The Augustana: Fall 2024

THE AUGUSTANA

“It feels good to know that I have a high-quality studio to learn out of ... to help us grow into the best artists we can be.”

— MattieTschetter ‘25

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Hello from the cliffs of Palisades State Park, one of South Dakota’s unique gems and a popular destination for the Augustana Outdoor Club. There’s more to come on the reason for my adventurous outing.

It continues to be an exciting time on campus. We entered the fifth year of our Viking Bold journey, energized by historic enrollment — 2,390 undergraduate and graduate students! This growth reflects a first-year class of 533 students, first-tosecond year retention of 85.5%, new majors, minors and club sports, as well as the unwavering commitment of our faculty, staff, alumni and friends.

Interior improvements to the Morrison Commons are nearing completion with the new grand staircase serving as a central hub of activity and connection, just as many of you may recall from years past. The numerous enhancements, such as a redesigned Siverson Lounge and an elevated dining experience, promise to further enrich student life.

Amid this historic U.S. general election season, AU launched the Election 2024: Curiosity, Courage & Civility Initiative. This university-wide effort is designed to inspire all of us to be intellectually curious, exhibit courage and compassion, and practice civility and humility throughout this important time in our nation’s shared journey. The initiative will culminate with Augustana’s second annual Critical Inquiry & Citizenship Colloquium on Nov. 13-14 — just eight days after the general election. All are welcome to join us.

Now, back to the cliff at the Palisades. It’s a fitting metaphor for the challenge facing higher education — the enrollment cliff — created by declining birth rates, increased competition, the cost of tuition and skepticism regarding the value of a college degree. With unwavering determination and your help, we’ll climb this cliff together and ensure an even bolder future for Augustana University. Learn more at augie.edu/ImpactInfo.

Please share the good news of our Viking Bold progress and the many accomplishments of our alumni and students. Your Viking pride and love for this special community means more than you can imagine.

As I appreciate the beauty of Palisades State Park and Augustana’s campus, I pray you and your family will be blessed with good health, peace and joy throughout this wondrous season.

Sincerely,

Stephanie Herseth Sandlin President

OUR MISSION

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

OUR VISION

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

OUR VALUES

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

KEY SUCCESSES OF 2023-24

2

ENDURING COMMITMENTS

ACADEMICS

ACADEMICS

• Increased the use of ePortfolios to assess students’ participation in high-impact practices that involve integrative and experiential learning

OVERALL GOALS: Establish new academic structures and centers that sustain excellence, facilitate growth, and cultivate innovative and impactful teaching, learning, and research in order to provide an education of enduring wor th; establish new academic programs grounded in the liberal arts that challenge the intellect while responding to the needs and interests of students These programs will grow enrollment, diversify revenue and address workforce priorities of the local community and region.

2019-22

• Expanded supplemental instruction to enhance academic support for students and increased retention

• Organize into a College of Arts & Sciences (Jan. 2021)

• Establish a School of Education

ACADEMICS

ENROLLMENT & STRATEGIC SCHOLARSHIPS

ENROLLMENT & STRATEGIC SCHOLARSHIPS

OVERALL GOALS: Establish new academic structures and centers that sustain excellence, facilitate growth, and cultivate innovative and impactful teaching, learning, and research in order to provide an education of enduring wor th; establish new academic programs grounded in the liberal ar ts that challenge the intellect while responding to the needs and interests of students. These programs will grow enrollment, diversify revenue and address workforce priorities of the local community and region.

OVERALL GOALS: Establish new academic structures and centers that sustain excellence, facilitate growth, and cultivate innovative and impactful teaching learning, and research in order to provide an education of enduring wor th; establish new academic programs grounded in the liberal arts that challenge the intellect while responding to the needs and interests of students These programs will grow enrollment, diversify revenue and address workforce priorities of the local community and region.

• Organize into a College of Arts & Sciences (Jan. 2021)

• Establish a School of Education

ENROLLMENT & STRATEGIC SCHOLARSHIPS

OVERALL GOALS: Enroll 3,000+ undergraduate and graduate students and provide a welcoming and inclusive environment as di erent backgrounds, experiences and ways of thinking encourage learning acceptance and service; make Augustana’s education more a ordable and accessible for more students with innovative scholarship par tnerships among alumni and regional organizations while adapting the university business model and operations to ensure nancial sustainability.

- Implement Augustana Master ’s of Business Administration program (August 2020)

- Implement Doctorate of Physical Therapy (August 2020)

- Implement Master ’s of Science in Nursing (September 2021)

- Implement Augustana Master ’s of Business Administration program (August 2020)

• Organize into a College of Ar ts & Sciences (Jan. 2021)

ENROLLMENT & ATEGIC SCHOLARSHIPS

• Developed key public and internal indicators to measure progress toward Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Plan priorities

- Implement Doctorate of Physical Therapy (August 2020)

- Implement Master ’s of Science in Nursing (September 2021)

- Implement Doctor of Nursing Practice (August 2023)

• Establish a School of Education

• Establish a School of Music (August 2020)

OVERALL GOALS: Enroll 3,000+ undergraduate and graduate students and ovide a welcoming and inclusive environment as di erent backgrounds, experiences and ways of thinking encourage learning, acceptance and service; Augustana’s education more a ordable and accessible for more students innovative scholarship par tnerships among alumni and regional organizations while adapting the university business model and operations to nancial sustainability.

• Establish a Center for Interdisciplinary Programs within the College of Ar ts & Sciences (August 2020)

- Implement Augustana Master ’s of Business Administration program (August 2020)

• Develop Medical Humanities program (August 2020)

- Implement Doc torate of Physical Therapy (August 2020)

• Develop Environmental Studies program (August 2021)

- Implement Master ’s of Science in Nursing (September 2021)

- Implement Doc tor of Nursing Practice (August 2023)

Implement a student recruitment plan (July 2020)

• Establish a School of Music (August 2020)

Renew & re -envision programs that engage middle and high school students (April 2020)

Establish creative scholarship oppor tunities as well as endowed scholarships (July 2022)

THLE TICS

• Comprehensively examined current integration of artificial intelligence (AI) across all departments, developed a shared AI vocabulary to facilitate crossdisciplinary understanding and collaboration, worked to refine academic policies, and provided training and resources through Center for Excellence in Teaching & Scholarship (CTS)

• Develop programs associated with intercultural studies (August 2022)

• Establish a Center for Interdisciplinary Programs within the College of Ar ts & Sciences (August 2020)

• Develop Medical Humanities program (August 2020)

• Develop Environmental Studies program (August 2021)

PHYSICAL CAMPUS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT)

• Develop programs associated with intercultural studies (August 2022)

ACADEMICS

ACADEMICS

OVERALL GOALS: Recruit and retain exceptional student-athletes to maintain

OVERALL GOALS: Transform the physical campus to include new and enhanced facilities that serve the educational, spiritual and holistic needs of Augustana’s students, faculty and sta , and inspire others in the community who utilize our campus; transform Augustana into a dynamic digital campus through emerging technologies, excellent connectivity, and best practices in cyber security that ser ve student learning, enable innovative teaching and research, and suppor t the university’s business processes and overall mission.

academic and athletic excellence and enhance their collegiate experience

ough academic and wellness suppor t, community engagement, and service tunities; transition to NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics by December

to provide student-athletes the opportunity to compete at a higher level

OVERALL GOALS: Establish new academic structures and centers that sustain excellence, facilitate growth, and cultivate innovative and impactful teaching, learning, and research in order to provide an education of enduring wor th; establish new academic programs grounded in the liberal arts that challenge the intellect while responding to the needs and interests of students These programs will grow enrollment, diversify revenue and address workforce priorities of the local community and region.

• Undertook market analysis and finalized agreement with Evidence in Motion (EIM) to establish an occupational therapy (OT) doctoral program in Minnesota and expand the physical and occupational therapy doctoral programs into Colorado

• Establish criteria for decision making, setting priorities, and resource allocation to implement a holistic Campus Master Plan (March 2020)

• Designate physical spaces across campus, including a multicultural center for activities and dialogue focused on diversity, equity and inclusion (July 2022)

elevate the pro le of the university, and inspire Sioux Falls to enthusiastically embrace Augustana University as the hometown team by ser ving the community and integrating our mission with its needs and receive invitation to Division I multi-sport conference (December 2020)

• Establish sustainability plan, landscape master plan, campus heritage plan, and historic preservation management plan (March 2020)

• Organize into a College of Arts & Sciences (Jan. 2021)

• Establish a School of Education

PHYSICAL CAMPUS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT)

Design and build new softball/baseball complex (September 2021)

- Implement Augustana Master ’s of Business Administration program (August 2020)

Enhance Student Success Center services for student-athletes; have upgrades in place for rst DI transition year (June 2021)

- Implement Doctorate of Physical Therapy (August 2020)

- Implement Master ’s of Science in Nursing (September 2021)

Create athletic administration internships and programming for female and erse student-athletes (April 2020)

•

- Implement Doctor of Nursing Practice (August 2023)

• Establish a School of Music (August 2020)

• Continued incremental growth toward enrolling 2,200 undergraduate and 800 graduate students by achieving 83.5% retention of first- to second-year students, as well as record numbers for overall headcount (2,158) — 1,787 full-time undergraduate and 156 full-time graduate students

- Implement Doctor of Nursing Practice (August 2023)

• Implement a student recruitment plan (July 2020)

• Establish a School of Music (August 2020)

• Establish a Center for Interdisciplinary Programs within the College of Arts & Sciences (August 2020)

• Renew & re -envision programs that engage middle and high school students (April 2020)

• Develop Medical Humanities program (August 2020)

• Developed and approved majors in criminal justice, statistics, neuroscience and strength & conditioning, as well as a minor in sports broadcasting for launch in Fall 2024

Review and revise spor ts team travel policies and procedures (June 2020-June 2021)

• Establish a Center for Interdisciplinary Programs within the College of Ar ts & Sciences (August 2020)

ntralize and coordinate student-athlete health care and performance training (July 2022)

• Develop Medical Humanities program (August 2020)

June 2021)

To learn more about Viking Bold: The Journey to 2030, and to see the latest updates, visit augie.edu/VikingBold

• Recruited 50 new Journey Scholars and 72 first-year international students

OVERALL GOALS: Enroll 3,000+ undergraduate and graduate students and provide a welcoming and inclusive environment as di erent backgrounds, experiences and ways of thinking encourage learning, acceptance and service; make Augustana’s education more a ordable and accessible for more students with innovative scholarship par tnerships among alumni and regional organizations while adapting the university business model and operations to ensure nancial sustainability.

