Dan Schoen
Class of 2010

Hometown: Maple Grove, MN

Major: History
Minor: Anthropology

Extracurricular Activities: Football

How and why did you choose your major?
I had a great history teacher in 6th grade and ever since then I have always had a passion for it. The history and anthropology majors at Augie perfectly fit my interests. I am contemplating becoming a history teacher or possibly doing research someday.

Looking back on last year, why did you choose Augustana?
Augustana satisfied all of my requirements for a college. Not only did it have a competitve NCAA Division II athletic program, but it also offered a superb education. But more than that, I felt a sense of belonging whenever I was on campus.

Describe your exprience as a freshman on the football team.
Football has been an amazing experience so far. It gave me the opportunity to build strong relationships with great people as far back as August, so it made the transition to actual college life a much smoother affair than it otherwise might have been.

How do you balance athletics, academics and everything else at college?
While college brings more responsibility, it also affords more free time. The trick is to manage your time efficiently so that you don't become overwhelmed with the extra burden that school, sports, and other activities present.

You were a part of Augustana's Distinguished Scholars Competition last year as a prospective student. Describe the highlights of your day. Were you nervous? Did the day help you make your decision to attend Augustana?
The Distinguished Scholars Competition was an excellent opportunity for me to get on campus and experience Augustana in an intellectual setting. I was definitely nervous going into the faculty interview, but the professors were so engaging and kind that it soon became little more than a chat between friends. The competition also gave me another chance to interact with students, professors, and other college administrators in an everyday setting.

How is your freshman year going in general?
I have loved every minute of my freshman year. The added responsibility requires more diligence, but it also provides a great deal of fun in the classroom and in the dorms. I have met incredible people and formed friendships that will last years.

Do you have a favorite professor?
I couldn't pick just one. I love Professor Dipple in Western Civilization and Professor Hannus in Introduction to Archaeology. They are both authorities in their respective fields but are also approachable, as well as simply being fantastic people in general.

What advice would you give prospective students who are considering Augustana?
I would tell them to truly consider Augustana. The professors and education are first class, the city is vibrant, and the students are great people to be around.