreed that they will learn or do something interesting at their job or in their program of study after graduation.

Outcomes Report Key Findings • 98 percent of recent Augustana grads seeking employment are employed in a position related to their major or chosen field.

• The mean reported salary for graduates who sought full-time employment was $43,471. The maximum salary reported was $67,000.

• 20 percent are pursuing grad school and/or continuing education. Of those, more than half are pursuing advanced study in a health care related field.

• Grads are working in 18 states and seven countries around the world. Among those who secured employment and reported their geographical location, 60 percent are working in South Dakota and 58 percent are employed in Sioux Falls.

• Top industry choices for 2016 grads include health care, education, business and professional/ scientific technical services.

• 99 percent of Augustana grads participated in key engaged learning opportunities such as: experiential learning, internships, co-curricular activities, volunteerism, undergraduate research, clinicals, student teaching, study abroad and more.

NEWS FROM THE HUDDLE

AUGUSTANA TO HOST DATA WAREHOUSE Big data is coming to Augustana University.

In June, Augustana was announced as the home for a new central repository of workforce, economic vitality, social services, education and quality-of-life data for the Sioux Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), a geographical, economic and social area defined for U.S. Census purposes.

About the Data Warehouse Last year, with leadership from Sioux Falls Thrive, representatives from Augustana, city departments, the Sioux Falls School District and area nonprofits formed a group to analyze how data is reported, tracked and used.

The group found that each day, employees of local government, nonprofit and commercial entities charged with maintaining public information websites, reporting news, writing grant proposals and developing marketing and business plans spent countless hours making phone inquiries and searching the internet to pinpoint demographic and socio-economic data about the Sioux Falls MSA. The result was lost productivity and, because the data wasn’t centralized, a risk of inaccuracy.

After identifying its design standards, the group endorsed development of the Augustana University Data Warehouse. The warehouse will hold two data hubs: a proprietary hub used for warehouse partners’ research projects and “OpenSiouxFalls,” a central repository of community indicators reflective of the workforce, economic vitality, social services, education and quality of life of the Sioux Falls MSA. Beta testing of Phase I of the project was completed this summer.

Learn more at augie.edu/innovation.

JUNIOR EARNS KENNEDY CENTER NATIONAL AWARD Junior Alex Meyer’s set design for the Augustana Theatre’s production of “When the World Was Wild and Waste” earned a second-place award at the 2017 national Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival in Washington, D.C. Meyer’s work advanced to the national festival after winning first place in the Kennedy Center’s regional competition earlier this year.

Claire Fanta ‘19 prepares samples for observation inside the Froiland Science Complex. Photo by Mike Shafer ‘18.

SCIENCE FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW FROILAND RESEARCH FUND SEEKS TO CONTINUE OPPORTUNITIES Each summer, Augustana natural science students participate in undergraduate research projects and internships.

By working alongside their professors and with researchers at labs and centers throughout the U.S., these students gain experiences that set them apart from their peers at other institutions.

“I have always liked to tell my students ‘the best way I can train you to be a scientist is to let you be one,’” said Dr. Mark Larson, associate professor of biology.

Larson is currently researching two projects on campus: the first is to determine what signals promote the formation of new platelets from platelet precursor cells; the second project is studying to understand how dietary omega-3 fatty acids affect platelet function.

Few colleges or universities provide opportunities with the breadth and depth that undergraduate science researchers enjoy at Augustana: research on drought tolerance in plants; platelets and their response to blood vessel damage; biomarkers for specific diseases; ovarian cancer and triggers for platelet activation; interaction between exercise and estrogens on blood glucose regulation as it relates to type 2 diabetes — and so much more.

Much of the research is able to take place right on campus inside the new-

Froiland Science Complex. Larson’s projects, as well as those by other professors, have been supported through funding agencies such as the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Biomedical Research Infrastructure Network (BRIN) the Experiential Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR), the Sanford Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR), the Avera Institute for Human Genetics and others.

However, support from these sources is never guaranteed. The Natural Science Division has a long-term goal of establishing a source of sustainable research funding to grow research activities — regardless of grant funding. A campaign for the newly-created Froiland Research Fund kicked off this summer and will run through the fall. The Froiland Research Fund will enable the Natural Science Division to support student stipends, research supplies, research equipment and travel for students to attend scientific meetings. The ultimate goal is to endow this fund to ensure a robust and dynamic research agenda for the future.

“What’s beautiful about the research, is that all of us together are working toward questions that don’t have answers,” Larson said.

Find more details and see how you can make a gift at augie.edu/funding.

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FAITH LIVING. GROWING. LEARNING. TESTING. SHARING. THINKING. TRANSFORMING. KEEPING. IT ALL HAPPENS HERE.

Students, faculty and staff gather for worship in Augustana’s Chapel of Reconciliation.

Photos by Matt Addington ‘95.

I

t was hot out — like South Dakota in late summer hot — when Rachel Wiener arrived in front of Solberg Hall on freshman move-in day.

It was 2003.

But by today’s standards, it might as well have been 50 years ago. Still wounded and reeling from 9/11, Americans had just ushered in a new government agency called the Department of Homeland Security. In Cambridge, Massachusetts, a Harvard undergrad named Mark Zuckerberg was sketching ideas for some crazy thing called Facebook. Phones had actual buttons — with numbers — which meant texting “hi” required pushing “4” twice, then again three times. Tweeting was something only birds did.

Wiener had made the 3.5-hour drive from her home in the small town of Humboldt, Iowa, to Augustana’s campus and set out to begin the next chapter in her story.

She found herself in a new place. In a bigger city. Meeting new people. Working through challenging classes.

It didn’t take long for the homesickness to set in.

Looking for “a place to call home,” Wiener soon found herself at the center of campus — where academics and student life intersect — at the door to Augustana’s Chapel of Reconciliation.

It was a moment, she said, that changed her life forever.

“When I arrived at Augie, I was a scared freshman and very homesick. I first got involved in Chapel and campus ministry because I was searching for a place to call home, a place to center my faith and build a community,” she said. “Chapel and campus ministry provided a safe place to explore what my faith meant to me and how I could make it my own, and also provided a community of love and support at a time I needed it most.”

Wiener said she found love and encouragement to explore her faith across campus throughout her Augustana experience.

“What surprised me was (what) I found in other parts of my journey. I found faith at Augustana to be ubiquitous, found in every corner of campus, every day. During my four years at Augie, I found community, love and support everywhere — in the classroom, in conversations with professors, staff and fellow students, in the residence halls, and working at the Elmen.”

Describing how faith exists and is nourished at Augustana isn’t easy.

Faith means different things to different people at different times. Our faith is shaped by where we came from, our experiences and our religion. At Augustana today, 37 percent of students identify as Lutheran, 22 percent as other-Protestant, 20 percent as Catholic, 4 percent as non-Protestant, and 17 percent of students here say they do not identify with any religion.

Differences and numbers aside, one thing is for certain: Faith is here.

“The Sower,” created by Augustana Art Professors Ogden Dalrymple and Palmer Eide, hangs in the Chapel.

Freedom and Faith A huge, striking, colorful piece of art designed by Augustana art legend Ogden Dalrymple and assisted by fellow Augie art legend Palmer Eide hangs inside the Chapel of Reconciliation.

The eight-foot wide by six-foot high fresco depicts a man in blue tossing seeds into the soil. A dove is close by. It’s called “The Sower” and it includes the words “Behold there went forth a sower to sow — Mark IV: III.” The piece is based on the “Parable of the Sower” as told by Jesus in three of the four Gospels. In the lesson, Jesus uses the seed to symbolize the word of God. The Sower, Jesus tells us, is steadfast in his role. Even though he knows only some of the seeds he sows will find good soil, grow and bear fruit, he continues to scatter seeds.

It’s an ancient story with a timeless message — a story that, in many ways, illustrates the core of church-related higher education. As a Lutheran university, Augustana’s commitment to sowing seeds — nurturing and supporting faith — has been, and continues to be, central to the institution’s mission, said Rev. Dr. Paul Rohde, campus pastor.

In today’s world, that’s especially significant.

“One of the things that makes ministry in this moment unique is that culturally, there’s so much emphasis 16

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on distinctiveness and individualization,” Rohde said.

“But really, ministry is so much more grounded in what makes us all alike. We all hunger. We all need to breathe.

We all need to be loved. We’re all going to die. We all need to matter. Above all — we all need grace.”

Grace, he said, is what enables us to navigate life’s challenges. And grace, coupled with faith, gives us the freedom to ask questions and seek the answers; calls us to love others; and leads us to vocation — the discovery of how we use our God-given gifts to serve others.

“Lutheran theology is about freedom — and it’s about a freedom that’s grounded. By grounding yourself in a vocational identity, you are freed to, and have access to, way more than you would without it,” Rohde said. “Faith involves every part of our lives. The gift of a church-related education is that we can be straight-forward about that, which is not to say that we try to sanctify everything. But it’s to say ‘God is creator, so God is involved in all parts of life.’”

Rev. Ann Elizabeth Rosendale ’04, campus pastor, agreed.

“At Augustana, we have a commitment to learning and thinking critically, especially about faith. We don’t need to be afraid to ask tough questions of God or of our faith. It’s this notion that our learning is for the sake of the world: vocation,” she said. “So we come here to grow

FAITH

“We don’t need to be afraid to ask tough questions of God or of our faith.

It’s this notion that our learning is for the sake of the world: vocation.

So we come here to grow intellectually and otherwise, and we go from this place to serve our neighbor. And so it’s this dance of knowing what our own gifts are and nurturing those gifts and then being attentive to the needs of the neighbor and then going out to meet those needs.”

— REV. ANN ELIZABETH ROSENDALE ’04 CAMPUS PASTOR intellectually and otherwise, and we go from this place to serve our neighbor. And so it’s this dance of knowing what our own gifts are and nurturing those gifts and then being attentive to the needs of the neighbor and then going out to meet those needs.”

That dance of knowing, nurturing and attending happens throughout campus, Rosendale said.

“People are engaging their faith by more than just coming to Chapel on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays,” she said.

“I think about the sophomore retreat we’ve done for the past few years. Certainly there are students who come to the retreat who are deeply faithful — students whose lives are intentionally scheduled around their faith. But there are others who come to the retreat who are not practicing their faith in the same way and yet, they’re seeking answers to questions like, ‘What’s the meaning of my life? What’s the purpose of my life? What is the direction of my life?’

Those are all questions of faith,” she said. “And questions that scripture and worship and living in community help us to get at. And so, when we’re at the retreat, we don’t

shy away from talking about faith and vocation and how God calls us. And I think that resonates with all students — even those students who didn’t come to Augustana because it is Christian, but land here and hopefully find that the Christian conviction of this place can inform their life and their work.”

Faith in the Classroom and in the Field Inside the Humanities Center, students and faculty study and create art, music and literature; explore classical studies, philosophy and religion; and build fluency and understanding of different languages cultures.

The Humanities Center was where Nicole (Lauck) Finnesand ’11 met Dr. Sandra Looney, professor of English.

Finnesand, now a seventh- and eighth-grade language arts teacher at Tri-Valley Middle School near Sioux Falls, said Looney provided her with faithful inspiration in more ways than one.

“I enjoyed our conversations during and outside of class, and her teaching was excellent. Her classes were always full of nuggets of truth about life amidst the important lessons about writing and literature.

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Dr. Sandra Looney, professor of English, leads a class discussion.

One of my very favorite classes was her writing seminar my senior year. A close second was a J-Term class about Japanese literature during which she showed such warm hospitality to invite our small class to her home for tea and Breadsmith and what I’m sure was enlightened conversation about Murakami and other literary texts and themes. I hope that I can be a teacher like her. She shows passion and knowledge of her content, a genuine interest in her students, a sense of humor, and wasn’t afraid to learn and explore alongside us,” Finnesand said.

Learning and exploring is a process of discovery that ultimately informs. Faith can inform life and work. And, life and work can inform faith.

It’s something Dr. Janet Blank-Libra, professor and director of journalism, has witnessed.

“Whether my students are studying literature, writing or the law of the press, my hope is that they will take themselves as deeply as possible into the material,” Blank-Libra said. “Once students (or any of us) begin to fully comprehend their potential — the depth and breadth of their many human capacities — they understand better their obligation to share their God-given gifts with the world.”

Head to the second floor of the Humanities Center and you can always find students visiting the office of Dr. David O’Hara, department chair and associate professor of philosophy. They stop by to ask questions, engage in conversation, seek advice, enjoy a cup of tea or to learn the ancient Chinese game of “Go.” O’Hara said his faith provides him with strength to guide, support and teach his students.

“Each season I enter my classrooms before the term begins and I lay a hand on each desk and pray for the students who will sit in those desks. Similarly, each day during the term, I begin each day in prayer for my students, asking God to make me a blessing to them,” he said. “I don’t expect that I change God’s mind about anything by my prayers but, if nothing else, I want to offer myself to God and to do the little that I can to invite God to change me and to use my teaching.”

In the Madsen Center, faith can be found inside classrooms and labs where tomorrow’s teachers, business professionals, lawyers and social scientists are training.

“The most powerful opportunities for me to share my 18

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Head Football Coach Jerry Olszewski joins others in prayer inside the Chapel of Reconciliation.

faith is when students come to me seeking a listening ear or heart and are asking for advice in their life journey,” said Dr. Julie Ashworth, assistant professor of education. “As I listen to them share their fears and their hopes and dreams, I often find myself sharing my own faith journey full of valleys and mountains. I have a wooden cut-out word in my office window that simply says ‘Pray’. Many times that is the best advice I can give them.

And of course I can and do pray for them in their tough times. I also know that I am the recipient of prayers from students when I need them and this is a blessing beyond measure.”

Across campus inside the Froiland Science Complex, professors and students engage in discussions around faith and science in classrooms, during labs and in oneon-one conversations.

The discussions aren’t always easy.

Reconciling faith traditions with societal changes caused by innovations in science and technology can be challenging, according to biology professors Dr. Steven Matzner and Dr. Jennifer Gubbels.

“Unfortunately, conversations about the relationship between science and religion have not kept pace with these changes. Within the Natural Science Division, we spend time talking personally to students to reinforce that science and religion do not have to be in conflict and by example try to show students that scientists can have a robust faith life and a fulfilling career trying to understand God’s creation,” they said.

FAITH

Rev. Dr. Paul Rohde, campus pastor, delivers a sermon.

“Faith involves every part of our lives. The gift of a church-related education is that we can be straight-forward about that, which is not to say that we try to sanctify everything.

But it’s to say ‘God is creator, so God is involved in all parts of life.’”

— REV. DR. PAUL ROHDE CAMPUS PASTOR Interdisciplinary and interdepartmental efforts are also at work to examine the relationship between science and religion.

A number of years ago, Biology Professor Dr. Craig Spencer and Religion Professor Dr. Ann Milliken Peterson applied for and received a grant from the Templeton Foundation to set up a permanent course in religion and science. Pederson has taught an interdepartmental version of religion and science ever since.

