2019-20
ADMINISTRATION Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, president Pam Homan ’81, EdD, chief strateg y officer & executive vice president BOARD OF TRUSTEES Jill Weber Aanenson ’93, chair Pat McAdaragh ’81, vice chair Melinda Keith Snell ’89, secretary Tom Davis ’83 Scott Barth ’91 Dennis Bly ’94 Greg Daniels ’75 Paul Harmel ’72 Rickard Hedeby ’83 Dr. Gene Hoyme ’72 Cassandra Kranz ’16 Dr. Cheryl Leuning ’72 Lois Martin ’85 Ronald Moquist Kevin Nyberg ’79 James Odland ’77 Dr. Mike Olson ’72 Laurel Prieb ’77 Rev. Nyla Schoeld Keith Severson ’79 Debby Vander Woude Kathy Walsh Rev. Greg Wilcox ’78 Todd M. Williams DEVELOPMENT OFFICERS Robin Anderson Thormodsgaard Mike Flynn Joel Gackle Jon Mammenga Paul Rasmussen ’03
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 VALUES
Christian. Liberal Arts. Excellence. Community. Service. To view the graditude report and the full listing of those who supported Augustana University in the 2019-20 fiscal year, visit augie.edu/donors.
OUR VISION
Augustana University aspires to be one of America’s premier church-related universities.
B ECAUSE OF L OYAL DONORS DEAR DONORS, ALUMNI, AND FRIENDS OF AUGUSTANA, It is hard to believe how much our world has changed since last fall. What remains strong and true is your impact on the students and faculty of Augustana University. Because of loyal donors like you, we are able to boldly navigate the challenges of the ongoing global health crisis with creativity, courage, and confidence. We are so grateful for your generous hearts. We are pleased to share with you the 2019-20 Augustana University Annual Report.The stories within demonstrate how your gifts are paid forward through our students and alumni.You will read about a Viking who is dedicated to fighting for change today and who will continue to do so through his career as a sign language interpreter; Augustana sweethearts who are most grateful to Augustana for their love and the liberal arts, investing in future educators with a heart for literacy; and a couple who knows all about teamwork and believes it’s time to start moving mountains for Augustana. Even with the COVID curves, we made good progress on Viking Bold: The Journey to 2030 this year. We could not have done so without the 3800 donors who gave a total of $12,679,556 in gifts and pledges, supporting our mission-critical priorities and allowing us to deliver, with excellence, an education of enduring worth.You are essential to Augustana’s success! We hope you enjoy reading these stories which demonstrate the impact of Augustana, made possible through your generosity. Thank you for being Viking bold with Augustana!
Yours truly,
Pamela J. (Pam) Homan ’81, EdD Chief Strategy Officer & Executive Vice President Augustana University
Annual Report 2019-20
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COUPLE FINDS LOVE, INVALUABLE EDUCATION AT AU
LOWELL '80 & DEB STORTZ '77 “IT WAS THE ONLY SCHOOL EACH OF US LOOKED AT, AND WE BOTH AGREE IT WAS THE BEST DECISION WE EVER MADE; BOTH PERSONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY,” SAID LOWELL STORTZ ’80. Lowell and Deb (Lambert) Stortz ’77, who live in Edina, Minnesota, can’t say enough good things about their time at Augustana University.The couple say it really was a no-brainer when making the decision to come to the university for college. Lowell, who was raised on a farm north of Decorah, Iowa, says he knew he would go to a Lutheran school after graduation. Lowell said his parents had eighth grade educations and supported his decision to go to college, but they didn't have the experience to help guide him on where to enroll. His twin brother, Loren, had decided to attend Luther College in Decorah, and as fate would have it, a local family unknowingly introduced Lowell to Augustana. “There was a pastor at Decorah Lutheran Church, Alden Hovda, whose children had all attended Augustana,” Lowell recalled.“I liked and respected that family a lot — they were all great people. So, for me, it seemed natural to take a good, hard look at Augustana. I had an initial visit and never looked elsewhere.” 2
