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Tresse (Klumper) Evenson '04 has been named the 2025 Augie Pride Award winner. Evenson was recognized on Wednesday, April 30, at the university’s annual Service Awards & Retirement Recognition Ceremony in the Ordal Dining Hall of the Morrison Commons. Her parents, husband, four children and two nieces, who went to great lengths to keep the award a secret, were all in attendance.

Since 1999, the Augie Pride Award at Augustana has been given to employees who go above and beyond the call of duty to provide exceptional service to the university.

“It is an honor to be selected. I love my job and try not to take it for granted how much this place has provided me,” said Evenson.

Evenson has a 25-year history with the university, aside from her siblings, husband, sister-in-law and now, nieces, all attending Augustana. She graduated from the college in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts in professional accountancy, business administration and computer information systems (CIS). The former Viking Women’s Basketball player returned to her alma mater three years later when her husband, Joe ‘03, was hired as an assistant football coach at Augustana. Evenson started off as an admission counselor and worked her way through the ranks, currently holding the title of assistant vice president of financial aid.

“I wholeheartedly believe in college as a formative experience. So, I believe in our mission. I think we do it very well here, so I enjoy that I’m surrounded by others who strive and care. I enjoy the people I work with very much. And, our students are outstanding people to be around. I’m also a competitive person, so I like that this is a tough ‘business’ sometimes,” said Evenson, when asked about what she loves most about her position.

In her position, Evenson said her day-to-day is slightly different, but follows the pattern of the recruitment cycle rather than the academic cycle like that of most Augustana employees. She said most days include a lot of communication with current students, prospective students, parents, colleagues and more. She utilizes numerous student data systems and spends a lot of time manipulating and analyzing data.

“If I had to summarize what I do, I’d say I problem solve and answer questions…easy ones and super hard ones!” explained Evenson.

Since its inception, the Augie Pride Award winner has been nominated by other Augustana employees. In Evenson’s case, by two employees.

“Her focus is always on what benefits the students and Augustana, putting the needs of others before her own. She is a tireless advocate —not just for students, but for the entire Augustana community and her colleagues. Her leadership earns her widespread respect, making a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to work alongside her. Amid juggling countless requests from multiple departments, Tresse remains remarkably composed, navigating challenges with grace and patience. No matter how demanding her day, she always finds time to support those who seek her guidance, never letting the weight of her responsibilities affect her willingness to help. Without a doubt, Tresse is the embodiment of Augie Pride,” wrote one nominator.

“Over the past several years, I have had a front row seat watching her address an almost unbelievable amount of challenges with creativity and grace,” wrote another nominator. “She gives her best to every family she meets, every phone call she takes and every email she sends. Under her leadership, her team understands the importance of what they do, and buys into the vision that we can offer life-changing financial aid to more and more students each year. She does all of this with a sense of humor and caring for everyone around her.”

And, the celebration afterward was just as heartfelt: a simple photo in front of none other than the Ole Statue on campus and with ice cream (hopefully) at Culver’s.

“It is a humbling experience to hear such kind words from the people I work with. They see me at my best, but also, at my worst!” said Evenson. “It means a lot to me, and it motivates me to continue to be a better leader.”

For more information about past Augie Pride Award winners at augie.edu/ServiceAwards.