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LIFE STUDENT LIFE AT AUGUSTANA UNIVERSITY
VIEWPOINTS I often say that Augustana University is exactly like nowhere else on earth. Our home is 100 acres of lush green grass, crisscrossing footpaths, tall shade trees, historic buildings and new cutting-edge facilities … all located at the center of the state’s largest city — home to the region’s best health care centers, Fortune 500 businesses, a vibrant arts and entertainment sector, boutique and top retail shopping, parks and recreation, great restaurants, downtown, uptown and so much more. To realize the true essence of just how special Augustana really is, well, you just have to see it. You have to experience it for yourself. That’s why you need to visit campus. Whether you choose an individual visit designed just for you, or you join us for a larger Visit Day event, your AU visit experience will feature a welcome from our Admission team, an in-depth campus tour, the opportunity to visit with professors and students, a peek inside classrooms, labs and studios, and the chance to explore our residence halls and see for yourself why Augustana University is indeed the place for possibilities. During your visit, you’ll learn about our national rankings and areas of distinction; you’ll have an opportunity to explore our majors and programs; and you’ll discover how Augustana partners with students and families to make an AU education affordable (have we mentioned students receive, on average, more than $26,000 in scholarships and financial aid each year?). You’ll also learn why nearly 30,000 alumni accepted the call to Be a Viking and join us at Augustana: We are a Place for Explorers If you’re an explorer — one who is undecided about a major or minor — at Augustana, you’re in good company. Approximately 7 percent of our incoming first-year students are unsure of what to major in when they arrive. Know that our great professors and caring student life teams are dedicated to helping our students find their passions and discern their callings. We’ll walk alongside you to consider which of our more than 100 majors, minors and pre-professional programs aligns with both your interests, and with the kind of life you want to create for yourself. Outside the classroom, we’ll introduce you to more than 100 student clubs and organizations, which foster opportunities for you to earn hands-on experience, build camaraderie among friends, have fun and serve those in need along the way.
In addition to our robust biomedical and scientific research endeavors, at AU, deep and broad exploration and discovery happens within every major, throughout every academic division on campus. In the Humanities, our journalism majors have researched the impact of social media on news consumption and interpretation; in the Social Sciences, our education majors have studied how different pedagogies impact K-12 learning outcomes; and in the Natural Sciences, our mathematics majors have explored how international shipping companies can enhance delivery times using algebraic algorithms, just to name a few. Our research findings give rise to new pathways, better solutions, improved treatments and stronger communities. We are Guided by our Core Values At Augustana, we believe higher education is about more than just landing a great job after graduation. Here, we believe education gives way to social responsibility — the duty we all have as citizens to make tomorrow’s world even better than today’s. If you’re reading this, it’s because you, too, realize that a college education will help you build a life of meaning and purpose. At Augustana, you’ll develop a broad foundation of knowledge in your chosen major and in areas that matter to all of us as human beings. Through internships, clinical work, research, service and volunteerism, you’ll gain valuable experience that will compliment your coursework and allow you to make important professional connections. In the classroom and through your experiential learning endeavors, you’ll build valuable leadership skills, such as the ability to communicate effectively, think critically and operate with a global perspective. And as you navigate your Augustana journey, you’ll be able to rely on our five core values of Christian Faith, Excellence, Liberal Arts, Community and Service to serve as your compass. They make up the fabric of our campus community, are cornerstones to our culture and are alive in our students, faculty and staff. We are the Launch Pad for Success We’re proud to say that after four years on campus, our graduates report success in their professional and post-graduate pursuits. Among the class of 2017, 99 percent of graduates are employed in their chosen field — evidence of the fact that choosing an Augustana education is among the smartest and most important investments one can make; an investment that yields immeasurable returns. Learn more about our graduate outcomes on page 8. Our admission team looks forward to hearing from you so schedule your visit to Augustana today — I look forward to seeing you on campus soon! Yours, for Augustana,
We are the Region’s Premier Research University At Augustana, we believe research isn’t limited to a laboratory or defined only by those who wear plastic goggles.
Stephanie Herseth Sandlin President
EXPLORE
THE PLACE FOR POSSIBILITIES SCHEDULE YOUR CAMPUS VISIT TODAY AT AUGIE.EDU/VISIT
CONTENTS
VIKING LIFE At Augustana, we believe certain individuals are called to “Be a Viking.” They understand that in order to create an even better tomorrow, they must explore and discover bold concepts and important ideas today. Viking Life is published for prospective students by the Office of Advancement and the Office of Admission. Send correspondence, name changes and address corrections to: Be a Viking, 2001 S. Summit Ave., Sioux Falls, S.D. 57197. Editor: Kelly Sprecher, Communications Contributors: Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, president Nancy Davidson, vice president for Enrollment Pam Homan, vice president for Advancement Emily Sievers, Marketing Matt Addington ‘95, Photography Mike Shafer ‘18, Photography
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2. #AUGIEGRAD They are tomorrow’s change-makers and thoughtleaders. Meet the Augustana Class of 2018. 4. CONDOLEEZZA RICE VISITS CAMPUS Former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice visited campus to discuss “America’s National Security and the World.”
CONNECT WITH AUGUSTANA!
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.
7. CONNECTING WITH OPPORTUNITY Meet Ruquia Mulamba, one of hundreds of AU students who attended the annual Experience Expo to learn about internship and career opportunities, study abroad possibilities and volunteerism. 12. #AUGIEABROAD At Augustana University, the most significant things our students do here often aren’t done here. Take a look back at J-Term around the world.
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OUR VISION
Augustana aspires to be one of America’s premier church-related universities. Augustana is an affirmative action, Title IX, equal opportunity institution. © Augustana University 2018
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8. NEWS FROM THE HUDDLE 10. RE-IMAGINED SPACE 18. NAVY & GOLD 23. SNAPSHOTS NEW: Master’s in Athletic Training. Humanities Center to be Renovated. Baseball advances to World Series. Annual Holi Festival on campus.
ON THE COVER: The Ole the Viking statue stands at the center of campus. Photo by Matt Addington ‘95.
