Alumni invited to centennial celebration, ‘Met and Wed’ event
Robert Blew '71 and his wife, Julie, on May 23, 1970, and May 23, 2020, in Founders courtyard.
Rebecca Knapper ’16 Wells was fifth in her family to wear Augustana’s silver crown when she married Nathan Wells in 2017. The college has two Swedish bridal crowns — one silver and one gold — exclusively available for the weddings of a graduate or student. From left, Darla Grenke ’89 Ferrell, Meg Grenke ’86 Knapper, Rebecca Wells, Donna Grenke ’88 Cepeda and Gretchen Miklas ’71 McGaffic.
Chris '18 and Kirby Stockwell '17 Wilson were married on May 24, 2020, in Founders courtyard. Due to COVID-19, they exchanged vows outdoors while the bride's family watched from their cars and Wilson's family in Europe watched via a laptop. Submitted photo.
Amy Hultquist '09 Carter and Andrew Carter were married at Ascension Chapel in June 2014. Photo credit: Backyard Soiree Weddings and Events
Alumni are invited back to Augustana College during Homecoming Weekend for special events marking the 100th anniversary of Ascension Chapel and a special “Met and Wed” ceremony for couples who met or married on campus.
Coinciding with Homecoming and Family Weekend, the college will host an open house at 4 p.m., Oct. 7, to mark the 100th anniversary of both Ascension Chapel and the building now known as the Steve and Jane Bahls Campus Leadership Center. Previously known as “Founders Hall,” the building was constructed in 1923 by the Augustana College and Theological Seminary.
At 4:30 p.m. Kai Swanson, special assistant to the president at Augustana, will give a 30-minute history presentation at the building that now houses the Office of the President, other administrative offices and Ascension Chapel.
"From first dates, to weddings and bringing the kids or grandkids back to campus, we celebrate all couples who found their partners at Augie.”
“It's not every year a building turns 100, let alone a building that's had no fewer than three names,” said Swanson, a 1986 Augustana graduate. “Whether you knew the stately structure housing Ascension Chapel as the Seminary Building (1923-1966), Founders Hall (1966-2022) or the Bahls Campus Leadership Center (2022-present), we invite you to celebrate the stories that swirl through these hallowed halls like notes from the chapel's Bedient organ.”
Swanson said attendees of the open house are invited to enjoy refreshments, check out the newest presidential portrait featuring President Emeritus Steve Bahls, and learn a little more history about their beloved alma mater.
That event will be followed by a “Met and Wed” event at 11 a.m. on Oct. 8, with Augustana alumni invited to renew their vows and mark the anniversary of the chapel. Attendees are invited to a dessert and coffee reception.
“We have a long tradition of Augie Sweethearts who have met their significant others on campus,” said the Rev. Melinda Pupillo, Augustana’s campus chaplain who will preside over the Met and Wed ceremony. “Some of whom have followed the tradition of kissing under the Bell Tower and gone on to tying the knot right here at Ascension Chapel. From first dates, to weddings and bringing the kids or grandkids back to campus, we celebrate all couples who found their partners at Augie”
Contact:
Nicole Lauer, 309-794-7645 or 630-796-9007; nicolelauer@augustana.edu