Augustana understands the value and impact that historically marginalized people have on communities all over the world — recognizing that this university would not be the place it is without these students, faculty and staff. In the "At AU" series, the university aims to showcase these exceptional people so we can all hear their voices in an effort to foster positivity and create awareness of their experiences on campus.
For the month of June — Pride Month — Augustana is featuring Carter Fischer ‘26 and AJ Heckenlaibel ‘24, co-presidents of the student group, Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA).
Fischer, of Omaha, Nebraska, is a nursing major who is minoring in aging studies. Fischer also spends a lot of his time in the theatre department at AU.
Heckenlaible is an English and journalism double major from Sioux Falls. Their passion for writing grew stronger thanks to a professor of whom they also found to be an ally of LGBTQIA+ students on campus.
🌈 Carter Fischer ‘26
Q: Where or how did you hear about Augustana?
A: I had heard about Augie when I toured USF, actually. I ended up falling in love with Augustana’s campus.
Q: What is/are the reason(s) you chose to come to Augustana?
A: The travel abroad programs really caught my eye. I had also fallen deeply in love with the theatre community.
Q: What would you like others to know about the LGBTQIA+ community?
A: I think just in general it would be nice if people understood that we are, at the end of the day, normal people. There is nothing strange or different. We are all wonderfully, beautifully made in every way, shape and form.
Q: What is it like to be a part of the LGBTQIA+ community at Augustana?
A: It can be a bit frightening at times, but overall it is very nice knowing that I am not alone in my struggles.
Q: Is there anything you’re passionate about and/or activities you’re involved with at or outside of AU? If so, what does it mean to you to be a part of something such as this? What do you hope to achieve as part of the organization?
A: I think right now my biggest passion has been with Augustana’s theatre department. I didn’t intend for it to be as big a part of my life as it has turned out. I spent most of last year in the costume shop and I have found great joy in designing and creating things. There is no greater joy than to put something on paper and then have it appear in all its glory onstage. I’m hoping to design many more costumes in the future!
Q: Is there someone at Augustana who has been inspirational to you or helped guide you throughout your time at AU? If so, how?
A: Honestly there have been quite a few people who have helped guide me throughout my transition from high school to college life. I had a wonderful group of people who lived down the hall from me in Tuve, and I have grown so much in part due to them.
🌈 AJ Heckenlaible ‘24
Q: Where or how did you hear about Augustana?
A: My mom graduated from AU and my grandma worked in administration for many years so I’ve been around Augie my whole life.
Q: What is/are the reason(s) you chose to come to Augustana?
A: Originally, I was planning on attending university out of state, but my family convinced me to take a look at Augie before I made my final decision and I felt right at home here.
Q: What would you like others to know about the LGBTQIA+ community?
A: Queer people are quite possibly some of the brightest and most loving people you’ll ever meet! We just want to live our lives as our true and authentic selves. Please support us in our continued fight for equality for all people.
Queer people, especially those that identify as transgender, in the United States are facing a genocide. There are laws and policies being put into place to end gender-affirming care for trans people. This is only the beginning. When the Holocaust began, it started just the same, with oppressive laws and policies before it escalated into the slaughter of tens of thousands of Jews. Do not let my transgender siblings be massacred. Please stand with us in our continued fight for equality for all.
Q: What is it like to be a part of the LGBTQIA+ community at Augustana?
A: Being involved with GSA has really opened my eyes to the strength and resilience of the queer community. South Dakota is not a safe state for LGBTQIA+ people. It’s ranked 45th in the nation in terms of equality and acceptance of queer people. Finding a community of people who are like me has been so valuable in my own journey of discovering my identity.
Q: Is there anything you’re passionate about and/or activities you’re involved with at or outside of AU? If so, what does it mean to you to be a part of something such as this? What do you hope to achieve as part of the organization?
A: Two organizations I am passionate about are the Transformation Project SD and Sioux Falls Pride. The Transformation Project is an organization that offers support and resources for transgender individuals and their families while they navigate the transition process. Sioux Falls Pride offers similar support and resources for all queer people in the city. They also play a huge role in Sioux Falls’ LGBTQIA+ community as they organize the Pride Parade and many other Pride events throughout the month of June. Augustana’s GSA is looking forward to volunteering and partnering with these organizations in the future!
Q: Is there someone at Augustana who has been inspirational to you or helped guide you throughout your time at AU? If so, how?
A: (Dr.) Janet Blank-Libra (professor of journalism). I met her in her journalism J-Term (January Interim) class when I was in between majors. Her passion for journalism was infectious and I became a journalism major soon after. In the short time I’ve known her, Janet has helped to strengthen my skill and love for writing. Along with being a great professor, Janet has shown herself to be an ally for the LGBTQIA+ students on campus, which is something that is extremely valuable to me.
To learn more about the "At AU Series," visit augie.edu/AtAU.