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For Deb, a Sioux Falls native and Washington High School graduate, Augustana was always the hometown college and first choice. In fact, she remembers her parents taking her and her three siblings to Augustana homecoming parades and games throughout her childhood. “We developed a love for the college,” she said.“We definitely started young!” “I knew in kindergarten I was going to be a teacher, and I knew it had a great education department,” she continued.“My maternal grandmother, Avis Twedt Torberson, attended the Augustana Academy. When it came time for me to think about colleges, my older sister, Darla Lambert Werner ‘77, was attending Augie. She loved the school and I enjoyed visiting her and spending time getting to know the campus.Those factors played a large part in my choice to attend as well.” The Stortz’s recall the day they met. “I was a resident advisor in Solberg Hall,” Deb said.“He (Lowell) was moving in, and I saw him walking up the steps with a suitcase in one hand, a guitar in the other, and that was it for me!” Lowell smiled at the memory. “She was the very first person I met when I arrived on
campus that day,” he said.“We chummed around with a group of mutual friends for a few months, and we became friends over time. We didn’t actually ‘date’ for a year and a half, but that sequence of events turned out to be a great way for us to build our relationship.” Lowell, a government and international affairs major, credits his Academic Advisor and former Professor of Government and International Affairs Dr. Peter Schotten, in solidifying his career choice, and so much more. “I thought I might want to be a lawyer,” Lowell said, "but I wasn't entirely sure. Dr. Schotten helped me to test that assumption. He helped me select great classes, with great professors, from many different disciplines. I think Peter was one of the first Jewish professors on campus, and he valued that religious perspective while helping his advisees gain the ability to see life's important questions through a wide-angle lens. On top of everything else, he is one of the most ethical people I have ever met. I can’t say enough great things about him.” Lowell continued,“After graduation I went to the University of Iowa College of Law, and upon graduation, I landed my first job at a law firm in Minneapolis. I've been with the same firm since 1983.” Deb never turned back after declaring her desire to be a teacher when she was in kindergarten. “After I graduated, I taught in Sioux Falls for a couple years and then moved to Edina, where I worked in the school system for 42 years. It was a great career.” Deb credits one of her education professors, Harriet Hybertson ’45, for helping her develop a passion for literacy. “She put her heart and soul into it,” she said.“Augustana really provided me (with) a great education and set me up to be successful for the future and in my career. It’s been an invaluable education.” Because they both had such an invaluable experience, the Stortz’s set up The Debra Lambert Stortz Endowed Scholarship, which is awarded to students majoring in elementary education with an interest in literacy. “We both have such a passion for literacy and lifelong learning. A student’s abilities to read and write affect their future in so many ways, so there was no question as to where we would direct our endowed scholarship,” said Deb. "And we get the nicest letters from the scholarship students, letting us know what they are studying or where they got a job.” Lowell agrees.“There’s a real joy in giving.” Lowell and Deb say they didn’t start out giving much, but knew they needed to do something to carry on the Augustana legacy. “I remember John Thomas (former Augustana director of development) calling to ask us to help build the Elmen Center. I think we ended up giving $300 over a three-year period. It’s all we could do at the time, but as we look back on that gift, it's importance in our lives was really about saying,‘yeah, we're willing to help.’ It’s just fun to be part of something good, whether it’s in a large or a small way.” When thinking back to some of their favorite memories of Augustana, Deb and Lowell say while their memories are different, the liberal arts are at the core.
