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Campus update for April 21, 2021
April 21, 2021
President Bahls on justice and the dream
Today, President Steve Bahls shares his thoughts in the wake of the George Floyd verdict. He says, in part:
"I have seen the hurt and suffering that the events of the past year have inflicted on members of our community. Because Augustana’s values inspire us to seek justice and inclusion over privilege and exclusion, I will do all in my power to stand in solidarity especially with Black members of our community.
"I have learned from this generation of college students that making progress toward the dream of racial justice and equity is not enough. We need to achieve that dream and achieve it quickly." → Read his entire statement
Community gathering today
The college will hold a community gathering at 4:15 this afternoon on Viking Plaza, a service in the chapel tonight, and a dialogue on Friday. → See details
More Commencement tickets will be available
Each graduate now will be given six tickets to their ceremonies on May 23.
Initially, we had believed that tickets would be limited to four per graduate. But even with the increase, we have been able to keep capacity at the TaxSlayer Center at about 20% in order to follow state COVID guidelines.
As you know, we will hold three separate graduation ceremonies for the classes of 2020 and 2021 to allow social distancing. Everyone must be masked.
→ Read on for details about times, tickets, and baccalaureate plans.
Tom Jessee '91 was named the 17th head basketball coach in the 120-year history of the Viking men's program last week.
"We will continue to play hard, smart, together and defend and rebound and run the floor," he told the Dispatch-Argus.
"We're going to do it together and it's going to be a blast. That has completely resonated in this community and been a perfect fit." → Read more
Today's updates
Get in the Earth Day spirit and help plant a tree on campus today through Friday.
The bookstore is on board: Bring in up to five articles of clean and gently used clothing April 22 and get 20% off up to five articles of clothing in the store.
• Seniors, we want your best photos for the annual graduation slideshow. Send in yours by May 7.
• Also seniors, make sure to attend Senior Days, and do your paperwork so you can get that cap and gown!
• Ask your parents to save the date for Celebration of Learning on May 6. Live and pre-recorded presentations will be available for them to enjoy.
If your Community Advisor is a cut above, nominate that CA for a Make a Difference Award!
Dr. Ash Poust '06 co-authored a paper that made it on the cover of Science magazine this month! He and others estimated roughly 2.5 billion Tyrannosaurus rexes roamed the Earth collectively during their existence.
Watch us celebrating during This is Augie last week. It will make your day.