News Center
What endures? 'Learning that sticks' at Augustana
Moderated by Vice President of Advancement Jon Enslin, the panel drew together Dr. Lendol Calder, nationally recognized historian and champion of reflective teaching; Dr. Tracy Poelvoorde, chancellor of Trinity College of Nursing and Augustana alumna; and Judge Tionn Fambro Carter, civic leader and first Black female judge in the 14th Judicial Circuit of Illinois.
Augustana opened doors to Coinbase internship
When Mahi Haque ’27 of Bangladesh was choosing a college, he looked for three things: a data science major, scholarships and location. What he found at Augustana led him all the way to a competitive AI and automation internship at Coinbase in New York City.
Augustana's Shockingly Modern Saxophone Festival set for Feb. 21
Augustana College will host its annual Shockingly Modern Saxophone Festival on Feb. 21. The event, featuring guest artists John Sampen and Mark Bunce, will be held at Bergendoff Hall, located at 3701 7th Ave. All events are free and open to the public.
DARI awards Augustana for investing in the community
Augustana received a 2026 High Five for Community Development and Reinvestment award from the Development Association of Rock Island (DARI) for the college's leadership in establishing a collaboration with the City of Rock Island, businesses and citizens to spur mixed-use retail, residential and neighborhood improvements in the College Hill District.
Augustana’s MLK celebration urges taking action now
Campus and community members gathered Monday to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and examine how compassion can drive justice. The keynote panel, “Acts of Compassion: Turning Care into Change,” highlighted local leaders whose work answers Dr. King’s call to meet the fierce urgency of now with empathy and action.
Hopman '11 found her future in the past
Rebecca Hopman never expected to meet one of the most influential people in her life when she was a student worker in Augustana's Special Collections. But Lydia Olsson’s diaries sparked a connection across time for Hopman — and a career devoted to preserving stories like Olsson’s.
$1 million endowed gift to advance engaged teaching/learning
An anonymous alumna has stepped forward with a $1 million endowed gift to support Augustana’s Center for Engaged Learning, Teaching, and Scholarship (CELTS). Once fully mature, the endowment will provide an estimated $45,000 annually to build programs that will strengthen teaching/learning for the entire Augustana community.
Augustana invites the community to MLK Day keynote panel discussion
Augustana is hosting an MLK Day keynote panel discussion, “Acts of Compassion: Turning Care into Change" on Monday, Jan. 19, from noon to 1:30 p.m. at Centennial Hall, located at 3703 7th Ave., Rock Island. The event is free.
Class Notes
Alumni share their latest news!
Polyak '99 named 2026 Superintendent of the Year
The impact of Dr. Nick Polyak's leadership is clear in the relationships he builds, the opportunities he creates for students and faculty, and the example he sets. He traces his passion for education back to his time at Augustana, where he learned firsthand its power to change lives.
Augustana College and Trinity College of Nursing & Health Sciences agreement will strengthen health care education
Augustana and UnityPoint Health Trinity College have signed a definitive agreement to strengthen the future of health care education in the Quad Cities through the acquisition of Trinity College’s academic programs and operations by Augustana.
$10,000 Business Plan Competition open for 2026
The 10th annual Augustana College Business Plan Competition invites teams or individual students to present their ideas to a panel of business professionals.
Augustana College launches Office of the Vice President for Culture and Connection in 2026
The launch marks a decade of impact and a renewed mission-driven commitment to prepare students for a diverse and changing world. New programming will celebrate and affirm diverse identities and creative traditions represented on campus.
Augustana Oratorio Society to perform Handel's 'Messiah'
George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah” will be performed by the Augustana Oratorio Society, conducted by Dr. Jon Hurty. Soloists are Michelle Areyzaga, soprano; Steven Soph, tenor; Jonathan Woody, bass-baritone; and Jessye Wright, mezzo soprano. A professional orchestra will accompany the performance.
Augustana partners with local organizations to improve maternal care
Augustana's Center for the Advancement of Community Health and Wellness (CACHW) is partnering with Community Health Care (CHC), Iowa Black Doula Collective, and Akwaaba QC to improve maternal care in the region.
