Maggie Meyers

High school: Glenbard West

Hometown: Glen Ellyn, Ill.

Major: Music education (vocal)

Minors: Music composition; music performance: vocal

Activities: Augustana Choir, Augustana Chamber Choir, American Choral Directors Association, Augustana College Music Educators, Club Water Polo

Internships: Student teaching at Cody Elementary School and Pleasant Valley High School

Post-grad plans: I will be teaching choir at Geneseo (Ill.) Middle School!

Why Augustana?

I chose Augustana because of its strong reputation for musical excellence and music education. But what truly set it apart was how personal the experience felt. During my visit, the professors made me feel genuinely wanted and valued. Professors took the time to connect with me, asking about my goals and aspirations and showing a sincere interest in my growth.

That level of care made it clear that Augustana is a place where students are supported and cared for and not just a number.

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

Yes and no! I’m really proud of how I’ve continued to grow as a leader, especially through serving on multiple executive boards across campus — that’s something I'd always hoped for. At the same time, I didn’t anticipate just how meaningful the relationships would be. The close friendships I’ve built here have been one of the most impactful and unexpected parts of my college experience.

Who helped you get to where you are now?

The music faculty at Augustana are incredibly knowledgeable and attentive to their students, and it’s been such a joy to build connections with so many of them. You can tell they genuinely care about who we are and how we grow, not just as musicians but as people. 

In particular, working with Dr. Hurty has been deeply formative in my development as a conductor, educator and person. He demonstrates how to lead with both humility and confidence, and the way he cares for each musician in the ensemble has truly inspired me. He taught me to strive for excellence rather than perfection, which completely changed how I approached not just music, but many challenges I faced in college.

That mindset is something I know I’ll carry with me long after my time at Augustana.

Peak experience?

One of my peak experiences was going on tour my freshman year with the Augustana Choir. We performed throughout the Chicago suburbs, where there’s such a strong alumni presence, and I was blown away by the support. 

We were singing in overflowing churches, and joined by so many alumni when singing "Children of the Heavenly Father." Being part of something that connected so many people across generations made me realize how meaningful singing together is and just how special Augustana Choir is!

What surprised you?

I was surprised by how important it is to find balance and step outside of your main area of study, since those experiences often end up shaping you just as much as what you learn in class. I expected most of my growth to come directly from my major, but I found that the activities and communities outside of it were just as influential.

How did you use your Augie Choice?

I used my Augie Choice towards the Augustana Choir's tour to Sweden.

What will you miss the most?

I will by far miss the Augustana Choir the most. Being part of something so special that connects people across generations at Augie has meant so much to me. Getting to sing with my friends every day and work toward such a high level of excellence is something I’ll never take for granted. I know I’ll continue singing in choirs in the future, but nothing will quite compare to this group.

Advice for the Class of 2030?

Get involved in something that has nothing to do with your major. You’re probably studying something you really care about, but even that can start to feel like work after a while. Having a separate outlet gave me a break from that pressure, helped prevent burnout and broadened my community.