Tom Tredway Awarded Order of the Polar Star (Nordstjärneorden)

Jonas Hafström, Sweden’s Ambassador to the U.S., presented the Order of the Polar Star to Dr. Tom Tredway, president emeritus of Augustana College and Pietisten Navigation (& History) Editor, in recognition of the many ways he has nurtured Augustana’s ties to the homeland of its founders.

Kate, Tom’s wife, daughter, Rebecca, son, Dan, grandson Caleb, and friends and colleagues celebrated with Tom. Current President Steve Bahls noted that the campus enjoyed three royal visits during Tredway’s 28-year administration. “Thanks to Dr. Tredway, our ties to Sweden remain strong.”

The medal the Ambassador presented to Dr. Tredway on behalf of King Carl XVI Gustaf consists of a white Maltese cross over a gold background. The center of the cross is a blue shield with an inscription referring to the North Star: Nescit occasum (“it knows no decline”).