Some of Augustana's current students who attended Cristo Rey Network high schools met with Sonya Ramirez, director of university partnerships for the network, during a recent campus visit.
Augustana ranked No. 1 for 'going above and beyond'
Augustana has received the School’s Choice Award for Outstanding University Partner from the Cristo Rey Network, a national network of 40 Catholic, career-focused, college preparatory schools. Cristo Rey schools offer an education that equips students from families of limited economic means with the knowledge, character and skills to achieve their aspirations.
“We sent a survey to all our college counselors and alumni advisors and asked them to select five partners who are going above and beyond in serving our students well, and Augustana was listed the most across our network,” said Sonya Ramirez, director of university partnerships for the Cristo Rey Network.
“Augustana is committed to working with community-based non-profit organizations to find great students who will positively impact the education we offer.”
The partnership brings to life one of Augustana’s top commitments: maximizing student potential. It is one of the goals of the college’s strategic plan Bold & Boundless.
“To reach our strategic goals, we must support students of all backgrounds to choose Augustana, persist and thrive,” said Kent Barnds, executive vice president. “We will prioritize engaged learning to maximize our students’ potential and provide real-world learning experiences to prepare them to lead in their communities and in the world.”
Cristo Rey students also have benefited from Augustana Possible, an innovative program that helps ensure the financial aid offered makes the cost of Augustana manageable for qualifying students.
Ramirez visited campus to present the School’s Choice Award to President Andrea Talentino. She also met with some of Augustana’s 24 current students from Cristo Rey Network schools and toured campus with admissions ambassadors.
“This award recognizes the hard work Augustana has put in to build a relationship with the Cristo Rey Network,” said Eric Rowell ’93, assistant director of admissions and diversity outreach. “The partnership assists the college with growing its national footprint within the collegiate community and helps us diversify our campus student body.
“Augustana is committed to working with community-based non-profit organizations to find great students who will positively impact the education we offer.”
This is Cristo Rey Network’s first year to honor partner colleges and universities based on feedback from its schools.