Dear younger self Injuries and identity loss

Seniors reflect on their college years Athletes encounter setbacks

See page 7 See page 11

MIRROR
THE AUGUSTANA

Friday, May 3, 2024 Reflecting the student body since 1908 Vol. CXII No. 8

Student mental health challenges persist

Abbey Stegenga iety and 14% said they have seriously Hummel said college students experi- Anderson said, students can also en-
she/her considered suicide. ence many different stressors. She cited counter homesickness, basic text anxiety,
[email protected] The report surveyed 75,000 students one of those stressors as social connect- relationship problems and more.
from 135 higher education institutions edness and belonging, a need for healthy, Part of the reason for heightened rates
They can’t quite describe it, but some- between September 2022 and June 2023. supportive and quality relationships that of anxiety and depression is the cur-
thing feels different this semester. The percent of students going to coun- don’t exist on social media. rent worldscene, An-
Sophomore Issie Ventura is normally seling or therapy increased by 6% in that “It can be a very disorient- derson said, which
stationed in the Froiland Science Com- time from 2020’s 30%. ing, tumultuous time, and has included the
plex where they said they often find their “I feel like in college I’ve kind of lost that means there’s going COVID-19
peers stressed and overwhelmed. As they my internal motivation to do things to be a response to pandem-
have visited their friends with social sci- like I did in high school,” senior Sarah those stressors that ic,
ence and humanities majors recently, Grimes said. “It’s like, ‘Oh, I just need to then might lead to
they’ve noticed a similar state. do this because I’m supposed to do it.’ I heightened
“Across the board, everyone’s taking a do it because it’s just something I need to anxiety
hit mentally,” Ventura said. “I can’t pin- check off.” and depression,”
point what it is. It’s a cause for concern.” Both Ventura and Grimes said bal- Hummel said.
Many national statistics point to the ancing academics, a social life, work and Doug Ander-
worsening mental health of college stu- their personal life has been difficult in son, the director of
dents over the past several decades, a college with just 24 hours in a day. clinical services at
trend some Augustana students have ex- “I feel like that’s kind of become the Sioux Falls Psy-
perienced and seen on campus; however, culture of college,” Ventura said. “It’s just chological Ser-
several Augustana initiatives are hoping getting stuff done vices, said more
to provide students with support in a instead of students come to col-
time of global uncertainty. lege “compromised,”
“In the last four years, we’ve noticed meaning they have
a more dramatic increase in what stu- undergone trau-
dents are reporting they’re experiencing, ma, PTSD and other stress-
but then also what faculty and staff are ors prior to their time
also noticing that students are struggling at Augustana.
with and students are disclosing,” Angie Once in
Hummel, Augustana’s mental health and college,
wellness specialist, said.
According to the Healthy Minds
Study, over 60% of college students met taking care
criteria for at least one mental health of yourself.”
problem in 2020-2021. That amount had According to the 2022 Lumina Foun-
increased by nearly 50% from 2013. dation-Gallup State of Higher Education
In the Healthy Minds Network’s most Study, 40% of respondents said they fre-
recent data report, 41% of college stu- quently experience emotional stress in
dents reported symptoms of depres- their programs of study, and 46% said Art by Calleigh Jorgenson
sion, 36% reported experiencing anx- they experience it occasionally. See MENTAL HEALTH, page 9

Dining services to relocate for summer

Erin Bickett Damian Lewis, general manag- as electrical and plumbing can school year,” Jibben said.
she/her er of Sodexo, said Mid- be secured. Lewis said he expects the format to
[email protected] co Arena was chosen for Whitney Jibben, director be similar to summer dining in the past,
its size, infrastructure of housing and dining oper- but the biggest change will be the loca-
Dining will look a little different for and its proximity to ations, said a few items will tion. He said he hopes it will be a positive
students living on campus this summer, summer housing. need to move over to the are- experience, as students and staff get to
as the Morrison Commons are set to “We plan to offer Sub- na, like the espresso machine “think outside the box and try something
undergo renovations. Connection, grab-and- from Starbucks, but most new this summer.”
The dining hall will be temporar- go and convenience store of what dining operations “We are planning to bring some fun
ily relocated to Midco Arena, along items, as well as a nightly would require is already in into the mix with Friday-night cookouts,”
with SubConnection. Chick-fil-A entree,” Lewis said. Midco Arena. Lewis said. “Each Friday night, we will
will be closed during the summer, Additionally, Lew- Whitney Jibben “We wanted to be able to highlight a different cookout-themed
and Starbucks’ relocation and avail- is said Starbucks will provide as many of the same op-
ability has not yet been solidified. be offered in Midco Arena as long portunities for meals as we do during the
See DINING, page 2
 2 NEWS Friday, May 3, 2024 www.augiemirror.news

Viking Bold grows scholarship CAMPUS

opportunities, total enrollment SAFETY LOG
Nora Winckler
Below is a recap of the Campus
she/her
[email protected]
Safety incident reports from
April 18 to April 22.
This is the seventh and final
Disorderly conduct
part of a continuing series on
Viking Bold. April 22
A student told Campus Safety that
The enrollment and strategic scholar- several other students deliberately
ship pillar of Viking Bold — Augustana’s walked through a pro-life display and
ten-year strategic plan — aims to increase knocked down a large portion of it.
undergraduate and graduate enrollment The pro-life group had prior approval
and maintain Augustana’s affordability by for the display. The suspects were
increasing the amount of endowed schol- identified through video footage.
arships for students.
Part I of the pillar outlines a goal to en- Alcohol violation
roll over 3,000 total students and provide a
April 22
welcoming and inclusive environment. In
A student who had seen alcoholic
order to achieve this goal, President Steph-
beverages in another student’s room
anie Herseth Sandlin said Augustana aims via a social media post reported the
to maintain an undergraduate population observance to Campus Safety. Officers
Graph by Abbey Stegenga
of approximately 2,200 students, so as to found two bottles of Mike’s Hard
A graph shows the total fall student population from the last six years.
not change the fundamental nature of the Lemonade on a table in the dorm
campus community. crease in the fall of 2024,” Heinitz said. demand, cliff. room, and the student in the dorm
“We want to grow enrollment in a way Heinitz said there are several reasons for “Yet unlike a lot of other colleges and said it belonged to his roommate
that I think is ambitious yet responsible,” who was not present. The alcohol
the upcoming increase in the undergrad- universities, our trajectory is going in the
Herseth Sandlin said. was confiscated.
uate population. The incoming freshman right direction,” Herseth Sandlin said.
The remaining 800 students would class will be larger in size than the gradu- According to Herseth Sandlin, offer-
be graduate students in programs such Vandalism
ating senior class, leading to a net gain in ing competitive financial aid awards and
as the Master of Business Administra- students, and the university will enroll a introducing prospective students to the April 21
tion program or Doctor of Physical second cohort of the DPT program. academic programs they want to invest in A University of Sioux Falls student
Therapy program. However, enrollment will become for their own professional preparation po- was parked outside of Stavig while
According to Adam Heinitz, associ- trickier as the upcoming demograph- sition Augustana nicely. she visited with a friend who resides
ate vice president of enrollment manage- ic and consumption cliffs begin, Herseth Heinitz said some current enrollment in Stavig Hall. She returned to her
ment, the total student population in fall vehicle and found scratches on the
Sandlin said. strategies include face-to-face interac-
2023 was 2,158, the largest since 1979. hood. She said the only reason she
The demographic, or enrollment, cliff tions with prospective students, targeting thinks someone would have scratched
Additionally, Heinitz said the university describes a sharp decrease in the number students in the Sioux Falls area and grow- her vehicle is because it has a USF
is on track to achieve its 2030 enrollment of traditional college-aged students start- ing Augustana’s brand across the globe. parking permit.
goal given the increasing undergrad pop- ing in 2025. This means that higher educa- The admissions team held visit events for
ulation, growth of Sioux Falls, enhance- tion institutions will have to compete more 1,500 sophomores in April and several Suspicious activity
ments to campus and introduction of aggressively for prospective students. This hundred middle schoolers throughout this
graduate programs. is happening at a time where fewer 18-24 academic year. April 19
“We feel good about that [headcount], year olds are choosing to go to college in An employee was sitting in his parked
very confident that that number will in- what is known as the consumption, or vehicle in the Midco Arena parking
See VIKING BOLD, page 9
lot when two individuals wearing

DINING
ski masks ran directly toward his
Continued from page 1 vehicle. When he tried to drive around
them and exit the lot, they continued
meal we will serve in the East parking lot Senior Eden Weber also said she would ments to the HVAC system, more expan- running into the path of his vehicle.
of Midco.” like to see Chick-fil-A stay open over sive and modern lounge areas and the ad- After a short while, someone drove up
Some of those meals could include the summer. dition of a main staircase. She said these and the subjects jumped into her car
smash burgers on the Blackstone or tradi- “I am a little concerned about the fast changes will help the facility flow better in and left. Officers identified the subjects
from Bergsaker video footage.
tional barbeque in the smoker, Lewis said. food option not being available because I terms of “energy and movement.”
Lewis said he is most concerned with am not sure that the dining hall options Additionally, there will be more places
logistics but feels that he has an “amazing will be the best,” Weber said. to sit, which Herseth Sandlin said is a com- Found property
team of problem solvers that continually However, Weber said she thinks Mid- mon complaint of current students. She April 18
rise to the challenge.” co Arena is nice and is looking forward to said the Starbucks will be moved to where
An employee reported an abandoned
According to Lewis, about 200-250 seeing how things turn out. the old bookstore used to be and where the bicycle was in a planter box on the
students will be on campus this summer. President Stephanie Herseth Sandlin C-store is now, and will feel more “open west side of Midco Arena. The offi-
Sophomore Harriet Emeh said she said she believes this temporary setup will and airy.” cers found the bike dismantled into
doesn’t mind dining services moving to be worth it in the long run once Commons According to Herseth Sandlin, con- three parts: the frame, front wheel
Midco Arena, but she “feels that Chick- renovations are finished. struction could start early this May. and handlebar. They put the parts into
fil-A should be open.” These renovations include improve- secure storage.

