VIKING
LIFE STUDENT LIFE AT AUGUSTANA UNIVERSITY
VIEW FROM SUMMIT AVENUE
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NAMED
BEST COLLEGE
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VIKING LIFE
MAGAZINE
IN REGIONAL • COLLEGE MIDWEST •
IN MOST • INNOVATIVE SCHOOLS •
IN BEST VALUE • SCHOOLS •
IN BEST • UNDERGRADUATE • TEACHING •
U.S. NEWS
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Sioux Falls is the ultimate location for Augustana University. Strategic partnerships, invaluable internship opportunities, worldclass research, a global health system, successful non-profit organizations, countless possibilities for service learning, and abundant choices for recreation and entertainment top the long list of reasons we are so grateful to have our students live, learn and launch here. In my second year as president, I have been extremely proud and honored to join our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community in celebrating Augustana’s first 100 years in this great city. In 1918, upon formal consolidation of Augustana College and the Lutheran Normal School, 195 students were enrolled; students who I’m sure were filled with the same hopes and dreams as our students today. And, if my first year was any indication of things to come, there’s no doubt that together we will seize the opportunities and overcome the challenges of the century ahead. Augustana University has established a strong foundation built on academic excellence. We will continue to attract top students and create tomorrow’s servant leaders and innovators, while instilling our timeless core values that will serve them so well throughout their lives: Christian, Liberal Arts, Excellence, Community, and Service. With our ongoing commitment to offer immersive, best-inclass academic, cultural, athletic, and social opportunities for students, we’ve achieved record-breaking annual enrollment and retention. Our full-time students represent 29 states and 36 countries. On a national scale, Augustana was one of only four institutions to receive the 2018 Noel-Levitz Retention Excellence Award. As educators, Augustana remains committed to adding value to every student experience, which is the driving force behind every decision we make. It is our commitment to embrace and drive change, continuously working to innovate and improve our programs and services for all students. This has led to recent enhancements to our physical campus including renovations of classrooms and the Hamre Recital Hall in the Fryxell Humanities Center. We’re also preparing for the construction of an outdoor track and field complex, which will be completed next fall.
We also recognize the need to adapt to change in our academic programs. Our desire to be as transformative as the students who represent us in this global climate has inspired the expansion of our academic offerings, including the recent additions of a Master’s in Special Education, a Master’s in Athletic Training, and a 4+1 option for our Master’s in Sports Administration and Leadership. We’ve also added a major and a minor in Data Science. Augustana continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of our students and community. Augustana received a six-figure grant to help us launch a campus-wide sustainability initiative, including the advancement of a campus-wide strategic plan to integrate sustainability into the curriculum, co-curricular activities, and campus operations. Our performing and visual arts programs are having an outstanding year. New faculty have re-energized the Augustana Orchestra and the Northlanders Jazz Band with dynamic performances and opportunities. The Augustana music department presented Christmas Vespers 2018 in both Sioux Falls and Minneapolis. The Augustana Band navigated its fifth international tour to China in January 2019. Our student athletes continue to make us so proud! Vikings baseball won the Division II College World Series National Championship. Women’s basketball earned the 2018 NSIC Tournament title, and for the fourth consecutive season, the team landed inside the top-25 of the Women’s Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) Academic Team Honor Roll. Augustana Women’s Golf and Women’s Tennis earned conference titles for the eighth and ninth consecutive years, respectively. On a personal note, I’m honored and humbled to lead this great university, and I look forward to the bright future ahead. I invite you to Be a Viking and join us in this great adventure that is AU! Best wishes,
Stephanie Herseth Sandlin President Follow me on Twitter: @augiepres
EXPLORE AUGIE.EDU
THE PLACE FOR POSSIBILITIES SCHEDULE YOUR CAMPUS VISIT TODAY AT AUGIE.EDU/VISIT
CO N T E N TS
2018
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STUDENT RESEARCH
VIKING LIFE
Q&A
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.
The New Hamre Recital Hall
Viking Life is published for prospective students by the Office of Strategic Communications and Marketing and the Office of Admission.
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Send correspondence and address corrections to: The Office of Admission, 2001 S. Summit Ave., Sioux Falls, S.D. 57197.
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University Leadership: Stephanie Herseth Sandlin, president AU Admission Staff: Max Boyum Carrie Carroll Nancy Davidson Melissa Dykstra Madeleine Ellis Thomas Elness Wade Gemar Adam Heinitz Mo Hurley Wendy Mamer Carrie Pederson Pete Roberts Amanda Scotting
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VIKING DAYS 2018
4 GRATITUDE: CREATING LEADERS 6 RETAINING EXCELLENCE 7 SOARING TO THE FUTURE 18 THE HARDWOOD ROAD TO SUCCESS GOES THROUGH AUGUSTANA (AND LETCHER)
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’17 Alum Named Fourth Rhodes Scholar in Augustana History:
KOFI GUNU
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OUR MISSION
OUR VISION
CORE 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 churchrelated 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 & Service.
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Admission contact info: email admission@augie.edu, or call 800.727.2844
CONNECT WITH US! augie.edu/connect Augustana is an affirmative action, Title IX, equal opportunity institution.
