Futurist Thinking Series: Thank you!

A note of thanks from Irene Borys, assistant vice president of marketing and brand communication

What does it mean to be a community-embedded college in 2035?

On April 24, 2025, Augustana launched the Futurist Thinking Series by bringing together educators, civic leaders and business partners to explore that question. The gathering wasn't a panel or presentation — it was a conversation. And one we're only just beginning.

President Andrea Talentino moderated the session, which invited all of us to think about not only the future of higher education, but also the kind of regional ecosystem we want to shape — and be shaped by. What role do colleges play in creating more vibrant, equitable communities? What happens when we design partnerships where students, neighborhoods and cities all grow stronger?

We heard from Dr. Sangeetha Rayapati, Moline mayor and Augustana professor of music; Dr. Scott Gehler, Augustana professor of biology; and Jack Cullen '13 from the Rock Island Downtown Alliance and the Quad Cities Chamber. We listened as they reflected on how disciplines, institutions and individuals can show up differently in public life. From intergenerational housing concepts to STEM models rooted in real-world problem solving, the ideas shared challenged us to think boldly and across boundaries.

At the heart of the session was one powerful prompt:

"What's one bold idea you would offer to reimagine Augustana's role in community-building? What could that look like in 2035?"

Attendees submitted their responses on a reflection card — and these ideas will shape future sessions of the Futurist Thinking Series and inform how we carry out our Bold & Boundless Strategic Plan.

To everyone who joined us: thank you. You reminded us that relevance isn't something colleges get to keep passively. It's something we build — with intention, with imagination, and with each other.

This is just the beginning.