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More Than I Imagined

Seniors reflect on their time at Augustana

Every spring faculty are asked to nominate a senior who has taken advantage of the opportunities Augustana offers in academics, research, study away, athletics, the arts and more.

The seniors answer a series of questions to describe their transformative Augustana experience and show what can happen in four years.

Simply choose the grad year and area of study you're interested in to read their reflections!

Iratze Aceves
More Than I Imagined Iratze Aceves
“Now I understand that higher education opens doors to dreams I never imagined.”
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Sophie Arceneaux
More Than I Imagined Sophie Arceneaux
“I didn’t expect to study abroad twice, and do research abroad with some of my best friends.”
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Maggie Caliendo
More Than I Imagined Maggie Caliendo
“Augie was the only school that gave me that opportunity, where I could be a multi-majored student-athlete and graduate on time.”
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Eulle Stann Casaquite
More Than I Imagined Eulle Stann Casaquite
“I was surprised by the amount of opportunities to do student research.”
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Matt Chezum
More Than I Imagined Matt Chezum
“Find out what you love and go all in. Augie will be there for you when you do.”
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Kelly Devert
More Than I Imagined Kelly Devert
“I also didn’t expect the number of opportunities I had, especially as a transfer student.”
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Mia Fernandez
More Than I Imagined Mia Fernandez
“Each time I toured Augustana, I instantly felt welcomed and cared about!”
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Grace Finney
More Than I Imagined Grace Finney
“The community feeling that the college fosters is really special, and I will miss it once I leave.”
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Anna Fletcher
More Than I Imagined Anna Fletcher
“I chose Augustana for its small class sizes and the opportunity for real discussion.”
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Rae Gibson
More Than I Imagined Raelynn (Rae) Gibson
“I have experienced the world in ways I never really thought I would.”
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Gracie Gwozdz
More Than I Imagined Gracie Gwozdz
“I now have a stronger sense of self and a newfound confidence in my future and purpose.”
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Mikey Hamilton
More Than I Imagined Mikey Hamilton
“I found that Augie was the perfect fit to allow me to thrive as a student, an athlete and a person.”
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Natalie Hansen
More Than I Imagined Natalie Hansen
“What I will miss the most is the community of Augustana's campus.”
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Luke Heinrichs
More Than I Imagined Luke Heinrichs
“I found that college doesn't just teach you a major; it teaches you how to learn and grow.”
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Larissa Horton
More Than I Imagined Larissa Horton
“The entire history department has been a major source of learning and inspiration.”
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Rachel Jocson
More Than I Imagined Rachel Jocson
“Pretty much everyone you meet here has something they are passionate about and heavily involved in.”
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Andrew Johns
More Than I Imagined Andrew Johns
“I feel that Augustana strives to make itself a strong community where it is easy to make friends.”
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Ryan Kammerzell
More Than I Imagined Ryan Kammerzell
“My peak experience was presenting at the Iowa Writing Center Consortium, along with a team of other RWC tutors.”
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Arik Mistak
More Than I Imagined Arik Mistak
“What surprised me was the impact that smaller class sizes had on me as a student.”
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Nic Navarro
More Than I Imagined Nicolas Navarro
“What surprised me the most is how close professors are with students and how much support you can get from them.”
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Kira Nelson
More Than I Imagined Kira Nelson
“Augustana allowed me to explore all of my interests without having to hold back in anything.”
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Charlotte Newport
More Than I Imagined Charlotte Newport
“It's been a real privilege to attend a school where so many people want to see you grow and succeed.”
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Tracy Okech
More Than I Imagined Anyango Okech
“All my professors pushed me to do more than I thought I could because they truly believed in my abilities.”
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Michelle Pacheco
More Than I Imagined Michelle Pacheco
“Through honest conversations with professors and mentors about my aspirations, I found the guidance I needed to navigate my way.”
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