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Nursing major Abbie Hatch crosses the stage after receiving her diploma on Commencement Day. See more photos and video from Commencement Weekend at augie.edu/commencement.
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#AUGIEGRAD They are the change-makers and bridge-builders of tomorrow. Meet the Augustana University Class of 2018.
1: Minnesota Supreme Court Justice David Lillehaug ‘76 delivered the Commencement Address, “On Beoming a Public Citizen.” 2: Hannah Norem ‘18 spoke on behalf of the senior class on “Failing Forward.” 3: Augustna President Stephanie Herseth Sandlin welcomed students and families.
NOTES FROM THE GREEN
Former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice addresses a sold out crowd at the 2018 Boe Forum on Public Affairs held in the Elmen Center.
THOUSANDS ATTEND BOE FORUM TO HEAR CONDOLEEZZA RICE DISCUSS ‘AMERICA’S NATIONAL SECURITY AND THE WORLD’ Former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice discussed “America’s National Security and the World” before a packed house of nearly 4,000 during the Boe Forum on Public Affairs, presented by the Center for Western Studies and Augustana University. Rice, who also served as national security advisor under President George W. Bush during the 9/11 terrorist attacks, outlined a number of factors affecting America’s national security including, what she called “the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse: populism, nativism, protectionism and isolationism.” Rice explained that the 2016 U.S. presidential election, one she described as the “Do you hear me now?” election, provided an opportunity for those figurative horsemen to ride out from the shadows. “(The election) was a desperate cry from people for whom the system didn’t work,” she said. “We need an answer as a society and as a country to ‘Do you hear me now?’ or America won’t be confident enough to lead.” What America has going for it, Rice said, is technology, energy and a belief in human potential. On technology, Rice said that “how it’s used and applied is what makes it good or bad.” “If we show wisdom to use our knowledge, technology can be a partial answer to ‘Do you hear me now?’” On energy, Rice said “North America has a chance to be the most stable provider of energy.” And on human potential, Rice talked about the possibility she sees in future generations.
“I teach in a university and this is the most public-minded generation of college students I’ve ever taught. They want to serve.”
— Dr. Condoleezza Rice Aspirations are what unite Americans, Rice said, so “the crisis in K-12 education might be the greatest national security threat we face. Education is the answer to ‘Do you hear me now?’” American ingenuity, innovation and compassion are answers, too, Rice said. “America has faced tall orders before and has overcome them. If we are to sustain who we are then we have to stay in the game and we have to be confident,” she said.
Ahead of the Boe Forum, Rice spoke to journalism students from area high schools as well as Augustana journalism and government majors. 4
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LIKE CARL LANG ’18 A CHEMISTRY MAJOR FROM LENNOX, SOUTH DAKOTA
Q. What do you love most about Augustana? A. The thing that I love most about Augustana is the closeness that I feel with the professors, faculty, and students. I remember thinking as a freshman that professors were miles above me in terms of maturity and intellect. While that may have been true, they encouraged questions and wanted to know about who I was as a human. I have also felt a closeness to my classmates. Not only have I attended classes with them, I have lived, eaten, struggled, and strived with them. As a result of going through these experiences, I have developed relationships and found joy that only closeness could bring. Q. Why is a liberal arts education important in today’s world? A. When I think of liberal arts, I think about how I have gone from a four-hour chemistry lab to a three-hour sculpture class. What a transition! I think that life can be like this at times. In the future, I will go from working in a hospital to a home filled with friends and family. Both of these aspects of life are important, and Augustana has helped me to mentally and emotionally separate those commitments in life. Q. Favorite class so far, and why? A. I enjoyed my study abroad experience in China with the Augustana Band. I went on this trip during my freshman year and was still getting to know people in the band; but by the end of the tour, I had made some lifelong friends. There was something binding about experiencing the unknown aspects of a different country
that engendered deep friendships during that month. Furthermore, I had not been abroad previously, so the experiences I had were eye opening. I found that my perspective about people from different cultures had changed when I came back to the United States. Q. What has your Augustana experience taught you about the value of community? A. Augustana has not only helped me reach my goals, Augie has helped me learn how to succeed in reaching my goals in the future. I have learned that to be excellent, you need more than just yourself. You need a community of people that love and care about you enough to guide and mentor you along the path of excellence. I have so many people to thank at Augustana for their support and encouragement, and I will take that support with me to help others around me reach excellence in medical school and wherever I practice thereafter. Q. What are your plans after graduation? A. During my time in the South Dakota Air National Guard, I have discovered how to serve citizens of the United States and my fellow military members. This concept of service is something that has drawn me to a career in medicine. The summer between my sophomore and junior year at Augustana, I had the opportunity to work in a nursing home. I was able to serve people at a personal level and found great joy from helping the residents. I want to continue to serve people in a medical environment in the future and I believe that becoming a physician would fill that criteria.
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LIKE GRACE FJELLANGER ’19 A COMMUNICATIONS & MEDIA STUDIES MAJOR FROM SIOUX FALLS
Q. What does it mean to ‘Be A Viking’ at AU?
Q. What’s your dream job after graduation?
A. Combined, the core values of Christian faith, liberal arts, excellence, community, and service truly make up what it means to be an Augustana Viking. Whenever something is stressful, or seems too challenging, I find myself going back to these values in different ways. My friends, my family, my faith, and those around me have a huge impact on my attitude and overall outlook on life. Having these values stashed in my back pocket are comforting and give me a sense of fearlessness. They are exactly the tools I lean on when I find myself failing as well as succeeding.
A. I am a dreamer. I don’t have a clear idea about what I want to do after graduation, but I would like to experience life in a bigger city like Chicago or NYC. I know what I like and what I’m good at, and I’m hoping that knowing these things about myself will help me figure out exactly what it is I was born to do. In terms of dream job, I have always wanted to work on Saturday Night Live. I think this desire to possibly work in television can be attributed to my 2018 J-Term internship with The Price is Right! Getting to live in L.A. for a month and work on a fun game show proved to me that opportunities like that are, in fact, reachable. It also taught me that I know nothing about grocery prices.
