Grace Gustafson
Graduation year: 2026
High school: Rock Island High School
Hometown: Rock Island, Ill.
Majors: Communication sciences and disorders; psychology
Activities: Varsity women's volleyball, Phi Rho sorority, Augustana Student Speech and Hearing Association, Student Athlete Advisory Committee, Psychology and Neuroscience Club
Internships: Rehab assistant at Sweet Pea's Pediatric Therapy in Davenport, Iowa, and student clinician at Augustana's Roseman Center for Speech, Language and Hearing
Post-grad plans: Earn my master's in speech-language pathology
Why Augustana?
I chose Augustana for the opportunity to participate in both high-level athletics and academics. I loved how I would be able to play volleyball in a supportive environment that still put academics first.
The communication sciences and disorders (CSD) program is amazing, and I knew it would prepare me well for a career in speech pathology. The meaningful connections between students and faculty also stood out to me. I knew I would be supported and get a well-rounded education.
Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?
Yes and no, I knew Augustana would help shape me into the person I wanted to be, but it has helped me step out of my comfort zone in more ways than one.
I am more involved and hold leadership positions I never imagined doing. Being a team representative for the Student Athlete Advisory Committee, a part of the volleyball leadership group and in Greek life are all things that have helped me become the leader I am today, and things I did not see myself doing when I first got to Augie.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
My family has been by my side through it all. I would not be where I am today without their love and support.
I have been lucky enough to have so many amazing professors and mentors at Augustana. My coaches, CSD and psychology faculty, and clinic supervisors have supported me every step of the way and helped me feel prepared as I take the next step in my education.
The CSD faculty and supervisors have pushed me to be the best student and clinician every day, and seeing their passion has made me even more excited to enter the field. My CSD advisors, especially Dr. Haskill and Dr. Hatfield, have been incredibly helpful as I decide where to go to grad school, and they have always believed in my abilities. Their guidance has given me the confidence to succeed wherever I end up.
My psychology professors have also been amazing. I have especially enjoyed working with Dr. Lorenz to develop my research skills in the Augustana Baby and Child Development lab this year.
Peak experience?
A peak experience was traveling to Costa Rica and Argentina with the volleyball team. These were two amazing experiences. Getting to play volleyball in beautiful places and travel the world with my teammates is something I will never forget, and definitely the highlight of my four years.
What surprised you?
I was surprised by how much I learned as a student clinician. Getting hands-on experience in the Roseman Center for Speech, Language, and Hearing during my junior and senior years taught me so much about how to be an effective and considerate clinician. I did not realize how quickly my confidence and clinical skills would grow in just a few semesters.
How did you use your Augie Choice?
I used my Augie Choice to go to Guatemala with Dr. Schultz and the psychology department during J-term of my junior year. Getting to learn about and experience the amazing people and culture of Guatemala was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and has made me a more culturally competent clinician.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss the people I get to see every day — laughing with my teammates at practice, walking to class with my roommates and spending hours in the Brodahl basement with my CSD cohort. Being so close to all my friends is something I will never take for granted.
Advice for the Class of 2030?
Be present in the moment and don’t rush yourself. Everything will work out as it is supposed to. It’s easy to get caught up worrying about the future, stressing about the next exam, grad school, etc. But you don’t want to miss out on the best moments because you were too worried about what's next.
"It has been a joy to watch Grace grow as a student, clinician, researcher and athlete during her time at Augustana. Grace's ability to connect her coursework and clinic work has been impressive. She also has done a nice job connecting concepts in her psychology and communication sciences and disorders coursework. We know she will continue to thrive in graduate school!"