ROCK ISLAND, IL (12/05/2013)(readMedia)-- Augustana College in Rock Island, Ill., has a team of 116 student admissions ambassadors who help the Office of Admissions recruit new students.The 2013-14 admissions ambassadors team includes:

Daniel Andon, from Moline, Ill., a sophomore majoring in pyschology and sociology.

Alyssa Kendell, from Davenport, Iowa, a sophomore majoring in biology and pre-medicine.

Benjamin Knapper, from Davenport, Iowa, a junior majoring in applied mathematics and computer science.

Madison Logan, from Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in communication sciences and disorders and psychology.

Samantha McGreer, from Illinois City, Ill., a junior majoring in pre-medicine and biochemistry.

Jacob McManus, from Reynolds, Ill., a junior majoring in pre-medicine and biochemistry.

Anna Rusch, from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in business administration-marketing.

Austin Schoeck, from Rock Island, Ill., a sophomore majoring in political science.

Dalinda Widdop, from Milan, Ill., a senior majoring in biology.

Augustana admissions ambassadors are very involved in campus interactions with prospective students, sharing their experiences and introducing prospective students to life on a residential liberal arts campus. The ambassadors give campus tours, escort students and families to appointments and take leading roles on campus visit days.

Students apply and interview for these positions. The competitive application process lasts several months and begins during spring term.

"The majority of students who applied [for 2013-14] were very well qualified, showing a difficult class load, an excellent GPA, involvement on campus and enthusiasm about Augustana," said Tarah Sipes, manager of campus experience in the Office of Admissions.

Once students are selected, they are required to move in early for the following school year and go through a week of training. Periodic training also is provided to student staff throughout the year.

For more information, please contact Keri Rursch, director of public relations, (309) 794-7721 or kerirursch@augustana.edu.

Founded in 1860, Augustana College is a selective four-year residential college of the liberal arts and sciences. Augustana College is recognized for the innovative program Augie Choice, which provides each student up to $2,000 to pursue a high-impact learning experience such as study abroad, an internship or research with a professor. Current students and alumni include 146 Academic All-Americans, a Nobel laureate, 13 college presidents and other distinguished leaders. The college enrolls 2,500 students and is located along one of the world's most important waterways, the Mississippi River, in a community that reflects the diversity of the United States.

ROCK ISLAND, IL (07/25/2013)(readMedia)-- This summer nine Augustana students are participating in full-scale scientific research projects under the guidance of their faculty advisors, gaining experience to utilize in graduate school and careers after college. Each summer research project is funded through an Augustana Summer Student Research Fellowship.

A Clinton, Iowa, student, Hiba Ansari is working alongside Dr. Mamata Marme', advising coordinator and instructor in the business administration department. Ansari is a senior majoring in business administration-management.

Inspired to do a project on the Quad-Cities Muslim population, Ansari is combining the disciplines of geography and business statistics to initiate new programming to match the Muslim community demographics. Dr. Marmata Marme' encouraged Ansari to attach her interests to a relevant community matter; she chose the Muslim population in Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois, which is rapidly growing without accurate count or accommodation of demographic changes. Among her goals are to renew the contact directory of Quad-Cities Muslims and help initiate new programming such as camp retreats and other refugee integration efforts.

For a photo of Ansari, click here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/daisyhoang/9357418633/

A Davenport, Iowa, student, Jimmy Wiebler is working alongside Dr. Tim Muir, assistant professor in the biology department. Wiebler is a senior majoring in biology.

Jimmy Wiebler has been collaborating for more than a year on a research project with Dr. Tim Muir. They are studying the cold-conditioning response in Vertebrate Ectotherm. Specifically, Wiebler and Dr. Muir will work to determine the thermal dynamics necessary to elicit the cold-conditioning response in hatching painted turtles by changing the duration at which they experience a subzero temperature before a subsequent cold-shock. This research project will allow Wiebler to discover something new about animal physiology and how it has adapted to withstand such extreme environmental conditions. Wiebler suspects that turtles possessing the highest levels of brain and liver glucose will be the most cold-hardy. In working with Dr. Muir, he said, "I have been able to learn many of the generalized techniques useful to a biologist, as well as some tricks of the trade I wouldn't find in any textbook.". This project will be combined with a complementary project from last year led by Manisha Kumar '13, and ultimately will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

For a photo of Wiebler, click here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/daisyhoang/9357418743/

To encourage students to immerse themselves in their subject matter and engage in hands-on practice, Augustana College provides students of all disciplines opportunities through the Summer Student Research Fellowships. The program encourages research or artistic projects under the guidance of a faculty member. Students may apply for a maximum stipend of $3,000, plus additional funding for project expenses. Students' contributions to these projects can inspire them to conduct even more cutting-edge research in their later years of study, and also direct them to the post-graduate field of study they would like to pursue.

