Contact: Bruce Conley, News Information Director
Phone: (605) 274-5526
Fax: (605) 274-4903
e-mail: conley@wise.augie.edu
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August 27, 2002

Augustana College Begins 143rd Academic Year September 4

SIOUX FALLS - Wednesday, September 4, marks the beginning of Augustana College's 143rd academic year.

The opening convocation is set for 10:00 a.m. September 4 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, 909 W. 33rd Street. Faculty will process to the church in academic robes. The speaker is Dr. Leland Johnson, professor of biology and recipient of the Frederick C. Kohlmeyer Distinguished Teaching Professorship.

Dr. Johnson received his bachelor's degree from Augustana in 1959. He earned his master's degree and Ph.D. from Northwestern University. He returned to Augustana in 1964 as an assistant professor in the Biology Department. He was promoted to associate professor in 1967 and to full professor in 1973.

In 1995 Dr. Johnson was named the Orin M. Lofthus Distinguished Professor. The three-year appointment is given to a teacher/scholar who exemplifies the highest standards of professional excellence and upholds the mission of Augustana as a liberal arts college.

He received the Kohlmeyer honor during commencement exercises in the spring, 2002. Dr. Frederick Kohlmeyer, through a gift to Augustana at the time of his death in 1990, established this distinguished professorship to recognize and to reward outstanding teaching.

Sophomore Honor Awards will also be presented during the opening convocation. Selection by the Faculty Scholarship and Awards Committee is based on scholarship, character, personal traits, and other evidence of achievement.

Recipients of 2001-2002 Sophomore Honor Awards are Brandt Becker, Pierre, S.D.; Lauren Butterfield, Omaha, Neb.; Robert Towner Lapp, Sioux Falls; and Shane Wuebben, Sioux Falls. The four winners will be juniors at Augustana this fall.

Brandt Becker is the son of Eldon and Marlys Becker. He is majoring in chemistry.

Lauren Butterfield is the daughter of Ron and Charlene Butterfield. She is majoring in biology.

Robert Towner Lapp is the son of George and Laura Lapp. He is majoring in biology.

Shane Wuebben is the son of Fran and Lynda Wuebben. He is majoring in music education.