© Augustana University 2019
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PHOTOS: 1. The Augustana Vikings football team enters to win on Jim Heinitz Field. 2. The 2018 Royal Court (left to right): Bryce Wollmann, Cale Hecht, Mark Christenson, Josh Barrows, Darwin Garcia, Julie DeWitt, Baylee Relf, Rochelle Ramharter, Anna Stritecky and Grace Fjellanger. 3. Seniors Darwin Garcia of Tegucigalpa, Honduras, and Julie DeWitt of Yankton, South Dakota, were crowned the 2018 Viking Days King and Queen. 4. Members of the Augustana Spirit Squad performed. 5. Runners in the Langskip 5K benefited Augiethon, Sanford Children’s Hospital and Children’s Miracle Network. 6. SKOL spirit is picture perfect. 7. The Command Performance featured appearances by the Augustana Band, Augustana Orchestra, The Augustana Choir, percussion ensemble, Northlanders Jazz Band and more at the historic Washington Pavilion in downtown Sioux Falls.
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GRATITUDE SERIES:
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CREATING LEADERS
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tudents are the heart and soul of our community at Augustana and we are especially grateful for our student leaders. Our community thrives because our students generously give their time and talent to create positive experiences on campus. For example, our athletic programs promote excellence in competition, the classroom and the community. The Augustana Student Association (ASA) advocates for all students. Augiethon raises money For The Kids (#FTK). Viking Advisors (VA) foster community in our residence halls. Our students are making major contributions to the Augie community and beyond. The nucleus of student leadership on campus is The Center for Campus Life. It completes the student experience by providing essential programs, services, and activities that foster individual development, encourage involvement, and create an inclusive campus community. To fulfill its mission each February, they select over 90 student leaders who play a critical role. These student leaders are involved in key initiatives across campus: Welcome Week, Viking Guides, Viking Advisors, and many other important leadership initiatives. The Welcome Week Committee, led by two co-chairs, meets throughout the summer to prepare a 4-day orientation experience for first year, international exchange and transfer students. In addition to planning social activities, the committee organizes service projects in the Sioux Falls community for 28 groups and coordinates educational sessions on understanding individual strengths, bystander intervention and diversity and inclusion. Viking Guides are the energy on move-in day and lead the Welcome Week groups through all of the activities. From facilitating learning in educational sessions to answering questions about campus to helping students acclimate to campus life, Viking Guides are an essential part of enhancing the Augustana experience. Viking Advisors (VAs) live on each floor of our residence halls and have a significant impact on students’ lives. VAs play a critical role in the development of connected and engaged residential communities that challenge and support each student, ultimately leading to personal growth and development. VAs serve as a resource on the floor and model healthy relationships and priorities for all students. Together, these student leaders demonstrate what it means to be a Viking, but they aren’t the only ones who shape our community. As the voice of students, ASA is responsible for the recruitment and selection of leaders for groups including SKOL, the Union Board of Governors (UBG) and the Viking Days Committee. There are over 70 ASA-recognized student organizations. Recreational Services and Campus Ministry are two more examples of offices relying on student leaders for the success of their programs. Augustana is grateful for the contributions these students make to our campus community. These important leadership roles are building skills that will last a lifetime. n
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PHOTOS: 1. Close to 100 students are part of the Campus Life team as Viking Guides, Viking Advisors, and members of the Welcome Week Committee. 2. The Chapel staff provides leadership for worship and Bible studies, leads service events, prayer teams, and facilitates interfaith discussions. 3. Molly Sittig ‘20 and Ashley Glanzer ‘20 served as co-chairs for Welcome Week 2018 and encouraged new students to “Add Your Voice” to Augustana. 4. Recreational Services employs over 100 students in roles which include building supervisors, team leaders, activities desk, and lifeguards. 5. The Augustana Student Association Officers and Senators met to kick off the new year. 6. UBG Head Governors, Megan Lindely ‘19 and Leah Blom ‘19, lead a board of 15 students who plan events every Friday night during the academic year. 7. SKOL seeks to be a driving force of school spirit and pride. This year’s team includes: Courtnee Edelman ‘21, Tatum Barstad ‘21, Alex Stone ‘21, Alyssa Meiners ’21, Jillian Weidner ’21, and Alyssa Derby ‘21. 8. MacKenzie Brandt ‘19 and Brita Cauble ‘18, Viking Days co-chairs, coordinate and produce all student activities during Viking Days, leading a team of 20 other students. VIKING LIFE 5
RETAINING
Augustana is one of only four institutions nationwide to receive the 2018 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 creating student success. The university’s first-year, fall-to-fall retention in 2017 was 86.5 percent, an increase of 5.5 percentage points since 2014. University officials attributed much of the increase 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 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. Student Outreach and Support (S.O.S.) initiatives begin very early on in the first semester as it relates to engagement and success in the classroom. Plenary sessions feature a variety of topics including liberal arts, academic planning, and vocational discernment. Written reflections provide focus and insight on transition and vocation. Co-curricular activities create intentional ways in which to utilize strengths and make connections outside of the classroom. The Experience Expo introduces students to high impact activities such as internships, study abroad programs and service opportunities. An additional highlight is alumni panels specific to academic programs aimed to help students identify popular career pathways for their field of study. Thanks to a network of influencers committed 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, 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 the enhanced and focused efforts of our Student Success Center. We are very proud of this honor.” n
EXCELLENCE
Pictured receiving the award presented at the RNL National Conference on July 26 in Orlando are Billie Streufert, executive director of AU's Student Success Center, and Joni Krueger, Augustana's registrar.
