Five Augustana Students Honored With 2026 Covenant Awards

Photo Credit: Wyatt Lesmeister '29

Five Augustana University students received Covenant Awards on Thursday, April 30, during a celebration in Hamre Recital Hall. The Covenant Awards lift up those who exemplify Augustana's core values: Christian, Liberal Arts, Excellence, Community and Service.

The Covenant Awards, presented every academic year, were created by students to more clearly define these shared values and deepen the understanding of the rights and responsibilities that accompany membership in the Augustana community. The recipients are selected by committees of faculty and staff that seek nominations from all members of the AU community. A cast bronze medallion is given to each awardee, which may be worn during commencement festivities.

The 2026 Covenant Award recipients are:

Zachary Van Meter, Covenant Award for Christian (Purple Ribbon)

Nominees for the Covenant Award for the Christian core value are those who, during their time at Augustana, have searched for a calling that honors the Christian faith; actively integrate faith and actions; see their life journey as part of a bigger tapestry; are growing in faith; and are comfortable discussing their faith with others.

Zachary Van Meter '26, originally from Mitchell, South Dakota, is an education, music education and Spanish triple major.

Van Meter has been a vibrant and faithful presence in campus ministry - using his gifts in music, leadership and relationship-building to invite others into meaningful experiences of faith. From leading Bible studies and creating Worship Under the Stars (WUTS) to serving as chapel staff president and a Lenten Faith partner, Van Meter has cultivated welcoming spaces where students, along with faculty and staff, feel a true sense of belonging and are encouraged to explore faith with openness and joy. Van Meter embodies authenticity, humility and care for others. He has been called to mission work in South America, where he served alongside children and families - an experience he reflects on with deep appreciation for the lasting impact those relationships have had on his life. Van Meter's faith continues to guide how he leads, teaches and serves.

"Zach integrates his faith into his everyday life because his faith is an integral part of who he is. Zach has always stood out to me because he is so authentic and real; he lives out his faith every day through interactions with others and (has) a humble approach to his sense of calling," said his nominator. "Zach's care for others is always his first priority; he demonstrates both the wisdom and maturity to successfully engage with/reach out to people who may have very different faith backgrounds than his own. He has friends of many different faith backgrounds because he sees people as fellow children of God above all else."

Catherine Banson, Covenant Award for Liberal Arts (Red Ribbon)

Nominees for the Covenant Award for Liberal Arts are those who have demonstrated a love of learning for its own sake; acknowledged or forged connections between academic disciplines; connected curricular and co-curricular interests; related their studies to important issues of human existence; and whose commitment to the liberal arts has shaped their plans for the future.

Catherine Banson '26, an environmental studies and history double major, is from Madina, Ghana.

Banson embodies a true love of learning, pursuing knowledge with curiosity, courage and purpose. As an international student, Banson stepped beyond what was familiar to embrace new perspectives, intentionally seeking courses and experiences - from science and religion to public history - that deepen her understanding of the world. From research at the Center for Western Studies (CWS) to hands-on environmental work and the global study of national park systems, Banson embraces learning both inside and beyond the classroom. Her experiences reflect a commitment to understanding complex issues from multiple perspectives, preparing her to make a meaningful impact through a career at the intersection of environmental conservation and history.

"As an international student, Catherine demonstrated a love of learning for its own sake by stepping foot on our campus. She left her family and what was comfortable to get an American education. And once here, she took courses which (she) did not want to take, but because she saw how valuable they would be for her future," wrote her nominator.

Ike Snustad, Covenant Award for Excellence (Blue Ribbon)

Nominees for the Covenant Award for Excellence are those who commit themselves to high virtuous and ethical standards, personal integrity, human excellence, self-discipline and self-improvement. These nominees are known for bringing out excellence in others. Their commitment to excellence has shaped their plans for the future.

Ike Snustad '26 is a nursing and psychology double major from Plymouth, Minnesota.

