Volume 2: Issue 3: The Augustana Summer 2012

AUGUSTANA

The

volume 2 • issue 3

THE MAGAZINE FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF AUGUSTANA COLLEGE

Navigators

Summer 2012

VIEW FROM SUMMIT AVENUE

Message from the President

T

his spring, Augustana marked the 10th anniversary of the Covenant Award, honors given to students who embody the five core values, morals and ethics that have guided this great institution since 1860. We celebrated during a week-long event thoughtfully named Verdier (Norwegian for “values”) which featured a series of panel discussions, a quiz bowl, all-campus aerial photo (shown at right and below), outreach initiatives for active and veteran members of the armed forces, and a special event to honor past recipients.

We also unveiled “Augustana Acts,” a pay-it-forward initiative to encourage acts of service around the globe. Check out the great work being done around the world by our students and alumni and/or, log your act of service online at www.augie.edu/acts.

For more than 150 years, Augustana students have come to our campus to learn. In doing so, they discover a desire and commitment to serve. Here, they come to understand that in order to create an even better tomorrow, they must do all they can to support, nurture and help develop ideas and communities today.

From serving at the local food pantry to forging new pathways in science, our students illustrate the idea of “entering to learn; leaving to serve” and push the words into action. I’m proud to say that our students navigate their lives by living out our core values of Christian, Liberal Arts, Excellence, Community and Service each and every day.

This issue of The Augustana features those who we call navigators – fearless and compassionate souls who have relied on an inner compass of morals and values to chart their course through life.

Among others, you’ll meet people like Vice Admiral Lyle Bien, class of 1967, who spent more than 30 years defending our nation and shaping the lives of young men and women in the process.

You’ll learn about the Rev. Jon Splichal Larson ‘06, who endured tragedy and heartbreak following the massive earthquake that hit Haiti in 2010, only to find that, afterwards, his faith in God is even stronger.

And, we’ll introduce you to Dr. David O’Hara, associate professor of philosophy and an individual whom so many of our students count as among their most influential and inspiring

That’s me!

Nearly 400 students, faculty and staff participated in the all-campus photo, held on the Campus Green in April , a celebration of the value of “community.”

professors because of his passion, compassion and wisdom.

The individuals you’ll read about in these pages are just a sampling of those in the Augustana community who are guided by their morals and values as they work to eliminate borders, promote inclusion, drive change and live as servants of Christ.

We are proud, indeed, to tell their stories. I am hopeful you’ll join me in thoughtful prayers of support as they, and we, continue to navigate this remarkable journey we call life.

Enjoy this issue!

Yours, for Augustana, Rob Oliver President

CONTENTS

THE AUGUSTANA The Augustana is published three times per year for alumni and friends of Augustana College by the Office of Marketing and Communications.

In 2010, the year of Augustana’s Sesquicentennial, the magazine was named The Augustana, in honor of the College’s first student newspaper, first published in 1908 in Canton, S.D. The Augustana, as it was then, contained essays, news items, humor pages and articles of general interest.

It aimed to “develop a healthy school spirit, be a true exponent of school life, and be an interesting medium between the school and its friends.” It remained the official publication of the College until 1918.

Send correspondence, name changes and address corrections to: The Augustana, 2001 S. Summit Ave., Sioux Falls, S.D. 57197. Telephone: 605-274-4904.

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

Editor: Kelly Sprecher Class Notes: Jenny Meiners, Mary Toso, ‘90 Contributors: Rob Oliver, president Bob Preloger, vice president for Marketing and Communications Bruce Conley, Sports Information T.J. Nelson ‘05, Photography Matt Addington ‘95, Photography

DEPARTMENTS View from Summit Avenue In the Spotlight Notes from the Green Navy & Gold Alumni News

Connect with Augustana! augie.edu/connect

Q&A

MISSION AND VISION

4. The Unassuming Superhero It’s a story of a kid from the tiny town of Veblen, S.D., who went to college thinking he might want to be a pastor. Instead, after graduation he answered America’s call to serve and spent the next three decades protecting and defending her from the bad guys. He doesn’t have a cape but he can fly. And he is, without question, one of the good guys. Meet Lyle Bien, class of 1967, a real-life superhero.

d Augustana

10. Mobile Ministry Who says you need brick and mortar to deliver messages of hope and faith? As a member of Chicago’s The Night Ministry, the Rev. Jen Rude, class of 2002, serves the city’s homeless and most vulnerable from a van on a street corner.

15. Legendary Characters This spring, the Augustana community mourned the loss of legendaries Dr. V.R. Nelson and Virgil Sandvig.

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 College aspires to become one of America’s premier church-related colleges.

Augustana is an affirmative action, Title IX, equal opportunity institution. © Augustana College 2012

FEATURES

24. King of the Circle A standout on the wrestling team, Cody Lensing, class of 2012, plans to pursue a career in medical research.

ON THE COVER: Ole the Viking, created by Peter Eide, class of 1966, has watched over campus since his original dedication in 1967. Last fall, the statue was re-dedicated with a plaque commemorating Eide’s work, provided by Kent Morstad, class of 1958. Photo by Matt Addington ‘95.

The AUGUSTANA

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Softball Standouts Augustana softball made its 20th NCAA postseason appearance and secured its third berth to the NCAA National Championships with a home series sweep of Concordia University, St. Paul, on May 11 and 12 in the Central Super Regional. The Vikings finished the season with a 53-12 record and got head coach Gretta Melsted her 300th career win. For more on Viking spring sports, see page 26.

THE

unassuming SUPERHERO

I

t was a Saturday afternoon and my almost four-year-old son was in his Batman costume, pretending to fly from one room to another, when I asked him to tell me about superheroes.

“Superheroes are strong, and brave,” he said, holding his arms up. “They wear uniforms with capes so they can fight the bad guys and save people. And they have special names, like Batman,” he said pointing at the yellow and black “bat” emblem on his chest.

“Superheroes are the good guys,” he said, thinking for a minute. “And most of them can fly.”

So then it’s true, I thought to myself.

***

This is the story of a kid from the tiny town of Veblen, S.D., who went to college thinking he might want to be a pastor. Instead, after graduation, he answered America’s call to serve and spent the next three decades protecting and defending her from the bad guys.

His uniform is decorated with distinguished stars and stripes. He goes by a special name, too. He doesn’t have a cape but he can fly.

And he is, without question, one of the good guys.

This is the story of Lyle Bien, class of 1967, a real-life superhero.

Vice Admiral Lyle Bien ‘67 (right) talks with a fellow serviceman.

1967 Bien grew up as one of seven kids on a cattle ranch outside of Veblen in northeastern South Dakota. After his father died during Bien’s sophomore year in high school, he helped his mother and siblings run the ranch before coming to Augustana intent on becoming a pastor.

With his studies underway, Bien ended up changing course and switched his major to biology. His plan was to learn all he could about plants and animals in order to return to his family’s ranch and make the operation even better. He also had thoughts of becoming a veterinarian.

Six months before graduation, with the Vietnam War raging overseas, he received a letter. The letter. He’d been drafted.

He wasn’t surprised. And, he wasn’t scared, either.

“The reality was, the nation was at war.

In 1967, it wasn’t such an unpopular war

sign, “Ho Chi,” a name given to him by his comrades based on the similarity of his last name and that of Ho Chi Minh, the then North Vietnamese president.

“I always think back to that day when I hear people say, ‘I’m just not sure I have what it takes.’ I’m a living example of that old cliché that says ‘you just never know unless you try.’”

The Aviator Bien didn’t plan on a career in the military. As he says, one thing led to another and it just sort of happened.

“I planned on staying in for three years and, at the end of my three years, I was in the process of getting out. At the same time, the Navy was building the F-14 Tomcat. At the end of a combat tour, an official came up to me and said the Navy had singled me out to fly this new aircraft.

I agreed, thinking that, eventually, I would go back to the ranch. Then I got married

in the related areas of space-based Communications, C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance), and Global Missile Defense. He was a member of the Air Force Scientific Advisory Board, National Security Space Architect Board and the U.S. Naval Space Panel on FORCEnet and Naval Space and Communications. He was appointed to a year-long Congressionally directed study of the future of National Security Space Launch and is a member of the U.S. Strategic Command’s Strategic Advisory Group (SAG).

He was also a member of the Congressional Independent Assessment Panel on Space (Allard Commission).

He is the recipient of 23 medals and citations in recognition of his military service. In 1995 he was honored with an Alumni Achievement Award and, in 1997, he was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame. He served on the Augustana

“I’m a living example of that old cliché that says ‘you just never know unless you try.’”

– Vice Admiral Lyle Bien, Class of 1967 yet. America was asking her young men to help. If you were able-bodied, it was nearly a certainty that you were going to end up in Vietnam. And really, when you’re 22 and single, you’re bullet proof, right? The prospects of war – the horrors of war – they didn’t factor in that much.

[In my mind] that was happening to someone else.”

What happened next would shape the rest of his life.

“I always had a fascination with airplanes so I thought well, maybe I could do that – fly an airplane.”

He went to the military recruitment office in Sioux Falls and quickly noticed a very large poster of an F-4 Phantom hanging on the wall – at the time the U.S. Navy’s premier fighter aircraft. Bien pointed to the poster and told the recruiter, “I want to do that.”

The recruiter looked skeptical.

“He looked at me and said, ‘well, that’s great, but flight training isn’t a guarantee. Of those that make it, only a small percentage get jets. Of those who get jets, only a fraction will get to fly the Phantom.’”

Bien thought for a second, then said, “Sign me up.”

From there, Bien flew to Minneapolis, met with a U.S. Navy recruiter, took his physical and signed up to become a naval aviator.

Twenty months later, he was flying combat missions in Vietnam in the F-4 Phantom under his official superhero call

and decided to stay in longer. I ended up doing it for 31 years – and it was the most wonderful thing I could’ve ever done.”

Over those next 31 years, Bien would go on to become the highest ranking naval officer in South Dakota history. Before he retired in 1999 at the rank of Vice Admiral, Bien had logged an astounding 5,500 hours in fighter aircraft, completed 1,300 aircraft carrier landings, and flew in 225 combat missions over North and South Vietnam.

In the 1980s, he served as a “Top Gun” flight instructor at the Navy Fighter Weapons School in Miramar, Calif. During that time, his squadron flew some of the jets shown in the blockbuster film “Top Gun” starring Tom Cruise.

He has commanded an F-14 Fighter Squadron, two Carrier Airwings, the Nimitz Carrier Battle Group and the Naval Space Command, Dahlgren, Va. From October 1990 to March 1991, he was the senior Navy striker planner for Operations DESERT SHIELD and DESERT STORM. He was also in command of the Nimitz Battle Group throughout her response to the Taiwan Missile Crisis in 1996.

He served in the J-3 on the Joint Staff, and was the Deputy Commander-in-Chief for United States Space Command, where he chaired the Senior Warfighter Forum (SWarF) that led to the Wideband Global Satellite (WGS) program.

He has been a member of the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) Graybeard Panel on National Missile Defense since its inception in 1999. He works extensively The AUGUSTANA

Board of Trustees from 1998-2009; received the President’s Award in 2000; and received the Trustee’s Award in 2004.

Looking back on his early days in the Navy, Bien speaks with sincere fondness about the gifts of military service.

“The military teaches you an immense level of responsibility. You can be an 18-year-old fresh out of high school and, after 13 weeks of boot camp, you assume huge responsibilities for yourself and for the people around you. It’s pretty heady.

I don’t know any other occupation in America that imposes that level of performance on young people. The military is proof that if you give people the tools and the opportunity to excel, more often than not, they will. The military has mastered the art of extracting the best and the most from people.”

Bien also credits his South Dakota roots and Midwestern work ethic with much of his success as an officer.

“Naval aviation is about grit and a willingness to work until there’s nothing left of you to give, at least in the early days. I figured, if you grew up where hard work and near constant labor was the norm, why not do that in your profession, too.”

“I believe there’s a sense of independence and self-sufficiency that’s true of people in our part of the country. When it’s all on your shoulders – ships, fleets, and airplanes – it’s probably a good thing if that isn’t the first time something major has been on those shoulders. When you grow up in the middle of nowhere – with 7

no father, with no corner store to buy milk at – you have to be responsible, independent and self-sufficient.”

“I think in South Dakota, folks have an innate sense of decency. That old Norwegian work ethic is still alive and well and it gives way to people who kind of know who they are early in life and end up as self-assured and compassionate adults.

When those folks are asked to lead others who need leading and mentoring, they’re most often successful.”

So, in 225 combat missions, was he ever scared?

Yes, he says, but not of death.

“I saw people die. I saw the bullets and, philosophically, I imagined there could be one with my name on it. I just always hoped that wasn’t the case. Navy aviators suffered significant fatalities. We also had prisoners of war who suffered horrific torture. Knowing those kinds of things, we knew we were living on the edge. My greatest fears, however, were of screwing up or becoming a prisoner. I most often avoided the former and thankfully avoided the latter” Emotions aside, Bien says the non-stop training he endured as a naval aviator made it easier to weather the physical rigors of combat missions.

“There’s this saying: ‘train like you fight; fight like you train.’ We go through our whole military careers training and being focused. At some point, invariability, you use those skills in combat or in direct support of combat. It was a continuation of what most of us had done for a lot of our adult lives. There is similarity between peace and war because you’re so well trained. The only difference between Navy flying and combat is the addition of bullets. I don’t want to lessen the rigors or emotions of combat but, as far as employing your skills, [the Navy tries to] make training as close to combat as there is and we’ve been pretty successful.”

And, what’s it like to maneuver a multimillion dollar airplane on and off an aircraft carrier in the middle of the ocean?

In a word, difficult.

“I believe it’s about the most difficult thing you can ask an ordinary human being to do. There are very few things that you do so repetitively, where the dangers are so high and well-known, and which demand such an extraordinary level of precision on the part of the participant.

Naval aviators know they’re living on the edge. They live with fear. Every time I landed on a ship I felt a huge adrenaline rush and this marvelous sense of doing something that relatively few people have had the privilege of doing – it’s really grand stuff.”

Compassion and Camaraderie Far beyond his skill as an aviator and a leader, Bien is known by his comrades and colleagues for his sense of character and his compassion.

In 1999, at a ceremony in honor of his 8

Vice Admiral Lyle Bien ‘67 and his wife, Cathy.

retirement aboard the USS Constellation, Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Jay L. Johnson said this about Bien: “What has never changed ... is Ho Chi the man. As he rose through the ranks, he never lost his charm, good nature and concern for others that was born on the ranch lands of South Dakota. Ho Chi Bien is one of those rare individuals whose goodness is elemental. He’s the most genuinely compassionate man I know, and I’m one of thousands who feel that way.”

For Bien, it’s simply a matter of fact. He sees compassion as part of his nature and, fundamental to his job.

“You cannot persevere in a people-dominated profession like the military unless you have a well-defined sense of compassion. I’m not talking about coddling people. I’m talking about compassion sufficient to be forgiving of human frailties.

I was willing to let people fail so long as The AUGUSTANA

they were doing their best, and were committed to not repeating the same mistake.”

