Brad Hartmann
Augustana Class of 2003

Hometown: Fremont, NE
Majors: Mathematics & Engineering Physics

Current Employer: The Schemmer Associates, Inc.
Current Position: Traffic Engineer

What have you been up to since graduation from Augustana?
Since graduating from Augustana I have been studying civil and transportation engineering at Washington University in St. Louis, graduating again, traveling abroad, getting married, visiting friends, and working in Omaha.

How did you decide to study civil engineering? Did you know this would be your field of study when you entered Augustana?
Actually, I had a fairly good idea that I would pursue civil engineering after Augustana as part of the dual degree program. I decided on civil engineering because it involves problem solving, using math, and it results in something you can actually see. You begin with a problem, do analysis, and end up with real results that are actually used.

What's the best part of your job?
Developing solutions that are applied in real life.

Did your education at Augustana prepare you well for your career?
My education at Augustana did not prepare me for specific engineering processes or engineering calculations, however, it prepared me by providing a background in mathematics and physics that can be applied in engineering. My focused engineering study occurred at Washington University through the Dual Degree program, but my Augustana education provided me lessons in communication, logic, constructive reasoning, problem solving, critical thinking, being open minded, and altruistic meaning, all of which are beneficial for my career as well as for life.

What would you say to a student who is considering the Dual Degree program?
If you are looking for a well rounded education in the liberal arts, a straight engineering program may not provide that. The Dual Degree program also seems to allow many students a better opportunity to be more active in college activities or athletics prior to entering engineering school.

How did you decide on the Dual Degree program to pursue engineering?
Upon enrolling in college I had thought about doing engineering, but I wasn't completely sure, and the Dual Degree program allowed me four years to change my mind while getting a taste of many other subjects. Also, I thought I had a better chance and more time to participate in cross country and track at a smaller college where a Dual Degree program exists, rather than at a large university with a straight engineering program.

Have you found having a liberal arts background to be useful?
Yes, a liberal arts background has been useful in my life. It has changed and influenced the way I think about people, relationships, politics, society, and religion. I have become more observant, open minded, inquisitive, and questioning.

What is your favorite memory from Augustana?
I had a great time living in the Rockhouse [a house off-campus] my senior year with five of my good friends and several bats.

What one piece of advice would you give prospective students who are interested in Augustana? Current Augie students?
To prospective students: give it a chance, take a look, learn more, and determine if it's a good fit for you. To current students: make the most of your college time by experiencing college life, getting involved, meeting new people, and learning about different subjects, people and places.

You have the unique experience of studying at two undergraduate institutions. What should every prospective student know about Augustana?
Augustana, as compared to large colleges, is a more of a small, close knit college community where you have the opportunity to meet many new people and become as involved as you would like. It seems the professors are passionate about their work and take time to be available for and get to know their students.

What do you miss most about Augie?
I really miss just being there. Augie was a wonderful environment where I learned a lot and made lifelong friends. I also really miss being near my friends and pretty much being able to spend time with them whenever.

What types of activities were you involved with outside the classroom?
Cross country, indoor and outdoor track, Blue Key Service and Honor Society, and I participated in many Augie-sponsored activities.

Tell us about being a student-athlete at Augustana. Was it hard to balance academics and athletics?
It was a bit of a challenge because I did spend a great deal of time working hard on both academics and athletics, but it was definitely manageable. It seems like the academic schedule that Augie provides easily allows students to also be athletes.

Who was your biggest influence at Augie?
Dr. Larkin was my biggest influence at Augie. As my physics professor in several courses, I got to know him pretty well. He was almost always available to chat, willing to help with my questions, encouraged me to work hard, and work towards engineering school.

What do you like to do away from work?
I still like to remain physically active by running, golfing, mountain biking, and hiking. Other than that, I love to travel and spend time with my wife, Nicki, family and friends.