Augustana College has announced the publication of “Called to Reckon: Replacing History and Reclaiming Mission at a Midwestern College.” The new book examines how the institution has grappled with its history, identity and responsibility over time.
Released by Southern Illinois University Press, the faculty-edited volume features eight essays by current and former faculty, alumni and institutional leaders. It draws on archival research and interviews to explore how Augustana’s mission has been shaped and challenged by social change, student activism and evolving community relationships. To purchase the book, follow this link.
Dr. Jane E. Simonsen, Augustana professor of history and women’s, gender, and sexuality studies, served as the volume’s editor.
College President Andrea Talentino described the book in a news release as a significant contribution to the ongoing conversation about higher education’s role in preparing students for citizenship.
“That preparation requires honesty about our history, humility about our learning and confidence in the values that guide us forward,” Ms. Talentino said. “’Called to Reckon’ contributes to that work by helping us understand how our mission has been challenged, strengthened and carried forward across generations.”