“When I think of my 31 years as a sailor, I don’t think of the number of landings I completed or the promotions I earned. I think about all the young sailors that were my responsibility. Some were disadvantaged kids from broken homes. In many cases, they were poorly educated, high school dropouts who had been in trouble with the law. Over months and years, they were put in positions of responsibility, were held accountable and received life experiences. I had the chance to watch them grow into patriotic, responsible people. That’s a joy beyond measure. If Uncle Sam got his money out of me it wasn’t because I was a great sailor or could fly an airplane or run a portion of a war. It was because I took thousands of people at a time and made them better people than they were before. Today, when sailors

track me down as they prepare to leave the service or move to the next command and say ‘you changed my life,’ well, it brings tears to my eyes.”

His Inspiration Today, Bien and his wife, Cathy, divide their time between San Diego, Calif., and Veblen. They were married more than 39 years ago, after Cathy suffered a spinal cord injury that left her a quadriplegic.

She is, he says, his inspiration.

“What people view as adversity can also be a blessing. She and I, we have this really deep and serious bond. There’s no other word I can think of to better describe her than grace. She endures. She tolerates her condition with absolute grace. People are hugely inspired by her. They look at how disabled she is and their first reaction is to pity her. Then they look at how cheerful she is, and they’re inspired.”

She’s taught him, Bien says, that disability can even be a virtue.

“She would tell you – there are people in much worse shape than she is, many of them able-bodied. She’s made herself well by her own sheer will. Sure, having people around you who care for you and love you helps, as does her personal faith. But in the end, you ask yourself, ‘do you wish to be a happy and fulfilled person despite your challenges or not?’ In Cathy’s case, we know how she answered that question.”

To the Class of 2012 At commencement earlier this spring, after he received his honorary doctorate of humane letters from Augustana, Bien addressed the 370 members of the class of 2012 by sharing with them “Things I believe.”

“I believe that Scandinavian blood, even in small amounts, can make women beautiful; I believe that money and material things are a poor measure of a man’s worth; I believe that the earth and her resources are very finite and that if we continue to abuse them as we have for the last couple centuries we will eventually make earth uninhabitable; I believe that of all human traits, humility is amongst the most endearing, in great demand, but in short supply; I believe that Government handouts and entitlements can destroy the self-sufficiency of societies just as surely as hand feeding can destroy the instincts of animals in the wild; I believe that a lifelong quest for knowledge is noble. But knowledge without courage and common sense loses its value; I believe that eternity is a long time. And if you are planning to spend yours in the bosom of a loving God, then shouldn’t you get to know Him in this life?; I believe that a firm handshake, a genuine smile, and looking directly in someone’s eye can often convey sentiments, messages and emotions far greater than words; I believe there are occupations that are as much about romance, awe, grandeur, inspiration, and imagina-

John Thomas (left), chair of the Augustana Board of Trustees, and Dr. Murray Haar (right), interim Dean and Chair of the Religion and Jewish Studies Department, present Bien (center) with his honorary “doctoral hood” at Augustana’s Commencement ceremony in May.

“I believe that of all human traits, humility is amongst the most endearing, in great demand, but in short supply.”

– Vice Admiral Lyle Bien, Class of 1967 tion as they are about labor. I hope your life and your life’s work are rich in those qualities?; I believe that cigarettes, tattoos, and piercings are bad … and that if you practice them to excess, you’ll soon enough regret your choice; I believe that if you are American and can stand through our National Anthem and not get goose bumps then you need to go back and re-study the history of the American Civil War; I believe it takes many ills to foster a revolution, but just 140 characters to make it spread; I believe that bad things happen to good people ... and I don’t know why.

But I do know that enduring misfortunes with grace can build a reservoir of strength that cannot be exhausted; I believe the 536 national level elected officials currently in Washington, D.C. are failing your trust, and through self-serving partisanship and unstatesmanlike decorum are placing the future of this republic in peril. I hope those you elect will serve you better; I The AUGUSTANA

believe that most employers value those hard-to-teach qualities of loyalty, character, commitment and hard work over more trainable skills; I believe that when things go badly for you and it’s your fault, failure to shoulder the blame is to invite reoccurrence; I believe there are a lot of evil people in the world, many in positions of leadership. Ignoring their motivations or potential for ruin is to be dangerously naive; I believe that luck and timing account for a lot of good fortune; I believe that adapting to change may be good for your business, but that preserving tradition is good for your culture; I believe there is magic in Augustana College and that it is indelibly imprinted in you and will advantage you every day of your life; I believe that the one word that best describes the people I cherish the most, the institutions I admire the most and the societies I root for the most is simply: goodness.”

Well said, Ho Chi. Well said, indeed.

9

In Haiti during the massive earthquake of 2010, the Rev. Jon Splichal Larson ’06, lost his best friend. Thanks to his faith in God and support from friends and family, he persevered. Today, he shares the story of God’s grace with others and the message that “we are not alone.”

one man’s journey in

FAITH A scene from Port-au-Prince, Haiti, following the 2010 earthquake. Thinkstock images.

O

Lamb of God, you bear the sin of all the world away; Eternal peace with God you made: give us your peace, we pray.

– “Lamb of God”

At a church in Bismarck, N.D., where the Missouri River stretches and bends behind fierce winters and short, cherished summers, young and old parishioners have connected with a soft-spoken, 28-year-old pastor who has an uncanny ability to listen, empathize and provide hope even in their darkest and most challenging times.

That’s because, although he is just 28, Rev. Jon Splichal Larson, class of 2006, has, by all accounts, already lived a lifetime’s worth of experiences.

Haiti A native of Red Wing, Minn., Larson majored in religion and philosophy at Augustana and went on to pursue his Master of Divinity from the Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, with hopes of one day becoming a pastor.

Joining him as fellow classmates at Wartburg were his cousin and best friend, Ben Splichal Larson, and Ben’s wife, Renee Splichal Larson. Born just two months apart, Larson and his cousin grew up together and shared a brother-like bond.

“You have those friends who just know you so intimately … so much so that you don’t even have to say anything and they know how you feel. That’s how we were,” Larson said.

In early 2010, the three were invited to Haiti over Wartburg’s “January Term” to teach Lutheran theology with the people of Elise Lutterienne d’Haiti, learn about the history of Lutheranism in Haiti and study Haitian culture.

On Tuesday, Jan. 12, the three were on the “Resurrection Dance Theatre” floor at St. Joseph’s Home for Boys in Port-au-Prince when a massive 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck the country. Its epicenter was a mere 16 miles away from where they were.

The force of the quake shook the five-story building they were in and the top two floors

Rev. Jon Splichal Larson ’06.

collapsed on top of them.

Miraculously, Jon and Renee were unharmed – sheltered from the collapse by a “pocket” of stable walls and roofing. Ben, who was standing just 20 feet away at the time of the quake, was not as lucky.

Jon and Renee dug through the debris and escaped onto the roof of the building, frantically calling out for Ben as they maneuvered through the heavy, broken concrete.

He was nowhere to be seen. Renee, however, could hear his voice coming from deep down inside the rubble. He was singing: O Lamb of God, you bear the sin of all the world away; Eternal peace with God you made: give us your peace, we pray.

“It’s a prayer for peace and mercy,” Jon said. “That was the last time anyone heard Ben’s voice.”

Scared and unsure what to do next, Jon and Renee ran to an abandoned lot near the building – a safe zone where people were gathering to escape the ongoing wreckage.

home,” Jon said through tears.

Three days later, Jon and Renee returned to the U.S. on a Marine aircraft.

Back in the U.S., they prayed.

“We didn’t want him to suffer. We didn’t want to imagine him alive, under the rubble, suffering, clinging to life. Sure, we wanted him to live – we wanted a miracle but, after three days, we were pretty sure he was gone. We never saw him again.”

“You always cling to hope but hope is multi-balanced. You hope for people not to have to suffer. As Christians, we cling to the hope that God takes care of people.”

After Jon and Renee left Haiti, members of the Lutheran World Federation, which is connected to the church the three had been working with at the time of the earthquake, rounded up volunteers to search for Ben’s body.

They dug through the rubble by hand and recovered his body three weeks later.

It was official. Ben was gone. He was just 25 years old.

Today, Ben is among more than

not. We’re given new life every day as well – and the strength to survive and move forward.”

Jon says that strength, and the close community of Wartburg, made it possible for he and Renee to complete their studies and graduate that spring.

“It would’ve become so easy for us to become depressed. By the grace of God, the communities we returned to wouldn’t let us give up,” he said.

In an attempt to find closure, Jon and Renee have returned to Haiti twice since the earthquake, once in early 2011 and again this past January.

“Those were tough journeys. We wanted to visit the friends who had taken care of us – the people of the Lutheran church there, of St. Joseph’s home, and some of the other churches. We also wanted to be there to witness recovery.”

Moving Forward After being ordained, Jon served as an interim youth director before receiving the call as associate pastor for Faith Lutheran Church in Bismarck earlier this year.

“Resurrection is the last word; death is not.

We’re given new life every day ... and the strength to survive and move forward.”

– Rev. Jon Splichal Larson, Class of 2006 “There were maybe 400-500 people gathered but we were the only white people there. The Haitian people took care of us. They brought us water. They brought us a sheet to sleep with. All through that night, as we heard buildings collapsing in the distance, they sang songs praying for mercy and thanking God for life.”

After the sun came up the next morning, Jon and Renee returned to the building to look for Ben. They couldn’t find him, nor could they hear his voice.

They knew they needed help to dig him out so they set off for the American Embassy some six miles away. The scene was unimaginable – streets covered by rubble, injured and dazed people frantically looking for loved ones, dead bodies scattered across the crumpled pavement.

“When we reached the Embassy, we soon realized that help was not going to come. It was such a massive situation.

The Embassy sent email messages to our family – one to Renee’s dad; one to Ben’s mom. Through the gift of God, we met another group of Americans who had a cell phone that could text. I texted my sister and told her we thought Ben had been killed. I asked her to talk to our families. They pled with us to come

316,000 people who died following the earthquake and the more than 50 aftershocks that followed. The Haitian government estimates that more than 300,000 people were injured by the catastrophe and more than 1 million have been left homeless.

Asking Why In the days, weeks and months that followed, Jon struggled with a grief that at times seemed overwhelming. His faith, he says, helped him survive.

“Sure, I asked ‘why.’ Part of my perspective on faith and God is that we’re given the strength to ask God ‘why’ and to ask God our toughest questions, knowing that we may never get an answer, or one that we want to hear, in this lifetime.”

“Yes, I’m disappointed in God for allowing this to happen, but I don’t believe that God caused the earthquake to happen or that he desired for more than 300,000 people to die. I don’t think God wanted that. I don’t think it was a test. I think it’s the reality of life. We’re fragile and death exists in the world. As Christians, we say that death isn’t the last word. That’s what Easter is about.

Resurrection is the last word; death is The AUGUSTANA

In his current role, he often reflects on his time at Augustana.

Following the death of his mother during his freshman year, he says he fell in love with thinking theologically. He enjoyed his religion courses, became especially connected with the Chapel, serving as president of Chapel staff during his senior year, and formed strong bonds with a number of his professors, including Dr. Ann Pederson and the Rev. Dr. Paul Rohde.

“As I reflect on [Pederson’s] presence in my life, she was there for me when my mom died. It was a big blow for me as a freshman in college. She helped me in a lot of ways.”

“Pastor Paul has definitely been a mentor to me. We still keep in touch via email. He’s someone I always feel I can turn to, even today. I consider him my friend. We can talk about faith and struggles and perseverance.”

He says his mentors and the lessons they taught him, along with the experiences of losing his mother and his best friend, have prepared him for the role he holds today – a position, he says, that is, in some ways, similar to other professions.

CONTINUED: Page 36

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Great Professors; Great Accomplishments The Frederick C. Kohlmeyer Distinguished Teaching Professorship was presented to Professor of Art Steve Thomas. Dr. Kohlmeyer, through a gift to Augustana upon his death in 1990, established this distinguished professorship to recognize and to reward outstanding teaching.

The recipient receives a summer stipend of $5,000 for each of the two years of the award.

The Vernon and Mildred Niebuhr Faculty Excellence Award was presented to Dr. David O’Hara, associate professor of philosophy and classics. The Vernon and Mildred Niebuhr Faculty Excellence Award was established to provide an annual award to recognize excellence in teaching. The winner is chosen for brilliance in the classroom.

The Jane and Charles Zaloudek Faculty Research Fellowship was presented to Dr. Margaret Preston, associate professor and chair of the History Department, and Dr. Rocki Wentzel, assistant professor of classics.

The Zaloudek Faculty Research Fellowship was established in 2007 by Jane Hemmel Zaloudek and Dr. Charles Zaloudek to provide an annual fellowship to support research by a member of the Augustana faculty. The purpose of the fellowship is to support with a $5,000 stipend, faculty scholarship that extends the scope of research beyond the normal confines of the classroom.

Dr. Jennifer Gubbels, assistant professor of biology, has been named the recipient of the 2012 Carol Bland Cultivating Faculty Excellence Award. Established in 2009 and named to honor the life and work of Carole Bland, longtime Board of Trustees member, alumna and great friend of the College, the award provides funding for research to help create and sustain a culture of inquiry about teaching and learning at Augustana College. The award focuses on an aspect of cultivating excellence in teaching, and the intersection between research or creative work and classroom teaching.

The award comes with a $5,000 honorarium.

Jaciel Keltgen, assistant professor of business administration, and Dr. John Pennington, professor of music, have been named recipients of the 2012 Global Education Awards. The awards are designed to encourage faculty to enhance a course’s global and international aspects.

The Augustana Student Association (ASA) 2011-2012 Faculty Recognition Award was presented to Dr. Margaret Preston, associate professor and chair of the History Department. The award recognizes outstanding teaching and contributions to the Augustana community by a faculty member. Students nominate a professor they feel displays one or more of the five core values of the College (Christian, Liberal Arts, Excellence, Community, Service) as well as how that faculty member has positively impacted their experience at Augustana. An excerpt from Dr. Preston’s nomination reads: “Dr. Preston demands excellence of her students and supports them in this endeavor ... She has a gentle way of helping students pursue excellence not just in the classroom, but in attending conferences, broadening their academic experiences, and discovering what they are passionate about. She holds herself to a level of academic and personal excellence that is demonstrated throughout the other values. She embraces [Augustana’s] core values and lives them out each day as a friend, mentor, and respected faculty member. We are very lucky to have her at Augustana, and she is already revered as ‘one of Augie’s finest’ by students. She gives for the sake of her students and the campus community.”

At its meeting April 20-22, the Augustana Board of Trustees voted to approve tenure for the following members of the faculty, effective Sept. 1, 2012: Dr. Robert Wright (Economics) Dr. Wright holds the NEF Family Foundation Endowed Chair of Political Economy. Dr. Wright also holds a Ph.D. from the University of New York at Buffalo. His appointment is to the Social Science division; however, he serves and teaches courses in primarily the departments of Economics, Business Administration, and History. He leads the Thomas Willing Institute student summer research fellowships and continues to help museums, most recently the Museum of the City of New York, with finance-related exhibits and publications.

Dr. Drew Alton (Physics) Dr. Alton holds a Ph.D. in Physics from Kansas State University, a Master’s degree from Ball State University and a B.S. in Physics from the University of Iowa.

His doctoral work and research deals with the observation of neutrino induced neutral current charm events.

Dr. Barrett Eichler (Chemistry) Dr. Eichler holds a Ph.D. in Inorganic Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a B.A. in Chemistry from the University of MinnesotaMorris. Eichler’s research is focused on creating and investigating luminescent materials.

