Navigating uncharted waters
Playing it forward
An exploration of faith
HIGH-IMPACT
LEARNING
SPRING 2016 | VOL. 78, NO. 2
INSIDE
AUGSBURG NOW
Vice President of Marketing
and Communication
Rebecca John ’13 MBA
rjohn@augsburg.edu
Director of News and
Media Services
Stephanie Weiss
weis... Show more
Navigating uncharted waters
Playing it forward
An exploration of faith
HIGH-IMPACT
LEARNING
SPRING 2016 | VOL. 78, NO. 2
INSIDE
AUGSBURG NOW
Vice President of Marketing
and Communication
Rebecca John ’13 MBA
rjohn@augsburg.edu
Director of News and
Media Services
Stephanie Weiss
weisss@augsburg.edu
NOTES FROM PRESIDENT PRIBBENOW
On serendipity in education
I vividly recall the moment in 1977 when a
conversation with a religion professor at Luther
College, my alma mater, offered me a way of
thinking about my vocational journey that has
changed my life. When I admitted my doubts
about following my dad’s path to the ministry, the
professor shared his own journey to divinity school
and the study of theology, the sort of study I had
begun to explore in his class. The rest is history,
as they say. I went on to study ethics and theology
in divinity school and to pursue my own calling
for leadership in higher education.
A moment of serendipity that changed
my life—unexpected, unplanned, and so very
meaningful—made possible by a teaching and
learning community and a teacher that created
the opportunity for such moments.
Such serendipity in education is a hallmark
of the educational experience at Augsburg. I’m
sure you have your own stories of the faculty
or staff member, maybe the fellow student, or
perhaps the community member who offered you
the insight, the experience, the counsel, or the
challenge that shaped your path.
This issue of Augsburg Now reminds us of
the people and experiences that continue to offer
Augsburg students the promise of serendipity in
their education. From award-winning teachers
and researchers like Phil Adamo of the History
Department and Henry Yoon of the Psychology
Department to inspiring guest speakers like
LeVar Burton (yes, the “Star Trek” and “Reading
Rainbow” star) and Dr. Donald Warne (an
American Indian medical doctor challenging
us to pay attention to public health issues on
reservations). From nationally recognized efforts
like our StepUP® program for students recovering
from addiction to the Nobel Peace Prize Forum
that inspires all of us to be peacemakers in
our communities. Serendipity in education
happens for all of us because of these people
and programs, and because of this College’s deep
commitment to such experiences.
One particular moment from last fall stands
out for me. Our groundbreaking River Semester
gave 12 students the educational experience of
a lifetime as they spent the entire semester on
the Mississippi River (see page 16). When I went
to St. Louis to meet with the River Semester
students and faculty halfway through the
semester, I heard tale after tale of serendipitous
experiences along the river. But then one student
took me aside and said that for Associate
Professor Joe Underhill, who organized the class,
this was the trip he had always dreamed about,
given his passion for the river. And, the student
continued, Joe could have done the trip with
his family or friends—surely an easier way to
spend nearly four months on the river? Instead,
the student said, he chose to do it with us, his
students. He chose to do it with his students.
That, my friends, is the “stuff” of serendipity
in education. Teachers who choose to create
the space for serendipity to happen—in the
classroom, in the cafeteria, on the playing
fields or performance stage, even on the Mighty
Mississippi. May it always be so.
Faithfully yours,
Director of Marketing
Communication
Stephen Jendraszak
jendra@augsburg.edu
Communication Copywriter
and Editorial Coordinator
Laura Swanson ’15 MBA
swansonl@augsburg.edu
Creative Associate
Denielle Johnson ’11
johnsod@augsburg.edu
Marketing Copywriter
Christina Haller
haller@augsburg.edu
Production Manager
Mark Chamberlain
chamberm@augsburg.edu
Photographer
Stephen Geffre
geffre@augsburg.edu
Advancement Communication
Specialist
Jen Lowman Day
dayj@augsburg.edu
Contributor
Kate H. Elliott
augsburg.edu
Augsburg Now is published by
Augsburg College
2211 Riverside Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55454
Opinions expressed in Augsburg Now
do not necessarily reflect official
College policy.
ISSN 1058-1545
PAUL C. PRIBBENOW, PRESIDENT
Send address corrections to:
alumniupdate@augsburg.edu.
Email: now@augsburg.edu
AUGSBURG NOW
Spring 2016
02 Around the quad
08
Playing it forward
14
An exploration of faith
16
Navigating uncharted waters
24
Auggies connect
27
Class notes
32
In memoriam
On the cover: Auggies paddle past the Gateway Arch in
St. Louis as part of a semester-long journey following the
Mississippi River from St. Paul to New Orleans. See page 16.
Photo by Whitney Curtis.
Correction: In the Fall 2015 issue of Augsburg Now, the
story “From Riverside Ave. to Riverside, CA” omitted that
Matthew Dunn ’08 was among several recent Augsburg
College graduates to pursue an advanced degree at the
University of California-Riverside.
All photos by Stephen Geffre unless otherwise
indicated.
Augsburg College students walk through Lindell Library—a building that will connect to the future
Norman and Evangeline Hagfors Center for Science, Business, and Religion. Learn more about the
Hagfors Center on page 3.
AROUND
THE
QUAD
IGNITING
PASSION, FINDING
HARMONY
Convocation Series
sparks conversation
2
Augsburg Now
The Augsburg College Convocation Series each year offers the community
a chance to hear from leaders and visionaries who spark important
discussion and educate about the challenges and opportunities of
today’s generation. The first event in 2016 was the Martin Luther King Jr.
Convocation in January, featuring Chuck D, leader and co-founder of the
legendary rap group Public Enemy, and his presentation, “Race, Rap, and
Reality: Supporting Our Youth in the Spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
as They Face the Unique Challenges of Today.”
The Batalden Seminar in Applied Ethics in February
welcomed Dr. Donald Warne—professor and chair of the
Department of Public Health in the College of Health
Professions at North Dakota State University, and senior
policy advisor to the Great Plains Tribal Chairmen’s
Health Board—whose presentation was “Traditional
Lakota Approaches to Health Disparities: Connecting
People and the Environment.”
The Koryne Horbal Lecture in March featured Nekima
Levy-Pounds, attorney, law professor, and president of the
Minneapolis chapter of the NAACP.
Courtesy Photos
Hip-hop pioneer and best-selling author
Chuck D addresses hundreds of attendees at the
2016 Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation.
AROUND THE QUAD
Exterior rendering of the Hagfors Center
E
L
A
S
N
O
TICKETS
CONSTRUCTION STARTS
In May, Augsburg College will begin the construction of its newest and largest
academic building, the Norman and Evangeline Hagfors Center for Science,
Business, and Religion. The interdisciplinary Hagfors Center embodies
Augsburg’s commitment to student learning, urban placemaking, and thoughtful
stewardship.
The building design features classrooms and labs that are configurable to
support experiential learning as well as other teaching and learning formats.
These spaces will be constructed on a modular framework that allows for
flexibility to meet the College’s long-term needs.
The building will anchor the west side of campus and welcome the
College’s neighborhood with an
“open arms” design facing the
adjacent residential community
and embracing the on-campus
community gardens. The
Hagfors Center also will be the
most environmentally friendly
building on campus, seeking a
LEED Silver certification for its
Mock-up offices
sustainable design.
As part of the building planning process, Augsburg constructed life-size
models of two proposed configurations for faculty and staff offices. The office
concepts were on display in Lindell Library so community members could
stop by to check out the look and feel of the spaces. Students (and even
some faculty members) made themselves at home in the offices by taking
time to study, check email, and read, all the while bringing new meaning to
the phrase, “open-door policy.”
Children’s rights advocate to
keynote peace-building event
Augsburg College will host the 28th
annual Nobel Peace Prize Forum
June 6–8, inviting global leaders and
the general public to explore pressing
peacemaking issues faced by people
across the globe.
This year’s forum will
honor and feature
a keynote address
by Kailash Satyarthi,
joint winner of the
2014 Nobel Peace
Prize. For decades,
Satyarthi has been
tireless in his
advocacy for child
rights, education,
and child labor reform in India. While
in Minneapolis, Satyarthi will join other
peace-building experts to explore human
rights and democracy, disarmament,
sustainability, and inclusivity.
Courtesy Photo
THIS SPRING
College moves forward on
new academic building
Get tickets and learn more at
nobelpeaceprizeforum.org.
The first classes will be held in the Hagfors Center in January 2018. Go to
augsburg.edu/hagforscenter to keep track of project developments.
Spring 2016
3
Historyapolis project wins
ALICE SMITH PRIZE
Twin Cities middle schoolers participate in a Somali debate
initiative led by the Minnesota Urban Debate League.
[Top to bottom]: Kirsten Delegard, who serves
as a scholar-in-residence in the Augsburg
College History Department, and Michael
Lansing, associate professor of history, were
presented the Alice Smith Prize for best public
history project completed in the
previous calendar year by the
Midwestern History Association.
The Historyapolis Project
was created when Delegard
realized that the citizens of
her hometown of Minneapolis
craved complex stories about
the city’s past that would help
them understand how it became
the wonderful and intricate
place that it is today.
Augsburg students are deeply involved
with the project, which aims to make the
city’s history accessible and helps instigate
community dialogue around challenging
aspects of local history. Visit historyapolis.com for
more information.
Signature urban debate program
REACHES MILESTONE
Augsburg College’s Minnesota Urban Debate League program provides
services, support, and materials to more than 750 students engaged in
competitive academic debate at 40 high schools and middle schools across
the Twin Cities metro area. This year marked the first time that the state
debate championship featured two teams from the Minnesota Urban Debate
League: St. Paul’s Highland Park and Minneapolis’ Washburn high schools.
Led by Executive Director Amy Cram Helwich and Faculty Adviser Robert
Groven, an Augsburg communication studies professor, the program helps
increase school engagement and connectedness, which boosts young
people’s confidence in their academic abilities. The program’s impact is
shown through a 100 percent on-time high school graduation rate and a
99 percent college acceptance rate for debaters. “No other out-of-school
program accomplishes such significant gains,” according to Groven.
4
Augsburg Now
Photo courtesy of Lisa Lynch
Minnesota Urban Debate League participants
dominate 2016 state championship
The Historyapolis Project invites Augsburg College
students and community members to conduct research
to help interpret the history of Minneapolis. [L to R]:
Citizen-researcher Rita Yeads and Anna Romskog ’15
view city planning photographs from the 1930s in the
Minneapolis City Archives at City Hall.
AROUND THE QUAD
Professor Phillip Adamo peers out of his office in Memorial Hall.
Phillip Adamo named 2015 Minnesota
Augsburg College was named No. 6
on Best Value Schools’ 2015 list
of 20 Best Value Colleges or
Universities in Minnesota.
eetable
Rankings are based on
graduation rate, net
price, acceptance rate,
#AuggieP
and 20-year net return on
investment.
e
rid
Augsburg College’s Phillip Adamo, professor of history and director of the
Honors Program, was named the 2015 Minnesota Professor of the Year by
the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council
for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).
Adamo was recognized for his accomplishment in a proclamation by
Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges who declared November 19, 2015,
“Dr. Phillip C. Adamo Day in the City of Minneapolis.”
Adamo is the second Augsburg College faculty member to be honored by
Carnegie/CASE. In 2004, Professor Emeritus of Sociology Garry Hesser earned
the prestigious award.
Tw
PROFESSOR OF THE YEAR
Augsburg deemed a
‘best value’ college
Spring 2016
5
ON THE SPOT
Henry Yoon examines addiction risk
Augsburg College Associate Professor Henry Yoon oversees the biopsychology major and
leads the Augsburg Biopsychology Lab. One area of his research involves studying disorders
related to the inability to inhibit socially inappropriate or even illegal behaviors such as
the use of illicit substances that can lead to addiction. Yoon uses neurophysiological
techniques including EEG to capture and analyze the brain’s electrical activity to identify
telltale signs of biological or genetic risk for substance dependence.
Yoon works collaboratively with the StepUP® Program, Augsburg’s residential recovery
community, and the University of Minnesota’s Department of Psychology. Ultimately, Yoon’s
research may help refine the biological tools used in the diagnosis of substance addiction.
Q:
A:
What prompted your interest in studying
addiction?
Substance use disorders are both common
and costly—many of us have personal issues
with substance use or know someone who does,
including our family members. Plus, addiction
is often connected to other major psychiatric
disorders in systematic ways. It is important to
understand the core factors underlying addiction
for intervention and treatment purposes.
Q:
One of the brainwaves you focus on—
the P3—has been studied in relation
to childhood disruptive disorders such as
attention deficit hyperactivity disorder,
adolescent substance dependence, and adult
antisocial behaviors. What’s the link among
these areas?
A:
Collectively, these disorders reflect a
tendency toward behavioral disinhibition,
which may be expressed in various ways over
development through childhood, adolescence,
and adulthood. Evidence shows that this
tendency is highly heritable—in other words,
influenced by genes. The P3 brain measure is
significant because it may signify who is at risk
for these disorders. For instance, my colleagues
and I showed that P3 is itself highly heritable
and can be used to predict who will develop
these types of disorders over a 12-year span. So,
we reason that the P3 can serve as a red flag.
6
Augsburg Now
Q:
Despite recognition of the biological and
genetic nature of substance use disorders,
social stigmas persist. Could improved scientific
literacy play a role in reducing these stigmas?
A:
I think a cautionary tale from my field’s
history can help address this question.
In the 1940s-70s, the concept of the
“schizophrenogenic mother” was popular in
the psychiatric literature. This term implied
that mothers who interacted with their children
in a cold, rejecting, and aloof manner caused
schizophrenia in those children. Another
version of this, in relation to autism, was the
“refrigerator mother,” which carried a similar
implication.
Later scientific research rejected these
incorrect and harmful notions and instead
showed that such disorders largely involve
genetic/biological factors. The same trend
can be observed with regard to addiction. For
instance, it is now known that substance use
disorders are influenced by genetic background
to a degree comparable to other complex
medical conditions such as diabetes or coronary
heart disease. Of course environmental factors
are also important, but overall this shows that
combating addiction is not a matter of willpower
or flawed character.
Go to augsburg.edu/now to learn
more about Yoon’s research.
This colorful graph shows a representation of the P3 brainwave activity that Henry Yoon has been investigating in
relation to behavioral disinhibition. Abnormalities in the P3 wave have been shown to correlate with addictive behaviors.
AROUND THE QUAD
StepUP Gala
®
Research, study, and offer
your two cents
breaks fundraising record
In March 2015, Melissa Motl,
circulation coordinator in Augsburg’s
Lindell Library, started posing questions
to students on a whiteboard as a way
to gain more information about how
students use and view the library. She
asked questions like, “What can you
get at the library that you can’t get
anywhere else?” and “What would you
like to see the library do differently?” It
garnered such great feedback that she
decided to continue asking questions
as a fun and interesting way to find out
more about Auggies.
Each year, Augsburg College’s StepUP Program supports dozens of students as
they achieve academic success and sustain lives of recovery from substance
use disorders. Augsburg is home to the largest collegiate recovery community
in the United States, and its work receives generous support from numerous
corporations, foundations, individuals, and families.
The program received a noteworthy boost this year when its philanthropic
gala raised $419,000 from ticket
sales, sponsorships, and individual
gifts—a sum that nearly doubled
the amount raised the previous year.
Former WCCO TV anchor Don Shelby
was the master of ceremonies and
the featured keynote speech was
by Anne Thompson Heller ’08, a
StepUP alumna who has founded
[L to R]: Broadcaster Don Shelby joins
and championed recovery
U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Augsburg
organizations at collegiate,
College President Paul Pribbenow
state, and national levels.
at the StepUP Gala.
Who ever came up
with this question
is EVIL!! You can’t
make me choose! :(
wars
“We have some really
creative and thoughtful
students here at Augsburg,
and I think that’s why we always
get great responses. Some are
thoughtful, and some are silly or witty,”
said Motl.
Who ever came up
this question
“Your lackwithof
is EVIL!! You can’t
make me
choose! :(
faith disturbs
me!”
-Darth Vader
wa
wars
SPIRITSH
Star
Trek
Voyager!
make me choose! :(
wars
both
Who ever came up
with this question
is EVIL!! You can’t
forever!
make me choose! :(
rever!
foELEVATES
Who ever came up
with this question
Who
ever
came so
upfar
One
of Motl’sYou
favorite
questions
is EVIL!!
can’t
with this question
has
been,me
“Star
Wars or:(Star Trek?”
make
choose!
is EVIL!! You can’t
“Your lack of
faith disturbs me!”
-Darth Vader
r
a
t
s
Sports Extravaganza
rssets record,star
Amanda Koltes ’17 MAE works
with Sports Extravaganza participants.
wars
Star
Trek
Voyager!
Who ever came up
with this question
"Yourlack
lackofof
“Your
is EVIL!! You can’
“Your me
lack
faith
" of
faith
disturbs
me!”
ars disturbs
w
make me choose!
faith disturbs me!”
-Darth
Vader
-Darth Vader
-Darth Vader
P
H P
both b
s tarrs swtaarrs
Star Trek
both
Voyager!
wa
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forever!
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fore
both
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“Your
faith
-Darth
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wars H P
forever! forever!
Whoever came up
At the 15th annual Sports Extravaganza, Augsburg College physical
with this question
education and exercise science students used knowledge gained in the
is of
EVIL!! You can’t
“Your
lack
rs
wa
classroom to deliver smiles to a record 307 grade-school and
middle-school
makeme!”
me choose! :(
faith disturbs
children with physical, cognitive, and learning disabilities. For the event,
-Darth Vader
Auggies created activity stations in the Augsburg athletics dome and assisted
children as they played.
The Star Tribune published several Sports Extravaganza photos and described participants’
enthusiasm as “Flying high without leaving the ground.” Visit augsburg.edu/now.
V
Spring 2016
7
PLAYING IT
FORWARD
AUGGIE COACHES CREATE
CYCLE OF GIVING BACK
BY CHRISTINA HALLER
Division III athletics is the sweet spot for
student-athletes—they compete on teams and
nurture deep, meaningful relationships with their
coaches and peers, and at the same time have
the freedom and time to explore other activities
and passions while having a strong focus on
academics. These reasons, among others—the
competition, camaraderie, discipline, and love
of the game—are why more than 500 Augsburg
students participate in varsity and intramural
sports every year.
The welcoming and supportive Augsburg
College Athletics Department has had a profound
impact on many student-athletes, which in
return has sparked a desire in many former
players to give back to youth as leaders, mentors,
and friends. Here is a glimpse into the lasting
influence of Auggie athletics on alumni through
the decades.
8
Augsburg Now
Whitney Restemayer ’10 is the first woman in the state of Minnesota to coach a team to a hockey
state title, the 2015 Minnesota State High School Girls’ Hockey Tournament Class A Championship.
I’ve always enjoyed working with kids,
teaching the game, and mentoring players
off the field. Being a student-athlete
at Augsburg taught me many valuable
lessons and allowed me to strengthen my
leadership skills. Many people from my
athletic upbringing have influenced the
way I teach young men about soccer and
life. I must admit, Auggie soccer coaches
Greg Holker, Jonathan Schaefer, and
Nate Hitch had a profound influence on me
during college.
The most gratifying thing about
coaching is seeing my boys grow into
young men and become contributing
members of the community. I was a kid
who was influenced in so many positive
ways by several people in my athletic path.
For me to have the opportunity to give back
a fraction of my time is the most gratifying
thing in the world.
VAN HONG ’11
Enterprise risk analytics consultant at Deloitte & Touche LLP in Minneapolis; youth soccer coach at Park
Valley United and co-founder of Spam F.C. College Scholarship Foundation in St. Louis Park, Minnesota
SUE (MEIER) ZIEGLER ’80
Physical education and health and
wellness teacher and head volleyball and
track coach at Lincoln Lutheran Middle/
Senior High School in Lincoln, Nebraska
Photos by Matt Ryerson
I was involved with basketball and track
as an Auggie. I would credit the whole
Augsburg Health–Physical Education
Department and coaches for supporting
me—people like longtime athletic
director and men’s basketball coach
Ernie Anderson ’37 were always looking
out for athletes’ best interests. I believe I
received a quality education in a Christian
environment, and feel blessed to be in a
similar situation now. I hope I have had an
impact on helping shape young people’s
lives through education and athletics, too.
Students teach me life lessons every
day. The impact that they have had on my
life has been invaluable—on relationships,
commitment, and learning. I love seeing
where my former students and athletes
go on in the next step of their lives—
from college to starting their families to
excelling in their careers.
Spring 2016
11
Everything I got from sports as a player—
the love of the game, the friendships, the
teamwork, the cohesion—sparked a desire
in me to coach. I started playing sports
at a young age and experienced coaches
who I really clicked with, and I knew that I
wanted to be able to give back to athletes
in the same way. I had a great experience
at Augsburg. Playing two sports, being a
health and physical education major, and
working within the Athletics Department
allowed me to meet many people who had a
great influence on my life.
I have been very lucky to achieve a lot
of success in my short coaching career.
Being able to be a part of something
so great on ice allowed me to also be a
part of something great off the ice. The
relationships that I have developed with
many of the girls I have coached is second
to none.
WHITNEY RESTEMAYER ’10
Physical education teacher at Challenger Elementary School
and assistant girls’ softball coach and head girls’ hockey
coach at Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls, Minnesota
JAMELL TIDWELL ’05
Assistant administrator, athletic
director, and middle school football
and track coach at Valley Middle
School of STEM, and high school
wrestling coach at Apple Valley High
School in Apple Valley, Minnesota
I feel like God put athletics in my
life to keep me out of trouble so that
I could get to where I am today. If I
didn’t have wrestling in my life, there’s
no way I’d currently be working toward
my doctorate. I didn’t have a dad
growing up, so when I was a studentathlete at Augsburg, Auggie wrestling
coaches Jeff Swenson ’79, Sam
Barber, and Donny Wichmann ’89
took me under their wings and taught
me how to be a student, how to be an
athlete, how to be a man, and how to
be successful.
I hope that by being a coach, I
can show kids that, through athletics
and working hard in school, you can
achieve anything. I always tell my
players, you have to be a student first
and an athlete second.
AN
EXPLORATION
OF FAITH
PRESTIGIOUS $467,000
GRANT FOSTERS STUDENTS’
ENGAGEMENT IN YOUTH
THEOLOGY INSTITUTE
BY STEPHANIE WEISS
“J
esus is in the generosity business,”
said Amber Kalina ’15 when she
quoted from Walter Brueggeman’s
theology of abundance at an Augsburg
College chapel service. “That means
being constantly alert to any mismatch
between the generosity of God and the
needs of people.”
Certainly, Augsburg was given a
great and generous gift this winter when
the College was awarded a prestigious
three-year Lilly Endowment Inc. grant
of $467,000 for the Youth Theology
Institute. This residential summer camp
program explores deep and meaningful
questions of faith and vocation through
classes, service work, and reflection.
The competitive grant ensures that this
program will continue the work of helping
young people discern their vocations.
Kalina’s homily was part of a visit
to her home state of Minnesota to
pursue the next step in her vocational
journey: Attending seminary to become
ordained as a minister in the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America.
The journey of this youth and
family ministry graduate, however,
started in the the summer of 2010
14
Augsburg Now
when she was a junior in high school
in Perham, Minnesota. It was then that
she attended Augsburg’s Youth Theology
Institute at the encouragement of her
youth pastor.
“I would grill my youth director
about everything. He had heard about
the Augsburg College Youth Theology
Institute, and he encouraged me to
attend because I just couldn’t stop
asking questions,” Kalina said. “At the
Institute, I was challenged and pushed
to think about and explain what I
actually think about faith.”
DIVERSE EXPERIENCES
IN A DIVERSE ZIP CODE
The 13-year-old Youth Theology
Institute engages young people in
grades 10-12 in deep theological
questions and vocational discernment
through community-based and
classroom learning, worship, reflection,
and solitude. The program, which has
touched more than 200 young people
since its inception, is an example of
how Augsburg College lives out its
vision to educate people for lives of
purpose across disciplines and beyond
the classroom.
“This grant supports Augsburg’s
continued commitment to intentional
diversity and to modeling what it means
to be a Lutheran college of the 21st
century, located in the heart of one of
the nation’s most diverse ZIP codes. It
equips young people with theological
and vocational skills and helps them
learn what it means to practice
their faith, with its commitments to
education, radical hospitality, and
serving your neighbor,” said Augsburg
College President Paul Pribbenow.
LEARN, PRAY, AND
PLAY TOGETHER
Since its inception in 2004, the Youth
Theology Institute—a program of
Augsburg’s Bernhard M. Christensen
Center for Vocation—has explored
themes germane not only to the College,
but also to current events.
Augsburg’s emphasis on
interdisciplinary learning shaped
the 2015 program, which explored
interfaith action, a deeply compelling
topic for participants and the College,
particularly given Augsburg’s setting
in the midst of a neighborhood with a
growing Muslim population.
The Lilly grant will allow the
Augsburg College Youth Theology
Institute to expand upon its history of
success while increasing programmatic
goals, including:
• Development of a cohort of youth
ministers from regional churches,
synods, and multicultural and
ethnic-specific congregations,
interested in enhancing vocational
discernment and theological
reflection among youth.
Photo by Mark Chamberlain
Amber Kalina ’15 serves Abundant Life Together,
a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America. This Alt Year program in Toledo, Ohio,
provides young adults a chance to explore in
community subjects including vocation through
reflection, leadership, relationships, and service.
• Growth in the number of participants
from 20 in 2016 to 40 by
2019 while also strengthening
relationships with attendees, their
families, their pastors, and their
churches.
• The creation of a mentor program
to allow college-age students to
help high school students develop
practices and skills for theological
reflection.
• An increase in connections to the
four synods of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America
that form Augsburg’s governing
structure—Minneapolis, St. Paul,
Southeastern Minnesota, and
Northwest Wisconsin.
• Continuation of scholarships for
Youth Theology Institute alumni to
attend Augsburg College.
“We learn together,
pray together, play together,
explore the city together, and
discern God’s work in our
world together.”
− Jeremy Myers
Youth Theology Institute program director
and associate professor of religion
Participants in the program are
respectfully challenged in every activity
to dig deep into their perspectives and
biases to uncover their beliefs.
“We learn together, pray together,
play together, explore the city together,
and discern God’s work in our world
together,” said Associate Professor
of Religion Jeremy Myers, the Youth
Theology Institute program director.
For her part, Kalina hopes the grant
prompts others like her to find their paths.
“Young people are so eager to learn,”
Kalina said. “But if there is nothing at
home to welcome their questioning or to
guide them, it is difficult. Home church
congregations have to be involved.
Participation from our churches provides
a chance for all of us to show young
people that abundance exists in Christian
community and that abundance is meant
to be shared with everyone.”
Augsburg College will welcome the
2016 class of Youth Theology Institute
students to campus from June 19–24.
Participants from across the country will
explore meaningful questions related to
social and environmental justice, the role
of the congregation in these questions,
and how one can both love and be
frustrated by community.
To learn more, visit augsburg.edu/acyti.
Spring 2016
15
Navigating
uncharted waters
First-ever River Semester pushes
boundaries of experiential learning
By Kate H. Elliott
The River Semester was billed as an experiential learning
opportunity: engage in a full load of political, environmental,
and physical education courses—reinforced by a research
project—while canoeing down the Mississippi River from its
headwaters in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. But for the
12 Augsburg College students, two faculty members, teaching
assistant, and two guides who completed the first-of-its-kind
trek from August to December, it was so much more.
For it was on those waters that the crew learned to
appreciate the quiet, to be curious about the world around
them, and to seek knowledge. They learned to be prepared, to
make friendship a fine art, and most importantly to enjoy the
8
Augsburg Now
moment. And they didn’t just learn about the river so much
as become enamored of it, so much so that many of them feel
unsteady back on solid ground.
The Mississippi became their muse, teacher, personal
trainer, and confidante. They dreamt alongside its calming
waters and paddled through its more turbulent channels.
Soon, its problems became their problems: urban stormwater
runoff, the economic decay of river towns, and invasive flying
carp smacked them—literally—in the face. And so, what
started as an interesting, immersive experience has become a
sobering call to restore and protect one of the United States’
most iconic natural wonders.
Spring 2016
17
Ricky Taylor ’17, a film and graphic design major, captured the crew’s three-month journey and
many of the social, economic, political, and cultural forces gripping the river as he gathered
footage for a feature-length documentary. He plans to premiere “Learning to Listen: Our
Semester on the River” this summer.
“We learned by living, meeting the people, and witnessing the issues that illustrate the
complexities plaguing the river,” Taylor said. “We met Carl, a shrimper who once walked on
land that is now six feet beneath water, and we paddled past sediment that was filling in the
river’s largest lake (Lake Pepin near Red Wing, Minnesota). We read about levees being ‘big bad
wolves’ but then saw them protect families just trying to make their way through life. A portion
of Louisiana is being swallowed up by the ocean, a culture disappearing into the Gulf of Mexico,
largely due to agricultural practices that help feed our nation.
“Somewhere along the way, I slipped out of the boat and into the Big Muddy. Every day I
think about the river—about the paddling, the friends, the food, the learning—longing to be
back there. Mud runs through my veins, and the only word I can find to describe the experience
is ‘love,’ and that’s not a word I take lightly.”
A gripping odyssey
The trip had all the elements of any good adventure story:
There was a steadfast leader, Joe Underhill, who has been engaged in environmental politics
for 30 years and had been dreaming about this trip for almost as long; an epic journey paddling
nearly 700 miles in 24-foot handmade cedar-strip voyager canoes; and a compelling cast of
characters, including the student who’d never camped, the chipper morning person, and a
student about to drop out who found his calling en route. There were unexpected moments,
including an emergency appendectomy outside Mark Twain’s hometown, an open mic night
harmonizing with the locals of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, and a visit to the Michael Brown
memorial in Ferguson, Missouri. And finally, there were lots of emotions—all of them, really.
Underhill knew the trip would be an odyssey in every sense of the word. The professor
of political science, environmental studies, and international relations had been planning
“
Mud runs
through my
veins
—Ricky Taylor ’17
and networking for 15 years to realize the River Semester. He tested the waters in 2001 by
organizing a three-day field trip from St. Cloud, Minnesota, to St. Paul. Five-day and 10-day
excursions followed before he proposed the semester experience in 2012.
“This is where Augsburg stands out from other institutions,” said Underhill, who has
organized interdisciplinary trips throughout the world. “Augsburg values experiential learning,
place-based pedagogy, and innovative approaches so much that it wasn’t a
matter of ‘if’ we can make this happen but ‘how.’ Yes, we had three years
of sorting out logistics, but the College continues to empower and support
faculty to engage in this type of work, and you only have to talk with one
of these students to grasp the impact.”
Once logistics were in place, Underhill’s years of contacts at
organizations such as the National Park Service rushed in to participate—
offering guest lectures, exclusive tours of historic sites, hot meals, and
lodging. Wilderness Inquiry, a Minneapolis-based outfitter that has
partnered with Augsburg for years, provided logistical expertise and
risk management planning as well as guides, food, and equipment. Erik
Ophaug, a Wilderness Inquiry program manager, said the outfitter is proud
to be at the forefront in creative endeavors that increase students’ access
to and connection with the natural world.
“This was the longest expedition we have run, in terms of number of days on the river, in
our 40-year history of supporting educational and expeditionary outdoor adventures,” Ophaug
said. “It was inspiring to watch these students truly soak up and process all of the little
moments that make up the culture, politics, ecosystem, and history of the Mississippi River
watershed.”
Guide Emily Knudson ’15 had paddled with Underhill on a 10-day canoe trip as part of a
River Politics course her senior year. When she learned the semester-long excursion wouldn’t
materialize until after she would graduate, the determined triple major in environmental
studies, English literature, and Spanish secured a job with Wilderness Inquiry in hopes of
gaining a staff position on the trip, which she did. Charged with almost every logistical task,
from planning mileage and booking campsites to grocery shopping and monitoring weather
conditions, Knudson also served as a supplemental instructor and intern for Augsburg. She
led study sessions and presented lectures in their outdoor classrooms (or the nearest city’s
laundromat or public library in bad weather).
“Educational experiences like this are important because they make you think so much
more deeply about the course content. Instead of memorizing facts about the lock and dam
system for a test, we were paddling through the pools the dams created, hearing stories from
locals, and camping on the islands built to replace those flooded out decades earlier. In a
couple years, I will forget almost everything I memorized, but I will never forget my learning in
action,” said Knudson.
Guitar
Headlamp
Rain gear
French press
Rubber boots
Visit augsburg.edu/now to learn
which items the River Semester
crew couldn’t live without.
Self-discovery on the riverbanks
Glen Gardner ’17 was considering taking a year off from school when he saw the River Semester
publicized in the cafeteria. He signed up, and somewhere along the pilgrimage, the Montana
native realized he wants to teach art. Gardner is back at Augsburg this semester, majoring in
studio art and art education.
“Having the time to unplug and reflect about my life helped me realize my passion for art
education. I have always been interested in the arts, but I hadn’t really thought about teaching
until I discovered that I loved spreading the feelings I find in art to other people as much as I
enjoy making art,” Gardner said. “I want to extend my knowledge and passion beyond myself
and use art to promote living in a way that is not wasteful to the world.”
Spring 2016
19
Hearing this, Underhill is proud. Provoking self-exploration
was not his motivation for organizing the trip, but the sense of
vocation students found down river is certainly the journey’s
most fulfilling outcome. Admittedly, he took a leap of faith
selecting the crew. He didn’t pick a team of students with
similar interests, backgrounds, maturity levels, and outdoor
experience. He picked a team that reflects Augsburg’s
commitment to nurturing a diverse community of resilient,
driven, and faith-filled citizens. As you can imagine, the initial
weeks included some whining and a few cold stares, but before
long, this dynamic group evolved into a harmonious tribe.
Forging lasting bonds
Taylor was nervous about the trip, not because of the physical
demands or the elements (he was an Eagle Scout and grew
up a “river kid” in north-central Wisconsin). As the crew’s
videographer and documentarian, Taylor was most concerned
about getting his new Nikon, Sony video camera, and
two GoPros wet. But even more so, he was terrified of the
quiet—for those moments when people would start sharing
information about their lives. He was finishing up his second
semester at Augsburg in the College’s StepUP® Program, the
nation’s largest residential collegiate recovery community.
Now sober for two years, Taylor said he burned bridges
between himself and others before he entered recovery.
“My peers on the River Semester were some of my first
friends in a long time. It was truly a fresh start,” he said.
“On the trip, I heard things that were strange to my ears:
‘Ricky, you’re a good person,’ ‘You’re kind,’ and ‘I’m amazed
by you.’ I always looked around, thinking, ‘Are you sure you’re
talking to me?’ It was the first time in years that I felt good,
felt worth, and felt confidence. People trusting and caring for
me is more precious to me than anything, and I developed
everlasting bonds with this crew.”
Brian Arvold ’80 witnessed that closeness when he
welcomed home his daughter, Hannah, who was one of
the first two students to sign up for the trip. When the
crew stepped off the train at a welcome home rally in midDecember, Arvold said, the students ran into their families’
arms, and then they all ran back—to each other.
8
Augsburg Now
“It was touching for all of us to see,” said Arvold, who
was waving a canoe paddle painted with “River Semester” as
the train slowed to a halt. “You may want a lot for your child,
but lifelong friendships are at the top of the list. Knowing that
these students will be there for each other through life’s ups
and downs is comforting.
“We’d talk to Hannah along the trip, and we could hear
her growing more socially and culturally aware, but we also
detected a real sense of confidence. Paddling that entire river
empowered our daughter as she was placed in settings where
she had to stand up for herself, push through, and create
solutions. Augsburg is truly on the forefront—a small college
doing great things. It’s neat to see them embrace learning
without four walls.”
Wading through analysis, navigating partnerships
Hannah Arvold ’18 was able to channel her professional
pursuits into a research project focused on nutrition and the
environmental impacts of farming. On the first leg of their
trip, she calculated the caloric intake and expenditure of her
peers, noting which foods provided the best sources of energy.
Near the end of their voyage, she recorded the agriculture
industry’s negative impacts on the river, including gasoline
and pesticides seeping into groundwater. “Caring about the
health of your body,” Arvold said, “is just as important as the
health of the land it is grown on.
“I created an ‘I the Mississippi’ bumper sticker and
gave it out to people along our trip for freewill donations,”
Arvold said. “We donated $500 of the money raised to
purchase science equipment for the International School of
Louisiana where we presented many of our research findings
to more than 160 fourth- and sixth-graders.”
Each student conducted a research project, and many
of them involved collaborations with external partners
throughout the United States. Noah Cameron ’17 worked with
Minnesota artist Monica Haller, known for the “Veterans Book
Project,” which captures interviews and data from dozens
of soldiers, refugees, and journalists affected by wars in
Iraq and Afghanistan. Cameron used a hydrophone to record
underwater noises while on the river and then paired them
with social and cultural recordings, which he plans to use for
future collaborations with Haller.
“It seems that intense, mindful listening is a difficult task
nowadays, and some people have no reason to listen. I was
given a reason, and I learned much about the nature of sound,
silence, noise, and listening,” the political science major said.
“My project acknowledges that the river has something to say,
which it certainly does. One thing the river told me was that
it is polarized; its waters are either filled with the sounds of
mechanical engineering or with quiet ecological or hydrologic
characteristics.
“Similarly to how I thoughtfully listen to the systems of
the river, I realized that we—as a society—should thoughtfully
listen, which is not the same as agreeing, to our government
and each other. I viewed the river like our government—this
massive, daunting entity that we seem to have little effect
on. However, as we moved down that river and as we took
classes about both the nature of the river and the nature of
democracy, we learned that we do affect that river, and we do
affect our government.”
Blair Stewig ’18 connected with the river on a molecular
level, studying how the concentrations of various chemicals
influence ecosystems. Throughout the trip, she collected water
quality data like that of the National Park Service’s “State of
the River Report.” She also collaborated with Reuben Heine,
a geology professor at Augustana College in Rock Island,
Illinois, to gather sonar data about subaqueous dunes, or
sediment bed forms at the bottom of the river.
“My main focus was on the accumulation of nitrates
in the Mississippi and its effect on the Gulf of Mexico. The
molecule, commonly found in fertilizers, seeps into the
river system from agricultural and urban runoff, feedlots,
sewage treatment plants, and more. This excess results in a
‘Dead Zone’ in the Northern Gulf of Mexico each late spring
and summer,” said Stewig, who is majoring in biology and
chemistry. “What does that mean? An influx of nutrients
results in an algae bloom. When these algae die, they sink
to the bottom of the ocean, where they are consumed by
bacteria, which depletes the area of oxygen. Some marine
life sense the lack of oxygen and leave, but others die as a
result. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration, the Dead Zone costs the U.S. seafood and
tourism industry $82 million per year.”
Lark Weller, who collaborated with Stewig on behalf of
the National Park Service, said Stewig’s data will inform
brochures and fact sheets about excess nitrates in a river
system that provides water for upwards of 15 million people.
The research these students conducted is compelling, Weller
said, but their connection to the river is even more impressive.
“I suppose it’s possible to complete a college degree
without really ever understanding the broader context of the
world around you—but not for River Semester students. It
is clear the experience dramatically changed the lives of
every single student who accepted the challenge. They have
returned with a new and expansive sense of self, place, and
world,” said Weller.
Memories keep rollin’ along
The next leg of this journey: The documentary. Taylor
produced several short videos chronicling the trip, which are
at augsburg.edu/river, and he’s looking forward to sharing the
experience through his forthcoming feature-length film. For
now, the River Semester crew continues to process the issues
they know and to reflect upon their moments together: rows
of sleeping bags dotting the shore as they looked up at an
ebony sky studded with millions of heavenly diamonds; waking
at 3 a.m. to paddle from darkness to dawn; and swaying in
hammocks tied to the tall willow trees of remote river islands.
So, if you see members of this motley crew sleeping
outside, don’t judge. They’re just longing to be back on
the water, where they grew stronger and a bit wiser, having
realized that the issues gripping the Mississippi River are
as sophisticated as its ecosystems. That enlightenment has
influenced the way they now see the world, with varying
shades of compromise and understanding. They reenter their
lives with renewed purpose, fueled by an empowering sense
of community, the ability to adapt, and the ache for life’s next
adventure.
“
It feels good to say, ‘I know the Mississippi.’
But, of course, you don’t—what you know better
is yourself and the Mississippi has helped.
—River Semester student journal entry
From trickling headwaters to the
WIDE AND MIGHTY OCEAN
River Semester participants share memorable events along the river
Beginning in 2003, Augsburg College Associate Professor Joe Underhill began incorporating short Mississippi River
trips—three-, five-, and 10-day excursions—into his environmental politics curriculum. He first presented the idea
of a semester-long trip to College leadership in 2012, and then three years of logistical discussions and planning
followed. This past fall, Underhill and biology instructor Thorpe Halloran shoved off from St. Paul with 12 students, two
guides, and a teaching assistant. Here are a few highlights from their journey.
AUG. 28-30: Held an orientation at
the Mississippi River headwaters to
introduce courses, review canoeing and
water safety basics, and discuss topics
such as American Indians’ perspectives
on the environment and sustainability.
1
SEPT. 1: Chris Coleman, mayor of
St. Paul, joined nearly 100 Auggies,
family members, and high school students
at the launch of the nation’s first-ever
River Semester. Dozens of attendees
paddled in a flotilla of 24-foot voyageur
canoes to South St. Paul.
2
SEPT. 5-7: Studied the water
quality and impact of farming,
including increased sediment load on the
river. Sampled water alongside fisheries
biologists with the Minnesota Department
of Natural Resources.
3
“Without a current and with a brutal head wind,
paddling Lake Pepin was probably one of our
most challenging days.” —Lily Moloney ’15
SEPT. 12-17: Joined faculty and
students from Winona State
University for stream ecology labs and
discussion on the impact of the lock and
dam system.
4
OCT. 3: A rough paddle through the
pool above Lock and Dam No. 13,
one of the widest pools on the upper river.
The crew struggled through fierce winds
to avoid submerged tree stumps left over
5
from before the dam was built. One of the
canoes sustained a bad crack, which the
crew repaired at camp.
OCT. 7-10: Met with local farmers
and a nonprofit environmental
group that organizes river cleanups, tree
plantings, and other conservation efforts.
The crew also engaged a field lab with
Reuben Heine, geography professor at
Augustana College in Illinois.
6
OCT. 20-21: When the crew
paddled into author Mark Twain’s
hometown, Izzie Smith ’18 began to suffer
from stomach pain. By midnight, she had
been diagnosed with appendicitis, and
the next morning she had surgery. Two
weeks later, Smith rejoined the group in
Memphis. Even with all the excitement,
the team still engaged in a lively
discussion about Huck Finn and literary
figures born along the Mississippi.
7
OCT. 29: The last morning of their
journey on the upper river, the crew
woke up at 3 a.m. to paddle for a few
hours in the dark to catch the sun rise
over the river. They ended their sunrise
paddle on the Mississippi’s banks north
of St. Louis, from which vans shuttled
the crew past the Chain of Rocks, an
exposure of bedrock in the Cuivre River.
8
9
NOV. 2: As part of Underhill’s
course, Democracy in the American
Heartland, students traveled to the
Michael Brown Memorial—the site of the
August 2014 shooting death of a black
teenager by a white policeman, which
prompted national commentary on racial
discrimination and gun control. President
Paul Pribbenow joined the group for a
tour through the city and discussions with
residents.
“Standing at that memorial in the middle of
the road was a deeply unsettling experience—
there was no way it could or should have been
otherwise.” —President Paul Pribbenow
NOV. 16: The team paddled past
expansive sandbars and islands
full of wildlife at the confluence of the
Mississippi and Arkansas rivers. Waters in
this area can rise and fall as much as 70
feet and swirl around canoes.
10
NOV. 26: Thanksgiving in New
Orleans: The crew enjoyed an
abundance of fried turkey and comforting
side dishes at their hostel as they visited
with fellow travelers from more than a
dozen countries.
11
12
DEC. 11: Travel by train to Chicago.
“The train back to Chicago was spent
doing a lot of work on our finals, but it was also
a time to reflect on everything we experienced
on the trip.” —Blair Stewig ’18
1
ITASCA STATE
PARK, MN
HARRIET ISLAND, ST. PAUL
2
LAKE PEPIN
3
4
WINONA, MN
CLINTON, IA
HANNIBAL, MO
5
6
CHICAGO, IL
12
QUAD CITIES
7
LOUISIANA, MO
8
FERGUSON, MO
9
10
CHOCTAW ISLAND, TN
DEC. 14-15 The crew traveled by train from Chicago
to the Twin Cities and joined in a “good-bye” hug
upon arrival at Union Depot in St. Paul.
As part of the River Semester welcome back celebration,
Augsburg graphic design and typography students created an
interactive gallery exhibit chronicling the voyage. Learn more
at augsburg.edu/now.
NEW ORLEANS, LA
11
Spring 2016
23
AUGGIES CONNECT
FROM THE ALUMNI BOARD PRESIDENT
Dear alumni and friends,
JILL WATSON ’10 MBA, ALUMNI BOARD PRESIDENT
24
Augsburg Now
Courtesy Photo
T
oday’s Augsburg College students seek to make
a difference, and it’s been a privilege to interact
with them as they gather to meet alumni, discuss
vocation, and pick up targeted professional advice at
recent events. Last fall, the Clair and Gladys Strommen
Center for Meaningful Work hosted a Career and
Internship Fair and welcomed young Auggies who sought
to make connections with employers and internship hosts.
Shortly after the event, nearly two dozen Augsburg alumni returned to
campus to join panel discussions about their academic and career stories across
a range of disciplines and professions. These events were part of a five-week
major and career exploration series that provided nearly 175 students the
opportunity to explore a wide variety of degrees and occupations. This series was
made successful thanks, in part, to the Augsburg College alumni who served as
panelists. Thank you to all Auggies who shared your vocation and insight with
students!
Most recently, I was humbled by the talent, drive, and thoughtfulness I saw
all around me at the annual Alumni-Student Networking event in February, where
hundreds of alumni mingled with current students and faculty, received free
professional profile photos, and listened as alumni addressed the importance
of informational interviewing, mentoring, and using social media to connect.
Regardless of where we are in our professional lives, I think we all have something
to offer to or gain from such events.
Events like these make me proud to be an Auggie. If you shared your
experiences with students in the past year, you helped to inspire Auggie pride.
Whether you’re connecting with students, networking with graduates of all
class years, contributing to The Augsburg Fund
View videos that illustrate the
to support College initiatives, or planning a
impact of student internships
gift to fund an endowed scholarship, we are so
at augsburg.edu/now.
grateful.
As Augsburg moves into the future, alumni can help the College live out its
vision—to educate students for lives of purpose—across the disciplines, beyond
the classroom, and around the world.
You can engage your employer in identifying Auggies as candidates for
employment, internships, or mentorships by posting opportunities at your
company on the AugPost job board found at augsburg.edu/alumni.
I joined the alumni board because I wanted to see Auggies help other
Auggies and make a difference. Each time I attend an Augsburg event, I learn
more about what current students are up to, and I want to do everything I can to
help them succeed. Won’t you join me?
UNIQUELY AUGSBURG
TRAVEL IN THAILAND AND CAMBODIA
JANUARY 3-15, 2017
In January, English Professor Kathy
Swanson and her husband, Jack,
will lead an educational trip through
Thailand and Cambodia. After arriving
in Bangkok, travelers will tour the Grand
Palace, visit the temple at Wat Po (the
Reclining Buddha), shop for tropical
produce, and sample local cuisine
cooked on boats at a floating market.
From there they will continue to Chiang
Mai to ride elephants, perfect their
culinary skills with a cooking class, and
volunteer at an orphanage. The trip will
conclude in Siem Reap, Cambodia,
at Angkor Wat, the largest religious
monument in the world.
This thought-provoking tour has
been customized specifically for
Augsburg alumni, parents, and friends,
and there’s still time to learn more and
participate. Contact Katie Koch ’01,
director of Auggie Engagement, at
kochk@augsburg.edu or 612-330-1178
if you are interested in learning more
about Augsburg’s travel opportunities.
To learn more, go to
augsburg.edu/alumni/travel.
AUGGIES CONNECT
ALUMNA COMBINES
CREATIVITY AND CHEMISTRY
through career at 3M
Capstone dinner celebrates
SUCCESSFUL BUILDING CAMPAIGN
This winter, as part of the annual Advent Vespers festivities, Augsburg
College held a dinner to celebrate the successful completion of the
largest capital campaign in the institution’s history and to recognize
the generosity of all who made the Campaign for the Norman and
Evangeline Hagfors Center for Science, Business, and Religion
possible. More than 200 donors attended, including members of the
Board of Regents and many alumni supporters.
President Paul Pribbenow offered his sincere thanks to Norman
and Evangeline Hagfors and all donors to the new building. Chair of
the Board of Regents Dr. Paul Mueller ’84 shared his gratitude and
recognized the incredible leadership and commitment of Mike Good ’71
[pictured above], who served as national chair for the campaign that
exceeded its $50 million goal.
After becoming
involved with the 3M
STEP program as a
high school student,
Audrey Sherman ’97
[pictured] became
an inventor at age
20. Now a scientist
with 3M, Sherman is
credited with nearly
80 patents, some
created with other Augsburg alumni working at
the Minnesota-based company.
Sherman’s most recent patent is for a
versatile material with the potential to improve
cosmetics, insulation wrapping, and electronics.
Two of her favorite patents involve using
pressure-sensitive adhesives to transport light
and making a solvent-free duct tape. She also
helped discover a new solution for restickable
diaper tape. Sherman feels that her Augsburg
minor in art has been an important factor in
pursuing her inventions, enabling her to blend
creativity with her skills in chemistry. Today
she mentors St. Paul high school students
interested in science and gives talks to juniorhigh and middle-school students about careers
in science and technology.
Share your ideas for
AUGSBURG’S 150TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
SESQUICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
years
Augsburg alumni, parents, friends, faculty, and staff are invited to help celebrate
the College’s 150th anniversary in 2019. What aspect of your Augsburg
history would you like to celebrate during the sesquicentennial year? Were you
connected to a team, a club, or a department that made a difference? Would
you like to see a reunion for your favorite activity—whether it was the Echo
newspaper staff, a sport, Lutheran Youth Encounter, the Augsburg Choir, or
theater? How best would you like to honor Augsburg’s past, present, and future?
Visit augsburg.edu/150 to submit your ideas and find monthly updates on
planning already underway for the sesquicentennial celebration.
Spring 2016
25
AUGGIES CONNECT
ALUMNI ASSIST
STUDENTS
on their path to
physician assistant
career
[L to R]: Augsburg College alumnus
Tom Towle ’14 MPA leads thenstudents Scott Harder ’15 MPA and
Christina Pekoske ’15 MPA through
the steps of starting an IV.
32
26
Augsburg Now
I
n the classroom and in the field, Augsburg
College alumni help today’s physician assistant
students gain a glimpse into the professional
world they’re preparing to enter. Through clinical
work and course instruction, alumni share their
experience in a high-demand field.
Augsburg’s Master of Science in Physician
Assistant Studies program was the first of its kind
in Minnesota and admitted its inaugural class in
1995. The full-time graduate program educates
generalist physician assistants oriented toward
service to underserved populations in rural and
urban settings.
The physician assistant (PA) concept has
evolved over time but continues to increase in
relevance. In alignment with health care industry
demand, the PA’s role continues to expand.
The Augsburg PA program’s long history
in Minnesota is advantageous, according to
Jenny Kluznik ’13 MPA, assistant professor of
physician assistant studies. PA students spend
approximately half of their graduate program in
a didactic—or classroom—phase. The latter half
of the program is spent in the community where
students complete clinical rotations that change
every five weeks. Augsburg’s PA alumni serve
as educators and lecturers for a course series in
clinical medicine and also serve as hosts for the
hands-on field work.
Meredith Wold ’07 MPA is a guest lecturer
for the program and an adjunct faculty member.
She works as a hospitalist PA with an internal
medicine team at Regions Hospital in St. Paul.
As an undergraduate, Wold was focused almost
exclusively on medical school, but during her final
year in college she was struck by the teamwork she
witnessed between a doctor and a PA in surgery.
Now, after nearly a decade in her profession,
Wold values the team-based work of taking care
of hospitalized patients.
She weaves clinical episodes from her career
into her lectures, which serve to remind students
of the whole patient—not just the upcoming exam.
Melissa Oeding ’10 MPA, another guest
lecturer, agrees.
“As a recent graduate, I can relate to the
student experience, understand how students learn,
and provide real-world insight and advice regarding
what to expect as a practicing PA,” said Oeding,
who works at Minneapolis’ Hennepin County
Medical Center.
She’s stimulated by the chance to sit on the
other side of the lectern.
“It renews an excitement for my work and
career and reminds me just why I started out in the
program,” she said. “I feel extraordinarily blessed to
have been trained and trained well at Augsburg.”
Guest lecturer Olga Trouskova ’13 MPA sought
out Augsburg’s PA program in part because of its
emphasis on serving the underserved.
“I went into medicine to provide answers and
to heal,” Trouskova said. “Now I understand that
great medicine cannot happen without building
relationships and trust with my patients.”
She also is a hospitalist PA at Regions and,
during her weeks off, serves as a family practice
PA at Westside Community Health Services/La
Clinica, a community clinic.
Trouskova makes a point of including real
patient stories in her presentations to remind
students that PAs treat patients, not diseases.
For students, there’s no match for hearing these
types of lessons from alumni, according to Wold.
“It shows a level of alumni commitment
toward the program and the next generation
of Augsburg PAs,” she said. “Early on after
graduation I felt a duty, a professional
responsibility really, to give that back.”
And teaching is its own kind of gift,
according to Trouskova.
“By teaching others, I have learned as well,”
she said.
ALUMNI CLASS NOTES
1960
Lowell “Zeke”
Ziemann ’60 continues
to write. His newest book,
“Gunslingers and Baseball,” is
a collection of Western historical
fiction, essays, and baseball
stories. It is available on Amazon.
1965
From his time at
Augsburg, Allen
Anderson ’65 fondly remembers his
music professor Leland Sateren ’35,
the Burgundy Singers, dorm life,
and choir tours. Today, Anderson is
still involved with choral music and
enjoys golf, woodworking, activities
in his community and at his church,
travel, and participation in Lutheran
Men in Mission. He and wife, Joyce,
have two children who graduated
from Augsburg. They travel to New
Zealand on occasion to visit their
son and his family.
Gary Blosberg ’65 says that his
current position is “reclined.”
He is retired after 26 years
as a finance manager at
General Electric and 23 years
in the U.S. Navy. He thanks
chemistry professor Courtland
Agre for sharing his wisdom
when he said: “You don’t need
to know everything; you just
need to know where to find the
answers.” Blosberg still sings
with the Centennial Singers, the
Masterworks Chorale, and other
groups. He is proud to be a father
and grandfather.
Connie (Ekeren) Cameron ’65
teaches at Honors Mentor
Connection, is on the Fringe
Festival Board, sings in the
St. Joan of Arc Choir, and is
involved in politics, travel, and
the League of Women Voters. Her
fondest memories of Augsburg
include the Kappa House girls,
professor Anne Pederson’s literature
wonderful teachers and role
models. Among Dietrich’s most
treasured Augsburg memories
are the excellent convocation
speakers and the great
friendships she made. Today, she
and husband, Franklin, enjoy
their grandsons, their involvement
at Central Lutheran Church, and
traveling. She also volunteers with
literature; and professor of history
Carl Chrislock ’37 for his effective
use of anecdote to enliven history.
Dyrud spends his time reading,
golfing, and traveling. He and
wife, Marilyn, have three children
who are all involved with theater,
and they enjoy seeing their
children’s work.
In October, Janis “Matty” Mathison ’69 was honored by the American
Planning Association’s Wisconsin Chapter as its Citizen of the Year for
her leadership in working with local residents and planners to promote
healthy living and active lifestyles in eastern Wisconsin’s Shawano
County. Last year was the third year of Bike the Barn Quilts, an area
bike tour that she spearheaded.
From the NOW@Augsburg blog.
Visit augsburg.edu/alumni/blog to read more.
classes, and her roommate of four
years Carol (Welch) Langness ’65.
Cameron thanks the team behind
the Christmas smorgasbords;
Ailene Cole, speech professor;
Orvald Haugsby, math professor;
Leland Sateren ’35, music
department head; and Phil
Quanbeck Sr. ’50. She and
husband, Bill, have three sons and
one grandchild.
Eunice (Bergman) Dietrich ’65
thanks home economics faculty
Ruth Segolson, Ruth Sonsteng,
and Katherine Peterson for being
daughter, Kari, at Dakota City,
the 1900s village in Farmington,
Minnesota. The Dietrichs also
have a son, Hans.
The faculty members who most
influenced David Dyrud ’65 as a
student were philosophy professor
Paul Sonnack ’42 for his intensity;
New Testament Greek and Latin
professor Mario Colacci for
his flamboyance; professor of
English Gerald Thorson ’43 for his
Hush Puppies (Dyrud’s favorite
shoes); professor of English Anne
Pederson, for her affection for
Mark Gjerde ’65 retired in 2004
from 3M. He enjoys traveling
with wife, Jan (Lunas) Gjerde ’68,
and spending time with their
grandchildren at a lake home. He
remembers Gerald “Jerry” Pryd ’66
and Paul Dahlen ’66, his friends
who died in a plane crash while
they were Augsburg students.
Gjerde was influenced by professor
of math George Soberg ’26 and
professor of philosophy Paul
Sonnack ’42. The Gjerdes lived in
Brussels from 1995-97 while Mark
worked for 3M. They have two sons
and four grandchildren.
AUGGIE SNAPSHOTS
1960
This group of
alumni were friends
during college but had little
contact since graduating. They
were reunited at the 2015
Homecoming celebration and
barely scratched the surface
in terms of catching up. Now
retired, the five Auggies plan to
get together again soon.
[L to R]: The men and their previous careers: Arden Flaten ’60 (science teacher),
Myron Carlson ’60 (pastor), Don Gilberg ’60 (band teacher, piano tuner), Iver
Christopherson ’60 (high school principal), and Neuman Berger ’60 (attorney).
1974
The National Tile Contractors
Association recently honored Janet
(Durkee) Hohn ’74 with its Tile Person of the
Year award. Hohn was the third woman to
receive this honor in the six decades it has
been presented. For more than 20 years,
Hohn has operated a one-person, high-end
residential tile and stone installation company.
She has served as president of the Twin
Cities Local Tile Contractors Association, as
a board member and technical methods and
standards committee member for NTCA, and most recently as chairperson
of the NTCA training and education committee.
Spring
2014
2016
Fall 2014
17
27
37
ALUMNI CLASS NOTES
One Augsburg College memory treasured by
Glenn Hamberg ’65 is the teaching style and
effectiveness of W. LaMarr Kopp in German
class. Other faculty members who influenced
Hamberg as a student were Mario Colacci from
the department of New Testament Greek and
Latin, Courtland Agre from chemistry, Gerald
Thorson ’43 from English, and Paul Sonnack ’42.
Hamberg’s present interests include crossword
puzzles, computers, movies, Jeopardy,
volunteering, travel, and spending time with
his grandchildren and wife, Sandra (Edstrom)
Hamberg ’66.
Jerry Hamlin ’65 works part time. He likes to
volunteer and to travel in his free time. He
treasures his memories of Augsburg basketball
games, the convocation with Nobel Prize winner
Linus Pauling, and feeling like every day was a
good day. He was most influenced by Donald
Gustafson and Carl Chrislock ’37 in history, and
Sheldon Fardig in education. Hamlin and wife,
Jari, have four children and 10 grandchildren.
James Harbo ’65 has a full-time dental
practice in New York. He enjoys visiting his
two grandchildren in Pennsylvania, doing
church work, reading theology, participating
in a book club, and aging well! He fondly
remembers his dorm friendships, baseball,
Augsburg Choir concerts, and soaking up the
culture of Minneapolis. The past 50 years have
heightened his appreciation of his years at
Augsburg where, he says, there was “much
goodness and inspiration.” Harbo and wife,
Amy, have three children.
Today you can find Peter Jacobson ’65
woodworking, volunteering, or traveling. He
and wife, Lynne, have two children and two
grandchildren. His fondest memories of
Augsburg include dorm life all four years,
Augsburg basketball, being a resident assistant,
and spending afternoons in the physics lab.
He was most influenced by physics professor
Theodore “Ted” Hanwick.
28
Julie (Gudmestad) Laudicina ’65 and husband,
Joe, love to travel and recently celebrated their
30th wedding anniversary with a cruise on
the Danube River. She also enjoys gardening,
reading, leading a book club, and living in
New York City. She has been a civil wedding
officiant for 10 years and has married more
than 300 couples from around the world. Some
For 12 years, David Raether ’78 wrote for TV comedy
sitcoms, including “Roseanne.” After building his career,
he took a break to focus on his family and found the job
market had changed completely when he attempted to
return to the field. After struggling and becoming homeless,
he says, he discovered that he was far more resourceful
and resilient than he had ever dreamed. Raether delivered
a TEDxAmherst talk and wrote a book about his experiences
titled, “Tell Me Something, She Said.”
From the NOW@Augsburg blog.
Visit augsburg.edu/alumni/blog to read more.
of her memories of Augsburg include listening
to choir practice, freezing at football games,
enjoying her many friends, and participating
in student government and chapel. She
was most influenced by faculty members
Phil Quanbeck Sr. ’50, professor of religion;
Anne Pederson, professor of English; and
Philip Thompson, professor of art. She also
remembers Dean of Students Glen Johnson
and Dean of Women Fern Martinson. Laudicina
would most like to thank her parents, both
Augsburg alumni, for encouraging her to live
and learn with a strong set of values.
Sharon (Dittbenner) Klabunde ’65 plays in a
mountain dulcimer band, and loves to travel
and garden. She remembers chapel time from
her days at Augsburg and also living in a house
as a freshman where, she says, there were
three women to a room who shared one dinky
closet. She enjoyed working in the cafeteria.
Bette (Bodin) Leeney ’65 and husband, Jack,
love their home in Florida. They have a pool
and use it a lot. She likes to garden and to
welcome the family, mostly in the winter! Her
treasured memories of Augsburg focus on the
good values she learned and kept with her. She
remembers the assassination of President John
F. Kennedy and how difficult that was. She
admired Dean of Students Peter Armacost, who
supported her when her father passed away.
Her psychology and social work professors
inspired her to get her master’s degree in
social work. She and Marie (Bergh) Sandbo ’65
met freshman year and have remained friends
for 50 years. They share the same birthday.
Carol (Welch) Langness ’65 and husband, Gary,
spend every January to April in the East African
city of Iringa, Tanzania, along with their synod
partners in the Iringa Diocese. They have two
children and three grandchildren.
As a student, John Luoma ’65 was influenced
by Mario Colacci, professor of classical
languages; Carl Chrislock ’37, professor of
history; and William “Bill” Halverson ’51,
professor of religion. He treasures memories
Augsburg Now
of chapel, serving as student body president,
and Augsburg’s emphasis on vocation, service,
and faith active in love. Luoma is a minister of
education at Hope Lutheran, The Villages. He is
a Via de Cristo coordinator, a Diaconate teacher,
and likes to travel and bowl. He and wife, Gracia
(Nydahl) Luoma ’66, have two sons. Their oldest
son, Aaron, passed away in January 2015.
LeRoy Martinson ’65 retired in June 1998 after 33
years of teaching math and coaching skiing. Now
he stays active with tennis, volleyball, and five
grandchildren. He lives with wife, Micki, in Cross
Lake, Minnesota. His memories of Augsburg are
of his math teachers, his coaches, and student
teaching with Ms. Anderson. He was influenced
by professor of math George Soberg ’26,
professor of physical education Howard “Howie”
Pearson ’53, and Coach Edor Nelson ’38.
Martinson is a member of the Minnesota State
High School Coaches Hall of Fame.
Dan and Mary (Tildahl) Meyers ’65 met during
their freshman year at Augsburg. The couple
celebrated their 50th anniversary, Dan has
worked for AdvisorNet Financial for 50 years,
and it’s been 50 years since he graduated from
Augsburg. Dan remembers playing basketball
and baseball, and he was influenced most
by Ernie Anderson ’37 and Edor Nelson ’38.
He would thank Milt Kleven ’46, if he could,
for funding his scholarship. Dan keeps busy
with work, golf, reading, and basketball. Mary
enjoys walking, reading, caring for a grandson,
and traveling. She treasures the friendships
she made at Augsburg and meeting Dan
there. Carl Chrislock ’37 and her world history
class helped her realize she wasn’t a history
major. Mary says that Augsburg has been an
influence in their lives for 50 years. Whether
they return for athletic games, homecoming
or concerts, it always feels like coming home.
The Meyers have two children and three
grandchildren.
Larry Nelson ’65 thanks Theodore
“Ted” Hanwick, of the Physics
Department, for his challenging
and thorough classes. Nelson’s
Augsburg education provided a solid
foundation for his career in science
education. He enjoyed teaching
various areas of biology, in addition
to wilderness-based experiential
education. His fondest Augsburg
memories are of morning chapel,
convocations, studying in the library,
concerts, sporting events, and social
activities. Nelson says Augsburg
also prepared him for continued
spiritual growth. Today, he likes to
travel, read, garden, volunteer, do
house maintenance, and spend
time with his family. He and wife,
Marilyn, have two daughters and five
grandchildren.
Becky (Walhood) Nielsen ’65
remembers her good friends from
Miriam House. She and husband,
Steve Nielsen ’64, have three
daughters, 10 grandchildren,
and a great-grandchild. Their
granddaughter, Morgan Kenny ’17,
attends Augsburg.
