The Augustana: Fall 2023

THE AUGUSTANA FALL 2023 | VOLUME 14 | ISSUE 1

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

W

e are excited to share the fall edition of The Augustana with you. The pages within convey our deep affection for the past, along with the great momentum of the present.

This fall marked 100 years of homecoming at Augustana, known as Viking Days since 1929. In each of my seven Viking Days as president, I have been inspired by the deep joy and intensified Viking spirit this week-long celebration brings.

Each day is filled with greetings of “Happy Viking Days,” which always end with an exclamation point — an exclamation point we exude through our smiles to one another, the smiles in our eyes, as well as on our faces, and the energy and enthusiasm we convey for this treasured tradition. One of the special things about Augustana is that our celebration always ends with worship — our collective exclamation point — uniting us once more to hear God’s word, receive His grace and give thanks for the blessing of Augustana.

2017

Over the past century, generations of Augustana alumni, students, parents, faculty, staff and friends have gathered together during this special time of year to reconnect, share stories and memories, cheer on, celebrate and honor — paying tribute to the past, recognizing the significant accomplishments of our alumni and being inspired by the extraordinary talents of our students today.

Homecoming also serves as a reminder of the impact Augustana has had on each of us. It’s where lifelong friendships have been forged, passions ignited and a vocational calling discovered. Coming home reinforces the enduring impact of the lessons learned, knowledge acquired and values deeply embedded during a transformational time in our lives.

As our Viking Bold journey continues, we will continue to honor our past, embrace our present and look to the future with hope and optimism.

2023

Our centennial celebration of tradition, community and alumni achievement will continue in Oslo, Norway, May 31-June 2. All are welcome!

Here’s to the next 100 years of homecoming celebrations and our enduring Viking spirit!

Skol!

Stephanie Herseth Sandlin President

OUR MISSION

OUR VISION

OUR VALUES

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.

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

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.

IN THIS ISSUE

10

4

6

15

14

12

18

16

23 20

2

Updates on Viking Bold

12

3-Year Degree Pathway

18

Victories in Athletics

3

The Latest at AU

14

Inaugural Drop of the Puck

20

Achievements of Alumni

4

Historic Scholarship Established

15

23

Vault of Viking Days

6

The Doggie of Augie

School of Business Welcomes New Dean

Notes About Classmates

100 Years of Homecoming

First Class of Honorary Alumni

24

10

16

EDITOR

DESIGNER

CONTRIBUTORS

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Keeley Meier ‘20 Carolyn Cordie • Nancy Davidson Arianne Riedel • Jill Wilson

Kami Gladis

Daniel Bergeson ‘19 • Jack Johnson ‘25 Sydney Sherwood ‘27

CONNECT WITH US

@AugustanaSD THE AUGUSTANA | FALL 2023

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KEY SUCCESSES OF 2022-23

2 ACADEMICS20 19-22

ACADEMICS

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2 0 19 - 2 2

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

ENROLLMENT & STRATEGIC SCHOLARSHIPS

ENROLLMENT & STRATEGIC SCHOLARSHIPS

OVERALL GOALS: Enroll 3,000+ undergraduate and graduate provide a welcoming and inclusive environment as different b experiences and ways of thinking encourage learning, accepta make Augustana’s education more affordable and accessible fo with innovative scholarship partnerships among alumni and re organizations while adapting the university business model an ensure financial sustainability.

ACADEMICS •ACADEMICS Developed the initialACADEMICS infrastructure to offer credentials GOALS: Establish new academic structures and centers that sustain OVERALL GOALS: Establish newEstablish academic OVERALL structures and centers that sustain OVERALL GOALS: new academic structures and centers that sustain & &comprehensive Organize into a College ofa Arts & Sciences (Jan. 2021) ENROLLMENT ••ENROLLMENT Developed marketing plan for graduate and facilitate micro-certificates excellence,and facilitate growth, and cultivate innovative and impactful teaching, ENROLLMENT excellence, growth, and cultivate innovative impactful teaching, SCHOLARSHIPS& • STRATEGIC Establish a School of Education STRATEGIC SCHOLARSHIPS excellence, facilitate growth, and cultivate innovative and impactful teaching, andofresearch in order an education of enduring worth; learning, and research in order to provide anlearning, education enduring worth;to provide OVERALL GOALS: Enroll 3,000+ undergraduate and graduate students and - Implement Augustana Master’s of Business Administration program program recruitment and retention OVERALL GOALS: Enroll 3,000+ undergraduate and graduate students and STRATEGIC SCHOLARSHIPS establish new academic programs grounded in the liberal arts that challenge the • Implement a student recruitment plan (July 2020) new academic programs grounded in the arts that •establish Launched certificates intheadult-gerontology learning, and postgraduate research in order toliberal provide anchallenge education of enduring worth;and inclusive environment provide aas welcoming and inclusive environment as different backgrounds, (August 2020) backgrounds, provideofastudents. welcoming different responding to the needs and interests These intellect while responding to the needs andintellect interestswhile of students.

These • Renew &students re-envision programs OVERALL GOALS: Enroll 3,000+ undergraduate and graduate and that engage middle and h Implement Doctorate of Physical Therapy (August 2020) experiences and ways of thinking encourage learning, acceptance and service; establish new academic programs grounded in the liberal arts that challenge the encourage experiences andworkforce ways learning, acceptance and service; acute care nurse practitioner and of thinking programs grow(AG-ACNP) enrollment, diversify revenue and address students (April 2020)into •make Integrated diversity, equity and inclusion training programs will grow enrollment, diversify revenue andwill address workforce - Implement Master’s of Science in inclusive Nursing (September 2021) Augustana’s education more affordable and accessible for more students provide a welcoming and environment as different backgrounds, make Augustana’s education more affordable and accessible for more students priorities of the local community and region. intellect while responding to the needs and interests of students.

These priorities of the local community and region.

• Establish creative scholarship - innovative Implementscholarship Doctor of Nursing Practice (August 2023) partnerships among alumni and regional adult-gerontology clinical nurse specialist (AG-CNS) with 2021) innovative scholarship partnershipswith among alumni and regional teaching and learning for all students, faculty staffopportunities as well as end experiences ways thinking encourage learning, and2022) service; • Organize into a College of Artsand & Sciences (Jan. scholarshipsand (July whileand the of university business model and operations to acceptance programs will grow revenue address workforce • Organize into a College of Artsenrollment, & Sciences (Jan.diversify 2021) • organizations Establish a School ofadapting Music (August 2020) organizations while adapting the university business model and operations to ensure financial sustainability.

• Establishof a School make Augustana’s education morewithin affordable accessible for more students •• Establish Launched the first cohort theof Education Augustanaensure Doctor of Establish a Center for Interdisciplinary Programs the College and of financial sustainability. a School Education priorities ofofthe local community and region.

•••with Launched Program - Implement Augustana Master’s of Business Administration program Arts & Sciences (Augustthe 2020) Augustana Implement a student recruitment planpartnerships (July 2020) Esports innovative scholarship among alumni and regional - Implement Augustana Master’s of Business Administration program • Implement a student recruitment plan (July 2020) (August 2020) Physical Therapy (DPT) Program • (August Organize • •organizations Develop Medical Humanities program 2020) into a College of Arts & Sciences (Jan. 2021) Renew & re-envision programs that (August engage middle and highbusiness school while adapting the2020) university model and operations to - Implement Doctorate of Physical Therapy (August 2020) • Renew & re-envision programs that engage middle and high school - Implement Doctorate of Physical Therapy (August 2020) students (April 2020) Studies program (August 2021) • Develop Environmental - Implement Master’s of Science(HLC) in Nursing (September students (April2021) 2020)for • Received Commission approval ensure financial sustainability.

Establish aHigher School ofLearning Education -• Implement Master’s of Science in Nursing (September 2021)of Nursing Practice (August Establish creativeassociated scholarship opportunities well as endowed • • Develop programs with interculturalas studies (August 2022) - Implement Doctor 2023) 2019-22 • Establish creative scholarship opportunities as well as endowed Implement Doctor of Nursing Practice (August 2023) - Implement Augustana Master’s of Business Administration program scholarships (July 2022) Augustana University Fintech Program by Pathward™ and • Establish a School of Music (August 2020) scholarships (July 2022) • Implement a student recruitment plan (July 2020) • Establish a School of Music (August 2020) ATHLETICS (August 2020) • Establish a Center for Interdisciplinary Programs within the College of established a Fintech Advisory Board GOALS: Recruit and retain exceptional student-athl • Renew & re-envision programs that engage middle OVERALL and high school • Establish a Center for Interdisciplinary Programs within the College of Arts &Physical Sciences (August 2020) Implement Doctorate of Therapy (August 2020) and athletic excellence and enhance their collegiate PHYSICAL CAMPUSacademic & academic & Sciences (August 2020) students (April 2020) • Develop Medical Humanities program (August 2020) through and wellness support, community engagem •• Arts Established partnership with Seeds of Change

- Implement Master’s of Science in Nursing (September 2021) Develop Medical Humanities program (August 2020) opportunities; transition to NCAA Division I intercollegiate ath INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY • DevelopACADEMICS Environmental Studies program (August 2021) • Establish creative scholarship opportunities as well as endowed OVERALL GOALS: Establish newcredit academic structures and centers that sustain Implement Doctor of Nursing Practice (August 2023) research program in Costa Rica to offer to

2020 to provide student-athletes the opportunity to compete ENROLLMENT & • Develop Environmental Studies program 2021) • (August Developexcellence, programsfacilitate associated with studies growth, andintercultural cultivate innovative and(August impactful2022) teaching, elevate the profile of the university, and inspire Sioux Falls to e scholarships (July 2022) STRATEGIC SCHOLARSHIPS learning, and research in order to provide an education of enduring worth; • Develop programs associated with studies (August 2022) PHYSICAL CAMPUS & INFORMATION participating high school students • Establish a School of intercultural Music (August 2020) embrace Augustana University as the hometown team by serv OVERALL GOALS: Enroll 3,000+ undergraduate and graduate students establish new academic programs grounded in the liberal arts that challenge the •TECHNOLOGY Completed the renovation of and Solberg Hall (IT) community and integrating our mission with its needs.