“I was able to experience The Arts in London with Dr. J. Earl and Clara Lee,” Deb said.“We spent the entire month of January going to theatre performances, museums and music events in London. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and it's why I encourage Augie students to consider study abroad.They have wonderful professors going with you to teach you, and it's so much harder to get that opportunity once you leave college.” Lowell says he has fond memories of being a Viking Days co-chair with Sioux Falls businessman Kevin Nyberg ‘79. “We had a central committee meeting shortly before the homecoming weekend. As we gathered, I distinctly remember looking into the faces of people gathered around the table and thinking,‘will I ever again sit in a room with this much talent and devotion?’ It was unbelievable. After all of these years, that memory still sticks out. I remember all of their faces. It’s so cool to think that, when you were so young, Augustana gave you that much responsibility and experience.” It’s those kinds of memories that really set Augustana apart from other universities. “I can’t think of a single really big problem confronting our world that won’t require well-educated people in order to move forward,” said Lowell.“Augustana shapes those problem-solvers. It's true that colleges need to teach people what they need to know in order to get a good job, but at Augustana, you can do that AND sample the liberal arts. Many of the students can get their degree in four years while also exposing themselves to more than what they need to know to get a job. My advice to students is not to ignore the things that can make their time here so rich.” The Viking Bold: Journey to 2030 Steering Committee members say now is the time to invest in Augustana’s future. “Augie and Sioux Falls have had such a good partnership throughout the last 100 years,” Deb said.“As Sioux Falls grows, it’s important that Augie starts to grow too.The city has so much to offer — business, healthcare, education — and Augustana has embraced those fields. Sioux Falls hasn’t stayed the same, neither should Augustana.” Lowell said,“I received something here that’s of great value. Not choosing to give back is not an option. For me, there is a sense of duty. I came from a rural community and found that Augustana both honored my background and helped me to see how big the world really is and what I could do to serve.” The Stortz’s say that since graduation, their Augustana connections (including lifelong friends) have also been of support to them in successfully raising their children, Matthew (married to Erica) and Kristen (married to Steve), and that some of their Augustana friends have also been role models for how to experience one of the greatest joys of all — being grandparents to their 20-month-old grandson, Leo. “We’ve been blessed, and there’s a lot of need in the world. We want to give something back so the next farm boy from Iowa can show up and meet his wife,” Lowell said, laughing.
Annual Report 2019-20
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NOT WITHOUT YOU
SUPPORT
Thank you for investing in the university's future and for ensuring an Augustana education remains within reach for the passionate, talented and deserving students we serve. Please consider making a gift today. Visit augie.edu/giving for more information.
Foundations
Friends/Faculty & Staff
14%
(current and former)
14%
Parents
% OF DOLLARS RECEIVED BY SOURCE
(current and former)
2%
Church & Religious Organizations
<1%
Business/ Corporations/ Organizations
Alumni
REVENUE
34%
36%
ANNUAL REVENUE as of July 31, 2020 (unaudited)
$63,531,212
total revenue
$29,069,475
$19,097,540
$5,013,788
GIFTS, GRANTS & CONTRACTS
NET INVESTMENT INCOME & GAIN
NET TUITION
$2,871,589 $7,478,820
EXPENSE
AUXILIARY INCOME
ANNUAL EXPENSE as of July 31, 2020 (unaudited)
$53,768,609
$8,616,660
INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT
$25,372,585 INSTRUCTION
total expense
$4,348,471
ACADEMIC SUPPORT
$5,549,635
STUDENT SERVICES
$6,842,916
AUXILIARY ENTERPRISES
4
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OTHER INCOME
Annual Report 2019-20
$1,861,981
PUBLIC SERVICE
$1,176,361 RESEARCH
Capital
GIFT SUPPORT BY TYPE & VALUE (Including Planned Gifts)
$4,265,562
Restricted
$12,679,556
$2,575,598
Endowment
$1,627,500
New Planned Gifts
$1,555,433
other Annual Fund and unrestricted
Total Support
ENDOWMENT MARKET VALUE
ASSET ALLOCATION
as of July 31, 2020
20%
$100M
FIXED INCOME
$80M $60M
65%
$40M
EQUITIES
15%
ENDOWMENT
