Hannah Colbert
Graduation year: 2026
High school: Edwardsville High School
Hometown: Glen Carbon, Ill.
Major: Graphic design
Minor: Scandinavian studies
Activities: Women's varsity tennis, Sigma Pi Delta sorority, Scandinavian Club
Internship: Gateway Grizzlies professional baseball team (summer 2025)
Post-grad plans: Continue my job search and hope to one day work in sports graphic design
Why Augustana?
I had heard amazing things about the graphic design program, along with the number of opportunities it could give me. I also had the opportunity to play tennis, which heavily persuaded me to attend.
Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?
I have surpassed where I thought I would be both as a student and as a person. This school has taught me so much about myself that I could never have imagined, and I'm proud of the person this campus has shaped me to become.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
My sister and parents. My family has supported and helped me get through the hardest times here on this campus, and I would not be here without them. They have been my rock and my biggest cheerleaders throughout these four years and my whole life.
My tennis coach has also helped me so much. He has challenged and supported me non-stop throughout these years. Words cannot describe how much of a support system he has been for me at Augustana.
Peak experience?
A peak experience has been my junior- and senior-year roommates. They have brought me out of my shell more than I thought was possible, and I will miss the nights where they just randomly start singing at the top of their lungs.
What surprised you?
I was surprised by how much the people around you can impact your experience. When surrounded by the right people, everything becomes more fun, and you can grow significantly as a person.
How did you use your Augie Choice?
I used my Augie Choice for a J-term trip to Sweden. This was one of the best trips of my life, and I think everyone should use their Augie Choice for an experience like this.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss seeing my friends every day and my teammates. They have been such a big part of campus life for me, and it will be sad not seeing them every day. I will also miss being a student-athlete. That life is all I've known.
Advice for the Class of 2030?
Enjoy the time you have and make the most out of every experience. Four years seems like a long time, but it goes by fast. Take opportunities and run with them.
"Hannah impressed me as a topnotch student in my fall semester advanced Swedish class, always turning in high-quality work. She is also on the women’s tennis team — and quite a star there — which meant some absences due to fall being tennis season, but she was always diligent about letting me know, and it never interfered with her coursework. Outside the classroom, she found time to be one of the leaders of the Scandinavian studies student club, and as such she successfully made the case for funding. An all-around top student."