Augustana University: A Legacy of Notable Alumni

Augustana University, a private Lutheran university in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, boasts a rich history and a long list of accomplished alumni who have made significant contributions to various fields. Since 1952, the university has honored its distinguished graduates through the Alumni Achievement Award, recognizing those who embody the core values of Christian faith, excellence, liberal arts education, community engagement, and service. The Horizon Award, established more recently, celebrates young alumni who have demonstrated exceptional vocational achievement and community service within 15 years of graduation. This article explores some of the notable alumni from Augustana University, highlighting their diverse accomplishments and contributions.

Recognizing Outstanding Alumni: The Alumni Achievement and Horizon Awards

Augustana University annually presents Alumni Achievement Awards to alumni who have made outstanding contributions to their fields, communities, and churches. Recipients exemplify the university's core values: Christian faith, liberal arts education, excellence, community, and service. The Horizon Award recognizes young alumni who have graduated within the last 15 years and have quickly demonstrated outstanding vocational achievement and faithful service to their community or church.

Alumni Achievement Award Winners: A Legacy of Success

The Alumni Achievement Award has been presented since 1952 to alumni who have excelled in their careers and embody the university's core values. Notable recipients include:

Business and Leadership

Daniel P. Digre ’78: As CEO of MISCO Speaker Company and Warkwyn Labs, Digre has transformed MISCO into a global leader serving industries from aerospace to medical technology. MISCO partnered with NASA to design loudspeakers for the Orion spacecraft as part of the Artemis Program. Digre's passion for choral music led him to support ensembles in the Twin Cities, including Singers in Accord.
David W. Johnson ’74: Johnson dedicated his career to community banking and service in South Dakota. He was appointed CEO of Farmers State Bank in Estelline in 1976 and guided its transition to Reliabank. Johnson served as president of the Independent Community Bankers of South Dakota and a director of the national ICBA.
Jan (Hovey) Johnson ’75: Johnson combined a career in education with leadership in business and the arts. She taught English and served as an adjunct professor at Mount Marty University. Since 1992, she has been a member of Reliabank’s board of directors and became board chair in August.
John F. Hansen ‘68: Hansen has devoted his professional and volunteer life to strengthening the Bellevue, Nebraska, and Offutt Air Force Base communities. A successful realtor, he founded Century 21/Hansen Real Estate and later served as president of the Nebraska Realtors Association.

Law and Advocacy

Scott N. Peters ’77: Peters has been a devoted legal advocate, developing expertise in disability law. He chaired the Minnehaha County Board of Mental Illness and led reforms to improve due process and expand access to treatment.

Arts and Entertainment

David Soul: An American-British actor and singer, Soul is best known for portraying Detective Kenneth "Hutch" Hutchinson in the television series Starsky & Hutch.
Mary Hart: An American television personality, Hart hosted Entertainment Tonight from 1982 to 2011.
Myron Floren: An American musician, Floren was the accordionist on The Lawrence Welk Show.
Phil Bruns: An actor known for his roles in television and film.

Politics and Public Service

Joe Foss: A United States Marine Corps Major and fighter ace in World War II, Foss received the Medal of Honor. He served as the 20th Governor of South Dakota and president of the National Rifle Association of America (NRA).
Jamie Smith: An American politician and Senator in the South Dakota Senate.
Nancy Erickson: An American political aide who served as the 32nd Secretary of the United States Senate from 2007 to 2015.
Jenifer Loon: An American politician who was a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives from 2009 to 2019.

Athletics

C. J. Ham: An American professional football fullback for the Minnesota Vikings.
Karl Mecklenburg: A former American professional football player who was a linebacker for the Denver Broncos.
Kevin Kaesviharn: A former American football safety.
Wayne Sheley: A Canadian football player who played for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.

Science and Academia

Linda Avey: An American biologist and entrepreneur, Avey co-founded 23andMe, a consumer genetic data company.
Damien Fair: A behavioral neuroscientist, professor at the University of Minnesota, and director of the Masonic Institute for the Developing Brain.
John Hamre: An American international relations scholar and former senior defense official. He is the president and CEO of the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

Horizon Award Winners: Promising Young Alumni

The Horizon Award recognizes alumni who have graduated within the last 15 years and have excelled in their careers and exemplified the values of the university. Notable recipients include:

Mason Voehl ’14: As executive director and now campaigns director of the Amargosa Conservancy, Voehl is an environmental advocate dedicated to protecting fragile ecosystems and empowering communities. He led efforts to safeguard the Amargosa River Watershed in the Mojave Desert.

Read also: Applying to Augustana College

Read also: Augustana Fees and Costs

tags: #augustana #university #notable #alumni