When Abel Alene ‘26 first arrived in South Dakota, he knew almost nothing about Sioux Falls or Augustana University. He certainly didn’t imagine he’d one day stand at the podium as his class’ commencement speaker.
However, over the past four years, Alene said Augustana has become his second home.
“I’m feeling a mix of emotions as graduation approaches,” said Alene, an Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, native. “On one hand, I’m very excited to be the commencement speaker and to graduate. On the other hand, it’s kind of sad that I’m closing this chapter of my life and moving on to the next one.”
For Alene, those emotions play a bigger role in what he’s learned throughout college and what his commencement speech addresses — the importance of embracing uncertainty.
“When we were first coming into college, we didn’t have it all figured out. We didn’t know what we were getting ourselves into,” said Alene. “I think that’s part of the journey — figuring things out, especially in the midst of all the uncertainty and challenges that come along the way.”
And, that lesson didn’t end in his first year at Augustana — it continued throughout the entirety of his undergraduate experience.
“I want people to realize that you don’t have to have it all figured out — it’s okay to have uncertainty and doubt in your life,” said Alene. “I want people to understand that we can embrace this uncertainty. We’ve made many decisions and created so many relationships that led us here, so we can also do that in the future.”
That same mindset is something he plans to carry forward into his next chapter. Following graduation, Alene will pursue a Ph.D. in experimental high-energy physics at Florida State University — an environment where he expects to find more unpredictability. Still, he feels prepared in a way he didn’t before.
“There’s always this uncertainty associated with what you’re going to do next,” said Alene. “If we can figure out four years of college together, then nothing can stop us.”
For Alene’s journey, part of learning to face the unknown meant learning to step outside of his comfort zone.
“Before college, I was super introverted and quiet,” said Alene. “After coming to college, I started trying new things — new clubs and roles. Those things have formed what I now consider to be my strongest relationships. I feel like if I didn’t take those initial steps, then I wouldn’t be the person I am today.”
Even in the unknown, Alene said he could always find support in the people and communities around him.
“Over the years, so many things have come up where I wasn’t sure what to do next — things related to visas or immigration, or even academics and finances,” said Alene. “If I didn’t know where to go, I would just go to the (De & Dave Knudson) Center for Global Engagement. They're super welcoming, and I can call Augustana my home now because of them.”
Much of his growth came through his involvement on campus. During his time at Augustana, the physics and computer science & software engineering double major served as a Viking Advisor (VA) and member of the Recreational Services leadership staff for three years — a team that has built him up the most as an Augustana student.
“Joining Rec Services is a big part of who I am today,” said Alene. “The atmosphere there emphasizes community — talking to people and forming relationships. I’ve made a lot of very close friends just by being there.”
Alene also served as president of the Society of Physics Students, worked as a teaching assistant and academic tutor for the AU Physics and Mathematics Departments, as well as conducted research as a student research assistant in the Physics Department under Dr. Nathan Grau.
“I really would not be in the place I am academically today if it weren’t for him,” Alene said about Grau. “I’ve accomplished a lot due to all of the experience I gained with him.”
In addition, Alene was named to the Viking Days Royal Court and nominated for a Covenant Award for community.
As graduation approaches, Alene said he feels pride in his accomplishments and in those graduating alongside him.
“I know people view college as a place where you’re going to have the time of your life. I agree that it’s a lot of fun, but it’s also a lot of work and a lot of sweat that we put into getting our degrees,” said Alene. “I’m super proud of everyone that’s walking, and I’m proud to be representing them.”
He also looks forward to welcoming his dad, aunts and uncles to his college home.
“I’m super excited to see them because none of them have been to Augustana before. Introducing them to what has been my home now for four years is going to be really nice,” said Alene.
Augustana’s 2026 Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony will take place tomorrow — Saturday, May 23, at 10:30 a.m. at Kirkeby-Over Stadium. The graduate ceremony will take place later in the day at 2 p.m.
For more information on Augustana University’s commencement ceremonies, visit augie.edu/commencement.