Young Alumni Weekend

6-7 p.m. — Check-in
Brew by the Slough, library circulation desk

Stop by to check in and pick up your Young Alumni Weekend name badge. We’ll have a small gift ready to welcome you back home.

7 p.m. — Opening reception with President Andrea Talentino
Brew by the Slough and Brew patio

Join fellow Vikings and President Andrea Talentino for drinks (beer, wine, soda) and heavy appetizers to kick off Young Alumni Weekend. President Talentino will offer brief remarks on Augustana's bold future as it undertakes a new strategic plan. Come to connect with classmates and be informed about the strength of your alma mater. A cash bar will be available to purchase beer and wine. Non-alcoholic drinks (soda, water) are complimentary. Vegetarian and gluten-free options provided.

7:30-9 a.m. — Talk and Walk: An inside look into admissions at Augustana, Eric Rowell '93, assistant director of admissions and diversity outreach
Schwiebert Riverfront Park Stage and walking path

Join us for an insightful discussion on the admissions process at Augustana. Discover how our commitment to expanding recruitment efforts not only enriches our campus with remarkable individuals but also serves as a strategic response to the challenges posed by the "Demographic Cliff." Learn about the innovative strategies we employ to attract and retain top-tier talent, ensuring that the traditions of Augustana thrive for many generations. Don't miss this opportunity to explore the intricacies of admissions and the role it plays in shaping the vibrant tapestry of our Augustana community. After a short talk, we'll walk along the Mississippi River.

7:30-9:30 a.m. — Continental breakfast
Gerber Center for Student Life, OSID Lounge fourth floor (outside of the Gävle rooms)

Coffee, juice, fruit, fruit dip and bagels provided.

8-10:45 a.m. — Check-in
Gerber Center for Student Life, Gävle fireplace

Stop by to check in and pick up your Young Alumni Weekend name badge. We’ll have a small gift ready to welcome you back home.

9:30-10:45 a.m. — Session I: Living the Good Life: Insights from Psychology, Dr. Jessica Schultz, associate professor of psychology
Gerber Center for Student Life, Gävle 1

Wisdom in living the good life can be found all around us. This session shares insights from the science of psychology to understand how we might pursue authentic happiness in our lives. We will play with these ideas and have opportunities to try out evidence-based tools and strategies to promote holistic flourishing in our lives. Dr. Schultz has taught at Augustana since 2011 and in that time she has been a featured speaker at Last Lecture in 2015, 2016 and 2017.

11 a.m.-12 p.m. — Session II: Your Personal Brand Isn't About You: How Community Connection Fuels Career Success, Melissa Pepper '09, chief strategy officer, Russell
Wilson Center

Personal branding is about stories and service — not selling. If corporate brands have a unique selling proposition, personal brands, then, have a unique "serving" proposition. In this presentation, you will hear how community connection can help you tell your story and amplify your personal brand. 

11 a.m.-12 p.m. — Session III: From Graduation and Beyond: Reflections on Life after Augie, GOLD Council engagement and recruitment committee
Hamann Concert Hall

Join members of the Augustana College GOLD Council as they reflect on their After Augie stories. Discover how Augie was an ever-present companion throughout their diverse journeys, weaving into the fabric of their lives and reflecting the enduring spirit of Augustana alumni.

12-1:30 p.m. — Lunch
The quad

Return to your favorite local restaurants or enjoy a taco lunch on Augie’s Quad. La Flama taco truck will be on campus serving up delicious tacos. Use a supplied picnic blanket or relax on the adirondack chairs as you enjoy delicious tacos. Cost is on your own. Vegetarian and gluten-free options provided.

1:30-2:30 p.m. — Session IV: Dollars and Dreams: Navigating Your Financial Future, Shannon Domski '18
Wilson Center

Join Shannon M. Domski '18, a financial advisor with Bettendorf Financial Group, for a presentation focused on helping you achieve your financial goals through strategic saving and investing ways that meet your needs and reflect your values and aspirations. This comprehensive session will delve into key finance topics that will expand your financial knowledge and empower you to invest in a way that best fits your needs and goals.

