Augustana University News

Dr. Michael Amolins ‘07 has made a wealth of Augustana connections in his life. He always remembers where it all started and why he stays connected.

In September, Augustana University began offering a quantitative economics (QE) major, alongside its economics major. Quantitative economics is the economics degree with an emphasis on the quantitative (side) with three parts: analyzing situations using models, empirical analysis and computer simulations.

Augustana understands the value and impact that historically marginalized people have on communities all over the world — recognizing that this university would not be the place it is without these students, faculty and staff. For the month of November — Native American Heritage Month — Augustana is featuring Dr. Karla Abbott, associate professor of nursing.

In collaboration with Campus Ministry, the Augustana School of Music (SoM) invites the public to join the university community for its 2023 Christmas Vespers  Concert, “And a little child shall lead them" on Friday, Dec. 1, and Saturday, Dec. 2. For more information and how to purchase tickets, visit augie.edu/vespers.

The Augustana Theatre Department is preparing for its upcoming production of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Partnering with LifeScape — an organization that provides services and creative solutions for people with varied needs and complex care across their lifespan — and the Black Hills Playhouse (BHP), this is Augustana Theatre’s first all-abilities production.

The Eide/Dalrymple Gallery at Augustana University will feature “Drawing Truth to Power: 40 Years of Political Cartoons by Rob Rogers,” which will be on view from Nov. 16, through Dec. 14.

Augustana University students have more than double the amount of simulation equipment at their fingertips thanks to support from a federal grant provided by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) through the Economic Adjustment Assistance Program. Announced in the fall of last year, the grant enabled the nursing program to replace aging equipment with the purchase of nearly $440,000 in additional manikins and laboratory equipment for simulation education.

Presented by the Promising Futures Fund, Augustana University is excited to announce that its School of Music (SoM) will host the 2023 Middle School Choral Festival at 7 p.m. on Oct. 23, in the Mary W. Sommervold Hall at the Washington Pavilion. The Ben Reifel, George McGovern and Whittier Middle Schools choirs will join Augustana choirs for an unforgettable choral experience.

Augustana University is offering social work as a minor this fall, followed by all Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) courses for the major beginning in the fall of 2024 — part of Augustana’s Viking Bold: The Journey to 2030 strategic plan to establish new academic programs grounded in the liberal arts that challenge the intellect while responding to the needs and interests of students. 

Augustana is excited to announce that the university will offer men’s and women’s club hockey beginning in Fall 2024. The university will also make the club sport of figure skating even more competitive, including the addition of a coach. Students interested in Augustana Club Hockey should visit, augie.edu/ClubHockey.