She went there to teach young women the skills they need to be independent. But at Rwanda's Akilah Institute for Women, Monique Schmidt, '98, is the one learning – about strength, perseverance and determination. She will share her experiences at the Augustana Thought Leader Forum on Friday, April 8.

Sixty area boys and girls basketball teams will face off to raise money for local non-profits, such as Feeding South Dakota. Last year, the event raised more than $3,000. The tournament runs March 18-20.

Students Maren Engel, Abby Trei and Ariana Groen were among 300 singers who were selected from more than 1,200 national auditions to perform in the Collegiate Women's Honor Choir at the 2011 National American Choir Director's Association (ACDA) convention in Chicago.

Their J-Term course, “Colorado Back Country Adventure,” taught them the ultimate decision-making and survival skills, leadership methods and terrain management. On Tuesday, three students will discuss their experiences in the back country during a presentation at 7:15 p.m. in the Back Alley.

In an editorial, Augustana president says, "...investing in education is the best means for developing an appreciation for complexity. Education is our best means for developing solutions to complex problems. ... I believe that what is needed from all of us ... is a bold call for collective sacrifice."

On Thursday, 20 students participated in a teacher exchange, managing classrooms at Harrisburg High School while Harrisburg teachers attended a professional development course. The opportunity provided for valuable, real-world experience for Augustana education majors.

Dr. Mark Braun, senior vice president for Academic Affairs and Dean of the College, has been named Provost and Dean of the College for Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minn. Braun will serve in his current role until the close of the academic year.

Shroud Encounter, a large screen, multi-media presentation features more than 150 images covering all aspects of research on the Shroud of Turin, arguably the most analyzed artifact in the world. This free event begins at 7 p.m. tonight in the Back Alley.

Junior Kate Schleusener (Rapid City) and senior Adam Bockelman (Sioux Falls) have been named recipients of cash awards for papers they presented at last year's 2010 Dakota Conference. They will be honored at the 2011 Dakota Conference set for April 29-30.

Fifteen members of the Augustana Band have been selected to perform in the 2011 South Dakota Inter-Collegiate Band. Along with students from eight other universities and colleges, they will perform at the 2011 South Dakota High School All-State Band Convention on Friday, March 25.