Five Augustana University students received a 2021 Covenant Award in a virtual ceremony held on Friday, May 7. The Covenant Awards lift up those who exemplify Augustana’s core values: Christian, Liberal Arts, Excellence, Community and Service.
The Covenant Awards were created by students to more clearly define these shared values and deepen understanding of the rights and responsibilities of membership in the Augustana community. Student nominations are submitted by faculty, staff and/or students and the nominee’s references are reviewed by an awards committee for final selections. A cast bronze medallion is given to each awardee, which may be worn at commencement exercises.
The 2021 Covenant Award recipients include:
Claire Eiswirth, Covenant Award for Christian Faith
Nominees for the Covenant Award for Christian Faith nurture both personal faith and the faith of those around them. Through open discussion to find deeper meaning, beliefs are challenged and strengthened as students put their faith into action.
Claire Eiswirth ‘21 is from Bloomington, Minnesota. She is double majoring in biology and Spanish. Eiswirth is involved in various programs revolving around Christian faith, including Bible study and singing for Christ the King Mass.
“Claire has helped to start a project called ‘Growing Our Roots,’ which is committed to having productive ecumenical conversations that help students learn what it means to love your Christian neighbor, even if they don’t believe all the same things as you,” said her nominator.
Carla Graciano Sarinana, Covenant Award for Liberal Arts
Nominees for the Covenant Award for Liberal Arts are shining examples of Augustana’s mission to provide an education of enduring worth that challenges the intellect, fosters integrity and integrates faith with learning and service in a diverse world. These nominees are capable of changing the world for the better through their humility and respect for all mankind.
Carla Graciano Sarinana ‘21 is from Sioux Falls. She is triple majoring in government and international affairs, Spanish and philosophy. Graciano Sarinana immigrated from Mexico to the United States. She has served the Sioux Falls community in multiple ways — from assisting with last year’s census and voter registration to serving as a translator in legal proceedings.
Her nominator said, “Carla isn’t just planning to use her studies to improve the lives of others in the future; she is already being the change she wants to see in the world.”
Ellie Ronning, Covenant Award for Excellence
Nominees for the Covenant Award for Excellence invest in being servant leaders to the best of their abilities, both now and in the future. Their excellence shines from their academics to the bold impact they make at Augustana and in the community.
Ellie Ronning ‘21 is from Plymouth, Minnesota. She is double majoring in ACS chemistry and physics, and is a Civitas Honors Program student. Ronning is heavily involved in and outside of the classroom, spending her time as a tutor and lab assistant in the chemistry department, as well as a tutor in the Writing Center. She serves as the president of both the Student Members of the American Chemical Society and Student Physics Society. She is also a member of the American Chemical Society, Sigma Pi Sigma Physics Honors Society and Augie Green.
Her nominator described Ronning as “one of the most consistently phenomenal students I’ve gotten to work with.”
Nikolai Burow, Covenant Award for Community
Nominees for the Covenant Award for Community are described as those who recognize they are part of a community that benefits when every individual respects one another and works for the common good. Their self-awareness and consideration for others are evident to all.
Nikolai Burow ‘22 is from Sioux Falls. He is double majoring in philosophy and environmental studies. Burow is a constant source of encouragement to others by helping care for the community and the environment.
“His community building is slow and careful. He is one of the most welcoming and easy-going people on our campus. He listens thoughtfully, but without malice and without intention of criticizing,” said his nominator. “He shows up, can be counted on and will do hard work for the good of friends, neighbors and strangers.”
Elizabeth Yoder, Covenant Award for Service
Nominees for the Covenant Award for Service exemplify this core value every day in many ways — through their involvements at Augustana, in the larger Sioux Falls community and the world! Service comes from the heart, and nominees recognize the opportunity to act and carry out service in love.
Elizabeth Yoder ‘21 is from Dickinson, North Dakota. She is triple majoring in religion, classics and government with plans to attend law school. In the past, Yoder was a member of Campus Ministry, a teaching assistant and named a 2020 Peace Scholar. She is also a member of the Augustana Cross Country and Track and Field teams.
“Elizabeth wanted to work with unhoused people … She began her internship with Church on the Street in January. It was several degrees below zero; she and the pastor walked all day, visiting people who lived on the streets. She was thrilled. The internship has gone on for almost four years,” said her nominator. “Elizabeth always sees others as people with names, lives, problems, hopes and dreams.”