Today's update: Getting greener

Oct. 20, 2021

Making progress on sustainability

The Campus Sustainability Committee has released an initial report. Here are some highlights from the past year:

• Solar power will soon be meeting about 10% of our energy needs, thanks to panels currently or soon-to-be installed on several roofs across campus.

• The college has invested some $300,000 in roof upgrades, moving to more reflective material that keeps buildings cooler and lessens the demand on HVAC systems.

• With help from Dr. Reuben Heine and his students, drones are gathering data to help us make better decisions on building upgrades and future projects.

• Josh Becker, grounds supervisor, is helping reclaim more green space for native plants that will help pollinators, and using smart irrigation to reduce water usage.

Plans include the likely replacement of windows in Sorensen this summer, transition to more electric work vehicles, and solar panels on the Lindberg Center.

Today's updates:

• The Augustana Bookstore fall special is a navy crew sweatshirt for $21.99. 

• Summer is months away but you could start now to apply for a research fellowship. If you are interested but not sure where to start, contact Dr. Mariano Magalhães.

• Reminder: The Texas Medical Center Summer Research Internship Program info meetings will be held at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 24 and Nov. 14 in Old Main 132.

• The Vikings will acknowledge Domestic Violence Awareness Month at next Saturday's football game. Purple ribbons will be given to spectators to show support for those impacted by domestic violence. Boxes will be available to collect canned foods for Family Resources, a local domestic violence shelter and rape crisis center.

 You should have received an email from the Registrar about J-term and spring registration coming up starting next week. Important!

 Stayed tuned for a campus briefing at 11 a.m. on Monday.

Augie Doggie Halloween Fun 

Does your Augie Doggie or Vikitty have a Halloween costume picked out yet? Send a photo to the Augustana Instagram (@augustana_illinois) or email Kirby Stockwell by Oct. 29 for a chance to be featured on our social media channels.

 Do not miss the Study Away Fair Oct. 28. Find out about how it all works, financial aid and grants, Augie Choice, and faculty-led J-term programs. (This is Dr. Mike Wolf dressing the part to promote his program at a fair.) Professors will be on hand to talk about their programs, and travel providers also will be there to answer questions.

Summer language programs and internships, and semester programs are coming up!