Anna Pfalzgraf '19: 'Augie opened up my world'

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

Anna Pfalzgraf '19 moved from Tucson, Ariz., to attend Augustana. Once she arrived, she didn't waste any time getting involved.

She majored in communications studies and graphic design and was involved with Phi Rho sorority, the student alumni board and Omicron Delta Kappa, a national leadership honor society. She spent a summer in Dijon, France, and twice was able to complete the Winter Learning Community in India to study grassroots activism and women’s empowerment.

“To say that Augie opened up my world is an understatement," Pfalzgraf said.

Since graduating, she has made the Quad Cities her home and works at the Rock Island Arsenal as a human resources specialist. As a member of Augustana’s GOLD (Graduates of the Last Decade) Council, Pfalzgraf sees firsthand the importance alumni gifts play in the college’s ability to support the next generation of bold and bright graduates.

She plans to join other alumni and friends in making a difference by participating in Blue, Gold & Bold – a 48-hour Giving Challenge this week.

“I was blessed to receive scholarships at Augie, and I would love to see the gifts from Blue, Gold & Bold create opportunities for current students to receive scholarships that make Augustana the right choice for them when deciding where to spend their four years or making it possible for a student to say 'yes' to an exciting study away program or internship," she said.

"I know that a gift of any amount makes a difference in the Augie community," she added. "It’s gratifying to give back to an institution that gave so much to me. I first gave to Augustana when I realized that the contributions from those before me helped made my experiences happen.”

In addition to “paying it forward” for current Augie students, giving to the college also helps in its ranking with publications such as U.S. News & World Report. Pfalzgraf sees Blue, Gold & Bold as an opportunity to make a purposeful contribution to the current students and campus community.

“Augustana provides opportunities that students just don’t find elsewhere," Pfalzgraf said. "Augie is developing the world’s best movers, shakers and critical thinkers through the experiences offered on and off campus.

"The tight-knit community found at Augie is unmatched. The community created at Augie is one that fosters confidence and knowledge for students, alumni, faculty and staff alike to make change wherever they go and extend that sense of community from Augustana and beyond."

She added, “Augie truly gave me so much and continues to give me so much, even post-graduation. I love that I am able to pay it forward now.”