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VIKING LIFE
NOTES FROM THE GREEN
SOARING TO THE FUTURE
AU Hosts Camp Thunderbird
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n August, we were blessed to host Camp Thunderbird College Access at Augustana University. Kate Haswell, camp director, and seven students spent their days immersed in programming designed to prepare for and navigate a successful college search. Sara Telahun Birhe ’20, provided leadership throughout the week as their camp counselor. The students were focused as they learned about communicating with colleges and universities, writing essays, requesting letters of recommendation, filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), gathering cost information via the Net Price Calculator and completing The Common Application. They also spent time reflecting on their interests, goals and what is most important to them in a college experience. The campers had the opportunity to tour the Augustana campus with Augustana student ambassador Josh Barrows ’19, learn about important resources for student success and of the many opportunities to get involved and share their gifts. They also enjoyed time exploring Sioux Falls. Here is what some of the Camp Thunderbird participants had to say about their experience: “Attending Camp Thunderbird for a week was a great opportunity for me because I got the college experience and I learned about financial aid, how and when I can apply to colleges and what kind of colleges there are and what they offer to fit
my needs. I also love how kind and outgoing my peers were because they were willing to help one another at any time. This experience has made me college ready and I could not be happier. I am on the right path to graduating high school and now college ready! I know I would not have this much faith and excitement if it was not for Camp Thunderbird giving me this life changing opportunity! I am not good at trying different things but attending this camp sharpened my skills and I am glad I came. I am thankful for Kate because she gave me hope. I’m thankful I met her! I will encourage others to apply to this camp!” “This week spent at Camp Thunderbird has been great. From learning new things to meeting new people! Thank you so much for putting this together for us students. I personally didn’t know anything about the college application process coming in at the beginning of the week. But now I feel as though I am one step ahead on getting to college! Before Camp Thunderbird I knew that I wanted to go into the medical field but I wasn’t too sure about anything really…Now I feel that going to college is actually possible now that I know what I am doing. Again, thank you so much. I really appreciated everything you did.” Augustana is grateful for the opportunity to host Kate and these outstanding students. We were highly impressed with their dedication, determination, and kindness. n
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AUGUSTANA UNIVERSITY AND THE CENTER FOR WESTERN STUDIES PRESENT THE 2019
BOE FORUM ON PUBLIC AFFAIRS
“We Cherish Thy Aims And Traditions”
FEATURING
BOB WOODWARD & CARL BERNSTEIN PULITZER PRIZE WINNERS
“POWER, THE PRESS AND THE PRESIDENCY” THE NEW
SUSTAINABILITY MOVEMENT AT AUGUSTANA
L Bob Woodward
Carl Bernstein
TUESDAY, MARCH 19, 2019 AT AUGUSTANA UNIVERSITY INFORMATION ON FREE TICKETS CAN BE FOUND AT AUGIE.EDU/BOE
ove is a desire to see the good things last for as long as possible. We want our children to thrive. We want our family photos to be in good condition when we pass them down. We hope to leave behind a legacy of a life well lived and pass on cherished traditions. This is what sustainability looks like. We want to enjoy the good things we have and share them with others in order for future generations to enjoy, too. At Augustana, we believe in the power of traditions and sustainability. Last year, AU received the first installment of a $375,000 grant intended to foster a culture of sustainability on campus. The grant will be paid out over three years, and is being used for a number of projects. These include teaching our students, faculty, and staff to make better use of our natural resources, informing and empowering our community to make positive changes that will benefit both the current generation and many generations after. Everyone on campus has been surveyed about how to make better use of our resources. Monitors have been installed in all buildings on campus to keep track of how we use water, electricity, and heat. The results will soon be available on our website so everyone can see how their dorms and classrooms
compare with others. The goal for the initiative is to generate a little friendly competition to see who makes the wisest use of what we have! A partnership with Sodexo has been designed to establish gardens beside the Morrison Commons and Lookout House for students to help tend to the gardens that grow the food they consume. In a way, the gardens are one of our newest classrooms. What better lesson in appreciating the resources we enjoy than a firsthand account of where our food comes from? Recently, the AU faculty began designing new courses in Environmental Studies with contributions from all departments across campus. We want to see all of our students flourish and become influential in helping their communities live sustainably. In the coming year, we plan to design and build another outdoor classroom. Students and faculty will collaborate to design a low-cost, low-maintenance space for lectures, performances, and even chapel services. Dr. David O’Hara, the new director of sustainability, intends to use local stone to build both a useful classroom and showcase it as a picture of South Dakota’s geologic history. We have many more activities planned, including new recycling ideas, providing input on campus renovation and construction, making use of social media to teach and empower students to make sustainable choices, and more. If you have ideas about how we can both enjoy this wonderful place and make sure we pass it on to future generations in even better shape, drop us a line! We’d love to hear from you. n
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’17 Alum Named Fourth Rhodes Scholar in Augustana History:
KOFI GUNU INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITIES
Luck and fate may have brought him to South Dakota in 2012 but it’s hard work and perseverance that got Augustana alum Kofi Gunu named the 2019 Rhodes Scholar for West Africa. Oxford would be the next stop on a remarkable academic journey that has already spanned four continents. Gunu, a native of Ghana, graduated summa cum laude from Augustana University, where he received a B.A. in Government/ International Affairs in 2017. While finishing his final year at Augustana, Gunu won a coveted award called the Schwarzman Scholarship, which granted him the opportunity to obtain his master’s degree in Global Affairs from Tsinghua University in Beijing, China. Graduate degree in hand, Gunu moved back to Ghana to work for the West African nation’s Vice President as a national service fellow. He is currently assisting the government to design an apprenticeship program and to promote a more robust partnership with China. Generally considered the oldest and most prestigious academic award in the world, the Rhodes Scholarship covers the cost of any postgraduate course at the University of Oxford for up to three years. Gunu is hoping to use his award to pursue a PhD in International Relations. The 22-year-old is the fourth person to be named a Rhodes Scholar in Augustana history. The other winners are Arthur Larson (class of 1931), Paul Rogness (class of 1958) and Rafiullah Kakar (class of ‘10). 10 VIKING LIFE