Lois Peterson ’65 would thank Mimi
Kingsley, professor of Spanish,
for telling her that she had “a gift
for language.” Peterson is fluent
in Spanish, and she visited Mimi
in Chile prior to her death. Today,
Peterson enjoys traveling and
has been to Costa Rica, Mexico,
Norway, and Spain. She remembers
being in a class Bill Halverson ’51
taught in Old Main when the
news came of President John F.
Kennedy’s death, and watching the
Beatles for the first time while in
The Grill. She loves life in Denver,
where her children live nearby.
Leland Sateren ’35 most influenced
Sharon (Bjugstad) Ronning ’65, and
she has spent her life involved in
music. She sings in the Masterworks
Chorale, directs a church choir,
and teaches piano. Other activities
include knitting, spending time at
her cabin, and enjoying her four
children and eight grandchildren.
She met husband, Don Ronning ’66,
in the Augsburg Choir. Don passed
away in 2000.
Marie (Bergh) Sandbo ’65 and
husband, Hans Sandbo ’63, will
celebrate 50 years of marriage this
year. Marie likes to travel, spend
time with grandchildren, and serve
on the Heritage Committee at
church, all while continuing to run
a small business from home. Her
treasured memories of Augsburg
include the friendships made and
her studies in library science. Don
Gustafson, Martha Mattson ’28,
Ruth Aaskov ’53, Dick Husfloen ’60,
and Pat Parker are the faculty and
staff who most influenced Marie.
Two of the Sandbos’ three children
graduated from Augsburg.
1991
On October
13, 2015,
David Johnson ’91 was
promoted to Colonel in
the North Dakota Army
National Guard. He is a
senior Army chaplain for
the state. Johnson also is
an ELCA pastor serving
as a full-time chaplain for
the North Dakota Army
National Guard. He has
been serving in this call
for the past 12 years. Previous to this role, he served parishes in
central and eastern North Dakota.
Terry Simonson ’65 and wife,
Patricia, live in Saskatoon,
Saskatchewan, where he serves as
a half-time chaplain at a residence
for seniors. Three generations
share their home, and his three
granddaughters are the joy of his
life. The memories of Augsburg
that he treasures are good times
spent with roommates and learning
Greek and Latin (his major). Erwin
Mickelberg ’54 was influential in
Simonson’s decision to attend
Augsburg. These days, he is
interested in quantum physics and
continues to explore the subject.
2006
Heather
(Nystrom)
Finholm ’06 and husband,
Jeffrey, announce the
adoption of their twin
sons, Joseph and
Matthew, born April 30,
2015, and adopted on
July 27, 2015.
2007
Lázaro G.
Payano Stark
was welcomed into this
world at home with the
help of his midwives on
April 3, 2015. He is the
son of Jenessa Payano
Stark ’07 and Geomar
Payano Stark. The
family resides in south
Minneapolis.
This fall, seven Auggies served on the varsity football coaching staff at Osseo (Minnesota)
High School and helped lead the team to its first Class 6A state championship. The group
of Augsburg alumni included Jack Osberg ’62, Derrin Lamker ’97, Mark Joseph ’01, Andy
Johnson ’04, Jordan Berg ’09, Royce Winford ’09, and David Tilton ’12.
From the NOW@Augsburg blog.
Visit augsburg.edu/alumni/blog to read more.
Spring
2014
Fall 2014
Spring
2016
17
37
29
ALUMNI CLASS NOTES
Win Stiefel ’65 taught school in Alaska and
now lives with wife, Gracia (Olson) Stiefel ’66, in
Glennallen, Alaska. He spent 10 years teaching
at a Bible college and 10 years in Russia
helping Evangelical churches. These days he
drives a school bus, enjoys 10 grandchildren
and a great grandchild, cuts firewood, and
volunteers at missions. He remembers
traveling with the wrestling team, canoeing on
the Mississippi River, and listening to the Basin
Streeters. If he could thank someone, it would
be the old man outside Cedar Ave. Mission
who asked him and others whether or not they
were saved.
Steve Strommen ’65 likes to spend his days
playing “Old Timer” softball, bird hunting,
appreciating winters in San Diego and
summers at a Minnesota cabin, performing
home renovations, and enjoying his family
and grandchildren. He has many memories
from athletics at Augsburg, including three
championship basketball teams and a
championship in baseball. The most influential
people during his time at Augsburg were Carl
Chrislock ’37 and coaches Ernie Anderson ’37
and Edor Nelson ’38. He and wife, Chynne,
have two children and five grandchildren.
Sharon (Topte) Taeger ’65 and David Taeger ’65
recently moved to Camrose—a city in
Alberta, Canada—after living for 19 years
in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory. Sharon likes
to read, paint, and socialize. David likes to
listen, watch, and marvel at the growth and
development of children, especially their four
grandchildren. He also enjoys reading and
being with friends. David received his M.Div.
from Northwestern Theological Seminary. He
was most influenced by Mario Collacci and
Carl Chrislock ’37 while at Augsburg. Sharon
and David have two children.
Virg Vagle ’65 would thank Ernie Anderson ’37,
Edor Nelson ’38, and Ed Saugestad ’59 for
being influential during his time at Augsburg.
Vagle enjoys golfing, traveling, and being with
his grandchildren. He and wife, Pat, have
seven children and 12 grandchildren.
Lyndy West ’65 fondly remembers playing in
the concert band and in the Basin Streeters, a
group that performed for Augsburg basketball
games. He entered Luther Seminary after
graduating from Augsburg and served
parishes in Los Angeles, inner-city Chicago,
and Minnesota. He officially retired in 2012.
He says the smartest thing he ever did was
to marry Diane Haas in 1969. They have four
children and four grandchildren. They like to
bike, travel, read, participate in music at their
church, and lead polka services. He thanks his
parents for encouraging him and his siblings to
attend Augsburg.
1967
John Schwartz ’67 is in his sixth
season with the acclaimed Apollo
Chorus of Chicago, which was formed in
1872. Schwartz serves as vice president of
its board. Auggie singers in the Chicago area
can audition to join this 130-member chorus.
Details can be found at Apollochorus.org.
1975
Glen Teske ’75 is enjoying the
adjustment to retirement after
working for 40 years in the IT department
at Hennepin County. Among his treasured
memories as a student at Augsburg are
business administration classes, tutoring
other students, and the friendships he made.
He also remembers playing four years of
basketball and winning the MIAC conference
title in 1975. He thanks professor of history
Khin Khin Jensen, adviser and professor of
business Keishiro Matsumoto, mentor Jeroy
Carlson ’48, and coaches Butch Raymond ’63
and Erv Inniger for their impact on his life.
1979
Laura (Rolfe) Matuska ’79 has
been selected as WeCAB’s
part-time community outreach fundraiser.
WeCAB provides door-to-door supplemental
transportation in the Westonka and eastern
Carver County service areas for people who
are unable to drive to medical appointments,
church, social events, the grocery store, or the
food shelf. Matuska has significant experience
working with seniors and clients, providing
case management to support transitions
through all levels of senior living. She has
launched volunteer programs, developed a
hospital-based domestic abuse intervention
program, and is a successful grant writer.
Matuska also has worked with many volunteers
in a variety of positions.
1980
The new Bill Simenson Quintet
recently debuted at The Nicollet.
Leader Bill Simenson ’80 (trumpet) has been
performing professionally in the Twin Cities
for nearly 30 years. After earning his degree
in music and political science at Augsburg,
he attended the University of Trondheim
in Norway where he studied music at the
graduate level. Catch the Bill Simenson
Orchestra, a larger ensemble, once a month at
Jazz Central in Minneapolis.
1981
Rob Hubbard ’81 tells the story of the
hilarity, irreverence, and imagination
of the Brave New Workshop in his new book,
“Brave New Workshop: Promiscuous Hostility
and Laughs in the Land of Loons.” The
book, from The History Press, celebrates the
marvelous, unexpected, and absurd history
of this one-of-a-kind comedy institution. The
owners of Brave New Workshop are John
Sweeney and Jenni Lilledahl ’87.
1987
Tammy Jo Rider ’87 received a
2015 Leadership Award from the
2015
2013
Amanda Rowan ’13 and Jordan Lakanen ’14 married
August 8, 2015. Auggies in the wedding party included:
Eric Lakanen ’02, Stephanie Nelson ’13, Rachel Rixen ’13, and Ashley
(Carney) Wolke ’13.
30
Augsburg Now
Top row [L to R]:
Tyler Dorn ’15
and Alisha Esselstein ’15
were married on June 20,
2015, at Sugarland Barn
in Arena, Wisconsin. Many
Auggies participated in
and attended the wedding.
Bottom row [L to R]: Best
man Alex Obanor, Augsburg Department of Public Safety officer; Dustin
Parks ’16; Keisha Barnard ’16; bridesmaid Alia Thorpe ’15; bridesmaid Lily
Moloney ’15; maid of honor Rachel Shaheen ’15; ceremony musician Becky
Shaheen ’11; and officiant Rev. Mike Matson ’06.
ALUMNI CLASS NOTES
After graduation, Joshua Harris ’08 moved to Baltimore drawn to the service
opportunity of working with Alpha Phi Alpha, the oldest inter-collegiate communityservice-oriented fraternity founded by African-Americans. Harris serves as managing
editor of APA’s journal, “The Sphinx.” He works with other community leaders
in Baltimore on many initiatives, including one to build a network of individuals,
businesses, and organizations that can provide internships, scholarships, and
mentorship opportunities for high school students. He returned to Minneapolis in
fall 2015 to speak on a panel at the Augsburg Young Alumni Council’s networking
event at Surly Brewing Co. Harris is running for mayor of Baltimore. Learn about his
campaign at harrisforbaltimore.com.
From the NOW@Augsburg blog.
Visit augsburg.edu/alumni/blog to read more.
Southeast Minnesota affiliate of the National
Alliance on Mental Illness.
1991
Bill Koschak ’91 was hired as the
chief financial officer at YA, which
is an industry market leader in delivering
omni-channel marketing promotions for the
nation’s most respected brands. Before joining
YA, Koschak was vice president of finance
and CFO for the convenience and foodservice
business at General Mills.
2000
Lewis Nelson ’00 joined the
University of Virginia’s Darden
School of Business MBA for Executives.
He blogs about the experience at
wanderingveteran.com.
2007
Barrozo is studying the development of
novel gene therapy treatments for human
diseases caused by persistent viral infections
and mutations of the genome. The goal of
his research is to develop safe and effective
strategies for treating these diseases. He also
has worked as a Post-Baccalaureate Research
Program Scholar at the University of Georgia.
2015
Hannah Frey ’15 has an
AmeriCorps position in the
Community Technology Empowerment
Project, which helps bridge the “digital
divide” for new immigrants and low-income
communities in Minneapolis and St. Paul. She
serves at Roseville (Minnesota) Library as a
digital literacy coordinator for adult technology
programming and outreach.
Kati (Tweeten) Bergey ’07 married
Brandon Bergey on October 18,
2014. Kati teaches sixth grade for MabelCanton Public Schools in Mabel, Minnesota.
Heidi Heller ’15 has accepted a job as a
historian and researcher with Hess Roise
Historical Consultants.
2012
GRADUATE
Lauren Grafelman ’12 graduated
with her MBA from Hamline
University in August 2015.
William “Billy” Hamilton ’12 graduated from
the University of Minnesota Law School
in May and received news that he passed
the Minnesota Bar Exam in July. He began
work as a public defender in training at the
Hennepin County Public Defender’s Office.
He has found his vocation!
2014
Enrico Barrozo ’14 is pursuing
a doctorate in genetics and
genomics at the University of Florida,
supported by the McKnight Doctoral, UF
Graduate School, and Top-Up fellowships.
Ava Beilke ’14 MBA formed her own social
media consulting business, Paragon Social
(paragonsocialco.com or @paragonsocialco on
Twitter), with the desire to help individuals and
small businesses excel in social media. Beilke
studied communications in undergrad and
pursued her MBA to round out her business
expertise. She now fuses her creative skills with
her business savvy to create the most effective
social media efforts.
Katie Koch ’01 is the new Director
of Auggie Engagement at Augsburg
College. Koch comes from a diverse
background of performing arts
management, having most recently
worked at The O’Shaughnessy
Auditorium at St. Catherine University
as an event and administrative
manager. Koch worked for nearly
five years at the Guthrie Theater as
an assistant to former director Joe
Dowling, where she supported the
Guthrie Board of Directors and highprofile visiting artists. During her time
at Augsburg, Koch was a member
of The Augsburg Choir, Augsburg
Concert Band, and Augsburg Jazz
and Gospel Praise. She served
as an admissions ambassador, a
student coordinator for new student
orientation in 1999 and 2000, and
wrote for the Augsburg Echo.
Spring 2016
31
In memoriam
Dwight E. Elving ’37, Mercer
Harvard E. Larson ’50,
Island, Washington, age 99, on
September 17.
Greeley, Colorado, age 86, on
September 14.
James K. Horn ’59, Lino Lakes,
Minnesota, age 83, on
November 26.
Isabella “Bella” (Frazier)
Sanders ’73, Park Rapids,
Evelyn B. (Wibeto) Stone ’41,
Alexandria, Minnesota, age 98, on
November 26.
Wesley N. Paulson ’51,
Eugene “Pete” S. Peterson ’59,
Gregory J. Semanko ’73,
Altoona, Wisconsin, age 88, on
December 2.
Jackson, Minnesota, age 78, on
October 17.
Dassel, Minnesota, age 64, on
September 16.
J. Maurice “Maury” Erickson ’42,
Vermillion, South Dakota, age 95,
on September 10.
Walter L. Dilley ’52,
Paynesville, Minnesota, age 88,
on October 14.
Peter M. Locke ’60, South St.
Paul, Minnesota, age 82, on
November 30.
Brent M. Amundson ’78, Colorado
Springs, Colorado, age 61, on
December 3.
Helen L. (Fevold) Nelson ’43,
Woodrow W. Wilson ’53,
Gayle J. Arvidson ’61, Newburgh,
Minneapolis, age 94, June 4.
Lincoln, Nebraska, age 97, on
September 11.
Indiana, age 84, on December 25.
David C. Eitrheim ’79,
Menomonie, Wisconsin, age 58,
on January 1.
Chester E. Hoversten ’44,
Northfield, Minnesota, age 93, on
November 16.
Joyce E. (Gronseth) Limburg ’44,
Erling B. Huglen ’54, Roseau,
Minnesota, age 83, on
December 19.
Harvey L. Jackson ’61, Park
River, North Dakota, age 78, on
September 28.
Morgan S. Grant ’82, Willmar,
Kelly M. Williams ’92, Edina,
Minnesota, age 45, on August 25.
River, North Dakota, age 51, on
October 13.
Apple Valley, Minnesota, age 93,
on October 10.
Allan J. Kohls ’54, Minneapolis,
age 87, on October 4.
John D. Sorenson ’62, Hickory,
North Carolina, age 75, on
November 2.
Elise H. (Hoplin) Anderson ’45,
Marvin S. Undseth ’54, Salem,
Lee E. Keller ’63, San
Edina, Minnesota, age 96, on
October 13.
Oregon, age 90, on October 12.
Bernardino, California, age 80, on
August 27.
Edgar A. Emerson ’46,
Minnesota, age 81, on
September 30.
Perham, Minnesota, age 90, on
December 3.
Guilford “Guy” L. Parsons ’47,
Minneapolis, age 94, on
September 17.
Ruth E. (Thompson) Larson ’48,
Clearbrook, Minnesota, age 92, on
December 26.
Rolf Heng ’55, Fergus Falls,
Elmer Karlstad ’55, Warroad,
Minnesota, age 91, on
November 14.
Alfred E. Kaupins ’57, Cedar
Rapids, Iowa, age 88, on
November 25.
Joyce (Hanson) Holbrook ’65,
Lincoln, California, age 72, on
December 27.
Edythe “Edie” (Berg) Johnson ’65,
Stillwater, Minnesota, age 72, on
October 1.
Marilyn J. Larson ’65, Estes Park,
Colorado, age 73, on November 3.
Lawrence “Larry” C. Pratt Jr. ’57,
Joyce A. (Schuchart) Hagerty ’66,
Minnesota, age 88, on October 16.
St. Anthony, Minnesota, age 81,
on July 12.
Oneida, Illinois, age 72, on
December 4.
Paul I. Roth ’49, White Bear
Eldri R. (Johanson) Salter ’57,
Lake, Minnesota, age 90, on
November 21.
Pocatello, Idaho, age 80, on
September 8.
Philip “Phil” A. Walen ’70,
Stillwater, Minnesota, age 67, on
September 9.
Arne Simengaard ’49,
Dennis F. Gibson ’59, Edina,
Russell “Jeff” J. Quanbeck ’71,
Fridley, Minnesota, age 88, on
November 28.
Minnesota, age 83, on
September 5.
Bloomington, Minnesota, age 67,
on December 1.
Allen J. Moe ’48, Dawson,
Minnesota, age 85, on October 1.
Minnesota, age 55, on August 28.
Thomas D. Orstad ’93, Park
Earl R. Kinley III ’94, Eagan,
Minnesota, age 55, on
December 18.
Christine L. (Quandt) Edinger ’99,
Madison, Wisconsin, age 49, on
December 19.
Judith A. (Gretz) Roy ’99,
Minneapolis, age 68, on
September 24.
Traci M. Singher ’12, ’15 MSW,
Minnetonka, Minnesota, age 44,
on December 1.
Dustyn B. Hessie ’13,
Minneapolis, age 27, on June 15.
Augsburg College Women’s
Basketball Head Coach William
“Bill” L. McKee, New Brighton,
Minnesota, age 62, on August 27.
The “In memoriam” listings in this publication
include notifications received before January 10.
32
Augsburg Now
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LeVar Burton encourages the next generation
Actor, director, writer, producer, and educator LeVar Burton—best known for his roles in “Roots,” “Star Trek: The Next Generation,”
and “Reading Rainbow”—inspired prospective students to make positive change in the world. Burton’s presentation took place
this winter during Scholarship Weekend, an annual event where prospective students compete for the President’s and Fine Arts
scholarships.
Show less
Beyond the scoreboard
National champion to local hero
Leadership and conflict
CARVING WAY
THE
FORWARD
SUMMER 2016 | VOL. 78, NO. 3
INSIDE
AUGSBURG NOW
AUGSBURG NOW
Vice President of Marketing
and Communication
Rebecca John ’13 MBA
rjohn@augsburg.edu
Summer 2016
Director of News a... Show more
Beyond the scoreboard
National champion to local hero
Leadership and conflict
CARVING WAY
THE
FORWARD
SUMMER 2016 | VOL. 78, NO. 3
INSIDE
AUGSBURG NOW
AUGSBURG NOW
Vice President of Marketing
and Communication
Rebecca John ’13 MBA
rjohn@augsburg.edu
Summer 2016
Director of News and
Media Services
Stephanie Weiss
weisss@augsburg.edu
NOTES FROM PRESIDENT PRIBBENOW
On thoughtful stewardship
Director of Marketing
Communication
Stephen Jendraszak
jendra@augsburg.edu
Communication Copywriter
and Editorial Coordinator
Augsburg’s mission statement says that we
educate students to be “thoughtful stewards”
as well as “informed citizens, critical thinkers,
and responsible leaders.”
I imagine some may read “thoughtful
stewards” and think about church fundraising
campaigns or care for the environment, the
typical places we consider stewardship—and
both important causes!
At Augsburg, though, thoughtful
stewardship is a much more compelling
claim. It goes beyond simple acts of giving
or environmental care. It is a way of living,
an ethic that teaches us how to live in the
world. And it is at the heart of an Augsburg
education—from how we engage students with
the community to help them discern their gifts
and gain a holistic understanding of the needs
of our world (see page 16) to the deep listening
and conversation we embed in our classes, such
as in the Master of Arts in Leadership course
that was integrated with this year’s Nobel Peace
Prize Forum (see page 20).
Also in this issue of Augsburg Now, you will
read about the genuine privilege I had to deliver
a major address on stewardship to Cargill
employees worldwide.
In that address, I said: “… stewardship
involves a practice of standing up, speaking
up in a manner that reflects—and makes
clear—our values. The challenge for the good
steward—as a parent or manager or citizen—is
to pursue practices that help connect us with
the deeply held values and commitments that
characterize our personal and corporate lives.
“The truth is that many people do not think
about the reasons for their actions. They act,
and they expect others to accept their action
at face value. But good stewardship demands
reflection, then the courage to act based on our
convictions, and to do so overtly so that we are
publicly accountable for how our actions reflect
our values. Only in that link is there integrity in
human life.”
At Augsburg—as reflected in the stories
that follow in these pages—we educate
students to embrace their many gifts, to
understand the obligations they have to
steward those gifts, and to appreciate the
important work of taking a stand for the values
and commitments that honor the gifts and
contributions of each of us.
Thoughtful stewardship—a way of life
for all of us. I give thanks for a teaching and
learning community that is blessed with and
inspired by our remarkable legacy and mission.
I give thanks for the privilege of being a faithful
steward of all the gifts that make Augsburg
such a rare place.
Faithfully yours,
Laura Swanson Lindahl ’15 MBA
swansonl@augsburg.edu
Creative Associate
Denielle Johnson ’11
johnsod@augsburg.edu
Marketing Copywriter
Christina Haller
haller@augsburg.edu
Production Manager
Mark Chamberlain
chamberm@augsburg.edu
Photographer
Stephen Geffre
geffre@augsburg.edu
Advancement Communication
Specialist
Jen Lowman Day
dayj@augsburg.edu
Contributor
Ryan Nichols ’16
augsburg.edu
Augsburg Now is published by
Augsburg College
2211 Riverside Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55454
Opinions expressed in Augsburg Now
do not necessarily reflect official
College policy.
PAUL C. PRIBBENOW, PRESIDENT
Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Kailash Satyarthi brought energy and passion
to the 2016 Nobel Peace Prize Forum sponsored by Augsburg College.
Following three days of dialogue on peacebuilding, he and his wife,
Sumedha Kailash, joined Forum attendees in a Bollywood-style dance
party for the conference’s finale.
02 Around the quad
20
Leadership and conflict
08
From national hampion to local hero
23
Auggies connect
14
Beyond the scoreboard
27 Class notes
16
The city: Course content and classroom
32 In memoriam
ISSN 1058-1545
Send address corrections to:
alumniupdate@augsburg.edu.
On the cover: Construction crews work on the footings for the main lobby of the Norman and
Evangeline Hagfors Center for Science, Business, and Religion, an interdisciplinary building
that will open in 2018, anchoring the west side of the Augsburg College campus. See page 2.
Email: now@augsburg.edu
All photos by Stephen Geffre unless otherwise indicated.
FROM THE
GROUND
THIS BUG’S-EYE VIEW captures the April 2016 groundbreaking ceremony for Augsburg’s Norman and Evangeline Hagfors Center for
Science, Business, and Religion. The celebration included hundreds of Augsburg College alumni, students, donors, neighbors, and
faculty and staff members, as well as city and county officials. The new academic building is slated to open in January 2018.
2
Augsburg Now
Pictured [L to R]: Outgoing Augsburg College Board of Regents Chair Dr. Paul Mueller ’84, Hennepin County Commissioner Peter McLaughlin, Naming Gift
Donors Evangeline Hagfors and Norman Hagfors, Augsburg College President Paul C. Pribbenow, National Fundraising Campaign Chair Michael Good ’71,
Augsburg College Provost Karen Kaivola, and 2015-16 Day Student Body President Duina Hernandez ’16.
Summer 2016
3
AROUND THE QUAD
$50,000 grant funds
RECYCLING PROGRAM EXPANSION
Student-faculty-staff collaboration improves campus sustainability
D
A
U
Q
E
H
T
D
N
U
O
AR
NEW RESIDENTS
HONORING
Retiring Faculty
SET MEMORIAL HALL
KATHY ACCURSO
ABUZZ
Instructor, Department of Education—
with the College since 2012
KATHERINE BAUMGARTNER
Assistant Professor, Department of
Nursing—with the College since 2005
Hives installed to bolster honey bee population
RONALD FEDIE
It has been decades since the last students moved out
of Memorial Hall; the dormitory was converted to
office space in the late 1960s. However, a new
group of inhabitants moved in this spring when
The Beez Kneez organization installed beehives on
the building’s rooftop as part of an urban apiary
partnership program. Augsburg joined the program
to further the College’s commitment to environmental
stewardship and to creating green spaces within the city.
Recently, honey bee populations have been decreasing
due to parasites and the misuse of pesticides. The on-campus hives
will help rebuild the local population and pollinate Augsburg’s plant
life. Those worried about getting stung can rest easy—honey bees are
not aggressive and will not sting unless threatened.
4
Augsburg Now
Professor Emeritus, Department of
Chemistry—with the College since 1996
FEKRI MEZIOU
Professor Emeritus, Department of
Business Administration—with the
College since 1987
VICKI OLSON
Professor Emerita, Department of
Education—with the College since 1987
CELEBRATING
STUDENT
Augsburg College can boost its efforts to divert organic and compostable
items from trash and other recycling thanks to a $50,000 recycling grant
from the Hennepin County Environment and Energy Department. The
funding will be used to purchase indoor and outdoor bins, rolling carts,
and signage to foster increased composting of organic material and the
proper disposal of mixed recyclables.
Go to augsburg.edu/green to learn about
Augsburg’s Environmental
Augsburg’s commitment to offering
facilities that are welcoming, sustainable,
Stewardship Committee, Facilities and
and designed for educational excellence.
Custodial staff, and the Augsburg Day
Student Government’s Environmental Action Committee collaborated to
submit the grant proposal.
“Thousands of people touch the campus in some way during the
course of one year,” said Amber Lewis ’17 MAE, an Environmental
Stewardship Fellow who supports on-campus sustainability initiatives.
“In addition to students, faculty, and staff, guests join our community
for graduation ceremonies, sporting events, performances, convocations,
summer camps, conferences, and workshops. This presents us with an
opportunity to share a clear message about the importance of recycling
in our community.”
SUCCESS
Read about the wide range of prestigious academic
achievements and awards earned by Auggies during
the 2015-16 year at augsburg.edu/now.
AUGSBURG EXHIBITION
SHINES in Guerrilla Girls
Twin Cities Takeover
World-renowned feminist art activists the Guerrilla
Girls recently “took over” Minneapolis and St. Paul
to celebrate their 30th anniversary. Augsburg
College was among more than two dozen arts and cultural institutions that
hosted exhibits and events highlighting gender and race inequalities and
promoting artistic expression.
The Guerrilla Girls, who wear gorilla masks and use the names of famous
female artists as pseudonyms, were on campus for the opening reception
of “Reconfiguring Casta,” a site-specific installation for the Christensen
Center Art Gallery. Combining prints and paintings, artist Maria Cristina
Tavera addressed the social concept of race and the issue of socio-racial
classifications. Tavera, known on campus as “Tina,” also serves as the director
of Augsburg’s McNair Scholars program, which seeks to increase graduate
degree awards for students from underrepresented segments of society.
Augsburg College President Paul C. Pribbenow delivered
the keynote address for Cargill’s annual ethics week this
spring. Pribbenow is recognized as one of the nation’s
most engaging commentators and teachers on ethics,
philanthropy, and American public life. His talk, “Promises
to Keep: An Ethic of Stewardship,” reached Cargill
employees located in Minneapolis and around the world.
Summer 2016
5
AROUND THE QUAD
ON THE SPOT
What does it mean to matter? What does it look like to matter?
With the Black Lives Matter movement, questions of racial equity have ignited important—and difficult—
conversations in communities and courtrooms, on political campaign trails, and on college campuses.
Augsburg College Professor William “Bill” Green studies and writes about history and law. His most recent book,
“Degrees of Freedom: The Origins of Civil Rights in Minnesota, 1865–1912,” chronicles conditions for African American
Minnesotans and others in the half-century following the Civil War. Today, Minnesota and the nation are very different
than they were in the postbellum period that Green examined, but tightly woven threads unite contemporary events with
those occurring more than a century earlier.
COMMENCEMENT 2016
Students of color, award winners, and former KARE 11
anchor stand out at graduation
Augsburg College celebrated students completing degrees
in the traditional undergraduate, adult undergraduate, and
graduate programs through commencement ceremonies
held April 30. The 2016 traditional undergraduate class is
the most diverse in the College’s history and comprised of
more than 42 percent students of color.
Commencement keynote speaker Michael Botticelli,
director of the White House Office of National Drug
Control Policy, addressed ceremony attendees and
was awarded an honorary doctorate. Michael Good ’71
also was awarded an honorary degree in recognition of
his service to the College. Eleanor Barr ’16 earned the
Marina Christensen Justice Award, and Kim Chisholm ’16
received this year’s Richard Thoni Award, recognizing
exceptional contributions to their communities.
Teaching and learning
award winners
Augsburg recognizes individuals or
groups who have made exemplary
contributions to creating an
engaging academic learning
environment. The 2016 recipients
of the Distinguished Contributions to
Teaching and Learning awards are:
Teaching
Former KARE 11 News anchor Diana
Pierce ’16 MAL earned her Masters of
Arts in Leadership and participated in
commencement this spring.
“The program at Augsburg gave
me exactly what I wanted to add to my
skillset for a new adventure,” Pierce
said on KARE 11 in April.
Joe Underhill, associate professor of
political science
Research
Michael Lansing, associate professor
and History Department chair
Service
Dulce Monterrubio, director of Latin@
Student Services
6
Augsburg Now
Q:
What prompted your interest in
studying the history of African
Americans in Minnesota?
A:
In 1860, a slave woman was freed
in a Minneapolis courtroom. In the
aftermath, citizens in the communities of
St. Anthony and Minneapolis for days walked
the streets eyeing their neighbors, waiting for
the smallest provocation to spark violence.
We were on the verge of seeing our own
little civil war erupt in Minnesota over the
issue of slavery. Ultimately, Minnesotans’
attention was averted by news of the
Confederate bombardment of the federal
installation of Fort Sumter. Upon hearing the
news, Minnesota was the first state to send
volunteers into the Union Army. Seven years
later, it would be the first state to extend
voting rights to black men, pre-dating the
ratification of the 15th Amendment. I felt
compelled to understand this dynamic.
Q:
When Minnesota granted suffrage
to people who are black, what
implications did this have in citizens’ lives?
ELCA college conference
Students, faculty members, and staff from two dozen
colleges and universities affiliated with the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America came together this summer
as Augsburg hosted the annual Vocation of a Lutheran
College Conference. The event featured a partnership with
Interfaith Youth Core—an organization renowned for uniting
young people of different religious and moral traditions for
dialogue around shared values. IFYC Founder Eboo Patel [pictured speaking] discussed
the colleges’ role in preparing students for life in a religiously diverse world.
‘Degrees of Freedom’ in
Minnesota’s past and present
A:
[L to R]: Michael Lansing, Dulce Monterrubio,
and Joe Underhill.
In a practical sense, the implications
were non-existent. There simply
weren’t enough black voters in Minnesota
to influence political leaders or affect
public policy. Symbolically, however, during
a time of mounting economic dislocation
coupled with the spread of white supremacy,
it raised the bar, not just in terms of the
broader virtue of racial equality, but, more
fundamentally, stressing the need for true
leadership that called on ordinary people to
overcome their baser instincts and choose to
act with common decency.
Q:
And yet you’ve said that race is
“written between the lines” of early
Minnesota history, rather than spoken
about directly. What do you mean?
A:
The fact that the black population was
so small made it easy for historians
and opinion makers to draw rosy pictures
of racial exceptionalism without needing
to be checked by a more balanced reality.
Without the “significant other” whose
history was hidden in footnotes, it became
easy to believe what one wanted to believe.
But could it really be true that Dred Scott
was the only slave to live in Minnesota?
Could Frederick Douglass be the only
African American to be denied service
in a prestigious hotel in St. Paul, even
though the proprietor was a friend of his
and an officer in the Union Army? Could
the paucity of discrimination lawsuits in
the 19th century really mean there was no
discrimination in restaurants and taverns?
Q:
Today’s Black Lives Matter movement
involves participatory democracy—
participation by many and with more
diffuse leadership than the civil rights
movements of the 1960s. When you look
at the Black Lives Matter movement, what
strikes you, considering the lens through
which you write your books?
A:
In 1965 when the civil rights
movement pressed for voting rights,
the powerful symbolism of Martin Luther
King and Malcolm X joining forces placed
pressure on the President of the United
States to shepherd through Congress the
Voting Rights bill and sign it into law.
Federal protection of the right to vote
was a moral issue. But it was the union
of two leaders who embodied opposing
approaches to advancing civil rights that
heightened a sense of urgency to enact
the bill. The moral: As long as there are no
“inside”-“outside” forces simultaneously
working for the same clearly defined issue,
advocates on either side of the spectrum
can be marginalized and eventually
dismissed. I don’t see a rival force to Black
Lives Matter that is pushing for the same
ends but through different means. This
isn’t the fault of BLM, but the absence of
a “significant other” should be a concern
to them, nonetheless. History can only
provide suggestions on how or even
whether to proceed.
The Minnesota Book Awards honored Green with
the 2016 Hognander Minnesota History Award.
Go to augsburg.edu/now to learn more
about Green’s research.
Summer 2016
7
Devean George ’99 was the first NCAA Division III player ever selected in
the first round of the NBA Draft—and he played professionally for more
than a decade. Now retired from basketball, he’s gone back to his roots
to help revitalize the Minneapolis neighborhood where he grew up.
BY CHRISTINA HALLER
8
Augsburg Now
November 3, 1999. The Los Angeles Lakers are debuting in their brand new home,
the Staples Center, with an unveiling ceremony followed by a game against the
Vancouver Grizzlies. A crowd of 20,000 fans is packed inside, waiting for NBA stars
Kobe Bryant or Shaquille O’Neal to make opening remarks.
But instead, the Lakers players decide to encourage their newest rookie to
address the crowd. The lights go down, and all becomes still. In less than 30
seconds, it’s go time.
“No, guys, don’t make me do this! I don’t know what to do,” whispers a
22-year-old Devean George ’99. But his pleas were met with laughter.
“I just remember shaking in my boots. There are tens of thousands of people
here, and I’m going to be out at center court—all eyes on me,” recalls George. “So I
get out there, and it just clicked. It was easy.”
George credits his education in communication studies from Augsburg for
helping to prepare him for that life-changing moment, as well as all of his public
speaking engagements from that point forward.
“As an NBA player, you have a camera with that big, red light in front of your
face every day,” George said. “You have to know how to conduct yourself and
communicate effectively. And all those communication classes I took at Augsburg
come into play.”
After high school, George enrolled at Augsburg assuming he would play basketball
for the Auggies, earn a degree, and find a job in business. But his “hoop dreams”
became a reality pretty early on in his Augsburg career.
“When I recruited Devean, he was about
6'2" and 170 pounds,” said former Augsburg
basketball coach Brian Ammann ’85. “Fortunately
for Devean, he grew about five inches and put on
50 pounds by his sophomore year. And his hard
work paid off in big ways.”
George was the first NCAA Division III player
ever selected in the first round of the NBA Draft.
He was the 23rd overall pick in 1999, chosen by
the Los Angeles Lakers—one of the most storied
franchises in NBA history.
George is now retired from the NBA after playing
11 seasons and becoming only the seventh player
in history to win a league championship in each of his first three seasons. He has since
found a successful career in real estate development and a passion for giving back.
George played for the Los Angeles Lakers from 1999 to 2006.
In 2006, he signed with the Dallas Mavericks and played in
Texas until 2009. He then joined the Golden State Warriors in
Oakland, California, in 2009 until his retirement in 2010.
George was raised by devoted, hardworking parents in the Willard-Hay neighborhood
of north Minneapolis and still calls the Twin Cities home — a place he loves for its
friendly people and four seasons. His current work focuses on helping to improve his
childhood community.
10
Augsburg Now
Summer 2016
11
After George joined the NBA, he started volunteering his time in schools and
after-school programs. He noticed many of the children he visited didn’t have
stable housing, which significantly affected their security and education.
“That’s when I decided helping kids and families would be the foundation of
what I do,” said George, who has two young sons. He founded Building Blocks,
a nonprofit organization committed to providing quality housing, community
development, and programming for youth and families.
“If you don’t have stable housing, you’re not going to care about schooling,
safety, or eating healthy. If we get those families into stable housing, then they
can focus on those other things,” George said.
George’s first affordable housing project opened this spring—The Commons at
Penn in north Minneapolis, an income-restricted, 47-unit workforce apartment
building that also includes an on-site health and wellness facility, an after-school
program, a fitness center, a toddler playground, and a grocery store.
Long-term, George would like to help create a more family-friendly community
in north Minneapolis—a community that provides greater amenities for its
residents. So far, The Commons at Penn has been a successful addition to the
neighborhood.
“[The] Commons at Penn achieves multiple city goals: creating new, highquality, affordable housing options [and] increased residential density along a
key commercial and transit corridor, and bringing in commercial activity and
services,” said Andrea Brennan, director of Housing Policy and Development for
the City of Minneapolis. “This project sets us on a promising course to continue
development at this important north Minneapolis node.”
George is planning phase two of The Commons at Penn, which will go up
right across the street from the existing mixed-use building. He also is developing
housing complexes in South Carolina and Louisiana, and has been contacted by
fellow professional athletes who would like to see a change in the neighborhoods
where they were raised.
In addition to literally helping build a solid foundation for families through stable
housing, George also helps build a strong foundation for young people through
mentorship programs like Read to Achieve.
“The kids think that [NBA players] are not human beings because we know
how to play basketball,” said George. “If I can tell a kid to go to school and not to
do drugs, and just because I can play basketball he’ll listen to me, I’m going to
try to use that to my advantage.”
George is also busy instilling the values of compassion and service in his own
two sons, ages 7 and 4. For starters, they learn to share by donating their toys to
kids who otherwise wouldn’t have any.
“They’re still young, but I started teaching my boys early on a way of giving
and understanding. I explain to them that this [lifestyle] isn’t normal; they’re in
a blessed situation,” George said. “I’ve been able to achieve a lot of things. But I
know I’ve had a lot of help along the way.”
12
Augsburg Now
WORKFORCE HOUSING offers reduced rent to people who are gainfully employed (and don’t qualify as low-income), yet still struggle to afford market-rate housing.
It’s explained by the Urban Land Institute as housing that is “affordable to families earning 60 to 100 percent of area median income.” Workforce housing commonly is
targeted for essential workers in a community, such as police officers, firefighters, teachers, social workers, and nurses.
Summer 2016
13
BY STEPHEN GEFFRE AND LAURA SWANSON LINDAHL ’15 MBA
THE CITY:
COURSE CONTENT
AND CLASSROOM
Each semester, painting and drawing classes typically occur in what originally was an Augsburg
College chapel. Old Main 100 is an inspiring place with 25-foot ceilings and soaring windows.
On-campus studios offer focused spaces for students to learn about visual art media, methods, and
creative expression. For 25 years, Associate Professor and Art Department Co‑Chair Tara Sweeney
has taught foundational drawing principles in Old Main with what she calls “as few spectators
and distractions as possible,” and in recent years she also has led short-term international travel
courses in which students develop the same skills without the support of a traditional studio.
This spring, Sweeney and her Minneapolis-based students traveled close to home as they
stepped beyond the boundaries of the campus studio, choosing to forgo a controlled setting to
embrace learning opportunities present in public areas that are as complex and challenging as they
are diverse.
“Instead of creating a still life with the same old props, I utilized the city as subject matter
and classroom,” Sweeney said. “Students were as actively engaged in creative placemaking as
they were in making drawings — effectively shaping the physical and social character of whatever
neighborhood, museum, coffee shop, or landmark we chose as a drawing site.”
A CORE CHALLENGE
In the article “The Power of Experiential Education,” nationally recognized education scholar and
professor Janet Eyler noted that a central challenge for liberal arts educators like Sweeney—and
indeed the entire Augsburg College faculty—is to “design learning environments and instruction
so that students will be able to use what they learn in appropriate new contexts.” That is, to
successfully “bridge classroom study and life in the world and to transform inert knowledge into
knowledge-in-use.”
In a drawing course, for instance, students develop technical skills while exploring individual
subject matter and creative expression. It is perhaps the latter of these elements that came into
clearer focus when Sweeney took her students out in the community.
The artists “made connections with strangers and learned things about themselves in the
process,” Sweeney said. They become comfortable creating art in the midst of daily life and
finished the course with “real skills and the right tools to continue drawing wherever they find
themselves and wherever inspiration finds them.”
JUST A GLIMPSE
At Augsburg, students across disciplines and degree programs benefit from faculty instruction that
integrates experiential learning opportunities with traditional instructional methods, thereby linking
course concepts with real-world applications. The pages that follow offer a glimpse at a small
sample of the faculty and students who use Minneapolis as their classroom.
16
Augsburg Now
Johanna Goggins ’16 works on a sketch
in the solarium at the American Swedish
Institute in Minneapolis.
Summer 2016
17
ARTS AND THE CITIES
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE
ENV 120:
Students clad in safety gear and
earplugs to dampen the deafening
noise weave their way through a Eureka Recycling processing
plant. Environmental Science focuses on understanding and
resolving problems humans have created in the natural world.
The course includes hands-on learning opportunities that
make complex scientific concepts more approachable and
applicable for students.
“The city is the perfect place for these types of
experiences to happen—it’s all right at our fingertips: a
wastewater treatment plant, power plant, recycling center, and public transit,” said Assistant
Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies Emily Schilling. “We can observe the detrimental
effects humans are having on the environment, and we also can see some of the ways we are trying
to mitigate that impact.”
MIS 375:
HON 230:
Students in Augsburg College’s Honors Program join
Minnesota Orchestra performers onstage following a symphony
event at Orchestra Hall. As an interdisciplinary course, “Arts and the Cities”
unites film, music, theater, and visual art — offering students the chance to peruse
Picassos, soak in Shakespeare, and mingle with musicians. Together, students and
teachers explore the role of the arts in a culturally dynamic urban setting.
“Students enjoy the experiential nature of this course,” said Associate Professor
of Music Merilee Klemp ’75. “They often comment that it presents them with
opportunities that they would not have on their own and deepens their understanding
of the role of the arts in their lives long after the course is over.”
18
Augsburg Now
E-COMMERCE
Students speak with
Abdirahman Mukhtar,
a youth program manager at Pillsbury
United Communities’ Brian Coyle Center.
Mukhtar oversees the Sisterhood Boutique,
a secondhand clothing store that serves
as a training ground for young women to
learn about entrepreneurship, business,
community partnerships, and sustainable
fashion. Through their discussions with
Mukhtar, the Auggies began to apply some
of their fundamental course concepts in a
real-world setting.
Summer 2016
19
2016 NOBEL PEACE
PRIZE FORUM
LEADERSHIP
& CONFLICT
BY REBECCA JOHN ’13 MBA
2014 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Kailash Satyarthi shared his vision for global compassion during the Nobel
Peace Prize Forum. More than 300 students, academics, activists, and thought leaders participated in three
days of discussion and presentations to advance peacebuilding.
O R G A NI ZI NG PA RT N E RS
20
Augsburg Now
MED IA SPO N SO R
GRADUATE STUDENTS STUDY
GLOBAL COMPASSION AT THE 2016
NOBEL PEACE PRIZE FORUM
Conflict is a pervasive characteristic of
human interaction.
This is the opening line of the summer
syllabus for Augsburg College’s Master of
Arts in Leadership course, “Navigating
Local & Global Conflict: Interfaith
Dimensions.” The statement underscores
how important it is for leaders to develop
the ability to navigate and inspire others
in the face of conflict and sets the stage
for the work of analyzing leadership in the
context of real-world situations.
By design, the course is integrated with
the annual Nobel Peace Prize Forum, for
which Augsburg is the host sponsor.
“The Nobel Peace Prize Forum is a
gem,” said history and leadership studies
professor Jacqueline deVries. It’s a oneof-a-kind event that allows students to
learn through direct engagement about
the contexts and complexities involved
in conflict. deVries, who also serves as
director for Augsburg’s general education
program, co-taught the course with Martha
Stortz, Bernhard M. Christensen Professor
of Religion and Vocation, and Tom Morgan,
professor of leadership studies.
Held annually in Minneapolis, the
Nobel Peace Prize Forum is one of only
three programs officially associated with
the Norwegian Nobel Institute. The Forum’s
mission is to inspire peacemaking by
focusing on the work of Nobel Peace Prize
laureates and by engaging students and the
wider community with national and global
leaders in the process of peacebuilding.
The Forum provided the students in
the graduate course with direct access to
leaders from businesses, nonprofits, and
government organizations whose work
involves navigating complex, real-world
challenges that range from food security
to civil unrest to poverty and climate
change. The students used examples
from the Forum, as well as from their
own lives, to analyze conflict involving
religious diversity in their communities,
examine contemporary issues in a historical
perspective, and develop a view on what
effective leadership looks like (or might
look like) in actual situations.
Students come to the Master’s of Arts
in Leadership program with experience
PEACEB U ILD IN G PARTN ER- SPONSORS
Summer 2016
21
AUGGIES CONNECT
Martin Olav Sabo ’59
leaves mark on
Augsburg College
community
in both for-profit and not-for-profit
organizations. In gathering during a
lunch break to share reflections about
what they were learning at the Forum,
the class observed that it is not possible
to be effective as a leader without
knowing what’s going on in the world.
The Forum, they said, was a prompt
for thinking about how a leader would
approach addressing challenging topics
and situations in their work.
Too often, people are so
wrapped up with their jobs and
family and school that they don’t
think about the difficulties others
are facing in the world. It’s not that
people don’t care about these topics, one
student said, but they often just don’t
pay attention to the issues on a daily
basis. Being at the Forum offered a level
of understanding that may not happen in
a classroom, the students said.
In fact, during the Forum the
students directly engaged with difficult
topics, and it required a conscious
choice to hear the tragic stories about
topics like child slavery and human
trafficking. This is where our general
population may be falling short, one
student observed—choosing to turn away
instead of understanding the reality of
these issues.
The Master of Arts in Leadership
program, however, equips individuals to
turn toward—rather than away from—
challenging issues in order to seek
solutions and inspire others toward a
common goal. The program is designed
to prepare leaders who are ethically and
morally responsible, who can see beyond
immediate concerns, and who are
sensitive to the complex problems that
organizations face. By using the Nobel
Peace Prize Forum as a classroom, these
students worked to understand both the
systems that contribute to conflict and
the systems that effective leaders can
use to address it.
“WE HAVE TO CHANGE
THE DEMAND”
Top [L to R]: Dean Jarrow ’16 MAL and
Dele Odiachi ’17 MAL
Bottom: [L to R]: Jacqueline deVries; Margaret
PowellMack ’17 MAL; Kevin Stirtz ’17 MAL; Subashini
Ambrose ’18 MAL; Tom Morgan; Eric Miamen ’04,
’14 MBA, ’16 MAL; David Nyssen ’16 MBA, ’17 MAL; Nobel
Laureate Kailash Satyarthi; Howie Smith ’80, ’19 MAL;
Satyarthi’s wife, Sumedha Kailash; MAL Director Alan
Tuchtenhagen; and Brad Beeskow ’17 MAL.
22
Augsburg Now
For example, some students thought
that business was potentially the most
powerful force for addressing the issues
discussed at the Forum; others argued
that the biggest changes will come
when consumers demand it, quoting
comments by Nobel Laureate Kailash
Satyarthi, who, in his opening remarks,
said, “We have to change the demand.”
Another student observed that
every person has a powerful “what’s in
it for me” filter and noted that, if we
don’t translate the message in a way
that addresses this filter, it will not
be effective. And, although the class
agreed, the students also recognized that
people are often motivated not just by
what benefits them directly, but also by
generosity and helping others—by what,
as one student phrased it, satisfies a
need of the heart.
BY STEPHANIE WEISS
Former U.S. Representative Martin Olav Sabo ’59, who passed away on March 13 at
age 78, was a lifelong public servant and renowned Augsburg College alumnus who
exemplified the progressive approach and personal integrity that were modeled in
his Lutheran upbringing and education.
The work he and his wife, Sylvia, devoted to guiding the Martin Olav Sabo
Center for Democracy and Citizenship, the Sabo Scholars program, and the annual
Sabo Symposium—all of which create opportunities for civic experiences and skillbuilding inside and outside the classroom—will leave a lasting legacy at Augsburg.
Augsburg College President Paul C. Pribbenow said that Sabo’s “life-long
commitment to public service is an inspiration to all of us. The Sabo Center gives
Augsburg the ongoing opportunity to celebrate the life and work of our dear friend.”
One year after graduating from Augsburg College, Sabo—then 22—was elected
to serve in the Minnesota House of Representatives. During his tenure, he became
the first member of the Democrat-Farmer-Labor party to serve as Speaker of the
House—a post he held from 1973-78. He went on to serve for 28 years as a
member of the U.S. House of Representatives, retiring in 2007.
At the same time that Sabo served in Congress, he volunteered 12 years to
Augsburg College as a member of the Board of Regents. The College named Sabo
a Distinguished Alumnus and awarded him its first-ever honorary degree. Sabo was
distinguished in all he undertook and, in 2006, was appointed Commander of the
Royal Norwegian Order of Merit for outstanding work and dedication to NorwegianAmerican relations.
Congressman Sabo and Sylvia Sabo are parents of Auggies Karin Mantor ’86 and
Julie Sabo ’90.
Summer 2016
23
AUGGIES CONNECT
New to the Alumni Board
Five Auggies elected to serve three-year terms on the Augsburg College
Alumni Board will network with and mentor current Auggies, build community
with alumni, and provide a vital link between the College and graduates.
TRAVEL IN THAILAND AND CAMBODIA
JANUARY 3-15, 2017
To learn more, go to
augsburg.edu/alumni/travel.
Derek Francis ’08
School counselor, Minneapolis Public Schools
“Through the awesome community and volunteer opportunities at
Augsburg, I realized I was passionate about working with youth.
Augsburg’s value of service to the community transformed my life.”
Lori Higgins ’94, ’12 MAL
President, MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce
“I am eager to give back to the school that has given me so many
opportunities, such as political internships with [former U.S. Rep.] Martin
Sabo ’59 and MN Sen. Bill Luther, which began my career.”
MAKES LASTING IMPACT
With its Give to the Max Day gifts, the Biology Department funded new research
opportunities for two students: Oksana Burt ’17 and Davy DeKrey ’17 [pictured].
24
Augsburg Now
Business development, Gravie
“A continuing passion of mine is to grow our networking efforts, both for
employers and individuals as they connect with Auggie alumni.”
Online giving day supports students, faculty, programs
Auggies last fall made Augsburg College No. 1 in the annual Give to the
Max Day challenge. This year, Give to the Max Day is November 17, and
the College is calling on alumni to push Augsburg into the top spot for the
fourth year in a row.
In 2015, in just 24 hours, more than 1,000 Auggies—many of whom
were first-time donors—generously stepped up to give more than $240,000
to Augsburg. As a result, Augsburg ranked first among all participating
Minnesota colleges and universities, and earned a $10,000 bonus.
Alumni support on Give to the Max Day has a lasting impact and
supports new opportunities for students. Funds raised last year supported
the expansion of on-campus research; the purchase of a 3-D printer for
the mathematics and statistics department; production costs for Howling
Bird Press, the student-run book publishing project in the Master of
Fine Arts in Creative Writing program; and trips by athletic teams for
competition, education, and community service.
This November, alumni also can give to scholarships that honor the
legacy of music, research, and civil service at Augsburg. Gifts are being
sought to honor the work of Leland Sateren ’35, U.S. Rep. Martin Sabo ’59,
the StepUP® program, and the Office of Undergraduate Research and
Graduate Opportunity, which connects students with new and existing
research and scholarship on campus, across the United States, and
around the world.
Anyone can donate any amount on Give to the Max Day. Schedule
your gifts online at givemn.org beginning November 1.
Josh Krob ’08, ’15 MBA
Janeece Oatman ’05
Development director, American Diabetes Association
“I have a passion for committee-building, and I am interested in
networking opportunities, reconnecting with campus, and fellow Auggies.”
Brad Randall ’13
Mechanical maintenance planner, Xcel Energy
“As a graduate of Augsburg’s Adult Undergraduate program, I am
interested in mentoring Augsburg alumni in all fields.”
[L to R]: Lewis Istok ’18 and Abigale Enrici ’18 create a two-material print
using a 3-D printer purchased with Give to the Max Day funds.
Jordan Brandt ’17 throws a pitch on the baseball team’s 2016 spring break trip
to Arizona. The team raised more than $17,000 on Give to the Max Day 2015.
Back row [L to R]: Josh Krob ’08, ’15 MBA; Brad Randall ’13; Mary Prevost ’12 MBA; Cyrus Batheja ’08, ’10 MBA;
Jay Howard ’03, Nick Rathmann ’03; Hanna Dietrich ’05; Rick Bonlender ’78; Patricia Jesperson ’95; Melissa
(Daudt) Hoepner ’92; Howie Smith ’80, ’19 MAL; Marie (Eddy) Odenbrett ’01; Greg Schnagl ’91. Front row
[L to R]: Adrienne (Kuchler) Eldridge ’02; Meg (Schmidt) Sawyer ’00; Adriana Matzke ’13; Janeece Oatman ’05;
Chau “Tina” Nguyen ’08; Jill Watson ’10 MBA. Not pictured: Derek Francis ’08; Lori Higgins ’94, ’12 MAL;
Nick Swanson ’09
Q&A
with tour guide and Professor
of English Kathy Swanson
Q:
A:
How many times have you traveled to
Thailand? What keeps bringing you back?
My husband and I lived in Thailand as Peace
Corps volunteers for two years and have
returned eight times since. We return because
we feel Thailand is our “second home.” We love
Thailand’s beauty—from the huge city of Bangkok to
the mountains of northern Thailand in Chiang Mai
to the small beach town where we lived. We also
have many dear friends, some former students and
colleagues, with whom we love to reconnect.
Q:
A:
Can you share with us a memory from a trip
you led with Augsburg students?
We have shared our love of Thailand with
Augsburg students during five trips and have so
many good memories. Former Auggies still share their
memories and pictures of the trips with us. Some
of these students became English language learner
teachers because of their experience teaching English
in our former school. I remember one student, for
example, who was hesitant about going so far away
from home and to such an unfamiliar place. She had
been my student in several classes and seemed to
trust me when I encouraged her, so she took the big
step. We are still in contact after many years and she
has written about her trip to Thailand as being “lifechanging.” She stepped out of her comfort zone and
experienced things she could have never imagined,
gaining confidence and self-awareness.
Q:
A:
Who should take this trip?
Anyone who values expanding a worldview,
learning about a new culture, and experiencing
beauty.
Summer 2016
25
ALUMNI CLASS NOTES
AUGGIES CONNECT
Martin Sabo ’59 leaves a
lasting legacy. See page 23.
1960
Rev. Dennis Glad ’60
and Barbara Glad
of St. Francis, Minnesota, have
led nearly 1,000 volunteers on
mission trips to 14 Caribbean
islands, Costa Rica, and Belize
over the past 25 years. Working
on a volunteer construction team,
the Glads and their crew have
built schools, clinics, churches,
orphanages, and more. In April,
the couple received WCCO Radio’s
Good Neighbor Award, and they
are now in the station’s Good
Neighbor Hall of Fame. In 1999,
Rev. Glad retired after serving in
the United Methodist Church for
more than 40 years.
empowering dreams
Travelers EDGE® grant affords
students pathway to success
In March, Augsburg was awarded a
$115,000 grant to continue offering
Travelers EDGE (Empowering Dreams for
Graduation and Employment), a program
that provides underrepresented students
with scholarships, paid internships,
and mentorship in an effort to break
down barriers and provide long-term
opportunity. The highly successful
program, now in its sixth year at
Augsburg, is poised to have 15 Travelers
EDGE scholars on campus this fall—its
largest cohort yet.
This prestigious program—open
to only 12 colleges in the United
States—has lifetime payoffs for
students, including the chance to find
challenging and rewarding careers in
the insurance and financial services
industry. To get there, each Travelers
EDGE scholar works with a career coach
and a professional mentor at Travelers
and participates in financial literacy
programming.
Marlene Ibsen, vice president of
community relations at Travelers, said
Augsburg was already doing great work
and made for a natural Travelers EDGE
partner.
“Everything and everyone we
encountered at Augsburg, including
President Pribbenow and throughout
the organization, made us think, ‘This
is a team of people who really get it and
would be outstanding additions to the
Travelers EDGE collaborative,’” said Ibsen.
Students in the program receive financial
26
Augsburg Now
scholarships and something that, in the
long run, pays even greater dividends—
networking contacts.
“Once they begin immersing
themselves in the professional
development workshops and start
to build relationships with Travelers
employees, students quickly learn
that the networking and professional
coaching they are getting will be of
significant use to them in the long
term,” said Janet Morales, Augsburg’s
director for the program.
So far, Augsburg has had 23
Travelers EDGE scholars participate in
the program and some have gone on to
accept full-time positions with Travelers.
Dustina Granlund ’14 is one of the
Travelers EDGE alumni who works at
Travelers. Granlund had two internships
at the company, including one in
Hartford, Connecticut. As an intern,
she helped develop new and more
efficient reporting systems that are still
in use today.
Granlund said her mentor helped
her understand how school applies
to the real world by encouraging her
to accept and take on challenges, to
network, and to push herself beyond
her comfort zone.
“My Travelers EDGE scholar
work taught me business etiquette,
interviewing techniques, and résumé
writing,” she said. “It helped connect
me with resources at Augsburg that I
didn’t really know about.”
Travelers EDGE connected Granlund
with staff in Augsburg’s Clair and Gladys
Strommen Center for Meaningful Work
who helped Granlund become more
comfortable seeking regular advice on
graduate school.
Morales sees that the value of the
program goes far beyond job experience.
“Travelers EDGE is confidence
building,” she said. “Our scholars
do not typically have any corporate
experience prior to becoming a part
of Travelers EDGE, nor do they have
family members with that experience,
so starting their professional journey
within insurance and financial services
can be intimidating. However, Travelers
EDGE gives the scholars opportunities
to learn and build their skills within a
safe space. The end result is that they
can imagine themselves with a career in
insurance and financial services, which
they couldn’t before.”
1964
Roger Johnson ’64
was presented with
the Donald Clark Memorial Award
at Minnesota Hockey’s annual
banquet in April. The award is
given to an individual who has
been dedicated to the grassroots
growth and development of youth
hockey in Minnesota. Johnson was
the head coach for boys’ hockey in
Fergus Falls, Minnesota, from 1965
until 1972 and then was varsity
assistant and junior varsity head
coach for the next 27 years until
1999. He is a substitute teacher
and a volunteer general manager
for the boys’ hockey team.
1969
Royce Helmbrecht ’69
graduated with a
degree in education. Today,
47 years later, he works as a
substitute teacher with students
who struggle to get through
school. He also teaches jail
inmates for the GED program.
fundraisers. Her leisure activities
include gardening, walking,
biking, and reading.
Michael Good ’71 celebrates
at groundbreaking ceremony.
See page 2.
jazzy food songs. Sullivan attended
Augsburg as a flute student, studied
broadcasting at Brown Institute,
and has worked in radio and as a
voice-over artist. After appearing at
venues that draw swing dancers,
she teamed up with Laurie to create
the duo Retro Swing Sister.
Three years ago at Valley of Peace Lutheran Church in Golden Valley,
Minnesota, three parishioners took on a Lenten art project to create a mosaic
for their church entry. Led by Barb (Durkee) Mikelson ’71, the committee
also included Emilie Moravec ’07 and Jon Daniels ’88. The design, primarily
Mikelson’s work, echoed the stained glass window design in the church’s
sanctuary created by the late August Molder, an Augsburg professor. Mikelson
served the past 12 years as director of her church’s early childhood education
center, All God’s Children Learning Center, and retired in January. The school’s
leadership is now in the able hands of another Auggie, Courtney GadboisBrumbaugh ’95.
From the Auggie Connections blog.
Read more at augsburg.edu/alumni/blog.
He says the Lord intervened in his
life and directed him to Augsburg,
and he feels blessed to have
followed the Lord’s direction.
1971
Mary (Soulen) Johnson ’71
is the new branch
assistant at Minnesota’s Aitkin
Public Library. She especially
enjoys working with children
at the library and at the Aitkin
Children’s Center. As a volunteer
at Wild and Free in Garrison,
Minnesota, she helps with
feeding animals and assists with
Merilee Klemp ’75 uses the
city of Minneapolis as her
classroom. See page 16.
1982
Maryann Sullivan ’82
and Rhonda Laurie
have been entertaining listening
audiences and swing dancers for
the past three years. In February,
the two performed “Swingin’ a
la Carte” as part of the Jazz@
St. Barney’s concert series at St.
Barnabas Lutheran Church in
Plymouth, Minnesota, reflecting
the singers’ love of cooking through
Scott Whirley ’82 and Henry
Gerten ’98 were inducted into
the National Wrestling Coaches
Association Division III Hall of
Fame in a ceremony in Cedar
Rapids, Iowa, prior to this year’s
NCAA Division III Wrestling
National Championships. Whirley
and Gerten are the ninth and 10th
Auggies to be inducted into the
NWCA Division III Hall of Fame.
Dr. Paul Mueller ’84 breaks ground
on Augsburg’s new, signature
academic building. See page 2.
AUGGIE SNAPSHOTS
1967
In March, the Rev.
Terry J. Frovik ’67
and his wife, Pauline, were invited
by Archbishop Nemuel Babba
to participate in the installation
service for the Rev. Peter
Bartimawus, who was elected
Bishop of the Gongola Diocese of
the Lutheran Church of Christ in
Nigeria (LCCN). The service took
place in Bartimawus’ home village of Guyuk.
1992
Rosanne Newville Bump ’92 plans events, including
the St. Paul Winter Carnival as president and CEO
of the Saint Paul Festival & Heritage Foundation. She received
her MBA in 2010 from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.
She has stayed in touch with many of her Auggie classmates
over the years, and is pleased that both the St. Paul Winter
Carnival and the Cinco de Mayo organizations benefit from
the help of Augsburg interns as they plan events. She lives
with her husband of 28 years, Jeff Bump ’85, and their three
daughters (Madelyn, Ella, and Julia) in River Falls where she
served for nine years as CEO of the River Falls Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau.
Summer 2016
27
2000
ALUMNI CLASS NOTES
Brian Ammann ’85 reflects on one of
the standout athletes he coached.
See page 8.
1988
Building hope
In March, Bob Strommen ’74 volunteered for a
Habitat for Humanity project in Nicaragua. He
joined cousins Tim ’70 and Dawn (Hofstad) ’70
Strommen, and Judy (Knudson) Strommen ’77, and
was overwhelmed by the magnitude of poverty in
the small village where they worked. The trip was
Tim’s third visit to the same site.
Bob writes, “Prior to our venturing out,
we had an orientation led by our Nicaraguan
Habitat leader, Aleandra, who reported that there
was a need for more than 600,000 homes in
Nicaragua—either new builds or fixing up existing
homes in desperate need of repair. And we were
going to build one home. At the time I thought,
‘What difference will this make? How do you tackle
such an overwhelming need?’”
Upon meeting the eventual homeowner, her
daughter, and grandchildren, Bob soon learned
that their work in that one week would make a lifechanging impact for the family.
He’d considered the impact they would
make on the family of the house, but did not
comprehend the impact that the people and
volunteering would have on him, saying: “My goal
is not to be better than anyone else, but to be
better than I used to be.”
Jeff Judge ’88 successfully
defended his doctoral
dissertation at Minnesota State
University. His thesis was “Spirituality in
Higher Education: A Narrative Analysis of
its Use by Leaders for Decision-Making.”
Judge graduated from Augsburg with
bachelor’s degrees in music education
and Spanish, and received a master’s
in Spanish from Middlebury (Vermont)
College. He lives in Minnetonka,
Minnesota, with his wife, Jeannie, and
their three teenagers: Nico, Danny, and
Clare. He is the dean of the humanities
division at Normandale Community
College in Bloomington, Minnesota.
1989
Troy Bakker ’89 received a
doctorate of science degree
from Dakota State University in Madison,
South Dakota.
Stephen Hindle ’89 has been appointed
practice lead at the partner level for Aon
Hewitt’s assessment and leadership
practice for Asia, the Middle East, and
Africa. He also is the face of Aon Hewitt
in these markets. His responsibilities
include commercial management of all
assessment and leadership business
across 14 countries as well as all
operations, solution development, and
mergers and acquisitions activity in
these markets.
He is based in Singapore with his
wife of more than 21 years, Adean,
and their two daughters, Claudia and
Madeleine.
1996
As twin sisters, Kaja Foat ’96
and Zoe Foat ’96 have shared
a lot in life—a last name, a love of
color and nature, and a vision for a
more ethical world. In 2002, the sisters
followed their shared vision to create
FOAT. Their goal was to offer a refreshing,
eco-conscious alternative in women’s
fashion, starting with yoga apparel. Since
then, they’ve expanded their designs to
additional lines of one-of-a-kind garments
and wedding gowns, and their workspace
to studios in Minneapolis and Charleston,
South Carolina.
Devean George ’99 builds neighborhood
pride alongside community housing in
north Minneapolis. See page 8.
2000
Augsburg theater alumni
Stephanie Lein Walseth ’00,
Quinci Bachman ’15, and Jorge
Rodriguez ’15, and Professor Emerita
Martha Johnson participated in the
Full Circle Theater Company’s return
engagement of “Theater: A Sacred
Passage.” Lein Walseth and Johnson are
two writers of this original performance
piece, devised by the core artists of
Full Circle from their personal journeys
into theater. Their stories embody
the challenges and transformational
experiences they have had in becoming
theater artists and how their lives
and work reflect the changes in the
theater community during the past two
decades. The piece incorporates acting,
storytelling, choreography, and music.
