Kai Swanson ’86: Investing in tomorrow’s leaders

(Generosity Matters is a series of spotlight stories about alumni who give back to Augustana College.)

Kai Swanson cannot remember a time when he wasn't connected to Augustana.

A self-proclaimed “campus brat,” Swanson literally grew up at Augustana. His father, Pastor Richard "Swanie" Swanson, served as campus chaplain, among other positions on campus, from 1966 to 1999.

Swanson chose to attend Augustana, graduating in 1986, and has since been a college employee.

Whether it was his German professor, “Herr” Erwin Weber, who taught him to how get the most out of travel or the work of his campus colleagues, Swanson has experienced many examples of what Augustana does for its students and in the community.

He believes many people would be surprised by “the depth of engagement by our students and faculty in the Quad Cities and surrounding community.”

For example, Augustana President Andrea Talentino recently announced a partnership between the college and the city of Rock Island to identify and inventory lead water service lines in the city. Once students complete the inventory, the city has two years to create a replacement plan, and then up to 20 years to replace the lead lines.

As Augustana's 1986 class representative, Swanson shares with his classmates that these types of student experiences come from the support of alumni and friends. He asks his fellow alumni to join him with their support.

“I had great experiences, and want others to have those too," he said. "I want our students to have epiphanies about themselves and their place in the world.”

As Swanson began his 41st year as an Augustana student or employee this past fall (which he endearingly refers to as his "41st first day of classes"), he continues to be passionate about letting others know that Augustana is still transforming lives under leadership that makes a difference.

After serving under two presidents, Thomas Tredway and Steve Bahls, Swanson and the entire campus community welcomed a new leader, President Talentino, on July 1.

As the special assistant to the president, Swanson said starting the academic year with a new president energized him in ways he hadn’t anticipated. “Our dear old school is in good hands," Swanson said. "Andrea Talentino is the kind of leader Augustana needs now and in the foreseeable future.”

But, he also knows that what new leadership can accomplish in “pursuit of our life-changing mission is largely determined by the support they receive” from alumni and friends.

In Swanson's words, “I don’t think there’s a better investment than in the leaders that our nation and world will need tomorrow."