Andrew Brynjulson ’09
Hometown: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Majors: Communication/business and art

Why did I choose Augustana? I got accepted to Augie and to a public university in South Dakota. Oddly, the other school sent me an application even though I had already been accepted. That same week, Angie Larson, my admission counselor at Augustana, sent me a birthday card. Whereas Augie was aware of my birthday, the other school wasn’t even aware that I had been accepted!

I’ve always followed Augie since I’m a Sioux Falls boy, but having grown up here doesn’t affect my independence. Augustana is in a whole new world for me; it’s like I’m in another city. I’m involved with Club Soccer and intramural sports (basketball, football, softball), and I’m a cartoonist for our student newspaper, The Mirror.

I was originally undecided about my major but was considering pre-architecture. I knew I wanted to do something with art but didn’t know what. The liberal arts core curriculum helped in that it exposed me to my first communications class, which I really enjoyed. I figured I could have a lot of options for jobs if I coupled communication/business with art. Perhaps collectively these studies will prepare me for a job in advertising, but truth be told, my dream job would be writing and illustrating children’s books.

So far, I’m most familiar with the graphic design side of the art program, and I love it. I have a summer internship in marketing at South Dakota Industries for the Blind, where I design brochures, travel pieces and their new catalog. I’m starting to realize there are many art jobs in the world, contrary to my original fears.

A quote that resonates with me is, “Find something you love doing, and you will never work a day in your life.” I think this sums up the art program. Whereas we put just as much time (if not more) into our studies as do students majoring in other areas, for me it’s more enjoyable. I would have no problem spending a Saturday at the computer making a design; however, I would have a problem spending a Saturday on a lab report. Art is a unique major because it tends to require a passion that lets you throw yourself into the studies, but still pursue your own artistic endeavors outside the classroom. A proud group we are of our trade!