Bachman was production coordinator,
stage manager, and sound designer.
Rodriguez served as set and technical
director and lighting designer. Johnson
was dramaturge and assistant director.
Visit augsburg.edu/alumni/blog to read more.
1992
Heather Johnston ’92
(second from left) was
invited to speak at the annual
conference of the Municipal
Finance Directors of Israel in Eilat,
Israel. Johnston is president of
the Government Finance Officers
Association of the United States and
Canada. Johnston serves as the city
manager for Burnsville, Minnesota.
28
Augsburg Now
1999
[L to R]: J. Roxanne
Prichard, associate
professor of psychology and
neuroscience, and Jeanne “Birdie”
(Ramacher) Cunningham ’99,
associate director of health and
wellness, have created and
launched the Center for College
Sleep at the University
of St. Thomas in St. Paul.
2005
Jon Dahlin ’05
participated in track
and field at Augsburg, and he set
a national record in the hammer
throw that still stands. He went
on to compete nationally and
internationally in Highland games.
He competed in states including
California, Florida, and Texas, and
he also competed in Iceland. He
traveled to Gyor, Hungary, as part
of Team USA for the 2015 World
Highland Games Championship
where he squared off against 15
athletes from around the world.
He was pleased to record one
of his best performances ever
in caber (tossing a 175-pound
wooden beam), and finished in
seventh place. Dahlin lives in
Minnetonka, Minnesota, and works
as a software developer at Barr
Engineering, focusing primarily
on creating web applications. He
also is a sports photographer who
covers NFL games.
Jenni Fisher ’05 and Jade
Boettcher ’15 MAE were united
in marriage on January 20 in
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.
Boettcher received his Master of
Arts in Education from Augsburg
and is a special education teacher
at John Marshall High School
in Rochester, Minnesota. Fisher
received her bachelor’s from
Augsburg and is a clinic assistant
at Planned Parenthood
in Rochester.
Brandon Green ’05 is a new
managing partner at MG
Resources. Before joining the
company, Green spent nearly 18
years with Griffiths Corporation.
2007
James Lekatz ’07
wrote the music for
“The Snow Queen,” which was
presented at Stages Theatre in
Hopkins, Minnesota, in March.
This summer, Lekatz worked with
a group of students with autism
on a production of “The BFG” as
part of a program called CAST,
Creative Accepting Sensoryfriendly Theatre. He will be
assistant director on a production
called “Twinkle Twinkle,” as part
of Stages Theatre Company’s
theater for the very young, and he
will compose Stages’ next dance/
ballet piece, “The Velveteen
Rabbit,” to be performed next
spring.
2008
Andrew Webb ’08
volunteers his
time to assist local and global
communities as they recover from
natural disasters and tragedies.
He encourages others through
a letter-writing campaign and
invites groups, such as area
high schools, to join him in his
dedication to this mission.
Sara (Quigley) Brown ’00
received her chaplain badge
for the Alaska Police and Fire Chaplains
Ministry, a statewide nonprofit that serves
police and fire personnel. The program
follows a strict training that mirrors the
training of police officers.
Brown will return to the Twin Cities
in August to attend a clinical pastoral
education residency through which she
will receive certification to become a hospital chaplain.
2000
Ross Murray ’00,
’09 MBA, has
been issued a call from the
Metropolitan New York Synod in
New York City to be consecrated
as a diaconal minister and focus
on LGBT advocacy at GLAAD. He
and Richard Garnett ’07, ’09 MBA
were married in April.
2001
Sarah (Grans) Peterka ’01
married Erik Peterka
on December 12. Several Auggies
were at the celebration including:
Carrie Lind ’01, Skylar Hanson ’01,
Laura Hahn ’02, Erica ’01 and
Jason ’01 Bryan-Wegner, Ben
Hoogland ’00, Larye ’98 and
Melissa (Moyle) Pohlman ’00,
Lenise Butler ’01, and
Birgitte Simpson ’13.
2010
Jennifer (Mathwig)
Ortloff ’10 became joint
owner of the public accounting
firm of Peterson Juergensen
Hemerick & Co. in Hutchinson,
Minnesota, after five years with
the firm. Prior to becoming an
owner and before earning an
accounting degree at Augsburg,
she worked on the administrative
side of the company. Ortloff is a
native of Brownton, Minnesota,
and worked for the city of
Brownton while completing
her degree.
2005
When Claire Pettry ’05
moved to Ohio in the
fall of 2015, her Augsburg College
connection played a key role in
helping her form friendships in
her new locale. She met Chris
Ascher ’81 and wife, Susan, and
the three became fast friends
who completed a 5K run on
Thanksgiving.
2003
Megan and Jay
Howard ’03 welcomed
their son, Elias John, on April 28.
Lisa Svac Hawks ’85 sees Augsburg College as a “pillar of faith,” one of the reasons she chose the College
and why she continues to be involved. She served six years on the Alumni Board and is a founding
member of Augsburg Women Engaged.
Hawks is vice president, external communications, for United Healthcare Services. She is focused on
helping simplify the complicated health care landscape for the consumers so that they can live healthier
lives. In her spare time, Hawks enjoys gardening, cooking, and playing golf and other sports. She also
enjoys coaching her 10-year-old son Andrew’s baseball team, which she has done for the past three years.
From the Auggie Connections blog.
Visit augsburg.edu/alumni/blog to read more.
ALUMNI CLASS NOTES
2011
Patrick Siegel ’11 is
the proud owner of
Robusto & Briar cigar store and
lounge in Lakewood, Ohio. The
establishment is made for all
who appreciate a fine cigar and
conversation-worthy décor. He
got hooked on the cigar business
when, as a student at Augsburg,
he was hired by the Golden Leaf
shop, where he bought his cigars.
He and wife, Nicole, who grew
up in Rocky River, Ohio, decided
to settle in Lakewood. Robusto &
Briar specializes in hand-rolled
products that are kept in a 15-by30 foot humidor. The shop offers
about 400 types of cigars and
about 50 kinds of tobacco.
2012
The Minnesota
Women’s Press
published an article on Interfaith
Youth Connection, a program
for high school and college-age
youth that promotes interfaith
understanding and service. The
article includes comments from
Fardosa Hassan ’12, Muslim
student program associate at
Augsburg College and program
coordinator of Interfaith Youth
Connection. By holding regular
conversations and yearly service
events, the group seeks to give
youth “a way to be proud of
who they are in whatever faith
background they [believe],
while reducing prejudice and
misconception,” Hassan said.
“In the midst of what is going on
today, this is something we need.”
Patrick Sayler ’12 is the new
general manager of Co-op Natural
Foods in Sioux Falls, South
Dakota. Before returning to Sioux
Falls three years ago, he spent
16 years in the Minneapolis area
managing cafes and retail shops.
As the general manager of Co-op
Natural Foods, he will oversee an
established business that employs
approximately 20 people and does
more than $2 million a year. He
is completing work on a degree in
business management/marketing
and project management at the
University of Sioux Falls.
2014
Allison Zank ’14 has
been named a National
Science Foundation Graduate
Research Fellow for 2016-17.
Zank will receive a $34,000
annual stipend and $12,000 costof-education allowance to assist
her in achieving a research-based
graduate degree. An NSF GRFP
indicates to graduate schools that
a student is a top undergraduate
scientist in the nation. Zank
conducted summer research
on biofilms with Augsburg
Associate Professor Jennifer
Bankers-Fulbright as well as at the
University of Minnesota’s Dental
School. Zank also has spent time
conducting research in industry.
At Augsburg, she was named an
URGO Scholar, McNair Scholar,
AugSTEM Scholar, and Goldwater
Scholar. She plans to pursue
a master’s degree in clinical
microbiology at the University of
Wisconsin-La Crosse this fall.
GRADUATE
2015
Katie Clark ’10 MAN, ’14 DNP
presented at a breakout session
for Fairview Health Services’
Somali Cultural Health Day in
April. Her topic was “Critical
decision making and chronic
illness.” Clark connected her
previous bedside nursing
experience with her current
experience working with Somali
community members at the
Health Commons in the CedarRiverside neighborhood. Her
focus was to teach health care
providers to deliver culturally
congruent care to marginalized
populations. She concentrated
her efforts on reducing the role of
stereotypes and assumptions in
the patient-provider relationship.
Jordan Holm ’15
competed in the 2016
Olympic trials in the 85-kilogram
weight class for Greco-Roman
wrestling at Carver-Hawkeye
Arena in Iowa City, Iowa, on
April 6. Holm was one of three
athletes automatically earning the
No. 1 ranking. He graduated from
Augsburg with a business degree
in marketing.
Duina Hernandez ’16 lets
dirt fly at an Augsburg
groundbreaking ceremony.
See page 2.
Evan Berg ’10 MBA was hired as
assistant vice president and loan
officer at the Janesville State Bank
in Janesville, Minnesota. He has a
bachelor’s degree in economics/
business administration from
Winona State University and an
MBA from Augsburg, as well as
eight years of experience in credit
analysis and lending with Farm
Credit and several banks.
AUGGIE CONNECTIONS:
a new, personalized
newsletter
Whether it be in the classroom, cheering on your favorite Auggie
team, or supporting the on-campus groups that mean the most to
you, Augsburg College emphasizes a direct, personal experience
for its students and alumni. In today’s world where information is
coming from all angles and at all times, personalized, meaningful
information is more important than ever.
The Alumni Association recognizes this and is taking a step
to provide more pertinent and timely information about what’s
happening at Augsburg. Beginning this summer, Augsburg is
offering a personalized e-newsletter that will be delivered on a
schedule of your choosing, in a format you want. No more monthly
Now@Augsburg emails. The Auggie Connections newsletter is
now in your hands.
Choose the topics you are most interested in: Auggie
athletics? Theater and music? Science? Want to hear it all? With
your new, improved Auggie Connections newsletter, you won’t
miss a thing.
The first personalized Auggie Connections newsletter
arrived in your email inbox in late June. If you haven’t yet set your
preferences, check your email for the message titled “Augsburg
College - delivered YOUR way,” to get started.
To update your contact information, email alumniupdate@
augsburg.edu.
2009
Benjamin Austin ’09
and Michelle
(Anderson) Austin ’11 were
married December 19 in St. Paul.
They met at Augsburg during her
sophomore year and his senior
year.
Schuyler (Dunhaupt)
Tilson ’10 graduated
from Mitchell Hamline School of Law
in St. Paul in January with a focus in
Indian law. She recently passed the
Minnesota bar and became a staff
attorney for the Ho-Chunk Nation
Trial Court. She holds undergraduate
degrees from Augsburg in history
and American Indian studies.
2012
Muneer Al-Hameed ’12
won the Dancing with the
Twin Cities Celebrities Charity Ball
in February. Augsburg alumna Carla
Beaurline ’91 was a judge this year
and a 2015 Dancing with the Twin
Cities celebrity dancer.
FRESH LOOK,
INCREASED
INTERACTION
Nic Thomley ’06 MBA was named to the
2016 Class of Henry Crown Fellows and the
Aspen Global Leadership Network at the
Aspen Institute. This growing network unites
a worldwide community of entrepreneurial
leaders from business, government, and the
nonprofit sector who share a commitment
to enlightened leadership and to using their
creativity, energy, and resources to tackle
the foremost societal challenges of our time.
Thomley is an accomplished entrepreneur
in the human services industry and the
founder of companies that provide an array
of services to persons with disabilities and
senior citizens. Thomley is the founder and
30
Augsburg Now
CEO of Morning Star Financial Services and
the founder and chairman of Summit Fiscal
Agency and Pinnacle Services, Minneapolis.
Thomley was named a 2015 Ernst & Young
Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist and,
in 2006, was named to Inc. Magazine’s
“30 Under 30, America’s Coolest Young
Entrepreneurs” list and to the Minneapolis/
St. Paul Business Journal’s “40 Under 40”
list. In 2010, Thomley was presented with
Augsburg’s First Decade Award, which
honors graduates of the past 10 years who
have made significant progress in their
professional achievements and contributions
to the community.
Enjoy several new features on the Augsburg Now magazine’s
companion website. Thanks to a site upgrade, it’s possible to:
• Read articles on mobile devices with ease
• Share favorite stories and photos on social media
• View exclusive slideshows and videos
• Manage your magazine subscription and delivery method
• “Go green” by opting for digital content instead of print
• Submit class notes and share good news
SUBMIT A CLASS NOTE
Tell us about the news in your life—your new job, move,
marriage, and births. Visit augsburg.edu/alumni/connect to submit
your announcements.
Mike Polis ’10 has
started Backboard
Media, based in Northeast
Minneapolis. Check it out at
backboardgroup.com.
2010
augsburg.edu/now
Entrepreneurial leader recognized
2010
2013
Kuoth Wiel ’13 cofounded the NyaEden
Foundation, a nonprofit that aims
to provide basic survival necessities
to disadvantaged women and
children throughout Africa. She is an
actress, model, and humanitarian
whose debut film role was in “The
Good Lie,” a drama starring Reese
Witherspoon that tells the story of
a group of Sudanese refugees who
are offered shelter in the United
States. Wiel was born to a Sudanese mother and father in an Ethiopian
refugee camp following her parents’ escape from war-torn Sudan. As a
young adult, Wiel moved to Minneapolis to attend Augsburg and study
social psychology. Visit nyaedenfoundation.org to learn more about the
organization’s work to foster girls’ and women’s safety, empowerment,
independence, dignity, self-esteem, and self-respect.
Fall 2015
37
Summer 2016
31
In memoriam
Chester R. Heikkinen ’40,
Robbinsdale, Minnesota,
age 99, on November 24.
Helen (Quanbeck)
Nichols ’44, Monticello,
Minnesota, age 94, on
April 27.
Frederick “Fred” M. King ’71,
Onalaska, Wisconsin, age
73, on February 5.
Helen E. (Berg) Peterson ’46,
Minneapolis, age 92, on
November 23.
Martin O. Sabo ’59,
Minneapolis, age 78,
on March 13.
Kenneth J. Dahlberg ’80,
Colorado Springs,
Colorado, age 62,
on December 21.
Doris M. Rear-Hustad ’46,
Blanchardville, Wisconsin,
age 90, on March 18.
Gary A. Hoonsbeen ’60,
Crystal, Minnesota,
age 77, on March 7.
Brenda L. Fredrick ’82,
Strawberry Point, Iowa,
age 57, on April 23.
Loren M. Thorson ’46,
Green Valley, Arizona,
age 96, on March 8.
Robert N. Martin ’61,
Dracut, Massachusetts,
age 81, on March 22.
Janice C. Olson ’84,
Lakewood, Washington,
age 79, on January 19.
Robert “Bob” E. Lee ’47,
Hallettsville, Texas,
age 92, on March 3.
Norbert W. W. Mokros ’61,
Duluth, Minnesota,
age 77, on January 25.
Melissa A. Lawrence ’88,
Minneapolis, age 59,
on March 1.
Aagoth E. (Hanson)
Hansen ’48, Willmar,
Minnesota, age 89,
on January 4.
Sherman P. Coltvet ’62,
Rochester, Minnesota,
age 75, on January 30.
Marilyn J. (Cederstrom)
Teubert ’88, Waconia,
Minnesota, age 84,
on November 23.
Paul D. Hilton ’51,
Cumberland, Wisconsin,
age 86, on January 28.
Eugene M. Nelson ’51,
Colorado Springs,
Colorado, age 86,
on January 11.
Lillian K. (Ysteboe) Ose ’51,
Benson, Minnesota,
age 87, on January 5.
Leonard E. Dalberg ’52,
Solvang, California,
age 90, on April 21.
Randall “Randy” Fischer ’52,
Lynchburg, Virginia,
age 85, on February 5.
Robert C. Ingman ’54,
Minneapolis, age 85, on
September 3.
Charles “Bob” R.
Hudgins ’62, Burnsville,
Minnesota, age 75,
on December 12.
Charles W. King, Jr. ’62,
Sun City West, Arizona,
age 76, on December 17.
Philip O. Sidney ’63,
St. Paul, age 75,
on April 10.
Mary M. Lindgren ’64,
Minneapolis, age 74,
on March 15.
David A. Mallak ’65,
Austin, Texas, age 72,
on February 10.
Steven H. Steinke ’65,
Pequot Lakes, Minnesota,
age 68, on January 26.
Robert R. Benson ’67,
Preston, Minnesota,
age 70, on December 23.
Karl B. Lunder ’70, Red
Wing, Minnesota, age 69,
on March 12.
SAVE THE DATES:
SEPTEMBER 22-24
New events and schedule!
William “Bill” J. Schutt ’75,
Watertown, South Dakota,
age 74, on February 2.
Richard “Dick” L. Berg ’57,
Minneapolis, age 85,
on February 3.
Vera C. (Alberg)
Hafstad ’50, Owatonna,
Minnesota, age 86, on
March 11.
Augsburg Now
Dayne W. Sather ’55,
Maple Grove, Minnesota,
age 86, on January 25.
Joyce I. (Engstrom)
Spector ’70, Minneapolis,
age 68, on April 1.
Mary (Mortensen) Nelson ’45,
Minneapolis, age 92, on
January 22.
Arnold H. Skaar ’48,
Edina, Minnesota, age 91,
on February 2.
32
Dale W. Quanbeck ’54,
Grand Forks, North
Dakota, age 84,
on January 18.
Carol R. (Pasquarella)
Liedtke ’89, Shorewood,
Illinois, age 73,
on December 5.
Diane P. Ondrey ’94,
Minneapolis, age 80,
on February 19.
Jean W. (Thompson)
Rondeau ’94, Minneapolis,
age 77, on April 12.
Sandra K. Berg ’98, Inver
Grove Heights, Minnesota,
age 69, on January 26.
Conrad D. Meyer ’98,
Merida, Mexico, age 66,
on April 3.
.
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B
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O
PR
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B
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BE CAL
Barbara (Steinle)
Huckle ’00, Burnsville,
Minnesota, age 55,
on April 16.
Jason C. Magnon ’13,
Georgetown, Texas,
age 25, on January 15.
Go to augsburg.edu/homecoming to register and see the new events this year.
The “In memoriam” listings in this publication
include notifications received before May 10.
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PAID
Twin Cities, MN
Permit No. 2031
The Augsburg Choir joins Barry Manilow on stage
The exceptional talent and hard work of the Augsburg Choir was rewarded with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sing backup
during Grammy-award winner Barry Manilow’s farewell tour. Members of the choir sang three of his hits in an encore at the
Xcel Energy Center: “I Write the Songs,” “Miracle,” and “Copacabana (At the Copa).”
Show less
AUGSBURG NOW
AUGSBURG
UNIVERSITY
SPRING–SUMMER 2017 | VOL. 79, NO. 2
COMING SEPTEMBER 2017
PHOTO BY STEPHEN GEFFRE
Vice President of Marketing
and Communication
Rebecca John ’13 MBA
rjohn@augsburg.edu
NOTES FROM PRESIDENT PRIBBENOW
On the power of both/and
I am writing these notes on c... Show more
AUGSBURG NOW
AUGSBURG
UNIVERSITY
SPRING–SUMMER 2017 | VOL. 79, NO. 2
COMING SEPTEMBER 2017
PHOTO BY STEPHEN GEFFRE
Vice President of Marketing
and Communication
Rebecca John ’13 MBA
rjohn@augsburg.edu
NOTES FROM PRESIDENT PRIBBENOW
On the power of both/and
I am writing these notes on commencement
weekend when we have just sent the final
graduates of Augsburg College into the world,
full of promise and aspiration—as has been the
case for almost 150 years. As you will read in
this issue of Augsburg Now, the change of our
name to Augsburg University will become official
in September, and we will welcome the incoming
class on Labor Day weekend. We are busy
preparing for this exciting new era for Augsburg!
For some, the name change may reflect
a break with Augsburg’s past. For others,
perhaps this is a welcome acceptance of the
need to embrace the future. For the Augsburg
community, however, the change is a remarkable
opportunity to re-present Augsburg to the
world—to tell a story that is about an abiding
mission and identity shaped by faith, and
academic and civic values, and at the same
time to point to innovative and urgently needed
responses to our dynamic environment. In
other words, this change is about the pivot
from “either/or” to “both/and.” This is about
embracing the best of past, present, and future.
This is about Augsburg University.
The almost 1,000 Auggies who commenced
into the world this spring reflect in their
achievements and aspirations the foundation for
embracing this change.
Across undergraduate and graduate programs,
the Class of 2017 achieved academic excellence
of the highest order, excellence that defines a
university: national and international honors for
scholarship and service; exemplary undergraduate
research that equips students for graduate
work and professional opportunities; innovative
community building that strengthens democratic
engagement; and a commitment to equity in
education that promises to change the world.
At the same time, our newest graduates
reflect the diversity that we expect in a
university—diversity of ethnicity, thinking, life
experience, identity, and ability—diversity not
for its own sake but for the promise of a more
robust, healthy, and just world. As I watched our
diverse graduates cross the stage, I could not
help but be filled with hope in our future leaders
who already have learned to navigate difference
in ways that unite rather than divide.
In a final way, these newest Augsburg
graduates offer a perhaps countercultural
lesson about what makes for a great university.
Though some imagine a university as big and
bureaucratic and faceless, Augsburg has a
vision to be a new kind of student-centered,
urban university—small to our students and
big for the world. The sense of community was
palpable in our commencement ceremonies as
graduates cheered each other and celebrated
the relationships they have forged at Augsburg,
lifelong relationships that engendered
achievement and success. And propelled by those
relationships, our graduates will indeed be “big
for the world,” as they live Augsburg’s mission as
“informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical
thinkers, and responsible leaders.”
Here’s to the power of “both/and” and the
promise of Augsburg University!
Director of News and
Media Services
Stephanie Weiss
weisss@augsburg.edu
Director of Marketing
Communication
Stephen Jendraszak
jendra@augsburg.edu
Communication Copywriter
and Editorial Coordinator
Laura Swanson Lindahl ’15 MBA
swansonl@augsburg.edu
Senior Creative Associate, Design
Denielle Johnson ’11
johnsod@augsburg.edu
Production Manager
Mark Chamberlain
chamberm@augsburg.edu
Marketing Copywriter
Jessica Mueller
muellerj@augsburg.edu
Contributing Writers
Kate H. Elliott
Jen Lowman Day
augsburg.edu
Augsburg Now is published by
Augsburg College
2211 Riverside Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55454
Opinions expressed in Augsburg Now
do not necessarily reflect official
College policy.
ISSN 1058-1545
Faithfully yours,
Send address corrections to:
alumniupdate@augsburg.edu.
Send comments to:
now@augsburg.edu
PAUL C. PRIBBENOW, PRESIDENT
AUGSBURG NOW
Spring–Summer 2017
02 Around the quad
08
Preserving Norway’s
treasures
12
Augsburg University
name change
18
Winning the long game
24
Auggies connect
28
Class notes
33
In memoriam
PHOTO BY COURTNEY PERRY
On the cover
Augsburg College will become
Augsburg University effective
September 1. Learn more about
this historic transition on page 12.
An Auggie passes by the first art installation in the Norman and Evangeline Hagfors Center
for Science, Business, and Religion. This new academic building, which will open in January
2018, celebrates Augsburg’s commitment to learning at the intersection of disciplines.
Glass fritting on the lobby curtainwall depicts the pattern of Martin Luther’s handwritten
score of “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” overlaid with the cell structure of elm wood.
“Knowing that light will pour through the tall glass of the Hagfors Center, and that
people will pass through the reflected shape of the notes of this stirring hymn, ties the
whole idea of the building together for me. Science, business, and religion, drawn together
in space, time, and rhythm of the ages,” said Augsburg President Paul C. Pribbenow, who,
with his wife, Abigail Crampton Pribbenow, sponsored the artwork.
AROUND THE QUAD
HONORING
PHOTO BY COURTNEY PERRY
Retiring Faculty
RALPH BUTKOWSKI
MAGDA PALECZNY-ZAPP
Assistant Professor, Department of
Biology—with the College
since 2001
Associate Professor, Department of
Business Administration—with the
College since 1986
CASS DALGLISH
NOEL PETIT
Professor, Department of English—
with the College since 1986
Professor, Department of
Computer Science—with the
College since 1984
PETER HENDRICKSON ’76
Associate Professor, Department of
Music—with the College since 1994
BOYD KOEHLER
Associate Professor, Library—with
the College since 1967
SANDRA OLMSTED ’69
Associate Professor, Department
of Chemistry—with the College
since 1978
DEBORAH REDMOND
Assistant Professor, Department of
Communication Studies—with the
College since 1981
STUART STOLLER
Professor, Department of Business
Administration—with the College
since 1986
TARA SWEENEY
Associate Professor, Department of
Art—with the College since 1990
Auggies advocate at
STATE CAPITOL
The Augsburg community
celebrated the Class of 2017 on
Saturday, April 29. In a morning
ceremony, 503 traditional
undergraduate students were
conferred their degrees. In the
afternoon, the school recognized
469 adult undergraduate, master’s,
and doctoral students—50 of
whom studied at Augsburg’s
Rochester site. [Pictured]: Fatimah
Kinaphone ’15, ’17 MBA receives
her master’s degree hood.
2
AUGSBURG NOW
PHOTO BY STEPHEN GEFFRE
COMMENCEMENT
Augsburg College students recently visited the Minnesota State Capitol to
participate in advocacy events hosted by the Minnesota Private College
Council. First, in February, two of Augsburg’s TRIO McNair Scholars took
part in a Private College Scholars at the Capitol event that promoted the role
undergraduate research plays in students’ educational and professional
development. Then, in April, Auggies met with Minnesota representatives
and senators for Day at the Capitol.
These students advocated for
several programs, including
Minnesota State Grants, that help
undergraduates afford higher
education.
[L to R]: Professor of Sociology Diane Pike
advised McNair Scholar Devin Wiggs ’17, who
was invited to present his undergraduate
research project at Scholars at the Capitol.
AROUND THE QUAD
TICKETS ON SALE:
NOBEL PEACE
PRIZE FORUM
Visit nobelpeaceprizeforum.org to find ticket, presenter, and schedule information.
PHOTO BY RICKY TAYLOR ’17
COURTESY PHOTO
September 15-16
Each year, the Nobel Peace Prize Forum offers opportunities to learn from the world’s most
celebrated, innovative, and dedicated peacemakers. Hosted and presented by Augsburg, the
Forum invites attendees to turn abstract ideas into the skills our world needs for fostering
better relationships and for building peace. In September, international guests from leading
organizations will explore the theme “Dialogue in Divided Societies” and honor the work of
the Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet, the 2015 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, for its decisive
contribution to building a pluralistic democracy in Tunisia after the Jasmine Revolution of 2011.
Electronics lab is electrifying!! Building the circuits of
tomorrow, today. #MaroonMilestone @AugsburgCollege
FUEL FINISH
THERE IS, PERHAPS, NO GREATER CURE
FOR STRESS than taking a moment to
acknowledge the good. As Augsburg students soldiered through the last week
of classes this spring—turning in final papers and finishing projects—they
also made time to reflect on their achievements in 2016-17. Students posted,
tweeted, and shared #MaroonMilestones on social media, and soon a powerful
collective story came together. Whether it was winning athletic championships,
landing job interviews, or beating cancer, Auggies finished strong.
FOR THE
CELEBRATING
STUDENT
SUCCESS
FUEL
E
FOR TH
FINISH
For those who posted
#MaroonMilestones, Augsburg
partnered with its food service
provider, A’viands, to provide handdelivered treats and cheerful notes
that offered additional fuel for the end
of the term, though physics students
kept their beverages safely stationed
outside the lab (pictured above)!
Read about the scope of prestigious academic
achievements, awards, and honors earned by Auggies
during the 2016-17 year at augsburg.edu/now.
SPRING–SUMMER 2017
3
PHOTO BY RICKY TAYLOR ’17
AROUND THE QUAD
After a morning practice, goaltender Jordyn Kaufer ’17 and members of the Augsburg men’s
hockey team presented Minasie Theophilos with a check for $5,000. In comments aired on
KARE 11 news, Kaufer told Theophilos the sum was, “A token to give you thanks for your
selflessness, your service, your care to the rink and the guys.”
Honoring
Luther’s legacy
To mark the 500th anniversary
of the Reformation, Augsburg is
hosting a series of events this fall.
Visit augsburg.edu/ccv/events
for dates and details.
4
AUGSBURG NOW
A SEASON OF REFORMATION CELEBRATIONS!
In September, Augsburg will welcome the fourth
presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church
in America, the Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, as an honored
speaker for the Bernhard M. Christensen Symposium.
To mark Augsburg College Heritage Day in October,
Associate Professor of Religion Mary Lowe will lead a
discussion on the revolutionary life of Martin Luther.
In November, award-winning musical group The
Rose Ensemble will present “Welcome the People: The
Musical Legacy of the Reformation.”
To kick off the holiday season in December, Augsburg
will host Advent Vespers with the theme “Welcome,
Noble Guest,” inspired by Martin Luther’s hymn “From
Heaven Above.”
AROUND THE QUAD
MINASIE THEOPHILOS has cared for Augsburg’s athletic facilities—most notably the ice arena—
during his more than 25 years of service on the College’s custodial staff. Theophilos and the men’s
hockey team developed a life-changing relationship that was shared by media outlets across the
United States and around the globe.
When members of the team learned that Theophilos’ mother had died in Ethiopia—a home
Theophilos hasn’t seen for nearly 35 years—and that Theophilos missed her funeral because he didn’t
have the money to visit, the team created a fundraiser. In less than 48 hours, the players and Auggies
worldwide raised thousands of dollars for
Theophilos to use to visit his family.
Today, Theophilos and his wife are planning a
trip to see his father and their families, thanks
to a special friendship with the Augsburg
athletes he has supported for decades.
PHOTO BY RICKY TAYLOR ’17
FRIENDSHIP ON ICE … AND OFF
right,’
ou raised ’em
‘y
of
y
or
g
te
ca
“In the
y team.”
Augsburg hocke
e
th
of
s
d
ki
e
we give you th
—Bob Collins,
Minnesota Public Radio News Cut
COURTESY PHOTO
Who’s on first? Auggies are! This spring, the Augsburg baseball team kicked
off its season at U.S. Bank Stadium, competing in four nonconference
doubleheaders. The new Minnesota Vikings venue is only a stone’s throw (or
a really strong pitch) from Augsburg’s campus.
SPRING–SUMMER 2017
5
PHOTO BY STEPHEN GEFFRE
ON THE SPOT
IT’S SIMPLE MATH: Fewer people are entering the teaching profession, more are
leaving it, and many educators lack the qualifications required to teach Minnesota’s
increasingly diverse student body. These factors have prompted teacher preparation
programs—including those at Augsburg—to adapt in support of more inclusive,
flexible learning environments that accommodate a spectrum of needs and abilities.
As the director of education programs at Augsburg’s Rochester location, Kaycee Rogers is working alongside colleagues
and legislators to better support and retain teachers and to inspire a more diverse workforce. She is driven to ensure the
next generation of Minnesotans experience a meaningful education through hands-on, relevant learning.
Q:
How does educating, training, and
employing K-12 teachers with specialty
backgrounds improve our schools?
A:
The demographics of our student
population have changed given the
influx of new populations into our welcoming
state and education’s shift to incorporate
students with special needs into the general
classroom. Because of this, teachers with
specialty licenses are in demand, and these
positions are often tough to fill. Augsburg
is leading the charge to offer broader
licensures, which prepare teachers to
succeed in today’s classrooms and qualify
them for a wide range of teaching positions.
Exposure to more teaching strategies
and more specializations helps teacher
6
AUGSBURG NOW
candidates adapt and innovate so they can
offer students multiple access points for
understanding.
Q:
A:
What’s an example of an innovative
teaching strategy?
Students learn best when they’re
engaged in experiences that matter to
them. We’ve been incorporating real-world,
student-led experiences into the classroom,
and the results are impressive. Augsburg
teacher candidates, for instance, are helping
fourth- and fifth-graders write grants, speak
to community groups, navigate teamwork,
and participate in democracy. It’s been
amazing to watch our teachers transition
to more of a coaching role, while students
PHOTO BY BRENDAN BUSH
Education expert Kaycee Rogers describes how an inclusive,
agile K-12 model can help Minnesota classrooms make the grade
take the lead to apply classroom learning to
issues and situations of meaning to them.
Q:
A:
How do teachers recognize students’
home cultures and diverse experiences?
Although “English as a Second
Language” is a widely used term, we
say, “English learners,” because it’s more
accurate given that some students learn
English as a third or fourth language. We
also celebrate home culture and language
rather than asking students to check their
heritage at the door.
In special education, we try to be more
inclusive. It used to be that educators
relied on what was called a medical
model of diagnosis and treatment. Today,
AROUND THE QUAD
Outstanding
EDUCATORS
Share your ideas for
Each year, Augsburg recognizes
individuals who have made
exemplary contributions to creating
an engaging academic learning
environment. The 2017 recipients
of the Distinguished Contributions to
Teaching and Learning awards are:
AUGSBURG’S 150TH ANNIVERSARY
CELEBRATION
1869-2019
Visit augsburg.edu/150 to
submit your suggestions.
Alumni, parents, friends, faculty, and staff are invited to
celebrate Augsburg’s 150th anniversary in 2019. What
aspect of your Augsburg experience would you like to
highlight during the sesquicentennial year? Were you
connected to a team, an organization, or a department
that made a difference? Would you like to see a reunion
for your favorite activity—whether it was campus
ministry, KAUG radio, student government, or a music
ensemble? Let us know how to best honor Augsburg’s
past, present, and future.
Teaching
Full-time faculty
Joyce Miller ’02, ’05 MAN, ’11 DNP,
assistant professor and Nursing
Department chair
Part-time faculty
Alyssa Hanson ’01, mathematics and
statistics instructor
Scholarship
William Green, professor of history
Service
Q:
A:
David Crowe, associate professor of
biology
How do we inspire a workforce that is
more reflective of diverse classrooms?
It’s well documented that students
retain more information and have a
positive view of education when they relate
to teachers. We want to reach out to people
who look like our students and come from
the same backgrounds, particularly those
already working as teacher aides or in other
supporting roles. Growing teachers from
within each community’s diverse population
will beget more teachers of color and inspire
some to remain in their community to make a
lasting difference.
Stella Hofrenning, associate professor
of economics
Dixie Shafer, director of
Undergraduate Research and
Graduate Opportunity
PHOTO BY BOB STACKE ’71
we recognize that our role isn’t as much
about changing someone as it is about
using an approach that welcomes learners
of different styles, that encourages support
networks to address, adapt to, and respond
to each young person. We seek to accept,
listen, and innovate as we help students
gain as much as possible to prepare them
for a fulfilling life.
Both approaches fall under an umbrella
of universal design that can be applied to
all students, regardless of ability. If our
goal is understanding, then we must create
multiple access points for students. We urge
teacher candidates to get to know students,
their families, and the community to
appreciate the backgrounds coming together
in each classroom.
[L to R]: Stella Hofrenning, Dixie Shafer,
William Green, Joyce Miller, David Crowe, and
Alyssa Hanson.
SPRING–SUMMER 2017
7
PHOTO BY ANNAR BJØRGLI
8
AUGSBURG NOW
Juliane Derry ’00 works on an artifact from Norway’s national collection.
As an objects conservator, she studies and preserves historical materials.
BY LAURA SWANSON LINDAHL ’15 MBA
“As you can see, I’m not in my office,” says
Juliane Derry ’00 answering a video call and
gazing toward the cell phone resting in her
outstretched palm. “It’s kind of a little crisis.”
Behind her, a warehouse complex comes into
focus. It looks tidy—for the most part—but
there’s chaos emerging in what otherwise would
be a meticulously organized space.
Derry is standing in one of the storage
facilities for Norway’s Nasjonalmuseet, the
National Museum of Art, Architecture and
Design, and she is responding to an immediate,
all-hands-on-deck plea to mitigate an unnerving
discovery in the archive: water.
“Oxygen, light, and variations in
humidity are the things that cause
damage,” Derry said, hours later,
offering a primer on the fundamental
culprits in the degradation of
historical materials. As a conservator
for the national museum in Oslo,
she plays a multifaceted role in
the institution’s efforts to hold,
preserve, exhibit, and promote public
knowledge about Norway’s most
extensive collections.
Vestbanen – Downtown Oslo
Future home of the Nasjonalmuseet
Norway’s new national museum will open
in 2020. Juliane Derry ’00 is working to prepare
hundreds of objects for public display.
Oslo, Norway
SPRING–SUMMER 2017
9
PHOTO BY ANNAR BJØRGLI
During her career, Derry has
restored furniture, objects,
frames, and gilded surfaces.
10
AUGSBURG NOW
“There are so many different materials in our
collection that we have textile, paintings, paper,
and book conservators,” said Derry, who is an
objects conservator specializing in furniture,
frames, and gilded surfaces. She has studied
restoration on three continents and has become
an expert in both preserving national treasures
and making new creations shine. Derry is
someone who excels at finding connections
between seemingly disparate areas. Her
conservation work blends science with artistry,
research with intuition, and the practical with
the theoretical.
Derry’s personal life has been filled with
complementary relationships as well. She was
born in Norway, and she lived there until age 15
when she, her sister, and her American mother
moved from the tiny alpine town of Ål to the
densely populated Twin Cities lying on the edge
of Minnesota’s prairie. Later, as an Augsburg
student, she focused on women’s studies,
international relations, religion, and studio arts.
“I took classes based on what interested me,”
Derry said, shrugging her shoulders. “When
you get out into the real world and meet new
people you begin to realize that [some of them]
followed a very narrow path. I’m not looking
down on that in any way, but I appreciate the
fact that I was able to experience so many
different things.”
As her former faculty advisor, History
Professor and Director of General Education
Jacqueline deVries acknowledges that
Derry is the type of person who thrives in
interdisciplinary programs like women’s studies.
Now known as “gender, sexuality, and
women’s studies,” the major includes courses
in biology, English, history, political science,
sociology, and other disciplines. And it seems
Derry’s inclination toward diverse opportunities
only increases with time.
“Juliane’s path is fantastic. She totally
wandered,” said deVries, who now counts Derry
among her friends. “I think she’d laugh that I
said that, but along the way she discovered a
true passion.”
Derry’s career in restoration and conservation
began because misdirected mail literally came
across her desk. Shortly after graduating
from Augsburg, Derry worked as an assistant
to buyers at Dayton’s, Minneapolis’ storied
hometown department store chain. Even though
she didn’t support staff in the furniture division,
she received heaps of catalogs for that area.
Eventually, a thoughtful colleague noticed
her growing interest in woodworking and
encouraged her to pursue her calling. After
some networking and introspection, Derry
signed up for a wood finishing program at
a technical college—an experience that
ultimately led to her launching a small
business, obtaining an advanced degree,
and developing industry contacts around
the world.
One of those connections is Don
Williams, an author, educator, scholar,
and furniture conservator who retired after
serving the Smithsonian Institution for 29
years. Williams was a guest lecturer who
instructed Derry during her Minnesotabased finishing program, and he became
a mentor as she took her education and
career to new levels.
Williams has taught hundreds of
students, and he’s noticed that those who
succeed often have similar predispositions.
“How many people do you know who
are both scientists and artists?” he
asked. “That’s what we are. If you are not
consumed by creativity, this is going to be
a miserable path for you. People need not
only creativity but also curiosity.”
For Derry, an eagerness to experiment
and to learn has triggered some of her most
defining life events.
After working a handful of day jobs and
operating an independent business in the
U.S. for three years, Derry enrolled in an
immersive, full-time restoration program
near Florence, Italy. There she gained
studio experience and new skillsets,
including the ability to speak Italian through
a crash course lasting a single month. After
completing the restoration program, Derry
moved with her wife, Jody Scholz ’97, to
Norway. Derry was armed with a portfolio
of recent work and ambition to relaunch her
business in the Land of the Midnight Sun.
“I ended up making a CD full of pictures
of various restoration projects, and I made
the rounds in town,” she said. “I looked up
people in the yellow pages and then handed
out my pictures. In the beginning I worked
a little bit at a frame shop, and then I got a
job in a gallery where I restored frames.”
During the years since, Derry’s workload
has grown to match her expertise, and
sometimes her expertise has grown due to
Derry prepares an Oslo
city model from the
1930s for display in an
architectural exhibit.
PHOTO BY ANNAR BJØRGLI
the requirements of her work.
She earned a master’s degree at the
University of Oslo’s Institute of Archeology,
Conservation, and History by completing a
project-based thesis that examined shellac,
a sealant created using a resin secreted by
insects. For this project, Derry conducted
fieldwork in the rural Jharkhand region of
India where villagers harvest stick lac—the
key ingredient that becomes shellac and
its by-products—and she analyzed the
chemical characteristics of several samples
at the Smithsonian’s Museum Conservation
Institute where Williams served as her
internship sponsor.
“Investigative problem-solving” is one of
the aspects Derry said she most enjoys about
her field, and her liberal arts experience at
Augsburg informs the way she approaches her
assignments. She uses traditional techniques
and materials in her conservation projects
whenever possible, and her ability to think
critically is paramount.
While employed at a furniture restoration
company, she was tasked with repairing
beloved pieces used by the Oscarshall
Summer Palace, the Office of the Prime
Minister, and private clients. She also has
served Fortidsminneforeningen, a nonprofit
that preserves and protects monuments,
including 40 of the stave churches located
throughout Norway.
“Ashes to ashes and dust to dust is not
only a homily, it is an inexorable law of
the universe,” said Williams, describing
the vital role individuals like Derry play
in preserving cultural heritage for future
generations. “Everything is going back to
dust. As conservators, it is our job—to
the extent that is rational—to slow that
process down and concurrently enjoy and
extract the most utility from an artifact on
its path.”
Today Derry’s workdays primarily are
devoted to making internationally important
materials accessible to the general public.
At the national museum, she has completed
assignments that range from applying gold
leaf on the frames of masterworks to cleaning
a plaster-of-Paris city model measuring more
than 100 square feet. And still, her current
undertaking is the largest one yet.
The Norwegian government is building
a joint “all-arts” museum, which is slated
to open in Oslo in 2020. Intended to be a
dynamic arena for people to interact with
the visual arts, the space requires new
exhibits so curators and conservators are
working hand-in-hand to select and prepare
pieces for display. Derry is in the midst
of locating, evaluating, cataloguing, and
potentially repairing 400 pieces of furniture
for the museum.
It’s a process that requires passion and
persistence—two words that also perfectly
describe the manner in which Derry has
shaped her career. She’s prepared to
address new challenges if issues arise in a
workshop, at a laboratory bench, or during
the process of managing complex projects.
Even in a soggy situation at a storage
venue, Derry sees the annoyance of
rewrapping objects impacted by a minor
cooling system leak as an opportunity to
formulate a plan for the future should staff
ever need to address a true disaster.
“She can pursue something with
intelligence and diligence and still with a
smile on her face,” Williams said. “That’s
an unusual gift.”
SPRING–SUMMER 2017
11
AUGSBURG UNIVERSITY:
SMALL TO OUR STUDENTS
AND BIG FOR THE WORLD
BY REBECCA JOHN ’13 MBA
O
n September 1, “Augsburg College” officially will become
“Augsburg University”—a change approved by both the Board
of Regents and the Augsburg Corporation.
For generations of Augsburg alumni and friends, it may seem like
the place always has been called “Augsburg College.” That’s been
the formal name of the school for the past 54 years.
Over the course of the school’s history, nearly 24,000 people
have completed degrees at Augsburg. With so many Auggie alumni
accustomed to thinking of Augsburg as a college, why change the name?
In short, the term “university” illustrates the breadth of Augsburg’s
current reality and goals for the future. And, “while our name is
changing,” said Augsburg President Paul C. Pribbenow, “the essence
of who we are is not.”
As the first seminary created by Norwegian Lutherans in America,
the name Augsburg—chosen by the school’s founders in 1869 to
honor the Augsburg Confession—always has defined the ethos of
this institution and its mission to support those called to service in
the world. Since its founding, Augsburg has been known by at least
four different names. The name has shifted as the school has grown,
but our commitment to an accessible, quality education has never
wavered. Likewise, our dedication to the Lutheran principles of
hospitality, service to the neighbor, and social justice is as steadfast
today as ever.
12
AUGSBURG NOW
In announcing the name change, Pribbenow affirmed
that becoming Augsburg University “does not alter our
dedication to integrating the liberal arts and professional
studies or our commitment to being small to our students
and big for the world.”
Rather than moving Augsburg away from its roots,
the name change helps Augsburg remain both faithful
to its heritage and relevant to the educational needs of
students in the 21st century.
Ever evolving, always Augsburg: Growth
in graduate programs
From its early years, Augsburg stressed that a good
education is practical and focused on educating
ministerial candidates and theological students as well as
farmers, workers, and businesspeople.
So, it’s no surprise that Augsburg today offers
a number of professional master’s and doctoral
degrees — a mix of programs that makes Augsburg
already more like a university than a college. While there
is no fixed definition outlining the distinction between a
“college” and a “university,” offering post-baccalaureate
degrees commonly is associated with institutions named
as universities.
Augsburg’s first advanced degree program, the
Master of Arts in Leadership, launched 30 years
ago. Since then, 3,700 people have earned master’s
or doctoral degrees from Augsburg. This past fall,
Augsburg’s graduate enrollment reached a record
high — representing 28 percent of total enrollment — and
continued growth in Augsburg graduate programs is
anticipated in the coming years.
An international perspective
Today, Auggies live and work all over the world. In many
countries and cultures, the word “college” is associated
with a high school-level education. Alumni who work
in international settings have noted that they already
refer to their alma mater as “Augsburg University” in
order to avoid confusion. For the same reason, the name
change also will help Augsburg be more attractive as a
destination for international students, which represents a
potential growth area for Augsburg.
A view from the outside in
With nearly 150 years of history, it’s no surprise that
Augsburg is well known in the region—even among
people who haven’t (or haven’t yet) studied here. What
impact would a name change have on their perceptions
of Augsburg? We asked the following groups to share their
thoughts:
• high school students,
• parents of high school students,
• high school counselors,
• people considering getting an advanced degree, and
• people who didn’t finish an undergraduate degree
right after high school and are thinking about going
back to school to earn a bachelor’s.
These conversations generated several important
insights, but the core takeaway is that Augsburg’s reality,
reputation, and promise are aligned with the name change.
Our reality and reputation. Conversations with
members of the general community demonstrated
that people associate the word “university” with a
number of attributes that clearly apply to Augsburg.
Specifically, people view universities as having high
academic standards, a commitment to research, strong
international programs, and diverse student populations.
Augsburg has robust programs for scholarly research
and global study, and is recognized nationally for its
leadership in inclusion and equity. In many ways,
Augsburg already embodies much of what people expect
of a university.
The promise of a student-centered university. We also
learned from these conversations that Augsburg has a
strong reputation for direct student-faculty engagement.
We already know how important this is to our alumni,
students, faculty, and staff, but it was gratifying to hear
that members of the broader community also value
Augsburg as a student-centered organization.
This is something Augsburg needs to ensure does
not change. Augsburg University will not become an
institution marked by big campuses or large studentto-faculty ratios. Instead, as is articulated in our
Augsburg2019 strategic vision, Augsburg will be a new
kind of student-centered university, and just as we have
done for decades, Augsburg will remain committed to
educating students for lives of purpose in a vibrant,
engaged learning community.
Learn about the visual identity of Augsburg University
on the following pages.
Learn more about the Augsburg2019 strategic vision, the
name change, and the logo update at augsburg.edu/now.
SPRING–SUMMER 2017
13
AUGSBURG NAME CHANGE HISTORY
1869
1872
1892
1942
AUGSBURG
SEMINARIUM
THE NORWEGIAN DANISH
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN
AUGSBURG SEMINARY
AUGSBURG
SEMINARY
AUGSBURG COLLEGE AND
THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
EMBRACING OUR LEGACY
AND OUR FUTURE
When Samuel Gross ’03 was a student at Augsburg, he
designed the original Auggie eagle-head symbol as an
assignment for one of his graphic design courses. The design
was so good, Augsburg ended up buying the rights to the
image and has used the eagle symbol for campus life, student
organizations, and athletics for the past 15 years.
During that time, Gross became an award-winning designer
and creative director who founded his own graphic design
firm, 144design, with a specialty in developing logos for
clients. So, when Augsburg needed to update its logo as part
of the transition to the Augsburg University name, it was a
perfect opportunity to re-engage with Gross to envision and
design the next-generation Augsburg logo.
“Early on, our conversation about the logo confirmed that
this project should be an evolution of the Augsburg brand, not
a revolution,“ Gross said. “We wanted to preserve the strong
recognition that has been built for Augsburg over time.
“Our goal was to preserve and respect the historic nature
of Augsburg’s logo — especially since it already has strong
14
AUGSBURG NOW
[Top Left]: The Augsburg “A”
shape is reimagined.
[Top Right]: Samuel Gross ’03
works on Augsburg University’s
visual identity in April 2017.
[Left]: Gross shows off
merchandise displaying
the first eagle-head symbol
shortly after he created it for
Augsburg in 2003.
energy and good familiarity — while at the same time creating
a treatment that also embraces the future,” he said.
The results, including the updated Augsburg logo, “A”
icon, and eagle-head symbol are shown on the next page.
Separately, the Augsburg seal — which is used on transcripts,
diplomas, and other official documents — was updated by
Augsburg staff Mark Chamberlain and Denielle Johnson ’11 and
is shown on pages 16-17.
1963
2017
AUGSBURG
COLLEGE
AUGSBURG
UNIVERSITY
UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE
Augsburg marks: honoring the legacy
Augsburg logo
Augsburg “A” icon
Eagle-head symbol
The Augsburg University logo is
designed to feel familiar to people who
are already acquainted with the College
logo, connecting the new design with
Augsburg’s legacy. In the new logo, the
word “Augsburg” is more bold than the
word “University.” This approach was
informed by research suggesting that
people’s strong associations are with
the name, “Augsburg,” whether or not it
is followed by “College” or “University.”
The font selected for “Augsburg”
conveys an established, academic feel,
while the font for “University” provides
a sleek, contemporary balance. The
contrast of the two words creates a
dynamic energy.
By strengthening the design of the
“A” icon — broadening its base
and making the vertical strokes
bolder — Augsburg will be able
to use the “A” icon as a standalone graphic element much more
frequently and effectively going
forward.
For example, current plans call
for the “A” icon to be installed on
the shorter ends of the sign on
top of Mortensen Hall. This is one
of the most visible signs in the
region and will be updated this
summer as part of the transition to
“Augsburg University.”
The eagle-head symbol is stronger
and bolder with this evolution.
Whereas the original design lost
detail and contrast when translated
to black-and-white treatments,
the updated design is much more
effective across a broader range
of uses.
Currently, designs using the
updated eagle-head symbol are
under development for an array of
installations—from the Si Melby
gym floor and the Edor Nelson
athletic field scoreboard to the
Christensen Center student lounge
and merchandise sold in the
Augsburg bookstore.
SPRING–SUMMER 2017
15
AUGSBURG UNIVERSITY SEAL: HISTORY AND MEANING
Past seals
T
he seal conservation process began as
Augsburg College explored the steps
involved in changing its institutional
name to Augsburg University. The seal
enhances an original centennial
symbol design and aligns with the
institution’s current reality,
reputation, and promise.
THE AUGSBURG COLLEGE SEAL WAS
BASED ON A CENTENNIAL SYMBOL CREATED
BY PAUL KONSTERLIE ’50.
THE LION REPRESENTS AUGSBURG’S
NORWEGIAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE.
AUGSBURG’S CENTENNIAL SYMBOL,
CREATED BY KONSTERLIE.
THE LAMP OF LEARNING
DEPICTS SOUND SCHOLARSHIP.
THE FONT WAS INSPIRED
BY THE CENTENNIAL SYMBOL.
THE SEAL FOR AUGSBURG COLLEGE
AND THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY
FEATURED MARTIN LUTHER.
16
AUGSBURG NOW
AUGSBURG WAS FOUNDED IN 1869
IN MARSHALL, WISCONSIN, AND
MOVED TO MINNEAPOLIS IN 1872.
THE CROSS DEPICTS THE SIGNIFICANT
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE
CHURCH AND HIGHER EDUCATION.
THE SILHOUETTE OF THE
MINNEAPOLIS SKYLINE EMPHASIZES
AUGSBURG’S METROPOLITAN
RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES.
THE DEEPLY THEOLOGICAL
STATEMENT, “THROUGH TRUTH
TO FREEDOM,” SUMMARIZES
THE BELIEF THAT THE TRUTH
SETS US FREE TO BE EDUCATED
AND TO SERVE.
THE EAGLE REPRESENTS
U.S. DEMOCRACY.
THE FOSHAY TOWER RETURNS TO THE CENTER OF THE
SEAL AS A NOD TO AUGSBURG’S CENTENNIAL SYMBOL.
SPRING–SUMMER 2017
17
PHOTO BY DON STONER
PHOTO BY COURTNEY PERRY
[L to R]: At an Auggie Compass event, panelists Mike Gallagher ’12, Katie Jacobson ’11,
and Dan Brandt ’11 spoke to students about the journey from college to their careers.
PHOTO BY COURTNEY PERRY
[Left]: This fall, student-athletes engaged in
team-building exercises led by U.S. Marines.
18
AUGSBURG NOW
[Above]: Student-athletes kicked off evening
workshops by dining together.
WINNING
THE LONG
GAME
BY KATE H. ELLIOTT
Meaningful, relevant workshops
equip students to excel in the
classroom, competition, and
their careers
S
tudent-athletes file past tables,
stacking breadsticks on mounds of
pasta, but this crew isn’t carb-loading
for the next matchup. The nearly 550
students from Augsburg’s 19 sports teams
are preparing to tackle Auggie Compass—a
series of workshops and team-building
exercises designed to inspire personal and
professional success. After piloting the
program in 2014-15, Augsburg Athletics
recruited this year’s lineup of on- and
off-campus partners to engage each class
in issues relevant to each stage of their
undergraduate lives.
Associate Athletic Director Kelly
Anderson Diercks said the biannual
series starts a conversation with studentathletes, then builds upon those
themes each year as Auggies develop
the confidence, expertise, and support
networks they need to navigate known and
unknown challenges during college and
after graduation. For instance, first-year
students discussed study skills, time
management, and wellness, while seniors
learned about financial planning, living
their values, and networking techniques.
“When I moved into my first house,
I didn’t know furnaces had filters, and
that’s just one example of the many things
I should’ve known—but didn’t—before
graduation,” said Anderson Diercks, who
spearheaded the program. “We developed
Auggie Compass from the best aspects of
similar programs and from conversations
with our coaches, student-athletes, and
alumni. Our students seem more aware
of campus and community resources and
better prepared to excel in the real world.”
Panel of alumni shares lessons
from ‘professional lumps’
Among the spring event’s most popular
sessions was a student-athlete alumni panel,
“Not Where They Thought They’d Be,”
which—as the title suggests—invited alumni
to share lessons from their not-so-straight-orsmooth paths to personal and professional
fulfillment. Mike Gallagher ’12 was among
the four panelists asked “not to sugar coat”
their transitions to the workforce.
“My first paid job out of college lasted
21 months before I was laid off with 25
SPRING–SUMMER 2017
19
PHOTO BY COURTNEY PERRY
PHOTO BY COURTNEY PERRY
PHOTO BY COURTNEY PERRY
Auggie Compass workshops target needs and issues specific to the phases in student-athletes’ academic and personal journeys. Each session builds
upon the previous event, equipping Auggies with a deeper understanding of their values, career preparation, and wellness practices.
percent of the company’s workforce,
and that’s just one example of the
professional lumps we shared,” said
Gallagher, an academic advisor at
Walden University and the on-air host/
producer of Gopher Sports Update and
MIAC Weekly. “Our stories reinforced
that new graduates likely will have
to do things they don’t enjoy as they
work toward goals. But we encouraged
them to channel the persistence and
dedication they gained as athletes
toward new challenges and to say ‘yes’
to any opportunity to better themselves
or gain new skills.”
Gallagher, also a freelance sports
broadcaster and emcee, talked openly
about his path, which is a fairly common
one: going to college with hopes of
playing professional baseball, then
realizing he wasn’t any better than his
teammates. Then, struggling to find
balance within the fun, demanding
routine of workouts, competitions,
classes, and life until he walked across
the commencement stage and into a
9-to-5 job without the sport, the people,
and the routine he’d always known. “It
is, indeed, a huge wakeup call,” he said.
Women’s golfer Wendy Anderson ’17
was among the seniors who rotated
through the panel discussion. The double
major in music business and accounting
said she valued sessions about financial
planning and interviews, but the alumni
20
AUGSBURG NOW
panel resonated with her the most.
“I’m a type-A, perfectionist planner.
Hearing their stories reassured
me that I may not end up where I
thought I might, but because of these
types of sessions and my Augsburg
experience, I’ll survive and hopefully
have a fulfilling career,” she said. “I’m
glad I attended sessions about fiscal
responsibility, but workshops that
encouraged us to consider our values
and worth and to step outside our
comfort zones were the most rewarding.
Guidance from Auggie Compass
sessions paired with the entirety of our
experiences prepares us to achieve.”
Athletic Director Jeff Swenson ’79 is
glad to hear student-athletes position
Auggie Compass within the greater
framework of their Augsburg education
and athletic experience. The lessons
and skills are interconnected, he said,
strengthening one another.
“Our athletes learn to win and lose
with class, to embrace leadership, and
to play their role—whatever that may
be—to achieve a shared goal,” said
Swenson, who has been a member
of the Augsburg community for more
than 30 years as a student, coach,
and administrator. “These are all great
lessons for life after sports, and Auggie
Compass builds upon what teams and
coaches are already instilling. At our
core, we are about community and
supporting these fine student-athletes
on their journey. Auggie Compass
prepares them to carry that legacy out
to the world.”
Building skills to navigate a
complex environment
Mike Matson ’07 knows all about
Augsburg’s core principles. They guided
him through his time as one of the
College’s top linebackers, then through
seminary, and now in his role as an
assistant director of leadership gifts at
the College. Matson said Augsburg’s
commitment to diversity, inclusion, and
community outfits students with empathy
and poise to respectfully engage in
meaningful conversations and authentic
relationships. He talked with juniors
about how to lead difficult conversations.
“We live in a complicated world
with complex people and issues, and
those who are able to have difficult
conversations in a respectful manner
advance progress and understanding,”
said Matson, who also serves in the
Navy Reserves and as chaplain for
the Minneapolis Police Department.
“Instead of talking at the students,
we challenged them to work through
case studies. I can’t say I was all that
surprised at how well they handled
themselves, but I was impressed
with how willing they were to share
PHOTO BY DON STONER
PHOTO BY COURTNEY PERRY
This spring, members of the junior class headed to the gym for basketball and bean bag competitions with Special Olympics
athletes, and in September, first-year students learned techniques to manage stress and practice mindfulness.
vulnerabilities, speak about biases,
and view situations through alternate
perspectives. It was amazing to watch
‘community’ happen.”
Unified tournament puts
principles to practice
Student-athletes didn’t only talk about
ideals, they practiced them. Juniors
headed to the Si Melby gymnasium to
compete alongside 40 Special Olympics
athletes in basketball and bean bag
toss competitions. Jennifer Jacobs, who
organized the volunteer effort, said the
tournament underscored Augsburg’s
commitment to service and inclusion.
“We added [the unified competition]
because civic engagement is one of the
college’s co-curricular learning outcomes,”
said Jacobs, then-assistant athletic director
and assistant volleyball coach. “We decided
to collaborate with Special Olympics
because of an NCAA Division III partnership
with the organization and because our
ongoing involvement with the area chapter
continually inspires our students.”
Student-athlete Cody Pirkl ’18 had never
interacted with Special Olympics athletes
before the Auggie Compass event this
spring. Initially, the baseball player had
not been excited about the obligation on
what otherwise would have been a free
night. But as he said goodbye to Special
Olympics teammates, the social work major
said it felt like parting with dear friends.
“We, as college athletes, become so
focused on our own goals and everyday
lives that we forget how rewarding it
is to give back to others,” Pirkl said.
“Our involvement with Special Olympics
shines Augsburg’s positive light on our
broader community, but it also gives us
meaningful perspective. Watching the
Special Olympics athletes’ pure love of
the game reminded me how lucky I am
and how much I love to play.”
Pirkl said he and his teammates took
a lot away from the mix of formats and
engaging activities. That active structure
was intentional, Anderson Diercks
explained, as presenters played to
student-athletes’ competitive nature.
“For years, we had brought wonderful,
inspiring speakers to campus once
or twice a year to talk with students
about hot topics or enduring life-aftercollege lessons,” Anderson Diercks said.
“Although these experts offered great
perspective and information, the format
was a challenge, and we were never
able to cover as many of the topics as
we would have liked. The new Auggie
Compass format allows us to engage each
class in specific topics to prepare them for
the next year and beyond. We can more
easily adjust based on student feedback,
and it’s a nice way to highlight our alumni
and campus experts as well as celebrate
community partnerships and resources.”
Celebrating mindfulness and
meditation
One such resource is Jermaine Nelson, a
meditation and mindfulness coach and
yoga instructor. The former athlete urged
students to seek mind-body connections
as they strive to be more present. He also
reminded them to give themselves grace
during transitions and various phases of life.
“It’s so easy for student-athletes to
continue to eat and sleep how they did
in college without the same level of
activity, and then they look up one day
and realize they are out of shape and out
of sync,” Nelson said. “It’s important
to anticipate, on the field and in life, so
that you avoid injury and prepare for the
next phase of your life.”
Nelson wasn’t expecting to, but looking
out at the dozens of student-athletes
reminded him of his nephew, and
Nelson got personal. His nephew was a
promising college recruit, with plans to
play in the NBA, but he broke down from
all the pressure.
“I wish he would have had a program like
this when he was in school,” Nelson said.
“Imagine all the heartache and recovery he
would have avoided had he been offered the
tools to cope and achieve without grinding
himself into the ground. I worked with
him, and he’s on a good path now, but it
took a while. If Auggies can practice these
techniques now, they’ll succeed.”
SPRING–SUMMER 2017
21
Nelson’s talk reinforced some of the themes presented by
Augsburg’s Center for Wellness and Counseling.
For example, counselor Jon Vaughan-Fier and Beth Carlson, the
center’s assistant director, co-facilitated “Becoming Resilient
to Stress,” which challenged student-athletes to assess what
drains them and to identify ways to recharge. In addition to
discussing the importance of sleep, nutrition, and meaningful
relationships—among other topics—students engaged in yoga,
mindful breathing, and relaxation strategies.
As a senior, Chuckie Smith ’17 took part in Auggie Compass workshops on financial
planning, job search strategies, living authentically, and a variety of other topics.
During the Compass program’s pilot year, the entire CWC
staff also presented on a range of topics related to wellbeing,
including body image, depression, healthy choices, and stress
management, which Vaughan-Fier said is critically important for
today’s overly busy student-athletes.
“To emphasize the connection to sports and improved
performance, we showed testimonials from Seattle Seahawks
quarterback Russel Wilson about his ‘one play at a time’ mindset
and New York Knicks President Phil Jackson’s philosophy of
‘one breath, one mind,’” Vaughan-Fier said. “We hope these
tools help student-athletes as they strive to incorporate self-care
practices into daily life.”
According to a 2015 health survey, the top stressors among
Augsburg students are: a death or serious illness of someone
close, conflicts with roommates, parental conflict, and the end of
a personal relationship. Director of the counseling center, Nancy
Guilbeault, said the opportunity to interact with student-athletes
about these and other topics is a proactive way to introduce the
center’s role and resources.
“Mental health and GPA are linked, and they affect your
performance,” she said. “We want to make sure these studentathletes are working on their physical, mental, and spiritual
health and wellbeing. These sessions provide an overview and
tips, but we also encourage them to follow up with one-on-one
or group support.”
22
AUGSBURG NOW
Financial stressors, professional
communications among top concerns
A key barrier to wellness, Guilbeault said, is stress related to
finances—a worry that plagues many students, particularly studentathletes who might not have the time to hold a job or internship.
To build upon the counseling center’s session, Auggie Compass
introduced a practical question-and-answer session with Tommy
Redae ’09 MBA, a treasury management sales consultant and vice
president of Middle Market Banking for Wells Fargo in Minneapolis.
“Talking with upper-class students, I focused on the importance
of budgeting and managing credit for a healthy financial future,”
Redae said. “I shared several of the many online tools and apps to
help them stick to a budget and monitor credit for suspicious or
fraudulent activities.”
Also in the category of practical and purposeful guidance, Auggie
Compass enlisted faculty mentors Carol Enke and Shana Watters to
offer best practices for professional communications. The pair broke
student-athletes into groups to review and assess emails students
sent professors, many of them lacking clarity, starting with an
informal “hey,” or displaying accusatory language.
“Research shows that people read emails more negatively than
intended, and therefore, communicating effectively in this medium
reduces ambiguity and negative perceptions,” Watters said. “The
students did a great job of improving the emails, and we hope
they will apply the guidance we shared to communicate with
professionals now and in the future.”
Program reinforces Augsburg’s mission,
commitment to students
The blend of practical knowledge and conceptual, creative
exploration reflects Augsburg’s care for and commitment to
student-athletes, and it supports community-building across teams
and among coaches, said Swenson. This year, the program added
a track for coaches that focused on situational leadership, social
media training, and a DiSC® behavioral assessment inventory.
“We’re not offering Auggie Compass to check off the ‘personal
development box,’” Swenson said. “The program was developed
by former collegiate players, thinking about what they wished
they would have known, so that our student-athletes can have
more tools to reach for as they strive for success.”
