Search Results
Viking Connections: Jess Taylor
Jess Taylor is the Marketing Director for ESPN Chicago, where she oversees all branding and marketing strategies. She also works closely with the sales team to brainstorm new solutions for ESPN Chicago's partners.
"My time at Augustana meant so much to me and I’d like for a chance to give back, whether it’s offering advice for students pursuing a career in marketing or sports marketing or simply reviewing resumes and networking."
Graduation year: 2008
Majors: Business marketing and management
Campus activities: Phi Rho, softball
Best way to contact: Email
Viking Connections: Chaney Tambling-Link
Chaney Tambling-Link is a full-time equine veterinarian.
"I want to help guide students through Augustana but also give them support as they get into professional school."
Graduation year: 2014
Post-grad: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
Majors: Biology and Spanish for the professional use
Campus activities: Basketball, softball, Sigma Pi Delta, SAAC
Best way to contact: Email
Viking Connections: Joe Strabala-Bright
Joe Strabala-Bright is the dean of student services at Sauk Valley Community College.
"By the time I was nearing the end of my senior year at Augie, I realized that I did not want to work in a field directly related to either of the majors I was studying. I think it's important for students to understand that their experiences at Augie and the skills they learn in their courses can take them anywhere, and have a myriad of applications. I felt so much anxiety when I decided to pursue a career in higher education rather than something related to business or political science, and it would have been very helpful to have had someone just explain to me the versatility of my skills and experiences."
Graduation year: 2013
Post-grad: Master of Public Administration
Majors: Political science and international business
Campus activities: Politics Club, Student Government, Model UN, Reading/Writing Center Tutor, Community Engagement Center
Best way to contact: Email
Viking Connections: Dave Skoglund
Dave Skoglund is a business owner and entrepreneur currently providing business coaching and consulting services to start-up and small-business owners.
"I want to support my alma mater and share my experiences and strengths to help students and alumni. I can provide questions and a framework to help students better identify what their strengths and interests really are, and share ideas and guidance to help them better match their interests and strengths with their careers. I have entrepreneurial experiences to share with anyone considering entrepreneurship."
Graduation year: 1976
Post-grad: MBA, Northern Illinois University
Majors: Economics and accounting
Campus activities: OZO fraternity
Best way to contact: Email
Viking Connections: Stephanie Sea
Stephanie Sea is a trauma/acute care surgeon. She serves as Chair of Surgery, Acute Care Surgery Medical Director and various other leadership committees at her hospital.
"Augustana was an important step in my journey to my career. I cherish my time there and truly believe that I gained many valuable life experiences during my four years there. It has been a long road to where I am now in my career but I love sharing my journey with those who are interested in a medical career and particularly women that are interested in medicine!"
Graduation year: 2003
Post-grad: Doctor of Medicine
Majors: Pre-medicine and biology
Campus activities: Phi Rho, Dance Company
Best way to contact: Email
Viking Connections: Rick Scott
Rick Scott a principal of a junior high school.
"I started my career as a band director at all levels. After teaching for 29 years, I moved into administration. I can offer students a glimpse at the educational world and the doors that can open as a they continue to learn."
Graduation year: 1984
Post-grad: Masters of Education in Administration
Major: Music education
Campus activities: Phi Mu Alpha
Best way to contact: Email
Viking Connections: Margo Schmitt
Margo Schmitt is the human resources director at a high school.
Graduation year: 1998
Post-grad: Educational Leadership
Majors: Business, French, Asian studies
Campus activities: APO
Best way to contact: Email
Viking Connections: Pete Schimeck
Pete Schimeck is a property and terrorism insurance broker for Fortune 1000 clients at the second largest insurance broker globally.
"I lucked out by falling into this incredibly rewarding industry thanks to Karen Petersen recommending Aon’s internship program my senior year. I believe commercial insurance is the best kept secret in the business world and would love to see more Augie graduates pursue it. There is a large talent gap in the insurance world and it is hungry for young talent. A liberal arts education teaches you how to 'learn on the fly' and I wouldn’t be where I am today without the education I received at Augustana."
Graduation year: 2012
Majors: Economics and finance
Campus activities: Augie Football, Phi Omega Phi, study abroad in Sydney, Australia
Best way to contact: Email
Viking Connections: Mary Scarpinato
Mary Scarpinato is a judicial law clerk in the 7th Judicial District of Iowa.
"Since Augie does not have a pre-law major I believe there is a large need for guidance to students who want to go into law. Applying to law school is a complex process and there are many things to consider. I have had a few students reach out to me since I have graduated and answered many questions regarding the law school application process and life in law school. I love connecting with students and helping in any way I can!"
Graduation year: 2020
Post-grad: Juris Doctorate (Law Degree)
Majors: Business administration-marketing and business administration-management
Campus activities: Mortar Board National Honor Society (president); Order of Omega National Honor Society; Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society; President’s Advisory Council Member; Legal Association Executive Board Member; Dance Marathon Director; Phi Rho Sorority; Vikettes Dance Team Executive Board Member; First Year Peer Mentor; voted and currently serves as the 2020 Class Representative
Best way to contact: Email
Viking Connections: Amelia Ruzek
Amelia Ruzek is a lead UX/UI designer, working in operations, project management, software architecture and design libraries.
"I can share career advice for students interested in UX/UI design or the development field."
Graduation year: 2014
Post-grad: Master of Liberal Arts in Digital Media Design from Harvard University Extension School
Majors: Graphic design
Campus activities: Orchestra
Best way to contact: Email