Students take on D.C. with alumni support

Four Augustana College students spent a week in Washington, D.C., this summer for a career leadership immersion supported by the college’s Bahls Institute for Leadership and Service. The initiative, made possible by donors Perry Waughtal '58 and Terrie Waughtal, connects students with alumni professionals and introduces them to possible career paths in the nation’s capital.

Faculty nominated the students based on demonstrated leadership potential. The group engaged in site visits, networking events and reflective sessions aimed at helping them connect their academic interests to future professional opportunities.

“My biggest takeaway is that leadership is not an attribute some people have and others lack,” said Fatima Martinez-Gallegos ’27. “Rather, it is an ongoing process that looks different for everyone and can only be developed through practice and patience. When we view leadership this way, we begin to confidently serve our community in the ways we enjoy and inspire others to do the same, creating a rich mix of talents and diversity.”

Prior to the trip, Shelby Olson ’79, a career and leadership coach and principal of CareerLife Directions LLC, led networking workshops to prepare students for the experience. She guided students in strategies for professional communication and goal setting. Olson continued to serve as a mentor throughout the program, offering personalized support.

“Helping others discover their best career and life directions is my passion and gives me tremendous satisfaction,” Olson said. “As an Augustana alum, I enjoy coaching current Augustana students on how to proactively build their experiences and skills and learn a process to successfully enter our challenging world of work. This helps build their confidence and resiliency to navigate future challenges.”

Connecting with alumni working beyond the Midwest helped students expand their sense of what’s possible — both geographically and professionally. For many, this experience was a first look at how an Augustana education can carry them into roles of influence, service and impact far beyond campus.

“Meeting alumni reminded me that leadership takes many forms and inspired me to imagine how I, too, might one day make an impact in the spaces that shape our nation,” said Martinez-Gallegos.

Students left with a deeper sense of belonging within the Augustana community and a renewed belief in their ability to thrive beyond it.

“This experience helped me realize that my goals are achievable; I should make every effort to make them a reality,” said Traidan Hier ’26.

As the program continues to grow, both students and mentors are eager to build on its early success of opening doors, deepening the impact of the Viking network and exploring what’s possible beyond campus.

“My hope is to see this program grow into a signature experience for both our students and our alumni,” said Lindsay Adolphs, assistant vice president of CORE and Community-Engaged Learning. “I would love to see even more students and alumni have the opportunity to connect through this model.”