Q. What makes the academic experience at Augustana different from other universities? A. Hands-on and personalized experiences. I don’t think there is a better way to describe my academic and pre-professional career at Augustana. After graduating high school, I told myself I would never take another math class again. When I chose to come to AU, I did everything I could to avoid taking a math class. I’ll admit it, I was scared. But here I am embarking on this journey called “Quantitative Reasoning” and, surprisingly, I’m not half bad at it. Doing things that take you out of your comfort zone is the epitome of a liberal arts education. In the future, these 21st century skills are going to enable me to take advantage of more opportunities, adapt quickly, speak fluently, and ultimately, give me the confidence to be the best professional, and person, I can be.
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Q. Favorite class so far, and why? A. My favorite class so far was my second religion class, “After Auschwitz” with Dr. Murray Haar. After traveling to Eastern Europe during my 2017 J-term and studying the Holocaust, I wanted to learn more. Dr. Haar has this way of making you think differently. I questioned not only what we learned but my own beliefs and values as well. Q. Favorite professor and why? A. My favorite professor would have to be my advisor, Dr. Nitz. Even before my first day at AU he has been a relentless support system for all of my crazy dreams and “out-there” goals. He has made me see that I can do something worthwhile through my role in PRSSA (Public Relations Student Society of America).
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Symposium Showcases Student Research Students representing each of Augustana’s academic divisions presented their undergraduate research findings at the 2018 Arthur Olsen Student Research Symposium. The event also featured a keynote by Dr. Brent Loken ‘94, the Science Liaison Officer for EAT, a Norway-based foundation dedicated to reforming the global food system. Loken spoke on “Clouded Leopards, Orangutans and the Quest of Feeding 10 Billion People a Healthy and Sustainable Diet.” Dr. Lindsay Erickson, assistant professor of mathematics, has helped organize the Symposium and said the event provides undergraduate student researchers with valuable realworld experience. “The Symposium is intended to foster the investigation and discussion of important matters. The structure emulates a traditional academic conference, to which students from every discipline are invited to present their original scholarship,” Erickson said.
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Mettler, Ali Named 2018 Peace Scholars Junior Samson Mettler and sophomore Manaal Ali, both of Sioux Falls, have been named the 2018 Augustana Peace Scholars. As Peace Scholars, Mettler and Ali will embark on a seven-week academic experience in Norway designed to deepen their understanding of the central issues and theories related to peace, justice, democracy and human rights. The two will study at the Nansen Dialogue Network in Lillehammer and at the University of Oslo International Summer School June 17 through Aug. 3.
EXPERIENCE EXPO CONNECTS STUDENTS WITH OPPORTUNITIES First-year student Ruquia Mulamba went into Augustana’s Experience Expo thinking the event would be a good opportunity to network and learn about internship opportunities. She left the event feeling excited after learning about a study abroad opportunity in Cape Town, South Africa, and after visiting with human resource professionals from First Premier Bank in Sioux Falls about summer employment possibilities. Mulamba, a political science/ government and international affairs major from Sioux Falls, was one of hundreds of Augustana students who attended the Experience Expo, an event designed to help students learn about internship and career opportunities, study abroad possibilities and volunteerism. More than 50 area employers were on hand at the event, held in the Elmen Center and sponsored by Augustana’s Student Success Center, International Programs Office, the Augustana Student Association and Campus Life. Student organizations and clubs were also present to help students learn about opportunities to be involved on campus. “It’s been a good opportunity to explore all the options that are out there,” Mulamba said. Anna Mitchell, human resource manager at First Premier Bank, said the Expo offered opportunities for students and employers. “It can be intimidating (to begin a conversation with an employer), but the students are doing a good job coming up and they’re asking a lot of good questions,” Mitchell said, VIKING LIFE
explaining that First Premier normally places between 35-45 interns each summer in areas such as compliance, finance, software development and technology. In addition to businesses and nonprofit organizations, camps represent additional summer employment opportunities for AU students. Dan Antoine ‘05 is director of programs at Ingham Okoboji Lutheran Bible Camp. He was at the Expo visiting with Augustana students about summer employment opportunities and discussed the valuable skills students can build from working at a camp. “A camp counselor gains so many experiences that transfer to any job, including interpersonal skills and leadership skills,” he said. “There’s also the spiritual growth that happens — through teaching, you grow your own faith.”
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Augustana to Offer Master’s Degree in Athletic Training Beginning in the fall of 2018, Augustana will offer a master’s of science degree in athletic training. University officials say the new program comes at a critical time. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for athletic trainers is expected to grow by 22 percent through 2026. Augustana’s athletic training master’s program will offer three tracks: •
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TWO DEGREES IN FIVE YEARS: First-year undergraduates can choose to enroll as an advanced track bachelor’s/master’s student and will be accepted into the athletic training master’s program at the start of their second year. At the end of five years, they will hold a bachelor’s degree and a master’s of science degree and be eligible to sit for the Board of Certification for the Athletic Trainer (BOC-AT) Exam. PRE-PHYSICAL THERAPY: Students who wish to pursue a career in physical therapy can utilize the athletic training program to build hands-on clinical experience and earn graduate credit in the evaluation and treatment of orthopedic conditions as an undergraduate. Pre-physical therapy track students can choose to: 1. Apply to a physical therapy program after their fourth year, citing their clinical experience and graduate coursework as competitive advantages for admission. 2. Stay for five years, earning both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s of science degree, and sit for the BOC-AT Exam. From there, these students may apply to a physical therapy program as a licensed health care professional.
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MASTER’S DEGREE ONLY: This two-year program is designed for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree. Following completion, students will hold a master’s of science degree in athletic training and be eligible to sit for the BOC-AT Exam.
