GOLDen Times | Issue 7 | July 2025
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Greetings, Augie Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) Alumni!
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Welcome to your favorite inbox moment of the month — the latest issue of GOLDen Times has arrived! My name is Julianne Hoff ’23, and I will be taking over the July edition of our newsletter. I’m excited to update you on all things Augie young alumni!
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A little about me: I graduated from Augustana in 2023 with a double major in international business and management with a minor in accounting. I serve on the GOLD Council and chair the Engagement and Recruitment Committee. While at Augie, I was involved in the Office of Student Life, Camp Kesem, Augustana Dance Company, Student Alumni and Philanthropy Board and Chi Alpha Pi sorority. Happy reading, and go GOLD!
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Virtual Color and Sips rescheduled!
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The Virtual Color and Sips has been rescheduled for Thursday, Aug. 28, from 7-8 p.m. Central. Join fellow young alumni for coloring and a good time. We'll provide Augie-themed coloring pages, or you can bring your favorite coloring pages. Sign up for the event through the link below!
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Homecoming registration is open! Make plans to return to campus from Sept. 26-28, 2025, to reconnect with your Augie pals! Get ready for a game of bingo, share laughter and memories at our class reunions, and bring some fun to QuadFest with a special activity hosted by the GOLD Council!
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Homecoming events for young alumni
Young alumni bingo game
Saturday, Sept. 27 | 7-9 p.m.
Open to all graduates of the last decade
Classes of 2015, 2020 and 2025 reunion gathering
Saturday, Sept. 27 | 9:30-11:30 p.m.
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GOLD Council meeting recap
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The GOLD council met earlier this month for its summer meeting. The council heard from Reynard Benschop, newly-appointed director of student life. Updates from the OSL office include a standards program for Greek Life that uses a point system to encourage accountability and positive growth within the community. The office is also introducing a student-led leadership program designed to support emerging campus leaders and encourage philanthropy. We also welcomed new council members and honored outgoing members Brittany Burk ’15 and Arsal Shareef ’15. To round out the meeting, each committee shared updates and offered a preview of what’s ahead in the new year.
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We also welcomed new council members and honored outgoing members Brittany Burk ’15 and Arsal Shareef ’15. To round out the meeting, each committee shared updates and offered a preview of what’s ahead in the new year.
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The GOLD Council, pictured above.
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After Augie Podcast: Investing 101: Smart Starts for Every Stage
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Host Rachel Buenaobra ’18 chats with financial advisor Tyler Richards ’14 about how to start investing with confidence. From stocks and bonds to risk, time and financial goals at every life stage, this episode breaks down the essentials—plus myths, the FIRE movement, and what to expect from a financial advisor. Whether you're just starting out or want to grow your strategy, you'll walk away with clear, actionable tips to move forward.
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Book recommendation: We Were Liars
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If you love a book that keeps you guessing until the very last page, We Were Liars is a must-read. Set on a private island owned by a wealthy, seemingly perfect family, the story follows Cadence Sinclair as she unravels the mystery behind a traumatic summer she can’t fully remember. With a haunting atmosphere and a twist you will not see coming, this novel explores privilege, secrets, love and the lies we tell ourselves to survive. As the pieces slowly come together, what’s revealed is quiet but powerful. The story was gripping enough on the page, and it’s now made its way to the screen!
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Which graduate from the Class of 2016, former GOLD Council member and current faculty member just got married?
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Did you know there is a ship named after Augustana College? The SS Augustana Victory was built in just eight weeks during WWII and may still be resting undiscovered on the ocean floor near Puerto Rico!
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Upcoming events for young alumni!
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There are Augie events happening in Boston, the Chicagoland area, New York City, Rock Island and more. Check out the full event listing through the link below!
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Thanks for reading! Until next month, and Go Vikings!
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Julianne Hoff '23
GOLD Council Engagement and Recruitment Committee
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P.P.S. - Catch up on previous issues of GOLDen Times here.
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