So how did Gunu get to South Dakota in the first place? “It is a pretty improbable story,” he writes from his home in Accra, Ghana’s capital city. In 2012, Gunu won a U.S. State Department scholarship to spend a year as an exchange student at an American high school. Beneficiaries of this scholarship, called the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) program, are placed randomly around the United States. The Bennetts, a Brandon family, came across Gunu’s profile and decided to open their home to him. “At the time, I had no idea where South Dakota was on the map and had never heard of Augustana University.” Gunu soon discovered Augustana when he began considering life after high school. “I really wanted to continue my education in the States, and AU became the obvious choice, in part because two of the teachers I most admired at BVHS [Brandon Valley High School], Justin Lovrien and Matt Christensen, were Augie alums.” Lovrien and Christensen not only encouraged the youngster to apply to Augustana, but worked to help him overcome the biggest hurdle to higher education in America for an international student—funding. The duo organized a “College for Kofi” hog roast that rallied the Brandon Valley community and raised part of Gunu’s first-year tuition at Augustana. Gunu says he will always be very grateful to everyone who made that initial investment in his college education. “And, of course, it helped that Augustana granted me a very generous ‘Distinguished Scholars’ package, without which my dream of becoming a Viking would have been totally out of reach.” Once at Augustana, he says he benefited from classmates and teachers who built him up both mentally and spiritually. “The staff at the International Programs Office (IPO) provided very relevant career advice, and there were alumni who connected me to scholarships and other opportunities. I was pushed to excel.” Gunu also threw himself into the Augustana community. He worked as a resident adviser (RA) for two years in Bergsaker and
Granskou Halls and served in the ASA and even launched what he calls a “quixotic” bid for ASA vice president in 2016. While he lost that contest, he believes his candidacy sparked conversation around issues that matter to Augustana’s growing international population. “I wanted to make Augustana the sort of place where students from diverse backgrounds felt welcomed and needed.” Gunu co-founded the first African Students Union at Augustana and helped build the Peace Club into a platform for service and dialogue. Distinguished Professor Dr. Patrick Hicks, who serves as Augustana’s Rhodes Scholar advisor, says, “He was involved in Civitas, our Honors Program, and he graduated summa cum laude. He was a Peace Scholar, and basically, he received just about every major award we could give him. Of course he had to apply for the Rhodes Scholarship.” Gunu says one of the best things about South Dakota was the sheer number of incredible opportunities that came his way in the five years he called South Dakota home. The Boys State (summer leadership and citizenship programs for high school juniors sponsored by The American Legion) delegate of 2013 worked on U.S. Senator Mike Rounds’ campaign in 2014 and later in his Capitol Hill office and for the Council on Foreign Relations in Washington, D.C. Gunu also did a summer internship with Sanford Health that allowed him to visit and help several clinics in his home country. Reflecting on these experiences, Gunu says he doubts that similar opportunities would have been available to him in Ghana or even elsewhere in the U.S. “In many respects, South Dakota was the best possible place I could have found myself.”
A SINGULAR OPPORTUNITY
Gunu is the third Rhodes Scholar for West Africa since the scholarship was reinstated for the sub-continent in 2017. According to Ike Chioke, the Rhodes National Secretary for West Africa, a total of 2,134 applications were submitted in 2018. Rigorous screening narrowed the number down to 10 finalists who were invited to Lagos, Nigeria, for a weekend of in-person interviews. Gunu came out tops at the end of this process. Only one scholarship slot is available for all of West Africa. For comparison, 32 Rhodes Scholars are selected in the U.S. each year, although West Africa has a slightly larger population. Gunu says the rarity of the opportunity makes him even more determined to use his education to benefit his community and country. Gunu shares, “My dream is to serve Ghana as a diplomat. I believe Africa’s growing relationship with China will condition the continent’s future for decades to come. I am headed to Oxford to gain knowledge and experience to ensure that China-Africa relations yield positive dividends for our people and our environment.” Gunu says he is thankful to South Dakotans and AU for nourishing him as few other communities could have done. He reserves his biggest gratitude for the AU professors who wrote letters of recommendation to support his application. “We are extremely proud of Kofi and his accomplishments,” said Dr. Hicks. “To receive an award of this caliber is a once-in-alifetime achievement. Kofi left a lasting legacy of leadership at Augustana. He is truly a role model for students.” n
EYES ON THE PRIZE
While the opportunities were amazing, Gunu dealt with the same challenges many international students face going to college far away from home. “I didn’t get to see my family for four consecutive years, and my financial situation was at times precarious,” he says. “Alongside my academic work, I juggled several jobs on and off campus,” he adds. “There were moments that tested my resolve. I believe part of the reason I succeeded is that I kept my eyes fixed on the goal: to become the first person from any branch of my family to graduate from university.” But Gunu does not want people to see his selection for the Rhodes Scholarship as the product of hard work and perseverance alone. “Being back in Ghana has made me keenly aware that quality educational opportunities remain inaccessible to millions of children in the country, no matter how intelligent or motivated they may be. I was lucky that I got the chance to escape those structural issues, but many many others have not been as fortunate,” he says. Gunu says this realization motivates his desire to be an agent of transformational change in Ghana.
