The Augustana: Spring 2023

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

We are delighted to bring you the latest edition of The Augustana magazine, which was produced during our long, challenging winter in Sioux Falls. The Augustana University community demonstrated great flexibility in making the necessary adjustments throughout the season to ensure we stayed on course. The silver lining — abundant moisture makes for a beautiful spring on campus and throughout the city!

Our city’s downtown is dynamic and ever changing, and one of my favorite features is the Arc of Dreams. This landmark sculpture, created by South Dakota Artist Laureate Dale Lamphere, serves as “a tribute to the dreamers of the past and present, and an inspiration to the dreamers of the future.” The extraordinary sculpture inspires gratitude for the visionary leaders and hardworking citizens of this great city. Here, dreams are turned into strategy and strategy into action, making Sioux Falls the vibrant, growing city it is today. Augustana University is blessed to serve as its premier higher education partner, and with the support of so many in the community, the dreams that became our Viking Bold strategic plan are coming true.

Phase II of our Viking Bold journey continues with strong momentum. In the pages ahead, you will read of the Augustana University Fintech Program by Pathward™. Developed and established with the support of Augustana’s strategic partner, Pathward™, N.A., (formerly MetaBank, N.A.), this new and innovative academic program will be the first of its kind in the region — preparing AU graduates to meet the future workforce needs created by the technology-fueled transformation occurring in the financial services industry.

In addition, together with The Promising Futures Fund (a fund of the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation and strong community partner of the Sioux Falls School District), Augustana is providing life-changing opportunities for local eighth grade students and rising ninth graders through high-impact campus visits and summer camp experiences. For example, we are excited to host students for a special podcasting camp in June, offered through the School of Music and Experience Augustana.

I want to thank all of you — alumni, parents and friends — for your incredible generosity in sustaining Augustana’s mission, providing more scholarship support for our students and supporting the Viking Bold campaign. In this issue, we feature Les and Carolyn Svendsen for their lifetime of faithful giving and planned gift to Augustana. You will find their story in the pages that follow.

Finally, Giving Day at AU is coming soon. I invite you to mark your calendars for Friday, May 12, and join us as we “Go for Bold!”

May God bless you and your family with the warmth of His love, good health and peace.

Warm regards,

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.

Stephanie Herseth Sandlin President

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.

CHANGING THE NARRATIVE

Augustana, Promising Futures Partner to Create Experiences for Sioux Falls Students

| BY KEELEY MEIER ‘20

While eighth grade may seem early to start the college search, it’s not too early to open students’ eyes to the possibilities ahead of them. This is what the partnership between Augustana and the Promising Futures Fund seeks to accomplish with Sioux Falls students who may not see themselves on a path to higher education.

The Promising Futures Fund was founded in 2019 by Steve Hildebrand, and is a fund of the Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation. Donations to Promising Futures are used exclusively to support students of low-income families and schools with higher rates of poverty in the Sioux Falls School District.

“Our school district has a poverty rate of 47%, so we work directly with principals and administrators to fund anything related to a child’s education,” Hildebrand said. “A lot of our funding goes to reading programs. We also provide a lot of resources for experiences. Kids in poverty don’t have the same outside experiences that other kids might have.”

One of Promising Futures’ largest initiatives is funding visits to area colleges and universities for eighth graders, which is where Augustana comes in. Promising Futures provides grants to Ben Reifel, George McGovern and Whittier Middle Schools to pay for transportation and other costs, and works directly with campuses to plan the trips. Students’ first visit to Augustana was in October 2022.

When these eighth graders visited Augustana, they arrived at the Elmen Center where they were greeted by the Augustana Drumline and a group of student-athletes. The students learned about Augustana Athletics from Josh Morton, director of athletics, and watched members of the AU Men’s and Women’s Basketball Teams compete in a free-throw shootout. The students then got a taste of the action themselves, competing in a relay race on the basketball court.

From there, students were broken up into groups. One group visited the Froiland Science Complex, where they got to try the Anatomage Virtual Cadaver Table and college-level dissecting in the anatomy lab. Another group headed to the Midco Media Center in the Fryxell Humanities Center, where they tested out equipment, mixed sounds and learned about production. One group spent time in Hamre Recital Hall and experienced its pianos, while another toured the Eide/Dalrymple Gallery.

After the groups rotated and had lunch in the Ordal Dining Hall, the eighth graders met with AU students from the Journey Scholars Program, which is dedicated to supporting and empowering first-year students of color. They ended the day by meeting with theatre students and hearing from a panel of Augustana students — all graduates of Sioux Falls middle schools.

“A lot of these kids aren’t spending much time thinking about their future, or certainly not thinking about it in a way that might expose them to higher education,” said Hildebrand. “Watching these kids when they come onto these campuses, and you see them understand what possibilities exist — it’s life-changing.”

Funding support to Promising Futures for these college visits comes from John ‘90 & Jeanelle (Robson) Lust ‘91, former and current Augustana Board of Trustees members, respectively, and parents of Joe ‘20 and Jack Lust ‘23. The Lusts provided the transformative gift that launched Viking Bold: The Journey to 2030 by naming the Augustana University Sharon Lust School of Education. John also sits on the Promising Futures Fund Board of Directors.

EXPERIENCE AUGUSTANA

Along with creating experiences for Sioux Falls students, Promising Futures helps fund student participation in summer camps. Through Experience Augustana, the university offers summer camps for students of all ages. All camps are project-based and include demonstration/ instruction, interactive practice, development, collaboration, feedback and the assessment of projects.

Promising Futures will fund an Experience Augustana podcasting camp, from June 5-16, for rising ninth graders to get hands-on experience with the same tools used to produce major-label recording artists and binge-worthy podcasts.

“We had the great opportunity to partner with Promising Futures last summer to create an Avid Media Creation Camp, and it ended up being one of the most powerful summer youth programs I’ve ever seen,” Dean of the School of Music Dr. Peter Folliard said. “This year’s podcasting camp is version 2.0 of last summer’s camp.”

Students will gain production experience working with voiceover, music and sound effects. By the end of the 2-week camp, they will have produced the first episode of an original podcast.

“We can’t wait to see all of the creative ways that students are able to express themselves and their ideas through 21st-century media,” said Folliard. n

ShowTime Showchoir Camp

June 5-9 | Grades 8-12

AU Middle School ExploSTEM Camp

June 12-16 | Grades 6-8

Augie Access Experience Camp

June 14-16 | Grades 11-12, South Dakota students

League of Legends Summer Camp

June 30 | Grades 9-12

Pro Tools Educator Workshop

July 5-18 | Adult learners

Augustana Jazz Camp

July 11-14 | Grades 7-12

AU Social Justice: Sociology & Social Change Summer Course

July 17-21 | Grades 11-12

Sibelius Educators Workshop

July 19-28 | Adult learners

AU Junior Gardener Summer Camp

July 24-27 | Grades 3-8

Augustana Athletic Camps goaugiecamps.com

SUMMER PROGRAMS

LEAVING A LASTING LEGACY

Les ‘64 and Carolyn Svendsen ‘66 Say ‘Thank you’ to Augustana Through Planned Gift

| BY KEELEY MEIER

‘20

When A.J. Bergsaker Hall was built in 1963, it was Augustana’s first coed residence hall. To commemorate the occasion, Les Svendsen ‘64 — a junior at the time — was asked to pose for a photo outside the building for the Augustana Alumni Association’s publication, The Augustana College Alumnus.

“The campus photographer, Bill Seward, asked me, ‘Can you find a girl to be in the picture with you?’” explained Svendsen.

Les recruited Carolyn (Hybertson) Svendsen ‘66 — a freshman he had met through a mutual friend and with whom he occasionally shared sticky rolls and coffee.

“Well, she drank Coke, not coffee,” Svendsen clarified.

One year later, the couple — whose first photo together ended up on the cover of the alumni magazine — was married.

‘A FAMILY SCHOOL’

Carolyn, who grew up on a farm north of Centerville, South Dakota, found her way to Augustana through her family.

“It was sort of our family school,” Carolyn said. “My mother had attended, my brother (Ronald Hybertson ‘61) graduated from Augie and I had a few cousins who were students the same time I was.”

Another Augustana connection was Carolyn’s second cousin, the late Harriet Hybertson, professor of education and Augustana Academy distinguished alumnus.

For Les, a Tyler, Minnesota, native, the decision to attend Augustana was guided by his pastor, Norm Eitrheim ‘51, who later guided his career path, too.

“My plan was to go to South Dakota State (University) because it had a school of printing and journalism, and that was a very strong interest of mine,” Les said. “But, Norm was an Augie grad and a big influence in my decision.”

While at Augustana, Carolyn pursued her interests in biology and nursing. Les majored in English and was editor of The Augustana Mirror.

“Serving as editor was one of the most educational, challenging and satisfying experiences that I had (at Augustana). It really warmed the ink in my blood,” Les said.

