Pictured (L to R): Carolyn Hinks, Charlie Anderson, Dan Albertsen, Representative for Dr. Fred and Linda Milanovich, Amy Yanda-Lee, and Karyn Pederson
In Spring 2023, Augustana University established the Augustana Honorary Alumni Society to recognize individuals who have shown extraordinary dedication to Augustana’s mission, along with its core values of Christian, liberal arts, excellence, community and service. Through sustained commitment to the university, honorary alumni have demonstrated the gold standard of engagement.
This year, Augustana inducted seven members — recognized on Friday, Oct. 23, during Viking Days.
Members of the honorary alumni society enjoy special recognition, along with the rights and privileges pertaining to Augustana alumni.
🔹 Dan Albertsen, of Watertown, South Dakota, embodies the values of Augustana University through a lifetime devoted to education, innovation and service. Through more than five decades of service in education, civic engagement and philanthropic support, he has made a lasting impact on generations of students, families and communities across the region.
A graduate of Dakota Wesleyan University with a master's degree from South Dakota State University, Albertsen devoted more than 50 years to serving students as an educator and administrator, including four decades at Watertown Middle School, where he was known as a respected leader, mentor and advocate. His influence continues to be felt through the generations of students, educators and leaders whose lives have been shaped by his guidance, encouragement and commitment to excellence.
In addition, Albertsen has played a transformative role in enhancing educational opportunities for students throughout the Watertown School District. As an original board member of the Arrow Education Foundation and later as its fund development director, he helped guide the growth of an organization that has raised more than $5.5 million to support educational initiatives, school projects, teachers and student scholarships. Through his dedication and vision, the foundation has provided invaluable support for programs and resources beyond the scope of the regular school budget — making a meaningful difference for thousands of students and families, while serving as a model of community investment in public education.
Albertsen's impact extends well beyond education. He served three terms on the Watertown City Council — helping guide decisions that contributed to the city's growth, vitality and future. Through his involvement with the Watertown Rotary Club, volunteer service with the Watertown Sandwich Ministry and other civic initiatives, he has consistently invested his time, talents and leadership in efforts that strengthen the city and enrich the lives of its residents. Whether serving students or contributing to civic life, he has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to making a positive difference in the lives of others.
Albertsen's contributions have been recognized through honors including the South Dakota High School Activities Association Distinguished Service Award and Watertown Education Association's Friend of Education Award — reflecting a career marked by an unwavering commitment to helping others succeed.
Together, Albertsen and his wife, Sandy '69, have faithfully supported Augustana for more than three decades, with their generosity particularly focused on scholarships and the Annual Fund. This support has helped expand educational opportunities for students and strengthen the university's mission. The Albertsens' connection to Augustana spans multiple generations of the family, including daughter, Lisa '93 and grandson, Drew '20 — a former Viking Football student-athlete and team captain.
The Albertsens' philanthropy extends beyond Augustana. The Dan & Sandy Albertsen Scholarship — established through the Arrow Education Foundation — reflects the couple's commitment to helping young people pursue higher education and make a positive impact. The scholarship is awarded to students attending Augustana or Dakota Wesleyan Universities.
Through his professional accomplishments, service, philanthropy and enduring commitment to students, Dan Albertsen has exemplified the qualities of an Honorary Alumnus of Augustana University and is highly deserving of this distinction.
🔹 Charlie Anderson, of Sioux Falls, has demonstrated a deep commitment to serving others through advocacy, compassion and a steadfast belief in the dignity and potential of every individual. Through his professional work and philanthropic support, Anderson has made a meaningful difference.
Anderson began his career by establishing the first speech and hearing program on the Cheyenne-Eagle Butte Reservation. He later returned to the University of South Dakota, where he helped bring together the medical school and other academic disciplines to develop the Center for Disabilities — a multidisciplinary training and diagnostic center that provided services to individuals while creating collaborative learning opportunities for students. He went on to serve the State of South Dakota in leadership roles within the departments of education, personnel and health — providing guidance and expertise in support of programs and services that benefited people across the state.
Following his retirement from state government, Anderson continued his commitment to serving others as administrator of Touchmark and later through his work with the Prairie Freedom Center — now known as Independent Living Choices. Dedicated to empowering people with disabilities to live independently and participate fully in their communities, the organization provided another avenue for Anderson to advocate for individuals and families, while helping to advance opportunities for greater independence.
