Athleticism and the arts are a natural at Augustana, especially in opera. Football lineman Spencer Warfield ’23 and fencer Soryn Richter ’26 take the stage in “Amahl and the Night Visitors” on April 21 and 23.
Alumni share their latest news and photos!
Emily Hogren, a sophomore from Port Byron, Ill., majoring in biology, is the winner of the 2023 Ethics Essay Contest for her paper, "The Commodification of Death: Chain Funeral Homes and Their Impact on Clients and Employees."
The Office of Sexual Assault Prevention Education will sponsor a Take Back the Night rally against sexual violence with keynote speaker Aubrey Barnes.
Auditorium
Olin Center for Educational Technology
733 35th St.
Rock Island, IL 61201
United States
The award champions the success of Cheboi and TechLit Africa.
Graduation year: 2023
High school: Army Public School
Hometown: Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Majors: Psychology; women, gender, and sexuality studies
Minor: Nonprofit Leadership Development Experiential Minor
Activities: Reading/Writing Center peer tutor, Multicultural Programming Board, Office of Student Life, Global Engagement Team
Internships: Quad Cities Alliance for Immigrants and Refugees, Moline, Ill.; Family Resources, Davenport, Iowa
Post-grad plans: I plan on getting my Master of Human Resources and Industrial Relations from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, starting this fall.
Although I applied to multiple schools, Augustana was the one that attracted me the most for various reasons. Not only did Augie offer me the best scholarships, the impressive admissions team (especially Liz Nino) also entirely won me over.
Even before I stepped foot on campus, I was made to feel really welcomed and that played a huge role in my decision. The campus looked beautiful and the small class size was exactly what I wanted for my college experience.
No. During my four years at Augustana, I have been able to learn and grow more than I ever would have anticipated. Because of the opportunities and mentoring here, I was able to get out of my comfort zone and accomplish things that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I am smarter, more confident and resilient, and have a better outlook on life than I thought I would, four years ago.
I think my parents are on top of the list for this one. They allowed me to chase my wild dreams and leave my country at such a young age, in hopes of a better education and a better future. Without their trust, support and sacrifices, I would not be here.
Additionally. the faculty at Augustana (especially Lucas Street, Dr. Umme Al-Wazedi, Dr. Lisa Szafran and Dr. Jake Romaniello), my mentors and my peers have been a tremendous help. Whenever I have stumbled upon a problem, I have had resources to turn to and ask for help. From my very first day of classes, as a lost freshman, to my quest for graduate school and a career choice that fits my interests and goals, the Augie community has been there for me.
As the president of one of the student organizations (Global Engagement Team), I was able to share my culture and traditions with the Augie community by organizing different events on campus. Bringing a piece of my home to the people here and sharing and celebrating such events with them was definitely my peak experience.
Coming in, I knew that Augustana had a decent number of international students. However, seeing 150 international students alone in my batch was a pleasant surprise. I didn't know Augustana had such a huge international student population and that it would be so easy for me to find a home away from home here, with people that I would soon start calling family.
I used my Augie Choice for a study abroad program to Guatemala.
I will miss the feeling of familiarity and comfort that I find at Augustana. Over the past four years, it really has turned into my second home with some of my favorite people in the world. I will miss the amazing Augie community, all my friends and the faculty.
Don't give up. College is not a bed of roses. You will have days where you feel like giving up, like the whole world is against you, but remember that every extraordinary thing comes at a cost. Your good days will far outnumber your bad days at Augie and at the end of it all, will be so worth it!
"I have been impressed with Noor since the day I met her. Not only is her academic record impeccable, she has grown in all the qualities of a liberally educated individual as she has sought out opportunities to help her engage in the work that matters to her the most. She has developed into a passionate leader and engaged global citizen. I am confident that Noor will leave a positive mark on the communities and organizations that she works with in the future."
Rocio Pulido, an immigrant rights advocate formerly with the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights in Chicago, will conduct a workshop about possible changes to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program under the Trump administration and ways to support immigrant students at Augustana.
A light lunch will be provided.
Room 201
Olin Center for Educational Technology
733 35th St.
Rock Island, IL 61201
United States
Graduation year: 2023
High school: Fulton High School
Hometown: Fulton, Ill.
Majors: Communication sciences and disorders
Minor: Linguistics
Activities: Student Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Augustana Concert Chorale, Sigma Pi Delta sorority
Internship: Texas Medical Center Summer Research Internship Program
Post-grad plans: Attending UW-Madison for graduate school
Augustana had always been in the back of my mind because I lived only an hour away from the school. I was reluctant to go to Augie because of the small size and close proximity to my hometown. However, it turned out to be one of the best choices I have ever made.