STICKING AROUND

Even though Les was passionate about journalism, during his junior year, he began to consider a life of ministry. He credits Eitrheim, the late Drs. James Limburg, professor of religion, and Arthur Olsen, professor emeritus of philosophy and religion, as well as the late Campus Pastor Pete (A. Richard) Petersen with guiding him to seminary.

In 1964, after Les graduated, he and Carolyn moved to Minnesota so he could attend seminary. In the Twin Cities, Carolyn, who had completed a licensed practical nursing (LPN) program, began work at Fairview Hospital until a toboggan accident led her to take a break from work.

After seminary, Les’ first call was to St. Philip’s Lutheran Church in Fridley, Minnesota, where Eitrheim was the senior pastor. Les spent a total of 19 years at St. Philip’s — beginning as an intern and ending as senior pastor.

Les was then called to St. John’s Lutheran Church in Northfield, Minnesota, where he discovered another Augustana connection — he would be one of Rev. Dr. Lawrence Stavig’s successors, who served the congregation from 1928-43. Stavig was Augustana’s 15th president (1943-65).

“I felt a little Augustana connection even though I was in St. Olaf (College) land,” Les joked.

As she followed Les to the parishes in which he was placed, Carolyn was recruited to work in a dental office and for a trust company. During the Svendsens’ time in Northfield, Carolyn was the director of a nonprofit that matched up college students and children in the community.

In 2002, Les was called to his final parish, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church (OSL) in Sioux Falls — just across the street from his alma mater. During his tenure, he led the church through a major addition and remodel. In 2012, Les retired.

In between jobs and parishes, the couple welcomed two children who didn’t have to move around much, even as the children of a pastor.

“Our children only had to attend two different schools,” Carolyn said. “That’s not true with most pastor’s kids, but Les wound up staying at each parish for quite a while.”

“When I came to Our Savior’s, I said, ‘I stick around for a long time, so you gotta get used to me,’” added Les.

LEAVE YOUR LEGACY

A planned gift is easy to arrange, costs you nothing during your lifetime, and preserves your savings and cash flow. You can also change or revoke your commitment as needed.

‘A WAY TO SAY THANK YOU’

Throughout their time in Minnesota, the Svendsens continued to hold a special place in their hearts for their alma mater, and they knew they wanted others to experience Augustana, too.

“We both really appreciated our time at Augustana — what we gained educationally, the friendships we made, some of which are still going today, and that it was the Augustana campus where we made our connection,” Les said. “We started giving when I was at seminary — not a huge sum since I was a poor seminarian, but we did give.

“I’m not sure we’ve ever missed a year of giving to the Augustana Annual Fund, so we’ve been regular givers that way,” he continued.

When the couple moved back to Sioux Falls in 2002, along with their regular gifts, they became reacquainted with Augustana’s campus — attending athletic events, concerts and theatre performances, which harkened back to their early romance.

“In the summer of 1963, Dr. Earl Mundt (director of Augustana Theatre) directed and presented a musical, ‘The Fantasticks,’ in Sioux Falls,” Carolyn said. “Les and I didn’t go together, but we both saw and liked it so much that we pooled our money as poor college students and bought the soundtrack record. And, our joke was that we had to get married because we couldn’t decide who would get the record.”

With a deep love of Augustana, when it came time for their estate planning, the Svendsens decided to include their alma mater.

“It’s a way to say ‘thank you,’ and to help make it possible for others to go to Augie — to have the same kind of experiences that we did,” said Les.

“It’s an extremely easy way to give by putting it in your estate plan,” added Carolyn.

To learn more, contact Paul Rasmussen ‘03, director of development, at paul.rasmussen@augie.edu or 605.274.5844.

augiegiving.org

Sixty years after their famous Bergsaker Hall photo, the Svendsens reside in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where they enjoy spending time with their granddaughters when they’re not spending the winter months in Arizona. Even from afar, the couple still holds Augustana close — livestreaming athletic events and subtly encouraging their granddaughters to remember AU in their future college searches. n

Include Augustana in your estate plan and support the university’s Viking Bold strategic initiatives.

NEW AT AU

Science Writing

Augustana will offer science writing as a minor beginning in the fall of 2023 — adding to the list of interdisciplinary academic programs being developed as part of AU’s strategic plan Viking Bold: The Journey to 2030.

Viking Cross Country Victories | augie.edu/XCTop10

In November 2022, Augustana Men’s & Women’s Cross Country (XC) earned top-10 finishes at the NCAA DII National Championship. Women’s XC earned a first-place finish at the NCAA Central Regional Championship — the team’s third consecutive regional title. The women also took first place at the NSIC Championship, winning their second consecutive title. Men’s XC took first place at the NSIC Championship, garnering their 12th title in the past 13 seasons.

Swimming & Diving NSIC Champions | augie.edu/SwimmingChampionship

In February, Augustana Women’s Swimming & Diving won the 2022-23 NSIC Championship. Bryn Greenwaldt ‘26 was named NSIC Swimmer of the Year, and former Head Coach Lindsie Micko was named NSIC Swim Coach of the Year.

Esports Program | augie.edu/EsportsLaunch

In January, Augustana launched its Esports program — the home of organized competitive gaming on campus. The program is led by Jake Mahowald ‘16, inaugural program coordinator.

Call for Code Global Champions | augie.edu/CallforCode

Augustana students Abemelech Mesfin Belachew ‘24, Manusmriti Budhathoki ‘24, Deepak Krishnaa Govindarajan ‘25 and Prana Mohanty ‘25 were named the grand prize winners of the 2022 Call for Code Global Challenge.

Class of 2022 Outcomes | augie.edu/outcomes

A report by the Augustana Student Success Center shows that 99% of 2022 graduates achieved a positive career outcome in 23 states at 134 unique organizations.

DPT Inaugural Cohort | augie.edu/DPT

The Augustana Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program achieved ”candidate for accreditation” status from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). The program will welcome its inaugural cohort in June.

| BY KEELEY MEIER ‘20

Dr. Joel Johnson, professor of government & international affairs, holds multiple degrees in political science, including a Ph.D. Yet, he began his journey in academia as a biology major. He took biology and chemistry courses his freshman year, thinking ahead to a possible pre-medicine track. Johnson also had a passion for history and believed that would be a side pursuit — something beyond what he would do as a doctor or researcher.

“But, what I discovered, in a flash of insight, is that maybe I would want to pursue that interest as a career,” Johnson said. “I had also been developing more and more of an interest in politics and government. So, I started taking classes in both fields — history and political science — and I found that the two really complemented each other.”

Johnson pondered how to use those two majors as a catalyst for a career, eventually landing on the goal of a Ph.D. and teaching at the collegiate level.

“The rest is history,” said Johnson.

“The rest” included earning both a master’s degree and Ph.D. from Harvard University in Massachusetts, then serving as a postdoctoral scholar at Harvard, where he lectured on government.

In 2003, Johnson found his way to Augustana — bringing him back to the state in which he was born. Johnson, who was born in Watertown, South Dakota, grew up in “many small towns throughout the Midwest” and graduated from high school in Thief River Falls, Minnesota. After Harvard, he was ready to return to the Midwest and a tight-knit, liberal arts university.

“I knew about Augustana, of course, because of the ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) consortium,” Johnson said. “I still remember my interview in a low-ceiling hotel ballroom in Boston, with Drs. Joe Dondelinger (professor emeritus of government & international affairs) and Peter Schotten (late professor emeritus of government & international affairs) as the interviewers and being quite impressed by their presence and hoping that I was giving the right answers.

“Then, I came for a campus visit, really enjoyed the place and, fortunately, it worked out,” Johnson continued. “So, 20 years later, here we are.”

‘EAGER TO JUMP IN’

Johnson, who teaches courses in political philosophy, American political thought, politics & literature and Asian politics, will soon take on a new role — Augustana’s interim provost. He was named interim provost by President Stephanie Herseth Sandlin in February, following the announcement that Provost & Executive Vice President Dr. Colin Irvine would be leaving Augustana at the end of the academic year to assume a new role as president of Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, on July 1.

“Dr. Joel Johnson is a renowned scholar and well-respected leader within the Augustana community and beyond,” said Herseth Sandlin. “He will bring trusted and valuable experience, insight and ideas, as well as the innovative mindset so important to successfully achieving the goals set forth in our Viking Bold strategic plan as we navigate the complexities of higher education today. I am excited about what lies ahead and grateful for Dr. Johnson’s commitment to serve the university in this essential role.”

Johnson will begin his role in June and serve in an interim capacity for two years. For Johnson, deciding to step into the role was a process of discernment — one that began in a different country.

“I found out about this when I was co-leading a studyabroad trip to Greece in January. I think I was on a bus traveling through the Peloponnese when I heard the news that Colin was leaving,” Johnson said. “Then, I was joining Zoom meetings with the provost’s cabinet and president when it was the middle of the night in Greece, trying to figure out next steps. I came home, got through my jet lag and started thinking in earnest about whether this was the right time and the right move.

