MOLINE, Illinois (KWQC) – More than 500 students graduated from Augustana on Saturday. The ceremony was a full circle moment for Augustana’s very first Academic All-American Ken Anderson who went on to become one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history for the Cincinnati Bengals.
“You may leave Augustana but Augustana never leaves you” said Anderson before delivering the commencement address for Augustana’s ceremony at Vibrant Arena.
“Very nerve wracking” said Anderson who was the NFL MVP in 1981.
“Normally when I talk it’s telling stories trying to be entertaining and now all of a sudden trying to give a meaningful talk. I’m a little bit nervous about this.”
Nearly 60 years after moving onto campus, Anderson can still relate to the college experience.
“I still have the letter that I wrote my mom and dad after the first night I was here how lonely that I was” said Anderson who grew up in Batavia, Illinois before going to Augustana.
“Just I don’t know if this is for me and then all of a sudden when people see that and then they come around you and help you and I think that’s the great thing about Augustana is people are willing to help everybody.”
Anderson went on to rewrite the Augustana record book but when his remarkable talents opened up a path to the NFL, he didn’t get to take part in commencement.
“I left college after the football season to do my basic training for the National Guard and get ready for a football season.”
More than five decades later, Anderson is finally getting to experience commencement.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without Augustana without the people who helped shaped me.”
A good education never stops.
“The things that you learn here stay with you your whole life. I think always be open and be willing to learn you know no matter how long you’ve been around you don’t know everything.”
One thing Anderson has known for more than half a century was his ending message to Augustana’s class of 2026.
“You may leave Augustana but Augustana never leaves you.”
Anderson is the all-time passing leader for the Cincinatti Bengals after spending all 16 seasons of his NFL career with the team from 1971-1986.
Copyright 2026 KWQC. All rights reserved.