• Establish creative scholarship oppor tunities as well as endowed scholarships (July 2022)

• Develop Environmental Studies program (August 2021)

• Develop programs associated with intercultural studies (August 2022)

• Implement a student recruitment plan (July 2020)

ATHLE TICS

• Renew & re -envision programs that engage middle and high school students (April 2020)

PHYSICAL CAMPUS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

ATHLE TICS

• Establish creative scholarship oppor tunities as well as endowed scholarships (July 2022)

• Completed Midco Arena

PHYSICAL CAMPUS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT)

OVERALL GOALS: Transform the physical campus to include new and enhanced facilities that serve the educational, spiritual and holistic needs of Augustana’s students, faculty and sta , and inspire others in the community who utilize our campus; transform Augustana into a dynamic digital campus through emerging technologies, excellent connectivity, and best practices in cyber security that ser ve student learning enable innovative teaching and research, and suppor t the university’s business processes and overall mission.

OVERALL GOALS: Recruit and retain exceptional student-athletes to maintain academic and athletic excellence and enhance their collegiate experience through academic and wellness suppor t, community engagement, and service oppor tunities; transition to NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics by December 2020 to provide student-athletes the opportunity to compete at a higher level, elevate the pro le of the university, and inspire Sioux Falls to enthusiastically embrace Augustana University as the hometown team by ser ving the community and integrating our mission with its needs

2019-22

• Seek and receive invitation to Division I multi-sport conference (December 2020)

• Establish criteria for decision making, setting priorities, and resource allocation to implement a holistic Campus Master Plan (March 2020)

• Design and build new softball/baseball complex (September 2021)

ATHLETICS

OVERALL GOALS: Recruit and retain exceptional student-athletes academic and athletic excellence and enhance their collegiate experience through academic and wellness suppor t, community engagement, oppor tunities; transition to NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics 2020 to provide student-athletes the opportunity to compete at elevate the pro le of the university, and inspire Sioux Falls to enthusiastically embrace Augustana University as the hometown team by ser ving community and integrating our mission with its needs

• Completed phase II of Morrison Commons renovation to include first-floor market space, grand staircase, remodeled Starbucks/lounge area and modernized dining hall/serving stations

• Seek and receive invitation to Division I multi-sport conferenc (December 2020)

• Design and build new softball/baseball complex (September

• Enhance Student Success Center services for student-athletes; upgrades in place for rst DI transition year (June 2021)

• Create athletic administration internships and programming diverse student-athletes (April 2020)

Expand oversight and contact for student-athlete mental health care

ATHLETICS

• Develop Environmental Studies program (August 2021)

• Develop programs associated with intercultural studies (August 2022)

ne Division I championship culture; integrate into athletics policy and procedure statements (June 2021)

• Establish sustainability plan, landscape master plan, campus heritage plan, and historic preservation management plan (March 2020) ENROLLMENT & STRATEGIC SCHOLARSHIPS

• Enhance Student Success Center services for student-athletes; have upgrades in place for rst DI transition year (June 2021)

• Designate physical spaces across campus, including a multicultural center for activities and dialogue focused on diversity, equity and inclusion (July 2022)

• Consolidated all mail services to Nelson Service Center

ENROLLMENT & STRATEGIC SCHOLARSHIPS

• Create athletic administration internships and programming for female and diverse student-athletes (April 2020)

• Review and revise sports team travel policies and procedures 2020-June 2021)

• Centralize and coordinate student-athlete health care and training (July 2022)

• Completed discovery process and review of formal recommendations, and initiated migration to Jenzabar One

OVERALL GOALS: Enroll 3,000+ undergraduate and graduate students and provide a welcoming and inclusive environment as di erent backgrounds, experiences and ways of thinking encourage learning, acceptance and service; make Augustana’s education more a ordable and accessible for more students with innovative scholarship par tnerships among alumni and regional organizations while adapting the university business model and operations to ensure nancial sustainability.

OVERALL GOALS: Transform the physical campus to include new and enhanced facilities that ser ve the educational, spiritual and holistic needs of Augustana’s students, faculty and sta , and inspire others in the community who utilize our campus; transform Augustana into a dynamic digital campus through emerging technologies, excellent connectivity, and best practices in cyber security that ser ve student learning, enable innovative teaching and research, and suppor t the university ’s business processes and overall mission.

• Review and revise spor ts team travel policies and procedures (June 2020-June 2021)

To learn more about Viking Bold: The Journey to 2030 and to see the latest updates, visit augie.edu/VikingBold

• Centralize and coordinate student-athlete health care and performance training (July 2022)

• Expand oversight and contact for student-athlete mental health care (June 2021)

OVERALL GOALS: Recruit and retain exceptional student-athletes to maintain academic and athletic excellence and enhance their collegiate experience through academic and wellness suppor t, community engagement, and ser vice oppor tunities; transition to NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics by December 2020 to provide student-athletes the opportunity to compete at a higher level, elevate the pro le of the university, and inspire Sioux Falls to enthusiastically embrace Augustana University as the hometown team by ser ving the community and integrating our mission with its needs

• Implement a student recruitment plan (July 2020)

• De ne Division I championship culture; integrate into athletics’ policy and procedure statements (June 2021)

• Renew & re -envision programs that engage middle and high school students (April 2020)

• Expand oversight and contact for student-athlete mental health (June 2021)

• De ne Division I championship culture; integrate into athletics procedure statements (June 2021)

• Seek and receive invitation to Division I multi-sport conference (December 2020)

• Establish creative scholarship oppor tunities as well as endowed scholarships (July 2022)

• Design and build new softball/baseball complex (September 2021)

• Enhance Student Success Center ser vices for student-athletes; have upgrades in place for rst DI transition year (June 2021)

• Establish criteria for decision making, setting priorities, and resource allocation to implement a holistic Campus Master Plan (March 2020)

ATHLE TICS

• Launched inaugural men’s hockey season and finished inaugural season with 12-18-4 record

• Designate physical spaces across campus, including a multicultural center for activities and dialogue focused on diversity, equity and inclusion (July 2022)

• Establish sustainability plan, landscape master plan, campus heritage plan, and historic preservation management plan (March 2020)

• Earned opportunity to compete in CCHA tournament one year ahead of schedule

PHYSICAL CAMPUS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT)

OVERALL GOALS: Transform the physical campus to include new and enhanced facilities that serve the educational, spiritual and holistic needs of Augustana’s students, faculty and sta , and inspire others in the community who utilize our campus; transform Augustana into a dynamic digital campus through emerging technologies, excellent connectivity, and best practices in cyber security that ser ve student learning, enable innovative teaching and research, and suppor t the university ’s business processes and overall mission.

To learn more about Viking Bold: The Journey to 2030, and to see the latest updates, visit augie.edu/VikingBold.

• Establish criteria for decision making, setting priorities, and resource allocation to implement a holistic Campus Master Plan (March 2020)

• Designate physical spaces across campus, including a multicultural center for activities and dialogue focused on diversity, equity and inclusion (July 2022)

• Create athletic administration internships and programming for female and diverse student-athletes (April 2020)

• Review and revise spor ts team travel policies and procedures (June 2020-June 2021)

OVERALL GOALS: Recruit and retain exceptional student-athletes to maintain academic and athletic excellence and enhance their collegiate experience through academic and wellness suppor t, community engagement, and service oppor tunities; transition to NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics by December 2020 to provide student-athletes the opportunity to compete at a higher level, elevate the pro le of the university, and inspire Sioux Falls to enthusiastically embrace Augustana University as the hometown team by ser ving the community and integrating our mission with its needs

• Centralize and coordinate student-athlete health care and performance training (July 2022)

• Expand oversight and contac t for student-athlete mental health care (June 2021)

• Seek and receive invitation to Division I multi-sport conference (December 2020)

• De ne Division I championship culture; integrate into athletics’ polic y and procedure statements (June 2021)

• Design and build new softball/baseball complex (September 2021)

• Enhance Student Success Center services for student-athletes; have upgrades in place for rst DI transition year (June 2021)

• Create athletic administration internships and programming for female and diverse student-athletes (April 2020)

• Review and revise spor ts team travel policies and procedures (June 2020-June 2021)

• Centralize and coordinate student-athlete health care and performance

New at

CRITICAL INQUIRY & CITIZENSHIP COLLOQUIUM

Augustana will host its second annual 2-day Critical Inquiry & Citizenship Colloquium with Dr. Danielle Allen as the featured speaker. Allen, the James Bryant Conant University Professor at Harvard University and director of the Allen Lab for Democracy Renovation at Harvard Kennedy School’s Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation, will give a keynote presentation to the Augustana community at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 13, in the Elmen Center.