Most recently, she has team-taught on religion and bioethics or medicine with a professor from the Natural Science Division or with multiple guest lecturers. The coursework ranges from discussions on reproductive medicine, artificial reproductive technology, cancer and more. (Learn more about Pederson’s work on page 30.)

Rosendale said the ability to talk about faith — and the freedom to ask questions — is key to helping students on their journey to vocational discernment.

“Both (Pastor) Paul and I live for the conversations with students that just drop by the Chapel,” she said. “Just yesterday, a student stopped by and wanted to talk about a question from his religion class. I live for those conversations — I love them. I can just see the wheels turning in their head. Sometimes in those conversations, their faith shifts. And what a holy moment — to be privy to their growth and development like that. It is a dramatic time in these students’ lives. It’s dramatic in all sorts of ways, but especially for their faith.”

Beth Singleton ’10 is a Ph.D. candidate in religion,

ethics and society at the Claremont School of Theology.

As a student at Augustana, she had the opportunity to serve as chapel president. It was here, she said, where she learned to think critically about her beliefs and how they inform her actions — and how those beliefs might impact others.

“I learned that beliefs are not simply beliefs, but have implications for other beings. The professors fostered an environment of critical questioning that allowed my faith to transform. Through my friendships and conversations with people across campus I know that Augustana is unique in the way it nourishes a community of engaged thinkers, unafraid to take on the taboo topics of religion and politics at the dinner table even when opposing positions are presented. This environment allowed me to engage my faith in relation to others and to the world, giving my faith material and relational meaning,” she said.

According to Whitney Brown, associate director of campus life, faith is a thread woven throughout the Augustana experience, including the residential living component.

“We try to incorporate discussions on faith and values because understanding one’s purpose and priorities can help clarify many areas of everyday life at Augustana, such as getting along with their roommate and community, making healthy decisions and striving to prepare to lead and serve others on and off campus,” Brown said. “We’ve worked hard to incorporate faith THE AUGUSTANA MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2017

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Rev. Ann Elizabeth Rosendale ‘04, campus pastor, speaks in Chapel.

in several direct ways, such as: the sophomore retreat, which provides students an outlet for reflection on what it means to be called to a vocation; the creation of the campus Interfaith Reflection Room, which allows students to explore and live out their beliefs in harmony with others, and the addition of the Endeavor Learning Community, which will invite first-year students to dig deeper in their faith and use it to direct their journey at Augustana and beyond.”

For a college student, “everyday life” is what happens before and after classes and on the weekend.

On Saturdays in the fall, Kirkeby-Over Stadium on the southwest side of campus roars with thousands of cheering football fans. Students, alumni, parents and friends fill the stands with a sea of blue and gold, enjoying time together, rooting for their beloved Vikings and, most of all, showing their Augie pride.

Gridiron and faith are two words that aren’t frequently paired together.

But at Augustana, head coach Jerry Olszewski said faith is a pillar of the University’s football program.

“I am up-front with families during the recruiting process that we incorporate faith talks in our team often. In fact, our three program pillars are Faith, Family, Football or F3,” Olszewski said. “We try to coach and teach with that order in mind as we work with our young men to be the best version of themselves. I also share with my players that the relationship is a personal journey but if I can assist in any way in that walk, I would be blessed to do so.

“We start the season by going to worship service as a team the first Sunday of fall camp where we receive a team blessing and encourage conversation about all matters of growth, including spiritual growth. Our seniors go on a leadership retreat prior to fall camp where faith is at the core of the relationship and leadership building,” he said.

Exploration and Faith Last January, Rohde helped lead a J-Term course 20

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in Germany and Italy called “Living Reformation: the Context, Calling, and Contributions of Martin Luther, JS Bach, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and St. Francis.”

The course, Rohde said, was about “this moment in time compared to the 16th century — because so many people see this moment in a similar kind of way. Then it was from medieval to the Renaissance and Enlightenment. Now it’s from modernity to whatever is going to be post-modernity and this challenge of authority and the diminishment of institutions.”

The ultimate lesson, he said, was that no matter the context, change is constant.

“The world has been through these transformations before and will be again. My objective for that course was that we would learn from the 16th century to help navigate our own.”

Helping people navigate with faith — through storms, in uncharted waters, over rough terrain — is no doubt Rohde’s vocation. He’s been a pastor for more than three decades.

“I’m one of those oddballs who, well, I can’t remember a time when I did not think of being a pastor,” he said.

A native of Webster, South Dakota, he came to Augustana in 2001 after spending nearly 20 years serving congregations in Lake Preston, South Dakota, Sioux Falls and New Ulm, Minnesota.

“When I came here I really saw this as a word and sacrament ministry. I treated it very much like a congregation and still do in lots of ways,” he said.

From a ministry standpoint, Rohde said the call to Augustana has been an opportunity to help others synchronize and put things together.

“My approach to life is not balance, but rather imbalance and correction. I often say to students, ‘To stay on balance, you can’t walk. Walking is putting all your weight on one foot, then all your weight on the other foot, and then you go somewhere.’”

In other words, “do as much as you can with what comes.”

Faith and Vocation Together, Rohde and Rosendale are committed to promoting understanding and perspective through ministry.

Case in point is the new Interfaith Reflection Room that opened on campus this spring inside Morrison Commons.

The space is designed to provide a safe place for people of all religions and non-religious traditions to pray, meditate, worship, reflect, study and practice their faith.

Rosendale said the room grew out of an effort on campus to acknowledge, accommodate and celebrate religious and nonreligious diversity at AU. It’s important for the campus community, Rosendale said, because it serves as a space where Christian and non-Christian students alike can grow in their religious literacy and deepen their own faith.

To that end, the room includes sacred texts from a variety of religious traditions, encouraging visitors to learn about faiths they may be less familiar with.

“Augustana’s Christian students will deepen their Christian conviction as they learn and talk with their brothers and sisters of other faiths,” Rosendale said. “The Bible is filled with stories of Jesus crossing boundaries, even religious boundaries, to share life with the neighbor. Jesus is constantly reaching out to the other, meeting their need, and encouraging others to do the same as a way of faithfully living out God’s mission. It is not in spite of our Christian faith, but precisely because of it, that we are called to develop spaces and opportunities like this at Augustana. We’re convinced that doing so only makes us more faithful followers of Jesus.”

Rising senior Hannah Norem worked on the effort to create the Interfaith Reflection Room. She said the new space will help students feel safe and comfortable.

“People are so welcome to come in and really realize that we are more alike than we are different, which is super cool for a Lutheran college to do.”

For Rohde, the space illustrates how Augustana has grown and evolved over time.

FAITH

Rosendale accepted Augustana’s call for a second campus pastor in 2012 after serving at Peace Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls.

While Rohde was sure of his calling early on, Rosendale was not.

“I was a double major in religion and philosophy. I did not know that I was going to be a pastor. Surely I did not know I was going to be a campus pastor. And surely I did not know I was going to be a campus pastor at Augustana,” she said. “I had some interest in ministry. I grew up in the church. My parents were really active in my home congregation in North Mankato, Minnesota. I had a youth director there who was really influential in my life and I’d had some great camp experiences that were really rich and meaningful to me.”

As a student at Augustana, she became involved in campus ministry. She was a sophomore when Rohde accepted the call to become campus pastor. She went on to serve on the Chapel staff during her junior and senior years and lead the creation of FaithFest, a two-day event held on campus for middle school youth and their adult leaders.

After Augustana she went on to Princeton Seminary where, she said, her call evolved.

“As a student in seminary, I spent time working in a church and I got to know a pastor. I saw what he did Sunday after Sunday — preaching, administering the sacraments, meeting with people, shaping faith. And I wanted to do what he did,” she said.

The call to Augustana has been an opportunity to help young people grow in their faith, and to grow in her own faith as well.

“This is a sweet spot for me. I get some of the fun youth ministry stuff that has always been with me, and I get the critical thinking piece and the learning piece. I get to think deeply and carefully.

I’m pushed and stretched to become smarter, wiser, more faithful, more accepting, more open. It’s Ecumenical, which I love,” she said.

AU’s motto, “Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve” hangs on a banner at the center of campus, just outside the Chapel of Reconciliation.

“When I came here 16 years ago, I don’t think I could’ve envisioned that one day we would have something like an Interfaith Reflection Room but, you know, it was very clear to me when I got here that there was a lot more we needed to do,” he said. “The hardest thing about the job is that there’s still so much more we need to do in terms of global understanding and perspective.”

This year, Christians around the world will remember the 500th anniversary of Martin Luther’s 95 theses.

Rohde said the anniversary is an occasion to “claim and strengthen our vocations in learning, reconciliation and celebration.”

“As inheritors of reform, we listen to our roots for the call of God to claim the Gospel anew. As servants in higher education, we reach out to be called, gathered and enlightened with neighbors; to rediscover and extend freedom in Christ; and to continue the legacies of learning, research, song and service that characterize Lutheran schools.”

According to O’Hara, the anniversary is also a reminder of Augustana’s commitment to helping students discern their vocations.

“Martin Luther urged the leaders of his day to resist the temptation to just get vocational training, or just to think about income.

He wrote that all of us should try to learn broadly in classics, law, literature and theology. Each of those disciplines gives us tools for learning still more, and for helping others,” he said.

Rohde agreed.

“The Lutheran understanding of vocation is that our calls come from our neighbors and that we’re all called to all that we do. The calls to citizenship, community, service, family, church — as well as our calls to work. For those of us who serve Augustana, that’s part of our vocation — to equip people in their vocations.”

Faith as a Compass As a student, Rachel Wiener ‘07 went on to major in nursing and serve as chapel president.

Today, she is a neonatal nurse practitioner in the newborn/infant intensive care unit at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. In her career, and in life, she said her faith continues to guide her.

“Without my faith, I honestly can say I don’t know where I would be,” she said. “Life has brought many challenges and heartaches, and through every one of them, God has been constant, never changing or wavering. He has proven over and over again that His plans for my life are bigger and better than any plan I can ever fathom or imagine. So many times I have been faced with a burden I just don’t think I have the strength to bear, and then God steps in and reminds me who He is, that He is for me. He has kept that promise for me throughout my life.”

Learn more about Wiener, Finnesand, Singleton and other Augustana alumni who also served as Chapel presidents on pages 22-23.

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MICHAEL SEELEY ’13 Rachel Wiener ‘07 with Ryan. Five years ago, Wiener cared for Ryan in the NICU. They still keep in touch today.

EDITOR’S NOTE: We caught up with Augustana alumni who served as Chapel presidents during their time on campus to learn how faith continues to guide their lives today.

RACHEL WIENER ’07

NEONATAL NURSE PRACTITIONER, CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL OF PHILADELPHIA Q. How does Faith continue to serve as your compass today?

A. I’m lucky to have found a great church here in Philadelphia, and have found great community through attending and serving here. I try to live and serve as Christ did, knowing I’m a sinner and I fail over and over. The good news is that God’s grace is sufficient, made perfect in weakness, as it says in 2 Cor. 12:9.

Q. Most inspiring professor at Augie, and why?

A. I am so thankful for every professor I had at Augie

however, as a nursing major, I would have to say my nursing professors are most inspiring. They were some of the most dedicated, compassionate people I have ever met. I am the nurse I am today because of them and the lessons they taught both in and out of the classroom.

Q. What’s given you the greatest personal satisfaction since graduating from Augie? And why?

A. For me, this question is answered by my career, which has become my calling. I just finished my doctorate in nursing practice at Creighton

University.

Beyond my education, however, I take great joy in going to work every day.

I am so honored to get to walk beside my patients and their families as they navigate the chaotic, scary and emotional experience of having a child in the NICU. The NICU is a tough place, often laced with sadness and grief, but it is also filled with hope. That hope is what keeps all of us in this field going.

Every day I get to see hope turn into miracles and breakthroughs for these tiny babies. I consider myself extremely lucky.

BETH SINGLETON ’10 PH.D. CANDIDATE IN RELIGION, ETHICS AND SOCIETY, CLAREMONT SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY, WATERLOO, IOWA Q. How has your faith helped you navigate through life’s changes and challenges?

A. My moral compass certainly maintains roots in Christianity and my faith has greatly shaped who I am because it is a big part of where I’ve come from. I constantly strive to live authentically by embodying my beliefs about the world and encouraging others to make connections between belief and practice rooted in an understanding of the world that is true to them. As a result of this striving, I do my best to eat a vegan diet, support local economies, reduce my carbon footprint and generally be in relationship to others in a way that allows mutual flourishing. Thus, I navigate life’s changes and challenges with the help and support of a loving community.

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LIEUTENANT JUNIOR GRADE, U.S. NAVY JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL’S (JAG) CORPS, YOKOSUKA, JAPAN Q. How was your faith nurtured at Augustana outside of Chapel — by professors in class, by peer advisors, by friends, through participation in clubs or intramurals, etc.?

A. There was not a moment of my life on campus that was not touched in some way by faith. I had communion with creation as I observed and scientifically tracked the moon. We lay on the floor of our Stavig Hall rooms, musing about theology late into the night. I heard sermons of music at recitals and concerts. Both in- and outside of the Chapel, however, my faith became my own, not merely the (albeit beautiful) inheritance from my upbringing, and it anchored me for trials that lay ahead.

Q. What’s given you the greatest personal satisfaction since graduating from Augie? And why?

A. For me, it’s been achieving my goal of serving in the Navy JAG Corps. Whether (I) stay in for a career or return home to the Midwest after five years, I am certain that what I’m doing is my God-given vocation. My joy in this job comes from who I serve. As I draft a will for a young sailor about to deploy for the first time, or ensure a defendant receives the full measure of their Constitutional rights, I’m doing my part to relieve stressful burdens in people’s lives. I’m coming alongside my neighbors and helping them in their time of need — a value I learned at Augie. And besides, the Navy’s blue and gold reminds me of home!

PASTOR, FAITH UNITED EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, NESCOPECK, PENNSYLVANIA

KRISTIN (BARNETT) LEWIS ’03

DEACONESS, CO-DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND FORMATION, LUTHERAN DEACONESS ASSOCIATION, VALPARAISO, INDIANA Q. What does your position entail?

A. I have the joy of walking with people — from college students to people in their 70s — who feel called to a ministry of word and service.

I walk with them through the discernment process and once they are accepted I oversee their formation process. It’s a joy to see how God calls and works through the students, deaconesses and deacons in my community.

Q. How was your faith nurtured at Augustana?

A. My years at Augustana were critical in my faith journey. I loved having the rhythm of Chapel during the week as a reminder to pause in the midst of an overly busy schedule. It was wonderful to hear from peers, faculty and staff in weekly homilies. This was an ever-present reminder that those who we experienced life with on campus were more than just a professor of biology or dean. It rolemodeled the integration and complexities of various aspects of our life into who we were as human beings.

