Augustana Alumni in the News

Alumni in the News Fall 2021

Media Coverage About AU Alumni — 2024

Bob Thimjon '74 Honored with 2024 Spirit of Sioux Falls Award
Sioux Falls Development Foundation, Nov. 27, 2024
South Dakota Native Andrew Kightlinger '08 Brings Action Feature Film to the Big Screen
Black Hills Pioneer, Oct. 31, 2024
Marcella Prokop ‘04, Kadyn Wittman ‘13 and Nancy Halverson '23 (Honorary Alum) Named The EMBES - A Tribute to Women Award Winners
EmBe, Oct. 11, 2024
Rev. Jon Splichal Larson ‘06 Leads Bike Ride Fundraiser
Dakota News Now, Oct. 6, 2024
Photos: Augustana Hosts Annual Parade on Final Day of Viking Days Homecoming
Argus Leader, Oct. 5, 2024
Leah (Blom) Friese '19 Helps Tell Sioux Falls’ Story
SiouxFalls.Business, Oct. 1, 2024
David Berkland '97 Promoted to Brigadier General in U.S. Air Force
Defense Visual Information Distribution Service, Sept. 30, 2024
Ashley Ballou-Bonnema '09, Heidi (Koerner) McKean '01, Marcella Prokop '04, Randi (Wallenberg) Van Der Sloot '00, Bob Wendland '10, Kadyn Wittman '13 Nominated for The EMBES - A Tribute to Women
SiouxFalls.Business, Sept. 13, 2024
Sara Alhasnawi ‘23 Recognized as Alzheimer’s Impact Movement September Advocate of the Month
Alzheimer's Impact Movement, Sept. 4, 2024
Midwest Street Medicine Serves Sioux Falls Unhoused Population, Thanks to Efforts of Dr. Shannon Emry '93
Dakota News Now, Sept. 1, 2024
Jim Schmidt '64 Named Sales & Marketing Executive of the Year by Sales & Marketing Executives (SME) of Sioux Falls
SiouxFalls.Business, Aug. 30, 2024
Becky Blue ‘81 Turning Upward and Outward
Empire, Aug. 24, 2024
Jeff Fylling ‘78 to Take Year Away, AU Tabs Interim Voice
ESPN Sioux Falls, Aug. 19, 2024
Baylee (Relf) Hemmer ‘19 Continues a Family Legacy in Education
Moody County Enterprise, Aug. 14, 2024
Steven Lindquist ‘11 Named to Forbes 2024 Top Next-Generation Wealth Advisors Best-in-State List
Forbes, Aug. 8, 2024
Time Spent Teaching in France Leads to Cultural Insight for Augustana Alumna Jeni Fjelstad '22
Dakota News Now, Aug. 1, 2024
Eric Johnson ‘96 Appointed to 2nd Judicial Circuit Court
KELO, July 30, 2024
Dr. Matthew Grandbois ‘04 Named 2024 American Chemical Society Fellow
Chemical & Engineering News, July 29, 2024
Dr. Pam Homan '81 and Jennifer Morrison McCready '05 Named Among Top 50 Women Leaders in South Dakota for 2024
Women We Admire, July 29, 2024
Meritxell Soler '15 to Run in Paris Olympics
GoAugie, July 24, 2024
Dirk Tedmon ‘11 Named National School Communicator of the Year
Eden Prairie Local News, July 24, 2024
Matt Cook ‘12, Maren Engel ‘13, Mo Hurley ‘14, Coleman Peterson ‘21 and Bob Wendland ‘10 Take Home 2024 Sioux Falls Stage Awards
Sioux Falls Stage & Gallery, July 24, 2024
Augie Access Alumna Anna Halseth ‘22 Serving New Drink, Snack Shop With Inclusive Mission
SiouxFalls.Business, July 12, 2024
Sioux Falls Stage Awards 2024: Matt Cook '12, Best Lighting or Sound Design; Maren Engel '13, Best Featured Actress in a Musical; Mo Hurley '14, Best Featured Actress in a Play; Coleman Peterson '21, Best Leading Actor in a Musical; Bob Wendland '10, Best Scenic or Prop Design
Sioux Falls Stage & Gallery, July 11, 2024
Ribbon Cutting Held for Barb Iverson ‘72 Skate Plaza
City of Sioux Falls, July 11, 2024
Rev. Hannah Norem ‘18 Reflects on Serving Congregation, J.D., Jeopardy! Experience
Hickory Daily Record, July 8, 2024
Scott Bratland ‘87 Honored as Criminal Defense Attorney of the Year
KXLG, June 17, 2024
Recent Augustana Graduate Selected as Fulbright U.S. Student, Will Conduct Research in Norway
Dakota News Now, June 16, 2024
Mike Jewett ‘94 Announced as Creighton University Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach
