News Center

Cooper partners with alumni to bring ‘Rag Doll’ to the stage
Shelley Cooper, an associate professor of musical theatre and two-time Off-Broadway award-winning solo actor/playwright, tapped into the skills of her former students to help create and produce her latest solo musical. She will perform "Rag Doll" at Brunner Theatre on Oct. 9.

Augustana welcomes four sets of twins in the Class of 2029
Augustana’s Class of 2029 includes 744 students from 34 countries, speaking 23 languages — and unexpectedly, four sets of twins from other countries. The incoming siblings traveled from Pakistan, Ghana and Ethiopia to Rock Island to experience college together.

Haak's journey from crutches to all-conference competitor
A serious leg injury plus a concussion sidelined August Haak during his first semester on campus. It was tough going to be sure, but Haak stuck it out. His first year on campus tested his limits; his second revealed his potential. Find out how Haak doubled down to support his team's success, and his own.

Planetarium and geology museum to host Nov. 1 open house
Augustana's John Deere Planetarium and Fryxell Geology Museum will be open to the public on Saturday, Nov. 1, for the annual Fall Open House. The planetarium and geology museum will be open 7-8:30 p.m., with indoor and outdoor programs.
Authors, activists to speak at Symposium Day Oct. 8
Bestselling author Kaveh Akbar will speak at Augustana College Oct. 8 as part of Fall Symposium Day: Voice and Vision. Check out the full-day schedule to learn about all the guest speakers and student/faculty research presentations. All are free and open to the public.

U.S. News ranks Augustana No. 34 in innovation
U.S. News & World Report has named Augustana one of the nation’s most innovative liberal arts institutions, recognizing how the college is reshaping a classic liberal arts education to meet the needs of today’s students. Among the top-tier liberal arts colleges nationally, Augustana is ranked #34 — and #1 in Illinois.

Razin ’26 earns national Rossing Scholarship for excellence in physics
Kazi Uzayr Razin ’26 of Dhaka, Bangladesh, is one of just 11 students nationwide to earn a $5,000 Rossing Physics Scholarship. An engineering major, Razin is the first international student from Augustana to earn this scholarship.

Augustana kinesiology students host fitness clinic for the campus and community
During Augustana's Symposium Day on Oct. 8, trained students from Augustana's kinesiology program will conduct BodPod (body composition) tests and VO2 Max (cardiovasculary fitness) tests. Registration is required.

Augustana College named a national ‘Dream School’ in new book by bestselling author
Augustana was one of 75 U.S. colleges and universities named as a "Dream School" from among 3,900 institutions Jeffrey Selingo researched for his latest book. Augustana is one of only three Illinois colleges/universities on the "Dream School" list.
The sounds of Sweden come to Rock Island
Korgossarna, one of Sweden’s premier male vocal ensembles, will perform on Saturday, Sept. 20, at 3 p.m. in Wallenberg Hall at Augustana College. The concert is free and open to the public.

With a boost from faculty, students go abroad to do research
Three students who were in France and Sweden this past summer certainly put the “study” in study abroad. Find out how Madelyn Garrigan '26, Moira Baggot '26 and Karla Collazo '27 each found learning experiences thousands of miles from home to match their career interests.

Christmas at Augustana, other holiday events planned
Augustana College celebrates the season with several events and performances open to the public.

Class Notes
Alumni share their latest news and photos!

Forbes names Augustana one of 25 private colleges with generous financial aid
On the Forbes list of Top Colleges again this year, Augustana College has been recognized as one of 25 private colleges around the country that offer students generous financial aid and scholarships.

Augustana to celebrate its ‘best move’ on Sept. 21
Augustana College invites the community to celebrate the college’s 150th anniversary in Rock Island from 6-7:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 21, at Rock Island’s Schwiebert Riverfront Park.