Dr. Mitchell Harris (English) Dr. Harris holds a Ph.D. and a Master’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin, and a B.A from Gustavus Adolphus College. Harris has been working on “Resurrecting the First ‘Five Hundred:’ The Church Fathers in Early Modern England” with his colleague Steve Matthews (Department of History, University of Minnesota, Duluth).

This book is under contract with the University of Toronto Press. He is a contributing writer to “The Oxford Guide to the Historical Reception of Augustine” (Oxford University Press) and serves as a contributing commentary editor for the John Donne Variorum edition of “Donne’s Songs and Sonnets” (Indiana University Press). He also is contracted to write the review of Milton studies article for “The Year’s Work in English Studies” (Oxford University Press) for the next two years, finishing a three-year stint as the Milton specialist.

Dr. Mark Larson (Biology) Dr. Larson holds a Ph.D. in Pharmacology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a B.A. from Concordia College in Moorhead, summa cum laude.

Larson’s lab research focuses on the cell biology and biochemistry of platelets, the primary cellular component of blood clotting.

Dr. Christopher Stanichar (Music) Dr. Stanichar holds a Doctorate of Musical Arts and Orchestral Directing, as well as a Master’s of Music from the Cincinnati CollegeConservatory of Music. He also has a B.A. from Central Washington University. He was the 2011 recipient of the Charles and Jane Zaloudek Faculty Research Fellowship, which enabled him to write several new works. He serves as Music Director of the South Dakota Symphony Youth Orchestra (SDSYO), which performs at the Washington Pavilion and involves over 130 students (K-12) in the region. He is also the principal conductor for the Northwest Iowa Symphony Orchestra (NISO) in Sioux Center, Iowa, and Music Director of the Worthington (Minn.) Area Symphony Orchestra.

Dr. John Pennington (Music) Dr. Pennington holds a Doctor of Musical Arts from Arizona State University, a Master of Music from the University of Michigan, and a Bachelor of Music from the University of Arizona. In addition to his work at Augustana, he serves as artistic director of the Animas Music Festival in Durango, Colo., performs as an orchestral percussionist with the South Dakota Symphony and the Music in the Mountains Music Festival Orchestra, and is currently a Cultural Envoy for the State Department in the Middle East (most recently Lebanon) where he presented concerts, clinics and master classes.

Characters Legendary

This Spring, Augustana said goodbye to long-serving legendaries Dr. V.R. Nelson and Virgil Sandvig.

Professor Emeritus of Physics

V.R.

Nelson

with th

, left, Nelson tor. la il r e defib

He is counted among the giants who’ve helped build the Augustana of today. Dr. V. Ronald (V.R.) Nelson, class of 1944 and long-time professor of physics and aeronautics, passed away on Saturday, April 28. He was 91.

Nelson graduated from Waubay High School and attended the University of Iowa. After graduating from Augustana, he earned his Master and Doctorate degrees from the University of Colorado. He served in the U.S. Navy Air Corps from 1944 to 1946 during World War II. His post-doctoral study was at Michigan College of Engineering; the University of Illinois; and the University of North Carolina.

In 1946, he was appointed instructor in physics and mathematics at Augustana. During a distinguished teaching career, he served as chair of the Physics and Math Department. Under his direction, Augustana operated the largest aviation ground school in the Upper Midwest in the 1960s and, in 1974, the College was selected as the test center for all aviation ratings.

“Can you imagine a doctor saying to you, ‘I need this for Monday … you can invent it?’

There’s an old joke out there that says the real reason the Zip Feed Mill didn’t collapse [during a planned demolition in 2005] was because Ronnie’s apparatus was inside, recalls Dr. Ralph Wagoner, professor emeritus of education and Augustana’s 21st president.

Dr. Arlen Viste, professor emeritus of chemistry from 1964-2002, agreed.

“When he was asked to build the defibrillator, he was just told what it needed to do. He had the knowledge to build the circuits so it could work,” Viste said.

Wagoner, who served Augustana from 1993 to 2000, knew Nelson well. He delivered the eulogy at his funeral where he began his message by saying, “…how does one define Dr. Ronald Nelson: Christian, loving husband, proud father, grandpa and great grandpa, distinguished alumnus of Augustana College, revered Professor emeritus of Physics and Mathematics, mentor, inventor,

member of the Navy’s Construction Battalion,” Thompson said. “I had mentioned to V.R. that my father had never talked about his almost three years’ service in the Pacific, so V.R. immediately began sharing with me books and articles that helped me understand what it must have been like to clear the islands and build and maintain the landing strips for the eventual invasion of Japan, often under enemy fire and horrible tropical conditions (he nearly died from malaria). The Seabees were usually on the islands before the Marines, he said.”

“V.R. was a remarkable man, able to fashion the most intricate scientific devices from household items, such as Augustana’s first computer (he donated the control board to the archives a few years ago), and yet take the time and interest to help someone understand his own father’s lost military service. He and Joyce have bestowed on the CWS and the College generous gifts of time and treasure – the Nelson Gallery in the Fantle Building and the classroom in Mikkelsen Library

“When we think of the giants who’ve helped build the Augustana of today, V.R. is at the top of the list.”

– Rob Oliver, President “We’ve lost one of the truly great professors in Augustana’s history. V.R. was beloved by so many students and colleagues over all these years.

His generosity with time, talent and treasure has left an indelible mark on the College,” said Rob Oliver, president. “When we think of the giants who’ve helped build the Augustana of today, V.R. is at the top of the list.”

Nelson was the designer and builder of the first heart stimulator (defibrillator) used at (Avera) McKennan, Sioux Valley (Sanford), Mitchell and Parkston Hospitals. He was a key figure in the design and installation of the electronic system at Zip Feed Mill, billed as the “world’s most modern feed mill,” in Sioux Falls. He built the first transmitting equipment for Augustana’s radio station, KAUR-FM. He was active as a consultant in accident reconstruction, as well as the design and manufacture of gas controls for furnaces and water heaters.

Dr. Milt Hanson ‘60, professor emeritus of chemistry from 1964-2004, knew Nelson as both a student and as a colleague. He called him a true inventor.

“V.R. was a very modest person. A lot of the things he did, we didn’t know much about, until after they were complete. For example, the Zip Feed Mill, I was unaware of it until long after it was done. Same was true of the defibrillator. He was an inventor. He used a great deal of science in his work. He was a teacher of physics but he wasn’t a researcher. His interest was more in education than in research.”

He had a knack for making things work, colleagues and friends recall, explaining that, because of a tight timeline, the electrodes for Nelson’s original defibrillator were made from metal kitchen spatulas.

aviator, philanthropist? How about we settle on ‘servant leader and wonderful friend to all who had the privilege to know and love him and to be loved in return.’”

Wagoner recalled the first time he met V.R. and Joyce Nelson. It was 1993 and he was a candidate for Augustana’s presidency.

“During the interview process, I had the opportunity to meet with Augustana retirees. Joyce and Ronnie were among the first people I saw at that meeting. He was very quiet. The minute I looked into his eyes and saw his demeanor, I knew this was where I belonged. This man had devoted his entire life to this institution. That kind of commitment said so much about this place, and about him. I knew more than anything that I didn’t ever want to let him down. I would’ve been crushed to see him be disappointed in me.”

“During my time at Augustana, I was blessed to be around some real “giants” – really fine people who always fought for what was best for Augustana. They fought for excellence. V.R. was among those fighters. He set the conscience for us … for this institution. Even when he wasn’t on campus, I felt his presence. One of my favorite things to do was to walk the campus every day. One of my great loves was to go into the Gilbert Science Center in the afternoons. Always, there’d be a faculty member there with students – looking at slides; looking through a microscope; discovering science. Ronnie helped establish that spirit.”

Dr. Harry Thompson, executive director of the Center for Western Studies, knew Nelson as a colleague, and as a friend.

“Not only had V.R. been a member of the CWS Board of Directors, but he had taken a special interest in my search for information about my father’s service in World War II as a The AUGUSTANA

are two such examples.”

In addition, the Nelson Service Center, which contains the printing center, main post office and assorted maintenance operations on campus, was named after V. R. and Joyce, benefactors of the project.”

Nelson was a member of First Lutheran Church, Augustana Fellows, Augustana Booster Club, South Dakota Academy of Science, American Institute of Physics, American Association of Physics Teachers, National Science Teachers Association, Sigma Xi National Research Honorary, and Sigma Pi Sigma National Physics Honorary.

He served for many years as Federal Aviation Examiner and was a Certified FAA Ground School Instructor of Private, Commercial and Instrument Pilots. He was active in many local community agencies, including Good Samaritan Society and the United Day Care.

He was the recipient of several honors and awards, which included Augustana Founders Day Award, Alumni Achievement, Friend of Augustana Award, Good Samaritan Society Service Award and the FAA “Spirit of Flight.”

In 2008, he was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame.

Survivors include his wife Dr. Joyce Nelson of Sioux Falls; one daughter Cindy (Robert) Ellsworth of Madison; two grandsons, Adam Ellsworth of Sioux Falls and Dr. Andrew (Laura) Ellsworth of Boise, Idaho; one great-grandson Eli Ronald Ellsworth; and one sister, Dr. Elaine McIntosh of Green Bay, Wis.; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his first wife Margaret (Meester) Nelson.

Memorials may be directed to the Nelson-Ellsworth Scholarship at Augustana College.

17

VIRG

Sandvig Professor Emeritus and Coach

F

riends remember long-time Augustana faculty member and coach Virgil Sandvig, class of 1949, as a straightshooter – a man of his word who never beat around the bush and who told it to you straight.

“He was kind of rough and gruff on the outside, but inside he was as soft as butter. He was tenacious and tough if he had to be, but he was really soft-hearted,” remembers Rev. A. Richard “Pete” Petersen, professor emeritus of Health, Physical Education and Recreation and former campus pastor.

Sandvig died on Sunday, Feb. 19. He was 87.

He joined Augustana as an assistant football coach in 1960, serving as an assistant under head Viking football coaches Bob Burns, Jim Malmquist, Ralph Starenko and Joel Swisher. He spent the next 30 years at the College, teaching geography and serving in a variety of coaching positions including, assistant basketball coach, sports information director, head men’s track and field coach, head men’s cross country coach and head men’s golf coach. He guided Viking men’s track teams to the College’s first appearances in the national outdoor championships.

He was inducted into the Augustana Athletic Hall of Fame in 1979 and is the recipient of the North Central Conference’s Honor Award (1977), the league’s highest recognition.

Prior to his retirement in 1990, he served as athletic director. He received a master’s degree in Physical Education at the University of Minnesota and was awarded the first master’s degree in Geography from South Dakota State University.

Dr. Ken Kessinger ‘49, professor emeritus of Health, Physical Education and Recreation and

In this archived photo, Sandvig (right) talks with coach Bob Burns.

“He impacted this place in so many ways.”

– Mel Klein, Former Coach and Development Officer coach who served Augustana from 1954 through 1992, grew up with Sandvig. The two met in third grade at Whittier Elementary and were classmates at Washington High School, graduating together in 1943.

“Our travels through life were very similar,” Kessinger said, explaining that after high school, both he and Sandvig enlisted in the military (Sandvig in the Marines, where he served in the South Pacific during World War II on the USS Enterprise; Kessinger in the Air Force) and both taught and coached in small communities after graduating from Augustana (Sandvig in Dell Rapids; Kessinger in Chamberlain).

After graduating from Augustana in 1949, Sandvig worked as a coach and educator at Dell Rapids High School. He later served as athletic director and head football coach for Yankton College.

“Eventually, we both ended up back at Augustana,” Kessinger said. “He was quite a character.”

A character, indeed.

Sandvig and Kessinger were among the original members of the SXS Chapter of the Natural

Philosophy and Literary Society, the official name for a group of Augustana colleagues who enjoyed spending time together, especially during their annual fishing trips to Canada.

It was in Canada, Kessinger said, that Sandvig earned his nickname “Rat’s Nest.” “[SXS Chapter member] Dr. Sven Froiland [professor emeritus of Biology from 1946 to 1987] gave every one of us a name,” said Kessinger.

“Virg’s name was ‘Rat’s Nest.’ He got it because he’d always forget to put his thumb on the fishing reel before he would cast – his line would tangle like you wouldn’t believe,” Kessinger said, laughing.

Mel Klein, former basketball coach and development officer who served Augustana from 1971 to 2011, knew Sandvig well.

“His family was so important to him. He was so proud of his kids and their accomplishments,” Klein said. “Virg really embodied Augustana – he really was one of the pioneers who made the College and its Athletic Department what it is today.

He didn’t get paid a lot, but he did whatever was asked of him, from driving a bus full of students to a game, to recruiting student athletes.”

The AUGUSTANA

He made an impression on everyone he met, Klein said, explaining that oftentimes while he was visiting alumni, Sandvig’s former students and student-athletes would inquire about him.

“He impacted this place in so many ways,” Klein said.

“He always gave you his best,” Petersen said.

“He was a great guy.”

Sandvig served on many committees, including the Sioux Falls Planning Commission, Dakota Relays Committee, The Center for Western Studies, and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his three brothers (Spencer, Kenneth, and Raymond), and his wife, Janet. He is survived by his three children, Scott (Sandy) Sandvig, Stacey (Michael “No-Good”) Sanders, Anne Sandvig (Lonnie Hosman), and six grandchildren Jamie (Bridget) Jackson, Anne Marie Sanders, Aaron (Becca) Sanders, Nathan Sanders, Samuel Hosman, Allison Hosman, and three great-grandchildren, Koby, Kyah, and Kate Jackson.

Memorials may be directed to the Janet Sandvig Scholarship at Augustana College.

19

At the Heart of the Arts

ART Explore. Discover. Create.

Congratulations to Augustana senior art major Allison Henke, the 2012 recipient of the prestigious Harold Spitznagel Medal for Achievement in Art, the highest award presented by the College’s Art Department to student-artists who demonstrate the highest standards of excellence in their artistic endeavors.

LEFT: Augustana senior Allison Henke and her painting, “Resuscitation.” ABOVE TOP: The family of Palmer Eide (shown) and the family of Ogden Dalrymple, long-time Augustana art professors and the namesakes behind Augustana’s Eide/Dalrymple Gallery, sponsor the annual Augustana Senior Art Show. TOP: Professor of Art Steve Thomas and Paul Boerboom of TSP Architecture at the presentation of the medal in honor of its founder, Harold Spitznagel.

NOTES FROM THE GREEN

Rev. Ann Rosendale Named Campus Pastor Rev. Ann Rosenthe call to be a dale ‘04 has been campus pastor at named a campus Augustana. We pastor at Augusare grateful both tana. She began for her giftedness her new role with and her willingRev. Dr. Paul Rohde ness to serve,” said in ministry to the Rohde.

Rev. Ann Augustana comAfter graduating Rosendale munity on Monday, from Augustana, April 16 and was Rosendale atinstalled on Wednesday, tended Princeton TheoApril 25, with South Dakota logical Seminary and was Synod Bishop Rev. David ordained as pastor of the Zellmer presiding.