The creation and evolution of Auggie Compass embodies some
of the innovation, self-reflection, and grit the program aims
to instill. Anderson Diercks said organizers continue to have
conversations with student-athletes, alumni, and experts to align
sessions with players’ needs and to reflect the latest trends and
topics. As a former athlete turned furnace-filter-changing adult,
she knows greatness doesn’t come from perfection but from the
drive to keep playing until you get it right.
HOMECOMING
THOUSANDS OF AUGGIES.
ONE AUGSBURG.
Celebrate the first Augsburg University Homecoming
NEW NAME. SAME SCHOOL SPIRIT. Gather among friends to celebrate the memories
and milestones that define your Augsburg experience. Whether it’s to participate in
a reunion, see campus updates firsthand, or cheer on a favorite team, it’s time to
register for this year’s historic Homecoming—the first as Augsburg University.
Interested in organizing
your reunion?
October 13-14
Call the Office of Alumni and Constituent Relations
at 612-330-1085 or email alumni@augsburg.edu.
Find accommodation information, the event schedule, and more at:
augsburg.edu/homecoming
FROM THE ALUMNI BOARD PRESIDENT
Dear alumni and friends,
s my second
year as Alumni
Board President
comes to a close, I
look back on the past
several months with
gratitude for what
the Alumni Board
has accomplished. We hope you have enjoyed
recent alumni events, both on campus and off.
At the start of my tenure, when I challenged
the Alumni Board to change, not a little, but
a lot, everyone stepped up to the plate and
went to work. Today the board maintains
more committees with fewer people on each,
operates with clearly defined goals for each
committee, and sustains a high level of
engagement. We’ve also partnered with staff
throughout the College to increase the board’s
effectiveness and relevance.
The Alumni Board continues to seek new
pathways to connect with students, whether
through mentoring, visiting classrooms, or
simply sharing tips on LinkedIn. Students
have said they enjoyed taking part in a
Homecoming lunch last fall where they had
the chance to share a table with distinguished
alumni who pursued similar fields of study.
We also held another successful Auggie
Networking Experience in February, and if you
couldn’t make it to campus, you’ll find some
tips for reluctant networkers on page 27.
In June, we transition board leadership. I’d
like to welcome Nick Rathmann ’03 as Alumni
Board President for the 2017-19 term. He
is full of energy, has a passion for Augsburg,
and is a dynamic leader with innovative ideas
to take the Alumni Board even further. He is
the athletic director at The Blake School, a
longtime supporter of Augsburg as a member
of the A-Club, and an all-around amazing
volunteer. The Alumni Board is in great hands
under his leadership.
I’d also like to recognize Greg Schnagl ’91,
who has led our Networking Committee for
the past two years. His passion for creating
meaningful connections between students and
alumni has helped make the Auggie Networking
Experience event bigger and better.
I recently moved away from the Twin Cities
for work, and I am so pleased to see alumni
events scheduled across the U.S. more often.
In the past two years, alumni gatherings
have occurred in Denver, Las Vegas, Raleigh,
Washington, D.C., and other cities. If you’re in
the Minneapolis area, we hope to see you at
some of this summer’s exciting alumni events!
JILL WATSON ’10 MBA, ALUMNI BOARD PRESIDENT
SUMMER
ALUMNI EVENTS
Minnesota United Soccer Night
June 21 | 7 p.m.
Republic
420 SE 23rd Ave., Minneapolis
Meet for an alumni reception at
Republic from 4:30–6:30 p.m.
before taking the light rail to
TCF Bank Stadium for a game.
7 People. 7 Passions. 7 Minutes.
July 7 | 7–9 p.m.
Sisyphus Brewing
712 Ontario Ave. W., Minneapolis
Hear idea-stirring talks from
seven passionate Auggies.
$10 covers your first beverage
and light appetizers.
Auggie Night at Canterbury Park
July 21 | 5:30–7 p.m.
1100 Canterbury Road,
Shakopee, MN
$5 reservation covers a buffet
meal, $5 of Canterbury Currency,
and reserved seating.
Happy Hour Squared
URBAN ARBORETUM
Join the Alumni Board to sponsor a tree
You can help transform Augsburg into an urban arboretum that serves as an educational
and community resource in harmony with the environment.
Join the Alumni Board’s effort to sponsor a tree in the urban arboretum planned for
Augsburg’s campus. The trees selected for this plan will surround the Hagfors Center
for Science, Business, and Religion and include species native to Minnesota. All gift
levels are welcome.
The total cost to sponsor a tree is $25,000, which includes long-term care and
maintenance. Help us reach this goal by December 2018! Visit augsburg.edu/giving for
more information or contact Amanda Scherer, assistant director of leadership gifts, at
scherera@augsburg.edu or 612-330-1720.
24
AUGSBURG NOW
September 5 | 5–7 p.m.
Brave New Workshop
824 Hennepin Ave.,
Minneapolis
Join alumnae business owners
Jenni Lilledahl ’87 and Jacquie
Berglund ’87 for a happy
hour with a purpose. Make
sandwiches for a good cause
and enjoy a FINNEGANS® as
part of Augsburg’s annual City
Service Day.
For more information and registration,
visit augsburg.edu/alumni.
COURTESY PHOTOS
AUGGIES CONNECT
[Top]: Travelers pose at Wat Chedi Luang Temple
in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
TRAVELING WITH
[Far Left–L to R]: Hans Wiersma and Lori
Brandt Hale, Department of Religion faculty
members and trip leaders, pose with Katie
(Koch) Code ’01, director of alumni and
constituent relations.
AUGGIES
This winter, 15 Auggies traveled to
Thailand and Cambodia with Augsburg
College Professor of English Kathy Swanson
and her husband, Jack, as their hosts.
“The trip was beyond amazing,” said
traveler and Alumni Board President Jill
Watson ’10 MBA. “Our hosts, Jack and
Kathy Swanson, have a passion for the
people and culture of Thailand that was
contagious throughout the trip. They
were always willing to share insights,
recommend food (such as sticky rice and
mango at a floating market) and go out
of their way to help others and ensure
everyone was having a great trip.
“Memories that stand out include
the elephant camp in Chiang Mai, Thai
cooking school, Angkor Wat in Siem
Reap, Light for Kids orphanage, and the
food ... all the foods!
“Traveling with fellow Auggies meant I
[Near Right]: Travelers stand in front of the
Castle Church in Germany where Martin Luther
nailed the 95 Theses to the door.
had at least one thing in common with so
many people I had never met before. By
the end of the trip, I had developed new
friendships, and I will be keeping in touch.”
Celebrating Lutheran heritage in
Germany and the Czech Republic
Last fall, another group of Auggies
traveled to the land of Luther to mark
the 500th anniversary of the Protestant
Reformation. Religion Department
faculty members Hans Wiersma and Lori
Brandt Hale led a group of 30 Augsburg
alumni and friends on a multi-city tour
that included Dresden, Prague, and
Wittenberg—the long-time home of
Reformation catalyst Martin Luther.
One of the highlights for Augsburg
Alumni Director Katie (Koch) Code ’01 was
the opportunity to be in Wittenberg on
Reformation Day. The town marked the
occasion with a festival, and the Augsburg
group visited Castle Church where Luther
nailed his 95 Theses to the door.
“At worship that morning we sang, ‘A
Mighty Fortress is our God,’ which took
me back to my Augsburg days enrolled
in the Luther and the Reformers class
with Religion Professor Mark Tranvik,”
Code said.
Minneapolis Star Tribune reporter Jean
Hopfensperger and photographer Jerry
Holt accompanied the group to chronicle
how Minnesotans observed the 500th
anniversary of the Reformation. In a story
published after the group’s return home,
Augsburg alumnae Carol Pfleiderer ’64 and
Kathleen Johnson ’72 described how the trip
itinerary offered participants opportunities
to build and reflect on their faith.
To view trip photos,
visit augsburg.edu/now.
SPRING–SUMMER 2017
25
A GIFT FOR
AUGSBURG IN
ROCHESTER
Louise and Regent
Emeritus Leland
“Lee” Sundet will
help Augsburg’s
Rochester site grow thanks to a generous
$1.5 million gift. The Rochester location
attracts more than 350 working professionals
to undergraduate and graduate programs in
business, education, health care, and nursing.
As longtime supporters of Augsburg,
including the Weekend College and Youth and
Family Ministry programs, the Sundets have
used their frugality to benefit others and to
raise the profile of Augsburg. Several years ago,
in an effort to better communicate Augsburg’s
identity locally, Sundet helped form a marketing
committee and was instrumental in choosing a
new logo with a cross embedded in the “A.” He
remains steadfast in his commitment to religion
and religious freedom as essential to
education.
In his 88 years, Lee has never lost
sight of the basics: thrift, generosity,
and faith.
“I also believe in old-fashioned
discipline—‘don’t spend it till you’ve earned
it,’” he said.
Lee learned these principles early, growing
up in Spring Grove, Minnesota, where most
Norwegian-American community members
attended the big Lutheran church. “My father
died when I was six months old, and my mother
PHOTO BY BRENDAN BUSH
PHOTO BY BRENDAN BUSH
AUGGIES CONNECT
was quite ill so she had to sell everything she
had to pay the bills. She got $7.43 a month,
and of that, 74 cents went to the church,” said
Lee, who has embraced tithing ever since.
A retired industrialist and manufacturer,
Lee owned several companies, including
Century Manufacturing, Goodall
Manufacturing, Britt Manufacturing, and
Fountain Industries. His business acumen
earned him such honors as Minnesota’s Small
Business Man of the Year and the University
of Minnesota’s Outstanding Achievement
Award. The couple has sponsored a business
scholarship at Augsburg since 1992.
Overall, the Sundets are impressed by the
potential of Augsburg’s programs in Rochester
and by the work of another community anchor,
Mayo Clinic, which the couple believes shares
their values.
“Augsburg has come a long way, and I
would love to see it grow in Rochester.”
26
AUGSBURG NOW
“I have met people at Mayo who have gone
through the Augsburg program, and I’ve seen
what it’s done for them. It’s a wonderful thing,”
Lee said. “It wasn’t easy to get it started, but
it’s fun to look back on. Augsburg has come
a long way, and I would love to see it grow in
Rochester.”
tips for the reluctant networker
Augsburg College alumna Jenni Lilledahl ’87 was a featured speaker at the Auggie
Networking Experience in February. As co-owner of the sketch and improvisational comedy
theater Brave New Workshop in Minneapolis, Lilledahl brought insight from the improv
world to the crowd of nearly 300 alumni and students meeting to exchange career advice.
No matter their personality or career, Lilledahl said, all people have anxiety about jumping into
new conversations or taking new career paths. Here she shares tips for individuals to jump-start
meaningful conversations and say “yes” to new experiences.
1.
We all get uncomfortable, yet we cannot let this
feeling control us. Instead, we must face our
fears and immerse ourselves in new experiences.
2.
Sometimes saying “yes” is easier than we think.
Don’t rattle off 20 excuses; jump in with an
open mind.
3.
PHOTOS BY RICKY TAYLOR ’17
Stop yourself from using the word “but.”
Instead, use the reframing mindset of “yesand” to add something positive to each situation
you are in. Don’t use excuses to squash new ideas,
possibilities, or adventures. Rather, embrace them.
4.
Be intentional about your communication.
Don’t just be there. Be awake, aware, and
connected to the other people in the room.
5.
Have gratitude for the chance to develop
relationships, share ideas, and try new things.
People who create authentic connections with
others are often more successful than those who
possess only technical skills.
Augsburg alumni and students participated in short
improvisational exercises at the event.
with the Young Alumni Council
Auggies who have graduated from any Augsburg degree program
in the past 10 years are invited to join the Young Alumni Council
and help plan year-round activities for recent alumni. In the past,
the Young Alumni Council has organized a Twins game outing, a
financial planning talk and social hour at Summit Brewery, and an
afternoon of ice skating at The Depot in Minneapolis.
For Young Alumni Council Vice President Evan Decker ’12,
taking part in the group provides opportunities to practice valuable
life and business skills that he doesn’t necessarily hone in his day-
to-day work, such as planning meetings and events, communicating
with fellow alumni, speaking to groups, and networking. Serving the
council also is a way to stay engaged with the College.
“Some people feel there aren’t resources for them after
graduation, and that couldn’t be further from the truth,” Decker
said. “This group is here to help bridge that gap.”
To join the Young Alumni Council,
visit augsburg.edu/alumni.
SPRING–SUMMER 2017
27
ALUMNI CLASS NOTES
1961
Last year, First
Lutheran Church in
Red Wing, Minnesota, recognized
Arlan Johnson ’61 for 50 years
of service to its choir as a singer
and director. While a student at
Augsburg, Johnson played in
the band for four years and sang
in the choir for two years. He
enjoyed tours with the band and
choir in the Pacific Northwest,
and in 1960 he participated in
an extended Alaskan band trip
to the Anchorage Music Festival.
After graduating from Augsburg,
he completed his education
requirements, student taught at
Braham (Minnesota) Area High
School with Herman Aune ’50,
and finished a second major in
biology. Johnson taught band
and vocal music in Stewart,
Minnesota, and elementary, junior
high, and middle school band in
Red Wing until his retirement. He
and his wife, Phyllis, continue to
live in Red Wing.
1967
5 0-Y E AR RE UNI ON
HOMECOMING 2017
Associate Professor of Chemistry
Sandra Olmsted ’69 retires after
serving Augsburg since 1978. See page 2.
1971
Darrell Skogen ’71
retired after teaching
for 46 years. He spent the
past 41 years at St. MichaelAlbertville High School in
Minnesota. Skogen is the
longest-tenured employee in the
history of the school district. He
taught classes such as AP World
History and AP U.S. History.
Skogen continues to instruct
part-time at the high school
and records stats for its football
program. He says that the
school’s Class 5A football state
championship victory in 2015
was the first in his 50 years
walking the sidelines.
1974
Dr. Subhashchandra
“Pat” Patel ’74 and
Annette (Hanson) Patel ’73
donated their dental clinics
in Clarkfield and Cottonwood,
Minnesota, to Open Door Health
Center of Mankato. Open Door will
run satellite dental clinics in the
towns. Pat retired in June 2016.
Associate Professor of Music
Peter Hendrickson ’76 retires
after teaching at Augsburg for more
than two decades. See page 2.
1977
40- YE A R R E U N I O N
HOMECOMING 2017
In August, Neil Paulson ’77 was
elected state committeeman for
the Republican Party in Orange
County, Florida.
for Advanced Science and
Technology.
1979
1990
Walter Ohrbom ’79
earned a doctorate
in chemistry from North Dakota
State University after graduating
from Augsburg. He retired from
BASF as a senior research
associate with more than 120
U.S. patents. Over the years,
he and his wife, Patricia, have
traveled around the world to
backpack, bike, canoe, and
scuba dive.
Athletic Director Jeff Swenson ’79
draws connections between
student athletes’ time on campus and
leadership roles after graduation. See
page 18.
1988
Kiel Christianson ’88
was promoted to
full professor in the Department
of Educational Psychology
at the University of Illinois,
Urbana-Champaign, where he
conducts research on language
processing, reading, and
bilingualism. He is associate
chair of the department, as well
as leader of the Educational
Psychology Psycholinguistics
Lab and co-chair of the Illinois
Language and Literacy Initiative,
both in the Beckman Institute
In July, Karen Jean
Reed ’90, a music
therapy major, was honored
with the President’s Award at
the Southern California First
Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction
Church Of God in Christ 50th
State Women’s Convention,
held in Palm Desert, California.
She also was nominated for
the 50 Women of Excellence
honor for her exemplary service
and outstanding achievement
in music and administrative
service in local, church,
district, regional, and state
positions. Reed has excelled in
music as a gospel saxophonist
and in women’s ministry. She
was recognized for exemplary
service by Barbara McCoo
Lewis, the assistant general
supervisor of the Church of God
in Christ International. Reed
serves as the assistant regional
missionary for the Santa
Barbara region and also works
with youth. Professionally, she
is a program director at the
Department of State HospitalsCoalinga, overseeing the
treatment of sexually violent
predators. She is the author of
“Music is the Master Key.”
AUGGIES NEAR AND FAR
[L to R]: Sociology Professor Tim Pippert and
Torstenson Scholars Ellen Sachs ’17, Emily
Campbell ’17, and Jen Kochaver ’19 meet with
Mark Johnson ’75 on campus. [Not pictured]:
Torstenson Scholar Mark Daniels ’17.
28
AUGSBURG NOW
Last fall, metro-urban studies alumnus Mark Johnson ’75 invited
Sociology Professor Tim Pippert to the remote country of Vanuatu
in the South Pacific. The pair distributed solar lights donated by
Johnson to villages on the island of Tanna, which in 2015 suffered
widespread destruction due to Hurricane Pam. For Pippert, the
trip was an adventure of a lifetime and an opportunity to observe
the relationships Johnson has developed with local people over the
course of several previous trips.
The connection between Johnson and Pippert was built, in part,
through their involvement with Augsburg’s Torstenson Community
Scholars program that supports undergraduate research. Since
2015, Johnson has funded research opportunities for Auggies engaged in the program, which
is named in memory of Professor Joel Torstenson ’38, a founder of Augsburg’s Department
of Sociology. This February, four Torstenson Scholars traveled with Pippert to North Dakota’s
Bakken oilfield region to assess how residents have been impacted by oil exploration.
From the Auggie Connections blog.
Visit augsburg.edu/alumni/blog to read more.
1992
2 5-Y EA R RE UNI ON
HOMECOMING 2017
Scott Peterson ’92 has accepted
a call to be the pastor at
Lutheran Church in the Foothills
in La Cañada, California. After
living in Canada for more than
17 years, Peterson has returned
to the U.S. to continue ministry
within the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America.
1993
Chad Shilson ’93
is the Minnesota
women’s wrestling director for
USA Wrestling. He has completed
his 100th marathon and qualified
for his fourth Boston Marathon.
Marathon running has taken him
to 36 states, including 29 states
in the past two years. A dedicated
daily runner, Shilson has run at
least one mile per day for more
than six years.
1996
Stephanie Harms ’96
and Kristin (Young)
Miller ’91 are helping change the
nation’s response to vulnerable
individuals and families through
their work in the supportive
housing movement. Both
Auggies work at CSH, a national
nonprofit organization that
connects housing with services
for vulnerable populations. Based
in New York City, Miller leads a
successful CSH program that
assists communities throughout
New York, New Jersey, and
Pennsylvania. Harms serves
as chief operating officer and
leads CSH’s communications,
administrative, talent, and
human resource efforts. CSH has
ended veteran homelessness in
several communities throughout
the U.S., created more than
100,000 homes for individuals
and families, and changed public
systems to address the root
conditions that create turmoil in
the lives of vulnerable individuals
and families.
’05
’03
1999
Peter Durow ’99 has
been commissioned
by the American Choral Directors
Association of Minnesota for the
2018 ACDA-MN State 4-5-6 Girls’
Honor Choir. ACDA-MN has been
committed to commissioning
new choral works for all-state
and honor choirs from Minnesota
composers each year since 1975.
Durow serves as visiting director
of choral activities at St. Cloud
State University.
’67
Juliane Derry ’00 blends
science with artistry and
research with intuition as a historic
materials conservator. See page 8.
AUGGIE SNAPSHOTS
Andrea (Carlson) Conway ’05 and Riley
Conway ’05 welcomed a son, Soren Jon, in
December. Soren is the grandson of Jon Carlson ’79
and great-grandson of Jeroy Carlson ’48.
Golf Association and president of Women in the
Golf Industry. She also wrote an e-book titled,
“Hit It, Alice! A Woman’s Golf Guide to Everything
But the Swing.”
Barb (Walen) Hanson ’67 became
president of the Minnesota Golf
Association at its annual meeting in November.
She is the first woman to serve in this role. Since
retiring from her teaching career, Hanson has
been actively involved in the golf world, having
served as president of the Minnesota Women’s
Paul Putt ’03, ’15 MAE and his wife, Katie,
celebrated the birth of a son, Theodore
Howard, in October.
’05
’67
’03
Pete Pfeffer ’87, who holds a Doctor of
Chiropractic degree, and his daughter,
Maggie, served on a chiropractic and medical
’87
’87
mission team in Kimana, Kenya. The team
provided care and education to hundreds of
Maasai villagers living in bomas and orphanages
in an underserved area. Pete and his brother,
Mike Pfeffer ’92, jointly own and serve as
chiropractors for a HealthSource Chiropractic
and Progressive Rehabilitation Clinic in
Alexandria, Minnesota. In addition to private
practice, Pete has taken on a national role with
the HealthSource Corporation to provide training
in technique and rehabilitation procedures for
new franchises.
SPRING–SUMMER 2017
29
ALUMNI CLASS NOTES
Mathematics and Statistics
Instructor Alyssa Hanson ’01
is honored with a Distinguished
Contributions to Teaching and
Learning award. See page 7.
2002
JCI Minnesota
(formerly Minnesota
Jaycees) selected Katie
Lindenfelser ’02, founder of
Crescent Cove, as one of the Ten
Outstanding Young Minnesotans
for 2016. The mission of
Crescent Cove is to offer care
and support to young people
with a shortened life expectancy
and their families. The vision
of Crescent Cove is to build
and operate the first residential
children’s hospice and respite
care home in the Midwest.
Started in 1950, the Ten
Outstanding Young Minnesotans
honor is Minnesota’s only
statewide recognition program
for outstanding young leaders
ages 18-40 who have devoted
themselves to improving their
communities. The program
acknowledges the efforts
and accomplishments of
young adults who contribute
to Minnesota through their
service, thought and influence,
community involvement, or
entrepreneurship.
2003
Reginaldo HaslettMarroquin ’03
published “In the Shadow
of Green Man.” The book,
published by Acres USA,
chronicles Haslett-Marroquin’s
upbringing in revolution-torn
Guatemala and how he built his
vision to develop a regenerative
farming model that uplifts
individuals and communities.
Throughout the book, he shares
the fable of the Green Man, a
tiny and wise Guatemalan folk
character whose stories teach
the importance of respecting
the natural world. HaslettMarroquin is chief strategy
officer for Main Street Project,
based in Northfield, Minnesota.
Haslett-Marroquin has
served as a consultant for the
United Nations Development
Program’s Bureau for Latin
America and as an advisor to
the World Council of Indigenous
People. He was a founding
member of the Fair Trade
Federation, and was Director
of the Fair Trade Program for
the Institute for Agriculture
and Trade Policy from 1995 to
1998. He also led the creation,
strategic positioning, startup,
and launch of Peace Coffee,
a Minnesota-based fair-trade
coffee company.
Samuel Gross ’03 designs new
university logo. See page 12.
2007
10-YEAR REUNION
HOMECOMING 2017
Mike Matson ’07 helps teach
student-athletes how to engage
in difficult conversations. See page 18.
Jenessa Payano Stark ’07 began
a Master of Science in Nursing
program at Yale University this
past fall. She is studying in Yale’s
Nurse-Midwifery/Women’s Health
Nurse Practitioner program. She
received a prestigious National
Health Service Corps Scholarship
that pays her tuition and fees,
and defrays her living expenses
for three years in exchange for
future service in an area with a
shortage of health professionals.
2011
Dan Skaarup ’11
and Casey (Ernst)
Skaarup ’11 welcomed a
daughter, Eowyn River, to the
world in December.
Laura Schmidt ’11 and Sarah
Witte ’12 launched a nonprofit,
spiritually based community
called Intertwine Northeast. The
group’s mission is to be “made
and moved by story, convinced
by compassion, always in
process, and about questions,
not answers.”
Mike Gallagher ’12 shares life
lessons with current students.
See page 18.
2014
Composer and
percussionist Zack
Baltich ’14 was featured in
the 2017 Cedar Commissions.
Baltich’s piece “ingress/passage”
used contact microphones
and uncommon performance
techniques on marimba, glass
bottles, and other found objects.
The Cedar Commissions
(formerly the 416 Commissions)
is a flagship program for
emerging artists made possible
with a grant from the Jerome
Foundation and has showcased
new work by more than 30
emerging composers and
musicians.
Catherine Colsrud ’14 was one
of 25 leaders who participated
in the eighth cohort of the
Native Nation Rebuilders
Program sponsored by the
Native Governance Center
and the Bush Foundation.
Representatives from 12 Native
nations from Minnesota, North
Dakota, and South Dakota were
selected for the Rebuilders
AUGGIE SNAPSHOTS
Kathleen (Watson) Bradbury ’12 and
Krissy Bradbury ’12 welcomed Peter
Gene to their family.
’12
Beckie Jackson ’10 received a
Fulbright Distinguished Award in
Teaching and is one of approximately 45
U.S. citizens traveling abroad through
the program in 2016-17. In January,
she headed to Botswana to spend five
months conducting educational research.
Recipients of Fulbright grants are selected
’10
30
AUGSBURG NOW
on the basis of academic and professional
achievement, as well as demonstrated
leadership potential. Jackson teaches at
Moose Lake High School in Moose Lake,
Minnesota.
Nick Rathmann ’03 and wife, Shannon,
welcomed a daughter, Finley Grace, in
November.
’03
’11
Several Augsburg College alumni serve
as tutors and coaches with Minnesota
Reading Corps and Minnesota Math Corps.
Tutors pledge one year of service in schools
to help children become proficient readers
by the end of third grade and proficient in
math by the end of eighth grade. [L to R]:
Charmaine Bell ’11, Kathleen Abel ’76,
Joaquin Vences ’16, Kacie Carlsted ’15,
Christine Fankhanel ’02, Amy Riebs ’18 MAE,
and Alicia (Oppelt) Musselman ’14.
’91
Nancy Palmer ’91 joined the
Minnesota Reading Corps September
Program as a leadership component of a
larger initiative to support tribes as they
strengthen their governing capabilities.
Colsrud serves the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe
as the commissioner of administration, chief
of staff, and acting commissioner of natural
resources. Native Governance Center and
Bush Foundation Rebuilders convened for
four structured sessions during which they
developed action plans to share knowledge
with peers and their respective tribal
governments.
’12
’10
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
Nursing Department Chair Joyce Miller ’02,
’05 MAN, ’11 DNP earns a Distinguished
Contributions to Teaching and Learning award. See
page 7.
Tommy Redae ’09 MBA helps Auggies prepare
for a healthy financial future. See page 18.
Rochelle Fischer ’14 MSW became a hospital
administrator at Anoka-Metro Regional
Treatment Center in January. For the past
four years, she has been an assistant
program director at the Minnesota Security
Hospital in St. Peter, Minnesota, providing
day-to-day operational and administrative
leadership for persons with complex
behavioral health symptoms.
’03
’11
Dan Klein ’15 MBA and Kaitlin (Astleford)
Klein were married February 25 in
Hollywood, Florida.
Nicole (Egly) Olson ’15 MBA and Mark Olson
were married February 24 in Playa del
Carmen, Mexico.
Institute and tutors students in kindergarten
through third grade.
’91
Chris Stedman ’08, an interfaith
activist and author, is joining Augsburg
this spring as a fellow serving the Sabo
Center for Democracy and Citizenship where
he will facilitate and build new community
partnerships for non-religious and interfaith
civic engagement. Stedman also will consult
on the development of interfaith engagement
programs at Augsburg.
’08
’08
31
HEALING WATERS
’68
Jason Kusiak ’08 spends late winter
and early spring long-lining for cod and
haddock, and most of the year catching
lobster. Fishing in long-established seaports
near Gloucester, Massachusetts, gives
Kusiak an appreciation for the area’s rich
history and a healthy respect for those who
made a living fishing the Atlantic in earlier
times. “With fishing,” he said, “you can see
the direct result of your work ethic.”
Today Kusiak recognizes that his
entrepreneurial inclination was shaped by
Assistant Professor of Business John Cerrito
and former staff member Peggy Cerrito, and
that his drive for continual personal growth
was influenced by his involvement in StepUP®, the College’s residential collegiate
recovery community. While at Augsburg, Kusiak found that the College’s
commitment to building strong community connections and emphasis on
learning through experience resonated with him. He now seeks out opportunities
to interact with new people, to give back, and to offer hope to individuals and
families who struggle with substance abuse. He’s driven to invest in the future of
his business and his community.
’78
From the Auggie Connections blog.
Visit augsburg.edu/alumni/blog to read more.
AUGGIE SNAPSHOTS
’83
[L to R]: This fall, Lutheran
Immigration and Refugee
Service President Linda Hartke met
with former U.S. Secretary of State
Madeleine Albright and the Rev. Mark
Hanson ’68, former presiding bishop
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America, at the LIRS Walk of Courage
Award Gala. Albright and Hanson
were honored at the event for their
commitments to furthering equity for
all people.
’68
’71
Actor and performing arts
educator Luverne Seifert ’83 won
a $25,000 fellowship from the William
and Eva Fox Foundation. He is part of
a national cohort of artists supported
by the foundation, which underwrites
training and career development for
performers. The support will enable
Seifert to deeply explore his art and
travel to France and Switzerland. In the
past 25 years, he has acted at theaters
in the Twin Cities and across the U.S.
’83
’05
[L to R]: Margaret Marx ’78,
Margo Casey ’78, and Cathy
(Kaiser) Bloomquist ’78, all members
of the original second step Bachelor
of Science in Nursing program at
’78
’06
32
AUGSBURG NOW
Augsburg, continue their friendship
today. The women gathered in
Scandia, Minnesota, in September,
and they share this photo as
a reminder of the second step
program’s impact on the nursing
profession in Minnesota.
Bob Stacke ’71 received an
award from the Somali Museum
of Minnesota on the occasion of
the museum’s third anniversary last
October. Stacke has provided music
and photography services to the
museum since its inception.
’71
Janeece (Adams) Oatman ’05,
an Augsburg Alumni Board
member, and Jim Gross, associate
provost for academic innovation
and strategic initiatives, were part of
the Auggie team at the Rochester,
Minnesota, Tour de Cure in October.
’05
Missy (Gaulke) Wilson ’06 completed
her first Ragnar trail race and
’06 her third Ragnar overall race in
September. She ran 15.2 miles on the
Ragnar Trail Northwoods - WI in the
Ragnar relay.
Helen M. (Anderson) Johnson ’40,
Hallock, Minnesota, age 96, on
September 4.
Eleanor C. (Christenson) Kline ’44,
Minneapolis, age 93, on May 31.
Marvin W. Johnson ’45,
Rochester, Minnesota, age 93,
on November 28.
Olav Overold ’45, Cando, North
Dakota, age 103, on January 23.
Bonnie J. (Sorem) Anderson ’46,
Cedar Falls, Iowa, age 92, on
December 7.
Delpha M. (Randklev) Berg ’47,
Grand Forks, North Dakota, age
91, on September 12.
Ray E. Gerlinger ’49, Overland
Park, Minnesota, age 93, on
December 4.
Theodore C. Nystuen ’49, Altoona,
Wisconsin, age 94, on January 19.
Lorraine G. V. (Lundh) Qual ’49,
Lisbon, North Dakota, age 93, on
October 4.
Joan L. (Sears) Ryden ’49, Cedar
Hill, Texas, age 91, on October 18.
Phebe D. (Dale) Hanson ’50,
Minneapolis, age 88, on
December 16.
Evelyn I. (Shelstad) Kriesel ’50,
Alamo, Texas, age 88, on
September 21.
Rhonda M. (Hektner) Lybeck ’50,
Fargo, North Dakota, age 88, on
January 29.
Daniel Nelson ’50, Spicer,
Minnesota, age 90, on
February 14.
Melvin E. Vigen ’50, Irving, Texas,
age 88, on September 26.
Arvild T. Jacobson ’51, Sun City,
Arizona, age 93, on November 26.
Donald H. Olson ’51, Henderson,
Nevada, age 87, on December 19.
Robert “Bob” R. Hage ’52,
Hector, Minnesota, age 88, on
December 16.
William “Bill” J. Kuross ’52,
Hopkins, Minnesota, age 87, on
January 31.
Charlotte M. (Kleven) Rimmereid ’52,
St. Paul, age 86, on December 29.
Roger V. Anderson ’53, Ottawa,
Ontario, age 86, on February 11.
Joan J. (Johnson) Kuder ’53,
Williams Bay, Wisconsin, age 86,
on December 19.
Harry E. Olson ’53, Apopka,
Florida, age 84, on October 7.
Nola E. (Bengtson) Studer ’53,
Bemidji, Minnesota, age 85, on
September 5.
Donna R. (Osland) Gaines ’54,
Laguna Hills, California, age 84,
on September 17.
Ruth M. (Pousi) Ollila ’54,
Minneapolis, age 84, on
February 14.
Betty J. (Dyrud) Oudal ’54,
Rochester, Minnesota, age 85, on
December 31.
Arlene V. (Tollefson) Paulson ’54,
Lake Oswego, Oregon, age 89, on
September 20.
Gary R. Rust ’54, Burnsville,
Minnesota, age 85, on October 12.
Robert “Bob” E. Twiton ’54,
Brainerd, Minnesota, age 84, on
February 26.
Theodore “Ted” S. Berkas ’56,
Minneapolis, age 88, on
January 15.
Robert A. Fundingsland ’65,
St. Louis Park, Minnesota, age
73, on September 19.
Sanford E. Egesdal ’56, Minneapolis,
age 82, on October 3.
Marie D. (Hafie) MacNally ’65,
Minneapolis, on November 7.
Robert A. Roos ’56, Robbinsdale,
Minnesota, age 86, on
September 3.
Dale H. Peterson ’69, Sapulpa,
Oklahoma, age 69, on
November 27.
Merlin J. White ’56, Fridley,
Minnesota, age 86, on
September 8.
Anita M. (Lindquist) King ’70,
Pella, Iowa, age 68, on
September 1.
Raymond Seaver ’57, Fergus
Falls, Minnesota, age 82, on
December 5.
Chuck S. Marsh ’73, Puyallup,
Washington, age 65, on
November 14.
Robert H. Gustafson ’59,
Cambridge, Minnesota, age 84,
on January 28.
Colleen M. (Brown) Olson ’74,
Shakopee, Minnesota, age 63, on
August 20.
John P. Martisen ’59, Minneapolis,
age 81, on August 30.
Sheila M. (Conway) Kortuem ’84,
St. Peter, Minnesota, age 76, on
August 26.
Lloyd H. Reichstadt ’59, Flagstaff,
Arizona, age 84, on November 21.
Paul C. Casperson ’60, Dallas,
Texas, age 77, on January 31.
Wayne R. Juntunen ’60, Esko,
Minnesota, age 83, on
December 5.
Karen O. (Egesdal) Trelstad ’61,
Red Wing, Minnesota, age 79, on
November 30.
Coralyn J. (Lunsted) Bryan ’62,
Minneapolis, age 77, on
October 25.
Joshua B. Lerman ’08, Louisville,
Kentucky, age 33, on
November 18.
Angel G. Rodriguez ’15,
Minneapolis, age 25, on January 3.
Tyler G. Kotewa ’17, Fairmont,
Minnesota, age 25, on
December 7.
Mark A. DiCastri ’18, Minneapolis,
age 29, on February 27.
Clair A. Johannsen ’62,
Hagerstown, Maryland, age 79,
on February 10.
Paul W. Anderson ’63, Moorhead,
Minnesota, age 77, on January 31.
Gaylen K. Heggen ’63, Cottage
Grove, Minnesota, age 75, on
October 26.
The “In memoriam” listings in this
publication include notifications
received before March 15.
SPRING–SUMMER 2017
33
PHOTO BY RICKY TAYLOR ’17
IN MEMORIAM
PHOTOS BY COURTNEY PERRY
2211 Riverside Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55454
Steve Wozniak inspires Auggies to ‘Learn Different’
Apple, Inc. co-founder Steve Wozniak engaged the Augsburg community in a conversation that emphasized the
importance of creativity, education, and innovation in an increasingly connected world. Wozniak launched Apple with
Steve Jobs in 1976, revolutionizing the personal computer industry. Wozniak’s visit took place this winter during
Scholarship Weekend, an opportunity for prospective students to compete for Fine Arts and Honors scholarships.
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Twin Cities, MN
Permit No. 2031
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clrcumstance of Commencement-this
year alI the more glorious under
beautiful spring sunshine with trees in a
late bloom from the cold early spring.
May celebrations on campus are all
about achievement (yes, some senior
celebrating may stretch those
parameters). Foremost, we celebrate the
years of hard work and achievement of
the new graduates who are receiving
degrees. For many of Augsburg's
Weekend College graduates, that
achievement comes at a
steep price paid in time
spent away from
families on weekends, in
a schedule that included
Augsburg community-faculty and
staff-who celebrate the achievements
of long careers at the College. The
retiring professorial class of 2002
includes three men whose vision and
energy during the 1970s and'BOs
helped to build the campus facilities
and programs that enable Augsburg to
be a welcoming place today to all
students. Their legacies enable students
who were limited i.n educational choices
to achieve an Augsburg education,
especially students with physical and
learning disabilities, and students in
recovery from substance abuse.
Lìke the saying, "Tomorrow is the
first day of the rest of your life,"
Commencement Day (as it-s name
denotes) seems to focus on the
beginnÌng of a new stage in one's 1ife. I
suggest we linger for just a moment to
offer congratulations on today's great
achievemenl belore moving on.
Ww
Betsey Norgard
Editor
o
a
s.
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q
full-time work plus
extra-time study.
Sometimes the greatest
reward for them may
not be a diploma, but
the achievement of selfconfidence and
realization that a college
degree truly is possible.
We also join with
those members of the
We welcome your letters!
write to:
Please
Editor
AugsburgNow
22ll
Riverside Ave., CB 145
Minneapolis, MN 55454
E-mail: now@augsburg.edu
Fax: 612-330-1780
Phone: 612-330-1 181
Letters for publication must be signed and
include your name, class year, and daytime
telephone number. They may be edited for
As part of their European concert tour in May, the Augsburg Choir performed at the
Temppeliaukio Church (known as the "Rock Church") in Helsinki, Finland. The church is
carved into a granite hill and covered with a concave copper roof. On their two-week tourl
the choir performed at four cities in Finland, two in Estonia, and in St. Petersburg, Russia.
length, clarity, and style.
)
AI¿GSBLJRG Now
Augsburg Now is published
quarterþ by Augsburg College,
Vol. 64, No.4
Summer 2002
22I1 Riverside Ave., Minneapolis,
Minnesota 55454.
Betsey Norgard
Features
Editor
Lynn Mena
Assistant Editor
Kathy Rumpza
Graphic Designer
Jess¡ca Brown
6
11
Bridging East and West:
A music teaching career
Shaped by the faith
and values of the
Christian church ...'
by Betsey Norgard
Class Notes Coordinator
' ...
Stephen Geffre
Contributing Photographer
William V. Frame
President
7
Making Augsburg
accessible: The legacy of
three professors
Dan Jorgensen
Director of Public Relations and
Communication
16
weekend College
16
cn¡t"nges, rewards,
and an A for my daughter
by Sue Kneen
by Betsey Norgard
18
Opinions expressed in Augsburg
Now do not necessarily reflect
nringing their experience
to class
official College policy.
by Joan Thompson
ISSN 1058-t545
ffi
Postmaster: Send conespondence,
name changes, and address
corrections to Augsburg N ow,
Office of Public Relations and
Communication, 221 I Riverside
Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55454.
þ'q*
athletic andlor school
ailministere il p ro gr ams, e xcept
in those instances where rcligion
is a bona Jide occupational
qualif icøtion. Au gsbur g C olle ge
is committed to provüling
r e as onable acc ommo dations to
its employees and its students.
www.augsburg.edu
f4
S".orrd Annual International
Photo Contest
21
Commencement 2oo2
,-.,^
Fax:612-330-1780
Augsburg College, as aJfirmeil
stgn language interpreter
makes the grade
by Deanna Constans
wÐ
E-mail: now@augsburg.edu
Telephone: 612-330-I l8I
in its mission, does not
iliscriminate oi the basis ol race,
c'olor, creeil, religion, national or
ethnic origin, age, getder, sexual
orientation, marital status, status
with regard to public assista:nce,
or disability in its education
p olici e s, admissions p olicie s,
s cholar ship anil lo an pr o gr ams,
20
Departments
t?
2
4
25
26
32
inside
back
cover
Around the Quad
¡
9
*l
r
n
Sports
Alumni News
u
Class Notes
Auggie Thoughts
Homecoming Preview
On the cover:
Augsbur g f aculty, lining
b o th si d e s
street,honor and cheer on
the graduates as they process to the
oJ the
Commencement ceremony. Photo
50 percent recycled paper (10 percent post-consumer waste)
by Stephen" GeJfre.
l
I - O
I o
Mary Laurel True is honored for commitment
to service-learning
È
¡
a
tt
O
!
M :üiJ:il *î:.ï:ïi::: *::i:'
and Learning and director of the
Community Service-Learning Program
was honored by Minnesota Campus
Compact in April as a 2002 recipient of
the Sister Pat Kowalski Leadership Award.
The award is given io honor her
commitment to building communitycampus partnerships locusing on servicelearning and civic engagement, and for
success in creating the institutional
change to build them.
Augsburg's Community Service-
Learning Program, embedding service
experiences into the curriculum, serves
a national model. Activities include
as
courses with service-learn i ng
components; a city service projects day
for all freshmen; tutoring children and
adults in schools, literacy centers, and
neighborhood organizations ; community
service scholarships, an annual
O
community servlce week;
and a student-run program
that organizes events on
ca1Ìlpus for neÌghborhood
children and projects for
s.
students. (See story in
Augsburg Now, summer
2001 issue, or online at
<www. au gsburg. edu/now>).
Minnesota Campus
Compact is a coalÌtion of
50 colleges and university
presidents committed to
strategic partnerships that
Mary Laurel True, director of community-service learning,
strengthen communities
holds up lhe Augsburg /llow, summer 2001 issue, that
and education for
contained an article on Augsburg's program. She was
informed and active
recently honored as a 2002 recipient of the Sister Pat
Kowalski award,
citizenship.
This award is named
for Pat Kowalski, O.S.M., who served as
years and is co-sponsored by the
director of community partnerships at the
Minnesota Private College Council,
University of St. Thomas from 1992 until
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities,
her death in 1999. lt is given every two
and the University o[ Minnesota.
Physician ass¡stant students win national writing
COmpgtitiOn Aussburs News service
I
aura Carìson, Larry Nilsson, and Paul
LTala.ico, stuáents ín the Physician
Assistant Program, co-authored the
winning paper in the J. Peter Nyquist
Student Writing Competition, a national
student physician assislanl, competiLion.
The paper titled "Polypharmacy: A
Prominent Yet Preventable Geriatric
Problem," began as a collaborative writing
assignment for a class, and after a little
"tweaking" the students submitted it to the
national coniest where it received first
place among the nearly 70 submissions
from across the nation.
The paper discussed how
poþharmacy, the use of many
medications, is a problem in geriatric
medicine. They also sited examples in
which adverse effects have resulted from
2
,4UGSBURG NOW
using too many medicines.
The purpose of the paper
was to increase awareness
of the importance to reevaluate a patient's profile
before prescribing more
medication.
"ltb nice when one's
hard work is recognized,
and fun to collaborate on
a paper
with
fl t
a
M
m
s.
hs'
FI
æ¡
E
classmates,"
Talarico said. "lt is even
more rewarding to be
recognized for our team
effort. l'm proud to
represent Augsburg College
and its PA Program."
(L to R) Larry Nilsson, Paul Talarico, and Laura Carlson won
the top award in a national student physician assistant
writing competition with a paper discussing use of
multiple medications for older people.
The students received cash prlzes and
funding to attend the American Academy
of Physician Assistants semiannual meeting
in Boston in
May, where they presented
their winning research project. Al1 three
students
will graduate in August.
Summer 2002
I
Augsburg Fund tops 5I50,OOO
record goal
ooi:.rìns
Aili:i:îï:äliJ'
DIALING
Fund
Augsburg Fund
gifts for the year
ending on May 31
came to $801,341, a
33 percent increase
2002 PA o[ the Year, at their spring
conference. The academy cited Ludwig for
her accomplishments in building
Augsburg's PA Program, for her continued
clinical practice, for her volunteer efforts in
church and communit¡ and for the balance
she is able to maintain with family life.
Augsburg's PA Program is graduating
degree.
gave nearly half of
these gifts, increasing
Nursing program accredited
their percentage of
participation over last
year's 15 percent.
Part of this year's
EIIa Howell (left), assistant director of The Augsburg Fund, and
growth can be
Donna McLean (right), d¡rectoí give a thumbs up to the
Phonathon successes and donor support that raised the annual
attributed to the
fund to record levels this fiscal year.
success of the new
Maroon 6¡ Silver
"It is difficult to fully express our
Society donors who pledge a four-year
gratitude
to the thousands of people who
commitment at a leadership levei.
participated
Ìn The Augsburg Fund this
Approximately $350,000 has been given
Achieving
year.
this goal during such a
by the 150 charter members. Also to be
for
difficult
year
our nation shows the
credited is the student Phonathon team,
strong
commitment
so many people have
who raised $134,000 in gifts and
to
Augsburg
and
its
mission," said John
matching gifts.
Knight, director of development.
Student harpist Emily Gerard
rece¡ves Hognander Award
lmily Gerard,
Lof Esko,
Minn., Ìs the
2002-03
recipient of the
Hognander
Award, the
College's most
prestigious
music award.
Gerard, a junior
majoring in
2OO2
o
its sixth class in August. All five classes to
date have achieved a 100 percent pass rate
on the national certification exam. In fall
2001, the PA Program became a graduate
program leading to a master of science
over last year. Alumni
Summer
Dawn Ludwig is PA of the Year
Physician Assistant Program director Dawn
Ludwig was honored by the Minnesota
Academy o[ Physician Assistants as the
s.
$750,000 goal for
fiscal year 2002-the
hÌghest goal ever set
for The Augsburg
Emily Gerard '03
Nn¡Etlilolr-Ililt
music, studies
harp with Minnesota Orchestra principal
harpist Kathy Kienzle and plays in the
Augsburg Concert Band.
The Orville C. and Gertrude O.
Hognander Family Fund was established
to recognize exceptional music
performance and achievement. The
scholarship is based on merit, specifically
to provicle encouragement to outstanding
music students. Requirements include a
résumé, essay, and an audition of two
musical selections.
Augsburg's Master o[ Arts in Nursing
Program had received initial accreditation
by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing
Education (CCNE). A site visit was made
in November 2001, with final
accreditation granted in May.
Fourth Fulbright group grant received
Augsburg received $55,000 fo¡ a
Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad
Program for 12 faculty members to study
at the Center for Global Education's
Namibia site, July I to August 5.
"The purpose of this study trip is to
creâte a core of people lon campusl who
will have a common African experience to
heighten u*ur.r,ess of African issues on
campus," said Professor Bruce
Reichenbach, project coordinator.
While in Africa, the team will study
cultural issues, visit urban and rural
centers, and meet with people and leaders
in all segments of society
Augsburg joins
The Princeton Review
Augsburg has been chosen for inclusion in
The Pnnceton Revíew\ best colleges
publication and Web site. Especially
popular among high school students,
these guides include a "Students Say"
section that comments on all aspects o[
campus life.
Student comments about Augsburg
will be compiled f¡om a survey ¡hat The
Princeton R¿vi¿w encourages students to
complete, which includes academics,
campus life, and the student body.
,Aucsnunc
¡¡ow
3
2O0f -O2 Athletic year in revievlr
All-MIAC honors; three All-MiAC
second-team honors; I7 AII-MIAC
honorable mention team honors; three AllRegion honors; and an All-Region
honorable mention highlighted Auggie
athletÌcs this year.
lifteen
I
o,Donsroner
stands at 53-58 in his 1l-season career. The
53 wins are the second-most ever for an
Augsburg coach, only Edor Nelson's 58 wins
are grealer.
s
a
Ë
ts
Senior Matt Chappuis eamed the Stam
Award, given to the outstanding lineman in
the MIAC on a vote of conference coaches.
Wrestling
Augsburg won its third straight NCAA
Division III national championship and
eighth in the last L2 years, both NCAA
Division III records.
Under head coach Jeff Swenson, the
Auggies finished wirh a 16-0 dual-meer
record, extending its consecutive match
winning streak to 24.The Auggies won the
Division
lll
Volleyball
Augsburg's volleyball team continued to
improve despite a schedule that included
eight matches against teams invited to the
2000 or 2001 NCAA Division III national
playoffs. The team, whÌch had only two
seniors, finished 12-tB overali and 4-7 in
MIAC play
national tournament by six
poi.nts over Upper lowa and Wartburg.
Men's soccer
Augsburg has had 7l NWCA Scholar
All-Americans since 1983. In the five seasons
the National Wrestling Coaches Associatlon
Augsburg's men's soccer team continued [o
show improvement under third-year head
coach Mike Navarre. The Auggies finished
with a 5-11-1 overall record, matching last
has sponsored a DMsÌon III academic
national team championship, the Auggies
have finished in the top four every year.
year's
win total. All but four of the team's 26
goals were scored
Chrissy Baune crosses the finish line during
an Augsburg track and field meet.
Men's/Women's track and field
Senior Chrissy Baune earned a berth in the
NCAA Division III national championships
by freshmen or
sophomores.
for the first time in her career, qualifying
Men's hockey
Augsburg finished third in the M[AC, with a
l0-5-l mark (14-9-3 overall). More than half
of this year's team \Mere freshmen or
sophomores, with just eight seniors.
alter winning the MIAC title in the
women's 3,000-meter steeplechase.
Augsburg's men finished ninth and the
women llth in the MIAC.
Men's golf
Women's hockey
Augsburg finished one point sþ of
qualifying for the postseason playoffs, with a
9-13-2 overall record (8-9-1 MIAC).
Augsburg won seven of its final 12 games
with more than half of the team either
freshmen or sophomores.
Freshman Lauren Chezick was named
to the MIAC All-Rookie Tèam.
Matt Chappuis (right) is about to sack the
St, Olaf quarterback during an Augsburg win.
Men's/Women's cross country
Augsburg's men's squad recorded its best
finish ever in the NCAA Division
Football
Augsburg's football team finished the 2001
campaign with a 4-5 mark in the rugged
MIAC, which sent t\Mo teams to the NCAA
Division III national playoffs.
Head coach Jack Osberg earned his
50th career coaching victor¡ and now
4
,+UGSBURG
Now
lil
Central
Regional, placing l2th in the 22-team event.
All six runners placed in the top 106 in the
154-runner race. Augsburg's women's squad
recorded its best finish since 1996 with a
16th-place finish in the 22-team meer.
In the MIAC meet, the men placed
seventh while the Auggre women were lOth.
Augsburg finished the fall half of the men's
golf season with a fourth-place finish at
the very competitive MIAC championships, continuing a string of finishing in
the top four in the league meet every year
since 1994.
Woment golf
With just four golfers in the fal1 and six in the
spring, Augsburg finished ninth as a tearlrr at
the MIAC championships, led by junior
JanellJohnson, who eamed Most Improved
GoÌfer from coaches in the Minnesota
Womenb Collegrate Golf Association.
For the most complete informatlon on
Augsburg Auggie athletics, visit
<www au gsburg. edu/athletics>.
Don Stoner is sports information coordinator.
Summer 2002
I
Nine students earn top athletic awards
Conference Honor
Roll honors three
times, Verizon
Academic All-District
honors twlce and
Verizon Academic All-
N;ï,::î:;:iî11:iin",äiïî::l"'
year, voted by coaches in Augsburg's men's
and women's athletic departrnents.
Four AuggÌes earned Honor Athlete
designation, the highest honor the College
gives its senior student-athletes-female
athlete Kristi Brusletto and male athletes
Tony Abbott, Brent Peroutka, and Kevin
Brent Peroutka
starter on the defensive
physics-A two-time
All-American in
wrestling, Rasmussen
education double
All-American in
wrestling, Abbott won
the NCAA Division lll
national championship
Tony Abbott
at 165 pounds this
season, after finishing fourth in 2001. He
won MIAC Ìndividual titles twice and was
a part of three consecutive national
championship teams. With a 3.309 GPA,
he earned NWCA Scholar All-American
honors twi.ce.
Ifuisti Brusletto,
psychology-A four-
e
yeâr starter on defense
in women's hockey
with
a 3.2 GPA,
Brusletto earnecl Al1MIAC honors her
\:t
junior season and allKristi Brusletto
conference honorable
mentlon honors her senior year, and was a
part of hockcy terms that Iwice won
MIAC titles
Brent Peroutka, busÌness finance-A fouryear starter in the defenslve backfield in
football, Peroutka earned AÌI-MIAC
second-team honors his sophomore, junior,
and senior seasons. With a 3.780 GPA,
Peroutka earned MIAC Academic Al1-
and physical
education-A four-year
Earning Augsburg Senior Athlete of
the Year honors were male athletes Darin
Bertram, Matt Chappuis, and Nick Slack;
and female athletes Chrissy Baune and
major-A two-time
Matt Chappuis, health
200 1.
Rasmussen.
2OO1-02 Honor Athletes
Tony Abbott,
communication and
winnÌng the national trtle his junror year.
He was one of 10 wrestlers ever to win four
MIAC individual championships.
American honors in
Kevin Rasmussen,
Rachael Ekholm.
placed fifth in the
nation at 197 pounds
this season, after
linishing sixth
Kevin Rasmussen
nationaliy the year
before. He won the MIAC title his senior
season. With a 3.526 GPA, he earned
MIAC Academic All-Conference Honor
Roll honors twice and NWCA Scholar AllAmerican honors twice.
2OO1-02 Senior Athletes
line in football,
Chappuis earned AllMIAC honors three
times, eaming secondMatt Chappuis
team honors his
sophomore year and first-team honors his
junior and senior seasons. ln 2001, he
earned Football Gazette All-Region first-team
honors, and was voted by MIAC coaches as
winner of the Mike Stam Award, given to the
or-rtstanding lineman in the M[AC.
Rachael Ekholm,
physical education-A
four-year starter in
softbali and three-year
of the Year
Chrissy Baune,
business
management-A
leader on the Auggie
track and field and
cross country teams,
Baune earned All-
MIAC honors 16
times in her career,
three times in cross country and 13 times
in track. She qualified for the NCAA
Division III track and fleld national
championships in the women's 3,000Chrissy Baune
letterwinner in
basketball, Ekholm
was a significant part
of the record books in
Rachael Ekholm
both sports. Ekholm
holds school records for career and singleseason strikeouts, and she hold most of the
power-hitting school records. In basketball,
she holds the single-game and singleseason records for three-pointers. In her
sophomore and senior seasons she earned
All-Region honors.
Nick Slack,
marketing-One of the
meter steeplechase.
top upperweight
wrestlers in school
history, Slack earned
All-American honors
three times in his
Darin Bertram, health
and physical
I
t)
byDonstoner
education-One of the
most dominant
llghtweight wrestlers
in school history
Bertram earned A1lAmerÌcan honors three
Dar¡n Bertram
times in his career,
finishrng second in the NCAA Division III
national championships ar, I25 pounds his
lreshman and sophomore seasons and
Nick SIack
career, finishing
second in the NCAA
lli national champlonships aL I74
pounds his junior and senior seasons, while
winning the national title with a 3l-0 record
in 2000. He was one of 10 wrestlers ever to
win four MIAC lndividual championships.
Division
Don Stoner is sports information coordinator.
Sunrmer 2002
,4ucssunc
f{ow
5
mffiXffiffiKruffi
ffiA$f altd kVK$T: Å mltl$;t T,nAtl{lÍ,{ffi ffiÅnnfm
by Betsey Norgard
Robert Karlén's 43 years at Ar-rgsburg
inclucle teaching and research spanning
the globe lrom Scandlnavia to Greece ancl
Tùrkey and China. As he retires from the
College, he leaves a legacy that includes
close conneclions to a Chinese
conservatory of music and its faculty, an
archive of original music from
Scandinavia, and influences from these
experiences that impacted the education of
many, many music students he has taLlght.
Over a decade's time, Karlén taught
four semesters at the Sichuan Conservatory
of Music in Chengdu, China, initiated by
an invitation from the United Board of
Christlan Higher Education in Asia. What
he lound there was a dearth of Western
music-resulting from the purges of Mao's
collect scorcs, and lcarn,
Augsburg then became a
logical recipient of a r-rniqr-re
collection oI Scandinavian
music scores, recorclings, and
books that has recently been
È!
u
ù
caralogr"red in Lindell Library.
(See Augsburg Now, spring
2000 story.)
Karlén came to Augsburg
in 1959, initrally through a
commission for incidental
music for a play, Christ in the
Concrete City, directed by
theatre arts professor Ailene
Cole. He was attrâcted to
Augsburg by music chair
Leland Sateren, and chuckles
Cultural Revolution-and during his
in recalling the early days
teaching sojourns there was able to rewhen they sharecl an office and
ìntroduce music of the classics and his
between the two of them
own to the Chinese students.
tatrght almost all thc mLrsic
On one trip Karlén arranged for a vlsit
students. In lact, cnn-ent music
ofAugsburg Concert Band director Robert
department chair Bob Stacke,
Stacke to join Karlén as a guest concluctor.
as well as faculty members
This led to a yearlong residency at
Merilee Klemp, Peter
Augsburg by the conservatory's band
Hendrickson, Gabe Gabrielsen,
director. Sun Jin. Upon returning to
and Tiudl Anderson all studied
China, Sun started a non-milrtary
with Karlén cluring their
Robert Karlén's legacy at Augsburg includes music
community band in Chengdu.
student days at Augsburg.
influences from his teaching experiences in Europe and Asia.
Karlénb career at Augsburg has also
Karlén comments on the
Among his honors and commÌssions,
includecl exploration of Nordic music. As
openness for collaboration and
Karlén created a composition, For the Birds,
an American Scandinavian Foundation
experimentation as one of the most
basecl on the play by Aristophanes, for the
Felloq he spent a year visiting the five
rewarding aspects of his career hereopening concert of the Ordway Center for
Nordic countries to meet composers,
something not as possible at larger,
the Performing Arts
performance-based music
Karlén looks lorward to retirement as
programs where each faculty
a time to complete some unfinished
member is a specialist.
projects. One is a musical composition
An early pro¡ect brought
that was requested by the Havana Clarinet
Karlén and art professor Phil
Quintet, a grorlp whom he happened to
Augsburg honors and celebrates four
Thompson together for a
meet when they perlormed in China.
faculty and staff who retire in 2002:
series of six TV programs
Karlén would most enjoy a trip to Cuba
describing similarities in
for a premiere ol this composition.
visual arts and music. For
A scholarship honoring Robelt Karlén
another, Karlén collaborated
Vern Bloom, social work-37 years
was established by his friencls, family, and
with English professor John
alumni in recognition of his musical
Norman Holen, art-38 years
Mitchell on a unique short
nccomplishnrents and long service to
film where each frame was
Robert Karlén, music-43 years
Augsburg. I
hand-etched by Mitchell and
Don Warren, StepUP Program-24 years
for which Karlén created an
elecl ronic t¡ttsrc st ore.
6
,4UGSBURG NoW
Summer
2OO2
¡
r
[/lAl(
NG AUGSBIJRG ACCISSIBLI
TllE LEûACY OT TllREE PROFESSORS
by Betsey Norgard
Augsburg has long been recognized as a
leader in providing support for students
with physical disabilities.In 1971, before
federal legislation mandated access,
Augsburg began making its campus
accessible to everyone. By 1978, which was
the implementation deadline for Secrion 504
of the 1973 RehabiÌitation Act, Augsburg
aiready had more than a dozen physicallydisabled students living and studying on
campus, and had a college and community
task force on track with plans to make the
campus fully accessible by mid-1980.
Augsburg's programs are significant
because they began not solely as selvice
programs but as an aspect of "co-leaming."
In 1969 social work adjunct professor Cal
Appleby took his Crime and Community
class to visit Stillwater prison. Appleby then
Vern Bloom
suggested that the class meet there regularly
today-the combination of leaming and
and arranged to include not only Augsburg
students, but Stillwater inmates, and-to
satisfy the apprehensions of correctional
officials-prison guards. With this
succeeding, Appleby then took his
Introduction to Social Work class to meet at
Tievilla of Robbinsdale, a home for severely
physically-disabled adults.
In a paper written by Professor Vem
Bloom on the growth of programs like these
during the 1970s and'80s, Bloom quotes
Appleby, "lt was quite an experience for
everyone, including myself. We not only
studied social work principles and concepts
from books, we now had a rich
environment in which to leam from each
other. And we did!" This concept is the
heart and hallmark of Augsburg's education
experience.
Don Warren
Students from these diverse populations
then came to Augsburg and found a
welcoming community By the late 1990s,
Augsburg was aiready serving over 200
students with physical, learning, and
emotional disabilities.
The end of this academic year marks
the retirement of three longtime professors
and staff who played key roles in developing
these early programs and access for students
with few other educational opportunities,
especially students with physical disabilities.
These faculty members also led the way in
recognizing needs of other student
populations, including those with learning
disabilities and, most recently, students in
recovery from alcohol and drug abuse.
Norm Holen
Photos by Stephen Geffre
Summer
2OO2
4ucsnunc
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7
V[|l[I
HLÜOU]:
F0lJ1ìl0ATl0il
ln I971, rvhen Augsbulg reccivecl
a srate
grånt to cìevelop the prison lealnir-rg
l)rograrll, social n,ork plolessol Vern Bkron-r
bccame cllrectol of Consen'ation o[ Humar-r
Rt'Sor il
cr': (CH R). t hc .:rrrI
pr rs ()l
lltltIt:rti(
ìlr
that ach-r"rir.ristelecl the prrtgraÌn. Soon its
classes expanclecl to inclucle other
populations u,ith little access to an
erlLrtnrrtrn -nrcrrrrll¡ ill Prlicrrts ilì statc
institutions, the elcletly., and resrcler"rts in
other state lacilities.
''The it-rtelesting thing is that every
place n'e \\¡ent," Bloom continues, "everyone
in charge-allnost all n,ith r.aryrng degrees
ol intensitl'-saÌcì that it n,ouldn't u'ork and
tl.rat the;, clicln't think tl-reir people 1i'onlcl l¡e
very,goocl students. Ancl it'uvasn't tn¡e.
Man;' u'e re just '"i onclerfi-rl stuclents."
CHR received no clirect lunds ftorn tl're
College, ancl its classes u,ere kept alive ìt1,
Augsbr-rrg students
u'ho held fi-u'rdraisers. ln
1973, registration fol the classes u'as
extenclecl to the ACTC schools (Hamline,
lvlacalester, St. Tl-ror-nas, St. Catirerine).
In 1975, Augsburg
teceivecl a granr
from the Minnesota Departmer.rt ol
Vocational Rehabilitation ro pror.icle oncamplls eclucatlon [or clisablecl students,
n-ran1' of lvhom \\¡ere ahead;' stud;'i1g q'Lth
Augsburg stuclents ar-rcl facult;r It r,i'as the
determination ol these stuclents lor a chance
at a college eciucation that helpecl u.in rhe
sLlpport of PresiclenL Oscar Anclerson ancl
the College communill,, Bloom recalls.
"lt u'as a goocl idea, but it createcl a
mess, because nobocll, kneu, u4rat to clcr
u,ith lthe stuclents] rvl.ren rhey gor here ."
The barriers \\¡ere nor only'pl.r1'sical; Bloor.n
relates hor,r, tl're stucler-rts organizecl
"Disability \\¡eel<" in lall 1975 u'irh u.rsenice trair-ring sessior-rs and the
encolrragenlent ol everl,gne to "aclopt" a
disabihq' lol a clayi "Tl.re message to us \\'as
clear. Lile is clifficult-bur clon'r rnake ir an1.
u'orse b;' ignoring or feeli.g so'1' for us,"
u,rites
8
Bloor.r.r.
,+UGSBURG NoW
The efforts in the 1970s of social work professor Vern Bloom and others helped Augsburg create
a barrier-free campus to welcome students with physical disabilities.
Another large obstacle for rhe disabled
students rvas lack ol afforclable
transportation to and fion] campus. Solution
to tl-ris problem câtre ir-r the petson ol
\Va¡rre 'lrlo" l\loldelrhalre¡'. a plisorr innrarc
uùo stucliecl in the initial classes ar
Stillwater Prison. Upor-r I'ris release, Bloom
hirecl him as a clriver, and cliscor,erecl a
tremendous commitment ancl energl' for
helping Augsburg build its prograrn. ln
197ó, Molclenhauer becarne the director ol
the Center lor Non-ti-aditional Students
(CENTS). an ACTC eonsortiunì prograln tL)
take over the sen'rces lor CHR, but not the
acadenric classes. B¡ rlris tirne.
75 percent ol disablecì srudents supported
b1, CENTS u'ere choosing to attend
Augsburg. The transportation program thar
N,loldenhaue¡ created sened as a training
r.r-roclel lor the Metlc.r N4obility prograrn later
tleri lopcrl b¡ ltlerro Tlansjr.
Bloom n'as also part ol the task lorce
establishecl b1' President Oscar Anderson ir-r
1976 rl'ith cormrr:nity ancl student leaders
to cleterr.nrne the feasibility, o[ campus
accessÌbilit)' to llersons r,i.iLh dÌsabilities. A
r.r.rajor funchaising eflorr u.ould be requirecl
[() tùtn(r\'('art llitcet rilnl l'rrr.l icrs on cltììpus.
ln 1977, with rhe help ol a film, Mahing
n Wny, proclucecl by English prolessor Jo}rn
Mitchell, Anderson recmlted several facult;,
and stafl r.nenbers, including Bloom, ¡o visit
Lutheran congregations lor fundraisrng. Tl"re
campaign r,r'orkecl, ancl or,er $750,000 rvas
raised lo help construct tunnels, rau-tps,
sk;r,r'a1,s, and oulfit the campr-rs lor clisabled
studer-its.