Topics include:

1. Employer-sponsored retirement plans and what is available to you if you're self employed or your employer doesn't offer a retirement plan. 
2. Do you have a financial advisor? How to find one that understands your needs, goals, and values. 
3. Socially responsible investing: what it is and how to invest using this framework

1:30-2:30 p.m. — Session V: Calling and Vocation, Pastor Melinda Pupillo
Hamann Concert Hall

In this session, you'll be empowered with resources to discern how to use your passions, skills and Augustana education to meet the world's greatest needs. Join Pastor Melinda Pupillo for an inspiring and discerning session on calling and vocation.

2:45-5 p.m. —  Free time
See options below

• 2:45-3:15 p.m. — Meditation session, Pastor Melinda Pupillo
  Lindberg Meditation Studio
   
• 2:45-3:30 p.m. — Planetarium Show: Undiscovered Worlds — The Search Beyond Our Sun
  John Deere Planetarium

  "Undiscovered Worlds" takes us on a tour of exotic planets around other stars. Since the 1990s, thousands of exoplanets have been discovered, many with properties very different from the planets in our own solar system. Our show lets us explore such wonders as giant planets boiling from the heat of their sun, rocky worlds with surfaces of molten lava and waterworlds completely covered with oceans. We also speculate about planets like our Earth, perhaps capable of supporting life. Find out how advanced observatories find these planets and learn how scientists determine their properties. Undiscovered Worlds is produced by Museum of Science Boston and features commentary from astronomers from Harvard and MIT.

• 2:45-3:45 p.m. — Young alumni kickball game
  Football field

  Face off in friendly competition at the Young Alumni Kickball Game. We’ll provide the umpire and everything necessary for a great game. Get ready for some friendly competition and a fantastic time on the field!

5-6 p.m. — Networking session, presented by GOLD council professional development committee
Brew by the Slough and Brew patio

Looking to make connections with fellow alumni in your career field or just want to connect with other young alumni? Join classmates and the GOLD Council Professional Development Committee for a pre-dinner networking session. The session will include a brief program and opportunities to make connections with other young alumni. Light appetizers will be provided. Vegetarian and gluten-free options provided. A cash bar will be available to purchase beer and wine. Non-alcoholic drinks (soda, water) are complimentary. 

6 p.m. — Dinner
Gerber Center for Student Life, Gävle rooms

Lift your glass alongside fellow GOLD alumni and commemorate a weekend filled with both new memories and reunions with old friends during dinner. Your registration encompasses a delicious buffet dinner and dessert. A cash bar will be available to purchase beer and wine. Non-alcoholic drinks (soda, water) are complimentary. Vegetarian and gluten-free options provided.

7:30 p.m. — Bingo game
Gerber Center for Student Life, Gävle rooms

Following dinner, we'll conclude the evening with an exciting game of Augie Bingo. Join in for the opportunity to win fantastic Augie merchandise and one of three fabulous door prizes. This event is hosted by the GOLD Council Marketing and Social Events committee. A cash bar will be available to purchase beer and wine. Non-alcoholic drinks (soda, water) are complimentary.

8:30-11 a.m. — Group breakfast
QC Coffee and Pancake House, 1831 3rd Avenue, Rock Island, Ill.

Join your friends and fellow Vikings at the best breakfast place around: the QC Coffee and Pancake House. Cost is on your own, but we’ve reserved space for everyone interested.

10 a.m. — Sunday morning worship
Bahls Leadership Center, Ascension Chapel

11 a.m. — Community service project: Longview Park clean-up
Longview Park, Rock Island

Join fellow Vikings in giving back to our local community at a service project organized by Campus Ministries. The service project will benefit Longview Park in Rock Island. We'll pull weeds, pick up trash and trim branches to help beautify Longview Park. Longview Park will provide all necessary equipment (gloves, tools, etc.) for the service project.