Dr. David Bader, class of 1974, didn’t plan on a career in cardiovascular research. But a ruptured appendix and gentle guidance from Augustana science faculty members helped steer him down a path that has included service at some of America’s top medical research institutions.

In January, 165 Augustana students will spend the month immersed in 32 countries on six continents throughout the globe for an intense, first-hand study of history, language and culture. "...We know and understand that in order to compete in a global economy, our students must experience different parts of the globe firsthand. It's why we work hard to encourage them to explore, discover and learn about foreign places, different cultures and ancient histories," said President Rob Oliver.

Senior Hannah Kuelbs, a native of Clements, Minn., and a double major in Communication Business and Music, has been recognized as an "up-and-comer" by the blog for Minnesota Public Relations, a site dedicated to sharing recent public relations-related news, jobs and events.

“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,” – Jim Wylie, Augustana class of 1955.

Following meetings by the Augustana College Association and the Augustana Board of Trustees earlier this month, new Board members have been elected and faculty members have been approved for tenure and/or promotions.

"To my future team: I just met a group of fine young men. They want to be great. They want to be successful. And we will. It’ll be a process of success. We’ll work tirelessly to be the best we can be. I’ve got an old adage … good, better, best. Our challenge is to take a good student-player and make him even better, and to take a better player and make him the best. We’ll create a culture and a football program that changes lives and produces young men of faith, character and integrity," Head Football Coach Jerry Olszewski said at a news conference today.

While the majority of Augustana's incoming freshmen come from other states, 75 percent of the College's graduates report staying in South Dakota when they take a job. President Rob Oliver talks with the Argus Leader about why Augustana is a net importer of intellectual capital to the state of South Dakota.

Nearly 4,000 fans packed Augustana's Elmen Center on Friday, April 5, for a concert by internationally known recording artists and hip-hop duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. The event, organized by the UBG Big Event Committee, also featured Sioux Falls-based hip-hop group Soulcrate and a performance by sophomore Darren "D. Glove" Glover, a New York City-born, Minnesota-bred Augustana student.

Rafiullah (Rafi) Kakar, a native of Pakistan, attended Augustana in 2010 and was recognized by the selection committee as an individual with "outstanding intellect, character, leadership, and commitment to service." As a Rhodes Scholar, he will study at the University of Oxford.

In an effort to help those in need this holiday season, Augustana students are collecting gifts for area children, teens, families and individuals in need. Gift ideas are included on Christmas trees located throughout campus. Gifts can be deposited through Wednesday, Dec. 12. New this year, Augustana students are overseeing Teen Town, a Salvation Army program that provides gifts to teens from low-income families.