SPORTS BROADCASTING

Augustana began offering sports broadcasting as a minor this fall. The interdisciplinary minor aims to provide students with technological and writing skills, as well as a critical understanding of sports in society. The minor will help students build careers in a field that includes both traditional broadcast and cable outlets, and new and ongoing digital platforms.

STEM GRANT

Through the South Dakota Space Grant Consortium (SDSGC), Augustana will receive $56,000 annually from 2025-28 to support students and faculty conducting research in STEM and outreach to middle school students in robotics. Dr. Drew Alton, professor of physics, is Augustana’s SDSGS representative.

LARGEST EVER STUDENT BODY

A total of 2,390 students — part- and full-time undergraduate and graduate students — chose to find their bold at Augustana for Academic Year 2024-25. Hailing from 41 states and 54 countries, the number marks the largest ever student body at Augustana, including largest overall undergraduate headcount in 34 years and largest number of graduate students in the university’s history.

CLUB HOCKEY AND FIGURE SKATING

AU students have the opportunity to play club hockey or join club figure skating — both launched in the fall. The Augustana Club Hockey Program — men’s and women’s — is led by Head Coach Ben Prisbe.

The Augustana Figure Skating Club, which includes both men and women — led by Head Coach Riley Block — offers both introductory and competitive teams, and will be a sanctioned part of the United States Figure Skating (USFS) Midwestern Collegiate Conference. Both club sports practice in Midco Arena on Augustana’s campus.

ALL GOD’S CREATURES ON THE FIFTH AND SIXTH DAY…

Pet Blessing Continues to Be Blessing on Augustana’s Campus

| BY JILL WILSON

A

ugustana Campus Pastor Rev. Ann Rosendale ‘04 describes the annual pet blessing in the Chapel of Reconciliation as a “can’t miss event” that is a “literal zoo.”

“The pet blessing is always a joyous day in the chapel. There are so many smiles and laughter as faculty and staff corral their enthusiastic dogs and comfort nervous cats,” Rosendale said. “Students love the pet blessing because it reminds them of their own pets that they miss back home.”

Held in early October every year, many faith communities bless their pets and other animals around the feast day of St. Francis.

“St. Francis of Assissi was the patron saint of animals (and the environment). He was always finding the sacred in animals and plants, and helped us grow our awe of God’s whole creation,” said Rosendale. “We try to convey a message of welcome for all God’s creatures and thanksgiving for the wild creativity of God to imagine and give life to all of these unique animals.”

At Augustana, the tradition of the pet blessing goes back at least three decades. The Augustana Mirror wrote about the third annual pet blessing in 1995 with a headline that read, “Animals ‘flock’ to pet blessing.” In October 2009, the Mirror published a picture of Susan Bies, then director of Student Academic Support Services, with her horses outside the chapel.

Rosendale recalled attending a pet blessing as a student when Rev. Paul Rohde was the campus pastor — she brought her betta fish to be blessed. Rosendale has also preached about her dog, Easter, and how Easter taught her what is most essential in life.

“It’s no accident that ‘dog’ is ‘God’ spelled backward. I don’t know of another creature (including humans) who embodies loyalty and faithfulness like a dog. We tend to take the world so seriously until we get on the floor and play with our cat or throw a ball in the park with our dog,” said Rosendale. “Animals call us back to basics. They also call us into a more expansive imagination about who God is and what God is up to in the world.”

Over the years, Augustana Chief of Staff Pamela Miller ‘94 has had three Cavalier King Charles Spaniels — Rudy, Wrigley and Shadow — all of which “have been blessed to attend the pet blessing.”

“My dogs are everything to me. They bring me joy and comfort and constant love and affection. They are a part of our lives for a few chapters in life, but to them, we are the entire book. We are all they know for love, compassion and care. We are everything to them, and I believe they deserve the same from us,” said Miller.

Observed on Oct. 7 this year, the pet blessing was another family affair for Miller. She was accompanied by her daughter, son-in-law and their dog, Jameson, as well as Ace the Augie Doggie, of course.

“I think it was fun for him (Ace) to show his furry friends where he goes to work and to share his AU community with other pets,” said Miller. Those other pets included everything from a giant Newfoundland to a teeny little shrimp, carried into the sanctuary via a makeshift aquarium suited for travel.

“The blessing was a way for me to show people that pets come in all shapes and sizes, and all are worthy of affection!” said Andrew Berntson ‘25, a biology and computer science double major. “I looked forward to the experience in general. I’ve never gone to a pet blessing before and this being my last year here (at Augustana), who knows if I’d ever get the chance again.”

Although unique, Berntson considers his Neocaridina davidi as pets, and brought one of his many blue velvet shrimp to chapel. Yes, she even has a name: Nova.

“Shortly after moving here freshman year, I learned about sea monkeys, and then about the much freakier-looking Triops ... I kept both in aquariums for a while, and this really fostered an affinity for aquatic arthropods and aquatic invertebrates,” said Berntson, of Waconia, Minnesota, who has since lived in different

parts of the world. “As a kid, I had always been obsessed with ‘sea creatures’ and these critters definitely awakened a childlike wonder in me that was great for my mental health.”

At the end of his sophomore year, Berntson bought 10 blue velvet shrimp from a pet store. He now has what he calls a “little army” that has grown to approximately 100 little shrimp — although it’s hard to tell because “there are so many.”

“I do truly care about my shrimp. It makes me sad when one dies (they live 1-2 years at most), and I celebrate when I notice a pregnant mother or newly-hatched shrimplets grazing on algae. It’s rewarding to take care of living beings, knowing that my actions and care are providing them with the resources they need to not just live, but to thrive and reproduce!” Berntson said.

This year’s pet blessing was an abbreviated service. Both Rosendale and Associate Campus Pastor Rev. Shawna Day had to say “goodbye” to their dogs in late summer. The pet blessing was “bittersweet” for both of them, and they felt it was too hard to preach.

“We were still grateful to bless the animals and, even in grief, were able to experience the joy of the day,” said Rosendale. Instead, amongst all the licking, sniffing, meowing and barking, Job 12:7-10 was the reading for the day. Rosendale said the reading speaks to how God works through animals:

7 “But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you;

8 or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you.

9 Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?

10 In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.”

“Blessing our pets just affirms my belief that ‘all dogs go to heaven,’ and I believe those we have lost will be standing at the gate to see me when I get there,” said Miller. “What could be better than that?” n

AU SCOUTING REPORT

Alumni Score in Professional Sports Organizations

FBeing able to share my love for the sport with others is the best part of my job.

— REBECCA FALKNER AXELROD ‘20

| BY KEELEY (MEIER) EHRMANTRAUT ‘20

rom scouting prospective players and coaching strength exercises to managing programming or crafting policy, Augustana alumni are scoring big by serving professional sports organizations across the country. While their roles differ, a common thread remains — the lessons they learned at Augustana tee’d them up for success.

Tatum Barstad ‘21 is an account executive of group events & hospitality for the Arizona Diamondbacks. Her primary responsibilities include driving group sales, executing theme nights, creating and managing group events, as well as enhancing the overall guest experience.

“The best part of my job is creating memorable experiences for fans,” Barstad, who majored in communication studies and sport management, said. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see them enjoy a day at the ballpark and celebrate special moments together.”

During her time at AU, Barstad interned with Augustana Athletics and the Sioux Falls Canaries, and served as president of SKOL — a student organization dedicated to promoting school spirit and active participation at university events. Barstad, who’s always wanted to work in sports, said she’s grateful for her Augustana experiences.

“Making connections is crucial in this industry, and the relationships I built at Augustana have been invaluable,” said Barstad. “The friendships I formed continue to support me, and overall, Augustana laid a strong foundation for my journey with the Arizona Diamondbacks.”

Rebecca Falkner Axelrod ‘20 serves as the executive director of the United States Tennis Association (USTA) Heart of America. She oversees all things tennis in the Kansas City metro area; Lawrence, Kansas; and St. Joseph, Missouri. This includes adaptive & wheelchair tennis, adult & junior competition and community development.

“Being able to share my love for the sport with others is the best part of my job,” Falkner Axelrod said. “Kansas City has a large tennis community, but everyone knows everyone. It is cool to share my passion with other people who are passionate about the same thing. Also, I grew up in USTA Heart of America, so a lot of the older volunteers remember me from when I was a junior.”

Falkner Axelrod graduated from Augustana in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in sport management and in 2021 with a Master of Arts in sports administration & leadership (MSAL). While at AU, she was a member of the women’s tennis team. Falkner Axelrod said both academics and athletics prepared her well for the future.

“The rigorous academics plus being a student-athlete helped me with time management, and learning from professors with different degrees and backgrounds really opened my eyes to what else is out there,” said Falkner Axelrod (pictured on the right).

Eric Ellingworth ‘11 is in his sixth season as a southeast area scout with the Dallas Cowboys. At Augustana, Ellingworth was a business administration, social studies and secondary education triple major, as well as a wide receiver for the Vikings. Following graduation, he served as a high school social studies teacher and football coach, wide receiver graduate assistant (GA) coach at the University of Florida and scouting assistant with the New York Jets.

With the Cowboys, he has a jam-packed schedule, but wouldn’t have it any other way.

“I travel throughout the fall to attend practices, games and meet with staff members at college football programs in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina and Tennessee to scout potential NFL prospects in preparation for the NFL Draft in April,” said Ellingworth. “January through March, I continue the evaluation process by attending practices at college all-star games, the NFL Combine and on-campus pro days. April is an entire month of draft meetings with our team owners — Jerry Jones and his family — coaching staff and personnel executives to present the draft reports on the NFL prospects. I usually write between 250-300 scouting reports each fall. It’s a lot of travel, a huge time commitment, there’s pressure to be accurate in terms of the character and talent evaluations I write and present, but I absolutely love it.”

