Five Inducted Into 2025 Augustana’s Honorary Alumni Society

Pictured left to right: Chuck Zaloudek, Tom Slattery, Linda Nyberg, Kay McNerney and Jim Heinitz

In Spring 2023, Augustana University established the Augustana Honorary Alumni Society to recognize individuals who have shown extraordinary dedication to Augustana's mission, along with its core values of Christian, liberal arts, excellence, community and service. Through sustained commitment to the university, honorary alumni have demonstrated the gold standard of engagement.

This year, Augustana inducted five members into the honorary alumni society. The inductees were recognized on Friday, Sept. 26, at the Honor Guard Luncheon during Viking Days.

All nominations for induction into the society are reviewed by the AU Alumni Council, then recommended to and approved by the Augustana President's Council.

The inductees met the following requirements:

• Exemplify one or more of Augustana's core values; and
• act as an ongoing facilitator of connections for Augustana through one's personal network - helping to open doors for internships, innovative partnerships, grants and fundraising; and/or
• demonstrate significant financial support for Augustana on an ongoing basis.

Members of the honorary alumni society enjoy special recognition, along with the rights and privileges pertaining to Augustana alumni.

Jim Heinitz, of Brandon, South Dakota, is the longest-serving head football coach in Viking history, having led Augustana for 17 seasons. He guided his teams to multiple NCAA Division II playoff appearances and earned North Central Conference Coach of the Year and South Dakota College Coach of the Year honors in both 1988 and 1992. Beyond the field, he has been instrumental in raising support for athletics and building lasting relationships with donors. After coaching, Heinitz served as CEO of Furniture Mart USA and later as Brandon's interim mayor. He and his wife, Becky '97, have nurtured a strong Augustana family legacy with children, in-laws and grandchildren as alumni and current students. From the field that bears his name to the scholarship fund established in his honor - and through the many student-athletes he coached and mentored - Heinitz has left an indelible mark on Augustana.

Kay McNerney, of Sioux Falls, began her career as a laboratory technician at the Red Cross in St. Paul, Minnesota, and later became a life insurance underwriter in Sioux Falls. She was warmly welcomed into the Augustana family during visits to her husband, Pat '74, a member of the Vikings Football Team. The McNerneys have generously supported the Mikkelsen Library, Froiland Science Complex, A-Club, turf installation on Jim Heinitz Field and Elmen Center. Kay has also served on the Augustana Library Associates Board, contributed to Women in Philanthropy Impact Scholarships and is a proud member of the Heritage Society. Her commitment to supporting students, advancing academic resources and sustaining the university's mission has greatly enriched the Augustana community.

Linda Nyberg, of Sioux Falls, is co-owner of Nyberg's Ace Hardware and a respected business leader and community advocate. With her husband, Kevin '79, she has played a pivotal role in advancing Augustana University and enriching the Sioux Falls region. The Nybergs are Founding Partners of Augustana Men's Hockey and have supported numerous areas of campus life, from supporting Ace the Augie Doggie to the renovation of the Chapel of Reconciliation. They are also the proud parents of four Augustana alumni - a legacy that deepens their family's enduring connection to the university. Through her leadership, philanthropy and steadfast support, Linda has made a lasting and meaningful difference.

Tom Slattery, of Sioux Falls, is co-owner of JJ's Wine, Spirits & Cigars, along with his wife, Jean. Under his leadership, JJ's has expanded to include The Boozy Bakery and JJ's Axes & Ales, which has hosted Augustana Athletics team-building events and alumni gatherings. A steadfast supporter of Augustana for decades, Slattery has partnered with the university in providing student employment, concessions at events, as well as having served as a sideline photographer for Viking Football. He and Jean are also Founding Partners of Augustana Hockey - playing a pivotal role in making Division I hockey a reality. Constantly keeping Augustana top of mind, Augustana continually benefits from Tom's innovative and entrepreneurial spirit whether on the court, near the field or in the community.

Charles "Chuck" Zaloudek, of Berkeley, California, is a distinguished pathologist and professor emeritus at the University of California, San Francisco - internationally recognized for his groundbreaking work in gynecologic pathology. Through decades of teaching, clinical service and research, he has advanced medical knowledge and improved patient care worldwide. He and his wife, Jane '72, established the Jane and Charles Zaloudek Faculty Research Fellowship to support faculty scholarship and have generously supported Women in Philanthropy Impact Scholarships and other initiatives designed to support students and faculty. He is also a member of the Augustana Heritage Society. Chuck's dedication to discovery, education and philanthropy has had a profound impact on Augustana and beyond.