Founded in 1860, Augustana College is a selective four-year residential college of the liberal arts and sciences. Augustana College is recognized for the innovative program Augie Choice, which provides each student up to $2,000 to pursue a high-impact learning experience such as study abroad, an internship or research with a professor. Current students and alumni include 146 Academic All-Americans, a Nobel laureate, 13 college presidents and other distinguished leaders. The college enrolls 2,500 students and is located along one of the world's most important waterways, the Mississippi River, in a community that reflects the diversity of the United States.

ROCK ISLAND, IL (06/05/2013)(readMedia)-- Augustana College, Rock Island, Ill., held commencement ceremonies on Sunday, May 19. lllinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas L. Kilbride delivered the commencement speech, and 522 students graduated.

Among the graduates:

Kyle Amati, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in music education instrumental.

Amber Anderson, from Port Byron, Ill., graduated with a major in accounting.

Courtney Anderson, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in English.

Anthony Ash, from Davenport, Iowa, graduated with a major in accounting and business administration-finance.

Jennifer Baker, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in psychology.

Hannah Barney, from Bettendorf, Iowa, graduated with a major in business administration-marketing and communication studies.

Samantha Bazely, from Coal Valley, Ill., graduated with a major in communication studies.

Allie Bierhaus, from Bettendorf, Iowa, graduated with a major in elementary education and Spanish.

Brandy Blakeney, from East Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in applied mathematics and Scandinavian.

Christopher Boley, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in political science.

Austin Boyle, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in business administration-finance, political science, and accounting.

Joe Bright, from Erie, Ill., graduated with a major in political science and international business.

Jasmine Brooks, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in political science.

Ryan Brummet, from Port Byron, Ill., graduated with a major in mathematics, applied mathematics, and computer science.

Arielle Campos, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in art.

Ceara Campos, from Rock Falls, Ill., graduated with a major in business administration-management.

Richard Coppula, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in environmental studies.

Angela Cummins, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in communication sciences and disorders.

Nicholas Cummins, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in biology.

George Dexter, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in communication studies.

Grace Drenth, from Davenport, Iowa, graduated with a major in psychology.

Zachary Dryoel, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in economics.

Alannah Golden, from Davenport, Iowa, graduated with a major in elementary education.

Aurora Graze, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in sociology-social welfare.

Jonathan Grchan, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in business administration - management information system.

Asta Gustafson, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in psychology.

Thomas Harris, from Davenport, Iowa, graduated with a major in biology.

Sallie Hohenboken, from Prophetstown, Ill., graduated with a major in multimedia journalism and mass communicationunication.

Paul Hurd, from Wilton, Iowa, graduated with a major in business administration-management.

Kjerstin Hurty, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in business administration-marketing.

Mary Kandis, from East Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in biology.

Michael Kautz, from East Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in accounting.

Rachael Kellums, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in sociology-social welfare.

Clare Kilbride, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in communication sciences and disorders.

Ryan Kopatich, from Davenport, Iowa, graduated with a major in psychology.

Zachary Kozelichki, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in biology.

Manisha Kumar, from Davenport, Iowa, graduated with a major in pre-medicine.

Mary Lambrecht, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in sociology.

Kate Lang, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in business administration-finance.

Anna Letendre, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in business administration-marketing.

Courtney Linn, from Bettendorf, Iowa, graduated with a major in biology.

Ryan Lundeen, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in biology.

Hannah Maloney, from Davenport, Iowa, graduated with a major in psychology.

Jared McIntosh, from Davenport, Iowa, graduated with a major in business administration-marketing.

Lauren Mentado, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in business administration-international business.

Kelsey Miller, from Milan, Ill., graduated with a major in psychology and women and gender studies.

Leart Neziroski, from East Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in pre-medicine and biology.

Jacob O'Rourke, from Davenport, Iowa, graduated with a major in accounting and business administration-finance.

Andrew Palm, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in physics.

Eric Pease, from Sterling, Ill., graduated with a major in neuroscience and pre-medicine.

Douglas Peters, from Port Byron, Ill., graduated with a major in neuroscience and biology.

Nicholas Petre, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in philosophy, pre-medicine, and biochemistry.

Lauren Ploen, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in biology.

Richard Rector, from Davenport, Iowa, graduated with a major in communication sciences and disorders.

Jessica Roche, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in biology.

Amie Rogers, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in art.

Jessica Scheckel, from Taylor Ridge, Ill., graduated with a major in biology and psychology.

Jennifer Schroder, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in communication studies.

Katelyn Sedig, from Morrison, Ill., graduated with a major in communication sciences and disorders.

Moselle Singh, from Le Claire, Iowa, graduated with a major in anthropology.

Jonathan Smith, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in biology.