“I came to the conclusion that while there are things that will need to be traded off — the teaching, close interaction with students — that I had developed the experience necessary to have a good crack at this position, and I started feeling like it was the right move at that point,” he continued. “Now, I’m at that point where I’m very eager to jump in.”

Johnson, who is the Sanford Health Peter Schotten Distinguished Professor of Government & International Affairs and chair of the Social Sciences Division, said he’s a curious person and always looking to learn more, especially about Augustana.

“I am always interested in learning more about what’s important to faculty, students, staff and administrators — what is the common interest of us all as we pursue this joint mission of discovery? One thing I would hope for is that people feel like they could come to me and share their hopes and concerns about this place,” said Johnson.

And, it’s this place — Augustana — that Johnson hopes to make better every day through his new role; a place he loves because of the strong community behind it.

“This place works because everyone goes that step beyond where they strictly have to, and that’s the magic that makes Augustana what it is,” Johnson said.

Outside of the classroom and, soon, away from the provost’s desk, Johnson is a violinist — often performing with the Augustana Orchestra. He also enjoys gardening and going on road trips with his wife, Diedre, and children. Two of Johnson’s sons, Aaron and Alexander, are in college, and his 7-yearold, Owen, is already asking when he can go, excited for a life of academia — like father, like son. n

THE START OF ‘ SOMETHING SPECIAL ’

Augustana Acrobatics & Tumbling Makes History With Inaugural Season

| BY RYAN HILGEMANN

On Feb. 4, the Augustana Acrobatics & Tumbling (A&T) Team took to the mat for its inaugural meet — a first for South Dakota and the region. In front of a packed crowd at the Elmen Center, the Vikings hosted the University of Oregon Ducks — a founding member of the sport.

This was a moment nearly three years in the making for Augustana Athletics. The groundwork for Augustana’s A&T program was laid in 2020. At a time when colleges and universities across the country were eliminating sports due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Augustana announced the addition of the sport on Nov. 19, 2020, along with the men’s swimming & diving program.

“Acrobatics & tumbling is a great addition for the Augustana community and Sioux Falls, and AU Athletics is proud to be part of a university that is always looking at unique and innovative ways to grow and serve students,” Director of Athletics Josh Morton said.

Recognized as an NCAA emerging sport, acrobatics & tumbling is the evolution of different forms of gymnastics, as well as the athletic aspects of competitive cheerleading — primarily recruiting women who competed in these sports in high school. It is not uncommon, though, for divers, track & field and weightlifting athletes to be members of an A&T roster. Individuals and small groups execute acrobatic lifts, tosses, pyramids and tumbling.

Acrobatics & tumbling was created for the collegiate level, and first held competition in 2010 with six founding schools. It has since taken off, with more than 50 institutions sponsoring the sport.

‘COMPETE TO WIN’

In July 2021, Kaelyn Cowan was named Augustana A&T’s inaugural head coach. Cowan, who was a national champion as both a student-athlete and assistant coach, immediately got to work building the program and recruiting a team.

“The main component was a blend of quantity and quality,” Cowan said. “I would explain my goals and that this is a first-year program and we would be learning from the beginning. But, I also said that, at Augustana, we compete to win.

“The culture for our acrobatics & tumbling team focuses on four ‘buckets,’ as we call them. These buckets are communication, accountability, respect and discipline. Every athlete knew these buckets and the expectation behind each before they committed to Augustana. They understood the expectation of being a Viking.”

As Cowan established the culture and expectations, along came the commitments.

“The talent came,” Cowan said. “The Midwest has impeccable athletes from gymnastics and competitive cheerleading backgrounds. Acrobatics & tumbling was just not well-known in the area when I first began to recruit. My job was to explain to these athletes what this sport was about and why Augustana was the place to be. Augustana sells itself once the athletes get on campus.”

In November 2021, Cowan announced a signing class of 17 student-athletes. That class grew to the inaugural roster of 24 student-athletes, featuring a well-blended mix of area graduates and nationwide talent.

“Being part of an inaugural team is an exciting experience,” said Raena Rost ‘26, a base/tumbler. “I feel honored to be part of something new and groundbreaking. Acrobatics & tumbling gives female athletes another avenue to compete at the collegiate level.

“I love having the chance to work with other talented athletes toward a common goal and learn and grow from the experience,” Rost, a Madison, South Dakota, native, continued. “The Augustana community has been so supportive, and it’s been so fun to see the excitement about the A&T team all around campus.”

The team met for the first time in September 2022 when practices began.

“I would say two different emotions came to the surface when I finally saw 24 student-athletes sitting in front of me,” Cowan said. “The first was pure excitement. Coaching is my job, and I had not been able to fully interact with athletes every day. I was excited to finally begin to set the dream that Augustana began to embark on almost two years prior into full motion.

“The second emotion was a sense of peace. The athletes were here. They were on campus. We had completed our first class.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

WHAT YOU’LL SEE AT A&T

An acrobatics & tumbling meet consists of six events. The first event is compulsories, followed by three heats within the acrobatics event. This is followed by the pyramid event and halftime. Then, student-athletes compete in the toss, tumbling and team events. A running score is kept, and the team with the most cumulative points at the end of all six events is the winner of the meet.

A Wind ing Road

Alumnus, Pastor Back at AU Where His Love for Leading All Began

| BY JILL WILSON

While this story is about Augustana Campus Pastor Rev. Jon Splichal Larson ‘06, it begins with an Augustana alumna — his mother.

Miriam (Ulring) Larson ‘73, graduated from Augustana Academy in Canton, South Dakota, in 1969 — just two years before it closed its doors. In addition, Miriam and her four siblings, David Ulring ‘69, Rev. Paul Ulring ‘69, Rhoda Ulring ‘80 and Rebecca (Ulring) Black ‘80 all graduated from Augustana College. These connections, including his cousin who was an Augustana student, gave Splichal Larson a familiarity with the college. He was also familiar with the city as his father, David Larson, a former window and door business owner turned lawyer, had grown up in Sioux Falls. The magic that is Augustana took over from there.

“I went to a choir concert when they were on tour one year and was amazed. I knew I wanted to sing in the choir wherever I went, and did the ProMusica audition with Dr. (James) Johnson,” said Splichal Larson. “That was a huge draw for me.”

The Minnesota native came to Augustana not quite knowing what he wanted to pursue, perhaps a profession related to music or education. But, what happened next is what helped him really “see the next step.”

“My mom is deceased. She died my first year of college,” said Splichal Larson. “When a parent dies, it is hard in a lot of ways, including financially. So, the Dean of Students Office really helped me get other grants and loans to make it affordable to stay.”

In working through his mom’s death, Splichal Larson threw himself into the Augustana campus community. He became a Viking Advisor (VA), New Student Orientation leader, president of the Chapel staff, was the recipient of the Covenant Award exemplifying the Christian core value, as well as Viking Days King in 2005. As part of the Augustana Choir, he traveled for international tours to Ireland and Tanzania, Africa, which he said opened him up to the global church and societies. While some of his family members were pastors, it wasn’t until Splichal Larson took some religion classes and built connections with those professors that he “drifted into the religion, religion/philosophy majors.”

“I worked at a Bible camp and that was also really formative in terms of seeing my ability to be a leader in the church,” said Splichal Larson.

Following graduation, Splichal Larson went on to pursue a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) at Wartburg

Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, with hopes of one day becoming an Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) pastor. However, after being invited to Haiti by the Eglise Lutherienne d’Haiti (ELCA in Haiti) on a January Interim (J-Term) trip with his classmates in 2010, tragedy struck again. During a massive earthquake, the building in which they were staying, St. Joseph’s Home for Boys — an orphanage, guest house and faithful community — collapsed on Jon, his cousin, Ben Splichal Larson, and Ben’s wife, Renee. Along with hundreds of thousands of others, Ben didn’t make it out of the rubble alive.

“After the building collapsed on us, and as we searched for Ben in the rubble, Renee heard Ben singing ‘Lamb of God.’ In his death, Ben lifted a song of prayer and hope for the sake of the world,” said Jon. “The people of Haiti demonstrated deep faith and courage following the earthquake, and it was the ELCA and wider Lutheran church that coordinated and led the recovery of Ben’s body.”

Out of tragedy, something good transpired. After both were called to serve as pastors in North Dakota, Jon married the woman who had experienced the same inconceivable grief — Rev. Renee Splichal Larson.

“We believe in resurrection from the dead for our dear Ben, and for all — that genuine joy can exist even in deep grief. The grief continues, as we will always miss Ben terribly. Renee and my love for Ben, the support of our families, perseverance and faith of the Haitian people, and presence of God: those are the things that drew us together in life and marriage,” added Jon.

And, as it turned out, it’s Renee’s most recent calling to serve the South Dakota Synod that led to Jon’s return to Sioux Falls 3.5 years ago. He then returned to Augustana

when a second pastor position opened up on campus last year.

