News Center
Augustana faculty-edited book explores the college's history in service of its mission
Augustana College announces the publication of “Called to Reckon: Replacing History and Reclaiming Mission at a Midwestern College,” a faculty-edited volume released by Southern Illinois University Press that examines how institutions wrestle with history, identity and responsibility over time.
Augustana College receives reaffirmed accreditation from Higher Learning Commission
Accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission confirms that Augustana meets rigorous standards for academic quality, institutional effectiveness and ethical leadership, reinforcing the college’s focus on student success and engaged learning.
Vikings serve as role models on National Girls and Women in Sports Day
Hosted by the Vikings women’s track & field and wrestling teams, the event was designed to introduce junior high girls to new sports, connect them with role models and reinforce the confidence that comes from stepping outside their comfort zone.
Dr. Jon Hurty: 'Doesn't feel like work at all'
Drawing on reflections from alumni, colleagues and singers in the community, the River Cities' Reader offers a close look at longtime Director of Choral Activities Dr. Jon Hurty’s approach to teaching and making music, as well as the personal connections that have defined his work.
Augustana’s answer to the science teacher shortage
A shortage of science teachers is making it difficult for high schools to find qualified teachers to fill openings. Alumni credit Augustana with preparing them to enter the classroom with confidence, equipped to teach students not just science content, but how to think and learn like scientists.
Class Notes
Alumni updates you don't want to miss!
From the gridiron to a national research spotlight
Augustana’s Zion Williams ’26 was among a select group of undergraduate researchers chosen to present at ABRCMS (Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists). Williams earned his spot at the national conference following two summers of research at Johns Hopkins University.
2026 J-term on campus and around the world
Every January, Augustana students can trade their regular semester routine for J-term — three-and-a-half weeks of immersive, hands-on learning. This time more than 2,000 students learned new skills on campus and made unforgettable memories around the world. Take a look.
What endures? 'Learning that sticks' at Augustana
Moderated by Vice President of Advancement Jon Enslin, the panel drew together Dr. Lendol Calder, nationally recognized historian and champion of reflective teaching; Dr. Tracy Poelvoorde, chancellor of Trinity College of Nursing and Augustana alumna; and Judge Tionn Fambro Carter, civic leader and first Black female judge in the 14th Judicial Circuit of Illinois.
Augustana opened doors to Coinbase internship
When Mahi Haque ’27 of Bangladesh was choosing a college, he looked for three things: a data science major, scholarships and location. What he found at Augustana led him all the way to a competitive AI and automation internship at Coinbase in New York City.
Augustana's Shockingly Modern Saxophone Festival set for Feb. 21
Augustana College will host its annual Shockingly Modern Saxophone Festival on Feb. 21. The event, featuring guest artists John Sampen and Mark Bunce, will be held at Bergendoff Hall, located at 3701 7th Ave. All events are free and open to the public.
DARI awards Augustana for investing in the community
Augustana received a 2026 High Five for Community Development and Reinvestment award from the Development Association of Rock Island (DARI) for the college's leadership in establishing a collaboration with the City of Rock Island, businesses and citizens to spur mixed-use retail, residential and neighborhood improvements in the College Hill District.
Augustana’s MLK celebration urges taking action now
Campus and community members gathered Monday to honor the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and examine how compassion can drive justice. The keynote panel, “Acts of Compassion: Turning Care into Change,” highlighted local leaders whose work answers Dr. King’s call to meet the fierce urgency of now with empathy and action.
Hopman '11 found her future in the past
Rebecca Hopman never expected to meet one of the most influential people in her life when she was a student worker in Augustana's Special Collections. But Lydia Olsson’s diaries sparked a connection across time for Hopman — and a career devoted to preserving stories like Olsson’s.
$1 million endowed gift to advance engaged teaching/learning
An anonymous alumna has stepped forward with a $1 million endowed gift to support Augustana’s Center for Engaged Learning, Teaching, and Scholarship (CELTS). Once fully mature, the endowment will provide an estimated $45,000 annually to build programs that will strengthen teaching/learning for the entire Augustana community.
