Alison Ogden
Graduation year: 2023
High school: United Township High School
Hometown: Silvis, Ill.
Majors: Accounting, data analytics, art history
Activities: Varsity swimming and diving, Chi Alpha Pi sorority
Internships: Accounting intern at QCR Holdings, Inc., Moline, Ill. (summer 2021); tax intern at RSM, Davenport, Iowa (summer 2022)
Post-grad plans: Work for RSM in Davenport, Iowa
Why Augustana?
My brother went to Augustana, and I knew from his experiences that it would be a great fit for me as well! I liked that professors and coaches were genuinely interested in their students and wanted to help them be the best that they could be.
Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?
Definitely not! In high school, I thought I knew what I wanted, but Augustana helped me realize that I could do way more than I ever thought possible. Initially, I thought I would have one major and maybe a minor, but this spring I will be graduating with three majors.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
The support system that I had during my time at Augustana is irreplaceable. My swimming coach, Dan Lloyd, has always believed in me, and he was there to support me through everything. Being a student-athlete is tough in many ways, but I always knew that my coach would be there for me if I needed it — even if I was too stubborn to ask for help.
I also owe a lot of thanks to Dr. John Delaney and Dr. Margaret Morse — I am so thankful that my advisors saw something in me and were able to guide me to the path I'm on now!
I'm also very grateful to my accounting professors, Dr. Olivia Melton and Nadia Schwartz, for helping solidify my interest in accounting and always reminding me that I am more than capable of succeeding. They always encouraged me to go out of my comfort zone, and I give them a lot of credit for helping me land my internships.
And of course, I wouldn't be anywhere without my best friends and my family! I couldn't ask for better people in my life!
Peak experience?
The best experience I've had at Augie was being a part of the swimming and diving team. When I came to Augustana, I thought that I was done swimming, but at the last moment I decided to join and that was probably the best choice I could have made. I'm so grateful for my team and all of our experiences together, and I will miss my friends so much.
What surprised you?
I was surprised by how much personal growth I've felt. I've always been a bit more introverted, but I think that coming to Augustana and getting involved in different things really opened the door for me to push myself a little more.
How did you use your Augie Choice?
I used my Augie Choice to help fund my internship the summer before my senior year.
What will you miss the most?
I think I'll miss being a part of the community the most. I'll miss the excitement of starting a new school year and being back with all of my friends. I'll especially miss the almost weekly trips to Whitey's my best friend and I took!
Advice for the Class of 2027?
Take care of yourself. It's hard to be away from family and friends, and it's even harder figuring out who you are. But you can't do that unless you look after your physical and mental health. You matter always!
"Alison is an outstanding example of what a student can accomplish at Augustana. She has successfully navigated commitments on campus, including the women’s swim team, with her internships and her major programs to make the most out of her time here. She has always been happy to share her experiences with new and prospective students to illustrate what is possible in four years at Augie. I know she will be just as successful after graduation as she has been here."