GOLDen Times | Issue 5| May 2025
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Greetings, Augie Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) Alumni!
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Welcome to the May edition of GOLDen Times — your monthly excuse to procrastinate productively. I’m Sydney Gilbert, your guide to all things GOLD this month, and I’ve got the inside scoop on what we, the GOLD council, have brewing (spoiler: it’s good stuff).
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A bit more about me! I graduated in 2019 with majors in art history and creative writing. During my time at Augie, I was involved in Sigma Pi Delta, Sustained Dialogue, Art History Club, Relay for Life and took photos for athletics. Currently I am working for Marquette University where I oversee Young Alumni programming! In my minimal free time, you can find me hosting trivia, pouring beers for Raised Grain Brewing Co. in Waukesha, WI, reading, starting but not always finishing a random craft and hanging out with my son and dog.
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Join the GOLD Council by May 31!
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Have you found yourself wondering why you should join the GOLD Council? Well, here are four great reasons:
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- Members get discounted registration to college events like:
- Winter in the Windy City
- Young Alumni Weekend
- Women's Weekend
- Homecoming and Family Weekend
- Other alumni events across the country
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Hats off to the Class of 2025: Augustana’s 165th Commencement
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Remember those unforgettable final days of senior year? Snapping photos with your closest friends, tearing up during Last Lecture and Senior Toast, making one last late-night stop at Ribco and carefully placing that tassel on your decorated cap?
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The Class of 2025 is living those very moments and preparing to cross the stage on May 24th to receive their diplomas. We couldn’t be more excited to officially welcome them into the GOLD alumni family — a network rooted in shared experiences and lifelong connection.
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Virtual coloring night recap
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Last month, six alumni hopped on Zoom to reminisce on our time at Augie and decompress from the week at our virtual coloring night! If you missed it, don't worry! We will definitely be hosting this event again in the future. Be sure to read new issues of GOLDen Times and follow us on Instagram (@augstanagoldalumni) to stay in the loop!
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After Augie Podcast: CORE resources for alumni
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Welcome to a special edition of the After Augie Podcast! In this month's episode, Alex Mayszak '13 sits down with Claire Brakel Packer and Beth Ford from Augie's CORE office.
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It's known that CORE supports careers, opportunities, research and exploration for current students, but they also have various ways of supporting alumni. Listen along to learn more about how CORE can help you navigate finding a career, making a career change, dealing with the adversities that can arise and more.
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Welcome to a special edition of the After Augie Podcast! In this month's episode, Alex Mayszak '13 sits down with Claire Brakel Packer and Beth Ford from Augie's CORE office.
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It's known that CORE supports careers, opportunities, research and exploration for current students, but they also have various ways of supporting alumni. Listen along to learn more about how CORE can help you navigate finding a career, making a career change, dealing with the adversities that can arise and more.
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Podcast recommendation: Up First from NPR
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For the past couple of years, NPR’s Up First podcast has been part of my daily routine — and honestly, it’s a game changer.
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With the news cycle moving at warp speed and everything feeling a bit overwhelming, Up First makes it easier to stay informed without getting lost in the chaos. Each episode breaks down the day’s top three stories in just 10 minutes — straight facts, no fluff. It's clear, quick and gives you the mental space to process and form your own opinions.
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With the news cycle moving at warp speed and everything feeling a bit overwhelming, Up First makes it easier to stay informed without getting lost in the chaos.
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Each episode breaks down the day’s top three stories in just 10 minutes — straight facts, no fluff. It's clear, quick and gives you the mental space to process and form your own opinions.
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Have a book or podcast to recommend to fellow young alumni? Submit a recommendation to be featured in GOLDen Times!
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Augustana is home to the oldest continuously published college newspaper in Illinois, the Augustana Observer. The paper was established in 1871, and it is still published today!
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Upcoming events for young alumni!
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Women's Weekend
June 6-8
Augustana College
Join alumni for a memorable weekend filled with social events, presentations and discussions by Augustana faculty and staff, and active events all exploring this year's theme: meeting life's challenges with grace, grit and optimism. Registration is $180 and includes access to all events and meals.
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Here are some highlights to look forward to:
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- Dynamic and insightful sessions with Augustana faculty and staff
- Friday evening: Mocktails and appetizers
- Saturday: Continental breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, light appetizers and dinner
- Sunday: Breakfast
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Alumni and Friends Hike and Picnic at Starved Rock State Park
Tuesday, June 24 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Starved Rock State Park
Oglesby, IL
Join fellow Augustana alumni for a scenic hike at Starved Rock State Park, where you’ll explore the natural beauty and rich history of the area. Dr. Brian Leech, historian and Augustana professor, will lead the hike and share more about the park’s history. Be sure to bring a picnic lunch to enjoy together after the hike! The specific trail and meeting location will be shared closer to the event date.
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Virtual Bingo
Wednesday, June 25 | 7-8 p.m. Central
Zoom
Join the GOLD Council for an hour of virtual bingo! On top of competing for fun prizes, all attendees will be entered in a raffle to win a pair of Augie socks.
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Virtual Color and Sip
Thursday, July 24 | 7-8 p.m. Central
Zoom
Did you miss our recent coloring night? We're bringing it back with an expanded coloring catalog! Sip on your favorite drink and join fellow alumni for a chill evening of coloring!
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Thanks for reading! Until next month, and Go Vikings!
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Sydney Gilbert '19
GOLD Council Marketing and Social Events Committee
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P.P.P.S. - Catch up on previous issues of GOLDen Times here.
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