Niccolo Benvenuto

High school: ITIS Cannizzaro/Denver East High

Hometown: Milan, Italy

Majors: Geology, political science

Activities: ACES director, Running Club, Student Government Association, International and Off-campus Committee, Udden Geology Club, American Model United Nations, Emerge Leadership Program, Omicron Sigma Omicron (honorary member), ESL volunteer teacher for the English Opens Doors Program of Chile, BravenX Fellow

Internships: Legal assistant for a Denver-based law firm; office intern for U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth; geology consultant for the Putnam Museum (Davenport, Iowa) and LeapLab Science Center (Ventura, Calif.) during a dinosaur excavation in Wyoming

Post-grad plans: Summer 2026 – working as a legal assistant for a law firm in Denver, Colo., or working as a geologist in Alaska. In 2026/2027 – teaching English for Central China Normal University in Wuhan, China. Long term – law school.

Why Augustana?

I chose Augustana because of its liberal arts curriculum. I took two gap years after high school and have always valued diverse learning opportunities, hands-on experience and exploring new paths. Augustana offered all of this with the intriguing twist of living in the Midwest while giving me a strong scholarship package. The small class sizes, high student-faculty ratio and established reputation also made my choice easier.

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

Yes and no. I never liked meticulously planning my future or trying to imagine when I started at Augie where I would be today. I would have never guessed that I'd engage in so many opportunities and join so many groups. 

Augie gave me more than I imagined. I have to thank Augustana for most of my experiences, from working for a U.S. senator to digging for fossils in Wyoming. This school has been a gold mine for learning and stimulating my imagination.

Who helped you get to where you are now?

The Augustana community! In my short three years, I never met anyone who said no to me. Everyone always tried to help me whatever my issue was, from the Business Office to CORE. I met professors who supported me throughout my capstones and happily drove students across the country for incredible field trips; career officers that reviewed my résumé multiple times to make sure I was ready to apply for that one job; and an amazing college chaplain who was always there when I needed support. 

The most precious thing at Augustana is the people who make it what it is. I wouldn't be where I am without Pastor Melinda, Michael and Susan Wolf, Dr. Strasser, Dr. Zhang, Dr. Baumgardner and many more. 

There's only so much a student can do. Albert Einstein once said: "Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid." The great professors and staff at Augustana make sure everyone is understood.

Peak experience?

It's so hard to choose. Attending Augustana is a peak experience by itself. If I had to pick one specific thing, it would definitely be my study abroad in China. 

Not every student at every school gets the chance to travel across China with their friends for three weeks at 22 years old. It's even less common to enjoy this wonderful trip while connecting with local students and learning about international relations. But only at Augie can you do all of this with a great professor like Dr. Zhang.

What surprised you?

The connections that are created between students and faculty. I thought of college as this place where students are independent adults, and professors are mere tutors that go through PowerPoints and grade assignments. It's incredible how these people know my background, my goals, and my strengths and weaknesses. These personal relationships are advantageous to students.

How did you use your Augie Choice?

I used my Augie Choice to study abroad in China. I wouldn't have taken that course without this financial support. I loved every second of it, and I have no regrets!

What will you miss the most?

Pretty much everything about Augustana. I met some great people, and I made some great friends. Mostly, I will miss the community that made my college experience unforgettable. I will also miss our beautiful campus: the Slough path, the gorgeous buildings, the green space and even the stairs! 

I've lived in world-renowned places such as the Alps and the Rockies, but I'll always have a sweet spot for the Quad Cities and its slow relaxing pace of life and smiling residents.

Advice for the Class of 2030?

This is not high school: you chose to be here, and you're paying thousands of dollars to do so. Get the most out of your time! Talk to people, make connections, join extracurriculars. Also, stop planning what you're going to have for breakfast in five years. Be unconventional and show your true self.