As 2024 wraps up, we take a look at the top 10 stories from Augustana University over the last year.
🚔 March | ‘A critical edge’: Augustana Brings Backs Criminal Justice Major After 35 Years
After nearly 35 years, Augustana brought back its criminal justice major within the sociology department. AU’s reimagined major consists of seven criminal justice courses, as well as courses in sociology, criminal law and statistics.
🦺 May | Augustana University Begins Phase II of Renovations to Morrison Commons
Augustana began additional renovations to the Morrison Commons in Summer 2024. Construction on phase II of the project, completed in the fall, included the HVAC system, ceilings, electrical and plumbing; relocation of Starbucks; addition of a convenience store (C-Store) called “The Market”; removal of the mailboxes; return of the grand staircase; and a refreshed Ordal Dining Hall.
🏋️♀️ June | Augustana to Offer Strength & Conditioning Major in Fall 2024
Augustana announced it would begin offering a major in strength & conditioning in the fall — set to be the first in South Dakota accredited by the Council on Accreditation of Strength and Conditioning Education (CASCE).
🧠 July | Augustana University Upgrades Neuroscience Minor to Major in Fall 2024
Augustana announced it would begin offering a neuroscience major in the fall, in addition to its neuroscience minor, which launched in Fall 2022, as well as a neuroscience emphasis for psychology majors.
Six Augustana students and a faculty member spent Spring 2024 studying in Costa Rica as Augustana’s first faculty-led semester program. Augustana and its International Programs Office (IPO) are seeking ways to expand this enriching partnership.
🇺🇸 September | Augustana University Announces Election 2024 Initiative to Cultivate Curiosity, Exhibit Courage and Practice Civility
Augustana announced the launch of its Election 2024: Curiosity, Courage & Civility Initiative ahead of the U.S. general election in November. Through a series of events, the university-wide initiative encouraged members of the Augustana community to cultivate curiosity, exhibit courage and practice civility during a polarizing season in America.
🧑🎓 September | Augustana University Welcomes Largest Ever Student Body in Academic Year 2024-25
The university welcomed a total of 2,390 students — part- and full-time undergraduate and graduate — for Academic Year 2024-25. Hailing from 41 states and 54 countries, the number marks the largest ever student body at Augustana.
📈 October | Bill and Ellen Rydell Name Augustana School of Business, Bear Mother’s Philanthropic Torch
This year’s Viking Days festivities included a dedication ceremony for Augustana’s School of Business — now the Rydell School of Business, supported by Bill and Ellen Rydell. The AU community celebrated on Thursday, Oct. 3, with a gathering in the Madsen Social Science Center, home of the newly-named school.
🏗️ November | Engineering the Future: Augustana University Launches New Hybrid Program to Meet Demands of Rapidly-Evolving Field
Augustana announced the addition of a new 5-year dual-degree engineering program, set to launch in Fall 2025. Partnering with the University of North Dakota (UND), students in AU’s new dual-degree engineering program will receive a unique hybrid learning experience and belong to a cohort that fosters collaboration and teamwork.
🤝 December | Augustana University Launches Master of Social Work Program, Offers Certificate Option for Clinicians
Augustana announced it will begin offering courses for a Master of Social Work (MSW) in Fall 2025 as part of its Harriet Emily Scott Social Work Program. The MSW program at Augustana is one of only two MSW programs in South Dakota. This comes after the university began offering a minor in social work in Fall 2023 and Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) in Fall 2024.
For more Augustana University news, visit augie.edu/news.