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 hail from Pakistan, Ghana and Ethiopia. While each pair brings their own story and academic goals, they all share one thing in common — the decision to experience college together.

“Our parents wanted us to be together so we can be each other’s keepers,” said Jeremy Brenya of Ghana. Jeremy and his brother Jason plan to major in computer science. Jeremy is considering a minor in business management, while Jason is leaning toward management information systems. They are among many students choosing Augustana’s business and STEM programs.

Selam and Fiker Alemayehu from Ethiopia also wanted to stay together for college.

”We've been going to the same school since we were kids,” Selam said. “For our parents and for each other, I think it makes sense to go to college together because it will decrease the amount of stress of coming from another country to the college life.” Selam will study computer science; Fiker is pursuing data analytics and accounting.

All four students explored other U.S. colleges and universities before deciding on Augustana. They cited small class sizes, financial support and the welcoming environment as key reasons for choosing Augustana.

“First and foremost, it's about the amount of financial aid and scholarships they offered us compared to the other schools,” Fiker said. “We also really like the fact that it's small classes. It's much easier to engage when there are like 20-ish people in class.”  

For all students, arriving at Augustana means encountering both cultural and environmental differences.

“One of the things that stood out to me is the diversity,” Fiker said. “You meet people from all different backgrounds, and I think that’s really interesting.”

Jeremy noted the weather as something entirely new: “In Ghana, it's sunny throughout the year. So here we get to experience different weather and how learning will be like during those times.”

Besides four sets of twins, as of Oct. 1, Augustana’s Class of 2029 includes:

• 195 students from within 100 miles of campus
   – 25 from Moline, Ill.
   – 16 from Davenport, Iowa
• 30 students from Chicago
• 21 students from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

The most popular names in the class are Emma and Ryan, followed by Jacob, Alexa, Grace and Ethan. May and July are the most popular birth months, with 69 students celebrating in each of those months.

Whether arriving from across the globe or across town, the newest Vikings bring a range of backgrounds and experiences — and in some cases, a twin — to Augustana.