At Augustana, these triplets found it all — and one shared goal

Antione, Trevion and Luniah Gilford wanted a lot from their college choice: strong athletic programs, generous financial aid, a welcoming environment and the majors they each had in mind. The triplets from Plano, Ill., wanted a college that had it all — and for all of them. After considering all options, they decided to make Augustana College their new home.

“We decided to come to Augustana because here we were offered amazing financial aid, great sports programs that fit us perfectly, and it had all of our majors,” said Antione Gilford, who is interested in multimedia journalism and mass communication. “But what really stood out was how we felt like family from day one.”

Growing up, the Gilfords thrived in sports, earning recognition in basketball, football, track and wrestling at Plano High School. Trevion and Antione were named All-Conference wrestlers, while Luniah excelled in track and field. 

Now, as Augustana Vikings, all three are focused on becoming Academic All-Americans — students who excel in both academics and athletics. Augustana is ranked in the top 1% among all NCAA divisions for Academic All-Americans.

“Financial aid also was a big deal for us,” said Trevion Gilford, who is interested in pre-med and public health. “We want to get everything we can out of college, and Augustana is helping us do that.”

All three choosing the same college brought both emotional and financial ease for their family. “We knew it would be really difficult to be split up,” Trevion added. “All of us going together just made everything easier for our family.”

Luniah, who is looking toward majoring in accounting and finance, says having her brothers by her side helps make her transition to college easier.

“We are all close,” said Luniah. “Being at Augustana with my brothers helps me miss home a little less than I would if they weren't here.”

As they pursue their own paths, they will stay rooted in the values they share: faith, family and hard work.

Antione says he and his siblings didn’t come to Augustana to be average. “We want to make an impact at Augustana and leave a legacy.”

They credit their parents for that drive. “My dad works around the clock as a truck driver and scrapper, and my mom is a teacher at an elementary school,” Antione said. “They’ve worked endlessly to provide for us, and we want to make them proud and show that their hard work will pay off.”

Trevion, who participates in Augustana’s TRIO program, said the college’s support systems make a difference. “TRIO will help me make my textbooks and other materials affordable and ensure I stay on track with my classes,” he said. “CORE will also help me get my career started as soon as possible.”

For the Gilford triplets, Augustana is a launchpad — a place where the goals they share together can launch each one into a future that’s distinctly their own.