Tony Dzik
Graduation year: 2019
Hometown: Rockford, Ill.
Majors: Graphic design, multimedia journalism and mass communication
Activities: Delta Omega Nu fraternity, Augustana Rowing, Concert Band, ADs, EDGE Center, Observer student newspaper
Internships: I had three internships. I was a graphic designer for the EDGE Center, production assistant for WHBF/KLJB, and a graphic designer for Foundations Marketing Group during the CORE-sponsored program in New York City.
Post-grad plans: I will be entering the workforce after graduation. Due to my incredible study away trip, I primarily will be targeting the New York City area for my job search.
Why Augustana?
When touring the Augustana campus, it felt as if it was the right and only choice for me. During countless visits and an overnight stay, the Augustana students always welcomed me as if they had known me for years. The welcoming nature of all the students and faculty was unmatched by any of the other schools I had been considering.
Are you where you thought you’d be when you first came to campus?
Not at all. I was a very reserved individual when I first came to Augustana. I have now become an outgoing person who is not fearful of what the future holds.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
There are too many people to list them all individually, but my family, fraternity members, friends and professors have all helped me get where I am today. Each of these individuals supported me emotionally whenever I became overwhelmed by my classes or extracurriculars. They were always there for me when I struggled and were willing to push me when I needed encouragement.
Peak experience?
Besides seeing the black squirrels around the Augie campus, my peak experience would have to be my internship in New York City. Living in Manhattan, on the Upper East Side, was an incredible experience! It was a graphic designer's paradise. I had the opportunity to design for clients in the beverage industry, pour for a wine tasting in One World Trade Center, traverse the city, and indulge in the culture of NYC for eight amazing weeks. I will always be grateful to Augustana for this remarkable opportunity.
What surprised you?
I realized that I am adaptable. The number one lesson I learned at Augustana is that life rarely goes according to plan. It is often out of our control, but we can control how we solve the problem and move forward. I now have the confidence to handle anything that life throws my way.
How did you use Augie Choice?
I used my Augie Choice to help fund my internship in New York City. This money allowed me to enjoy my study away experience to the fullest without needing to worry about the high cost of living out there.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss the Augustana community the most. Whether faculty, close friends, people I had met only once or even complete strangers, all would greet me with friendly faces each time they spotted me around campus.
Advice for the Class of 2023?
Always keep learning. Your education is not limited to just your time in a classroom. Some of the most important lessons I have learned have come from conversations with my friends while we were having dinner in the dining hall.
"Tony is a great example of how to cross-train for future jobs. With so much of the economy focused on communication, design and technology, he has set himself up for success as he has taken advantage of many opportunities in and out of the classroom. In addition to his other involvement on campus, Tony has been active in the EDGE Center, where he learned strategic marketing through the ADs group; put his design chops to work for the International Conference Planning team; and worked on projects for the Augustana Web Guild—an experience that earned him a trip to a national web development conference his junior year."