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LIMITLESS
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Discovered During SUMMER RESEARCH
Q&A
STUDENT
Samantha Vaverka
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cientific research involves a systematic investigation of scientific theories and hypotheses. At Augustana University, we pride ourselves in providing our students with the resources to experience the world of research with a wide range of opportunities -- both locally and nationally, even as undergraduates. Three of our students were able to gain firsthand knowledge about medicine and marine ecology this past summer. Samantha Vaverka, ‘19, Erica Bien, ‘20, and Madigan Moore, ‘20, were able to take their talents east to Harvard, Massachusetts General Hospital and the Rhode Island School of Oceanography, respectively, and we couldn’t be prouder of their achievements. “Research is an elemental part of how we teach science, and the summer opportunities are reflections of the curriculum we teach in the academic year,” said Dr. Mark Larson, associate professor and chair, Biology Department. He added, “We are particularly proud of how many students have opportunities to do paid research here at Augustana, and even prouder that they can leverage this into the opportunities that Erica, Madigan and Samantha had.” We asked these students to talk about their research, their experiences and how AU has prepared them to tackle the competitive world after graduation. Here’s what they had to say:
Class: Senior (graduates Spring 2019) • Major: Biology/Spanish • Hometown: Milford, Neb. Research: University of Rhode Island, Grad School of Oceanography - Marine organism
Q: Tell me about your work with marine organisms. A: I studied phytoplankton, which floats through all oceans, specifically studying the diatom Pseudo-nitzschia (genus of diatom). Pseudo-nitzschia produces a toxin called domoic acid, which can be a huge problem as it bioaccumulates in shellfish and can cause amnesic shellfish poisoning in humans upon consumption. We were trying to determine what’s causing the production of this toxin, specifically looking at bacterial involvement in toxin production. (Pseudo-nitzschia are known to have close bacterial associations, some of which can perpetuate or even potentially cause toxin production). Q: What are your plans post-graduation? A: I plan to take a year off to do research abroad or work in a clinical setting. After that, I would like to pursue an MD/PhD program. 12 VIKING LIFE
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Q: What do you hope to accomplish after your internship/ research is over? A: This is part of a larger Rhode Island Sea Grant project. Research continues for a year trying to figure out the species of Pseudo-nitzschia involved and the bacteria associated with them. Q: What got you so interested in marine biology? A: I am interested in tropical ecology and medicinal plants. Growing up, I wanted to do a lot of things, but my long-term plan is to complete a MD/PhD program. I didn’t know a lot about the marine science program; everything was new. Growing up in the Midwest, it’s hard to know much about phytoplankton without actually getting involved and going out to one of the coasts.
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Continued from page 12 - Samantha Vaverka
Q: Science remains a male-dominated field. Less than a quarter of researchers who publish papers in the physical sciences are women, according to an article in The Economist. What can be done, in your opinion, to make sure more women and girls get involved in STEM and have a career in science? A: There are some things you can do, but not a lot. One thing that’s not said enough is how to get involved. They tell you you should, but they don’t tell you how. I didn’t particularly enjoy science in high school and that could be a deterrent for some. What can be done is have more visibility for women in science. Expose more girls early on in schools by having female scientists speak to them. I did a project and presented to a high school class and the feedback received was very positive.
Q: What are you most grateful for? A: I think the thing I am most grateful for while at Augie is the support of all of the professors as I explore different areas that I am interested in. My biology advisor, Dr. Baye, has always been so great about making sure I’m taking the classes I’m interested in and exploring every possible option so that I never feel like I’m being pushed in a direction I don’t want to go. I’ve gotten that same support with many other professors too, they really encourage me to not limit myself at such a young age. n
Erica Bien
Class: Junior (Graduation Date: 2020) • Major: Biology • Hometown: Brookings, S.D. Research: Harvard University - Loss of B-1 integrin
Q: Tell me about your work at Harvard. A: It was the Harvard Summer Research program in kidney medicine. It was an 8-week research program. Each of the participants were spread out across one of the four Harvard-affiliated hospitals – I was at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. I was in Dr. Mark Zeidel’s lab which focuses on bladder dysfunction. My project focused on β1-integrin in the smooth muscle of the bladder. Mechanical stresses activate integrins, leading to the assembly of multi-protein complexes called focal adhesions (FAs) that connect extracellular matrix components to the acting cytoskeleton. As a transmembrane protein, integrin facilitates bidirectional signal transduction across the plasma membrane necessary for a variety of cell activities. Bladder dysfunctions, including overactivity and incontinence, are thought to arise from abnormal muscle contractility or mechanosensitive neural signaling. To study mechanotransduction in the bladder smooth muscle, we knocked out β1-integrin using a conditional, tissue specific Cre/lox system in mice. These investigations will provide insights into mechanisms regulating BSM contraction and may reveal new targets for therapeutic intervention in bladder dysfunction. It was a research-focused program where I got to shadow a nephrologist, had several clinical experiences, and attended lectures about kidney functions/diseases. I also went out into a Haitian community in Dorchester and performed a free health screening to assess kidney function. At the end, the community received a physician consultation to refer them to a PCP for further analysis. I was able to tour a dialysis facility and had a presentation with all the other schools.
Q&A Q: Is there anything you know now about the industry that you didn’t know prior to going to Harvard? A: I didn’t have a lot of experience with nephrology and kidney medicine. I didn’t know much about the prevalence of kidney disease, the different types of kidney dysfunction, the physiology. That sparked my interest and I’m definitely keeping nephrology in the mix. Because of this experience, I have a new-found passion in research. I wasn’t expecting this going into college, but I do hope to incorporate research in my career as a physician. In a broader sense, I benefited from my mentor in the lab, speakers from Harvard and seeing other hospitals. Your career is not a straight line. Many doctors have a Master of Science in public health. It’s not about following that line/path you had in your head, but more about following your passion and seeing where that takes you. Q: What are you most grateful for while at Augustana? A: I am most grateful for the ability to pursue the career I want and have a community of students and professors that are willing and able to support and motivate me on the journey.
