Augustana University News

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 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.

Our Savior’s Lutheran Church (OSL) will soon begin hosting the performances of the Augustana School of Music’s ensemble — the Augustana Bach Collegium. Thanks to support from Dr. Greg ‘74 and Karen (Devick) Schultz ‘75, the Augustana Bach Collegium will perform its fall and spring events at OSL over the next four years. The first will take place on Sunday, Oct. 5, in collaboration with the Augustana Choir. To purchase tickets to the Oct. 5 concert, visit augie.edu/MusicTickets.

Augustana University’s third annual Critical Inquiry & Citizenship Colloquium will culminate with Dr. Joy Buolamwini as the featured speaker. Buolamwini, bestselling author, MIT researcher and founder of the Algorithmic Justice League, will give a keynote presentation to the Augustana community, alumni and friends at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25, in the Elmen Center, with a book signing to follow.

Tickets for the 2025 Critical Inquiry & Citizenship Colloquium are free and available to the public at augie.edu/CICCTickets.

Augustana University is celebrating its 102nd homecoming during Viking Days 2025, beginning on Monday, Sept. 22, through Sunday, Sept. 28. Throughout the week, current and past Vikings will unite to celebrate all things blue and gold — a beloved tradition that officially became known as "Viking Days" in 1929.

The Eide/Dalrymple Gallery at Augustana University is welcoming alumna Gracie Rothering ‘22 for a homecoming exhibition that is on view through Oct. 2. Rothering will exhibit two photographic series, “Hola Daniela” and “HomeTown,” and will present a free public artist talk on Friday, Sept. 26, at 7:30 p.m. as a part of the Viking Days festivities. A gallery reception will be held the same evening from 7-9 p.m.