Geography Department 75th Anniversary

Augustana College will recognize the 75th anniversary of the Geography Department with a special alumni event April 26-27, 2024. The cost is $120 per person.

Register now

Schedule

Friday, April 26

12 p.m. — Gathering and social time
Centennial Hall lobby

Reconnect with fellow alumni before the weekend kicks off.

12:45 p.m. — Field trip
Centennial Hall lobby

Join alumni on two field trips to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Geography Department. Each group will participate in two field trips in reverse order. Group one will experience the Mississippi River in the Geography Department's boat "Scholarship" before touring key sites in the Quad Cities. Group two will begin with a tour of the Quad Cities and end with a ride in the boat. Transportation will be provided from Augustana College to the boat dock and back. Transportation also will be provided for the field trip around the Quad Cities.

6 p.m. — Dinner and program
Gerber Center for Student Life, Gävle Room

Gather with alumni for an informal dinner. Harris Pizza (GF, V) and Bent River cash bar will be available. All alumni will have the opportunity to participate in a brief program, where they will give a short 3- to 5-minute introduction, including name, years at Augustana, location, job and special interests. 

Saturday, April 27

8:15 a.m. — Continental breakfast and social time
John Deere Planetarium lobby

Gather with alumni and geography faculty for coffee, juice, pastries and fruit to start the day.

9 a.m. — Presentation on the history of the Geography Department
John Deere Planetarium lecture hall

"75 Years of the Augustana Geography Department," presented by Dr. Norm Moline '64, professor emeritus of geography.

9:45 a.m. — Alumni presentations
John Deere Planetarium

We encourage alumni to submit titles and descriptions for 20-minute presentations on a geographical topic. Current faculty and Dr. Norm Moline will review submissions and select five presentations. You will be sent a form to submit a proposal after you register for the event, or you can submit a proposal now.

12:15 p.m. — Lunch
Murabito Commons

Lunch will be served in the Murabito Commons. Gluten free and vegetarian options will be available.

1:30 p.m. — Networking event
John Deere Planetarium lecture hall

In this session, alumni will have time to network with other attendees and current geography students by interest (physical, environmental, urban, regional planning, and cultural/historical geography and geographic information systems).

3:15 p.m. — Faculty research presentations
John Deere Planetarium lecture hall

Geography professors Dr. Jenny Arkle, Dr. Jennifer Burnham '97, Dr. Reuben Heine and Dr. Chris Strunk will present on their recent research and the current programs of the department. Geography and GIS students also will give a drone demonstration.

5:30 p.m. — Social hour
Gerber Center for Student Life, fourth floor fireplace

Gather with alumni before dinner. You'll enjoy delicious appetizers and drinks (beer and wine).

6:30 p.m. — Dinner and program
Gerber Center for Student Life, Gävle Room

Close out the reunion weekend with a catered dinner. Gluten-free and vegetarian options will be available. Tom Weigand '85 and Dr. Jennifer Burnham '97 will be the keynote speakers.

Hotel options

Stoney Creek Hotel ($82 per night)
101 18th Street, Moline, Ill., 61265; 309-743-0101
Group name: Augustana Geography Reunion
Reservation cut-off date: March 25, 2024

The Element Moline ($115 per night)
316 12th Street, Moline, Ill., 61265; 309-517-1659
Group name: Augustana Geography Reunion
Reservation cut-off date: March 25, 2024