$2,655,463
REAL ESTATE
$20M 0
2016
2017
2018
2019
ORIGINAL GIFT
2020
MARKET INCREASE
ENDOWMENT IMPACT 2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
$1,803,433
$1,942,263
$2,075,691
$2,207,329
$2,296,886
$1,152,415
$1,425,563
$1,588,201
$1,627,460
$1,868,528
SCHOLARSHIPS
OTHER
annual distribution total
$2,955,848
SCHOLARSHIPS
OTHER
annual distribution total
$3,367,826
SCHOLARSHIPS
OTHER
annual distribution total
$3,663,892
SCHOLARSHIPS
OTHER
annual distribution total
$3,834,789
SCHOLARSHIPS
OTHER
annual distribution total
$4,165,414 Annual Report 2019-20
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FIGHTING FOR
CHANGE:
Mekhi Moore '23 Finds Voice at AU THERE’S NO DOUBT IN MEKHI MOORE’S MIND HE MADE THE RIGHT DECISION IN COMING TO AUGUSTANA UNIVERSITY. “I’m going to be the change,” he says adamantly. Moore ’23, a sign language interpreting and government and international affairs double major from Woodbury, Minnesota, says when he stepped on campus for the first time, he wasn’t sure this would be his college home. “It was not my first choice,” he said.“I was looking more at the bigger schools; like Florida State, and the University of Minnesota. At the time, I was torn between career paths, but Augustana had sign language interpreting and that was huge. So, I did a visit, met (Admission Counselor) Wendy (Mamer), and did the tour. Quite honestly, I was not sure if it was too big or too small.” Moore was also worried about his past history as a student. “I wasn’t strong in school,” he recalls.“I had a low ACT score and a 2.8 GPA. I was scared but had a wonderful teacher at Woodbury (High School) who believed I could go to a four-year college. She encouraged me to not give up.” He says Mamer was also adamant about not giving up and was his cheerleader in the early stages. But he quickly found another on AU’s campus. “I met Marlee Dyce (former assistant professor of education in sign language interpreting) and she laid out what the program looked like, stressed how important it is that Augustana is one of 13 universities accredited in sign language interpreting, and showed me the expectations surrounding the curriculum. I immediately fell in love.The professors were so passionate and engaging.” “Long story short, my family and I went to lunch still undecided, but then it hit me,” he says laughing.“There I was, sitting in a Culver’s, and I decided Augustana was going to be my next home. I came back, told the admission team I had no doubts I belonged here, and I rang the gong.” 6
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Now he’s extremely glad he didn’t give up, and talks about the power of believing in oneself. Moore received an academic scholarship and a diversity scholarship. Smiling proudly, he says,“I went from not knowing if I would even get into Augustana to making the dean’s list twice and having a GPA of 3.8.To anyone who doesn’t think Augustana is possible, I’m a living example. Don’t give up!” What does the Minnesota Timberwolves fan love most about being an Augustana Viking? “I love that from the learning aspect, my professors are really connected with us students,” he says.“They always say I’m more than just a seat number.They are passionate about me as a student, and the topics they teach.They are not shy about getting to know you and I love that. I’m not sure I would have gotten that at a bigger university.” Moore, who is also a member of the Augustana Student Association (ASA), is using his voice to be part of Augustana’s bold future. “I want to be a diverse change,” he says.“Something I stand for is making sure that organizations reach out to those who may not be heard. I want ASA to realize they’re a big student organization and I want them to include more diverse genders. It may be hard for those who are international students, or Black.” He recalls meeting Willette Capers, assistant dean of students for diversity, equity and inclusion, at new student registration.“She is amazing,” he says.“She has a plan for ways AU can be more inclusive and wants to hear ideas from the students.” He also talks about meeting Dean of Students Mark Blackburn and of how encouraged he was after talking with him about the challenges systemically non-dominant individuals face. “I know the Dean of Students Office is working hard to reach out and build more of a platform for those who are underrepresented and scared to come to a predominately white institution,” he said.“Mark gave me words of encouragement and I know AU is coming from a diverse agenda.”
