VIKING LIFE
WELCOME TO AUGUSTANA
Dear Future Vikings,
I’m thrilled to introduce you to the fall edition of Viking Life, a just-for-you look into the vibrant community we hope you will soon call your own. As you explore the stories and experiences featured inside, I hope you’ll feel the energy and excitement that infuses every aspect of life at Augustana University.
This fall has been truly remarkable! It began with the celebration of Welcome Week, Move-In Day and historic enrollment at AU. With thoughtful collaboration among students, faculty and staff, we launched the Election 2024: Curiosity, Courage & Civility Initiative — designed to inspire our community to be intellectually curious, exhibit courage and compassion, as well as practice civility and humility throughout this election season. This initiative included roundtable discussions involving faculty and student leaders, culminating in our second annual Critical Inquiry & Citizenship Colloquium.
Our student-athletes have inspired us all with their dedication and teamwork, fueling Viking pride with unforgettable moments. Speaking of pride, you’ll also find stories about AU alumni making an impact in professional sports — a testament to the doors that an Augustana education can open.
We’re especially excited to share news of the expanding global opportunities our students are embracing, such as the first cohort of nursing students who spent the Spring 2024 semester studying in Costa Rica. This is just one of the many ways we prepare our students to lead and serve in an ever-changing and diverse world.
Of course, no fall at AU is complete without Viking Days — our cherished homecoming tradition that brings alumni, students, families and friends together to celebrate the past, present and future. This year was extra special as we dedicated the newlynamed Rydell School of Business, marking a transformative step that will empower future generations of business leaders.
As you consider where your next adventure will take you, I invite you to imagine yourself at Augustana. This is a place where you will be encouraged to be curious and creative, think critically, listen respectfully and engage deeply as you discover who you are and prepare for the bold journey ahead. Our community will support you and walk alongside you every step of the way.
We can’t wait to welcome you to the Viking family!
Sincerely,
Stephanie Herseth Sandlin President
OUR MISSION
Inspired by Lutheran scholarly tradition and the liberal arts, Augustana provides an education of enduring worth that challenges the intellect, fosters integrity and integrates faith with learning and service in a diverse world.
OUR VISION
Augustana aspires to become one of America’s premier church-related universities.
OUR VALUES
Central to the Augustana experience are five core values. The community lives them and honors them, and they infuse the academic curriculum as well as student life: Christian, Liberal Arts, Excellence, Community and Service.
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1) AU Hockey Forward Colton Friesen looks on at Midco Arena.
2) The Eidsvaag Bell rings as students celebrate Opening Convocation.
3) Students enjoy downtime between classes in the Madsen Center.
4) Ace the Augie Doggie poses for first day of class photos with new and returning students.
5) Dr. David Chin, visiting assistant professor of music, leads the School of Music’s Bach Collegium.
6) AU Libero Gabby Jones gets a dig during a volleyball game.
7) The student section in Midco Arena radiates energy and school spirit, fueling the excitement for unforgettable Augustana Hockey games!
8) Commencement speaker JayVían Farr ‘24 addresses the Class of 2024 on Saturday, May 18, at Kirkeby-Over Stadium.
9) Students pose with a likeness of Ole the Viking at Augustana’s first Paint the Ice event.
10) The Viking Marching Band fills Kirkeby-Over stadium with vibrant energy and captivating rhythms, setting the perfect tone for game day!
11) Upper-level students assist first-year students as they move in during Welcome Week.
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Harmony Across Nations
Olivia Kern’s Journey with the World Youth Choir
*Photos courtesy of Olivia Kern
Olivia Kern ‘25, a biology and music double major, recently embarked on an extraordinary journey as an alto member of the World Youth Choir (WYC), an ensemble that unites young singers from around the globe. This year’s choir boasted 88 members from 44 countries.
The choir’s tour included performances across Germany, the Netherlands and Italy — culminating in 11 concerts. Highlights included a sold-out performance in the Hamburg Elbphilharmonie, attended by 2,000 people, as well as two intimate a cappella concerts. One of Kern’s most cherished memories was performing in a beautiful Italian church, where her parents flew in to experience this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity with her.
The experience was not just about singing; it was a cultural immersion that expanded Kern’s worldview.
“It was eye-opening to see so many people from so many cultures together. It made my world so much smaller because I realized how much we have in common — music brought us together,” she said.
Kern credits the Augustana School of Music for nurturing her aspirations and providing invaluable opportunities.
“The School of Music focuses on excellence, which is one of Augustana’s core values, and it continues to challenge me,” she said.
With supportive faculty and programs like the Bach Collegium, she has experienced significant personal growth during her studies.
Kern’s journey with the WYC not only enriched her musical repertoire, but created lifelong friendships and offered an understanding of global unity through music. For Kern, the harmony created through shared passion is a powerful reminder of the bonds that connect us all.