ELCA in 2009. She served “We are thrilled that St. Paul Lutheran Church Pastor Ann has accepted (Davenport, Iowa) as a

Heinitz Wins Augie Pride Award Director of Admission are considering AugusAdam Heinitz received tana. He currently serves the “Augie Pride” as past president for award at the the Dakota Asso2012 Augustana ciation for College Service Awards Admission CounselPresentation and ing (DACAC) and Celebration. as treasurer for the The “Augie Pride” South Dakota Counaward recognizcil Executive Board Adam es exceptional of Dakota ACAC. Heinitz service. Since Heinitz is a 1999, 17 “Augie 1999 graduate of Pride” awards have been Augustana and holds a presented. master’s degree in educaSince joining Augustana tional leadership from the in 2000, Heinitz has played University of Sioux Falls. a vital role on the AdmisBefore joining the College, sion team, counseling he taught fifth grade at and advising prospective Lincoln Elementary School students and families who in Fargo, N.D.

Hannus to Appear on ‘Time Team America’ Dr. Adrien Hannus, professor of anthropology and director of the Archeology Laboratory at Augustana, will participate in the second season of “Time Team America,” a science-reality series from PBS that sends archaeologists on a race against time to excavate historic sites around the nation. The episodes are scheduled to air in 2013.

The team of archaeologists has just 72 hours to uncover the buried secrets of their assigned digs us

ing the latest technology, decades of expertise and their own sharp wits. Host Justine Shapiro guides each expedition as viewers peer over the shoulders of diggers, scientists and historians at work.

Hannus will participate in one of the season’s four episodes. He will serve as a specialist on early human sites in the New World for the episode featuring “Badger Hole Site: A Folson Period Bison Kill” in Oklahoma.

participant in their pastoral residency program, funded by the Lilly Endowment.

She returned to Sioux Falls in 2010 and most recently served as associate pastor for Peace Lutheran Church.

“I am thrilled to be a part of day-in, day-out campus life at Augustana once again, accompanying students on their faith journey as they navigate college life, just as so many sojourned faithfully with me during my young adult years,” said Rosendale.

Swanson Invited to Global Scripture Translation Seminar Dr. Richard Swanson, professor of Religion and chair of the Humanities division at Augustana, was selected for the Inter-Semiotic Translation Seminar, an invited group of only 15 scholars from around the globe, to explore the role of modern semiotics in the translation and communication of Scripture for the 21st century. The group met at the San Pellegrino University Foundation in Misano Adriatico, Italy, April 23-27.

The Seminar was formed to explore the implications of recent literary critical work with texts (particularly Italian semiotics) for the translation of biblical texts, particularly as this involves translation from one symbol system to another. The members of the Seminar are semioticians, musicologists, translators, and biblical scholars from around the world.

Swanson was also invited to present a portion of the St. Mark Passion (created in collaboration with Dr. Christopher Stanichar (Music), Dr. Patrick Hicks (English), and Dr. James Johnson).

Fall Events to Feature Performing, Visual, Literary Arts; Forums Through Sept. 2: Augustana Student Invitational, Eide/Dalrymple Gallery.

Sept. 5 - Oct. 6: “The Art of Politics,” Political cartoons by artists of the North Central Chapter of the National Cartoonists Society, featuring Pulitzer Prize winner Ann Telneas, Eide/Dalrymple Gallery. Closing reception featuring a presentation by Telneas and Associate Professor of Government Dr. Joel Johnson set for 5-7 p.m. on Oct. 5, in Kresge Recital Hall.

Sept. 6 - Nov. 30: 25th Annual Northern Plains Indian Art Market Anniversary Exhibit, featuring the art of NPIAM artists since 1988: Roger Broer, Jackie Sevier, Paul Szabo, Richard Red Owl, and Harvey Rattey, Center for Western Studies. Reception set for 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Sept. 26.

Sept. 22: Dr. John Pennington Faculty Recital, 7:30 p.m., Kresge Recital Hall.

Sept. 26: “K-12 Education Reform: The Reality of the Pachyderm and His Family,” Augustana Thought Leader Forum featuring Dr. Pam Homan ‘81, superintendent of the Sioux Falls School District, 11:30 a.m., Callaways.

Oct. 5: “A Viking Chronicle: Your Stories and Mine,” Augustana Thought Leader Forum featuring Dr. Sandra Looney ‘62, 11:30 a.m., Callaways.

Oct. 5-7: Viking Varieties, 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m.

(2 p.m. on Sunday), Edith Mortenson Center Theatre.

Oct. 9: Augustana Library Associates presents awardwinning Minnesota author Catherine Friend, 7:30 p.m., Kresge Recital Hall. Call 605.274.4921 to reserve tickets.

Oct. 11 - Nov. 10: “The Ceramics of Domonique Venzant,” Eide/Dalrymple Gallery. Gallery reception set for 5-7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 19. Free and open to the public.

Oct. 28: Orchestra’s “Hauncert,” 3 p.m., Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.

Nov. 2: Augustana Band and the College/Community Band concert, 7:30 p.m., Washington Pavilion.

Nov. 4: Fall Choral Event (All choirs), 3 p.m., Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.

Nov. 9: “The FBI’s Evolving Role in Global Law Enforcement,” Augustana Thought Leader Forum featuring Special Agent Phil Niedringhaus ‘86, 11:30 a.m., Callaways.

Nov. 9: Augustana Band Festival, Humanities and Washington Pavilion.

Nov. 10: Band Festival Concert, 7:30 p.m., Washington Pavilion.

Nov. 13: Opera Theatre Selections, 7:30 p.m., Kresge Recital Hall.

Nov. 14-18: Theatre: “Inspecting Carol,” 7:30 p.m.

(2:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday), Edith Mortenson Center Theatre.

Nov. 15 - Dec. 12: “Chad Nelson: Recent Printmaking,” Eide/Dalrymple Gallery. Gallery reception set for 5-7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 16.

Nov. 18: Trombone Choir Recital, 3 p.m., Kresge Recital Hall.

Nov. 19: Northlanders and All City Jazz Concert, 7:30 p.m., Kresge Recital Hall.

Nov. 30-Dec. 2: Augustana Vespers, 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.

Dec. 5: Percussion Ensemble Concert, 7:30 p.m., Kresge Recital Hall.

Dec. 6: Augustana Bands’ Christmas Extravaganza, 7:30 p.m., Washington Pavilion. www.augietickets.com

The AUGUSTANA

21

MOBILE MINISTRY

Who says you need brick and mortar to deliver messages of hope and faith?

As a member of Chicago’s The Night Ministry, the Rev. Jen Rude, class of 2002, serves the city’s homeless and most vulnerable from a van on a street corner.

I

n Chicago, a city where a staggering 10,000 young people between the ages of 14-21 are experiencing homelessness, a run-of-the mill blue Dodge van pulls up at a street corner in one of its most diverse neighborhoods, Lakeview.

It’s just after dusk on a Thursday when the van’s doors open and its passengers unload a series of tables on which they place food and other items such as socks, coffee and cookies.

They set up a radio and drape the van’s exterior in colorful flags that wave and billow in sync with the music and the breeze in the air.

Soon, some of the city’s most vulnerable young people approach the van – they are the struggling souls who are experiencing, or are at risk for, homelessness, abuse, neglect and exploitation. They are young men, women and transgender individuals from a range of ethnic, religious and racial backgrounds who are in desperate need of basic care and, oftentimes more importantly, someone to talk to.

parts. We try to be there for the long haul.”

Rude says the fact that help and messages of hope can come from a van on a street corner is attractive to its attendees.

“We’re outside where people really are.

People don’t have to sign in or open some big door. Many of these folks have been rejected by other churches or social services.

We want to be welcoming and inviting,” Rude says.

“It’s like a church coffee hour – there’s a lot of hugging and laughter. These are moments where they can feel safe and cared for and get the basic supplies they need.

It’s a chance for them to be around people who ask how their day was, listen to job prospects, comfort broken hearts and celebrate successes.”

If numbers are any indication, The Night Ministry’s Youth Outreach Program is much more than just a church coffee hour.

In 2011, Rude and her Youth Outreach Team colleagues made more than 11,000 contacts with street-based youths in Chicago. In doing so, they provided vital referrals to medical health and behavioral

been leading me here.”

Developing Leaders In her role with The Night Ministry, Rude also runs a youth leadership program to help young people develop leadership skills, design peer outreach programs, celebrate education and build self-esteem.

“People who experience homelessness are often the recipients of services. As human beings, we need to feel like we can give something. We feel empowered when we can help others. This program recognizes their gifts and the things they have to offer,” she said.

Another component of the Youth Outreach Program is the Adventure Club, an effort to take young people out of the city and expose them to nature.

“We go hiking, kayaking, wall climbing and visit wildlife centers. Nature is really healing. It’s a chance for these kids to find room to breathe, see natural beauty and get away from the loudness and concrete of the city.”

Her work is hard but, Rude says, the

“This call to justice – to work with people who have been sort of pushed aside in our society – is in my blood. I can see how my path has been leading me here.”

– Rev. Jen Rude, Class of 2002 That someone is the Rev. Jen Rude, class of 2002, a member of The Night Ministry’s Youth Outreach Team, a non-profit organization that has served Chicago’s most vulnerable and at-risk population for more than 35 years.

Rude, 32, joined the organization seven years ago. It’s been an experience she calls both heartbreaking and hopeful.

“There’s a lot of hope. I think teens are optimistic – they believe their dreams are possible. To watch people who are so resilient and to see their strength is amazing.

Even though they may not have a home or a family, they’re strong – they are survivors. When we help them build on those strengths, they realize their potential.”

“We celebrate the spirit – the stuff that keeps them going. So many people rely on their faith in order to keep going. What’s amazing is that they’re able to continue in their faith even when they’ve had so many challenges.”

Building relationships with the youths who visit the van takes time, Rude says. So, as she helps pass out things like toothpaste, socks and nutritious food items, she listens quietly and without judgment.

“People need someone to listen to them and to share their feelings. What’s amazing about it is that when you spend time getting to know people over the long term, you develop a trusting relationship where people feel comfortable telling you both the hard parts of their life and the good

services and made recommendations to housing services officials in an effort to find safe and secure housing solutions.

In addition to the efforts to reach Chicago’s homeless youth, The Night Ministry also operate a 38-foot Health Outreach Bus, a mobile unit that, in 2011, made nearly 79,000 contacts with homeless adults, youth and children in Chicago neighborhoods. The bus, which operates six nights a week throughout the year, includes a nurse practitioner who provides health care services such as treatment for injuries or minor illnesses, HIV and STD testing, health care education and referrals for further treatment.

Destiny A native of Minnesota who grew up in Buffalo, N.Y., and Denver, Colo., Rude majored in religion and minored in psychology and gender studies at Augustana. After graduation, she attended the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, Calif.

As a student, she says, she felt a call to be a pastor, but also felt a pull to ministry in a broader sense.

“When I was at Augie, I worked with an “Into the Streets” program for the Chapel that connected the College and its students with the community on local, national, and international social justice issues. This call to justice – to work with people who have been sort of pushed aside in our society – is in my blood. I can see how my path has The AUGUSTANA

rewards are immeasurable.

“Two weeks ago, someone in our leadership program came back and told us the skills he learned in our program helped him land a job in a local theatre,” she said.

“For some, that’s success. For others, success is maybe a stable place to live, returning to school or reuniting with their family.

Sometimes, maybe it’s just making it every day. Each individual has different goals they’re working toward.”

“Yes, some days are really challenging and heart-breaking yet, what makes The Night Ministry unique is that we don’t do the work alone. Our team does a lot of reflection and processing. I believe God is involved. When we go home at night and the people outside are left outdoors to wonder where they’re going to sleep, I believe that God holds them. That helps sustain me and helps me not to carry it all when I come home. I feel honored that people invite me into their lives. What fascinates me about the youth community is that they form families together. They call each other brother and sister and they form bonds across so many lines – race, gender, sexual orientation – in ways the larger society hasn’t figured out yet. That gives me hope. I think it’s a microcosm of what the kingdom of God looks like – a place where people care about each other, depend on each other and build communities that are sustaining. It’s an honor to be part of.”

23

KING of the

CIRCLE

A standout on the wrestling team, Cody Lensing ‘12 plans to pursue a career in medical research

Cody Lensing (left), class of 2012, capped his senior wrestling season with an 18-6 record and took the runner-up trophy in the 125-pound division at the NCAA Division II Championships.

Cody Lensing is committed to tracking down and eradicating disease.

But to some, he will be remembered as a tenacious dispenser of discomfort.

While at Augustana, the native of Moundsview, Minn., flawlessly executed his role as a student-athlete, earning AllAmerica recognition in both endeavors.

Lensing graduated summa cum laude in May with majors in biochemistry and philosophy. In March, he capped his senior wrestling season with an 18-6 record and the runner-up trophy in the 125-pound division at the NCAA Division II Championships.

This fall, he begins graduate studies in medicinal chemistry at the University of Minnesota. By concentrating on drug design and discovery, he heeds a call to advance and create treatments for human diseases.

Once intent on becoming a physi-

the top-ranked team in Division III. He began the 2011-12 season at 133 pounds before dropping to 125.

“It wasn’t easy for Cody to drop to 125,” said Reitmeier. “After losing weight you tend to get tired by the time the third period comes around. But, I could see Cody was getting stronger as each match progressed.”

Lensing turned in an exceptional effort at the National Wrestling Coaches Association (NWCA) National Duals, winning all five of his matches at 125 pounds.

Three came by major decisions.

“When I came off the mat after the last match, Coach grabbed me and told me I was going to be a national champion.

When Coach Reitmeier tells you something like that … well … coming from him all I could say was, ‘wow!’”

So, Reitmeier was not surprised when Lensing battled his way to runner-up

student-athlete with the highest cumulative GPA participating at the finals site for each of the NCAA’s 89 championships.

The list of scholastic accolades continues.

Lensing is a two-time Division II AllAcademic choice, a four-time Academic All-NSIC selection, and recipient of the NSIC’s Myles Brand All-Academic with Distinction Award.

His campus activities included membership in Phi Sigma Tau (Philosophy Honor Society), Beta Beta Beta (National Biological Honor Society), Augustana Outdoor Club, Philosophy Club, and Student Members of the American Chemical Society. He served as a chemistry and biology lab assistant and tutor.

Two summers were devoted to research, one with Dr. Jared Mays, codirector of the biochemistry major at

“Cody is one of the strongest undergraduate students I have worked with.

I have little doubt that he will continue to make waves and be a leader in his discipline ... and his career.”

– Dr. Jared Mays, Assistant Professor of Chemistry

cian, Lensing altered his career path to concentrate on medical research. And, midway through a stressful sophomore year, he stepped away from the mat.

“Those first two years of wrestling were kind of on and off for me,” he said.

“After Thanksgiving I decided to take some time off and focus on my classes.

Coach ( Jason Reitmeier) called it my sabbatical.”

A competitive wrestler since kindergarten, it was a safe bet Lensing’s sabbatical would be brief. So, armed with a positive attitude adjustment, he returned to the circle for his junior season.

“No one was pushing me,” he said. “To wrestle again was my desire, my choice.

I was excited and anxious to compete. I was going to take it one match at a time and see what happened.”

It can be noted the layoff had no negative impact. Wrestling the majority of his matches at 133 pounds, Lensing finished the season with a 17-2 record. He was named NSIC wrestler of the week after topping Augsburg’s Cody Madsen, 13-2, to help the Vikings defeat the Auggies,

honors at nationals with a style the coach calls “unorthodox.”

“On the mat Cody is very physical, and really kind of ornery,” Reitmeier said.

“He’s a punisher when he’s on top and has the ability to scramble when he isn’t.

