August 2022
Augustana Possible is a game-changer
A new financial aid program — Augustana Possible — will help high-achieving students from families with lower incomes achieve a quality education.
The program, just announced, will begin in fall 2023. It is made possible by The Grand Challenge in Philanthropy: The Murry Gerber ’75 Challenge, a $40 million commitment to support endowed financial aid and scholarships.
The Gerber gift and all matching gifts will help the college meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for qualifying new students. Many of them are expected to be first-generation students.
“This will be a game-changer for a segment of students,” said W. Kent Barnds, executive vice president.
From Augie to Wall Street to your own startup
When his country gained internet access in 2007, Khant (Robert) Latt started researching colleges. Until then he had limited information about the world outside dictator-run Myanmar, formerly Burma.
The first in his family to attend college, Latt began at the University of Melbourne, Australia, and from there he found Augustana. He chose a political science major, planning on law school. But plans change. → Here is how Augie and EDGE helped him succeed
Project with city to provide hands-on learning
President Andrea Talentino announced a partnership between the college and the city of Rock Island to identify and inventory lead water service lines as required under a new state law.
She called it "a perfect example of what an engaged education should be." → Why it matters
Meeting the Viking community
Kent Eklund and Katherine Anderson Eklund, Class of 1968, met with Augustana President Andrea Talentino in the Twin Cities — one of three alumni gatherings in the Midwest this summer.
President Talentino also has been getting acquainted with Augustana trustees, faculty and staff, and community leaders this summer.
Class notes
Who will be teaching at Cambridge in the U.K.? Hint: a 2014 grad. And who was named a CNN Global Hero? Find out in class notes.
Share your own news and photos.
Johnson ’98 named COO of NFL’s Jaguars
Chad Johnson’s first job after graduation was in agricultural equipment sales, driving to see customers in the upper Midwest. Turns out the sports world was a better fit, and he recently was promoted to chief operating officer for the Jacksonville Jaguars. → More about Chad
Save the date
Aug. 20 QC Riverfront Pops
Aug. 25 Alumni and friends coffee, Arlington Heights → RSVP
Aug. 26 Alumni and friends coffee, Davenport → RSVP
Sept. 24 Viking Club golf outing
Oct. 14-16 Homecoming
Oct. 15 Presidential inauguration
Oct. 20 Reception for President Talentino, McCarter & English, 265 Franklin St., Boston
Nov. 11 Chicago Symphony and Joffrey Ballet alumni reception and performance
Jan. 19 Winter in the Windy City