TRANSCRIPT

VICE PRESIDENT PRINCE ADHIKARI'S SPEECH AT THE NETWORK OF ELCA COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES (NECU) STUDENT LEADERS SUMMIT 2024  

Lutheran Center, Chicago, IL | 7 September, 2024 

Esteemed colleagues, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, 

It is both an honor and a privilege to be here today alongside my friend Sammie Kross, one of the members of our university's chapel staffs. I represent Augustana University, located in Sioux Falls, in the heartlands of the great plains, in the great state of South Dakota. I bring with me not only our accomplishment and challenges to share, but also our unwavering commitment to fostering inclusivity, excellence, and service. Our Viking pride runs deep, ever since its establishment in 1860, despite many movements we made. 

As I stand here today, I pay tribute to those who came before us, and many of whom will follow. Augustana's story is one of transformation and progress. It is a story that began with its humble beginnings when Vikings sailed from distant shores to a school that would be in a beacon of higher education in the region. Our institution has embraced challenges while remaining steadfast in its values. 

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As student leaders, we are tasked with confronting the pressing challenges that face our campuses. From increasing engagement in student life to addressing concerns about mental health and academic equity, we recognize that our responsibilities go beyond leadership; they are acts of stewardship. Martin Luther once said, "Faith is a living, daring confidence in God's grace, so sure and certain that a person could stake their life on it a thousand times." We take this confidence and turn it into action—ensuring that every student feels seen, heard, and valued.

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At Augustana, we strive to uphold the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion not as optional ideals but as foundational values. The ELCA’s commitment to being a community that is "rooted and open" resonates deeply with our mission. Rooted in our faith, we remain steadfast in our principles, yet open to new ideas, new perspectives, and new voices. This commitment manifests through ongoing dialogue, curriculum expansion, and campus initiatives that create spaces of belonging for all.

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Our role as student leaders is not confined to the walls of our institutions. We are part of larger communities, and with that comes responsibility. The Gospel calls us to serve our neighbors, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer reminds us that "The Church is only the Church when it exists for others." Whether it is through volunteerism, public service, or advocacy, we recognize that our leadership is a calling to uplift those around us. At Augustana, we have taken this responsibility to heart, working closely with local organizations to ensure that our outreach efforts address real needs within our community.

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We gather here today not merely as representatives of our respective institutions, but as partners in a shared mission. We are called to lead with courage, to listen with humility, and to act with compassion. As we return to our campuses, let us remember that the work we do is not for ourselves alone, but for the generations that will come after us.

Just like our Viking spirit, let us be bold, brave, and driven by purpose. We know that the road ahead with 2024 elections looming, most of us are exploring many ways to address the challenges it brings and anxieties that is present in our college campus. As we navigate these challenges, may we continue to lead with faith, with courage, and with an unwavering commitment to our shared humanity.

Thank you! May God bless us all! And may God bless our broader network!

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