GoCreighton, June 4, 2024
Alyssia Martinez ‘24 Named Augustana Women’s Basketball Assistant Coach
GoAugie, June 3, 2024
Matt Cook ‘12, Maren Engel ‘13, Samantha Erickson ‘24, Wade Gemar ‘08, Katharine (Demke) Hults ‘11, Nathan Hults ‘12, Mo Hurley ‘14, Jeff Larsen ‘16, Malia Lukomski ‘20, Coleman Peterson ‘21, Jason Raether ‘00, Kjerstin (Bersagel) Smith ‘93, Ted Van Alstyne ‘22 and Bob Wendland ‘10 Nominated for 2023-24 Sioux Falls Stage Awards
Sioux Falls Stage & Gallery, June 2, 2024
David Rogers ‘02, Thad Titze ‘13, Sara Waldner ‘19 and Adam Walsh ‘11 Announced as Members of the Leadership South Dakota 2025 Class
SiouxFalls.Business, May 28, 2024
Ryan Jares '23 Signs with Idaho Falls Chukars
GoAugie, May 24, 2024
Jack Hines '24 Named 2023-24 NCBWA National Player of the Year
GoAugie, May 23, 2024
Teresa Resch '04 Named President of WNBA’s New Toronto Franchise
Toronto Star, May 23, 2024
Lori (Byers) Walsh '97 Wins Regional Edward R. Murrow Award for Small Market Radio
SDPB, May 20, 2024
April (Bobbie) Willman '02 Appointed Dr. Charley F. and Elizabeth Gutch Chair in Medicine
Yankton Medical Clinic Blog, May 20, 2024
Maren Engel '13 Named Sioux Falls’ New Arts Coordinator
Dakota News Now, May 16, 2024
Mary Toso Named 2024 Augie Pride Award Winner
Augustana University, April 19, 2024
Justine Stellmaker '23 Named Chanhassen High School Girls Swim Coach
Southwest News Media, April 10, 2024
Cody Schilling '12 Named 16th Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Augustana University
Dakota News Now, April 3, 2024
Across the Table With Emily (Kragel) Thomas '96
KELO, April 2, 2024
Bond Between Young Athlete, Trainer Goes Beyond Gym: Rudy Sinflorant '21
SiouxFalls.Business, March 28, 2024
SME Sioux Falls Announces Women of Excellence Winners: Dr. Shannon Emry '93
SiouxFalls.Business, March 27, 2024
Noah Wicks '21 Claims First Place in the 2024 North American Agricultural Journalists (NAAJ) Writing Contest — Profile Category
Agri-Pulse, March 25, 2024
Lydia Teegerstrom ‘22 Uses Personal Experience to Prepare for Audiology Career
University of Nebraska-Lincoln, March 5, 2024
California Rains Resurrect a Long-Dead Lake in Dry Death Valley: Mason Voehl ’14
The Washington Post, March 1, 2024
Sheila (Gaspar) Casiello ‘96, Anna (Eliason) Derry ‘15, Shannon Emry '93, Emily (Kragel) Thomas ‘96 Nominated for SME Women of Excellence Awards
SiouxFalls.Business, Feb. 28, 2024
New Mall Marketing, Business Development Director: ‘No two days are ever the same’: Brian Rehnke ’00
SiouxFalls.Business, Feb. 27, 2024
Meet the SiouxFalls.Business 2024 30 Under 30
SiouxFalls.Business, Feb. 26, 2024
Couple Names Baby After MercyOne Dubuque Nurse: Madeline Maloney '20
Telegraph Herald, Feb. 24, 2024
Rebecca Falkner Axelrod ‘20 Named Executive Director of USTA Heart of America
USTA, Feb. 19, 2024
Mia (Phillips) Ouma ‘20 Chosen as 2024 National Next Generation of Afterschool Leader
National AfterSchool Association, Feb. 6, 2024
C.J. Ham ‘15 Named to 2024 NFL Pro Bowl Games
Minnesota Vikings, Jan. 30, 2024
Kevin Nyberg ‘79 Elected President of South Dakota Retailers Association Board of Directors
SiouxFalls.Business, Jan. 30, 2024
Micah Aberson ‘04 Travels the World With and Raises Funds for Samaritan’s Feet
SiouxFalls.Business, Jan. 28, 2024
Dagne Ode ‘19 Named National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) “30 Under 30” Recipient
Parks & Recreation, Jan. 25, 2024
Matt Hastad ‘08 Highlights Community in Pickleball and Brews: A New Combo at Remedy Brewing Company
Dakota News Now, Jan. 21, 2024
Economic Development Manager Grows Into Full-Time Role in Dell Rapids
SiouxFalls.Business, Jan. 3, 2024