Abbey Stegenga
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS JOIN US
THE AUGUSTANA
Editor-In-Chief
Come to a meeting on Monday

MIRROR
News Editor Nora Winckler Sports Co-Editor Alayna Jones nights at 6 p.m. in HUM 222 or
email [email protected]
Variety Editor Megan Brown Sports Co-Editor Zach Richardson Jocelyn Baas
for more information.
REPORT AN ERROR
Variety Asst. Editor Kim Kadrmas Podcast Editor Veda Tonneson
Erin Bickett
Forum Editor Kat Elgersma Copy Editor Jack Erickson Please email [email protected]
Forum Asst. Editor Avneet Tiwana Photographer Ryleigh Tupper Mack Molander with any errors. The Augustana
Columnist Ana McCabe Social Media Editor Alayna Jones [email protected] @augiemirror Mirror corrects all errors
ASA Reporter Xavier Carbonneau brought to its attention.
www.augiemirror.news Friday, May 3, 2024 NEWS 3
Campus plans to honor student
Friends, family to celebrate life, legacy of Augustana sophomore
Veda Tonneson “Courtney was so much more than
she/her that, and she was so much more than that
[email protected] to herself,” Mailander said. “She never let
the fact of her diagnosis stop her from
As the school year comes to an end, achieving any goals. That’s why she still
members of the campus community are came to college, still lived in a dorm, ev-
looking for ways to honor a student who erything else.”
taught those around her the importance One of Frohling’s goals was to work in
of perseverance, optimism and courage. pediatric oncology, Rogers said.
Most everyone who knew sophomore “She wanted to be able to tell kids,
Courtney Frohling said she radiated light. ‘You can do what you want to do. You
“She had just a way about her where don’t have to let [cancer] define you,’”
it would bring a light to the room, but it Rogers said.
wouldn’t draw all the attention to her,” Grace Wehrspann, Frohling’s work-
Emily Punt
sophomore Aiden Heisinger said. “She study boss, said she admired Frohling’s
would check on everybody and ask ev- ability to always think with a glass-half-
erybody what their favorite part of the full perspective.
day was.” “She just had such a good attitude
Frohling’s roommate sophomore Macy about everything. It wasn’t like every-
Mailander said she found Frohling to thing was sunshine and rainbows. It was
have a bright personality. more like, ‘These are the cards I’ve been
“She had this capacity to just light up given,’” Wehrspann said.
every room she walked in,” Mailand- As Augustana nears the end of anoth-
er said. “Like it didn’t matter if it was er academic year, Frohling’s friends are
lab or if we were just hanging out with looking for ways to commemorate her
friends. She always knew how to make love for life.
someone smile.” In addition to the memorial service
Frohling passed away on Feb. 26 after held on campus March 7, Augie Green
her years-long battle with cancer. She was donated five trees to be planted in her
a biology major at Augustana and was in- memory. Those trees will be planted in
volved in a number of activities on cam- a forest in need to support reforestation,
pus, including Augie Green and a work- improve forest health and provide habitat
study program in the Froiland Science for threatened and endangered wildlife.
Complex’s biology office. Mailander and Rogers are also
Frohling was diagnosed with metastat- hoping to plan a 5k marathon Photo sumbitted by Sydney Rogers
ic melanoma when she was 15. Friends in Frohling’s honor, as she was a
Sophmore Sydney Rogers and Frohling hug at a football game.
of Frohling said that after this diagnosis, “cross country star in high school,”
she developed a “WTF” attitude, which Mailander said. more permanent to honor her legacy at
stands for “worth the fight.” With Frohling’s 21st birthday com- Augustana. Powers and Rogers said they
Sophomore Sydney Rogers, a good ing up this fall, Mailander and Rog- want to ensure that any memorial is done
friend of Frohling, said when she first met ers are hoping to organize a “Courage tastefully and does more than simply re-
Frohling in January 2023, she didn’t know from Courtney” marathon to encourage mind people of Frohling’s diagnosis.
about the diagnosis. students to continue pushing towards “This summer, I’m planning on brain-
“Even while she was going through their goals. storming with her family and some dif-
what she was going through, you know, Frohling’s alma mater, Perham High ferent clubs to see what we can do as a
battling cancer as a teenager, you would School in Minnesota, began a cross more permanent memorial,” Powers said.
never have known,” Rogers said. country meet called “Courage for Court- “I didn’t want to rush anything either be-
Rogers remembers Frohling’s abil- ney” in combination with the “Brave cause I want it to be in a thoughtful way,
ity to comfort and take care of those like Gabe 5K.” Additionally, Perham whatever we end up doing. It’s easy to put
around her. High School has dedicated a scholar- up a plaque somewhere, but I want to
“She was always the person you knew ship, called “Courage from Courtney,” in keep brainstorming.”
you could turn to,” Rogers said. “She Frohling’s memory. Heisinger has his own plans to
was a rock for me. She was just a com- Rogers said she also hopes the univer- honor Frohling.
fort. I don’t know if there is a better way sity will find a way to honor Frohling’s “I really hoped that she would come
to describe it other than just when I dedication to her education. back and we could restart our medical
walked into her room, everything was off “I would love to make sure that some- school journey together, but unfortunate-
your chest.” thing happens at our commencement,” ly I guess God had other plans for her,”
Mailander said she doesn’t have any Rogers said. “Just the simple things, like Heisinger said. “So now I have the torch,
siblings, but if she had a sister, it would an empty chair or still read her name.” and I’ll be trying my best for her.”
have been Frohling. The two first met in a Em Powers, a friend of Frohling, Mailander said Frohling wouldn’t want
Facebook group for the class of 2022. wrote a memorial poem that was pub- her friends and family to let their grief Photo submitted by Sydney Rogers
“I still have the messages,” Mailander lished this May in Venture, the school’s stop them from moving forward. Frohling poses in a senior photo.
said, thinking back to her first interaction literary publication. “It was definitely a shock to everyone
with Frohling. “It was the most awkward “I was just kind of writing what words to lose her,” Mailander said. “But deep in Rogers said that even with the sadness
thing I’ve ever read in my entire life, but it came to mind when I thought of Court- my mind, I know that Courtney would of losing Frohling, she will always have
was still so perfect. It’s like when you meet ney,” Powers said, reflecting on the poem not want me to stop. She would want fond memories of their friendship.
someone and you just have that instant they wrote for Frohling. “It was a way to me to grieve. She thought grieving was “I smile because it did happen. I smile
connection. That was it with Courtney.” deal with my grief and then a way to send healthy. Grieving is always healthy. But about the things we did. But I still cry,”
Mailander said she hopes people will her love too.” she would not want me to put my life on Rogers said.
see Frohling as more than someone who Many people who knew Frohling have pause. She would always want me to keep
was diagnosed with cancer. said they hope campus will do something going forward.”
 4 FORUM Friday, May 3, 2024 www.augiemirror.news

