Gavin McCorry

High school: Elk Grove High School

Hometown: Elk Grove Village, Ill.

Majors: Applied mathematics, computer science, data analytics – business analytics

Activities: Varsity men's swimming, Rho Nu Delta fraternity

Internship: Business analyst intern at Military Deli and Bakery Services, 2024-2025

Post-grad plans: I will start working full-time as a reinsurance actuarial trainee at Aon Re, Inc., in the company's Chicago headquarters.

Why Augustana?

When I began my college search, I knew I wanted to continue swimming at the collegiate level. During my recruiting visit to Augustana, I spent time with the swim team. Everyone I met was kind and genuinely interested in my future goals and aspirations. At that moment, I realized that at Augustana, I would be surrounded by like-minded individuals who truly care about each other and their collective success.

Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?

I am far ahead of where I thought I would be. I have had an amazing range of academic, athletic and social experiences that would have been almost impossible to duplicate anywhere else.

Who helped you get to where you are now?

In my academic career, my applied math advisor and head of the math and computer science department, Dr. Andrew P. Sward, has helped me so much with my pursuit of an actuarial science career. Although Augustana does not have a designated actuarial science major, I worked closely with Dr. Sward to craft my academic schedule to cover all the educational requirements to become an actuary.

Augustana's CORE, specifically Beth Ford, helped me to navigate my career options when I wasn't certain what I wanted to do. The individuals at CORE were also extremely helpful in helping me search for internships and in creating and updating my résumé.

Athletically, Coach Dan Lloyd of the men’s swimming and diving team has been amazing these past four years. He has pushed me to become the best swimmer I could be and to achieve things that I didn't think were possible.

Last but not least, I would not be where I am without my family.

Peak experience?

My peak experience was my senior year swim season. Coming into this season, we had won the CCIW Conference Championship for the past two years, and we all wanted to win for a third time. Everyone was focused on the same goal, and we worked together all season long to make it happen. As part of our senior season, the team traveled to Arizona in December for a training trip. The team bonded with each other during that week, and it was an amazing experience.

What surprised you?

What surprised me most was how personal everything felt. I expected the small classes and liberal arts vibe, but I didn’t expect to build real relationships with my professors. They’ve been mentors, not just teachers.

How did you use your Augie Choice?

I used my Augie Choice for my business analyst Internship at Military Deli and Bakery Services. I was working remotely at school during this internship, so I used Augie Choice for work-related costs and expenses.

What will you miss the most?

I'm going to miss the people the most. The community at Augustana is fantastic. I will especially miss my teammates, both past and present, on the swim team, given all that we have accomplished over the past four years.

Advice for the Class of 2029?

Try everything. If there's a comedy show in the Brew, go to it. If there's a club or activity that you're even slightly interested in, join it. There is no such thing as trying or doing too many things. If you’re interested in something, do it.