Grant Ollenburger
Graduation year: 2012
Major: Communication sciences and disorders (CSD)
Activities: Varsity football, Gamma Alpha Beta fraternity, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Post-grad plans: Graduate school for speech-language pathology (SLP) at Louisiana State University
Are you where you thought you'd be four years ago?
I did not think I would be preparing to move to Louisiana four years ago, but I am proud of my accomplishments at Augustana. Four years ago, I did not know what direction I was heading, in terms of a future job, but with the help of my advisors, I was able to find my true vocational calling as an SLP.
What did you learn about yourself in these past four years that surprised you?
My ability to work with others. Opposed to high school, Augustana encourages a variety of team activities in the academic setting to infuse different views and opinions on certain topics. I did not think that I would be as comprehensive toward others’ thoughts as I found myself to be.
A peak experience?
The best experience I had was traveling to Europe with the football team in the summer of my junior year. Playing overseas and touring Switzerland and Vienna, Austria, was an experience I would not have had if I had not attended Augustana. What made the experience so great was being there with my friends and my family. Playing in a stadium that had every seat filled made the experience that much better.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
The faculty have devoted a lot of time outside of the classroom to ensure I can accomplish the academic success that I desire. They are pleased to assist the students and direct them to sources outside the classroom to enrich their education.
Advice for this fall’s incoming Class of 2016?
Get involved. Join clubs, intramural sports, Greek life, etc. Augustana offers a diverse network of extra-curricular activities, and getting involved helped me to meet new people, remain stress-free and make memories.
“Grant has found unique ways to merge his varied interests and talents in his work in the CSD major. He has taken a genuine interest in learning about the daily lives of families affected by communication disorders through respite care work. He has used his woodworking experience to design therapy materials and his athletic skills to teach swim lessons to children with communication disorders. His creativity and compassion are limitless.”