For an 18-year-old entering the adult world, Augie gave me the right amount of nurturing and support to become who I have always wanted to be. My academic program of interest is also incredibly strong and has prepared me for my future.
My biggest hope for myself going into college was that I would be able to learn how to become a great speech-language pathologist. Unbeknownst to me, Augie taught me how to believe in myself, think critically and be a well-rounded human.
I never fell under the radar at Augie. I was led to great opportunities and experiences that I never thought I would have. I am proud of who I have become and I know I am ready for anything life hands me once I graduate.
I absolutely have to thank my two CSD professors and mentors Dr. Allison Haskill and Dr. Ann Perreau. These two wonderful women have made my experience at Augie extra special. I could go on about their influence on me, but I think they know from my constant appreciation how much they mean to me.
I also have to thank Dr. Kate Hutcheson, Sheila Buoy and the research team from MD Anderson at the Texas Medical Center. Words cannot describe how influential these people have been to me. They were catalysts for me to realize where my dreams and priorities lie.
Lastly, I would be nowhere without the support of my friends and family. They have loved me and calmed my nerves through all four years of college.
One thing I will never take for granted is the people who are by my side and help me reach my best potential. I can only hope I will be as great of a role model as they have been to me.
My peak experience was absolutely my Texas Medical Center research internship at MD Anderson Cancer Center. Without this experience, I would never have realized where my passion within my field lies. It created a newfound confidence within myself and new, lifelong relationships. It is undeniably my favorite memory from my time at Augustana.
What surprised me is how much I enjoyed my non-major classes. I took so many interesting classes like video game music, African American literature, formal logic and so many more. I loved my liberal arts education and the freedom to take classes that interested me outside of my intended focus.
I used my Augie Choice for my Texas Medical Center research internship.
I will miss the connections and relationships I made with my friends and professors.
College is not high school. You have the chance to rewrite old perceptions of yourself. You will find people at Augustana who share similar values as you do and will help open your mind to new ones. You have the power and the resources to change your life. Do not be afraid to explore! Good luck!
"Ella is a truly outstanding student and lucky me to be one of her mentors! She has grown in so many ways and taken advantage of the wonderful opportunities that Augie has to offer from internships to undergraduate research and presenting at professional conferences. All of these experiences speak to Ella's dedication and high achieving nature. There are no bounds to what Ella will accomplish as she fulfills her dreams!"
Graduation year: 2023
High school: Rolling Meadows High School
Hometown: Arlington Heights, Ill.
Majors: Political science, economics
Minor: Communication studies
Activities: Varsity baseball, Honor Council, Pre-Law Association, Political Science Student Advisory Council
Post-grad plans: I plan to attend the University of North Carolina School of Law in the fall of 2023.
I chose Augustana for its commitment to support my aspirations of being a student-athlete in college. After visiting the college and meeting with current students, I felt a uniquely strong sense of community. I wanted a college experience that produced quality connections both in and out of the classroom.
That opportunity to connect with the Augustana community led to strong relationships with my teammates, classmates and professors — proving invaluable in reaching my goals.
I always had a strong sense of purpose and direction for my future. Augustana helped to reaffirm my goals and direct my education to meet and exceed those original plans. I am thankful for how well Augustana has prepared me for my future endeavors.
The relationships I built with my teammates and professors are a strong reason for where I am at today. My teammates helped me to sharpen my pursuit of perfection. We push each other to exceed expectations in practice. This commitment to quality over quantity taught me the value of taking pride in my craft. I found these skills to be extremely translatable off the field.
I also believe my professors proved to be heavily influential in helping me get to where I am today. Faculty at Augustana truly care about their students. I found professors to be extremely accommodating and committed to helping me succeed. From extending office hours to checking in over the summer to see how I'm doing, the care my professors showed over my four years here has been wildly motivating.
My peak experience was finding out I was admitted to my top law school choice during class. I remember the feeling of pride I felt, recollections throughout my four years here rushed through my head. That moment felt like the culmination of my time here at Augie. I don't think I will ever forget that feeling. It's amazing to see that hard work pay off.
I was surprised with how at home I felt at Augie. As a high school senior I felt college was simply going to be a stepping stone. A place I'd spend four years at and then leave. Augie proved to be much more than that. The relationships I have built on this campus will be a part of me forever, making this college a part of me forever as well.
I will miss walking through the Quad and seeing familiar faces everywhere. It's almost impossible to go throughout the day without seeing someone you know. That sense of community will be missed.
Trust your gut. The only certainty in life is uncertainty. Embrace that feeling of not knowing exactly who you are and who you want to be. No one grows where they feel safe. It's only when we put ourselves out there that we find growth.