B),the time federal legislation requirecl
accessibillt;' at al1 instltutions, Ar-rgsburg ri as
aìread;, uncleru'ay with reno'ation. At that
time, there was not one pnr,ate college in
Minnesota that rvas barrier-hee. In 1979.
Augsburg created a special prograrn lor
sen-rng students u'ith clisabilities that took
over the role thar CHR had plal'ecl.
Ar,rgsburg coniinued to oller classes
ser,eral academic disciplines of[
ir-r
canpus-at
Trevilla, Shakopee rvomen's prison, ancl
Stillrvater. Bloom continued to teach in
correciional institutions; althor-rgh begir.rning
in the earll, 1980s, classes \\,ere restrictecl to
prison inr-nates ancl guards, excludir.rg
Arrgsburg stuclents rluc tr, sccu|lt)
consicleratior-rs.
To read Bloom's recollectior-rs about the
cleveloprnent ol Ar,rgsburgs progrâms, llo ro
<n'u.mangsbur g.eclu/nori'>.
Summer
2OO2
I
I
I
Ìln 1978, when he came to Augsburg to
interview for the half-time position of
academic enrichment director, Don
Warren was impressed that the campus
abeady had ramps for people with
physical disabilities. He was also
impressed with the welcoming atmosphere
he felt for diverse student populations on
campus.
A
year laler, a student
in the learning
center told Warren about his diagnosed
learning disabiliqr Warren realized a need
to understand this area and spent a
summer at Berkeley learning from experts
in the field and becoming immersed in the
literature and services for students.
"This is something that Augsburg by
law was required to do and yet we had no
specific services," Warren recalls
concluding. Nor did any other college in
the Midwest at that time.
His proposal to the College
administration for a program to serve
these students was accepted, and the
Office for Disabled Students (ODS) was
born, initially serving three students,
which Warren directed along with the
learning center and tutor center. At that
time, he also proposed that ODS take over
ihe services at Augsburg that had been
provided by CENTS, the ACTC program.
By 1984, \¡/ith the rapid growth of
these programs, Warren returned to
College administrators, requesting the
hiring of a learning disabilities specialist.
In 1989, the program was renamed
the Center for Learning and Adaptive
Student Services (Cf.{SS Program), and by
1990 it served 9I students with leaming
disabilities and 29 with physical
disabilities. Helping to firm the program's
foundation was an endowment received in
1988 from the Groves family to purchase
adaptive technology for leaming
disabilities.
The CLASS Program continued its
Summer 2002
Under Don Warren's leadership, Augsburg programs have grown for students with learning and
physical disabilities and students in recovery from chemical abuse.
growth to a population in 1999 of 125
learning-disabled students, 45 physicallydisabled students, and29 students with
psychiatric disabilities
In 1997, however, Warren was faced
with another challenge. One of his students
told him that it was tough at Augsburg for
students in recovery. Warren understood
that recovery for this student meant
recovery from alcohol and other drug
abuse and realized that a support program
was needed on campus for these students.
Again, Warren proposed to the
administration-this time to academic dean
Marie McNeff and associate dean Earl
Alton-an innovative plan to support the
academic success of students in recovery
from substance abuse. Both McNeff and
Alton were immediately supportive, and
the StepUP Program was created. Two floor
houses in Anderson Hall became a sober
home for 23 students. By living together,
by signing a contract to remain sober and
to advance toward a degree, and by
attending weekly meetings with Warren,
the program achi.eved a relapse rate of only
eight percent, as compared to the national
rate of 82 percent.
After three years, Warren chose to
leave the academic enrichment program,
including CLASS, to direct the StepUP
Program full time, then having grown to
45 students.
Recently completing its fifth year,
StepUP has served 152 students in
recovery and is the only program of its
kind in the country that focuses on
traditional-age college students. StepUP
students have consistently earned a 3.1
grade point average; in its five years, the
program has maintained an average relapse
rate of 15 percent.
In May, Warren was presented with a
certificate of "Special Congressional
Recognition" signed by U.S. Rep. Jim
Ramstad for pioneering work in this area.
Warren plans to remain connected to
StepUP by serving on the StepUP Advisory
Board and working with the StepUP staff
as leaders in a nationwide effort to create a
national association of recovery programs
in high schools and colleges.
4ucssuRc
f{ow 9
ln
1976, an professor Norm Holen was
asked by someone from the registrarb office if
he would be willing to work with a
physically-dÌsabled student in one of his art
classes. "As I started to walk away" recounts
Holen, "this staff person said, 'I should just
menrion that he can only move his left foot.' "
Holen decided to make a tool for
sculpture that would fit between the
student's first two toes, trying it out first on
hls own foot. From there, Holen evoived the
concept to a kind of wooden sandal, using
old belts for straps. The student adapted
well to ìt, and Holen further outfitted the
"shoe" with changeable tools and a gummed
sole to prevent slippage.
"Sculpture was ideal, because if you did
anything other than clay, you needed two
hands," explains Holen. "If you did pottery
you'd have to do the inside. So sculpture
was a natural, because you only needed to
do the outside."
Holen's next challenge was with
students who couldn't iift their arms. He
developed a canvas bag with sand as a
counterbalance, eliminating the need for
strength to lift.
"[The student] said that he really
enjoyed being in class, because for the first
time he could lift his arm. And it was fun,
enjoyable, something we take for granted.
But it was something he could now do,"
recalls Holen.
For one student, Holen's tool was too
efficient. The student had regained strength
through rehab and wanted to push his
capacity, so Holen created a lighter tool that
didn't need a counterbalance. Not being able
to find anything thin enough, Holen had to
laminate his own wood, about 3/16 inch
thick, weighing only l0 oz. when finished.
While each of the splints he made took
as long as some of his sculptures, Holen
never charged students or the College for
his work. "All I did was to solve the
1o
,4ucs¡unc ruow
problem so that they had the tools
to work with. I jusr wanred ro
make it more consistent, for them
to have lhe same opportunities as
I
I
everyone else."
Holen also created a headpiece
for a student who was very
immobiie, who had only head
movement and used a breathing
apparatus. He designed an
adjustable head splint with Velcro
and canvas straps for tools that
would eliminate the need to hold
tools in the mouth-making it
easier on the jaws and teeth, and
permitting the student to talk
during class.
Holen has kept in touch over
the years with a number of his
students with disabilities. He still
talks weekly withJon Leverenu, a
student who suffered brain damage
in a car accident. Leverentz needed
help opening the caps of his paint
tubes, and Holen made a ribbed
receptacle that allowed the cap to
d
be held while the tube tumed.
Norm Holen's hand-made devices have made art possible
In 1990, Holen received the
for students with disabilities.
Govemor's Award on Têchnolory to
Assist Individuals with Disabilities.
When asked about his life work, Holen
In 1995, Holen was honored with an
reports at least 2l one-person shows, 92
Alumni Achievement Award by his alma
group shows, and I 16 competitive
mater, Concordia College-Moorhead.
exhibitions, including a group show at the
Holen's legacy to Augsburg, however,
National Gallery of Art. He says he now
far exceeds his innovative tools. A number
concentrates on national or intemational
of his sculptures in clay, welded steel, and
shows. His achievement includes 16
part of the community and
cast bronze
^re"Buming
national and two intemational awards.
Bush" in front of
campus-the
Holen intends to enjoy his retirement
Christensen Center to honor Bemhard
time working on his own prqects full time.
Christensen, the Augsburg Seminary seal on
The tools and splints he made will still be
the brick wall next to the entrance to
available to students who may need them.
Hoversten Chapel, the Hoversten Chapel
Holen and his wife, Ilene, have established
cross and the bas relief in Sverdrup Hall
an endowed scholarship in his name to
called "The Promulgation of Leaming and
support art and art history students at
Culture."
Augsburg. I
Summer 2002
r
Shaped by th
OF THE
h and values
TIAN CHURCH
I
aaa
EDITOR/S NOTE:
From time to time questions are asked about how the above
portion of Augsburg's mission statement is lived out in daily
life on campus-in the education students receive, in lhe
faculty and staff who teach, in daily engagement with the
community Questions are asked about the nature of Augsburg
as a Christian coliege and as a college of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America, especiaily as it relates to a
commitment to intentional diversity.
AugsburgNow invites discussion in this area to form the
basis of occasional articles about the College's mission, its
founding tenets, and the legacy of its alumni, facult¡ and staff
of 133 years.
We begin with questions posed in a recenr letrer, followed
by excerpts from comments made on campus this spring that
speak to the issues raised.
DEAR ED¡TOR,
"I felt led to wrÍte you after taking the time to read the
Spring 2002 edition of your publicatlon. ... My husband
and I have been working as youth leaders since September
I97B at Grace Baptist Church and have numerous
experÌences watching souls come to knowJesus.
Throughout your publication, I see very little mention of
Jesus. Is Augsburg still a ChrÌstian school? I see a pastor's
name mentioned from time to time and Juliana Martinez
briefly mentioned Jesus who started her out to be a 'leader,'
but even she did not give Him continuing credit for where
she is. Has Augsburg changed to be a diversified school,
separated from the Christian faith?
"I need to know where you stand, as I need to know
how to pray for all of you, and what to tell others who are
looking for a Christian college."
-LuAnn
(Ludewig) Lindquist'78
FROM AUGSBURG 2004: EXTENDING THE VISION
"Augsburg is the only ELCA college to be located in the center
of an urban area. As part of its life in urban socÌet¡ as well as
because of its Christian traditions, Augsburg remalns
committed to intentional diversity among its students, staff,
and faculty. Augsburg's commitment to diversity is a function
not only of the gospel, but also of Luther's notion of vocation.
Because God's love extends to all, those who would be faithful
Summer
2OO2
to the gospel cannot preserve non-essential disLinctions
between person, and in fact are called to extend special
attention to those pushed to the fringes of society. Further, an
institution that takes seriously the future of Ìts students cannot
avoid preparing those students ro work in the diverse
communities that make up the modern world."
.Aucssunc
Now
11
EXCERPTS FROM REMARKS BY REV. MARK S.
a
a
HANSON '68,
s.
PRES|DTNG BTSHOB EICA
AT THE COMMENCEMENT LUNCHEON
r^
AND CEREMONY-MAY 19,2002
"As presiding bishop, I'm deeply committed to the vocation of this church to be a church in
higher education, and as I look at the 28 colleges of this church, Augsburg stands unique, not
only in its location, but in its vocation-of preparing people to live in a diverse world, grounded
in the faith, but as global citizens.
"lt was in this hall when we'd gather for chapel that I remember as a first-year student
hearing Oscar Anderson, our president, cry out for the Holy Spirit to stir up within each of us
that faith which so many of us had been benefited by planting in our hearts from parents and
grandparents, so it mlght be for us a iiving faith ... Augsburg College, where reason and faith are
held in lively tension, where we are sent into the world with a passion for building communlties
of justice and mercy"
REMARKS By pHrUp QUANBECK
The Rev. Mark S. Hanson'68
il, ASSTSTANT PROFESSOR OF REilGION
ATTHE lOOTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OFTHE BIRTH OF AUGSBURG PRESIDENT EMERITUS BERNHARD
CHR|STENSEN-APR|t 1 6, 2OO2
o
o
s.
"I've been asked to
describe how the
legacy of Bernhard
Christensen
continues toda)¿
Let me address
hs'
how Christian faith
remains
Prof. Philip Quanbeck ll
a
distinctive and
essentiai part of
Augsburg's mission.
This is the Christensen legacy
"During Christensen's tenure
as
president of the seminary and the College,
the collegiate division became a true liberal
arts college. Christensen built programs in
arts, music, sciences, and humanities. He
did that by identifpng people whom he
wanted to be teachers in those programs.
In religion he found people who were then
fresh out of graduate schools, such as John
Stensvaag, Paul Sonnack, and Philip
Quanbeck, to name only a few. These, like
others, would become fondly remembered
by students and, dare I say, legends. In
matters of Bible and theologr, Christensen
brought in the challenges of modern
historical and critical approaches. At the
same time there was a concern for teaching
the faith.
"Augsburg is still a college with a
Christian mlssion. In the tradition of
Bernhard Christensen, we continue Lo
combine the scholaf and critlcal
12
4UCS¡UnC ruOW
approaches to Bible and theologr with a
concern for an encounter with Christian
faith. Every student at Augsburg is required
to take three religion courses. This threecourse requirement includes a course in
Bible, a course in Christian theology, and a
third course which may be in world
religions, ethics, philosophy of religion, or
an additional course in Bible or theologr
Many students exceed this minimum and
go on to take five courses for a minor.
"The ful1-time faculty who teach in our
religion department are all people of faith.
As academics, certainly, we have been
trained to be able to step outside of our
tradition and look critically at it. On the
other hand, we are not dispassionate
observers simply interested in historical
curiosity No, we are people concerned with
the claims the gospel makes on individuals
and the world. This constant engagement of
faith and learning or faith and reason, as
President Frame likes to say, is at the core
of our mission as a department and our
mission as a college.
"A Lutheran college like Augsburg has
a unique role in the life and mission of the
church. A college classroom is not, nor
should it be, Sunday School or
confi.rmation. lt is a place of open and free
inquiry There is, however, a providential
irony We have the opportunity in our
classrooms and on this campus to meet,
teach, and engage students and others who
may be unlikely to enter a church. We have
the opportunì,ty to teach some who have
little or no knowledge of the Christian
tradition. The Christensen tradition, and
the Augsburg tradition, have always
emphasized freedom over compulsion, This
college provides a place where students can
encounter the Christian faith and its claims
in an atmosphere of freedom. I hope the
wider church and its congregations
appreciate the importance of a place like
Augsburg and how the church's mission is
served here.
"Augsburg is among an ever-decreasing
number of colleges that still has daily
chapel. It is significant that the College
continues to devote space in the dally
schedule as a testimony to its commitment.
"We're willing to take big risks here,
but they're the risks the church needs to
take in order to speak and teach the gospel
message. We risk asking difficult questions
with no simple answers. We risk finding
new ways to translate the Christian message
into contemporarylanguage. We walk the
difficult line between the partlcularity of the
gospel and the necessity to adapt to the
needs of diversity in modern society Those
are the kinds of intellectual and faith risks
that were Bernhard Christensen's legacy to
this school. His willingness Lo venture inlo
new territory however, also refLected a deep
confidence that the gospel would survive
the test."
Summer 2002
-l
EXCERPTS FROM "PENTECOST'S CTEAR CALL TO pOLypHONy"
BY WILUAM V. FRAME, pREStDENI AUGSBURc COLLECE
THE BACCALAUREATE SERMON_MAY
"[On Pentecost] , at the very momenr in
which the disciples are empowered to
proclaim rhe gospel to all people
regardless of natÌonal origin or religious
tradition, Peter turns back ro [oe1] calling
his people to repentance in advance of the
Judgement Day And the sharpest point of
the irony lies in the line wirh which Joel
ends his panegyric on rhe Lasr Day: 'And
those who call upon the name of the Lord
will be saved.'
"What of the others? Why doesn't
Peter ask this obvious question? Today we
naturally ask about 'the others'-the ones
who don't, or don't yet 'call upon rhe
name of the Lord.' Perhaps we're better
instructed now than Peter was then. He
and his successors have since published
the gospel, and we've heard its central
message-that we love one another and
our nerghbors as ourselves. Those
neighbors surely weren't expected to be
Christian, were they, nor even and
exclusively of the three great traditions
borne of the sons of Abraham?
"But the largest reason for the
difference between Peter and us concerns
our experience with diversit;r We've been
trying for some time to create here, on this
campus, both a distrnctive Lutheran,
Christian community that is thereforenot 'also' or 'by the way,' but thereforewarmly hospitable to a wide array of
.diversit;r We have mr-rch yet to achieve in
this effort, but Peter and his colleagues
have been preparing for therr foray into a
cliverse world frorn a relatlvely
homogenous cultural confine. They
haven't yet faced, to the degree we have,
the Ìmmense challenge of managing the
tension between community and diversit¡
betrveen unity and plurallty, between the
one and the many
"Apparently, they don't sense (as we
certainly do) that Joel's exclusivityespecially as an original qualifier of those
to whom they pr-rblish the gospel-wou1d
compromise their work in the world
beyond Galilee or our work either in this
College or in vocation in the worlcl
Summer
2OO2
1
s, 2002
beyond this College. After all, we have
invited a fair number of folk who do not
'call upon the name of the Lord' to join
our learning community and to bring their
various religions and cultures with them.
"A community is more than a
mutually advantageous'deal' among
privately-interested individuals formed
into parties. But what is this 'more than,'
thìs unifying thing? Here ls
a question of central
importance on which we
might make a fair trade
with the gospel: While we
rneans of our exchanges, toward called
lives of service that can be lived out,
¡oyously, in a world more surprised by
these virtues than welcoming of them?
"Diversity and communiry are easy;
diverse community is real hard, but trying
lt
offers the best life possible."
For the full text, see <www.augsburg.
edu/commencement2OO2>. I
o
ù
Ê
may have news for Peter
and the disciples on
diversity-and I don't
thinl< that's an impious
claim-they surely have
news for us on lhe
constituting elements of the
ChrÌstian communÌt;r The
12th chapter oI Paul's First
Letter to the Corinthians
contains a brilliant
exposition, '... the body is
one and has many
members,'he says, 'and
all the members of the body, though man¡
President William V. Frame,
Baccalaureate service 2002
are one body'
"This theme that creates the
polyphony among the parts, on the one
hand, and between each part and ¡he
whole identifies eight very carefully chosen
talents or human capabilities. They are:
the utterance of wisdom and knowledge,
healing and the working of miracles,
prophecy and the discernment of spirits,
the lÌstening and rherorical capacitles that
enable us to understand and be
understood, and faith.
"Are not these nine the very talents
that rnake for communal life, that weave a
dlsparate batch of people rhrough their
very vocations into that peculiar ne[work
of relationships and hope that warrants the
name'community'? Have we not used the
wonderful opportunity of our time
together here to bring these to greater life
in each other-and to draw us each, by
,4ucsnunc ruow t3
ver 100 entries were submitted in the
second annual Photo contest for
international and off-campus studies.
Winners were selected in three categories:
scenic landscapes, local people in a cross-
cultural setting, and Augsburg students in
a
host setting. All winning photos were displayed
in Christensen Center.
To see all the winners, visil"
<www augsburg. edu/internationay
photocontest02>.
Top right: Scenic
landscapes. First place.
"Gondola on the
Canal Grande," Becky
Perrotti '03. Venice,
Italy, January 2002.
Bottom left: Scenic
landscapes. Third
place. "The Church
and Social Change,"
Adam Nugent'04.
Tepotzlán, Mexico,
January 2002.
Bottom right:
Augsburg students in
a cross-cultural
setting. Second place.
"Scottish Kiss," Kristi
Eisenreich '02.
Scotland, spring 2001
14
,AUCS¡URC ruOW
summer 2002
)
a.t-.
r
:l
{lr
{
T
:' .,Ðt4
'ü.'
,¡
i:;
Top left: Augsburg students in
a
"New Friendship," Ariann Russ '04.
-
Pattaya, Thailand, January 2002.
Top right: Local people in a crosscultural setting. First place. "Man in
Marketplace," Solveig Grafstrom'02
Bergen, Norway, June 1999.
ttrt
*
ffi
Í
Summer 2002
.4ucseuRc
r{ow ts
wï","ff*"_:
,!
b
BALANCING LIFE AND LEARNING
r^
U
s
At 4 p.m. on Fridays, class activities
ì
wind down on most campuses. But
t,
at Augsburg, a shift occurs, as
parking lots start filling with
Weel<end College students coming
for their 6 p.m. classes.
Students choose to spend every
other weekend on campus for
various reasons-completion of
a
degree or teaching licensure, job
Sue Kneen began Weekend College four years ago and has found rewards for herself and her
family that far exceed the required course readings.
promotion, or personal interest. Most
have full-time jobs and families, so
the commitment is strong and the
motivation to succeed is high.
Faculty choose to teach in
Weekend College also for different
reasons, among them the joy of
teaching students who bring years of
life experience to class discussion.
16
.4ucsnunc now
f
I
I
remember my lirst night of class four
years ago as
il it were just
yesLerday.
Prolessor Kathy Swanson asked each
student to introduce him/herself and to
share a little something. At first chance I
said eagerly, "My name ls Sue Kneen. I
have four daughters, and i'm so happy to
be here, I could just cry" The guy from the
day program sitting directly in front of me
whipped his head around and looked at
me in utter disgust as his face implied,
"Are you for real?"
IniLially. Augsburg was attractive to me
because I iearned that WEC offers the
same degree as the tradìtional program;
the same material is covered, the same
work is expected of us, and we have the
same professors-the only difference is
our schedules. With the commirment
WEC requires of a non-traditÌonal
student, I wouldn't waste my lime on
anything less.
As I proceeded further into the
program, however, what became equally
attractive to me was the quality of
professors at Augsburg. Many
conversations with my WEC colleagues
seemed to end with the same conclusion:
the professors are great at what they doteach. Difficult material is brought down
to an undergraduate level and presented
in a manner that makes it both interesting
Summer
2OO2
I
Weekend College
MAJORS
and exciting to learn. It is quite something
how consistently this seems to happen
from class to class, and I am sr-rrprised at
the lengths most professors will go to help
I
,
us succeed.
I have been challenged in many ways
at Augsburg. Let me share with you just
two: I have learned through my religion
classes an unbiased understanding of other
religions. The Hindu and Buddhist faiths,
for example, have been intriguing to me,
but I had never quite received an unbiased
view previously; I hacl no idea of the depth
and beauty of these faiths. I look forward
the community sulrouncling Augsburg.
Dean Chris Kimball says it well in one of
his letters to students: "1 hope your
achievemenls will encourage yor-r to be of
service to others."
Attending WEC has been one of the
best decisions in my 1ife. Previousl¡ I had
not thought of myself as college material,
so success at Augsbllrg brìngs with it more
and more confidence. I wÌli be the first in
my family of origln to graduate from
college, and I know this is the beginning of
many good thrngs. And it seems most
WEC stuclents have their own stories.
"I
HAD NOT THOUGHT OF MYSELF AS COLLECE MATERIAI, SO
AUGSBURC BRINGS WITH IT MORE AND MORE CONFIDENCE."
I
l
!
to learnlng more about the Buddhist's
message of peace.
It is also okay to be a Chnstian at
Augsburg. Funny âs that may sound,
considering that our mission statement
reads, "... shaped by the faith and values ol
the Christian church ...," it seems Ìt is not
politically correct in many circles today to
admit one is a Christian I find the climate
at Augsburg to be tolerant ancl respectful,
where faith and rdeas are expressed and
shared openly
Secondl¡ my Augsburg education has
shattered the stereotype I had ol inner-city
lile from my grolvlng up in a little,
Caucasian, southern Wisconsin hometown
of 3,500. I dicln't know about the large
. class of people termed the "working
poor"-urban dwellers r.vhose harcl r.vork
lor minimum pay only ekes out a meager
existence. Life ls tough ancl Lltter poverty ls
usually one paycheck arvay for more
people than I l-Lad realized. I am proud that
Augsburg is committed to lhese urban
issues, both via dialogue in classrootn
scllings anrl lhrottgh îclive comnritlllcnl to
Summer 20O2
SUCCESS AT
Some are here for job advancement or a
pay increase, and that's line; but for many
of us, it's much more. As one colleague
whispered to me in class, "l come to class
feeling lÌke the most grateful student."
A thrilling benefit of attending
Augsburg is the example my college
experience gives to my daughters.
Discussion about college abounds in our
home; we are all in this together. Every
other weekend, their smiling little moon
faces peer through the front door and wave
rne off to school; and my six-year-old asks
me after each class, "Mom, did you get an
A toclay?" It ls true, as one prolessor told
me. thíìt one neccls e very sLrpportivc
lamily
ACCOUNTINC
Public accounting
Managerial accounting
BUSI N ESS ADMI N ISTRATION
Marketing
Management
Fi
nance
lnternational business
COMMUNICATION
COMPUTER SCIENCE
COMPUTATIONAL ECONOMICS
ECONOMICS
EDUCATION
Elementary and secondary
licensure
Emotional/behavioral
d isabilities
ENCLISH
HISTORY
MANAC EMENT
I
N
FORMATION
SYSTEMS
MARKETINC
NURSINC (BSN completion)
PSYCHOLOGY
RELICION
So, although I have now learned to
no longer wear my mom's heart on my
SOCIAL WORK
sleeve amidst academia, I still very much
STUDIO ART
just like I did that lirst night ol class
four years ago.
YOUTH AND FAMILY MINISTRY
feel
CERTIFICATE PROCRAMS IN
Suc l{nccn
Ls
aWcchutd Collcge stuclutL
mcrjortngin English.
I
:
nformation technology
Business management
Business finance
.Aucs¡unc
ruow
17
n8 n t)CI their
lr
Br
)
s I walk into O1cl Main 13 at
on a Saturday afiernoon, my
are already deep in
l:10
conversation on Toni Morrison's Beloved.
When I break into their discussion to start
class, the stndents immediately start to tell
me about their responses to the week's
reading. Their enthusiastic interest makes
the three-and-a half hours we will spend
together fly by When class meets every
other weekend, the hours always seem too
short for the lecture and discussion that
need to fit into the afternoon.
I have taught in Weekend College for
the past four years and find adult
returning students a joy to teach. My
sLuclents demonst rate strong molivation to
keep up with assignments and attend
class. Additionally, they bring their life
experience to the classroom, which serves
to enrlch discussion. In my Women and
Fiction class, which meets evenings and
has both day and Weekend College
students, the weekend students' voices add
a much-needed perspective to the
discussion. While most tradltional
students read about women's life stages
with the eyes of daughters, the weekend
students add the perspective of mothers
and sometimes grandmothers to the
classroom. Thelr voices enrich discussion
by helping the day students to undersrand
character motivation that may have
Ê
:J
O
È
E
ilt
Ë
E
É
il
Adult students also tend to teserve
judgment while reading, which allows
them to become fully engaged in the
characters they meet in fiction and the
/WHI[E MOST TRADITIONAL STUDENTS
READ ABOUT WOMEN'S tIFE STAGES
WITH THE
EYES
OT DAUGHTERS, THE WEEKEND STUDENTS ADD THE
PERSPECTIVE OF MOTHERS
TO THE CIASSROOM."
18
,4ucssuRc Now
ff
English professor Joan Thompson finds that many weekend students enroll in her literature
classes to fulfill requirements, but end up engaged in the class community and find an
unexpected enrichment from discussion of the readings.
arguments they encounter ln essays. Of
course weekend students come with as
wide an array of personal, political, and
religious beliefs as any group of students
does, but they also have encountered more
people with other beliefs ln both their
work and daily lives. Because of this,
weekend students generally acknowledge
the ways in which their own experience
has informed their ideas. Rather than
puzzled them initially.
F
AND SOMETIMES GRANDMOTHERS
offering peer comments that simply
disregard the position another student has
taken when writlng an essay, the weekend
student tends to write, "You have a
different opinion on this topic than I do.
You could make your point more
convinclng by considering
counterarguments." As I look at the
comments the students write for each
other, I always appreciate rhis willingness
to consider others' viewpoints.
Many Weekend College students take
literature classes for the purpose of
fullilling general education requirements.
Oftentimes students mention this as their
Summer 2002
7
What students say ab out
WEEKEN
LLECE:
C
primary reason for taking my class in the
letter I ask them to write on the first day
of class. Yet, despite signing up for the
class primarily to fill a requirement, these
students generally turn out to be as
motivated as the Enghsh majors in the
classroom. Most o{ the students take notes
and ask questions about American
transcendentalism or the elements of
fictÌon just as if they were majoring in
English instead of planning on furthering
their career at 3M, Medtronic, or American
Express. By the end of the course, I find
students writlng that they enjoyed reading
the fiction and plan on making more time
to read when they finish college. Others
write of a theme the course emphasized,
such as American pastoralism, and
mention that they will continue to look for
this theme when they read on their own.
My students' interest in learning about
other views of culture and acquiring
knowledge simply because it enriches
one's life adds to my enjoyment in
teaching Weekend College. As the
discussion of Beloved ends because we
have run out of time rather than running
out of topics [o explore, a student remarks
that the afternoon has been like going to a
book club. I know that the students are
walking away with new knowledge about
literary allusion, narrative technique, and
African American culture and hlstory My
student's remark also makes me realize
that they are leaving with a sense of a
'community built through engagemenl in
reading and studylng books. I
Joan Thompson is an assistant prot'essor ín the
English Department who teaches it't both the
day progrant andWeehend College.
"THE WEEKEND COLLECE
SCHEDULE is so flexible. You can
make up your own course schedule
based on what works for you and
your family, and pace yourself so you
can keep up with your school work."
Kundan '02, Minneapolis
-Jit
Public
Schools
"JOY AND I MET in one of our
Weekend College classes. After the
class was over, we kept in touch and
she became my good friend and
moral support. Earning a degree at
Weekend College has helped me in
so many ways-l'm much more
assertive and disciplined. Plus I
gained a lifelong friend in the
process."
Walterbach '00, Wells Fargo,
-Kathy
speaking about Joy Scheck'00,
Ceneral Mills
"I HAVE A VERY DEMANDINC
JOB
and a young child at home, so going
back to school presented a major
challenge. The support of my wife
and the tuition reimbursement
provided by ty company were
instrumental in making it possible for
me to get my degree."
Litteken'01, Reliant Energy
-Luke
Minnegasco
"THE AUCSBURG CURRICULUM
has been extremely important for my
business career and professional
advancement. lt gave me the
roundedness that I needed, and I use
what I learned just about every day."
-Janice
Aune 'BB, Onvoy
From the Weekend College publication, "Balancing Life and Learning."
To Iearn more about Weekend College, visit <www.augsburg.edu/wec>,
e-mail <wecinfo@augsburg.edu>, or call 612-330-1
Summer
2OO2
101
.
,.4ucs¡unc
ruow
19
a
S r8 n
an UA e
N TE
watcl-ring him grow
"Television is a brarn killer," says
MAKES THE GRADE
Devereaux, w1-ro doesn't spencl much ol her
tinre watcl-ring it. "l only let Evan watch one
helf-honr program, Bluc.s Clucs." Perhaps thÌs
rs one of her secrets to balancing her 1tfe,
r.vork, ancl education-her time with her
son is precior-rs, ancl she mal<es cefiain their
by Deanna Constans
EDITOR'S NOTE:
Over 'l 50 students are currently taking
tinre togcrhcr rs r¡urlrty tinrc.
evening classes in Augsburg's Rochester
Program. Three undergraduate majors
are offered-busi ness adm
i
n
Another exciling lroment in her
istratior-r,
Constans.
r-rring the day, 36-year-old GaÌl
Devereaux of Rochester, Minn.,
works ftrl1 time at Mayo Clinic as a
sign language interpreter. She also Ìs a single
parent to her son, Evan, age l9 months. Ancl
this past 1a11, Devereaux aclcled college
classes to her busy evenings by enrolling in
Augsburg College at rheir Rochesrer campus.
Devereaux is one ofnearly 200
nontraditional students who attencl the
Rochester program held at Rochester Central
Lutheran School. Convenlent evening classes
meet on an alternate week schedule.
Devereaux typifies the studenr body at
Augsbr.rrg-Rochester, most of rvhom work
part or lull tirne, have families, and have
declded to pursue an undergraduate or
graduate degree. The average age ol enrolled
students last year r.vas 38, according to Rtck
Thoni, director of the Rochester Program.
Even though she was a full-trrne
employee and mother, Devereaux deciclecl
that she needed to fulfill her goal of
achieving a fòur-year college degree
"l diclnt \van[ to be telling my son he
needed to get a college degree, rvhen I cliclnt
have one mysell," she stated. Although this
graduate from Henry Sibley High SchooÌ
(West St. Paul) had previously auended the
,.rfucs¡unc ruow
1lfe
was when Devereaux hacl the opportunity to
sign duling a Mayo Graduate School lecture
for Archblshop Desmoncl Tutr-r. "He was
computer science, and nursing (for
RNs), plus a master of arts in
transcultural community health nursing.
During winter trimester, journalisrn
class stuclents interviewed other
students and wrote profiles. Here, meet
Cail Devereaux, as profiled by Deanna
20
because I was tolcl by my doctor that I was
infertile," she stated. She ts a devoted
lnother ancl enloys plapng with Evan and
Gail Devereaux is a sign language ¡nterpreter
at Mayo Clinic and an Augsburg-Rochester
student.
very kind and shook my hand," Devereaux
says ol the South Af ican religious leacler
whose efforts to pronlote lacial jr-rstice
eamed hirn the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984
ln her role as sign langurge interpreler
at Mayo Clinic, Devereaux enloys meeting
and connecting with people lrom all over
rhe wor'ld. At trmes she saicl it can be
emotÌonally challenging, especially r.vhen
interpreting dismal medical dlagnoses.
Hclwever, the satisfactlon she gets lrom
helping peopie olrtweighs the drfficulr
moments.
Medical signing is nor for the fainrheartecl. She accompanies deaf patients
cluring their medical tests and procedures,
so is lrequently asked by medical staff il she
might laint. Luckily, Devereaux has never
had this problem in her nine years sigr-ring
at Mayo.
Devereaux also uses her sign language
for the benefit of the greater Rochester
sl<l11s
College of St. Catherine, she was still one
year short of completing her degree.
For Devereaux, lall 2001 was the nght
time to retLlrn to school; and she is nor,v
enrolled at Augsbr"rrg and pursulng her
degree rn communication wrth emphasis on
public relarions. She hopes to finish ir-t
2005. Her career goal is to contrnue
working r.vi¡h cleaf people, but she isn't sure
community, by slgning for the theater (her
great passlon), as rvell as graduation
ceremonies, church services, and other
social functions.
The Augsburg-Rochester campus is
providing a r,rable means for Devereaux to
fi"r1[r11 her dt"eam of obtatnlng a bachelor's
degree, while still allowing her to enjoy the
little, and big, things in life. I
in what realm.
One aspect that the Rochester Program
promotes is "balance in life and learning."
When speaking of her son, Evan,
Devereauxb face lights up. "For me, the
most exciting moment ol my life was when
For inforrnation on the Rochester Program,
visit <w-vr,r,v.ar:gsburg.eclu/rochester>.
Deanna Constans is an Augsbtn'g-Rochcst¿r'
student nnj
o
rmg
in
contn'Lunicatiotts.
my son was bom. Evan is a'miracle'baby
Summer
2OO2
-
p
Ê
L)
H
COMMENCEMENT2OO2
n
"You will be judged not by whom you know, not by what you know but by
who you are-by the commitments you keep, the dreams you realize, the
love you give, the journey you take. Don't be afraid to steer far off course. .
The only way you can really fail is by failing to try."
A. Johnson
-James
Å
E
.S
n
O
a7
James A. Johnson, vice chairman
of Perseus,
banking and private
equity firm, spoke to the 2002 graduating
class, which included his cousin,
lan Anfinson.
L.L.C,, a merchant
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MARK HANSON AWARDED HONORARY DEGREE
o
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1, l l l (,
1
Rev, Mark S. Hanson '68 (right) received an
honorary doctorate degree, conferred by
President William Frame (left) as Rev. Dr.
Herbert Chilstrom '54 looked on (center).
HONORED FACULTY AND STAFF
Augsburg alumnus Rev Mark S. Hanson '68 , presidìng bishop of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America, was awarded the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters
(Honoris Causa) at Commencement on May 19. This is the second honorary degree
awarded by the College; the first was awarded to U.S. Rep. Martin Sabo '59 in 2000.
Hanson is a native of St. Paul and the immediate past bishop of the St. Paul Area
Synod. He earned his master of divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary in New
York, and studied at Luther Seminary and Harvard Divinity School.
"Mark has exemplified Augsburg's educationai misslon ln his pastoral work and in
his leadership of the church," commented President Wllliam Frame upon conferring the
degree. "He has brought a profound theology to the service of the city and a graceful
courage to the inclusion of wide diversity in the Christian communion."
Hanson was elected presiding bishop in 2001 and is the second Augsburg graduate in
that office, following the ELCAb first bishop, Rev Dr. Herbert Chiistrom '54.
In his remarks, Hanson told the graduates, "I believe the winds of the Holy Spirit
continue to blow. They have given every one of you graduates gifts that you will use in
your vocations, in the building up of communities for the common good, in the sharing
of the wonder of God's love for us in Christ ]esus."
I
Rolf A. Jacobson, assistant professor of
religion (Divislon of Humanities)
I
Dale C. Pederson '70, associate professor
and department chair of biology (Division
of Natural Sciences and Mathematics)
I
Summer 2002
I
Lori L. Lohman, associate professor of
business administration (Division of
Social and Behavioral Sciences)
I
Rebecca A. Frestedt'01, academic
coordinator, Weekend College
Ronald W: Petrich, assistant professor of
education (DivisÌon of Professional Studies)
,4ucs¡uRcruow
21
È
.L
u
O
s
s
s,
Brandon Hofstedt, a sociology major and McNair Scholar,
received the 2002 Marina Christensen Justice Award for his
commitment to community issues and involvement in student
organizations.
BRANDON HOFSTEDT RECEIVES MARINA CHRISTENSEN JUSTICE AWARD
Brandon Hofstedt, a senior sociology major and McNair Scholar, was selected as the
2002 recipient of the Marina Christensen Justice Award.
Each year this award is presented to the graduatÌng senior whose community
service work best exemplifies Augsburg's motto "Education for Service." This also
characterized the personal and professional life ol Marina ChristensenJustice, who
courageously and effectively reached out to disadvantaged people and communities.
Hofstedt, from Cannon Falls, Minn., has consistently demonstrated his leadership
skills and commitment in the areas of service, justice, and global understanding.
Throughout hÌs years at Augsburg, he remaÌned committed to a broad public agenda,
including work through organizations such as the Minnesota Public Interest Research
Group (MPIRG), the Coalition for Student Activism, LINK, and the AmeriCorps Youth
Works/Get Ready Program.
As one of his professors commented, "Brandon has demonstrated a strong
commltment to social issues, a great ability as an organizer, and has the rare
combination of someone who has both a positive vision for his community and the
skill and dedication to make that vision a reality"
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Beautiful weather, inspiring speeches, pride in
achievement hard earned, and the extra special
rewards-all part of Commencement Day.
Religion professor Rolf Jacobson (left)
takes a moment to chat with students
before the ceremony,
22
,4ucssunc Now
Taher Omar, physics graduate and McNair Scholar,
celebrates with family and friends during the
reception.
Summer
2OO2
t_
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\)
s
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Amy Maheswaran (left) adds a master's hood to her
academic garb, as she receives her master of social
work diploma and degree from program director
Lois Bosch,
Speech/communication major and McNair Scholar Darryl Sellers enjoys a moment with
fellow grads before the ceremony.
I BELIEVE PREMIERES WITH THE CHOIR AND CONCERT BAND
b
()
Brendan Anderson, senior muslc major and 2001 Hognander Scholar, led the
Augsburg Choir and Concert Band in the premiere performance of his work,
I Belíeve, an lnterpretation of the Apostle's Creed in word and music.
"I Believe is the culmination of my four years of composition study at Augsburg
Coilege," says Anderson, who graduated wirh distinction, received Music
Department honors, and was part of Augsburg's Honors Program. The piece is
structured in three general sections, as is the creed. The Concert Band introduces
and carries musical statements, intertwined with the choir's recitation of the creed,
heightened by illustrations of the themes in Latin.
"It is my hope and prayor that through this remarkable texr and this
remarkable story the spark of faith will be ignited in all who hear rhis piece, and
that the convictions we all believe in will be strengrhened by God's awesome
power," explains Anderson.
s
ù
I
Graduating musician Brendan Anderson conducted
his composition, I Believe, for the Augsburg concert
Band and Choir at the Commencement Concert on
May 18.
Graduates in the Class oÍ 1952 wear gold caps with their gowns as they join
the Class of 2002 at the Commencement Ceremony. The 5O-year class will be
back on campus to celebrate at their reunion during Homecoming,
Summer
2OO2
,4ucsnunc n¡ow 2z
o
o
È
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()
hs
The Class of 2002 begins their graduation day in Hoversten Chapel at the
Baccalaureate service, led by Augsburg campus pastors, Rev. David Wold (left) and Rev.
Sonja Hagander (right).
Social work graduate and McNair Scholar Leslie Howard
(left) poses with visiting Norwegian social work student
Kristine Dyrnes (right).
o
a
o
ù
h,
s
ra
THE AUGSBURG COLLEGE CLASS OF 2OO2
54I
¡ 318
t 148
a 44
a
I 3l
I 1l
Candidates for graduation
Day program graduates
Weekend College graduates
Graduate students (22 Master of
Social Work, 1 Master of Arts in Nurslng,
20 Master of Arts in Leadership, and I
Master of Arts in Education-Leadership)
Rochester Program graduates
Countries of graduates-China, Czech
Republic, Estonia, Ethiopia, Laos, Nigeria,
Pakistan, Sweden, Turkey, Venezuela, and
Vietnam.
I
20-58 Age range of graduates in the Class ol 2002
24
,4UCSSURC n¡OW
GRADUATION
DAY-A
CONTINENT AWAY
Three sets of parents at Commencement this year came from Norway to Minnesota to
see their daughters graduate, Five Norwegian students from the Oslo University
College, who have been studying in Augsburg's lnternational Partners Program, were
unable to take part in their own graduation because of the academic schedule here.
They received special permission to take part in Augsburg's Commencement. The front
row students are (L to R): Una Sveen, Kristine Dyrnes, Rikke Nielsen, and Sylvi Nilsen.
Not pictured is Erik Moen.
Summer
2OO2
/-.
A
/
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tt
I
¡-
^
From the Alumni Board president's desk...
¡lhe
I
Alumni
sourd
organized
w
activities this
year with four
outcomes in
mind. As I
report on these,
join me in
applauding the
board and the Office of AlumniÆarent
Relations on their accomplishments.
Outcome : Friend-raising
Many events connected alumni to the
College, including Auggre Hour gatherings
that brought 130 alumni together after
work to meet and hear stories from
Augsburg professors. There were 3,500
participants at Homecoming events. The
alumni nights at the State Fair, the MAL
l5th anniversary dinner, and
Commencement weekend events brought
together still more friends of Augsburg.
Alumni events did not happen only in
the Twin Cities. Regional chapters in
Chicago; New York City; Washington,
D.C.; Los Angeles; Boulder, Colo.; Naples,
Fla.; Sun City and Tucson, Ariz.; Rochester
and Willmar, Minn.; and 3M Company in
St. Paul also held alumni gatherings.
And can there be any better way to
Outcome: Communication
If you have computer access or a mailbox,
you can always be in touch with
The ultimate measure of our Alumni
Association's effectiveness is increased
talent and resources supporting the
mission of Augsburg. Board members led
by example, donating time, expertise,
financial grfts, and Maroon 6¡ Silver
scholarships. Thank youl
Our new Alumni Board president,
Andy Morrison'73, is well prepared to lead
us into another successful year. Our new
board members-Greg Boone '81, Barry
connect with students than serving treats
during finals week?
Outcome: Effectiveness
Augsburg. Board members helped to
enhance the alumni Web site, the Augsburg
Now magazine, and the Class Agent lerters.
They communicated with leaders of the
regional chapters. They also searched for
First Decade, Spirit of Augsburg, and
Distinguished Alumni award recipients.
Outcome: Connections
Alumni gave valuable contributions to
current students, faculty, and staff. We
were advisors to the Board of Regents,
Development Committee, and'Science
Advisory Board. Alumni from 25
businesses held ajob fair for over 100
students, preceded by a session onjobsearch skills. We surveyed faculty to match
alumni with their needs, e.g. intemships,
mentors, speakers, and research funding.
Vornbrock'96 MAL, and Jennifer Tome
'gg-will add to our spirit of fun and
responsibility Would you like to join us?
e4+
Jackie ltuiefel Lind'69, '94 MAL
President, Alumni Board
Lute Olson '56 elected to Naism¡th Memorial
Baskgtball Hall of Fame
AussbursNewsservice
g
o
ò?
5
{9
A
ugsburg
College
alumnus and
Olson, previously a finalist for the
Hall of Fame in 2000 and 2001, will be
joined in the Hall of Fame by players
currenI
University of
Arizona men's
Earvin "Magic" Johnson and Drazen
Petrovic, coaches Larry Brown and Kay
Yow, and the Harlem Globetrotters. The
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of
Fame's Class of 2002 will be enshrined on
September 27 in Springfield, Mass.
basketball head
coach Lute
Olson'56 was
among five
individuals and
one team
selected for
enshrinement in the Naismith Memorial
Basketball Hall of Fame, officials
announcedJune 5.
Summer 2002
"I think it ranks right up there with
the NCAA Championship and rhe 1986
World Championship," said Olson. "This
is definitely one of the special things that
has happened in my career. I am very
thankful for the recognition and
opportunity for enshrinement."
A native of Mayville, N.Dak., Olson
was an Augsburg student from 1952-56,
plapng three sports (football, basketball,
baseball) while earning a double major in
history and physical education. Olson was
Augsburg's Honor Athlete, the highest
honor given to a senior student-athlete, in
1956. He was inducted into Augsburg's
Athletic Hall of Fame in 1977.
Olson earned his piece of basketball
immortality with a coaching career that
spans 43 seasons and includes nearly
1,000 career victories. He has won more
than 70 percent of his games on the high
school, junior college, and NCAA
Division I level.
4ucsruncruow
2s
Albuquerque. He is the author o[
1948
several books.
Reynold Skotte, Long
Beach,
Calif., ¡etired lastJune from
teaching at Peninsula Christian
School in Carson, Calif.
1
¡a
O
tt
1957
for 25 years.
Marshall
Ellen (Stenberg) Erickson,
Ham Lake, Minn., was recently
named president ol Free to Be
Community Coalition, an
organization in Anoka County
that helps financially stressed
famìlies.
1
956
The Rev. Dr. Russell C. Lee,
Albuquerque, N.Mex., was guest
preacher at St. Paul's Lutheran
Church in Crookston, Minn., in
February. From 196'l to his
retirement in 1997 he served
Faith Lutheran Church in
1964
Minneapolis,
recently
published Mahing
Phebe (Dale) Hanson, St. Paul,
1951
D.
Johnson,
950
recently rvorked with artist
Rebecca Alm and poet Kathleen
Heideman to create timeuponOnce
a book o[ poems that seek to
"deconstruct" and reconfigure old
fairy tales, mostly those of the
Brothers Grimm and Hans
Christian Andersen.
Sense
rnù¡d rlFr
u¡ri,..¡-¡
U nder standíng
mathematics department, and
taught high school math at Cook
County SchooÌs in Grand Marais
of the Bible:
Ltteraty typ(
as
an Approach to
(Eerdman's
Publishing Co.).
r 961
The Rev. Daniel J. Carlson,
CharÌestown, R.I., has been an
ELCA regionaÌ gift planner for the
ELCA Foundation sinceJuly 1999
he previously devoted 34 years to
parish ministry in New England.
r 963
Dean Gulden, Grand Marais,
Minn., recently returned from a
dog sledding expedition to the
North Slope in Alaska, t50 miles
above the Arctic Circle. He has
also competed in the lditarod, the
Yukon Quest, plus numerous races
in the continentaì United States. In
addition, he worked in the space
industr¡ spent nine years at
Augsburg as head of the
Ann
L. (Johnson) Wollman,
Beaver Falls, Pa., and her
husband, Dave, retired from
Geneva College. Ann was
registrar, and Dave was a professor
o[ history and chair of his
department. They plan to travel to
Lithuania to teach and counsel at
Lithuanìan Christian College.
1
Luncheon in March. She has coauthored seven books and
recently published her eighth, Just
How Much Scrap.Wood Does a Man
Need to Sav¿? The audio book of
her award-winning book, Grcwing
Up Lutheran, is under
consideration for a Grammy
nomination.
1970
Ray Hanson, Denton, Md.,
St. Paul, recentìy
continues to help teach Children's
Church a[ Talbot Evangelistic
Church. He recently completed
serving three years on the church
board, during which time a new
Christian ministry center was
constructed and opened.
published a book
of poetry called
1977
96s
Gracia Grindal,
Lise LungeLarsen, Duluth,
won her second
ARevelry oJ
Harv¿st, which
features several
poems about
Auggies. She is currently professor
o[ rhetorÍc at Luther Seminary in
Minnesota Book
Award for her
children's book,
The Race of the
St. Paul.
1968
Birhebeíners,
UMC-M Auxiliary 50th
illustrated by Mary Azarian. The
book, based upon an account
written in 1264 by Sturla Tordsson,
explores the origin of Norway's
national ski championship-the
Anniversary Membership
Race o[ the
Suzann (Johnson) Nelson,
Grand Rapids, Minn., was the
guest speaker for the Fairview
ffi
c
Birkebeiners-and tells
the story of the cross country
escape that kept the nation's infant
king safe from an invading army.
Rod Skoe, Clearbrook, Minn.,
recently announced he will seek
election to the Senate in District 2;
he is currently serving his second
terrn âs state representative (DFL)
in DÍstrict 28. He also farms in
northem Minnesota. Prior to his
election to the Minnesota House in
1998, he was a member of the
CÌearwater County Board of
Commissioners. He also served on
the Clearbrook-Gonvick School
o
s.
ã'
o
U
Board. He and his wife, Sarah
Hoagberg, have two children.
1978
Gladys (Boxrud) Strommen '46 and Anne Frame hosted an Augsburg alumni
luncheon in Naples, Fla., this past March. Front row, L to R: Donna Mclean; Gladys
(Boxrud) Strommen '46; Anne Frame; Louise Sundet; Helen Smith. Back row, L to R:
Lois Wattman '76; Carole Skaar; Marilyn Fogdall; Nancy (Strommen) Stensvaag'71;
Jan Grinde; Grace (Forss) Herr'57; Marion Anderson; and Lorraine Carlson.
26
,4UCSSUnC NOW
Steve Hoffmeyer, Mendora
Heights, Minn., joined the State
Bureau o[ Mediation Services as
mediator in April.
a
Summer 2O02
d
m
Tim Wolter '78: Baseball historian and
'battlebot' chal lenger
o
c
s-
æ
à'
5
(J
by Lynn Mena
During the Second Worid War, nearly I30,000 American soldiers and 19,000 crvilians were captr-tred
and held in prisoner of war camps. While the conditions under which they were held varied enormously,
baseball, in various forms, was a common activity among the prisoners. Not just Americans, but
Canaclians, Britìsh, Australians, and New Zealanders palticipatecl, as well asJapanese and even some
Germans.
Augsburg alumnus Tim Wolter wrote a book on this toplc, which was published last year by McFarland
6c Company. POW Baseball inWorldWar II: The National Pastime Behind Barbed V/irz is the story of POW
baseball. The book is dÌvided into the various prison camps and describes the types of prisoners held
there and the degree to which baseball was played.
Tim Wolter'78 recently
published a book about the
history of PoW baseball in
World War Il.
"I've been a history lan for a number of years, Ìn fact, my minor at
Augsburg was history," says Wolter. "l kind of drlfted into this aspect
of baseball hrstory-one thing led to another."
ñ
L
S
o
Q
Wolter, a practicing physician who has written articles on the history of baseball ar-rd the philosophy of
mediclne, first investigated I9th-century war baseball. He discovered that even during the Clvil War, POW
baseball was playecl on maneuvers.
Wolter received so many lnteresting clues and information from various calls ancl letters about WWII POW
basebal1, that what first appeared to be an Ìnteresting magazine article soon turned lnto a book.
"The book turned out pretty weli, althor-rgh I can of coLlrse see a hundrecl ways I cou1c1 have done it better,"
for a first book, it's not too bad." Wolter is especìally glad to see the book published rvhile
some of the people he wrote about are stlll living.
says Wolter. "But
During the course of Wolter's research and writing, ESPN, the cable-TV sports network, heard about the
project and asked him to help with a documentary on WWII and sports for the networl<'s Outside the Lincs
While writing POW Baseball
in World l/l/ar ll, Wolter also
contributed to an ESPN
documentary about llllWll
and sports.
program. The episode, "Fields of Battle, Fielcls of Play," premieled last December on Pearl Harbor Day.
"They filmed me at Fort Snelling Ìn a l9th-century limestone jail cell," says Wolter. He came away from the
collaboration in awe of the enormous resources the writers at ESPN have at their disposal. "What would
have taken me years to research took them months or jr-rst weeks."
Wolter, who has lived in Chippewa Falls, Wis,, since 1985 with his
wife, Laura (KasdorÐ'81, and their three sons, Matt, Karl, and
Gus, is also a frequent guest speaker. He recently spoke at the
Baseball Hall of Fame on Memorial Da¡ ancl olten speaks lo
veterans' gloups.
a
a
à
L
,e
ln addition to baseball ancl histor¡ Wolter recently cliscoverecl a
new passion that he shares with his son, Karl-robotic combat.
"We first got interestecl rn robotic combat a couple yeals ago on a
trip to London," says Wolter. "While watchlng BBC we discovered
RobotWars, a program that had not yet crossed the Atlantic. 'How
cool is thisl'we exclaimed, and started to discr-tss ways to create
or11' own killer robots."
Since then, they have built several 'battlebots' (as they are known
in the U.S.) and have cornpeted 1n various competitions. Their
robots have featured garden gr-romes, fruitcake, and bowling balls.
New clesign ideas include the use of other cultural icons, sttch as
rhe Teletubbies, a disco ball, or perhaps even lava lamps or E1vis.
ln addition to baseball history, Wolter also enioys building
'battlebots' for robotic combat competitions with his son' Karl
Summer 20O2
Sometimes, robóts come home h'om competitions in pieces, "Bnt
that is part" of the fun," says Wolter. "Then it's back to the shop to
build something new."
4ucs¡unc ruow
27
Class Notes
W
W
1979
Sharon Lakin Upton,
Congratulations
and WELCOME,
Class
Â
of
20021
s a member o[ the
A^ugrourg Lottege Alumnr
AssociatÌon, you are a very
important part of the College
community and are welcome
VISIT THE AUGSBURG BOOTH AT THE
MINNESOTA STATE FAIR!
Hellertown, Pa., is the new
director oI development research
at Lehigh University in
Bethlehem, Pa. (not at North
Carolina State University, as was
mistakenly printed in the previous
issue of Augsburg Now).
1
980
Stacy Lee (Stephans)
Hutchens, Indianapolis, Ind., is
to receive various benefits
including:
men's work-release counselor at
.
Corporation.
Augsburg Now, the quarterly
Coilege publication
. Bi-annual letters from your
class agent,
who wilÌ keep
you updated on news
.
.
Invitations to Homecoming,
reunions, and other special
events on campus
Access to the
library and
[itness facilities
.
Access to Career Services'
resources
. A special tuition discount for
alumni
. An alumni directory
containing complete
information on classmates
that is available for purchase
. Volunteer opportunities on
leadership boards and
committees
. Opportunities to participate
in alumni tours around the
world
.
Legacy scholarships for
family members of students
and alumni to study toward
a degree at Augsburg
ATUMNI
Blomkest, Minn., recentÌy accepted
the pastorate position at Roseau
Baptist Church in Roseau, Minn.
He previously served the Blomkest
Baptist Church near Willmar.
1992
Larry John
Anderson,
Eagan, Minn.,
received
N.Y, received a $40,000 Houle
preaches
Sandra (Voss) Wollschlager,
Cannon Falls, Minn., recently
announced her candidacy for state
representative (DFL) from Distrlct
28,{. She has worked for 3M
Company lor 22 years, beginning
as a lactory worker and advancing
to her current position in research
and development. She is in her
second term on the Cannon Falls
Schooi Board. She and her
husband, Joe, have two children.
occasionally-most
He can be e-mailed at
<drljanderson@msn.con>.
988
Timothy Todd, El Sobranre,
Calif., relocated from France to
CalifomÍa last year after obtainÍng
a finance manager position at BioRad l-ab. He and his wife, Helene,
have three children: Natalie
Caroþ, and Christoph.
has
Jim Weninger, Prior Lake,
Minn., is the facilities and
maintenance manager at the Toro
manufacturing plant in Shakopee,
Minn. He has served on the Prior
l-ake Planning Commission, as well
as on the Metropolitan Council's
Water Advisory Board and on the
Minnesota River Assessment
Project, a position to which he was
lived in England and worked at
investment banks for the last few
years. Michiel can be e-mailed at
appointed by former Gov. Arne
Carlson. He and his wife, Liz
(Wolffl '92,have
99f
a daughter,
Ginny
is
a technical coordinator for Peace
Corps MalawiS training programs.
His wife, Stacia, is the coordinator
1994
doctorate degree
recently at Bethany Baptist Church.
N.Y.
candidacy for a seat in the
Minnesota House of
Representatives. She will run for
the District 638 (DFL) seat, now
held by Mark Gleason. She is an
independent consultant in the area
of corporate citizenship and
philanthropy management.
in biblical studies
Andersonville Baptist Seminary in
March 200I. He is an emplol.rnent
developer for Ramsey Action
Programs and also works with the
Filipino American Christian
Church of RoseviÌleb Social
Concerns Ministry In addition, he
America, and the United States.
She is currently an assistant
professor of adult education at
Buffalo State CoÌlege in Buffalo,
1
a
from
Scholar Grant for Emerging
Scholars in Adult Education,
which is sponsored by ihe WK.
Kellogg Foundation and is given
to scholars in Africa, Latin
Kristof Nordin, Malawi, Africa,
,4UCSSURC NOW
years.
Lisa M. Baumgartner, Amherst,
1
2A
lnterested in volunteering? Contacl the alumni offlce at
6L2-330-I 17 B or I -800-260-6590
f986
<mYbema@hotmail. com>.
ÀSSOCIATION
Visit rvith alumni, get a peek into Homecoming activitres, find out
how you can get involved, ancl don't forget to enter the gleat
'alumni only' drawings.
for Peace Corps Malawi's crisis
corps program. They have been
living in Africa for more than five
The Rev. Patr¡ck Krause,
ASSOCTATTON
ALUMNI
a
98f
Michiel Ybema, London,
Augsburg College
Speclal nights dedicated to alumm are Tlesday, Ar-rgust 27, ancl
Thursda¡ Ar-rgust 29, lrom 5-9 p.m.
Check out the full schedule of booth events on1ìne at
<wwwarrgsbrr rg.ed rr/strte lai r>
Riverside Community Correct ions
1
August 22-September 3, 2002
1993
Doris Rubenstein, RichfieÌd,
Minn., recently announced her
ElIil[INII:rõtlf¡ftl
2002-2003 Alumni Board
meeting schedule
June 18
August 20
November 19
February 18
April
15
Meetings are open to the
public and all alumni are
invlted to attend. Each
meetrng features a guest
speaker from the College
community For more
inlorrnrtion, visit lhe alumni
Web site at <www.augsburg.
edu/alumni>.
Summer 2O02
)
F
W
The Augsburg alumni
chapter at 3M held a
iuncheon May 6.
Augsburg College staff
and faculty joined
alumni and current
Augsburg students who
work at 3M for a lunch
and leadership program.
Diane Pike, professor and
department chair of
sociology, presented
"Confounded by
LeadershÌp." Augsburg is
planning future events at
3M, American Express,
We11s Fargo, and LBIAAL.
1
1997
995
a
Matthew A. Gooding,
Lori (Mosher) Claussen,
s
Goodyear, ArÞ., has lived in
Arvona since he began working
wirh rhe Litchfield Elementary
Rosemount, Minn., received her
master's degree in special education
from the University of St. Thomas
a
s.
School District
in 2000.
1996
John R. Burt, Fargo, N.Dak.,
married Kara Miller in December.
He works at Scheels All-Spons.
Teresa (MacNabb)
Barbara Kaufmann, manager of 3M
education contr¡butions, presented
the 3M scholarsh¡p and 3M
match¡ng gift checks to Ron Nelson
'68, vice pres¡dent and controller at
3M and member of the Augsburg
College Board of Regents,
Kysylyczyn, Roseville, Minn.,
passed the Certified Public
Accountant Exam in February; she
is a staff accountant at John A.
Knutson & Co., PLLB and can be
in December. She is teaching in
Independent School District 196,
working with students with
specific leaming needs, at
Rosemount High School.
Michele McNaughton,
Mahtomedi, Minn., joined the staff
of Catalyst Medical Clinic, PA., in
Watertown, Minn. She will focus
on women's health care, pediatrics,
and diabetes.
a
e-mailed at <tck@Knutsoncpa.corïÞ.
S"
A.
L
s
(_)
m
Ami Nafzger
'94:. Finding
cultural connections
by Cherie Christ
Aml Nafzger beheves the Augsburg College Pan-Asian Association changed her life. A native of Chun Ju,
Korea, Nafzger was adopted by an American famrþ in 1975 at the age of four. Growing up in Minong, Wis.,
and a later move to Willmar, Minn., left Nafzger with very few AsÌan connections.
Determined to keep a promise to her dying mother that she would graduate from Augsburg, Nafzger worked
three parr-rime jobs to pay for school and living expenses, leaving little time for involvement with the campus
community But. it was an encounter her freshman year with Lee Hoon Wong Benson, then Pan-Asian Services
director, that changed Nafzger's life.
Ami Nafzger '94 established
G.O.A,t,, an organization
committed to providing
knowledge about Korean
culture to Korean adoptees.
Frightened and hesitant to approach other Asians, Nafzger remembers, "I had never even talked to an AsÌan before." Benson not oniy encouraged
Nafzger to ger involved in varÌous campus events and organlzations, including Pan-Asian Services, but to build friendships within the Asian
community Her connection to Benson provided Nafzger a sense of pride ln herself as an Aslan, and also as an individual.
In 1994 Nafzger completed her social work degree, and now has built her career around 1t. With a need to better undersknd her heritage and with
few concrete reasons to stay in the United States, Nafzger returned to her native home, Korea, in 1996.
In 1998, after extensive research on Korean adoptees, Nafzger established G.O.A.L. (Global Overseas Adoptees Link), an organization committed to
providing knowledge about Korean cuiture. G.O.A.L. acts as a voice for many Korean adoptees by providing positive links to their Korean culture.
Developed specifically for these adoprees, G.O.A.L. provides a variety of resources such as translators, guides, home stays, and birth search
depar[ments to those who wish to learn more about their culture. Nafzger says, "Afier so many decades I felt there needed to be something
established in Korea for adult adoptees as they return to their birth country"
I
Although on occasion frustrated by a lack of support from the Korean government, Nafzger believes there are many benefits. HelpÌng adoptees
understand where they come from is the most rewarding part of her job.
work connected her to addirional associations around the world. in addition to her work with GOACC (Give Orphans a Chance to
Choose), which helps provide hands-on assistance to adult orphans in Asia, she is also a member of an international planning committee working
with sister adult adoptee organizations in Europe and America
Nafzger's
Nafzger believes that her work is "helping to break down the prejudlce and misunderstanding thal separates Koreans from adoptees and adoptees
from each other."
For additional information, vislt G.O.A.L. online at <www.goa1.or.kr>.
Chene Chnst is ø communication speciølist in the Ot'Jice
Summer
2OO2
oJ
Public Relations and Contmunication.
4ucsnunc ruow
29
Class Notes
ffi
Births/Adoptions
Auggie Conversations
Jeannie (Shaughnessy)'88
al fresco
and Joseph Hodges, Alexandria,
Dine ancl converse with fellow
Augsburg alumni and friends
on some of the Twin Cities' best
ontdool patlos for Auggie
Josie, in February.
Va.-a daughtea Campbell
Amy (Johnson) '89
Conversations al fiesco.
Rernaining sunìmer dates are:
Tuesda¡July 16, 5:30 p.m.
Jennifer (Ohlin) '91 and
and Patrick
952-47r-8513
An Augsburg alum will lead a
'sporty' conversation-j oin the
team!
Please RSVP
lor the above
events to the Alumni./Parent
Relations offÌce, ó I2-330- I I 78,
or e-mail <alumni@
augsbr,rrg.edu>. Particlpants are
responsible for the cost of thelr
meals and dlinks. Visit the
alumni Web site for more
information at
<www.augsburg.edu/
alumni,/gatherings.html>.
daughter, Alexis
Leigh, inJanuary
Kenndy D.
(Bade)'00 and
Kirk Lewis-a
son, Owen, in
January.
lan Quello'38 correctly
identified Olive Berg'38
(far Ieft) in this photo
from the'Remember
When' contest in the
spring issue. An Augsburg
t-shirt is on the way!
Laura
ahrmna, will lead the
conversation.
on Lake Minnetonka
3746 Sunset Dr., Spring Park
Minn.-a
Dan
(Carlson)'92
Lold Fletcher's Old Lake Lodge
Stefanie (tindell) '98 and
Falk, Sauk Rapids, Minn.-a
daughter, Olivia Joan, in March.
She joins older siste¡ Emily, 3.
stage ancl screen and Augsbr-rrg
Tuesday, August 13, 5:30 p.m.
Denmark-a son, Christopher,
in February.
Bruce Lender'98, Coon Rapids,
and John
Hanson, Falcon Heights, Minn.a son, Noah John, in December.
Hejoins older brother, Bennett.
WA. Frost & Cornpany
374 Selby Ave., St. Paul
651-224-57r5
Carolyn Pool'91, actress of
Louise L. (Andersen)'97 and
Jacob Karlstad '97, Lyngby,
N
E
F-!
LI ro
Guernsey
'86, St. Paula son, lan
Patrick, in
March.
Pictured,
clockwise from
top, is Patrick'86, Alan, Robert,
Josephine, lan, Laur a' 92,
Thomas, and Angela.