AUGUSTANA REPORTS 99 PERCENT JOB PLACEMENT RATE The Augustana Student Success Center reports a 99 percent job placement rate for recent Augustana graduates. Employment data, as well as other postgraduation activities and destinations for members of the Augustana Class of 2017 (graduates who completed bachelor’s degrees between July 1, 2016, and June 30, 2017), is detailed in the Outcomes Report, published by the Augustana Student Success Center. The Augustana Experience In addition to employment and grad school placement details, the Outcomes Report also captures key data points that illustrate how satisfied members of the Class of 2017 are with their Augustana experience. For these reasons, AU grads reported that they launched their careers and post-graduate study with confidence and enthusiasm: • 98 percent of 2017 grads agreed that they received a solid education from Augustana. • 99 percent agreed that they had at least one faculty or staff member at Augustana who cared about them as a person. • 99 percent agreed that Augustana is passionate about the long-term success of its students.
Learn more at augie.edu/athletictraining
Key Findings of the Outcomes Report • 99 percent of recent Augustana grads seeking employment are employed in a position related to their major or chosen field. • The mean reported salary for graduates who sought full-time employment was $44,804. • 22 percent are pursuing grad school and/or continuing education. • Grads are working in 21 states and six countries around the world. Among those who secured employment and reported their geographical location, 59 percent are working in South Dakota and 53 percent are employed in the Sioux Falls region. • Top occupational classifications for 2017 grads include health care and technical; education; business, professional and financial; computer, math and management; arts, design and entertainment. • 99 percent of Augustana grads participated in key engaged learning opportunities such as: experiential learning, internships, co-curricular activities, volunteerism, undergraduate research, clinicals, student teaching, study abroad and more.
Learn more and see the full report at augie.edu/outcomes 8
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LIKE LYDIA SIMMONS ’19 A PHILOSOPHY & SPANISH MAJOR FROM SIOUX FALLS
Q. What do you love most about Augustana? A. The community is what I love most about Augustana. Since my first tour, I knew the community at Augie was something special and that feeling has grown over my four years. My professors, classmates, the support staff — they all became like a second family. I can’t tell you the number of times I have had a deep conversation in the hallway between classes or sat in a professor’s office laughing during a conversation. These relationships, and the feeling of home, is what I love more than anything about Augustana. Q. How have the University’s core values shaped your college experience? A. All of the core values are embodied in the statement “Enter to learn, leave to serve.” At Augustana, this idea is central to every part of the experience I have had. Each student is held to the same high standard, and is encouraged to push themselves and discover their own drive, and finally take that to lead them out into the world. As someone entering into ministry, I feel that I have been stretched in ways I didn’t think possible, while still being provided the resources to grow as well. This intricate balance is something that the Augustana community has perfected, and I definitely benefited from it over my time here. Q. Favorite class so far, and why? A. My favorite class was “Fundamentals of Conducting.” The professors who taught the course were extremely engaged and passionate. Being able to learn and analyze music in a way that challenges our understanding of how we perceive music
was something completely new. It was probably the class that pushed me the hardest at Augie. Q. Favorite professor and why? A. My favorite professor is Dr. Sandra Looney (English). She is so passionate and engaged in the classroom. I have taken a few classes with her and she has always been willing to work together outside of class to make me a better writer. I also went abroad with her to India this past January and her knowledge as well as strong relationships globally makes it impossible to not love learning from her. Q. What has the arts experience at AU meant to you and why does music inspire you? A. I am a member of Angelus, the all-female choir, and I also take voice lessons as a part of the requirement for my music minor. My time at Augustana has caused me to rediscover a love for music. It inspires me because of all the ways we are able to incorporate a strong sense of worship into every performance and rehearsal. For me, Christmas Vespers has especially highlighted the beauty that can be achieved in raising our voices in praise. Q. Best Augie memory so far, and why? A. My favorite Augie memory is probably the time I spent on the Camino de Santiago in Spain with Professor Sam Ogdie (Spanish). It was amazing to hike every day and talk to people from around the world. It was inspiring to be able to share these experiences with a class and have an opportunity that is truly unique.
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AUGUSTANA PLANS TRANSFORMATION OF HUMANITIES CENTER In the summer of 2018, as part of many notable improvements to the music wing of the Humanities Center, a complete overhaul of the former Kresge Recital Hall will take place. It has been renamed Hamre Recital Hall in honor of the benefactors’ parents, Melvin and Ruth Hamre. By modernizing the hall, the University will provide a better music experience for musicians and audiences. The upgrades are significant: new seating, ceiling and wall treatments, improved acoustics and lighting, recording capabilities and overall ambiance. In addition, updates will be made to the Lillehaug Instrumental rehearsal Room and the newly named Winden choral rehearsal Room.
RENDERINGS OF HAMR
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NEW PEDERSON/HOMAN MUSIC STUDIO DESIGNED FOR TECHNOLOGY, PRODUCTION & CREATIVITY The start of the 2017-18 academic year saw the opening of the Pederson/ Homan Music Studio for Technology, Production & Creativity in the Humanities Center. Thanks to a gift from Kyle ’93 & Katie Pederson and Tim ’81 & Dr. Pam ’81 Homan, this studio offers students a modern space to feel inspired, release their creativity, and produce works of art using the very best technology. “We see students in here at all hours, using the space both for class projects and pursuing their own creative interests,” said Peter Folliard, director of orchestras. “I’ve helped students create arrangements for their church choruses using music notation software, I’ve seen another student recording and mixing a demo track of him singing with his guitar, and another student composing music and manipulating sounds as a creative outlet. We’ve also had journalism students use this space to create a sports podcast.” Featuring 11 workstations equipped with the latest in keyboards, iPads and Macintosh computers, students are able to read and edit music, as well as record and compose. “We’re just starting to see the benefits of this, but I see this increasing students’ potential to create their own content and to connect with a world-wide community through digital products,” said Folliard. 11
Alex Meyer ‘18 sketches a bridge with global perspective while in Rishikesh, India, for the J-Term course titled “Dharma: Life and Religion and Music in Contemporary India.” Photo by Chloe Bartels.
Caption Here The city of Varanasi, India, is just beyo nd the fog. Photo by Haley Plucheck ‘18.
Viking Days in f ‘18 celebrates Rachel Damho in Argentina. ge lla Vi El Chaltén
Nicole Mutchler ‘18 phones a friend. Picadilly Circus, Lo ndon.