And, he’s really determined.”

Classroom success has kept pace with Augustana’s wrestling program’s many athletic achievements. For 2011-12, eight Vikings were named to the NCAA Division II Wrestling Coaches Association all-academic team, while the team ranked third. Lensing’s contributions are notable.

He carried a 3.96 cumulative grade point average for the year. He was named to the Augustana’s Dean’s List for eight consecutive semesters. In April, he was declared winner of Augustana’s Covenant Award for Liberal Arts.

The NSIC honored Lensing with the 2012 Dr. William Britton Scholar-Athlete Award for Academic Excellence, recognizing the league’s top male studentathlete. He was named a 2012 NCAA Elite 89 winner at the NCAA Division II tournament, an award presented to the

The AUGUSTANA

Augustana, and one at Sanford Health in Sioux Falls.

Dr. Mays met Lensing three years ago when he joined the Augustana faculty.

He has served as Lensing’s research advisor, academic advisor, and instructor. “Overall, Cody is one of the strongest undergraduate students I have worked with – both at Augustana and throughout my professional career – and I have little doubt that he will continue to make waves and be a leader in his discipline throughout graduate school and his own career.”

“There were times I would go on just a few hours sleep, Lensing said. “But everyone at Augustana is so good at communicating. If I had to miss practice or a match, or if I had to miss a class or a lab, my coaches and professors were very understanding of my time constraints.”

In addition to postgraduate studies, Lensing is likely to continue his many volunteer activities, including instructing and advising young wrestlers. It’s what All-Americans do.

25

SPRING SPORTS

MEN’S GOLF Under first-year head coach Steve Klock, the Viking men’s golfers charted a sixth-place conference finish and sent their first player to regional action since the 2007-08 season. Senior Eric Hieb was selected to play at the Central/West Region Championship as an individual. Hieb’s final campaign saw him garner All-NSIC honors for the third time.

WOMEN’S TENNIS Three seasons of Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference perfection was kept intact by Michelle Wadas and the Augustana women’s tennis squad this season.

The Vikings picked up their third-consecutive league title and, in the process, secured their third-straight undefeated NSIC season. Marc Kurtz and company finished 18-4 (10-0 NSIC), hosted their second-straight regional and advanced to NCAA postseason competition for the third season in a row.

MEN’S TENNIS Mitchell Barr and the men’s tennis team racked up six wins this season – the most since the 2003 term. Barr and teammate Jackson Buchanan each logged double-figure singles wins on the year. The Vikings christened 2012 with three victories and downed Hastings (Neb.) 6-3 in their season finale.

WOMEN’S GOLF Maggie Leland, the inaugural All-America first-team selection in women’s golf history, guided the Vikings to more national prominence in 2011-12. Coach Peggy Kirby’s nationally ranked crew won its third-straight Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference and Central Region titles and finished 10th at the NCAA Championships. Leland was tabbed the NSIC Golfer of the Year and landed on the NGCA All-America first team, one of many accolades earned by several Augustana golfers this season.

BASEBALL The right arm of Derek Hansen helped produce the third-straight 30-win season by the Augustana baseball program. Hansen struck out a school record 103 batters in 2012 and kept his ERA down to 1.23 en route to multiple All-America honors. The Vikings went 32-21 (22-12 NSIC) and made their third-straight appearance in the NSIC Tournament. In June, he was selected by the Oakland Athletics with the 769th pick in the 25th round of the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft.

OUTDOOR TRACK & FIELD The Vikings grabbed a title on one of college track and field’s biggest stages: the Drake Relays. The Augustana men’s distance medley relay team of Khor Kong, Aduo Omot, Henrik Hansson and Tom Karbo charted a time of 9 minutes, 50.44 seconds to set a school record. Tracy Hellman mentored three student-athletes to All-America honors, helped the men to 20th place at the NCAA Championships and tutored the women to 40th place at nationals.

NAVY & GOLD

Augustana Baseball Field Project Receives Naming Gift A major gift from Augustana alumnus Don Karras and his wife Donna will name the soon-to-be renovated baseball stadium on campus.

Karras Park will feature a new grandstand, press box, dugouts, suite, back stop and netting system. The addition of field lighting is also under evaluation.

The playing surface of the facility will retain the original Ronken Field namesake.

“The great poet and writer Walt Whitman once said, ‘I see great things in baseball. It’s our game – the American game.’ Whether it’s the smell of the grass or the feel of a worn leather glove, we all remember those magical moments that can only happen at the ballpark; baseball is the quintessential American game, indeed,” said Rob Oliver, president. “We will be forever grateful to Don Karras and his family for this generous investment in Augustana’s baseball program and we look forward to gathering with the campus and greater Sioux Falls community to watch the first pitch at the new Karras Park.”

The gift is part of the baseball program’s “Step Up to the Plate” field renovation project, which was sparked by a lead gift from Lee “Goldy” Goldammer in October. Goldammer’s contribution will provide a synthetic turf surface for the infield of the venue.

Karras, a business administration and economics major, is a 1976 graduate of Augustana. He went on to earn a master’s of business administration degree and law degree from the University of South Dakota in 1980 and 1981, respectively.

A native of Sioux Falls, Karras pulled double duty in athletics and the arts while a student at Augustana. He was on the baseball team in 1973 and 1975 and was a member of The Augustana Choir from 1972 to 1976 during semesters in which he wasn’t playing baseball.

Karras served as vice president of Newmont Mining Corporation from 1992 until his retirement in 2006. He is currently active in men’s senior baseball in Colorado and South Dakota.

Said Karras: “I am very pleased to help Augustana with this exciting renovation and expansion of Ronken Field. I have fond memories of my undergraduate years and playing days as a Viking. Baseball has always been the quintessential American pastime and still is among my life’s great passions. I

am thrilled to know that Karras Park will offer past and present Vikings, new prospects and baseball junkies everywhere an unequalled playing venue and new baseball home. It’s a great day to be a Viking!”

Karras resides in Denver, Colo., and Keystone, S.D., with his wife, Donna. They have two sons, Dane, 26, and Dillon, 23.

Dillon was a member of the Augustana baseball team in 2007 before joining the tennis team from 2008 to 2010. He graduated from Augustana in 2010 with majors in business administration and sports management and is currently a student at the USD School of Law. “This is another magnificent gift to Augustana from the Karras family,” said. Athletic Director Bill Gross “Don, Donna and their family are making a major impact in providing improved facilities that will benefit our Augustana baseball student-athletes, fans and the Sioux Falls community for years to come. We extend a sincere thank-you from the bottom of our hearts to the Karras family for this outstanding contribution.”

The dedication of Ronken Field on April 17, 1993, provided Augustana with its first, on-campus baseball diamond. An estate gift from Maurus and Anna Ronken in June 1992 provided the lead gift for construction of the facility.

Dillon Karras (class of 2010) and Don Karras (class of 1976) both spent time on the Augustana baseball team as students at the College.

“Don is a great baseball guy and yet another example of the excellent support we have received for this project,” said head baseball coach Tim Huber. “With Goldy kicking us off and now Don stepping up in a major way, we are getting much closer to where we hope to be at the end of this project. I’d like to extend a thank-you to all the alumni, parents and friends of the program who have contributed so far.”

FALL SCHEDULES ANNOUNCED 2012 Home Volleyball Games, to be played at the Elmen Center: Sept. 14: Upper Iowa, 7 p.m.

Sept. 15: Winona State, 5:30 p.m.

Sept. 18: Wayne State, 7 p.m.

Sept. 25: SW Minnesota State, 7 p.m.

Sept. 28: Univ. of Mary, 7 p.m.

Sept. 29: Minot State, 4 p.m.

Oct. 12: Minnesota Duluth, 7 p.m.

Oct. 13: St. Cloud State, 4 p.m.

Oct. 26: Minnesota State, 7 p.m.

Oct. 27: Concordia-St. Paul, 4 p.m.

Nov. 1: Univ. of Sioux Falls, 7 p.m.

2012 Home Football Games, to be played at Kirkeby-Over Stadium: Sept. 1: Northern State, 1 p.m.

Sept. 15: Minnesota Crookston, 1 p.m.

Oct. 6: Minnesota State, 1 p.m.

Oct. 20: Univ. of Sioux Falls, 1 p.m.

Nov. 3: Winona State, 1 p.m.

The AUGUSTANA

27

As associate professor of philosophy, Dr. David O’Hara helps students discover their capacity to ask tough questions.

And, how to uncover the answers for themselves.

for the love of

WISDOM

Last fall, Dr. David O’Hara offered students in his Ancient Philosophy class an optional field trip to Badlands National Park, a rugged stretch of some 240,000 acres in western South Dakota where age-old geologic deposits form jagged, mountain-sized ranges that rise up from the rolling prairie like magical pages in a child’s pop-up book.

As he shared details of the outing with his class, he was quick to note that it wouldn’t be any ordinary field trip. He wasn’t requiring any papers and he wasn’t offering any class credit for going.

And, most importantly, participants would need to bring sleeping bags.

Fifteen or so students took him up on it, following O’Hara west on a Friday afternoon, over the Missouri River and just past the legendary Wall Drug and its free ice water.

They set up tents in the Park’s primitive campground and waited.

After the sun set and millions of stars debuted in the black, cloudless sky, O’Hara and his students simply looked up and watched.

They saw the Big Dipper, witnessed the wonder of meteor showers, watched the Milky Way turn and saw Jupiter rise and cross the sky. Looking through an amateur telescope, they could make out four of the gigantic planet’s moons and watched angry weather patterns swirl over its surface.

Despite having brought sleeping bags, most of them never went to sleep.

For many of the students, the trip will likely

earned his bachelor’s degree from Middlebury College and studied in Spain, intent on teaching Spanish. At the same time, he discovered a passion for talking with college students about “these great big questions that are really hard to answer. Questions about the ‘meaning of life’ and about ‘vocation,’ ‘calling,’ and what we can know about God, our souls and ourselves.

Those questions are really hard to answer but they’re the questions that matter most to us, I think.”

He enrolled in the “Great Books Program” at St. John’s College in New Mexico, a curriculum that includes no lectures, no exams, no grades and very few electives. There, he read and debated famous works by Aristotle, Freud, Newton, Einstein and others. He then went on to earn his Ph.D. from Penn State.

His time at St. John’s, he says, continues to influence his teaching even today.

“I try to offer students as much of that experience as I can – the experience that allows you to stop caring about grades and start caring about the satisfaction of wonder.”

Eudaimonia Philosophy is, by definition O’Hara says, “the love of wisdom.”

But in a practical sense, it’s much more than that.

“Absolutely, it’s valuable for students to learn a profession – to learn how to do something.

But, we also believe it’s important to reflect on what we do and why we do it. So philoso-

the ‘eu’ means ‘good.’ So ‘eudaimonia’ means ‘having a good spirit in you.’ The ancient philosophers considered this to be the aim of philosophy – to have a good spirit within you.

The word is perhaps most simply translated as happiness.”

“There are professions that will train students on how to accumulate a lot of money.

What we want is for our students to be able to ask ‘what’s that money for? And, how will my relationship with money contribute to my happiness?’ Does money buy you happiness?

Will sex get you happiness? Will power? Will a new car? There are lots of forces giving these messages to students. Many can change our desires. I think it’s helpful for students to be critical of these messages so they don’t end up adopting someone else’s desires. They need to learn about their own souls and discover what sorts of things will contribute to their eudaimonia.”

Finding a Calling After Augustana, philosophy majors take a variety of routes, O’Hara says. Many go on to medical, dental or law school. A number go into politics or into the study of politics.

Others pursue ministry work, professional positions such as computer programming or business administration, or nonprofit work.

But most, O’Hara hopes, will have discovered their “calling.”

He cites Plutarch, a philosopher who lived in the first and second centuries of this era,

“I think what students find by studying philosophy is not so much that they have better answers to questions.

It’s that they have better questions.”

– Dr. David O’Hara, Associate Professor of Philosophy go down as among their most memorable Augustana experiences.

For O’Hara, it was a chance to see his students cultivate wisdom while utilizing the “Socratic Method” – a way by which individuals discover answers for themselves, first-hand.

“It’s sort of like in mathematics. You can tell someone the answer to a problem, or you can show them how to solve a problem. Or you can help them discover how to solve problems. The solutions will wind up being the same as what others come up with. But, they’ll own it if they figure out how to do it on their own.”

“Do you know that feeling when you watch your kids ride a bike for the first time,” O’Hara asks. “That’s kind of like the feeling that accompanies my teaching. I love watching students discover for the first time that it’s possible to think their way through some of life’s toughest questions.”

That love of wisdom, he says, is what philosophy is all about.

Finding the Answers O’Hara came to Augustana in 2005. He was born and raised in Woodstock, N.Y., (yes, that Woodstock) and says he knew he wanted to teach at the college level when he was in middle school.

Having learned French at a young age, he

phy, we joke, doesn’t bake any bread. It’s not a strictly useful discipline, which often makes it difficult to see why people should study it at all.”

“I think what students find by studying philosophy is not so much that they have better answers to questions. It’s that they have better questions. They have the capacity to ask questions that they wouldn’t have even thought of as questions before.”

That’s because, O’Hara says, as it turns out, there are different kinds of “knowing.”

“There’s ‘knowing’ where we have ‘certainty’ of something. There’s the kind of knowing where we think something is ‘likely’ to happen. Then, there’s the kind of knowing where we think there’s a ‘possibility’ something will happen. When you think about that problem, you start to discover what we mean by knowledge and you can then examine the claims others make. Philosophy turns out to have great value and application for so many elements of life – for debating politics, for talking about religion, economics, parenting and all sorts of other topics.”

It’s why O’Hara says the study of philosophy is not training for a profession. It’s training, he says, in life.

“There’s this word that shows up in ancient philosophy and it still shows up today – it’s ‘eudaimonia.’ The ‘daimon’ means ‘spirit’ and The AUGUSTANA

whose essay “On Listening to Lectures” says “a mind is not a vessel to be filled but a fire that is awaiting kindling.”

“This is what sets a small liberal arts college and a philosophical education apart – we don’t think of our students as empty vessels that we need to fill up. They come to us with the tinder and the logs of their fires already there.

But oftentimes, they’re not aware of it. Our job is to see the capacity they have to light the fires of their mind. Once those fires are lit, they can light fires in others, as well.”

“Frederick Buechner said, ‘Your vocation is a matter of finding the deep need in the world and a deep desire in you. And, where those two come together, that’s what you’re called to do.’”

“So, for our students, it’s finding what they’re good at; what makes them feel alive; and what they want written on their gravestones. The answers to those questions aren’t the same. It’s where those three come together where we find our calling.”

Tea and Talking In Augustana publications that feature current students and their experiences, a large number list O’Hara as among their most CONTINUED: Page 36

29

ALUMNI NEWS A Message from the Alumni Association President

Six to Receive Alumni Achivement Awards During Viking Days My fellow alumni, This fall, Augustana will recognize the achievements of six alumni during Viking Days in October. I hope you’ll make plans to return to campus and join us at the Blue and Gold Gala on Saturday, Oct. 6, where the following individuals will receive Alumni Achievement Awards: Frieda Misch Owen, Ph.D. ‘51, continues to influence teachers who are leaders in their schools as a mentor to more than 100 National Board Certified teachers. At age 82, she’s still in the classroom – as an adjunct English professor at Washington State Community College in Marietta, Ohio, and serves West Virginia’s Wood County Schools as a volunteer consultant and candidate support provider for National Board Certification. Owen is a life-long learner and a pioneer for education in the state of West Virginia. In 2003, as assistant superintendent of Wood County Schools, she introduced a program of site-based professional development to help teachers and administrators improve the quality of classroom instruction for all students. Wood County was one of the first districts in the state to use teacher coaches; now the practice is widespread.