Moore is also part of the Journey Scholars program, a newer program that provides systemically nondominant first-year students with resources, peer mentors and advice to assist in their comfort and success. About 30 Native American, Hispanic, first-generation, LGBTQ+ and students of color chose to join the program. “I’ve met wonderful friends who I thought I’d never meet.They will be lifelong friends.” When thinking about his future, Moore wants to move to Washington, D.C., and pursue his masters in sign language interpreting from Gallaudet University. “I want to work with criminal agencies to start with,” he says. However, he’s not ruling out politics.“I could see myself in some role at the White House. We’ll see.” Moore knows that in order to push for change, there needs to be change everywhere. “I’m just a student, but I would love to give back with positivity whenever I can. I will never stop pushing and fighting.” When it comes to seeing that change happen at Augustana, Moore says he wants donors to know that at Augustana, they are the key to helping students become more independent thinkers and leaders, both as students and after they get into the workforce. “They are giving students opportunities to stand out. If students, leaders and donors want to see change — I’m it. I’m encouraged to be the person who I want to be here.” The one thing he will be doing going forward: giving back as soon as he can. For now, though, Moore says he wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the donors. “Giving money to Augustana helps me use my voice,” he says.“Augie has made me find that out about myself.The donors are giving to a university that really cares about the students, their well-being and ensuring they’ll be successful.” “All I can say is thank you! Without these programs, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. I don’t know if they know how much it means to students like me,” says Moore. Giving to a campus means so very much.“It’s allowed me to prosper and make me the man I am today and will be.”
THE DONORS ARE
GIVING TO A UNIVERSITY THAT REALLY CARES ABOUT THE STUDENTS, THEIR WELL-BEING AND ENSURING THEY’LL BE SUCCESSFUL.” – Mekhi Moore Augustana University sophomore Annual Report 2019-20
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For the Love of the Game:
BOB '61 & TRISH SWANHORST
"LET'S MOVE MOUNTAINS"
SOUTH DAKOTA BOYS BASKETBALL HALL OF FAME. TEACHER. COACH. AUTHOR. Those are all words that describe Bob Swanhorst ’61. But perhaps his favorite title of all: Augustana Alumnus. The Cresbard, South Dakota native led his team to a state Class B runner-up finish in 1956, and took home the state title in 1957, setting a record for points in the championship round in 1957, obliterating the old record by 20 points. Recruited by seven NCAA Division I schools, Swanhorst chose Augustana as the place to further his education. He came to Augustana College in 1957 as a starting freshman and basketball standout. Swanhorst, perhaps the most highly recruited basketball player in South Dakota in 1957, began a procession of stars to Augustana which culminated in a Viking Conference co-championship for Coach Ole Odney. Swanhorst led Augustana scorers and rebounders as a sophomore and junior and was second as a senior. The 6-foot-3, 200-pounder started all three years, named all-North Central Conference first team twice and set Augustana records by averaging 15.2 points and 15.5 rebounds in his 60-game career. However, it’s his love for the education he received that resonates with him when thinking back to his time at Augustana. “There is no greater investment than in education,” he says. “When I was here, it was at the tail end of (Presidents) FDR, Truman, Eisenhower, and Kennedy…what is now being taught as big historical moments in our U.S. history books, was a headline in the newspapers.” When Swanhorst enrolled at Augustana, it was 1957. The country was dealing with Russia and Sputnik, Congress approved the first significant civil rights legislation since the Civil War, and West Side Story and The Music Man opened in New York. “Augustana offered math, science, liberal arts, and foreign language and I took advantage of it all. I had a tremendous education,” the history major says, smiling. “I had so many great teachers…(Drs.) Lynwood Oyos, Sven Froiland, and Donald Fryxell to name a few. I needed the tough lessons they brought each semester.” Bob recalls, “When I wrote my first paper as a freshman, it was more red than white! Thinking back, my speech class was very important. Everything 8
