Oscar Peterson-Veatch
Graduation year: 2022
High school: Goshen High School
Hometown: Goshen, Ind.
Majors: Physics; music
Minor: Jazz studies
Activities: Augustana Physics and Engineering Society, Sigma Pi Sigma honor society, Reading/Writing Center tutor, National Band Association, Augustana Symphonic Band, Augustana Percussion Ensemble, Augustana Jazz Ensemble, Augustana Jazz Combo, Augustana Symphonic Orchestra
Internships: Digital resource curator for Augustana's Reading/Writing Center; nuclear physics research with Dr. Nathan Frank and the MoNA Collaboration
Post-grad plans: I will be Thru-Hiking the Appalachian Trail, then volunteering internationally through a work-away program. While volunteering, I will be submitting my applications for several master's and Ph.D. programs in acoustics.
Why Augustana?
I chose Augustana because of the way I was encouraged to double major and pursue any and all of my interests. It was a really attractive quality that I was not only able but also encouraged to diversify my studies.
Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?
I am sort of where I thought I would be. But I could not possibly have predicted any of the experiences that I would have while attending Augustana.
When I came here, I knew that I wanted to double major in music and physics and pursue education afterward. That is where I am at now, with the small exception that visiting other countries has become my top priority first.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
I have a long list of people who helped me. Every one of the professors in both the physics and music departments have been amazing. The professors in the Reading/Writing Center were also hugely supportive, and I am so grateful for the chance to have worked with them.
In general, all of the professors I have had the fortune to get to know were supportive and interested in doing everything they could to help me succeed.
The friends that I made in Physics Club, working as a RWC tutor, playing in almost every ensemble, and taking classes in the music and physics department are all great people, and I cannot thank them enough for all the times they supported me.
Peak experience?
My peak experience was traveling to California with the Augustana Symphonic Band. It was an absolute blast, and I had so much fun performing music with that fantastic ensemble. The chance to bond more closely with all the other members was such a unique opportunity for which I am so grateful.
What surprised you?
I was surprised by the astonishing amount of work ethic I saw in all of my fellow students. It consistently surprised me how involved every single member of the Augustana community seems to be.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss having the opportunity to perform in all of the fantastic ensembles at Augustana. Performing with all of those musicians has been such a fantastic experience, and I know I will not be able to find the same thing anywhere else.
Advice for the Class of 2026?
I will give the advice that my parents gave me. There are two reasons that people do not succeed in college. One, they have too much of a social life. Two, they don’t have enough of a social life. The most important key to succeed is to find that balance for yourself.
"Oscar has accomplished so much! He has contributed to our department in many ways: leading APES (Augustana Physics and Engineering Society); helping develop and organize our new mentoring program; working to increase diversity, hospitality and retention among incoming students; doing nuclear physics research; and all the time motivating and encouraging other students to get involved as well! Oscar also has been very involved in so many things outside our department: music major, music performance, student-life activities and so much more. He has made the most of his years at Augustana!"