Together, with his wife, Sonja (Dethlefs) Anderson '69, Anderson has demonstrated a strong commitment to education. Their philanthropic support of Augustana, including student scholarships and the Augustana Fund, has helped provide opportunities for students to pursue their academic goals and prepare for lives of meaning and service. Faithful participants in university events and activities, the Andersons have remained actively engaged with Augustana and steadfast in their support of its mission.
Through a lifetime of advocacy, generosity and care for others, Charlie Anderson has exemplified values that closely align with those of Augustana. His dedication to expanding opportunities, promoting independence and supporting future generations makes him a deserving candidate for recognition as an Honorary Alumnus of Augustana University.
🔹 Bill and Carolyn Hinks, of Sioux Falls, have been faithful friends and supporters of Augustana University for decades. Through their generosity, leadership and commitment to helping others succeed, the Hinks have strengthened the university and enriched the lives of countless students. Their enduring support of Augustana reflects a lifetime dedicated to family, faith, community and service.
Bill is one of South Dakota's most accomplished entrepreneurs and business leaders. As founder and chairman of Furniture Mart USA, he transformed a single furniture store into one of the nation's largest furniture retail organizations — serving customers across six states through nearly 70 retail locations. His vision, perseverance and commitment to customer service have earned national recognition, including induction into the American Home Furnishings Hall of Fame — one of the industry's highest honors. Throughout his career, Bill has demonstrated that business success and community investment go hand in hand.
Carolyn has been an essential partner in both the business and family's philanthropic endeavors. Working alongside Bill for more than 45 years, she helped build a family-centered company grounded in integrity, service and care for others. Together, they established a culture that values employees, customers and communities, while creating opportunities for multiple generations of their family to contribute to the business and its success.
The Hinks' commitment to giving back has been as remarkable as their business achievements. Through their support of organizations focused on children, families, health care, housing and education, Bill and Carolyn have improved the lives of countless individuals throughout the region. Their philanthropy has benefited organizations such as Children’s Home Society, Feeding South Dakota, St. Francis House, The Banquet, Mayo Clinic and Heartworks. Through scholarships, charitable foundations and community initiatives, they have consistently invested in helping others reach their full potential.
At Augustana, the Hinks have provided generous support for a wide range of university priorities, including Midco Arena, the Elmen Center, Field House, Kirkeby-Over Stadium, as well as the Hinks Family and Jim Heinitz Endowed Scholarships. As Founding Partners of Augustana Hockey, they recognized the transformational impact the program would have on the university and region. Their generosity has helped create opportunities and experiences that benefit students, strengthen the university and enrich the Sioux Falls community. In acknowledgment of their longstanding support and commitment, Bill and Carolyn were honored with the Tuve Award in 2008, and Bill received the Milt & Clara Harvey Award in 2010.
The Hinks' connection to Augustana is rooted in relationships cultivated over many years. A longstanding friendship with Jim Heinitz, meaningful connections with coaches and teams, and decades of engagement with the university have fostered Bill and Carolyn's deep appreciation for Augustana's mission.
Bill and Carolyn Hinks exemplify the values of Augustana through their entrepreneurial leadership, faith, philanthropy and steadfast commitment to serving others. Their lasting impact on the university, its students and the region makes them exceptionally deserving of recognition as Honorary Alumni of Augustana.
🔹 Dr. Fred and Linda Milanovich, who reside in Scottsdale, Arizona, have a connection to Augustana that is rooted in family — deepened through friendship and inspired by a shared appreciation for the university's mission and community. Through their generosity, service and commitment to expanding opportunities for others, the Milanovichs have strengthened Augustana and helped ensure a vibrant future for the university and its students.
A distinguished scientist, entrepreneur and philanthropist, Dr. Fred Milanovich Jr. is a 1967 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy and a nationally-recognized leader in physics, biotechnology and national security research. During his remarkable career, Fred served in key roles at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where he advanced groundbreaking work in measurement science and founded the Chemical and Biological National Security Program in response to emerging threats following 9/11. Later, he co-founded QuantaLife — a biotechnology company whose innovations transformed molecular analysis and contributed to advancements in the fight against cancer and other diseases.
Raised in Colorado, Linda trained and worked as an X-ray technologist before dedicating much of her life to raising her family. Together, Fred and Linda built a home centered on service, education and care for others — values that continue to shape their philanthropy today. They have invested in educational, community and faith-based initiatives in the U.S. and the Global South — reflecting a shared commitment to empowering others to thrive.
The Milanoviches' relationship with Augustana is closely tied to the memory of Fred's late cousin, Sam Milanovich Jr. ’73, whose life and legacy continue to inspire the community through the annual "Sammy" Golf Tournament and the scholarships it supports. After visiting campus and attending the tournament, Fred and Linda were deeply impressed by Augustana's authentic sense of community and commitment to honoring Sam's legacy through opportunities for current student-athletes and future generations.