While serving on Chapel staff we asked questions about why we did what we did? What was the role of

our ministry to the whole campus? On a campus with a wide variety of faith backgrounds, how did we cultivate a place of welcome and conversation for all? My dearest friend in life was the head of Catholics in Action.

We didn’t always theologically agree, yet we found a place of deep friendship and respect through our work together on Chapel staff.

Q. What’s given you the greatest personal satisfaction since graduating from Augie?

And why?

A. The people that have welcomed me as part of their journey in life and who have been a part of mine is the greatest satisfaction. We were designed to be in relationship with one another and the people that have been a part of my life bring my days great richness. The memories at Augustana are shaped by the many people that I got to know on campus. The delight of getting my latte from Dorothy in the Huddle and hearing about her family. The witness of Tracy Riddle and how you can support and walk with all students when they are succeeding, making poor choices, or just struggling

with the day-to-day was incredible. The professors that pushed me with questions; that encouraged me to ask my own; and made me see the world around me. My relationships with college students and deaconess and deacon students remind me to keep listening for where I am called. My relationships with my three children remind me to laugh, play and explore. My relationship with my husband, Jeff, reminds me of the challenge and importance to be vulnerable and to trust, and of the joy and challenge of doing life with another. My relationship with my friend Jackie Pogue ‘03 has taught me to never stop learning, to be honest and to laugh a lot. (It also brings) the power of knowing that someone always has your back. The relationships I had with women who were homeless, at-risk of homelessness, or transitioning out of homelessness through various ministry work taught me the power of recognizing the humanity and dignity of one another. The love that they were willing to share with me, what they taught me about trust, toughness and hope are lessons that carry me.

Q. What’s an average day like?

A. As a solo pastor, I have become a jack of all trades. I truly consider my call here to be one of walking with people — whether that is leading worship in my full clerics and alb or wearing jeans and hauling food and equipment down to the local soup kitchen. I have the great privilege to preach, teach, counsel, work, serve, learn, play and literally walk with my people (we’ve just begun a walking group to promote healthy living together).

Q. How did your involvement in Campus Ministry influence your life?

A. When I came to Augustana I was moving four hours from what was familiar to me in Nebraska and I knew absolutely no one. Campus Ministry became my safe haven. It was a familiar place that I could go and find comfort in the hymns, liturgy and structure. The campus ministry staff was supportive and loving, yet soon it became a place that challenged me for the good. It pushed me to grow in my understanding of faith in the world and what it means to be in relationship with one another. I learned my own leadership strengths and flaws. I had tough and fruitful conversations with those on campus and in the surrounding areas about what it meant to be a Christian.

I had the opportunity to worship with the Catholic students at mass, and to lead services in Lutheran congregations in the surrounding areas. Campus Ministry stretched my outlook on what it meant to live faithfully and today I am a better pastor because of my time there.

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ON FAITH — WITH AUGUSTANA ALUMNI

JESSICA (MASKE) KINGSBOROUGH ’09

NICOLE (LAUCK) FINNESAND ’11 LANGUAGE ARTS TEACHER, TRI-VALLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL, NEAR SIOUX FALLS

DAIN SWANSON ’02

WORSHIP AND MEDIA ARTS, WORD OF PEACE LUTHERAN CHURCH, ROGERS, MINNESOTA Q. Can you share how your faith was nurtured outside of Chapel — by professors in class, peer advisors and friends; through participation in clubs and intramurals, etc.?

A. One of the things I loved best about Augustana was how the physical walls of the Chapel ended but the feeling of community I had while inside covered the entire campus. I was engrossed in religion and philosophy because of my major, but there was

something emanating from Campus Ministry that encouraged students to continue to grow in their faith wherever they were on campus. I always felt like the value of “nurturing the search for a mature religious faith” was truly at the center of every class I took or anyone I talked to. I also really appreciated the different Bible study groups that helped lead worship for each week. There were so many people in different stages of faith life around campus. And yet, it seemed

like Campus Ministry, staff and professors were always supporting and encouraging me to pursue a deeper relationship with Christ no matter where I was in my faith journey. Even today, my college friends and I get together and reminisce about how we weren’t just living on the same floor trying to win our next intramural championship, or singing in choir, but shared life and faith in all the things we did. And I see that reflected in how we live our lives today.

NOEL (KAHL) REAGAN ’05 FLIGHT ATTENDANT, BASED IN NEW YORK CITY

Q. How has your faith helped you navigate life’s changes and challenges?

A. My faith clings tight to the hope of Jesus and knowing that God’s grace is sufficient and God’s power is made perfect in weakness. My faith has given me the strength to know that no matter what, each and every day, I have an opportunity to share the light and love of Jesus with others. Before becoming a flight attendant, I received a master of arts degree in children, youth and family ministry and for 10 years I served in full-time ministry. One big change and challenge was a career change.

While it was difficult to leave full-time ministry in the church, my faith kept me grounded knowing that I was called beyond the doors of the church. For me, being a flight attendant is more than a job, it is a call I’ve answered to share the love of Christ with my neighbors on the airplane and around the world. I do this by extending hospitality to everyone who steps on board the airplane, both passengers and my co-workers.

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Q. How did Campus Ministry at Augustana influence your life?

A. Campus ministry gave me valuable leadership opportunities. I had the chance to be part of a team and to learn how to plan, collaborate and carry out our mission on campus. Through weekly Chapel responsibilities, I gained experience to be a leader in my church. One of my passion projects at Augie was planning FaithFest, an annual gathering for local youth. I learned how to lead and coordinate people while planning for and carrying out the event. Those planning skills have served me well in my career as a teacher. The opportunity to worship among my peers and professors was also influential. I grew to love the 10 a.m. Chapel hour in between classes as a time to worship and connect with God and the community of faith. This is something that is so challenging to maintain in the “real world,” especially as a new mom.

Overall, the lasting commitment to faith in daily living and sharing God’s promises amidst all life’s activities is a habit instilled in me at Augustana and that remains part of my values today.

Q. How does Faith continue to serve as your compass?

A. Faith is the foundation for my life.

In everything I do, I strive to use that foundation as the basis for my decisions and actions. As a teacher, wife, mother and citizen, I use my faith to live a life of service, peace, hope and compassion.

Read more from these past Chapel presidents at augie.edu/magazine.

AUGUSTANA OPEN MINDS CLUB ENCOURAGES DIALOGUE, FOSTERS UNDERSTANDING As the student body continues to grow more diverse, new student groups have formed to reflect these changes.

Augustana Open Minds was born in 2016 after faculty and staff held a book club for secular students on campus over Interim, discussing the book “Faitheist” by Chris Stedman. According to its constitution, “The primary purpose of (Augustana Open Minds) shall be to build a community for the non-religious at Augustana University. The non-religious community includes atheists, agnostics, freethinkers, humanists, and secular thinkers.

In addition, one of the main objectives of this community is to enhance dialogue by creating a platform where a diverse set of voices can be heard.”

Rising senior Garrett Schempp, an accounting major from Gillette, Wyoming, was one of the primary initiators of Open Minds, which was officially recognized as a club by the Augustana Student Association in the fall of 2016. Schempp said he and others wanted this student group to create a community for secular students on campus and “to create platforms to engage thought and different ideologies and have deeper discussion with an interdisciplinary approach.”

As president of the club, Schempp says he holds weekly meetings where members of the organization will discuss a myriad of topics. “Most discussions come from in-the-moment questions,” he said. “This past spring we talked a lot about AI or artificial intelligence and the ethics of that technology.”

Along with weekly meetings, Open Minds hosts campus-wide events called Chalk Talks: A Secular Exploration, which provide a platform for guest speakers including faculty and staff to speak on a topic on which they are passionate about or considered to be an expert. Previous Chalk Talks include “Being Lutheran,” a discussion about what it means to be Lutheran on campus with Campus Pastors Ann Elizabeth Rosendale ‘04 and Paul Rohde; “Rise of the Sapiens,” an evolution and migration talk with the anthropology department; and a political philosophy discussion with Dr. Joel Johnson.

“We try to hit as many different areas as possible and bring

those conversations to campus,” Schempp said.

Open Minds holds true to their name, according to Schempp, by being respectful of all opinions and ideas and welcoming people of all faiths to attend their meetings and events. “We try not to have a negative religious connotation to our meetings and events,” he said. “We branch away from that because a lot of us at this point are over talking about being secular for the most part and would rather get into a subject we’re interested in, like political philosophy and the sciences. Regardless of the mission, it’s about the engagement of thought and doing some critical thinking on some level.”

Campus ministry leaders agree.

“I’m delighted to see a group like Open Minds existing on Augustana’s campus,” Rosendale said. “They challenge all of us to think more critically about our own points of view. One of the things I most appreciate about Open Minds is the way they’re engaging religious perspectives — not in a way that is dismissive, angry, or belittling, but in a way that helps us all think about what we have in common. As a Christian pastor, I value openness, critical reflection, and inquiry as much as many of my atheist and agnostic friends. There is space made in Open Minds for religious and non-religious voices alike. Events like the Chalk Talks serve to deepen dialogue and listening, and hopefully foster greater understanding of what we might learn from one another. It may surprise some, but that openness is as central to Lutheran Christian teachings as it is to the secular perspective.”

Open Minds will continue to develop programming over the next few years with Schempp and organization members planning to grow the number of Chalk Talks they host in the 2017-18 year along with creating a similarly structured student-based platform.

“I hope to see more critical discussion across campus by getting the students in the humanities to engage with students in the Froiland Science Complex and students in the Madsen Center,” he said. “I think it ties in well with our core principle of the liberal arts to share these different ideas.”

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ROOTED & REACHING 500 YEARS OF LUTHERAN HIGHER EDUCATION ROOTED IN THE TRADITION OF LUTHERAN HIGHER EDUCATION. REACHING FOR NEW UNDERSTANDINGS.

Augustana will observe the 500th anniversary of the Reformation throughout 2017.

Join us for these events that are free and open to the public.

GUEST SPEAKERS & LECTURES

GALLERY EXHIBITS

ROOTED & REACHING

Nov. 29 “Reformation and Responsibility in the World” with Rev. Dr. Antje Jackelén, archbishop of Sweden

7 p.m., Augustana’s Chapel of Reconciliation This public lecture will include a short prayer service.

Oct. 19-Nov. 18 “To Reform: Artists Respond to the Reformation” Eide/Dalrymple Gallery

Featuring various artists in all media contemplating what the verb ‘reform’ means to them and/or what the Reformation expresses today.

(Opening Reception set for Friday, Oct. 27)

MUSICAL PERFORMANCES

500 YEARS OF LUTHERAN HIGHER EDUCATION

Sedio is cantor of Central Lutheran Church in Minneapolis.

Oct. 8 HymnFest with Organist Mark Sedio, featuring The Augustana Choir 3 p.m. Augustana’s Chapel of Reconciliation

Dec. 1-3 and Dec. 15 Christmas Vespers (Featuring Augustana’s four choirs and the orchestra)

Dec. 1-3, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls Dec. 15, St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church, Mahtomedi, Minnesota augie.edu/reformation

NEWS FROM THE HUDDLE Jonah Kistenmacher ‘19 (right) stands with John Simko ‘61.

AU Remembers History Professor Dr. Lynwood Oyos Longtime history professor and author Dr. Lynwood Oyos died Thursday, July 20, in Sioux Falls. He was 90.

Oyos joined Augustana in 1957 and taught for 37 years. He earned a number of awards and distinctions for outstanding contributions in the classroom, including Outstanding Educator of America, the Augustana Faculty-Administrator of the Year Award, the Burlington Northern Faculty Achievement Award, a Danforth Associate and the Orin M. Lofthus Distinguished Professorship. In 2002, he was honored with the South Dakota Governor’s Award for History.

In addition to his teaching duties, Oyos served as chair of the history department from 1964-91.

His love of history and passion for research and writing led him to author and coauthor several local and regional histories and books, most recently “Reveille for Sioux Falls.”

Dr. Michael Mullin, professor of history at Augustana, knew Oyos well.

“Lyn set high standards for teaching,” Mullin said. “Before the Madsen Center, the history department was in the barracks. Our offices were just outside the classrooms. I remember listening to Lyn lecture on a Western Civilization topic one day. I remember thinking, there is what an ‘average’ student will get out of the lecture, and here is what the ‘b’ student will take away; this is what the ‘a’ student will get from the class, and here is what his peers will get out of the lecture. It was the most layered lecture I have ever heard, and it was first-rate. I talked to Lyn about his lectures, and he told me that he worked hard to layer them. Every student is at a different place, and you have to meet every student where they are, not where you want them to be.

I try to remember that advice every time I walk into the classroom,” Mullin said.

Memorials may be directed to the Oyos History Scholarship Fund at Augustana University or the Center for Western Studies.

RISING JUNIOR AWARDED INAUGURAL MUSIC DEPARTMENT SCHOLARSHIP Jonah Kistenmacher, a rising junior from Holstein, Iowa, is the first recipient of the Mary Susan Simko Vocal Music Scholarship.

In her memory, Mary Simko’s family endowed a scholarship to be awarded on an annual basis to a junior or senior Augustana Choir member who exhibits the “joy of choir, demands personal excellence, and is likely to continue their vocal talents throughout their life for the enjoyment and enrichment of all.”

This $10,000 scholarship is the largest scholarship awarded to a student in the music department.

Mary (Eitreim) Simko graduated in 1964 from Augustana, where she majored in elementary education with a music minor.

From there she spent 26 years in her hometown of Garretson, South Dakota, teaching elementary and junior high school vocal music, as well as instrumental beginners and junior high band. Mary’s love and gift for music was also shared throughout the community — she was an organist, church choir director and soloist at Zion Lutheran Church in Garretson for 27 years. In her lifetime, Mary sang at hundreds of weddings, funerals and ceremonies as a soloist; in a duet with her sister or son; and in a trio

with her mother and sister. She also sang in the Sioux Falls Master Singers, a community choir. While a student at Garretson High School, Mary sang in a quartet known as the Sugartones.

Like Mary, Kistenmacher has made singing an influential part of his life. His parents, Jim ’91 and Kris ’90, are musicians at his hometown church and Jonah is also interested in combining music and ministry.

As a music and elementary education major, he said he’s excited to be able to pursue music as a career rather than just a hobby.

“Music is something I’ve always enjoyed, but now that it is something I want to do as a job, there are two different realms and it’s fun to see how they come together to make an awesome music experience,” Kistenmacher said.

He also views music as a stress reliever.

“It’s listening to music that helps me cope with stresses in life or gets me out of a bad day or just reset,” Kistenmacher said.

At the same time Kistenmacher received his award, Mary’s husband, John Simko ‘61, received the 2017 Friend of Augustana Music Award in recognition of his longtime philanthropic and artistic support of the musical arts at Augustana.