Marissa C to Be a Vik lass ‘19, on a Great D ing, in Cin que Terre, ay Italy.
#AUGIEABROAD At Augustana, we believe the world is our classroom. That’s why we create opportunities around the globe during the January Term, a four-week session designed for curricular exploration and enrichment.
Morocco, ne, Er Rachidia, nset in Adroui .” Su co ra oc ha or Sa M a d ce in Spain an 8 experiences Jewish Influen Avram Tynes ‘1 d an b ra “A se cour for the J-Term
During J-Term 2018 AU students studied in Norway, France, India, Guatemala, Ecuador, Germany, Spain, Morocco, Greece and beyond gaining valuable insights and perspective about the histories, economies, languages and cultures of our global neighbors.
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Senior Haley Plucheck, a communications and Spanish major from Centennial, Colorado, spent three weeks in India exploring the stages of pilgrimage for a Civitas project. She shared her journey with us.
Plucheck outside the Taj Mahal. 14
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Plucheck with classmate Sophie Geister-Jones in Rishikesh, India.
Q: You project for Civitas, Augustana’s Honors Program, took you to India. Tell us about your project.
It is an inner journey as well, discovering personal limits and more.
A: My project was titled “Pilgrimage: A Return Home” (and it was designed to allow me to) seek a more universal understanding of why people decide to go on a pilgrimage. A lot of the texts I’d been studying describe different religious views and contexts of why people go, whether to Mecca, the Camino de Santiago, or other locations. It’s an exploration of their backgrounds and the significance of each stage of a pilgrimage. My intent was to explore why it’s important to take these journeys and how people use the experience of the journey once they return, because the key is what you do with what you learned, whether about the world or about yourself, and apply it to your everyday life. Going to India was an opportunity to experience a completely different world, an eastern country with different societal roles for women, religious beliefs, and culture. My pilgrimage kept me moving from place to place, roaming all over India, not feeling settled.
Q: How did your experience at Augie, as well as your Civitas experience, prepare you for this moment?
Q: How long were you in India, where in India were you and where did you stay during your time there?
Q: You talked about the sites, but was there anything else that you did while you were there that helped you with your research?
Q. Favorite Augustana professor so far and why? A. One of my favorite professors is Dr. Ann Pederson in the religion department. She’s pushed me to see the power of landscapes and discover the importance of certain geographical locations and how they inform your faith and your life. Her “Religion Seminar on Contemporary Theology” has been one of my favorite classes. I took a Civitas class with Dr. Haar on justice in the State of Israel. I learned about the conflict in Israel and to think critically about the different lenses we wear, how we tend to see from only one perspective, the need to seek more, and the importance of listening. Last year I took a class on the life of Che Guevara with Dr. Pilar Cabrera (Spanish). That class was a favorite because it gave the perspective of a college student seeing change that needed to happen but taking it to an extreme. It reinforced the need to seek new perspectives and listen. Those three are definitely at the top of my favorites list.
A: The whole trip was a pilgrimage. I talked a lot with Dr. Janet Blank-Libra (English and journalism), who is my advisor for this project, and also with Rev. Dr. Paul Rhode (campus pastor), who has done a lot of research on pilgrimage. Pastor Paul talked about how two main things in pilgrimage are the departure, making that decision to go, and attentiveness.
Q. What’s your dream job after graduation, and why? A. I’m hoping to spend a year with the Border Servant Corps and then pursue the dream of being an audiologist. I want to provide access to hearing to others so they are able to fully interact with this world and listen to the sounds in life that make a huge difference in how we interpret the world. That’s the plan right now.
A: We were in India for about three and a half weeks. We flew to Delhi and then went to Rishikesh, which is in the Himalayan foothills and where the Ganges River begins. It was absolutely stunning. We also went to Puri, one of the four pilgrimage sites for Hindus. Next, Bhubaneswar and then a train to Bodh Gaya (an Indian train is an experience in itself), which is home to the Bodhi Tree where the Buddha attained enlightenment. Varanasi, followed, the Holy City of Shiva. From here we went to Agra, where we saw the Taj Mahal, then Jaipur, our last city before returning to Delhi. So eight cities in all: Delhi, Rishikesh, Puri, Bhubaneswar, Bodh Gaya, Varanasi, Agra, and Jaipur. Lots of traveling!
A: I cannot say enough good things about the Civitas Program. It challenges you and pushes you to think outside what is comfortable. Dr. Murray Haar (religion) has this lovely quote, “think that you may be wrong,” and that’s what I’ve been learning at Augie. You have to go outside your perspective and look at what other people experience and what other people believe to get closer to truth. In all of my classes, not just the Civitas classes, I’ve been pushed to keep learning about the world and look beyond what I know to be true. There are over 7 billion people in the world with experiences much different than mine. The opportunity to study abroad allows you to challenge yourself on an even greater scale because you are immersed in a new culture, and that’s invaluable.
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NEWS FROM THE HUDDLE
$30 MILLION GIFT WILL PROVIDE HELP SCHOLARSHIPS FOR AU STUDENTS Thanks to a transformative $30 million endowment gift from South Dakota entrepreneur and philanthropist T. Denny Sanford, students who choose Augustana will be eligible to receive a scholarship through the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans, Inc., a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to helping youth to pursue their dreams through higher education. The gift is the largest single donation ever received by the association since its inception in 1947 and will provide $3 million per year in scholarships — for the next 10 years — to Horatio Alger Scholars choosing to attend one of 12 universities selected by Sanford, including Augustana. Through the Horatio Alger-Denny Sanford Scholarship Program, Augustana will receive a scholarship allocation of $150,000 per year beginning in the 2019-20 academic year to award to students who meet the Horatio Alger Scholarship criteria. “The young people who will benefit from the Horatio Alger-Denny Sanford Scholarship Program will go on to become the change makers and thought leaders of tomorrow, serving their communities as business leaders, teachers, medical professionals, entrepreneurs, journalists, researchers and more. And in turn, they will make the world we all call home a better place, said Augustana President Stephanie Herseth Sandlin. Applications for the Horatio Alger-Denny Sanford Scholarship Program will open in August 2018 for students entering college in Fall 2019 Applicants must meet the following criteria: • Be enrolled full time as a high school senior in the United States; be progressing normally toward graduation with plans to enter a college in the U.S. no later than the fall following graduation • Exhibit a strong commitment to pursue and complete a bachelor’s degree at an accredited non-profit public or private institution in the U.S. (students may start their studies at a two-year institution and then transfer to a four-year institution) • Demonstrate critical financial need ($55,000 or lower adjusted gross family income is required) • Be involved in co-curricular and community service activities • Display integrity and perseverance in overcoming adversity • Maintain a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 2.0; and • Be a U.S. citizen Learn more at augie.edu/scholarships. 16
In an attempt to better understand what it’s like to live in poverty, nursing students participated in a poverty simulation exercise in Augustana’s Froiland Science Complex. Here, students complete mock “job applications” and wait for “job interviews” as part of the experience.
