The Chicago Journalism Association awarded Curtis Lawrence '80 with a Lifetime Achievement Award in honor of his 44-year career as a newspaper reporter. In this profile, Lawrence talks about being a Black student on a predominately white campus; the professors who mentored him; winning the Studs Terkel Award for excellence in covering Chicago’s diverse communities; and more. → Read more
Features
President's message: The best thing about Augustana
President Andrea Talentino says the best thing about Augustana is the extraordinary people who use their talents and creativity to strengthen the college and enhance the student experience. Read about recent national and local recognitions for the college.
How the strategic plan intersects with a proposed campus master plan
At October's Board of Trustees meeting, President Andrea Talentino shared how a proposed campus master plan is a good fit with the college’s new strategic plan, Bold & Boundless. See what’s ahead for Augustana.
Augustana awarded grant to launch business-liberal arts scholars program
Augustana will enroll business administration majors in its inaugural Business Education Steeped in the Liberal Arts (BESLA) cohort in fall 2025. Students enrolling in BESLA will pursue a second major or minor in the traditional liberal arts.
Your favorite place on campus?
Six alumni share the places on campus that were meaningful during their Augustana experience — from the Carver Center to Old Main to Founders courtyard.
New financial aid program making Augustana Possible for students
Augustana Possible, the college's new financial aid program, is doing exactly what its name suggests. Since being launched two years ago, it has made Augustana accessible to 339 high-achieving students from families with high financial need.
Preparing health care professionals for a world that needs them
The current shortage of physicians, nurses and technicians is a significant challenge for the health care system. At Augustana, supportive mentors, experiences in the field, and a foundation in the liberal arts and sciences are preparing Augustana graduates for successful careers in health care.
Alumni stories
Preparing to respond to mental health issues in the classroom
Meet 2006 grad Amy Zero, an award-winning counselor at Rock Island Academy. She also has been training Augustana’s education majors on how to respond to their future students who are dealing with a mental health issue.
'22 grads drafted to play professional cricket
Twin brothers Saurabh Patwal '22 and Gaurav Patwal '22 are professional cricketers — perhaps Augustana’s first. They just wrapped up their rookie season for the Dallas Xforia Giants in the USA Minor League Cricket Association.
Still in the news ...
Check out these updates from two stories in the summer issue of Augustana College Magazine: Paralympics star Sarah Adam '13 and inventor Dr. Jenn Hintzsche '06.
2024 Augustana College Alumni Awards
The Augustana Alumni Association recognizes the achievements, contributions and service of alumni and friends of the college each year. Learn about the six alumni who received awards during Homecoming Weekend 2024.
Gwaltney '84 elected to Augustana’s Board of Trustees
New trustee Brent Gwaltney '84 has spent the majority of his three-decade career involved in the management, construction, operation and financing of world-scale petrochemical facilities. He is retired as the CEO of Consolidated Energy, Ltd., headquartered in Switzerland.
Re-connect through Class Notes
Celebrate the latest updates from the Augustana alumni community. Here's the place to share graduations, weddings, births of future Vikings, career advancements, awards, and more.
Campus news
Augustana named a 'Best College' by Money magazine
Augustana was one of five national liberal arts colleges in Illinois named to Money’s 2024 "Best Colleges in America" list. Augustana earned a 4.5 star ranking in the list that analyzed 745 four-year colleges based on graduation rates, cost of attendance, financial aid, alumni salaries and more in its ranking.
A sweet goodbye
Teresa Rusch, a baker in Dining Services for the past 23 years, baked about 1,000 chocolate chip cookies every week when school was in session — and it’s a cookie alumni can't seem to forget. In mid-November, Rusch baked her last batch and hung up her apron. Fingers crossed another baker will carry on this sweet legacy.
Augustana recognized again for diversity excellence
Augustana is a 2024 INSIGHT Into Diversity Higher Education Excellence in Diversity award winner. This marks the college's fifth time earning this national recognition, highlighting Augustana's continued commitment to creating a thriving diverse campus community.
Athletics
Tim Dodge '70 honored at wrestling reunion/dedication
In October, 90 friends and family members celebrated the late Tim “Dodger” Dodge ’70 at a wrestling reunion and dedication of the Tim Dodge Wrestling Mezzanine. The mezzanine overlooks Augustana’s wrestling facility in the Carver Center.
Five more Vikings named Academic All-Americans — 183 total
Five student-athletes — from hometowns in Illinois, Hawai'i, Texas and Tennessee — are the college's most recent Academic All-Americans. Now with 183 Academic All-Americans, Augustana ranks 14th among the NCAA’s 1,100 schools in DI, DII and DIII across the country.
Emma Odle '25 dominates XC CCIW Championships
Emma Odle '25 from Inverness, Ill., ran her way to an individual championship title at the CCIW Cross Country Championships, making her the first Vikings' women's cross country CCIW Champion since 1998. Odle, whose nearest competitor was 30 seconds behind her, led the race from the start to the finish.
Tributes
Remembering Mary Thorson '62 Lucken and John Lucken '62
"Mary and John Lucken were both such remarkable individuals in their own right, and together, they changed communities and trajectories of so many people's lives."
Remembering Kim Brunner '71
"To me, Kim was more than a board chair. He was a friend and confidant. He inspired me to be better. And while he was able to, he shared with me his journey with illness in his later years, always philosophical and always with admiration for his loving wife who provided selfless care."
→ Read the full message from Steve Bahls, President Emeritus of Augustana College
Remembering Diane Griffin '62
"Diane was an expert, and one of our own! Her wisdom and informed judgment provided assurance during one of the more challenging times for her beloved alma mater. She approached her service as a trustee in the same way she did her work."
Homecoming/Family Weekend
Augustana GOLD (Graduates of the Last Decade) celebrated during Homecoming/Family Weekend with a special bingo night at Radicle Effect Brewerks near campus.