Hibma wins covenant award for Christianity

The Covenant Award for Christian Faith was presented to senior Kim Hibma at the Homecoming worship service held in the Elmen Center last Sunday, Oct. 11.

The Covenant Awards were designed to honor students who personify Augustana's five core values of Christian Faith, Liberal Arts, Excellence, Community and Service.

The Christian Faith Award is given to students who are in search of a calling that honors the Christian faith; who actively integrate faith and actions; and who see their life journey as part of a bigger tapestry.

"This award is special to me because it's a testimony to how God has been at work in my life," Hibma said. "My faith impacts me so much—it's what gives me the peace, joy and hope that I have in this life."

Hibma, an elementary and special education major from Worthington, Minn., was nominated based on her involvement in activities relating to her faith, as well as her willingness to learn and grow in her faith.

She has worked as a summer camp counselor and currently serves on a chapel outreach team and is a peer adviser (PA) in East Hall.

East's Hall Director Chrissy Bendel has enjoyed watching Hibma grow in faith during her years at Augustana and had the honor of presenting the award to Hibma on Sunday.

"Kim is a distinctly Christian young woman who understands that she lives in an imperfect world, and everyone, including herself, is imperfect," Bendel said. "She has high standards for herself, yet she does not take herself too seriously; Kim can laugh at herself. She displays some of the traits I see less than I'd like to in Christians today."

Those who live and work with Hibma agree that her actions and words reflect her dedication to growing in faith.

"Kim truly lives in light of faith," said Mari Stensgaard, a peer adviser in Tuve Hall and Kim's personal friend.

"She has a big heart, and she cares for the people around her. I know that Kim will impact people for the better in the future because of the way in which she shares her faith though friendship."

Hibma's parents, James and Virginia were present when she accepted the award. She is flattered and humbled by her recipience.

"I'm so thankful for all God has done and how he has worked through me, even when I am undeserving," Hibma said. "I realize there are so many other notable people on campus that are deserving and I'm just happy to be here, learning and growing alongside of them, with or without an award."

The other nominees for the award were seniors Jon Ask, Rachel Hurley, Nicole Lauck, Ihoby Rakotomalala and Kayla Rockwell; and juniors Nick Allard, Melissa Nelson and Jared Soundy.