Snustad consistently demonstrates that excellence is not simply an achievement, but a responsibility. As a nursing student, he approaches both classroom and clinical experiences with discipline, curiosity and a deep commitment to understanding and applying his knowledge with integrity. Known for his professionalism, attention to detail and genuine care for others, Snustad leads by example - supporting peers, mentoring fellow students and fostering a culture of accountability and growth. His willingness to invest time and energy in the success of others reflects a quiet, but powerful sense of purpose. In every setting, Snustad sets a standard of excellence that others are inspired to follow.

"He holds himself to a very high standard and does so with good humor and a resilient composure," one of Snustad's nominators wrote.

"Excellence at its best multiplies itself in others, and Ike consistently brings out the best in those around him. As a senior nursing mentor, he creates structured study sessions, reviews complex concepts and makes himself available during practice hours to ensure his peers feel prepared and confident. He does more than provide answers - he teaches, encourages critical thinking and builds confidence. His approach is both supportive and empowering," wrote another nominator.

Gabi Rabboni, Covenant Award for Community (White Ribbon)

Nominees for the Covenant Award for Community are described as those who have demonstrated and fostered respect for others; act as a leader, earning the respect of others; left a mark on the campus and broader communities; and whose commitment to community has shaped their plans for the future.

Gabriela "Gabi" Rabboni '26, a neuroscience and psychology double major, is from São Paulo, Brazil.

Rabboni serves as both an admission and ACE ambassador, a Viking Advisor (VA) and leader in the student organization, Serving and Learning Together (SALT). She is a yoga instructor for Recreational (Rec) Services and researches monarch butterflies on campus. A visible and influential presence on campus, Rabboni strengthens connection through her leadership, generosity and commitment to helping others succeed. Whether in the classroom, the lab or across campus, she creates environments where individuals feel welcomed, supported and encouraged to grow. As a student researcher and campus leader, Rabboni fosters an inclusive and collaborative environment. She mentors fellow lab students, encourages open dialogue and models resilience - helping others learn from both success and failure. Rabboni's impact is both far-reaching and enduring, reflected in the relationships she builds and the community she helps shape.

"Students have noted how she gave Brazilian and other international students the confidence to fit in and succeed at Augustana. She has mentioned in recruitment videos how she felt welcomed to Augustana as soon as she arrived at the airport. It is very clear she continues to pay that forward - welcoming everyone with her generosity and enthusiasm. Gabi's recruitment efforts will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy as students she's inspired to come here will continue to inspire others," her nominator wrote.

Anushra Shrestha, Covenant Award for Service (Green Ribbon)

Nominees for the Covenant Award for Service are described as those who have a commitment to service on campus and in the broader community; inspire others to serve; serve quietly without fanfare and with no desire for recognition; and whose future plans have been shaped by service.

Anushra Shrestha '26 is a nursing major from Kaski, Nepal.

Through compassion, initiative and a deep commitment to others, Shrestha exemplifies service in every setting she enters. Shrestha's involvement spans academic support, student leadership and community engagement, where she consistently seeks opportunities to uplift those around her. As a tutor, Viking Advisor (VA), ACE Ambassador and student leader, Shrestha supports students in navigating both academic and personal transitions. Drawing from her own experience as an international student, Shrestha has created resources and offered guidance to help others find their footing and succeed. In her work with Avera Health, Shrestha brings the same attentiveness and care to patients in moments of great need. Shrestha's service is grounded in kindness, resilience and a genuine desire to support others, leaving a meaningful and lasting impact.

"Anushra has found her vocation in nursing," wrote Shrestha's nominator. "Not only is she a licensed registered nurse in her home country of Nepal, but she has spent the last 3.5 years studying and training for nursing licensure in the U.S. She will serve as an excellent nurse - sensitive to the unique needs of her patients and caring for people with dedication, sincerity and compassion."

To learn more and view the full list of 2026 Covenant Award nominees, visit augie.edu/covenant.