Dr. Charles William “Bill” Fedde ‘62, majored in biology at Augustana. He joined the U.S. Army while in medical school and completed his surgery residency at Walter Reed Army Hospital in Bethesda, Md. He served as a surgeon in Vietnam until 1973, and completed his vascular surgery fellowship and served as a vascular surgeon from 1974 to 1976 in Augusta, Ga. After retiring from the Army, he became a faculty member at West Virginia School of Medicine, specializing in vascular surgery. He later opened a surgery practice in Oakland, Md., with an orthopedic surgeon. After retiring from his career in medicine, Fedde began a second career as a businessman. He owns and operates a series of convenience stores and grocery stores in western Maryland and nearby West Virginia.

Dr. Sandra Looney ‘62, is a giant among faculty at Augustana and is a fixture in the English Department. She is the consummate teacher with the rare ability to be gracious and rigorous at the same time. Her love of her subject is contagious. She has excelled as a colleague, friend and mentor to her coworkers. She is unfailingly devoted to her students and is an inspiration to all who know her. Looney teaches composition and literature classes, Shakespeare and senior Capstone courses in conjunction with professors of other disciplines. Her area of expertise is British and American drama; her recent interest is Shakespeare performance. She has long-term interests in the literature of India, China and Japan. Recent sabbaticals have taken her to Oxford, England, and Dublin, Ireland. Looney earned a Ph.A. in English at the University of Arkansas in 1973. She joinedAugustana in1964.

Courtland Nelson ‘72, serves on the Alumni Council and has been active in Augustana’s efforts to increase its presence in the Twin Cities area. At Augustana, he majored in sociology, played for the men’s basketball team and was a member of the Webs society. Today, Nelson serves as director of Parks and Recreation for the state of Minnesota’s Department of Natural Resources, where he is responsible for some 75 state parks, trails, campgrounds and recreation areas. Prior to his appointment in 2004, he served as director of the Utah State Division of Parks and Recreation. During his time in Utah, Nelson oversaw the development of Soldier Hollow at Wasatch Mountain State Park, the Nordic venue for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. That same year, he received the prestigious Distinguished Service Award of the National Association of State Park Directors in recognition of his career-long commitment to outdoor recreation and heritage development.

Dr. Robert “Bob” Van Demark ‘72, holds an academic appointment as a clinical professor in the anatomy and orthopedics departments at the Sanford School of Medicine at the University of South Dakota. He graduated cum laude with a biology major from Augustana and graduated from Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston in 1976. He completed a year of internship at McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls in 1977 and completed his residency at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn., in 1981. He completed a hand surgery fellowship in Los Angeles with Dr. Herbert Stark and Associates in 1982. Van Demark’s professional career started at his father’s clinic, the Van Demark Bone and Joint Clinic in Sioux Falls. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Van Demark and his wife Marilyn have been strong supporters of the Sioux Falls community and region. They are generous with their time and talents. He is described as a man of great humility, integrity and generosity.

Julie Clark ‘00, is the recipient of the Augustana Horizon Award recognizing the rising careers of young alumni (less than 15 years after graduation). A Business Communications major, she has worked for Junior Achievement of South Dakota and the Sioux Empire Housing Partnership. In the past year, Julie has fulfilled her dream of starting her own business, The Inspirational Coffee Club, which aims to enhance the lives of women worldwide through life coaching and motivational speaking. She created a website to promote the mission of the organization, wrote the book “Inspirational Coffee Breaks for Women: 12 Ground Rules for Pouring Your Heart Into Life” and developed a product line for her company. Clark has been a guest instructor at Augustana for three years in the “Women in Business” course offered during Interim.

Reserve your ticket for the Blue & Gold Gala at www.augie.com/vikingdays. I look forward to seeing you there!

Corey Halstenson, Class of 1996 30

The AUGUSTANA

Class Notes

Visit www.augielink.com for daily updates and photos.

THE

2000s

CLASS OF 2012 Nate Alfson is the new baseball coach for Dell Rapids High School in South Dakota.

Melissa (Johnson) Woldt welcomed son Connor to the world on March 2, 2012.

CLASS OF 2011 Corey Hermanson is a deep web investigator for BrightPlanet in Sioux Falls.

Daniel Kvanli and Miranda Andersen ’10 were married on April 29, 2011, in Sioux Falls. They currently live in Saint Paul, Minn.

Ellie Lundin is living in Kalamzoo, Mich., where she is a brass instructor for the Legends Drum and Bugle Corps.

Todd Mulder is an UELIP Associate for the D.C. Public Schools.

CLASS OF 2010 Julie Ailts was featured in the Worthington Daily Globe for teaching first grade.

Miranda Andersen and Daniel Kvanli ‘11 were married on April 29, 2011, in Sioux Falls. They currently live in Saint Paul, Minn., while Miranda pursues her master’s of divinity at Luther Seminary.

Jordan Dalton is a financial services representative at Principal Financial Group in Sioux Falls.

Kendra Gottsleben has published her first book, “Live, Laugh, Lemonade: A Journey of Choosing to Beat the Odds.”

Ian Malloy has been published in the International Journal of Advanced Research in Computer Science.

Chad Vanderpoel will be working for Team USA at the 2012 Olympic Games in London this summer. He will be operating the Team USA High Performance Training Center and working with sports such as wrestling, taekwondo, trampoline, badminton, and basketball.

CLASSS OF 2009 Emma Abbott married Joshua Callahan on Jan. 28, 2012, at Augustana’s Chapel. They live in Sioux Falls.

Elizabeth Baker has opened a 24-hour gym for women in Rapid City called LadyFit. Lisa Bengtson graduated from the University of Northern Iowa in August 2011 with a master’s degree in athletic training. She is working as an assistant athletic trainer/lecturer at Buena Vista University.

Marit Karbowski graduated from the University of St. Thomas School of Law in May 2012 and is now an immigration attorney at Karam Law in Bloomington, Minn.

ON THE ROAD: Check Out an Augustana Alumni Event in Your Area June 26 (Washington D.C.): Join us for a private reception and gallery talk beginning at 6 p.m. at the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian. Board of Trustees member, Emil Her Many Horses ’79, will provide a gallery talk about the exhibit “A Song for the Horse Nation.”

July 21 (Twin Cities): Explore Fort Snelling State Park! The Augustana Twin Cities Alumni Chapter will meet at 9 a.m. at Fort Snelling State Park for a light breakfast at the Visitor’s Center. Park rangers will describe available activities in addition to interpretive tours of the site.

fellow Vikings from Brookings and hear the latest updates from the Augustana campus.

November 4 (Sioux Falls): Friends of Augustana Fall Book Discussion, 4 p.m., on campus.

September 22 (Sioux Falls, Rapid City and the Twin Cities): Community Service Day is the day that hundreds of Augustana students, faculty and staff members reach out to serve their neighbor in the Sioux Falls area. Join us for projects in your area or report on how you made a difference on this day in your community.

November 8 (Lincoln, Neb.): Where Husker Fans Wear Blue and Gold! Join us at 6:30 p.m. for a Viking invasion at Lazlo’s Brewery and Grill in Historic Haymarket.

July 22 (Kansas City): Join us for a KC Royals tailgate (11:30 a.m.) and game (1 p.m.) vs. the Minnesota Twins. Game tickets are in the Loge seating area. Tickets are $25 and include both tailgate meal and game ticket.

October 22 (St. Paul, Minn.): Augustana Thought Leader Forum featuring Dr. Mark Larson and Dr. Maureen Diggins, 6:30 p.m.

August 7 (Watertown): Alumni Event at the home of Sandy ‘69 and Dan Albertsen.

Join us for food and fellowship.

November 3 (Sioux Falls Young Alumni): Join us at 11:30 a.m. for a tailgate at The Other Place before the Winona State game at Kirkeby-Over Stadium. Game time is 1:00 p.m.

August 14 (Brookings): Join us for appetizers and great Augustana conversation at 6:30 p.m. at The Pheasant Restaurant. Meet

November 15 (Rapid City): Thought Leader Forum featuring Augustana President Rob Oliver, 6:30 p.m., The Journey Museum.

December 18 (Rapid City): For the first time ever, Augustana proudly presents Christmas Vespers in Rapid City. Re-live a Christmas tradition, meet Dr. Paul Nesheim, the new director of The Augustana Choir, and join us! 7:30 p.m., Calvary Lutheran Church. Tickets at www.augietickets.com.

Learn more and register at www.augielink.com/events.

www.facebook.com/flat.ole

Lisa (Hoegh) Lunning is the head volleyball coach at Lincoln High School in Sioux Falls. She will also be teaching fourth grade at Pettigrew elementary.

Jessica Maske is completing her internship at Christus Victor Lutheran Church while studying for her Master of Divinity at Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia. She lives in Naples, Fla. Sean McCain is a full-time freelancing stage manager. He is currently the stage manager for a new play called “The Clearing” for Axial Theatre Company.

Laura Nary is a K-5th music teacher at Copperas Cove ISD in Copperas Cove, Texas.

Angela Shubert is the assistant director of government affairs for the National Association of School Nurses.

CLASS OF 2008 Kat Burdine spent a week in El Progreso, Honduras, spearheading La Fuerza Silenciosa (The Silent Strength), a city-wide art installation done in collaboration with JR’s INSIDE OUT project.

Capt. Anders Davidson received his Doctor of Medicine Degree from Creighton Medical School in Omaha, Neb., on May 12, 2012. He will be assigned to a general surgery residency at Travis Air Force Base in San Francisco, Calif.

Dr. Theo Davidson has opened Bridges Chiropractic at the Bridges Mall in Sioux Falls.

Evan Kulesa is a senior youth crew leader for Montana Conservation Corps near Kalispell, Mont.

Jake Ness is working as an associate financial planner at Kreitler Financial in New Haven, Conn.

Nicole Pederson is working in the cytogenetics lab at Sanford Health in Sioux Falls.

Kristen (Gevik) Thorkelson welcomed daughter Harper Ruth to her family on March 21, 2012.

Mason Vig, 26, died on Feb. 25, 2012, in Gilbert, Ariz., after a battle with cancer.

Dane Yde is the CEO and founder of the JY6 Foundation which raises money for pediatric cancer research.

CLASS OF 2007 Bethany (Rasmussen) Anderson is a legislative aide for a Wisconsin state representative.

Jeremy Aylward was among several American Heart Association volunteers invited to a White House “Community Leaders Briefing” on cardiovascular health on Feb. 24, as part of American Heart Month.

Katie (Van Bemmel) and Bryan Burgers welcomed their first child, Taylee, on Jan. 6, 2012.

Jennifer Buyske is a JAG officer in the U.S. Navy stationed in Guam.

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Elliot Ferrell is currently in his first year of law school at the University of Minnesota.

Jess (Cooper) ‘07 and Aaron Graumann ‘06 welcomed baby girl, Rylee Jo, on Dec. 19, 2011.

Christina Hausman is the director of communications and development at the Voyageurs National Park Association.

Ashley (Miller) Hubregtse and her husband Jon welcomed baby boy, Eli, on Oct. 24, 2011.

Ashley and her family reside in Brookings, S.D. Sarah Lutterman married Cory LeClere on Oct. 23, 2010. She is a senior financial underwriter at United Healthcare.

Daniel Miriovsky and Melanie (Feehan) ‘05 welcomed their first child, Samuel Joseph, on Sept. 28, 2011.

Dan Schafer is a dentist at Main Street Dental in Blooming Prairie, Minn.

Rev. Sarah Thomson is pastor of youth and families at Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Brainerd, Minn.

Paula Wheeler is going to school at Bethel in Minnesota for her master’s in communications.

Amanda Woockman married Ryan Lenhoff on Oct. 1, 2011. Amanda is a CPA at McGladrey & Pullen in Sioux Falls. They live in Harrisburg, S.D.

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CLASS OF 2006 Alison Ceynowa-Breuer and Dan Breuer ‘04 welcomed Brynna Breuer to their family on Nov. 14, 2011.

Kerri (Burkard) DeGraff is the development director for Feeding South Dakota.

Kathryn (Waltner) Grandbois and Matthew Grandbois ‘04 welcomed Alice Mae on May 18, 2012.

Aaron Graumann ‘06 and wife Jess (Cooper) ‘07 welcomed baby girl, Rylee Jo, on Dec. 19, 2011.

Shelby (Eykyn) ‘06 and Jacob Quail ‘05 welcomed Samuel Jacob to their family on March 5, 2012.

CLASS OF 2005 Ingrid (Arneson) Rasmussen completed her master of divinity degree in 2010 and then pursued her master of theology degree at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, Minn. She is now serving as intern pastor at Augustana Lutheran Church in West St. Paul, Minn.

Kelly (Olson) Carruth married Adam Carruth on Dec. 10, 2011. She is a fifth grade teacher at Montevideo Middle School in Montevideo, Minn.

They are living in Danvers, Minn.

Gabe Garcia married Emily Vulcan ‘07 on July 25, 2010. They live in Pierre, S.D. where Gabe works for the State of South Dakota in the forensics lab.

Brian Herbert graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a master of science degree in criminal justice and earned a professional designation as a certified fraud examiner (CFE) through the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.

Nora Johnson is a doctoral student at the University of Kansas and was recently selected by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science to attend the 62nd Lindau Meeting of Nobel Laureates in Lindau, Germany.

Melanie (Feehan) and Daniel Miriovsky ‘07 welcomed their first child, Samuel Joseph, on Sept. 28, 2011.

Jeff Mootz and Bethany Mootz were married in June 2011. Jeff works on staff at the International House of Prayer Missions Base in Kansas City, Mo. Louisa (Anderson) ‘05 and Ryan Otto ‘05 welcomed daughter Layla Marie on March 25, 2012.

Jacob Quail ‘05 and Shelby (Eykyn) ‘06 welcomed Samuel Jacob to their family on March 5, 2012.

Noel (Kahl) Reagan is a college advisor for the Public Education Foundation in Chattanooga, Tenn.

Nina Slupphaug married Ted Pender on July 30, 2010. They live in Oslo, Norway.

Holly Sturzenbecher married Jon Ahlers on Oct. 1, 2011.

Tom and Shannon (Bjelland) Viereck have moved to Yankton, S.D., where Tom is the director of peri-operative services at Avera Sacred Heart Hospital and Shannon is the director of annual and planned giving at Mount Marty College.

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Join the Augustana Choir in Europe The Augustana Choir will be touring Central Europe during January 2013, and invites you to join them.

Led by the Choir’s new conductor, Dr. Paul Nesheim, as well as Dr. Michael Nitz (communications), Dr. Scott Johnson (Chair of the Department of Music) and Brad Heegel ‘76 (tour coordinator), you’ll travel with the Choir and a small group of like-minded souls, all seeking a travel experience that is as authentic as any travel experience into a new culture can be. While you will have your own level of understanding of the destination you have chosen, you will be accompanied by tour leaders who are authorities on the history and monuments of our tour.

To top it off, you’ll get the chance to hear the Choir perform in some of the most beautiful settings in the world!