“I love Augustana and I feel exceedingly fortunate to do this,” said Jon.

Jon said he now has the “privilege” of serving alongside his former classmate Campus Pastor Rev. Ann Rosendale ‘04 — both once under the direction of former Campus Pastor Rev. Dr. Paul Rhode.

“It’s great to have a trust level with your colleagues, especially in ministry,” Jon said, of Rosendale. “Pr. Paul Rhode and I, we’re still very close. He’s giddy that I serve here, in this capacity.”

Just like Rhode, Jon said he’s “over the moon” with the “cornucopia of learning opportunities” available to him at Augustana.

“Having conversations with amazing professors and administrators who are experts in their field of study, it’s not often that we get to be exposed to that on a regular basis, and to consider them colleagues and friends, is huge,” Jon said.

This position has also been a learning curve for Jon. He said serving in campus ministry is much different than the congregational setting.

“It’s humbling. I really enjoy it, and Pr. Ann does a great job helping us have the mindset that we’re here to serve the students and we’re also here as pastors to serve the whole community,” said Jon. “Being here has helped me to grow in my understanding of how to answer the question of how to be a faithful Christian in the midst of a pluralist world.”

Nearly 15 years after graduating from his alma mater, he is still learning and growing, and planting the same seed his family members did so many years ago…one that begins at Augustana.

“My children are just avid Vikings fans now!” said Jon. n

A STEP AHEAD

AU TO LAUNCH FIRST FINANCIAL TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM OF ITS KIND IN THE REGION

| BY KEELEY MEIER ‘20

In Fall 2023, Augustana will launch its newest academic program, Augustana University Fintech Program by Pathward™. With the support of Augustana’s key strategic partner, Pathward™, N.A., (formerly MetaBank, N.A.), the major will be the first of its kind in the region.

“Through this innovative new academic program, students will gain a thorough understanding of both traditional financial services and the core technologies driving the fintech revolution,” said President Stephanie Herseth Sandlin. “In addition to attracting undergraduates interested in the fintech major, we look forward to providing professionals already working in the financial industry with the opportunity to upskill through certificate programs and microcredentials.”

Dr. Raymond Leach, assistant professor of computer science and business administration, is the program’s inaugural director.

“Dr. Leach is a fantastic teacher,” said Dr. Colin Irvine, provost & executive vice president. “He’s able to convert problems, possibilities and ideas into curricula that are experiential, that take data sets, issues and problems from these intersecting fields and convert them into open-ended, authentic student learning experiences.”

Prior to Augustana, Leach served as a research associate at the Claremont Institute for Economic Policy Studies and statistics instructor at California State University, Los Angeles. Leach earned a Ph.D. and Master of Arts in economics from Claremont Graduate University and Bachelor of Science in economics and statistics from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. He also earned a certificate in machine learning from Stanford University.

“Fintech is the use of technology to make financial services better, faster and more convenient,” said Leach.

Fintech consists of four verticals or specializations: payments space or the process of transferring money electronically; lending, which includes peer-to-peer and micro loans; wealth management or optimizing portfolios, as well as buying and selling stocks and assets; and blockchains, which are public ledgers of cryptocurrency transactions that exist across a network.

The Augustana University Fintech Program by Pathward major will be interdisciplinary; students will take accounting, finance, computer science, statistics and economics courses. Students will also complete an internship, arranged by Augustana, with local companies.

In addition, Leach developed three courses specific to the program — the introductory course, Principles of Fintech, will be an overview of the four verticals. The other courses, Financial Institutions and Banking as a Service, will take an in-depth look at the functions of commercial banks, regulations of banking services and emerging bank technologies.

“The program is immediately going to stand out and appeal to students who are looking for practical knowledge that applies to the workforce,” said Leach. “The skill sets and tools we’re going to be able to teach them — that specific bundling of computer programming and data analytics, and the topics specific to fintech, along with internships — are going to be huge.”

The first Augustana University Fintech Program by Pathward course is set to be offered in the fall, and the first cohort is projected to graduate in 2027.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15

A KEY PARTNER

As a bank that has relationships with many fintechs through its Banking as a Service strategic business line, Pathward said it supports the opportunity to collaborate with Augustana and provide students with the ability to learn about the banking and payments industry.

“Sioux Falls has a strong banking and fintech presence,” Pathward Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Glen Herrick said. “With Augustana’s close proximity and reputation for producing highquality graduates, the program is a natural alliance.

“The fintech and banking segment have many opportunities for talent development and growth, and Augustana Fintech students will be well-positioned to take advantage of these opportunities. With the knowledge and confidence they gain through the program, we expect they will hit the ground running upon graduation.”

Augustana University Fintech Program by Pathward is supported by a team of corporations serving on an advisory board — MarketBeat, The Bancorp, CAPITAL Services, Goal Solutions, PREMIER Bankcard and Central Payments, as well as Pathward.

FINTECH COURSEWORK

Course Title

Principles of Accounting I

Principles of Accounting II

Principles of Finance

Advanced Finance Investment Fundamentals

Ethical Issues in Technology

Management Information Systems I

Computer Science I

Computer Science II

Principles of Microeconomics

Principles of Macroeconomics

Intro to Stats Using R

Principles of Fintech Financial Institutions

Banking as a Service

FOR THE GREATER GOOD

When Henry Sule ‘24 heard that Augustana would be adding the Augustana University Fintech Program by Pathward, he said it was perfect timing. The finance and computer information systems double major sees fintech, or financial technology, first and foremost as a way to serve and educate others.

“When I started, I didn’t really know a lot about finance, so I realized technology could be a way to bridge that (knowledge) gap,” Sule said. “That was how I learned about fintech. I know there are different routes you can take with fintech, but I see it as a potential tool to help other people.”

Although Sule won’t graduate with a fintech major due to his status as an upperclassman, he plans to make the most of the upcoming fintech curriculum with Leach’s help.

“(My majors) are intentional,” Sule said. “I was interested in fintech, but there was no major at the time. So, I thought finance and computer information systems would be the best way because of conversations with Dr. Leach. He’s been helping me, as my advisor, tailor my (majors) to get fintech experiences without the actual major.”

Sule hopes to take the skill sets he gains from the fintech courses and bring them home to Jos, Nigeria.

“Back home, a lot of people are not enrolled in formal banking systems or financial institutions,” said Sule. “I see using (fintech) as a way to give power to everyday users because you can only have banks situated in major cities, whereas you can have fintech platforms on your phone, regardless of where you are. I see it as an opportunity to uplift the majority of the population, as opposed to just the urbanized areas.”

And, Sule knows he’s not the only student excited about the upcoming program.

“I know a lot of students who are looking for that technical computer science background with finance, accounting or management,” said Sule. “It’s become apparent how important technology is, regardless of which field you are in. And, I think this sets Augustana apart.” n

“ The program is immediately going to stand out and appeal to students who are looking for practical knowledge that applies to the workforce.”

— Dr. Raymond Leach

MORE THAN JUST COMPETITION

Viking Student-Athletes Build Sense of Community Through Service

| BY JILL WILSON

All-NSIC Athlete; NSIC Individual & Team Conference Champion; NSIC Player of the Week; NSIC Player of the Year; All-America Honoree; Academic All-NSIC Student-Athlete; and Academic All-America Honoree. Headlines surrounding what Augustana University student-athletes are doing in their sport and the classroom are very familiar, but we don’t always hear what they’re doing to make the community around them a better place. But, as you’ll discover, they are truly making a difference in this arena as well.

MAKING WISHES COME TRUE

“I think the more you get involved in the community, the more you actually see the community for what it’s worth,” said Justine Stellmaker ‘23, an elementary education major who just finished her swimming career at Augustana.

The Victoria, Minnesota, native has been a member of the Augustana Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) since her sophomore year. Throughout her time on the committee, Stellmaker said it has not only established mental health initiatives benefiting fellow student-athletes, but along with other NCAA-member institutions, supported the Make-A-Wish Foundation in making dreams come true for children with life-threatening illnesses.

“Last year was especially exciting because we were able to raise enough money to do a Make-A-Wish reveal,” Stellmaker said. “That was so special.”

Most recently, the committee was able to grant a 14-year-old, who was diagnosed with leukemia, his wish of having his very own golf cart. With the Augustana Spirit Squads, Ole and the Viking Marching Band in tow, SAAC and Make-A-Wish South Dakota & Montana were able to surprise the Big Stone City, South Dakota, resident with the golf cart and a party on Augustana’s campus.

Since 2003, Division II institutions have raised more than $6.75 million, granting more than 780 wishes through the Make-A-Wish Program.

EYE-OPENING OPPORTUNITY

Erin Danielewicz ‘25, of Mount Prospect, Illinois, is a sprinter on the Viking Women’s Swimming & Diving Team. As a secondary education and chemistry double major, she has aspirations of one day becoming a high school chemistry teacher.

