Augustana's Class of 2025 recognized at commencement ceremony
On Saturday, Augustana College recognized 555 candidates for graduation at the 165th commencement ceremony.
The commencement address was given by The Honorable Eric Sorensen, U.S. Representative, Illinois District 17. Ocean Keola Akau '25, a psychology major from Pana’ewa, Hawaii, was the featured student speaker.
President Andrea Talentino: "You are exactly what this world needs."
President Talentino's message to the Class of 2025 focused on the Lutheran values of community and neighborhood.
"Lutheran ideals value service so much that they define leadership as a calling to love our neighbors and serve the common good," she explained. "Neighboring is not something we do for ourselves, or for those most like us, but for the benefit of all."
President Talentino cited 2025 data from the Pew Research Center, which revealed that only 26% of Americans say they know their neighbors, and 44% say they trust them. These numbers are down from a 2018 version of the survey.
"What I hope you will take forward with you is a commitment to connecting with others and an abiding belief that helping your neighbors makes the world better," said President Talentino. "In doing so, you will be swimming against the tide."
President Talentino recalled the lessons shared by her college English professor Gloria Watkins — more commonly known by her pen name, bell hooks: "She encouraged us to speak honestly and embrace difference, and she held us accountable for listening to others."
President Talentino urged graduates to hold on to the community-building skills they developed in their time at Augustana.
"You are exactly what this world needs," she said. "You have spent your time on campus doing the hard work of listening, debating, compromising and reaching across differences.
"You know from your experience here that higher education is where we prepare impactful citizens — not just for careers, for but for real life: to think critically, understand different viewpoints and contribute to the communities we share."
Ocean Keola Akau: "I found a special community at Augustana."
Student speaker Ocean Akau '25, a psychology major and Academic All-American from Panaʻewa, Hawaiʻi, spoke about her experience studying so far from home.
"One of the questions I have gotten so used to being asked, as I am sure many of you are wondering, is ’What is someone from Hawaiʻi doing here?' And my answer was almost always 'I play water polo,'" she joked. "But, standing here four years later, [...] I am here because I found a special community at Augustana."
Akau cited kaiāulu, the Hawaiian concept of community, as a value that carried her through her time at Augustana.
"While leaving the yearlong summer weather for four years of Midwest winters was certainly not a lifelong dream of mine, I am proud to say that I am exactly where I thought I would be. Leaving with more than just an education, but with a community."
One highlight of Akau's college experience was being part of Augustana's first women's water polo team — a sport in which she was named an Academic All-American. The team has celebrated four national tournament qualifications, three conference championships and three national third-place finishes. Her ability to excel in athletics while also developing a passion for psychology and neuroscience helped strengthen her connection to Augustana and the liberal arts.
"As students at a liberal arts college, we have all had the unique opportunity to gain experiences in a variety of fields and pathways," she said. "I certainly can’t imagine another place where I would be able to study general chemistry and the history of protest music in the same semester.
"We may all go on to explore vastly different jobs or opportunities, but we have the opportunity to continue to learn from so many different people and places," Akau continued. "Keep an interdisciplinary mindset and continue to apply all the learning skills we have acquired during our time here."
Rep. Eric Sorensen: "Be bold — with kindness."
Featured speaker Rep. Eric Sorensen also spoke about community — and the quiet impact it makes on the world.
"You might be surprised that the most important skill in Washington isn't winning an argument or winning a debate," he said. "It's listening. It's caring. It's doing what you believe to be right for the people you serve."
Rep. Sorensen shared his unique journey in public service, from 20 years as a meteorologist to his past four years as a U.S. congressman. When he ran for office, he was met with resistance. But, as he noted, "sometimes proving other people wrong can give you the greatest reward."
One of the most valuable lessons he learned was from his time working for WREX-TV in Rockford, Ill.: "My boss Maggie asked us what it meant that we were Rockford’s News Leader," he recalled. "Then she gave us the answer: we're all leaders.
"It doesn’t mean we need to boss anybody around. It means we take what we’ve learned and help others learn. This will also help you live your life. Setting examples in your job. Setting examples with your family. Setting examples of leadership in your community. And maybe eventually, being a leader in your country."
Rep. Sorensen observed the unexpected parallels between his life as a meteorologist and his life as a politician.
"My job is to listen, to prepare, to advocate and to deliver results so we will have a better tomorrow — no matter what the storm in front of us will cause," he explained. "Will we be ready for it? And when there’s uncertainty, will we have the faith to know that the outcome will be okay?"
He identified Augustana's position as "a place that is rooted in purpose," which helps students in all fields develop the skills they need to grow, influence and succeed.
"Augustana has a history of teaching people to think deeply, to act boldly and to care fiercely," he said. "So I want you to bring that Augie pride with you into the world. Because we need it."
Encouraging connection and fortitude, Rep. Sorensen reminded students to pick themselves up when facing adversity.
"You're part of the most thoughtful, resilient and globally aware generation we’ve ever had in this country,” he said. “You’ve grown up in an era of constant connection, constant change and a pandemic that tested your spirit. Be bold — with kindness. Don’t be afraid to fail. Be the generation that doesn’t wait for permission to make things better."
Honoring graduates and faculty
An Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters was conferred on Rep. Eric Sorensen. The degree was conferred by Dr. José Boquin, associate professor of chemistry and biochemistry.
Four retiring professors were recognized at the ceremony: Dr. Ann Ericson, professor of business administration; Megan Quinn, professor of art; Dr. Michael Schroeder, professor of education; and Dr. Cecilia Vogel, professor of physics.
A total of 81 international students graduated, including students from Austria, Bangladesh, Belgium, Brazil, Ethiopia, France, Ghana, Greece, Haiti, India, Kenya, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Nicaragua, Norway, Pakistan, Panama, Philippines, Spain, Sweden and Vietnam.
Augustana's Class of 2025 includes students from 23 countries and 26 U.S. states, representing 68 majors.