May 13, 2021
Written by Public Relations & Communications Strategist Jill Wilson
Augustana University is proud to announce Josephine Kassube ‘22 is the recipient of the Dr. Nancy D. Joyner Spirit Award given by the Lutheran College Washington Semester (LCWS) Program. The award was announced by LCWS on Friday, April 30.
When asked about the recognition, Kassube said, “I am so honored to have received the Dr. Nancy D. Joyner Spirit Award during my time with LCWS. Words can’t express my gratitude for the D.C. Semester. In addition to a phenomenal internship experience and intriguing academics, I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know my ambitious LCWS peers. Especially considering the pandemic, our program directors went above and beyond to ensure there was something for everyone to enjoy throughout the semester! I was so thrilled to connect with students from across the country and to bring the spirit of Augustana to Washington, D.C., as well. Thank you to Dr. Wanless for encouraging me to pursue this opportunity!”
Kassube, a double major in Spanish and government & international affairs, was nominated for the award based on her enthusiasm for program activities by LCWS staff, faculty and students during Spring Semester 2021. She interned in the office of U.S. Rep. Don Bacon of Nebraska during her time with the LCWS on Capitol Hill.
“Josephine is a student who approaches each opportunity as a chance to experience, learn and grow. Her curiosity is second only to her passion and huge heart. Regardless of the task, she strives to give it her best effort and it's always an effort that makes herself and Augustana proud. It comes as no surprise to anyone who has encountered her enthusiastic approach to her work and life that Josephine is the recipient of the 2021 Nancy D. Joyner Spirit Award,” said Dr. Emily Wanless, associate professor of government and international affairs and Augustana University’s LCWS Program representative.
The award is named for Dean Emerita Dr. Nancy D. Joyner — the first and longest-serving dean in the history of the LCWS. Joyner was the heart and soul of the LCWS program for 25 years, enthusiastically welcoming countless students to our nation’s capital every semester. As such, the award recognizes students who are enthusiastic participants in the LCWS program, and who emulate Joyner’s spirit.
“Josephine was a delight to work with,” said Dr. Douglas E. Clark, dean and executive director of the LCWS. “She took full advantage of her time in the program to experience all that D.C. has to offer despite the challenges of the pandemic. She had an effervescent personality that set examples for her peers and prospective students.”
In the future, Kassube plans on attending law school and joining the fight against human trafficking.
About the LCWS
The Lutheran College Washington Semester (LCWS) program was founded in 1986 by three institutions of higher education — Gettysburg College, Muhlenberg College, and Roanoke College — to provide students with an opportunity to live and study in Washington, D.C. The consortium now serves thirteen Lutheran colleges and universities from across the United States, and strives to connect students with internship opportunities that provide real-world experience to further their classroom education and long-term career goals. LCWS prepares students for life after college, and provides them with the skills they need to be more active citizens in their communities.