"Thank you to our students, faculty and staff, alumni and community members for their generous support," said Billy Thomas, director of Volunteer Programs for Augustana. “We’re excited to help provide happy Christmas memories for children, families and individuals in need right here in Sioux Falls.”

“They are the underdogs and they are motivated. From the opening tip, it’s obvious they didn’t come here as a courtesy call – they came to make a mark, to win a basketball game.” In a recent WCCO-TV “Life to the Max” segment, sports personality Mike Max chronicled the Vikings’ Nov. 7 exhibition game against the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers.

Delegates to the Augustana Association have elected Dr. Pamela Homan, class of 1981 and superintendent of the Sioux Falls School District, and Kathy Walsh, civic volunteer and co-owner of Dakota King, to serve on the College’s Board of Trustees.

Works by five Augustana student-artists known for their artistic talent and for their leadership on campus are featured in the "University Invitational 2011," a new exhibit now on display inside the Everist Gallery at the Washington Pavilion Visual Arts Center.

"Our students understand that in order to compete in a global economy, they must experience different parts of the globe firsthand," says President Rob Oliver. In January, 93 Augustana students will spend the month immersed in 14 countries for an intense, first-hand study of history, language and culture.

Augustana's Dr. Adrien Hannus and his anthropology majors know British archaeologist Dr. Alan Outram, head of Archaeology at the U.K.'s University of Exeter, well – he is a long-time research colleague and a teacher through the exchange program the two institutions share. Outram's work on horse history is featured in National Geographic's newest publication, Exploring History.

The autumn 2011 issue of The Augustana, the magazine for alumni and friends of the College, features the work of alumni and students who illustrate the idea of “intersection” in action – they are individuals from every generation who all say that, because of the foundation they received here, they have been successful in pursuing their professional passions.

Annie Griffiths, one of National Geographic’s first female photographers and an artist known around the globe, will discuss her life, career and experiences in a discussion titled “Connect with Anybody, Anywhere" at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 16, in Kresge Recital Hall. The event coincides with “International Education Week” at Augustana, a collection of programs, meals and discussions that celebrate global diversity. 

Augustana will celebrate the global perspectives and cultural diversity alive on campus during “International Education Week,” Nov. 14-18. In addition to ethnic foods and educational forums, award-winning National Geographic Photographer Annie Griffiths will be on campus to discuss how to "Connect with Anybody, Anywhere."

Drug smuggling. Human smuggling. Death by dehydration. Death from disorientation. Welcome to life on the southern border of the U.S. – a place that, according to those who live and work there – exists in a state of crisis. Dr. Cari Skogberg Eastman ‘96, author and independent researcher specializing in border and immigration issues, will discuss “Disorder on the Border” at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 18.