It made my world so much smaller because I realized how much we have in common — music brought us together.
— Olivia Kern ‘25
Augustana’s First Faculty-Led Semester Program NURSING IN COSTA RICAN PARADISE
During the 2024 spring semester, six Augustana students and a faculty member called Costa Rica home as they grew in their nursing skills and expanded their horizons.
Dr. Michelle Gierach, associate professor of nursing, and the students — Cadie Ragland ‘26, Jenna Ebert ‘26, Ella Fuhr ‘26, Leah Arnold ‘26, Keira Sensenig ‘26 and Spencer Christie ‘27 — arrived in Costa Rica in January for their semester abroad. The students dove in and began taking courses at Augustana’s Costa Rican partner university, Universidad Hispanoamericana (UH).
Ragland, a nursing and Spanish double major, was also given the chance to shadow an intensive care unit (ICU) nurse at a Sanford World Clinic in San Jose. During the day-long visit, Ragland said she got an up-close look at the differences between the Costa Rican and U.S. health care systems — an affirming experience.
“It really helped me think, ‘I want to do this — nursing,’” said Ragland.
Gierach, whose family joined her for the semester, welcomed the students into her home often.
“We wanted to give them a place away from home where we could cook a meal for them and they could have that family environment,” Gierach said.
For Ragland and her classmates, having the Gierach family close by was welcomed in the tough moments and the celebratory.
“It was really nice to have that second family,” said Ragland.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT AUGUSTANA’S STUDY-AWAY PROGRAMS, VISIT
AUGIE.EDU/STUDYAWAY
AU Scouting Report
Alumni Score in Professional Sports Organizations
Augustana alumni are scoring big by serving professional sports organizations across the country. While their roles differ, a common thread remains — the lessons they learned at Augustana tee’d them up for success.
Drew Heithoff ‘11
Major League Assistant Performance Coach, Detroit Tigers
For the Tigers, Drew Heithoff ‘11 creates programs and coaches players through in- and off-season corrective exercise, movement & speed skills, strength & power work and conditioning & recovery. He also helps oversee the Tigers’ minor league strength staff.
“I always dreamed of playing in the MLB, but once I knew playing wasn’t going to happen, this career path provided an amazing opportunity to achieve my lifelong goal.”
At Augustana, Heithoff was an exercise science and fitness management double major and infielder for the Augustana Baseball Team.
“The entire community at Augustana helped mold me into who I am,” said Heithoff. “They gave me the opportunity to play the game, plus the education necessary to find a career path within that game.”
...Augustana helped mold me into who I am.” — Drew Heithoff ‘11
tatum barstad ‘21
Account Executive of Group Events & Hospitality, Arizona Diamondbacks
Tatum Barstad ‘21 drives group sales, executes theme nights, creates and manages group events and enhances the overall guest experience for the Arizona Diamondbacks.
“The best part of my job is creating memorable experiences for fans,” said Barstad, who majored in communication studies and sport management. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see them enjoy a day at the ballpark and celebrate special moments together.”
Barstad, who’s always wanted to work in sports, said she’s grateful for her Augustana experiences.
“Making connections is crucial in this industry, and the relationships I built at Augustana have been invaluable,” Barstad said.
Vice President of People & Culture, Boston Celtics
joined the Celtics in 2021, where his focus is on elevating employee experiences through custom people practices, fostering inclusive cultures and technology integration.
Pierce was a business administration major at Augustana, as well as a member of the Augustana Men’s Basketball Team. His time at Augustana, he said, was a game changer.
“The combination of playing sports, being in a supportive environment for practicing my faith and focusing on my studies taught me essential skills like teamwork, discipline and time management,” said Pierce.
And, getting to work for a team that won the 2024 NBA Championship is simply the cherry on top.
“It has been incredible and hard to put into words,” Pierce said. “Being part of such a successful and celebrated team is truly special.”
A Celebration of Spirit, Tradition and Community
Viking Days is a cherished tradition at Augustana, celebrating the spirit and community of our university. Held each fall, homecoming features a week of festivities, including a parade, coronation of Viking Days Royalty and a variety of activities that foster camaraderie among students, faculty, staff and alumni. Viking Days offers a unique glimpse into the culture of Augustana, highlighting our commitment to tradition, school pride and the strong bonds formed within our Viking community — it’s an unforgettable experience that embodies the spirit of Augustana and invites everyone to join in the fun and connection that define our university.