Laura (Ferry) '92 and Matthew
Lee, Prentice,
Wis.-a
daughter,
Catherine Rebecca, in January.
Alisha (Kaul)'97 MSW and
Curt Nelson, Bloomington,
son, Zachary Patr¡ck,
in March. He joins older brother
ErcrcTKIIIE
Alumni Book Club Spotlight
What does it mean to say "I exist?" What is existence and can we say
anything about it?
If questions like these interest you there exists a book club for you.
The Nature of Being alumni book club is looking for members. The
group meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. The
next book up for discussion is An Enquiry on Human Understanding,
by David Hume.
If you are interested, call Bob Fitzsimons '96 ar 612-926-2059 or
e-mail him at <rtfitzsimons@mmm.com>.
Other active book club categories include Pulitzer winners, American
novels, mysteries, and women fiction writers. If you are interested in
joining an existing book club or starting a new one, contact the
AlumniÆarent Relations office at 612-330-l l78.
Minn.-a
a
a
Jeremy, 3. Alisha is a school social
worker for Independent School
District 196.
s.
à
ô
Q
a
o
s.
ã
!
o
U
On September 8, Tim Vadis'94 married Kari Lee at Viking
Lutheran Church near Alexandria, Minn. Tim's father, the Rev.
Vadis'64 presided. Tim's mother, Anita (Berg) Vadis'6O
was prcsent also, of couñse, having been "up to her eyeballs" in
the wedding preparations. Pictured seated, L to R: Carmen
(Neseth) Berg '65; Anita (Berg) Vadis '66; Darryl Carter'65; Lona
Berg Froyum'69; and Carla (Quanbeck) Walgren'64. Second row,
L to R: David Berg '66; Christina (vadis) Jones'95; Marilyn (Quam)
Larson'66; Kristin Ftoyum'00; Kim Vappie'98; and Michael
Walgren '64. Back row, L to R: Allen larcon '66; Timothy Vadis '94
(groom); Bryan Maloney'93; and the Rev. James Vadis'64.
James
Brenda Seaver'00 married Justin Dittrich 'Oi September 29 at
Family of God Lutheran Church in Brooklyn Parlç Minn., wherc
Justin is director of youth and family ministries. The Rev. Sonja
Hagander; Augsburg's associate college pastor, performed the
ceremony. The Rev. Paul Burow'84 also participated.
30
,4ucsnunc now
Summer 2002
)
!
I
Oscar Galstad '26, Redwood
Falls, Minn., died in April; he was
97. Known as a 'Jack of all trades,"
Galstad traveled many paths. He
worked ar the Redwood Falls post
Office for 18 years, rhen wenr on
to operate a farm in Delhi. He also
served as a civil service secretary
was elected secretary-treasurer to
the Minnesota Federation for Post
Office Clerks, served as clerk of
Consolidated School District IB for
six years, continued farming until
1975, arrd more. He served on
several boards and committees,
and received numerous honors,
including a citation lrom the U.S.
Department of Agriculture and the
Redwood County Outstanding
Senior Citizen Award.
Jessie M. Christensen'29,
Orlando, Fla., died in ApriÌ. She
was a retired teacher.
Mathilda L. Sageng'31,
Fergus
Falls, Minn., died in March; she
was 94. She was a social studies
teacher and guidance counselor at
the Hutchinson high school for
many years o[ her long career in
teaching. After retiring in I972,
she traveled extensively Dedicated
to service of her church and
communlty, she donated the land
on which the Zion-Sarpsborg
Church of Dalton stands.
Marie (Pierce) Mitlyng'37,
Montevideo, Minn., died in April;
she was 86. She wo¡ked fo¡ the
National l¿bor Relations Board
and the Department of Agriculture,
living in San Francisco, Cincinnari,
Chicago, PeorÍa, and Washington,
D.C. She was also a member of the
National Organization o[ Women,
and enjoyed working in her church
and reading.
Ardel le (Albertson) Versen
'39, Waterloo, Iowa, died in
March. She \¡/as a retired teacher.
Margie M. (Jensen) Green '40,
Norwood Young America, Minn.,
died in February; she was 83.
During WWII, she served as a
nurse in the ArmY, receiving a
Bronze Battle Star, an American
Theater Ribbon, and an EAME
Theater Ribbon. She was an
Summer 2002
Eastern Star member and served in
several positions; she was also
active in the United Methodist
Church in NYA, holding several
offices and as a Ladies Aid
member. From 1975-1987, she
worked part time at the Young
America Library and was always
on the look-out for her patrons'
favorite reading materials,
personally calling them when
books arrived that might be of
particular interest.
The Rev. Alton Halverson'43,
Park Rapids, Minn., died in
March; he was79. He sewed as a
missionary with his wife on the
island of Madagascar for eight
years, then worked in the national
World Missions office in
MinneapoÌis, serving as secretary
for interpretation and promotion
f.or 23 years. He traveled on all
continents, making films and
gathering information for the
promotion of global missions in
the U.S. He later served as director
of public relations at Golden Valley
Lutheran College and then as
director of church relations at
Augsburg.
Edna C. (Oseth) Sausser'56,
I-akeport, Calif., died in March;
she was 72. She moved to
Califomia in 1976, where she was
a security guard until retiring in
1986. Prior to moving, she also
served as a security guard for
Barn's lnternational Securities in
Bloomington, and was co-owner of
Ken-Rich Enterprises.
The Rev. Joan (Everhart)
Stavig '56, Brooklyn Center,
Minn., died in April; she was 67.
Beginning in1977,she made I5
missionary trips to Haiti, followed
by numerous other overseas
missionary trips to Jamaica, St.
Maarten, South Africa, China,
India, Sri Lanka, and the
Philippines. She was ordained by
the Spiritual Life Training Center
Bible School in 1987, and shortly
thereafter started Flag of the
Nations, which is primarily an
overseas ministry specializing in
short-term, long-term, individual,
or group missionary trips. She was
also a travel agent, and her
commissions heÌped to support rhe
ministry Flag of the Nations built a
medical clinic in the Philippines,
which was completed in 200I and
dedicated this past May
Ronald E. Nelson'67, Grand
Rapids, Minn., died last November
after a long, courageous battle wÍth
brain cancer; he was 58. He
worked for ltasca County as an
assessor and also was a composer
and publisher of music. He was
director of the Blandin Male
Chorus, as well as a past director
o[ the Community Chorus and
interim director at Zion Lutheran
Church. He was also a vocalist and
soloist with prestigious choral
groups. He is survived by his wife,
Suzann (Johnson)'68, and two
daughters, Senja and Siri.
Ruth E. (Anderson) Lofgren
'75, St. Anthony Village, Minn.,
died in May of multlple myeloma;
she was 77. She was an employee
of the Board of Pensions of the
ELCA for 14years, and aÌso
enjoyed teaching Bible study
classes and preparing retreats in
with a psychology major; as a
student, she sang with the
Augsburg Choir, and also traveled
with the contemporary ChrÍstian
singing group, the Con¡inentals.
She is survived by her husband,
Erik; parents, James and Karen;
and siblings, Blair, Jeremiah,
Benjamin, and Rebacca.
Sara Marie Turpin '03,
Albertville, Minn., died in May of
leukemia; she was 2I. She was a
junior in Augsburg Weekend
College, majoring in
communications.
Leslie M. Jones, Columbia
Heights, Minn., died in May as a
result o[ medical complications; he
was 41. He was an integral and
dedicated member of the
Augsburg communit¡ working in
the facilities department slnce
January 1994. He was also a
member of the Minnesota Home
Brewers Association. He is
survived by his wife, Cindy (also a
member of the Augsburg facilities
staff), and two children, Angelena
and Leslie II.
Richard Clark
various churches.
Little,
Heidi Huber'92, Long Lake,
Minneapolis,
died in March of
Minn., died in April of malignant
melanoma; she was 33. She was a
Peace Corps volunteer from 1993199ó, and earned her masterb
degree
in education from Harvard
University in 1998. OnJune 2, a
new booth at the annual Grand
Old Day festival in St. Paul offered
free samples of sunscreen as a
tribute to Huber; the festival was
her favorite summer event. Her
friends and famiÌy working in the
booth also sold lshirts and hats to
raise money for the American
Cancer Society and a scholarship
in Huber's nâme at Augsburg.
Tamara (Aakre) Jerde'00,
Apple Valley, Mìnn., died in March
after a long battle with a brain
tumor; she was24. She was a
counselor at Inspiration Point Bible
Camp and was Rollag, Minnesota,
Steam Thresher Queen. She loved
music and played the piano, flute,
and oboe. She graduated from
Augsburg at the top of her class
pancreatic
cancer; he was
Education
&
56. His
Housing Equity
Project has been based at
Augsburg, and he has been a great
friend and celebrant of Augsburg's
engagement in the life of the city
and in partnership with such
entities as the Project for Pride in
Living and the Minnesota
Minority Education Partnership.
In November, he received the
2001 Minneapolis Special
Recognitìon Award, honoring his
lifelong commitment to
Mìnneapolis. For 20 years he
worked ln federal housing
programs, leaving to work as a
consultant and voiunteer,
dedicating rhe resr of his life ro
Twin Cìties civil rights and urban
and housing issues. He died as he
lived-with dignity, grace, and
much love.
4ucs¡unc now
31
I
o
^
o
¡¡
O
o
EDITOR'S
NOTE:
In honor of National Tèachers Week in May, Woman\
ne teacher who stands out was my high school
philosophy/American government teacher. He was the
first really avid reader
I ever met who shared what
he read with me (and other
students). Sophie's Choice
inspired a great class
discussion. Besides teachÌng,
he and his wife owned a
()
bookshop in town, and they
employed me there. I never
s.
made any money, because I
had the option of taking my
pay in books. Oh, the books
I earned while there. I
babysat hj.s children. He
coached me on our Hi-Q and
Knowledge Bowl teams (thj.rd
in State that yearl). He was
the one who encouraged me
to go on to college, and I
became the only one in my
family to ever do so.
My first Christmas home
from college, I was in a
severe kitchen accident, and
Fran Baker
spent the next two months ìn
the hospital, recovering from
burns and undergoing
surgeries. He was lhere,
dressed in surgical cap and
gowrr so as not to infect me.
He brought me books and
talked about what he was
reading.
When I dropped out of college the
following year, ít was his disappointment in me
that I most dreaded. My family, who could
never understand why one would go to college
to study English in the first place, never gave
me any grief about dropping out. lt was much
wiser, in their eyes, to go out and get a job and
make moneir It was my teacher's voice, nagging
in the back of my mind, that encouraged me to
go back to school now And when I return
home, it is not my classmates I go visit, but
him and his family He is the one to whom I
Day magazine requested stories by readers whose lives
were changed by teachers. Here are two that were
submitted by Augsburg women:
teachers can point to a parent who, in the
f think many "parent"
and "classroom teacher," provided
I dual role as
Ian early love of learnlng and teaching. I am no
exception. My mom, E. Cecil Gregoire, was an English
and physical education teacher for the Cannon Falls
(Minn.) School District from 1967-86. As a farm wife and'
mother to 11 children, she used her love of learning,
curiosity about the world, and teaching expertj.se to direct
us through family outings, 4-H, athletics, K-12 school,
college, and service to a larger community I didn't realize
until after she had died thls last September the gifts she
gave to her students and to her community during her
tenure as a teacher.
At the wake and funeral, former students and
communÌty members warmly remembered Mrs. Gregoire
as the white-haired basketball coach for the boys and girls
team; the teacher of folkdancing, dodgeball and volleyball,
as well as good sportsmanship, manners and cooperation;
the caring adult who told young H.S. graduates that their
nexl step was college; and the "vocal" taxpayer, small
town school supporter, and self-designated adviser and
watch-dog of the schooi board.
We had a gara,ge sale this last
Saturday to disburse her estate and to
raise funds for the school playground in
her memory As I boxed up the
Grollíers Encyclopedia and the
o
o
Booh of Knowledge for the next
s.
family of learners, I realized
E
how vitally important teachers
are to their family and to the
larger community. Her legacy
lives on in how that knowledge
and those life lessons have
transformed us, our families,
and those with whom we live,
work and play into the next
generation of "teacher" and
community leaders.
show off my children. And my current report
J eanine
cards.
Professor of Education
Fran Baher, Weehend College student and McNair
Scholat maj onng in English and history
32
.AUCSBUnC ruOW
Gregoire, Assistant
Jeanine Gregoire
Summer 2002
)
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N
THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 26
.
.
D
fT
Ea
t_¡
N
I
w
OII
--
ffi
T:
Athletic Hall of Fame Banquet
Variety Show & Coronation
FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 27
.
.
Homecom¡ng Convocation
Master of Arts in Leadership event
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 2B
r Auggie 5K Mississippi RunA,A/alk
r Pan-Afrikan Alumni-Student
E
I
E!
Basketball Came
M
m
. Homecoming Pep Rally
o Picnic in the Park
. Homecoming Football Came
å
.
.
L:-
!ffi
ffi
.
.
ËT
.
vs. Custavus Adolphus
Homecoming AIumni Awards
Social & Dinner
Class Reunions oÍ 1952, 1962,
1977, and 1992
Pan-Afrikan Alumni Reception
6th Annual M. Anita Cay Hawthorne
Jazz & Poetry Bash
Music Event
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 29
.
EI
GJ
t!
Herita8e Society Luncheon
o
a
s.
s'
Send us your news
and photos!
Please tell us about the news rn
your life, your new job, move,
marriage, and births. Don't forget
to send photos!
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ls
For news o[ a death, written notice
is required, e.g. an obituary, funeral
notice, or program from a
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this a new address?
!
Yes
!
No
E-mail
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zip
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graduate of Augsburg College?
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okay to publish your e-mail address
Work telephone
! Yes n No
lf yes, class
year-
Send your news items, photos, or
change of address by mail to:
Augsburg N ow Class Notes,
Augsburg College, CB 146,
22Il Riverside Ave., Minneapolis,
MN, 55454, or e-mail to
<alumni@au gsburg.edu>.
,4tmmc
COLLEGE
2211 Riverside Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55454
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Permit No.2031
-
Show less
A season of hope and expectation
f,
dvent ... the time of antÌcipation,
Ap..pu.ution,
hope, and longing.
During this time we tend to focus on the
joyful preparation for the birth of Christ.
We don't often spend time considering the
other side of Advent, the second comlng
of the Lord, wj.... Show more
A season of hope and expectation
f,
dvent ... the time of antÌcipation,
Ap..pu.ution,
hope, and longing.
During this time we tend to focus on the
joyful preparation for the birth of Christ.
We don't often spend time considering the
other side of Advent, the second comlng
of the Lord, wj.th its promÌse of
judgement, but also deliverance and
redemption from despair.
As we reel from the events of Sept. I I
that turned our safe and secure world
topsy-turuy, this second advent offers
good news for us. As difficult as it may be
We welcome your letters!
write to:
Please
Editor
AugsburgNow
22ll
Riverside Ave., CB 145
Minneapolis, MN 55454
E-mail: now@augsburg.edu
Fax: 612-330-1780
Phone: 612-330-Il8I
Letters for publication must be
sþed
and
to ignore the decorations, music, buying,
and trappings of the season, these few
weeks also offer us the chance to
anticlpate and envision the renewed
presence of the Lord and the world
promised and possible through this
presence.
In this
issue we see a repetition in the
theme of Advent candles. The same
candlelight that brought light to a dark
sanctuary during the Advent Vespers
procession also consoled us through
September from a place of vigil in the
front of Hoversten Chapel. The quiet,
soothing illumÌnation of candles is aiso
central to the Taizé worship that came to
Augsburg at the end of October. Farther
on, you'll read about the intriguing way
some Augsburg students found to recreate
this special atmosphere.
This issue's feature article,
"Remembering September" examines how
Augsburg, as a iearning communit¡ has
engaged its faculty, staff, and students in
discussion of the difficult issues facing it
since Sept. ll, and how the College's 132year-old mission provided the grounding
to frame these discussions.
Also in this winter issue, anticipating
the coming Winter Olympic games, we
feature stories of Auggies who have gone
for the gold-speedskater Johnny Werket,
who found in his "golden" career both
Olympic medals and a partner for 1lfe;
and the 1928 men's hockey team, whose
golden Olymplc dreams were shattered on
the very eve of the games.
This issue also shares the spirit of
Homecoming through photos from the
events and class reunions. As we note on
the back cover, the rains may have
canceled plans for "Auggies on Parade,"
but the festivities brought alumni and
friends together Ìn a celebratÌon of
Augsburg community-and a big
football win.
As this calendar year closes, Augsburg
Now extends to readers the best wishes for
a holiday season ol hope, anticipat"¡on,
celebration, and peace.
WW
Betsey Norgard
Editor
include your name, class year, and daytime
teìephone number. They may
be edited for length, clarity,
and style.
o
o
si
h,
s
r^
Family and friends
gathered to remember Jean
Lindell (see Augshurg Now,
summer issue, ln
Memoriam) with the
dedication of the Lindell
Garden in front of Lindell
Library. Victoria Grunseth
spoke on behalf of the
family about her mother as
an avid gardener.
-
At¿csBrJRG Now
Winter
Vol.64 No.2
2OO1-O2
Augsburg Now is published
quarterly by Augsburg College,
22ll Riverside Ave., Minneapolis,
Minnesota 55454.
Features
Betsey Norgard
Editor
Lynn Mena
Assistant Editor
Remembering September
Kathy Rumpza
by Betsey Norgard
Graphic Designer
Jessica Brown
Class Notes Coordinator
William V. Frame
Following the events oJ September 77, how could
and would Augsburg CoIIege, as a learning
community, respond?
President
Dan Jorgensen
Director of Public Relations and
Communication
Nancy Toedt'94
Director of Alumni and Parent
Relations
Johnny Werket's
golden career by Don stoner
Opinions expressed in Augsburg
Now do not necessarily reflect
official College policy.
Inhis youth, speedshater lohnny Werhet'49 won
ISSN t058-I545
Olympic goldmedals and the heart of aNonueglan
Postmaster: Send conespondence,
name changes, and address
corrections to: Augsburg Now,
Office of Public Relations and
Communication, 221 I Riverside
Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55454.
girl; they now celebrate their golden marnage.
E-mail: now@augsburg.edu
Telephone: ó12-330-l 18I
Fax: 612-330-1780
16
The Rev. Mark Hanson '68ELCAs new presiding bishop
Horr"rrten chapel gets dressed
up in 'stained glass'
Departments
Augsburg College, as alfirmed
in its mission, doesnot
ilßcnminate on the bøsis of race,
color, creed, religion, national or
ethnic origin, age, gender, sexual
orientation, marital status, status
with regar¿l to public assßtance,
or disability in its education
p oliaes, ailmissions policies,
scholar ship and loan pro gr ams,
athletic anill or school
ailministered pro grams, except
in those ínstances where reli$on
is a bonø fiile occupational
quølification. Augsburg C ollege
is committed to providing
reasonable accommodatíons to
its employees and its stuilents.
www.augsburg.edu
2
Around the Quad
5
Sports
7
Chapeltalk
17
Alumni News
22
28
Class Notes
Auggie Thoughts
inside
Calendar
back
cover
50 percent recycled paper (10 percent post-consumer waste)
On the cover:
Augsburg students Çront to bach)
Renzo Amaya Torres, Kerri
Sjoblom, len Falhman, and Adam
Dehnel prepare for the Advent
Vespers procession, as it lights up
the advent season. Photo by
Linda Cullen.
I
a
I
o
Augsburg ranks again in top tier
Augsburg College
once again is
ffiffi
ranked in the top
tier of its category
in the U.S. News
€t World Report
2001 ratings-up three places from last
year. A new classification by tl.:'e magazine
puts Augsburg in the "Midwestern
¡¡
O
Conor Tobin w¡ns Fulbright
Scholarship to Norway
Fonor
Augsburg in the news-a busy fall
Tobin. who
academic yeat on the Oslo Year Program.
Lg.nduut.d in May
with
a double major
in
A course in Middle Eastern politics at that
time led to research on the role of Norway
political science and
in the Middle
Norwegian, was
Tobin's current study continues that
interest, with a heightened focus on the
ethics of war and peace in time of
terrorism. On returning to the U.S., he
plans to combine law school and graduate
awarded a Fulbright
Scholarship and is now
Universities-Master's" category, because
the College offers graduate-ievel programs.
Augsburg is ranked second in the
"Reputation" category among the other
Minnesota private colleges in that tier.
Reputation is determined by surveying the
presidents, provosts, and deans of
admissions at i.nstitutions in that tier.
For campus diversity, Augsburg is
ranked first among the other Minnesota
private colleges in that tier.
o
(a
studying in Norway at
the University of Oslo.
As a junior, Tobin spent the fall
semester at the University of Oslo on the
HECUA urban studies term and then
extended his studies through the
Conor Tobin
East peace process.
study in Ìnternational law and neggtiation.
Tobin graduated from Augsburg "with .
distinction" and received departmental
honors in political science.
Hoyt Messerer Fitness Center
is dedicated in Melby Hall
Scholastic Connections program:
.
.
.
.
.
WCCO radio interview of Syl Jones '73
Star hbune and Pioneer Prøss articles
on the program
Star Tribune editorial about the creation
of the program
Chronícle of Higher Education article
Associated Press national article
Events surrounding terrorism:
.
.
.
.
.
Prof. Amin Kader was interviewed
widely on radio and TV
Prof. Joseph Underhill-Cady was
interviewed on KSTP-TV
Prof. James Vela-McConnell was
interviewed on KARE-I1 TV
Admissions counselor Heidi Breen was
interviewed on WCCO radio
Augsburg was part of a national article
from Collegiate News Service
Other activities/interests
.
.
.
2
:
Student LINK Halloween Safe Block
party featured on Fox-29 TV
Prof. Norma Noonan was interviewed
on Wisconsin Public RadÌo in
connection wlth Russian president
Putin's visit to the U.S.;she was also
featured in an article fromLiberation,
a news magazíne
in
Paris
Adapted physical education sports day
was featured on KSTP-TV
,4UGSBURG NoW
Lucille Messerer spoke at the opening of the newly-expanded Fitness Center dedicated
to her husband, the late Hoyt Messerer'39. President Frame presided as both the
Fitness Center and the Gertrude and Richard Pautz Plaza were dedicated at Melby Hall,
lrom belore dawn to late at night, one
I of the most active places on campus is
Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic
during the renovatlons of Melby Hall in
Conference.
The center is named for Hoyt
Messerer '39, a football, basketball, and
baseball athlete at Augsburg and one of
the four founders of the A-Club, who died
2000, making it one of the largest in the
in May
the Fitness Center. Open to all members of
the Augsburg community, includÌng
alumni, the center was doubled in size
(see In Memoriam,
p.26).
llUinter 2001-02
I
Good, Martin
ioin Augsburg's
board
Four regents retire after two
terms of service
StafJ photo
M;Ti:,ii.î::i]:Jiji,"#:lï,T,-,
on the Board of Regents at Augsburg's
annual meeting in October.
Michael R. Good
A l97l Augsburg
graduate, Good is
executive vice
president of NRT, a
residential real estate
brokerage company A
Michael R. Good 24-year veteran in the
real estate industry Good worked for 20
years in the Coldwell Banker division of
NRT, beginning as a regional manager in
St. PauL/Minneapolis, and subsequently in
Florida, rising to NRT's senior vice
president for the southeastern region.
At Augsburg, Good was twice an Al1American in wrestling. ln1972 he was
Augsburg's head wrestling coach. In 1991,
he was inducted into Augsburg's Athletic
Hall of Fame.
Good earned a master's degree at the
University of St. Thomas. He lives in
Bridgewater, NJ., with his wife, Ann, and
children Matthew and Mandy Mandy is a
student at Augsburg.
Jennifer H. Martin
Jennifer Martin is
tr
senior vice president of
corporate and human
resources for Lutheran
Brotherhood. After 15
years in public
Jennifer H. Martin education, she became
a personnel training specialist with Sperry
Corporation, later Unisys Corporation,
where she held executive positions. She
joined Lutheran Brotherhood in 1995.
Her undergraduate degree in education
was earned at Southern Illinois University
WhÌle teaching in Minneapolis, she earned
a doctorate in education at the University of
Minnesota.
She and her husband, Richard, have
seven children and live in Minneapolis.
Winter 2001-02
Three regents were honored at Augsburg House as they retired from Augsburg's board.
Pictured with President and Mrs. Frame (t to R) Jean and Allen Housh, Evangeline and
Norman Hagfors, and Cheryl and Michael Thompson, Not present was Curtis Sampson.
Four
resents. who each served two terms
office, were honored and thanked as
they retired from the board.
l'of
Norman Hagfors served as vice-chair of the
board, vice-chair of the Regents Committee,
and a member of the Development, Finance,
Govemment and Community Relations, and
Marketing Committees.
Allen Housh
served not only on the
Development Committee as a regent, but
aiso twice served as Augsburg's interim vice
president for institutional advancement.
Curtis Sampson sewed on the Finance
Commi.ttee.
Michael Thompson was also
a
member of
the Finance Committee.
Kathy Tunheim elected to the board of
the governing boards association
A:ffi,ï:å:f
Tunhei.m was elected
to the Board of
Directors of the
national Association
of Governing Boards
of Universities and
Colleges (AGB) for a
Kathryn Tunheim two-year term.
AGB is dedicated to strengthening the
performance of boards of public and
private higher education. AGB provides
leadership in supporting the American
higher education system of citizen
trusteeship and a diverse system of higher
education.
The organization serves as
a
continuing education resource to trustees
and boards and contributes to effective
working relationships between boards and
lt advises on matters
affecting institutional oversight
responsibilities, promotes wider
understanding of citizen leadership and
lay governance, and identifies public
chief executives.
policy issues of concern to hlgher
education.
,4ucssunc
ruow
3
Around the Quad
Thanksgiving to donors
and scholars
Ã
Thankssivins brunch was the
lloppor,uniry lor over 200 donors to
meet the students who are reciplents of their
scholarshlps-and for the College to
recognlze and thank donors for their support.
President Frame told them, 'A1l of you
here today are here by virtue of some kind
of calling-on one hand to provide support;
on the other to be students. Each of you is a
constituent element of what Augsburg
College is-no less important than the
faculty and staff who are here to provide this
education. We are grateful for your
support."
Kyle Kuusisto'03
spoke for students: "Here
at Augsburg, one can really
be immersed ìn the strong
fabric that is called
community It is a
community that gives us
the chance to not only
dream, but to fulfill those
Fun stuff
kids in the dome
o
the future is to continue to spread that value
of community that I experienced here at
Augsburg."
Clnthia Balley'02, a weekend student
who has majored in religion while worhng
full time, also spoke for students. Last
summer, she traveled to Poland and Eastern
Germany with Herb Brokering and Youth
and Family Institute director Dick Hardel.
"It was lÌsted as a pilgrimage and that's
the experience I had," she said. "After that
trip, I felt even more called to ministry
particularly social ministry ... Thank you,
all of you, who have helped me reach my
goal of ministry to God."
sS.B'
r^
Auggie junior Emily Bushey and one of
the participating teachers help unfurl the
colorful parachutes in Augsburg's air
structure at the adapted physical
education sports day.
a
o
population. ... Students
\^
area schools had some fun at the third
Junior Kyle Kuusisto expressed thanks on behalf of students
for the financial support they receive. He is pictured here
(center) with E. Milton Kleven 'a5 (left), the donor of the
Magnus and Krostofa Kleven Scholarship Kuusisto has
received, and Kleven's sister, lvadell Rice.
Dialing for dollars
aF tudent Phonathon callers have been
fall-and
gifts
to The Augsburg Fund has risen seven
percent compared to last year in the same
period.
Most significant is the increase in giving
from Weekend College alumni-$3,206 this
year, compared to $2,2451ast year.
However, similar to the experience of
many charitable organizations, the total
amounts from September gifts were
ÐUury
on the telephone this
their results prove it. The number of
4
4UGSBURG NoW
200 chiLdren with developmental
s.
"I plan on teaching
need to feel a sense ofplace
and belonglng. My plan for
¡F\ver
lLJan¿ physical disabiiities lrom merro
dreams.
adaptlve physical education
in the Minneapolis Schools.
I am confident that my
education here is preparing
me to work effectively with
a diverse student
for
annual sports extravaganza in Augsburgb
air structure.
Augsburg health and physical
education students, as well as students
from the Cedar-Riverside School, teamed
up with the third- to sixth-graders for
games, or just spent time one-on-one.
Activities included soccer, dancing,
parachutes, jump rope, races and relays,
balloon volleyball, and cage ball. All of the
partlcipants received ribbons at the end of
the day
ffi
At press time, word was received that
dramatically down, as donors focused
their support to help the victims of
terrorism.
The Augsburg Fund, Augsburg's
annual fund, is the College's "living
endowment" that provides the foundation
of annual financial support needed to
attract and retain its talented and diverse
student body. For addltional information,
contact Donna Mclean, director of The
Augsburg Fund, at I-800-273-06L7 or
Augsburg has been awarded $2
million over five years from the lilly
Endowment as part of the initiative,
"Programs for the Theological
Exploration of Vocation."
ln Minnesota, grants were awarded to
Augsburg, Concordia College
(Moorhead), and the University of
St. Thomas.
More about Augsburgb grant will
appear in the next issue.
<mclean@augsburg.edu>.
W¡nter 2001-02
r
The Edor Nelson Field is dedicated
rFhe skies ooened and a constant rain
I f.ll on the artificial turl all aliernoon.
The visitors from St. John's University
further dampened spirits by beating
Augsburg, +B-14. And the guest ofhonor
rvas on crutches, as the result of knee
replacement surger)¿
But nothing was going to stop
Augsburg from honoring coaching legend
Edor Nelson '38. The College rededicated
the outdoor athletic field in Nelson's honor
at a halftime ceremony during the Sept.22
football game.
"To you, Edor, we owe a great debt of
gratitude," President William V Frame told
Nelson. "We appreciate your gifts; as they
are mar,y and manifold, and we are glad to
rededicate this stadium for you toda;r"
in 1984, the College named its newlyconstructed outdoor athletic field as
Anderson-Nelson Field, in honor of
Nelson and longtime athletic director and
men's basketball coach Ernie Anderson. in
February the College dedicated the court
at Melby Hall in Anderson's honor.
"You have truly been a champion of
the athletic program, and a champion of
byDonstoner
.è
all the student-athletes
whose lives you have
touched," said Paul Grauer,
men's athletic director,
during the halftime
ceremony
Nelson said that much
È
s!
(J
of the credit for the field
should be attributed to the
donors who gave time and
money to make the field a
reality-men like Carl
Benson'51, Ray Grinde
'57, andJeroy Carlson '48.
He chose to honor the
donors, along with all the
athletes he coached and
taught during his four
f:
Edor Nelson '38 stands under umbrellas as Augsburg's athletic
field is rededicated in his name. Norm Okerstrom'85 (left), Office
of lnstitutional Advancement, holds the plaque to be placed in
Melby Hall.
decades at Augsburg.
A special luncheon was held before
the game, where more than 150 guests
pald tribute to Nelson. Fans also had a
chance to pay trlbute to Nelson during a
post-game reception in the Melby Hall
Iobby
During his four decades of service to
Augsburg, Nelson served the College in
variety of roles, most notably as the
longtime coach of the football and baseball
teams. He was also an associate professor
in Augsburg's health and physical
education department for 32 years, retiring
in 1978.
-Don
Stoner is sports inJormation
coordinator.
a
Dozens of children from central Minneapolis prepared for
their winter hockey this year by learning the basics at the
Augsburg-Sheehy Hockey Camps held in August at the
Augsburg lce Arena,
Organized by NHt player agent Neil Sheehy, Augsburg
men's hockey coach Mike Schwartz'85 (pictured at right
without hat), and Auggie alumnus John Evans'82, the two
camps were held in conjunction with the Minneapolis Park
and Recreation Board. At the end of each week-long camp,
the youngsters got a chance to get autographs from several
professional hockey players, including Minnesota Wild star
Darby Hendrickson and Auggie alums Martin Hlinka'00 and
Ryan Mclntosh '01, who were attending Sheehy3 pro
hockey development camp also taking place at the
Augsburg lce Arena.
Winter
2OO1-O2
,4ucsnunc
ruow
s
'scholastic Connections' pairs minority
students with alumn i mentors
Aussburs News service
Æ;Tüåî.iX1'#"::îiiil;J:ï?
and believed to be the first of ìts kind in
the nation, uses proceeds from a $500,000
endowment to pair students of color with
alumni of color in mentoring relationships.
Five students have received $5,000
renewable scholarships in this first year,
with a goal to increase that number to 20
students as the endowment grows.
"The commitment to diversity is a
long-standing commitment on the part of
the College," President William Frame
said. "It is rooted in the Lutheran
proposition that colleges and universities
must sweep into modern society to
provide the education which the
management of our world requires."
The program was developed in
response to the resolution of a lawsuit filed
by Elroy Stock'49, who sued Augsburg for
breach of contract, relating to a 1986
campaign gift of $500,000. Shortly after
thls gift, upon learning that Stock was the
author of thousands of mailings urging
"racial" purity sent to interracial couples
and adoptive families, the College decided
it would not put Stock's name on a college
building in return for the donation.
Due to charitable donation regulations,
the College could not return the
6
,+UGSBURG
Now
s.
E
money
The lawsuit was dismissed due to
the expiration of the statute of
limitations.
The sch olarship-mentorin g
program asslsts achievement-oriented
high school and post-secondary
students of color andJor mixed race to
succeed at Augsburg. Scholarship
criteria include leadership ability and
an interest" in communiLy service.
"The conneclion piece is to put
leaders of today in touch with leaders of
lomorrow" Frame said. "The scholarships
announcing today are named for
the mentors, for our graduates who have
achieved distincrion in rheir fields. [The
recipientsl will be receiving the advice and
counsel of those men and women of
\Me are
co1or."
The program also aims to strengthen
the College's role as a progressive and
welcoming institution for communities of
color, said Kathy Tunhelm, chair of the
students of color received scholarships in Scholastic Connections, a program that pairs them
(L to R) President Frame, Xia Xiong '05; KMSP-TV news anchor
and luncheon host Robyne Robinson; Eloisa Echavez'94,'98 MEL; Matthew Shannon'04; Murry
Kelly, Jr. '71;9yl Jones'73; €amilo Power'03; Gianna Sorrell '03; Jackie Cherryhomes'76;
Jennifer Boswell '05; F. €layton Tyler '72; and Noya Woodrich '92, '94 MSW
F¡ve
with alumni of color as mentors.
o
a
KMSP-TV news anchor and luncheon host
Robyne Robinson (left) talked with Gianna
Sorrell '03, one of the five new scholarship
winners, at the luncheon honoring the students
and alumni mentors.
Board of Regents.
"While it is true that we have always
attempted to be responsive to the disparate
needs of the communities that we serve, 1t
is also true that we have not always been
successful in doing so ... with the
announcement ol today's initiative, we
seek to change that," Tunheim said.
Jones said that by virtue of Augsburg's
location and mission, it can play a major
role in helping to increase the number of
students of color who graduate from
college, a number which has been
decreasing. "But," he added, "only if the
campus is prepared to welcome those who
are different."
Frame said that approximately I7
percent of the College's 3,000 students are
students of color, putting Augsburg second
among Minnesota's private colleges in that
category
Inter-Race, a diversity think-tank
based at Augsburg that was co-founded
and headed by Vivian Jenkins-Nelsen, will
administer the Scholastic Connections
program.
Augsburg graduate Rev Rufus
Campbell'75 presented the homily in
chapel (see next page). A luncheon, hosted
by KMSP-TV news anchor Robyne
Robinson, honored the scholarship
recipients and mentors.
I
Winter 2001-02
r
by the Reverend Rufus Campbell '75, Camphor Memorial United Methodist Church
-following the
announcement of the Scholastic
Oct. 8, 200f
Connections scholarsh¡p program
wffi
llth
I
l
l
I
I
:iå,ffi î,i:,1äi-,ä,ember
the
we looked into the face of evil. It
hurt us, it angered us. We have not yet
recovered.
This institution has had its own
version of looking into the face of evil. I
just returned from the press conference
over in Christensen Center where there
was an announcement that scholarships
are being created for people of color as a
result of one of our alumni, brother Elroy
Stock.
I know brother Stock. I received my
flrst letter in 1991 shortly after I had
performed an interracial marriage. ...He
senr a lerrer that was filled with hate ...
and this institution, as a result of his
lawsuit, also has looked into the face of
evil.
I'm careful never to think that evil is
embodied in a person. I think all of us can
be overcome by evil, and so I'm always
careful to make that distinction. ... So
what does one do when looking into the
face of evil?
s
evil is by overcoming evil "Do not be
overcome by evil, but overcome evil with
U
s
good."
I reviewed the mission statement of
this great institution. ... [It] was called,
through its educational process, to prepare
leaders and servants in the community.
"\J
-J
That is a high and a holy call, my sisters
and brothers. And it fits with the Gospel,
because we are a1l called to be servants. To
pattern our lives after the one who was the
greatest of servants, Jesus. ... As servants
\Me are called to face each day, and each
day that we live and face eyil, we are
ca1led to overcome that evil by doing
good.
I think it was a remarkable stroke of
grace, President Frame, to take a proposal
to the Board of Regents saying, 'Let's take
this request from someone who was
overcome with evil ... [and] make some
good come out of it.' I thlnk there was an
extraordinary act of grace on God's part to
see that and to be able to respond
accordingly. So you've done just what our
God commands. You looked into the face
of evil and you have responded by doing
good.
We aii know that we can do much
better as we walk the road to diversity. We
"As servants we are called to face each day, and each day that we l¡ve and
face evil, we are called to overcome that evil by doing good."
Rev. Rufus Campbell '75
good and faithful servant.'
And so I say to you, this great student
body at this great instil,ut"ion, as you
prepare to be leaders and servants in
whatever community God places you in,
remember this day ... Because this is the
day when this institution can celebrate the
fact that it looked into the face of evil and
brought out good.
The God we serve is a great and
mighty God. God gives us the resources to
turn evil to good. Sometimes it's just small
acts, sometimes it's mighty acts. Al1 of
In the text that was read earlier-in
Romans, Paul's letter to the church in
Rome-the beginning and the first trvo
verses of chapter 12 set the context.
Paul said, "I appeal to you therefore,
brethren, by the mercies of God, to
present your bodies as a living sacrifice,
holy and acceptable to God, which is your
know that there is much more that needs
to be done. And God has given us the gift
spiritual worship."
And he goes on to say lhat we ought
not to be conformed by this world, but be
transformed by the renewing of our
of people to help to get us where we need
to be. And so, I didn't come here to beat
you up about your past record; I came to
encourage you as you walk the road you
are walking now I came to say to you that
the God \Me serve is pleased every time we
look into the face of evil and then
transform that by doing something good.
And so, to this institution, I say to
you, Godspeed. I don't know what the
minds. So, Paul talks about how we
respond as Christians in a world that is
extraordinarily good and extraordinarily
evil. Paul says finally, in verse 21, that the
way God calls the church to respond to
reporters wiil be writing ... but I can
imagine, in the annals of heaven, this date
is to be recorded. And I can imagine that
words like this have been recorded with
respect to this institution-'Well done, my
Winter 2001-02
them are important.
And so I say to you this day that God
is pleased, and the very angels in heaven
are rejoicing. And to the Elroy Stocks of
the world, we are ca11ed to pray for you.
And we pray that maybe lf not our
witness, somebody else's witness will be
able to break into his mind, and he, too,
will be able to look into the face of God
and see God's goodness, which will
transform him, also. And so I say, grace
and peace to you this day, my sisters and
brothers, and may the God of heaven and
earth guide you in your journey as you
walk the road of diversity, as you walk the
road of peace, as you walk the road that
produces goodness. God bless you. I
,4ucssuRc
t¡ow
7
The Rev. Mark Hanson '68 is installed as the
ELCA'S
third presiding bishop
fln
a master of dìvinÌty degree
lJHunron,
1972. He continued with
further study at Luther
Theologlcal Seminary and
Harvard Divinity School.
Hanson served several
churches in the Twin CiLies
area, most recently spending
October 6. the Rev. Mark S.
bisúop of the St. Paul
Synod and Augsburg graduate of 1968,
was installed as the ELCA3 third presiding
bishop.
He was elected to the six-year term at
the ELCAb churchwide assembly in
Indianapolis in August. His new duties
began on Nov I at ELCA headquarters in
Chicago. He succeeds the Rev. George
Anderson, who served one term.
Of the ELCAb three presiding bishops
since its inception in I987, Hanson is the
second Augsburg graduate to serve.
Bishop Herbert Chilstrom '54 was elected
as the ELCAb first presiding bishop and
served two terms before retiring.
"I couldn't be more proud and
grateful than to have Mark Hanson, a
fellow Augsburg graduate, as a successor
in the office of presiding bishop of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America,"
said Chilstrom. "Mark brings to the office
a wealth of experience, the heart of a
pastor, and the passion to make the
Gospel relevant to the times in which we
live."
After graduating from Augsburg with
a degree in sociology, Hanson attended
Union Theological Seminary in New York
as a Rockefeller Fellow, and was awarded
in
seven years at University
Lutheran Church of Hope,
Minneapolis. ln 1995, he was
elected bishop of the St. Paul
Area Synod, and was re-elected
in spring 2001.
He has aiso served on
numerous inter-church boards
and committees, especially
dealing with affordable housing
programs.
Hanson has been an ex
offrcio member of the Augsburg
Board of Regents for the past
two years, representing the St.
Paul synod.
In announcing Hanson's
election to the Augsburg
community, President William
Frame said that Hanson has been
"a steady friend of Augsburg and
especially of its unique mission as
a college of the church in the
ELCA ecumenical partners and Lutheran bishops from
other continents symbolically extend their hands as
ELCA presiding bishop George Anderson (left, front)
installs St. Paul Synod Bishop Mark S. Hanson '68
(kneeling) as third presiding bishop of the ELCA on
October 6 in Chicago.
modern city
Presiding bishop-elect Mark S. Hanson '68 and his wife,
lone (Agrimson) Hanson '68, greeted visitors after the
installation service.
8
-4UGSBURG NoW
byBetseyNorsard
"He is a great admirer of
Augsburg 2004 and has been
especially dedicated to
helping the College widen
accessibility for underserved
populations in the Twin
Cities," Frame continued.
Hanson's electlon to
leadership comes at a time
when not only the world, but
also the denomination, is
divided by social and
theologÌcal Ìssues. Hanson
referred to this in a
Minneapolis Star Tribune
article upon his election:
"One of my most important
iasks will be to define and
claim the mission to which God cails and
which unites us, while continuing to tend
to the divisions that divide us."
Hanson is married to lone
(Agrimson) Hanson'68, who has served
as director of social work at Minneapolì.s
and St. Paul Children's Hospitals. Their
children are Aaron, Alyssa, Rachel, Ezra,
Isaac, and Elizabeth. They also have one
grandchild.
President and Mrs. Frame
represented Augsburg College at the
installation service, which was held in
Rockefeller Chapel at the University of
Chicago. The organist for the service was
David Cherwien'79. I
Photos by GeolJ Scheerer, courtesy oJ ELCA
News and
Inlornltiotr
llUinter 2001-O2
j¡rËA$!iþ?:"T¡¿i
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I
1
by Betsey Norgard
Assøssing the irnpact
September 77, 2001. It's clear that the world
changed profoundly
... and probably in ways not yet
building. (See In Memoriam, p.26.)
imagined.
Though not affected
in the søme degree as
colleges on the East Coast, the Augsburg community
deeply
felt the impøct, both on cilnpus
neighborhood, with
Only one Augsburg alumnus/a is known to have died in the terrorist
attacks. Lt. Col. Dean E. Mattson '66 was a career mihtary officer,
scheduled for retirement in December, who was sitting at his desk
in the Pentagon when the h¡acked plane destroyed his area of the
and
ø lørge population of
in its
Somali
immigrants.
How could and would Augsburg-a leørning
community of faculty, staff , ønd students-cope with
Augsburg regent Dean Kopperud was in his office at
Oppenhelmer Funds, lnc., on the 33rd floor of the World Tiade
Center south tower when the north tower was hit. He and
Oppenheimer's nearly 600 employees quickly and judiciously
evacuated and were on the street when their tower was hit.
Memories of fire, explosion, and dying people stick in his mind.
Kopperud reported to the Stdr hbune that the only questì.on he
continually asks himself is "Did I do everything I could for everyone
I saw in trouble along the way?"
In Washington, Les Heen'83, communlcations and publÌc
affairs director for the Minnesota Farmers UnÌon, was standing
across the street from the Capitol, preparing for Congressional
meetings, when panicked people began evacuating the building. A
few minutes later they saw a large, white plane banking low toward
the Capitol, which they soon learned passed them by and crashed
into the Pentagon.
this unprecedented tragedy, seeh understønding of
its complex issuøs, and respond to its own and the
community's needs?
Above: Throughout the days and weeks following the terrorist
attacks, the candles in Hoversten Chapel were constant reminders
of the terrorist victims and those in need of consolation and prayer.
Winter
2OOf -O2
"l remember seeing the smoke, feeling sj.ck, and then hearing
sirens from all around us," Heen said. ... "It's hard to describe how
lr-rlnerable you feel when your only defense is to run from a target
before a jumbo jet hits it."
Messages from Auggies abroad were also quick in coming. From
London, Adam Olson '92 wrote to Norm Okerstrom '85 in the
development office: "I found a pub with the news on and sat with
my mouth on the floor for about two and a half hours ... It was
packed with people in stunned silence."
Reactions on campus to the stunning and horrifying news
,.4ucsnunc
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9
a
O
Concerned faculty and staff sought
ways to assess the impact on students,
especially freshmen, many of whom were
away from home for the flrst time. Ann
Klamer, director of residence life, compiled
a list of reports on various topics that
helped student life personnel deal with
aspects of the tragedy The student life
office posted a message board to gauge
\s
ñ
!
IJ
empowerment in the face of this awful
sense of powerlessness," Underhill-Cady
continued, "and certainly one of the best
sources for that is in the polis, the public
forum."
Students also sought discussion
among themselves. The Coalltion for
Student Activism, that had formed earlier
as a small group of a dozen or so, began
"As much as I want reyenge lor ablatant dttdch on nry home, I want the'war' to
stop. Essentialþ I don't hnow what I wanq dnd I believe America reflects thøt
sense oÍ uncertainty."
-Jdmes
P,
a
junior, from his journal
Adam Olson '92 happened to be at the
American Embassy in London when Lady
Margaret Thatcher paid her respects, shortly
student reactions to the events.
to meet weekly and swelled its ranks.
Political science professor Joseph
Underhill-Cady said, "They have no context
Discussion issues became focused on the
after Sept.
for what's happening. The classroom
provides a safe environment where they can
air views, discuss, and share comments." lt's
also a supportive environment.
Journaling has been another means
that Underhill-Cady has used to help his
students find expression for their
uncertainties and fears. He describes the
unstructured thinking as being therapeutic,
helpful, and positive.
1
1.
began even as the events were unfolding.
The morning chapel service became a time
for people to gather, some still anxiously
awaiting news of family and friends who
might have been in the targeted areas. An
afternoon prayer service continued the
,rigil.
Classes continued as scheduled, with
some faculty turning over class discusslon
to impilcations of the tragedy.
Several Augsburg colleagues and
friends from around the world took time
to share their grief and concern. From
Catholic University in Lublin, Poland,
faculty exchange colleagues of Augsburg's
business administration department wrote,
"We hope none of our friends in
Minneapolis and St. Pau1, none of the
employees or students from Augsburg
College has suffered directly due to those
unprecedented acts of terrorism."
Deøling with the
emotional irnpøct
As elsewhere in the country initial
responses to the attacks brought people
together in unusual community and uniqz
Augsburg Echo writer and sophomore
Deanne McDonald wrote in the Sept. 28
issue, "ls there anything that could have
brought the students together as quickly as
the events of September I lth's 'Attack on
America' did? It already feels as if we have
been here for months."
fo
4ucssunc Now
Augsburg's call to mission
On Sept. 28, President William Frame
set the direction for campus discussion.
In a letter to students. Frame asserted
that the College's appropriate response
lies squarely in its I32-year-old mission:
"The greatest favor we can render to this
world is today what it has always
been-to
search through the discipiines
of learning for an understanding of both
the world and ourselves that will guide
us to the work for which we are best fit
and to which we are called," Frame
wrote.
Underhill-Cady took a lead in
proposing campus conversation. In
an op-ed piece for the Echo on
Oct. 5, he suggested that the first
response to the violence should be
dialogue. "Part of our job as students
and instructors is to try to make the
public discussion of these events as
constructlve and well-informed as
possible.
"We need to look for sources of
terrorist events. This group has arranged'
to join other student groups in
discussion at the 2002 Peace Prize
Forum at Augustana College in March.
Students also began a letter-writing
campaign to elected officials, urging
patience in declaring and supporting
a
\Mar.
Listening to others
A first glimpse at understandlng came as if
by fate. The 2001 Christensen Symposium
speaker on Sept. 24, scheduled months
earller, was Prof. Lamin Sanneh, an African
Muslim who is a professor of missions and
world Christianity at Yale University. With
his personal and scholarly experience in
Islam, he provided some insight as to why
he thought Muslim fundamentalism had
targeted America-because of the U.S.
policy of adamant separation of church
and state. "Muslims are feeling a need to
respond with religious fundamentalism,"
he said. "Muslims are helping us
understand that our secularism has gone
too far."
Speakers and experts on campus helped bring
understanding to difficult issues, (Left to right) Mine
Ener, history professor at Villanova University; Amin
Kader, Augsburg business administration department;
Arvonne Fraser, ¡nternational women's rights advocate.
Winter 2001-O2
T
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:
o
His message was to urge ail Muslim
nat¡ons to deal with their own
fundamentalists, so as not to relegate the
avenging of Sept. l1 to the U.S.
Another speaker invited to campus in
the following weeks was Arvonne Fraser,
director of the lnternational Women's
Rights Action Watch Project and senior
fellow emerita at the Hubert H. Humphrey
lnstitute of Public Affairs. She shared her
expertise on women's rights in Muslim
countries, especially in Afghanistan under
the Taliban.
"The solution is not with bombs, but
with the changing of minds," was her
message to students, faculty, and staff.
"And this takes time."
Helping the community
understand
Business administration professor Amin
Kader emerged as a community
spokesman about Islam, appearing on
.
I
E
and Psychology of U.S.
Leaders DuringWar,
contrasts the ways that
terrorist extremists
embrace death and that
U.S. political and military
leaders fear it.
Supporting
Somøli students
and neighbors
Augsburg students have
An interfaith service was held in Hoversten Chapel, with six
participated in several
religious traditions represented by Augsburg staff and faculty'
Above, Benjy Kent, academic advising, and Barbara Lehmann,
vlgils in the Cedarsocial work, recite the Jewish Mourner's Kaddish.
Riverside neighborhood,
organtzed to support the
Somali communitv.
participants assuring them of stability in
The governmênt's shutdown of
those countries.
businesses that wire money to Somalia
"Now more than ever it is essential to
directly impacted students at Augsburg.
develop an understanding of the causes of
Several Somali students reported to the
violence and in¡ustice and to develop
local television and radio programs and at
area events. He urged listeners to educate
themselves about lslam, to learn about its
common roots to Christianity and its
similar tenets deploring violence and
"... I find myself feeling vulnerable ønd scared. What has happened is the
scariest thing to tahe pløce in the lifetime of mry generation-ønd I can't heþ
but feel there is more to come. Listening to some of the people øround me with
their view on what'justice' is scares me."
D., afreshman, fromher journal
ki1ling.
Echo that they fear for their families, who
Lamenting many deaths among
Muslims who worked at the World Tiade
Center and Pentagon, Kader said, "This
attack is an attack against al1 Americans of
all kinds. if those terrorists are successful
in turning us against each other, this will,
indeed, lead to the destruction of our
nation. ... We have to learn to understand
each other and to accept each other."
Underhill-Cady has also been
interviewed by the media and spoken to
local community groups, especially about
the hÌstorical context and alternatives to
war. His recently- and tìmely-published
book, Deqth and the Statesman: The Culture
depend on the money sent to them. The
money-wiring businesses serve as banks,
which are not common in Somalia.
-Emiþ
Moving on
President Frame's call to the Augsburg
community to search for understanding of
both the world and themselves is
rej.nforced by the work of Augsburg's
Center for Global Education (CGE).
Anticipating a drop in study abroad by
students afraid to travel, the directors of
in Mexico, Nicaragua, and
Namibia wrote to prospective program
CGE's centers
intercultural awareness that can help us
build the culture of peace, which we so
desperately need at this time," the
directors told students.
In concludingher Echo article,
sophomore Deanne McDonald went
straight to the heart of the matter: "It is
difficult to remember to see ourselves,
members of the Augsburg community, as
members of the world community; but if
nothing else, this disastrous attack ...
serves as an abrupt wake-up call to all
individuals-reminding us that nothing is
permanent and that we all make up one
fragile part of the whole." I
four gald medals and a 5ü-y*ü{ rr}ånlage ffiüLMTN CARËËR:
At f irst glane e around Johnny and
Vesla Werket's home irr Sun City
West, Ariz., \¡ou wouldn't realize
that you were sitting in the horne
of o¡re of the best speedskaters in
,American history.
A few black-and-whi¡e photos
1-Lang on the wall 1n a r-rtility roorn.
Otre cryst rl vasc trolìhy sits on :r
mantel in the kitchen ol the
Werkets' retlrement home rr-r the
Sonoran Desert.
But the remainder ol the
memorabllla ol his speedskating
career-numerous world titles, three
WÌnter Olympic Games
appearances, his Hall of Fame
citation from the Amateur Skating
Union of the United States-are out
in the garage. Deep inside
a drawer
and a storage locker.
"411 my stuff is dumped in the
garage," Johnny jokes, hÌs everpresenL smile beaming.
And that's just fine with him.
For the 1949 Augsburg
nlumnus. hìs speedskrtìng tareer is
but one moment 1n a long and
fulfilling life. But the career led to
love and a marnage that has lasted
for a half-century. The career gave
him the opportunity to coach many
American skaters who became
by Don Stoner
l-rouseholcl nemes wrth tl-rerr Olympic
triurnphs And tl-re career gave him a
chance to see the lvorld.
Not bad lor a smal1, slender guy
who never believecl that all ol Lhis
would happen to l-rim.
Werket, wbo grew r-rp in south
Minneapolis, began skating when he
was 7. At age 14, he ancl a friend
"The Powderhorn Skatlng Club was
the dominant club in the United Srares
at the time," Werket said. "lt was a ways
away from Longfellow Field by
streetcar, or you had to walk to the
park."
The Powderhorn club was an
American powerhouse, producrng
numerolls world champions and
OlympÌans. Werket, and three of his
Longfellow mates, ended up qualifying
Ior the team.
He progressed through the ranks,
even though his smrll size was I major
hÌndrance. "I was always the smallest,
the lightest, the thÌnnest. I was too
llttle. lf you bump me, I go down," he
said. "l never had a unrlorm, the whole
time I skatecl, that ever fit me correctly.
Never. Everything was too buggy "
L
lnternational acclaim, lifelong love
È'
q
b
He lelt the sport, like many other young
American men at the time, to serve his
country as a paratrooper dunng World
War Il. But he returned to the
Powderhorn club following the lvar, and
eventually garned a spot at the \947
Olympic trials, his first national
competition.
a'
L
S
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q
'åt å;
decidecl to try out for a speedskating
tearn in Polvderhorn Park, on the south
slde of Minneapohs.
{Ð
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At the 1948 Olympics in Saint Moritz,
Switzerland, Werket finished sixth in the
1,500-meter event.
He won the 1,500-meter race and
qualified for the U.S. team to compete
at the 1948 Olympics in St. Moritz,
Switzerland, finishing sixth in [he event
at the games.
A Norwegian newspaper funded a
trÌp for Werket-a full-bioodecl
Nonvegian-lo compete at the
European championships in Helsinki,
Finland.
"At that time, they had allolved
Americans to compete in the European
championships," he said. "Right olf the
bat, I was one of the leading
competitors in the world.
"l was second in the 500 (meters)
and the winner was Krudacheq a
Russian guy. The first- and second-place
skaters from the 500 automatically
qualÌfied for the 1,500 (meters), and
they skated together. The Finns hated
the Russians, since this was when the
Cold War was mighty cold.
"l beat this Russian guy badly in
Left: Johnny Werket 'a9 (left) began his speedskating career with a coveted spot he won on the
renowned Powderhorn Skating Club in Minneapolis.
12
,4ucssunc Now
Winter 2001-02
6,
U
t
s
Right: The 1948 Augsburgian yearbook dedicated a page to
welcome home Johnny Werket from his Olympic victory'
Þ
a
the 1,500. The Finnish people were
patting me on the back so long and
so
hard that I wasn't sure I was going to be
abie to compete in the next race."
After the 1948 championships-part
of a stretch where he won four world
gold medals and four silver medals-he
was invited [o compete as part of an
American team in a challenge meet
against a Norwegian team in Hamar, in a
nation that adored speedskaters and all
winter sports athletes.
A l6-year-oId girl named Arnhild
"Vesla" Bekkevoll was part of that
practice my English. I had seen this guy
skate in Hamar, and I decided that he
was goÌng to be my victim," Vesla said.
"I wrote to him in Minneapolis. I think
the address was Johnny Werket,
Minneapolis, USA.'
"This was after the season, he had
gotten back to the U.S., and I really
hadn't expected to get a reply. But he
replied and we started writing back and
forth.
anywhere without a chaperone," Vesla
said. "Those were the strict o1d days."
She watched the meet, and took
particular notice of the small American
Minneapolis.
An Auggie world traveler
races
against the larger competition. When she
got back to her hometown, she returned
to her school and faced an assignment of
Along the way, while competing on a
national and international level, Johnny
found time to complete his studies at
wrlting a letter to a famous person.
"Everyone else chose to write to
Norwegian athletes. But I wanted to
Augsburg. He graduated in 1949, and
like many Auggies at the iime, Iearning
Norwegian was a way of life. It was also
a necessity for
S
Johnn¡ who was
competing often in Scandinavia.
"The Norwegians had a book on
Þ
training for speedskating, but it was in
o
o
à,
Norwegian. So in order to learn what
was 1n the book, I had to learn the
language. In three weeks, I learned the
language," Johnny said.
In addition to his speedskatlng
days, he also competed on Augsburg's
fledgling track and field and cross
country teams. The cross country team
was a conference title competitor during
the early days of the sport, and he
credits the training he needed to
compete as an Auggie as a big part of
L
U
U.
t
OlYñPk
16ñ
"
speedskating season, and the two
arranged a meeting.
The meering developed into a
friendship, the friendship developed
into a romance, and the romance
developed into marriage. Johnny and
Vesla were married in 1951 in
È
t
id¡,
Eventuall¡ one of Johnny's replies
mentioned that he would return to
Hamar to compete in the winter
adoring crowd. She had traveled from
her hometown of Rena, Norwa¡ across
the mountains to Oslo. She was the
chaperone for her older sister and her
boyfriend.
"I went because they were engaged
to be married and you didnt go
competing-and winning-the
ñ
his success
as a speedskater.
"We've been close and
remained close to Augsburg
because, in our days, Augsburg was
a famil¡" said Johnn¡ crediting
then-athletic director Dick Pautz
'37 lor much of his Augsburg
success. "There's a gteat group of
people at Augsburg."
"Augsburg is weil known in
Norwa¡" Vesla said. "The first time
I came to the United States, I came
by ship, a I}-day trip. I got to
know a group of Norwegian
fishermen who were headquartered
out east. They had just been back
to Norway. and were returning to
America for the season. I was 19
years old, all by myself, and some
of the older fellows were
concerned about me.
"They knew my destinaLion
was Minneapolis, and they told me
that Ìf things didn't work out when
I got there, to go and see Gerda
Mortensen at Augsburg College. I
had only known Augsburg because
it was Johnny's school. But they
knew of Augsburg quite well, and
they were concerned about me."
Johnny qualified for the 1952
Olympic team for the Oslo games,
Left: Werket shows off one of the speedskating trophies from his Olympic career.
W¡nter 2001-02
,4ucssunc f\¡ow t3
and the newlyweds again boarded a
ship to cross the Atlantic. The
captain of the ship, who was a big
speedskating fan, recognized Johnny
and moved them from steerage class
to a first-class cabin.
He placed sixth again in
competition at the 1952 games,
after suffering from a severe case of
bronchitis. Three years 1ater, Johnny
was parl of a team that competed in
Moscoq as the world
championships were held behind
the lron Curtain for the first time.
"We were some of the first
Americans to compete in Russia,"
said
Johnn¡ who took along
a
camera for NBC's Today show wlth
Dave Garroway.
By 1956, when he qualifÌed for
an Olympic team for the third time
and competed in Cortina, Ital¡
Johnny could tell that his
competitive career was nearing the
end. Though he qualified for the
American team for the 1960 games
in Squaw Val1ey, Idaho, he withdrew
from the team. He was beginning
his career at Northern States Power
and Johnny and Vesla were starting
a family; the stress had become too
much.
Coaching career
Though his body was unable to
compeie at an Olympic level,
Johnny \¡/as still able to remain close
to the sport he loved. He began
"The Norwegians had a book on training for speedskating, but it was in Norwegian.
So in order to learn what \ruas in the book, I had to learn the language."
-Johnny
coaching young speedskaters, flrst at the
Richfield Speedskating C1ub, and later as
a coach of various junior national teams
and Oiympic teams.
He coached several athletes who
later became greats ln the sport. ln
1967 ,he was the coach of the American
world championship team, where Mary
Meyers won a gold medal. He guided
Dianne Holum to a gold medal in the
1972 Olympics in Sapporo, Japan.
Johnny coached Eric Heiden to
medals in the I97 5 junior world meet,
and was a force behind his ascent to
become a five-time gold medalist at the
Lake PlacÌd Olympics in 1980. Later, he
was introduced to a young skater named
DanJansen; he was a friend of Jansen's
father. He coached Jansen as a junior
skater; Iater, Jansen provided some of
the greatest drama in Winter Olympic
histor¡ when he competed on four
Olympic teams and finally won a gold
medal in 1994, after severai tragic fa1ls
in previous competition.
"I guess I'd rather coach," said
Johnny of his preference between
coaching and competing.
Along the way, he built a 3l-year
career at Northern States Power, starting
as a commercial lighting business
representative and eventually working
his way into an executive position as a
trainer for the company. He retired in
1
983.
Tennis Talent
L
È.
Now, Johnny prefers to 1et his wife's
athletic career take center stage. Vesla
began playing tennis with Johnny and
his frÌends 40 years ago, but back then,
o
à
o
Q
Werket'49
it was a hobb¡ she said.
"I had never played before, but I
really liked it," she said. "I've played
ever since. Today, if I'm without a
o
o
s,
B'
Johnny and Vesla Werket recently celebrated
their golden anniversary in a marriage that
began with a 16-year-old Norwegian girl's fan
letter to a far-off American skater.
racquel and without shoes, I'm in bad
shape. "
The two moved from Minneapolis
in the mid-'80s, afterJohnny
retired from NSP and Vesla retired after
working for l2 years in Christian
education at Diamond Lake Lutheran
Church Ín Minneapolis.
She began to play tennis with
friends in the Phoenix and Sun City
area, eventually joining the "Anything
Over 50 Senior Tennis" club. She has
become one ol the Lop senior tennis
players in the area, competing in
several Senior Olympic events. Her
tennls has taken them across the
country, from CalifornÌa to Florida, for
competitions, and she has earned
dozens of medals and awards for her
r.o Arizona
talent.
"I'm blessed with good health, and I
really enjoy tennis," Vesia said. "Between
our church and our tennis group, that's
our social life. The phone rings and we
go out and play. We could play seven
days a week if we wanted to."
Right: Werket coached U.S. speedskater Dianne Holum to a
gold medal in 1972 at Sapporo, Japan.
14
,4UCSBURC NOW
Winter
2OO1-O2
5
'-!
On a ratrng system from 2.5 to 5.0,
Vesla is currently competing at a 4.0
1eve1,
two spots uncler
t1-re
highest
ranking possible.
Their two sor-rs, John Jr. and Jim, are
grown and work in the Twln Cities, They
have four granclchilclren, one ol whom
may fo1low in his grandfat1-rer's Olympic
footsteps. Youngest grandson Eric is
cLÌrrently a senior soccer player at
Viterbo College in La Crosse, Wis., and
has competed on youth Olympic
development teams in the sport.
hoekey feam
ú
'19;8
The Werkets llve by the mantra that
berng actir,e is the key to belng trlliy
alive
Ê
=
o
.
"We're both goocl lrrovers, and that's
what it talics. We'r'e never been laid up
r,vith illness or sickness," Jol-Lnny saicl
"Berng active is the best thing for
everybody. When yor-r can be actrve, you
can beat almost anybody."
à'
(-)
Right: johnny's wife, Vesla, is now the
winning athlete in the family, enjoying her
successful tennis conrpetition in Arizona.
ALh/OST.OLYMIPIC
by Don Stoner
Twenty years before Johnny Werket's
Olympic victories, Auggie hockey
players were on their way to 5t. Moritz
for the winter games. But, something
happened along the way to
Switzerland...
ln 1926-27 , Augsburg started its
men's ice hockey program, officialll',
though the Auggies had already
dominated local hockey as an unalfiliated
team lor several years.
