Corey Lepoudre
Graduation year: 2018
Majors: Biology (pre-physical therapy), public health
Activities: Phi Rho sorority, varsity soccer (two years)
Internships: Rock Valley Physical Therapy, where I shadowed a physical therapist, and Quad City Harm Reduction, where I helped educate at-risk populations in Davenport about opioid use disorders and trained them in Naloxone administration.
Post-grad plans: The summer after graduation I will continue to help at Quad City Harm Reduction while I shadow at physical therapy clinics in the Quad-City area and apply to graduate schools to earn my Doctorate of Physical Therapy.
Why Augustana?
As I began to search for colleges to attend, two things were very important to me. I wanted to go to a school with a respected science program, as well as a place where I could continue to play soccer. Augustana ended up being the perfect place that accommodated both.
Are you where you thought you’d be when you first came to campus?
Absolutely not. My goal of becoming a physical therapist was so far-fetched as I entered Augie as a freshman. Now I am going to graduate with a double major in biology and public health, and hopefully will be attending graduate school in a year.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
I have had amazing professors throughout my entire Augustana experience, but four professors stick out to me the most. My advisor, Scott Gehler, has been there for almost every step of my Augustana experience, whether it was understanding a topic in his Human Physiology class, figuring my post-graduation plans or being someone to talk to between classes.
Bob Tallitsch was another amazing support system in the biology department. He always challenges his students to reach their full potential, while also creating meaningful relationships with his students. Dr. Storl is someone who sparked a new passion for ethics. I enjoyed her courses so much that I took three of them.
Having an interest in both ethics and biology led me to my second major, public health, where I met Dr. Hann, who has pushed me to see my potential and my capabilities. Throughout the courses I have taken with Dr. Hann, I have organized and proposed a health initiative on campus, as well as created a meaningful Senior Inquiry project. Each of these professors has helped me find what I am most passionate about and grow in confidence.
Peak experience?
I cannot pinpoint a singular experience that I would label as my best experience at Augie. I got to study abroad, play soccer, major in two subjects, participate in various volunteer and charity events, complete two internships and join a sorority. Most of my friends from other schools have not had the opportunity to participate in all of these things. The peaks I experienced throughout the years were through these different opportunities that Augie made available to me.
What surprised you?
I entered Augie as a very reserved person whose self-confidence really only stemmed from athletics. Today, I can confidently say that I am capable of much more than I initially believed. Being put into uncomfortable or challenging situations has given me the opportunity to rise to the occasion and be successful.
How did you use Augie Choice?
I spent my Augie Choice money going on a trip to Italy with the varsity women’s soccer team. It was an amazing experience to play soccer in another part of the world and learn about a different culture. It was an experience that I will remember for the rest of my life, and I am forever grateful to have had the opportunity to travel with my team.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss the Augustana community and culture the most. Augie’s campus is so welcoming and is made up of incredibly talented and intelligent people. The culture here constantly encourages and motivates you to do your best. No one slacks off—you will see almost every seat filled when you walk into a classroom. Everyone is held to such a high standard inside and outside the classroom, and I will miss being surrounded by these extremely intelligent and dedicated people every day.
Advice for the Class of 2022?
It is okay if your plans or interests change along the way. It is important to do what is best for you, even if the path you take is different than the one others take.
“Corey Lepoudre is a stellar example of someone who puts public health knowledge into practice. Her work with the QC Harm Reduction organization, where she trains people how to access and use Naloxone to prevent opioid deaths, has made an immeasurable impact on our community. The ‘3 P’s of Public Health’ are promotion, prevention and protection. Corey has demonstrated her commitment to these both in and out of the classroom, and we are so proud of the change she is making in the Quad Cities and beyond.”