Alumna Gives Gift for Student Scholarships Webster, South Dakota, native Phyllis Hanse ‘39 loved her community — and her legacy gift will continue to benefit residents in a number of ways.

Hanse,who passed away May 14, 2016, at the age of 98, generously left 90 percent of her estate, a total of $4.2 million, to support the Webster community in ways that were close to her heart.

She established several endowments at the South Dakota Community Foundation, including Webster Alumni Association scholarships to any college and also specifically to

Augustana University.

Hanse began teaching piano lessons in 1953 when she moved back to Webster to manage her father’s farming interests after his death. She was an only child and had no children of her own, but she was a fixture at local children’s sporting events and high school activities in Webster. She continued to support Augustana throughout her lifetime.

In order to receive the scholarship to Augustana, students must be enrolled full-time seeking an undergraduate degree and be graduates from Webster Area High School.

Preference is given to students with at least 3.0 GPA and composite ACT score of 22 or higher. The scholarship is renewable.

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Dr. Murray Haar speaks in class last spring.

‘THINK, THAT YOU MAY BE WRONG’ DR. MURRAY HAAR BRINGS QUESTIONS AND WORLD CONVERSATIONS TO RELIGION COURSES

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tudents are required to take two religion courses while at Augustana; one of which is “Exploring the Christian Faith” — a course Dr. Murray Haar, professor of religion and Jewish studies, said covers some of the basic things you need to know if you’re going to study what it means to be Christian.

In his nearly 40 years at Augustana, Haar has seen the student body diversify — and even his own faith has evolved. But the one constant? Augustana’s commitment to accepting and listening to other voices.

“There’s something interesting about this place: it’s a place that on the one hand is proud of its Christian Lutheran tradition. On the other hand, it is open to listening to other traditions. And to think, that perhaps, other traditions can teach us how to approach our faith in a deeper, different way,” Haar said.

When Haar first started at Augustana, most of his

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students were raised in the Lutheran faith and Haar could assume that they had some familiarity with their church’s beliefs and the concepts he was teaching. Today, Augustana is a much different campus.

“We have students who are atheists, agnostics — we have the full range here. You have to be careful when teaching an intro course like this that your goal is not to ‘Lutheranize’ everyone. Your goal is not to even ‘Christianize’ everyone. Your goal is to explore and teach them how to think about their faith. Here, the goal is to think about what you believe,” Haar said.

“More and more, I think you have students who are not only not religious or come from different religions, but are coming without any tradition. Increasingly, I also have students who are Muslim who don’t know their own tradition. It’s interesting teaching these different traditions and I find I learn so much by doing so.”

FACULTY FEATURE Besides teaching courses dealing with the Holocaust and Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism, Haar teaches “God, Suffering and Evil,”“Religion, Politics and Violence,” and “Justice and the State of Israel.” He is most proud of a course he taught many times with Drs. Sandra Looney (English) and Peter Schotten (political science/government and international affairs), entitled “Light in the Darkness: Courage and Evil in the 20th Century.” Haar has also taught Hebrew and Jewish philosophy and has taken students to Israel and India. Whenever students take these kinds of courses, Haar said, they’re surprised when they realize other religions have something to teach them.

Haar said “because our students are so diverse, you really have to be more open to where they are. You teach in a different way,” he said. “I’m always aware that I have students in front of me who are coming from many traditions and sometimes no traditions.

So you have to teach the course in such a way that everyone feels addressed and included.”

Augustana’s religion courses are designed to teach students to think and to learn about other traditions, Haar said. “I think if you’re a Christian and you have faith, your faith will become stronger by learning what other people believe; even if those other people disagree with you,” he said.

But when we realize we could be wrong, we keep listening and learning. It’s possible that someone else believes something we need to hear and our faith could be stronger if we take time to listen,” Haar said.

“Maybe if I study Christianity and Islam, I, as a Jew, will learn something and become a stronger Jew,” Haar said about himself.

He finds, for most students, that after being introduced to other ideas, they become stronger in their own faith.

“It’s possible someone else’s religion does something better than your own. And you discover you were wrong. That’s why it’s called faith. If you knew for sure, then you wouldn’t have to trust,” he said. “We’re better off not so much to get along with each other but to engage each other, to learn what the other person believes, to disagree. I think it’s OK to disagree.”

You can’t avoid religious questions, Haar said. Regardless of what you believe — or don’t believe — the questions are everywhere. “‘What are we doing here? Why are we here? How did we get here?’ These sorts of questions are religious questions,” he said. Even for students who are agnostic or atheist, Haar wants them to question their beliefs as well. “I respect their views, but I also want them to think about what they believe.”

Thinking about what he believes is a message Haar has lived

“The problem is when we think we’re right, we stop listening.

But when we realize we could be wrong, we keep listening and learning.

It’s possible that someone else believes something we need to hear and our faith could be stronger if we take time to listen.”

— DR. MURRAY HAAR PROFESSOR OF RELIGION & JEWISH STUDIES

Former AU president Rob Oliver agreed.

Inside Augustana’s Chapel of Reconciliation is artwork depicting the parable of the sower. That’s appropriate, Oliver said, “because there are seeds being sown each and every day here.”

In the Chapel, and throughout campus, “... we honor and celebrate faith and … help people — in mature, thoughtful ways — examine their own beliefs and faith systems and how those systems inform their actions throughout life and their decisions toward other people,” he said.

Haar taught a religion class “After Auschwitz” which was very eye-opening for a number of reasons, said Matt Wilber ‘03. In this class Haar taught his students that in religion, the question is more important than the answer to the question.

“It was a thought-provoking class in which we covered powerful topics every day. Yes the class covered the Holocaust, but there was so much more that I can still recall much of what was discussed to this day,” Wilber said.

Haar’s office door is covered in quotes, including one that states: “Think, that you may be wrong.” This message is one that Haar tries to emulate in the classroom, intending that he and his students think about what they themselves believe while at the same time, understanding other traditions and what can be learned from them.

The sign isn’t necessarily just for others; it’s also for Haar.

“The problem is when we think we’re right, we stop listening.

out in his own faith journey. He grew up in New York, the son of two Holocaust survivors who came to the U.S. in 1947. Haar grew up Jewish, went to Jewish parochial school, “ran away,” joined the Air Force, later earned a Ph.D. in Biblical studies and ended up in the Upper Midwest. He converted to the Lutheran faith in 1971 and eventually became a Lutheran pastor. But, “the longer I hung around with Lutherans, the more Jewish I became. I realized you can’t run away from who you are.”

In 2000, Haar returned to his Jewish roots and community.

“When I decided to return to the Jewish tradition, it was like coming home. It’s good to have returned,” he said. “The Christian friends I know here were very supportive. They said ‘we’re not surprised; we’re glad that you’ve gone home.’”

He credits the Augustana community for allowing him to travel his unique faith journey — and to continue to teach. “Because of that experience, I’ve learned that when you allow yourself to learn about other traditions, you learn about the light and the dark of that tradition. I came to respect Christian tradition and came to respectfully disagree with Christian tradition,” he said.

“What I’ve learned in my travels, is be careful about running away from who you are. But don’t be frightened about engaging other traditions. It’s been quite a trip,” Haar said. “I’d never know what it meant to be Jewish, had I not really examined what it meant to be Christian. It gave me the confidence to teach that it’s OK to engage other traditions. There’s a lot we can learn from each other if we stop being scared of each other.”

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Dr. Ann Milliken Pederson listens during a class discussion.

WHERE RELIGION AND THE NATURAL WORLD MEET DR. ANN MILLIKEN PEDERSON TALKS RELIGION AND SCIENCE

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ince 1990, Dr. Ann Milliken Pederson has been changing the way Augustana students view religion and science.

Courses like “Theology, Medicine and Ethics” have been challenging students of all majors to integrate their faith with science through an interdepartmental learning experience. These courses have proved to be of particular interest to those in biology, nursing and pre-medicine programs, some of whom will even add a religion major or minor after taking a course from Pederson.

“Having a philosophy or religion second major helps biology and pre-med students with critical thinking and asking tough questions about their faith and how that fits with their scientific methodology,” Pederson, a professor of religion, said.

“What they sometimes discover is that theological method is not so different from scientific method. I think sometimes [students] come in and they think what we do in the religion department and what they’re going to do in biology is methodologically opposite. Well, it’s not that different. Back in the Middle Ages, theology was queen of the sciences.”

Pederson herself became interested in theology and science as a piano major in college when she took an acoustics physics course. She says that first piqued her interest in music, theology and science and she decided to go to seminary.

“I also grew up in western Montana appreciating the natural world and I got interested in the doctrine of creation in seminary — or what it means to talk about 30

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creation,” Pederson said.

This became a prominent theme in her work at the Lutheran School of Theology in Chicago, which has a partnership with the Zygon Center for Religion and Science — one of only two programs in the country with a science aspect when Pederson was at seminary.

Coming to Augustana After she received her doctorate in theology from LSTC, she joined the faculty at Augustana in 1990. One of the first faculty members she met here was Dr. Arlen Viste, chemistry professor.

“He sat in on a philosophy course of mine on Alfred North Whitehead [notable mathematician, logician and philosopher] and we just clicked. We started talking about how Augie had had a religion and science course in the past but hadn’t offered it for a long time,” Pederson said. “He talked me into teaching a religion and science capstone.”

A few years later, Pederson and biology professor Dr. Craig Spencer applied for and received a course grant from the Templeton Foundation to set up a more permanent course in religion and science. “And I’ve just been teaching some sort of an interdepartmental version of religion and science ever since,” Pederson said.

Most recently, she often team-teaches on religion and bioethics or medicine with a professor from the natural science division or with multiple guest lecturers. The coursework ranges from discussions on reproductive

FACULTY FEATURE medicine, artificial reproductive technology, cancer and more.

“I’ve done most of my work on beginnings and endings of life,” Pederson said. “So anything from in vitro fertilization to CRISPR genetic stuff to end of life issues with palliative care and hospice. And the ethics is interesting, but my real interest in it is the theological work. What does it mean to be a human person? What does it mean to be created in the image of God? What does it even mean to talk about health and wholeness?”

Student Research Pederson discusses these questions with her students and it often inspires students to do unique research of their own.

Ben Trenne is a rising senior biology and religion major at Augustana. His first class with Pederson, a Civitas honors religion course, led him to add a religion major.

“I had no interest in being a religion major and thought I would just take the class and be done with it,” Trenne said. “However, that is not what happened. Dr. Pederson led that class to creative and fascinating places I did not expect our class to go. Even more, she helped lead me to creative ideas and beautiful theology. “... in that class she planted the seed of where religion meets the world and the theology that comes out of it,” he said.

In a later course Trenne took with Pederson, she helped him hone in on a research project involving his two academic interests: ecology and religion. Trenne is currently looking at the intersection between ecology, water and baptism.

“Dr. Pederson helped to find resources to build off my research,

Another change Pederson sees in her coursework is how students view both religion and science.

“I’m finding maybe now more than ever that students are becoming more suspicious of institutional religion and much less so science. There just seems to be a restlessness about institutional religion.”

Pederson says she’s changed the way she teaches her courses now to reflect her audience and to “be sensitive to finding ways to talk across different religions.”

Her coursework also reflects on how these issues affect those locally and globally.

“One way I’ve changed my teaching is to become much more knowledgeable about issues of religion, science and medicine here in the Dakotas,” Pederson said.

Some of her classes will look into Native American origin stories and discuss interactions with Native Americans who live near the Sanford Underground Research Facility in Lead, South Dakota.

She sees Augustana as the perfect place for integration of faith and science, where these types of conversations should be happening.

“Because for Lutherans, faith has never just been blind acceptance of doctrine. Lutheranism was born in the academy,” Pederson said.

And for those who doubt the necessity of teaching a course in religion and science, Pederson has this response: “Christians from a faith perspective claim that God created the world and in order to understand the world in which we live there are multiple ways to know the world. One, obviously, is from scrip-

“... I think to be informed about the world we live in, we have to take science seriously. Now that doesn’t mean you stop believing God created it, but you understand and interpret those beliefs and values and the relationship between those and what the sciences are saying. We live in the natural world, we’re not apart from that and sciences help us understand that.”

— DR. ANN MILLIKEN PEDERSON PROFESSOR OF RELIGION took time to read and edit my writing, and helped find others to assist with the project. She has helped me to become a better writer, researcher and overall student,” Trenne said.

Pederson says this type of interdepartmental research has become more commonplace at Augustana over the years.

“Students are really demanding and wanting interdisciplinary research,” she said. “They expect the faculty to also be doing that kind of interdisciplinary research, and that isn’t always easy. I do more work with narrative research. So in the course ‘Bioethics, Religion and Science,’ narrative has become a hot word. When we teach about cancer I always want to make sure that I use a memoir of somebody so that you’re not only hearing about the biology of the cancer but how that affects the cancer patient.”

Course Evolution The field is constantly changing, which means the content of Pederson’s classes changes almost every semester. She has Google Alerts set up for different areas in the sciences in order to keep up with the latest research.

“My goal is that when you come out of a religion and science class that you can go to an article that pops up on the New York Times website and be able to talk about it beyond the slogans you hear like the war between religion and science or religion and evolution,” Pederson said.

ture and the Christian tradition and the other is through the natural sciences and social sciences. There’s an old tradition that goes back to the first 200-300 years of Christianity called the two books tradition: the book of nature and book of scripture.

“And I think to be informed about the world we live in, we have to take science seriously. Now that doesn’t mean you stop believing God created it, but you understand and interpret those beliefs and values and the relationship between those and what the sciences are saying. We live in the natural world, we’re not apart from that and sciences help us understand that.”

What’s Next?

In June, Pederson and Augustana associate biology professor Dr. Jennifer Gubbels taught on reproductive medicine at the Academy for Faith, Science and Ethics at Gustavus Adolphus College.

During the 2017-18 academic year, Pederson has plans to continue her own research in religion and science while on sabbatical. Her projects include research on faith statements people make when they’re in the midst of a medical crisis and working with local artist Sheila Agee on an art installation titled “Seeing Dakota: Confluences and Collisions.” The installation will focus on the nature, culture and spirituality of the Dakotas with Agee’s landscape artwork and Pederson’s writing.

THE AUGUSTANA MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2017

31

BOOKS AND AUTHORS

FROM THE CENTER FOR WESTERN STUDIES The Center for Western Studies is celebrating the legacy of its founder Herbert Krause by reprinting a new edition of his 1946 classic novel, “The Thresher.”

Krause, Augustana’s first writer-in-residence, was a poet, novelist, essayist, The ornithologist and Threshe r environmentalist of the A Novel Northern Plains.

In “The Thresher,” Krause introduced readers to Johnny Black, a young Minnesotan whose dream of becoming a member h er be rT Kr au se of a steam-powered threshing crew comes Introduction true.

by Patrick Hicks The new edition features an introduction

by Dr. Patrick Hicks, Augustana’s current writerin-residence, and will be available this fall at the South Dakota Festival of Books. Copies will also be available for purchase in the Center for Western Studies during Viking Days, Oct. 13-15.

