Delaney Walsh

High school: Davenport Central High School

Hometown: Davenport, Iowa

Major: Kinesiology

Minors: Psychology, art

Activities: Varsity women's bowling, Sigma Pi Delta sorority, Disability Club (founder), admissions ambassador   

Post-grad plans: Graduate school at St. Ambrose University (Master of Science in Exercise Physiology)

Why Augustana?

I was super excited for the new Peter J. Lindberg, M.D., Center for Health and Human Performance building because I am interested in kinesiology and sports science. The new research labs were going to be so beneficial for my growth in becoming an occupational therapist and give me hands-on learning experience you wouldn't get anywhere else. 

What also sold me on Augustana was the varsity women's bowling team! I bowled in high school and wanted to continue to be a student-athlete in my college career.

Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?

I am not at all where I thought I would be when I started college. I was very hesitant in broadening my surroundings, but I am so grateful for all the friends I have made in my sorority, the job experience as an admissions ambassador and as a club founder. 

I also can now consider myself a world traveler because I was able to go to Japan for my kinesiology major, and go to Sweden and Denmark with my athletic team.

Who helped you get to where you are now?

I would love to give credit for my academic success to a few of my professors. Dr. Scott Gehler was one of the best professors and tutors. He spent countless hours outside of classroom time helping me learn human physiology (which is now my new passion), and he taught me many studying skills that I will take with me for the rest of my life. 

Dr. Shaun Edmonds is one of my kinesiology professors and advisor. He taught me so much about the world of kinesiology, and he traveled with me to Japan. I can't thank him enough for being by my side when I was abroad. Dr. Edmonds helped me grow as a student and as an open-minded person at Augie and in Japan. 

Lastly, I want to thank Professor Brad Kennedy for encouraging me to be confident in myself and help me build advocacy skills that I can take with me forever. 

As for my life success, a few others who have helped me be where I am today are Beth Melton (my admissions boss), Beth Ford (my career counselor), and my bowling coaches Marty and Shane.

Peak experience?

My peak experience was winning the 2023 Chris Martin Perseverance Award for bowling. I was nominated by my coach, and I was given the award out of all athletes in the CCIW conference. This was such an amazing accomplishment, and our president Dr. Talentino invited me over to her house for a celebration dinner with other accomplished athletes!

What surprised you?

What surprised me about Augustana and is now one of my favorite things is how close the students are with each other. It is the best feeling when you walk around campus and see someone you know every day! I also had no idea how involved every student is. I can almost guarantee that each student is involved in at least two things.

What will you miss the most?

I am going to miss how many activities and opportunities you can do every day. There is always a fun activity going on somewhere on campus. The bingo nights, Culture Fest, intramural sports, and so much more create some of the best memories you will have at Augustana. 

I am also going to miss being a tour guide for the admissions office because I have met so many amazing prospective students and become friends with so many of my coworkers, too!

Advice for the Class of 2028?

Some advice I live by is to prioritize my physical and mental health. There will be so many things to do, whether it's school work or a fun activity. If you prioritize what you need for yourself, good karma will come for you. Four years go by quickly, but you will be amazed at all you can do.