Ellingworth (pictured above on the left) credits his wide receiver coach at Augustana, John Van Dam (pictured right), with where he is today. Van Dam, who now coaches for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, called Ellingworth a few years after graduation and asked about his interest in coaching at the University of Florida.

“At Augustana, (Van Dam) challenged me as a player, helped me grow as a man and instilled belief in myself,” Ellingworth said. “During that phone call, he once again instilled confidence in me, telling me he always envisioned me being a good college coach. I spent three years coaching in Florida, and that opportunity was probably the best investment for my career in football and has opened a lot of doors for me.”

Ellingworth may wear a lot of navy, silver and white these days, but he’ll always hold two other colors close.

“I will forever bleed Augustana blue and gold, and greatly cherish my time there.”

It’s a lot of travel, a huge time commitment, there’s pressure to be accurate... I absolutely love it.

— ERIC ELLINGWORTH ‘11

The entire community at Augustana helped mold me into who I am.

— DREW HEITHOFF ’11

Drew Heithoff ‘11 is a major league assistant performance coach for the Detroit Tigers, where he creates programs and coaches players through in- and off-season corrective exercise, movement & speed skills, strength & power work and conditioning & recovery. He also helps oversee the Tigers’ minor league strength staff.

“I get to live out a lifelong dream,” Heithoff said of working for the Tigers. “I always dreamed of playing in the MLB, but once I knew playing wasn’t going to happen, this career path provided an amazing opportunity to achieve my lifelong goal. Plus, I get to include my wife and two boys in on the experience. This game has taught me a lot over the years, and I believe it will also help instill great values in my boys.”

Prior to his role with the Tigers, Heithoff held a number of performance/coaching positions, including at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), Exos and seven years with the San Diego Padres. At Augustana, Heithoff was an exercise science and fitness management double major and infielder for the Augustana Baseball Team.

“The entire community at Augustana helped mold me into who I am,” said Heithoff. “They gave me the opportunity to play the game, plus the education necessary to find a career path within that game. I was able to get my internship at UCLA because a former Augie student-athlete went through the same internship and made a lasting impression. (UCLA) saw Augustana on my resume and later told me that was what got my resume to the top of the pile. That speaks to the quality of people that go through our university.”

Evan Pierce ‘14 is the vice president of people & culture for the Boston Celtics. He was a business administration major at Augustana, as well as a member of the Augustana Men’s Basketball Team. Following graduation, Pierce spent time in the tech industry at Raven Industries, Hewlett Packard and Apple. He joined the Celtics in 2021, where his focus is on elevating employee experiences through custom people practices, fostering inclusive cultures and technology integration.

“Being part of such a historic culture and striving for excellence every day makes coming to work truly motivating,” Pierce said. “Since our employees are also our season ticket members, I have been dedicated to making every experience top notch. I’ve really enjoyed helping to enhance these experiences through improved processes and technology that enable everyone to excel.”

Despite working in the big leagues, Pierce said his time at Augustana was a game changer.

“The combination of playing sports, being in a supportive environment for practicing my faith and focusing on my studies taught me essential skills like teamwork, discipline and time management,” said Pierce. “Additionally, I met my wife at Augie through mutual friends — though she’s a SDSU (South Dakota State University) Jackrabbit, I won’t hold that against her!”

And, getting to work for a team that won the 2024 NBA Championship is simply the cherry on top.

“It has been incredible and hard to put into words,” Pierce said. “From the late nights during the season and supporting our organizational growth to celebrating on duck boats, there’s a real sense of pride and excitement. Being part of such a successful and celebrated team is truly special.”

The faculty were not only experts in their field, but challenged students to expand their horizons and think critically across diffferent subject areas.

— BRENDON PLACK ‘03

Brendon Plack ‘03 serves as the NFL’s senior vice president of public policy & government affairs. In his role, Plack leads the government affairs effort for the NFL at the federal and state levels, as well as in certain international markets. Working with a team of government affairs representatives, he helps craft the policy agenda for the NFL and carry out a strategy to achieve those goals.

A business administration and economics double major at Augustana, Plack served in politics for more than 15 years before joining the NFL in 2019.

“The best part of this job is working with the best and brightest professionals in sports, media and entertainment,” Plack said. “Working at the cross section of professional sports and public policy provides a great opportunity to work on policy issues important to the league and millions of fans who attend or watch games each year.”

Plack’s affinity for public policy began at Augustana, which he said provided him with a great foundation for his work.

“The faculty were not only experts in their field, but challenged students to expand their horizons and think critically across different subject areas,” said Plack. “The university and alumni offered great networking opportunities that led to internships and excellent entry-level jobs, and the broader Augustana community resulted in lifelong friendships.” n

CURIOSITY, COURAGE & CIVILITY

Augustana Launches Election 2024 Initiative to Navigate Polarizing Season

| BY JILL WILSON

As the U.S. general election ramps up, so does Election 2024: Curiosity, Courage & Civility — a university-wide initiative to encourage members of the Augustana community to cultivate curiosity, exhibit courage and practice civility during a polarizing season in America.

“As a university community rooted in faith, we are called to lead with curiosity, courage and civility as we navigate times and topics that can sometimes be divisive and uncomfortable,” said Campus Pastor Rev. Ann Rosendale ‘04, who serves on the initiative’s task force. “God’s love inspires us to respect our neighbors of every political persuasion, and we strive to help every member of the Augustana community grow in the practice of listening to deepen understanding.”

Through a series of events, the Election 2024: Curiosity, Courage & Civility Initiative aims to encourage Augustana students, faculty and staff to celebrate their freedoms and responsibilities as citizens, tend to their mental health and better manage conflict during tense times. The events have provided the AU community with dedicated time and space to reflect on current issues and talk about politics, as well as take breaks from politics.

The series of events began in September with roundtable discussions involving leaders of student organizations on campus and will culminate with the university’s second annual Critical Inquiry & Citizenship Colloquium on Nov. 13-14 — just eight days following the U.S. general election.

The initiative also invites the AU community to sign a pledge, or a commitment to maintain civility while engaging in dialogue with others.

|

BY KEELEY MEIER ‘20

“Augustana students have a well-earned reputation for being curious, engaging and high-achieving,” Annie Johnston ‘25, Augustana Student Association (ASA) president, said. “The Election 2024 initiative is a great opportunity for students to continue to be curious and bold in their journey. By providing events around campus, students and the Augustana community can openly discuss politics (or not) in a forward-thinking, collaborative manner.

“Many of us tend to vent in stifling online echo chambers, but the Election 2024 initiative offers an alternative: engaging with those who hold opposing views, listening carefully and respectfully, and cultivating curiosity rather than arrogance in our beliefs. This is a meaningful initiative, and one with which I hope all students and the AU community engage.”

In 2020, Augustana launched a similar initiative to encourage listening, learning and civil discourse through an effort called “With Malice Toward None,” imagined by the national bipartisan group Braver Angels. n

Some of the events offered for Augustana community members as part of the initiative:

Teaching Past Polarization

A faculty workshop focused on strategies and assignments that help students move beyond social and political polarization to understanding and problem solving

Election Coffee & Conversation

An opportunity to have civil conversation during tense times

Meditation & Mindfulness Sessions

An opportunity to spend time in quiet, contemplative spaces during the election season

Choosing Civility Week

Opportunities throughout the week to exchange views

Faculty-Led Issue Forums

An opportunity to gain understanding of a current issue and listen to varying perspectives of AU community members

Roundtable Discussion

Discussion with President Stephanie Herseth Sandlin and U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds about why respectful debate matters in today’s politics

Campus Green Strolls

An opportunity to release stress and tend to your physical self while taking in the presence of community and nature

Voter Registration Table In the Mikkelsen Library throughout September and October

Living Edie’s Legacy

Bill and Ellen Rydell Name School of Business, Bear Mortenson’s Philanthropic Torch

| BY KEELEY (MEIER) EHRMANTRAUT ‘20

This year’s Viking Days festivities included a special dedication ceremony for Augustana’s School of Business — now the Rydell School of Business, supported by Bill and Ellen Rydell. The Augustana community celebrated on Oct. 3, with a gathering in the Madsen Social Science Center, home of the newly-named school.

The Rydell School of Business — home to eight undergraduate and three graduate programs — is a way for the couple to carry on the torch lit by Ellen’s mother, the late Edith Mortenson Delman ‘41. Mortenson Delman, known as “Edie,” was a proud alumna, and following graduation, managed Augustana’s business office from 1941-45. She later served on the Augustana Board of Regents (now Trustees) for six years.

“Augustana nurtured her and took care of her, and she always wanted to give back,” Ellen said of her mother. “Then, my dad got on board, and they said, ‘We’re going to support this college.’”

The Mortenson Delman family’s major support came in the form of a theatre. Mortenson Delman and her husband, Ed, donated more than $1 million to Augustana in the late 1990s toward the renovation of the “Old Gym.” In 1998, the building was rededicated as the Edith Mortenson Center, featuring a thrust-stage theatre, scene and costume shops, faculty offices, as well as the Mary Harum Hart Actor’s Studio — a black box rehearsal and performance space.

Now, the Rydells are carrying on Mortenson Delman’s legacy with a dedication of their own — choosing to name the School of Business because Mortenson Delman was a proud economics major.

“The Rydell School of Business stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of family, friendship and a deep commitment to honoring Edith and her profound love for Augustana University,” said President Stephanie Herseth Sandlin. “Through their passion and generosity, the Rydell family will empower generations of students and business leaders to pursue excellence, embrace lifelong learning and make meaningful contributions to the world. We are extraordinarily grateful for their lasting impact.”

Dr. Roxanne Stevens, dean of the Rydell School of Business, is excited about all that the family’s gift will make possible.

