Jack Hughes
Graduation year: 2024
High school: Coronado High School
Hometown: Lubbock, Texas
Major: Geology
Activities: Jazz Combo, Sierra Club, Udden Geology Club, Orchestra (2020-2023)
Internships: Augustana's Upper Mississippi Center; American Museum of Natural History NSF REU
Post-grad plans: I will be attending Penn State for a Ph.D. in energy and mineral engineering.
Why Augustana?
I believed I needed smaller classrooms and faculty attention to be successful in college.
Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?
No. I didn’t know I would find a home in the geology department. I entered as an environmental studies major but realized I like science and wanted to approach climate change with science-based solutions.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
All the geology department faculty and Susan Wolf, who helped me with every application I ever filed out.
Peak experience?
Working at the Geology Museum and playing music.
What surprised you?
I was expecting COVID to really derail my experience but being at Augustana was like an eye in the storm. I felt safe.
How did you use your Augie Choice?
I used my Augie Choice to study abroad in Bonaire.
What will you miss the most?
The support.
Advice for the Class of 2028?
USE YOUR RESOURCES. Augustana has millions of amazing tools that can help you succeed, and you need to take advantage of all of them.
"Jack’s exploration of his well-rounded interests, his conviviality, his passion for the planet and his disciplined perseverance have led him to take advantage of the Augustana experience to the fullest — from leadership to activism, and musical collaboration to scientific experimentation during esteemed internships. His liberal arts grounding coupled with his drive will help him thrive in one of the most prestigious geoengineering programs in the country. We will miss his genuine good nature as he pursues what’s good for nature!"