Augustana to hold in-prison commencement ceremony for Augustana Prison Education Program graduates

Augustana College will mark a transformational milestone on Tuesday, May 27, with its first in-prison commencement ceremony, honoring graduates of the Augustana Prison Education Program (APEP). Held at East Moline Correctional Center (EMCC), the ceremony will recognize four students receiving their Bachelor of Arts in communication studies, awarded under the same academic standards and faculty instruction as those on the Rock Island campus.

This first-of-its-kind event reflects Augustana’s Bold & Boundless strategic plan's commitment to educational equity, public purpose and the enduring power of a liberal arts education to transform lives — regardless of geography or circumstance.

Launched in 2021, APEP is a fully accredited, full-time degree program operating inside a minimum-security state facility. Students complete a rigorous liberal arts curriculum taught exclusively by Augustana faculty. Now in its fourth year, APEP serves 30 students and continues to expand, with plans to enroll 20 more in the coming academic year.

“This graduation is not only a personal triumph for each student — it’s a reflection of what’s possible when we believe in the power of education to restore dignity and build brighter futures,” said Dr. Sharon Varallo, professor of communication studies and APEP founding director. “It affirms what we already know: talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not. APEP helps close that gap.”

The program is supported by a $1 million, 10-year sustaining grant from the Austin E. Knowlton Foundation, in addition to philanthropic partners and local donors. Inspired by national models like the Bard Prison Initiative, APEP reflects a growing national recognition that college-in-prison programs are among the most effective tools for reducing recidivism, strengthening communities and creating long-term economic value.

“At Augustana, we believe education is a public good — and that belief drives us to innovate in ways that truly make a difference,” said President Andrea Talentino. “This historic ceremony celebrates the potential that emerges when we extend the liberal arts to those who have often been overlooked, and it speaks to who we are as an institution — bold, inclusive and committed to transformation.”

The ceremony will include remarks from President Talentino; Latoya Hughes, director of the Illinois Department of Corrections; and Mark Williams, warden of East Moline Correctional Center.

“This milestone reflects the power of second chances and the ability of education to drive meaningful change,” said Hughes. “Programs like APEP show what transformation can look like, providing life-changing opportunities for growth. These graduates didn’t just complete a program; they committed to building better futures for themselves and their communities. Through our partnership with Augustana College, we can open doors to educational opportunities that were once closed for even more individuals.”

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To learn more about the Augustana Prison Education Program, its mission and its impact, visit www.augieprisoneducation.org.