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More Than I Imagined

Seniors reflect on their time at Augustana

Every spring faculty are asked to nominate a senior who has taken advantage of the opportunities Augustana offers in academics, research, study away, athletics, the arts and more.

The seniors answer a series of questions to describe their transformative Augustana experience and show what can happen in four years.

Simply choose the grad year and area of study you're interested in to read their reflections!

Matt Payton
More Than I Imagined Matt Payton
“I hated the thought of leaving Augie the longer I was on campus.”
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Kevin Perez
More Than I Imagined Kevin Perez
“I knew right away that Augustana was my school.”
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Oscar Peterson Veatch
More Than I Imagined Oscar Peterson-Veatch
“I chose Augustana because of the way I was encouraged to double major and pursue any and all of my interests.”
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Michelle Quinn
More Than I Imagined Michelle Renee Quinn
“I have never felt as much love and support as I do here at Augie.”
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Lauren Raike
More Than I Imagined Lauren Raike
“My peak experience was when the women's swim team won our conference championship for the first time in 25 years!”
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Amartya Rajbhandary
More Than I Imagined Amartya Rajbhandary
“I am thankful to Augie for providing an environment of growth and inclusiveness.”
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Jacob Ramos
More Than I Imagined Jacob Ramos
“Competing as a collegiate athlete in wrestling was truly one of the most fun experiences of my life.”
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chris ray
More Than I Imagined Chris Ray
“Finding myself through college was amplified to its highest with the opportunities and environment Augustana offers.”
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Ian Rothery
More Than I Imagined Ian Rothery
“I was most surprised by how much I fell in love with Augie, especially as fast as I did.”
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Olivia Ruffatto
More Than I Imagined Olivia Ruffatto
“When you walk on campus, you can tell it is a welcoming place where people really care about you.”
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Mary Sales
More Than I Imagined Mary Isabel Sales
“From the second I came to campus, I felt at home and made amazing friends.”
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Michael Scarpinato
More Than I Imagined Michael Scarpinato
“The energy and warmth that everyone gives off at Augie is how I know I made the right choice.”
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Claire Schaecher
More Than I Imagined Claire Schaecher
“The guidance I received from the start is one of the main reasons I am confident in my ability to teach music next year.”
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Maddie Schaeffer
More Than I Imagined Maddie Schaefer
“I have had great professors and advisors who have genuinely expressed their interest in my academic success and personal well-being.”
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Brooklynn Schelling
More Than I Imagined Brooklynn Schelling
“My freshman-year self would be so excited for everything I've experienced because of Augustana.”
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Schneider
More Than I Imagined Audrianna Schneider
“Augustana is a great place where you can just be yourself.”
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Sarah Schwarm
More Than I Imagined Sarah Schwarm
“What surprised me the most was how quickly friends became family here.”
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Paige Sheppard
More Than I Imagined Paige Sheppard
“Thank you to Meg Gillette and Paul Olsen for putting life-changing literature in my hands.”
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Annika Strack
More Than I Imagined Annika Strack
“Augustana felt like home from the moment I set foot on campus.”
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Isabella Taylor
More Than I Imagined Isabella Taylor
“I will greatly miss having all of my favorite people in one place.”
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Mark Teschke
More Than I Imagined Mark Teschke
“I chose Augustana for the opportunity to earn a degree from a top college while continuing to play the sport that I love.”
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Anna Triska
More Than I Imagined Anna Triska
“I also found a special home in the Augustana Choir these last three years.”
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Alyssa Twilbeck
More Than I Imagined Alyssa Twilbeck
“Augie has allowed me to connect with friends from many backgrounds who have helped me grow and learn.”
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Yesenia Villegas Vera
More Than I Imagined Yesenia Villegas Vera
“I got into my top choice graduate school and a teaching assistantship.”
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