April 2022
$40 million gift to support students
Murry Gerber ’75 has made a $40 million commitment to Augustana to provide financial aid and scholarships to high-achieving first-generation students and high-achieving students from families with lower incomes. "This is transformational generosity," said President Steve Bahls. "It will benefit a substantial number of students on this campus for generations, and this gift is a reflection of Murry’s firm belief in the potential of first-generation students and the value of a liberal arts education."
Remembering President Emeritus Tredway
Dr. Thomas Tredway, who died April 10 at the age of 86, kept the mission and identity of Augustana as a liberal arts institution clear and steadfast over his 28-year tenure.
→ Reflecting on Thomas Tredway’s years at Augustana
College renaming hall in honor of Steve and Jane Bahls
The Board of Trustees unanimously has voted to rename Founders Hall in honor of President Steve Bahls and Jane Bahls. Effective June 1, the 1923 building will be known as The Steve and Jane Bahls Campus Leadership Center. → Learn more
Maryfaith Greenhalgh '79 Weiss: Empowering female students
She gives back to Augustana to help women with limited financing have the same kind of
experience and education that she had → Find out why
Istad '98 wins Grammy for Mahler choral performance
Robert Istad '98 was among a group of musicians who won this year's Grammy Award for Best Choral Performance for "Mahler: Symphony No. 8, 'Symphony of a Thousand'." → Learn more
Campus news
Mental health support to even more schools: Co-founder of The Gray Matters Collective at Augustana, Haley DeGreve ’20 is working hard to start chapters in schools across the Quad Cities and beyond.
Durbin to speak at commencement: U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Illinois, will deliver the address at the 162nd Commencement Convocation on May 22. He is the fourth Illinois senator to speak at an Augustana commencement in recent years.
Athletics: Seven alumni were inducted into Tribe of Vikings Hall of Fame and retired Sports Information Director Dave Wrath ’80 won a CoSIDA Lifetime Achievement Award.
Professor’s memoir published: Dr. Bob Frank, professor emeritus of physics, taught at Augustana from 1964-1992. In his memoir, he reflects on the ways in which his study of physics, his teaching and his faith informed and strengthened each other.
Fashion app wins Business Plan Competition: Three alumni judged this year’s competition: Randy Micheletti ’98, Doug Hultquist ’77 and Melissa Flowers ’09 Pepper.
Need a transcript? Augustana now uses Parchment for electronic and paper transcript requests.
Class notes
Enjoy these latest class notes, including births, promotions and awards.
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Save the date
April 27 River Readings: Paisley Rekdal, poet laureate of Utah.
May 7 Swenson Center 40th anniversary celebration. Details and registration.
May 12-15 In-person reunion celebrations for classes of 1976, 75, 71, 70, 66, 65, 61, 60, 56, 55, 51, 50. Itinerary, registration and hotels.
May 22 Commencement Convocation.
June 4 Alumni gathering and Cubs vs. Cardinals game at Wrigley Field. Tickets.
Oct. 14-16 Homecoming
Oct. 15 Presidential inauguration