Five Augustana University students received Covenant Awards on Thursday, May 1, during a celebration in Hamre Recital Hall. The Covenant Awards lift up those who exemplify Augustana’s core values: Christian, Liberal Arts, Excellence, Community and Service.
The Covenant Awards, presented every academic year, were created by students to more clearly define these shared values and deepen the understanding of the rights and responsibilities that accompany membership in the Augustana community. The recipients are selected by committees of faculty and staff that seek nominations from all members of the AU community. A cast bronze medallion is given to each awardee, which may be worn during commencement festivities.
The 2025 Covenant Award recipients are:
🥇 Sammie Kross, Covenant Award for Christian
Nominees for the Covenant Award for the Christian core value are those who, during their time at Augustana, have searched for a calling that honors the Christian faith; actively integrate faith and actions; see their life journey as part of a bigger tapestry; are growing in faith; and are comfortable discussing their faith with others.
Sammi Kross ‘25 is an anthropology and environmental studies double major from Sioux Falls. She is part of the Civitas Honors Program, a member of the Office of Faith & Spiritual Life’s Chapel Staff, Discernment Partners Program, campus prayer team and the coordinator of Faith Fest. She plans to attend Princeton Theological Seminary after graduating from Augustana in May.
“Sammie is one of the brightest students I have ever encountered at Augustana, but she is also one of the most humble. Her humility shows itself in her servant heart, in her quiet leadership and in her openness to others. It seems to be that Sammie's faith is so integrated into her life that it's difficult to separate it from her being,” said one nominator.
“Sammie will make a tremendous pastor! Her leadership will be a gift to the church. I would be proud to call her a colleague in ministry,” said another nominator. “She is a lifelong learner, and perhaps especially so when it comes to theology. Faith seeking understanding is a mantra that Sammie lives by — taking classes that open up new ideas and reading books outside of class that take her even deeper into the subject matter that she loves.”
🥇 Chilotam Okafor, Covenant Award for Liberal Arts
Nominees for the Covenant Award for Liberal Arts are those who have demonstrated a love of learning for its own sake; acknowledged or forged connections between academic disciplines; connected curricular and co-curricular interests; related their studies to important issues of human existence; and whose commitment to the liberal arts has shaped their plans for the future.
Chilotam Okafor ‘26, a double major in government & international affairs and sociology, is originally from Abuja, Nigeria. The Civitas Honors Program scholar has served as a tutor in the Nancy Dickinson Writing Center, peer navigator, biology teaching assistant, Augustana Cultural Exchange (ACE) Ambassador, as well as a student leader in the Augustana International Club, Black Students Union (BSU) and African Students Union (ASU).
“Chilotam draws on her initial background in biology and pre-nursing courses to inform and supplement her learning and research in sociology and government, which has led her to an interest in women’s and children’s public health. She brings health sciences and patient care experience together with in-depth knowledge about policy and advocacy, and sociological concepts and research methods, and she continues to forge connections across disciplines through these channels,” her nominator wrote. “Chilotam’s love for learning, humanity and justice will guide her toward a vocation focused on uplifting and improving the human condition, with a special focus on underserved and under resourced populations.”
🥇 Nora Winckler, Covenant Award for Excellence
Nominees for the Covenant Award for Excellence are those who commit themselves to high virtuous and ethical standards, personal integrity, human excellence, self-discipline and self-improvement. These nominees are known for bringing out excellence in others. Their commitment to excellence has shaped their plans for the future.
Nora Winckler ‘25 is a government & international affairs and English double major from Scotland, South Dakota. She has participated in the Lutheran College Washington Semester (LCWS) Program and served as an AU Ambassador, on the Union Board of Governors (UBG) as head governor, as a Viking Guide, a member of the Augustana Choir, as well as a writer and editor for The Mirror.
“As a writer, Nora has revealed time and again her determined nature. As a student in Ethics & Law of the Press, Nora’s curious mind, her intellect, and her ability to go deeply into any topic made it clear to me that when she goes to law school, she will be successful. As an English major, she has learned to interpret and analyze a text — two abilities that will serve her well as a law student and eventually a lawyer. As a writer, she is exacting and simultaneously eloquent. Her writing is clear, interesting, compelling and focused,” Nora’s nominator wrote. “She doesn't settle. She goes the distance. In this way, she holds not only herself to the highest standards, but others as well.”
🥇 Sydney Rogers, Covenant Award for Community
Nominees for the Covenant Award for Community are described as those who have demonstrated and fostered respect for others; act as a leader, earning the respect of others; left a mark on the campus and broader communities; and whose commitment to community has shaped their plans for the future.
Sydney Rogers ‘26 is a mathematics and secondary education double major from St. Michael, Minnesota. Rogers has fostered relationships and respect through her involvement as a Viking Guide, AU Ambassador, a member of the Augustana Choir and Augustana Volleyball Club, as well as intramurals.
“Sydney has made a significant mark on the Augustana community through her diverse involvement and dedication to inclusivity. As a Viking Guide, she has surpassed the expectations of her role and has been instrumental to helping new students transition into college life by providing support and encouragement,” her nominator wrote. “She is a proactive, inclusive and supportive leader. She takes initiative in reaching out to students, ensuring their well-being and encouraging their involvement in campus life even after Welcome Week and even into the spring semester. Others follow her willingly because she creates an atmosphere of trust and belonging.”
🥇 Patrick Vogel, Covenant Award for Service
Nominees for the Covenant Award for Service are described as those who have a commitment to service on campus and in the broader community; inspire others to serve; serve quietly without fanfare and with no desire for recognition; and whose future plans have been shaped by service.
Patrick Vogel ‘26, of Sioux Falls, is a biology and neuroscience double major and member of the Augustana Track & Field and Cross Country Teams. From organizing wheelchair donations for children in Kenya to initiating food security efforts in Sioux Falls pediatric clinics, Vogel has developed and led projects that have wide-reaching effect. Vogel has raised funds, coordinated events and engaged communities both at home and abroad.
“He is your trenches kind of person who is not afraid of hard work and plods along to achieve great impact even when it’s not a showy display,” wrote Patrick’s nominator. “Patrick lives a life of service. His current plans include attending medical school with the intent of spending his career serving the health of his community.”
To learn more and view the full list of 2025 Covenant Award nominees, visit augie.edu/covenant.