“The Rydell’s gift will allow the School of Business to launch new initiatives and a student club, such as the Student Investment Club,” Stevens said. “The gift will also provide opportunities for hands-on applied projects for our students that support the community, like the Volunteer Tax Assistance Program (VITA). VITA provides our accounting students with hands-on experience while serving low-income individuals and families throughout the community by providing free income tax preparation.”

Stevens said the Rydell’s gift will also allow the School of Business to offer certificates, credentials and micro-credentials to students, as well as local professionals.

“Earning a credential or micro-credential validates students’ knowledge and skills, enhances their credibility and adds value in resumes, portfolios and job interviews,” said Stevens. “For working professionals, certificates provide validation of current standards, which is especially important in today’s fast-paced business world. Certificates — designed to provide specific skill sets, areas of competency or expertise — provide individuals with a competitive edge.”

“The Rydell School of Business stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of family, friendship and a deep commitment to honoring Edith and her profound love for Augustana University.”

Bill earned a Bachelor of Science in management information systems & decision sciences and Master of Science in computer forensics/ cyber security from George Mason University. He served as communications officer to former Secretary of Defense William Cohen during the late 1990s, and from 2001-09, he served under the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisitions, Technology and Logistics. Since then, Bill has served as a cyber security architect at JPMorgan Chase & Co.

— President Stephanie Herseth Sandlin

For the Rydells, these learning experiences, from student organizations to certificates, are invaluable.

“Higher education opens up a tremendous amount of potential and opportunities for people, and we’ve seen the level of graduates Augustana has produced,” Bill added.

The Rydells, who reside in Alexandria, Virginia, have both had successful careers following their own higher education opportunities.

After graduating from Virginia Tech, Ellen joined the family business, Alexandria Lighting & Supply, where she managed day-to-day operations and bookkeeping until the business was sold in 2019.

Together, Ellen and Bill run the Rydell-Mortenson Foundation. For them, philanthropy — especially toward Augustana — is a familial value. Ellen’s brother and sister-in-law, Eric ‘77 and Danae (Smith) Delman ‘77, are Augustana alumni and longtime supporters of the institution, most recently supporting the Delman Family Student Section in Midco Arena.

“The whole emphasis we have in our family, and my brother’s family as well, is to support this university wherever they have a need,” Ellen said.

This mindset, Ellen said, began with her parents when the Edith Mortenson Center Theatre was built.

“My dad worked very closely with Ivan (Fuller, former professor of theatre and chair of the performing & visual arts department),” said Ellen. “He and Ivan would talk at length, see what the theatre needed and say, ‘We can work toward that.’ We’re hoping with the School of Business that we can do a very similar thing, which is, wherever the need is, that’s where we will try to put our emphasis.”

The Rydells noted that the naming of the School of Business is something they do humbly and with two goals: to give students the tools they need to become successful in the business world and honor the legacy of Ellen’s mother.

“I think she’d be extremely proud of us for doing it and proud of Augie — very proud of Augie for sure,” said Bill. n

Bill & Ellen Rydell, their daughter, Janna, daughter-in-law, Morgan, and son, Will

Sculpting

Augustana Supports Growing Interest in Ceramics

| BY JILL WILSON

When you step into Augustana’s Center for Visual Arts classroom 191, the first thing you notice, of course, is the artwork. Unlike a drawing or painting classroom, though, the pieces are tightly covered and sealed in plastic so the environment doesn’t seep in. You notice because of how much of it there is — shelves, floor to ceiling and wall to wall, adorned with student projects all dedicated to the art of ceramics … plates, vessels, bowls, mugs, tiles and even sculptures.

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree has been gaining interest at Augustana since earning accreditation by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) in 2022 and so has one of its emphases: ceramics.

“I saw that as an opportunity, being newly accredited, to rebuild the (ceramics) program. I was able to design the curriculum of Ceramics I through VI based upon what we needed to be accredited,” said Molly Uravitch, assistant professor of art. “I have three classes each semester, which is a full load at Augustana. I have 47 students right now, and you can see we’re at capacity.”

This is Uravitch’s third year at Augustana — taking over for Professor Emeritus of Art Gerry Punt, a “legend” who taught at the university for nearly 40 years before retiring in 2022.

“When I was interviewing, he (Punt) was here during the demonstrations I was giving and he attended my lecture, so it was nice to know I had his support,” explained Uravitch.

the Future

As the first tenure-track position in ceramics at Augustana, Uravitch knew she had a lot of work to do. To go along with the curriculum, she saw a need to organize and create a healthier, safer environment in the studio.

So, Uravitch, along with several others, got to work. With help of custodian Garry Felsheim and some AU wrestlers, she removed several dumpsters full of material from the classroom and kiln yard. In 90-degree weather, Uravitch and John Peters ‘76, instructor of sculpture & 3D design, deconstructed two 15-year-old gas kilns that Punt built when the CVA was first dedicated in 2006. Viking Football Offensive Lineman and BFA major Brock Fox ‘25 also drove back from his family farm in Iowa over the summer to help haul the metal into a scrap bin.

“Where the garage doors are, there used to be steel tracks where the kiln floor would wheel inside, so in South Dakota winters you could load the kiln indoors, but I saw a lot of unused space,” Uravitch explained. “Because there’s a lot of room for growth within the department, there’s been a lot of great investment from the university in getting new equipment.”

The university invested approximately $300,000 for improvements, which included a new pugmill, two chemical storage tables with 20 bins to prevent less particulate in the air, nearly a dozen new wheels to replace heavy and out-of-date equipment, as well as a shed — designed by TSP and installed by Fiegen Construction Co. — that houses a new Olympic electric car kiln just outside of the classroom. A second gas kiln is also due to make its way to the university soon.

“We are lucky in Sioux Falls to have a ceramic supply company — Dakota Pottery. They are amazing because anytime there is a problem, they’re over here, able to troubleshoot with me. They work with Olympic kilns. We will also have a second kiln, the ‘Cadillac’ of kilns — a Bailey. That’s a high-end kiln that’s coming, which is an atmospheric soda kiln.

“It’s been really great that there’s been a recognition of a need,” said Uravitch. “What’s been amazing is just the incredible response.”

MOLDING FUTURE ARTISTS

It was only a matter of time before Uravitch would become a ceramicist and later, have the opportunity to help design and build an accredited BFA program at Augustana. It’s practically a right of passage, a lineage in her family.

“I’m lucky to have been raised by amazingly supportive parents,” said Uravitch, originally from Arlington, Virginia.

Uravitch’s father worked for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and her mother was a teacher, as well as a mixed-media sculptor.

“If we wanted to hang out with mom on weekends, we were at the studio with her. She was always passing me clay. And then, growing up in (Washington) D.C., we were constantly surrounded by museums, having the Smithsonian and my mom being involved in the art world.”

In addition, her mother’s parents and three sisters are artists. Uravitch’s sister works at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) and went to art school as well. Her family even has a basket made by a relative that dates back to the American Revolution.

“I think I was like 7 when my parents asked me what I wanted to do, and I said, ‘I am gonna be the first woman to bring her dog to space or a ceramicist.’ And then, here I am,” joked Uravitch.

After teaching at the University of Wisconsin-Stout while continuing her own ceramics career for more than a decade, here she is … at Augustana University inspiring the next generation of students like herself.

“There’s opportunities here that I didn’t see at a state school,” said Uravitch. “It’s so exciting to come to a place where most students have two majors or a major and a minor — having that much passion and drive, you can really see that coming through in their artwork.”

…passion and drive that she sees in students like Mattie Tschetter ‘25 and Dima Gilmiiarov ‘25.

“Everyone just kind of beat to their own drum (before), and I noticed that Molly brought everyone together as a community, and that was really exciting,” said Tschetter.

Tschetter, of Rapid City, South Dakota, described herself as “artsy” since childhood — sketching everything from a Kleenex box to the tree in her front yard. Her father also influenced her love for drawing and art. Then, in high school, she was introduced to pottery clay, which sparked her passion for ceramics — something she isn’t alone in at Augustana.

“We have a lot of nursing and psych majors that come in and take this class and realize that we actually do need to invest more into the arts, because it is important for us as humans to have that sort of creative outlet,” said Tschetter.

Unlike Uravitch and Tschetter, Gilmiiarov said his interest in art developed due to the lack of it around him growing up in Russia.

“I would build my own toys and stuff like that,” said Gilmiiarov, who was born in Siberia and moved to Moscow as a teenager. “So, I see it as a mission, like I will create something — something beautiful, so we would live in a more beautiful place.”

At Augustana, he said he found a lot of freedom, which was new to him.

“The teachers encourage you and they appreciate your art. They know your style; they know your techniques. They’re also very invested in your work and always help you on a more meaningful level,” said Gilmiiarov, an art and computer information systems (CIS) double major, who wants to make functional things that are also beautiful.

“The variety of classes that Augustana has provided to me is more than I could ever imagine … the fact that I had a chance or opportunity to take these classes sparked a curiosity in me. Now, I want to try very different forms of art and continue exploring. So, working in a design studio would be nice.”

As for Tschetter, the BFA major and business minor not only wants to work in a studio, she wants to own one. And, now more than ever, she feels equipped to do so.

