Shaik, Jancikova Make AU History as First International Student Pair to be Crowned Viking Days Royals

Augustana University students Azam Shaik '25 and Gabi Jancikova '25 were crowned the 2024 Viking Days Royals at coronation on Wednesday, Oct. 2, in the Elmen Center. This is the first time in Augustana's history that both royals are international students.

The coronation took place in front of a crowd of students, faculty and staff following the Viking Feast on the third day of AU's homecoming.

Shaik, of Hyderabad, India, is triple majoring in data science, quantitative economics and finance. He is an Augustana Cultural Exchange (ACE) ambassador, Viking advisor (VA), admission ambassador, supplemental instructor, Beacom Research Fellow and part of the Viking Distance Project. Shaik was also the 2023-24 Community Covenant Award recipient.

"For me, it wasn't just about the crown - it was about the journey up to this point," Shaik said. "It feels like a recognition of all the friendships I've made, experiences I've had and incredible support I've received along the way. This moment feels like a celebration of all those connections and memories that have shaped my time at Augustana.

"Being international students, we've faced our own set of challenges, and to have both of us up there as Viking Days Royals feels really special," continued Shaik. "It shows how welcoming and inclusive Augustana is - no matter where you're from, you can be part of something bigger here. And, Gabi was actually my very first friend at Augustana, even before I stepped foot on campus, so it's amazing to be sharing this experience with her."

Shaik was escorted in by Heather Edmunds Reed, co-director of the International Programs Office (IPO).

"When I first came to Augustana in 2021, I was a nervous international student, far from home, unsure what to expect," said Shaik. "Heather was one of the first people I met, and right away she became a guiding presence in my life. Over the years, Heather has become like a second mom to me. She's been such a significant part of my journey here, representing everything that Augustana has meant to me - support, friendship, challenge and a belief in the impossible."

After graduation, Shaik plans to work for a few years before pursuing a master's degree.

Jancikova is a sociology and environmental studies double major from Šošůvka, Czech Republic. She is a member of the Augustana Women's Tennis Team, Elmen Center staff and received the 2023-24 Covenant Award for liberal arts.

"I remember my freshman year when Becca (Ziems '22) and Taha (Afzal '22) won in 2021, and I was thinking about how it would actually feel to be up on the stage," she added. "I remember telling myself that I would try my best to get the most out of my experience being a student in the States. I am happy and grateful to end my 'trying' by winning royalty this year!"

Jancikova was escorted in by Laura Arce Vieyra '23 and Tae Ellenbecker '26, as well as her parents on FaceTime from the Czech Republic.

"Laura has been my best friend, family, mentor and person I can always count on during my hard and happy times," said Jancikova. "Being in the states without family is very hard, but Laura is my family in one person.

"Tae has been a big inspiration and, let's say, my partner in crime," Jancikova continued. "He has inspired me with his dedication, hard work, kindness, and love for me and the entire world. He is a person who is willing to help others in any situation and wants the world to be a better and equal place for everybody."

After graduation, Jancikova plans to run a marathon and pursue a career in the geographic information system (GIS) and sustainability fields.

Viking Days 2024 continues through the weekend. View the schedule.

Other members of the 2024 Royal Court include:

• Xavier Carbonneau '25, of Luverne, Minnesota - Psychology and Journalism Major
• Norah Grace DeBoer '25, of Sioux Falls - Government & International Affairs, Classics and Philosophy Major
• Mia Fank '25, of Emmetsburg, Iowa - Communication Studies Major
• Avery Gilman '25, of Dawson, Minnesota - Government & International Affairs and Sociology Major
• Annie Johnston '25, of Sioux Falls - Government & International Affairs and History Major
• Barrett Lloyd '25, of Casper, Wyoming - Psychology Major
• Elizabeth Toso '25, of Canton, South Dakota - Mathematics and Data Science Major
• Nora Winckler '25, of Scotland, South Dakota - Government & International Affairs and English Major

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