"It has truly been a privilege being Joe’s professor. He's the sort of person who — both in the classroom and on the field — clearly understands the relationship between effort and results. This coming fall, Joe starts out on the next part of his journey at UNC law school. On behalf of the entire department, I wish Joe all the very best."
Graduation year: 2023
High school: St. Bede Academy
Hometown: Ladd, Ill.
Majors: Biology, environmental studies
Activities: Zeta Phi Kappa sorority, Athletic Department photographer
Internships: Niabi Zoo; Moline Storm Water Division
Post-grad plans: I plan to work as a quality technician in a laboratory.
Coming from a small high school, I have always felt more comfortable being in smaller classrooms and having the ability to make connections with my teachers. Therefore, I wanted a school where I would be able to have conversations with my professors, and they would remember my name and not look at me as a number on the board.
No. Augie has opened me up and made me a better person. I have endured many challenges while at Augie, but always felt as though I was set up for success when it came to the classes I took. The professors I've had and the people I've met have made me who I am today. I have become a better version of myself from being at Augie.
My parents are my biggest supporters. They have always been there for me and pushed me to do what is best for myself and my future.
My advisors, Dr. Murphy and Dr. Lashley, are two of my biggest cheerleaders here at Augie. They set me up to take the right classes that allowed me to diversify my learning and help me reach my goals. The laboratory people I currently work with have become people I look up to and aspire to be like.
Jessica Estes, my sorority advisor, has guided me to lead with passion and respect. She has given me advice on how to handle tough situations and has helped me through my presidency.
My friends and family have always been there to cheer me on as I complete exams, presentations and semesters. Lastly, my boyfriend who I have been in long-distance with for all four years at Augie is one of my biggest support systems. He has helped me study for all of my exams, read through my papers and let me practice presentations with him a countless number of times.
Each of these people holds a special place in my heart because they have gotten me to where I am today.
Taking an internship with water quality control on a whim and falling in love with laboratory work! I've always thought I would eventually become a veterinary technician, but I fell in love with the environmental portion of science and took a chance on an internship presented to me by one of my professors.
That I doubled my major because I never would have thought I would be able to take double the workload in college. The transition from high school to college was tough, and adding COVID on top of it, it was overwhelming. I was surprised that I was able to time-manage two majors and still have time for extra-curriculars on top of them.
I used it to study in Louisiana for a geography class. There, we discussed environmental justice issues surrounding coastal areas. It was an immersive experience that allowed me to experience what I had been reading about for almost four years.
I will miss the people I've met along the way. Some of them are my closest friends who live hours away and some of them are professors who I will no longer see every other day. It will be hard to adjust to the "real world" where I will have to reestablish myself. However, I will take everything they have taught me with me to wherever I end up next.
Take advantage of every opportunity given to you — whether that be a small extra credit assignment, an opportunity to present at a conference or an internship that your professor believes you will thrive in. Take chances because you may learn more about yourself along the way.
"I’ve had the pleasure of working with Lauren during her time serving as Zeta Phi Kappa’s president. Lauren is everything you hope a student leader will be: competent, confident, patient, passionate, responsible and genuinely kind. As the Zeta advisor, I have learned so much from Lauren, and I will deeply miss her and her leadership when she graduates. I know Lauren will go on to do amazing things after Augustana. This is only the beginning of what she will accomplish."
Graduation year: 2023
High school: Colombo International School
Hometown: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Majors: English; women, gender, and sexuality studies (WGSS)
Activities: Reading/Writing Center (RWC) peer tutor, Augustana Prison Education Program student assistant, Global Ambassador, Tredway Library Circulation, Dance Company, UNYK Multicultural Dance Troupe
Internships: Augustana's Office of International Students and Scholarly Services; CORE at Augustana
Post-grad plans: I want to get my master's in public health with a focus on maternal health and reproductive justice!
Initially, I think it was seeing the aerial pictures of Augie in the fall. But ultimately, I stayed because of the care my professors took to ensure I excelled in everything I did.
I never thought that I could be this happy, to be honest. I'm graduating with a degree that I'm incredibly passionate about. And I've found a community that has been so intentional in the love and support they give me. I feel so lucky.
There are so many people, it's going to be hard to list all of them.
My amazing parents, Janaki Siyambalagastenne and Mangala Wijesekera, who trusted me when I made the choice to switch from the sciences to the humanities during my junior year. My aththamma, Kamala Alahakoon, who is everything I aspire to be.