“It feels good to know that I have a high-quality studio to learn out of…” Tschetter said. “…to help us grow into the best artists we can be.” n

A MODERN MORRISON

Commons Undergoes Renovations

Revamped Ordal Dining Hall

Grand staircase

Modernized serving stations

Simple Servings Station by Sodexo

Redesigned Siverson Lounge

2023-24

1 NCBWA PLAYER OF THE YEAR

2 NSIC FRESHMEN/ NEWCOMERS OF THE YEAR

3

4 NSIC ELITE 18 AWARD WINNERS

5

NSIC COACHES OF THE YEAR

NSIC OUTSTANDING SENIORS OF THE YEAR

6 CSC ACADEMIC ALL-AMERICA HONORS NSIC CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS

7

2024 Alumni Achievement AwArds

| BY KEELEY (MEIER) EHRMANTRAUT ‘20

Each year, Alumni Achievement Awards are presented to Augustana University alumni who have made outstanding contributions to their fields of endeavor, communities and/ or churches. The Horizon Award recognizes young alumni who have graduated within the last 15 years and quickly demonstrated outstanding vocational achievement and provided faithful service to their community and/or church. Recipients of both awards must exemplify one of the shared core values of the university: Christian, liberal arts, excellence, community or service.

PAUL BRUFLAT ‘82 retired in 2023 from a 40-plus-year career with CNA Surety (formerly Western Surety), where he began as an underwriter trainee after graduating from Augustana with majors in business administration and economics. In 2001, Bruflat assumed responsibility for the success of the Sioux Falls operation, growing the organization to 250 employees — producing more than $180 million in annual premium. Bruflat has served on the boards of many local nonprofits, including the Helpline Center, South Dakota Safety Council, Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce, Lutheran Social Services (LSS) of South Dakota, South Dakota Achieve Foundation, Good Shepherd Ministry Center, Sioux Empire United Way (SEUW) and South Dakota Chamber of Commerce & Industry. He chaired the 2015 SEUW campaign — the organization’s first to raise more than $10 million. Bruflat also served as the 2015-16 board chair for the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce. He and his wife, Julie, have five children and three grandchildren.

MARY HAFNOR HANSON ‘65 is the executive producer and host of “The Mary Hanson Show” — the longest-running, independently-produced cable show in the United States. The Aberdeen, South Dakota, native was an Augustana transfer student and English, sociology and education triple major. Influenced by her favorite Augustana professor, Dr. F. Orval Westby, Hafnor Hanson earned a Master of Social Work (MSW) from the University of Minnesota in 1967. After working as a social worker and social services consultant, Hafnor Hanson began producing and hosting a radio show in 1978. After two years, the show evolved into the cable television program, “The Mary Hanson Show,” which focuses on health and social issues. Hafnor Hanson also hosted the children’s television show, “The Wishing Well,” from 1993-2007. Hafnor Hanson has two daughters, Camille and Jennifer, and two grandsons, Makai and Julian.

LOIS (VAN DAM) MARTIN ‘85 is the CFO of Mortenson, a $6 billion conglomerate of development, real estate, corporate private equity and construction entities. Martin is from Dell Rapids, South Dakota, and graduated from Augustana with majors in accounting and business administration. She began her career in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as a certified public accountant (CPA) with PriceWaterhouseCoopers (PwC). Martin later served as the CFO of Ceridian, Capella Education and Deluxe. She has been recognized with many awards, such as Outstanding Director of the Year, CFO Career Achievement, Top 100 People to Know, CFO of the Year, Top 50 Hardest Working Board Members, Minnesota Top Female Finance Executive and Women at the Top. Martin has also served on the boards of A. O. Smith, Donnelley Financial Solutions, Raven Industries, ADC Telecommunications, MTS Systems, Cristo Rey Jesuit High School and Augustana University. Martin and her husband, Tom, have two daughters, Marissa and Alison.

Horizon Award

ALBERT HER MANY HORSES ‘11 is a community leader and teacher at Todd County Middle School (TCMS) in Mission, South Dakota, where he teaches band, chorus and general music. Her Many Horses, who grew up on the Rosebud Indian Reservation, was a music education major at Augustana. At TCMS, Her Many Horses is known for his innovative approach to teaching — producing concerts via Zoom during the COVID-19 pandemic and becoming the first teacher at the school to incorporate iPads into his music curriculum. Her Many Horses assists with the TCMS Wrestling Program and Todd County High School Pep Band. He also serves on the TCMS Parental Advisory Board, as well as the Lakota Language & Culture Committee — advising on the integration of Lakota language and culture within schools. Despite the obstacles facing students at TCMS, Her Many Horses sets high expectations for his fine arts students, encouraging them to strive for their best while fostering self-confidence and responsibility.

AUGUSTANA HONORARY ALUMNI SOCIETY 2024

| BY KEELEY (MEIER) EHRMANTRAUT ‘20

In the spring of 2023, Augustana University established the Augustana Honorary Alumni Society, inducting 23 members into its inaugural class — all of whom were Augustana Trustees Society members, current board of trustees members, former presidents or first ladies.

The honorary alumni society was established to recognize individuals who have shown extraordinary dedication to Augustana’s mission, along with its core values of Christian, liberal arts, excellence, community and service. Through sustained commitment to the university, honorary alumni have demonstrated the gold standard of engagement.

This year, Augustana inducted four members into the honorary alumni society — Paul & Paige Hanson and Bill & Ellen Rydell. The inductees were recognized on Oct. 4, at the Honor Guard Luncheon during Viking Days.

All nominations for induction into the society are reviewed by the AU Alumni Council, then recommended to and approved by the Augustana President’s Council.

The inductees met the following requirements:

• Exemplify one or more of Augustana’s core values; and

• act as an ongoing facilitator of connections for Augustana through one’s personal network — helping to open doors for internships, innovative partnerships, grants and fundraising; and/or

• demonstrate significant financial support for Augustana on an ongoing basis.

Members of the honorary alumni society enjoy special recognition, along with the rights and privileges pertaining to Augustana alumni.

Paige Hanson, of Sioux Falls, formerly worked in television, as well as marketing & public relations for Sioux Valley Hospital (now Sanford Health) and Prairie Lakes Healthcare System in Watertown, South Dakota. Hanson has invested her time, talent and financial resources in improving and strengthening both the Augustana and Sioux Falls communities.

Paul Hanson, of Sioux Falls, is the president & CEO of Sanford Health Sioux Falls — leading the organization’s Sioux Falls market and network operations for facilities in South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa and Nebraska. In addition to fostering the legacy partnership between Sanford Health and AU, Hanson has served on the Augustana President’s Playmakers Executive Committee from 2021-23 to help launch Augustana Hockey and as a mentor for the Augustana Master of Business Administration (MBA) Program since 2022.

Bill Rydell, of Alexandria, Virginia, is a former cyber security architect for JPMorgan Chase & Co. and former director of enterprise services for the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisitions, Technology and Logistics. Rydell has generously supported Augustana’s Edith Mortenson Center Theatre and Center for Western Studies (CWS), as well as impact and endowed scholarships for students and the naming of the Rydell School of Business.

Ellen Rydell, of Alexandria, Virginia, managed day-to-day operations and bookkeeping for Alexandria Lighting & Supply — the family business — until 2019. Rydell is the daughter of the late Edith Mortenson Delman ‘41, for whom the Edith Mortenson Center on Augustana’s campus is named. Rydell has generously supported Augustana’s Edith Mortenson Center Theatre and Center for Western Studies (CWS), as well as impact and endowed scholarships for students and the naming of the Rydell School of Business. n

Bill & Ellen Rydell and Paige & Paul Hanson

A SENTIMENTAL COMBINATION

This summer, Augustana hosted a bid-to-buy online auction for the treasured Morrison Commons mailbox doors. The auction was a first-class success, with 650 mailboxes sold and $39,430 raised for the AU Scholarship Fund.

Dan Ahlers ‘98

“Call me sentimental, but I couldn’t resist bidding on mine.”

Dr. Echo (Bartos) ‘ 14 & Dr. Kyle Kopplin ‘ 14

“Kyle and I met on move-in day freshman year and began dating one week later. We shared our mailbox combinations and used to leave notes and snacks for each other in our mailboxes. What a special memory to have in our home now!”

Linda (Ballard) ‘70 & Robert Hofstad ‘69

In 1968-69, Robert Hofstad ‘69 served as the Augustana Student Association (ASA) president and appointed Linda (Ballard) ‘70 — simply an acquaintance at the time — to the curriculum committee. Needing to send her intercampus mail for the committee but not knowing her box number, Hofstad was forced to ask the mail person. But, Ballard appeared at the mailboxes at the same time, and it struck him: “Why haven’t I asked her out before?”

Now, after more than 50 years of marriage, Hofstad surprised his wife with the mailboxes that started it all.

“Since college, Linda has had a recurring dream that her mailbox is chalk full of mail, but she can’t remember her combination,” Hofstad said. “But, we received the combination with our mailbox doors, so she was finally able to open her mailbox. I have a feeling, after all these years, the dreams may stop.”

Jolene (Boyken) Mittelstedt ‘91 “I attended Augustana from 1987-91. Throughout those four years, my mom would mail me a card every single Monday. She would also send me a letter later in the week, every single week. These letters and cards were the love from home I always needed. Checking my mail in the Commons was one of the highlights of my day.”

Dr. Robert Geigle ‘69

“I graduated from Augustana in 1969 (B.S.) and 1973 (MAT). Despite spending all that time at Augie, I couldn’t recall my box number. So, I bought two — 1223 for my date of birth and 1947 for my year of birth.”

Dr. Rich ‘92 & Tammy Allen “I met my wife, Tammy, the summer after my freshman year at Augie. She went to Concordia College (now University), St. Paul. Needless to say, we had a long distance relationship. We wrote to each other every day. This picture shows the 261 letters she wrote to me. Going to my mailbox every single day to get a letter from my girlfriend (later fiancée) was a highlight of the day.”

Lee Erickson ‘86 & Becky (Flower) Poppen ‘86

Sarah ‘22, Nolan ‘24, Tessa ‘26 & Chloe Frederick

Nancy (Stout) Kiesow ‘93

CLASS NOTES

augie.edu/alumni

THE 2020s

‘20

Malea Hill works in pediatrics at UnityPoint Health - St. Luke’s in Sioux City, Iowa.

