Adriana Reyes

High school: Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School

Hometown: Chicago

Major: Geography

Minor: Geographic Information Science and Technology (GIST)

Activities: Chi Omega Gamma sorority; Augie Acres; Latinx Unidos; Asian Student Organization; Filipino Student Organization; ALIVE Fellow; PACE Multicultural Program

Internships: Geospatial analyst and drone pilot for Renew Moline; research assistant for Augustana's Upper Mississippi Center (UMC); Augie Acres Garden intern; NEST Cafe garden intern; student researcher for Longview Park

Post-grad plans: Right after graduation, I will travel across the country for a month. Then I will move to Minnesota and work for a year before I start the Master of Landscape Architecture program at the University of Minnesota!

Why Augustana?

When visiting Augustana, I spoke with faculty in both the geography and environmental studies departments, and their passion and support stood out right away. I could tell this was a place where I’d be challenged academically but also encouraged to explore my interests deeply. 

The small class sizes, hands-on learning opportunities and close-knit campus community made it clear that Augustana was the right place to grow.

Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?

Absolutely not! I never expected to be so involved on and off campus. Every semester, I was working on multiple projects across the field, which kept me busy!

Who helped you get to where you are now?

So, so many people.

Dr. Christopher Strunk. I would not have the experiences I have had without him as my advisor. When I found an interest in landscape architecture — a major that was not available at Augie — he found ways to introduce me to the field through the lens of geography. He encouraged me to pursue hands-on opportunities, guided me through independent projects and always made time to support my ideas. His mentorship helped turn curiosity into purpose.

Dr. Jenny Arkle. Her trust in me to lead an entire project on my own gave me the confidence and experience to grow both professionally and academically. Her support pushed me to take ownership of my work and believe in my capabilities.

Dr. Jason Mahn, Dr. Michelle Crouch and Pastor Melinda. The conversations we had in my sophomore year greatly shaped the way I view the world and changed my college experience. Thank you for your presence, insight and care.

My Augie community, my sorority, all the student organizations, and of course, my friends!

Peak experience?

Being president of Augie Acres. Getting to be a part of an amazing community of garden lovers and bringing that back to the Augie community. I got to experiment and grow the group with amazing people, and I am so beyond proud of what it is today!

What surprised you?

A lot of students say this, but how easy it was to get involved. Both academically and socially, there was always something to do and try. What really surprised me was how supported I felt in doing all of it. Faculty and peers alike encouraged exploration and made it easy to take risks and grow in ways I hadn’t imagined when I arrived.

How did you use your Augie Choice?

I was able to study abroad for a month in Holden Village, Wash. This trip was a deeply enriching experience that allowed me to explore environmental stewardship, community living, and sustainability in a remote mountain village. Plus I got to hike in the beautiful North Cascade Mountains.

What will you miss the most?

The incredible faculty and their passion for their work. Also, seeing campus change throughout the seasons.

Advice for the Class of 2029?

Talk to your advisors and professors! They are incredible humans with connections and knowledge that will make your college experience 10x more enriching!