My best friends, who have given me the kind of love that I've only read about in books and never thought possible in real life. My professors, who have inspired and encouraged me. The library faculty, who I can always count on for the most brilliant and hilarious conversations.
The entire women, gender, and sexuality studies (WGSS) department. Their passion and dedication towards their students are unmatched. So much of what I have achieved, I owe to them.
And finally, my Reading/Writing Center. The RWC is the embodiment of all of Augustana's best qualities, be it in the way they encourage each student to be the best version of their scholarly self or how they advocate for students of color and international students like myself. Words can't express how much I love our space and community.
Again, there are just so many. But my favorite would be the day Dr. Heacock-Renaud had a Jeopardy-style quiz in our WGSS 130 class. The winners were awarded extra credit on our final. I’m not a very competitive person, but I was an absolute menace that day. But hey, our team got an extra boost on our final. ;)
How much I loved my classes. I was never a very academic person, and so I never expected to love my academics so deeply.
I decided to skip out on my Augie Choice this J-term and spend that time with my family in Sri Lanka instead.
The WGSS department, the library and the RWC.
Be authentic to yourself. Whether it be when choosing your major or when you decide which campus groups to join. Oh and also, the Blue Couch in the RWC is the best place for a mid-day on-campus nap.
"Gavi exudes a unique brilliance and willingness to engage that have made a huge impact at Augustana. From community-building and social-justice initiatives on campus to meaningful work at the Reading/Writing Center and endlessly perceptive contributions to classroom discussions, Gavi’s presence has been a gift. Fittingly, Gavi has received multiple awards from our women, gender, and sexuality studies program — and willingly read theory with me on the side! I can’t wait to see what Gavi will do next."
Graduation year: 2023
High school: Quincy Senior High School
Hometown: Quincy, Ill.
Majors: Art history, theatre arts (concentration in design and technology)
Minor: Psychology
Activities: Augustana's Theatre Scene Shop
Internships: Shadow the technical director at Augustana's Scene Shop during J-term 2022; lighting designer and assistant technical director for the Quad Cities Chapter of “Penguin Project” during J-term 2023
Post-grad plans: I will be working as a Resident Teaching Artist through ArtistYear AmeriCorps. I will be helping to address inequities in arts education by working with K-12 students in low-income schools in Moore County, N.C.
When I applied, I had no intention of attending. During my campus tour, something clicked. I got a strong feeling of “I’m meant to be here.” Having severe anxiety, I knew that the transition to college would be harder on me than my peers.
As I got further into the admission process, my feeling of belonging intensified — from my admission interviews, meeting my peer mentor and more. These interactions and sense of home made the challenges I faced on campus easier to tackle, when they arose.
Not at all. I came to Augustana with the intention of majoring in psychology and public health, and only doing theater to maintain my scholarship. When I arrived, I realized how much I missed theater and that rush of working on a show. And before I knew it, it was major declaration day.
Along with discovering the field of art history, a subject that I did not realize was out there and possible to pursue, I have since reignited my passion for the arts and affirmed that it is the career path for me.
My rock has been my mom. My mom has never shied away from supporting me during times when others didn’t support me. Through it all she has been there to listen and cheer me on, and without her, I wouldn’t have made it here.
Also, several faculty members that I have worked with on campus have made it possible for me to have successfully made it this far:
Dr. Samantha Keehn, my first-year advisor; Dr. Kiki Kosnick, who allowed me to join their higher level WGSS class during my sophomore year and was in my corner outside of the classroom; Dr. Margaret Morse, my art history advisor who introduced me to a new found love; Dr. Jennifer Popple, who allowed me to be an important part of her production team; Shelley Cooper, who persistently followed up with me until I declared my major and is my advisor and mentor; and Mike Turczynski, who quickly made up for the two years we "missed" working together, and more.
Working on my Senior Inquiry (SI) projects (Artwork in the Brunner Theatre Center). I have been able to choose topics for both of my Inquiries that I am passionate about and follow more non-traditional paths that have been done in the past.
I have not only worked closely with my advisors, but I have been able to collaborate with other faculty members, who have helped me expand my SIs. I am excited to finish my Senior Inquiry projects after almost over a year of work, and to share them with the campus community.
The experiences that I have had while at Augustana. I have had the opportunity to work on campus, the first being the Center for Visual Culture. I was able to work hands-on with the art pieces that the school owns, doing various tasks. The second place I worked on campus was the theatre department’s Scene Shop, allowing me to work with several faulty members one-on-one.
I used it to fund an unpaid internship with the Quad Cities chapter of “The Penguin Project.” During the first rehearsal that I sat in on, I quickly fell in love with the atmosphere that was created. I used Augie Choice to pay for the work I did as the lighting designer for the 2023 show.