The Center for Western Studies has operated a publishing program for nearly 40 years. In that time, the Center has produced 80 titles and today is the only continuously operating academic press in South Dakota.

Executive Director Harry Thompson has had the opportunity to edit and publish nearly 60 of those.

“The Center’s most recent book is ‘Conservation on the Northern Plains,’ which offers 11 new perspectives on conservation from Minnesota to Montana,” Thompson said. “Publication this fall of Krause’s ‘The Thresher,’ with an introduction by Augustana’s Writer-in-Residence Dr. Patrick Hicks, is the first time CWS has had the opportunity to publish one of Krause’s three novels.”

For Johnny Black, the youn farm novel The Thresher, g man we meet in Herb threshing his dream ert Krause’s crew of introduction, has come true. But, becoming a member classic Minnesota of exceed mast commissioned especiallyas writer Patrick Hick a steam-powered ering this new technolo for this edition, John s explains in his achieve them gy, and wha is the drivi ny’s ambition ng force of t he is willi the novel. ng to sacri s far fice to

The

Thresher Krause

HERBERT KRAUSE was the Northern a poet, novel Rain (1939 Plains. Born in Minn ist, essayist, ornitholog ), esota, the ist, and envir settin course of his The Thresher (1946), and The Oxca g of his three novel onmentalist of career. Invit in South Dako s—W ed in 1938 rt Trail (1954 )—he move ind Without American West ta, Krause ultimately to establish a writing school at Augu d west over the of the land, . Both in his writing sought to define the contours and stana University, and the leveling spirit.” of democracy teaching, he extolled characters of the “the , the freedom of action and vastness and the richn ess the PATRICK independen HICKS, who ce of the successor to Herbert Krau here introduces a new of The Comm se as Writer-in-R generation anda well as six poetr nt of Lubizec: A Nove esidence at Augu of readers to The Thres stana Univ her, is ersity. He is the editor of y collections, including l of the Holocaust and the autho A Harvest of Oper Adop ation r table (2014 published by Words (2010 ) and This Lond Reinhard (2014), as on (2010). of short storiethe Center for Western ), a collection of conte He is Studies with mpor on a new novels, The Collector of Nam support from ary South Dakota also poetr es, was publi . shed in 2015 the NEH. Hicks’ collec y , and he is tion currently at work

The CenT er for WesTern sTudies

NEW ANNOTATED EDITION BY AU FRENCH PROFESSOR ILLUMINATES CLASSIC FAIRY TALES A new edition of “Histoires ou contes du temps passé: contes de ma mère l’Oie by Charles Perrault” (“Tales and Stories of the Past: Mother Goose Tales by Charles Perrault”) features an introduction, extensive annotations and a glossary by Augustana’s Dr. Scott Fish, associate professor of French.

This book, number 25 in the Molière & Co. series, is a student edition of the eight contes de fées (fairy tales) that Charles Perrault published in 1697.

The editions are prepared by American scholars and are designed for Englishspeaking students who are studying French. It includes extensive footnotes providing historical and cultural explanations and an extensive introduction to the author, his life and work, and grammar explanations presented in English.

A French/English glossary is provided at the end of the book that includes additional vocabulary that is not glossed in the margins.

Read a Q&A about the book with Dr. Fish at augie.edu/news.

LITTLE BUSINESS ON THE PRAIRIE Another recent title from the Center is “Little Business on the Prairie,” written by Dr. Robert E. Wright, Augustana’s Nef Family Chair of Political Economy. The book examines the entrepreneurial spirit in South Dakota, ranked a “top state for business” in 2013 by CNBC. Wright traces the spirit of enterprise from Paleoindian trading culture to the present and warns that federal over-regulation on reservations is counterproductive.

Learn more at augie.edu/cws.

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THE AUGUSTANA MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2017

LIBRARY ASSOCIATES TO PRESENT AUTHOR SARAH STONICH OCT. 10 The Augustana Library Associates will present author Sarah Stonich at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 10, in Kresge Recital Hall in the Humanities Center.

Tickets will be available at the door. General admission is $5; children and Augustana students are free. For information, call the Mikkelsen Library at 605.274.4921 or visit augie.edu/library.

Stonich will discuss her adventures as an author and share how reading and writing allow us to discover a common humanity through our life stories.

Stonich’s novel, “These Granite Islands” (2001), was translated into eight languages and explores themes of love, passion, forgiveness and friendship. Similar themes continue in “The Ice Chorus” (2005) with the added dimension of a setting that lends itself to an Irish-style yarn complete with layers of memories.

Her memoir, “Shelter” (2011), is based on a personal longing to recreate the Northwoods experience of her youth.

COME HOME AGAIN FOR VIKING DAYS 2017 — OCT. 13-15

VIKING DAYS

JOIN US FOR THE COMMAND PERFORMANCE, THE BLAST — THE ALL-AUGUSTANA REUNION CELEBRATION — THE HALL OF FAME BANQUET, S THE ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS DINNER, T DAY A THE GAME, VIKING DAYS WORSHIP AND MORE! ER ING T IS VIK G / RE DU E.E I G AU

FRIDAY, OCT. 13 ALL DAY: EXHIBIT, “A Viking Inside: David Wolter ‘04 Retrospective,” Center for Visual Arts. (Gallery Reception set for 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 12.)

9 - 11 a.m. Honor Guard Coffee & Social Time, Siverson Lounge, Morrison Commons. Graduates from ‘67 and earlier.

3 p.m. Campus Tour. Tour starts at the Viking Days information table in Morrison Commons.

3 p.m. Rendezvous Presentation, Back Alley.

International students present on their home countries in the Back Alley of Morrison Commons.

4 p.m. Author Talk, Center for Western Studies.

Writer-in-residence Dr. Patrick Hicks will give a special lecture about the recently reprinted national best seller “The Thresher” by Herbert Krause. Hicks was commissioned to write the introduction for this reprinting and will talk about Krause’s work and give tribute to Krause, who was Augustana’s writer-in-residence for more than 30 years.

5:30 p.m. 65th Annual Alumni Achievement Awards Dinner, Falls Room, Holiday Inn City Centre. This is a special dinner event to honor our 2017 Alumni Achievement and Horizon Award winners. Social begins at 5:30 p.m.; dinner begins at 6 p.m.

Registration required, $35.

10 a.m. Worship, Chapel of Reconciliation.

11:30 a.m. Honor Guard/1967 Class Luncheon, Falls Room, Holiday Inn City Centre. The Class of 1967 will be inducted into the Honor Guard at this event. Reunion photos for the classes of 1952, 1957 and 1962 will also be taken during the luncheon.

Registration required, $22.

2 p.m. 50th Reunion Memorial Service, Chapel of Reconciliation.

The Class of 1967 will remember and honor departed classmates.

5:30 p.m. Athletic Hall of Fame Social Hour & Banquet, Starlite Room, Holiday Inn City Centre. Social begins at 5:30 p.m.; dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. Registration required, $35.

8 p.m. Command Performance, Mary W. Sommervold Great Hall, Washington Pavilion, 301 N. Main Ave. Featuring appearances by Augustana music ensembles, this exciting musical event will offer something for everyone! Tickets required, call 605.368.6000 or visit washingtonpavilion.org.

FIND THE FULL SCHEDULE AND REGISTER AT AUGIE.EDU/VIKINGDAYS

SATURDAY, OCT. 14 9 a.m. Langskip 5K, starts at 29 Street and Summit Avenue by the Sioux Falls Seminary. Registration required, $25. th

9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Ole’s Birthday Bash. Celebrate the Ole statue’s 50th birthday with party favors and a photo next to your favorite campus statue.

Share your memories using #Ole50!

9 - 10:30 a.m. Viking Days Pancake Feed, located in the large white tent near Commons Drive on Grange Avenue.

Tickets will be sold at the event. $7 adults/$5 kids (12 & under).

1 p.m. Viking Football vs. Southwest Minnesota State University, Kirkeby-Over Stadium. Tickets at augietickets.com.

4:30 p.m. Alumni Choir Rehearsal, Kresge Recital Hall, Humanities Center.

6 p.m. 50th Class Reunion Event (1967), Starlite Room, Holiday Inn City Centre. The reunion class photo will be taken at this event. Registration required, $35.

10:30 a.m. Viking Days Parade, University Place to 33rd Street on Grange Avenue. Bring your family, see friends and enjoy the student-made floats.

11a.m. Alumni Band Rehearsal and Pep Band Reunion, Lillehaug Band Room, Humanities Center.

11:30 a.m. Viking Days Tailgate at Augieville (formerly Vikingland), outside KirkebyOver Stadium. Bring your family for lunch ($5/person) and games for the kids before kickoff.

11:30 a.m. 25th Class Reunion Tailgate, Fellows’ Presidential Residence, 37th Street and Grange Avenue.

The Class of 1992 is invited to a special tailgate lunch at the President’s House. Meet your classmates here before heading over to the football game. Registration required, free event.

11:30 a.m. 10th Class Reunion Tailgate, K-O Stadium.

The Class of 2007 is invited to meet classmates on the party deck at the south end of the field (near the berm) before the game starts.

Connect with old friends and receive a coupon for a free popcorn!

6:30 p.m. the Blast: An All-Augustana Reunion Event, Falls Room, Holiday Inn City Centre. Don’t miss this! This is the ultimate Augustana party and place to connect with friends and classmates featuring: • Food • Dancing • Games • Door prizes • A coffee house lounge • And more!

Photos will be taken of classes ending in 7 and 2, from 1972-2012 throughout the night.

EARLY BIRD TICKETS JUST $15 THROUGH SEPT. 20!

SUNDAY, OCT. 15 8:30 a.m. Alumni Choir Rehearsal, Elmen Center.

10 a.m. Viking Days Worship, Elmen Center. Join us for this festive worship service with music by the Augustana Orchestra and The Augustana Choir.

11:30 a.m. Viking Days Brunch, Ordal Dining Room, Morrison Commons. Tickets available at the door, $11.50/adults and $6/kids under 12.

FIND THE FULL SCHEDULE AND REGISTER AT AUGIE.EDU/VIKINGDAYS

FAIRWAY TO HISTORY

Led by great coaches and buoyed by strong student-athletes, the AU Women’s Golf and Tennis teams reached new heights this season.

Sierra Langlie, a junior from Andover, Minnesota, takes a shot.

36

THE AUGUSTANA MAGAZINE | WINTER 2017

NAVY & GOLD

Last spring, Augustana claimed the 2016-17 Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference (NSIC) All-Sports title by two points.

The conference crown is the third straight for Augustana University’s athletic program and the fifth in the last seven years.

WOMEN’S GOLF AND TENNIS HAVE COME UP BIG IN EACH TITLE RUN. Coach Peggy Kirby has guided the golfers to eight straight conference championships.

The tennis team, coached by Marc Kurtz, has also won eight.

Augustana has owned the NSIC titles since joining the league in 2008.

“Not only is it one of the greatest runs ever at Augustana, but also within the NSIC record books,” said Augustana Athletic Director Slade Larscheid.

“Women’s golf and women’s tennis have evolved into an NSIC dynasty over the past 10 years.

We’re fortunate to have both teams perform at such high levels that catapult our spring point standings,” he said.

Golf has made nine NCAA Tournament appearances. Tennis has not lost a regular season conference match in eight seasons, running its consecutive win streak in league play to 88 matches.

“The beauty of the NSIC All-Sports trophy is that every team plays a part and makes an impact on the structure of the point system,” Larscheid said.

“For both programs’ winning streaks to take place, it starts with our coaching and recruitment of student-athletes.”

“THIS IS AN ACCOMPLISHMENT THAT TRULY REFLECTS THE QUALITY AND CONSISTENCY OF PEGGY AND MARK’S LEADERSHIP.” — Slade Larscheid Augustana Athletics Director

WOMEN’S GOLF

FOURTEEN YEARS AGO PEGGY KIRBY TOOK CHARGE OF THE WOMEN’S GOLF PROGRAM. SHE STARTED WITH A FILE, ONE SHIRT AND A LIST OF FIVE EVENTS. “I committed to one year back in 2003 and I have learned so much from these young women it’s hard to pull back,” Kirby said. “I have also had great help from Patty Coddington, Coralee Jorgensen and Kaari Speer.”

Kirby has been voted conference coach of the year seven times in the last eight years. Her teams have won five region crowns since 2009-10. This year’s team finished ninth at the NCAA Division II Championships.

“I have had the most fun taking students to the national championships,” Kirby said. “It started with Carley Roach as an individual in 2006 and she really put Augustana golf on the map. It was always our goal and we have been lucky to have nine trips to the Division II championships as a team, and two trips with individuals.”

Augustana’s 2016-17 edition was led

by Emily Israelson, a junior from Staples, Minnesota. She led the conference with a 77.1 stroke average over 20 rounds and was chosen NSIC golfer of the year. She shot an even par 72 on the final round of the national championships and finished

13th overall.

Freshman Hanna Hankinson (Edina, Minnesota) was second in the conference with a 77.3 stroke average and was selected newcomer of the year. She won the Mustang Open with a 10-over par 154.

Israelson and Hankinson were named to the all-conference first team along with juniors Kali Trautman (Clear Lake, South Dakota) and Sierra Langlie (Andover, Minnesota). Trautman was the NSIC Championships medalist for the second straight year, firing a seven-over par 223.

Jordan Bormann ‘17 was named to the 13-member College Sports Information Directors of America Academic All-District Seven team. She is the fifth golfer in the program’s history to earn such recognition. She capped her career with a 10th-place finish at the conference championships, her third-straight top-10 showing.

Hankinson and Israelson were named to the women’s Golf Association All-Central Region Three team.

“It takes tremendous commitment from these young ladies,” said Kirby. “We have to brave all the elements. We play in sleet, snow, rain, cold temperatures and we still get to play with the best in the nation. I will never forget my NCAA Division I Championships; the first tee, the trophy, and now I get to see these young student-athletes have memories for a lifetime.”

BORMANN AWARDED NCAA POSTGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIP In August, AU golfer Jordan Bormann ‘17 was awarded an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship. She is one of only 29 recipients nationwide to receive the prestigious award.

The one-time scholarships of $7,500 are awarded for fall, winter and spring sports. Each sports season 29 scholarships are available for men and 29 scholarships are available for women, regardless of division, for use in an accredited graduate program. The scholarships are awarded to studentathletes who excel academically and athletically and who are in at least their final year of intercollegiate athletics competition.

Bormann is the first women’s golf student-athlete from Augustana to earn an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship.

A native of Parkston, South Dakota, Bormann compiled a 3.94 grade-point average as a biology major at Augustana and will attend the Sanford School of Medicine at the University of South Dakota.

