Gage Humphreys
Graduation year: 2024
High school: Kingman High School
Hometown: Kingman, Ariz.
Majors: Business administration – finance; accounting
Internship: Tax consulting – Deloitte
Post-grad plans: Full-time tax consultant at Deloitte in Davenport, Iowa
Why Augustana?
My wife was already attending, and she convinced me to "try" out college because I had a G.I. bill and shouldn't waste an opportunity for something I had earned.
Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?
Absolutely not. I never imagined actually finishing college.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
I can't shout out enough mentors, peers, family and friends. However, the most impactful would be my wife and my in-laws who motivate me outside of school. My advisor Professor Marmé worked with my lifestyle and school to make sure things made sense every step of the way. and finally, Alex Tosetti has been the best person to have around, setting the standard and pushing both of us along this long journey. At the end of the day, you can't succeed alone!
Peak experience?
My internship at Deloitte and traveling to Chicago and Texas for training were my peak experiences — the idea that a poverty-stricken small-town kid made it into a massive company like Deloitte and me feeling like I accomplished a goal that I didn't expect to even have.
What surprised you?
My ability to be resilient and show grit through this whole process. With two kids at home and a wife, I had many more challenges and hardships dealing with managing time. It felt impossible at times, but with my support system and my trust in myself and the process, I Made It!
How did you use your Augie Choice?
I used it to pay for housing and clothes during my internship.
What will you miss the most?
As a non-traditional student and being older than my peers, I enjoyed learning new things. So I guess I'll literally miss learning in a classroom environment.
Advice for the Class of 2028?
You can't run from trials and tribulations no matter how much you try to navigate away from them. Instead, be still and go with the flow, be a palm tree, and above all, trust in yourself.
“It has been a joy to have Gage as a student during his time at Augustana. He has shown determination and commitment to his education. He went the extra step to expand his classroom learning through participation in an internship and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. He will be an asset to Deloitte when he starts in public accounting!"