SFLS Launches $600K Upper Room Campaign in Honor of Steve and Vicki Jastram

Thanks to the generosity of Architecture Incorporated, Hoogendoorn Construction, Haugan Heating and Air Conditioning, and countless other associates and friends, Sioux Falls Lutheran School is well on its way to raising $600K to build and fully finish the Upper Room–a second story Conference Room/Learning Center, equipped with cutting-edge technology and windows that overlook SFLS’s outdoor athletic fields–in honor of Steve and Vicki Jastram.

Exterior rendering of the upper school addition, including the Upper Room.

Interior rendering of the Upper Room in Honor of Steve and Vicki Jastram.

The sub campaign, which is part of the larger Imagine Immeasurably More capital campaign, was ignited by the leadership team at Architecture Inc., who approached SFLS with a desire to honor Steve and Vicki’s exceptional contributions to SFLS.

“Steve and Vicki Jastram have had a tremendous impact on Sioux Falls Lutheran School,” Andrew Eitreim, president and principal architect at Architecture, Incorporated, said. “At the same time, Steve has been a key figure at Architecture Incorporated for nearly 45 years. Steve has been a leader, mentor, and friend to everyone who has had the pleasure of working with him. Vicki is right there by his side, and is one of the most genuine and kind individuals I’ve ever known. They truly are wonderful people… As Executive Director Tia Esser has so beautifully stated, the naming of the Upper Room in their honor is the meeting of faith, architecture, and education.”

Pastor Aaron Asmus interviews Steve and Vicki Jastram about vocation during middle and high school chapel on Wednesday, January 22.

Architecture Incorporated’s lead gift of $100K quickly inspired Hoogendoorn Construction to contribute $90K to the project and Haugan Heating and Air Conditioning to add another $45K. This generosity has set SFLS on the path to raise $600K to complete the Upper Room and address critical needs, including an elevator, carpeting, railings, and other requirements necessary to obtain occupancy approval from the City of Sioux Falls. At the time of this publication, over $360,000 in cash and pledges have been raised by these lead donors and countless other colleagues, friends, and family.

Steve and Vicki Jastram pose for a photo with the Architecture, Incorporated team.

Steve Jastram poses for a photo with the Hoogendoorn Construction team.

Steve Jastram poses for a photo with Matt Haugan of Haugan Heating and Air Conditioning.

“This space will be a place of faith, fellowship, and inspiration for generations to come,” SFLS Executive Director, Tia Esser, said. “For Steve, the design highlights his favorite architectural feature–a cantilever–a first for him in a school setting. This beautiful space will be a personal tribute to his vision and to the Jastrams’ service to our school.”

Plans for the Upper Room were unveiled to the Jastrams during middle and high school chapel at SFLS on Wednesday, January 22, with roughly 100 family and friends in attendance. The Jastrams attended chapel that morning to be interviewed by Pastor Aaron Asmus about the chapel theme for the week: vocation–a fitting theme for a couple who has made significant contributions to both SFLS and the greater Sioux Falls community.

Steve, as a leader at Architecture Incorporated with decades of experience, has designed countless educational spaces that inspire learning, worship, and community. He has served as the principal architect for many SFLS building projects since the early 1980s. SFLS is proud to have built a longstanding relationship with Steve and to be an integral part of his enduring legacy.

Vicki is known for her selfless service, supporting her family and community with love and dedication, including her role at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, her work with the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League, her 25-year career at Eye-Site, and as a caregiver to her family. Over the years she has also served SFLS in countless behind-the-scenes ways.

Steve and Vicki Jastram pose for a photo with their children and grandchildren after chapel on January 22.

“Together, Steve’s and Vicki’s lives are extraordinary testimonies to the integration of architecture, faith, and education,” Esser said. “Steve’s visionary designs have provided places for faith-filled learning and community-building, while Vicki’s servant leadership has nurtured hearts and inspired countless individuals.”

The inspiration for the name of the space that will honor the Jastrams comes from scripture. Luke identified “The Upper Room” in Acts and Luke 22:12, describing the place where Jesus and the disciples had eaten their last supper. In this room, “The disciples joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers.” (Acts 1:14) Jesus spent crucial time in the Upper Room with His beloved friends–He ate with them, instituted the New Covenant in His blood, gave them last instructions and encouragement, including a new command to “love one another,” and He prayed His “high priestly prayer” over them. Here, Jesus quelled their dispute about “who was the greatest among them,” by rising quietly and washing their feet–reminding them that His followers are those who serve one another, not those who expect to be served: “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” (John 13:8) (NIV)

Steve and Vicki Jastram pose for a photo with family who surprised them by attending chapel on January 22.

The events of the Upper Room will still drive Jesus’ mission at SFLS. We hope to live as servants, under the blessing of His command to love one another and follow Him. The Upper Room is a blessing, designed by Steve, and it will serve as a gathering place for receptions, conferences, viewing, study, community building, and prayer. In addition, it honors the diligent, creative, and faithful work of Steve and Vicki–recognizing their constant examples of Christian servant leadership.

“It has been evident to us at Hoogendoorn Construction, and I believe I can speak for all the other business colleagues here, that Steve’s heart is in providing safe, quality places of learning for us, our children, and grandchildren, and for future generations,” Aric Kelderman, Vice President of Hoogendoorn Construction, said. “The qualities of a servant leader are evident in how you humbly listen and quietly instruct. Students and teachers at SLFS, it is our desire that the instruction given and received here would not only be an earthly blessing, but also a spiritual blessing unto each of you. Above all, may it all be to God’s honor and glory, and may His blessing rest upon the instruction here at SFLS.”

SFLS invites additional donations to help bring this vision to life, ensuring future generations are inspired by the Jastrams’ example of faith, service, and leadership.

About Sioux Falls Lutheran School

Sioux Falls Lutheran School is a family community committed to developing capable Christian servant-leaders in a complex world who are World Ready and Faith Secure. We are passionate about giving our students ranging in age from infancy through 12th grade the tools they need to be successful academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. We strive to accomplish this goal by maintaining high academic standards, employing excellent teachers, and upholding a Christian worldview drawn from Scripture. Ultimately, our vision is to partner with families in preparing children, as led by the Holy Spirit, for faithful and bold use of their God-given gifts to navigate and serve a complex world with the love of Christ.