“As soon as I saw the Froiland Science Complex, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, this is where I need to be,’” said Danielewicz. “I was doing a lot of praying about it and soul searching to figure out where I needed to go. And, my grandpa passed away right before it was that time to make those decisions, and when we went to clean out his house, he had a bunch of pictures of Mount Rushmore on his wall. It was a bunch of stuff that all added up into one. It’s a choice that I felt very confident about and happy with.”

As it turned out, just as much as Danielewicz needed Augustana, the community needed her, too. After she started attending Central Church in southwest Sioux Falls as a freshman, the staff began asking for volunteers to tutor elementary-age children at its downtown campus who were struggling with reading. She jumped at the opportunity and hasn’t looked back since.

“I’ve been a part of their Monday night tutoring program. The goal is to connect kids to the Bible, and give them a sense of belonging and community because their home lives aren’t always that great. We’re also trying to get them to learn and teach them how to read,” Danielewicz said.

“She’s been a super volunteer from the start,” said Central Church Downtown Preschool Director Jessi Copeland. “This year, I brought her on as part-time staff. She rides our preschool bus and takes the kids home from school in the afternoons with our bus driver, and the kids have fallen in love with her, the families know her and she has become a really important person around here.”

Growing up in a middle-class family in the northern part of Chicago, Danielewicz said this opportunity has opened her eyes.

“I’ve learned that not everybody is as fortunate and not everyone’s homelife is as amazing as mine was,” said Danielewicz.

Like a proud mom, Danielewicz talked about the improvements she has witnessed in the children she has mentored — a fifth grader who came to her reading at a third grade level, and is now beyond where they need to be. And, when a group of siblings needed coats for the winter, she purchased them.

“Just seeing how the girls reciprocated…,” Danielewicz trailed off, unable to finish what their reaction meant to her.

“I think, especially with my major, it just makes me feel confident in the choice that I’ve made — that education is the right decision for me,” Danielewicz said. “I think, in the end, it will make me a better teacher and a better person.”

Danielewicz also recruited her swimming & diving teammates to join her on Monday nights — she recruited another teammate to run a male LifeGroup for seventh graders.

“I’m just blown away by their commitment and their selflessness and just the way that they prioritize this. They also value it,” Copeland said. “They’re not just trying to get this on their resume — they really care. They really see the value in ‘walking’ beside these people each week.”

“I think a lot of people have seen how much joy it’s brought me,” Danielewicz said. “Opening those doors for opportunities and having people just jump right in definitely makes me feel good. It just helps me build better connections with all those who are willing to partake, and those who don’t have the time ask how things are going. It’s really just made me feel like I belong here.”

LUNCH TO LEADING

For Augustana Volleyball, it was a connection the team already had that led to an invaluable service opportunity. Ann Just, a certified NCAA line judge, who also keeps the book for AU Basketball and is a physical education teacher, invited Volleyball Head Coach Jennifer Jacobs to lunch. That’s where the conversation started about the need for volunteers for the Reaching Independence through Structured Education (RISE) Program at Terry Redlin Elementary School in Sioux Falls.

“Ann was like, ‘If you ever have a chance to come in and help, we would love to have you,’” recalled Jacobs.

That was two years ago. Ever since, the volleyball student-athletes and coaches have been volunteering in Just’s RISE class with kindergarten and first graders with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities for an hour at least once or even twice a week.

“Usually, we have three to five players every time and the kids get this one-on-one care. It’s been really awesome,” said Jacobs.

Whether it’s stretching, galloping, rolling a ball back and forth, doing sit-ups or racing scooters, the team “walks” beside them.

“There’s one kid who loves to be chased, so we chase them to get them to go,” laughed Jacobs.

“It’s nice to have extra hands to get that one-on-one (attention) because they have different levels of abilities,” added Just.

At the same time, they’re building connections.

“When you first go (to volunteer), it’s jarring. I’m not going to lie,” admitted Jacobs. “We all get stuck in our own little worlds of privilege. It takes a little bit of time, myself included, to adjust, but once you’re in, the kids are so much fun when they start responding to you. It’s so much fun to see them do something with you that they might not do with somebody else. It’s heartwarming.”

“It’s been really cool to watch the Augie students develop that type of relationship with the kids,” Just said. “Some kids will have a hard time making eye contact. So, even if we can get them to look up or smile or their eyes will get bigger because they have that recognition of, ‘I know who this is. I’m safe or comfortable with them.’”

In May of last year, after fundraising at a club tournament hosted by AU, the team was able to present Just with a $1,000 check for equipment in the gym, which was spent on special scooters and blocks for RISE students. And, after Just reached out to Viking Head Softball Coach Gretta Melsted, players from other teams — Augustana Softball, Baseball and Women’s Basketball — started helping out as well.

“It’s great to do one-off service events, but I would rather build a longer, deeper relationship where they can always count on us and we can always just be there,” Jacobs said.

And, maybe this story will serve as a reminder to never pass up a lunch date — you just never know where it might lead. n

‘TRULY SOMETHING SPECIAL’

In January, a few weeks before the inaugural meet, Augustana A&T held a showcase — allowing the team to perform in front of a crowd for the first time. Augustana faculty, staff, fellow student-athletes and families showed up to the Elmen Center to get their first glimpse of the sport.

In February, the team returned to the Elmen Center for its inaugural meet against the fifth-ranked University of Oregon Ducks. The contest marked the first competition between these two universities in any sport.

“Never in my life did I think I would compete against the Oregon Ducks in any sport,” Rost said. “Oregon is known in the acro & tumbling community as being one of the top teams. Not only was it exciting to compete against them, but exciting to watch them in person.”

As the crowd piled in, it was obvious that this new sport was catching on in Sioux Falls.

“I was so nervous before the meet, but seeing the stands full of students, faculty, family and friends helped calm my nerves because I knew our team had so much support,” said Rost.

“One word comes to mind — proud,” Cowan added. “Our team came into a gym with an enormous crowd and competed. They held a composure that I have only seen with veteran programs. They trusted in themselves, their training and, more importantly, each other. I have never seen a team like Augustana Acrobatics & Tumbling season one, and it is truly something special.”

As the meet progressed, it became clear that Augustana A&T was not just composed. They were there to compete.

“I was proud of the coaching staff,” Cowan said. “Sophia Gardner (graduate assistant), Maggie Kadrlik (graduate assist) and Alexis Hildahl (assistant athletic trainer) have been on board with the processes from the beginning. They understood the goal, and they knew that each athlete had it in them to be part of the best start-up program in the country.”

Although the final score did not favor the Vikings in the inaugural meet, two weeks later, in only their second competition, Augustana traveled to Mequon, Wisconsin, and recorded their first win in program history against Concordia University Wisconsin — the 2022 Division III Champions.

“We want to be the best version of Augustana Acrobatics & Tumbling that we can be,” Cowan continued. “We use #WeWork as a team motto. We are working to be better athletes. We are working to be better teammates. We are working together. Our goal is to outwork everyone else in every capacity.”

As the inaugural year moves toward the second, Cowan expects the growth to continue but the foundation to remain.

“Year two will be no different when it comes to the culture and values of this team,” she said. “We will always refer back to our buckets and be the hardest workers in any room. We are adding so many talented athletes to the talent we already have. Our goal will be to raise the bar and continue to grow each day.” n

Photo courtesy of Augustana Athletics/Jurgens Photography

Ava Robel Sara (Wattier) ‘04 & Justin Robel ‘03

Brynn Dreke Matt ‘03 & Amy Dreke

Braxley & Kinsley Nath Mallory (Edwards) ‘16 & Lucas Nath

Aubreanna Cade Jade Cade ‘24

Maslow Howard Freligh Son of Drs. Lindsay Howard & Charles Freligh, assistant professors of psychology

Henry Hilgemann Son of Ryan Hilgemann, associate athletics director of communications

Maggie Blaine Niece of Trent Singer, social media & online communications strategist

Cerulean Kopplin Echo (Bartos) ‘14 & Kyle Kopplin ‘14

Haven Broin Joy (Lussenden) ‘10 & Adam Broin ‘10

Jack, Ian, Lily & Weston Gulden Megan (Boeve) ‘09 & Eric Gulden ‘04

Conor Collins Grandson of Robin Anderson Spronk, director of development

Everett McMullen Elisa (Berndt) ‘15 & Sam McMullen

&

Thomas Ellett Clarissa Thompson ‘09 & Wade Ellett

Collins Willett Dani (Magdzas) ‘16 & Malcom Willett ‘16

Walter Singh Hannah (Thorp) Singh ‘17

‘

‘

& ‘

‘42

‘45 THE AUGUSTANA | SPRING 2023 23

CLASS NOTES

Augustana (SD) Alumni

THE 2020s

‘22

Anna Rose is a local extension educator at the University of Minnesota Extension Service.

‘21

Chase Ditmanson received the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses at Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center in November 2022.

Mikaya Elliott married Dalton Lund on June 4, 2022.