FINAL LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Forum editor looks back on four years with the Mirror
Kat Elgersma throw it in a Google Doc to at least get a several others throughout my time at the
she/her 1. Email directly. quick spell check. You may think you’re Mirror have helped me get better at it.
[email protected] If you want a response, even if you human Grammarly, but you aren’t, and
that’s okay. Tools are there to help you, 6. Everyone deserves an
need to ask multiple people the same
I started writing for the Mirror my and not using them is only a detriment Ana McCabe.
question, send a direct email. If it feels
freshman year because my mom told to you. She has been our sustainability colum-
personal, they’ll feel obligated to get
me to. nist the entire time I’ve been the forum
back to you more quickly if you email
I received an email from the then Ed- 4. It’s not about the opinion. editor. This means that I have worked
them personally.
itor-in-Chief Noah Wicks inviting me to It’s about the argument. with her for three years, but we’ve only
the meeting. He probably sent an email 2. Don’t be afraid to change The best opinion pieces don’t neces- met in person maybe once. I think ev-
to all of the freshman English and jour- things up. sarily convince you that their point of eryone should have the experience of
nalism majors, and I Just because it has been done that way view is correct. The best opinion piec- getting to know someone through what
was still unsure about in the past doesn’t es craft an argument in such a way that they create the way I have through
college extracurricu- mean it must continue provides a fresh perspective and makes McCabe’s writing.
lars. that way. you think about the topic in new ways.
There’s so much less pressure when you 7. No opinion is too small to
That was still when Sometimes, “Tweets
realize that you’re not trying to change make a good opinion piece.
I found time to call of the Week” will have
people’s opinions — that’s not going to My section has featured topics ranging
my mom basically ev- to become “Hot Takes
happen — you’re just asking your audi- from bowls in the dining hall to Stanley
ery day. She encour- of the Week” because
ence to consider another way of thinking cups to Ed Sheeran. One of my favorite
aged me to go even almost no one in
about something. pieces of my own was one I wrote about
after I whined about Gen Z regularly uses
how much I love Duolingo.
how much I hated Twitter (or, I guess,
5. You can let people help you. While some stories spark campus-wide
journalistic writing X now), and you’re
For the last three years, I have been the debates, these stories that seem silly let
and how I didn’t want tired of spending half
main designer of the forum section for the section breathe. I’ve always wanted
to get forced into it. of press night trying
every issue except one. forum to be a platform that could house
She told me I could to scrounge up mild-
In February 2022, it was press week necessary debates about politics and so-
write for the opinion ly entertaining Tweets
and, because of a series of car-related is- cial issues, but those are only part of the
section to gain expe- Kat Elgersma from members of the
sues, I was having trouble getting back human experience. It is also littered with
rience, and I guess campus community.
up from Omaha, where I had attended small gripes and pet peeves. If we didn’t
that sounded okay be- Elgersma is senior English and All of it eventually
my grandmother’s funeral. I was crying give space to these, the section would feel
cause I showed up to media studies double major. results in a series of
in my car and frantically texting my Ed- inauthentic to me.
the meeting. angry rants that even-
itor-in-Chief Olivia Bertino about how If you have ever written for my sec-
Four years later, I tually prompt your ed-
I would do my pages when I got back to tion or read my stories and thought about
have three years of forum editing experi- itor-in-chief to suggest making a change, Sioux Falls but that I wasn’t sure when or something in a new way, from the bot-
ence and a reluctant and growing love for which you had been thinking about doing how I would get there. tom of my heart, thank you. I don’t have
journalism. I’ve learned a lot throughout anyway but thought you had to keep up Olivia ended up doing my pages for enough words to express how much this
the years, and some of it might be useful. with the tradition. Don’t do that. Change me. Only then did I realize how much I section has meant to me, and I’ve used
So, I thought I’d take a moment for some it before it gets to that point. had needed the help, and she covered me 872 of them. But I suppose the only two
entirely unsolicited advice, which will in- without my asking. I’ve never been good that matter are thank you.
3. Check your work.
evitably devolve into a love letter to the at accepting help, but this instance and
Even if you’ve checked it three times,
section that helped me grow up.

Colleges should use sustainable lawn practices

Ana McCabe that spray onto campus sidewalks. flourished across the Midwest, Augus- nators while reducing the need for fertil-
she/her Many college campuses across the tana has become one of many colleges izer and weed control in the area.”
[email protected] country have implemented more sus- with a native prairie garden, originally With the increased interest in transi-
tainable watering systems organized by alumnus Mia tioning sections of lawn back to natural
The bed of green that spans across Au- to reduce water and energy Werger. grasslands, questions arise: can all lawns
gustana emanates warmth and welcomes waste, such as Yale Uni- Nestled beside Augus- eventually be replaced with native grass-
current and future students heading to versity, a strong leader in tana’s archeology lab, the es and plants? Will there be a time when
class or touring campus. campus sustainability. The garden grows a wide as- water is saved, pesticides are not used and
Although the aesthetically uniform school’s watering system sortment of vegetation, native species are grown in abundance?
expanses of green that shape yards today is connected to a weath- including Bluestem, cone- A mindset shift can be just as
date back to 17th century England, the er app, which shuts off the flowers, Indiangrass and eco-friendly as incorporating sustainable
negative environmental impacts from sprinkler systems when milkweed. The conserva- lawn care tips. Let your lawn naturally
the upkeep of lawns need to be addressed precipitation is forecasted. tion of these plants brings fluctuate in growth and color and experi-
now more than ever. Yale regularly aerates awareness to native species ment with growing your own native prai-
According to the Environmental Pro- its lawn as part of its sus- that thrive in the South rie garden. If we individually make small
tection Agency, 28% of water use on col- tainably-focused lawn Ana McCabe Dakota environment. changes to allow for more diverse lawns,
lege campuses goes towards landscaping. maintenance practice. The University of Min- less energy and resources will be used for
McCabe is a senior
When lawns are watered during midday The frequent aeration of nesota has converted more the aesthetic purpose of green lawns.
journalsim and
heat, water evaporates before it fully seeps campus grounds helps than 40 acres of campus For now, watering your lawn in the
environmental studies
into the ground. Sprinkler systems set the soil breathe and soak double major. lawn space to natural prai- morning, paying attention to the forecast
in the early morning hours allow more in water and nutrients ries, wildflowers and vari- and frequently aerating the soil are a few
water absorption into the soil, reducing more efficiently. eties of turfgrass as part of easy tips to sustainably care for your own
energy use. This timeframe also is more To mitigate the loss of South Dako- its sustainability goal. These spaces pro- lawn this summer.
convenient for people to avoid sprinklers ta’s temperate grassland biome that once vide “habitat for wildlife and native polli-
www.augiemirror.news Friday, May 3, 2024 FORUM 5

ANGLES
ANGLES
Is it worth voting third party?
Kat Elgersma nominees rather than create opportunities to introduce away their vote.
she/her new ideas to executive leadership. On the other hand, with the electoral voting system,
[email protected] Still, there may be other reasons to consider voting individual votes in presidential elections can hold very
third party. little significance anyway.
Over the past few years, a number of — particularly As many as 63% of Americans, more than ever, are As the U.S. political climate grows more and more
young — voters have expressed renewed interest in vot- upset with Democratic and Republican representation of polarized, politicians become less and less moder-
ing third party in upcoming elections. their interests, according to a 2023 Gallup Poll. ate, leaving voters unable to identify with mainline
Since the establishment of the two-party system, the Some argue that voting third party is a way to express party candidates.
United States has not elected a third-party president. their frustrations with the mainstream parties. For many, voting third party is the best solution to
Historically speaking, popular third-party candidates Others argue that third party voting still does more the current problem, but others still worry it might push
tend to draw votes away from Republican or Democratic harm than good and that those who do so are throwing more undesirable individuals into positions of power.