ATHLETICS provide a welcoming and inclusive environment as different backgrounds, intellect while responding to the needs and interests of students. These OVERALL GOALS: Transform theencourage physical campus to include new and enhanced • Establish a Center for Interdisciplinary Programs within the College of OVERALL GOALS: Recruit and retain exceptional student-athletes to maintain experiences and ways of thinking learning, acceptance and service; ATHLETICS • Developed and approved South Dakota’s first

• Seek and receive invitation to Division I multi-sport confe programs will grow enrollment, diversify revenue and address workforce facilities that serve the educational, spiritual and holistic needs of Augustana’s make Augustana’s education more and accessible forrenovation more students academic and athletic excellence and enhance their collegiate experience OVERALL GOALS: Recruit and retain exceptional student-athletes to affordable maintain •students, Completed the first-floor of Morrison priorities of the local community and region.

(December 2020) Arts & Sciences (August 2020) in faculty andand staff,wellness and inspire others in the community who utilize with innovative scholarship partnerships amongcommunity alumni and regional undergraduate program bioinformatics as both a excellence and enhance through academic support, engagement, andour service academic and athletic their collegiate experience • Organize into a College of Arts & Sciences (Jan. 2021) organizations while adapting theNCAA university business model and operations toby December • Design and build new softball/baseball complex (Septem campus; transform Augustana into a Division dynamic digital campus through emerging opportunities; transition to I intercollegiate athletics Commons to modernize dining and improve HVAC systems community engagement, and service • Develop Medical Humanities program 2020) through academic and wellness support,technologies, ensure financialexcellent sustainability. major and minor • Establish a (August School of Education connectivity,the andopportunity best practices cyber security that level, • Enhance Student Success Center services for student-athl 2020 to provide student-athletes toincompete at a higher opportunities; transitionprogram to NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics

by December - Implement Augustana Master’s of Business Administration serve studentalearning, enable innovative teaching and research, and support the upgrades in place for first DI transition year (June 2021) • Implement student recruitment plan (July 2020) elevate thetoprofile of the and inspire Sioux Falls to enthusiastically • Develop Environmental Studies program (August 2021)2020 to provide student-athletes the opportunity compete atuniversity, a higher level, (August 2020) business processes and overall mission.

•university’s Construction of Midco Arena continued• Create on athletic schedule PHYSICAL CAMPUS & INFORMATION Renew &Augustana re-envision University that engage middle and high

administration internships and programm as the hometown team byschool serving the - Implement Doctorate of Physicalelevate Therapythe (August 2020) profile of the university, and•embrace inspire Sioux Falls toprograms enthusiastically 2019-22 students (April • community Establish criteria for decision making, setting priorities, diverse student-athletes (April 2020) TECHNOLOGY (IT) ofstudies • DevelopCAMPUS programs associated with- Implement intercultural (August 2022) and2020) integrating our mission with its needs. and resource PHYSICAL & INFORMATION Master’s Science inembrace Nursing (September 2021) Augustana University as the hometown team by serving the to implement a holistic Campus Master (March 2020) • allocation Establish creative scholarship opportunities as well Plan as endowed OVERALL GOALS: Transform the physical campus to(August include new and enhanced - Implement Doctor of Nursing Practice 2023) • Review and revise sports team travel policies and procedu TECHNOLOGY (IT) community and integrating our mission•with needs.

Seekitsand receive invitation to Division I multi-sport conference scholarships (July 2022) facilities that serve the educational, spiritual and holistic needs of Augustana’s • Designate physical spaces across campus, including a multicultural center 2020-June 2021) ATHLETICS

• Establish a School of Music (August 2020) OVERALL GOALS: Transform the physical campus to include new and enhanced (December 2020) Seek and receive students, faculty andastaff, and inspire others in• the community whoinvitation utilize ourto DivisionforI multi-sport activities andconference dialogue focused on diversity, equity and inclusion (July 2022) • Establish Center for Interdisciplinary Programs within the College of • Centralize and coordinate student-athlete health care and facilities that serve the educational, spiritual and holistic needs of Augustana’s • Design and build new softball/baseball complex (September 2021) (December campus; transform Augustana into2020) a dynamic digital campus2020) through emerging Arts & Sciences (August • Establish sustainability plan, landscape master plan, campus heritage plan, training (July 2022) students, faculty and staff, and inspire others in the community who utilize our OVERALL GOALS: Recruit and retain exceptional student-athletes to maintain technologies, excellent connectivity, and best practices in cyber security that • Enhance Student Success Center services for student-athletes; have andcomplex historic preservation plan (March 2020) Design2020) and build new softball/baseball (Septembermanagement 2021) • Developthrough Medical emerging Humanities program• (August campus; transform Augustana into a dynamic digital campus • Expand oversight and contact for student-athlete mental serve student learning, enable innovative teaching and research, and support the upgrades in place for first DI transition year (June 2021) academic and athletic excellence and enhance their collegiate experience • Develop Environmental Studies program (August 2021) (June 2021) technologies, excellent connectivity, and best practices in cyber security that • Enhance Student Success Center services for student-athletes; have university’s business processes and overall mission.

•through Create athletic administration internships and programming fortofemale To learn(June more about Viking Bold: The Journey to 2030, and see and serve student learning, enable innovative teaching and research, and support the with intercultural • Develop programs associated studies (August upgrades in place for2022) first DI transition year 2021) academic and wellness support, community engagement, serviceculture; integrate into ath • Define Divisionand I championship • Establish criteria for decision making, setting priorities, and resource diverse (April 2020) the lateststudent-athletes updates, visit augie.edu/VikingBold. university’s business processes and overall mission. procedure statements (June 2021) • Create athletic administration internships and programming for female and opportunities; transition to NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics by December to implement a holistic Campus Master Plan (March 2020) ALL GOALS: Enroll 3,000+ undergraduate and graduate studentsallocation and ATHLETICS • Review and revise sports team travel policies and procedures (June • Establish criteria for decision making, setting priorities, and resource diverse student-athletes (April 2020)OVERALL GOALS: Recruit and retain exceptional student-athletes to maintain e a welcoming and inclusive environment as different backgrounds, 2020 to provide student-athletes the opportunity to compete at a higher level, • Designate physical spaces across campus, including a multicultural center 2020-June 2021) allocation to implement a holistic Campus Master Plan (March 2020) athletic excellence and enhance their collegiate experience • Review andinclusion revise sports team travelacademic policiesand and procedures (June ences and ways of thinking encourage learning, acceptance and service; for activities and dialogue focused on diversity, equity and (July 2022) • elevate Centralize andand coordinate healthand care and performance the profile ofstudent-athlete thecommunity university, inspire Sioux Falls to enthusiastically through academic wellness support, engagement, and service • Designate physical and spaces across campus, a multicultural center 2020-June 2021) Augustana’s education more affordable accessible for more•including students Establish sustainability plan, landscape master plan, campus heritage plan, training (July 2022)to NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics by December opportunities; transition forpartnerships activities and dialogue focused on diversity, equity and inclusion (July 2022) embrace Augustana University as the hometown team by serving the novative scholarship among alumni and regional • Centralize and coordinate student-athlete healthstudent-athletes care and performance 2020 to provide the opportunity to compete at a higher level, care and historic preservation management plan (March 2020) • Expand oversight and contact for student-athlete mental health zations while adapting the university businessplan, model and operations elevate the profile of the university, and inspire Sioux Falls to enthusiastically • Establish sustainability landscape mastertoplan, campus heritage plan, training (July 2022) community and integrating our mission with its needs.

(June 2021) PHYSICAL CAMPUS & INFORMATION financial sustainability. embrace Augustana University as the hometown team by serving the andOVERALL historic preservation management plan (March 2020) • Expand oversight contact mental health carewith its needs.

Tothe learn more about Viking Bold: The Journey to 2030, and to see for student-athlete GOALS: Transform physical campus to include new and enhanced TECHNOLOGY (IT) • •Define Ireceive championship integrate into athletics’ policy and conference community and integrating our mission culture; ement a student recruitment plan (July 2020) SeekDivision and invitation to Division I multi-sport (June 2021) the latest updates, visitTransform augie.edu/VikingBold.

OVERALL GOALS: the physical campus to include new and enhanced procedure statements 2021)I multi-sport conference facilities that serve the educational, spiritual and holistic needs of Augustana’s • Seek and receive invitation(June to Division ew & re-envision programs engage andBold: high school facilities that serve theto educational, spiritual and holistic needs of Augustana’s To learnthat more aboutmiddle Viking The Journey to 2030, and see (December 2020)policy and • Define Division I championship culture; integrate into athletics’ (December 2020) students, faculty and inspire others in the community who our utilize our faculty and staff, and inspire others instaff, theandcommunity who utilize ents (April 2020) thestudents, latest updates, visit augie.edu/VikingBold. procedure statements (June 2021) • Design and build new softball/baseball complex (September 2021) campus; transform Augustana into a dynamic digital campus through emerging • Design and build new softball/baseball complex (September 2021) blish creative scholarship opportunities as well as endowed campus; transform Augustana intotechnologies, a dynamic digital campus emerging excellent connectivity, and bestthrough practices in cyber security that • Enhance Student Success Center services for student-athletes; have larships (July 2022) serve student learning, enable innovative teaching and research, and support the upgrades in place for first DI transition year (June 2021)

ENDURING COMMITMENTS

ROLLMENT & • Established a dashboard to report key diversity, equity ATEGIC SCHOLARSHIPS

HLETICS

and inclusion measures

• Implemented the first year of the Compensation & PHYSICAL CAMPUS & development Benefits Plan inclusive of professional INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) funds for support staff and administrators • Expanded the use and integration of ePortfolios among students across departments, disciplines technologies, excellentprograms connectivity, and best practices in cyber security that and co-curricular university’s business processes and overall mission.