Poverty Simulation Provides Perspective for Nursing Students
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n real life, Ryan Menssen is a senior nursing major from St. James, Minnesota, who is well on his way to a fulfilling career in health care. Last summer, he completed an internship in critical care nursing at Sanford Health and he’s looking forward to graduation and beyond. But on a Thursday last fall, Menssen (at right) took on the persona of a 15-year-old kid caught in a spiral of labels and bad decisions as part of the Augustana nursing department’s poverty simulation exercise. “The simulation is designed to help participants understand what it might be like to try to survive month-to-month in a typical low-income family,” said Michelle Gierach, assistant professor of nursing. “The experience is meant to sensitize students to the realities facing those in need.” It’s not a game, Gierach said, and the emotions are real as each student assumed the role of someone facing poverty. When we caught up with Menssen, he was in “jail.” Menssen said his poverty simulation experience began when his assigned persona — a 15-year-old named Mandy — brought a weapon to school. From there, he was sent to a juvenile detention VIKING LIFE
center. Later, he fell into drug use and ended up obtaining a gun. Unable to get a decent job to support himself, he tried to rob a family for money. That robbery conviction took him to jail. The experience, he said, was eyeopening. “Everyone in here got dealt a card; nobody got to pick what card they got. It’s like life,” Menssen said. Menssen went on to explain how difficult it was for his persona to move past difficult labels like “delinquent” or “drug user.” He said the experience also taught him a lot about empathy. “In nursing, we’re taught to meet people where they are,” he said, explaining that the poverty simulation exercise gave him valuable perspective on how to do just that. While in “jail,” Menssen was seated next to the simulation’s “health care clinic” where, he said, he noticed a concerning trend. “Everyone (in the simulation) is so busy trying to survive — trying to find work, seeking help from agencies, taking care of kids — no one is stopping at the health care clinic,” he said. “They’re too busy worrying about how to just get by that they’re not taking care of themselves. That means when they do finally come in for health care, it could be too late. Their (condition) could be too far advanced.”
NEWS FROM THE HUDDLE
Augustana Earns National Award for Student Retention Augustana has been named a 2018 recipient of the Lee Noel-Randi Levitz Retention Excellence Award. The honor recognizes the University’s high student retention rates and celebrates the various ways in which the entire campus community is engaged in retention efforts. Augustana is one of only three institutions nationwide to receive the award, presented by Ruffalo Noel Levitz. Student retention was a focus area for “Horizons 2019,” Augustana’s strategic plan which launched in 2014. Today, the University’s first-year, fall-to-fall retention is 86.5 percent, an increase of 5.5 percent since the launch of “Horizons 2019.” The increase, University officials said, is due to a cross-campus collaborative approach to serving students, as well as the introduction of new centers focused on enhancing student engagement. Retention initiatives are built into Augustana’s new First-Year Seminar, and are embedded in the University’s Center for Campus Life and Student Success Center, both of which were reimagined in 2014. University officials said that by creating a network of influencers directly connected to student persistence throughout the calendar year, Augustana’s environment is set up to support every student’s academic, social and professional pursuits in meaningful ways. “First-year students who continue into their sophomore years and beyond are far more likely to persevere, graduate and earn their bachelor’s degree, and pursue a career of their choosing,” said President Stephanie Herseth Sandlin. “This award is a testament to how Augustana’s increased retention rate has transformed students’ lives thanks to the University’s dedicated faculty and staff, as well as our the enhanced and focused efforts of our Student Success Center. We are very proud of this honor.”
AU RECEIVES $1 MILLION ENDOWMENT GIFT FROM DAVID B. JONES FOUNDATION Augustana University has received a $1 million gift from the David B. Jones Foundation. The gift will be used toward the establishment of an endowed chair in anthropology/archeology and will support outstanding teaching, scholarship and service. “This gift will create an enduring legacy in David’s name and will honor his passion for paleontology and his excitement for scientific discovery,” said Dr. Adrien Hannus, professor of Anthropology. “We are deeply grateful to the Foundation for this extraordinary gift.” In honor of his many contributions to Augustana, the field of anthropology, and the spirit of research and discovery, Hannus will serve as the first David B. Jones Endowed Chair.
Students gather outside the Froiland Science Complex, which earned LEED-Gold designation for its eco-friendly construction.