Yes, it doesn’t make a big difference No, third-party voting is not worth it
Xavier Carbonneau vote will have any effect. Jack Erickson dependent, green or constitution, the
he/him Voting in a presidential election he/him three most popular American politi-
[email protected] then should not be seen as a vain [email protected] cal parties behind the Democratic and
personal effort to make a national Republican majorities.
Too often, when I have told people governmental change, but as an ex- Voting between two candidates is hardly For me, I could never vote third party
I will be voting third party in the up- pression of one’s values and fidelity a democracy — anyone should be allowed knowing the history of presidential elec-
coming presidential elections, I have to a cause one believes in. Some may to vote for whomever they choose. In the tions for third-party candidates. I want my
heard, “You are throwing away your want to be part of a group choosing presidential election, though, voting for a vote to matter, and if I have to choose be-
vote,” or worse, “A vote for a third the lesser of two evils, making the third-party or write-in candidate only takes tween one of two candidates, which I agree
party is a vote for Trump.” world a marginally better place. Oth- away votes from the primary Democrat and is not a democracy, then I want to have a say
I will concede that the sad reality ers may want to support a third-par- Republican candidates and doesn’t actu- in who. Voting for a candidate other than
is third-party candidates like Robert ty candidate who more closely aligns ally result in the installation of optimistic the majority Democrat or Republican feels
F. Kennedy Jr. and Cornel West will with their true beliefs. Neither choice third-party candidates. wasteful, even if my beliefs align more with
never even come close to winning the is wrong. With an already extreme dichotomy the political minority.
presidency. In the Naive opti- between the ma- I’ve also heard peo-
entire history of mists might say jor opposing parties, ple say they vote third
the United States, that voting third voting for a median, party because they
no third-party party will lead third-party candidate don’t like either ma-
candidate has to the fall of the seems more appealing jor Democratic or
ever won a pres- two-party sys- to many. Republican candidate.
idential election, tem. The 1856 election In the 2016 elec-
and since 1968, More realis- between James Bu- tion between Donald
third-party can- tic voters may chanan and John C. J. Trump and Hillary
didates haven’t hope that voting Fremont marked the Clinton, for instance, I
won a single third party will first presidential elec- recall a lot of rhetoric of
electoral vote. sway Demo- tion between a Demo- “choosing the lesser of
That being crats or Repub- cratic and Republican two evils,” where votes
said, voting for a licans slightly candidate. Since then, were cast not because
third-party can- left or right in either a Democrat or a of an alignment with
didate is no more hopes of gain- Republican has taken a one candidate but out
pointless than ing third-party majority of the elector- of disdain for the other.
voting for any- voters’ support. al votes and been sworn In these cases, voting
one else. This seems more in as the president — for third-party candi-
In South Da- Xavier Carbonneau never has a third-par-
possible but still Jack Erickson dates to avoid having to
kota, a state that ty candidate won
Carboneau is a junior journalism and unlikely with the vote for either majority
will invariably way our voting the presidency. Erickson is a junior biology major. candidate feels like a
psychology double major.
give its electoral system is set up, Before then, popu- throw-away vote, only
votes to whatever so candidates lar American parties further dichotomizing
Republican pres- only need the most votes, not the ma- included the Nationalist Republican, Dem- the ratio of Republican to Democratic votes.
idential candidate is on the ballot, jority of votes. ocratic-Republican, Whig and Federalist It comes as no surprise that this elec-
the odds that your vote will decide These arguments aren’t really im- parties. Even then, one of the two majori- tion is a pivotal one, which could lead to
the presidency are about one in three portant to me, though. Your vote will ty parties of those elections always won — new horizons in social justice, economics,
billion. It is far more likely that you never change who wins the presiden- excluding the nonpartisan, independent international relations and environmental
yourself will someday become pres- cy, so do with it as you will. More George Washington. justice. It is more important than ever to
ident. important than any presidential vote It’s interesting to me, then, why anyone vote in the upcoming election on issues that
Even in key battleground states, is carefully considering local elec- would choose to vote for third-party candi- matter to you. But if we are wanting to make
the odds your vote decides the next tions where one can really make a dates in the presidency, knowing that over serious changes from recent years, voting
president are less than one in a mil- difference and full-ballot voting, at the course of 59 elections, a third-party can- third party is not the way to do it.
lion. Whether voting for a Democrat, least in races one feels confidently didate has never won.
Republican, Libertarian or Socialist informed about. I’ve heard people say they will vote
president, it is highly unlikely your third party because their views align in-
 6 VARIETY Friday, May 3, 2024 www.augiemirror.news

Photo by Ryleigh Tupper

Biology professor Cecelia Miles, education professor Sharon Andrews and religion professor Richard Swanson smile by the Ole statue.

PROFESSORS REMINISCE, PREPARE TO RETIRE

Jocelyn Baas sonal writing. like sisters to me now,” Andrews said. with a laugh. “They were already helping
she/her As a professor of religion, Swanson “I’m sure that we’ll all stay in touch as each other and having interests and act-
[email protected] said he has not taken his role lightly, par- much as possible.” ing on them, not just for what they look
ticularly for those who are hesitant about When Miles compares her experience like on their CV, but for how it changed
An Augustana religion professor as- religious discussion. at other educational institutions to her their community and them. I mean, I just
sumed at the beginning of his career that “Every time I realize a student trusts 13 years with Augustana, she said she has was like, ‘Well, wow. I wish I’d found some
he would move around, like many aca- me with helping them think through also found a group of welcoming faculty. of this earlier.’”
demics do. something that has terrified them, and As a student and student teacher herself, After she sells her house, Miles said she
He started at Augustana teaching two that happens every year, I realize the hon- Miles spent time at a variety of schools— plans to move back to Florida, her home
courses a year, but most of his job in- or of getting to do this job because stu- the University of Florida, the Florida In- state, when the school year concludes.
volved helping run the Shalom Center for dents trust us,” Swanson said. “And it’s our stitute of Technology, Texas A&M Univer- She said she looks forward to being
Theological Education, creating courses responsibility to be worthy of that trust, sity and the University of Chicago—and near family.
for pastors. so far as we’re able. That’s she found herself Together, these professors said their
But after five years of traveling between worth a human being’s time.” in some highly experiences have culminated in a cam-
Rapid City, Mobridge and Sioux Falls for Andrews, the program di- competitive circles. pus worth spending decades dedicated
his work, Richard Swanson was offered a rector of teacher education, After the rigid- to. Going forward, their advice for future
full-time, tenure-track position at Augus- will also continue some ac- ness of some oth- Augustana students revolves around flex-
tana. He fell in love with the community, ademic work next year, re- er environments, ibility and attentiveness to the self as well
and now he’s finishing his 34th year as
a professor.
Swanson is one of five professors re-
tiring from Augustana after the 2023-
2024 academic year, including religion
professor Ann Pederson, nursing pro-
motely teaching “Literacy in
the Content Area” and per-
forming certification assess-
ments. This is her 34th aca-
demic year with Augustana.
“I think sometimes it’s easy
“ I realize the honor of
getting to do this job
because students
“
trust us. And it’s our
Miles said she
was shocked by
how she was wel-
comed by other
Augustana facul-
ty “from the very
as the world around them.
Miles said she encourages students to
“notice the small things.”
“For as long as you can and for as often
as you can revisit it, open those windows,
open those doors and let some of those
fessor Karla Abbott, education professor to forget the caliber of stu- responsibility to be first day.” new ideas come in,” Miles said. “Take a
Sharon Andrews and biology professor dents that come to Augustana worthy of that trust. “People would breath. Sit with them a little bit.”
Cecelia Miles. and that we as faculty really Richard Swanson share their resourc- Andrews echoed the emphasis on in-
The five professors have over 100 years do have students who come Religion professor es. I could ask them trapersonal growth and said that “some-
of combined teaching experience. For to class and do their work and questions. I mean, times students will already have every-
many of them, the amount of time they’ve participate,” Andrews said. it was just complete thing planned out about how they think
dedicated to the university is due to a Andrews also gets to work di- collaboration,” Miles said. “And I have in it’s going to go.”
combination of a passion for teaching and rectly with student teachers whom every way tried to do the same for people As was the case for Andrews, however,
love for the Augustana community. she had in class, which she said is a who came in [after me] to pay it forward.” life does not always go as planned, and she
“Augustana students want to make valuable experience. Miles, like her fellow retirees, said she prompts students to embrace that fact.
a difference, and I like that,” Swanson “When I go out to see a student teach- also observed something different about “The times I feel I’ve grown the most,
said. “Even when the field of study has er and they know me, they’ve had me in Augustana students. When she was a stu- professionally or personally, is when I’ve
nothing to do with what I teach, they class, I’ve had them, there’s just a whole dent herself, she often saw her peers treat been challenged into things I never saw
want to change the world, and I want different connection and way you can education “like a business deal,” a man- myself doing,” Andrews said.
to help them.” support that student,” Andrews said. ner of conduct that she said she found Also a fan of getting out of one’s com-
Swanson intends to continue pursu- Andrews said she also feels this sense “off-putting.” fort zone, Swanson said he tells students
ing academics in retirement with plans of community among her fellow faculty But at Augustana, Miles said students to have confidence in themselves.
to teach one section of Religion 110 in members. Not having grown up with sis- organically brought themselves. That “If you think it’s a question worth ask-
the fall and tentative ideas for continued ters, Andrews said she hasn’t experienced was when she knew Augustana was a ing, you’re right,” Swanson said. “Ask the
work with Augustana’s theatre depart- this type of familial connection with “special place.” questions that you know you need to ask,
ment. His scholarship will also extend to other women. “You know, they didn’t have to be told, even if they lead you places you had no
various articles, book chapters and per- “I have a couple of colleagues who are ‘Stop behaving like a robot,’” Miles said idea you had any intention of going.”
www.augiemirror.news Friday, May 3, 2024 VARIETY 7

