Augustana Holds Ribbon Cutting and Dedication Ceremony for Foundation Heights, $12 Million Apartment Building for Students

As part of a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Sioux Falls Area Chamber of Commerce this afternoon, Augustana dedicated Foundation Heights - a new apartment building for students. The approximately $12 million project is part of the university's strategic plan - Viking Bold: The Journey to 2030 - to transform the physical campus to include new and enhanced facilities.

"The team really did an incredible job of putting it all together and taking Augustana's campus housing to the next level. Students are going to love living here. It's sure to be among our most in-demand living spaces for years to come," said Shannan Nelson, Augustana CFO & executive vice president, who helped bring the project to fruition.

The building was designed by and developed in partnership with Lloyd Companies. As a member of the Augustana Board of Trustees and an honorary alumnus, the project was inspired by the late Craig Lloyd. In addition, Lloyd and his wife, Pat, are founding partners of the Augustana Men's Hockey Program and Midco Arena.

According to Mark Quasney, president of development for Lloyd Companies, the project is one of the last that Craig "put his fingerprints on in such detail" before he passed away in January 2025. So, too, did several Augustana alumni - from the Vice President of Development at Lloyd Luke Jessen '14 to the company's Project Manager Blake Jans '16 - who worked closely with the design and construction teams to bring the vision to life.

"It's an emotional, joyful day," said Augustana President Stephanie Herseth Sandlin. "We all wish Craig were still with us to celebrate the ribbon cutting and to meet some of the students who live here, yet he's most certainly with us in spirit. He lives on through his family and the colleagues he empowered and developed over the years. It means a lot that as Lloyd Companies continues to grow and give back to this community, Augustana is also growing and seeking to give back. It's a partnership between two organizations aligned in their culture and values."

In collaboration with the Lloyd family, the university named the building Foundation Heights in celebration of Craig, who helped shape the Sioux Falls region. The name represents him as a person and leader, as well as something he believed in deeply: the importance of building strong foundations - in business, in relationships and within communities. A plaque bearing Craig's and the Lloyd family name now adorns a wall inside Foundation Heights' lobby.

"Our family is so touched that Foundation Heights honors Craig's legacy and that his story will be shared with generations of Augustana students to come. I know Craig would be humbled by this tribute and by all of the kind words shared about him. He would be grateful for the partnership and teamwork that brought Foundation Heights to life. And I think what would mean the most to him would be seeing students walk through these doors, make this place their own and create memories here that they will carry with them long after they leave Augustana," said Pat Lloyd, co-founder and board member of Lloyd Companies and Augustana trustee, who was present for both the groundbreaking and ribbon cutting ceremonies for Foundation Heights.

Located on the northeast corner of 28th Street and Grange Avenue, Foundation Heights is at full capacity in its first year - housing more than 100 students. With hints of navy and gold elements throughout, the building consists of four stories with primarily 2- and 4-bedroom suites, as well as 13 single units. The building's first floor has both living and lounge spaces.

Elliana "Ellie" Pulse '27, a biology major who just finished cheer camp and the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), moved into Foundation Heights a few weeks ago.

"It's beautiful. It has everything I want in a living space," said Pulse.

The Sioux Falls native lived off campus last year and found that she deeply missed what Augustana is known for: community. To finish out her senior year, she decided to be closer to what she values most - the people and the experiences.

"Living on campus is such a crucial aspect of college life - students are able to integrate themselves into the community effortlessly. When upperclassmen move off campus, they often miss out on those everyday moments that make college so special. I definitely missed living one door away from other students," explained Pulse. "I'm so excited for more students to experience what I love most about Augustana with the addition of Foundation Heights!"

The new building is the sixth apartment offering on Augustana's campus. To learn more about Augustana's residential housing options, visit augie.edu/housing.