WOMEN’S TENNIS

IN 2016, MARK KURTZ WAS NAMED THE LEAGUE’S COACH OF THE YEAR FOR THE FIFTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR. HIS VIKINGS HAVE WON SEVEN STRAIGHT CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLES. Also in 2016, Kurtz guided the Vikings to a perfect 11-0 conference record and a 16-6 overall mark.

“It was a unique year in that we graduated our two captains (Jessa Richards and Sydney Postal), who played very high up in our lineup,” said Kurtz. “We brought in four freshmen and that can certainly create some challenges. It definitely took time to teach the freshmen what we do, how we do it, and what we expect. I think they learned fairly quickly and we had a 38

THE AUGUSTANA MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2017

great year.”

This season sophomore Kornelia Staniszewska (Opalenie, Poland) repeated as the NSIC player of the year. She is the second Viking to win the honor in back-toback seasons and the sixth to be named player of the year. She was 13-0 overall in singles play at No. 1, and 16-3 at No. 1 doubles with partner Berkley Darr. Staniszewska was chosen to All-NSIC teams in both singles and doubles.

Taylor Jackson (Minneapolis) was named NSIC freshman of the year, the third consecutive Viking to win the award. She competed primarily at No. 2 singles and was 13-5 overall in singles and unbeaten in 10 league matches. She and doubles partner Meredith Lawrence posted an 11-5 mark.

Jackson joined Staniszewska as a first team all-conference choice in singles and doubles.

Darr, a junior from Sioux Falls, was 11-0

in NSIC singles matches, and was a first team all-conference choice in singles and doubles.

Lawrence, a senior from Prior Lake, Minnesota, capped her career with perfect records in conference singles (35-0) and doubles (41-0).

“It’s not easy staying at the top of the conference all these years because everyone is gunning for us,” said Kurtz. “We’ve managed to recruit some great players over the years and they’ve been able to uphold the tradition that we have steadily built.

“When our new recruits come to Augustana they know our history and they learn very quickly what’s expected of them from our upperclassmen. It’s a simple task, but also a very difficult task to complete and that is to give total commitment every time you step on that court whether it’s for practice or for a match.”

ALUMNI NEWS

CLASS NOTES

Visit augielink.com for daily updates and photos.

THE

2010s

CLASS OF 2016 Zachary Dibble and Megan (Brown) Dibble ’15 were married on June 25, 2016.

Thomas Elness is an admission counselor at Augustana University.

Eli Louwagie and Hannah Zylstra were married on July 2, 2016.

CLASS OF 2015 Camila Aguileras and Matt Hugen ’12 were married on April 2, 2016.

Bryce Berg and Nicole Williams ’14 were married on June 18, 2016.

Megan Brown and Zachary Dibble ’16 were married on June 25, 2016.

Jordan Dobrowski is pursuing her master of social service administration at the University of Chicago. She will specialize in clinical social work and international social welfare.

Derek Dvorak recently accepted a position as an inventory lead and head merchandise manager with Trek Bikes in Omaha, Nebraska.

Kyle Gilbert is employed with Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls, working as an RN in the cardiology unit.

Megan Kalda and Audie Kuipers were married April 23, 2016.

Kathryn Kreuch married Jarod Smith on Feb. 11, 2017.

Elizabeth McCue completed her master of science degree after conducting international research in Uganda. She is now working for the University of Notre Dame and the St. Joseph County Health Department as a global health research associate.

Dafina Selmani and Brianna Sudenga were married on Aug. 13, 2016.

September Symens began working as the community relations specialist for OneWorld Community Health Centers Inc., in Omaha, Nebraska.

Genevieve Tillotson married Luke Benjamin ’13 on June 3, 2016.

CLASS OF 2014 Jessica Hovland is a vocational rehabilitation counselor for the State of South Dakota Department of Human Services, assisting individuals with disabilities to obtain and maintain competitive integrated employment.

Alex Piche and Jessica Johnson were united in marriage on June 11, 2016. Alex is employed as an assistant director of admission at Augustana University and Jessica is a third-year medical student at Sanford USD School of Medicine.

Chi Ngo is the design and content manager of Traveloka, the fastest-growing OTA start-up in Southeast Asia. She is currently residing in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Evan Pierce was recently promoted to global human resources business partner at Hewlett

CELEBRATE OLE’S 50TH BIRTHDAY AT VIKING DAYS Celebrate the Ole statue’s 50th birthday with cupcakes, party favors and a photo next to your favorite campus statue from 9 a.m. -12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14!

Ahead of Ole’s Birthday Bash, post your own favorite photos you’ve taken with the statue of Ole using #Ole50.

Can’t make it back to campus? Show us how you’re celebrating #Ole50.

#Ole50 Packard Enterprise, supporting executives in channel and service provider sales.

Mallory Schulte earned her JD degree from the University of South Dakota in 2017. She began working as a pro se law clerk with the U.S. District Court in July 2017.

Anna Skov married Josh Sorensen on July 23, 2016. Anna graduated from the University of Minnesota with her master’s degree in occupational therapy in June of 2016. She is currently employed at Mayo Clinic Health Systems as an occupational therapist.

Caleb Van Vooren and Aimee Knutson ’12 were married on July 2, 2016.

Nicole Williams and Bryce Berg ’15 were married June 18, 2016.

CLASS OF 2013 Luke Benjamin married Genevieve Tillotson ’15 on June 3, 2016.

Chelsie (Peters) Miller accepted a position at IEH Laboratories as a lab analyst.

Ashley Schreurs married Matthew Millner on Sept. 10, 2016.

Emily Schulte married Tate Bunkers on July 30, 2016.

Amanda Wagner and Ethan Preisler ’12 were married on June 27, 2015, in Sioux Falls. Amanda works as a nurse in the neonatal intensive care unit and newborn nursery at Sanford USD Medical Center.

CLASS OF 2012 Katie (Erdahl) Alford and husband, Matt, welcomed a son, Benjamin James, in March 2016.

They live in Blue Earth, Minnesota.

Nicholas Allard and Katie (Behrens) Allard recently moved from Bolivar, Missouri, to Moose Lake, Minnesota, where Nicholas got a job as an outpatient physical therapist. He graduated with a doctor of physical therapy in 2015 and began practicing in Bolivar as a home health physical therapist. Katie taught chemistry, physics and physical science at Bolivar High School during the five years they were there.

Caleb Berdahl received his master’s degree in business administration from the University of Sioux Falls and started a master’s program in neuroscience at the University of Bonn in Bonn, Germany.

Andrew Herdman earned his master of science in organizational management in 2016 at Wayne State College.

Matt Hugen and Camila Aguileras ‘15 were married on April 2, 2016.

Aimee Knutson and Caleb Van Vooren ’14 were married July 2, 2016.

Hannah Miller earned her master’s degree in educational leadership from Regis University in 2016.

Erik Nyberg graduated from the University of South Dakota with his master’s degree in business administration and his Juris Doctor in May 2016. He joined Cutler Law Firm, LLP, as an associate attorney.

Tanner Ozanne is employed with Waupaca Chiropractic Center, S.C. as a chiropractor. He earned a master’s degree in sports science and rehabilitation and Doctor of Chiropractic at Logan University in 2016.

THE AUGUSTANA MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2017

39

ALUMNI NEWS Ethan Preisler and Amanda Wagner ‘13 were married on June 27, 2015.

Brooke (Miersma) Van Essen and husband, Corey, welcomed Cameron Duane Van Essen on July 7, 2016.

Kayla Vastenhout earned her master’s degree in forensic science with a biochemistry emphasis from Nebraska Wesleyan University in 2015. She is currently working as a forensic specialist in the crime lab at the Sioux Falls Police Department.

CLASS OF 2011 Amanda Bork married Max Hickey July 30, 2016.

Amanda (Metzger) Christensen, a fourth-grade teacher at Longfellow Elementary School in Mitchell, South Dakota, received the $25,000 Milken Educator Award.

Heidi Dreyer married Dean Neubauer on Sept. 2, 2016.

Spencer Ferrell and Tonya Olson were married on May 28, 2017.

Nicole (Lauck) Finnesand and husband, Mark, welcomed a baby boy, James Byron, on Oct. 26, 2016.

Jesi (Palank) Hendricks earned a master’s degree in counseling with a concentration in student affairs practice in higher education from the University of Nebraska-Omaha in December.

Maren (Larson) Jensen and husband, Max, welcomed a daughter, Blakely Lynn, on April 20, 2016.

She joins big brother Carsten.

Jamie Martin joined the LexisNexis Risk Solutions office in Bozeman, Montana, as a product manager in September 2016. He manages marketing solutions within the credit risk team.

Rachael Nelson married Tim Flagstad of Bismarck, North Dakota, on Sept. 24, 2016.

Brianna Neuhauser recently completed all of the requirements for the CPA and was approved by the South Dakota Board of Accountancy.

Joanna Qualm married Chris Portice on Oct. 22, 2016.

Adam Walsh and wife, Jennifer, welcomed a son, Daxton Joel, on May 20, 2016.

CLASS OF 2010 Mike Brusven and Maggie (Van Bockern) Brusven welcomed their first child, a daughter, Finley Esther, on Oct. 18, 2016.

Blake Thompson, co-owner of Fernson Brewing Company of Sioux Falls, received the 2017 Business Award from the Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau at their annual Visitor Industry Luncheon.

Nicole Winkler married Timothy Klemp on July 30, 2016.

THE

CLASS OF 2006

Jennifer Madden and Baron Bechtold were married July 9, 2016.

Josh Aberson and Christie (Koehler) Aberson welcomed a son, Andrew Thomas, on Feb. 7, 2017.

Jason Donnelly and Amy (Puthoff) Donnelly are parents of a son, Callen Louis, born June 10, 2015.

Mallorie (Hansmann) Egbers and husband, Scott, were married Jan. 1, 2016. They welcomed a daughter, Elizabeth Evelyn, on Oct. 3, 2016.

2000s

Kristin Erdmann married James Foster on July 30, 2016.

Brenna (Olson) Theede and husband, Ryan, welcomed their fifth child, a son, Bronson Edward, on Jan. 21. 2017.

Bethany (Jones) Windingstad and husband, Levi, welcomed a son, Theodore Norval, on July 19, 2016. Bethany is employed as an RN in the CCU at Kittitas Valley Healthcare in Ellensburg, Washington.

CLASS OF 2008 Amy (Weber) Amos and husband, Kris, welcomed a daughter, Jillian Dakota, on Nov. 11, 2016.

BryAnn Becker Knecht is the publications manager at POET, overseeing the production of publications, including Vital, POET’s quarterly magazine.

Elizabeth (Sauer) Bertrand and husband, Timothy, welcomed twin boys, Noah Benjamin and Matthew Michael, on Jan. 29, 2017.

Mark Booth and Lindsay (Schultz) Booth have two children, McKenna (4) and Annie (1). Lindsey and Mark are both self-employed. Lindsey runs Happy Little Hearts Day Care in New Market, Minnesota. Mark is a financial planner and runs Northwoods Capital in Minneapolis and Lakeville.

Jennalee (Millman) Taylor and husband, Lucas, welcomed a son, Huxley Dean, on Dec. 20, 2016.

Blair (Meyer) Voigt and Daniel Voigt ’06 welcomed a son, Soren Meyer, on June 7, 2016.

Sara (Smith) Walter and husband, Todd, welcomed a son, Jamin Dale, on Nov. 16, 2016.

CLASS OF 2007 Jennifer (Fisher) Adams and husband, Tony, welcomed a son, Archer Charles, on Oct. 14, 2016.

Tiffany Eichstadt married Tim Geveshausen on June 18, 2016, in Sioux Falls.

Daniel Morrison and wife, Jordan, welcomed their first child, a daughter, Charlotte Perry, on Jan. 16, 2017. Dan is a partner and senior financial advisor at Merrill Lynch in Sioux Falls on the Todd A. Nelson wealth advisor team and was named Newcomer of the Year and PMD of the year in 2012 and 2013, respectively. He is a board member of the Sioux Falls Rotary West club and president of the board for the Sioux Falls Cyclones.

Kennen Barber-Ensz opened Barre3, an exercise studio in Sioux Falls that incorporates elements of yoga, pilates and use of the ballet barre, in July 2016.

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THE AUGUSTANA MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2017

Ashlee Wendt completed her judicial clerkship with the Honorable Janine M. Kern, South Dakota Supreme Court. She is now an associate attorney at Davenport, Evans, Hurwitz & Smith, LLP, in Sioux Falls.

CLASS OF 2009

Renee Martin married Christopher Callaway on Oct. 3, 2016.

Nina (Dukich) Solberg and husband, Tim, welcomed a daughter, Hailey Abigail, on Jan. 22, 2017.

Joel Quist became associate optometrist for Dakota Vision Center in Sioux Falls in July 2016.

Alicia (Kurkowski) Frelich and husband, Tom, welcomed a daughter, Harper Bernadette, on March 30, 2017.

Emily (Vulcan) Garcia and Gabe Garcia ’05 adopted their son, Kendron, on May 10, 2016.

Heidi (Reinders) Martinez and husband, Mario, welcomed a son, Ezekiel Xavier, on Jan. 20, 2017.

Erin (Seidel) Quist became an associate pathologist for Physicians Laboratory in Sioux Falls in September 2016.

Tracey Fredrick married Aaron Troost on April 28, 2017, in Stillwater, Minnesota. They reside in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Theresa Hoesing married Matthew Tripp on Oct. 29, 2016.

Jon Splichal Larson was installed as senior pastor at Faith Lutheran Church in Bismarck, North Dakota, on Nov. 13, 2016.

Ryan Olson and Sonja (Obermoller) Olson ’04 welcomed a son, Otis, on Feb. 15, 2016. He joins big brother Emmett (2).

Laura (Beatty) Sammon and husband, Alex, welcomed a daughter, Leah Penelope, on Feb. 9, 2017.

Elizabeth Thrond married Jon Cisar on Aug. 27, 2016 in Sioux Falls.

Daniel Voigt and Blair (Meyer) Voigt ’08 welcomed a son, Soren Meyer, on June 7, 2016.

Sara (Homan) Wiebelhaus and husband, Calvin, welcomed a son, Brooks Michael, on April 3, 2017.

Dustin Wilking and Abby (McDonald) Wilking ’05 welcomed their fourth child, a son, Drake Michael, on Aug. 12, 2016. They reside in Lakefield, Minnesota.

CLASS OF 2005 Patricia Akhavan and Matthew Smith were married on June 11, 2016.

Gabe Garcia and Emily (Vulcan) Garcia ’07 adopted their son, Kendron, on May 10, 2016.

Amy Kumm-Hanson received her master of divinity from Iliff School of Theology in 2014 and is employed with Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota, as a staff chaplain.

Robbie Heegel and wife, Julie, welcomed a daughter, Genevieve Christine, on Jan. 25, 2017.

Niki (Muenchow) Reich and husband, Bob, welcomed a son, Bruno Edison, on March 14, 2017.

