Hattie Timerman
Graduation year: 2026
High school: Metamora High School
Hometown: Metamora, Ill.
Majors: Accounting; international business-management
Minor: Scandinavian studies
Activities: Scandinavian Club, Phi Rho sorority, women's varsity tennis
Internships: CliftonLarsonAllen audit internship; CEFCU public relations internship
Post-grad plans: I am moving back home after graduation to start a position at CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen). I’ll be working as an auditor specializing in not-for-profit, while studying to sit for the CPA exam.
Why Augustana?
I chose Augustana because it offers the perfect balance of academics, athletics and genuine support. Coming in as a student-athlete, I didn't want to feel like I had to sacrifice one for the other. At Augie, I felt the ability to be successful in both areas. Being closer to home was a huge plus, but the on-campus community is what really made the difference. From academic advising to career coaching, there are so many resources available to help you.
Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?
Freshman year, I would never have believed that I was going to be an accountant! I came to Augie thinking I’d be an education major, but I pivoted. With the support of faculty, I found a new level of self-guidance and confidence in my work that I never knew I had.
Looking back, things that were once just dreams are now my reality. I never pictured myself making such deep connections with my professors or building a network of colleagues and friends who I know will stick with me.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
I definitely didn’t get here alone! My family has been my ultimate support system, always encouraging me to trust myself and the process. I genuinely could not have done it without them, especially in the moments when I didn't believe in myself.
On the academic side, the accounting and business departments were instrumental in helping me master the technical and professional skills I need to succeed. The endless opportunities they provided have truly paved the way for my future at CLA and beyond.
I’m also so grateful to the Scandinavian studies department for being such a unique, supportive part of my journey. It was special to connect with a department that honors my family’s ancestry. I am incredibly thankful for the support I have had during my time at Augie.
Peak experience?
My peak moment has to be landing my internship and securing a full-time job at CLA. Getting that offer was the ultimate "I made it" moment. It was the first time I fully felt all the late nights and self-doubt were completely worth it.
The opportunities provided by the faculty gave me the confidence to put myself out there. Knowing my career was set before graduation allowed me to fully enjoy my final year at Augie with a true sense of achievement and a lot less weight on my shoulders.
What surprised you?
What surprised me most was the focus on my success as a whole person. The resources and opportunities available helped me succeed professionally and academically in ways I didn't know were possible.
Beyond the classroom, I found a genuine safety net that cared for my career goals and my personal well-being.
How did you use your Augie Choice?
I used my Augie Choice to spend a month in Jönköping, Sweden, fulfilling a lifelong dream to explore my family's ancestry. Immersing myself in the culture and improving my Swedish was a life-changing experience that connected my heritage to my education in a way I’ll always cherish.
"Hattie made the most of every opportunity in the Scandinavian program, including studying in Sweden during J-term. I appreciate her enthusiasm in helping run the student Scandinavian Club and volunteering for the local American Scandinavian Association. I was impressed and amused to learn that she had even researched Sweden for a market case study project for a business course (she can tell you all about how Keurig performed among Swedish consumers). And she found time to play tennis and prepare to take the CPA exam, too. What can't she do?!"