Augustana College introduces Business for Humanity
Augustana is welcoming the first cohort of Business for Humanity, a program inviting students to reflect on what makes work meaningful — not just profitable — and to imagine lives of significance and service through business.
Launched in alignment with the college’s Bold & Boundless strategic vision, Business for Humanity expands what’s possible for business students by combining real-world experience with the ethical insight and interdisciplinary thinking that define an Augustana education.
Business for Humanity is made possible through generous support from the Council of Independent Colleges and Lilly Endowment Inc., via the NetVUE Vocation across the Academy Grant. This grant supports the program’s mission to help students explore the intersection of business, vocation and the common good.
“This is for students who want to do more than enter the business world,” said Dr. Amanda Baugous, director of Business for Humanity and professor of business administration. “It’s for students who want to shape the business world.”
Business for Humanity, or B.Human, offers a new pathway for students majoring or minoring in a program within the business department to pair their studies with a second major or minor outside the business department — from religion to political science, art, environmental studies or public health. Through this flexible, interdisciplinary structure, students develop the insight and agility to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Students participate in a series of integrated experiences designed to deepen their thinking and expand their leadership:
- Monthly alumni dinners that explore big questions at the intersection of business, purpose and life after college, featuring 20-minute talks and guided peer conversations
- A fall retreat to build relationships and reflect on leadership and calling
- Purpose-driven coursework that integrates business with questions of vocation and community
- Engagement with community members and alumni
- A culminating capstone project
A student in the program might, for example, study business and environmental studies, collaborate on a project addressing local food insecurity, and explore how ethical leadership can shape sustainable business practices.
“Business for Humanity expands meaningful options for our business students,” Baugous said. “It’s a direct reflection of Bold & Boundless: maximizing student potential, deepening engagement, and preparing students to lead lives of impact.”
About 25 students will comprise each Business for Humanity cohort. All requirements are built into existing general education and major pathways, making participation accessible without adding to course loads. Students receive a Wall Street Journal subscription and a transcript distinction, and they connect with mentors — not only to grow professionally, but to explore how their values, identities and callings can shape the work they choose and the lives they lead.
“We’re looking for students who are curious, motivated and ready to connect business to something bigger,” said Baugous. “This is business education, the Augustana way — rooted in humanity, designed for impact.”
Business for Humanity helps students explore their calling and lead lives of purpose in business and beyond. It builds on Augustana’s liberal arts foundation — fostering critical thinking, moral reflection and cross-disciplinary learning to help students explore who they are and how they want to contribute to the world.
For more information, contact Dr. Amanda Baugous at amandabaugous@augustana.edu.