The 1927 team won the state college
championship ancl repeatecl the feat the
next )/ear, behind the play ol the Hansen
.brotl-rers-Oscar, Emil, Julìus, Joe, ancl
t.
l
Louis-along r.vith goalie Joe "Moose"
Su'anson. ln fact, the 1927-28 team,
coached by future U.S. Hockey Hall oI
Famer Nick Kal-rler, rvas considerecl the
mythical "national chan.rpìons" in the
sport.
The Ar-rgsburg teaÌ11 rvas selectecl
from an impressive group oi canclidaLesir-rcludir-rg Harr,ard, the Ur-rir,ersiLy Clr-rb ol
Boston, and Evele¡h Jr:nior College-br,
the Amateul Athletic Ur.rion's Ice Hockey
Committee to represent the Ur-rited States
in the 1928 Wir-rter O11,r¡1r1.t ,t t,
\4oritz,
Su'itzerlar-rcl.
The onl1, conditior-r that the AAU set
for the Auggie team to be American
Winter
2OO1-O2
representati\¡es to the Olympics was that
the leam woulcl have to raise $4,500half of the cost of sending the team to
was \¡ery upset as u'ell."
The reasons for the sudden
Europe. Kahler organized a furrdraising
efiort, and along rvith friends of ihe
school and the Mrnneapolis Southsicle
Commercial C1ub, easily raised the
money to send the Ar"rggies to the
Olymprcs.
But, just clays beiore the team was to
ciepart for Europe, the Uniteci States
Ol1,¡10i. Comrnittee pulled the rug out
lrom under the local boys, abrr-rptly
cancellrrrg the Olympic plans.
rejection ol the Auggie squad remaln
unclear. Perhaps it was because the
Hansen brothers grew up in Alberta,
Canada, belore moving io the Tivln
Cities. Or the Oly,mpic conrmittee
was influenced by a protest from a
Boston amateur hockey group that
rvantecl to lace Airgsburg in a
challenge match. Whatever the case,
despite the best eflorts of Augsburg
fans lr4ro protested the cancellation,
MacArthur's decision s¡ood.
Oscar, Emll, ancl another
brother, Emory', went on to play
professional hocke;'. Oscar u'as a
charter inductee in¡o the Augsburg
"After r-nuch internal r,r'rangling rvith
the United States Ol1'rlpic Committee,
General Douglas \¡lacAr¡hur, r.l'ho serl'ec1
as the committees chairman, came out
and termed the Auggies'not
representative of Aurerican hocke),,' and
r,etoecl them as theìr choice," u,rote local
author Ross Bernsteìn in hls book, Froz¿n
"i¡4enrtries:
Celebraturg a Ccnttrrv of
\4ínne sota Hoch.ey.
"As a resull, rro U.S. terr'ìl \\'as sent
to the Olyrnpics that year and a dalk
cloucl loomed c'rver âmâteur hockey ln
America. For the bo1,5 f.or.r-r Augsburg,
the nei.r.s was devastatir-rg. The;'hacl been
deprived of tl-reir greatest opportunity lot
international far.ne, and the community
A¡hletic Hall of Fame ìn I973, and
Louis r.l'as selectecl in 1985.
livo ;'s¿¡5 ago, Kahler's
grandson, Jerrl' Regan, donatecl
Kahler's U.S. Hockey Hall of Farne
p¡,lon, rvhich u'as removecl u'hen the
Hall of Fame lvas renovated, to
Augsburg, r.l'here it was placed on
display in the Ar-rgsburg lce Arena
maln rink.
Sfoner is spor.fs
-Don
infor nntion coordinator
,4ucs¡unc ruow t5
a
o
Hoversten Chapel dresses up tn
s.
s'
'öT'fllNe9 GL'"flöö'
by Betsey Norgard
n October, Augsburg participaied in the
month-long visrL [o Minnesota ol Lwo
brolhers from the Taizé community in
pv¿nçs-¿¡ international, ecumenical
community that invites young people from
around the world [o share in experiences
oI living together and serving in
community.
The two brothers fromTaizê visited a
dozen colleges and churches in Minnesota,
leading worship and workshops.
To prepare for this visit, Pastor Dave
Wold and two Augsburg sophomores,
Carolina Chiesa and Maja Lisa
FritzHuspen spent a week in August at the
Taizé community. Students from other
Minnesota colleges had also visited Taizé.
The Tatzê experience is one of
simplicity and meditation. Each week of
the summer, some 3,000-6,000 young
people visit Taizé for a week of daily
prayers (three times a day), discussion
sessions, and communal activitlesserving food, cleanlng, and daily tasks.
The power ol the Taizê experience is
in worship-"a meditative common prayer
I
I
with,
as its high point, singing that never
ends and that continues in the silence of
one's heart when one is alone again," as
the Web site describes it. Worship consists
only of singing, scripture readings, and
the Lord's Prayer.
During daily prayers, the church is
filled with young people sitting on the
floor, holding candles, and singing the
plaintive songs of worship. The rosy light
that filters through stained glass windows,
and the illumination of the candles lend a
soothing, calming, and healing presence,
worshipers attest.
It is rhis atmosphere the Augsburg
to complete.
The painted "windows" were
mounted in the center of lightweight
frames, with pink and orange fabrics on
either side, constructed byJim Usselman.
worship-"a med¡tat¡ve common
prayer with, as its high point, singing that never ends and that continues ¡n
the silence of one's heart when one is alone again."
students sought to replicate for Augsburg's
Taizé visit.
"The difficulty was the sun coming in,
it was too bright," expiained
Chiesa,
thinking of worship planned for
a
o
s.
q
transparencies. With an
overhead projector
For Augsburg's visit from the Taizé Community in France, "stained
glass" windows resembling those of the Taizé church were painted
by campus ministry students. (L to R) Carolina Chiesa, Mary Jo
Zamorâ, Maja Lisa FritzHuspen, Gurayn Sylte, and Naomi Sveom.
Not pictured are Nate Grant and staff member Val Usselman'
,4UCSBURC n¡OW
Taizé.
The power of the Taizé experience is in
Hoversten Chapel.
So, they came up
with a way to replicate
the special light in the
Taizé church. They
returned home with
postcards of the stained
glass windows and
scanned them on
computer. The scans
\Mere then copied to
16
Sophomore Mary Jo Zamora explains the
details of her 1S-hour project to re-create
the St. Francis stained glass window from
displaying the images
onto paper taped to a
door, the students traced
the lines of the stained
glass and then painted
them after the postcard
images-some taking as
many as 15 hours
When fitted i.nto the arched windows of
Hoversten Chapel, indeed a rosy, warm,
dim light transformed the space.
The students were dellghted with the
results.
"It was cool to see the outcome," said
sophomore MaryJo Zamora, "and then
realize that you couldn't have done it
alone."
"Like beautiful icons, the work seems
done through God, instead of just our
own hands," Cheisa added.
Visitors to Augsburg's worship who
had been atTaizê were also visibly moved.
"It took me back to Taizê',I felt as if I were
there," one of the participants said.
The student project has made an
impact. The idea of creatlng a stained glass
look without the real thing was noticed by
a number of people who would like to try
something similar in their own churches.
For these students, however, the
essence oL Taizé came to Augsburg
through its art and song-"Ubi Caritas,
where charity and love are, there is
God also." I
Winter 2001-02
t'
I
l
i
tt
From the Alumni Board president's desk
I
like this iob.
I b.i,',g
president of the
Alumni Board. It
gives me an
excuse to walk
up to Auggieswhether friends
or strangersand ask what
memories they have of this place. Usually I
don't even have to ask, since their
memories quickly spill out.
I went to a seminar for alumni of the
Master of Arts in Leadership program. My
former colleagues were reminiscing about
nights when class would end but they
would continue their discussion, not
wanting the challenging verbal and mental
exercises to end.
The evening Maya Angelou spoke in a
packed Melby Hall, I was walking through
Foss Center with an alumna who paused to
point out her picture on the wall near the
Green Room. Her memories of Augsburg's
theatre productions glimmered in her smile.
I drove to Rochester one Sunday to
hear Augsburg's Gospel Praise perform at
Bethel Lutheran Church. I asked one of our
gifted musicians what he liked best about
Augsburg. Without hesitarion, he
mentioned the names of faculty members.
He told me they care, they like ro teach,
and they do it well.
I listened to Neal Thorpe'60 when he
received a Distlnguished Alumnus Award ar
Homecoming in October. He remembered
Peter (PA.) Strommen 'I3, the first of more
than 30 Strommen famiþ members to
attend Augsburg. Thorpe shared how his
life and career were influenced by
Strommen's dedication to Augsburg.
My own memories of student teaching
flooded back to me as I congratulated Marie
McNeff at Homecoming for receiving a
Spirit of Augsburg Award. She was my
student teaching adviser-and I needed all
the advising she could give.
r¡¡
The Augsburg experience has left us
with powerful memories that can seem as
real today as when we first lived them.
However, let's not forget that our alma mater
is still creating memorable experiencer-and
notjust for current students. There are
opportunities for alumni to build new
memories through Augsburgb music,
theatre, exhibits, sports, and seminars. See
the calendar on the back page or look at our
Web site. When you're in the Twin Cities,
attend an event. Ifyou now live far from
here, help us bring Augsburg to you
through a regional alumni gathering.
I like my old Auggre merriories, but the
new ones I'm creating today at Augsburg
are pretty good, too. Please join me.
eru+
Jackie (Ituiefel) Lind'69,'94 MAL
President, Alumni Board
Three alumni honored for outstanding
professional contributions
Augsburg alumni were recentþ
honored for their extraordinary
fhree
I
professional
contributions.
MichaelW. Walgren'64
t
received a Philanthropy
Day Award ìn November
from the Minnesota
Chapter of the
Association of
Fundraising Professionals
(AFP). Honored for outstanding professional
fundraising, Walgren's 37-year career spans
public service as a fundraiser and
administrator in a variety of community
organ2ations, he is currentþ at Children's
Hospitals and Clinics Foundation. He was
also a staff member at Augsburg for 16
years, serving in various roles, including
both director of the annual fund and
director of public relations.
Winter
2OO1-O2
byLynnMena
Walgren's nomination was supported
by several professional fundraisers and AFP
members attesting to his generous gifts of
time, talent, and treasures, as well as to the
funds he has raised to benefit his current
and past employers in pursuit of building a
better community
The Rev. Roger Gordon'61 received a
2001 Tempe Human Relations Commission
Diversity Award from the City of Tèmpe
(Ariz.). Since founding Tèmpe's King of
Glory Lutheran Church in 1969, Gordon
has preached and modeled a life of
acceptance, honoring diversity, embracing
inclusiveness, and respecting all people.
Because
ofhis conscious
awareness of
community issues, Gordon has led King of
Glory's involvement in many outreach
prqects that aid diverse populations,
including Habitat for Humanity, La Mesira
Famiþ Shelter, andPaz de Cristo Homeless
Shelter.
The Rev. James S. Hamre '53 of Forest
City, Iowa, received a Concordia Historical
lnstitute Award of Commendation for his
piece, "George Sverdrup's Expression of a
Lutheran Restoration in America," which
appeared in the spring 2000 issue of
Lutheran Quarterþ.
A professor emeritus at Waldorf
College, Hamre's piece was selected on the
basis of specific criteria. Of the great
number of nominations, only 12 were
chosen for awards. The committee grants
awards to congregations, agencies, boards,
or individuals for a historical publication,
unique contributions to Lutheran
literature, or for personal service in the
field of Lutheran archival and historical
work and support.
.,,lucsnunc
ruow
fl
Augsburg on Parade
o
a
H
F
Joe Young, director of Augsburg's Pan-Afrikan Student Services (far right), brought together
students and alumni for the first Pan-Afrikan alumni-student basketball game.
o
Ê
s.
(J
a
s
Jane Vogler'95 (L) and Ari McKee'92 (both
recent fec¡p¡ents of The Loft creative
Nonfiction Mentorship Award) attended the
English alumni luncheon and reading.
Junior Jamie Smith, Auggie wide receive¡;
helped lead Augsburg to a 50-14 victory over
Macalaster College.
Augsburg alumni gathered with their
instruments for the Concert Band and Jazz
Band reunion and alumni concert.
ss
*J
s
.J
two Auggie fans enjoyed the
Homecoming football game against
These
The Augsburg Spirit Squad pumped up the crowd at the annual pre-game picnic.
18
4UCSSURC f{OW
Macalaster.
Winter 2001-02
(J
6
E
-l
Mike Savold '72, son of Mayo Savold, was invited as guest
conductor for the Augsburg Concert Band and alumni concert,
which paid tribute to Mayo, director of the Augsburg College Band
Four alumni were honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award, which
was presented by President William V. Frame. Pictured, L to R: George 5.
Dahlman '72, Kathleen D. Lake'76, President Frame, Neal O. Thorpe'60,
and Burton R. Fosse'44.
from 1952-1973.
a
o
o
a
s.
q-r
!
q
Vt
s'
The business administration faculty greeted alumni at the business
department reunion.
s'
Alumni enjoyed the misty autumn scenery at the¡r own pace during the
first Homecoming 5K Mississippi run/walk along the r¡ver.
(J
(J
B
s
ss
.t
\s
J
_l
U
r
Students showed their Auggie spirit at the
Homecoming game.
Bill Halverson '51 signed copies of his book,
Edvard Grieg: Diaries, Articles, and Speeches,
in the Alumni Gallery; he generously donated
the proceeds of 100 copies to Augsburg. He
Students celebrated the Auggies'victory over
Macalaster.
and his wife, Marolyn (Sortland)'51, received
a Spirit of Augsburg Award at the
Homecoming Dinner,
Winter 2001-02
,4ucs¡uRc ¡rlow
19
Homecoming and Family Week 200f
Augsburg on Parade
t
E
m
Recipients of Augsburg's
new Distinguished Service Award
to R) RoW 1 (children): Max
Strommen family
Strommen, Lauren Smith, Eric Smith, Jeffrey Smith,
Peter Strommen. ROW 2: Dean Olson, Nancy
(Strommen) Stensvaag. Gladys (Boxrud) Strommen,
Helen Strommen, Luther O. Strommen, Timothy R.
Strommen, Judy (Knudson) Strommen, Merton
Strommen. ROW 3: Marsha Olson, Chynne Strommen,
Becky Stensvaag, Lisa Smith. Mary Ellen (Strommen)
Liebers, Heidi Strommen, lrene (Huglen) Strommen.
ROW 4: Steve Strommen, Bob Strommen, Andrea
(Johnson) Strommen, Paul Strommen. Dave Smith,
Peter Strommen, James Strommen, John Strommen.
ROW 5: Hans Strommen, Jude Leimer, Bjorn
Strommen, Kate Liebers, Erik Strommen, Annelise
lrene Strommen, Dawn (Hofstad) Strommen.
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Golden Anniversary Class of 1951
(L to R) ROW 'l (seated): Doris Frojen
Bretheim, Gloria Johnson Johnson,
James E. Christopherson, Herbert C,
Svendsen, Elly Ewert Hutchinson.
Marolyn Sortland Halverson, Bill
Halverson, John Eliason. ROW 2:
Quentin Johnson, Kathryn Thorsgard
Erickson, Ellen Stenberg Erickson,
Marvel Moe Anderson, Dolores Flaa
Bjerga, Joan Baxter Larson, Dorothy
Swanson Ryan, Alice Berg Wilcox,
Audrey Nagel Sander, Calvin Storley,
Shirley Larson Goplerud. ROW 3: Leola
Ekblad Johnson, Dan Pearson, Lillian
Ysteboe Ose, Jerry Peterson, Glen
Hendrickson, A. Richard Petersen,
James Bergeland, Trygve F. Dahle. ROW
4: Harland Nelson, Herbert C. Hanson,
Dick Myhre, John Garland, Jennings
Thompson, Hubert Carl Hanson,
Kerman Benson, Arden Ramlo.
Winter 2001-02
À
of 1961 (L to R) ROW 1 (seated): Glenna
Shogren Briant, Curt Haney, Pat Swanson
Kreuziger, Lloyd Bakke, Marilyn Saure
Breckenridge, Marie Gjerde Schlink, Winnie
Nordlund Anderson, Bruce M. Westphal, ROW
2: Jim Holden, Phyllis Acker, Verna Stokke
Tweiten, Judy Fosse Snider, Carol Oversvee
Johnson, Leola Dyrud Furman, Pat Nordlund
Toussaint. ROW 3: Rolf Peterson, Keith Leiseth,
George Larson, Larry Gallagher, Ted Botten,
Arlan Johnson, Dennis Kalpin.
class
G@
class of 1976 (L to R) ROW 1 (seated):
Randy Casper, Sheryl Lium Wilhelm, Sharon
Follingstad, Joyce Larson Brown, Deb
Thomson Grant, Jane Litzau Stritesky, Janet
Nelson Anderson, Steve Olson. ROW 2:
Minda Grist Squadroni, Peggy Pepper
Casper, Diane Forsberg Anderson, Belvin
Doebbert, Janice Sedgwick Larson, Wendy
Hoversten Larson, Susan Donart, ROW 3:
Warren Hawkins, Gary J. Andersen, Joel
Squadroni, Steve Reinarz, Debbie
Harshman Forsythe, Doug Nelson. ROW 4:
Tim Peterson, Timm "Titus" Peterson,
Randy Lundell, Dean Myers, Ken Larsen,
David Halaas.
of 1991 (Lto R) ROW 1 (seated): Phillip Smith, Greg Schnagel, Mark
Brodin, Tomm Hanson, David L. Johnson, Agbeko Agbenyiga. ROW 2:
Margaret Buczynski, Tasha Topka Kallal, Kristin Dragseth Wiersma,
Kristen Hirsch, Carla Asleson, Darbi Worley, Cathy Springhorn.
Class
W
photo of your reunion class, contact the
Alumni/Parent Relations office at 612-330-1178 or 1-800-260-6590.
To order a 5x7
Cost is $7.SO/photo.
Winter 2001-02
,4ucs¡unc ruow
21
1
m
Saving the real "Private Ryan"
939
The Rev. Palmer Wold and Ruth
(Gudim)'41, Mankato, Minn.,
recentiy celebrated their óOth
wedding anniversary They have five
children, 10 grandchildren, and
1999, Chester Brooks'42 attencled a paratrooper reunion in
Green Bay, Wis., where he learned he had parricipated in a World
War lI n-rissron that 1ed to the recovery of soldrer Fritz Niland-the
real "Private Ryan" from the film SavingPrivate Ryan.
Wolds retired to Mankato after 51
years of active ministry in the
Lu¡heran Church, and spend their
winters in Mesa, Ariz.
Philip Horne, Palo Aho, Calif.,
and his wife, Eveiyn, returned to
Minnesota this past summer to
visit his sister, Thea (Horne)
1945
B. R. Quanbeck and Helen N.
London.
1954
"l volunteered
Lloyd E. Peterson, Pewaukee,
Wis., retired in 19BB after 3I years
Lorraine
(Osberg)
Stickney,
becanse
it was something different," Brooks
and Jean
22
Lutheran Church.
4UCS¡URC ruOW
ñ
Chester Brooks'42, pictured
here with his bride, Ebba
(Johnson) '42, participated in a
WWll mission that Ied to the
of the real "Private
says.
"I thor-rght if I was going to be in the Army,
While waiting to return to England rn July, a declaration to avoìd the
wipeout of an entire family during war was made. Sergeant Nlland,
one of four children, was approached by Chaplain Sampson and
inlormed that two of his brothers had been killed and the third taken
prisoner. Niland would be returning home. Niland insisted that he
wanted to stay, that hls family was with the paratroopers. As Brooks
describes it, ln the paratroopers, you depend strongly on one another.
a
L)
(Amland)'65, Willmar, Minn.,
aL Calvary
tr'¡
grounds, Brooks' men discovered that other American troops, the 506th regiment, were nearby This
regrment, which included Sergeant Fritz Niland, returned to the farm with Brool<s and his men. For several
days, listening to BBC Broadcast radio, the men soon learned that
o
o
Carentan had been taken over by ally troops. It was then that they
sr
knew it was safe to cross back to their unit.
à
1964
is the director of Christian education
8T:
Hlding his troops in the hedge of a church graveyard, Brooks sneakecl into a nearby town to determine
their location. A priest at a local church instructecl Brooks to take his troops north where the Germans had
flooded the fields. Hlding out until dark, Brooks and his troops crossed the open fields and were soon met
by the captain of the French underground, who then took the men to hrs farm. During a patrol of the
Standish, Maine,
er¡oyed spending time with family
when they led a group of 20
relatives to Norway inJune. Andrew
is director of social work at Willmar
Regional Tieatment Center and Jean
ru
Brooks, responsible for training new paratroopers, was assigned with his 50lst regiment to parachute into
Normandy the night before the ìnfamous invasion. Because their jump occurred in the mlddle of the night,
their intended target, just north of the Douve River in France, became obsolete, when the brigade landed
25 miles south of the Douve. Not aware of therr physìcal location, Brooks recalls leading his 14 men south
on the river-the opposite direction of their unit headquarters located in Carentan, France.
958
Andrew M. Berg
I
I wanted to clo something new."
of teaching and coaching at Custer
High School in Milwaukee.
Southem Maine Excellence in
TeachingAward, and in 1999 she
was named teacher of the year by
the southern Maine Sam's
Wholesale CIub.
L
U
A history major from Augsburg, Brooks deferred the clraft inJanuary lttï:tt
of 1942 to finish his degree . After graduating in June of that same
year, he enhsted in the Army and completed 13 weel<s of training in Camp Wheeler, Ga. He volunteered to
become a paratrooper and jolned the 501st Parachute Regiment of the lOlst Arrborne Division, which
required an addltional month of training.
(Nichols) '44 recently moved to
Monticello, Minn., from New
years as a high
schobl librarian and occasional
English teacher. In 1989 she was
presented the University of
e'
After the reunlon, Blooks began researching \ÀNIL Hls research
culminated in a book, The Last'Good' War. Althor-rgh not pr-rblished,
his book tncludes his personal experiences during the war, and was
written primarlly for his family
Carpenter'39.
retired in June
1999 afrer 4I
S.
NÌlancl's dar.rghter, who had traveled to the rellnion from
Anchorage, Alaska, talked to the paratroopers about her father's
experience. The youngest of lour brothers from New York, trvo of
Niland's brothers were ki1led on D-Day, r.vhile another went
n-rissing rn action in Burma and rvas presumed dead, althor-rgh he
actually survived. As dictated by a last-sr"rrviving sibllng 1aw, both
the fictional Ryan and the real Niland were ordered rescued and
taken out of the combat zone.
1940
æ
bycheriechrist
ln
seven great-grandchildren. The
1
¡¡
o
(t
Chester '42 and Ebba (Johnson)
'42 Brooks recently celebrated
their 55th wedding
anniversary,
Brooks, an Augsburg Distingulshed Alun.rnus, retired in l9B3 after
33 years with the National Park Service. He and his wife, Ebba
Çohnson) '42, recently celebrated their 55th wedding enniversary.
They live ln Duluth, Wis., and have four children (two of whom
attended Augsburg), 12 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.
-Cherie
Chríst is a communiccttion specialist in the
public rtlations olfice
W¡nter 2001-O2
,-t
1
956
1
983
Sandra (Edstrom) Hamberg,
Dave Meslow,
Carlsbad, N.Mex., was selected as
officiated the Arena Football
League Championship semi-finaÌ
game played on nationâl TV; he
also officiates Division I coilege
football in the Atlantic Coast
the new administrator for St.
Edwards School in Carlsbad.
1
968
Diane Tiedeman, Richfield,
Minn., recently completed her
33rd year of teaching for
Bloomington Public Schoois.
1970
Dave Mikelson recently moved
his home and office to GaÌena, Ill.,
where he is an associate with
Burger, Carroll and Associates (a
management and information
technology consulting services
firm). He will be concentrating on
human services and WIC
consulting.
1974
Ward
C.
Schendel,
TaÌlahassee, Fla.,
Conference. ln addition, he is a
senior govemment sales
representative for 3M, where he
was previously a college reìations
recruiter and helped develop the
cooperative education program.
Douglas Nakari, Finland,
Minn., is business mânager at
Wolf Ridge Environmental
Learning Center; his wife, the
Jean Taylor, Eagan, Minn., was
1984
named president of Täylor
Corporation in October; she was
previously the company's
executive vice president. She is
also a member of Augsburg's
Board of Regents, where she
serves as chair o[ the Marketing
Committee.
Beth A. Zeilinger, Lino Lakes,
Minn., was invited to share her
personal refìections on how her
faith has provided a foundation
for her life and her life's work in
the October issue of Lutheran
'Woman Today.
She is vice
president of operations at the
Upcoming reg¡onal alumni gatherings
son, Christopher.
Êq
L
Green ValleyÆucson, Arizona . March 14,2002
At the home of Herb '54 and Corrine Chilstrom
Cit¡ Arizona. March
L5,2002
11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the home of Borgie Rhol1 Gabrielson'47
Chicago, Illinois
. March 16,2002
follow.
Naples, Florida
. March
alumni
24,2002
NT!]IIIIIMTZ
Discover Norwegian
Treasures and Heritage
The Augsburg Coliege Alumni Association Awards and Recognition
Committee seeks your assistance in identifying members of the
Augsburg community to be considered lor recognirron for the
following awards:
Join President and Mrs.
William V Frame and
Minn., was named executive
director o[ Schools for Equity in
Education (SEE) in August. For
Professor Frankie Shackelford
Jnne L3-24,2002. Ca1l the
First Decade Award
the past 1I years, Lundell has
provided policy development and
Iobbpng servìces for a variety of
education-related organ izations,
alumni office at 612-330ì ì78 or .t-800-2ó0-o590 for
more information.
Spirit of Augsburg Award
1979
Sharon Lak¡n Upton, Raleigh,
N.C., is the new director of
development research at North
Ca¡oÌina State University
Winter 2001-O2
will be a dinner
CaII 1-800-260-6590 Jor more details on these events.
1975
SEE.
Augsburg âlums gathered
at the Oyster Bar in New
York city in september'
The Augsburg Concert Band will perform at Emmanuel Lutheran Church at 7 p.m. There
for band members, alumni, and friends prior to the concert.
Brad Lundell, Minnetonka,
including
9\
Gospel Praise, Augsburg's jazz and gospel ensemble, will perform during
the 10:45 a.m. worship servlce at Vrnje Lutheran Church followed by a
luncheon for Augsburg alumni and friends.
The Augsburg Orchestra wlll perform, lollowed by a reception for
and friends. More details on locatlon will
Iicensed attorney, Schendel also
holds the CPCU designation. He
and his wife, Catherine, have one
o
3
o
Willmar, Minnesota . February 24,2002
formation of The
Integrity Têam, a
Federation, the Institute for
Global Ethics, and hosts the radio
program Commentary Friday. A
985
1
Zion Lutheran Church.
Sun
active ìn the International Coach
Rev.
Lynda Hadley, serves as pastor of
Roseville, Minn.,
recently
announced the
professional coaching and business
ethics consulting practice. He is
National lnstitute on Media and
the Family in Minneapolis.
on a journey through Norway
Upcoming Norway Tour
Information Meeting
February ì0, 2002, 2 p.m
Marshall Room
Christensen Center
RSVP required; please call one
oJ the numbers
listed
above
.
Distinguished Alumni Award
To rnake a nomination online or to view the description/criteria for
each award, go to <www.augsbr"rrg.edu/a1umni,/nomform>.
To recieve a nomlna[ion packet, contact:
Office of AlumniÆarent Relations
Phone: 612-330-1 t78 or I-800-260-6590
E-mail: alumni@ar-rgsburg. edr-r
The deadline for nominations for 2002 is March 15,2002
4ucs¡unc n¡ow
23
Class Notes
m
Geoffrey Carlson Gage:
Creating his own path by Lynn Mena
Two years ago, Geoffrey Carlson Gage '89 fulfilled a llfelong dream and started his own advertising agency, Geoffrey
Carlson Gage LLC. Located on the edge of Lake Minnetonka in Excelsior, Mìnn., GCG is a cozy and whimsical suite
of offices, housing Gage and three other employees.
linn as a "traditronal advertising agency with an In[ernet twist." He prides his agency wrth offering
uniquely personable, strategically creative, print and electronlc sen.rce combrnation. "Itb our goal to become as
seamless and integrated with our client as possible, in essence becoming their brand advertising department or a
complementary extension of their existing internal department," Gage says.
Gage describes his
a
Geoffrey Carlson Gage '89
Prior to starting CGC, Gage was corporate communications manager at his father's company, Gage Marketing Group.
Before rhat he was a copyr,vriter for Campbell Mrthun Esty.
Growing up, Gage lvas blessed with strong mentors, inclr,rding his grandfather, Carlson Companies founder Curt
Carlson, and his mom and dad, Barbara and Edwin "Skip" Gage. As a student at Augsburg in the 1980s, Gage's entrepreneurial spirit was clearly evrdent
He sold, developed, and created advertising for the student-run newspaper, the Augsburg Echo, and also developed a campaign to increase attendance at
Augsburg hockey games. In addition, he landed an internship durÌng his junlor year at a small Minneapolis agency ca11ed Grant and Palombo
Advertising, which secured his love for advertising.
Today, Gage continues to stay actively involved
with the College, generously donating both his time and resources. He most recently sewed on the
Augsburg N ow Alumni Advisory Committee.
Gage fulfilled another lifelong dream when, along with his father and his brothers Rick and Scott, jolned the ownership pool of the Minnesota Wild
hockey team. "lt has been really fulfilllng to be part of bringing NHL hockey back to Minnesota where I'm completely convinced it belongs," Gage says.
Gage and his wife, Kelly, a successful art historian and co-owner of CGC, have a son and a daughter-6-year-o1d twrns. He credits fatherhood
with
adding perspective to his life . "As adults, 1 think we frequently overcomplicate things ... seeing the world through the eyes of our kids rea11y helps me
clearly focus on the essence of life." For Gage and his family this "essence of life" is a motivating factor for their extenslve involvement with the
community, including their church, St. Therese of Deephaven, and numerous charities.
he'11 be able to look back and feel that he made a difference in people's lives "The most satisfylng aspect of what I'm dolng is
spending the hours God has blessed me with each day dolng something that I love and am glfied at," Gage says. "If I can look back at our buslness and
know it made a positive difference in my 1ife, the lives o[ our employees, and the lives of our clients, then the time and effort it took startlng and
building this business will have been worth rt."
Ultimatel¡ Gage hopes
To contact Geofftey Gage,
1
or to learn more abouthis comp(uly, go online to <www.gcgage .com>.
988
Mark Cummings, Belle Mead,
NJ., is vice president of sales for
NaviSys, an insurance software
compâny He previously held
several positions at Prudential.
Michael F. Larson, Bosron,
accepted a position as a clinical
instructor in the child and
adolescent psychiatry department
at Haward Medical School. He also
serves as an attending psychiatrist
at Somerville Hospital and has
been elected to a three-year term
on the Board of Directo¡s of the
New England Council on Child
and Adolescent Psychiatry He has
pubÌished several book chapters,
which appear in a comprehensive
series of online medical texts at
<eMedicine.com>.
a
,4ucsnunc n¡ow
1
990
1991
f 993
Karen J. Reed,
Patricia (Noren) Enderson, Elk
Dana Ryding, Coon Rapids,
Atascadero,
Calif., was a
presenter at. the
River, Minn., accepted a position
as marketing coordinator
Minn., married Jeff Martin in
June. She and her husband teach
in the Mounds View Schooi
National
America Music
Therapy
conference in October (held in
Pasadena). A music therapist at
Atascadero State Hospital, she
spoke on the use of gospel music
with the forensic psychiatric
population.
Velda Stohr, White
Bear
Township, Minn., received a
Master of Arts in Human Resource
Development with a certÍfÍcate in
instructional design from the
University of St.Thomas.
for
Dealers Group, Inc., in Brooklyn
Park. She is also working toward
master's degree in business
communication at the University
of St. Thomas.
a
1992
Matthew L. Maunu, St. Cloud,
Minn., received his doctorate in
medicine from the University of
Minnesota School of Medicine,
and completed a five-year surgical
residency at the University of
South Alabama College of
Medìcine in Mobile. He is a
general surgeon with CentraCare
Clinic in St. Cloud.
District at Bel Air Elementary.
1994
Amber (Meier) Tarnowski
reports that'Augsburg prepared
me weli" for postgraduate studies
at Queen's University in Canada.
She is in her first year in the art
conservation master's program,
speciaÌizing in archaeological
artifacts.
Sara Trumm, Minneapolis,
recently became program
coordinator for Luther Seminaryb
Global Mission Institute.
Winter 2001-02
M
Meet the Augsburg Class of
2002 and recent grads at the
second annual
Augsburg Alumni Job Fair
Tuesda¡ March 12, 2002
5-8 p.m.
Christensen Center Lobby
Täke advantage of this
opportunity to match the talents
and experience of Augsburg
graduates
with the needs of
your compan)¿ Call Alumni
Relations at 612-330-117 B to
reserve your table space.
f995
Dawn C. Van Tassel, Richfield,
Minn., recently became an
associate at the law firm Maslon
Edelman Borman 6¡ Brand, LLP
She is a member of the firm's
litigation team, specializing in
complex commercial disputes and
business to¡ts.
1
Laura (Paul), Minneapolis,
married Andrew Newton in
September 1999; she is an urban
tribal representative and Indian
child welfare social worker for the
Mille l¿cs Band of Ojibwe.
Jeanne Nicole Ramacher,
September 2000.
1997
Laura Schreifels, Minneapolis, is
an athletic t"rainer [or Visitation
High School, she also works at
United Hospital.
998
Ânn (Rohrig) Bainter,
Stow,
Ohio, accepted a position as rhe
foster home developer for the Bair
Foundation, a Christian
therapeutic loster care agency She
and her husband celebrated their
second wedding anniversary in
August.
Heather (Larsen), Brooklyn
Park, Minn., married Wayne
Johnson in November 2000.
August "Auggie" Negele,
Goose Creek, SC, married Lisa
(Daniels) '99 in August 2000. He
is an officer in the Navy and is
finishing training ro become a
nuclear engineer on a submarine.
Winter 2001-02
grandmother Gwen (Johnson)
George Ho '91 and his wife,
Krapf '58.
Beryl, Greenbelt,
Sue (Moenck) '90 and Jerry
Troutman, Minnetonka, Minn.a daughter, Renee, in November
2000. She joins older sister Elsie.
Joelle (Audette) '91 and Tom
Hilfers, Colorado Springs,
Victoria Sadek, W
Colo.-
Joshua Thomas, in
August. He joins older brother
Cameron, 2. Joelle and Tom own
a son,
Top Dog Daycare.
Md.-a
son,
Gregory, inJuly Ho received his
Ph.D. in space physics from the
University of Maryland in l99B;
he is a research scientist at Johns
Hopkins University's Applied
Physics Laboratory
Rebecca (Leininger)'99 and
Jason Walters, St. Michael,
Minn.-a
daughter, Madelyn
Diane, in September.
She
joins
older siste¡ Samantha, 2.
Minneapolis, is a health educator at
the University of St. Thomas.
tItrltif.ilfTt
Sr. Paul, is
pursuing a graduate degree in
teaching at St. Mary's in Winona.
She married Craig Berre in October
2000 and work as an English
teache¡ and department chair at
Minnesota Business Academy
2000
Augsburg Athletics
Alumni can now hear live coverage of Augsburg athletics from anywhere
in the world through the lntemet!
On game days, fans can go to Augsburgb athleûc Web site at
<www.augsburg.edu/athletics> and click on the live audio link to find
the link to the live spofiing event broadcast that day Future cybercasts
will include numerous winter and spring sporting events.
Carrie D.
Nelson,
Sr.
Louis Park,
Minn., is
director of
996
Lynnel (Wakef ield), Eagan,
Minn., married Ian Taylor in
1
He graduated from the Naval
Nuclear Power Tiaining Command
in April, and graduated f¡om the
Naval Nuclear Prolotype Training
Unit in November.
therapeutic
recreation at
Bloomington
Health Ca¡e and Rehabilitation
(pictured above, Carrie Nelson'00
and her fiancé, Cory Bock'98).
Chris Steffen, Andover, Minn., is
pursuing a graduate degree at the
University of Minnesota School of
Public Health, and has spent the
last year conducting neuroscience
research at the University of
Minnesota.
TUESDAY. IANUARY 15
DIXIE'S CALHOUN, 2730W. L¿ke St., Minneapoiis, 612-9205000
Auggie Hour, 5-6:30 p.m. Faculty host: Tom Morgan, interim vice
president for admissions and enrollment services.
TUESDAY. FEBRUARY 12
VINE PARK BREWING CO.,242 West Seventh St., St. Paul,
651-228-1358
Auggie Hour, 5-ó:30 p.m.
Auggie Conversations, 6:30 p.m., featuring Chris Kimball, dean of
the College, and Kristin Anderson, associate professor of art.
MARCH
II
200r
SHERLOCK'S HOME, 11000 Red Ci¡cle Dr., Minnetonka,
Cassandra Herold, Fargo,
952-931-0203
N.Dak., was appointed to the
Minnesota String and Orchestra
Auggie Hour, 5-6:30 p.m.
Teachers Association; she is an
Auggie Conversations, 6:30 p.m., featuring Cass Dalglish,
elementary orchestra teacher in the
Willmar School District.
associate professor of English.
APRIL 23
AUGSBURG COLLEGE, Minneapolis Room
Births/Adoptions
Caroline (Krapf ) '87 and Brian
Clifford, Hellertown, P¿.-¿ 5en,
Curtis William, in March. He
joins older brother HaydenJoseph
and is welcomed by his
Auggie Conversations, noon luncheon featuring John Cerrito,
assistant professor of business administration/MIS.
SATURDAY, MAY
II
AUGSBURG DAY AT COMO PARK, wrap up a grear year of fun
and conversation; watch your mail for more information.
4ucssuRcirow
25
I
Carl Chrislock, alumnus and
professor emeritus, dies at 84
t
Cälå".u,,
1937 Augsburg
graduate and
professor emeritus
EE
of history died in
September after a
courageous battle
with cancer.
Chrislock joined the history
department in 1952, where he remained for
34 years. In addition to teaching and
research, Chrislock served as department
chair. In the 1960s, he played a key role in
restructuring the history program, reducing
its emphasis on European history in favor of
the non-Western world and seeking to
provide history students with a variety of
seminar opportunities.
ln addition to numerous scholarly
articles, Chrislock's published materials
include From Fjord to Freeway , a centennial
history of Augsburg College, and The
Progressíve Era in Minnesota, for which he
received a Merit Award from the State and Local
Association of American Historians.
Chrislock is a two-tlme recipient o[ the
Minnesota Historical Society's SolonJ. Buck Award
for articles inMinnesotaHistory, and is a 1986
Distinguished Alumnus of Augsburg. He was also
most of his life. He was president of the First
National Bank of Cedar Falls (now
Norwest/Wells Fargo) until his retirement in
1979. He was also founder, and president for
two years, of the Midway Bank (now Union
Planters Bank)
in Cedar Falls.
Messerer was inducted into the Augsburg
Athletic Hall of Fame in 1975. As a student,
he was a member of the College's football,
basketball, and baseball teams. In 1937,he
and two classmates founded a student-run
athletic support group that later evolved into
the Alumni A-Club, now one of the largest
athletic alumni organizations in Minnesota.
Both Messerer and his wife, Lucille, have
been active supporters of the College,
26.4UCSSUnCNOW
victim of the
September 11
terrorist attacks,
dies at 57
I
named the Augsburg Distinguished Faculty
Membe¡ of the Year by the 1971 graduating class,
and was included on the University of Minnesota's
1994 roster of Alumni of Notable Achievement. In
addition, he was chosen as one of the Outstanding
Educators of America, selected for his exceptional
service, achievements, and leadership in the field
t. Col. Dean E.
LMattson
died
September 11, a victim
of the terrorist attack at
the Pentagon in
Washington, D.C. A
1966 graduate o[
of education.
Chrislock was frequently consulted by the
media for his expertise on issues relating to
Minnesota history and politics. He was a member
of the American Historical Association, the
Augsburg, family
members and friends
describe Mattson as a
devoted family man who never liked to boast
about his position as an Army officer at the
Organization of American Historians, the
Minnesota Historical Society, and the NorwegianAmerican Historical Society. After his retirement in
1986, he was active as a teacher with Augsburg's
College of the Third Age.
Pentagon.
Hoyt Messerer, alumnus and
active supporter of the College,
dies at 83
lJ on Messerer, Class of 1939, died in May
I lin Cedar Falls, Iowa, where he had spent
Dean Mattsotl,
endowing scholarships for musicians and
physical education students. In addition to
support for his alma mater, Messerer also
supported the University of Northem lowa's
Athletic Club, which he helped originate in
1963. He was also instrumental in UNI's
building of the UNI-Dome a quarter-century ago.
Messerer was past president of the Cedar
Falls Chamber of Commerce, a founder of the
Industrial Development Association (now Cedar
Falls Industrial ParÐ, and a charter and
founding member of the Cedar Falls Country
Club. He was also a well-known football and
basketball official in northern lowa.
In June, Augsburg posthumousþ honored
Messerer at a ceremony that included the official
The Rev. Mark E. lHall'77 officiated at a
memorial service for Mattson Sept. 29 at Luck
Lutheran Church in Luck, Wis. Major General
Anders Aadland presented posthumous U.S.
Army awards, including the Purple Heart.
Senior Executive Services OfficerJoel Hudson
spoke on behalf of the Pentagon staff. A
military honor guard, legion gun salute, taps,
and U.S. Army Ilag presentation followed the
service.
Mattson was born March 30, 1944, in
Laketown Township, rural Luck. He graduated
from Luck High School in 1962 and went on to
study religion and education at Augsburg. After
graduating in 1966, he was drafted into the
Army and served in German¡ Japan, and
Vietnam, but was sent back to the United States
after becoming ill with malaria. After
recuperating, he continued to work with the
govemment, and served in the Pentagon for 15
years. At the end of December 2001, Mattson
would have retired from the Army after serving
his country for 35 years and achieving the rank
of lieutenant colonel.
Although most recently a resident of
Alexandria, Va., Mattson kept in close contact
with family members in his hometown. "He
was dedicated to his family and regularly
visited his home and relatives," said Rev Hall.
dedication of the Hoyt Messerer Fitness Center
in Melby Hall (see p. 2).
Winter 2OO142
,)
Fritjof "Fritz" E. Christensen
'28, Northfield, Minn., died in
October; he was 94. He began his
academic career teaching high
school physics, and later taught at
Augsburg, where he helped
establish the physics deparrment.
In 1953, he joined the St. Olaf
College physics faculty, serving
until his retiremenr in 1972. He
also served as a physicist at
Honeywell, the Veterans
Administration Hospital, and
served as director o[ the Center for
Educational Apparatus in Physics
ât the American Institute of Physics
in New York.
The Rev. C. Rodney
Rosengren'44, Duiuth, Minn.,
died in October; he was 87. He
most. recently served at. First
Covenant Church in Virginia,
Minn., where he retired in 1979.
He also served parishes in Cokato,
Minn., and Ripon, Calif. After
retirement he served as an interim
pastor in various congregations.
Arnold H. Huus'48,
Richfield,
Minn., died in October; he was
80. A decorated World War II
veteran, he .joined Gamble-
Skogmo Company in 1928 as an
accountant, and eventually ran the
entire computer department. He
also worked as an accountant and
controller for Sweden-House,
Country Kitchen, and Magnetic
Data, where he became their first
retiree.
Carl K. Benson '51, Willmar,
Minn., died inJune; he was 71.
He was instrumental
in
developing the Anderson-Nelson
Athletic Field in the I9B0s,
serving as co-chairman on the
development and [undraising
committee. He was also active in
the county and state Democratic
Party and was named 1992 Grass
Roots Volunteer of the Year
Talvryn Tischer'59, Eau Claire,
Wis., died in October; he was 64.
He was a high school physical
education teacher and coach for
30 years, retiring in 1993. He was
an avid woodworker, gardener,
and reader; he especÍalìy loved
spending time with his family at
Lake Superior.
Donald D. Ronning'65,
Stiìlwater, Minn., died in March
2000; he was 56. He retired from
and photos!
Street address
Please tell us about the news in
your 1ife, your new job, move,
marriage, and births. Don't forget
to send photos!
City
For news of a death, lvritten
notice is reqr-rired, e.g. an obituary,
funeral notice, or program from a
memorial semce.
Send your news items, photos, or
change of address by mail to:
ls
this a new address?
women, and at the time of her
death, was working for the U.S.
Labor Department to open its new
Center for l-abor Exchange in
Wells, Minn., died in August of
cardiac failure; she was 54. An
elementary and adaptive physical
education teacher for the past 14
The Rev. Werner Kauuova,
years, she was an advocate for
creating opportunities for girls in
sports. She had coached girls'
tennis teams in Wells since 1978,
and was a member of the
Minnesota Tennis Coaches
.{ssociation (past president) and
the United States Tennis
Association. She taught at
Mahtomedi High School from
1969-78, where she started the
girls' g¡rmnastics program. She
was inducted into the Augsburg
Athletic Hall of Fame in 1996.
Linda Jean Taege '76 died in
August after contracting malaria in
Tanzania, where she had been
Windhoek, Namibia (Africa), died
in August. He was a program
coordinator and adjunct professor
for Augsburg's Center for Global
Education. He also served as
pastor of a Windhoek area
church.
Other deaths:
Robert H. Olesky'50,
!
Dallas,
died in March; he was 75.
Richard A. Northfelt'52,
Crystal, Minn., died inJuly; he
was 71.
Myron T. Asplin '57, Dassel,
Minn., died in October; he was 66
Robert Warner Zinn'61,
Saratoga, Calif., died inJuly.
Class
year or last year attended
zip
State
tr Yes
es Salaam
to improve the lives of Tanzanian
Tartzania.
No
Posltion
ls spouse also a graduate of Augsburg College?
Spouse name
five years. She worked cÌosely
with the people of Dar
Dallas (Ahrens) Hagen'69,
E-mail
Home telephone
Employer
ìiving and working in the capital
city of Dar es Salaam for the past
Maiden name
Full name
Send us your news
his 33-year
teaching career
in 1998; his
love for
constmction
developed into
a log home
constn¡ction business just prior to
retirement.
!
Okay to publish your e-mail address
Work telephone
n Yes n No
lf yes, class
Maiden name
Your news:
Augsburg Now Class Notes,
Augsburg Co11ege, CB 146,
221I Riverside Ave., Minneapolis,
MN, 55454, or e-marl lo
<alumni@augsburg. edu>.
Winter
2OO1-O?
,4ucsnunc ruow
27
o
-
I
-
o
QUOTES
from the QUAD
all 2001 has been a busy time.
Here's a sampling of what\ been
F
heard on carnpus.
From the 200f
Christensen
Symposium:
o
a
I
From Carl Chrislock's
memor¡al serv¡ce:
"For many of us, I suspect, the reason why
Carl's passing
1s
-Stephen
Batalden'67
"In the U.S., secularism is so strong, it has
become a fundamentalism. Muslims are
feellng a need to respond with religious
fundamentallsm. Muslims are helping us
understand that our secularism has gone
-Prof.
Yale
University
About the Scholastic
Connections program
ffi
so deeply felt is that he helped
to define for us a set of prÌorities rhar could
order and integrate our public and private lives.
"He did this fÌrst of all as a his¡orian. Carl's
historical scholarship anticipated a new political
or social history that took serlously hidden
voices-the under classes or subaltern voices.
Carl captured those hidden volces and gave
voice to them well in advance of others. ... [He
recognized] a set of values that took seriously
the words of poor immigrant farmers, not just
those who held and manipulated power and
wealth. In doing so, Carl confirmed for us the
meaning of our own past, and a set of priorities
we couid bring to the public discourse."
too far.
"Religion is so important that we cannot
give it to the government, but it is too
important to be ignored by the state. The best
political rulers are those who visit religious
leaders; the worst religious leaders are those
who vlsit political rulers."
Lamin Sanneh,
c'!
From the
luncheon
honoring
Edor Nelson
"You taught me that principles and Christian
ideals come before winning. You taught me that
glving and helping others is the measure of a
man. Today in a world of competitive athletics,
the Christian role model is lacking at all levels,
From the
Homecoming
Dinner and
fr
Distinguished
Alumni
remarks:
[About Augsburg presÌdent Bernhard
... "He stirred within me the
conviction that the mind was a matvelous
gifi .. " lAbout Rev. Peter Andrew (PA.)
Christensenì
Strommenl ... "PA. preached with a passlon
and taught confirmation with great knowledge
I still savor to this
alongside their white peers with help from a
multicultural group of mentors. As graduates
they'li go on to support and encourage even
more diversity in their own professional and
personal 1ives."
Tribune editorial,
-Star
atones-Scho$:i:
Oct. 12, "Augsburg
2A
,.4UCSBUnC ruOW
day."
Thorpe '60, paying tribute to two
-Neal
Augsburg leaders, whom he heard preach
during his childhood
"At Augsburg, my notion of family changed. I
learned that not everybody was a farmer. I
learned that not all members of my family were
Swedish; not all Caucasian; not all from the
United States-much less Minnesota; and, of
all things, nor all0f
-r:ä:l.i:*iT;ï;,
"We have inherited your dream; we are trylng
lo articulate it in our own language, and we
hope that you will help us drive it forward.
"Thanks for coming to remind us where
we came from, which will help us be clear
about where we're going."
William V. Frame,
-President
but not here at Augsburg."
"Through its latest scholarship program,
Augsburg College is wisely increasìng
opportunities for students and making a
strong statement against racism. ... Students
of color will be better positioned to learn
,
and he fed my heart wilh everlasting food that
speaking to alumni
-Dr. John Vetter'71,
honoring Edor Nelson
"I not only taught you some lessons, bul I
learned many lessons myself. I'm very proud
and honored to have my name on the football
field, but as I look back I'11 remember that il
was you, and not me, who made this honor
possible."
-Prof.
emeritus and coach
Edor Nelson'38
From the Women in Action
speaker series:
"We are each needed to be rainbows in the
clouds. ... Yes, I can."
Angelou, singer, actress, poet
-Maya
"Sex does not happen between the hips and
the knees, bu¡ between the ears."
Ruth (Westheimer),
-Dr.
sex therapist
and counselor
Winter 2001-02
)
¡a
o
I
o.
o
Music
Theatre
For more int'ormation on any of these eyents
(unless otherwise noted), call 612-330-1265
For more inJormation on any of these events
(unless othenuise noted), call 612-330-1257
Februarlr 3
January 24
Gospel Praise Concert
Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church
Prior Lake, Minn.
Scenes from Music Theatre Class
B p.m.-Sateren Auditorium
February
l-10
February 10
A Night Out and Night School
Gospel Praise Concert
10:30 a.m.-Va11ey Community
Presbyterian Church
New Hope, Minn.
by Harold Pinter, clirector, Martha Johnson
February 16
Februarl'
"Finnish Brass in America"
Artistic Concepts: A Night Out and
Night School
I I :50 a.m.-l :20 p.m.-!ornhom-Nelson
Ameriikan Poijat Brass Septet Concert
7:30 p.m.-Sateren Auditorium
February 24
Gospel Praise Concert
B:30 6s 10:45 a.m.-Vinje Lutheran
Church
Willmar,'Minn.
March
I
Gospel Praise Concert
l:20 p.m.-Virginia High School
Performances: Feb. l, 2,7,8,9 ar,7 p.m.',
Feb. 3 and 10 at 2 p.m.
!ornhom-Nelson Theater, Foss Center
5
Theater, Foss Center
Martha Johnson, director; Steven Draheim,
set/Lighting director;
Sandra Schulte, costume designer
Duluth, Minn.
March 3
Reading of Princess and the Peacocks
A play by ProfessorJulie Bolton
7 p.m.-Tjornhom-Nelson Theater, Foss
Center
For gallery information, call 612-330-1524.
February l-March 7
"Art of the French Table"
Students from Prof. Tara Christopherson's
Ndarch
lS
Concerto Aria Concert
7 p.m.-Hoversten ChaPel
N,larclr 2A*28
Augsburg Concert Band Florida Tour
6 1 2 -3 3 0 - 1 1
80
Martin Luther King, Jr., Convocation
"Healing the Violence of Racism"
Nontombi Naomi Tutu, Fisk University
I p.m.-Convocation, Hoversten Chapel
exhibit their work.
Opening Reception: Feb.
Augsburg Orchestra Chicago Tour
inf ormatíon, call
February 27
l0:30 a.m.-Holy Spirit Catholic Church
Malch l4-18
Seminars, lectures, and Films
F or
"The Changing Face of Minnesota and
the Twin Cities: The Contribution and
l,
6-9 p.m.
Virginia, Minn.
Augsburg Choir Metro-Area Tour
Closing Reception: April 18, 4-7 p.m.
Art of the French Table Interim course will
Alumni Gallery, Christensen Center
8-10
"A Retrospective Exhibition"
by Prof. Norman Holen
Norm Holen wlll show examples of each
medium and subject that he has
Janr-rary 21
Gospel Praise Concert
N¡larclr
March l5-April 18
Alumni Gallery, Christensen Center
Exhibits
Gospel Praise Concert
7:30 p.m.-First Lutheran Church
"Artistic lnheritance: Students of
Yoshida Toshi"
This exhibit will present the works of
seven students ofYoshÌda Toshi, a teacher
of woodblock printmaking at Augsburg in
1970 and L974.
Gage Family Gallery, Lindell Llbrary
Opening Reception: March 15, 6-9 p.m.
encountered over the years.
February 28
Virginia, Minn.
March 2
March l5-April 18
Itrebr uar"yt
B-
Consequences of Race/Ethnicity
from the Census 2000"
Augsburg Convocation Serles-Race
:
Dividing and Uniting
N4arch 7
Dr. Tom Gillaspy, Minnesota state
"New Works"
by Barbara Lea
"In my studio I
have one window
... this serÌes of
demographer
paintings is about
the light on the slll
of this window."
Opening Receptlon: February 8, 6-9 p.m.
Gage Family Gallery, Lindell Library
Theater Mu: Drumming, Ritual, and
Cultural Quest
l0 a.m.-Convocation,
I
Hoversten Chapel
I a.m.-Panel discussron
li¡lar:ch
l9
Augsburg Convocation Series-Race:
Dividrng and Uniting
I I : l5-1 I :45 a.m.-Hoversten Chapel
1I:50 a.m.-Artlst Series Event
COLLEGE
2.211 Riverside Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55454
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Poslage
PAID
Minneapolis, MN
Permit No.2031
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I
L
ast year, Augsburg established
a
college-wide program dedicated to
fulfilling its mission of "education for
service" and making the Christian
concep... Show more
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From the editor
I
L
ast year, Augsburg established
a
college-wide program dedicated to
fulfilling its mission of "education for
service" and making the Christian
concept of vocation a vital part of its
classrooms and co-curricular activities.
Minneapolis illustrates how nursing
students learn that healing can begin
with the gift of a smile or a
compassionate, listening ear.
The Kleven family's gift of an
endowed scholarship honors Dorothy
"True vocation joins self and service ... as'the place where
your deep gladness meets the world's deep need."'
J. Palmen author of leú Your Life Speak (Jossey-Bass, 2000),
-Parker
and upcoming guest speaker (see calendar on back cover)
This program, Exploring Our Gifts, was
funded by a grant from the Lilly
Endowment, and encourages the
Augsburg community to look at the "big
picture" and think about where our gifts
intersect with faith and service.
Indeed, exploring our gifts is about
much more than just choosing the right
major or finding a "fit" in a job.
Ultimatel¡ we can discover and share
our gifts-ou¡ y6ç¿1is¡-in many
different ways.
Our story on page 10 about the
Augsburg Central Nursing Center at
Central Lutheran Church in downtown
Lijsing Kleven '47 , who spent her life
sharing her passion for choral music
(page 8). This annual President's
Scholarship, the first one to provide full
tuition, fees, room and board, will enable
future students to nurture their talents
for choral music.
In Februar¡ Augsburg celebrated the
success of Devean George '99, who
returned to campus for ceremonies
that officially retired his Augsburg
No. 40 basketball jersey (page 7).
George, a member of the NBA
world champion Los Angeles
Lakers, recently shared a gift with
his hometown community, and
sponsored eight children from the "Why
Can't I Go?" program for special
education students in Minneapolis and
flew them to a game in Los Angeles.
Finally, on page 12, our feature story
introduces the Lilly-funded Exploring
Our Gifts program, sharing the many and
varied ways the grant has allowed the
Augsburg community to tackle some of
Iife's big questions: What are my gifts?
Why am I here? What ought I to do with,
my life? Where are my gifts and talents
most needed?
/1,* ll"^^
Lynn Mena
Assistant Editor
o
c'
Orono Elementary School students sang songs based on the international peace efforts by
Nobel Laureate Kofi Annan. with African drums to honor his heritage, during the Eighth
Annual Nobel Peace Prize Festival.
Students from Gatewood Elementary School paused
at the base of the huge, inflatable globe that
welcomed visitors to the Peace Prize Festival.
o
EI
ù'
Augsburg Now is publishecì
quarterl¡' b1'
Oflice of Public Relatior.rs ancl
Communicatior.r
2211 Riverside Åve.
ìvlinneapohs, ì\4N 5545+
6t 2,330-1 181
nos'@augsburg.edu
AI¿GSBI;RG
Now
Vol. 65, No.
Spring 2003
3
Features
Editor
Betsey Norgarcl
Assistant Editor
Lynn lvlena
1 O i"",ï#lIlT""*;Ji*n'
by Judy Petree
Graphic Designer
Kathy Rurnpza
CIass Notes Coordinator
Sara Karnl.rolz
r
At the Augsburg Central Nursing Center, nursing stuclents
learn that healÌng sornetimes can begin with a listening ear
ancl a smile as well as wlth a pil1.
:''
\=l
Contributing Photographer
Stephen Gef[r-e
President
\\¡illiam
\i
Frarnc
Director of Alumni and
Parent Relations
Ar.r.r¡'Sutton
8
Director of Public Relations
and Communication
First endowed President's
Scholarship honors
Dan Jorgensen
Dorothy Lijsing Kleven'47
Opinions expressecl in Augsburg
Now clo not necessarill'reflect
by Dan Jorgensen
official College polìcyr
rssN 1058-15.15
Sencl address corrections to:
Ach'ancement Sen'ices
Ar-rgsburg College, CB I42
221 I Riverside Ave.
ìr4inr-reapolis, ì\'{N 5 5454
6t 2-330- I 687
nori'@angsburg.eclu
Augsburg College, as alJirnrcd
in ifs rníssion, does not
å.iscrínúnate on the basis oJ rcrce,
colot', creed, religiotr, nntíonal or
etlnríc origitt, age, gender, sexual
orientation, mcrìt4l str¡fus, stdtus
with regard to publíc assístance,
or disability ín íts eclucatíott
policies, a¿lrnissions policies,
sclnlarship and loan program1
atlúe tíc an dl o r sclto oI
adminístered pïogranß, except
í,1 lhosc insfr¡nccs rvfierc rclígiorr
ís a bona Jicle occupational
qualif
í
catío n. Au gsbu rg C oll e ge
is conmútted to provicling
re aso nable acco mtno datí ons to
ifs clrrployecs nnd its students.
12
Exploring Our Gifts: Reconnecting faith, life, and vocation
by Lynn Mena With the help ol a granr from the Lilly Endowment, Augsburg students,
faculty, and stalf are engagecl in finding ways to unclerstand how their
lives, work, ancl caleers car-r be guided by a sense of inner calling.
Departments
2
Around the Quad
4
Faculty/Staff Notes
7
Sports
19
20
28
Alumni News
inside
back
cover
Calendar
Class Notes
Auggie Thor,rghts
On the cover:
Harbo Mcclitation Chttpt:) in
Cfirisicnscn Ct:ntcr, grttct:d with th¿
bt:atrLy and warnúh o.[ thc stautctl
glass " hrccr r t'tctti.on " b_y Arrgusf
www.augsburg.edu
M.r/,/. r: o//, rs rr t¡ltit
50 ltcrccnL lec,yclcr/ pa¡tcr (10 pcrc(:t1t
posL-con sLrnrt:r r,va.slc)
l
¡rf¡¡¡ c./p¡'
reflt:ctiott in thc heat t of thc
can'tpLts. Photo bv Erih Stt:nbcthl¿cn
A20 0 0 S tt nb althcn/ stcnb thhut. cont
I
A
O
I
o
I
ln Brief
Augsburg has announced plans to open
a charter high school in 2004 focused on
health careers. As part of the "Faith in the
City" collaboration with five other Twin
Cities Lutheran-based organizations, the
Augsburg Academy for Health Careers will
be funded through start-up grants from
the Gates Foundation.
Augsburg will administer the school
and provide courses and tutors, while the
other groups will add acrivities relating to
their expertise. For instance, FairviewUniversity Hospital will match students
with mentors and provide internships.
The new academy hopes to attract
students from urban, underserved areas to
pursue careers in health caÍe to address
workforce shortages and to better serve the
Twin Cities populat ions.
Faith in the City also includes
Fairview Health Services, Centrai Lutheran
Church, Lutheran Social Services, Luther
Seminar¡ and Thrivent Financial for
college honors programs.
Created by Honors Program director
(a
o
Larry Crockett, the Honors
Program pages acquaint
viewers and inform
prospectÌve students about
curriculum and seminars, as
à
L
U
well
as the fall and spring
Monday Fon¡m series, open to
the public.
Readers can access the
online journal, Ah-zine, and
the annual Honors Revíew,
featuring outstanding student
writing selected and edited by
Honors Program students.
To see the Honors
Program page, go to
<www. augsburg. edu/honors>.
to R) StepUP program director Patrice Salmeri, StepUP
student Katie Moore, and Rick Francis listened to testimony
by U,S. Rep, Jim Ramstad criticizing Christian Dior's
advertising campaign.
(L
Augsburg has received two grants from
the lmproving Teacher Quality program
for teachers to participate in Gourses
this summer at Augsburg. Part of the
No Child Left Behind Act, the grants are:
.
Lutherans.
Augsburg's Honors Program Web page,
"honors.org", is rated by search engine
Google as the number one page among
I
¡¡
.
Thirty education paraprofessionals in
the MinneapolÌs, St. Paul, and Roseville
school districLs wilì participate in a twoweek intensive summer course with
additional follow-up in mathematics
content and teaching techniques.
Twenty-five middle and high school
social studies teachers from Minneapolis
Public Schools will attend the summer
Paideia lnstitute, JuIy 2I-25.
StepUP students testify at
state legislature
StepUP director Patrice Salmeri and two
students from Augsburg attended a special
hearing at the Minnesota House of
Representatives as part of a worldwide
protest against the advertising campaign of
cosmetic giant Christian Dior for their new
perfume, "Addict." The edgy ads used
images and language that seemed to glorify
addition.
Junior Katie Moore read from a paper
she had written for a class on the campaign
U.S. Rep. Jim Ramstad presented testimony
both in Minnesota and the U.S. Congress.
In response to the protests, the Dior
company revised the ad scripts and
changed the name to "Dior Addict."
o
o
Augsburg3 chapter of Omicron Delta Kappa, a national
leadership honor society for cotlege students, faculty, and
staff, initiated eight new members at its meet¡ng in February.
Prof. Lori Lohman, faculty adviser, and Colleen Junnila, faculty
secretary have reactivated Augsburg3 ODK chapter, which
was chartered in 1987 but has been inactive for the past
several years,
to R) Prof. Keith Gilsdorf, economirs; Colleen Junnila, ODK
secretary; Erika Benson; Jennife¡ Holm, president Jana Skrien;
T.J. Bramwell, treasurer; Sarah Haberkorn; Heather Wessling,
vice presidenü lindsay Ruliffson; Norm Okerstrom '85,
Development Office; and Prof. Lori Lohman, business
administration and faculty adviser.
(L
2
,+UGSBURG NOW
Spring 2003
I
Speech team novices are
top-notch in tournaments
o
I ugsburg's speech
!{t.utrl novices
s.
à
surprised their coach,
and even themselves, as
they carried home a fifth
place sweepstakes award
in the largest and most
L
Junior Victor
Acosta wins
Goldwater
Scholarship
Õ
=
U
lunior
Jphyslcs
major Victor
Acosta is one
of 300
competitive division at
the 2lst Annual Novice
National Speech
Tournament, held Feb.
28-March 3. They
competed in I I
recognized events and
categories
against hundreds of
students fiom teams
across the country.
two debate
students
nationwide in
Back row (L to R): Dan Sweet, Kirstin Kuchler, Becky Tellin, Nick
Carpenter, Kyle Loven, Ryan Sobolik, Coach Bob Groven (Front
row): Heather Nystrom, Gretchen Hemmingsen, Crystal Harles,
Robert Jones
finish in Impromptu Speaking.
"This award represents a
breakthrough for the team," said
Robert
Groven, coach and speech professor. "We
had assumed that competing in Division
One would prevent us from winning a
sweepstakes award, but the team's
performance exceeded my expectations."
Freshman Kyle Loven took top
honors with a second place in
Informative Speaking and a semifinal
The team had also competed well in
local and state tournaments. At the
Minnesota College Forensic Association
state tournament they garnered a third
place sweepstakes award.
Freshman Heather Nystrom placed
sixth at thls tournament in Informative
speaking as she used her own experience
with diabetes to speak about a new
tïeatment to help orhers.
Successfu I'Connect¡ons'
/Fonnections: A Women's
LLeadership Event,"
sponsored by Augsburg and
Thrivent Financial for
Lutherans, brought together
130 students, alumni, faculty,
and staff to discuss issues of
financial freedom, vocation,
and life balance.
Speakers included
to R) Kathi A. Tunheim, Pamela Moksnes'79, Shelby
Gimse Andress '56, Andry Andriambololona Jurcich '98,
Anne Frame, and Connie Evingson'76.