Augustana Alumni in the News — 2023

Mission, South Dakota, Music Teacher (Dr. Dr. Joseph Graves '11) Surprised With $25,000 Milken Educator Award for Exceptional Commitment to His Students and Hometown Community
Milken Educator Awards, Dec. 20, 2023
Lois (Van Dam) Martin ‘85 Named 2023 CFO of the Year by Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal
Minneapolis/St.Paul Business Journal, Nov. 16, 2023
New Business Development Manager Brings Passion for Supporting Family Businesses: Mason Van Essen '17
Sioux Falls.Business, Nov. 6, 2023
Sioux Falls Native, Augustana Alum Reflects on 15-Year Career in Local Business Community
Dakota News Now, Sept. 20, 2023
Augustana Celebrates 100 Years of Homecoming Tradition
KELO, Sept. 18, 2023
Peter Oien '09 Takes on National Role as New Owner of Spoke-N-Sport
Sioux Falls.Business, Aug. 24, 2023
Dr. Daniel Petereit ‘85 Looking to Address Health Care Disparities in Native Americans With Walking Forward Program
South Dakota Public Broadcasting, Aug. 11, 2023
Nathan Hults '12, Bob Wendland '10 and Emily (Lutt) Wilson '05 Win 2022-23 Sioux Falls Stage Awards
Sioux Falls Stage & Gallery, July 13, 2023
Maria Harman '00 Returns to Hometown as Featured Soloist for Le Mars Municipal Band Concert
Le Mars Sentinel, July 10, 2023
Vikings' C.J. Ham Happy to Present First Scholarship
Duluth News Tribune, July 8, 2023
Becky (Johnson) Blue '81 Inducted into South Dakota Tennis Hall of Fame
Watertown Public Opinion, June 25, 2023
Former Augustana Pitcher, Seth Miller Joins Canaries
KELO, June 23, 2023
Jacob Knutson '19 Covers Record Air Pollution in Eastern U.S. From Wildfire Smoke
Axios Today, June 8, 2023
Meet the Creative: Jake Paron '23
605 Magazine, May 31, 2023
Leadership South Dakota Announces 2024 Class: Dr. Fenecia Homan '05
SiouxFalls.Business, May 25, 2023
Brookings to Host Miss South Dakota Scholarship Contest: Maleah Eschenbaum '21
The Brookings Register, May 23, 2023
Global Adventurer Thrives in Role Bringing Hope to Vulnerable Here: Katherine Cedeño Torres '16
SiouxFalls.Business, May 2, 2023
Annual Economic Development Award Winners Announced: Jesse Fonkert '14 and Steve Watson '04
SiouxFalls.Business, April 25, 2023
Lois Roth Award for Cultural Diplomacy: Jennifer Uhler '98
Lois Roth Foundation, 2023
Meet the Man Who's Been to the Masters for Over 30 Years: Vance Goldammer '72
Super Lawyers, April 6, 2023
Sixteen DGS Attorneys Recognized as Colorado Super Lawyers or Rising Stars: Molly Kokesh '13
Davis, Graham & Stubbs, March 3, 2023
Lawyer Turned Teacher Named Teacher of the Year: George Hawkins '04
KELO, Feb. 28, 2023
SME Announces Women of Excellence Nominees: Ann (Barrett) Aasheim '92, Carrie (Burns) Biondi '08, Andrea Carstensen '17, Karla (Gage) Haugan '84, Allison (Becker) Hutchinson '18 and Laurie (Evanson) Karlson '04
SiouxFalls.Business, Feb. 27, 2023
South Dakota Association of Secondary School Principals Middle School Principal of the Year: Darren Ellwein '94
Harrisburg School District, Feb. 20, 2023
Sioux Falls.Business 30 Under 30: Andrea Carstensen '17 and Katherine 'Kat' Cedeno Torres '16
SiouxFalls.Business, Feb. 20, 2023

