di AuGusTANATio ay Winter 2007
www.augie.edu
Generous Gifts Spur Major Projects
U. S.POSTAGE
NON-PROFIT ORG.
CHANGE SERVICE REQ U ESTED
OMNI
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Mikkelsen Library
Renovation
By Christina Salem
The gift itself was given quietly, without
fanfare or need for recognition.The impact
of the gift, however, resounded clearly
throughout the college community and
beyond.
In September 2007, anonymous donors
made one of the largest contributions in
Augustana history when they designated
$6 million for the Mikkelsen Library
redesign and reconstruction project.
"We celebrate the incredible generosity of
friends of Augustana whose desire it is to
bless the College in a significant way,'
President Rob Oliver said. "We thank God
for the provision of this investment in
Augustana's future. It continues our
tradition of excellence in academics"
The donors wish to remain anonymous,
intending any recognition be given to
God.They have requested a simple plaque
be placed near the entrance that will read
Soli Deo Gloria! To God alone the glory.
President Oliver explained that the phrase
is rooted in Lutheran tradition.
In appreciation for the work of church
leader Martin Luther, renowned composer
Johann Sebastian Bach signed many of
his works with the initials "SDG"
Continued on page 1...
Soli Deo Gloria!
To God Alone the Glory
Augustana Receives Two Largest
Gifts in College History
By Jon Henkes
Twice this fall, Augustana was blessed with the largest
gifts in college history.
On September 13, an anonymous gift of $6 million was announced as
the lead gift in the $7.4 million reconstruction of the Mikkelsen Library.
Then, on September 26, Augustana friends Bob and Kati Hall
presented a $6.1 million gift to build the Kirkeby-Over
Football Stadium to honor Kari Hall's parents.
The largest previous single gift in Augustana's 148-year
history was $2 million.
Rob Oliver, college president, announced the first gift to an overflow
gathering of the Augie community in the Chapel of Reconciliation.
The Hall football gift was announced to the media at a press conference
following a campus announcement. The response of students,
faculty, staff and friends was, in a word, overwhelming.
"I ask you all to join me in celebrating the wonderful generosity of our
benefactors, and to continue to do the work that you do to make
Augustana the wonderful place that it has become," Oliver said.
"By adhering to our mission and our values, we continue in the tradition
of the Augustana Like Always, and through the willingness to dream
an exciting vision of our future, we are now beginning to glimpse
the Augustana Like Never Before."
The gifts provide momentum to what is being planned as a
$I20 million comprehensive fundraising campaign. Major campaign
goals include growing the endowment, science and nursing facilities,
library reconstruction, and annual giving.
Stadium to be
Built on Campus
"It's for the kids"
- Bob and Kari Hall
Eighteen years ago, discussion began on
a proposal to build a football stadium on
campus.
In a few years the concept reached the
drawing boards. An estimate of construc-tion
costs was rendered.The late Bill Hall,
whose financial support of Augustana
athletics reaches back to the 1950s, was
approached as a primary donor. Hall
responded, but his gift eventually was
directed to more pressing needs and the
idea of a stadium was shelved.
While the idea faded, it did not disappear.
Bill Hall's son, Bob, and his wife, Kari, could
visualize the stadium and what it would
mean to Augustana. It's what prompted
them to give $6.1 million toward
construction of Kirkeby-Over Stadium.
The facility, with seating for 6,500, will be
built on the site of the current practice
field at 37th Street and Lake Avenue.
A couple inclined to avoid the rush of
public plaudits, the Halls simply said,
"It's for the kids'
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SI OUX FALLS, SD