Mackenzie Whitlock
Graduation year: 2026
High school: Assumption High School
Hometown: Davenport, Iowa
Majors: Creative writing; film
Activities: SAGA Magazine, D&D club
Internships: WQPT PBS (fall 2024); Bix Beiderbecke Museum (summer 2025)
Post-grad plans: I plan to find work in video editing and enroll in a graphic design program.
Why Augustana?
I heard good things about Augustana’s film program while I was at Kirkwood Community College.
Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?
Sort of yes and sort of no. I’ve continued my majors like I thought I would, but I’ve also done extracurriculars like SAGA Magazine.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
My family — all of them have helped me tremendously. My friends have also supported me through my college journey.
Peak experience?
So far, getting to work on my senior film has been an amazing experience.
What surprised you?
The size of Augustana’s campus. It looked a lot smaller when I wasn’t walking across it every day.
How did you use your Augie Choice?
I used it to fund my internship at the Bix Beiderbecke Museum.
What will you miss the most?
My friends, the campus itself and the experiences I’ve had in the film and creative writing programs.
Advice for the Class of 2030?
Planning what times you will dedicate to working on each class is helpful, including scheduling breaks.
"Engaged fully in multiple areas of scholarship and campus life, Mackenzie's success in academics, the creative media arts, and in service to other extracurricular activities since transferring to Augustana are what make her such an exceptional student and well-rounded filmmaker."