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Contact: Bruce Conley
Associate Director of College Relations
Phone: (605) 274-5526
Fax: (605) 274-4903
www.augie.edu
April 24, 2006
SIOUX FALLS - As he assumed the presidency of Augustana College, Bruce Halverson said there are few things as memorable as a breathtaking sunrise on the South Dakota prairie.
Now, six years later, he steps down after conducting a fund-raising effort unrivaled in the storied history of South Dakota’s largest private college. This summer, the Augustana Sunrise Campaign concludes with numbers far exceeding projected goals.
Billed as the most ambitious comprehensive campaign since the founding of Augustana in 1860, the Sunrise Campaign was launched in 1999. The target for the six-year effort was $50 million.
“As the campaign reaches its conclusion, it is my privilege to announce that to date more than $64 million has been raised,” said Halverson, whose six-year term as president officially ends July 31. “It has been an exhausting effort, but at the same time invigorating.
The financial foundation of the college is strong, and the campus has taken on a new look. Many needs remain, but thanks to generous donors, the college is on course to continue to be a regional leader in higher education.”
New facilities are the most visible results of the Sunrise Campaign.
A long awaited center for visual arts is now reality. The 24,000-square-foot building will open for the 2006-2007 school year, enhancing the college’s capability of hosting exhibits heretofore unavailable due to lack of space. The last of the military barracks, moved to campus after World War II to serve as temporary facilities, will be dismantled this summer.
“The new Center for Visual Arts at Augustana has been a dream for our students and instructors for over 30 years,” said Janet Brown, chair of the Performing and Visual
Arts Department. “Through the tenacity and leadership of President Halverson and the Board of Trustees of Augustana, this fine building is now a reality. It will produce a new generation of artists who will leave their own mark on our society.”
Completed in 1989, the Elmen Center has nearly doubled in size since 2003. First, an 8,000-square-foot addition provided new locker rooms for women’s basketball
and volleyball, and men’s basketball. The project also included a new weight room, athletic training room, and a computer room.
Recently, ground was broken for the 28,000-square-foot Hall Football Complex and Gym. The ground level will house a locker room, weight room, training room, meeting rooms, and offices for the football program. Two college regulation size basketball courts will be installed on the second floor.
“The new building not only upgrades our football facilities, but at the same time provides additional practice space for our teams,” said Bill Gross, Augustana athletic director.
The Fantle Building for the Center for Western Studies was finished and dedicated in 2002. Enhancements have been made to the Humanities Building and Mikkelsen Library.
The president’s house, and the Siverson Lounge and The Huddle in the Morrison Commons have been refurbished.
Housing will play a major role in future planning for Augustana. Nine theme houses now surround the campus. The goal of theme communities is to provide a designated number of students a living environment where all residents carry a minimum grade-point-average of 3.0, are in good judicial standing with the college, have been actively involved in the campus community, and share academic pursuits.
A new 16-unit apartment building will be built across from Gilbert Science Center, and an existing apartment, located two blocks from the Madsen Center, has been purchased.
In addition, since the summer of 2000 when Halverson took office, the budget
has now been balanced and the endowment doubled.
Augustana’s curriculum has been streamlined, and majors added in sign language interpretation, and sports management. And for the first time the college is offering courses on-line.
Rob Oliver was chair of the Augustana Board of Trustees when Halverson was appointed the college’s 22nd president. Oliver is now a member of the Augie faculty and has been elected to succeed Halverson as President.
“When Bruce Halverson arrived at Augustana College, one of his immediate priorities as President was to commence the Sunrise Campaign,” Oliver said. “Its success is a testament to his dedication to the college and his determination to continue to build its resources. We are most grateful for his efforts, and commend him for his energy, tenacity, and love for the institution.”