Haley Dulabaum
Graduation year: 2022
High school: Elgin Academy
Hometown: Elgin, Ill.
Majors: Business administration (management); English; accounting
Activities: Chi Alpha Pi sorority, Learning Commons tutor, Phi Beta Kappa academic honor society
Internship: 2021 summer intern at Porte Brown LLC
Post-grad plans: In August, I will begin as a staff accountant for Porte Brown!
Why Augustana?
In high school, I was behind on my college search. So in an attempt to see any college, I came with my cousin, Nathaniel (Class of 2021), to his Augustana orientation. I immediately loved the campus and learned a lot about the school. I later came back for my own official tour and decided it was the place for me.
As someone who can be indecisive, I appreciated the option to explore my many areas of interest with professors who truly cared about my education and growth.
Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?
Truthfully, I didn't come to college with a grand plan of what I wanted to study or do by the time I graduated. I followed my gut when it came to choosing what I wanted to major in, and things fell into place from there.
My one hope was that I would get leadership experience while at college, but I would've never imagined myself serving on my sorority's exec board for a year and a half and being president for a semester. Overall, I am happy with where I am and proud of all I've accomplished.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
There are so many people who have shaped my college journey!
Meg Gillette, Mamata Marmé, Nadia Schwartz, Joe McDowell and John Delaney are all incredible professors who have supported me during my time at Augie. I am beyond grateful for all of our chats, the advice they have given me, and the knowledge they have passed down. My time at Augustana would have been drastically different without each of them, so thank you for all you have done for me.
I also wouldn't be where I am now without my lovely family. My parents, sisters and extended family have encouraged me to pursue my passions, try new things, and have been people I can speak openly with and confide in about my experiences.
I had two cousins attend Augie with me — Nathaniel (Class of 2021) and Zach (Class of 2023), and their company along with weekly dinners made college feel even more like home. It has been so special to share unique Augie and Quad-Cities experiences with them.
Peak experience?
Two peak experiences for me have been traveling to Houston, Texas, and Seattle, Wash., to visit Augie friends.
Over the summer of 2021, I traveled to Texas to visit my friend, Katie, while she was a part of the Texas Medical Program, and I spent my spring break of 2022 in Seattle visiting my friend, Olivia, at her new job. I met both of my dear friends at Augie.
What surprised you?
Because of Augie, I have met people who have completely changed my life and who I know will be my lifelong friends. They have cheered me on during my successes, taken me to get ice cream when I needed a pick-me-up, laughed with me until my stomach hurt, and been a second family to me.
Give people a chance because you never know the impact they'll have on your life.
How did you use your Augie Choice?
Unfortunately, due to COVID, I was unable to use my Augie Choice, but initially I planned to study abroad in Paris over J-term.
What will you miss the most?
I will for sure miss the people the most. There is nothing like living five minutes away from your best friends and getting to see people you know every single day. I love the Augie community — my friends, professors, sorority, and Jill from the Brew — and I am not quite ready to say goodbye.
Advice for the Class of 2026?
Focus on yourself. I know that may sound a little strange, but you will change and grow so much over your four years at college. Learn who you are, what you value, what you want out of life, and most importantly, to believe in yourself.
"Haley is very bright and came to us ready for the challenge that Augustana presents. While many students may be as diligent as Haley or as self-motivated, rarely do we see students who combine these characteristics of preparation, diligence and interest to the degree that Haley displays them. We want our students at Augustana to be lifelong learners. That she is academically strong is obvious from her grades. However, she has shown repeatedly that she does not do well because she wants good grades, but because she is truly curious."