Rita Von Seggern is attending the University of Nebraska Medical Center and working towards her Clinical Nurse Specialist degree in adult health.

CLASS OF 2004 John Anderson served as visiting assistant professor in the religion department at Augustana College for the 2011-2012 academic year.

Dan Breuer and Alison Ceynowa-Breuer ‘06 welcomed Brynna Breuer to their family on Nov. 14, 2011.

The Augustana group will be utilizing a variety of transport best suited to enhance our journey, and will stay in comfortable but not extravagant accommodations, all of which are well located to provide access to a range of points of interest for private exploration during free time.

The tour departs on Sunday, Jan. 13 and returns Thursday, Jan. 31, 2013.

It includes stops in Berlin, Germany; Potsdam, Germany; Leipzig, Germany; Prague, Czech Republic; Krakow, Poland; Vienna, Austria; Bratislava, Slovakia; Salzburg, Austria; and Munich, Germany.

To learn more and for a complete itinerary, visit www.augie.edu/travel or contact Brad Heegel at 605.274.5508 or brad.heegel@augie.edu.

Corey Fett and Kristen (Nelson) ‘02 welcomed daughter Bellamy Quinn Fett on Feb. 19, 2012.

Keith Hartman is a project leader at the Boston Consulting Group. He and his wife, Cristina, live in the Washington, D.C., area with their daughter Victoria.

Mollie Madden and Edward Snyder welcomed their daughter, Elaine Minerva, on April 4, 2012.

Tami (Lanners) and Josh Peterson welcomed Henry William to their family on April 13, 2011.

Matthew Grandbois and Kathryn (Waltner) Grandbois ‘06 welcomed Alice Mae on May 18, 2012.

Karin Shafer married Richard Vevang on Oct. 1, 2011. She is working at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Hospital.

Shannon (Loveland) and Nick Gustafson welcomed Declan Thomas on March 6, 2012.

Pete Sterbick is head football coach for the Bulldogs of McPherson College.

Molly Hoffman is the visa and immigration advisor at Hamline University in St. Paul, Minn.

Audrey (Otto) Willard accepted the Sioux Falls Convention & Visitors’ Bureau’s 2012 Visitor Industry Business Award on behalf of the Sertoma Butterfly House where she is the executive director.

Rev. Elizabeth Hoium was married to Nicholas Pagnotta on Sept. 17, 2011, at the historic Beaver Creek Lutheran Church in Augustana’s Heritage Park.

Ryan Ovenden and wife Danae welcomed their son, Simeon, on June 1, 2010.

Erica (Haga) and John Peterson ‘03 welcomed son Finn Preston Peterson on Feb. 25, 2012.

Rev. Ann Rosendale is a new campus pastor at Augustana. She will serve with Rev. Dr. Paul Rohde in ministry to the Augustana community.

Kari Worlein and Nic Brunsting welcomed a daughter, Kaia Elise, on Sept. 11, 2011.

Wyatt Yager is the events coordinator at Mount Marty College in Yankton, SD. CLASS OF 2003 Amy (LeVin) Bowman and her husband Christopher welcomed Taya Noelle on Jan. 30, 2012.

Amy and her family live in Lakeville, Minn.

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CLASS OF 2002 Truls Christensen married Mari Gjerstrom in Singapore on Nov. 14, 2011.

Kristen (Nelson) and Corey Fett ‘03 welcomed daughter Bellamy Quinn Fett on Feb. 19, 2012.

Krista (Beckler) Giesen and husband Sean welcomed son Barrett Michael on May 13, 2011.

Dr. Jeff Oakland was featured in Sioux Falls Woman magazine highlighting his use of vision therapy.

Laura Pfeifer married Dimitris Vardoulakis on July 30, 2011.

David Rogers was named CEO of Sanford Webster Medical Center in Webster, S.D. CLASS OF 2001 Karen (Parks) Fratzke, 50, died on Feb. 29, 2012, in Rochester, Minn.

Sadi (Thomson) and Rod Pontine welcomed Sabrina Anna to their family on Oct. 21, 2010.

Mark Scharnberg is the vice president of revenue at Good Samaritan Society.

CLASS OF 2000 Laurie (Anderson) Castor, husband Greg, and daughter Ella Marie welcomed Rose Ione on April 12, 2012. The family lives in New Hope, Minn., where Laurie is a business partner at Target headquarters.

Jason Sauer and his wife Lisa welcomed a son, Evan James, on May 14, 2011.

THE

1990s

CLASS OF 1999 Daina (DeSaix) Austin and her husband Lee welcomed a daughter, Anna Rose, on Dec. 4, 2010.

Emily Cole and Robb Jones were married Dec. 31, 2011, in Richmond, Va. They will be relocating to Minneapolis/St. Paul, where Emily has taken a position as a fundraising consultant with Fox Consulting, LLC. Amy Ross and Jon Lauck welcomed Henry Turner on Dec. 16, 2011. Amy helped launch the new law firm branch of Lindquist & Vennum in Sioux Falls.

CLASS OF 1995 Matt Addington joined Huntography as managing editor of Minnesota.

Travis Roth is the principal microbiologist at Medtronic.

CLASS OF 1994 Lissa (Peterson) Kahl and husband Dan are new pastors at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Waverly, Iowa.

Brent Loken is a Ph.D. student at Simon Fraser University in Canada. He is also the co-founder and executive director of the NGO, Ethical Expeditions, and recently made news rediscovering the extremely rare and thought to be extinct Miller’s grizzled langur monkey.

Andrew Pole works as a statistician for Target and was recently featured in a New York Times article for his work there.

CLASS OF 1993 Chelli and Mark Esser welcomed son Vincent Craig Wilson Esser on May 21, 2012.

Kyle Pederson has written a new solo piano album of classic Christmas hymns entitled “12.25.”

ages the internal web publishing environment for Mayo Clinic.

Michele (Kruse) Myroniuk is a Plant Controller at HEI, Inc. Suzanne (Hunstad) Olson is writing web content for Entrepreneurial Advantage in St. Louis Park, Minn.

CLASS OF 1983 Brooks (Dietrich) Cloninger, 72, passed away on April 5, 2012, in Eureka Springs, Ark. CLASS OF 1982 John Heckenlaible is the director of marketing at Government Liquidation in Scottsdale, Ariz.

CLASS OF 1981 Col. John Albano is the first-ever Command Surgeon for the US Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command at Redstone Arsenal, Ala. Jennifer Engh, 52, passed away on April 19, 2012, in St. Paul, Minn.

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1970s

CLASS OF 1978 Terry Aslesen was named the Outstanding Biology Teacher in South Dakota for 2012 by the South Dakota Science Teachers Association.

Lisa (McLaughlin) Rupert lives in Chaska, MN with husband Brad Rupert ‘97 and two sons.

She works for HealthPartners Medical clinics as a family nurse practitioner.

Caryn Riswold, an associate professor of religion at Illinois College, has been elected to a fouryear term on the Lilly Fellows Program National Network Board.

CLASS OF 1977 Jane (Raduechel) Clark, 56, died on June 24, 2011, in Apple Valley, MN.

Jamie (Friese) Strasser and husband Cory welcomed Jaci Lou to their family on Dec. 7, 2011.

They live in Pipestone, Minn.

Steven Stofferahn, an associate professor of history, was awarded the Community-Based Learning and Scholarship Award from Indiana State University.

Candace (Hokenstad) Ruckdashel, a gifted and talented teacher at Highland Elementary School in Apple Valley, Minn, was the recent recipient of their Outstanding Service Award.

CLASS OF 1991 Bruce Gardner graduated with an MBA from Mount Marty University in May 2012.

CLASS OF 1976 Winifred (Quam) Jensen, 96, died on Feb. 28, 2012, in Sioux Falls.

Jill (Nearman) VeLure is the principal of Victoria Elementary in Victoria, Minn.

Rev. C. Mark Lundquist, 59, died on July 21, 2011, in Austin, Texas.

CLASS OF 1990 Steve Syverson serves as the market president of the Mountain Lake and Windom branches of United Prairie Bank.

Bernice (Eitreim) Miller, 92, died on Jan. 26, 2012, in Allen, Texas.

CLASS OF 1998 Leah (Gleason) Hebner, husband Ryan, and son Guy welcomed Claire Elizabeth to their family in January 2012.

Carla Kock married Alex Cushman on July 16, 2011. They live in Rapid City, S.D. She is the new assistant city attorney for Rapid City.

Dena (Salfer) Butler and husband Chris welcomed their son, Anthony Kennedy, in September 2011. The family lives in Largo, Fla. Sarah (Fosheim) and Jon Woodward have moved to Tampa, Fla. Sarah is working for Kellogg’s as a national account executive. Jon works as executive director for 7hills Center.

CLASS OF 1997 On Dec. 1, 2011, Kari (Kirkeby) Heller and her husband Ron welcomed baby girl, Ella Jo. Heath Weber has been named associate dean of performing arts at Morningside College in Sioux City, Iowa. He recently completed his doctorate in education at the University of South Dakota.

CLASS OF 1996 Catherine Lerseth married Ted Marks on Sept.

30, 2011.

Kristi (Kruger) Peterson currently is serving on two national working groups for the following tradeshows in the United States: National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) and United

States Green Building Council (USGBC).

Amy (Nelson) Thostenson is a substitute teacher and church volunteer. She lives in Dassel with her husband and two children.

THE

CLASS OF 1986 Donna (Honkamp) Jorgensen has been a nurse at the University of Minnesota Medical Center for more than 25 years and recently received the New RN Ambassador Award for being most helpful with new RN staff orientation.

1980s

Kevin Klemme is a senior consultant with Jacobus Consulting, Inc. out of California.

Dr. Gregory May is an orthopedic surgeon in Aberdeen, Wash., where he enjoys life with his wife and four daughters.

CLASS OF 1985 Jane (Wagers) Jacobs is unit head for Mayo Clinic’s Intranet Shared Services Unit, which man-

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CLASS OF 1975 Terryl (Rumbolz) Cadwell was honored at the 2012 Sioux Falls YWCA Tribute to Women Awards. After completing her master’s degree, Terryl became the first woman federal probation officer and the first woman chief probation officer in the district of South Dakota.

Greg Guse is the president of Paulsen Marketing and was recently named the 2012 Marketer of the Year by the National Agri-Marketing Association.

Rachel (Braaten) Seiffert, 59, died on April 8, 2012, in St. Anthony, Minn.

Ernie Tweet has worked at Sanford Hospital for 35 years.

CLASS OF1974 Joseph Class, 69, passed away on April 2, 2012, in Laughlin, Nev. Dayle Olson, president and CEO of Brevard

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Achievement Center, retired on May 31 after 27 years of service.

Norman Ranschau, 61, died on March 24 in Inwood, Iowa.

CLASS OF 1973 Gail (Rohrer) Means, 64, passed away on March 14, 2012, in Phoenix, Ariz.

CLASS OF 1972 Pam (Albertson) McDowell received her doctorate of physical therapy in December 2011.

CLASS OF 1963 Don Zellmer has retired from the IT industry.

CLASS OF 1952 Violet (Bakke) Bushman, 86, died on March 20, 2012, in Sioux Falls.

CLASS OF1947 Rev. Rialto Roesler, 94, died on Feb. 7, 2012, in Sanborn, Iowa.

CLASS OF 1962 Norman Johnson, 72, died on Jan. 31, 2012, in Madison, S.D.

CLASS OF 1951 Roberta (Danielson) Kiesow, 82, passed away on Feb. 26, 2012, in Middleton, Wis.

CLASS OF 1945 Rev. J. Elvern “Al” Rommereim, 89, died on Feb. 13, 2012 in Kalispell, Mont.

Donna (Gusarson) Munck, 84 died on March 13, 2012, in Yankton, S.D.

CLASS OF 1944 Dr. V. Ronald Nelson, 91, former professor of physics and aeronautics at Augustana College for 50 years, died April 28, 2012, in Sioux Falls.

CLASS OF 1961 Alvin Brudvig, 96, died on Jan. 7, 2012, in Sioux Falls.

Carl Grupp’s artwork was featured in an exhibit at the Eastbank Art Gallery.

Beverly (Etrheim) Radi, 77, died on Sept. 23, 2011, in LaQuinta, Calif.

Kenneth Whaley, 82, died on Feb. 14, 2012, in Brookings, S.D.

Conroy Rath, 60, died on April 26, 2010, in Sioux Falls.

Rev. Keith Odney, 72, passed away on March 14, 2012, in Sioux Falls.

CLASS OF 1971 Sister Colman Coakley, 84, died on March 30 in Aberdeen, S.D.

Lucille (Bothel) Pratt, 98, died on April 10, 2012, in Sioux Falls.

CLASS OF 1950 Warren Day, 86, passed away on April 4, 2012, in Sioux Falls.

Larry Wright, 72, died on Feb. 9, 2012, in Brandon, S.D.

Roland Hirsch, 84, passed away on April 21, 2012, in Sioux City, Iowa.

Gladys (Wek) Zulk, 83, passed away on March 15, 2012, in Sioux Falls.

Dwain Johnson, 86, died on Feb. 9, 2012, in Mitchell, S.D.

CLASS OF 1970 Dale Pommer, who began studying karate in 2005, received his black belt in Wado Ryu Karate in November 2011. He has also written a tribute song to his sons and posted the video on YouTube.

CLASS OF 1969 Arne Ray of Denver, Colo., is now mostly retired as a project manager of various urban revitalization / redevelopment projects. He is doing pro-bono work with Denver’s Japanese-American community and their Sakura Square project.

THE

1960s

CLASS OF 1967 Donna (Sandager) Lebsock retired in the fall of 2011 after 42 years as a social worker.

Janet (Kise) Smith, 67, died on Feb. 13, 2012, in Colorado Springs, Colo.

CLASS OF1965 Betty (Claassen) Miller, 89, died on March 27, 2012 in Des Moines, Iowa.

CLASS OF 1964 Gerald Hurd, 69, died on March 2, 2012, in Hermosa, S.D. Rev. Donald Mann, 69, passed away on Dec. 26, 2011, in Fort Dodge, Iowa.

Odera Odenyo, son of Mayone (Dahlk) Odenyo ‘64 and Amos Otieno Odenyo ‘65, has built a small library in rural Kenya in honor of his late father.

Rev. Les Svendsen retired after 43 years of ministry.

Sam Wang was awarded the Elizabeth O’Neil Verner Governor’s Individual Award for the Arts in South Carolina.

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THE

1950s

Immanuel Roesler, 85, died on Feb. 25, 2012, in Burnsville, Minn.

CLASS OF 1959 Daryl Bunde, 73, died on March 26, 2011, in Wasilla, Alak.

THE

1940s

Ruth (Davis) Kohrt, 90, died on April 13, 2012, in Des Moines, Iowa.

CLASS OF 1958 LaVerna (Glasser) Medrud, 78, died on March 14, 2012, in Napa, Calif.

Charles Mueller, 76, died on Feb. 8, 2012, in Quincy, Ill. Ruth (Luebke) Winter, 75, died on March 13 in Rapid City, S.D. CLASS OF 1957 John Giegling, 77, died on April 15, 2012, in Sioux Falls.

CLASS OF 1955 Charles Stadtfeld, 78, passed away on March 3, 2012, in Sioux Falls.

CLASS OF 1954 Leroy Iseminger, 80, passed away on March 10, 2012, in Sioux Falls.