serve student learning, enable innovative teaching and research, and support • Establish criteria for decision making, setting priorities, and resourcethe implement a holistic Campus Master • Expanded the use and integration of Navigate —Plana(March 2020) university’s business processes and allocation overalltomission.

student success management platform —onamong

for activities and dialogue focused diversity, and inclusion (July 2022) • Establish criteria for decision making, setting priorities, andequity resource • Establish sustainability plan, landscape master plan, campus heritage plan, faculty andtostaff across departments, disciplines and allocation implement a holistic Campus Master Plan (March 2020) and historic preservation management plan (March 2020) co-curricular programs • Designate physical spaces across campus, multicultural To learn moreincluding about Vikinga Bold: The Journey tocenter 2030, and to see • Designate physical spaces across campus, including a multicultural center

ALL GOALS: Recruit and retain exceptional student-athletes to maintain the latest updates, visit augie.edu/VikingBold. for activities and dialogue focused on diversity, equity and inclusion (July 2022) mic and athletic excellence and enhance their collegiate experience h academic and wellness support, community engagement, and service • Establish sustainability plan, landscape master plan, campus heritage plan, unities; transition to NCAA Division I intercollegiate athletics by December historictopreservation plan (March 2020) o provide student-athletesand the opportunity compete at a highermanagement level, e the profile of the university, and inspire Sioux Falls to enthusiastically ce Augustana University as the hometown team by serving the unity and integrating our mission with its needs.

• Developed a stewardship plan to maintain and nurture donor relationships and recognize substantial gifts to the university

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

and receive invitation to Division I multi-sport conference ember 2020)

ATHLETICS

• Completed administrative functions of launching Augustana Men’s Hockey related to marketing, ticket sales, ticket allocation and game experience

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

• Create athletic administration internships and programming for female and diverse student-athletes (April 2020) • Review and revise sports team travel policies and procedures (June 2020-June 2021)

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

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

• Review and revise sports team travel policies and procedures (June 2020-June 2021) • Define Division I championship culture; integrate into athletics’ policy and • Expand oversight and contact for student-athlete mental health care (June 2021)

statements (June 2021) •procedure Centralize and coordinate student-athlete health care and performance training (July 2022)

• Expand oversight and contact for student-athlete mental health care (June 2021) • Define Division I championship culture; integrate into athletics’ policy and procedure statements (June 2021)

To view the full list of Viking Bold: The Journey to 2030 successes, visit augie.edu/VikingBold.

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

ance Student Success Center services for student-athletes; have ades in place for first DI transition year (June 2021)

te athletic administration internships and programming for female and rse student-athletes 2 (April THE 2020) AUGUSTANA | FALL 2023

ew and revise sports team travel policies and procedures (June 0-June 2021)

ralize and coordinate student-athlete health care and performance ing (July 2022)

NEW AT AU BIOINFORMATICS | augie.edu/AUBioinformatics Augustana is home to South Dakota’s first undergraduate program in bioinformatics — the application of computational tools to biology — as both a major and minor. Augustana is also the only university in the region to incorporate courses in both data science and artificial intelligence within its program.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND QUANTITATIVE ECONOMICS Augustana began offering both criminal justice and quantitative economics as majors in October — adding to the list of interdisciplinary academic programs being developed as part of Augustana’s strategic plan Viking Bold: The Journey to 2030.

GENDER, SEXUALITY & WOMEN’S STUDIES | augie.edu/AUGenderStudies Augustana began offering a gender, sexuality & women’s studies minor this fall. The minor is housed within the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies (CIS). This is the second time that Augustana has introduced a minor in gender studies — the first in the 1991-92 academic year.

SOCIAL WORK | augie.edu/AUSocialWork Augustana began offering social work as a minor this fall, and all Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) courses for the major will be offered in the fall of 2024. The Harriet Emily Scott Social Work Program within the Sharon Lust School of Education is named after former Director of the Augustana Social Work Program and Assistant Professor Emerita of Social Work Dr. Harriet Emily (Johnson) Scott ‘59.

AU STUDENT BODY | augie.edu/2158 A total of 2,158 students — part- and full-time undergraduate and graduate students — chose to find their bold at Augustana for Academic Year 2023-24. Hailing from 42 states and 57 foreign countries, the number marks the largest student body in 44 years at Augustana.

TOP 5 REGIONAL UNIVERSITY | augie.edu/USNews2024 Augustana has been ranked a Top 5 Regional University in the Midwest in Best Value by U.S. News & World Report’s 2024 Best College Rankings — viewed as the gold standard in college rankings lists. AU is listed in other Best Regional Universities Midwest categories, including No. 4 in Best Undergraduate Teaching and No. 11 in Most Innovative.

DPT INAUGURAL ENROLLMENT | augie.edu/DPTEnrollment The Augustana Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program welcomed its inaugural cohort in June and exceeded its enrollment goal. The DPT program enrolled 85 students into the Class of 2025, with additional students beginning in 2024.

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AU Announces $13.8 Million Gift in Support of Scholarships for Students in ELCA Congregations 4

THE AUGUSTANA | FALL 2023

| BY JILL WILSON

I

n September, Rosemarie and Dean Buntrock made Augustana history with a generous gift of $13.8 million. The gift — the university’s largest for impact scholarships — will support students who are active and engaged members of Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) congregations throughout the Midwest.

Thanks to the Buntrocks’ gift, the university has established the Buntrock Scholars Program.

“Providing young people in the church with access to an education rooted in faith and strong values is an investment in their future, as well as that of their families, congregations and all communities in which they live and serve. We welcome this partnership with Augustana University, parents and ELCA synods, bishops and pastors as we work together to support and develop these young leaders,” said Dean, who grew up in Columbia, South Dakota, and is the founder and former CEO of Waste Management, Inc. Over the course of the next decade, the Buntrock Scholars Program will benefit a minimum of 30 students beginning in Fall 2024, and as many as 120 students by Fall 2028. The scholarship will cover half the net price of a selected student’s attendance at Augustana up to $12,000, and will be renewable for up to an additional three years to help students cover the cost of a 4-year degree.

“Throughout its 163-year history, Augustana University has been blessed with students who enter to learn and leave to serve. In addition to those called to ministry, countless AU alumni are serving as leaders within their congregations,” said President Stephanie Herseth Sandlin. “Thanks to Rosemarie and Dean’s incredible generosity, more students will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in an education inspired by the Lutheran scholarly tradition and rooted in our core values of Christian, liberal arts, excellence, community and service. As graduates, they will pay this wonderful gift of education forward as they lead and serve within ELCA congregations — fulfilling our shared calling to serve the neighbor so that all may flourish.” n

BECOMING A BUNTROCK SCHOLAR Interested students must: • Be an engaged member of a Midwest ELCA congregation • Apply and be offered admission to Augustana University • Complete a scholarship form, submit a letter of recommendation from their senior pastor or youth pastor (or, for congregations with pastoral vacancies, the council president or other elected leader) and provide a personal statement about their involvement in the church • Remain in good academic standing Students who receive the Buntrock Scholarship are eligible for additional academic and talent-based scholarships provided by the university.

For more information, visit augie.edu/BuntrockScholarship.

Critical Inquiry

Citizenship Colloquium

On Oct. 26-27, Augustana held its inaugural Critical Inquiry & Citizenship Colloquium — also generously supported by Rosemarie and Dean Buntrock. In partnership with the Center for Western Studies (CWS), the colloquium is designed to promote civil discourse and deep reflection with the goal of enhancing students’ skills to think critically and communicate persuasively as citizens of a pluralistic society.

“A healthy and strong democracy requires citizens with well-developed critical thinking and communication skills, a willingness to listen and understand different points of view, and the ability to actively engage in civil discourse. Our support of this new colloquium at Augustana University is an investment in further equipping the next generation to lead and serve with integrity, empathy and wisdom,” said Dean.

Augustana hosted Dr. Michael Sandel, the Anne T. and Robert M. Bass Professor of Government at Harvard University, as the colloquium’s inaugural featured speaker. The world-renowned philosopher and author gave a keynote presentation to the Augustana community, alumni and friends on Oct. 26, in the Elmen Center to kick off the 2-day colloquium.

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Augie Doggie Back Golden Retriever Steals Hearts as Augustana University Goodwill Ambassador | BY JILL WILSON

T

he nostalgia sets in when alumni speak of the floppy-eared dog that had a more-than-20-year run at Augustana — then Augustana College. Once embraced by fans, the conversation is often filled with stories of the energy and excitement that it brought to football and basketball games.

After a 20-year hiatus, Augie Doggie is back at Augustana, doing a lot of the same things — engaging with students and staff, as well as attending various university events — serving as a goodwill ambassador for the university. However, this one is more than just a mascot. Augie Doggie is no longer a person behind a costume, but an actual dog.

“I envision that everyone in the AU community will get to know who Augie Doggie is and his name. I want students to recognize him when they see him from across campus and want to spend time with him,” said Augustana Chief of Staff Pamela Miller ‘94. “I would like him out in the Sioux Falls community as well.”

In late July, Miller got her wish. That’s when Ace — the Augie Doggie, sponsored by Nyberg’s Ace — officially became part of the Augustana University community, alongside Ole the Viking.

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THE AUGUSTANA | FALL 2023

in the Best Way HOCKEY BEHIND THE HISTORY Bringing back the Augie Doggie wasn’t a decision that was made lightly. The suggestion came from a 1984 alumnus who attended Augustana when the mascot was first introduced — aware of what it meant to the college and its fans.

“Wayne (Petersen) said, ‘I have an idea for you guys to bring the dog back,’ and he started telling us about what the (Minnesota) Wild does. They adopt a dog that becomes part of their culture for the time that it’s there,” Miller explained.

