Ben Heaton
Graduation year: 2013
Majors: Accounting and business administration-finance
Activities: Varsity baseball, Peer Mentor program, minister for on-campus Catholic mass, intramural sports, Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society, Student Athletic Advisory Committee, Athletes Giving Back, Gamma Alpha Beta fraternity
Post-grad plans: Audit assistant at Deloitte LLP in Davenport, Iowa
Why did you choose to attend Augustana?
I was looking for a school that had a close, tight-knit community feeling. When I visited Augustana, I received the impression that I was important as an individual, rather than just another student, another number. I also wanted to come here to play varsity baseball.
Are you where you thought you’d be four years ago?
I did not think I would be involved in so many great organizations. I was pretty set on focusing exclusively on baseball. However, when opportunities present themselves, they must be taken advantage of. Those opportunities have shaped the person I am now, four years later.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
The entire accounting department faculty was instrumental in my development as a student and a person. They continually pushed me in my academics, as well as encouraged me to reach out and become increasingly active in organizations on campus.
A peak experience?
I could not pick out one specific experience. But I would say my experience making lifelong friends through different channels on campus has been the most rewarding. The relationships I have formed here have been the highlight of my Augustana experience.
What did you learn about yourself in these past four years that surprised you?
I learned that being an individual is far more important than conforming to fit in. Individualism is what makes you stand out, and here I was able to foster that individualism and develop as a person.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss the people that make up Augustana College. Every person you encounter from the College Center staff to the head of your department embraces the student. The welcoming atmosphere will truly be missed.
How did you use your Augie Choice?
I used my Augie Choice to finance some of the expenses related to my internship with State Farm Mutual Insurance Company in the corporate tax department.
“When I think of someone getting the most out of his college experience, I think of Ben Heaton. His legacy includes four years of varsity athletics on the baseball team, two accounting internships, top accounting major in his class, and campus service in the VITA Program and Big Brothers Big Sisters Program, just to name a few. Not surprising for a young man possessing a keen intellect, wit, maturity, outstanding analytical skills and above all—humility. Ben is a great teammate and leader on the baseball diamond and in the classroom—but more importantly, he is a quality human being. It has been a pleasure working with Ben these past four years."