Seniors reflect on past shoot your shot and don’t get comfortable with be- then 10 seconds later
Avneet Tiwana
she/her overstress. Most impor- ing alone, going to places you’re playing like you’re
[email protected] tantly, invest in GameStop alone and trying things on best friends because you
and Bitcoin. Don’t believe her own.” didn’t have to be anything
As the 2023-2024 ac- the naysayers.” but yourself?’
ademic year draws to a Michael Schmidt Freshman year is a lot
close, Augustana seniors Mariya Mamman Government and envi-
like kindergarten, where
Business communica- ronmental science
are looking ahead to their you are suddenly by your-
tions and economics double major
futures. Graduation, up- self surrounded by new
double major !!! “Things always have
coming careers and per- people. In college, you are
“Don’t wait for the semes- and always will change.
haps even further educa- thrust out of your comfort
ter to come around be- The people you are friends
tion are likely on many of zone to meet new people.
fore you register for your with, the goals you have
their minds. But as their There is no better time in
classes. You could plan and your dreams can
journeys on campus come life to be your true self. ”
out your whole four, or change, too. They are, after
to an end, some are reflect-
even three years, by your all, things.” Soniel Ngnotchue
ing on the past four years
freshman year. It makes Biology major
— including what they Benita Manzengo
registration a heck of a “Navigating college is
wish they could tell their Government/internation-
lot easier when it actually al affairs and art hard and even more so
freshman selves.
rolls around.” double major when your first entry is
Lauren Teller “If I could say some- during a global pandemic.
Government/internation- Mary Christensen
Exercise science major
thing to my freshman self, I certainly was scared to
al affairs, English and
“I would tell my fresh- I would tell her to continue try a lot of things and ad-
Spanish triple major
man-year self to talk to my to push the boundaries of venture into the new world
“I would tell my fresh-
professors. Make personal her potential. I was exposed to, and now
man self to have faith that
relationships with them. I will tell her that poten- I wish I had done so during
everything will work out in
They only want the best tial is limitless. It contin- my free time.
terms of my major, grades,
for us.” ues to stretch as we con- Nevertheless, having
life plans and even making
tinue to try. I will tell her something to say to my
connections on campus.
Tom King that it’s okay if she makes freshman self is quite hard
I’d also tell my fresh- Religion and classics mistakes because it is by as there’s a lot I would say
man self to focus on living double major putting herself out there to young Soniel. But I’ll tell
more in the present, rather “Be as involved as you that she will learn about him to take every opportu-
than thinking three steps can be. Join clubs, add an- herself and others. I will nity by the horns and ex-
ahead. Later on, during other major, run for [Au- tell my freshman self that plore more.
my time at Augie, I finally gustana Student Associa- life is worth living.” As freshmen, we are
started to realize that my tion], volunteer at Campus usually free-headed and
college years were going Cupboard; do anything Liz Fossum
don’t have a sense of re-
by quickly. and everything you can Communication studies,
media studies and in- sponsibility yet. I’ll also
I’ve found friends and to be involved on campus. ternational studies triple advise my young self not
other community mem- You have only four years major to be afraid to make mis-
bers here who encourage to make Augustana a bet- “If I were to give my takes and be vulnerable
me to enjoy the fun parts ter place for folks like you. freshman self a piece of with close friends.”
of college and soak in all of Don’t waste it.” advice, I would tell her to
the aspects of college.” Sam Skarstad
Nasteho Abdi worry less about what peo-
Elementary education
Henry Sule Psychology and sociology ple think about you. and special
Finance and computer double major In one of my favorite education major
information systems movies growing up, ‘High
“I would tell my fresh- “I would tell my fresh-
double major School Musical 3,’ Gabri-
man self to get out of her man self that it all works
“Don’t limit yourself ella Montez said, ‘Do you
comfort zone and meet out in the end. It totally
because you think you remember in kindergarten
people and get to know does. It will all solve itself
aren’t capable. It’s all in how you’d meet a kid and
people as much as possi- out in the end.”
your head. Work hard, know nothing about them,
ble. I would also tell her to

Out to eat in Sioux Falls: Grille 26 delights

Jack Erickson time, even though people were take our appetizer order: cheesy tionately spread on the bread.
he/him waiting in the entrance for their Italian breadsticks for $12. But these breadsticks had a goo-
[email protected] tables too. Though neither of us are wine ey three-cheese blend, garlic
The atmosphere of the restau- connoisseurs, the moscato tasted seasoning and cracked pepper
Kim Kadrmas rant was nice, with low lighting nice. It tasted like a $10 moscato evenly spread throughout with
she/her and a candle on our high-top from a run-of-the-mill liquor cilantro to give it a pop of flavor
[email protected] table. It wasn’t too stuffy, with store — sweet, pleasant, but and pizzazz. The bread itself was
plenty of room to get com- hardly life changing. also soft and fluffy with a crispy,
Less than a five-minute drive fortable. We noticed a large Photo submitted by Kim Kadrmas The breadsticks came out in a crunchy crust.
from campus, Grille 26 sits on proportion of the customers timely fashion shortly after our Now, onto the entrees.
Jack Erickson and Kim
the corner of 26th Street and already seated were senior citi- wine, and they were some of the
Kadrmas smile together.
Western Avenue. zens, which seemed interesting best we have ever had and we are !"#$%&$'(&)*+,*'-*.$&/#''#
We made a reservation on- considering it was 6 p.m. on a our drink orders. Ordering two not exaggerating. Upon first bite, the flavors
line and arrived promptly. The Friday evening. glasses of moscato, which were Typically, breadsticks are of the gorgonzola cream sauce
hostess was kind enough and sat Our waiter, Jason, prompt- $6 each, Jason returned shortly coated with cheese and maybe a were delicious. After a few bites,
us down right at our reserved ly arrived to greet us and take thereafter with our drinks and to little garlic seasoning unpropor- See GRILLE 26, page 8
 8 VARIETY Friday, May 3, 2024 www.augiemirror.news

Photo by Jackson Dircks Photo by Jackson Dircks

Senior Lizzy Theobald laughs while playing Senior Vanessa Vaudrey draws a card while playing Sorry! along with fellow seniors and
games at her club’s collaborative event. writers at Literature Club’s and Writer’s Guild’s “Bagels, Boardgames, and the Bard.”

Shakespeare turns 460 with bagel party

Kim Kadrmas major, took over the Writer’s Guild two said her favorite part of the event was nections she has created with them.
she/her years ago. playing “Bards Dispense Profanity.” “There’s a lot of freshmen in there, and
[email protected] “We wanted to do something fun and “There was over 20 people playing, and I have classes with quite a few of them, so
big because it’s me and Megan’s last year it was just such a variety of cards being it’s just kind of getting to see those people
April 23 may seem like just anoth- here,” Vaudrey said. played,” House said. “It was really fun.” in a different context, and everyone get-
er day, but for bookworms and writ- Beshai said the Literature Club and House said one of the cards said “De- ting to talk about what we enjoy together,”
ers, it’s a special occasion: William Writer’s Guild were originally planning scribe my love life,” and one of the re- House said.
Shakespeare’s birthday. separate events for Shakespeare’s birthday sponses was something along the lines Similar to the Literature Club, Vaudrey
In honor of his 460th birthday, the until Brown asked Beshai if they wanted of “unpolished jewels at the bottom said the Writer’s Guild is about more than
Literature Club and Writer’s Guild col- to plan their events together. of an ocean.” just writing. It’s also about the friendships
laborated on an event called, “Bagels, “Naturally, ‘Bagels, Boardgames, and Literature Club Co-President Liz- formed at its meetings.
Boardgames, and the Bard,” where they the Bard’ just sounded cool, so we went zy Theobald, a senior biology and En- “A lot of times I don’t have a lot of writ-
spent time together eating bagels, playing off that,” Vaudrey said. “Megan came up glish double major, said the planning for ten stuff just because I’m busy, so I just
games and watching “Gnomeo and Juliet.” with [the name], and I was like, ‘Wow, I the event took about a month, and she sit there and do homework, but it’s still a
Literature Club Co-President Hanna can’t change that. That’s so good.’” hopes the two clubs will collaborate again great time,” Vaudrey said.
Beshai, a senior English, secondary edu- The event began with playing “Bards in the future. Vaudrey described the Writer’s Guild
cation, and religion triple major, said they Dispense Profanity,” which is Shake- Theobald said the Literature Club has meetings as a fun, casual experience for
chose “Gnomeo and Juliet” because it is speare’s version of Cards Against Hu- previously hosted craft nights with poet- creative writers to share their work with
more accessible to some audiences than manity. Then, the group of Augustana ry readings, movie nights and bookmark fellow students.
the original Shakespearean language. students divided their attention between sales. Theobald said this group is not a “If you want to socialize and you like
“[‘Gnomeo and Juliet’] maintains the eating bagels from Bagel Boy, socializing, book club but rather a place to socialize creative writing in any capacity, it’s a good
plot as well as some of the classical ref- playing Sorry! and watching the movie. and bond with people over books. time,” Vaudrey said.
erences while integrating modern British At some points, the conversations and “It’s just like a comfortable place where The party ended with everyone intent-
culture and pop references,” Beshai said. laughter among the students were louder people can have a nerdy time together,” ly watching the conclusion of “Gnomeo
Writer’s Guild Co-President Vanes- than the movie, with only the people clos- Theobald said with a laugh. and Juliet,” where the gnomes survive
sa Vaudrey, a senior biology major, said est to the TV quietly watching the tragic House said she is a member of the Lit- the near-death experience from their
this was the first event the two clubs col- romance of Gnomeo and Juliet unfold. erature Club and attends their meetings family feud.
laborated on since she and senior Megan Freshman Amber House, an English and events as often as she can. Her favor- “Happy birthday, Shakespeare!” Theo-
Brown, an English and journalism double and secondary education double major, ite part of this club is the people and con- bald said with a laugh.

