Enrollment up for Augustana

Freshmen Files: Class of 2020 arrives

Story and photos by Destiny Pinder-Buckley

drpinderbuckley16@ole.augie.edu

With the largest enrollment in 26 years, including record numbers of freshmen on campus, being an Augustana Viking can mean something different for everyone, now more than ever. Though every member of the class of 2020 came hoping to graduate a Viking, each stepped on campus for a unique reason, whether that was the Froliand Science Center, athletics or discovering a second home.

Two weeks into their stay on campus, we asked the class of 2020 why they chose Augustana and what their favorite memories have been so far. Here’s a quick look:

Name: Makayla Kuhn

Hometown: Randolph, Minnesota

Favorite moment on campus so far: I love being in orchestra, Civitas, spending time in the chapel, attending fun fitness classes at the Elmen, going to tutor sessions and, of course, the unlimited meal plan. There is so much support from our teachers and faculty in learning how to balance studying with what we love to do.

Name: Akshit Rai

Hometown: Kathmandu, Nepal

Favorite moment on campus so far: The first football game. Until that point, I’d never seen a football game and to watch it live was amazing. The game had you on the edge of your seats.  As an international student, I got to experience a thing that  is a huge part of the American culture. Plus, we won, so hurray! Go Vikings!

Name: Hosea Kost

Hometown: Aberdeen, South Dakota

Why did you choose Augustana? I chose to attend Augie because I didn’t want to be another body that went through a state school unnoticed.

Name: Coleman Peterson

Hometown: Tea, South Dakota

Favorite moment on campus so far: In a turn of events, I became a last minute addition to the Augustana Choir. That was a pretty cool moment. I also like all the free stuff people keep giving me.

Name: Daravious Perkins

Hometown: Sanford, Flordia

Why did you choose Augustana? The football coaches and players made it feel like a home. The academics overall here at Augie are outstanding. Also, there are so many opportunities in terms of networking, internships and job experience for students, which makes it worth the investment. There are students from all over the world which is cool because I like learning about different cultures.

Name: Andrew Grignon

Hometown: Winneconne, Wyoming

Favorite moment on campus so far: When I pass people on the sidewalk, they say, “Hey! How’s it going?” These people don’t know me at all and that’s the best part! It just makes me feel at home and really helps the transition from high school into college.

Name: Micaela Tirado

Hometown: Quito, Ecuador

Why did you choose Augustana? We have an organization called EducationUSA in Ecuador that helps students that want to study in the United States. The reason I chose Augie is because I think they have an excellent science program which is important for my career. The way they treated me while I was applying was gracious­—they were really attentive and thoughtful, and I think if you pick a university you have to be sure you are going to love it like your second home.

Name: Izzy Van Veldhuizen

Hometown: Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Why did you choose Augustana? I chose Augie because of basketball and the great education that Augie provides. The coaches and players are great and I’m glad to be a part of the Augustana women’s basketball team. The science center is also a huge plus, as one of my majors is nursing.