Sophie Arceneaux
Graduation year: 2025
High school: Lafayette High School
Hometown: Wildwood, Mo.
Majors: Geology, environmental studies
Minor: Geographic Information and Science Technology (GIST)
Activities: Varsity water polo, Sigma Pi Delta sorority, Udden Geology Club, Flute Choir
Internship: Environmental compliance and industrial hygiene and safety intern at Environmental Operations, Inc., in Clayton, Mo.
Post-grad plans: Move back to the St. Louis area and work full-time at Environmental Operations, Inc., as an environmental compliance specialist
Why Augustana?
I knew I wanted to go to a smaller school, and I found Augustana through water polo. When I went on a campus visit, I met so many amazing and caring individuals who genuinely seemed like they wanted the best for each other and wanted to make Augie a home for everyone.
This, along with having a gorgeous and walkable campus with beautiful buildings, are the main reasons why I chose Augustana.
Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?
Yes and no. I knew I would be playing water polo and doing something environmentally related, but I didn't expect to double major or to pursue a minor in something I didn't know existed before coming to Augie.
I also didn’t expect to study abroad twice, and do research abroad with some of my best friends. I have gained so many lifelong friends through all of my experiences at Augie that have made these past four years better than I could have ever imagined.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
On the academic side, the geology and environmental studies departments — Dr. Strasser was the first professor I met at Augie and has been an amazing advisor the last four years; Dr. K. Arkle has always been so supportive and welcoming; Dr. Wolf always has the best energy in classes and always pushes students towards success; Dr. J. Arkle taught me to use and love GIS and was such a knowledgeable and supportive Senior Inquiry advisor; Dr. Lashley and Dr. Reisner both taught me how to look at multiple different perspectives when working through real world problems.
Susan Wolf and Jen Milner also have had a huge impact with their overwhelming amount of support, help with writing and always brightening my day.
On the athletic side — Coach Pryor and Coach O always pushed me to give 110% and gave me the opportunity to play water polo at a higher level.
Lastly, my family for giving me the opportunity to go to Augustana, and my friends and teammates for always being there for me no matter what.
Peak experience?
My peak experience(s) would probably be all of the geology field trips I have been fortunate enough to go on, especially doing paid research in Bonaire and starting my Senior Inquiry. Having the opportunity to learn in different environments is one reason I love the geology department.
Another peak experience was making history with the women's water polo team. Being able to play with such a talented and young team will always hold a special place in my heart.
What surprised you?
There is so much that surprised me. How supportive and welcoming everyone is on campus, and how much everyone wants you to succeed. How many things you can be involved with and how many opportunities there are.
What surprised me the most is how close I got to everyone, from my friends to my roommates, teammates and professors. It felt like everyone was always rooting for me.
How did you use your Augie Choice?
I used my Augie Choice to study abroad in Bonaire during J-term (2024). It helped me pay for the extra travel expenses and allowed me to travel to a beautiful island and learn about the island formation and culture through SCUBA diving and hiking.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss the tight-knit community the most. Getting to know many different people at Augie truly made my college experience one I will never forget.
The students, professors and faculty made the day-to-day life feel extra special, and when looking back on my time, I remember all the fun, silly and heartfelt moments more than any grades. The people really make the place.
Advice for the Class of 2029?
Get involved! And don’t be afraid to go to things by yourself. Going to club meetings, sport events, concerts, etc., has provided me with so many opportunities and stories to tell in the future.
Being involved also teaches you good time management and communication skills that will be useful forever.
"Sophie is an excellent environmental scientist who understands how to use knowledge and skills she develops in her courses to study real-world problems. Her double major in geology and environmental studies, coupled with her GIS skills, helped her acquire an internship with an environmental consulting company in St. Louis. The company was so impressed with her that she was offered a permanent position! Meanwhile, she has applied her GIS skills to study a critical environmental problem on the Caribbean island of Bonaire, as she assesses the influence of sediment runoff from the island on the ecological health of the reef systems. Great work, Sophie!"