Petersen, a member of the Augustana Hockey Promotional Development & Fan Engagement Subcommittee, is the senior director of community relations & hockey partnerships for the Minnesota Wild — the professional ice hockey team based in St. Paul, Minnesota. His position includes overseeing the team’s Adopt-A-Dog program.

The program began in 2018 after Petersen and the Wild heard that Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue named a litter of puppies after its players. A photo shoot turned into a calendar, which raised $50,000 for charity. A huge success, Petersen came up with the idea of having a team dog.

“In the summer of 2019, we adopted our first team dog. Our president, now CEO, fostered Breezer and brought him into the office two to three days a week. He was at every game,” said Petersen. “It was our responsibility to do some basic social training with the dog and that’s when we started our relationship with a group called Soldier’s 6, which trains dogs to become service dogs. Then, they are placed usually with veterans, sometimes first responders with PTSD.” Still working with Coco’s Heart Dog Rescue and Soldier’s 6, the Wild will soon be introducing its fifth dog to the Minnesota community. The most recent team dog, Brooksy, moved on to his forever home in June after being fostered by none other than Petersen himself, who is fostering the next one as well.

“I absolutely fell in love with Brooksy,” said Petersen, smiling.

“People can’t believe it, that we’re (Petersen and his wife) going to subject ourselves to that again — the emotional part of it at the end of the year.”

And, Petersen couldn’t help but smile when he heard Augustana took his idea and ran with it.

“I think it’s pretty cool,” Petersen said. “Obviously, Ace will not just be affiliated with the hockey team, but will be affiliated with all the teams, all of campus. I think it’s awesome that Augie Doggie is making a comeback.”

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HOW ACE FOUND HIS PLACE Ace, who is an 8-month-old English cream golden retriever, came to Augustana through B-Squad Dog Rescue, a foster-based rescue. The organization, based out of Brandon, South Dakota, “transports, heals, fosters and finds forever homes for at-risk dogs.”

B-Squad was just a transport rescue until people started showing interest in the animals they were bringing back, which led to recruiting foster families. Today, the nonprofit has nearly 60 fosters who receive rescue dogs from across South Dakota, commercial breeders, hoarding situations and high-kill shelters.

Ace, and his brother, Phil, were surrendered to B-Squad from a commercial breeder in Missouri due to health issues.

After being surrendered, Ace was placed with a B-Squad foster — Sam Kremer and Chrisanne Ebertz, who are roommates in the area. Right away, they noticed he was having trouble going to the bathroom, which eventually led to emergency surgery at just 8 weeks old.

“I picked him up from the hospital after surgery and it was like nothing had happened. He was completely unfazed by it all. He was running and jumping, feeling better than ever,” said Kremer.

Then, perhaps it was fate that brought Ace, his foster family and Augustana together. While Miller was in conversation with B-Squad, trying to find the right dog for AU, Miller just happened to meet Kremer and Ace in downtown Sioux Falls one night. The rest, you can say, is history.

“I met Pam and you could just tell she had such a big heart and a soft spot for dogs. She instantly fell in love with him and knew immediately he would be the perfect fit for this program. She made it her mission to adopt this dog,” said Kremer.

On July 24, the women transferred Ace to his new home, but not without stories and a very emotional goodbye.

“We love dogs and have loved fostering over the past couple of years,” said Kremer. “It’s just so rewarding. It’s obviously emotionally taxing, but at the end of the day, we’re still in contact with those families and we love receiving updates and holiday cards from them. So, it makes it a lot easier to know that they’re going to a good and loving home.”

A home of 2,000+ students and staff to love on him — sure to embrace him.

“I love that he’s the first. I know that he’ll set the bar high,” said Kremer, proudly. “Stranger danger is not a thing for him.

He loves to cuddle and never passes up the opportunity to give kisses. You can’t help but smile when he’s around, so I know he will fit in perfectly on campus and bring so much joy to everyone. He’s going to be a star for sure.”

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IM-PAW-SIBLE TO SAY ‘NO’ There was no question who would be the Augie Doggie’s handler once it got to Augustana. Her office has a shelf dedicated to her dogs, past and present, complete with a name plate that reads, “Ask me about my dogs.”

And, you should only do it if you have an hour to spare!

“We are so dog obsessed. We lost Wrigley in January, and we just have Shadow now. We’ve talked about getting another dog for him because he’s so lonesome. He just really misses his brother,” explained Miller. “And so, when they brought this up, I was like, ‘I would love to do that!’”

There are plenty of others who can’t say ‘no’ to the infamous Augie Doggie either. Augustana knew just who to turn to when it came time to find a lead sponsor — Nyberg’s Ace Owner and President Kevin Nyberg ‘79.

“How could you say no?” asked Nyberg, after agreeing to sponsor the Augie Doggie for five years. “I’m so proud to be the first sponsor of the Augie Doggie.

“This is a great way for Augustana to connect with the community in so many different ways — not just Augustana events, but assisted living centers and schools and things like that. The students, faculty and alumni are all going to fall in love with this little guy and it’s going to be a great venture.”

And, a great venture it has been. Ace goes to work with Miller at AU several days a week, doing what he does best.

“He’s very much a politician,” said Miller. “He knows how to work the room!”

Ace is going through training with Paws Pet Resort, and Best Care Pet Hospital, the veterinary clinic that Ace visits, is providing his medical care in-kind.

To keep up with the #AugieDoggie, follow Ace on Facebook and Instagram @doggieofaugie. n

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10 THE AUGUSTANA | FALL 2023

Top left to right: 1) 2023 Viking Days Court with Royals JayVian Farr ‘24 & Sam Skarstad ‘24 2) Special firework show for 100 years 3) 50-year reunion of the Class of 1973 4-5) Center for Western Studies’ exhibit “Viking Days: Like Always, Like Never Before” 6) Presidents & the Pond event with former Augustana Presidents Dr. Bruce Halverson ‘66, Dr. Ralph Wagoner, Rob Oliver, Rev. Dr. Bill Nelsen and President Stephanie Herseth Sandlin 7-8) Viking Days Parade 9) 2023 Viking Days Co-Chairs Natalie Mohr ‘24 & Sam Skarstad ‘24 10) Sailing Into Service 11) Viking Days Worship 12) Pancake Feed 13-14) Augieville Tailgate before AU Football celebrated a 31-27 Viking Days victory over Minnesota State University, Mankato 15) AU Volleyball swept MSU Mankato in a 3-0 homecoming triumph 16) Page of the 2023 Viking Days Coloring Book 17) Pieing of 2023 Viking Days Royalty during kickoff THE AUGUSTANA | FALL 2023

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GOOD THINGS COME IN THREES Augustana Offers Pathway to Earn Bachelor’s Degree in Three Years | BY KEELEY MEIER ‘20

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ugustana will soon be home to students looking to start their careers a little faster, save some money or jump into a graduate program earlier with the addition of its Degree in 3 program. Beginning in the summer and fall of 2024, the program is a straightforward pathway for students to complete certain academic programs in three years instead of four.

With Degree in 3, students can earn a bachelor’s degree in three years in accounting, business administration, chemistry, elementary education, management, multimedia entrepreneurship, nursing or sport management.

“Degree in 3 might mean that a student is simply completing a single major or making use of summer classes,” said Dr. Joel Johnson, interim provost. “But, if time is their most important consideration, sometimes money as well, and they want to get through in three years, we’re working on ways to show them that it’s possible.

“We’re trying to look at that whole universe of students who might be interested in Augustana, and say, ‘We can tailor fit our education to you.’”

Associate Vice President of Enrollment “We’re trying to look at that whole universe of Management Adam Heinitz ‘99 noted that, in recent students who might be interested in Augustana, years, Augustana has had a number of students successfully complete a shorter degree plan. Degree and say, ‘We can tailor fit our education to you.”’ in 3, he said, is an intentional and formal way to — Dr. Joel Johnson, interim provost highlight and scale what Augustana has already been doing on a student-by-student basis.

Johnson said the idea for Degree in 3 originated from conversations between the Offices of Enrollment and Academic Affairs as they discussed feedback from potential students and how to make an Augustana education a reality for more students. The program, Johnson said, will appeal to students for whom finances are a concern or those who would like to get into a profession a little faster. | BY KEELEY MEIER ‘20 “We know there is demand for our graduates, and this is yet another way we can meet our community’s growing workforce needs,” Heinitz said.

The Degree in 3 program will also appeal to students looking to jump into their professions a little faster with a master’s degree. Degree in 3 offers graduate programs in accounting, business administration, education, nursing and sports administration & leadership.

“For example, we have a 4+1 MBA program, but if you are really time-conscious and want to get through quickly, there are ways to make it a 3+1 — meaning (after) high school, four years later, you have your MBA,” said Johnson. “That’s a pretty powerful thing to come away with.”

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The Degree in 3 program involves collaboration between many people and departments on campus — program directors, deans, department and division chairs, the Division of Student Affairs, Student Success Center and Office of Financial Aid. This includes working out course sequencing, summer course availability, financial aid for an accelerated bachelor’s degree, as well as student support, housing and dining during the summer months.

“The Degree in 3 program really changes the equation on affordability for students, allowing them to not only spend less on their college degree, but also enter the workforce as one of our highly sought-after graduates with strong earning potential a full year ahead of a majority of their peers,” Heinitz said.

Augustana faculty and staff are also working to build additional support into the program for students. This includes the possibility of a cohort model for students experiencing Degree in 3 together, as well as creative gateway courses for students taking advantage of their first summer after high school graduation to take college-level courses.

“The traditional 4-year degree involves the student developing as a person, so if you accelerate that, you want to make sure that you’re not losing that opportunity and development,” Johnson said. “That’s part of the support we’re building and figuring out how we make sure that students after three years are ready for that life beyond.”

Johnson said that for those who worry that Augustana is trying to become a 3-year university, this is not the case.

“For the vast majority of our students, a 4-year degree is the right fit,” said Johnson. “For a variety of reasons, they want to have two or three majors and study abroad, or they want to do a long internship. For them, four years is still Learn more about the sweet spot. But, there are some students who are currently not choosing the Degree in 3 program at Augustana who might really be tempted by some of these accelerated options.” augie.edu/DegreeIn3.