AUGUSTANA EARNS MAJOR GRANT TO ADVANCE SUSTAINABILITY Augustana University has received a sixfigure grant from the Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies, a nonprofit dedicated to helping society, the arts and the environment. The grant will allow Augustana to launch a campus-wide strategic plan to integrate sustainability into aspects such as its curriculum, its co-curricular initiatives, operations and identity. Implementation of the grant will be directed through the president’s office with leadership provided by a campus sustainability council. Three student assistants will provide data analysis, marketing, communications and coordination support. The top priorities of the campus sustainability council are to create and implement a five-year sustainability strategic plan by September 2020. The strategy, accommodated by the grant, is to further strengthen Augustana’s current and future sustainability efforts. For the last decade, Augustana has been focused on developing its social responsibility efforts: • In 2013, the Augustana Bike Club and Bike Shop were founded, allowing students to rent bikes and/or have their bikes maintained. • Also in 2013, a series of automatedbottle filling stations were installed across campus, encouraging the use of reusable bottles instead of the disposable plastic ones. • In 2014, Augustana collaborated with Sioux Area Metro (SAM) so that students and staff with an ID card can board and ride city buses for free. This strategic alliance successfully promoted public transportation for a greener campus. • In 2016, the University’s Ordal Dining Room implemented trayless dining to reduce food waste, energy, and water
• The Froiland Science Complex, Augustana’s latest building, received the LEED-Gold designation for its ecofriendlier construction and operation. These University commitments were recognized by the Princeton Review in 2017. “Much has been done, but more opportunities are ahead of us,” said University officials. According to council members, Augustana has the potential to move from the foundational stage of sustainability to the revolutionary stage. A five-year sustainability strategic plan will make it possible for the University to learn from its current position, identify benchmark practices, advance sustainability ideas and evaluate sustainability efforts in a measurable and identifiable way. Many great objectives and incoming plans are set and hoped to be achieved by the end of the three-year grant period. University officials say the grant creates the possibility for Augustana to implement a sustainability-focused academic program by 2021 to include at least six new or redesigned courses from different disciplinary perspectives. In addition to curricular enhancements, co-curriculum endeavors will also be subject to the adoption of sustainability. A campus garden, outdoor classrooms, and student-led sustainability activities will be developed as well. The Earth Day Celebration on April 22, 2018, was the first official activity of this comprehensive sustainability initiative. “The integration of sustainability into campus-wide disciplines gives Augustana students great opportunities for integrative and experiential learning,” officials said. “Augustainability would become the complete interpretation of Augustana’s motto ‘Enter to learn, Leave to serve.’”
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World Series Bound! HOW DID THE VIKINGS ADVANCE TO THE DII COLLEGE WORLD SERIES FOR THE FIRST TIME IN PROGRAM HISTORY? SIMPLE: ALL GAS. NO BRAKES. ALL THE WAY.
WE LOOK BACK ON BASEBALL’S STORYBOOK SEASON.
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NAVY & GOLD
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The Vikings celebrate their Central Region Championship victory.
“I’ve never had a group like this, that has done what this group has done. The wins, the stats. Just guy after guy has performed.” — Tim Huber Head Baseball Coach fter a storybook regular season, the Vikings weren’t done playing baseball — not by a long shot. First, the took the post-season by storm, winning the 2018 NSIC tournament — securing the team’s first NCAA tournament berth since 2014 and earning the second NSIC championship in program history. All gas. No brakes. Next, they claimed the Central Region title, defeating Southern Arkansas in game two, 6-3. The win marked Baseball’s first Central Region Championship in program history and punched the ticket for the Vikings’ first-ever trip to the DII College World Series in Cary, North Carolina. All gas. No brakes. Earning the No. 5 seed at the series, the Vikings came out of the dugout strong, 20
first knocking off No. 4 seed Southern New Hampshire 5-2 before upsetting No. 1 seed Florida Southern 6-5. How are they doing it? By following their mantra: All gas. No breaks. And, with a dogged determination so strong it’s almost palpable. “It’s a combination of things,” Head Coach Tim Huber said in an interview with the Argus Leader. “You have to have a great University with good facilities. I like to think the guys we recruit enjoy our coaching staff and talking with them. And you’ve got to get lucky. We’ve got lucky with guys like Mitzel, Flattery and Collison ... then you’ve got to develop that talent.” Huber, who has led the Vikings to 10 consecutive winning seasons, told the Argus Leader that the team has exceeded his expectations. “I’ve never had a goup like this, that has done what this group has done. The VIKING LIFE
wins, the stats. Just guy after guy has performed.” Among the top-performers? The Vikings’ pitching staff, which chalked up an extraordinary team ERA of 2.88 and is led by senior right hander Jacob Blank whose performance on the mound earned him the title of national pitcher of the year in 2017 and whose performance in the classroom earned him the opportunity to interview former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice earlier this year following the Boe Form on Public Affairs (photo above). Also key to the pitching staff is senior right hander Tyler Mitzel, who struck out 10 to help the Vikings advance over Southern New Hampshire in the Series opener.
NAVY & GOLD
Right-hander Tyler Mitzel (Sioux Falls) throws a pitch.
Honors In addition to the team’s success, a number of Vikings earned individual honors for the 2017-18 season. Blank and junior designated hitter Lucas Wylie each earned All American honors by the D2CCA. Blank was named to the second team while Wylie garnered honorable mention honors. A native of Gretna, Nebraska, Blank is 8-0 on the year with a 1.98 ERA in 72.2 innings pitched. He’s punched out 88 batters while allowing just 11 walks during his senior season. Blank’s ERA ranks him 17th nationally and third in the NSIC (among pitchers with 10 or more appearances). As 2017 NCWBA Pitcher of the Year, he owns the eighth best strikeoutto-walk ratio in the country. Wylie leads the Vikings with 10 home runs on the year and is third on the squad with a .363 batting average. Additionally, the Sioux Falls Washington product has nine doubles, 34 RBI and has scored 24 times for Augustana. Blank, along with fellow right hander Mitzel, also earned second team AllCentral Region honors and relief pitcher Zach Reeg and shortstop Sam Baier earned honorable mention honors from the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA). Mitzel, a senior from Sioux Falls, earned second team All-Region honors after
going 10-0 with an ERA of 2.03 and 53 strikeouts in 57.2 innings of work. Mitzel’s 10 wins has tied the single season school record at Augustana in his lone season with the Vikings. Mitzel also earned second team All-NSIC honors this season. Reeg, a senior from Omaha, Nebraska, was named All-Region honorable mention as a relief pitcher after making 17 appearances out of the bullpen compiling an ERA of 0.00. Reeg has pitched 21.1 innings with 27 strikeouts and three saves. Reeg’s ERA and opponents batting avg. (.101) are
currently the top marks for a single season in school history. Reeg also was named to the All-NSIC second team. Baier, a sophomore from Springfield, Minnesota, earned All-Region honorable mention at shortstop after starting every game for the Vikings at the position. Baier is hitting .320 and is second on the team in home runs (eight) and RBI (53) and is third in hits (63) and stolen bases (27). Baier earned first team All-NSIC honors this season, as well as, being named to the NSIC Gold Glove team.