GRILLE 26 Continued from page 7

though, the flavor became over- best part of the meal. Asparagus dards doesn’t mean another en- of softer foods. The teriyaki
whelmingly intense. I couldn’t is one of my favorite vegetables, tree at Grille 26 wouldn’t fit my sauce, which was a little too
help but think that the meal and when it is cooked or sea- palette better. salty, was unnecessary be-
was oversalted, especially since soned wrong, it pains me. But cause of how tasty the stir fry
gorgonzola cheese is naturally the flavors of the fresh vegeta- 0#+12$%1&!"1+&3+2&41"5&6517%#' itself was.
salty. The sourdough bread on bles popped out, and they were Grille 26 partners with many The teriyaki stir fry with
the side, though, tasted amazing sautéed and seasoned perfectly. local businesses, such as Bread- chicken is $17, and for the
when dipped in the cream sauce. I will definitely go back to try smith and Cherry Rock Farms, amount of food and the qual-
The penne pasta was cooked a a meal more vegetable-heavy to provide fresh meals, and the ity, it is well worth it. The
bit past al dente, which is what next time. vegetables in my stir fry tasted other menu options range
I prefer. Trying the steak alone, The steak and gorgonzola like they came straight from the from $15 to $22, which is a
it was tough and lacked flavor. penne cost $18, which I thought farm. I usually do not like snap nice range for the average
It seemed that the cream sauce was a reasonable price when peas and peppers because of the college student. Photo by Kim Kadrmas
was supposed to be enough sea- ordering. The meal proportion texture, but the seasoning and After finishing our wine Stir fry sits ready for eating.
soning for the steak, but I dis- was definitely worth it. After the fresh flavors made them difficult and having nice conver-
agree. Any seasoning could’ve cheesy bread and half my entree, to ignore. sations about life beyond packed up our meals for us.
brought the steak’s flavor out, I kindly requested a box from The chicken was tender and school, we still had so much food After we gave Jason a well-de-
yet I couldn’t help but feel its our waiter. seasoned well with pepper, left over. The proportions are served tip, we happily took our
taste compared to unseasoned Would I say the quality of the and the rice was cooked just large enough for two people to meals home and looked for-
ground beef. meal was worth $18? No, may- right — not too hard but not split a meal. ward to eating our leftovers the
The asparagus, mushrooms be $16 at best. But just because chewy. The cashews added a We kindly asked for boxes next day.
and balsamic onions were the one meal wasn’t up to my stan- nice crunchiness to the mixture and our waiter, to our surprise,
www.augiemirror.news Friday, May 3, 2024 NEWS 9
MENTAL HEALTH Continued from page 1 Crossword by Margie E. Burke
ACROSS 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
fears about climate change, mass shoot- Hamilton said. 1 Goya's "Duch-
ings, global wars and conflicts, an up- “‘I feel anxious about an exam. Well, I ess of ___"
14 15 16

coming presidential election and more. could watch Netflix and laugh at a come- 5 Tumbler, e.g. 17 18 19
“We haven’t even started talking at dy show and now I don’t feel anxious any- 10 Track figures
20 21 22
that point about your own history and more.’ That’s emotion focused,” Hamilton 14 Lender's
experience,” Anderson said. “We’re just said. “‘Or, I could study for my exam and protection 23 24 25

talking about what’s going on.” feel capable of being successful,’ which is 15 Renegade
26 27 28 29 30
Anderson said one has to also consid- more problem focused.” 16 Sign of secrecy
er students’ family backgrounds, finan- The cycle starts with anxious thoughts 17 All-powerful 31 32 33 34 35 36
19 Salinger girl
cial situations, medical circumstances, that trigger negative feelings. A person
20 Bringing up the 37 38 39 40
relationships and other, more routine then begins to avoid those negative feel-
rear 41 42 43 44
aspects of life. ings by, for example, scrolling through 21 Obtained
Some psychology professors on cam- their phone, and finds immediate re- 23 Knotted 45 46 47 48

pus have pointed to anxiety avoidance as lief; however, that relief reinforces one’s neckwear 49 50 51 52
part of the reason for students’ height- behavior of avoiding things that cause 25 Except that
ened feelings of stress and anxiety, which anxiety, which, as Healthline reports, can 26 Part of HMO 53 54 55 56 57 58

technological devices have furthered. decrease self confidence, increase anxi- 29 Reach, as a 59 60 61
“We’ve spent the last 18 to 20 years ety and lead to more avoidance. goal
without actually developing the ability to Ventura said they have not been using 31 World Series 62 63 64

mo.
respond to stressors in an adaptive way,” social media as of late, which has helped 65 66 67
32 Radio and TV,
psychology professor Ben Jeppsen said. them to stop scrolling.
e.g. Copyright 2024 by The Puzzle Syndicate
“It’s a recipe for anxiety and depression.” “I don’t think it’s the scrolling that is 34 Hero's award
Psychology professor Lucas Hamilton directly affecting people,” Ventura said. 37 Resistance unit 59 Tied up 7 Get on in years 35 Banned apple
said coping can largely be grouped into “It’s that it takes up time, and then they 38 Dye ingredient 60 Mosquito repel- 8 Phoenix team spray
avoidant- and approach-oriented strat- have to catch up on work and stuff all at 40 Tavern offering ling candle 9 Embark, as on a 36 Danish toy
egies, which further break down into once and then that’s what gets associated 41 Meat and pota- 62 Parachute pull journey company
problem- and emotion-focused strate- with the stress and stuff.” toes, e.g. 63 They may buckle 10 Rest on top of 39 Lumpy
gies. Emotion strategies would deal with 43 Amber or umber 64 Lunar trench 11 Progeny 42 Relies (upon)
one’s feelings while problem strategies To read the full story, go 44 Hound 65 Shirley Temple 12 March of ___ 46 Magic show
would deal with the source of stress, to www.augiemirror.news. 45 Volleyball film, "Bright ___" 13 Mushers' makeup
position 66 Perception vehicles 48 Like arctic
47 Linux software 67 Slip (into) 18 USPS manager winters

VIKING BOLD
package, infor- 22 Part of HUAC 49 Chessman
Continued from page 2 mally DOWN 24 Clothes pros 50 Diplomatic
49 Habanero, for 1 Skin cream 26 Horseshoe messenger
Senior Megan Richardson has worked Bold, the monetary amount of endowed one ingredient locale 52 "Green ___"
as a student ambassador since June 2021 scholarship has increased by more than 51 Pasta topper 2 Portray artistic- 27 Sound effect 54 Rake part
and said she has seen Augustana’s efforts $25.95 million. 53 Get what's ally 28 It covers the 56 Hip bones
to connect with prospective students. “They’ve seen the wonderful success coming? 3 Fudge, as a rule earth 57 Building
“Just getting people on campus is of our graduates, and they want to be a 55 Keyboard in a 4 Kind of cracker 30 Lobster part additions
more of a priority that I’m seeing more part of that and to continue to sustain Bach title 5 Old coin 33 Chop up 58 Breathing rattle
6 Bingo's kin 61 Midmorning hour
versus people seeking out Augustana as a and grow it,” Homan said.
college,” Richardson said. “They’re kind According to Homan, every endowed
of putting themselves in front of pro- scholarship starts with a principal in-
spective students when they’re thinking vestment of at least $25,000, which is
about colleges.” invested. Twelve months after the prin-
Part 2 of the enrollment and strategic cipal amount is invested, 5% of its earn-
scholarship pillar focuses on making an ings are then available to be given as an
Augustana education affordable and ac- endowed scholarship.
cessible for more students by focusing on Homan said the principal amount
innovative scholarship partnerships. never diminishes, but if a strong market
According to Augustana’s website, year causes the investment to make more
direct costs for the 2024-2025 school than 5% interest, everything over that 5%
year will total $49,880; however, Heinitz is reinvested to the principal to grow the
said most private universities operate base of the scholarship.
under a “higher sticker price, high dis- Additionally, donors can identify how
count rate model,” meaning tuition costs much they are giving and the
are offset by scholarships and financial eligibility criteria.
aid opportunities. Sophomore Ike Snustad is a recipient
Heinitz said Pell Grant eligibility is of two endowed scholarships, and he
one such financial aid opportunity. said the scholarships have made college
“We have a launch AU program for more affordable for him.
students who qualify for Pell, which kind “I try not to take loans out from pri-
of guarantees them that between their vate loan services because the interest
federal, state and Augustana scholar- rates are crazy, so having these endowed
ship grants their tuition will be covered,” scholarships help keep me in a financial-
Heinitz said. ly stable place,” Snustad said.
Another focus for affordability is Phase I of the pillar’s second part aims
placed on endowed and impact scholar- to establish additional creative schol-
ships. Endowed scholarships stem from arship opportunities, such as impact
relationships the university has built over scholarships, like the Buntrock Scholars
the years with alumni and friends. Program, and programs like Journey
According to Pamela Homan, chief Scholars. According to Homan, impact
strategy officer and executive vice pres- scholarships are best understood as
ident, the university manages around “money in, money out” — the money
600 endowed scholarships. Homan donated to the scholarship is given in its
said that since the beginning of Viking entirety every year.
 10 SPORTS Friday, May 3, 2024 www.augiemirror.news

