The many reasons to give back

Dave Markward is connected to Augustana not only through his education, but also his philanthropy. In 2020, he established an endowed fund to provide support for the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts of the college with earnings to be used at the discretion of the vice president for DEI to support that office's programs and initiatives.

Proceeds from Markward’s book, “From Dubuque to Selma and Beyond: My Journey to Understand Racism in America” will be donated to the endowed fund he created years ago, to support Augustana’s DEI office initiatives and all students.

Established in 1874, the Augustana Symphonic Band is the oldest continually performing ensemble on campus and one of the oldest wind ensembles in the United States. The ensemble will celebrate its sesquicentennial anniversary with a weekend-long celebration Nov. 22-24, 2024. We sat down with some of the dedicated alumni who are planning the reunion to chat about the band program’s legacy.

Choir was the activity Jon Jaworowski '23 loved most during his time at Augustana. He appreciated that he and his ensemble peers were there for the same reason: to make beautiful music. And he was inspired by Dr. Jon Hurty’s ability to bring out the joy and love for music in others. That's why he decided to make a lasting impact by committing to the Hurty Challenge.

Naomi (Berggren) and Dirk Durant, lifelong Kansas residents who moved to the Twin Cities two years ago, aren't Augustana alumni – but Augustana runs in Naomi's family. It's these connections that inspired Naomi and Dirk to travel across the Midwest and experience Christmas at Augustana firsthand. They were so inspired by the festivities, they made a generous gift to the college.

Rich Jensen '74 and his wife, Beth Goodrich, are longtime supporters of Augustana's capital campaigns.

About 20 years ago, they began funding an endowed scholarship aimed toward supporting first-generation students from underrepresented populations — the Lorraine (Byttner) and Earl Jensen Scholarship, in memory of Jensen’s parents.

Kai Swanson '86 is now working with his third president at Augustana. He gives to support the Augustana student experience.

"I had great experiences, and want others to have those too," he said. "I don’t think there’s a better investment than in the leaders that our nation and world will need tomorrow."

Sarah Schafer '94 Pittenger, who earned a bachelor’s in English, just began her 27th year teaching high school English in Lombard, Ill. She lives with her husband and two sons in Geneva.

"I haven’t missed a year of donating back to the school, even if it’s a small amount, because I don’t want to forget how important that aid was to me when I was a college student," she said.

One would expect the president of a college to give financially to the institution. But for Steve and Jane Bahls, giving to Augustana has been an act of gratitude fueled by a strong desire to give back to a place they have called home for nearly two decades.

"We witnessed the impact that Don Easter, Jane’s father, had on Des Moines and Drake University with his generous gifts of money and time,” Steve said. “We want to do the same thing for Augustana and the Quad Cities."

With the scholarship established in honor of her father, Maryfaith Greenhalgh'79 Weiss wants to help women who face obstacles to earning their degree that are out of their control. 

“There are many scholarships that recognize high academic achievement,” Weiss said. “It was important to our mom that female students who are ‘B’ students be given a financial opportunity."

Pfalzgraf moved from Tucson, Ariz., to attend Augustana. Once she arrived, she didn't waste any time getting involved.

She majored in communications studies and graphic design and was involved with Phi Rho sorority, the student alumni board and Omicron Delta Kappa, a national leadership honor society. She went abroad to study three times.

“To say that Augie opened up my world is an understatement," Pfalzgraf said.

“Opening minds to different perspectives and new ideas, and teaching people how to think for themselves and work within a community is the most important work of an educational institution, and Augie did that very well for me.”  

That is the fundamental motivation behind Melinda Pavek’s philanthropy.

Pavek graduated in 1992 and made her first gift to Augustana during her senior year. She’s given every year since.

After Dr. Dave Markward ’71 traveled to Selma, Ala., to re-enact the crossing of the Edmund Pettus Bridge in support of voting rights, he began to research social justice. He believes what he learned helped him understand the potential of making an endowed gift to the college. 

In 2020, he established the Dr. David C. Markward Fund for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

The Olsons enjoy lifelong relationships with friends they met through the Augustana Choir. That’s why giving to the Bergendoff Hall renovation project is a priority for the couple.

Bobby recalls that giving back was encouraged when he was still as student: "Just before we graduated, Dr. Hurty encouraged seniors in the Augustana Choir to donate, even if it was just $5, because the percentage of alumni who give to the college is important."

Melissa Shore '11 Reke learned the importance of giving from her mom. She gave her first gift to Augustana during her senior year, and has given every year since.

Many of the life and leadership lessons Darrell Owens ’90 learned on Augustana’s basketball court led him to a successful career in finance. He now wants to pay it forward to Augustana students.

Greg Bednar '82 appreciates the lifelong friendships, skills and opportunities Augustana gave him. Following their dad’s lead, he and his brother Kirk ’87 are committed to giving back.

Marty Swett ’67 Richards and Larry Richards ’65 both feel “greatly blessed” by their Augustana experiences.

“We want to pass it on,” Marty said. “We would encourage others to consider their own experiences, and how being at Augie laid a foundation for our lives and work.”

They were first-generation college students, and on Augustana’s recent First Generation College Student Day, they made a gift to support current first-generation students.