Motivated by that connection, Fred and Linda have provided generous support for the Sam Milanovich Jr. Endowed Scholarship Fund and numerous university priorities, including the De & Dave Knudson Center for Global Engagement, Froiland Science Complex, Larson Track & Field Complex and Morrison Commons renovation. Their support reflects a shared belief in the importance of education, global engagement and creating meaningful opportunities for students.
The Milanoviches’ generosity extends far beyond Augustana. Throughout their lives, Fred and Linda have invested in educational initiatives, scientific advancement, community development and programs serving veterans and underserved populations. Whether supporting innovation in cyber sciences at the U.S. Air Force Academy, educational opportunities in India and Africa, or community initiatives closer to home, they have consistently sought to strengthen lives and communities through service and philanthropy.
Through their innovative spirit and steadfast commitment to making a meaningful difference, Dr. Fred and Linda Milanovich exemplify the values of Augustana. Their lasting contributions make them exceptionally deserving of recognition as Honorary Alumni of Augustana University.
🔹 Karyn Pederson’s relationship with Augustana University spans more than five decades and reflects a lifetime dedicated to education, scholarship, faith and community. As a retired educator, volunteer and philanthropist, she continues to support the university and strengthen its mission for generations of Vikings.
Pederson, of Sioux Falls, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Valparaiso University and a Master of Arts degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She began her professional career as an English instructor at Augustana, where she taught until 1971. During her time on campus, Pederson contributed to the university's commitment to academic excellence while helping students develop the communication and critical-thinking skills that would serve them throughout their lives.
During her years on campus and throughout her husband Dr. LaMoyne Pederson’s faculty career, Pederson became an integral part of the Augustana community. As a dorm parent in Solberg Hall and dedicated member of Augustana Women, she helped create a welcoming environment by hosting students — supporting faculty and departmental gatherings, and contributing to traditions that fostered a strong sense of community. She also embraced the university’s educational benefit for faculty spouses, taking courses from distinguished Augustana faculty members Martin Brokenleg and Steve Van Bockern ‘74, as well as the late Duane Matz, Elliot Thoreson, Dick English, Les Carson and Gene Nichols. Those experiences reflected her commitment to personal growth.
Following her service at Augustana, Pederson dedicated 20 years to teaching English and social studies in the Sioux Falls public school system, including at Edison Middle School. Through her passion for teaching, she inspired countless students — nurturing curiosity, a love of reading and strong writing skills.
For decades, Pederson has remained deeply engaged with Augustana University. She currently serves on the Augustana Library Associates Board — helping advance the mission of Mikkelsen Library and promote a culture of intellectual curiosity, learning and discovery. Together, Karyn and LaMoyne have remained devoted supporters of Viking Athletics and the arts. Since LaMoyne’s retirement, they have remained actively involved through the Augustana Academy for Seniors and Golden Vikings. Her enduring relationship with Augustana is a testament to the values that have guided her life and career.
Together, Karyn, LaMoyne '63 and their family established the LaMoyne & Karyn Pederson Endowed Philosophy Scholarship, LaMoyne & Karyn Pederson Endowed Philosophy Enrichment Fund and LaMoyne & Karyn Pederson Philosophy Essay Prize — creating enduring opportunities for students and advancing academic excellence within the philosophy department.
Karyn and LaMoyne have also contributed to the preservation of regional history through their involvement with the Center for Western Studies — supporting its efforts to share the stories, heritage and culture of the Northern Plains.
Beyond her involvement with Augustana, Pederson is active in her church, where she has participated in leadership, stewardship and ministries that enrich the congregation. Her life has been marked by faith, generosity and a dedication to serving and strengthening her communities.
The Pederson family's connection to Augustana extends across multiple generations. Karyn and LaMoyne's children, Kyle Pederson '93 and J.J. Gohl '95, are both Augustana alumni, as is their son-in-law, Gregg '93. Their grandson, Drew, is continuing the family legacy as a current student. Through their enduring engagement and support, the Pederson family exemplifies a deep and abiding commitment to the university and its future.
Through decades of service as an educator, volunteer, philanthropist and friend of the university, Karyn Pederson has enriched the lives of students, strengthened the Augustana community and advanced the values that define this special place. Her enduring contributions and steadfast commitment make her exceptionally deserving of recognition as an Honorary Alumna of Augustana University.