BASEBALL MAKES, BREAKS RECORDS

Alayna Jones
she/her
[email protected]

Augustana baseball’s 2024 season has featured bro-

ken records, national rankings and multiple athlete and
pitcher of the week titles. Now, the Vikings are hoping
to make another appearance in the college world series
this June.
One of the Vikings’ key successes this season includes
clinching their most consecutive wins in program histo-
ry. Augustana (38-8, 29-6 NSIC) secured its 18th consec-
utive win on April 24 against Southwest Minnesota State
University, advancing beyond the former record of 15.
“Team chemistry plays a major factor, as we returned
99% of our starting lineup,” fifth-year catcher Drey Dirk-
sen said. “Having that many guys come back from a team
that went that far into the baseball season isn’t something
you see very often. We are a very close team and know
how to have fun but also stay focused when we need to.” Photo by Peyton Bartsch/GoAugie

The Vikings’ win streak began on April 3 against Fifth-year Drey Dirksen readies the bat against Winona State University at Loughery Field.
Southwest Minnesota State, defeating the Mustangs 13-
6, and came to a close on April 27 with losses of 7-2 and Vikings played until March 13. When the Vikings faced per game, total home runs, RBI, RBI per game, runs per
14-5 against Minnesota State University-Mankato. But the University of Mary on April 5-6, Dirksen’s bat lit up, game, slugging percentage and total bases.
the Vikings didn’t stay down long, coming back on April and he earned four home runs during the team’s sweep As of May 1, Hines has kept his place in the top 10
28 to earn a 3-0 win over the Mavericks. over Mary. He then averaged three home runs per se- in each of those categories, aside from batting average,
“Mankato has historically been our biggest rival, with ries before walking up to the plate at Loughery Field for which he is now ranked 21st with .427, and runs per
the two of us usually being the top two teams in the con- in Winona. game, for which he is now ranked 12th at 1.41.
ference,” sophomore Parker Mooney said. “The series “I think we had a pretty good idea this year that [Dirk- “[Hines] is more comfortable. He is more open and
is always big with high energy and emo- sen] was going to get to that number at having conversations way easier, so I think as soon as
tions, but we also have so much respect for some point,” head coach Tim Huber said. that starts to happen, it makes everything easier on the
Mankato’s program.” Huber said he has enjoyed watching field too,” Huber said. “He’s always building a lot and
The Vikings’ all-time record against Dirksen’s journey with the Vikings prog- putting a lot of work in. That’s definitely who he is. He
Mankato is 31-77. In 2022, the Vikings ress over five seasons. just always had the talent and skills.”
faced the Mavericks in the NSIC tour- “From a recruiting standpoint, in his With the regular season now coming to a close, the
nament twice and lost 5-4 and 6-5 but freshman year, his swing mechanics Vikings are hoping to find additional success in the con-
beat them in the NCAA Central Region- needed a lot of work, and he’d probably ference and regional tournaments. As of May 1, the team
al 10-9. Last season, the Vikings defeat- be the first one to admit that,” Huber said. was ranked 12th nationally and third in the central re-
ed Mankato in the NCAA Super Region- “He put a lot of time and effort into fix- gion behind Central Missouri and Missouri Southern.
al to advance to the NCAA Division II ing the swing and to see it kind of getting “As a team, we all have high expectations as far as the
Baseball Championship. to the point now, where he’s the all-time level of effort we put in,” Mooney said. “Baseball is such a
Jack Hines home run leader in our program, it’s a weird sport with many uncontrollable aspects during the
Dirksen made program history midway
through the regular season, earning his testament to him. ” game. We always say to ‘control the controllables’ and to
50th career home run against Winona State University Dirksen isn’t the only batter to achieve give your full effort. Motivation and excitement bounces
on April 13. new program records this season. off of one another, and through that, we are able to keep
After entering the 2024 season with 36 home runs, Senior infielder Jack Hines broke the Augustana re- the energy high.”
Dirksen beat 2011 graduate Nate Baumann’s previous cord for the most home runs in a single season, hitting The Vikings will return to the field on May 3 for a double
record of 49 career home runs. his 18th on April 24 against Southwest Minnesota State. header against Minot State University at Ronken Field..
“I think what meant the most about this achievement He also now holds the record for the most career triples “Our goal is to win every game we play and with the
was having my family there to watch me break the re- at 13 after notching five this season. regular season winding down, we want to continue and
cord,” Dirksen said. “I guess the feeling was just a weight Two days before the Vikings swept the Mustangs, carry the momentum that we have created into the post-
taken off my shoulders.” Hines was announced to be the only player nationally season to allow us to make another run to the Division II
Dirksen hit at least one home run for each series the ranked in the top 10 across batting averages, home runs World Series,” Dirksen said.

SPOTLIGHT Continued from page 12

to be able to compete with my teammates for the school.
What are you going to miss most after graduation? What has it meant to you to represent your school’s
I will miss campus life and having all my friends only colors on the track? What advice do you have for underclassmen?
a few steps away from me. It has been so fun sharing life I am so proud to be a Viking. I have always been proud Trust the process and be patient. It’s easy to want to
with them every day, and I will cherish the past four years to compete, but it has been especially cool to see all the come in and make a big difference right away, but if you
forever. It will also be the first time in my life that I hav- growth that has happened on campus in the last couple are patient and do the right things you are going to make
en’t had the outlet of sports, and I will miss the challenge, of years. Augie is a completely different place than it was a tremendous impact.
competition, teamwork and everything in between that just three years ago when I first got here, especially in the
world of athletics with the addition of the Midco Arena. What has been an impactful moment for you?
competing in high-level athletics has brought me.
I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to be a part of Being able to be a part of such a close-knit team. Be-
What has been an impactful moment for you? such an amazing and supportive athletic and academic ing able to see and feel first hand that no matter your
It has been an honor to compete for Augustana, and community here at Augustana. role, you can have a large impact on the team’s success if
I have loved every moment of it; however, the beginning you take pride in it.
of my college athletic career was frustrating. I practiced Ryan Schroeder
What are you plans after graduation?
every day and for three-and-a-half years. I wasn’t hitting Track & Feld
I have no plans set in stone as of now. I will most like-
the goals I had expected to. In my very last indoor meet,
What has it meant to you to represent your school’s ly be doing auditing somewhere as I have done intern-
I was able to crush my goals, and it was the most reward- colors on the track? ships in that area in the past and have enjoyed them. I
ing moment I have ever experienced. I am excited to It has meant a lot to me. I’ve had little opportunities am starting the search and process of figuring out where
keep it rolling into my very last meet in my career. due to injury so the times that I have been able to go race I want to live and find a full time job.
I have been thankful for the opportunity. It’s a blessing
www.augiemirror.news Friday, May 3, 2024 SPORTS 11
INJURIES IMPACT ATHLETES’ MENTAL HEALTH
Mack Molander
he/him
[email protected]

