About the Institute
About the Institute
By putting students into close contact with a wide array of successful individuals, the Augustana College Institute for Leadership and Service helps students connect what they learn in the classroom to its application in the field. The institute is based on the idea that insight can be gained in both formal and informal settings and provides opportunities for students to come into contact with leaders in a wide range of professional fields.
Like many Augustana students, Perry Waughtal '58 found that his most meaningful learning experiences came when he had the opportunity to discuss what he was learning in the classroom with faculty and campus guests in small group settings, where ideas could be explored informally and conversations could evolve without a script. Through Mr. Waughtal's generous contributions, the college established the Institute for Leadership and Service in 1998 to plan and support the conversations that inspire and promote deep understanding.
Two programs are regular offerings of the institute: Profiles in Leadership and Learning to Lead and Serve.
Profiles in Leadership
Through its Profiles in Leadership, the Institute for Leadership and Service brings students into close contact with a wide array of successful individuals. Experience has shown that students participating in the Institute's programs have been inspired by the lives of the speakers and have viewed leadership and service in a more thoughtful way. While occasionally these guests present at larger gatherings, it is more typical for these individuals to meet with regularly scheduled classes and smaller gatherings of students, often over a meal.
Click here to view this year's Profiles in Leadership schedule
Learning to Lead and Serve
Through its Learning to Lead and Serve initiative, the institute provides financial support for Augustana's Learning Community courses by offering students significant experience beyond the confines of the classroom. Learning to Lead and Serve underwrites expenses associated with bringing relevant experts to meet with Learning Communities or, in some cases, helps fund travel expenses for Learning Communities wishing to attend to special events.
The experts who participate in the program share their philosophy of leadership and service with students and encourage students to reflect on their vocational calling. Likewise, they encourage students to think more intentionally about the work they will do in college and the lives they will lead beyond college.
Click here to view this year's Learning to Lead and Serve schedule
