With hearts full of school pride, Viking Days now holds an extra special place in the hearts of this year royals Alex Folgar 26 and Gabriela Gabi Rabonni 26.
Escorted by his mother, Stephanie, along with Instructor of Education Nick Jackson and Dr. Russell Svenningsen, associate professor of music, the crown was an unexpected surprise for Folgar that brought back memories.
Honestly, I couldnt and still cant believe it. I didnt think it was going to be me, he shared. I truly felt that each of us had an equal chance of receiving the crown.
With a major in elementary education and minor in music, Folgar is involved with the Augustana Choir and Bach Collegium while working as a student ambassador for the AU Office of Admission and choral music librarian for the School of Music. Folgar has also previously served on the Union Board of Governors (UBG) as both a dance governor and head governor.
Folgar is a South Gate, California, native, who moved to Sioux Falls in 2017. Although Folgar didnt initially plan on continuing his education in what is now his hometown, he cant imagine it any other way.
I always tell people on tours that Augustana wasnt my first choice. After all, who wants to stay in their hometown for college? he admitted. But everything changed the moment I stepped on campus. Within an hour, I saw genuine friendships, passionate professors and a strong sense of belonging. That when I knew this was the place for me.
Rabonni, a neuroscience and psychology major and biology minor, hails from São Paulo, Brazil. She is a Viking advisor (VA) in Wagoner Hall, research assistant for the biology department and president of Serving and Learning Together (SALT). Rabonni also serves as a student ambassador for the Office of Admission and Augustana Cultural Exchange (ACE) ambassador for the De & Dave Knudson Center for Global Engagement. She is a yoga instructor for Recreational Services, academic tutor for psychology and participates in intramural sports.
Escorted by her friend, Hannah Lopes 26, and boyfriend, Ian Olivier 26, Rabonni said that she had to do a double take upon hearing her name.
To be honest, I couldn't believe it when my name was called, she said. I had to turn to my left and after seeing homecoming royals nominees Sydney Rogers and Amy Kim staring at me, I realized that I had heard it right! I still had some tears running after listening to the letter Hannah (Lopes) wrote to me and goosebumps followed as soon as the choir started to sing.
Rabboni originally planned on attending college on the East Coast and living in a big city, just as she had been accustomed to her whole life.
Although Augie wasn't initially on my college list, I received an email about their bio and pre-med program around Christmas time and after a quick search, I found a video of international students testifying about their experience at Augie. I decided to apply and after that, I never felt alone.
The two royals said that the distinction is a reminder of those who have influenced them and the impact they have had on others.
I truly believe that without each person, class and professor, I wouldnt be who I am today, Folgar said. To me, this crown isnt just a personal honor, it represents the entire Augustana community that has shaped, supported and uplifted me.
It means a lot. I was already honored to be voted one of the 10 royals, but I would never have imagined being in the top two, Rabonni added of the honor significance. I think this title also comes with a reminder of the responsibility to lead by example and be someone students dont hesitate to reach out to.
Other members of the 2025 Royal Court include:
Abel Alene 26, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Sami Bendix 26, Sioux Falls
Amy Kim 26, Washington, D.C.
Daisy Larson 26, Sioux Falls
Sydney Rogers 26, St. Michael, Minnesota
Mallorie Schultz 26, Madison, South Dakota
Brooklyn Townsend 26, Sioux Falls
Patrick Vogel 27, Sioux Falls