Victoria Lind is working part time as a carnivore keeper at Dakota Zoo in Bismarck, North Dakota.

Bella (Eveleth-Jensen) Oliver and husband, Andrew, welcomed son, Brooks, in June 2022.

‘20

Anne Marie Fisher is a marketing specialist at the Sanford Health Foundation.

Logan Hattervig is a financial professional at Thrivent Financial in Sioux Falls.

Hosea Kost is the director of alumni engagement & event services at Augustana University. He earned a master’s degree in communication at the University of South Dakota in 2022.

Makayla (Kuhn) Siebenaler and husband, William, welcomed daughter, Melody, in February 2022.

Jacob Toso is working toward a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from the University of Jamestown in North Dakota, with an anticipated graduation date in May 2023.

THE 2010s

‘19

Jenna Glassburner earned a master’s degree in classical languages & literature at Texas Tech University in 2021.

Charlie Iversrud and Katelyn Derby ‘18 were married on July 16, 2022.

Devin Kilpatrick married Nicholas Ries on Oct. 1, 2022.

Leah Seivert and Scott Tanis ‘18 were married on June 4, 2022.

Joscelyn (Schipper) Stoll and husband, Aaron, welcomed daughter, Virginia Elaine, in September 2022.

Jade Vipond married Michael Cotter on Jan. 7. Vipond is working toward a Ph.D. in cancer biology at North Dakota State University, with an anticipated graduation date in 2026.

Sara Waldner is the director of client service & business development at The Sampson House in Sioux Falls.

‘18

Katelyn Derby and Charlie Iversrud ‘19 were married on July 16, 2022. Riley Nordquist and wife, Betsy, welcomed son, Nolan Drew, in August 2022. Nordquist is a content specialist at Sammons Financial Group.

Elijah Noterman and Haley Schoenecker were married on June 4, 2022.

Hannah (Guggisberg) Schmit and husband, Brandon, welcomed son, Bennett, in November 2022.

Scott Tanis and Leah Seivert ‘19 were married on June 4, 2022.

Kasey (Geiger) Thom and husband, Gage, welcomed son, Jeremy, in September 2022.

‘17

Becca Toso Mahowald and Jake Mahowald ‘16, welcomed son, Leland Jonathan, in August 2022. Becca is the choir director at Tea Area Middle School. Kaylyn (Deiter) Mehlhaff and husband, Joseph, welcomed son, Peter Michael, in September 2022.

Hannah (Thorp) Singh welcomed son, Walter, in September 2022.

Mariah (Legred) Snaza and husband, Jalen, welcomed son, Amos, in December 2021.

Jennifer (Inselmann) and Eric Voss ’15 welcomed daughter, Theodora Grace, in May 2021.

‘16

Jake Mahowald and Becca Toso Mahowald ‘17, welcomed son, Leland Jonathan, in August 2022. Jake is the assistant band director at Roosevelt High School in Sioux Falls and inaugural program coordinator of the Augustana Esports Program.

Jesse Nelson and Monica Gutierrez were married on Feb. 18.

Ivy Pearson married Tyler Stenzel on Feb. 8, 2022.

Ashley Schurr married Derrick Ettel on Nov. 5, 2022.

Tanner Taylor and Kirsten Noska ‘15 were married on July 10, 2021.

Malcolm and Danielle (Magdzas) Willett welcomed daughter, Collins Lucille, in October 2022.

‘15

Derek Dvorak is employed with Burton Snowboards in Colorado.

Megan (Raposa) Sonsalla and husband, Royal, welcomed daughter, Juniper, in January 2023. She joins big sister, Margot.

Kirsten Noska and Tanner Taylor ‘16 were married on July 10, 2021.

Eric and Jennifer (Inselmann) Voss ’17 welcomed daughter, Theodora Grace, in May 2021.

‘14

Melissa (Tuschen) Braun and husband, Kyle, welcomed son, Berkley Edward, in April 2022. Braun is a speech-language pathologist with Teachwell Solutions. Ashley Erschens is a certified athletic trainer at Children’s Hospital of Colorado. She earned a master’s degree in postprofessional athletic training at Missouri State University in 2016.

Jami (Reller) Tanner and husband, Hayden, welcomed son, Gentry Jay, in September 2022. Tanner is the director of member services & sales at Willmar Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce in Minnesota.

Amanda Turner earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota in 2022. She is a senior manager at Verizon.

Jordon Boe and wife, Mary, welcomed son, Cameron, in November 2021. Boe is the assistant athletic director of ticketing & annual giving at Augustana University.

Sean Derry is a project manager at Profile Plan in Sioux Falls. Derry earned a master’s degree in sports administration & leadership at Augustana University in 2018.

Sanna (Horsley) and Adam Strenge ‘09 welcomed son, Shepherd Bryt, in December 2022. ‘12

Jared Drenkow is a physician at Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center. He and wife, Maria, have two children, Grey and Clara.

Maggie Olson married Jeff Taylor on Sept. 24, 2022. They reside in Akron, Ohio.

Sawyer Vanden Heuvel is an intern pastor (vicar) at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls. After his internship, Vanden Heuvel will be ready for ordination and a call in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).

‘08

Carrie (Burns) Biondi is the senior director of marketing at the Sanford Health Foundation. Carrie and husband, Luke ‘06, have two children, London and Beck.

Carol Hassebroek married Daniel Nelson on July 16, 2022.

Matt Reifschneider married Stephanie Isle on Sept. 3, 2022.

‘07

Jennifer (Fisher) Adams earned the title of national board-certified teacher in the area of music-band in December 2022.

Karen Kunze married Ben Koch on July 8, 2022.

Matthew Schlake-Kruse and wife, Delaney, welcomed son, Milo Sigurd, in August 2022. Schlake-Kruse is the pastor at Adoration Lutheran Church in Greenfield, Wisconsin.

Bethany Rasmussen married Daniel Crombie on April 23, 2022. Rasmussen is the chief of staff for Wisconsin State Sen. Joan Ballweg.

Jessie Winter is a school librarian with Omaha Public Schools. She is working toward a Master of Library Science at Emporia State University.

THE 1990s ‘91

Kimberly Campbell married Jim Kacmarynski on Oct. 1, 2022.

THE 1980s

‘86

Laura (Norman) Lindstrom is a retired math teacher.

‘84

Jon Mertz is the founder of Santa Fe Innovates and an instructor at the University of New Mexico Anderson School of Management. He lectured at Emory & Henry College in Emory, Virginia, on social entrepreneurship, where he visited Matt Oyos and Dirk Moore ‘83.

Matt Oyos is a professor of history at Radford University, where he has taught for 26 years. Oyos and his wife, Cindy, reside in Abingdon, Virginia.

‘83

Rachael (Nelson) Flagstad is the director of enrollment marketing & communications at Augustana University. ‘10

Adam and Joy (Lussenden) Broin welcomed daughter, Haven, in November 2022.

Sara Hughes married Andrew Baus on Jan. 27, 2022. Hughes is a trust officer at First National Bank in Sioux Falls. She earned a Juris Doctor (JD) degree at the University of South Dakota in 2013.

THE 2000s

Adam and Sanna (Horsley) Strenge ‘13 welcomed son, Shepherd Bryt, in December 2022.

‘06

Luke Biondi is a sales representative at DePuy Orthopaedics. Luke and wife, Carrie (Burns) ‘08, have two children, London and Beck.

Kierstan Peck and husband, Nic, welcomed their third child, Kieran Nicolaus, in December 2022. Peck is the director of student affairs at Pine Technical & Community College in Pine City, Minnesota.

‘05

Fenecia Homan is the inaugural dean of the Governor’s Cyber Academy at Dakota State University.

‘02

April (Bobbie) Willman is the dean of the University of South Dakota Sanford School of Medicine’s Yankton campus.

Dirk Moore is the executive director of the McGlothlin Center for the Arts and chief liaison for economic development at Emory & Henry College, where he also teaches communications. Moore is married to Greg McMillan.

‘82

Julie Hovland is a retired teacher with the Sergeant Bluff-Luton Schools.

THE 1970s

‘77

David Amundson is a retired 767 captain with American Airlines.

‘74

John Hafnor is the principal of Lone Pine Productions, as seen on The History Channel. He is the author of Lakota Cowboy; Strange but True, Colorado; and Strange but True, America — 2010 National Best Books Award finalist and 2011 Indie Book Award Double Silver Medalist for young-adult nonfiction and history.

‘71

Charles Luden was named the 2022 South Dakota Living Poet of Merit.

THE 1960s

‘62

Howard Bich retired from the South Dakota Senior Games, having served as executive director for 10 years. He also served on the board and as treasurer for more than 20 years.

Jean (Sunde) Peterson published her 13th book, Bright, Complex Kids: Supporting Their Social and Emotional Development.

