The Augustana Fund, the heart of the College’s annual giving program, surpassed its goal and celebrated a record year with $818,000 in total gifts for 2008-2009. The total raised is a 35% increase over the previous year.

Augustana College’s Department of Campus Safety and Sioux Falls Fire Rescue will host the inaugural Residence Life Fire Safety Academy, designed to prepare both student and professional residence life staff to address fire related emergencies.

Bob Hall is usually the one springing surprises, but Tuesday he was on the receiving end. Hall was greeted by a large contingent from the College and community unveiling of a bust bearing Hall’s likeness.

Pervez Musharraf, former President of Pakistan, is the speaker for the 2009 Boe Forum on Public Affairs, according to Dr. Harry Thompson, Interim Director of The Center for Western Studies at Augustana College.

The Augustana College-Community Orchestra is accepting members for the 2009-2010 season. Rehearsals are held Sunday nights from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Humanities Center on campus, starting September 13.

Augustana is ranked high in U.S. News & World Report’s 2010 edition of America’s Best Colleges. Highlights of the college rankings will be published in the September issue.

Dr. Duane Matz, 72, who taught history at Augustana College for 30 years, died Monday, August 17, in Minneapolis, Minn. A memorial service will be held in Sioux Falls at a later date.

Follow Augustana Athletic Director Bill Gross as he gives the Argus Leader an inside look at the new Kirkeby-Over Stadium. The stadium will be ready for the Vikings' home opener September 5 against Emporia State.

Brenda Murtha, Augustana Director of Financial Aid, discussed opportunities for prospective and current students who are hurting due to parents facing job losses or a decrease in income during KELO-TV's Money Matters.

Dr. Patrick Hicks, Associate Professor of English/Journalism, is one of only ten artists chosen from North and South Dakota as a recipient of the 2009 Dakota Creative Connections (DCC) Grant from the Bush Foundation.