Over 150 years ago, Swedish immigrants founded Augustana College. In keeping this history alive, Augustana’s American Scandinavian Association (ASA) has spent almost a century sharing stories and traditions.
On Friday, Nov. 8, Augustana and Quad Cities community members will gather at the campus for a meal of lutfisk, Swedish meatballs and lesfe, among other Nordic favorites.
The traditional lutfisk dish is made of dried whitefish that is later soaked in lye and rehydrated to a gelatinous texture. While there are many stories and Viking legends on the origins of lutfisk, the meal is now prepared by Augustana's food service for attendees to taste.
President of ASA at Augustana Marcia Wetzel said the association has hosted an annual lutfisk and meatball dinner since 2005, a popular holiday celebration for the community.
"We do a lot with food because we found our people like anything that has to do with food, just like with every other ethnic group," Wetzel said. "[The] Quad Cities is made up of a lot of ethnicities, and that's what makes it a great place, is for all these people to share their cultures and their food."
Following the meal, an evening program will be presented by Augustana Professor of Scandinavian Ulf Jonas Björk. Björk joined the college this fall and will focus this year’s evening program on the traditional stories of jultomten, a Santa Claus-like figure from Nordic folklore.
As the school continues to grow and modernize, Wetzel said continuing to recognize the campus' roots helps connect
the past to the present culture.
"We of course like to keep the Scandinavian aspect of the college... That's how it started," Wetzel said. "And now the college is very diverse, which I think is great. And times move on, but we like to still...offer these things."
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