Augustana honors Prison Education Program graduates

Surrounded by family, friends and faculty, 10 students received Bachelor of Arts degrees through Augustana's Prison Education Program (APEP), celebrating years of academic achievement inside East Moline Correctional Center.

The ceremony held on May 28 included remarks from Augustana President Andrea Talentino and Latoya Hughes, director of the Illinois Department of Corrections. Augustana President Emeritus Steven Bahls delivered the commencement address.

Dr. Sharon Varallo, APEP executive director and professor of communication studies, said the program's growth reflects increasing demand for higher education opportunities in correctional settings.

"This year's graduating class represents an important milestone for the Augustana Prison Education Program," Dr. Varallo said. "Our largest graduating cohort to date, these graduates demonstrate both the demand for higher education in prison and the transformative power of sustained academic engagement.

“We are proud of their achievements and excited about the impact they will have on their families, communities and futures."

Launched in 2021, APEP is a fully accredited, full-time degree program operating inside East Moline Correctional Center. Students complete a rigorous liberal arts curriculum taught exclusively by Augustana faculty.

APEP currently serves 24 students and continues to expand, with plans to enroll 20 more in the coming academic year.

The program is supported by a $1 million, 10-year sustaining grant from the Austin E. Knowlton Foundation, in addition to philanthropic partners and local donors. Inspired by national models such as the Bard Prison Initiative, APEP reflects a growing national recognition that college-in-prison programs are among the most effective tools for reducing recidivism, strengthening communities and creating long-term economic value.

President Talentino said the program demonstrates what students can achieve when they are provided meaningful educational opportunities and support.

"The Augustana Prison Education Program reflects our commitment to educational excellence, human dignity and the belief that learning can be a catalyst for personal and community transformation," President Talentino said. "This graduating class is a testament to the hard work of our students, the dedication of our faculty and staff, and the power of education to expand what is possible."

To learn more about the Augustana Prison Education Program, its mission and impact, visit augieprisoneducation.org.