Augie Sweethearts: Sarah and Andy Ziemer, Class of 2004

Submitted by Sarah Ziemer of Waukesha, Wis.

I remember living in Andreen Hall freshman year and eating many meals in the College Center when my friend had a crush on a guy we nicknamed “son of a preacher man” because the only thing we knew about him was that his dad was a pastor.

Flash forward to our junior year and I ended up living with some of his closest friends. Andy was away on European term at the beginning of that year but they talked about him all the time and how much they missed him. I had heard so many stories about him and was so intrigued to meet him-I knew so much about him before he even knew who I was! As soon as he got back, he jumped right back into the friend group and we instantly hit it off! From DON and Delta Chi date parties, to dancing together in the Augustana Dance Company’s guy/girl dance, Andy and I can’t believe all the fun we had together and are so thankful for all of our Augie memories together.

Sixteen years later, we now have two kids and a third due any day and can’t imagine life without each other! We even gave our son the middle name “August,” partially as a symbol of our connection to our Alma Mater. We can’t wait to bring our kids to Augie and show them the beautiful school we are so proud to have called home for those 4 years and the place we fell in love! When I think back to those College Center days and talking about that “son of a preacher man,” I honestly would've never thought it ended up how it did but gosh, am I ever thankful!