BUSINESS LET’S GET DOWN TO
RYDELL SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS
• Accounting
• Augustana University Fintech Program by PathwardTM
• Business Administration
• Computer Information Systems (CIS)
• Finance
• Management
• Marketing
• Sport Management
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
• Master of Arts in Sports Administration & Leadership (MSAL)
• Master of Business Administration (MBA)
• Master of Professional Accountancy (MPA)
At Augustana, the newly-named Rydell School of Business continues to reach its vision of “educating students to develop and fulfill their purpose.”
During Augustana’s Viking Days festivities this fall, the School of Business celebrated its dedication ceremony — officially naming the Rydell School of Business, supported by Bill and Ellen Rydell.
Augustana’s business programs prepare students with the tools they need for their future careers and leadership opportunities. Located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota’s largest city, AU provides students the opportunity to create connections, network with community leaders and make a difference.
The Rydell School of Business is launching new initiatives and student clubs, such as the Student Investment and Marketing Clubs and Volunteer Tax Assistance Program (VITA).
ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIPS
D
iscover the Social Work Program:
A Spotlight on Dr. Bart W. Miles
Meet Dr. Bart W. Miles, the Harriet Emily Scott Social Work Program director. With a deep commitment to social work education, Miles is helping to lead the revitalization of the university’s social work offerings.
Legacy of Social Work at AU
Named after Dr. Harriet Emily Scott ‘59, who dedicated more than 30 years to social work education at Augustana, the social work program builds on years of quality education. The program focuses on increasing diversity, assuring equity and creating a space of inclusion by fostering a culturally receptive education environment with an emphasis on integrated behavioral health — one of the fastest-growing areas in the field.
Life Beyond the Classroom
Outside of his professional life, Miles enjoys art museums, concerts and exploring national parks (with a goal to visit them all). In marrying his wife, Jennifer, Miles gained a stepdaughter (and stepson-in-law), two step-grandsons, a stepson and their adopted dog, Ellie. His journey into social work began at Dordt College (now University), where he majored in psychology. After an impactful internship in Chicago, he felt drawn to the field.
Choosing AU
After nearly two decades in Michigan, Miles sought to return to his roots. He found Augustana’s commitment to liberal arts and its Viking Bold: The Journey to 2030 strategic plan appealing. The ease of life in Sioux Falls was another attractive factor, along with the bike trail loop and other outdoor activities.
Looking Ahead
The social work program is on an exciting path, having already launched its minor and Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), and the Master of Social Work (MSW) launching in 2025-26. With the social work field projected to grow by 9% by 2031, Miles encourages prospective students to consider this impactful field.
As Augustana University embraces this new chapter in social work education, Miles and his team are eager to shape the next generation of social workers who are ready to make a difference.
I keep this quote by author bell hooks on my door, because it inspires me to strive to be a better professor for the students, for the institution and for the profession of social work: ‘To teach in a manner that respects and cares for the souls of our students is essential if we are to provide the necessary conditions where learning can most deeply and intimately begin.’
— Dr. Bart Miles
WHAT’S NEW at Augustana
LARGEST EVER STUDENT BODY: Augustana welcomed a record-breaking total of 2,390 students for the 2024-25 academic year, including 2,003 undergraduates — the highest in 34 years. With a community representing 41 states and 54 countries, and a strong commitment to innovation and affordability, AU offers an environment where students can thrive in top majors like nursing, business administration and computer science & software engineering. Ready to become a Viking, too? augie.edu/apply
NEUROSCIENCE MAJOR: Augustana’s neuroscience major, which launched in the fall, is an interdisciplinary program that invites students to transcend the boundaries of biology and psychology and explore the intricacies of the brain and mind. The program prepares graduates for careers in research, health care and related fields. augie.edu/neuroscience
STATISTICS MAJOR: AU added a major in statistics, aimed at providing students with vital analytical skills for today’s data-driven landscape. This program prepares graduates for a wide range of careers in areas such as business, health care and research. augie.edu/statistics
STRENGTH & CONDITIONING MAJOR: The strength & conditioning major, added by AU in the fall, is focused on developing expertise in physical training and athletic performance. The program prepares graduates for careers in fitness, sports coaching and rehabilitation. augie.edu/SC
SPORTS BROADCASTING MINOR: Augustana students can now minor in sports broadcasting. The interdisciplinary minor aims to provide students with technological and writing skills, as well as a critical understanding of sports in society. The minor will help graduates build careers in a field that includes traditional broadcast and cable outlets, and new and ongoing digital platforms. augie.edu/SportsBroadcasting
SCHOOL OF MUSIC’S BACH COLLEGIUM SCHOLARSHIP: Students can perform the works of Johann Sebastian Bach through the School of Music’s Bach Collegium. Starting in the 2025-26 academic year, the School of Music will introduce the Bach Collegium Scholarship, providing $9,000 annually for select vocal and instrumental students, with an audition required for eligibility. augie.edu/MusicScholarships
BUNTROCK SCHOLARSHIP
