2022 in review: New president, largest gift and more
2022 saw big changes as COVID-19 precautions eased, and the college announced its biggest gift ever.
We said goodbye to President Emeritus Thomas Tredway, who died in April, wished a happy retirement to former President Steve Bahls, and greeted our new President Andrea Talentino.
January term travel resumes
Vikings dove back into J-term travels as COVID-19 pandemic precautions eased, and 35 students traveled internationally in January. Some students traveled to Bonaire, a small island just off the northern coast of Venezuela, for the study of field biology. Here Dr. Michael Wolf leads a class.
Alumnus gives $40 million, largest gift in Augustana history
A $40 million gift from Murry Gerber ’75 will open new doors to an Augustana education. The gift, announced by former President Steve Bahls at the Gerber Center for Student Life April 5, is the largest in Augustana’s history. Gerber will match gifts from other donors dollar-for-dollar to provide scholarships for high-achieving students from families with lower incomes.
Services for President Emeritus Tredway
The college celebrated the life and service of Thomas Tredway at a memorial held April 28 on campus. Dr. Tredway, who died April 10 at his home in Hampton, Ill., joined the college in 1964. He served five years as dean and 28 years as president. Members of the Augustana Choir, conducted by Jon Hurty, performed at the ceremony.
College renames hall in honor of Steve and Jane Bahls
John Murabito, chair of Augustana’s board of trustees, honored Steve and Jane Bahls for their 19 years of service to the college with the announcement that Founders Hall would be renamed. The Steve and Jane Bahls Campus Leadership Center was christened at a ceremony May 12.
First speech-language pathology master’s graduates
Augustana congratulated its first class of Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology graduates May 22 in a hooding ceremony during commencement weekend. Dr. Allison Haskill, MS-SLP program director, places the hood over the head of Sara DuBois, signifying her success in completing the graduate program.
Project with Rock Island to inventory lead water lines
Augustana announced a partnership with Rock Island to inventory lead water lines in the city on July 27. President Andrea Talentino called the project “a perfect example of what an engaged education should be.” The interdisciplinary project allows students to contribute to solving complex real-world problems and signifies the college’s commitment to being a good neighbor.
Inauguration of President Andrea Talentino
Andrea Kathryn Talentino was inaugurated as the ninth president of Augustana College Oct. 15 at an outdoor ceremony on the Quad. President Talentino used her inaugural address to highlight the transformational power of Augustana.
Post-inauguration party
Vikings from near and far gathered to fête President Andrea Talentino at the street party that drew more than a thousand to 7th Avenue. Events also coincided with homecoming 2022.
Arun Gandhi in the Global Lecture Series
Arun Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, offered the inaugural address in the college’s Global Lecture Series on Nov. 14. The socio-political activist, journalist, author, philanthropist and motivational speaker shared his grandfather’s message of the transformational power of challenging one’s anger into an agent for doing good. Here he poses for a photo with, from left, Xong Sony Yang, director of the Office of International Student and Scholar Services, Juanita Trevino-Perez, international student advisor, and Dr. Monica Smith, vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion.
Cabaret sells out
Directed by Assistant Professor Shelley Cooper, “Cabaret” was performed Nov. 17-20 and played to sold-out crowds Saturday and Sunday. "Cabaret" became the first Brunner Theatre production to accomplish that feat.
Water polo champs
Augustana Vikings men's water polo claimed the 2022 Mountain Pacific Sports Federation East Division Championship on Nov. 20. The Vikings finished a perfect 8-0 against East opponents this season. The women’s water polo team claimed a fourth-place finish at the DIII National Tournament earlier in 2022.
CNN Hero Nelly Cheboi '16
Nelly Cheboi '16 was in the spotlight after being named CNN Hero of the Year for her work with TechLit Africa. She credited her success to her mother, Christine, whom she brought to the Dec. 11 awards gala in New York.
Contact:
Nicole Lauer, 309-794-7645