DARI awards Augustana for investing in the community
From the left, Troy Green, chair of DARI, and Kirk Anderson '93, Augustana's chief financial officer
In recognition of its dedication to community growth and reinvestment, Augustana College received a 2026 High Five for Community Development and Reinvestment award from the Development Association of Rock Island (DARI).
DARI cited Augustana’s leadership in forming 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.
Formally known as the Hilltop Community Development Corporation (CDC), this initiative aims to create a vibrant, thriving place to serve Rock Island residents and Augustana students.
“Established just last year, the Augustana Hilltop CDC is already making a meaningful impact,” said Liz Tallman, DARI vice president of development services. “Revitalization efforts are underway in the College Hill area, beginning with the redevelopment of the former Curry Out property into a mixed-use space that will support both business activity and new housing.”
Tallman also noted the CDC’s hiring of Jerry Lack as its executive director. A lifelong resident of the Quad Cities, Lack brings decades of experience in economic development, labor leadership and public service.
Kirk Anderson '93, Augustana’s chief financial officer, is the CDC's board president. He accepted the award at DARI’s annual meeting.
“This recognition reflects the care and collaboration that have shaped the Hilltop CDC from the start,” Anderson said. “Our focus has been on doing the fundamentals well, building the right partnerships, making thoughtful investments and creating a framework that can support sustainable neighborhood growth over time.
“We’re proud of the early progress and committed to continuing the work in a way that serves both the Hilltop community and Rock Island’s long-term vitality.”
The CDC and the hire of its executive director advance a key priority of Augustana’s Bold & Boundless strategic plan, to “connect through partnership” by investing in adjacent neighborhoods and building prosperity in Rock Island.
“We appreciate DARI’s recognition and the partnership behind it,” said Andrea Talentino, president of the college. “This recognition signals that the early steps we’ve taken together matter, and it strengthens our resolve to keep investing thoughtfully and working alongside our neighbors to support a thriving Hilltop.”