2024 in review: BESLA program, Augie Choice expansion and new film facilities
2024 brought opportunities for engaged learning with an expansion of Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø's Augie Choice program, a grant supporting the development of a business-liberal arts scholars program and the unveiling of a new state-of-the-art film production facility. The Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program earned full accreditation and Erickson Residence Hall received a $6.7 million grant for continued renovations. In student news, Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø honored five new Academic All-Americans and recognized the first graduate from the Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø Prison Education Program.
Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø receives $6.7 million from Illinois Board of Higher Education
The year kicked off with a $6.7 million Independent Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍøs Capital Investment Grant from the Illinois Board of Higher Education for the renovation of Erickson Residence Hall. The project includes a new HVAC system, windows, bathrooms, flooring and storage/cabinets in residence hall rooms. The first phase of the project was completed this past fall, with work continuing for the remaining wings beginning next summer.
Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø announces combined film and theatre department
On Feb. 16, students and faculty cut the ribbon for the state-of-the art film production facilities and iMac lab space in Sorensen Hall. The event also marked the combination of the college's film and theatre departments, building upon the college's rich tradition of theatre arts and visual storytelling.
Dr. Allison Haskill, MS-SLP program director, with Olivia Book, Kansas City, Mo., at the May 24 master's hooding ceremony in Wallenberg Hall.
Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology program earns full accreditation
Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø's Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology (MS-SLP) program was awarded full accreditation by the Council on Academic Accreditation in Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. The 24-month program includes academic coursework and clinical work. Graduates accrue 400+ clinical hours through semester-long school-based and medical externships.
Eulle Casaquite '25 used Augie Choice to help fund an internship with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.
Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø expands student-engagement initiative Augie Choice
Fifteen years after launching Augie Choice, Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø expanded the transformative initiative. Now sophomores, in addition to juniors and seniors, may apply for up to $2,000 to help pay expenses related to an internship, research or a study away experience. Each year nearly 550 students utilize Augie Choice, with more than $11.8 million invested since it began. Expansion of the program coincided with the college's launch of the Bold & Boundless strategic plan, which prioritizes engaged learning, maximized student potential and connecting community through partnership. So far this academic year, nearly 30 sophomores have taken advantage of the expansion.
David Staples, courtesy Jason Smith '23
Inaugural Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø Prison Education Program student graduates
The college's 164th commencement ceremony recognized 498 candidates for graduation, including David Staples, the inaugural graduate to have benefitted from the Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø Prison Education Program (APEP). Staples is now in graduate school, studying counseling psychology at Western Illinois University. APEP currently has 32 students enrolled, and the East Moline Correctional Facility will host an inaugural in-person commencement ceremony in May.
Five more Vikings named Academic All-Americans ¡ª 183 total
Five Vikings won Academic All-American status this past spring/summer. Three Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø teams ¡ª women's water polo, men's water polo and men's volleyball ¡ª had their first athletes earn Academic All-American recognition. Now with 183 Academic All-Americans, Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø ranks 14th among the NCAA's 1,100 schools in DI, DII and DIII across the country.
Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø welcomes Class of 2028
An unprecedented 9,000+ students applied to Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø in 2023-24. The Class of 2028 included 677 first-year students and 80 transfer students. The 171 international students of the Class of 2028 made up an unprecedented 25% of the first-year cohort. First year and transfer students represented 33 countries and 26 states.
Making Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø Possible for students
This fall 156 high-achieving students were awarded Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø Possible grants. Launched in 2023, the innovative program has benefited 339 qualifying students to meet 100% of their demonstrated financial need, with the average grant per student this year totaling $7,551. Launched by a $40 million commitment by alumnus Murry Gerber '75, Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø Possible is fueled by the Gerber Grand Challenge for Philanthropy, which aims to increase endowed scholarship support with a pledge to match dollar-for-dollar donors who seek to keep Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø accessible. A total of 1,817 gifts in the amount of $19.1 million have been made to support Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø Possible. Since March 2022, the match money raised/committed through the Gerber Grand Challenge has established 100 new endowed scholarships for qualifying students.
Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø's inaugural Culture Houses Block Party unites campus in celebration of diversity
The inaugural Cultural Houses Block Party on Sept. 18 brought together students, faculty and staff for a vibrant celebration of diversity and culture. Attendees enjoyed food, music and activities at the college¡¯s three culture houses on the upper campus ¡ª Casa Latina, the Black Culture House, and the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American House.
Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø awarded $105,000 to launch business-liberal arts scholars program
With a $105,000 "Vocation Across the Academy" grant from the Network for Vocation in Undergraduate Education, Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø announced the launch of an enrichment and mentorship program for business administration students. Beginning in the fall of 2025, these students may enroll in the Business Education Steeped in the Liberal Arts scholars program, designed to help enhance students¡¯ career achievement, vocational reflection and graduates¡¯ contributions to the common good. Program participants will pursue a second major or minor from the traditional liberal arts disciplines and devote some of their general education requirements to courses tailored to the intersection of career, calling, happiness, industry and living good lives.
Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø Symphonic Band celebrates 150 years in November
On Nov. 23-24, more than 200 alumni, parents and friends of the college attended the 150th anniversary celebration of the Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø Symphonic Band. Participants came to campus from as far away as British Columbia; the Netherlands; Washington, D.C.; Texas; Colorado; and California. In addition to reuniting at their alma mater to make music, alumni exceeded the fundraising goal to the Symphonic Band Sesquicentennial Endowed Fund by $17,000, ensuring that the tradition of connecting through music continues for the next generation.
President Talentino named to 2024 Most Influential Leaders list
President Andrea Talentino was named No. 6 on the Quad City Business Journal¡¯s Most Influential list. Completing her second year of service in July, she has led the college in bold ways, including providing strategic leadership with the Bold & Boundless strategic plan and a proposed campus master plan ¨C two influential plans that will have an impact on Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø for many years to come. Hats off to President Talentino on this recognition and her service in shaping Å·ÖÞ±ÍøͶ_Å·ÖÞ±ÍâΧapp-Ͷע¹ÙÍø¡¯s present and future.
Contact:
Nicole Lauer, 309-794-7645, nicolelauer@augustana.edu