Sarah Schafer '94 Pittenger: Helping make Augustana possible

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

When you’re passionate about being an Augustana alumna and the college is looking for a class representative, of course you say, “I’ll do it!”

Sarah Schafer Pittenger did just that for her Class of 1994. 

“A few years ago, the Alumni Relations Office sent an email asking if anyone would be interested in being the class rep for 1994,” Pittenger said. “I emailed back my interest in doing it since I enjoy writing and am passionate about being an Augie alum.”

Pittenger is motivated to give back to Augustana for more than one reason. “Many of my relatives attended Augie, including my mom, sister and father, so Augustana is a strong family tradition,” she said.

Plus, scholarships, grants and loans helped her throughout her time at Augustana.

“Like many students, I wasn’t able to cover the financial cost of Augustana on my own,” she said. “I was able to attend through financial aid, scholarships, grant monies and a loan.”

That support is why it’s important for her to help Augustana students attending now.

Pittenger, who earned a bachelor’s in English, just began her 27th year teaching high school English in Lombard, Ill. She lives with her husband and two sons in Geneva.

“I haven’t missed a year of donating back to the school, even if it’s a small amount, because I don’t want to forget how important that aid was to me when I was a college student,” she explained. She hopes her support helps makes it possible for students to choose Augustana. 

“I was a shy kid, and a homebody,” she said. “Truthfully, I cried a lot about leaving home and my mom. But Augustana embraced me. The students and professors were so friendly, and it felt like home in a way I didn’t think any place could. I really got my confidence and personality in my four years at Augustana.”  

She still keeps in touch with the friends she made while in college.

“I would tell anyone considering giving to Augustana about how much it meant to me to be able to attend,” Pittenger said. “On paper, the cost of Augustana should have made it impossible for me to attend. But with the aid I received, I could go there for the entire four years, and it changed my life.”