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2018 NSIC CHAMPIONS: Women’s Basketball
CELEBRATING CHAMPIONS In addition to blooms of color across campus, spring at Augustana also gave way to unprecedented success for the University’s athletic programs. In addition to Baseball advancing to the DII College World Series, Women’s Basektball won the NSIC Championship, Women’s Golf captured the DII Super Regional Championship and Women’s Tennis earned the NSIC Championship title. Postgraduate Scholar Alongside team titles, men’s track and field student-athlete Zach Tuschen also received the prestigious NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship this spring. The one-time scholarship of $7,500 is one of just 18 awarded for the spring season for use in an accredited graduate program. The scholarships are awarded to studentathletes who excel academically and athletically and who are in at least their final year of intercollegiate athletics competition. Tuschen, a native of Sioux Falls, compiled a 4.00 grade-point average as a biology major at AU. In receiving the award, Tuschen became only the second Viking men’s track and field recipient of the Postgraduate Scholarship, joining Vance Butler (1979). During the indoor season, Tuschen became Augustana’s first NSIC Elite 18 award winner, given to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative grade-point average participating at the finals site for each of the NSIC’s 18 Championships. Tuschen was also awarded the NSIC Myles Brand All-Academic Award, an honor bestowed to senior NSIC student-athletes who have a cumulative grade point average of 3.75 or higher, are exhausting their eligibility and are on track to graduate. During his indoor and outdoor career, Tuschen has earned four All-NSIC accolades, eight Academic All-NSIC honors, been named All-Central Region and USTFCCCA All-Academic twice and earned third team CoSIDA Academic All-America honors. 22 VIKING LIFE
2018 NCAA DII SUPER REGIONAL CHAMPS: Women’s Golf
2018 NSIC CHAMPIONS: Women’s Tennis
SNAPSHOTS
HOLI 2018
Held in April on the Campus Green, Holi featured traditional Indian food, dancing, and a color throw. This traditional festival signifies the victory of good over evil, the arrival of spring and the end of winter, and a festive day to meet others, play and laugh, forget and forgive.
See more photos in our Facebook gallery at facebook.com/AugustanaSD
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MAJORS: Accounting American Studies Anthropology Art Biochemistry ACS Biology Areas of Emphasis (optional): - Allied Health - Cell and Molecular Biology - Ecology and Environmental Science Business Administration Areas of Emphasis (optional): - Entrepreneurship - Finance - Management - Management Information Systems - Marketing Chemistry Chemistry ACS Chemical Physics WITH A CHEMISTRY EMPHASIS Chemical Physics WITH A PHYSICS EMPHASIS Classics Communication Disorders Communication Studies Communication Studies/Business Computer Information Systems Computer Science & Software Engineering Economics Education, All-Grades (K-12): Art, French, German, Health Education, Music Education, Physical Education, and Spanish Education, Elementary Education, Secondary (7-12): Biology, Chemistry, Communication, English, Government, History, Mathematics, Physics, Social Studies Teaching (Minnesota only) and STEM Education, Special Education Endorsements: - English as a New Language (ENL) - Kindergarten Education - Middle School Education Engineering Physics English Areas of Emphasis (one required): - Literature - Writing Exercise Science Fitness Management French German History Interdepartmental International Studies Journalism Mathematics Media Studies Medical Laboratory Science Modern Foreign Languages Music Areas of Emphasis (one required): - Liberal Arts - Sacred Music
Music Education Areas of Emphasis (one required): - Instrumental - Vocal Nursing Nursing, Accelerated (Bachelor’s Degree required) Philosophy Physical Education Physics Political Science/Government and International Affairs Psychology Areas of Emphasis (optional): - Business/Human Resources - Counseling/Clinical - Neuroscience - Research - Social Services Religion Religion/Philosophy Secondary (Grades 7-12) and All-Grades (Grades K-12) Education (See Education Above) Sign Language Interpreting Sociology Spanish Special Education Sport Management Theatre MINORS: Accounting Actuarial Science American Studies Ancient Languages Aging Studies Anthropology Art Biology Business Administration Chemistry Children and Youth Classical Philology Classical Studies Communication Studies Computer Information Systems Computer Science and Software Engineering Economics English English As A New Language (ENL) Entrepreneurship Fitness Management French Gender Studies German History Journalism Mathematics Modern Foreign Languages Music Northern Plains Studies Philosophy Physics Political Philosophy Political Science/Government and International Affairs
Psychology Reading Religion Sign Language Studies Sociology Spanish Special Education Theatre PRE-PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS: Architecture Athletic Training Chiropractic Dentistry Engineering - Dual Degree Genetic Counseling Law Medicine Mortuary Science Occupational Therapy Optometry Pharmacy Physical Therapy Physicians Assistant Theology Veterinary Medicine GRADUATE PROGRAMS: Athletic Training (M.S.) Education (M.A.) Genetic Counseling (M.S.) Professional Accountancy (M.P.A.) Special Eduacation (M.A.) — Fall 2018 Sports Administration & Leadership (M.A.) FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS Augustana is ranked among the top 20 private colleges nationwide that offer the largest merit scholarships to the greatest percentage of students according to an analysis by Money magazine. To see a list of the many scholarship opportunities available, visit augie.edu/finaid/scholarships. Augustana University encourages families to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Complete your FAFSA at fafsa.gov. Augustana’s FAFSA code is 003458. VISIT CAMPUS The best way to determine if Augustana is right for you is by visiting campus. You’ll meet professors, visit with students, tour our facilities and more. Schedule an individual visit or join us for one (or more) of our campus visit programs. Schedule your visit at augie.edu/visit or call 800.727.2844 / 605.274.5516. APPLY TODAY! Augustana University accepts applications year-round. Apply today at augie.edu/apply.
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