Astrid Tello-Rodriguez, from Milan, Ill., graduated with a major in psychology.

Will Tolmie, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in accounting.

Michael Tovar, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in sociology and business administration-management.

Megan Vandersee, from Sterling, Ill., graduated with a major in chemistry education and chemistry.

Chelsea Vickerman, from Silvis, Ill., graduated with a major in business administration-finance.

Calvin Vo, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in theatre arts and English.

Kaleigh Wall, from Eldridge, Iowa, graduated with a major in art.

Drew Wiersema, from Prophetstown, Ill., graduated with a major in accounting.

Peter Wiese, from Davenport, Iowa, graduated with a major in neuroscience and mathematics.

Stormy Almanza, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in sociology.

Rebecca Anderson, from Taylor Ridge, Ill., graduated with a major in biology.

Saleta Anderson, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in business administration-management.

Kayle Boggs, from Reynolds, Ill., graduated with a major in biology and women & gender studies.

Stacey Bollinger, from Silvis, Ill., graduated with a major in business administration - management information system.

Kayla Descamps, from Coal Valley, Ill., graduated with a major in biology.

Erin Gehn, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in applied mathematics.

Elaine Guthrie, from Coal Valley, Ill., graduated with a major in biology.

Jessica Larrison, from Hampton, Ill., graduated with a major in English.

Kelsey Lovaas, from Davenport, Iowa, graduated with a major in business administration-management and accounting.

Floyd Mays, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in multimedia journalism and mass communication and psychology.

Stephanie Morris, from Bettendorf, Iowa, graduated with a major in business administration-management.

John Peters, from Milan, Ill., graduated with a major in history.

Abdur Razzaque, from Moline, Ill., graduated with a major in accounting.

David Richard, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in psychology.

Jeffery Siirila, from Rock Island, Ill., graduated with a major in psychology.

Abbigale Staples, from Sterling, Ill., graduated with a major in elementary education.

Anna Tunnicliff, from Bettendorf, Iowa, graduated with a major in honors history major.

Alex Wilson, from Bettendorf, Iowa, graduated with a major in biology and pre-medicine.

Those graduating were given advice by Justice Kilbride, who said, "In doubt, do right. You will gratify some and probably stun others."

It was President of Augustana College, Steven Bahls, who quoted scripture, saying, "Pursue justice, love mercy and walk humbly."

Representing the class, Moselle Singh, noted the happiest of times come when happiness is being shared.

During the ceremonies, honorary degrees were presented to three individuals: Justice Kilbride; Don Wooten, the founder and former general manager of Augustana Public Radio; and Kim Brunner, chairman of Augustana's Board of Trustees.

About Augustana: Founded in 1860, Augustana College is a selective four-year residential college of the liberal arts and sciences. Augustana is recognized for the innovative program Augie Choice, which provides each student up to $2,000 to pursue a high-impact learning experience such as study abroad, an internship or research with a professor. Current students and alumni include 142 Academic All-Americans, a Nobel laureate, 13 college presidents and other distinguished leaders. The college enrolls 2,500 students and is located along one of the world's most important waterways, the Mississippi River, in a community that reflects the diversity of the United States.

ROCK ISLAND, IL (05/30/2013)(readMedia)-- After spring classes concluded, 34 Augustana College students traveled to Rome for 11 days. This trip is part of a Christian Traditions and Faiths in Dialogue class the students took during their spring term. The program focuses on Rome and the Roman Catholic Church, examining various perspectives on issues such as the doctrine of justification, war and peace, social and economic justice, and technological intervention in human procreation. Students also are given the option of completing service learning in the Quad-City community as well as in Rome, at the Nafuma Refugee Center.

Students who traveled to Rome include :

Ashley Heppner, a senior from Erie, Ill., majoring in theatre arts and communication studies.

Kjerstin Hurty, a senior from Moline, Ill., majoring in business administration-marketing.

Megan Kirik, a junior from Moline, Ill., majoring in political science and communication studies.

Kylie Koger, a junior from Davenport, Iowa, majoring in classics.

Jessica Larrison, a senior from Hampton, Ill., majoring in English.

Eric Palmer, a senior from Moline, Ill., majoring in political science.

Lauren Schneiderbauer, a senior from Sterling, Ill., majoring in biology.

About Augustana: Founded in 1860, Augustana College is a selective four-year residential college of the liberal arts and sciences. Augustana is recognized for the innovative program Augie Choice, which provides each student up to $2,000 to pursue a high-impact learning experience such as study abroad, an internship or research with a professor. Alumni include 140 Academic All-Americans, a Nobel laureate, 14 college presidents and other distinguished leaders. The college enrolls 2,500 students and is located along one of the world's most important waterways, the Mississippi River, in a community that reflects the diversity of the United States.