Keeley Meier married Berk Ehrmantraut in Sioux Falls on July 27.

THE 2010s

‘18

MacKenzie (Essig) and Clay Kopplin ‘16 welcomed son, Nathaniel, in January.

‘17

Loghan Huiskes Clark and Heath Clark ‘17 welcomed daughter, Hattie, in October 2023.

Kendra (Morgan) Abts and husband, Chris, welcomed their second daughter, Kayleigh Marie, in January.

Heath Clark and Loghan Huiskes Clark ‘18 welcomed daughter, Hattie, in October 2023.

‘16

Kelsey Goplen married Justin Esselink in June 2023.

Clay and MacKenzie (Essig) Kopplin ‘16 welcomed son, Nathaniel, in January.

Brandon and Marissa (Johnson) Mohr welcomed son, Benson Donald, in August.

Augustana (SD) Alumni @AugieAlumni

‘15

Emily (Wehde) Harder and husband, Dallas, welcomed son, August Lee, in February.

Carly (Klaassen) Herum and husband, Bryan, welcomed son, Ky Harlan, in December 2023.

Caroline (Wermers) and Erik Nyberg ‘12 welcomed daughter, Madelyn Darr, in February.

‘14

Audrey Burkart earned a Master of Science (M.S.) in artificial intelligence & machine learning from Colorado State University Global in October 2023.

Maren (Werth) Jordan and husband, Nick, welcomed son, Harvey James, in May 2023.

Kirsten (Nyberg) Palkert and husband, Caleb, welcomed daughter, Camille Dori, in August 2023.

‘13

Grace (Johnson) Martin and husband, James, welcomed son, Ryker James, in April.

‘12

Heidi (Allard) Kutz welcomed son, Jeremiah Jacob, in January. Jeremiah joins big brother, Isaiah.

Erik and Caroline (Wermers) Nyberg ‘15 welcomed daughter, Madelyn Darr, in February.

‘11

Dirk Tedmon received the first National School Communicator of the Year Award from the National School Public Relations Association (NSPRA) in July.

Adam Walsh and wife, Jennifer, welcomed twin boys, Liam and Finn, in January.

‘10

Kimberly Johnson was named Marketing Executive of the Year at the 2024 American Marketing Association (AMA) Iowa’s NOVA Awards and earned best of category in branding. Johnson is the founder and CEO of K. Johnson Studio.

Elizabeth (Soukup) Van Westen and husband, Brandon, welcomed daughter, Eleanor, in July 2023.

THE 2000s

‘09

Charles Buehler earned a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) from Arizona State University in December 2023. His dissertation focused on creating social presence in asynchronous virtual learning environments.

Emma (Abbott) Callahan and husband, Joshua, welcomed daughter, Freyja Onora-Dahlia, in April.

Heather (Barthelman) Coombs and husband, Nate, welcomed daughter, Violette Ann, in February 2023. Coombs is the world languages department chair and a French teacher at Lincoln High School in Sioux Falls.

Emily (Wojahn) Small is the early hearing detection & intervention program coordinator at DC Health in Washington, D.C.

‘08

Alicia (Swalley) Aldrich is a clinical psychologist at LifeScape in Sioux Falls.

‘06

Alexa (Nagel) Linton earned a Master of Science (M.S.) in nursing education from South Dakota State University (SDSU) in May. Linton is a nursing instructor at SDSU for the 2024-25 academic year.

‘05

Jennie Drewes married Brent McCown in Sioux Falls on Sept. 21.

‘03

Jana Hanson is the director of institutional research, assessment & accreditation for the American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC).

Tami (Lanners) Peterson earned a Master of Science (M.S.) in health, physical education and recreation (HPER) from Emporia State University.

‘02

Dr. April (Bobbie) Willman was appointed the Dr. Charley F. and Elizabeth Gutch Chair in Medicine of the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine (SSOM) in April. Willman is the associate dean of SSOM’s Yankton campus and an associate professor in the pediatrics department.

THE 1990s

‘96

Kristi (Kruger) Peterson is the chief marketing officer at Magnattack Global in Burnsville, Minnesota.

Julie Voelker-Morris won the 2023 University of Oregon (UO) Sustainability Award for Excellence in Teaching. VoelkerMorris is the senior instructor in planning, public policy and management at UO.

‘95

Travis Roth celebrated the newest member of his family to become an Augustana alumnus, as his daughter, Lindsey ‘24, graduated in May.

‘94

Jennifer Gerrietts-Masters is a product marketing manager at Flock Safety.

‘93

Kristin (Schmidt) Larson published the novella, Traveling Caravan: Growing Up Under The Big Top Larson is the founder of Simple Kindness and Kind Skin, as well as the inventor of Kool Lips.

‘91

Kari (Ristvedt) Mahaffey is the senior vice president for North American applications at Oracle USA.

THE 1980s

‘88

Julia Berg retired from the National Weather Service (NWS) in February 2022, after nearly 35 years of federal service.

CLIMB WITH AUGUSTANA

‘87

Scott Bratland was named the 2024 Criminal Defense Attorney of the Year by the South Dakota Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (SDACDL). Bratland is a solo practitioner in Watertown, South Dakota, where he resides with his wife, Peggy (Lenards) ‘88.

‘84

Jonathan Mertz is an instructor at the University of Colorado (CU) Denver Business School.

‘83

James Lang discovered and excavated an archosaur trackway which is the subject of the research paper, “Peabody’s legacy: the Moenkopi Formation (Middle Triassic, Anisian) tetrapod ichnofauna — updates from an extensive new tracksite in NE Arizona, USA.”

THE 1970s

‘79

Alan Bruflat received the State Nebraska Bank & Trust Teaching Excellence Award in May.

‘77

Everett Bad Wound is enjoying life.

‘75

Kathleen (Cummings) Webb retired as director of the Marvin Memorial Library in Shelby, Ohio, after more than 30 years in the library field.

‘72

Paul Hansen placed first in the 70-74 age division in the United States Powerlifting Association (USPA) National Championship in July 2023, and International Powerlifting League (IPL) World Championship in December 2023.

Barbara Iverson, who passed away in 2021, was honored with the Barb Iverson Skate Plaza in Sioux Falls, which opened in July.

Brad Johnson was inducted into the 2024 Minnesota State High School League’s Hall of Fame. Johnson served the Spring Valley and Rushford-Peterson School Districts for 38 years. He and his wife, Bonnie, have three children and one grandchild.

‘71

Diane (Dittman) Hanson, Linda (Julson) Holmes, Donna (Johnson) Ozmun, Donna (Dittman)

Peterson, Cheryl (Sawatzke) Routh and Karen (Salem) Sticht met in Las Vegas, Nevada, in March to celebrate their 75th birthdays. “The Round Robins” — named after a round-robin letter the group has circulated since 1971 — met their freshman year in East Hall.

THE 1960s

‘65

Richard Lunder is grieving the loss of his wife, Sharon, who passed away on Feb. 19, following a 4-year battle with colon cancer.

‘00

Joseph Quinn, 46, passed away on Aug. 4, due to a tragic fall at home.

‘93

Gina Marie (Krull) Ditmanson, 58, of Sioux Falls, passed away on April 26, following a short illness.

‘91

Michelle “Shelly” (Deinert) Brockhaus, 54, passed away on March 2, following a battle with melanoma.

‘88

William Crum, 92, passed away on April 1.

‘85

Leann (Kjellsen) Thompson, 61, of Waconia, Minnesota, passed away on April 29, following a courageous battle with breast cancer.

‘84

Paula (Schmidt) Suter, 62, of Tiffin, Iowa, formerly of Ceylon, Minnesota, passed away at the University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center on June 9.

Quentin Neufeld published his memoir, My Life in Broadcasting and Growing up in Minnesota. Nuefeld retired from a 25-year career as a CBS Evening News producer in 2001.

Arley Fadness published a book titled The Ku Klux Klan in South Dakota

IN MEMORIAM

Derek Harmon, 36, lost his lifelong battle with depression in Bakersfield, California, on Aug. 2. ‘06

Krista Larson, 48, passed away on July 25.

‘83

Jay Paul Elpert, 63, passed away at North Kansas City Hospital on June 29.

Eugene “Gene” Marko, 83, passed away in Sioux Falls on Aug. 28. Marko served as Augustana’s director of buildings & grounds from 1978-2009.

Prior to Augustana, he was a member of the Papal Volunteers for Latin America in Panama and hospital administrator in Nebraska and North Dakota. Marko is survived by his wife of 60 years, Mary Ann, and their children, Greg ‘88, Jerry, Stephanie and Shaun ‘94.

‘80

Kenneth “Kenny” Young, of Klamath Falls, Oregon, died at Providence Portland Medical Center on March 27 from complications of acute myeloid leukemia.

‘77

Beth Johnson, 68, passed away in Slinger, Wisconsin, on March 1, following a courageous battle with ALS.

‘74

Dennis Kerkhove, 70, passed away in February 2023.

‘73

Dr. Richard E. Nelson, 73, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away on July 17.

‘72

Dr. John Maresh, 74, passed away quietly on May 17.

‘71

Leah (Pierson) Peden, 75, passed away in Colorado on April 17.

‘70

Ron Kersbergen, 76, of Sioux Falls, passed away on May 11.

Elizabeth “Liz” (Rockman) Wallin, 76, passed away on May 13.

‘69

John Engstrom, 77, of Sioux Falls, formerly of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on March 13.

Stephen “Steve” George, 76, of Coon Rapids, Minnesota, passed away at home on Oct. 20, 2023, following a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Carroll Peterson, 76, died at Sunset Manor Avera in Irene, South Dakota, on June 3.