Augustana Alumni in the News — 2022

Rollyn Samp '65 Awarded Honorary Doctoral Degree
SiouxFalls.Business, Dec. 22, 2022
Chase Ditmanson '21 Receives DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses
The DAISY Foundation, November 2022
Dr. Fenecia Homan '05 Named First Dean of the Governor's Cyber Academy
Dakota State University, Nov. 18, 2022
Rev. Elmer Odland ‘57 and Joan Perrenoud Odland ‘57 Recognized for Impact
PostBulletin.com, Sept. 6, 2022
Jenifer Fjelstad ‘22 Recipient of Pinnacle Award
Pinnacle College Media Awards, Aug. 2022
Local Author Arley Fadness '60 Presents 'Capturing the Younger Brothers Gang in the Northern Plains'
Siouxland Libraries, June 18, 2022
Dr. Pam Homan '81 Added to the Reliabank Board of Directors
Reliabank, June 13, 2022
SDSMA Elected New Officers at the Annual Conference: Dr. Andrew Ellsworth '05
goaugie.com, June 6, 2022
Hunter Widvey '21 Crowned Miss South Dakota 2022
Miss South Dakota News, June 5, 2022
Jordan Barth '22 Signs With Billings Mustangs
goaugie.com, June 2, 2022
Winners of 2022 National Publications Contest Awards Announced: Sara Kocher '16
VFW, May 16, 2022
Augustana Alumni Spotlight: Ashley Ballou-Bonnema '09
Mikkelsen Library, April 27, 2022
Billie Sutton Leadership Institute Announces 2022 Sutton Leaders and Rural POWER Class: Cheyenne Chontos '19
Billie Sutton Leadership Institute, April 11, 2022
East-side Vision Center Adds Vision Therapy: Dr. Jeffrey Oakland '02
Sioux Falls.Business, April 8, 2022
Fechtor Advertising: New Leadership, Same Team, Same Mission
Cision PR Web, April 4, 2022
NAAJ 2022 Ongoing Coverage or Series Winners: Noah Wicks '21
North American Agricultural Journalists, April 2022
'AMERICAN CONQUISTADOR' New Read on Beaufort’s Earliest History: Dr. Daryl Ferguson '60
Beaufort Lifestyle, April 1, 2022
People You Should Know: Chase Kramer '08
Sioux Falls.Business, March 29, 2022
Mammoth Sports Names Micah Aberson '04 President, Plans Sioux Falls Expansion
Sioux Falls.Business, March 24, 2022
5th Grade Teacher Awarded Teacher of the Year
KELO, March 16, 2022
Nonprofit Leader Makes Major Transition to Real Estate
Sioux Falls.Business, March 3, 2022
Pro-Level Coaching Open to All Abilities at Sanford POWER
Sioux Falls.Business, March 2, 2022
Nonprofit Leader Makes Major Transition to Real Estate: Isaac Jorgensen '12
Sioux Falls.Business, March 1, 2022
South Dakota Standard Contributor Dorothy Rosby '82 Wins Prestigious National Humor Writing Award
South Dakota Standard, Feb. 26, 2022
(Carol) Oakland '74 Receives Lifetime Achievement Award From NAADD
goaugie.com, Feb. 24, 2022
Meet the Soccer Moms With a Big Goal: Bring Elite Women’s Team to Town: Emily Thomas '96
Pigeon 605, Feb. 16, 2022
SDN'S Sarah Tuntland '96 Blends Creative Side With Accounting Background to Make an Impact
SDN Communications Blog, Feb. 10, 2022
Augustana Alumni Spotlight: Mo Hurley '14
Mikkelsen Library, Feb. 8, 2022
Augustana Ramps up Campaign to Raise $3 Million for Chapel Renovation: Robert Aldern '51
Sioux Falls.Business, Feb. 3, 2022
Augustana University Initiative Celebrates Women in Philanthropy, Inspires Investment in Student Scholarships: Jane Zaloudek '72 and Lindsey Gray '11
SiouxFalls.Business, Jan. 17, 2022
Augustana Alum and NFL Prospect Organizes Local Backpack Drive: Logan Swanson '21
Dakota News Now, Jan. 7, 2022

