Andrea Talentino started her new job in July and replaced former President Steve Bahls.
Talentino graduated from Yale, UCLA, and Princeton. And she's interested in carrying on Augustana's mission.
" I really value the mission a lot. The concept of preparing students contribute to the world or to their communities in important ways. I really love the emphasis on diversity, equity and inclusion. And the steps that the college has taken to make that a part of its central mission and legacy.”
As a part of the ceremony, Talentino’s father will read a poem he wrote for her inauguration. It will also feature a musical performance by the Augustana Symphonic Band.
Talentino also says she wants to create opportunities to support a diverse student population.
"Augustana has been a transformational experience for a lot of people. Particularly, students of limited socio-economic means, or maybe first gen students who weren't quite sure how big their dreams could be or how much they could accomplish. And Augustana really helped them think boldly, and think big about what they could do.”
The Inauguration Ceremony for President Andrea Talentino will be held on the "Quad" on the Augustana College campus in Rock Island, on Saturday, October 15, 2022, at 12:30 PM.
Seventh Street will also be closed for a street party in front of Old Main.
There will be a livestream of the event available on YouTube.