Joanne Quissell passed away on Nov. 16, 2023.

Arnold “Arnie” Ray, 78, passed away unexpectedly on May 19.

Barbara (Thune) Schommer, 77, of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, passed away on March 11.

‘66

Kathleen (Hays) Emmel, 80, of Ames, Iowa, passed away on June 25, following a short illness.

Nancy (Wahlstrom) VanderHeiden, 79, passed away in Cortez, Colorado, on March 24.

‘65

Loma (Bahnson) Gray, 79, passed away on Sept. 26, 2023.

William Pitts, 77, passed away at Good Samaritan Society - Luther Manor in Sioux Falls on July 19, 2015.

‘64

Carol (Jukam) Bailey, 82, passed away peacefully in Denver, Colorado, on March 30.

Dianne (Larson) Huso, 79, of Stanardsville, Virginia, passed away on May 14, 2022.

Wilbur “Bill” Johnson, 94, passed away at home on May 27.

Dorothy Nygaard-Gibbs, 83, of Sioux Falls, passed away at Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center on June 2.

Charles “Chuck” Valberg, 82, of Watertown, South Dakota, passed away on July 6.

‘63

Nyla (Reetz) Amundson, 81, passed away in Sioux Falls on March 12.

Don Gohl, 82, of Sioux Falls, passed away on May 11.

‘61

Dr. Tom Borgers, 85, passed away on March 22.

Glenn Scharfenorth, 85, passed away in Naples, Florida, on April 25.

Dr. Gary Earl ‘62, of Sioux Falls, passed away on Oct. 2, at the age of 84. Earl earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Augustana and Ph.D. in philosophy and physical & mechanistic organic chemistry from Purdue University. Earl began his teaching career at Capital University and later transitioned into industry at Ashland and Sherex Chemical Companies. In 1994, Earl returned to Augustana, joining the chemistry department as a professor. He taught until his retirement in 2009, earning the title of professor emeritus. During his tenure at Augustana, Earl was honored with the Mildred Niebuhr Faculty Excellence Award. In retirement, he remained a dedicated volunteer at the Center for Western Studies (CWS). He was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra, and son, Erik. He is survived by his children, Nathan, Marna ‘98 and Erika ‘99, his foster daughter, Kendra, as well as four grandchildren and two foster grandchildren.

‘60

Frank Bredeson, 91, passed away in Shabbona, Illinois, on June 27.

Carlan Westre, 87, of Poway, California, passed away on March 11, 2022.

‘59

Joloyce (Larson) Falgren, 86, of Mankato, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on April 2.

Dale Reed Hart, 88, passed away in Sioux Falls on Aug. 12.

‘58

Virginia (Herrboldt) Feiock, 87, of Thief River Falls and Bemidji, Minnesota, passed away on April 10.

Judeen (Swanson) Lee, 88, of Newman Grove, Nebraska, passed away on April 25.

Dean Mann ‘57, of Sioux Falls, passed away on July 31, at the age of 92. Mann served in the U.S. National Guard for more than 35 years and retired as the assistant adjutant general for South Dakota with the rank of brigadier general. Mann graduated from Augustana with a teaching degree and four letters in track & field. In 1957, he began a 36-year career with the Sioux Falls School District — teaching business education and coaching track & field and cross country at Washington High School, and serving as the director of athletics. In 1993, Mann received Augustana’s Lefty Olson Award. In 2007, he was inducted into the South Dakota Sports Hall of Fame and named the National Active Official of the Year for all sports. He was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 60 years, Lorraine, and survived by their daughter, ReNae (Mann) Hays ‘76.

Ronald Robinson ‘57, of Sioux Falls, passed away on Sept. 25, at the age of 88. Robinson earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Augustana and master’s degree from the University of Minnesota.

Early in his career, he worked as a radio announcer and local writer for the Associated Press (AP). In 1962, Robinson returned to Augustana and served as a professor in the English department for 39 years, founding the journalism program. In his retirement, he supported the Center for Western Studies (CWS) and Minnehaha Historical Society, as well as owning and operating Ex Machina Publishing with his wife. Robinson was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Margaret ‘62, and survived by their daughter, Tania ‘89, three grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren.

Dr. Dale Erwin Miller, 87, passed away in Indiana on March 27.

Shirley (Olsen) Raiford, 88, of Anchorage, Alaska, passed away on Jan. 1.

Laurel (Dyson) Roth, 88, of Sioux Falls, passed away at St. Elizabeth Hospice in Edgewood, Kentucky, on April 18.

Joann (Miller) Van Maanen, 87, of Rock Valley, Iowa, passed away on April 18.

‘57

Diane (Johnson) Eitrheim, 89, of Pequot Lakes, Minnesota, passed away on June 16.

LaVern Haas, 89, passed away on June 10.

Paul Kranz, 93, passed away in Woodbury, Minnesota, on June 6.

Lyle Schroeder ‘56, of Sioux Falls, passed away on Aug. 13, at the age of 89. Born and raised in Pipestone, Minnesota, Schroeder graduated from Augustana with a business administration major. Later, he earned a master’s degree in hospital administration from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. During his time at Augustana, Schroeder worked part time at Sioux Valley Hospital (now Sanford USD Medical Center & Hospital), washing walls and doing laundry and maintenance. In 1960, he began his lifelong career as president & CEO of Sioux Valley Hospital — instrumental in establishing what evolved into the long-standing legacy partnership between Sioux Valley (now Sanford Health) and Augustana. Schroeder retired in 1996 with many accolades — Sioux Falls Business Citizen of the Year, South Dakota Hall of Fame inductee, as well as Augustana Alumni Achievement Award and Spirit of Sioux Falls Award winner. He was preceded in death by his wife of 63 years, Betty, and son, Jeffrey, and survived by their children, Sandra and Sheila.

Rev. Bob Newcomb passed away on Aug. 16.

Doyle Selland, 89, passed away at Weskota Manor Avera in Wessington Springs, South Dakota, on June 2.

‘56

Bernard DeWit, 89, of Sioux Center, Iowa, died at Crown Pointe Estates Assisted Living on April 6.

Ardis (Eide) Jons, 90, passed away in Tucson, Arizona, on Dec. 18, 2023.

Jerry J. Mayer, 93, passed away peacefully at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls on April 28.

Barbara (Ohnstad) Olsen, 90, passed away on March 6.

‘55

Willis Hanson, 91, of Sioux Falls, passed away peacefully at home on June 15.

Dorothy (Hogstad) Nichols, 91, passed away at Prairie Lakes Hospital in Watertown, South Dakota, on July 2.

‘54

Herbert Engh, 92, passed away on May 11.

Francis Nold, 95, passed away on June 24.

Dr. Homer Stensrud, 91, of Fargo, North Dakota, passed away on June 11.

‘53

Gwen (Overaas) Pitsenbarger, 93, of Moorhead, Minnesota, died on June 12.

Marlys (Schultz) Strobel, 93, of Topeka, Kansas, passed away on July 16.

‘52

Dorothy Angeline “Angie” (Ausland) Amundson, 96, passed away at Compassionate Cottage in Willmar, Minnesota, on June 21.

Mary (Benson) Hanson, 93, of Bismarck, North Dakota, passed away on April 23.

Rev. Raymond Peterson, 94, of Waseca, Minnesota, passed away on May 2.

LuJean (Ness) Swenson, 93, of Chanhassen, Minnesota, formerly of Fargo, North Dakota, passed away on April 18.

Dr. Donald Thompson, 96, passed away on April 20.

‘49

Robert Harum, 98, passed away in Los Angeles, California, on April 2.

Marjorie (Thoreson) Sanborn, 96, of Sioux Falls, formerly of Hurley, South Dakota, passed away on June 15.

‘48

Phyllis (Scott) Haroldson, 98, of Spencer, Iowa, passed away on March 16.

Shirley (Amundson) Olson, 97, of St. Peter, Minnesota, formerly of Hudson, South Dakota, passed away on April 5.

‘47

Jean (Nelson) Kenison, 99, passed away on March 1.

‘45

Lorraine (Elverson) Manson, 98, passed away on Jan. 24, 2023.

‘44

Margaret (Molberg) Pederson, 102, of Glenwood, Minnesota, passed away on April 19.

Elaine (Frey) Wiese, 101, of Sioux Falls, formerly of Yankton, South Dakota, passed away at Bethany Home - Sioux Falls on March 29.

‘40

Melvin “Mel” Johnson, 102, passed away on Sept. 14, 2023.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The class notes sent to Augustana University come from alumni and/or family members. They may be edited for length and clarity, along with grammar and spelling to reflect the editorial style guide of the university.

Dr. Kenneth “Ken” Kessinger ‘49 passed away in Flandreau, South Dakota, on Aug. 13, at the age of 99. Kessinger, a Sioux Falls native, joined the United States Army Air Forces after high school and served in World War ll as a bombardier in Europe. Following his time in the military, Kessinger attended Augustana as a health, physical education & recreation (HPER) major. He graduated with 12 letters — four in football, four in basketball and four in track & field. Kessinger returned to Augustana in 1954, where he served as a freshman athletics coach, Augustana Baseball coach, as well as an associate professor and chair of the HPER department for 17 years before retiring in 1990. Kessinger earned a master’s degree at South Dakota State University (SDSU) and Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) at the University of South Dakota (USD). He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Lila, and survived by their children, Thomas ‘74, and Kathy ‘90.

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GLORIA DEI LUTHERAN CHURCH SIOUX FALLS, SOUTH DAKOTA DEC. 6 • 7:30 P.M. | DEC. 7 • 4 P.M. & 7:30 P.M.

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