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you do in communication and teaching is through speech. Those professors taught me to talk from the heart. I still do that, I think.” It was through those classes and his time at Augustana where he met his wife, Trish, a Sioux Falls native, who, at the time, was a student enrolled in Huron College. “We met in Sioux Falls,” Trish recalls. “Bob was dating a friend of mine and I was dating his roommate. We decided to go out on a double date, and pretty soon we realized we liked each other more than our dates; the rest is history!” Bob says because of Augustana, he was able to spend a summer in Germany and decided to obtain a minor in German. That’s one reason why the couple is so adamant about giving back to the university. “What better can you do to invest in the future than give the gift of education?” he asks. Trish, a University of St. Thomas graduate, agrees. “We were so fortunate to go to college. For that reason, I want to repay and make sure other kids can financially afford it.” After graduation, Swanhorst was invited to a tryout camp with the Chicago Bulls but decided teaching (and later coaching) in the Midwest was where his heart belonged. Bob and Trish later married, and Bob went on to become a teacher for three years at Bellevue, Nebraska, while Trish worked in the home, raising their two sons, Rob and Randy, and volunteered in the community. Before coming back to his home state to coach in Webster (1965-68), Huron High School (1968-69) and Huron College (1969-77, basketball and baseball). He guided Webster to the 1966 state "A" title and Huron College to the 1974 NAIA national tournament. His Huron College basketball teams were South Dakota Intercollegiate Conference champions three times. Swanhorst was NAIA District 12 basketball coach of the year in 1973, and his team was chosen as "College Team of the Year"; in 1974. He then taught at Burnsville (Minn.) High School from 1977-98, going 135-118 in 12 years as coach there, and, after teaching and coaching a total of 37 years, retired in 1998. His career basketball coaching record was 294-252, and he was selected to the Sioux Falls Argus Leader's high school centennial team in 1989. He is also a member of the Augustana Hall of Fame. Bob and Trish moved to Sioux Falls in 2001, and dedicated much of their time volunteering in the community. Trish spends much of her free time making jewelry and scrapbooking, and spends time at her church, LifeScape, The Banquet, and spent six years on the Augustana Library Associates Board. In 2004, Cresbard dissolved, and Bob added author to his name. He published Main Street 2006: Cresbard, South Dakota, with the help of The Center for Western Studies’ in-house publishing. “We were so fortunate, we sold all of the books in the first run,” he says proudly. He also helped establish the South Dakota High School Girls and Boys Basketball Hall of Fame and naturally, spends much of his time honoring the young athletes in South Dakota. Together, Bob and Trish are huge supporters of the A-Club, Heritage Club, and they both work very hard on the annual Athletic Auction. Most recently, in an effort
to accomplish the goals set forth in Augustana’s strategic plan, Viking Bold: The Journey to 2030, the Swanhorsts have contributed a $1 million endowed gift for studentathlete scholarships and are in support of the university’s transition to NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics. Their generous pledge will provide scholarships in support of all athletes, regardless of sport. “I was so lucky to have gotten a full scholarship for basketball so I never had to pay anything. It’s something I’ve never forgotten, and it’s time for us to pay it forward,” Bob says. The Swanhorst’s favorite memories of Augustana, besides being in the classroom, come from all the events on campus throughout the years. “Augustana thrives on its core value of service and community,” says Trish. “Of course, we’ve loved attending all the basketball and football games. We’ve made life-long friendships and are huge supporters of the Senior Academy. But every year we especially look forward to the Boe Forum. It’s something everyone can benefit from.”
Bob Swanhorst '61, proudly shows off his Augustana letterman's jacket. The basketball standout set Augustana records and is in both the Augustana Hall of Fame and the South Dakota Basketball Hall of Fame.
When it comes to encouraging others to pay it forward, Bob says, “Eventually, we’re all going to pass on. What legacy do you want to leave? Do you have appreciation for what you have? In 1957 Sioux Falls was 65,000. Enrollment was 2,000. Now, it’s 190,000 and enrollment has stayed the same. We have not kept up. Kids today need that liberal arts education that Augustana provides. Fine arts and philosophy are so important. We need more people thinking differently and more critically. If you cannot think for yourself and be curious about what’s happening in the world today, you’re missing a big part of life. There is no better investment than education in our country.” Bob continues, “My entire life, I’ve lived on one basic principle: people have to unite and come together. From my coaching experience, if you only focused on one or two good players, you were meat in the water when it came to game day. You had to bring the whole team together. That’s what I want us to do now. If every ‘player’ would unite with even $100 or $1,000 we’d have a tremendous program. What we can do as an institution is invaluable. I coached for 35 years and the best teams were the ones that worked together, not the most talented. Augustana could be the best in the Midwest. But if we don’t work together, it won’t happen. It’s time to start moving mountains.” Annual Report 2019-20
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