Aiden Koehne

High school: Walther Christian Academy

Hometown: Elmhurst, Ill.

Majors: Political science; communication studies

Minor: History

Activities: Augustana Choir, Chamber Singers, Augustana Percussion Ensemble, Ascension Ringers, Campus Ministries Leadership Team, Sigma Pi Delta (honorary)

Internship: Augustana Historical Society

Post-grad plans: Attending Marquette University to pursue the Master of Arts in Public Service (Educational Foundations and Leadership specialization)

Why Augustana?

I chose Augustana because as soon as I visited campus, I knew this was home. The campus' beauty, the enthusiasm of the faculty and staff, and the students who were welcoming, friendly and involved are all things I saw my first visit that helped me envision myself thriving here.

I also wanted to do everything I could possibly fit into my schedule, and Augie allows students to do just that. Whether in the arts, sports, faith, academics or Greek life, Augie has something for all.

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

Yes and no. Academically, my goals for the future have evolved within my majors. I originally wanted to go into foreign diplomacy, but I instead developed an enjoyment for local leadership.

However, I have still been able to grow in the things I knew I wanted to be a part of here like singing, lighting design and more. I also have been able to meet friends who I hope to take with me the rest of my life, which was a huge goal of mine when I first started at Augie four years ago.

Who helped you get to where you are now?

So many people in so many ways! My family and friends who support me unconditionally.

– Dr. Mariano Magalhães, Dr. Meg Kunde and Dr. Elizabeth Lawrence for mentoring me in my academic studies through four years.
– Dr. Wendy Hilton-Morrow, Dr. David Snowball, President Emeritus Steve Bahls, Dr. Mark Safstrom, Dr. Paul Baumgardner, Dr. Xiaowen Zhang, Dr. David Ellis, Dr. Brian Leech and Dr. Lendol Calder for pushing me and exposing me to new ideas and ways of thinking.
– Dr. Jon Hurty, Ben Holmes and Dr. Tony Oliver for providing welcoming and loving musical places I could call home.
– Pastor Melinda Pupillo for helping me reconnect with my faith, entrusting me with leadership and being a constant warm presence.
– Grey White, Gabe Zeigler, Danielle Roman and Mike Turczynski for opening doors to employment and creating work environments that encouraged growth.

There are also so many others who have impacted me in both small and large ways at Augie!

Peak experience?

The three (soon to be four) choir tours I've been able to go on with the Augie Choir have been the peak experiences of my time here. Since the Augustana Choir puts so much intention on bonding and growing together, these tours have been great ways for me to deepen my relationships with others, as well as travel the country and world performing incredible music. These tours are one of the things I'll miss the most about being a student at Augie.

What surprised you?

Just how much variety there is to this campus. Whether you're looking for a club to get involved with, an event to attend to pass the time or a new culture or tradition to experience, Augie has so much to offer. Coming in as a freshman, I was hoping for a college campus that was always bustling, and Augie completely surprised me with its constant offerings for students.

How did you use your Augie Choice?

I am using my Augie Choice to participate in the Augustana Choir's 2026 Summer International Tour to Denmark, Norway and Sweden. There we will get to sing in gorgeous churches, experience Scandinavian culture and sing powerful music!

What will you miss the most?

The people and Augie community. My incredible friends who have supported me through my highs and lows, my professors who reshuffle their schedule so I can meet with them, and the people who I may not know super well, but still always greet me walking through campus.

The sense of belonging that I found here in our Augustana community is truly a special experience, and I will dearly miss being less than a 20-minute walk from so many amazing people.

Advice for the Class of 2030?

Discover yourself and grow into who you want to be. Give yourself grace when things are tough. Celebrate the many successes you will have during your four years. Surround yourself with people who make you feel at home. Take advantage of all that Augustana has to offer you!