John Lynch
Graduation year: 2020
High school: Metea Valley High School
Hometown: Aurora, Ill.
Majors: Business administration (finance), business administration(management), political science
Activities: Rho Nu Delta fraternity, varsity soccer (3 years), Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Phi Beta Kappa
Internship: College financial representative at Northwestern Mutual
Post-grad plans: Benefit plan consultant at Crowe
Why Augustana?
I knew I wanted to go to a smaller school and play soccer, which is what first got me interested in Augustana. When I visited the campus, I enjoyed meeting all the people here and seeing the campus. Also, Augustana has a great academic reputation and makes double majoring easy, compared to other schools.
Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?
Yes and no. I knew I wanted to play soccer and major in business and political science. However, I am much more involved than I thought I would be. While I only played soccer for three years, I have also been in several clubs and am part of a fraternity on campus. Augustana does a great job of getting students involved in many different ways, which has been a great experience.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
Many different professors and others have helped me over the past four years. In particular, my business advisor, Mamata Marmé, has helped me grow as a student and as a person. Professor Marmé has a reputation in the business department of always being there to help students when they have questions or need guidance. Any time I was struggling with a class, had questions about my academic schedule or was stressed about post-graduation plans, Professor Marmé was always there to help me with whatever I needed.
Others have helped me along the way as well, including Christy Parker, my boss, who helped me get more involved in the business department, and Rho Nu Delta fraternity, which helped me get more involved around campus.
Peak experience?
While it is hard to pick just one, the most memorable experience I have from Augustana is going to a political conference in D.C. my freshman year. The trip was through a political club on campus, and the club also helped fund most of the trip's expenses. The conference was a great way to get more politically involved and listen to many great speakers.
What surprised you?
The number of different things that students can get involved in on campus. Going into college, I never would have guessed I could play a sport, be in a fraternity, join clubs, and still be successful in the classroom. At Augustana, this kind of involvement is encouraged and even expected for many students.
How did you use your Augie Choice?
I used my Augie Choice during my internship at Northwestern Mutual to help cover living expenses.
What will you miss the most?
The Augustana community. In the classroom, in different clubs and activities, and around campus, I have met so many great people, and that is what I will miss most.
Advice for the Class of 2024?
You have more time during the day than you think you have. Take advantage of different opportunities when you can. It is easier to be involved in many different things at Augustana than you think it is.
“John has been one of our department representatives during high school visit days. Watching him interact with prospective students and parents has been such a pleasure. John is a student who takes pride in his work. He has high standards for himself and pushes himself to do the best he can. He is my advisee, and watching him grow over the last three years as he completed three different majors, has made me so proud to have known him.”