Recent graduate outcomes
![CORE 2023 stats](/files/styles/inline_image_left_right/public/2024-06/163-268_2023_STATS.png?itok=0Vbv2pOA)
99% of the surveyed Augustana Class of 2023 said they were in graduate school or employed within six months of graduation.
Data was collected from students who graduated from Augustana College in Summer 2022, Fall 2022 and Spring 2023. Data was collected through a collaboration between the Offices of Institutional Research and Career Development, and compiled by Laura Kestner-Ricketts, executive director of career and professional development, March 2024.
![Christian Elliott](/files/2024-06/thumb_10_Christian_Elliott_magazine.jpg)
Elliott '20 brings home Webby Awards for NASA
Christian Elliott '20 recently traveled to New York City for the 28th annual Webby Awards to accept honors for "Suiting up for Space," the April 2023 episode he wrote and produced as an intern for the podcast "NASA's Curious Universe."
![Danny Ford in Greece](/files/news/Danny_Ford_Greece_0%5B1%5D.jpeg)
How to start a dream job right after (or before) graduating from Augustana
Three 2024 grads show what can happen with curiosity, internships, good challenges and support from their Augustana success team.
![Ben Castro](/files/news/Castro_Ben%20%281%29.jpg)
Castro ’21 positioned to ‘help be the change in the Illinois Quad Cities’
A project led by Ben Castro ’21 to better understand uneven food access and food insecurities within QC MetroLINK’s service area placed fourth in a national competition. The project is tied to Castro's Senior Inquiry for his geography major.
![Alyssa Motzel](/files/news/Alyssa%203.jpg)
’16 grad combats newborn mortality in rural Kenya
By developing curriculum to teach neonatal resuscitation protocol to medical practitioners in Mutomo, Kenya, Dr. Alyssa Nelson ’16 Motzel was determined to not only teach her peers, but also help them continue to train others.
![Kyle Cluver](/files/alumni/Cluver_Kyle.jpg)
“Teaching should never be taken lightly, and if you do, then you are in the wrong major.”Read More
![Franki Compere](/files/alumni/Compere_Franki.jpg)
“What I learned about myself over the last four years is that I am a deeply curious person, always wanting to know how and why things work.”Read More
![Rosa De La Torre](/files/alumni/delaTorre_Rosa.jpg)
“After much discussion with mentors, faculty and my closest friends about nursing and medical school, I arrived at a decision of pursing medicine with a more holistic approach.”Read More
![Michael Dimock](/files/alumni/Dimock_Michael.jpg)
“I discovered interests here I never knew I had, I discovered how I can best help the communities I am involved in, and from it all, I feel I am much better off.”Read More
![Somer Druskowski](/files/alumni/Druskowski_Somer.jpg)
“I appreciate how much support Augustana students show for their peers, whether it is showing up to watch each other compete, perform or present research. I will truly miss the sense of community at Augustana the most. ”Read More
![Cori Duncan](/files/alumni/Duncan_Cori.jpg)
“If you study and get involved in the things you are passionate about, then you will have an amazing college experience.”Read More
![Allison Dzik](/files/alumni/Dzik_Allison.jpg)
“I am no longer the shy girl who arrived on campus four years ago.”Read More
![Justin Fox](/files/alumni/Fox_Justin.jpg)
“CORE helped me understand the framework of a résumé freshman year and provided me support all the way through senior year in evaluating job offers.”Read More
![Suzie Geisler](/files/alumni/Geisler_Suzie.jpg)
“I always thought I would work with young children, but my clinical experience at the Robert Young Center exposed me to counseling adolescents, and I found out I loved it.”Read More
![Ellenelle Gilliam](/files/alumni/Gilliam_Ellenelle.jpg)
“I’ve known for a while that I want to teach abroad, and the faculty and staff at Augustana helped me to realize that dream.”Read More
![Vicky Gillon](/files/alumni/gtest.jpg)
“If you go in for the experiences, you will come out of Augustana with so much more to offer everyone around you.”Read More
![Analysia Gomez](/files/alumni/Gomez_Analysis.jpg)
“I have come to value the notion that everything is connected and how we can see so many different disciplines intersecting with one another.”Read More
![Mike Guidotti](/files/alumni/Guidotti_Mike.jpg)
“I came to Augustana with an ambition to learn about myself and grow as an individual, but I'm leaving with a vocation to help serve others and make a valuable impact on my community.”Read More
![bethany hayenga](/files/alumni/Hayenga_Bethany.jpg)
“Dr. Heidi Storl taught me that the 'useless' disciplines (like philosophy) are the most useful in practical — not just abstract — situations.”Read More
![Jamie Hochmuth](/files/alumni/Hochmuth_Jamie.jpg)
“It’s been incredible being at a college where I can double major in two completely different fields, and then also be able to be in top choirs and the lead in the musical.”Read More
![Jenna Jensen](/files/alumni/Jensen_Jenna.jpg)
“Take your time at Augustana to do what you love. If you love a sport, find a way to play that sport. If you love business, join a business club. I would definitely suggest getting involved.”Read More
![Jillian Jespersen](/files/alumni/Jespersen_Jillian.jpg)
“My professors have truly helped me realize that I am a biologist at heart. Without all of their help and advice, I would not have the confidence I do today about my decision to take a gap year and pursue biology.”Read More
![Leah Jo Shelton](/files/alumni/Shelton_Leah_Jo.jpg)
“Learn to think critically and teach someone else how to; you’ll change their perspective, and they’ll change yours.”Read More
![Maddie Kerr](/files/alumni/Kerr_Maddie_0.jpg)
“I know if I had a question, concern or wonderment that I could go to any one of the professors within my department, and they would put down whatever they were doing in order to help me, calm me or answer any of my questions.”Read More
![Ruchira Laroia](/files/alumni/Laroia_Ruchira.jpg)
“I did not expect to become emotionally attached to Augustana, to find some of my best friends and to be as involved as I became.”Read More
![Thanh Le](/files/alumni/Le_Thanh.jpg)
“Be spontaneous—you have no idea where the next adventure(s) will take you!”Read More
![Kaitlyn Lindgren](/files/alumni/Lindgren_Kaitlyn.jpg)
“Pursue what makes your heart sing and your soul smile. When you are unapologetic for the things that make you feel at peace, the rest of the world falls into place.”Read More
![Makenzie Logan](/files/alumni/Logan_Makenzie_0.jpg)
“Don’t miss out on the opportunities to grow as a person. Build deep relationships. Get out of your comfort zone. Study abroad. Find your passion.”Read More
![Kendall Maduro](/files/alumni/Maduro_Kendall.jpg)
“My one piece of advice is ‘Do it.' There are so many opportunities here, and too much time is wasted wondering whether to give it a try.”Read More