College Credits: Batavia Musician To Perform In Christmas Concert

BATAVIA, IL — We're keeping track of all the major higher education accomplishments of students in the area. Send your submissions to emily.rosca@patch.com.

Batavia student earns top scholarship at Central College

Nicholas Reid of Batavia, IL, was one of seven Central College students to receive one of the college's full-tuition Kuyper Scholarships and Rolscreen Foundation Scholarships, the most prestigious awards granted at the college.

Peter H. Kuyper founded Rolscreen Company, known today as Pella Corporation. The Kuyper family has provided financial assistance to Central students since 1952.

Students who were selected participated in Central's Scholar Days. All have at least a 3.7 GPA.

— Merit Page News

Local enrolls at University of Utah

Julian Pin, of Batavia, IL, is among the 5,361 students who make up the University of Utah's Class of 2025 - the largest freshmen class in school history. Pin's major is listed as Pre Business BS.
Enrollment of first-time freshmen increased 19.6% from fall 2020 and is the first class of over 5,000 students at the U. Last fall, first-time freshmen increased 5.5%.

"This is an incredible and exciting milestone for the University of Utah," Taylor Randall, university president. "It speaks to the value and quality we offer and reflects our solid reputation as one of the nation's top public research universities. I am pleased to welcome all our students-new and continuing-and look forward to seeing all they will accomplish at the U."

Overall enrollment increased 4.2 percent to 34,424-up from 33,047 in fall 2020. The number of new transfer students also increased, up 2.3 percent to 1,448. The university also saw record highs in undergraduate and graduate enrollment with graduate students up 2.3 percent and undergraduates up 4.8 percent.

"We are excited to welcome our largest class to Imagine U," said Dan Reed, senior vice president of Academic Affairs. "The enthusiasm of our faculty, staff and students for the fall educational experience is extraordinary."

— Merit Page News

Singer from Batavia will perform in Christmas concert at Augustana College

The Augustana College Department of Music presents Christmas at Augustana, December 4 and 5, 2021 in Centennial Hall.

Xander Thomson from Batavia, IL will perform with the Augustana Choir.

Presented by Quad City Bank & Trust, Christmas at Augustana is returning live after a one-year hiatus. Christmas at Augustana has thrilled audiences in sold-out performances for over a decade. Student musicians will take the stage to share their talents in what has become a highlight of the Augustana and Quad-Cities holiday season. Featuring performances by the Augustana Brass Ensemble, Augustana Symphony Orchestra, Ascension Ringers, Augustana Choir, Jenny Lind Vocal Ensemble and Augustana Concert Chorale. This holiday concert is not to be missed.

Christmas at Augustana has been a tradition since 2008. After the performance was offered in a virtual format in 2020, the Augustana College department of music is ready to be on stage again.

"We are so excited to be able to sing together again in Centennial Hall this year," says Augustana Choir director Dr. Jon Hurty. "The students and directors are really looking forward to sharing our Christmas music, live and in person!"

— Merit Page News