CLASS OF 1953 Phillip Bruns, 80, died on Feb. 8, 2012, in Los Angeles, Calif.

Neil Raber, 74, died on Nov. 24, 2011, in Eagle, Idaho.

Marilyn (Davis) Sroka, 80, passed away on April 28, 2012, in Lake Forest, Ill. Lavon (Hass) Eide, 77, died on April 23, 2012, in Fort Worth, Texas.

CLASS OF 1949 Virgil Sandvig, 87, died on Feb. 19 in Sioux Falls.

CLASS OF 1948 Eleanor (London) Blockhus, 85, died on April 21, 2012, in Northfield, Minn.

Lavonne (Magnuson) Fredrickson, 85, died on Jan. 27, 2012, in Edina, Minn.

Leland Nelson, 88, died on April 22, 2012, in Sioux Falls.

Lois (Collins) Teien, 86, died Feb. 1, 2012, in Atlanta, Ga.

CLASS OF 1942 Charles Mallory, 91, died on Feb. 8, 2012, in Lubbock, Texas.

Thomas Stjernholm, 94, passed away on March 29, 2012, in Pueblo, Colo.

CLASS OF 1941 Ruth (Benzon) Hawkins, 93, died on Feb. 5, 2012, in Hart, Mich.

Hildegarde (Huseth) Sather, 92, died Jan. 27, 2012, in Fort Collins, Colo.

Norman Severson, 94, died on Jan. 7, 2012, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

CLASS OF 1940 Harriett Wrolstad, 93, died on March 18, 2012, in Richfield, S.D.

THE

1930s

CLASS OF 1939 Margaret (Hofstad) Harris died in December 2011 in Bakersfield, Calif.

CLASS OF 1936 Orlando Fossum, 97, died on Feb. 2, 2012, in Sioux Falls.

CLASS OF 1934 Leonora (Saglie) Kirchdoerfer, 98, passed away on Feb. 14, 2012.

IN MEMORIAM Former Augustana Trustee James Krier Dies at 82 Dr. James F. Krier, D.V.M., who served 12 years on the Augustana College Board of Trustees, died on Wednesday, Jan. 25, in Omaha, Neb. He was 82.

Krier’s longtime association with Augustana included gifts of time, leadership and financial support. He was a member of the President’s Club and served as a leader for many Augustana fund drives, including the Commitment to Excellence, Augustana Renewal and Sunrise campaigns.

Krier earned his bachelor’s

The AUGUSTANA

degree and his doctorate in veterinary medicine from the University of Minnesota. He was a partner in a food animal veterinary practice in Dawson, Minn., from 1959 to 1972 and then joined Hoffmann-LaRoche Pharmaceutical where he worked in the animal health packaged goods area.

He was an active member of his church; served as chair of the Dawson School Board; and was a member of the Dawson Chamber of Commerce and the Jaycees.

Q&A With Andrea Halverson ‘06 Meet 28-year-old Andrea Halverson, class of 2006, a Health Programs Analyst for the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

Q. You’ve traveled the world, but you’re from Veblen, S.D. – population 300 or so.

Talk about how growing up in a small town paved the way for your work in international public service.

A. I had strong role models in my parents – they were really involved in our community.

I think in any rural community, people are expected to be involved in order to keep the community running. I knew I wanted to go into public service from the get-go. I had my first glimpse of public service in high school, while I was in Washington, D.C., working as a Page for U.S. Senate. That experience exposed me to different ideas and how I might work in public service within the Federal Government.

While at Augustana, the Government faculty supported and mentored my interest in public service, and helped me to successfully win a Truman Scholarship. This grant, awarded to 75 students per year, funded a graduate degree in International Relations at the University of Chicago and helped me to hone my interest and focus on international public service as a career. At Augustana, I had also received a Bush Grant to do an internship at the Lutheran World Federation’s Office of International Affairs and Human rights in Geneva, Switzerland, which shifted my focus to international affairs and human rights. Both of these experiences at Augustana College were fundamental to helping me towards a career in global public service.

After graduate school at the University of Chicago, I completed a Presidential Management Fellowship, a program that places graduate students with leadership potential into the Federal Government, allowing

participants to do rotations to experience a variety of positions. Through this program, I have worked for the United States Agency for International Development for almost four years, and during this time I completed rotations to the Cambodia USAID Mission and to the U.S. State Department.

Q. Talk about your current role.

A. Currently I’m serving as a Health Programs Analyst for the U.S. Agency for International Development where I manage programs designed to combat HIV-AIDS internationally. I also provide technical guidance on how our programs work with women and gender. We look at how women or men might be impacted by the virus because of gender norms, then work to mitigate that impact.

The work is part of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) Program, the single largest financial commitment by one Government to combat a disease in history. To date, the program has saved more than 1 million lives by focusing on prevention, treatment and care of HIV/ AIDS. Q. What’s the best part of your job?

A. It’s the ability to work with amazing people. I’m able to learn so much from them and their experiences; especially working in the field. In addition, another great part of my job is meeting program beneficiaries – the people our programs help.

I also feel really fortunate to have been able to visit programs throughout Africa and Southern Asia. Each time I’ve been able to visit a program that we help develop and fund, I come away with a better perspective about the challenges and how hard people are working. I’m able to see the impacts the programs have had. It’s absolutely affected my global perspective.

Five Seniors Honored as 2012 Covenant Award Recipients Five seniors were recognized for exemplary commitment to Christian faith, the Liberal Arts, academic excellence, community and service, respectively, at Augustana’s 10th annual Covenant Award ceremony, held April 20 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church.

Daniel Bock, Covenant Award for Christian Faith.

Bock was described by his nominators as “someone who is both theologically astute, and goofy.”

He is a native of Arvada, Colo., and is the son of Nancy and Ronald Bock.

Cody Lensing, Covenant Award for Liberal Arts. Lensing was described by his nominators as someone who has “great capacity for dedication, discipline and sacrifice; is exemplary with regard to character; and is admirable with respect to morality.” Lensing is a native of Mounds View, Minn., and is the son of Rosemary and Merl Lensing.

Margaret Koenig, Covenant Award for Excellence. Koenig was described by her nominators as an outstanding young scholar with “immense intellectual curiosity, extraordinary leadership skills both

in the classroom and in extracurricular activities, and an innate desire to translate what she has learned here into education and action on issues of justice and freedom locally and globally.”

She is a native of Fairfax, S.D., and is the daughter of Mary and Anthony Koenig.

Jake Bury, Covenant Award for Community. Bury, president of the Augustana Student Association (ASA) for the 2011-12 academic year, was described by his

The AUGUSTANA

nominators as someone who is “supportive; a friend to all; a leader and listener; a collaborator; open-minded and committed.” He is a native of Sioux Falls and is the son of Sonia Gaarder Bury and Randy Bury.

Hannah Miller, Covenant Award for Service. Miller is described by her nominators as “a citizen of the world, concerned about the needs of others before her own ... the epitome of serving with both a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love.” Miller is a native of Mankato, Minn., and is the daughter of Jodie and Tim Miller.

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SPLICHAL LARSON: “The big difference is that you’re called to talk about God and to live in a way that helps people discover how God is there in their lives – in every stage, for every generation. That’s one of the reasons I wanted to become a pastor – I wanted to work with all the generations. I get a ton of life. I teach Sunday school lessons with elementary schoolers. I teach confirmation with junior high kids. I help coordinate activities with senior high kids. I have conversations with young adults. I meet with people from older generations through Bible study, worship and committees. One of the greatest gifts I’ve been given is to work with them.”

While he admits he can’t possibly relate to everything his parishioners are going through, he can, he says, offer an open heart and a listening ear.

“I don’t know what it’s like to be retired and on a limited income. I don’t know what it’s like to be a widow or widower. To say there aren’t barriers would be misleading but, at the same time, I believe that everybody, regardless of where you are in life, is called to be a learner. I have the self-confidence to know that I have something to share myself – maybe through experiences I’ve had. In church, we claim there’s something much bigger than ourselves – bigger than age or time or anything else – which bonds us together. That’s God. We all read the same scripture and we all have many of the same questions about God and life.

Sure, we read scripture with different lenses yet, that’s how we grow.”

“Especially when they are hurting, people want and need to hear about God’s grace.

I have the privilege to share the message about God with them – to be a vessel of God. I know what it feels like to feel broken and abandoned and struggling to survive. My experiences influence how I speak and how I act.”

“The biggest thing I do in my job is to listen to people … to try to hear them where they’re at. There’s not a day that goes

O’HARA:

by that I don’t feel extremely humbled and honored to do what I do. Just with the title pastor, people will tell me things they won’t tell anyone else. To some extent, that’s really sad. I wish people felt they could talk more.”

His experiences, he says, have helped him especially when it comes to counseling others in grief.

“I believe one of the best things a pastor can say is ‘I don’t know. But I know that God cares for you and walks with you through this.’ I know that. I know that. And so, the message I try to proclaim has an extra punch to it.”

“To go through what I’ve gone through, it’s made me a better pastor. I do recognize that I have insights into suffering in this world. Pastors who are 28 like me – most don’t have that same insight. I have a better ability to preach into those circumstances because I’ve been there. I wouldn’t be the same pastor without those experiences.”

New Beginnings In April, more than 600 guests turned out to witness Jon marry the woman who had become his best friend – someone with whom he had journeyed through the unimaginable. A fellow pastor who, like him, had suffered unspeakable grief and loss and who, by the grace of God, had survived.

Her name is Renee Splichal Larson.

“Renee’s been one of my best friends for a long time. We both continue to love Ben everyday. After the earthquake, we supported each other. That support grew over time and we came to love each other and give each other new life. It’s a beautiful thing.

We’ve been totally supported by our family and friends and our congregations.”

It is a bittersweet ending to a tragic period in their lives and one, as Jon says, that symbolizes how hope and faith can offer new beginnings.

“We know that Ben is a huge part of our

relationship. His parents are my aunt and uncle and are also my Godparents. They’ve always supported us. It’s a beautiful sign of resurrection for me. In our house, Ben’s guitar is here, as are pictures of him. His memory is scattered throughout this space.

It’s still deeply painful. We’d give anything for him to be alive. We’re still learning how to do this thing without him here.”

Without question, the couple, who have combined their names and now go by Jon and Renee Splichal Larson, share an immeasurable bond. As Jon says, they inspire each other.

His wife, he says, is an amazing preacher.

She currently serves as a pastor for Heart River Lutheran Church, a small parish in Mandan, N.D., that meets in the chapel on the campus of the Youth Correctional Center.

“The kids she ministers with have had tough lives – most have been abused or neglected and have never felt love from their families. What she’s been through in Haiti gives new legitimacy to her message. She has insight into their pain and suffering.”

As he looks back, and as he reflects on his life now, Jon says he knows one thing for certain.

“God doesn’t want us to be alone. We’re always called to live in community and to support each other. When we’re alone, brokenness can creep in. I have bad days and some days are excruciatingly painful.

But through the gift of my family, my community and my church – I’ve been given new life. I give thanks to God for that.”

“No matter what we’ve gone through, as Christians, we can have the hope and trust to know that God cares for us, and walks with us through anything. People who know these parts of my story take it really seriously. People in my congregation who know my history are more prone to tell me things than if I was just some regular 28-year-old. There’s redemption in that.”

his students, and his commitment to helping them learn is what makes him a great teacher, according to Dr. Murray Haar, professor and Chair of the Religion and Jewish Studies Department.

“David is a person of character who knows how to teach students to be people of character,” Haar says. “He has genuine humility. The very best teachers are the most self-critical. The really good ones are those who worry about their approach; they anguish about whether they’re doing their jobs well. David doesn’t know how good he really is. He genuinely cares about his students and his passion for philosophy is contagious. He’s a teacher-scholar in every sense of the word. He’s just that good, and I don’t say that about many people.”

In recognition of his efforts, O’Hara was named the recipient of the 2012 Vernon

and Mildred Niebuhr Faculty Excellence Award, an honor that celebrates excellence in teaching and brilliance in the classroom.

The award was presented at Augustana’s Commencement ceremony in May. For O’Hara, the awards and the praise are humbling. In the end, though, he considers himself the lucky one.

“I love my job. I often reflect on this.

A student will be here, sitting in the Lazy Boy and we’ll be sipping a cup of tea ... no haste about it … we’re just sitting, talking, surrounded by these amazing books. It’s just us – talking about God and marriage and money and politics and all these great big questions. We’re not having to solve the problems of the world, but we’re having a fair go at it. It’s then when I stop and think, ‘I’m at work right now.’

“I have an amazing job,” he says, smiling.

cont’d. from pg. 29

inspiring and influential professors. They have said the door to his office, a room lined with books and comfortable chairs, is always open; his tea kettle is always ready; and his ear is always willing to listen.

His work extends off campus as well.

During his time at Augustana, O’Hara has led six study abroad courses in Greece, (which have included stops in other countries such as Holland, Italy and the United Kingdom) and has co-led courses in Nicaragua and Guatemala.

His students’ education is something O’Hara, 42, takes very seriously.

“I begin every day by reading and praying. I pray for myself and I pray for my students. The core of my prayer is that I’ll be a blessing to them. I’m not always confident that I am, but I can at least try, right?”

The responsibility O’Hara feels toward 36

cont’d. from pg. 13

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PERMIT NO. 5 SIOUX FALLS, SD

2001 South Summit Avenue Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57197

Viking Days 2012 MONDAY, OCT. 1 • Campus picnic and carnival, including opening ceremonies, Coronation and fireworks. Picnic begins at 5 p.m.; opening ceremonies begin at 7 p.m, Elmen Center.

TUESDAY, OCT. 2 • Greek Olympic Village, on campus.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 3 • Float building, 5 p.m., on campus.

THURSDAY, OCT. 4 • Viking Varieties (student night), 9:15 p.m., Edith Mortenson Center Theatre.

FRIDAY, OCT. 5 • Augustana Honor Guard Reunion (for alumni who have celebrated their 50th class reunion), 6 p.m., Augustana 3-in-1 Rooms, Morrison Commons.

• Augustana Thought Leader Forum, “A Viking Chronicle: Your Stories and Mine,” featuring Dr. Sandra Looney ‘62, 11:30 a.m., Callaways.

SATURDAY, OCT. 6 • Langskip 5k Run, check-in at 7:30 a.m.; race begins at 8 a.m. Details and registration at www.langskip5k.com

• Career Symposium, where alumni share career experiences with current students through panels and discussions.

• Parade, 10 a.m., Summit Ave. to 28th St. to Grange Ave.

• Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet, 6 p.m., Holiday Inn City Centre.

• Football, Vikings vs. Minnesota State, 1 p.m., Kirkeby-Over Stadium (pre-game gathering at 11:30 a.m.)

• Class reunions for classes ending in “2” and“7.” Remember to make your class reunion reservations this summer!

• Blue & Gold Gala, 6:30 p.m., Morrison Commons.

• Viking Varieties, 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m., Edith Mortenson Center Theatre.

• Viking Varieties, 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m., Edith Mortenson Center Theatre.

SUNDAY, OCT. 7 • Worship, 10:30 a.m., Elmen Center • Viking Days Brunch, 11:30 a.m., Ordal Dining Room • Viking Varieties, 2 p.m., Edith Mortenson Center Theatre.

order your viking days t-shirt and learn more at www.augie.edu/vikingdays