Augustana Alumni in the News — 2021

Spotify’s Wrapped 2021 is Everywhere. Here's How a Former Sioux Falls Resident Helped Create the Graphics
Business Journal, Dec. 8, 2021
Augustana University Students Gain Medical Experience With Use of Virtual Cadaver Table
Argus Leader, Dec. 2, 2021
Hang out With Megan Raposa '15
605 Magazine, Nov. 23, 2021
South Dakota Veteran Granted Honorary Degree by Augustana University
Dakota News Now, Nov. 11, 2021
Vietnam War Veteran to Receive Honorary Degree from Augustana University
Argus Leader, Nov. 11, 2021
From Survival to Service, Veteran’s Incredible Story Will Now Include College Degree
Pigeon 605, Nov. 11, 2021
Augustana University Athlete Named the 2021 NCAA Woman of the Year
KELO, Nov. 11, 2021
Augustana’s Kendall Cornick '20 Named 2021 NCAA Woman of the Year
Argus Leader, Nov. 10, 2021
Augustana’s Kendall Cornick '20 Named 2021 NCAA Woman of the Year
KELO, Nov. 9, 2021
Augustana Graduate Starts Career as University Admission Counselor
Sioux Falls.Business, Aug. 31, 2021
Pizzeria Owner Finally Gets to Meet Minnesota Vikings Player C.J. Ham
Sioux Falls.Business, June 30, 2021
C.J. Ham Knows He Has to Work at Being a Dad
Star Tribune, June 19, 2021
Agri-Pulse Adds Wicks '21 to Editorial Team
Agri-Pulse, June 14, 2021
Lutherans Elect Megan Rohrer as First Transgender Bishop
Religion News Service, May 9, 2021
Pfeifle '15 New Director of Nursing & Clinical Informatics at Urology Specialists
Midwest Medical Edition, April 27, 2021
John Chenoweth '91 Named UW-Whitewater Provost
University of Wisconsin Whitewater, April 8, 2021
Former Sanford Executive to Lead Health Care Consulting Firm
Sioux Falls.Business, April 1, 2021
Finding the Why: Wolf Takes on New Role at Sanford Lab
Sanford Underground Research Facility, March 1, 2021
Inspired by Social Work, Consultant Helps Organizations ‘Maximize Excellence’
Sioux Falls.Business, Feb. 23, 2021
Vandendriessche Named Vice President of Avera Medical Group — Marshall Region
Marshall Radio, Feb. 18, 2021
Trust Officer Thrives on Building Relationships, Finding Solutions
Sioux Falls.Business, Feb. 17, 2021
From Augustana to the Super Bowl: John Van Dam '10 Climbed the Ladder to the Big Game
Argus Leader, Feb. 5, 2021
Remembering the Legacy of Mel Antonen '79
KELO, Jan. 31, 2021
Sioux Falls Fire Rescue Announces New Chief
Argus Leader, Jan. 22, 2021
Dubanoski '12 Hired as Dakota Wesleyan Head Baseball Coach
Victory Sports Network, Jan. 16, 2021
Avera St. Luke's Names New VP of Operations
Hub City Radio, Jan. 15, 2021
Showplace Cabinetry Names Gebauer '13 to Marketing Post
Woodworking Network, Jan. 7, 2021