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LIMITLESS POSSIBILITIES Continued from page 13 - Erica Bien
Q: What attracted you to Augustana? A: I was looking for a smaller, liberal arts school with a strong biology department. The fact that we have two major hospitals here made it attractive too because they offer great volunteer and clinical experiences. I also like that classes are small – I think my biggest class had 70 students (general biology), but they usually range between 20-30 students. I also like that you get to know your professors well, which is helpful when it comes to questions and getting letters of recommendation. Drs. Olsen-Manning (whom I did research with) and Matzner helped me fill out applications and recommendations. At Augie, people really care and you’re more than just a number to them. They help you find your passion.
Q: What are your plans post-graduation? A: I want to take a gap year. I’m still not sure about what I’ll be doing, but would like to study abroad. I’d also like to do more clinical research, in the states or abroad. Eventually, I’d like to attend medical school. I’m looking into a Rhodes Scholarship, a Gates or Marshall Scholarship or going to Cambridge and doing a Master’s program in England. I would love to go to a Spanishspeaking country and use some of my Spanish and do some service work in a Central American country. n
Class: Junior (Graduation Date: 2020)) Major: Biology • Hometown: Watertown, SD Research: Massachusetts General Hospital - Research internship about Multiple Sclerosis
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Continued from page 14 - Madigan Moore
Q: What are your plans post-graduation? A: After graduation, I’ll be going straight to med school. I’ll be taking the MCATs this year and plan on applying with the goal of attending med school after I graduate from Augustana. I was thinking maybe USD Sanford School of Medicine. They’re known for the service of the Midwest. I’d like to give back to my home state, but I loved Boston, too. I was impressed by the schools there. I’m definitely keeping my options open. We’ll see where it all takes me. Q: What do you want people to know about Augustana? Why should they pursue an education here? A: Don’t limit yourself or your possibilities. You always hear ‘believe in yourself,’ but it’s hard to rise to the challenge without having the right environment. Being in an environment that both challenges and supports you at the same time allows you to push your limits. They place the responsibility on you to rise to the challenge, but the support is great. Augie is a place that lets you grow and achieve crazy, cool dreams that seem far beyond your reach, it’s a great place to do that. Find your purpose and apply that purpose to the service of others.
Madigan Moore
Q: Tell me about your work at Mass Gen. A: It was a medical research internship under the direction of Dr. Eric Klawiter, a neurologist at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and an Augustana alumnus. He is also a specialist on Multiple Sclerosis (MS). The clinical trials Dr. Klawiter conducts, with the help of his clinical research coordinators, allowed me to assist and observe the clinical trials in action. The research centered around good diagnostic methods and MS and MS treatments. Every summer, Dr. Klawiter takes an Augustana student to further the research. As an undergraduate in his lab, I was given a personal project – working with MRI scans on the relationship of the thalamus to MS. There’s a known relationship between the thalamus and MS and we wanted to further investigate that. My experience was very rich and varied. I got to shadow Dr. Klawiter in clinic. I was honored to get to work with him. I also observed the other coordinators in his lab organizing clinical trials for drugs that treat MS. I got to closely observe the intersection of research and medicine. Being at Mass Gen was a great experience! I attended grand round lectures, listened to speakers at the Ether Dome and attended neurology pathology conferences, which were conducted through the neurology department every Friday to determine the pathology of the disease. I didn’t have a lot of neurology experience before, being just an undergrad, but delving into that area of medicine was very interesting to me.
Q&A
Q: Why did you choose this topic? A: I’m pretty open at this point. I see myself working as a family physician, but also surgery (found it fascinating) and neurology. I still have a long way to go before I decide, but I found the field and cases to be very interesting. I could easily see myself doing that. I saw at Mass Gen how wide you can go with medicine. Dr. Klawiter is very specific with MS, which was interesting to see a clinic with such a sharp focus. Being at Mass Gen gave me a lot of new experiences. The biggest thing was the emotional capacity of the doctors I observed with their patients. Watching their bedside manner, talking and listening to them and how they were fierce advocates for their patients. The service component is huge for me. Seeing that in action was reassuring but also ‘wow!’ I was very impressed by that. Also, the science and the way they assessed their patients. The humanity of it all is what impressed me the most. Q: Is this what you wanted to be when you grew up? A: I started getting interested in medicine in high school. You don’t always have direction when you’re that young, but I’ve always loved learning and had many influential (science) teachers. I also liked science, was interested in understanding how the body works and the biology of it. It’s always fascinated me. I also had a family physician that was influential in my life. I knew I wanted to enter a field where I could serve others and this is a field where both medicine and service to others intersect. I love challenges and this is a challenging road. Continued on page 15
Q: Describe your AU experience. A: It has been a growing experience for me. Augustana has challenged me academically and as a person to grow and figure out that you have gifts and that you have something to offer the world. It’s your job to cultivate those gifts and challenge yourself to know that when you graduate, you can go out and fulfill your vocation. I think it’s a beautiful theme. I’ve also learned that failure isn’t final – it’s a life skill to be able to bounce back and move forward because I have a job to do. Q: What are you most grateful for while at Augustana? A: I am most grateful for the grace that I have received during my time at Augustana. I am a person who loves challenges, and takes great satisfaction in overcoming challenges in pursuit of an ultimate goal. However, I have also learned that with great challenges come failures, setbacks and frustrations. Society often labels these difficulties as roadblocks or stopping points. However, at Augustana, failure is an opportunity for growth. My professors, peers and the Augustana faculty have all served me with grace when I seem to be at a low point. It is through this support that I’m able to learn and then adapt to meet the challenge ahead. Thus, a challenge is defeated and turned into a learning opportunity; a new skill. This cycle is catalyzed by the support of the strong network within this community. These are the gracious people for which I am truly grateful. n
ARTHUR
OLSEN STUDENT
RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM
© Ana Knyazeva
A gathering that fosters and celebrates student research
Keynote speaker is alumna Kaeti Hinck ‘07, currently a Nieman fellow.