Johnson also noted that just because a student comes in on a 3-year track doesn’t mean they’ll only stay for three years. With Augustana’s abundance of study-abroad and research opportunities, student organizations, and new and DEGREE IN 3 PROGRAM developing academic programs, Degree in 3 students may realize that they OFFERINGS want to take advantage of that traditional fourth year. However, the Degree in 3 program will be a well thought-out option for students continuing on an • Accounting accelerated path.

• Business Administration As the program rolls out, Johnson said he’s most excited to see the students • Chemistry who Augustana has been missing out on because of perceived barriers — time, cost, etc. He is hopeful the program will seal the deal with students who may • Elementary Education not have considered the university previously.

• Management “We’ve become quite a nimble campus over the past few years — we made it • Multimedia Entrepreneurship through COVID-19, with all kinds of changing and pivoting to help address the needs of students and the broader world,” said Johnson. “This is the next big • Nursing venture to see if Augustana will appeal to people as being the right investment, • Sport Management and I think it will.” n GRADUATE PROGRAMS DESIGNED FOR 3+1 • Accounting + Master of Professional Accountancy (MPA) • Business Administration + Master of Business Administration (MBA) • Management + Master of Business Administration (MBA) • Sport Management + Master of Arts in Sports Administration & Leadership (MSAL) THE AUGUSTANA | FALL 2023

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t the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center on Oct. 14, Augustana Hockey made history in more ways than one — first home game, goal and win. With a 3-2 victory over Bowling Green State University, AU recorded its first win in program history, led by inaugural Head Coach Garrett Raboin. n

T. Denny Sanford — joined by Dr. Pam Homan ‘81, Julie Iverson and President Stephanie Herseth Sandlin — dropped the ceremonial inaugural puck.

Augustana Hockey founding partners were on hand to celebrate the team’s inaugural home opener.

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A ‘WIN-WIN-WIN’ SITUATION Dr. Roxanne Stevens Named Dean of the School of Business | BY KEELEY MEIER ‘20

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hen Dr. Roxanne Stevens arrived at Augustana to interview for the dean of the School of Business position, there was a blizzard. This was her first time in South Dakota.

A longtime California resident, Stevens was delighted. Yes, delighted.

“On my last night, I was just going to walk downtown and go to dinner,” said Stevens. “You couldn’t see with the snow and the wind. I went home and told my husband, ‘I really like it.’”

The snowstorm made the list of things that Stevens loved about Sioux Falls. Other things on the list included the city’s growth and abundance of opportunities.

“It’s a great place with nice people,” Stevens said. “You walk into Bagel Boy and people talk to you!”

Augustana, though, was at the top of her list. From her first interview, she was sold. Stevens was inspired by the passion and commitment of the university’s leadership team. The students she met endeared themselves to her, she said, and she was impressed by their questions and dedication to Augustana.

It was the people of Augustana and Sioux Falls community that made Stevens believe this was the right move.

Now, the Maryland native, who has a corporate background, is stepping into the role of dean of the School of Business with a deep love of higher education and excitement for a new challenge.

“When I transitioned to higher education, it was very rewarding to me,” said Stevens, who began her role as dean in mid-August. “It was never on my radar. It was never something I thought I was going to do, but I ended up really enjoying it, and I’ve never regretted it.”

BUILDING STRONG PARTNERSHIPS

Prior to Augustana, Stevens served as an undergraduate and graduate faculty member, program chair and, most recently, interim dean at Azusa Pacific University in California. Previously, she worked in both the public and private sectors for 20 years, holding management positions in various industries.

Stevens earned an undergraduate degree from Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, California, as well as a B.S. in business administration and B.A. in business management from the University of Phoenix in Arizona.

She also holds an MBA from Azusa Pacific University and DBA from Alliant International University in California.

Stevens said she hopes to help move Augustana forward in regard to its Viking Bold: The Journey to 2030 strategic goals and is most looking forward to further connecting the School of Business to the Sioux Falls business community. During her first year, Stevens will be exploring the expansion of “the innovative and impactful programs offered by the School of Business while identifying new programs that meet the needs of students and the community.”

“I want students to graduate with a degree and a full resume,” said Stevens.

She is working on both a short- and long-term plan for the School of Business that includes growth initiatives, community partnerships and student engagement opportunities — such as additional internships, student organizations and honor societies.

“I want to build strong partnerships and programs that, in the end, are going to help the students, community and university,” Stevens said. “My goal will be win-win, and, when possible, win-win-win. If you produce great students, it’s going to benefit the community and society.”

In her free time, Stevens enjoys partaking in outdoor activities with her husband, Fred, including tennis, hiking, walking, biking and canoeing. Now that she lives in South Dakota, she hopes to add some winter sports to her list of hobbies. Stevens is also a “serious animal lover” and has a dog and two cats with an ultimate dream of owning goats, chickens and rabbits, too.

Stevens is succeeding Dr. Marcia Entwistle ‘83, who served for two years as the School of Business’ inaugural dean. Entwistle will continue her role as a faculty member within the School of Business. n THE AUGUSTANA | FALL 2023

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THE GOLD STANDARD Augustana Establishes Honorary Alumni Society | BY KEELEY MEIER ‘20

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ommencement is no longer the only time that Augustana will welcome more alumni to its community. This spring, the university established the Augustana Honorary Alumni Society, inducting 23 individuals into its inaugural class during Viking Days.

The honorary alumni society was established to recognize individuals who have shown extraordinary dedication to Augustana’s mission, along with its core values of Christian, liberal arts, excellence, community and service.

Through sustained commitment to the university, honorary alumni have demonstrated the gold standard of engagement.

“Extraordinary dedication means time after time and year after year exemplifying the mission and core values of Augustana in one’s daily walk,” said Dr. Pam Homan ‘81, chief strategy officer & executive vice president.

The concept of the society was approved by both the Augustana Alumni Council and Board of Trustees (BOT). All nominations were reviewed by the alumni council, then recommended to and approved by the Augustana President’s Council.

“Repeatedly, the opportunity to advance our strategic plan, Viking Bold: The Journey to 2030, has magnified the efforts of individuals who have masterfully led, faithfully served and selflessly sacrificed to support Augustana University in the past and present,” Homan said. “Expressing gratitude, recognizing the gifts of others and inviting others to be equal members of the Augustana community exemplify who we are as a community. Thus, no time is as good as now to launch the honorary alumni society.”

The inaugural inductees are Augustana Trustees Society members, current BOT members, former presidents and first ladies who have, in combination, faithfully served Augustana for a total of 149 years. Throughout the course of their careers, the inductees represent entrepreneurs, financial advisors, real estate developers, market executives, ranchers, CEOs, bankers, educators, pastors and higher education administrators.

The inaugural group of inductees met the following requirements: • Exemplifies one or more of Augustana’s core values; and • acts as an ongoing facilitator of connections for Augustana through one’s personal network — helping to open doors for internships, innovative partnerships, grants and fundraising; and/or • demonstrates significant financial support for Augustana on an ongoing basis.

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

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Loren Boyens, Rev. Donald Gaarder, Nancy Halverson, Craig Lloyd, Ron Moquist, Dr. Milt Mutch, Rev. Dr. Bill Nelsen, John Quello, John Thomas, Kathy Walsh

INAUGURAL CLASS Loren Boyens, of Sioux Falls, is a retired financial advisor — having served The Bridges Group of Thrivent Financial for 47 years. He was an Augustana Board of Trustees member from 2001-06.

Darrell Butterwick, of Woodbury, Minnesota, had a 40-year career with Northern States Power (NSP) and was later appointed South Dakota’s commissioner of economic development. He served on the Augustana Board of Trustees from 1974-84.

Rev. Donald Gaarder, of Sioux Falls, served as a pastor for 30 years and has been a volunteer at Sanford Health for more than three decades. He was an Augustana Board of Trustees member from 1970-81.

Richard “Dick” Gunderson, of Appleton, Wisconsin, served as president & CEO of Aid Association for Lutherans. He was a member of the Augustana Board of Trustees from 1976-88.

Nancy Halverson, of Sioux Falls, is the executive director of Levitt at the Falls. She served as Augustana’s first lady from 2000-06, alongside her husband, former President Bruce Halverson ‘66.

David Hardy, of Fox River Grove, Illinois, was a partner at Winston & Strawn LLP in Chicago, Illinois, and the first general counsel for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) churchwide organization. He was an Augustana Board of Trustees member from 1969-81.

Peter “Pete” Hegg, of Sioux Falls, was the president & CEO of Hegg Companies, Inc. for more than 40 years. He served on the Augustana Board of Trustees from 1981-93.

Donald “Don” Jacobs, of Worthing, South Dakota, is the general manager and vice president for Results Radio Townsquare Media. He served on the Augustana Board of Trustees from 2008-13.

Craig Lloyd, of Sioux Falls, is the founder & board chair of Lloyd Companies, as well as a licensed real estate broker in South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa and Minnesota. He has served as a member of the Augustana Board of Trustees since 2021.

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2022-23

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2023

Alumni

Achievement Awards

| BY KEELEY MEIER ‘20

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ach year, Alumni Achievement Awards are presented to Augustana University alumni who have made outstanding contributions to their fields of endeavor, communities and/

or churches. The Horizon Award recognizes young alumni who have graduated within the last 15 years and quickly demonstrated outstanding vocational achievement and provided faithful service to their community and/or church. Recipients of both awards must exemplify one of the shared core values of the university: Christian, liberal arts, excellence, community or service. Learn more about the 2023 Alumni Achievement and Horizon Award recipients at augie.edu/AAA2023.

