John Warhank
Graduation year: 2025
High school: Assumption High School
Hometown: Davenport, Iowa
Major: Computer science
Activities: Augie Catholic, Augustana Game Development Club, Al-Khwarizmi Computer Science Honor Society, Augustana Gaming Club
Internship: Software engineer at John Deere
Post-grad plans: Pursue a career in video game development
Why Augustana?
Augustana is close to home for me and offered some very competitive financial aid.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
I would say that everyone I've ever crossed paths with has, but I'm sure that would disappoint some of the more significant persons in my life.
• Augustana's very own Dr. Stonedahl, who taught what seems like half of all the computer science classes I took, and who supports both Augustana Game Development Club and the annual Augustana Computer Science/Math Dance.
• Courtney McRoberts, my girlfriend, best friend and hopefully soon-to-be wife <3. The professor who introduced us, Ma Lao Shi, hands-down my favorite at Augustana (sorry everyone else, some of you were great, too). All of my friends and roommates, many of whom fit both categories. My family of course.
• And last, but who probably should've been first, Jesus Christ, for answering all my prayers before tests I didn't study for.
Peak experience?
Late nights (or mornings rather) at Gaming Club with my friends; this one's for you, Pablo. Evening C-Store runs with my friends to get pizza rolls and White Castle sliders before watching "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia." Making Chinese music videos for extra credit in class, and more importantly, fun. Every moment I ever spent with Courtney. (See "Who helped you get to where you are now?")
What surprised you?
Everything? Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.
How did you use your Augie Choice?
To help pay for expenses related to starting my part-time student position as a software engineer at John Deere.
What will you miss the most?
Nothing. All the memories I made are mine to keep and cherish, and in the modern world of the internet, we never really have to say goodbye to the people we care about.
Advice for the Class of 2029?
Don't be afraid to just get out and do something. You've got a lot more power over your life than you realize, and we all have to remind ourselves of that every day.
"All you can eat" at the CSL doesn't mean all you SHOULD eat.
Finally, no matter what, God loves you and has a plan for your life.
"John brings creative energy and a sense of humor everywhere he goes! I love having him in the classroom (even when he's explaining why the whole class should get a penalty-free extension on a project, due to a loophole he noticed in my syllabus rules!). John's contributions to the Game Dev Club and the annual Computer Science/Math Dance Party are also greatly appreciated!"