2021 Augustana Convocation Spotlight: Braeden Kelly, Siri Prasad Babu and Matthew Caffaro
23 June 2021
Braeden Kelly
Augustana Outdoors Club | Vikings Cross Country Running & Nordic Sports | Augustana Climbing Wall Manager | Student Chaplain | Augustana Leadership Award | Onesimus Award
Who was your favourite mentor or professor at Augustana?
It's impossible to pick just one because Augustana has so many incredible professors. I had, by far, the most classes with Dr. Glen Hvenegaard—all of those courses were extremely meaningful and engaging. I also had the privilege of co-authoring a paper and participating in a field course with Dr. Hvenegaard. Glen loves his students, is a dedicated researcher and puts a lot of time into making his classes excellent. The other two environmental science professors—Dr. Glynnis Hood and Dr. Greg King—were also phenomenal. Finally, Dr. Paul Stonehouse, who was on a short-term contract, had an incredible impact on me through outdoor education and leadership courses despite his short time at the school.
What was your favourite class at Augustana?
All of the outdoor education courses I took were so great, but in terms of actual classroom-based courses, I loved Wildlife Diversity of Alberta or "the bird's course" where we got to learn about all the species of mammals, birds, fish and reptiles living in Alberta. I still use the knowledge from that course today.
What’s your best memory from Augustana?
Once again it's impossible to pick just one. All of the outdoor education trips were exceptional, especially the month-long canoeing and backpacking summer course I took. I have fond memories of running and ski races and the ensuing potlucks. Lastly, simple things like good conversation at soup supper, campus rec basketball or working a drop-in shift at the Augustana climbing wall make up some of my best memories.
If you could give a new student a piece of advice about studying at Augustana, what would it be?
Get involved! I've heard some students complain that Augustana is boring, but that is not the case at all. Between thriving clubs, campus rec, varsity sports and chaplaincy, there is always cool stuff going on. At first, participate as much as you can, and then once you find your community and what you like, join a club executive or become involved in actively improving student life. I promise you won't regret it.
What have you learned from the COVID-19 pandemic?
Like many others, I definitely struggled to learn remotely, but fortunately, I was still able to live in Camrose and really benefited from the limited Augustana community despite restrictions. In addition to this, I was able to get super close with my roommates, strengthening already strong bonds between us.
What’s next for you?
This summer I'm working for Parks Canada at the Two Jack Lake Campground in Banff and next fall I will be attending the University of Calgary for a two-year after education degree. I'm not sure where that will take me, but hopefully towards some type of work in environmental or outdoor education.
Siri Prasad Babu
International Student from Chennai, India | International Peer Mentor | Unitea Volunteer | Campus Visits Ambassador
Who was your favourite mentor or professor at Augustana?
I think at different stages I've had different professors and mentors that have guided me and helped me on my university path and I'm thankful for each of them as they have all shaped me to be the student and person that I am today. As a business major, I've had the opportunity to take numerous classes with Frank Bastien, Diego M. Coraiola and Bill Foster, and as a computer science minor, I've had the pleasure to learn from Rosanna Heise and Mohammed Qasem. They have collectively managed to influence me in a positive manner and so they've all made a lasting impact on me.
What was your favourite class at Augustana?
At the beginning of my third year at Augustana, I happened to take a Management in Movies class with Bill Foster. I'd have to say that the course is one of my most favorite classes as it combines film analysis with a business perspective. I had some of my friends with me in that class and it was extremely interesting to watch and interpret the scenes together, and ever since, we haven't been able to watch a movie any other way.
What’s your best memory from Augustana?
The best memories from Augustana are definitely the ones I made with friends and the experiences I gained from the faculty as a student. I've met the most amazing people and had the most extraordinary chances and opportunities at Augustana. It's quite an endless list.
If you could give a new student a piece of advice about studying at Augustana, what would it be?
I would tell them to trust the process and to allow themselves to grow. Augustana really encourages students to explore a lot and I think most of them are hesitant since starting university is a big enough change as it is. But in due time, all the pieces will fall together.
What have you learned from the COVID-19 pandemic?
The biggest thing I've learned in life because of the pandemic is that we need to stop making excuses and putting our lives on pause. Instead, go out and do what you want when you get the chance to do so. You never know when that chance ceases to exist and you just might regret it.
What’s next for you?
After having graduated from the U of A, I am on my way to experience the workforce and what that might bring to my life.
Matthew Caffaro
Resident Assistant | Augustana Students' Association Second Year Representative & Councilor at Large | Student Chaplain | Onesimus Award
Who was your favourite mentor or professor at Augustana?
Augustana Chaplain Craig Wentland.
What was your favourite class at Augustana?
What’s your best memory from Augustana?
Resident Assistant training, every year!
If you could give a new student a piece of advice about studying at Augustana, what would it be?
My advice would be that for every one hour of class time, spend three hours doing extracurriculars.
What have you learned from the COVID-19 pandemic?
I've learned not to put my hope in the fragility of good health.
What’s next for you?
I'll be working at a Christian camp this summer, and continuing to do street evangelism in the Edmonton area.