Augustana University News

Augustana University is proud to announce the launch of the Election 2024: Curiosity, Courage & Civility Initiative ahead of the U.S. general election in November. This is a university-wide initiative to encourage members of the Augustana community to cultivate curiosity, exhibit courage and practice civility during a polarizing season in America.

Joe Gebel ‘26 is a government & international affairs and religion/philosophy double major from Mitchell, South Dakota. This summer, he interned at Dailey Law, an attorney’s office in Mitchell, where he undertook legal research, drafted court briefs, and edited and adapted contracts.

Jaida Haynes ‘25, of Philip, South Dakota, is a business administration major with minors in social work and sign language studies. This summer, she utilized her skills off campus and interned with The Foster Network in Sioux Falls — a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families who care for children placed through a licensing agency.

Payton Anderson ‘25, of Sherburn, Minnesota, is an accounting and business administration double major. He is also part of the Augustana Master of Professional Accountancy (MPA) Program. Anderson, a Viking Wrestling student-athlete, is interning with RSM — an assurance, tax and consulting services firm in downtown Sioux Falls. Through his internship, he has gained hands-on experience with assurance and audits.

Sammie Kross ‘25, is an environmental studies and anthropology double major from Rapid City, South Dakota. This summer, Kross is interning at The Outdoor Campus with South Dakota Game, Fish & Parks (GFP) in Sioux Falls, where she wears many hats. She handles a variety of duties, including managing volunteers, photographing events, designing social media content and assisting with outdoor classes. 

Thanks to an initial gift and a strong international partnership, six Augustana students and a faculty member spent the 2024 spring semester studying in Costa Rica. With a successful semester under their belts, Augustana and the International Programs Office (IPO) are seeking ways to expand this enriching partnership.