SATURDAY, APRIL 6, 2019
Hamre Recital Hall and the Humanities Center
Presentations will showcase student work from departments across campus.
For more information, visit augie.edu/symposium
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STANDING OVATION:
Hamre
The New
Recital Hall
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As the 1971-72 academic year began, the Augustana community was caught up in the spirit of “newness.” Located just southwest of the Commons, the new Humanities Center opened to great applause with dedication ceremonies held on Founder’s Day, Oct. 6, 1971. The “Sebastian S. Kresge Recital Hall” seated 356 and included the “latest in recording and sound equipment.” The hall was outfitted in the latest colors and style of the early 70’s—oranges, browns and golds—in reference to the fact that we were recovering from the turmoil of the Vietnam War and the desire for peace and calm was reflected in dark woods and warm earth tones of the period. Up until May 20, 2018, Kresge Recital Hall served as the site for more than 1,000 recitals, concerts, press conferences, meetings, lectures and more. Augustana performers, guests and attendees continued to be transported back to those warm earth tones for 47 years. This summer, Kresge Recital Hall underwent a renovation that included seating upgrades, new lighting, a state-of-the-art sound system with recording equipment and improved ceiling and wall acoustics for sound buffering. Aesthetic renovations include blonde wood and blue accents highlighting the university’s Scandinavian heritage. Making it all possible is the Hamre family. Together, they gifted the university with a complete renovation of Kresge Recital Hall, which has now been renamed in honor of their parents, Ruth and Melvin. Ruth and Melvin’s four children: John, Victor, Anna and Susan, all attended Augustana and were involved in some form of music during their time on campus. Together they decided that the best way to honor their parents would be giving such a gift. The renovation project stayed in the family as the lead architect for the project was Chase Kramer, a 2008 Augie grad and member of TSP (The Spitznagel Partners). As a former student of music, Chase had a unique understanding of the space as both a vocal and instrumental performer. “I knew it was important to keep the space flexible for the university, but also should be prioritized for its highest and best use: music. This was something echoed early on by faculty comments as well,” Kramer said. In working through the design with Augustana, Kramer and TSP helped create a clean, contemporary look while going through a wish list of updates to come up with an approach that came in on budget. “It’s great to come back and work on a project for your alma mater,” he said. “We wanted to bring in wood tones but also help the space be part of the university’s brand identity, so there are the requisite blue tones one might expect but no golds. All the original concrete block walls are clad with a woodlook veneer paneling to really bring the sophistication of the space up to a university level.” Consultants helped with acoustics, rigging and AV, and items such as pianos, lights and backdrops are able to move easily. “The Hamre Recital Hall project came together beautifully,” said Brad Heegel, director of development for the Performing and Visual Arts. “The folks from Henry Carlson Companies arrived the day of graduation and worked weekends and more through the summer to get this beautiful space completed. When it was handed over to us on August 27, it truly was a dream come true - I’m in awe every time I walk in the space. Our faculty and students join me in thanking John, Victor, Anna and Susan from the bottom of our hearts for making this possible.” n VIKING LIFE 17
BUILDING CHAMPIONS
The Hardwood Road to Success Goes Through Augustana (and Letcher)
AU SENIOR,
SHELBY SELLAND:
A CHAMPION ON AND OFF THE COURT
T
he fields, crops, and cattle are seemingly endless in Sanborn County. Open space stretches for miles in east-central South Dakota where life is simple and the values are pure. The entire county holds just over 2,000 people, and in the town of Letcher, that number drops to less than 200. With minimal distractions, one of the best ways to stay busy is by spending time on the Selland property. Dating back nearly five decades, the family farm is also home to an old barn converted into a gym. Equipped with hardwood floors, the full-court setup features a scoreboard, bleachers, and even lockers. It was here—on a homemade court in Letcher—that Shelby Selland, along with her younger sister Myah and a few cousins, fell in love with the game of basketball. “That is where it all started,” Selland said. “It was never forced on us, but we spent so many hours and nights on those courts just bonding with family that’s how I grew to love the game.” Basketball at the barn eventually led to high school basketball at Sanborn Central-Woonsocket, where Shelby racked up more
than 1,500 points, 600 rebounds and nearly every award possible. During her senior year, she was named an Argus Leader First Five award winner as well as the Class ‘B’ Basketball Player of the Year in South Dakota. After her prep career, and with numerous college offers, Shelby chose to attend Augustana University to continue her basketball journey. “Growing up, I always liked Augustana and then during the recruiting process, I found out that the school has so much to offer. It’s a great location, great academics, and a tradition of athletic success,” Selland stated. Fast forward four years later, and Shelby has not only made a tremendous impact on the court but also found success in the classroom and community. On the hardwood, the senior has started in 88 games, averaging more than eight points and five rebounds per game. With her senior year still left, Shelby is already 27th all-time in total rebounds, and eighth all-time in career blocks with 125. With great footwork, a knack for the glass and a relentless work ethic, Shelby helped lead the Vikings to an historic 2017-2018 season as Augustana won the NSIC tournament title and advanced to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Division II tournament. Additionally, head coach Dave Krauth won his 600th game during the regular season, making him the sixth active head coach with 600 or more wins and the 15th coach all-time to do so in Division II. Shelby, an elementary education major and a math and accounting minor, is equally impressive away from the backboard glass and burnt orange rims. In April of 2018, she was awarded the Covenant Award for Liberal Arts. A significant tradition at Augustana, the Covenant Awards are named in honor of each of the university’s five core values: Christian, Liberal Arts, Excellence, Community, and Service. Selland, who was nominated by her campus peers and selected by a committee of faculty and staff, was humbled and honored to receive the award.
