When Abel Alene ‘26 first arrived in South Dakota, he knew almost nothing about Sioux Falls or Augustana University. And Alene didn’t imagine he’d one day stand at the podium as his class’ commencement speaker.
On Saturday, his commencement speech to the Class of 2026 will address the importance of embracing uncertainty.
When Hannah Roland ‘26 and Knut Opheim ‘26 arrived at Augustana University, the Norwegian nursing students expected to stay for just one semester. Within weeks, a supportive community, busy campus life and new friendships convinced them to extend their stay to a full academic year.
Augustana University is partnering with Go Beyond, a new nonprofit organization dedicated to creating innovative residential and community-based opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Through the partnership, Augustana and Go Beyond will collaborate on research and program development to better serve this population and expand resources. The partnership will help strengthen post-graduation support for Augie Access Program students, while serving a broader population across the region.
Augustana University is proud to announce the graduating Class of 2026.
For the sixth year in Augustana’s history, the university’s commencement ceremonies will be held at Kirkeby-Over Stadium. The ceremonies on Saturday, May 23, will include an undergraduate ceremony for the Class of 2026 at 10:30 a.m., as well as a graduate hooding and commencement ceremony at 2 p.m.
The Augustana University Rydell School of Business will introduce an organizational leadership minor to its offered studies in Fall 2026. The minor will allow students from any major to improve their leadership skills, as well as take ownership of their lives and future careers.
Donovan DeJong ‘93 has been named the 2026 Augie Pride Award winner. He was recognized on Wednesday, April 29, at the university’s annual Service Awards & Retirement Recognition Ceremony in the Ordal Dining Hall of Morrison Commons. Since 1999, the Augie Pride Award has been given to employees who go the extra mile to provide exceptional service to the university.
Augustana University is partnering with Levitt at the Falls’ Share the Stage Program in support of local artists and their professional development. As a part of Augustana's sponsorship, the university will be hosting Share the Stage Opening Acts on five nights throughout the summer.