This past spring, Dr. Austin Schmitt ‘25 made history as one of the first students to earn three different degrees from Augustana University. Schmitt earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in exercise science in 2022, Master of Science in athletic training (MSAT) in 2023 and Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) in 2025. The Augustana alumnus now has a full-time fellowship with a team in the NFL.
Augustana School of Music Launches Decade-Long Project to Honor Legacy of Lutheran Collegiate Choral Music
The Augustana University School of Music (SoM) has launched The Tiårasang (Norwegian for “10-year song”) Project as part of a bold, decade-long initiative by the Augustana Choir to honor, preserve and reimagine the legacy of Lutheran collegiate choral music.
With the launch of the The Tiårasang Project, the SoM released recordings made by the Augustana Choir in March 2025 at the Chapel of the Good Shepherd at Shattuck-St. Mary’s School in Faribault, Minnesota, which can be found now on all streaming services.
Augustana Eide/Dalrymple Gallery Showcasing Work of One of South Dakota’s Most Distinguished Sculptors
The Eide/Dalrymple Gallery at Augustana University is presenting “Shrines and Portals: Darrel Nelson,” an exhibition of assemblage sculptures by one of South Dakota’s most distinguished sculptors. The exhibit is on view through Thursday, Nov. 6, with a closing reception on Nov. 6 and free public artist talk the same evening at 7:30 p.m.
Augustana Alumna, Nursing Professor Receives Daisy Award for Lifetime Achievement
Presented at the Augustana University Nursing Pinning Ceremony this past May, Augustana alumna and former assistant professor of nursing Muriel Larson ‘89 was honored as the recipient of the Daisy Award for Lifetime Achievement for her contributions in the field of nursing.
For more information about the Augustana Nursing Program, visit augie.edu/nursing.
Alex Folgar and Gabi Rabboni Crowned 2025 Viking Days Royals
With hearts full of school pride, Viking Days now holds an extra special place in the hearts of this year’s royals Alex Folgar ‘26 and Gabriela “Gabi” Rabonni ‘26.
Meet your 2025 Viking Days Royals.
Five Inducted Into 2025 Augustana Honorary Alumni Society
In Spring 2023, Augustana University established the 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 five members into the honorary alumni society. The inductees were recognized on Friday, Sept. 26, at the Honor Guard Luncheon during Viking Days.
Augustana Ranked No. 1 Regional University in Best Value by U.S. News & World Report
Augustana has been ranked the No. 1 Regional University in the Midwest in Best Value for the second year in a row by U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 Best College Rankings — viewed as the gold standard in college rankings lists. In addition, U.S. News ranked Augustana No. 7 in Best (Overall) Regional Universities in the Midwest. AU is listed in other Best Regional Universities Midwest categories, including No. 6 in Most Innovative and No. 7 in Best Undergraduate Teaching. For more rankings related to Augustana University, visit augie.edu/rankings.