Augustana traditions

College is more than a place to study — it's a vibrant place to live, make friends, have fun and explore your passions!

At Augustana, life outside the classroom is just as enriching as your academic pursuits. We host everything from fun activities like bingo, concerts and comedians, to valuable leadership retreats to places like Disneyland and Washington, D.C.

As an Augustana student, you can always find something to do. With more than 170 student organizations and tons of community service opportunities, you have countless ways to find your place and build school pride.

Ready to see what real life is like?

Welcome traditions

Ringing the gong

Announce loudly that you are coming to Augustana! Celebrate by ringing the gong at an Admissions event, an Augie tradition that is also a great photo opportunity for you and your family.

Your first Augustana A

What do all 700+ new students do on the first day they are together on campus each fall? We make our first A together - and immediately start making Augustana memories.

Riverboat cruise

During the first few days on campus, all first-year students take an evening cruise on the Mississippi River on the beautiful paddlewheel Celebration Belle riverboat with music, dancing and refreshments. Students still talk about this experience years later!

Graduation traditions

Last Lecture

Hear from three beloved Augustana professors selected by your graduating class to give your last lecture at Augustana. This lecture serves as a time to reflect on your Augustana journey with your classmates, while toasting to your bright future.

Senior Send-Off

The senior send-off is a celebratory party with food, beverages, music and good conversation. Open to all graduates, it's a chance for students to mingle with classmates and their families.

College activities

Mr. Augustana

This mock male beauty pageant (and fundraiser for the American Cancer Society) is put on by the Chi Alpha Pi sorority. Contestants compete in categories of formal wear, swimwear, talent, and question and answer. See more on Instagram (@mraugustana)

Bingo

Bingo night, presented by the Student Life Programming Board, is one of the most popular events at Augustana. Students show up, play some exciting bingo, and have the chance to walk away with fantastic prizes.

Bell Tower kiss

Built in 1936 and located at the base of Zion Hill between Old Main and Ascension Chapel, the structure features a unique Swedish open timber design. According to campus lore, if a couple kisses under the historic Bell Tower, they will stay together forever. It has been the site of many proposals, photos and dates going back to 1936!

Late night breakfast

During finals week, Dining Services offers a free late night breakfast for all students. Faculty and staff stay up late to help serve. It’s a great chance to take a study break and enjoy seeing all your friends and professors!

First day donuts

Members of the President's Cabinet serve donuts on the Viking Plaza quad for the first day of a school. This simple gathering reflects who we are at Augustana: It starts with donuts, but it's really about showing up for each other.

Homecoming

• Kick-off bonfire: The bonfire that kicks off Homecoming week is a chance for student organizations and Greek life to celebrate campus pride with food and games.
• Talent show: The talent showcase is an evening of entertainment with acts performed by students and faculty. The show features everything from stand-up comedy and skits to dancing and music.
• Cardboard regatta: Every Homecoming, student organizations compete in a race with hand-built cardboard boats in the Augustana Slough.
• Phrig: Students display their art skills by creating a "phrig" (a spray-painted bed sheet). Student groups on campus are encouraged to make and display their phrig, and Greek groups make and exchange them as gifts during pledging. 
• Sing: Student groups compose and perform original songs. Their performances are judged based on theme, originality, group unity, clarity and costumes.

Winter traditions

Christmas at Augustana

This December performance celebrates all of our music ensembles, especially the handbell choir. Located in Centennial Hall, this concert is one of our most well-attended events and one way that our campus celebrates Christmas. Several holiday songs are featured to showcase our individual and combined ensembles.

Sankta Lucia

In honor of the college’s Swedish heritage, students celebrate Sankta Lucia with a candlelight procession. A student chosen to portray Lucia wears a crown of candles while leading singers through the night. 

Holidays Around the World and Christmas tree lighting

Students, faculty and staff gather around the campus Christmas tree with caroling, lights, food and holiday cheer. This celebration includes a celebration of holidays around the world, highlighting different cultural traditions represented at Augustana. 

Joy of Christmas

Each year, Augustana Lutheran Church in Andover, Ill., hosts Christmas service followed by a candlelit walk and carols sung at the historic Jenny Lind Chapel.

Lessons & Carols

This beautiful, spiritual presentation of lessons and carols takes place within the intimate setting of Augustana's Ascension Chapel. The Augustana Chamber Singers, Campus Ministries and the Augustana Handbell Choir present the story of Christ's birth in readings and song.

Season of Light

Season of Light tells the story of how our holiday traditions are connected to the sky through a multimedia show that uses the planetarium sky projector, astronomical images, music and narration, all projected onto a 30-foot dome.

Annual events

CultureFest

The Multicultural Programming Board (MPB) plans an annual celebration of the cultures and traditions that enrich our campus community. All performances are welcome, whether they reflect cultural traditions, personal stories or simply the creativity of the performer(s). Performances are recognized for creativity and impact, and the top performance receives a prize.

Sloughfest

Sloughfest is Augustana’s annual spring celebration: part concert, part festival, all fun! It’s a campus tradition where students come together to enjoy live music, food trucks, games and entertainment.

Spring Retreat

Campus Ministries hosts an annual spring retreat in March in collaboration with Campus Ministries at Wartburg College and Luther College.

Shades of Beauty

The annual Shades of Beauty conference is a bold celebration of self-expression, confidence and empowerment. The afternoon includes a keynote panel, interactive activities, music, food and opportunities to connect and celebrate.