My Wish Lists Login / Join

Called to Reckon

Replacing History and Reclaiming Mission at a Midwestern College

By: Jane E. Simonsen (Editor)

Write A Review

Hardcover | 12 January 2026

At a Glance

Hardcover
336 Pages

Dimensions(cm)
22.9 x 15.2 x 3.2

Hardcover

$152.75

or 4 interest-free payments of $38.19 with

Ships in 5 to 10 business days

A bold, necessary model for institutional self-examination

Augustana College, a predominantly white institution in Rock Island, Illinois, was founded by Swedish Lutheran settlers with a mission to educate for the common good and "serve the neighbor so that all may flourish." This collection—written by historians, alumnae, diversity leaders, and religion scholars—reveals the stories of those who have held the college accountable to its foundational mission.

Drawing from archival research and interviews with students, staff, faculty, administrators, and community members, Called to Reckon weaves together issues of race, indigeneity, sexuality, religion, and belonging, linking past conflicts to present-day challenges. The essays examine the "town and gown" dynamic, exploring tensions between the college and its more diverse surrounding community. Other contributors recount key moments in the growing presence and power of Black students on campus from 1925 to 1975, placed in the context of African and African American history. A chapter documents the history of Latinos/x Unidos, while another essay demonstrates how queer members of the Augustana community helped reshape the campus in the post-Stonewall era.

By placing Augustana's history in conversation with broader movements, this book offers a rich, critical perspective on the liberal arts tradition itself. It makes a key contribution to the growing field of whiteness studies, particularly in the understudied Midwest, and is an essential read for anyone committed to understanding how educational institutions can move toward justice—not just in aspiration, but in action. Useful for faculty, administrators, staff, and trustees alike, Called to Reckon challenges all of higher education to live up to its highest ideals.

Shipping

	Standard Shipping	Express Shipping
Metro postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Regional postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95
Rural postcodes:	$9.99	$14.95

How to return your order

At Booktopia, we offer hassle-free returns in accordance with our returns policy. If you wish to return an item, please get in touch with Booktopia Customer Care.

Additional postage charges may be applicable.