Sustaining and building a better Augustana

As many of our community members know, the past few years have presented challenges which we have had to overcome. One of the points of pride for me and my team has been how we have been able to sustain our campus despite these challenges. And, even more, how we have taken steps to improve.

Following a hiatus due to the pandemic, students were able to once again study abroad in India, Greece, Costa Rica and Cuba. Additionally, we held the first winter field course at our Augustana Miquelon Lake Research Station this past January. These courses offer diverse experiential opportunities for our students to enrich their studies and apply their knowledge in locales around the globe.

With seven hirings over the past two years — and more to be made this year — we have been successful in attracting colleagues who are excellent teachers, scholars and researchers. Meanwhile, our established faculty members continue to excel in their respective areas. In this report, you will discover how one researcher is working to address mental health needs amongst our farmers.

This past year has seen the University of Alberta undertake a number of strategic initiatives. These have included the University Strategic Plan (USP), Budget Model 2.0 and the Strategic Plan for Research and Innovation (SPRI) — among many others. Our collaboration and connections with the U of A are expanding through these ambitious plans – and as a member of the steering committee for the USP, I myself have witnessed that U of A leadership continues to value, support and champion Augustana.

Our most recent cause for celebration has come from the return and expansion of various master’s programs on campus. Starting in fall 2024, master’s programs in speech language pathology, occupational therapy and physical therapy will be offered at Augustana Campus by the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine.

Throughout the challenges and changes of the past few years, our community — you — have done so much to encourage and support us. By providing students with financial support, attending a myriad of events, cheering on our Vikings at nationals and joining us to celebrate the anniversary of wahkohtowin Lodge’s grand opening, you help ensure a bright future for our campus. As we look towards this future, I invite you to join us in celebrating the things we continue to do well and to also imagine the ways we can better serve our communities.

Sincerely,

Demetres P. Tryphonopoulos
Dean & Executive Officer
Augustana Campus

This letter first appeared in Augustana's 2023 Report to the Community.