Augustana University News

Augustana has been ranked a Top 5 Regional University in the Midwest in Best Value for the second year in a row by U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best College Rankings.

Amelia Jibben ‘25, of Sioux Falls, is a criminal justice and anthropology double major with a concentration in forensics. Jibben interned with the South Dakota State Penitentiary over the summer where she was able to get hands-on experience in the prison system. There, her job duties included listening to inmates' complaints and doing her best to assist them.

Kadin Groen ‘26, of Sioux Falls, is double majoring in finance and fintech — part of the Augustana University Fintech Program by Pathward™. This summer, Groen interned with The Bancorp in Sioux Falls. Because of Groen’s successful internship, he was offered a role at The Bancorp as a product development analyst.

This summer, three Augustana students interned at national parks — caring for the nation’s natural and cultural resources while gaining hands-on conservation experience. Kaitlyn Crawford ‘26, Ian Kelly ‘26 and Emma Ostwinkle ‘25 spent their summers across the country applying what they’ve learned in AU classrooms to real-world experiences with the National Park Service.

For the second year, Augustana University students will have the opportunity to perform the works of Johann Sebastian Bach through the School of Music’s Bach Collegium, led by Dr. David Chin, visiting assistant professor of music. The collegium’s first-semester performances will take place on campus in September and November.

Each year, Alumni Achievement Awards are presented to Augustana University alumni who have made outstanding contributions to their fields of endeavor, communities and/or churches. The Horizon Award recognizes young alumni who have graduated within the last 15 years and quickly demonstrated outstanding vocational achievement and provided faithful service to their community and/or church. Recipients of both awards must exemplify one of the shared core values of the university.