THE 1950s

‘57

Bob Solem shared the following quote from a Rochester Post Bulletin article about Pr. Elmer and Joan (Perrenoud) Odland: “You can’t always comprehend the impact you may have.”

‘56

Luther Lerseth co-authored Martin Luther Influencing Us Today: In Christian Life and Ministry in August 2022.

IN MEMORIAM

‘08

James Keller, 36, passed away unexpectedly on Nov. 1, 2022.

‘04

Bradley “Brad” Bishop, 42, of Owatonna, Minnesota, died at Homestead Hospice House in Owatonna on Feb. 6.

‘03

Jami Beck, 41, of Rapid City, South Dakota, passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 9.

‘99

Jessica “Jessie” (Wolfgang) Anderson, 45, of Grand Marais, Minnesota, passed away at Essentia Health St. Mary’s Hospice in Duluth, Minnesota, after a stoic battle with cancer on Jan. 8.

‘98

Janice (Bliss) Pilcher, M.A., 78, died peacefully on Aug. 1, 2022, after an almost 3-year battle with cancer.

‘97

Matthew Plumhoff passed away on Nov. 16, 2022.

‘93

Robert VanSteenberg, 58, died at home in Sioux Falls on Jan. 25.

Anita (Bailey) Weber, 51, died after a yearlong battle with esophageal cancer on Aug. 1, 2022.

Larry Dreesman passed away on Oct. 9, 2022, at the age of 76. Dreesman served Augustana as a custodian for 30 years, retiring in 2004. He worked alongside his wife, Marjorie — also a custodian — his entire career at AU.

‘89

Rodney Frieler, 83, passed away at Sanford Hospice Centennial Cottage in Sioux Falls on Aug. 4, 2022.

‘88

Lawrence Lepkowski passed away at Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center in Sioux Falls on Sept. 12, 2022.

Margaret “Margie” Nelsen, former Augustana first lady, passed away on Feb. 22, at the age of 80. She was the wife of Dr. Bill Nelsen, who served as Augustana’s 17th president from 1980-86. Margie held both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work, and served at counseling agencies, mental health centers and Lutheran Social Services (LSS). Along with founding the Counseling Services of Southern Minnesota, Margie was the first woman in South Dakota to legally adopt a child as a single woman. During the Nelsens’ time at Augustana, Margie took charge of the creation of the Augustana Library Associates — an organization that still exists. She also taught an introductory social work course at Augustana. After retiring from social work, Margie spent many years in service to the community of St. Peter, Minnesota.

‘85

Darla (Reif) Atsma, 59, of Dolton, South Dakota, passed away peacefully after a lifelong battle with kidney disease on Dec. 30, 2022.

Richard Dorman, 66, of Wexford, Pennsylvania, passed away on Nov. 12, 2022.

‘84

Cindee (Sliper) Krieger, 60, passed away at Essentia Health in Fargo, North Dakota, on Sept. 15, 2022.

‘83

Ann (Kronlokken) Widness died at home in North Mankato, Minnesota, on Sept. 25, 2022.

‘82

Scott D. Olson, 62, of Sioux Falls, and formerly of Vadnais Heights, Minnesota, passed away peacefully in Maplewood, Minnesota, on Aug. 19, 2022.

‘81

Robert Denny, 63, passed away in San Diego, California, after a protracted battle with cancer on Aug. 30, 2022.

‘80

LeAnn (Arndt) Fogelson, 64, of Farwell, Minnesota, died at home under the care of hospice on Oct. 30, 2022.

Raymond “Jim” Wennblom passed away suddenly at home on Dec. 24, 2022.

‘78

Mary (Nelson) Hitzemann, 70, of Woodbury, Minnesota, and formerly of Sioux Falls, passed away at home on Nov. 6, 2022.

Sandra (Simpson) Zweep, 84, of Sioux Falls, passed away at Dow Rummel Village after a lengthy illness on Sept. 13, 2022.

‘77

Richard Fuchs, M.A., 82, of Twentynine Palms, California, passed away on Sept. 2, 2021.

Robert “Bob” Nygaard, 76, of Sioux Falls, formerly of Watertown, South Dakota, passed away at Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls on Dec. 20, 2022.

Charlotte (Fillingsness) White, 68, passed away on Feb. 3.

‘75

Mary Ellen (Snowbeck) Boynton passed away on Jan. 12.

Darrell Grebin, 69, of Sioux Falls, passed away on Sept. 29, 2022.

William “Chip” Wenk Jr., 71, of Madison, South Dakota, died at the Avera Heart Hospital in Sioux Falls due to a heart attack on Jan. 13.

‘74

Kathleen (Frank) Lohr, 71, of Powell, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home on Dec. 19, 2022.

Heidi (Schemmel) Miller, 70, passed away on Aug. 13, 2022.

Joan (Kerslake) Murphy, 70, of Brandon, South Dakota, died at home on Dec. 26, 2022, following a lengthy battle with cancer.

Lloyd E. Stivers, Jr., M.A., 94, of Sioux Falls, died at Dow Rummel Village on Aug. 25, 2022.

2022. ‘72

Beverly (Bonine) Forsaith-Gutzler died at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls on Aug. 19, 2022.

Gail (Johnson) Jones, 71, of Le Mars, Iowa, passed away at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls on Oct. 10, 2022, after battling metastatic breast and melanoma cancer.

Allen Kosters, M.A., 77, passed away peacefully on Jan. 19, after a long battle with dementia.

Scott Sanford, 72, passed away at home in Sioux Falls on Dec. 17, 2022.

Linda (Scott) White, 72, of Bartlesville, Oklahoma, died in Dewey, Oklahoma, on Sept. 11, 2022.

‘71

Debra Anderson, 73, passed away at home in Washington, D.C., on Nov. 10, 2022. She was the first and only woman to serve as speaker of the South Dakota State House of Representatives.

Joyce (Dinkel) Beseke passed away at home in El Cajon, California, on July 26, 2022. Maynard Teigen, 72, passed away at Rochester East Health Services in Rochester, Minnesota, on May 23, 2022.

Cheryl (Peterson) Yerges, 73, of Downers Grove, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home under hospice care on Nov. 19, 2022.

‘70

Marlyn Noteboom passed away on Nov. 19, 2022.

Terry Seierstad passed away from repercussions of COVID-19 pneumonia on Jan. 12. ‘69

Duane Theilen, 81, passed away peacefully at Shoreview Senior Living in Shoreview, Minnesota, on Oct. 16, 2022.

‘68

Nancy (Kerr) Adams passed away on Oct. 24, 2022.

Augustana alumnus Pastor Rev. Richard Norman Nelson, of Apple Valley, Minnesota, passed away on Oct. 21, 2022, at the age of 101.

Born on a farm near Cylinder, Iowa, in 1920, Nelson graduated from Augustana College in 1942, and Luther Theological Seminary in 1945. He was ordained into the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and began his life of service as a pastor in Lennox, South Dakota — the beginning of his 64-year continuous career as a pastor, which also took him to Flandreau, South Dakota; Europe; St. Paul, Burnsville and Golden Valley, Minnesota. He also served on the Augustana Board of Regents (now Trustees) from 1950-58, and held the position of secretary of the South Dakota Lutheran Synod. He retired from active ministry in 2008, at the age of 88. Nelson and his wife, Deloris, who passed away in 2013, established a scholarship fund for students to attend a Lutheran seminary, which was later expanded to support other student, staff and campus needs. The 1999 Augustana Alumni Achievement Award recipient was also responsible for the banner on campus that reads “Enter to Learn, Leave to Serve,” located outside the Chapel of Reconciliation.

Richard and Deloris had three children, Paul ‘69, Marie and Jean ‘75.

David Boike, 76, of Shorewood, Minnesota, passed away at home on Nov. 9, 2022, after a 5-year battle with cancer.

Patricia (Wiebers) Hansen, 75, passed away in Dallas, Texas, on Aug. 20, 2022.

Donald “Don” Kattke, 76, of Sioux Falls, died at Ava’s House on Feb. 5.

Mark Loberg, 76, of Silver Spring, Maryland, passed away on Oct. 29, 2022.

Linda (Critser) Parks, 75, of Mitchell, South Dakota, passed away peacefully at home on Nov. 21, 2022.

Joy (Larson) Peterson, 76, of Northfield, Minnesota, passed away at her daughter’s home on Aug. 4, 2022.

Robert Henry Jr., 77, of Flandreau, South Dakota, died peacefully in his sleep of natural causes on Oct. 14, 2022.

Kathryn (Gunderson) Sheldon passed away peacefully on Dec. 21, 2022.

Larry Sweeter, 77, formerly of Canton, South Dakota, passed away in Lawrence, Kansas, on Aug. 12, 2022, after a brief battle with cancer.

‘66

Dennis Espeland passed away in Bandon, Oregon, on Dec. 7, 2022.

JoAnn (Baasen) Ostby passed away at Sunrise Terrace Nursing & Rehabilitation Center in Winfield, Iowa, on Feb. 5.

