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The Covenant Award for Community was presented to junior Mari Stensgaard during the Leadership Banquet held on Student Street last Saturday.
The Covenant Awards honor students who exemplify the Augustana Core Values - Christian, Liberal Arts, Excellence, Community and Service. The Community award is given to those individuals who have been committed to participating and serving the Augustana community.
"This Community award means a lot to me," Stensgaard said. "Out of all of them, it is the most important because people at Augustana are important to me. It's nice to be recognized by people who I respect."
The other nominees for the award were seniors Liz Dolven-Kolle, Erin Mangen, Olivia Matthys and Ashley White; and juniors Tom Alexander and Lindsey Olson.
Stensgaard, a journalism and English major from Rapid City, was nominated because of her work in various aspects of the college.
She is currently one of the peer advisers (PA) in Stavig Hall, a job which she has held for two years.
"I have met so many people in the dorms," Stensgaard said of her PA experience. "You get to know people on a whole new level when you live with them. I have really enjoyed getting to know the girls on my floor and the others in the dorm."
The members of her floor agree.
"Mari is an awesome PA," sophomore Chandra Howard said. "She plans stellar floor activities for us and makes herself available whenever we need something."
Stensgaard also works in admissions, where she helps to add new members to the Augustana community.
"It's interesting because I see a lot of the incoming freshmen and realize that I gave them their tour," Stensgaard said. "It's a very rewarding feeling."
Stensgaard has also served as a Variety and copy editor of the Mirror, an experience that she feels has helped build a sense of community with Augustana, as well as fulfill her personal interests.
"Being a journalist has pushed me to meet other people," she said. "I have a passion for story and hearing other people's side of things."
Stensgaard hopes to continue community-building during her final years at Augustana.
"As a junior, it's really cool to think I have another year," she said. "I love Augustana, and I love the people and am excited to meet more."
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