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DR. PAUL W. BARNES ‘78 Professor & J.H. Mullahy Endowed Chair in Environmental Biology, Loyola University New Orleans

DR. KATHLEEN DIGRE ‘72 Neuro-ophthalmologist, John A. Moran Eye Center | Distinguished Professor, University of Utah

DR. NANCY FLOROS RAJANEN ‘77 Former Superintendent, Waconia Public Schools, Minnesota | Former Assistant Professor of Educational Administration, Hamline University, Minnesota

DEANNA (LEVSEN) WEHRSPANN ‘80 Faculty Piano Accompanist/Collaborator, University of South Dakota and University of Sioux Falls | Music & Worship Professional, Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Sioux Falls

GERALD SAETVEIT ‘63 Musician/Performer | Former K-12 Music Director, New London-Spicer School District, Minnesota

DR. PETER C. YOUNG ‘74 3M Endowed Chair in International Business, University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business, Minnesota

VALERIE ANDERSON-BOUDAKA ‘08 President, Farmers State Bank, Canton, South Dakota

VANESSA ANDERSON-SMITH ‘08 Speech-Language Pathologist | Owner & CEO, Anderson-Smith Therapy Institute, Sioux Falls

Horizon Awards THE AUGUSTANA | FALL 2023

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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

Ronald “Ron” Moquist, of Sioux Falls, is the former president & CEO of Raven Industries, Inc. He has served as a member of the Augustana Board of Trustees since 2013.

Dr. Milton “Milt” Mutch, of Sioux Falls, is a former physician who founded Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ltd. He served on the Augustana Board of Trustees from 1969-81.

Rev. Dr. William “Bill” Nelsen, of St. Peter, Minnesota, is a senior consultant at The Registry and retired ELCA pastor. He served as Augustana’s 17th president from 1980-86.

Angela “Angie” Oliver, of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, served as Augustana’s first lady from 2006-17, alongside her husband, former President Rob Oliver.

Rob Oliver, of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, is a former district president of Wells Fargo and former associate professor of business at Augustana. He served as Augustana’s 23rd president from 2006-17, and on the Augustana Board of Trustees from 1996-2004.

Dr. William Olson, of Pipestone, Minnesota, is a retired dentist of 56 years. He served on the Augustana Board of Trustees from 1971-77.

John Quello, of Sioux Falls, has served as a pastor at two churches in Minnesota followed by more than 40 years of experience as a financial advisor — currently serving at Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Quello served on the Augustana Board of Trustees from 1992-2001.

Charles “Chuck” Rogness, of Peoria, Arizona, served as a banker for nearly 50 years, including as president of Sunbank in Sioux Falls, and Valley Merchants Bank in Hemet, California. He was an Augustana Board of Trustees member from 1991-93.

David “Dave” Solberg, of Billings, Montana, is a rancher and previously held executive roles with Northern Capital Management and Financial Product Corporation. He served as an Augustana Board of Trustees member from 1990-2002.

John Thomas, of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, is the former president & CEO of Arizant, Inc., as well as the former head coach of Viking Men’s Basketball and an Office of Development associate. He served as an Augustana Board of Trustees member from 2005-16.

Deborah “Debby” Vander Woude, of Sioux Falls, has been a champion of the Sanford Project to cure Type I Diabetes and established the Sanford Lorraine Cross Award in honor of her late husband, Dr. John C. Vander Woude ‘74. She served as a member of the Augustana Board of Trustees from 2013-20.

Dr. Ralph Wagoner, of Apalachicola, Florida, is the former president of the Lutheran Educational Conference of North America (LECNA). He served as Augustana’s 21st president from 1993-2000.

Susie Wagoner, of Apalachicola, Florida, is a former counselor at Augustana, and served as Augustana’s first lady from 1993-2000, alongside her husband, former President Dr. Ralph Wagoner.

Kathy Walsh, of Sioux Falls, is a well-known community leader, civic volunteer and former teacher. She has been serving on the Augustana Board of Trustees since 2012.

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VIKING DAYS

VAULT Margaret (Pierson) ‘49 & Wally Hunstad ‘48 •1989 Viking Days Football Game

198 4 Vik ing Day s Roy alty

Dua ne & Kar a Lea ch • Vik ing Day s 200 8

Shel ley (Tho mse n) Hug hes ‘83, Mar cia (Sei vert ) Entw istle ‘83 & Rene e Elm en ‘83 • 1981 Foot ball Chee rlea ders

Al ain a (H eis ka ry ) To lzm an n ‘13 & Na tal ie (K lev an ) He ch t ‘13 • 2011 Vi kin g Days Pa ra de

Juliet (Geffre) Koppenhaver ‘22, Lauren Ostlie ‘22, President Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, Jaden Elliott ‘22, Laura Hartke ‘22 & Madeline Borgmeier ‘22 • Viking Days 2021

Beth (Saxvik) Boyens ‘90 & Mary (McConahie) Toso ‘90 • 1989 Viking Days Committee Co-Chairs

Cal Irvine ‘23, Megan Richardson ‘24, Sara Alhasnawi ‘23 & Tsegab Arega ‘23 • 2022 Viking Days Parade

Mi ke Sp illu m ‘94 & Co rey Ca mp ‘94 • 19 91 Gla ds ton ian So cie ty Flo at

Class of 1970 • 51 st Class Reunion, Viking Days 2021

Sh er ry Jo hn so n ‘7 0 & Ol e • Vi ki ng Da ys 20 21

Stude nt Body Presi dent Bruce Willia ms ‘62 Welco med Todd Willia ms ‘83 Just Befor e Vikin g Days 1961

& ra be r) ‘18 K at el yn (G le y ‘18 Lu ke H ur Pa ra de ki ng D ay s • 2017 Vi

An na (Sk ov) Sor ens en ‘14 & Ab by (Sc ott ) Go och ‘14 • 2013 Vik ing Da ys Pa rad e

THE AUGUSTANA | FALL 2023

23

CLASS NOTES augie.edu/alumni

Augustana (SD) Alumni

@AugieAlumni

THE 2020s

THE 2010s

‘23

‘19

Andrew Kronaizl is the enrollment content & marketing specialist at Augustana University.

Jeffrey Glassburner is the senior director at Camelback Strategy Group in Phoenix, Arizona.

José Cruz Medina is a clinical research coordinator at the Avera Research Institute in Sioux Falls.

Toni (Bonnema) Newberg is a senior accountant at Christianson, PLLP. Toni married Brady Newberg on Sept. 17, 2022.

Jacob Paron is the operations manager at Levitt at the Falls in Sioux Falls.

Rebekah Thoresen married Ben Konfrst on July 1.

Megan (Kalda) Kuipers and husband, Audie, welcomed son, Owen Mac, in February.

Matthew Toso is a payment specialist at First National Bank in Sioux Falls.

‘18

‘14

Henry Van Bemmel is attending University of California, Berkeley, School of Law.

Brodie Elyea and Jessica Fischer ‘20 were married on May 13.

‘22

Samanta Lopez Calderon earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Campbellsville University in 2021.

Melissa (Tuschen) Braun earned the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Award for Continuing Education in February 2021. In September 2021, Braun was named the ASHA Distinguished Early Career Professional.

Molly Boyum is a social media specialist at Midco in Sioux Falls.

Dawson Johnson and wife, Bailey, welcomed son, Hayes, in August.

Simon Liu is a trust officer at Longevity Holdings in Sioux Falls.

‘21 Alyssa Derby earned a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) at Nebraska Methodist College in July.

Coleman Peterson has had multiple choral works/compositions published with Santa Barbara Music Publishing, Inc. Rachel Rosenbaum married Nick Mahowald on May 28, 2022.

‘20

Rachel Polan is the marketing director for Sioux Falls Pride.

‘17 Elin Haegeland earned a Master of Arts in English literature at the University of South Dakota in 2019. Haegeland is a client relations coordinator at Joy Wealth Management in Sioux Falls.

Elisa Berndt McMullen was installed as the pastor at WestSide Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls on June 11. Berndt McMullen earned a Master of Divinity (M.Div.) at Luther Seminary in 2019.

Jesse Fonkert is the deputy commissioner of the South Dakota Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED). Previously, Fonkert served as president & CEO of the Sioux Metro Growth Alliance.

Mallory Schulte and husband, Ryan Cwach, welcomed daughter, Sloan Heather, in May 2022. Schulte and her husband are employed with Birmingham & Cwach Law Offices, Prof. LLC.

Erin Kinder earned a Master of Public Health (MPH) at the University of South Dakota in 2020.

‘13

‘16

Carl Hjelmen is an assistant professor in the biology department at Utah Valley University and focuses on bioinformatics and genomics.

Jacob and Annie (Thoresen) Bartscher ‘15 welcomed daughter, Eloise Jean, in April. Jacob is a sales analyst at King Technology in Minnetonka, Minnesota.

Jessica Fischer and Brodie Elyea ‘18 were married on May 13.

Brandon and Marissa (Johnson) Mohr welcomed daughter, Bergen Jean, in October 2022.

Jacob Toso earned a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) from the University of Jamestown in May. Toso works at In Reach Physical Therapy in Sioux Falls.

‘15

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Megan (Brown) Dibble earned a Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) at Creighton University in 2019. Dibble is an occupational therapist at LifeScape in Sioux Falls.

Annie (Thoresen) and Jacob Bartscher ‘16 welcomed daughter, Eloise Jean, in April.

Melissa Plamann earned a Bachelor of Science in nursing at South College Nashville in 2023. Plamann is a registered nurse (RN) at Ascension St. Thomas Hospital.

Thad Titze and wife, Madeleine, welcomed daughter, Sophie Marion, in June.

‘12 Stacey (Lenort) and Andrew Adam ‘10, have two children, Henry, born in June 2020, and Penelope “Penny,” born in May 2022.

CLASS NOTES

‘11

‘08

‘02

Adam Diamond and wife, Kaitlyn, welcomed daughter, Olivia Ann, in November 2022.

Carrie (Burns) Biondi earned the Excellence in Marketing Award from the Sales & Marketing Executives, Inc. (SME) of Sioux Falls at the annual Women in Excellence Awards in March.

Melissa (Roberts) Peterson is a senior account manager at Flynn Wright in Sioux Falls.

