Georgi Feigley

High school: Rock Island High School

Hometown: Rock Island, Ill.

Majors: Music performance (voice); French

Minor: History

Activities: Augustana Choir, Sigma Pi Delta sorority, UNYK Multicultural Dance Troupe, Alpha Psi Omega National Theatre Honor Society, Sigma Alpha Iota International music fraternity, American Choral Directors Association, History Club, Campus Ministries

Internship: Social media/outreach intern at Fresh Films

Post-grad plans: I will be participating in a summer opera program and festival, then traveling through Europe and Asia! I will continue auditioning for operas as well and eventually pursue a degree in higher education.

Why Augustana?

My father went to Augustana, and some of his favorite years as a young person were spent here. It was definitely on my radar, but not exactly my first choice since it was so close to home. Once I got an actual tour and got to meet the people in the community and my future faculty, everything just clicked. I knew that I could do it all at Augie. The people and faculty I met made me feel like a multi-faceted, creative individual rather than as if I had to pick one path and stick to it.

Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?

Yes, and no! I knew I would continue choir and theatre, and I wanted to pursue music as a career. However, I found an even greater community in all my involvements than I ever would have thought. An example would be that I never saw myself in a sorority until I rushed and pledged Sigma Pi Delta. From the group, I have made some of my best friends and gained an amazing family. I am definitely not the same person as I was almost four years ago, and I owe much of my growth to the community.

Who helped you get to where you are now?

First, my parents and my family have supported me in so many ways. I am so grateful to them. I would not be where I am today without their endless support and the resources and knowledge they have provided me.

The many faculty members of the music department, who have trained and encouraged me to pursue more, including my voice lessons teacher and advisor Dr. Sangeetha Rayapati, Dr. Michelle Crouch, Dr. Jon Hurty, Maureen Holmes, Sonja Hurty, Dr. Amanda Sherrill, Dr. Robert Elfline, Sheila Doak, Dr. Jacob Bancks, Marggy Ellis and of course, Dr. Patrick McNally.

I would also like to thank the French department and faculty, Dr. Taddy Kalas and Dr. Kiki Kosnick, for believing in me even when I didn’t believe in myself.

The theatre faculty, Shelley Cooper and Jeff Coussens, who helped me to grow as an actor and professional in the productions I was involved in.

And finally, my amazing friends from every corner of campus for always supporting me and understanding my busy schedule.

Peak experience?

I’ve had so many unbelievable moments and amazing memories through Augie! From going on tour with the Augustana Choir across the U.S. to my sorority spring formals to my junior and senior recitals, there are too many to pick from! 

But if I had to name one, it was in the summer of 2024, I was in a small town in Northern Italy called Novafeltria. That summer, I participated in the Montefeltro Opera Festival and made so many friends and connections while growing so much as an artist in an opera!

What surprised you?

My biggest surprise was how immense and supportive the community is. If you do not know someone, someone you know will know them. You can make the best of friends with someone who was not even in your circle at first. Every group I am involved in at Augie has supported me in so many ways, as well as the giant community and network of alumni who care so much about the students.

How did you use your Augie Choice?

I used my Augie Choice to study in Dijon, France, during the summer of 2025, taking French classes and being immersed in French culture!

What will you miss the most?

I will truly miss the amazing community and all the little moments. From my sorority, which has supported me in so many ways at so many moments, to my choir and theatre friends, and to my class friends. I will miss talking and studying for hours with my friends at the You Belong Here Lounge. I will miss talking with my Augie Choir friends in Larson Hall until it was time to start warming up. I will miss walking into the Brunner Lobby and seeing all my theatre friends.

Advice for the Class of 2030?

Do it, even if you're afraid to. Do it afraid. Do not let fear and anxiety hold you back from doing an experience you’ve always wanted to do. You can always find your way back home, but you may come to regret not taking an opportunity when it comes.