“There are so many students at Augie who deserve this award,” Selland said,“it’s truly a representation of my professors and the support system around me. My professors and advisors have supported me throughout my entire journey, and always encouraged me to pursue anything that I’m passionate about.” With tremendous academic accomplishments and athletic achievements, Shelby is a true example of what it means to ‘Build a Champion’ and be a student-athlete at Augustana. After graduation this spring, Shelby plans to remain in South Dakota for a little bit and watch her sister Myah, who is an AllConference guard at South Dakota State University. Regardless of where life takes her next, Shelby will always look back on her journey at Augustana with a smile. “It’s been an amazing ride here at Augustana. I truly wouldn’t trade it for the world.” n 18 VIKING LIFE
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2001 SOUTH SUMMIT AVENUE • SIOUX FALLS, SD 57197 • 800.727.2844 • augie.edu NORTH CAMPUS 1. Old Main 2. East Hall 3. Administration Building (Admission) 4. Sioux Falls Seminary 5. Edith Mortenson Center (Theatre) 6. Morrison Commons (Box Office) 7. Granskou Hall 8. Stavig Hall 9. Tuve Hall 10. Nelson Service Center 11. Archeology Lab 12. Archeology Lab Annex 13. Service Center Annex 14. Moses Statue 15. Ole Statue 16. Center for Visual Arts (Eide•Dalrymple Gallery) 17. Fryxell Humanities Center (Hamre Recital Hall) 18. Chapel of Reconciliation SD Synod Office and Lutherans Outdoors SD 19. Mikkelsen Library 20. Center for Western Studies (Fantle Building) 22. Madsen Social Science Center 23. Froiland Science Complex 24. Bergsaker Hall 25. Solberg Hall 26. Huether Tennis Centre 27. Campus Green 28. Campus Garden
PERIMETER RESIDENTIAL 50. Nobel House 51. Menlo Annex 52. Terning House 53. Olsen House 54. Valhalla House 55. Lookout House 56. Nelsen Apartments 57. Loki House 58. Hillsboro House 59. Balcer Apartments 62. Costello Hall 63. Norse Inn 64. Campus House 66. Schoeneman Apartments 67. Global Education House 68. International Programs Office 69. Duluth Place Apartments 70. Norway House 71. Wahl House
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SOUTH CAMPUS 30. Elmen Center/Hall Football Complex/Sanford Gymnasium 31. Karras Park•Ronken Baseball Field 32. Bowden Softball Field 33. Bill Hall Baseball•Softball Complex 34. Fellows’ Presidential Residence 35. Future Site of Viking Training & Performance Complex 36. Heritage Park; buildings A,B,C,D 37. Our Savior's Lutheran Church (Campus Learning Center) 38. Kirkeby•Over Stadium 39. Morstad Soccer Field 40. Baseball & Softball Concession/Restrooms
THIS IS A TOBACCO-FREE CAMPUS.
8/18
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 Data Science 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, and Physics 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 Interdisciplinary Studies International Studies Journalism Mathematics Media Studies Medical Laboratory Science Modern Foreign Languages 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 STEM Composite Theatre
Genetic Counseling Law Medicine Mortuary Science Occupational Therapy Optometry Pharmacy Physical Therapy Physicians Assistant Theology Veterinary Medicine
MINORS: Accounting Actuarial Science Aging Studies American Studies Ancient Languages Anthropology Art Biology Business Administration Chemistry Children and Youth Classical Philology Classical Studies Coaching Communication Studies Computer Information Systems Computer Science and Software Engineering Data Science Economics English English As A New Language (ENL) Entrepreneurship Fitness Management French Gender Studies German History Journalism Mathematics Media Studies Modern Foreign Languages Music Northern Plains Studies Philosophy Physics Political Philosophy Political Science/Government and International Affairs Psychology Reading
FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS To see a list of the many scholarship opportunities available, visit augie.edu/finaid/scholarships.
Religion Sign Language Studies Sociology Spanish Special Education Theatre PRE-PROFESSIONAL PROGRAMS: Architecture Chiropractic Dentistry Engineering - Dual Degree
GRADUATE PROGRAMS: Athletic Training (M.S.) Education (M.A.) Genetic Counseling (M.S.) Professional Accountancy (M.P.A.) Special Education (M.A.) Sports Administration & Leadership (M.A.)
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. Augustana is committed to providing equal access to and participation in employment opportunities and in programs and services, without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, ancestry, age, veteran status, or disability. Augustana complies with Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, and other applicable laws providing for nondiscrimination against all individuals. Augustana will provide reasonable accommodations for known disabilities to the extent required by law. Inquiries or concerns should be directed to: Beth Elam, Title IX Coordinator at 605.274.4124, belam@augie.edu, or augie.edu/titleix.
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE
PAID PERMIT NO. 5 SIOUX FALLS, SD
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VIKING SCHEDULE YOUR CAMPUS VISIT TODAY!
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