Rachael (Nelson) Flagstad and husband, Tim, welcomed daughter, Eleanor, in July.

She joins big brother, William, 4.

Todd Mulder is the administrative dean at Eastern Carver County Schools in Chanhassen, Minnesota.

‘10 Andrew and Stacey (Lenort) Adam ‘12, have two children, Henry, born in June 2020, and Penelope “Penny,” born in May 2022.

Sara (Hughes) Baus and husband, Andrew, welcomed daughter, Remi, in August.

Jonna (Brost) Meehan and husband, Matt, welcomed daughter, Tatum, in April.

Meehan is a partner at Eide Bailly LLP in Sioux Falls.

Michael Stutelberg and wife, Jordyn, welcomed son, Warren, in April.

Jennie Yarrow is a pharmacy specialist at Wellmark Blue Cross Blue Shield.

THE 2000s ‘09 Mateya (Kuhlman) Berg is a student success coach at Mitchell Technical College.

She and husband, Robbie, have four children, Hayden, 11, Brooks, 9, Ramsey, 5, and Millie, 1.5.

Caitlin (Wheeldon) Landon and husband, Andrew, welcomed son, Wyatt Philip Mark, in March.

Jessica (Vogelaar) Olcott and husband, Creighton, welcomed son, JJ, in July. He joins siblings, Charlotte and Oliver.

Rachael Miedema and Kyle Fricke ‘06 were married on May 6. Rachael is a behavioral health therapist at Sanford Health in Sioux Falls.

Ashley Nissen Jones and husband, Tyler, welcomed daughter, Layken James Nissen, in January. Nissen Jones is a licensed therapist with Intuitive Therapy and Consulting in Golden Valley, Minnesota.

Kelsey (Aakre) Buchholz earned a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) at the University of North Dakota in August. Her dissertation topic was “The Need for Vertical Alignment Between K-12 and Higher Education Institutions.”

‘07 Kristin (Zingler) Laberis is a market director, cardiovascular at HCA New England.

Heidi (Reinders) Martinez and husband, Mario, welcomed their fifth child, Quinlan Giovanni, on May 21, 2022. Quinlan joins big brothers, Mario Jr., 22, Ezekiel, 5, Lucas, 2, and big sister, Michelle, 20.

‘06 Kyle Fricke and Rachael Miedema ‘09 were married on May 6.

‘04 George Hawkins is the 2023 South Dakota Teacher of the Year and Dr. John W. Harris Teacher of the Year. Hawkins is in his 11th year as a teacher in the Sioux Falls School District (SFSD).

Laurie (Evanson) Karlson earned the Entrepreneurial Excellence Award from the Sales & Marketing Executives, Inc. (SME) of Sioux Falls at the annual Women in Excellence Awards in March. Karlson is the owner of Lauriebelles.

Jessica (Nelson) Kruse is a registered nurse (RN) at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls.

Laura Kunkel was inducted as a distinguished fellow into the Athletic Training Academy of the National Academies of Practice on April 1.

David Olson is the director of education at Retro Report and a lecturer at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, teaching Introduction to American Politics and Government. Olson lives in Madison, Wisconsin, with his wife, Amy (Neary) Olson ‘03, and their two children.

‘00 Jenny Hallenbeck Orr is a chaplain and volunteer coordinator with Hospice of the Red River Valley in Bismarck, North Dakota.

THE 1990s ‘97 Lars Husebo is an intellectual property, commercial and RIM senior counsel at Chevron Phillips Chemical Company.

Husebo earned a Ph.D. in chemistry at Rice University in 2004, and J.D. at the University of Houston Law Center in 2005.

Kyle Seifert is the academic unit head of biology at James Madison University (JMU).

Seifert has been with JMU since 2004.

‘96 Carol (Gifford) Goh earned a Master of Arts in chaplaincy and spiritual care in 2023. Goh is a pastor for seniors and parish chaplain at Chilliwack Alliance Church in British Columbia, Canada.

Alexandra Szameit is a legal assistant at King Law Firm, P.C. in Sioux Falls.

‘95 Heidi (Kostboth) Binstock is the executive pastor at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church in Sioux Falls.

Robert Budahl completed the Center for Legal Studies Paralegal Program at Colorado State University Pueblo in 2001, earned a Bachelor of Arts from Bethel University in 2005, and completed a counterintelligence program at American Military University in 2019.

‘93 Carrie Grev is a drama teacher at International School Manila in the Philippines. She has a son, Jacob, 11.

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CLASS NOTES/IN MEMORIAM

‘92

‘65

Kyle Hanson was ordained as an Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) pastor in August 2020. He is an associate pastor at St. James Lutheran Church in Crystal, Minnesota, and executive director of Agate Housing and Services. Hanson and his husband live in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with their children.

Rollyn Samp earned an honorary doctorate in public service from Dakota State University.

‘91 Dave Andersen received the Governor’s Outstanding Leadership Award from Washington Gov. Jay Inslee.

Bruce Gardner was appointed to the Augustana Alumni Council for a 4-year term, effective October 2022. Gardner earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Mount Mercy University in May 2012.

THE 1950s ‘59 Gordon Iseminger is a retired University of North Dakota (UND) history professor and board member of the Grand Forks County Historical Society. Iseminger was, at the time of his retirement, North Dakota’s longest-serving employee in state history after 57 years. Iseminger is the most recent recipient of the North Dakota Heritage Profile Honor Award in 2020.

Otto Schneider, of Sioux Falls, passed away on Aug. 5, at the age of 72. Schneider served Augustana for 35 years as the copy operator in Central (now Creative) Services.

He was born in Linton, North Dakota, and served in the U.S. Army after high school. Schneider was preceded in death by his wife, Arlene, and is survived by their children, Russell and Beth.

IN MEMORIAM

‘90

‘17

‘89

Mary Rysavy is a senior project manager at Avantor in Radnor, Pennsylvania.

Makuach “Paul” Yak, 31, of Delray Beach, Florida, formerly of Storm Lake, Iowa, died in Delray Beach on May 26.

Kathleen (Lynch) Knutson, 75, passed away peacefully in her sleep at home in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, on July 20.

THE 1980s

‘14

‘88

‘81

Alan Julius, 31, passed away on May 14.

Peggy (Hiller) Baldwin is a retired nurse.

‘96

Nancy (Ahrendt) Hoyme passed away peacefully on June 25, after a long battle with illness.

Pamela (Baker) Homan was inducted into the South Dakota Hall of Fame in September.

Jennifer (Koerselman) Rice, 51, of Gayville, South Dakota, passed away at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls on July 30.

THE 1970s ‘73 Laurel Kaddatz received the World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) 2023 Award for Global Meritorious Service at the 2023 WSAVA World Congress in Lisbon, Portugal, in September.

THE 1960s ‘69 Larry Knutson earned a Master of Science from the University of North Dakota in 1971, then taught high school in Minnesota, and later worked for both Cargill and Nordic Ware. He is retired and lives in Florida.

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‘94 Debra (McFarland) Reyes, M.A., 64, loving mother, grandmother, daughter and sister, passed away on April 7.

‘93 James “Jim” Peters died at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls on July 13.

‘91 Claire (Westling) Peterson Jacobsen, 89, died peacefully at Dow Rummel Village in Sioux Falls on June 10.

Patricia “Patti” (Wenzel) Swenson, 66, passed away at the Sanford Hospice Cottage on April 8.

‘85 Mary Margaret “Peg” (McLaughlin) Wetzel passed away on May 5.

‘84 Jayne (Kansanback) Moormeier, 61, of Aitkin, Minnesota, formerly of Chaska, Minnesota, passed away on March 16.

Brenda Wade Schmidt, 61, of Baltic, South Dakota, died peacefully at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls on May 18.

‘83 Doris Lawson, 69, of Sioux Falls, passed away peacefully at the Dougherty Hospice House on May 14.

IN MEMORIAM

‘80 Janelle Gray, 65, of Sheridan, Wyoming, died at home on June 24.

Frank Mello, 65, passed away peacefully at home in Victor, Idaho, on Aug. 23.

‘79 Edwin Norton, 73, of Sioux Falls, passed away on June 26.

‘78 Catherine (Wollin) Christopherson died at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls on March 15, after a courageous battle with ALS. Ricky Ralph Towns, 74, of Indialantic, Florida, passed away peacefully in his sleep on March 16, after a short illness.

‘77 Wayne Wetzbarger, 68, of Madison, South Dakota, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully in his sleep at his daughter’s home in Baltic, South Dakota, on May 5.

‘76 Steven “Steve” Weatherly, 68, of Sioux City, Iowa, passed away at a hospital on March 2, due to complications of chronic kidney and heart issues.

‘75 Jane (Larson) Faulstich, M.A., 85, of Brandon, South Dakota, died at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls on April 23, following a lengthy health battle.

Carole (Musgrove) Olson Ingel, M.A., 85, of Martinsburg, Iowa, died peacefully at home on March 17.

Kim Sigler, of Sioux Falls, passed away on July 6, following a 2-year battle with cancer.

‘74 Terry Nutter passed away on March 9.

‘73 Dana Gile, 74, formerly of Sioux Falls, passed away at home in Buford, Georgia, on Oct. 16, 2021.

Paul Kipper, 71, fun-loving family man and long-form conversationalist, died on Dec. 11, 2022.

Joyce (Liesinger) Monrad, 72, of Sioux Falls, passed away peacefully at home on May 24.

Bradley Reiners, 72, died peacefully at home in Shoreview, Minnesota, on March 10, after a long battle with pancreatic cancer.

‘72 Linda (Gordon) Aeikens, 73, of Ankeny, Iowa, passed away at home on Aug. 7.

Wayne Gullickson, 73, passed away under the compassionate care of hospice on Aug. 27, after a courageous cancer journey.

Dr. Robert “Bob” Bledsoe passed away on March 20, at the age of 85.

