'Why I Give ...' Augustana University Donors Share Their Stories
Augustana donors Rev. Norman '51 and Clarice '52 Eitrheim share the story of what inspires them to give.
"Even today I’ll drive the extra couple of minutes out of my way to go down 33rd Street, Grange Avenue, or Summit Avenue and reflect on my time at Augustana."
— Steve Lindquist
Augustana class of 2011
"Augie invests in the betterment of its students which is evidenced by the institution's investment in the renovation of the Mikkelsen Library, the creation of Froiland Science Complex, and its commitment in being involved in current affairs with events like the Boe Forum. If, in some small way, my gift helps make these investments in students possible, it is my pleasure to give back."
— Dane Bloch
Augustana class of 2008
Read more about what inspires Dane to support Augustana using our Perpetual Giving program.
"Our son just entered his freshman year, making him a third-generation Viking. Being around the campus reminded my wife and me just how special Augustana can be in the lives of young adults."
— Brian Beck, Augustana class of 1985
Read more about Brian Beck of Sioux Falls, and see what inspires him to support his alma mater.
"As I move forward in my career, I realize how much Augustana contributed to my success and prepared me for what was ahead. The education I received was second to none and provided a strong foundation for me to excel. I give so that others may have the same opportunities that I did and to show my appreciation."
— Dr. Matthew Schafer, Augustana class of 2009
Read more about Matthew Schafer and learn why he gives back to Augie.
"I really value the things I learned and people I met while I was at Augustana. I think that by giving I can assist the College in making a similar kind of experience available for more students like I was. Also, being a small town South Dakotan, I'd like to see the College not only continue to be a premier higher education option."
— Nick Bryant, Augustana class of 2008
Read more about Nick Bryant and learn why he gives to the Augustana Fund.
“Augie is where we got our start. It’s where we wanted to make our commitment. It’s an amazing sense that comes over you when you have the opportunity to give back to the source of your own educational beginnings. It’s where we got our preparation for life."
— Jim Wylie, Augustana class of 1955
“We support the Augustana Fund each year because we believe strongly in the quality of education and experience that Augustana provides. We want to maintain that excellence for today’s students as well as future generations. Having both received scholarships and financial aid as students ourselves, we want to help others be able to attend, just like others helped us. There is no way I would’ve been able to attend Augustana if it wasn’t for scholarships and the financial aid that Augie offered to me as a student. My Augustana experience was life-changing and continues to shape me today. The least we can do is to help others have that same experience."
— Paul Krueger, Augustana class of 1997
Read more about Paul and Joni Krueger and why they give to Augustana.
"We are like most Augustana young families; we have young children and lead a busy lifestyle. Perpetual giving gave us the advantages for the desire to contribute and making it work for our family. This giving option is extremely easy to set up, it allowed us to budget, and it was hassle free with automatic deductions, where we don’t even have to think about it. There are many pressures in today’s world when entering the 'real world' after college and starting a family. This options allows our family to give back to Augustana over a period of time, thus reducing the stress and increasing the aspiration to make a difference."
— Brian '03 and Crystal '02 Johnson, Augustana alumni
"Augie was always close to our hearts for a lot of reasons. We knew we wanted to do something for Augie, but we didn't have an estate worth a hill of beans. You can maximize your gift using insurance even if you don't have significant amounts of money yourself. Using insurance, you can leave a significant gift."
— John Simko, Augustana Class of 1961
“You give back because of the students who are going to come. You give back because of the community that Augustana is; because of the amazing faculty – all of those are reasons you give back."
— Dr. Greg Schultz, Augustana class of 1974