The daily interactions that I have with all of the faculty members — from the daily conversations in their offices and common spaces in the building. Allowing them to know not only who I am as a student, but as an individual.
Even the interactions that I have with faulty members I barely know. They make a point to engage with me when we pass on campus. The sense of community and interacting with faculty while traveling around campus will be one of the biggest things I will miss.
Don’t be afraid to reach out. Make connections with faculty members. Creating and building relationships with them allow you to go to them when you need support. It’s often hard to remember that although they are authority figures and scary, they are just as human as us.
"During his time at Augustana, Riley has grown tremendously as not only an artist, but as a leader and an educator. His work in the theatre department can be seen in almost every production we do whether it be through his design work, his leadership in the scene shop, or his mentoring of younger students. He is constantly seeking to create the best possible production given whatever circumstances are thrown his way. He is ready to take on whatever his next challenge may be."
Graduation year: 2023
High school: West Aurora High School
Hometown: Aurora, Ill.
Major: Elementary education
Activities: Peer mentor, Phi Rho sorority
Internship: Student teaching – 1st grade, Paul Norton Elementary School, Bettendorf, Iowa
Post-grad plans: To begin my career as an elementary school teacher
When I came to Augustana I knew by walking around the campus that this would be my home for the next four years. I loved how the faculty knew each other, knew their students and were involved on campus.
Everyone always talks about the "Augie Bubble," and they are correct. There is an Augie Bubble on campus, where everyone is looking out for each other and supporting one another's career paths.
No! I have grown, matured and changed in more ways than one since coming to Augustana. But, I believe that I am a lot more accomplished and farther than where I thought I could be when I first came to campus.
Augustana makes you want to strive to be the best version of yourself each day whether that be because the faulty love to push you to be better or your classmates push you to be better.
Randy Hengst helped me get to where I am today. Randy is a very special person in the education department. When I arrived on campus my freshman year, I was still undecided on my major. But, I quickly knew I wanted to switch to elementary education, so I met with Randy.
At the time, he really intimidated me because I idolized him as a teacher. He pushed me every day to think outside the box, to go outside of my comfort zone and to think of learning in multiple ways. Even though he pushed hard at times, I knew that I could always go to him if there was something I needed help with.
He has helped me so much, especially during my senior year. I can always email him and know that I will get a response within minutes with advice, feedback or offering a time to meet to help me. I am so thankful that our class gets to be his last, and I hope he knows how many students' lives he impacted for the better.
My peak experience would be my time as a student teacher. I was able to grow into the teacher I have always wanted to be through the help of my cooperating teacher.
I could not have asked for a better placement to help facilitate growth both in and outside of the classroom. I know because of my experience with my students and cooperating teacher that I can be the teacher I always looked up to in elementary school.
I was surprised with how much Augustana pushed me outside of my comfort zone. Without the push of faculty members and classmates, I would have never become the person or teacher I am today. I am so thankful for all this campus taught about myself. I had so many opportunities to grow and learn about myself, others and my profession. I could not be more thankful.
I used my Augie Choice to go to Jamaica for a J-term and teach abroad. For me this was the most eye-opening experience in the best way possible. I was able to learn so much from the culture, the students and the faculty at the school where I was teaching. It will definitely make me a better teacher.
I will miss the constant feeling of being home. The friendships I have made on campus will be ones that stay with me a lifetime. But, I will miss taking classes with my education classmates as we were always there to help one another.
I will miss all the Phi Rho sorority events as Phi Rho was the first group of women who made me believe that I can be the person I am today.
Overall, I will miss being on campus in all the seasons because they are truly beautiful.
Soak up every moment you have on campus. I know everyone says the four years go quick, but they truly do. Your time here will be measured by the activities you take part in and the people you surround yourself with. Everyone wants to see you succeed so reach out to those who can help!
"I worked with Mary as her advisor and professor for three years. In class and during advising, she consistently demonstrated a focus on mastering the responsibilities of elementary school teachers. While working with her in the weekly, student teaching seminar, it was obvious that she was enjoying and succeeding. Her self-analyses of teaching were thoughtful and focused on the accomplishments of her students. This spring I have enjoyed hearing about her substitute teaching and look forward to hearing about her work as a new teacher. Thank you for coming to Augie!"
The choir of SVF-Vättern College, Jönköping, Sweden, will perform at Augustana on Thursday, April 13, as part of their 2023 spring tour of Illinois and Minnesota.
Class of 2024 outcomes, of those who responded to the survey. Source: Institutional Research at Augustana; CORE (Careers, Opportunities, Research, Exploration) at Augustana