Bledsoe joined the Augustana community in 1972 as an associate professor of Spanish, and earned the title of professor emeritus when he retired in 2004. He is remembered fondly by students, especially for his foreign language film course and extensive collection of films. Bledsoe is survived by his wife, Helen, of 62 years.

‘71

‘67

Kay (Johnson) Hall, 74, died on Aug. 9.

Marcia (Rogness) Brandt, 77, of Beaver Creek, Minnesota, died at home on June 30.

Dorothy (Rausch) Nash passed away on Aug. 13.

‘70 Terry Dahlquist, 75, of Sioux City, Iowa, passed away at MercyOne Hospital on June 8.

David Kuehl, 75, of Sibley, Iowa, passed away at Country View Manor on Feb. 15.

‘69 Allen Jessen, 75, of Norfolk, Nebraska, died near Dwight, Nebraska, on Aug. 21, 2022, as the result of a car accident.

‘68 Harold Farrand passed away in Billings, Montana, on Aug. 24.

Barbara (Horton) Fuller, 76, passed away on May 16.

Jewell (Carlson) Gimble, 79, of Sioux Falls, passed away on June 26.

Mary Jane (Holland) Kruse, 77, of rural Inwood, Iowa, passed away at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls on July 26.

Connie (Hudson) O’Donnell passed away on Oct. 31, 2015.

Dianne (Gill) Ellingson passed away on May 9.

Stephen J. Johnson, 77, died in Sioux Falls on Aug. 7.

Gene Muilenburg passed away at home in Burnsville, Minnesota, on Nov. 8, 2020.

‘66 Robert Albert passed away at home in Loveland, Colorado, on March 7.

Gary Andersen, 79, of Spearfish, South Dakota, passed away in Fort Myers, Florida, on June 1.

Arthur Andringa, 79, of Sheldon, Iowa, died at home on June 28.

LeRoy “Lee” Halstenson, 78, of Sioux Falls, died at the Dougherty Hospice House on June 23.

Howard Skulstad, 79, of Blaine, Minnesota, died on July 9.

‘65 Ronald Boe, 79, of Moorhead, Minnesota, formerly of Milbank, South Dakota, passed away unexpectedly at Sanford Medical Center in Fargo, North Dakota, on March 13.

Terry Jespersen, 80, of Spencer, Iowa, died on Aug. 12.

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IN MEMORIAM

Karen (Olson) Robinson, of Paradise Valley, Arizona, passed away on Jan. 22.

John “Jack” Schmieder, 79, of Sioux Falls, passed away at Ava’s House on March 4.

Michael Severson, 79, of Brandon, South Dakota, passed away at the Good Samaritan Society - Sioux Falls Center on Aug. 12.

‘64 Geanelle (Abraham) Lord passed away on July 21.

Jeanette (Larsen) Schmidt, 81, of Preston, Minnesota, passed away at Cascade Creek Memory Care in Rochester, Minnesota, on Aug. 9.

Mary (Eikenberry) Stumm, 80, passed away from Parkinson’s disease on May 13.

‘63 Mary (Van Lent) Hasselmann, of Sioux Falls, died peacefully on Aug. 4.

David McCracken, 82, of Rapid City, South Dakota, passed away on April 4.

Klaus Rasmussen, 80, passed away peacefully in Spirit Lake, Iowa, on June 26, 2021.

Charles “Chuck” Kemerling, 85, of Highlands Ranch, Colorado, passed away at The Center at Lincoln in Parker, Colorado, on April 4, 2018.

Vergene (Carlson) Miller passed away on April 3.

Conrad Otterness, 88, of Sioux Falls, passed away at home on June 12.

Elaine (Dreier) Uppendahl, 83, beloved wife, mom, sister, aunt and grandma, passed away on March 19, 2022.

‘60

Edna (Gilbertson) Ode, 87, died of agerelated causes in Louisville, Colorado, on May 14.

Barb (Routledge) Jensen, 86, of Fort Dodge, Iowa, passed away peacefully at Marian Home on July 22.

O. Myron Jerde, 92, of Reva, South Dakota, formerly of Sioux Falls and Piedmont, South Dakota, passed away at home on the family ranch on April 17.

Dean Tripp, 91, passed away peacefully on March 19.

‘59

Jean (Flom) Carlson, 87, of Rochester, Minnesota, died at Season’s Hospice House in Rochester on March 4.

Frances (Luerssen) Ruud, 82, passed away in Ocala, Florida, on April 27.

‘61 David Dahl, 83, of Edina, Minnesota, passed away on April 17.

Ramona (Olson) Hasche, 84, of Rock Rapids, Iowa, died at the Good Samaritan Society in George, Iowa, on Feb. 28.

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Shirley (Steen) Jorgensen, 88, formerly of Dixon, Illinois, passed away in Katy, Texas, on June 19.

Donald Fick, 85, passed away at Ava’s House in Sioux Falls on April 17.

‘62

Lee Peterson, 82, of Westbrook, Minnesota, passed away at Sanford Westbrook Hospital on March 24.

Arden Hanson, 89, formerly of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, and Watertown, South Dakota, passed away at Waverly Gardens Care Center in North Oaks, Minnesota, on March 20.

‘57

Faith (Stime) Anderson, 86, of Columbus, North Carolina, passed away at St. Luke’s Hospital on April 5.

Dean Knudson, 84, of Westbrook, Minnesota, passed away at home under the care of hospice on Jan. 21.

Roy “Bud” Ehlen Jr., 87, of Sioux Falls, passed away peacefully at Avera McKennan Hospital on June 10.

Virgle Bechtold passed away on March 27.

Thomas “Tom” Thompson, 81, of Raleigh, North Carolina, passed away on June 7.

Dale Christophersen died peacefully at his daughter’s home in Austin, Texas, on March 19, following a battle with lung cancer and chronic pulmonary disease.

Wanda (Shelp) Chinnery, 85, passed away in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, on March 13.

James Halpin, of Wentworth, South Dakota, passed away at Banner Baywood Medical Center in Mesa, Arizona, on March 16.

Gladyth (Fegert) Hochstetter, 94, passed away peacefully on June 3, after a brief stay at Pikes Hospice in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Eugene “Gene” Lahammer, 90, longtime journalist for the Associated Press (AP), passed away at home in Minnetonka, Minnesota, on Sept 4.

Esther Rozendall, 91, passed away at home at Heron Manor in Grand Rapids, Michigan, on March 7.

‘58 Pearl (Sumption) Anderson, 86, of Sioux Falls, died at Good Samaritan Village on June 20.

Stephen Olsen died of sepsis on March 31, after injuring his leg in a fall and complications with leukemia.

Jacquetta “Jacky” (Edwards) Ross, 88, died at a nursing home on April 26.

Delmar Smith, 87, of St. Paul, Minnesota, formerly of Roseville and Champlin, Minnesota, died peacefully on March 4, following a battle with cancer.

‘56 Donald Kneip passed away on Aug. 10.

‘55 Miles Browne, 94, teacher, counselor, Lincoln Scholar and gifted negotiator for quality education, died at MercyOne West Des Moines Medical Center in Iowa on May 14.

Beverly (Johnson) Halbritter, 90, of Sioux Falls, died peacefully in her sleep on July 3.

Paul Lee, 89, of Dousman, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on March 16, following complications from pneumonia.

Mary (Matre) Pomerenke, 91, of Lakefield, Minnesota, passed away at Dow Rummel Village in Sioux Falls on June 20.

‘53 Earle Custer, 91, of Dover, New Hampshire, died peacefully at Watson Fields on April 2.

Cara (Cornelius) Davis, 92, passed away peacefully on May 8.

Mary (Fitzgerald) Perry Strecker passed away in Urbandale, Iowa, on Aug. 11.

IN MEMORIAM

‘52

‘49

Martin Saarinen died peacefully at home in Newberry, South Carolina, on April 1, following a brief bout with pancreatic cancer.

Marian (Quissell) Amdahl passed away on Sept. 28, 2022.

‘51

Joyce (Benson) Risty, 95, of Garretson, South Dakota, passed away peacefully at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls on Feb. 27.

Alice (Lee) Dunn, 98, of Redfield, South Dakota, passed away at Eastern Star Home on Feb. 20.

Clara (Berkland) Hansen, 94, of Minnetonka, Minnesota, and formerly of Grand Forks, North Dakota, died peacefully at home on Aug. 8.

Joyce (Simpson) Lawrence, 98, passed away peacefully on Dec. 21, 2022.

Marilyn (Thompson) Skalland, 96, of Brandon, South Dakota, passed away at the Good Samaritan Society - Sioux Falls Center on July 15.

Joan (Burull) Olson passed away on Feb. 19.

Lorraine (Vos) Viet, 98, of Parker, South Dakota, died peacefully at Pioneer Memorial Haven in Viborg, South Dakota, on June 17.

‘46 Leonard Akland, 99, passed away peacefully in St. Peter, Minnesota, on May 11.

Myrene (Larson) Bunge, 101, passed away on Feb. 19.

Rolland “Rollie” Kjos, 96, died on Aug. 4.

‘48

‘45

‘50

Mary (Poppen) Wolpert, 96, of Brookings, South Dakota, passed away at the Brookings Hospital on Jan. 4.

Arlene (Hill) Siebring, 98, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away on May 2.

Dorothy (Sherman) Christianson passed away at home in St. James, Minnesota, on May 9.

Erling Engstrom, 95, of Brookings, South Dakota, passed away at Edgewood Vista on July 12.

Robert “Bob” Larson, 96, formerly of Sioux City, Iowa, died on March 18.

‘47 Arvid Brekke passed away in Parker, Colorado, on July 1, 2022.

Bernice (Klinkel) Niess, 97, passed away at home in Harleysville, Pennsylvania, on May 1.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The class notes sent to Augustana University come from alumni and/or family members.

They may be edited for length and clarity, along with grammar and spelling to reflect the editorial style guide of the university.

A plan for the future brings peace of mind today.

Write or update your legal will, for free. augie.edu/FreeWill

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