As you walk into the athletic training room in the El-

men Center, you will see a number of athletes rehabbing
for a number of different injuries.
From stubbed toes to broken limbs, an injury of any
kind can often be enough to throw athletes off their
game; however, while ice baths, heating pads and Icy-
Hot can help heal the body, an injury can cause more
than just physical pain.
The training staff works effortlessly to get athletes
back in action, but an injured athlete is more than just
a pawn in a game. These athletes have feelings and emo-
tions, and when a huge part of their identity is taken
away from them, it can be tough to process.
Oftentimes, these injuries can happen in an instant.
This is especially true for Meghan Johnson, a sophomore
on the acrobatics and tumbling team.
In late March, Johnson was practicing with her team
as usual. While coming down from a high hand-in-hand
— a handstand atop someone else’s hands — she land-
ed on her teammate’s foot. She rolled her ankle with so
much force that her fibula fractured and broke through
her skin.
Due to the abruptness of the gruesome injury, it left Photo submitted by Meghan Johnson
a mental impact on both Johnson and her teammates.
“It was definitely traumatic for a few of us,” Freshman Meghan Johnson performs a stunt during an acro meet in the Elmen Center.
Johnson said.
While abrupt, season-ending injuries can be traumat- “This kind of loss of purpose, meaning and identity
ic, recurring injuries can be even more frustrating. One can lead to depression,” Jeppsen said.
athlete at Augustana who has experienced these types of Additionally, the type of injury can also determine
injuries is Jadon Bast, a freshman pitcher on the Vikings the effects it has on the mind.
baseball team. “If the injury is traumatic, it can lead to symptoms
Bast’s injury history precedes his time at Augustana. similar to PTSD,” Jeppsen said.
Before his senior season of high school baseball, Bast Both Johnson and Bast have experienced some in-
pulled his hamstring while practicing base running in ternal struggles while dealing with their injuries. For
below freezing temperatures; however, Bast recovered Johnson, the trauma and abruptness of her injury has
enough from this injury to play that season. In fact, the caused her to struggle with accepting the aftermath.
beginning of the season was going great for him. “I know when I can finally walk again, I won’t just
“I would have been Gatorade Player of the Year,” be in physical rehab. I will also be mentally recover-
Bast said. ing,” Johnson said. “I might struggle with the fact that
Bast’s season, though, would be derailed with just one I cannot do everything I used to do.”
at bat. When Bast stepped into the box, he went through But Johnson has kept a positive mindset through-
his routine as usual. As the pitcher began his windup, out the process. She credits her family, boyfriend and
Bast loaded up his swing. He saw the pitch he wanted teammates for being there for her as she adjusts to ev-
and ripped a line drive into right center field. Bast took eryday life.
off. As he rounded first base, he realized he would be able For Bast, on the other hand, the frustration of re-
to turn this hit into a triple. peated injuries has gotten to his head, he said.
But, as Bast rounded second base, both of his ham- “After this injury happened, I took it pretty hard,”
strings gave out on him. And while the pain of the ham- Bast said. “At this point, it’s like, can I just be healthy?”
strings hurt, what really affected Bast was one fact he As a result of his injury, Bast had to redshirt this
knew: he would be out for a while. After about three season instead of playing like he had hoped. Bast said
weeks, Bast returned, but his campaign for Gatorade he feels a little bit disconnected from the team since
Player of the Year was ruined, and his team fell short of a he decided to redshirt.
championship in the state tournament. “It has been a huge mental battle for him,” fresh-
After arriving at Augustana, Bast was optimistic about man Maddie French, Bast’s girlfriend, said.
the upcoming season and hoped his injuries would re- Fortunately for Bast, he has also had support from
main in his past. However, his hamstrings continued to his family, especially his dad and brother. He also
give him issues. With enough time, Bast worked through reached out to former Augustana star pitcher Seth Photo sumbitted by Jadon Bast

it and planned on getting some playing time this season. Miller for advice. Jadon Bast throws the ball during one of his
Then, while warming up for practice on a cold January “He dealt with the same injury as me, and just games in high school in North Dakota.
day, his worst nightmare came to life. talking to him has made the recovery process easier,”
“I heard a pop in my elbow,” Bast said. Bast said. one else,” Jeppsen said.
He had just torn his ulnar collateral ligament. Sometimes, injured athletes aren’t as fortunate to have If you notice any teammates withdrawing from activ-
For many athletes, a severe injury can feel like getting the support that Johnson and Bast have from friends and ities they normally enjoy, becoming increasingly pessi-
fired from their dream job with no explanation. And in family. When athletes start to have negative thoughts, it mistic about the future or showing any abrupt behavior-
situations like these, it is likely that the people involved can be a slippery slope towards depression, Jeppsen said. al changes, don’t be shy to reach out and check in with
may have some struggles with their mental health. “The first step is noting these thoughts and recogniz- them, Jeppsen said.
According to psychology professor Ben Jeppsen, an ing them for what they are,” Jeppsen said. “Then athletes Athletes often care more about the game they play
injured athlete’s mental health can be affected by three can use a [positive] trigger word to bring their attention than anything else in their life. So, the next time an ath-
main things: a loss of identity, trauma and social issues. back where they want it to be.” lete gets injured on the field, court or mat, remember
Jeppsen said that since many athletes tend to view Jeppsen also said student athletes should look out for that the physical pain can be only a fraction of the mental
their purpose as their ability to excel at their sport, an symptoms of depression in their fellow teammates. pain that an athlete may endure.
injury can be a huge loss to their self identity. “So the signs are no different for [athletes] than any-
12 SPORTS Friday, May 3, 2024 www.augiemirror.news

Seniors reminisce on time as spring athletes

Ryleigh Tupper little things about the sport: the hype of hard to replicate elsewhere. Mostly, I’ll
gamedays, the beautiful, calm, sunny How do you feel about your career miss the friendships that I’ve built with
she/her coming to a close?
[email protected] days on Bowden [Field], the team atmo- my teamates and coaches. They’re so sup-
I have been playing baseball for the
sphere during games, practices and lifts. portive, and we’ve had the privilege of
past 20 years. It is very weird to think it
Gracey Brink It hasn’t hit quite yet, but I’m just re- sharing so many memories together.
has been that long. I have loved this sport
Softball ally grateful for the opportunity of play-
since I could pick up a bat and swing. It What has been an impactful moment
ing college softball with some pretty great
What has it meant to you to represent makes me sad at times to think that I will for you?
your school’s colors on the field?
people. I look back on my experience and
never get this again, but it makes me even Being on the inaugural team meant
I’ve loved getting to put on the navy recognize how much I’ve grown from my
more grateful for the times I did experi- laying the foundation for a new program
and gold Augustana jersey throughout freshman year and know I’m coming out
ence. I firmly believe that my better days at our school, and it’s a very unique op-
my five years. It’s been a dream come true of Augustana a better person.
are still to come, and this is something I portunity to be part of something from
Luke Ballweg will always look back on and smile. the very beginning. We have had the
Baseball chance to establish and set the tone for
Olivia McIlravy what it means to represent our school.
What are your plans after graduation? Acrobatics & Tumbling Starting a new team fosters strong bonds
My plan after graduation is to get a full among the team, and we’ve gone through
What has it meant to you to represent
time teaching your school’s colors on the mat? the challenges and excitements of build-
job as a phys- Representing my school’s colors in ing and making history.
ical education the sports arena has meant so much to
teacher in my Sammi Sundby
me. It’s not necessarily about wearing the
home state Track & Field
uniform; it’s about embodying the spir-
it and pride of my school What are your plans after graduation?
while competing. It has I will be staying in Sioux Falls to work
been such a privilege to for Lloyd Companies in their commercial
be a part of the inaugural real estate division. I am looking forward
team and showcase our to it, as I will get the opportunity to com-
mute to my hometown, Rapid City,
occasionally as well.
What advice do you have
for underclassmen?
Freshman year can be a really diffi

to play at the collegiate level, and

it gives me so much pride and joy
knowing that I was able to do that with of Wisconsin.
the strong culture that is Augie softball.
What advice do you have
What are your plans for underclassmen?
after graduation? My advice for any
I’m going to Dallas, Texas, in the underclassmen is enjoy
fall to start chiropractic school at baseball and being around the
Parker University. team as much as you can. I have been for- dedication
tunate enough to play this great sport of while watching
What are you going to miss most baseball and I can’t believe I am crossing the progress
after graduation?
the finish line. Nobody cares how awe- and growth
The campus of Augustana, the people that has oc-
some of a player you were, but people re-
throughout the school, the exictement curred over the last
member how great of a friend and person
before games and my teammates. Believe two years.
you were.
it or not, I think I’ll miss studying in Each time I step out there, I am carry-
the library. What are you going to miss most ing the support of my teammates, coaches
after graduation? Graphic by Alayna Jones
What has been an impactful moment and family. It’s truly an honor to be a part
I am going to miss my friends, the
for you? of such a great community and contribute -cult year in regards to athletics. Coming
coaching staff, the routine itself and most
The NCAA DII National Champion- to building our program. out of high school, we often set really high
importantly the competitiveness.
ship Tournament appearance in 2021 was standards for our athletic performances
How long have you been participating
such a cool experience for me. We were What has been an impactful moment in acrobatics & tumbling? for our first year of college, and it’s easy to
playing the best of the best in the country for you?
I have been participating in this sport get down on yourself if you don’t hit those
in an atmosphere that seemed so profes- I think an impactful moment for me goals right away.
for only two years while I have been a
sional and surreal. while here at Augustana is learning to As a freshman, there are so many chang-
gymnast for the majority of my life.
deal with my failure and bettering your- es and challenges you are facing, and it’s
How do you feel about your career self because of it. School and baseball will What are you going to miss most important to give yourself grace during
coming to a close?
knock you down plenty, but it is how you after graduation?
I have been playing softball since the that period — don’t give up and trust that
respond to these adversities. Through my After graduation, I’ll miss the camara- your time will come.
years of T-ball, probably around 5 years derie and sense of belonging that comes
own failure while attending Augie, I have
old. With the end of my career coming with the sport of acro. Being part of this
grown as a person.
closer, I know I’m going to miss so many team has created a unique bond that’s so See SPOTLIGHT, page 10