Stuart Stein and wife, Crystal, welcomed twin boys on Aug. 25, 2016. Andrew and Ethan join Madden (2) and Macie (5). Stuart is the general manager at Stein Sign Display in Watertown, South Dakota.

Thomas Viereck and Shannon (Bjelland) Viereck welcomed a son, Connor Patrick, on Nov. 19, 2016.

Abby (McDonald) Wilking and Dustin Wilking ’06 welcomed their fourth child, a son, Drake Michael, on Aug. 12, 2016.

ALUMNI NEWS CLASS OF 2004 Erin Johnson and Ryan Capouch were married on Oct. 8, 2016, in Sioux Falls.

Laura Kunkel completed her doctorate of education (curriculum and instruction) degree in May 2016. She continues to serve as clinical education coordinator for the CAATE accredited athletic training program at Texas Wesleyan University in Fort Worth, Texas.

Sonja (Obermoller) Olson and Ryan Olson ’06 welcomed a son, Otis, on Feb. 15, 2016. He joins big brother Emmett (2).

Tim Sestak is currently employed with Homeland Security.

CLASS OF 2003 Joseph Hoiberg married Jessica Fyffe on May 13, 2017. He began working as an asset manager with Stanley Consultants in December 2016.

Kate (McCoy) Jones and husband, Ethan, welcomed a daughter, Willa, in April 2016. She joins big sisters Bernadette and Matilda.

Travis Joyal is co-owner of Page Communications, a public relations agency based in Kansas City, Missouri, specializing in media relations, digital marketing, social media, community relations and influencer marketing.

Brooke (Schumacher) Massey and husband, Randy, have two children, Bijan and Elliette. She recently completed her doctorate in clinical psychology.

Jacqueline Pogue and wife, Marguerite McDermott, welcomed a daughter, Juliette Elizabeth, on Nov. 11, 2016. They reside in Berkeley, California.

Katie (Piersma) Salmela, an elementary library media coordinator and digital learning specialist for ISD191, was selected as one of 22 new Lilead Fellows from a nationwide pool of applicants.

Michael Smellie and wife, Jacquelyn, welcomed a daughter, Braelyn Christine, on June 2, 2016.

CLASS OF 2002 David Benson and wife, Marley, welcomed a daughter, Eliza Esperanza, on Oct. 25, 2016.

Chris Erickson and Carrie (Leber) Erickson welcomed a son, Christian Jakob, on Dec. 11, 2015.

He joins big sisters Haylee and Kamryn.

Kari Nichols and husband, Chris Wratz, welcomed a son, Thomas, in April 2017.

Ann (Lorenz) Parker and husband, Jeff, welcomed twin girls, Palmer Dylan and Poe Clementine, on Jan. 24, 2017.

Torstein Roee and wife, Tove, welcomed twin girls, Ina and Austri, in the fall of 2016.

CLASS OF 2001 Elena Arushanyan is currently stationed at RAF Lakenheath (Suffolk, England) as a family nurse practitioner. She and her family are using this opportunity to explore Europe.

Ryan Johnson is employed with Upsher-Smith Laboratories as a lab software specialist.

Aaron Krueger and wife, Laura, welcomed their second child, a boy, Jonas Burdeen, on May 12, 2017.

AUGUSTANA REMEMBERS BUSINESS, ECONOMICS PROFESSOR LESLIE CARSON Longtime business and economics professor Leslie (Les) Carson died on Friday, July 28. He was 84.

Carson joined Augustana in 1958 and over the years concentrated his teaching in economics and marketing. He served as chair of the business administration and economics departments and also served on many Augustana councils and committees, including the Curriculum Council and the Personnel Council.

He also served as faculty representative to the Augustana Board of Trustees. He retired in 1998, having earned the rank of full professor.

After retirement, he continued to support Augustana. In 2013, he received the Lefty Olson Award for his support of Augustana athletics.

Melanie (Hunhoff) Lupo is the director of special events and individual philanthropy for the Girl Scouts of Greater New York in Manhattan. She and husband, Jon Paul, now have two children with the addition of their son, Anthony, in January 2015.

Tom Madison and wife, Christina, welcomed a son, Benjamin Paul, on May 31, 2016. They reside in Roseville, Minnesota. Tom is employed as an assistant attorney general for the Minnesota Attorney General’s office.

Jason Freeman wrote his first book entitled “Awkwardly Awesome — Embracing My Imperfect Best.” The book is published by Heroic Yes! Publishing.

CLASS OF1996 Carol (Gifford) Goh is working at the Chilliwack Alliance Church as the neighborhood chaplain and attending Trinity Western Seminary. She and her family, including three sons (8, 11 and 12 years old), live in British Columbia.

Nathan Reyelts and wife, Kellie, welcomed a daughter, Lauren Jean, on Feb. 10, 2017. She was welcomed home by her sisters, Annie (7), Julia (3) and Mollie (2), and brothers Evan (6) and Collin (5).

Tereasa Payne is living in New York City with her husband, Simon Hutchings, and their corgi, Randal. She plays flutes/world flutes with Disney’s “The Lion King” on Broadway. She also tours throughout the country performing with orchestras, artists, Broadway shows and her “Tour of World Flutes” concert. She has recently published a children’s book, “Faith’s Friends Play the Flute.”

CLASS OF 2000

CLASS OF1995

Sara (Lease) Dickamore is a preschool teacher’s aide in a church preschool. She resides in La Vista, Nebraska.

Tonya (Fink) Pfeifer and husband, Chris, celebrated their business’s 10th anniversary. Tea Tots Childcare Center was built in 2006 for Tea, South Dakota, area children, as well as their own two children, Brady and Brianna.

Sadi (Thomson) Pontine and husband, Rod, welcomed a son, Ryan, on Feb. 17, 2017. He joins sister Sabrina and brother Riley.

Heidi Gage and husband, Eric, welcomed a daughter, Josie Marie, on Aug. 5, 2016. Big brother Drew adores her.

Jana (Lungren) Palmquist and husband, Keith, welcomed a daughter, Carly Ruthann, on Nov. 15, 2016.

THE

1990s

CLASS OF 1998 Elizabeth Westby Bunch was voted one of Minnesota Monthly’s best doctors of 2016.

Kara Dirkson became executive director of the Sioux Falls Arts Council in late 2016. She previously served as director of the Visual Arts Center for the Washington Pavilion.

Rae (Smith) Phillips was promoted to director of communications for the Evangelical Free Church of America national office in Minneapolis. She has been employed with the EFCA in various advancement and communications roles since 1995.

CLASS OF 1993 Dana (Nielsen) Honner was one of 10 to be inducted into the South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame on April 8, 2017.

Matthew Koth was selected by the Nebraska Farm Bureau Foundation as one of two Nebraska Agriculture in the Classroom 2017 Teachers of the Year recognizing teachers who incorporate agriculture into their classroom through innovative ideas.

THE AUGUSTANA MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2017

41

ALUMNI NEWS CLASS OF 1992 Darcie (Stevermer) Bien plans to complete her MBA through the University of Sioux Falls in August 2017. She and husband, Matt Bien, live in Brookings, South Dakota, where Matt is a medical/pediatric physician at the Avera Medical Clinic. Darcie works at Ascension Lutheran Church.

Jeanne (Hieb) Saadi accepted a position as director of animal services for the City of Mesquite. She and husband, Aaron, moved from Santa Barbara, California, to Mesquite, Texas, and she began her new position on Feb. 1, 2017.

CLASS OF1991 Jennifer (Robertson) Velander was honored for 25 years with Mayo Eugenia Litta Children’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota. In addition, her son, Nathan, finished his second year at Augustana.

CLASS OF1990 Stacy Nedved, 48, of Wagner, South Dakota, died Aug. 29, 2016, at the Wagner Community Memorial Hospital after a courageous battle with brain cancer.

Mary (McConahie) Toso began a new position at Augustana in the Student Success Center as the director of internships after 11 years in Alumni Relations.

THE

1980s

CLASS OF1989

Chris Rossing and family recently moved from Sioux Falls to Maple Grove, Minnesota, so that Chris would have an easier commute to the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport with his work flying for Delta Air Lines.

CLASS OF1988 Carol (Norberg) Petersen passed peacefully into the arms of her heavenly Father with her family at her side on Dec. 26, 2016, at Essentia-St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Brainerd, Minnesota.

CLASS OF1987 Jodi (Johnson) Fick was appointed the new director of Siouxland Libraries in Sioux Falls. Jodi served as assistant director since 2007 and began her new role in late January 2017.

Rosemary (Fester) McCoy is now a content manager for Align Content Studio, the publisher of SiouxFalls.

Business. She also provides client services to Align’s content-market42

ing clients. Most recently, Rosemary was a digital producer at Argus Leader Media.

Lisa (Pendleton) Miles is working as the resource teacher for the Desoto School District in the Prairie Ridge Elementary School.

CLASS OF 1986 Jon Baymiller retired in July 2016 after 30 years in the mortgage banking industry. Jon most recently was president and CEO of New York Community Bank’s residential lending business, and previously served in senior executive roles at AmTrust Bank, Citigroup, and Principal Financial Group. He lives in Aurora, Ohio, with his wife, Peggy. They have two children, Karina (28) and Harrison (22).

CLASS OF 1985 Jamie Miles continues to work at Cerner Corporation as a process improvement leader in the healthcare information systems world.

CLASS OF 1983 Tammie (Peterson) Boone retired in June 2016 from Sheldon Senior High School where she had been a special education teacher since graduating from Augustana.

CLASS OF 1981 Randy Harvey, 58, of Sioux Falls, passed away suddenly of natural causes on Dec. 1, 2016.

and Eastern European Affairs from the Naval Postgraduate School and qualified as an advanced Russian linguist from the Defense Language Institute. He also earned a master of arts in national security and strategic studies from the Naval War College and an MBA from Oxford University.

THE

CLASS OF1979

Mel Antonen, national Major League Baseball reporter for USA TODAY (Washington, D.C.) for 25 seasons, was one of 10 people inducted into the South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame on April 8, 2017.

1970s

Lee Axdahl has been appointed to a three-year term with the Transportation Research Board at the National Academies of Sciences in Washington, D.C. The appointment is to a panel studying methods to increase the safety of commercial motor carrier fleets on our national roadways. He is the director of the South Dakota Office of Highway Safety.

Edge Runner for her work on mantram repetition.

Nancy Bylander, 63, died Feb. 8, 2017, in Sugar Land, Texas, after a short battle with cancer.

Warren Kersten lives in Batavia, Illinois, and works as vice president and process design engineer at Lakeside Equipment Corporation.

He and wife, Kate, will celebrate 34 years of marriage.

CLASS OF1975 Jannette (Heidemann) Floyd retired in September 2016 after 16 years with a credit union in Utah.

She will continue to be the church organist for St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Provo, Utah, as she has been since 1985.

Nannette Ward, 63, of Toulon, Illinois, passed away on Nov. 11, 2016, at the Toulon Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center.

CLASS OF1974

Leland Baade, 63, passed away on Feb. 12, 2017, at his home in Aberdeen, South Dakota.

Dean Bunkowske retired and moved to Chandler, Arizona, for golf and lots of sunshine. Stop and say “howdy” if you’re in the Phoenix area.

Margo (Oakland) Taylor was honored for her 35 years of service to the Mitchell School District at the annual Mitchell Middle School and High School staff recognition celebration in April 2017.

Renee (Berg) Rebnord was inducted into the Harrisburg High School Hall of Fame in the mentor category. She taught, coached and directed activities for 32 years prior to retirement in 2012.

CLASS OF 1978

Dorothy (Risley) Stivers of Sioux Falls died Nov. 11, 2016.

Donald Shunkwiler retired from the U.S. Navy in 2012 after a 31-year career. Don commanded three U.S. Navy ships (USS Germantown, USS Harpers Ferry, USS Tarawa) during his career. Don was also recognized in 2016 with the Distinguished Alumni Service Award from Waldorf University. He is currently executive director of Sugar Creek Bible Camp, in Ferryville, Wisconsin.

David Sneen recently set two American records in the bench press in the USA Powerlifting Federation.

David and his wife, Kathy, live in Sioux Falls.

Julie (Meyer) Thrond conducted the Mississippi Valley Orchestra on Dec. 9, 2016, in West St. Paul, Minnesota. She won the opportunity to conduct the orchestra in a raffle.

Michael Zinnel has been working in the field of community banking and mortgage lending since his graduation. He is currently employed as mortgage consultant with Cambria Mortgage in their Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, office.

Tim Smith and wife, Karen, welcomed their first grandchild, Caleb Theodore Smith, on Nov. 6, 2016, son of Tim’s oldest son Andy and his wife, Jordan. Tim also welcomed his youngest son, Michael, into his business, Carter Ave. Frame Shop, in St. Paul, Minnesota.

CLASS OF1977

CLASS OF 1973

CLASS OF 1980 Dave Hanson declared his candidacy for the Democratic nomination for Congress in Virginia’s Tenth Congressional District on May 12, 2017.

A former Navy intelligence officer who resides in Clifton, Virginia, with his wife, Elizabeth, and their three children, Dave is a Russian specialist with a master’s degree in Russian

THE AUGUSTANA MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2017

Joel Blanchfield is going back into sales with Maintenance Engineering.

Robert Booker recently retired as chair of Grantmakers in the Arts, a national arts service organization.

He also retired from his work as the executive director of the Arizona Commission on the Arts.

Mary (Roe) Praytor, RN, is the director of quality at Kindred Hospital in Clear Lake, Texas.

CLASS OF 1976 Jill Bormann of San Diego was recently named by the American Academy of Nursing as Academy

Robert Sunderman, 68, passed away Feb. 15, 2017, at Select Specialty Hospital.

Sheila Holm wrote a book, “For The Sake of America,” which was released in October 2016. She has had three business books and 12 Christian books published in the past three years.

Nellie King of Mitchell, South Dakota, passed away Dec. 20, 2016.

CLASS OF 1972 Anita Flantz is retired and spending her summers at her home on a lake in northern Wisconsin. She winters at her home in Novato, California, which is close to her daughter in San Francisco.

ALUMNI NEWS Diane Diekman was elected commander of VFW Post 628 in Sioux Falls. She is also president of the Battleship South Dakota board of directors and participates on the American Legion and VFW funeral honor guards to provide military rites for deceased veterans.

Michael Hanson continues as pastor of Zion Lutheran of Cottage Grove. He and wife, Elaine, have three children and five, soon-to-be six, grandchildren.

Mary (Harum) Hart was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 44th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards on April 30, 2017.

Susan (Bennis) Holechek is living in Owings Mills, Maryland. She has a passion for volunteering weekly at a horse rescue farm.

Gene Hoyme was the keynote speaker for the Swedish National Pediatric Society annual meeting.

He spoke on precision medicine and next generation sequencing in pediatric medicine. He also had an opportunity to meet Her Royal Highness, Queen Silvia.

