Tuesday, January 28, 2025

Thriving!

     It's gratifying to see my alma mater thriving in this time of struggle for small, liberal arts institutions. Why is Augustana University so healthy. It's the confluence of several factors. Located in Sioux Falls, SD., a city with a population of 200,000+, it's the major university of the city. Sioux Falls is at the junctions of Interstate Highways 29 & 90. It is served by an active airport. Augustan is the premier private university in the state. The university has been served by a succession of strong presidents, the last three being exceptional. 

   Today a group of us were convened to consider Augustana's Buntrock Scholarship Program. Rosemarie & Dean Buntrock gave the University thirteen million dollars for this creative endeavor. The scholarship is for students active in churches of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, who commit to continuing active church membership after graduation. The scholarships are generous, between $8,000. and $12,000., renewable annually. This gift aids students, strengthens congregations and the University. It supports 30 freshmen per year. 

    A new scholarship program at the school, Lutheran Legacy, has just been announced. This will provide support for students who applied for, but did not receive, the Buntrock Scholarship. This is funded by an unnamed donor.

   Yes, I'm a proud to have two degrees from Augie.

Takk for alt,

Al

"Inspired by Lutheran scholarly tradition and the liberal arts, Augustana provides an education of enduring worth that challenges the intellect, fosters integrity and integrates faith with learning and service in a diverse world."

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