Employee Engagement

Yuletide

Presented by the Augustana University Office of Human Resources in partnership with the Office of the President, the university's favorite holiday tradition is known as Yuletide, where faculty, staff, retirees and their family gather for worship, cookie decorating and dinner together.

In 2023, Yuletide took place on Monday, Dec. 18, with worship in the Chapel of Reconciliation and a buffet-style dinner in the Ordal Dining Hall in the Morrison Commons.

Ole and the Sioux Falls Santa often make an appearance to help celebrate the magic of the Christmas season.

History of Yuletide

Augie Pride Award

The Augie Pride Award Winner is nominated by other Augustana University employees and given annually to an employee who goes above and beyond the call of duty.

Mary Toso '90, the 2024 Augie Pride Award Winner, was recognized with the award on Wednesday, April 17, at the university’s annual Service Awards & Retirement Recognition Ceremony in the Ordal Dining Hall in the Morrison Commons.

2024 Augie Pride Award Winner

Past Augie Pride Award Winners

Mary Toso '90 (2024)
Rick Tupper (2023)
Karie Frank (2022)
Amy Meyers '98 (2022)
Jennie Holland (2021)
Sandy Pohlmann '90 (2020)
Joni Krueger (2019)
Luanne Wuestewald (2018)
Deb Frederick '76 (2017)
Rob and Angie Oliver (2017)
Brian Rieger (2016)
Libby King (2016)
Brenda Murtha (2015)
Nate Dally (2014)
Jeff Holm (2013)
Adam Heinitz '99 (2012)
Tracy Riddle (2011)
Marsha Brooks (2011)
Mary Moline (2010)
Peg Ustad (2009)
Dianne Hammrich (2009)
Donn Grinager (2008)
Carol Weisz (2007)
Mary Jane Minnig '99 (2006)
Butch Huizenga (2005)
Nancy Davidson (2004)
Judy Dovenmuehler (2003)
Stan Eitreim '67 (2002)
Larry Borgum '61 (2001)
Mark Hecht '84 (2000)
Mike Wajer (1999)
Glenn Wika '62 (1999)

Employee Service Recognition

Along with the Augie Pride Award, Augustana University recognizes its employees who are celebrating milestone service anniversaries and retirements annually.

Milestone anniversaries are recognized in increments of five years. In 2023-24, Augustana celebrated 77 employees with milestone anniversaries — totaling 1,005 years served.

2025 Service Awards

Wednesday, April 30 | 2:30 p.m. | Ceremony Begins at 3 p.m. | Ordal Dining Hall (ODH)

2025 Milestone Service Award Anniversaries

5 Years of Service

Tom Adams — Facility Services
Margaret Aesoph — Clinical Instructor, Nursing
Chad Campbell — Campus Safety
Aaron Dang — Sharon Lust School of Education
Zack Gillette — Exercise & Sport Sciences
Coralee Jorgensen - Athletics
Dr. Jennapher Lunde Seefeldt — Government & International Affairs
Aaron Mayer — Archaeology
Dr. Andrea Mierau — Doctor of Physical Therapy
Teresa Moore — Office of the President
Chad Nelson — Art
Dr. Daniel Perry — Mathematics
Betzi Plucker — Athletics
Paul Rasmussen — Office of Advancement
Dr. Sarah Rude — English and Journalism
Jamie Schoenherr — Exercise & Sport Sciences
Mark Sipple — Athletics
Troy Tice — IT
Dr. Kelcie Vercel — Sociology
Dr. Matt Volansky — Doctor of Physical Therapy
Dr. Matt Willard — School of Business
Jill Wilson — Office of Strategic Communications & Marketing
Emily Zimmer — Enrollment Management

10 Years of Service

Dr. Kathleen Cook — Sharon Lust School of Education
Dan Cordie — Custodial Services
Jennie Holland — Nursing
Dr. Shu Li — School of Music
Scott Tanis — Athletics

15 Years of Service

Todd Arneson — Facility Services
Beth Elam — Dean of Student's Office
Dr. Laura Hybertson — Rydell School of Business
Beth Karel — Nursing
Matt Nelson — Facility Services
Carmen Steen — Sharon Lust School of Education

20 Years of Service

Brett Chambers — Athletics
Dr. Paul Egland — Biology
Marc Kurtz — Athletics
Ana Olivier — Mikkelsen Library
Brian Rieger — Conferences & Scheduling
Linda Strobel — Custodial Services

25 Years of Service

Sharon Gray — IT
Justin Nelson — IT

30 Years of Service

Michael Andersen — School of Music
Dr. Heather Bart — Communication Studies
Dr. Loren Koepsell — Rydell School of Business

35 Year of Service

Nancy Davidson — Advancement
Dr. Debbie Hanson — English and Journalism
Deanna Versteeg — Human Resources

40 Year of Service

Dr. Duane Weisshaar – Chemistry

55 Year of Service

Dr. Monty Barnard — School of Music

Retirement Recognition

Retirees Joining the Golden Vikings in 2025

Dr. Sherry Barkley – Exercise and Sport Sciences
Mike Chapman – Biology
Melissa Dykstra – Enrollment Management
Dr. Martha Gregg – Mathematics
Greg Gunderson – School of Education
Mark Hecht – Recreational Services
Chris Hill – School of Music
Ed Kelly – Custodial Services
Pat Masek – School of Music
Pam Miller – Office of the President
Don Pierson – Athletics
Sandy Pohlmann – Conferences and Scheduling
Carol Spillum – Business Office
Dr. Patricia Waltman – Nursing
Randy Wendt – Custodial Services
Kristi Worden – IT
Luanne Wuestewald – Business Office

The Golden Vikings

Employee, Retiree & Family Picnic

To mark the end of each academic year and a job well done, the Augustana University Office of Human Resources hosts a year-end picnic for employees, retirees and their families.

In 2024, the celebration was held at Midco Arena, where the AU community enjoyed food, fun and one another on Monday, May 13 — complete with Ace the Augie Doggie, of course!