Gary Knutson passed away Dec. 22, 2016, after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.

Jeff Rohr retired in March 2014 after serving for 30 years as a Lutheran pastor in St. Paul, Minnesota (Newport Lutheran and St. Timothy Lutheran), Custer, South Dakota (director of Outlaw Ranch), and Rapid City, South Dakota (Faith Lutheran Church).

CLASS OF 1970 Jerome Untiedt passed away peacefully Nov. 9, 2016.

Karen (Bucks) Wegner and husband, David, moved to Omaha, Nebraska.

THE

1960s

CLASS OF 1967

Leo Dangel, 75, passed away Dec. 13, 2016, in Yankton, South Dakota.

CLASS OF 1966 Eldean Aune died at Yankton Avera Hospice on Dec. 8, 2016.

CLASS OF1965 Karon (Gerdes) Gubbrud received the South Dakota Outstanding Republican Woman of the Year award at the recent Bi-Annual Convention of the South Dakota Federation of Republican Women.

Mary (Hafnor) Hanson is in her 20th year on public TV and 37th year on cable, hosting and producing a talk show, “The Mary Hanson

Show.” The show focuses on social and health issues as well as Minnesota leaders.

Evan Nolte received a Special Star Award from the Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors Bureau at its annual Visitor Industry Luncheon. For 38 years, Nolte was the president/CEO of the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce, and he retired in February 2017.

CLASS OF1964 Rosemary Erickson, forensic sociologist, has published a book about her life growing up on the prairie. Erickson’s memoir is “Prairie Patriarch: A Farmer’s Daughter Who Becomes an Expert Witness on Violent Crime.”

CLASS OF 1962 Bonnie (Hoover) Braendlin published a mystery novel, “Love and Death in Venice,” the first in a series featuring two North Florida professors who become involved with Mafia activities.

Robert Osland, 76, of Walnut Grove, Minnesota, passed away Nov. 6, 2016, at Regina Hospital in Hastings, Minnesota.

Terry Swalve, 77, passed away on Jan. 31, 2017, in Hiawatha, Iowa.

CLASS OF 1961 Donald Abraham, of Elk Point, South Dakota, died Jan. 28, 2017, in Norman, Oklahoma.

Kirk Bradford, 79, died at his home Nov. 1, 2016.

CLASS OF 1960 Betty (Christensen) Cooper passed away April 15, 2016.

Lyle Rossing wrote and self-published his autobiography entitled, “Putting My Finger On It.”

THE

1950s

CLASS OF 1959

Marvin Camp, 88, passed away Nov. 1, 2016, in Greeley, Colorado.

Arlan Feistner, 81, Mitchell, South Dakota, died Oct. 29, 2016, at Firesteel Nursing Home after a long battle with cancer.

Marlon Stearns, 82, of Oelwein, Iowa died Nov. 5, 2016, at Unity-Point Allen Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa.

Marlene (Thomsen) Tripp passed away Dec. 12, 2016, at Steeple Pointe of Osseo, Minnesota, after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Lillie (Larson) Hybertson passed away Nov. 10, 2016, at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls.

Charles Monson died on Jan. 13, 2017, at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, surrounded by family.

Earl Reese, 83, of Yankton, South Dakota, passed away Jan. 3, 2017, at the Avera Sister James Care Center.

Dean Songstad, 85, Buffalo Ridge, South Dakota, entered heaven peacefully at home on Dec. 23, 2016, with his son Brad by his side.

Anna (Seim) White received an honorary doctor of humane letters at the 2016 winter commencement at Butler University, recognizing her many accomplishments and her leadership and contributions in the arts. Anna and her husband, Jim, live in Indianapolis.

CLASS OF 1955 Gerald Crump, 83, formerly of Watertown, South Dakota, died in Plano, Texas, on Dec. 7, 2016.

CLASS OF1954 Rodney Peterson, 83, passed away on May 29, 2016.

Marilyn (Holly) Scott, 83, of Sunsites, Arizona, and Gardiner, Montana, died suddenly at her home on Nov. 28, 2016.

Steve Vekich died on Jan. 1, 2017.

John Vickerman moved from Maryland to Florida and lives at the Waterford senior residential community.

Lola (Sorheim) Fedde, 87, died Nov. 17, 2016, in Sioux Falls.

Lyle Blomgren, 80, of West Fork, Arkansas, passed away June 3, 2016.

CLASS OF 1957 Priscilla (Huber) Allen, 81, of Lincoln, Nebraska, died March 6, 2016.

Richard Johnson, 92, of Minneapolis, passed away Feb. 2, 2017.

Virginia (Floren) Olson, 86, passed away unexpectedly on March 30, 2015.

Geraldine (Jones) Sanford died Jan. 14, 2017, at Good Samaritan Village.

THE

1940s

CLASS OF1956

Leland Johnson was recognized in June 2016 by the University of Maine’s Darling Marine Center for 25 years of service in leading a workshop that he originally designed.

CLASS OF1958

M. Laurel Gray has resigned as chair of the Senior Gleaners of San Diego County after 25 years in that capacity.

CLASS OF 1953 Donald Bankson passed away in late November 2016.

Boyd Landsman, of Luverne, Minnesota, died on Dec. 2, 2016, at the Minnesota Veterans Home.

Robert Meerdink, 88, of Sioux Falls passed away Nov. 17, 2016.

CLASS OF1950 Donald Grant, 91, died on Dec. 3, 2016, at Sanford Centennial Cottage in Sioux Falls.

CLASS OF1949

Mary (Bakke) Kepp, 90, died Jan. 23, 2017, at the Prairie Ridge Care Center in Orange City, Iowa.

CLASS OF1948 Irene (Larson) Fladmark, 90, of Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on Jan. 2, 2017.

Eugene Leao, 93, of Pierre, South Dakota, passed away Nov. 23, 2016.

Barbara (Swenson) Roe passed away March 8, 2017.

Margaret (Frahm) Siemers passed away Jan. 6, 2017.

CLASS OF 1946 Phyllis (Dannenbring) Barber, 92, died on Jan. 28, 2017.

CLASS OF1945 Norma (Ostroot) Jerde, 94, passed away Nov. 27, 2016, in her home.

Evelyn (Asbenson) Saville passed away on Dec. 28, 2016.

CLASS OF1944 Marilyn (Anderson) Liaboe, 90, died Dec. 11, 2016, in Rock Valley, Iowa.

CLASS OF 1942 Richard Nelson, a 2000 Augustana Alumni Achievement Award winner, continues to fund generous scholarships for campus ministry students to attend Luther Seminary. He also provided a grant to fund three banner poles on the AU campus that say “Enter to learn, leave to serve,” CLASS OF1940 Genevieve (Mahre) Alexander, 98, died in Little Rock, Arkansas, on Dec. 17, 2016.

THE

1930s

CLASS OF 1939 Dorothy (Nervig) Nelson passed away Nov. 25, 2016.

CLASS OF 1937 Evelyne (Larson) Fosse, of San Rafael, California, died Aug. 4, 2010.

THE AUGUSTANA MAGAZINE | SUMMER 2017

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AU TO HONOR ALUMNI OVER VIKING DAYS Join us during Viking Days when we honor the Augustana alumni for their achievements.

ALUMNI ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS For outstanding achievements in their fields and for exemplifying the core values of Augustana University — Christian Faith, Excellence, Liberal Arts, Community and Service — the following alumni will receive Alumni Achievement Awards during the Alumni Achievement Awards Dinner on Friday, Oct. 13, at the Holiday Inn City Centre.

Rev. Dale Jamtgaard ’54 is an ordained Lutheran pastor. After relocating to Oregon to work with Lutheran Family Services, he and his wife, Ricky, founded the Quest Fellowship, a program designed to help Lutheran couples better understand themselves and their marriages. While leading the Quest Fellowship, he was a driving force in a combined congregation between the Catholic and Lutheran Churches in Beaverton, Oregon.

Dr. Dale Hoiberg ’71 worked at Encyclopedia Britannica for 36 years, serving most recently as senior vice president and editor in chief. There, he used his knowledge of Chinese language and culture to assist in the first translation of the encyclopedia into simplified Chinese characters.

Since 2015, he has taught courses in Chinese language and literature at Loyola University of Chicago.

Dr. Joanne Warner ’72 is an author and professor of nursing at the University of Portland School of Nursing in Portland, Oregon, and has served as a professor and dean at several institutes of nursing around the country. She has worked to improve nursing curriculums, educate future nurses and promote health on an international level.

Dr. Julie Ashworth ’75 is a professor of education at Augustana University and has received many accolades for her work as a public school teacher and a professor. She has presented her work in the field of education more than 20 times, including at five Nobel Peace Prize Forums. She also co-founded Augie Access and FRIENDSLink, organizations that give young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities access to higher education and social growth opportunities.

HORIZON AWARD The Horizon Award recognizes early career achievements of graduates of the last 15 years.

Dr. Sam Milanovich ’02 is the recipient of the 2017 Horizon Award.

Milanovich is a practicing pediatric oncologist and researcher at Sanford Health in Sioux Falls. His work has been published in medical journals and he has presented at national and international conferences. In his current research, Milanovich is working to uncover the cause of pediatric leukemia.

PERFORMING & VISUAL ARTS AWARDS Augustana will honor the following alumni for excellence and achievement in the performing and visual arts. The awards will be presented during the Command Performance on Friday, Oct. 13, at the Washington Pavilion.

Dr. James Ode ’57 (Instrumental Music) Musician, conductor, composer and author, Ode holds a master’s in music, a doctor of musical arts degree and a Performer’s Certificate in Trumpet from the Eastman School of Music. Following Eastman he taught trumpet and was director of graduate studies at the Ithaca College School of Music, served as chairman of the music department at Trinity University in San Antonio, and led the music division of the Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

Ronald ’57 & Margaret ’62 Robinson (Theatre) Playwright, novelist and professor emeritus Ron Robinson holds a master’s degree from the University of Minnesota and worked as a sports writer and news editor before joining Augustana in 1962 to teach English and journalism. He retired in 1997. His first novel, “Thunder Dreamer,” won a New York Public Library Award for young adult fiction. He also edited, designed and produced the epic history of Minnehaha County, “Twelve Thousand Years of Human History,” by Bruce Blake. Today he serves as president of the Minnehaha Century Fund, a group dedicated to regional history.

Margaret (Fjellestad) Robinson taught English at Brandon Valley High School and throughout her career, she remained active in community theatre. Known for her innovative approach to theatre, her productions on the gymnasium stage were revered for their quality and spirit, and for giving scores of Brandon students their first performance opportunities. In recognition of her efforts to positively impact students, she was named to the Brandon Valley High School Hall of Fame.

Ron and Margaret (Margie) married in 1963.

Anna Hamre ’75 (Choral Music) Musician, conductor and author, Hamre holds a master’s degree in choral music from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley and a doctor of musical arts in choral literature and performance from the University of Colorado, Boulder. Before moving to California in 1999, she worked in public schools and churches and served community ensembles in Colorado. She currently serves as artistic director of the Fresno Community Chorus, conducting the Master Chorale and Coro Piccolo, and as president of the American Choral Directors Association, western division.

David Wolter ’04 (Art) Before becoming a DreamWorks artist, Wolter made a name for himself on campus as the creator of “The Back Alley,” the popular comic strip that ran each week from 2002-04 in The Mirror, Augustana’s student newspaper. A graduate of

the animation and cartooning program at the California Institute of the Arts, Wolter now works as a story artist at DreamWorks Animation. His student film, “Eyrie,” won the Gold Medal for Animation at the 2012 Student Academy Awards and earned him a spot in the DreamWorks Story Training Program. Since then, he’s worked on feature films including the third installments of “Kung Fu Panda” and “How To Train Your Dragon.”

ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME AWARDS Augustana Athletics will induct five individuals into the 2017 Augustana Athletics Hall of Fame at the Hall of Fame banquet on Friday, Oct.13, at the Holiday Inn City Centre.

In addition to five outstanding studentathletes, Augustana will also recognize Mark Thorson (Ole Odney Award), Richard Bland (Milt and Clara Harvey Award) and Jeff Fylling (Lefty Olson Award).

Jim Clemens ’77 (football) was a starter for two seasons and served as a co-captain with the 1976 team and was selected to the North Central Conference All-Academic team three times. He was Augie’s most valuable lineman for three straight years.

Randy Leslie ‘89 (men’s baskeball) holds the school record for most minutes played in a career (3,843) and is fourth in 3-point field goal percentage for a career (.435). He was a starter on the 1988-89 team that earned a share of the North Central Conference regular season title and advanced to the regional playoffs.

Kari Peterson ‘01 (volleyball) was named player of the year by the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) in 2000, was an All-North Central Conference choice in 2000 and 2001 and was named to the AVCA All-America first team in 2000 and the second team in 2001.

Tamera Oltmanns ‘02 (women’s basketball) is the 10th leading career scorer (1,389) in the history of the women’s basketball program. She is 13th in career scoring average (12.4), third in career free throws made (442). She was a member of the 2000-01 All-NCC tournament team.

Andy Salmela ‘02 (baseball) was an All-North Central Conference choice in 2001 and 2002.

He was also named to the Rawlings/American Baseball Coaches Association All-North Central Region team in 2001. He was drafted by the Houston Astros in the 31st round of the 2002 Major League Baseball draft.

The Hall of Fame banquet will also honor the 1988-89 Men’s Basketball Team: Vikings who set what at the time was a school record for wins.

PARTING SHOTS

@augustanasd Pictures really are worth a thousand words.

Take a look at some of our favorite recent Instagram posts.

@augustanasd Big news deserves to be on a big news ticker. Welcome to Augustana University, 24th President Stephanie Herseth Sandlin! #Augie24 #BeAViking #TimesSquare

@augustanasd Hats off to the Class of 2017! See more memorable mortarboards from Saturday’s commencement ceremony at augie.edu/commencement. #augiegrad #flatole #alwaysaviking

@augustanasd In March it was #NationalPuppyDay, starring education professor emeritus Mark Hallenbeck and Mack. (Photo: Nancy Hallenbeck ‘70) #augiedoggie #augieadvantage #tbt

@augustanasd President and First Lady Rob and Angie Oliver leave the administration building on Rob’s last day of working at Augustana before retirement.

In a gathering at the office, he said to incoming president Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, “The Viking ship is yours.” #greatdaytobeAU

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE 2001 South Summit Avenue Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57197

PAID PERMIT NO. 5 SIOUX FALLS, SD

JOIN US FOR VIKING DAYS — OCT. 13-15

Following a call for entries, Peter Eide ’66 submitted the winning model for a permanent statue of Ole the Viking to be located at the center of campus.

The concrete statue of “Ole in the Viking Ship” was dedicated during Viking Days in 1967. Celebrate the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the Ole statue during Viking Days 2017! Learn more and register at augie.edu/vikingdays.