‘65

Marion (Nixon) Manning, 79, passed away at Sanford Hospice Foundation Cottage on Nov. 14, 2022.

Stephen Nohlgren, 79, passed away on June 30, 2022.

John Odney, 78, passed away at Sanford USD Medical Center on Oct. 21, 2022. He was a long-time Washington High School educator, Hall of Fame basketball player and coach in Sioux Falls.

Maurine (Overseth) Ruesink, 79, passed away peacefully at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls on Jan. 6.

‘64

Stephen Elkjer passed away peacefully on Jan. 21.

Ray Griffith, 79, of Casa Grande, Arizona, died on Aug. 4, 2022.

Gary Hokenstad, 80, of Brandon, South Dakota, died at home on Jan. 15.

Gilbert A. Larson, 79, of Springfield, Minnesota, passed away on Jan. 9, 2022.

Pieter Van Lier, 80, of Grants Pass, Oregon, died on Nov. 25, 2022.

‘63

Robert “Bob” McGaughey, 80, passed away peacefully at home after a 12-year journey with lung cancer on July 29, 2022.

Gary Nelson, 81, of Sioux Falls, formerly of Viborg, South Dakota, passed away at home on Dec. 9, 2022.

Warren Shoberg died at Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center in Sioux Falls on Dec. 20, 2022. He was a priest, musician and educator.

‘62

Joann (Amundson) Munsterman, 82, passed away on Feb. 12.

‘61

EvaleKay “Dollie” Abraham died on Jan. 14. Merlen Clercx, of Ormond Beach, Florida, formerly of DeLand, Florida, and St. Paul, Minnesota, passed away on Nov. 15, 2022.

‘60

Theodore “Ted” Gunnarson, 89, of Rochester, Minnesota, passed away peacefully at the Mayo Clinic Hospital, Saint Marys Campus on July 14, 2022. Mary Lancaster passed away at Sanford Hospice Foundation Cottage on Sept. 24, 2022.

Dennis McDonald, 89, passed away at the Sanford Health Vermillion Care Center in Vermillion, South Dakota, on Dec. 19, 2022. His wife, Caroline, passed away two days prior.

W. Thomas “Tom” Muchow, 85, passed away at Dougherty Hospice House on Feb. 7.

Mary (Wilson) Osthus, 84, passed away at home in the woods of Tennessee, on Sept. 27, 2022.

Terry Rothrock, 85, of Mill Creek, Washington, passed away from multiple myeloma in Lynwood, Washington, on Dec. 25, 2022.

‘59

Vernon Blue died peacefully at home in Mount Vernon, Washington, on June 5, 2022.

Judy (Sprucelake) Bruchhof, 84, of Watertown, South Dakota, passed away at home on July 19, 2022.

Lois (Carlson) Leslie, 85, passed away at Centerville Care and Rehab Center in Centerville, South Dakota, on Jan. 12.

Marcia (Ormseth) Sedlacek passed away at her daughter’s home in Birmingham, Alabama, on Aug. 7, 2022.

Sonja (Olson) Selland passed away at Edgewood Assisted Living in Mitchell, South Dakota, on July 16, 2022.

‘58

John Berven passed away peacefully on Dec. 22, 2022.

Everett Knutson, 86, died in Sioux Falls on Dec. 27, 2022.

Kenneth “Ken” Richards, Jr., 87, of Eveleth, Minnesota, died at Walker Methodist Westwood Ridge in West St. Paul, Minnesota, on Jan. 29.

‘57

James “Jim” Kragness, 86, passed away peacefully at Wesley Willows Nursing Home in Rockford, Illinois, on Oct. 14, 2022.

Grayce (Gronsdahl) Vander Waal passed away peacefully on Feb. 5.

‘56

Elaine (Diones) Kinney, 89, passed away in Berthoud, Colorado, on Nov. 23, 2022. David Rolf Olson, 88, died peacefully at home on Jan. 3.

Dr. Kenneth Bauge, Augustana professor emeritus of economics, died on Oct. 9, 2022, at the age of 92. Bauge, who grew up on a farm near Dows, Iowa, served as a radio technician in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He then earned a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in agricultural economics from Iowa State University. He began teaching at Augustana College in 1958, while earning a Ph.D. in economics from Michigan State University. Bauge taught economics at Augustana for 37 years, where he assumed various academic leadership roles until retiring in 1995. Over the course of his career, more than 5,000 students enrolled in his classes, and he was an academic advisor to more than 500 students.

Bauge, and his late wife, Idell Barbara (Stensland), had two children, David ‘78 and Sonja Heelan ‘82. He is survived by his children and wife, Jean.

‘55

Kermit Black, 90, of Mitchell, South Dakota, passed away at Avera Brady Health and Rehab on Sept. 7, 2022.

Joan (Digerness) Hinrichs, 89, of Marshall, Missouri, died at home on Oct. 24, 2022.

Mary Ann Hohman passed away in Sioux Falls on Nov. 20, 2022.

‘54

Nick Margellos, 93, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, died on Aug. 6, 2022.

Dean Tollefson, 90, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, passed away peacefully after a recent diagnosis of acute leukemia on Sept. 16, 2022.

‘53

Duane Anderson, 92, of Sioux Falls, passed away at Sanford USD Medical Center on Oct. 27, 2022.

‘52

Dorean (Kvanbek) Brouillette died peacefully in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on Oct. 9, 2022.

Gene Davis, 95, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on Nov. 26, 2022.

Robert Odland, 92, passed away at Paramount Community Living and Rehab in Newton, Kansas, on Aug. 29, 2022.

Charles Wright, 92, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, died peacefully on Oct. 24, 2022.

‘51

Ramona (Erickson) Buchholz, 92, of Sioux Falls, passed away at Tieszen Memorial Home in Marion, South Dakota, on Aug. 2, 2022.

Lois (Hoffman) Digre passed away on Aug. 1, 2022.

Eunice (Gabrielson) Pearson, 92, passed away peacefully at Harmony Place Assisted Living in Twin Falls, Idaho, on Sept. 10, 2022.

Glenn Rye, 95, passed away on Dec. 30, 2022.

Donna (Eldridge) Slaathaug passed away at Avera McKennan Hospital & University Health Center in Sioux Falls on Oct. 22, 2022, after a brief illness and car accident.

Irving “Irv” Hinderaker ‘43, of Watertown, South Dakota, passed away on Jan. 16, at the age of 101. The economics major met his wife of 65 years, Eula Mae (Jertson) ‘43, at Augustana. Hinderaker enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1943 — serving in Europe following D-Day. In 1948, he graduated from the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law and began practicing in Watertown.

Hinderaker served Augustana from 1956-68 as a member of the Board of Regents (now Trustees) and charter member of the Fellows of Augustana College.

Irving and Eula had four sons, Paul ‘70, John, James ‘78 and Eric ‘81.

‘50

Norman “Norm” Ekeland, 99, passed away at Sanford USD Medical Center in Sioux Falls on Feb. 8.

Orville Hill, 98, of Sioux Falls, died at the Sanford Hospice Foundation Cottage on Aug. 28, 2022.

Richard Lundin, 95, passed away peacefully at Edgewood Assisted Living in Sioux Falls on Aug. 16, 2022.

‘49

Deaun (Sunde) Andersen, 95, of Sioux Falls, died on Nov. 1, 2022.

Dorothy (Rasmussen) Egge, 94, passed away at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls on Jan. 2.

Dean Rallis, 95, passed away on Jan. 25.

‘48

Marjorie (Paulson) Seiler, 96, passed away at Dow Rummel Village in Sioux Falls on Feb. 8.

Helen (Homme) Zisser, 94, of Reno, Nevada, passed away on Sept. 26, 2021.

‘47

Marilyn (Martinson) Graber, 96, of Freeman, South Dakota, passed away at Oakview Terrace Nursing Home in Freeman on Nov. 22, 2022.

Lois (Larson) Hesla, 97, of Austin, Minnesota, died at home on Jan. 4. She was the 1946 Augustana Homecoming queen.

‘46

Ardis (Halverson) Ahre, 98, of Wichita, Kansas, died on Jan. 31.

‘45

Gordon Mydland, 100, of Lake Preston, South Dakota, died peacefully at The Neighborhoods at Brookview Nursing Home in Brookings, South Dakota, on Oct. 6, 2022.

‘44

Elda (Iverson) Buxton, 99, died on Oct. 26, 2022.

Leon Holm passed away peacefully in Santa Rosa, California, on July 25, 2022.

Roscelia “Rose” (Kjendalen) Lease, 99, of Appleton, Wisconsin, formerly of Stevens Point, Wisconsin, died on Jan. 16.

‘43

Jeanette (Hammetter) Singrey, 97, of Hazel, South Dakota, passed away at Estelline Nursing and Care Center on Dec. 15, 2022.

‘40

Carol (Jertson) Riddlesperger, 104, died on Aug. 19, 2022.

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.

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