(L
Andress'56, training and
development consultant Kathi
A. Tunheim, vocalist Connie Evingson'76,
Spring 2003
Victor Acosta
win
a
prestigious
Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship for
2003-0+. The scholarship covers costs of
tuition, fees, books, and room and board
up to $7,500.
Acosta, a native of New York City, is
in the
StepUP program, where he is chair of
a McNair Scholar and active
the governing board.
For the past two years, Acosta has
carried out independent and team
research on thin magnetic films in the
solid state physics lab with Prof.
Ambrose Wolf. He worked on a summer
internship at the U.S. Department of
Energy's Stanford Linear Accelerator
Center last year; this summer he will be
at University of California-Berkeley
working on condensed matter and
atomic physics contributions to
quantum computation.
Acosta is the fifth Augsburg
Goldwater Scholar in the past seven
years and is one of eight recipients from
Minnesota colleges and universities. The
scholarship winners are selected by the
Thrivent's Lutheran
Community Services manager
Pamela Moksnes'79,
consultant l. Shelby Gimse
the fields of
mathematics,
science, and
engineering to
and The Augsburg Fund assistant director
Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and
Excellence in Education Foundation
from nearly 1,100 nominees by college
and university faculties. Goldwater
Scholarships are considered the premier
undergraduate awards in these fields of
science and math.
Andry Andriambololona Jurcich'98.
,4ucsnunc
ruow
3
E¡tt*t+wrytlrflllst¡tm
Margaret Anderson and Adrienne
A coral reef aq uanum for
neighborhood kids
Kaufmann, Center for Global Education,
presented "Crossing Borders, Challenging
Boundaries" at the ELCAb Global Mission
event in Minneapolis last summer.
tlack in 1999. when biology
a
o
Lapman
Orv Gingerich, international programs,
set up the two coral reef
h,
and Michael O'Neal, sociolog¡ presented
"Developing a Global Perspective through
Faculty Development" at the Association
of Lutheran College Faculty in October.
Gingerich also co-presented
"Transformative Learning and Critical
Pedagogy: A Collaborative Workshop
Approach to Theory-Building for Study
Abroad" at the annual conference of the
Council for International Educational
Exchange (CIEE), in Atlanta in October.
aquaria in the biology
department, he probably had
no idea where this project
Þpror.rro, wlrram
Jeanine Gregoire, education and NASA
Space Grant program, presented "Make and
Take Space Science Activities for the K-6
Curriculum" at the 2003 Space Science
Across the Curriculum Conference at the
Science Museum of Minnesota in March.
She also presented "Girls Solving Real
Life Problems Using Science Technolog¡r
and Math" at the National Science Têacher
Association Conference.
Stella Koutroumanes Hofrenning,
economics, presented "Greek Orthodox
Perspectives on Economics," at Baylor
University's Lilly-funded conference on
Christianity and economics in November.
She also teaches modem Greek
language to school-aged children at St.
George Greek Orthodox Church in St. Paul.
Thirty students and staff from residence life
attended the Area Twin Cities College
Housing Association (ATCCHA) conference
in February Nancy Holmblad, residence
life, presented a workshop, "The Augsburg
Challenge: Getting First-year Studens
Involved." Christine Olstad, residence life,
and StepUP students Torin Kelly and
Mitch Lyle presented about campus
drinking and drug use. Studens Amy
Jones and Bekah Cahill presented a
workshop on ice breakers and teambuilders.
s,
ra
would lead.
One direction
it led was
right into the neighborhood,
to the Seward Montessori
School, where he has worked
with staff to build aquaria for
their science classrooms. The
first project was a small, lowbudget tank furnished with
spare parts from Augsburg's
Biology professor Bill Capman helped build a coral reef
aquarium at the Seward Montessori School, with its
biology department.
colorful habitat of corals, marine plants, and fish.
Over the pastyeaÍ,
however, he has helped
Capman was able to supplement their
construct and populate a reef system
grant funds with donations of both
containing live corals in a much larger
money and livestock from Augsburg and
70-gallon, four-foot long tank.
other reefkeepers to outfit the school's
"We had our share of problems for a
system.
while-the water was pea soup green
In March Capman led a day-long
with algae lor six months before we
workshop at Augsburg on marine aquaria
figured out what the problem was," said
for grammar school, middle school, and
Capman, "but we did a'transfusion' of
high school teachers. Six teachers
sorts from our tanks at Augsburg ... and
attended, with one bringing a student
we fixed a problem with their water
along, and received continuing education
purifier." Since last fall, he said, the tank
credit for their participation. Among
has been "beautiful and healthy."
attendees was John Roper-Batker from
The Web site that Capman created
Seward Montessori, who spoke about his
for the biology department's aquaria has
use of the new aquarium in teaching
attracted attention from an active
middle school science.
community of reefkeepers who share
To see more about Augsburg's
their knowledge and ideas, as well as
aquarium, go to <www.augsburg.edu/
offer materials and funding where
biology>.
needed. For Seward Montessori School,
Looking closely at Shakespeare
nglish professor Doug Green joined
Lejeune Lockett, Center for Global
Education-Mexico, presented a poster
session "Black Mexicans? A Non-traditional
Cultural Perspective in Mexico" at CIEE.
Continued on p.6
4
.4UGSBURG NOW
E teachers and researchers from
across
the country at the annual meeting of the
Shakespeare Association of America in
April.
There, he participated in a workshop
to examine small portions of texts in
Shakespeare's plays, not for understanding
of the play, but for the language itself, in
isolation from the play's meaning.
The workshop was led by Professor
Stephen Booth, a Shakespearean sonnet
expert from University of CaliforniaBerkeley
Spring 2003
Learning to read the numbers
rFwo
I
vears aso. business administration
proí.rro, rtÏ¡to s.t i.t¿ received
a
a
s.
S
a
$500,000 grant from the \ùlM. Keck
Foundation to develop statistical literacy
as an interdisciplinary curriculum in the
E
s
O
liberal arts.
In terms of student learning,
becoming statistically literate means
gaining understanding of the use of
statistics as evidence in an argument. In an
age of numbers and technical information,
it means helping students to develop a
comfort level in the use of statistics in
much the same way they become
comlortable using words.
As part of the Keck grant, Joel Best,
author oï DamnedLíes and S¿a¿isúícs visited
Augsburg in November to meet with
faculty and students in several
departments and give an invited talk.
Students reported that while Best's
book takes a somewhat cynical look at the
use of statistics, it helped them become
Business professor Milo Schield (left) hosted the visit of author and statistician Joel Best as part
of the Keck Stat¡stical Literacy grant. Best lectured in classes on the need to th¡nk critically about
numbers and statistics.
more aware of what they read.
"Within 24 hours of reading the book,
I found myself questioning statistics being
thrown around by the current crop of
lpolitical] candidates," said student Jim
Humbert.
Schield is collaborating with faculty in
several departments to develop teaching
materials to include a greater focus in the
statistics curriculum on reading and
interpreting data.
Schield has also collaborated with the
Royal Statistical Centre for Statistical
Education at the University of
Nottingham-Tient. Peter Holmes, a senior
researcher there, visited Augsburg in late
March to review Augsburg's curriculum.
NfornWOnil'
Sally Daniels '79, undergraduate
admissions, is president-elect of the
Minnesota Association for College
Admission Counseling (MACAC).
Mark Engebretson, physics, served on the
Decadal Survey of Solar and Space Physics,
an l8-month planning effort of the National
Academy of Science. He was vice chair of the
Panel on Education and Society, which
prioritized scientific and education effors in
U.S. solar and space physics research for the
decade 2003 through 2013.
He was invited to present. a paper at the
NASA Earth Science Institute at the Science
Museum of Minnesota in November.
With Augsburg students, including
Jesse Woodroffe'03 and Jeremiah Knabe'04,
he made presentations at the fall meeting of
the American Geophysical Union in San
Francisco.
Engebreson also had papers published
Series of the
American Geophysical Union and the
Journal of Geophysical Research.
in the Geophysical Monograph
members of the Minneapolis school board.
He was also quoted in an article about
state legislative initiatives in education in the
Dec. 4 issue of EducationWeeh.
Garry Hesser, sociolog¡ received the2OO2
Distinguished Sociologist Award from the
Sociologists of Minnesota, at the association's
fall meeting in St. Cloud.
He presented "Rebuilding communities:
A Comparison Between the Annie E. Casey
Rebuilding Communities Initiative and the
Minneapolis Neighborhood Revitalization
Program" at the Urban Affairs Association, in
Cleveland in March.
He also served as a retreat leader at
"Worthy Questions," at the College of
Wooster in January, and served as an
evaluator for service-learning and urban
studies programs aÍ, Aztza Pacific University
and Messiah College in February.
Norm Okerstrom '85, development,
coordinates the Lutheran College Advocates
and serves as the council president at Peace
Luthe¡an Church in Pl).rynouth.
Joseph Erickson, education, was elected
to a four-year term as one of the seven
Spring 2003
Timothy Pippert,
sociology, was named
president-elect of the Sociologiss of
Minnesota at their fall meeting in St. Cloud.
Glenda Dewberry Rooney, social work,
was re-appointed to the Association of
Social Work Boards (ASWB) Examination
Committee, which reviews, edits, and
approves questions for the social work
licensing examination used in 48 states.
John Shockley, political science,
participated in a national study funded by
Pew Charitable Trusts that examined I5
close Congressional ¡aces. He analyzed how
Minnesota's Second District race between
Bill Luther andJohn Kline was covered
poorly by media.
Jim Trelstad-Porter, international student
advising, passed both phases of the Spanish
Interpreter Proficiency Exam and is now a
Minnesota certified court interpreter.
The travel seminar that he led in 2001,
"Cultural Immersion at Tirrtle Mountain
Indian Reservation," was selected for
inclusion in the 2003 model program list by
NAFSA: Association of Intemational
Educators.
,4ucssunc
n¡ow
5
Faculty/Staff Notes
Taf*Tilrff{ùf{JFilFrílÐ
Steven LaFave, business administration,
presented "The Effect ofEuro Conversion
on Price Stability in the French Economy:
A Market Basket Study" at the annual
meeting of the Midwest Academy of
International Business in March. It was
nominated for a manuscript award.
Ann Lutterman-Aguilar, Center for
Global Education-Mexico, presented a
workshop, "So You Want to Change the
World? Educating for Responsible Global
Citizenship" for the National Society for
Experiential Education in l-as Vegas.
Kathryn Swanson, English,
presented
"Now I Become Myself: Power and Peace
in Aging Sleuths," at the Popular Culture
Conference in New Orleans in April.
She completed two site accreditation
visits this year for the Higher Learning
Commission and was elected to serve on
their review board. With Norma Noonan,
political science, she presented "Lessons
Learned from Years of Reviewing SelfStudy Reports: Advice on Writing and
Editing the Self-Study" at the Higher
Learning Commission's annual meeting.
Doug Green, English, published an
on Shakespeare and film in R¿el
essay
Shahespeare (2002), and a scholarly
review in Shahespeare Bulletin of the
Guthrie's production of A Comedy of
Errors.
He also presented "Desperately
Seeking Desdemona: Ideologies of
Gender in Shakespearean Tragedy" at
the Renaissance Society of America
meeting in Toronto in March.
Bruce Reichenbach, philosophy, coauthored the third edition oÏ Reason and
Religious Belief (Oxlord University Press),
an introductory text in the philosophy of
religion.
He also published "Genesis I as a
Theological-Political Narrative of
Kingdom Establishment" in the Bulletin of
Biblical Research, 2003.
From card catalogs to art
catalogs
Flill Wittenbreer. reference librarian at
Þ,-r'oa,, Lr'rary, worKs atl clay wrtn
words, but it's visual images that occupy
much of his free time-especially
Minnesota landscapes.
Wittenbreer is co-curator o[ the
current exhibit at the Minnesota
Museum of American Art, "An Artist's
Paradise: Minnesota Landscapes 1840-
l9+0." This exhibit, for which he
researched and located works, contains
some images painted by visìting artists
seeking the "exotic" on the mid-l9th
century northern plains, as well as
commissioned works portraying the
growing prosperity of Minnesota's
cultural centers.
This is Wittenbreer's first adventure
in Midwest
histor¡ culture, and politics for many
years was focused in literature, perusing
old diaries and items of literary historical
interest. About a decade ago, however, at
the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, he saw
an exhibit about art and life of the Upper
as an art curator. His interest
Mississippi, and began appreciating and
seeking Minnesota landscapes, especially
those depicting Minnehaha Falls.
He was drawn to works at the
Minnesota Museum of American Art in
St. Paul, and became a volunteer in the
library and a docent, and more recently
technology project published two
monographs with JDL Technologies:
Nowhere in Technology: All Children Left
Behind and Talhin' Tall: Voices for
Millennium Teachers.
Fìrofessor Amin Kader was honored
l'vu..h
11 by the Department
of
on
in
serving
for 16 years as the department's first
chair. ln his honor and to his surprise,
an Amin E. Kader Business Scholarship
Business Administration for his role
was established by his faculty colleagues,
friends, and alumni.
Department of Business
Administration chairJohn Cerrito
6
,+UGSBURG NOW
has worked with the museum's curator,
who invited him to collaborate on the
current exhibit.
He began this project by considering
attitudes held by Minnesotans toward
their landscape over a century, and how
national trends played into the state's
artistic history. He sought to discover
how deep and how strong the influences
were-in other words, how they played
out here, he said. He then researched
catalogs and vendors to find works for
the exhibit.
His own collection includes seven or
eight images of Minnehaha Falls, from a
small, romantic Currier and Ives print to
a more contemporary wood block print.
The exhibit runs through June 22.
Professor Amin Kader honored
by his department
founding the department and in
The Augsburg PT3 education
Reference librarian Bill Wittenbreer cocurated an exhibit on Minnesota landscapes
spoke
about the significant role Kader played in
building the foundation and leaáing the
growth of the department over the past
two decades, and of the atmosphere of
respect and dignity that he fostered
among faculty and students.
Kader's leadership as chair, followed
by that of Milo Schield and John Cerrito,
has helped the department grow to be
the largest major at Augsburg College,
currently with 716 majors.
Spring 2003
Auggies place second at NCAA nationals
byDonstoner
a
o
ven though Augsburg's wrestling
E team accomplished nearly all the
s.
E
goals they set for the NCAA Division III
wrestling national championships, they
ended up with a second-place trophy,
breaking their three-year string of
national titles.
Augsburg nearly finished with more
team points (84.5) than its 2001-02
championship performance (87). They
finished with six All-Americans and one
individual national champion, matching
last year's total. And it took a recordsetting performance by Wartburg
(Iowa), with 166.5 points and 10 AllAmericans, to break Augsburg's
stranglehold on the national
championship.
The Auggies continued their
dominance in small-college wrestling,
however, with the runner-up finish.
They have finished either first or second
nationally l2 times in the last 13 years,
winning eight titles, and have finished
in the top 20 every year since 1971.
The Auggies were paced by Marcus
The Auggie wrestlers' second-place finish this year was only three po¡nts shy of last year's
national title points as they were topped by record-setting Wartburg College in the NCAA
national championships,
an individual season unbeaten. He
With six All-Americans, it marked
15th
the
straight year that Augsburg has
had at least five wrestling All-Americans.
finished 44-0 to win the 157-pound
individual national championship.
Don Stoner is sports int'ormatron coordinator.
LeVesseur, who became only the second
wrestler in school history to go through
Augsburg ret¡res Devean George's jerseV o,Donstoner
D ;"ï,î".:,i: .:ii:Ti:i,lî
"r,.,uo
his Augsburg No. 40
to formally retire
'basketball jersey
George, a small forward with the
three-time NBA world champion Los
Angeles Lakers, was honored in public
6¿¡srn6¡is5-once for students, faculty,
and staff and also during Augsburg's men's
basketball game against Hamline.
"I want to thank the school for doing
this for me. This is real special for me and
I will always remember it," said George. "I
want to thank my family, my teammates,
and friends, for being there for me. My
success is because of them. I've had good
people around me."
George's family, friends, and former
teammates and coaches were a prominent
part of the celebration events. George,is
Spring 2003
s
the only player
from an NCAA
s
a
s
Division III
institution
currently in the
ts
NBA. His No.40
joined the No.
50 jersey of Dan
Anderson'65
the only two
as
numbers retired
any Augsburg
sports team.
by
During the
weekend,
Men's athletic director Paul Grauer (right) congratulates Los Angeles Laker
Devean George '99 as his Augsburg jersey was retired at a celebration in
February.
Augsburg also
unveiled a
banner to honor Lute Olson'56, men's
basketball coach at the University of
Arízona, who was inducted into the
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of
Fame in September.
Don Stoner
rs sports
ntformatron coordtnator
,4ucsnunc
ruow
7
Around the Quad
First endowed President's Scholarship honors
Dorothy L¡¡sing Klgvgn '47
byDanrorsensen
D;i:
:?,
:ËTf .i:î
;li,:
îti:î.
lb
O
:T
world, and in her memory her husband,
and her four children and spouses have
s
s
created Augsburg's first endowed
President's Scholarship to be given
annually to an entering student in
choral music.
On March 23 the Kleven family
members gathered with the family of the
first recipient of the award, Carl Gruhlke
of Kelley, lowa, to both honor Dorothy
and the student who received the award.
"My family and I are pleased to
present this first annual scholarship for
choral music," Said E. Milton Kleven'46
"It seems a fitting tribute to Dorothy
because, in addition to her family and
her Christian faith, choral music was
very important to her. From an early age
when her parents discovered that she had
beautiful talent, she took voice lessons
and was active and involved in church
and school choirs.
"While a student here at Augsburg in
the mid-40s, she was a member of the
Augsburg Choir, and throughout our 53
years of married life, while busy raising a
family, running a busy household, and
helping me run our flooring business,
Dot remained an active member of the
church choir."
Kleven said that over the years
Augsburg has never been far from his
thoughts. He also said he was pleased
that his children and their spouses joined
him in giving their emotional and
financial support to the scholarship
because they understand the importance
of maintaining Augsburg's strong musical
heritage and attracting talented students
to the College. Gruhlke displayed that
talent by performing two songs,
accompanied by his future choir director,
Peter Hendrickson'76, music professor
and director oI choral activities.
Joining with their father in funding
the endowment were Bruce and Maren
Kleven, David and Barbara Kleven, Zane
8
.,+UGSBURG NoW
Milton Kleven '46, with his sister and his four children and their spouses, have endowed a
President's Scholarship in choral music in the memory of his wife, Dorothy Lijsing Kleven '47. The
first recipient is entering freshman €arl Gruhlke. (L to R) Maren Kleven, lvadell Kleven Rice. Bruce
Kleven, Carl Gruhlke, Zane Birky, Milt Kleven '46, Philip Larson, Barbara Kleven Birky, David
Kleven, Barbara Kleven, and Diane Kleven Larson.
E.
and Barbara Kleven Birky, and Philip and
Diane Kleven Larson.
"It's our family's hope that the
recipients of this scholarship will find an
Augsburg College community where
their love and talent for choral music can
be nurtured and developed and bring
them to a lifetime of happiness," Kleven
said.
Sue Klaseus, vice president for
institutional advancement, both
welcomed the participants and spoke
about the prestige of the scholarship
itself. "The President's Scholarship is the
most prestigious and highly competitive
scholarship, recognizing the most
academically qualified freshmen entering
Augsburg College each year," she said.
"This particular scholarship sets a model
for future endowments that will help
build our reputation and recruit the kind
of talent that Carl Gruhlke represents."
While President's Scholarships have
been awarded annually since the fall of
1982, this is the first one to provide full
tuition, fees, room and board thanks to
the Kleven Endowment. Ninety students
competed for the award with five others
receiving the traditional scholarships
covering tuition and fees. Gruhlke, who
is a student at Ballard High School, plans
to major in youth and family ministry.
Hendrickson spoke about the
transformation that occurs when
students come to the College, noting that
he came to Augsburg to prepare for
medicine and left to live his life in choral
music. "This is a place where we want
you to be you," he said to Gruhlke, "and
if you can do that through choral music,
that's fabulous."
And Herald Johnson'68, assistant
vice president for enrollment and market
development, spoke about the impact
that scholarships make on the life of the
institution.
"Augsburg always has been an access
place," he said, "and gifts such as this
show an ongoing confidence in the
College and its mission. Fundamentall¡
it's a commitment to an individual
student, but it's also commit"ment" to
Augsburg College, what we stand for and
are trying to perpetuate into the future.
"When you endow something you
are creating something for posterit¡" he
said. "You've given us a wonderful
vehicle to carry things into the future."
Spring 2003
'1
I
I
A t¡me for celelcration and thanks
Ol,ï¿'"1,1"""*'
u
faculty, and staff
gathered on campus
to celebrate the
generosity of one
generation to
another. The annual
Scholarship Têa
brought together
students who have
received
scholarships and the
donors and their
families who have
made them possible.
Senior student
body president and
physics/math major
Brad Motl spoke
about the
È
President and Mrs. Frame hosted four of the President's Scholars at
(L to R) Jean Johnson '04, President Frame,
Alexis Johnson '05, Andrea Carlson '04, Anne Frame, and Adam
their table for conversation.
Nugent'03.
importance of
scholarships to his studies.
''Scholarship money is
important-it
I don't have to focus on working
to go to school here, but allows me to
means
focus on other things, such as my
research with Prof. Ambrose Wolf in
physics."
Motl's sister, Melissa, a freshman at
Augsburg, told donors that her
5
t)
È
scholarships allow her the time to
become involved in student activities and
campus ministry.
Junior music performance major
Jennifer Holm and donorJonathon Nye
were thrilled to meet each other. Hohn,
an oboeist, is the recipient of the Lois
Oberhammer Nye Scholarship that Nye
established in memory of his wife, who
was also an oboeist.
During the 2002-03 academic year,
over $750,000 was
available to fund 247
endowed
scholarships.
In additlon,
another $3.9 million
provided President's,
Regents', Tiansfer
Regents', and Legacy
Scholarships. This
aid, much of which
t
'{
Student body president Brad Motl '03 and his sister, Melissa, a
freshman. enjoy being at Augsburg together and spoke about how
their scholarships have allowed them to grow while here.
Spring 2003
by Betsey Norgard
comes from the
College's operating
budget, is especially
critical at a time when
state ând federal
funding for education
is facing considerable
reduction.
Senior Yvonne Andert Wilken '03, who is
studying with a Transfer Regents'
Scholarship, stops to chat with a donor.
Sue Klaseus, vice president for
institutional advancement,
acknowledged and expressed gratitude
for the growing support to The
Augsburg Fund, the College's annual
fund.
"We set some very aggressive annual
fund goals," she said. "The good news is
that in this difficult time and in this
economy we are achieving those goals,
and many of you in this room are
responsible for making that possible."
Development director John Knight
summarized the thoughts of many.
"Augsburg is not a building stuck in
the middle of Minneapolis. It's about all
the people who have attended here, who
have taught here, who have come to
campus ministry here, who have played
athletics here, who have donated here,
who have sent their children here-all
for different reasons, but the same place.
It's a remarkable place."
.Aucsnunc
ruow
g
w
the value
¡.
e, respec
byJudy Pát"""
È
t:
YOU CAN TALK ABOUT LOVE and compassion all day, but if you really want to
experience
it first hand, spend a few hours at the Augsburg Central Nursing Center
at Central Lutheran Church in downtown Minneapolis. The Nursing Center, a
collaboration of Augsburg College, Central Lutheran Church, and the Urban
Communities of Minneapolis, offers people from the community of Minneapolis and
from the congregation of Central Lutheran Church an opportunity to meet with a
nurse, discuss their health concerns, and get linked to other resources if needed.
As an educational endeavor, the center offers nursing students unique
opportunities to learn about the needs and strengths of homeless people who are
often invisible in society and marginalized in health care.
The center, which recently celebrated its lOth anniversary, is based on a nursing
model, which teaches health promotion and helps people take control of their own
lives, rather than a medical model, which is focused on diseases and curing.
Professor emerita Bev Nilsson, retired chair of the Nursing Department and Rev Dr.
Bill Miller, retired associate pastor at Central Lutheran Church, worked closely in
establishing the center, but it wasn't an easy task
Above: At Augsburg Central Nursing Center at Central Lutheran Church. nursing students
learn that healing sometimes can begin with a listening ear and a smile as well as with a pill
Photo by Stephen Geffre.
10
,4ucs¡uRc ltow
The Beginning
In the early 1980s, nursing centers,
which are independent nursing
practices, were just starting to get press.
Nilsson, then chair of the nursing
department, was looking for a different
clinical site where Augsburg nursing
students could practice, to see what a
difference nursing in itself can make.
She spent a lot of time searching for
an ideal location for a nursing center,
looking at places from rooms in the
nursing department at Augsburg to
various sites in the neighborhood.
Nilsson said she even considered at one
time buying a bus and having a mobile
nursing center, but there was always a
glitch.
While students and faculty were
excited about the potential of a new
type of practice and educational
experience, Nilsson said she was about
Spring 2003
it was known that they were
going to hand out hygiene
supplies, items were left in
shopping bags-full outside the
door. With that and a $15,000
start-up grant from Fairview
Foundation, they were ready to
open.
"Another miracle," Nilsson
said, "is that we have never run
out of everything, thanks to
generous donations. And some
Nursing professor emerita Bev Nilsson and the Rev. Bill
days," she added, "we give
Miller. retired associate pastor at Central Lutheran Church,
away
as many as 100 pairs of
celebrated the 1oth anniversary of their collaboration in
socks."
providing health counseling and resources for the innercity community.
As word of the center
spreads, the demand for
ready to give up because she couldn't
service is increasing. "The good news
find a location.
is," Nilsson said, "many people use the
That's when Miller entered the
center. The bad news, many people must
picture.
use the center."
One of the greatest gifts the nurses
and volunteers give to the people who
come to the center, is the gift of
listening. Miller said the nurses accept
the people as they are, they always listen
"lt was almost a miraculous turn of
and never turn their backs on anyone.
events," Nilsson said. "It was like Gocl
"You don't have to have anything
was saying you need to be in that
physically wrong with you to go to the
place. "
center," Miller said. "To some, it's just a
place to go where someone wiÌl listen to
That place was Central Lutheran
them, which is a rare commodity,
Church. Several factors came together to
especially in today's world."
make the Nursing Center a reality.
Nilsson added that they, too, receive
MilÌer and Rev Steve Cornils, then
a gift from the people who come to the
pastor at Central Lutheran, were talking
center-the gift of trust. It takes a while
about the "visions" they had for the
to build that trust to the point where
church, and Cornils ancl Charles
people who come wili open up to the
Anderson, president of Augsburg, were
center'.s staff.
having discussions about ways the
church and College could work more
closely together. This discussion lecl to
a
Nilsson's search for a nursing center site,
and as they say, the rest is history. Miiler
got in touch with Nilsson, ancl the two
worked closely in establishing the center
Nilsson said she hopes the nursing
at Central Lutheran.
students come away with a heightened
As Nilsson recently saicl at the lOth
appreciation for nursing-that clifferent
nursing practices can make a difference
anniversary celebration, "As people were
lecl to Bethlehem, we were 1ed here, and
in people's lives, and that you clon't
aÌways need a pill to heal. As a matier of
are delighted to be here."
Nilsson said word spreacl about the
fact, they do not give out medications or
prescriptions, rather vouchers, which
nursing center and "the abundance
can be turned in at a clesignated local
flowed down." Equipment and supplies
drugstore. These vouchers are very
started showing up at the center. When
Miraculous turn
of events
'
specifically written out, Nilsson said. The
nlrrses never prescribe an over-thecounter medication, rather write down
the symptoms and leave it to the
pharmacist to recolnmend a proper
treatment.
She said she also hopes the stuclents
come away with a greater appreciation
and understanding for what it is like to
live in poverty, what it takes to survive
on the streets, and for the hopes, dreams,
and fears these people also have.
Students see the opportunity to work
at the center as a valuable addition to
their education. Nilsson said it can be "a
big eye opener" to many students.
Eric Eggler, second year nursing
student in the Augsburg Rochester
program, said his experience in working
at the Nursing Center has given him a
"better understanding of life, and how
much he, as an individual, can do to
change things for others."
"I feel like a better nurse for my
experiences," Eggler said. "I can honestly
say that it really is the simple things we
do as nurses that patients remember. Just
offering a warm smile and a polite hello
without judging can make the difference
in someone's day."
I
Judy Petree is media relations manager.
Students making
difference
Spring 2003
Linda Ackerman, a student in the Master of
Arts in Nursing program, measures the blood
pressure of a visitor to the Nursing Center.
,4ucs¡unc n¡ow
11
a
-..i:.;:i3
RECONNEC ING FAIT
LIFE, AND VOCATION
by Lynn Mena
those of Martin Luther when she writes: "Ministry is not
a minister is
anyone who chooses to use our resources to tend to the
wounded heart of the world. Anything we do can be a
just for ministers: In the new spirituality,
ministry, from menial labor to the highest professional
endeavor. It is our ministry if it is an activity we use to
spread peace and forgiveness and love."
lndeed, as defined by Exploring Our Gifts: "In its
broadest sense, vocation is the thing that you were
created to be and do, whether that means being a
student, a parent, a doctor, a teacheq a businesspersonanything you can imagine. A vocation is both personal
and communal; it serves to bring you true happiness, but
it also serves the greater community."
¡Æ<ploring Our Gifts, funded by a grant from the Lilly
I-Endowment. Inc., is a college-wide program dedicated to
Lufulf'll'ng
the mission of Augsburg and making the Christian
concept of vocation a vital part of Augsburg's classrooms and cocurricular activities.
This article serves as an overview of Exploring Our Gifts,
introducing its inspired and varied programs and celebrating those
whose lives are enriched by vocation. In upcoming issues of the
AugsburgNow, we'Il continue to showcase these and other Lilly
programs and their influence upon the Augsburg community
Wht b
u.ut^|;'aø)
In her book Everyday Gracø (Riverhead Books, 2002), Marianne
Williamson challenges the reader by asking: "If life is to have
deeper meaning, can our work be something we merely do to
make money? Or can work itself become sacred, a channel
through which we shine our light and extend our love?"
Williamson gets to the heart of vocation, and her words echo
The above photo, taken by sociology assistant professor Tim Pippert, is
part of a photographic essay he completed during an intensive Exploring
Our Gifts seminar on vocation for faculty and staff (see p. 14).
A t"r,,/;,t;* al u,æaf;ø,n
Augsburg College has deep roots in the Christian tradition.
Founded as a seminary in I869 to train pastors for immigrant
Norwegian Lutheran congregations, it is now a liberal arts
college that continues a significant engagement with the
Christian faith land a commitment to vocationl.
The word vocation is derived from the Latinverb vocare,
which means, "to call." Exploring Our Gifts, with a deep debt
to the Lutheran tradition, understands vocation in a dual
sense. First, people are called by God to particular roles and
responsibilities in daily life. These include being a student,
professor, friend, parent, and family member. Second, within
these callings, people are called to the love and service of God's
creation. Thus, faith in God and love toward the neighbor may
be distinguished but never separated. By insisting on the
importance of vocation, Augsburg is seeking to reconnect faith
with daily life.
What might all of this have to do with you? It means that
Augsburg is dedicated to helping students ask and find
answers to some of life's big questions: What are my gifts?
Why am I here? What ought I to do with my life? Where are
my gifts and talents most needed? We firmly believe that life
means much more than a job and a salary. By entering into the
world of vocation we are inviting you to look at the "big
picture" and think about where God, faith, and service fit into
your life.
Tranvih, director of Erploring Our
proJessor of religion
-Marh
Gifts and qssociate
A
"a..¡r.t-u&.
Augsburg's Lilly-funded
o?¿'u^'v.uL
profit agencies, apply for
prograrn
focuses primarily on stuclents, but
also provides numerous
opportunities for faculty,
staff, and alurnni. The
progrâms are assembled
under four themes: l)
vocation as a life approach;
2) vocation as a curricular
focus; 3) vocation as
education for service; and 4)
stipends to intern at local non-
it
scholarships for international
Ar^ylt-rú /'r,¿
Ë: ï
ã,
ç
t
uæ¡,,trÅ¿.¡
by Daniel S. Hanson'86
When I think about vocation and what it means for me, I
think about Augsburg College. My experiences at
Augsburg shaped my life's work and gave it new meaning.
I arn a graduate of Augsburg's Weekend College
program.
I returned to complete my degree after a 15awareness.
year
absence.
Returning to college was not easy for me. I
While Exploring Our
still
recall
long
weekends cramming for an exam or
Gifts is grounded in a
struggling
to
complete
an assignment. I often studied late
Lutheran perspective, its
at
night
so
that
I
would
have time to play with my
Daniel S. Hanson'86, a Distinguished
cloors are open to people of
Alumnus and assistant professor in the
children
before
they
went
to
bed.
More
than
once
I
all faiths and beliefs. Many
Department of Speech/Communication
wondered whether getting my degree was worth all the
points of view are needed to
and Theatre Arts, says Augsburg
effort. But I also remember how good it made me feel
Weekend College "shaped my life's
create a full, honest, fruitful
when
I did well on an exam or when I grasped a new
work and gave it new meaning."
discussion aboui vocation.
concept
or
theory
as
if
I
was
learning
it
for
the
first
time.
The opportunities for
I remember, too, the special people who were part of my learning experience, both students and
involvement are rnany:
teachers, and how good it felt to be part of a learning community.
students can take vocation
Because of my experiences at Augsburg, I fell in love with the adult learning experience.
courses, participate in
After
graduation I applied and was accepted to graduate school at the University o[ Minnesota.
mentoring groups and
My
intent
was that some day I would teach in a program like the one at Augsburg, which had
vocation retreats, receive
impacted
me
in so many positive ways. Years later, when I learned of an opening to teach at
Lilly Scholar grants to
Augsburg,
the
decision to apply was, as my son would say, a no-brainer.
explore seminary, receive
I often say that Augsburg Weekend College changed my
life. But what do I really mean by that? I suppose I could say
that Weekend College helped me achieve success in my career.
The evidence seems clear on the surface. After graduating from
Augsburg, I became an officer of a Fortune 500 company, and
eventually president of a major division. I finished my master's
degree, had four books published, and was honored by
Augsburg as a Distinguished Alumnus. But I don't think that
these accomplishments by themselves capture the significance
of what the Augsburg experience did for me. My experiences
at Augsburg helped me believe in myself, if I applied my
energy to a task or a cause, I could indeed make a difference.
It also gave me a new vision for what I could be, perhaps a
calling. I was given a taste of a learning environment that
made me hungry for more.
In a way I never left Weekend College. As a teacher, I am
blessed to be a part of the ongoing Augsburg Weekend College
experience. And every time I watch a student exceed his or her
own expectations I am reminded of how I felt, and I am
Sonja Hagander, associate campus pastor (left), and coralyn Bryan
(right), Campus Ministry associate, help oversee several programs
renewed, once again, in my own sense of what work should be
under the Exploring Our Gifts umbrella, including a vocation
mentoring program, a summer vocation institute for high school-aged
Daniel S. Hanson is an assistqnt professor in the Department of
church youth leaders, and more.
Speech/Communication and Theatre Arts.
developing vocational
l.:f'
s)
u
L
Hagander, associate
campus pastor. "It crosses
the students who are
wondering, 'What do I
want to do when I grow
up?' to us as faculty, staff,
and alumni who are all in
a
work situation for
various reasons. It crosses
over all of that and brings
Liz Pushing '93 has participated in a series of vocation
us closer together,
mentoring meetings that join students, faculty, staff, and
because vocation is all
alumni.
about life-what you love
to do in life, what you
travel seminars, and much more.
want
to
share
with
the world-these are
Staff and faculty can develop
the
things
that
cross
religious grains and
vocation courses, participate in
us
together."
bring
professional development activities,
Liz Pushing '93, director of financial
and become mentors. Alumni are also
services
at Providence Place in
invited to get involved as mentors,
Minneapolis,
has enjoyed her
attend vocation convocation
participation
in
the group. "I wanted to
activities, and help lead international
my
knowledge
and experiences,"
share
travel seminars.
"and
Pushing,
I've
says
also learned a lot
Since last fall, students, alumni,
myself
in
about
talking
with everyone."
facult¡ and staff have gathered for a
Likewise.
Augsburg
com m unication
series o[ vocation mentoring
Baweka,
senior,
Melissa
credits
the
meetings. This mentoring program,
mentoring
group
with
opening
overseen by Campus Ministry and the
Center for Service, Work, and
Learning, joins two students with two
alumni and one member of the
faculty or staff.
"l think the mentoring
group
crosses everybody," says Sonja
ways of using the concept in both
communal and personal projects, such
as revising a course to include vocation,
or re-conceiving how to incorporate
vocation into work with students. In
January the group gathered for a final
meeting, where they shared their
experiences and project abstracts.
"This project was designed to force
me, and ultimately my students, to
examine how we visualize the
fulfillment of our vocation," wrote Tim
Pippert, assistant professor of sociology,
in his project abstract. "While reflecting
on my vocation ... I turned to
photographlz
"I chose a beach as the location to
capture these images ... a young child
Ð..rnbolizes the experiences my students
gain before they reach my classroom
(see p. 12), a college-aged woman
represents the brief timeframe I have to
work with, and a middle-aged woman
represents the experiences of my
students after they leave college. ... lt is
my calling to ensure that what I select to
her eyes to different
u
perspectives and possibilities.
"l've been increasingly curious
about vocation-I'm looking
for more than just a job," says
Baweka. "Itìs been so
wonderful to hear how alumni
experienced Augsburg and
where their journeys have
taken them after graduation."
In Januar¡ one of the first
Exploring Our Gifts programs,
a seminar for faculty and staff,
completed a six-month study
of faith and vocation. Last
summer, Mark Tranvik and
s.
q
Philip Quanbeck II, associate
professors of religion, led
participants in a two-day
workshop to study the concept
The Rev. Oliver Johnson '50 returned to
campus in October to present the homily
at a mini-convocation on vocation. Since
September, Campus Ministry has held
monthly Exploring Our Gifts worship
services that embrace varying themes of
vocation.
of Christian vocation from
a
biblical and theological point of
view. Participants then spent the
ensuing months reflecting uPon
their vocation and considering
È!
Melissa Baweka, a communication senior (left), credits
her participation in a Lilly-funded vocation mentoring
group with opening her eyes to different perspectives
and possibilities.
()
teach them about their social
environment is relevant to their lives
in the hope that it will impact their
life beyond Augsburg.
"The second component involved
how first-year students envisioned
vocation," continued Pippert.
"Students in my Introduction to
Human Society course were given the
extra-credit opportlrnity to représent
their concept ofvocation through ... a
single photographic image" (see p. 18).
A ¡"
"This job has proven to be a wonderful fit with my own gifts. I have the
opportunity not only to help administer a prograrn with an important
rnessage and purpose, but also to exercise my research and writing abilities
and to interact with a lively college community."
-Juliana
Exploring Our Gifts is funded by a
two-million dollar grant from the Lilly
Endowment, a private philanthropic
foundation based in lndianapolis, Ind.
Founded by the Lilly family in 1937, it
supports the causes of religion,
education, and community
Sedgley, progrclrn assistønt Jor Exploring Our Gifts (pictured øbove
wíth Professor Mqrh Trøtn¡ih, clirector of Exploring Our Gifts)
Ex+!^4;^ú uu¡^il'o¡ h^
il¿ ;,¡lt¿¿"al;^'t¿l
Since 1982, Augsburg's Center for
Global Education has been a
national leader in providing crosscultural travel programs, serving
nearly 10,000 people. As part of
Exploring Our Gifts, CGE will
oversee nine different student travel
gr',t^"" Lo h,r4^
seminars led by Augsburg faculty
and staff in collaboration with
CGE's adjunct faculty in Mexico,
Guatemala, Nicaragua, El
Salvador, and Namibia. Each
seminar will offer $1,000 grants
for up to 15 students.
"We've rnade it an open
competition for faculty and staff to
propose seminars that could be
done either as part o[ an existing
course taught internationally, or as
development, and is interested in
initiatives that benefit youth, foster
p
È
U
s
leadership education among nonprofit
institutions, and promote the causes of
philanthropy and volunteerism.
Two years ago, the foundation
called for grant proposals from
religiously rooted colleges and
universities outlining a theology-based
exploration of vocation. Augsburg's
proposal, "Exploring Our Gifts:
Connecting Faith, Vocation, and
Work," was written by philosophy
professor Bruce Reichenbach and
Carol Forbes, director of sponsored
programs in Academic and Learning
Services. In addition to Reichenbach
and Forbes, a committee of faculty and
Regina McGoff, associate director of Augsburg's Center for Global Education, helped
develop an international travel component of Exploring Our Gifts, which provides
$1,000 grants for students to participate in vocation-themed travel seminars to
Mexico, Central America, and Africa.
staff helped define and plan the grant
proposal's contents.
Mark Tranvik, associate professor
of religion, serves as director of
Exploring Our Gifts. Juliana Sedgley,
previously an assistant to the
Department of Worship and Sacred
Arts at the Basilica of St. Mary in
Minneapolis, was recruited as program
assistant. The program's offices and its
resource center are located in
Memorial Hall.
Iillel
Fa;nla"*û¿'9t
'A nn^^'o u'*t'h Lo ko øu'yír,at^'
by Cherie Christ
X
o
Leland Fairbanks grew up in a poverty-stricken
home in Harmony, Minn. during the depression-era
years and has since applied this experience to his
life's work. Helping others has become his passion,
his trademark, and his calling-and through this he
has learned that "life is more than just earning a
À
o
E
o
'6
a
Êa
living."
F
o
Although he yearned to be
A 1953 graduate of Augsburg with bachelor's
degrees in sociology and chemistry, Fairbanks went
on to receive his medical training from the
a
missionary 1953 alumnus L"Fnq.
..
Fairbanks' decision to enter the field
of medicine forever .¡""glj;ìr'iit"] university of Minnesota Medical school and his
leading him to discover tñat a careei master's degree in public health from the University
in public health could be his mission. of Oklahoma.
Although he yearned to be a missionar¡
Fairbanks' decision to enter the field of medicine forever changed his life, leading him to
discover that service to others could be his mission. For this he credits Augsburg, and
says, "service to others was always portrayed as the reason Augsburg College existed."
Fairbanks spent more than 30 years working on Indian reservations for the U.S.
Public Health Service, and continued his dedication to a life in public health by
promoting the hospice movement and campaigning to lower the D.U.I. limits in
Arizona.
However, Fairbanks is best known for his work to ban smoking in hospitals. He
remembers that in the 1950s, "workplaces and hospitals were like smoke-filled
dungeons. No one else seemed willing to stand up for those most affected because of a
risk of offending someone." Fairbanks added, "I started the movement because someone
needed to do it."
It has been this fight against the tobacco and liquor industries that Fairbanks has
found to be the most challenging-yet most rewarding-part of his career. For his work,
Fairbanks has earned several awards and honors, including an appointment in the early
1980s by then-Surgeon General C. Everett Koop to expand the ban on smoking to
include all public facilities.
Although retired in 2000 from Cigna HealthCare where he worked as a family
physician, Fairbanks has continued his involvement in public health service. He
currently serves as president of Arizonans Concerned About Smoking, and also serves as
ex-officío member of the Executive Committee for International Network Towards
Smoke-Free Hospitals, a London-based organization that works to promote smoke-free
hospitals around the world.
Reflecting upon his career, Fairbanks embraces Martin Luther's quote, "a manb
work is his mission," and concludes, "my work has been my mission and continues
to be."
Cherie Christ is content webmaster
in
Augsburg's infonnation technologlt departrnent
part of a new course that they
could develop,' says Regina
McGoff, associate clirector of CGE.
"In the case of staff, they might
propose something that could be
developed as a non-credit
'Augsburg Experience.'
"The goal oI these seminars is
to look at themes o[ vocation in a
global context-which is already
part of many of our programsbut this grant gives us an
opportunity to really fine-tune and
develop a stronger model for
incorporating faith ancl vocation
aspects," says McGoff.
Last year, CGE recruitedJeni
Falkman as an intern for their
Lilly program. Falkman, who
graduated from Augsburg last year
with a major in religion,
participated in two of CGE's
programs as a student, and had a
transforming experience as a result
of her travels.
"Jeni is helping us develop a
faculty guide, because the goal is
to use these nine seminars to
develop a model that Augsburg
can use for faculty-led, studyabroad programs that help
students reflect on faith and
vocation," says McGoll.
"She'll also help us pull
together an independent study
journal that can be used by
Augsburg students on nonAugsburg programs, provlding an
imprint for all study-abroad
programs, so that students will
more intentionally think about
their faith experiences and their
vocation."
In addition to faculty and
staff, CGE hopes to include
alurnni in the seminars. "Ideally,
we'd be interested in individuals
involved in a vocation related to
the discipline," says McGoff. "For
instance, it would be great to have
an educator go along on an
education seminar, and really be
a
:J
()
Ê
part of that learning experience
publications and
alongside the faculty, staff, and
students." While there are no
scholarships available for alumni, the
experience would certainly serve as a
unique and possibly transforming
learning and teaching opportunity.
"It's really exciting to work on
developing something that can create
more of a framework for Augsburg
students," says McGoff. "Most studyabroad programs don't incorporate
faith elements, and we're trying to
build a stronger model for doing so."
editor of Augsburg
Now, will lead the
Center for Global
Education's first
Exploring Our
Gifts travel
seminar. The
seminar, entitled
"Namibia:
International
Education," will
spend three
weeks in this
African countr)¿
Students will visit
schools in the
capital city of
Tr/,r/,;^t: A +<^1,wul
u&,atrfu1
On May 21, Augsburg education
professor Gretchen Kranz Irvine and
Betsey Norgard, director of
s
È
()P
Augsburg education professor Gretchen lrvine (above), along with
Betsey Norgard, director of publications in the Office of Public
Relations and Communication, will lead the Center for Global
Education's first Exploring Our Gifts travel seminar to Namibia this
spring.
Windhoek as well as several other areas
to explore differences in the educational
a teachers'college, an early childhood
development center, and
experiences of students and teachers in
Namibia.
Students will be encouraged to
foster enduring relationships with
Namibian teachers and students. They
will learn how to develop culturally
appropriate educational materials and
methods, and how to become a better
educator about Namibia and Africa.
Furthermore, students will explore the
vocation of teaching as a call that
integrates faith and profession.
"Têaching is such a natural vocation
and connection to the Lilly
opportunities to appreciate Namibia's
Endowment," says Irvine, who in 2000
led in a five-week Fulbright-Hays
educators' travel seminar to Namibia.
"At that time, we did similar things to
what we'll do now, and I can see our
students as really understanding the
Namibian educational system."
To Jind out more about Exploring Our
Gifts, vísit <www.augsburg. edu/lilþ>
and see the vqríous ways that vocation
Students will have a
chance to rneet with school
two days in a second-grade classroom,
where she took this photo of the teacher
and a group of her students using bottle
caps for a math lesson.
minister of education and
culture. They'll also gather with
members of the Namibia National
Têachers'Union, and
with leaders of the
Sexuality Education
Research Project. In
park, Etosha.
"For me personally, when you go
on a trip such as this the first time,
there's that first meeting of that
culture, and that first thinking about
all of it," says lrvine. "So noq on this
trip, I'm in a different place in my
thinking about Namibia; I hope to
take myself to a nelv level in my
understanding of Namibia." I
is being integrated into the life of
Augsburg.
,AUCSBURG COLIÆGE
directors and Namibia's
During her first visit to Namibia in 2000 as
part of a Fulbright-Hayes educators'travel
seminar, Professor Gretchen lrvine spent
culturally rich heritage, majestic
scenery, as well as the largest game
Exnlorins
Ou'r
Giftí
Reconnecting Faith, Life, and Vocation
addition, their stay will include visits to
WM /"r^ I ca,Iful rô /ô7
A PHOTOGRAPHIC EXPLORATION OF VOCATION
In collaboration with a six-month vocation seminar for faculty and staff, Tim Pippert, assistant professor of sociology,
invited students in his Introduction to Human Society course to participate in an extra-credit assignment. Pippert
challenged the students to represent their concept of vocation through a single photographic image and a brief description.
Following are samples of the students' images and excerpts of their descriptions.
o
o
s.
òr
o
t_)
'r>
(.
A PASSION FOR CHILDREN
I believe that my vocation is to work with children. I am not exactly
sure how I will end up helping children, but I know that I will
definitely incorporate it into my life. ... I gravitate toward children,
and many people have told me that I look happiest when I am
helping them. ... [My passion for] children has grown over the
years into real enjoyment. ... I think this is my vocation because I
get such satisfaction out of it.
Wien, elementary education freshman
AN ALTRUISTIC VOCATION
My vocation in life is to help individuals. I think
my purpose in life is to make a difference in
[people's lives] and to touch their hearts. I am here
to [helpl people find their potential and guide them
back to where they [belongl . I am here as a friend, a
confidant, and as an extra person to love, in case
someone doesn't feel love.
Yang, psychology and
-Michelle
o
-Seese
communication freshman
NURTURING A
VOCATION
o
.:3
L
I have come to
s-
U
the realization
a
s.
õ.
o
õ'
!
that my
vocation is as an
(J
educator and
nurturer of kids.
...When I got
out of high
school, the first
job available to
teacher's aid at a Catholic elementary school. ... My first three
months were pure hell ... someone then advised me to attend
teacher's training college ... from then on it was great. ... I was
nominated Têacher of the Year and received an award for best
teacher/student relationship. ... When I came to America, I found
myself in the same role as a live-in nanny, taking care o[ four
kids, ages 3 through 7 . ... I think I have now accepted that my
vocation meets the needs of those parents who don't have lextra]
time to [spendì with their children, which is very important to a
child's maturity and self-esteem.
Jones, marketing sophomore
-O'Fay
A CALL TO LAW ENFORCEMENT
First and foremost, I wanted to be a cop since age 5. ...
lThenì all through high school, I dreamt of nothing but
the FBI as my vocation. ... ll¿terl, I got sidetracked by
my path to the FBI ... and vowed that the Navy was a
great choice. ... Now guess what-I want to be a cop
again. So now I'm making calls, having interviews,
going on ride-alongs, researching internships,
volunteering, etc. At least one thing is lcertain]-I
know I want to be involved in law enforcement.
Brunzell, sociology freshman
-Sara
/
^
tl I
¡-
From the Alumni Board president's desk...
Tlåi:,"ï:l,
part of a cold
January in Russia
behind the lron
Curtain with a
group of
Augsburg and St.
Olaf students.
The trip was led
by Professor Norma Noonan, and this was a
part of my education that I will never forget.
Recently, I spent an enlightened Auggie
Hour with Professor Noonan and a group of
Augsburg alumni discussing the current
status of Russia. We ate Russian food and
leamed a lot-without the fear of a final
examl
This calls to mind two facts: we should
never stop leaming, and we should maintain
our relationship with Augsburg colleagues
and alumni. However, in our busy lives,
getting together with old friends and
retuming to campus can be difficult.
The Augsburg Alumni Board represents
you, and we would like to hear from you so
we can keep alumni connections open. Email us at <alumni@augsburg.edu> and let
us know who you are, what you are doing,
and how you would like to be involved with
the College and fellow alumni. We value
your input!
Becoming involved can be as simple as
updating your e-mail address so we can
contact you about upcoming events in your
area, or joining us for some geat
conversations at an upcoming Auggie Hour
listed on p. 25 of this issue of the Augsburg
Now. We welcome your ideas for building
connections between Augsburg and our
alumni and providing events and services
that are valuable to you.
Paul Batalden '63 receives
Alfred l. duPont Award
llaul
B.
Itgatalden,
M.D., was
honored in
September as the
recipient of the
2002 Alfred I.
duPont Award for
Excellence in
Paul Batalden'63
was
Children's Health
Care. The award
honored in September recognizes his
for excellence in
childrent health care. early and ongoing
efforts in
developing innovative, high-quality
systems to advance health care worldwide.
Batalden's Health Care Improvement
Leadership Development program at
Dartmouth Medical School in Hanover,
N.H., has as its main goal the
development of knowledge and leadership
that will result in cost-effective, patientcentered, quality health care both
Spring 2003
nationally and internationally. Batalden is a
professor of pediatrics and of community
and family medicine at Dartmouth Medical
School, and program co-director of the
Veterans Affairs National Quality Scholars
Fellowship.
In accepting the award, Batalden
remarked, "My hope for the future is that
we will recognize the importance of
understanding and improving those small,
living systems where children, families,
and health care meet. We also need to
rccogrize the challenges facing us as we
try to integrate cognitive knowledge,
technical skills, and values. Through this
connection, others who share these
concerns
will be energized, encouraged,
and make connections with each other."
The Alfred I. duPont Award, which
includes a $50,000 pnze and original
crystal award, is granted annually by
Nemours, one of the nation's largest
pediatric health care providers.
Many interesting things are happening
at the College, and alumni involvement is
on the rise. Watch for upcoming
opportunities to get involved-such as those
Iike the vocation mentoring program, which
be recruiting alumni for the 2003-'04
school year who can share a little of their
time and talents with students.
Mark your calendar for this summer's
alumni picnic onJune2S at Como Park in
St. Paul (see p. 2l for more information).
Family and friends are welcome, and we're
hoping for better weather this year!
will
Andrew Morrison'73
President, Alumni Board
Gene Hugoson'67
appo¡nted
commissioner of
agr¡culture
¡F
overnor Tim Pawlenty appointed Gene
'ó7 commissioner o[ the
|\IHugoron
Minnesota Department of Agriculture in
January A south-central Minnesota farmer
from the East Chain area, Hugoson was first
appointed agriculture commissioner in July
1995 by Gov. Ame Carlson, and was
reappointed in 1999 by Gov. Jesse Ventura.
Hugoson also served five terms in the
Minnesota House of Representatives, having
been first elected in 1986, and served four
years as assistant minority leader.
Pawlenty said he looked "far and wide"
for an agriculture commissioner and
real:zed Hugoson was the best person for
the job. He cited some of Hugoson's
accomplishments, including the creation of
an online licensing system for people or
companies who hold certificates, licenses, or
permits required by state law Pawlenty also
said Hugoson has followed up on numerous
trade missions over the years.
4ucs¡unc ruow
19
1
Books). In making its selection,
the award jury commented: "A
953
Dean Lapham, Bloomington,
Minn., is one of the authors of
new book on Freemasonry in
Songfor Nettie lohnson is
a
Minnesota, entitÌed, The Scottish
Minnesota1867-2001. Sales of the book go to
support the Scouish Rite Clinic
for Childhood Disorders in
Duluth. Dean can be ¡eached via
Rite oJ Freemasonry in
e-mail at <lapham2@mac.com>.
Gloria Sawai,
Edmonton,
Alberta, received
the Canadian
Governor
General's Literary
Award for Fiction
for her book, A
Songfor Nettíe lohnson (Coteau
/rrllll
¡a
o
tt
rv¡
III
a
profoundly light-tilled collection
of short stories set on the prairies
and peopled with holy sinners,
visionaries, children, and socalled ordinary folk. The power
of grace illuminates her world."
Her book also won two awards at
the 2002 Alberta Book Awards:
the Henry Kreisel Award for Best
First Book and the Howard
O'Hagan Award for Short Fiction.
In addition, she was the lirstprize winner of the Writers'
Union of Canada's Danuta Gleed
Literary Award. An author,
playwright, and teacher, Gloria
has been
publishing individual
Nettíe lohnson is her firsr booklength publication. Her plays
have been produced by Alberta
Theatre Projects and the
Edmonton Fringe Festival.
|
¡
f.I
ù/ |
fi..!
ù/ | I
¡
tctlùr}l
HOMECOMING 2OO3
October 3 and 4
Football game vs.
Carleton College
1957
SaLurda¡ October
Marshall D.
Johnson,
Minneapolis,
recently received
news thât his
,,.¡ry,Fr book. Mal¿ins
-Á!,@r*D.rú,ún (Eerdmans,
2002), was named to the
"Outstanding Academic Title" list
for 20O2by Choice magazine,
published by the American
Library Association.
stories [o¡ many yeârs; A SongJor
4. I
p.m.
Homecoming dinner
Friday, October 3, 5:30 p.m.
Reunion celebrations
Classes of 1953, 1963, 1978,
and Ì993
Psychology department allclass reunion
& 40th
anniversary celebration
Saturday, October 4
Contact the alumni olJrce at 612-
330-1178
iJ
you are interested in
serving on a reunion planning
committee.
I I il.-r I I I I
Dean Gulden '63: From Augsburg professor
dOgsled mUSh€f
¡v
to pr¡ze-winning
ressica Brown and Lynn Mena
Imagine beginning your day with the sun on your face and the wind rr-rshing against you, traveling at high speeds through the woods, stopping
for breakfast only after you've reached the top of a hÌll so high you can see Lake Superior and its stunning vistas. This is a solitary adventurewell, almost-just you, nature, and a pack of canine companions leading the way.
For Dean Gulden, a prizewinning dogsled musher, this has become a way of life. In 1985, he and a friend started a summer mountain program
for area youth in Grand Marais, Minn., taking a busload of l<ids to Wyoming to experience the thrill of mountain climbing. ln continulng the
program into the winter, he was introduced to the sport of dogsled raclng. Having a great love of the outdoors, the sport quickly grew on Gulden,
who now owns l7 Alaskan Huskies and participates in up to slx races per year.
Sometimes, Gulden's competition includes his wife, Jean. "[In 200tL we were competing and I was
having a good run," recalls Gulden. "i was out first and Jean was five or six teams behind me. I was
cruising along this river and looÌ<ing at the blue sk¡ when all of a sudden I heard, 'trail!' which race
etiquette dlctates you must relinquish the trail and let the competitor by. We1l, I look around and here it's
a
o
\
õ
s
a
\J
Jean passing me!
"It's a tough sport, there's both competition and camaraderie
need help, they're there for you,"
... mushers are fiercly competitive, but if you
One of the most enjoyable aspects for Gulden is the ability to share his dogs with others. "I go to high
schools and senior centers so they can see the dogs and pet them and learn about them," says Gulden.
"It's a vehicle I can use to share myself and what I've done ... I've been very blessed and I like to share
that blessing with other people."
Tiaining the dogs is both challenging and fulfilling. "Finding what the strength of each dog is and helping
them to maximize that potential is a lot like teaching," says Gulden, a longtime leacher. "I'm not
comparing students to dogs-though most people who know dogs would not be offended."
Dean Gulden '63, former Augsburg
math department chair and
professor, now participates in up to
six dogsled races per year.
20
4ucs¡uRc lr¡ow
Both an Augsbr"rrg alumnus and a former Augsburg math department chair and professor, Gulden left the
College in 1975 for Grand Marais, where he taught at Cook County High School. Prior to Cook County and
Augsburg, Gulden served in the Air Force and also worked in the space industry He and his wife now split
their time between Grand Marais and Fairbanks, Alaska, where he teaches rn the summer monthsJessíca
Brown is a communication speciøList in the OlJice of Public Relations and Communication.
Spring 2003
t
I
i
l1964
Lloyd A. Pearson, Holmen, Wis.,
retired in November after 30 years
of airline flying, most recently as a
captain with Northwest Airlines.
He began his airline career with
North Central Airlines, which
became Republic Airlines, and later
merged with Northwest. Prior to
airline flying, he taught high school
math and then spent five years in
the Air Force, including a year in
Vietnam, during which he flew
365 combat missions.
1967
George Lillquist, Golden
Valley,
Minn., was featured in an article in
the Crystal-Robbinsdale Sun-Post,
after he was named interim artistic
director at the FAIR fine arts
magnet school in Crystal. George
had retired in the spring ol2002
as principal of the TÞchnology
Learning Campus and Robbinsdale
Spanish Immersion School, after a
35 -year education career.
Gail(Stromsmoe) Dow,
Denver, Colo., was presented with
the Career Achievement Award by
the Colorado Library Association
in recognition of her many years
of dedicated sewice to the library
profession. In 1999, she was
named Librarian o[ the Year,
honoring her efforts with the
Colorado Legislature. She has
since retired, but remains an
active part of the Denver library
system and also volunteers at her
.church library
f968
Minn., was the featured speaker at
the Lac qui Parle Prairie
t
Inbune, after she spoke at
a
Community Leaders Breakfast in
November in St. Paul. LaRhae is
pÌanning director for the Project
2030 Aging Initiative in the
Minnesota Department of Human
Services.
Donald Q. Smith, Monticello,
Minn., was featured in an article
in
Preservation's annual meeting in
November. Janet, who calls herself
Augsburg alumnÌ, friends, facult¡ and staff are invited to jorn
academic dean Chris Kimball and associate professor Kristin
Anderson on a trip to explore the great American pastime o[
baseball. Travel by bus to Chicago and visit the Field Museum's
"Baseball as America" exhibit, as well as check out some great
baseball:
the Monticello Times, after his
selection for the Monticello High
School (MHS) Wall of Fame, in
recognition of his civic activism.
Wednesda¡ June 18, 7:05 p.m.
Chicago White Sox vs. Boston Red Sox
Richard J. Seime, Rochester,
Minn., presented a forum in
Chicago White Sox vs. Boston Red Sox
US Ceilular Field (Comisky)
February on "Interpersonal
Psychotherapy for Depression" at
Metropolitan State University's
First Friday Forum Series.
1973
Syl Jones, St. Louis Park, Minn.,
was the topic of a recent interview
in the Puls¿ of the'Iwin Cities
weekly newspaper, entitled "A
discussion of race relations and
other matters with Syl Jones." Syl
is an editorial writer for the
Minneapolis Stør Tnbune and a
consultant to corporations on
topics of diversity and quality He
also collaborated with Augsburg
to form the Scholastic
Connections program.
US Ce11ular Field (Comisky)
Thursda¡June 19, l:05 p.m.
Frida¡ June 20
Field Museum Exhibit: "Baseball as America"
Chicago Cubs vs. Chicago White Sox
Wrigley Field, 2:20 p.m.
Saturday, June 21, 6:05 p.m.
Milwaukee Brewers vs. Minnesota Twins
Mi11er Park
Sunday,June 22, l:05 p.m.
Milwaukee Brewers vs. Minnesota Twins
Miller Park
Cost of trip is $595 per person based on double occupancy For
complete details, contact Thorpe Tours at l-866-553-8687 or
<thorpe@wwt.net>, and contact <alumni@augsburg.edu> so we can
add you to our line-up!
Jan (Weum) Ph¡l¡bert,
Minneapolis, is a business
applications anaþt at Guidant
Corporation.
1975
Minn., is co-author and ilÌustrator
of a book of childhood games,
entitled Sally B's Games for Good
HomeMøde Fun. She owns
speaking engagements a year and
has authored, co-âuthored, and
created I3 books, two audio
tapes, and various novelty
products.
Mark Sedio,
girl
humorist," does about 100
1970
nflrdsrr'lTrcIt[f1
a
computer consulting firm, Hakes
Consulting Inc., and also trains
and shows horses. She and her
husband, Steve Hawrysh, Iive on a
12O-acre farm.
a "Norwegian-Lutheran farm
Join Augsburg for a special "Baseball as America" trip!
JUNE 18-22, 2003
Jennie A. Hakes, Monticello,
Janet Letnes Martin, Hastings,
l
St. Paul, was quoted in a recent
issue o[ the MinneapoÌis Stør
1976
Ar<¡y
Dz-1
al 0â"*
ÞÁr,1,
June 28, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Join us at Como Park in St. Paul for this annual event and visit with
Augsburg alumni, friends, faculty, and staff. Bring a picnlc lunch
(BBQ grills are available) and Augsburg wlll provide beverages and
brownies. There will be fun activitres for kids and great door prizes!
St. Paul, was
featured in the CrossingBorders
newsletter, Crossings, after he led
For more information, please contact the alumni office at
612-330 -II7 B or <alumni@augsbr"rrg.edu>.
LaRhae (Grindal) Knatterud,
Spring
2OO3
4ucsnuncuow
21
Class Notes
choir concerts during a toul to the
1979
Czech Republic, Poland, and
Slovakia. Mark is director ol
The Rev. Mark R. Aune,
Mendota Heights, Minn., was
installed as senior pastor o[
Augustana Lutheran Church. He
ancl his rvife, Janis (Blomgren)
music at Central Lutheran Church
in Minneapolis.
1977
'81, have two children: Stefan and
Roselyn Nordaune, Plymouth,
Minn., rvas featured in the "Who's
Who in Family Law" resource
guide to Minnesota attorneys in
nonprofit organizations. She can
Shorewoocl, Minn.
John Popham, Washington,
Susan Lyback-Dahl, Wahkon,
Minn., is a staff writer for the
1
980
Sarah Parker ('89 MAL), Edina,
for 15 years.
Minn., recently returned to
1978
Minnesota after spending nearly
l0 years in the Pacific Northwest.
She owns a busìness providìng
marketing, media relations, and
communications services to small
and mid-sized businesses and
The Rev. Mark Christoffersen,
Fairfield, Conn., is pasror at Our
Savior's Lutheran Church.
7lI
Daniel J. Carlson rvas promored
to chief of police in the City oi
Eden Prairie. He and his wife,
Camilla (Knudsen) '81, live in
Ingrid.
D.C., received a Master o[ Science
in Information Systems from
Shippensburg Universit),.
a
recent issue of Minnesota Latv €>
Politics. She has practiced family
larv since 1980, and rs a founder
of Nordaune 6¡ Friesen, which has
operated in St. Louis Park, Minn.,
be contactecl via e-mail at
<sp 1243@qrvest.net>.
Mille Lacs Messenger. She has an
extensive background in
Norwegian cultural heritage. She
owned and operated a
Scandinai'ian retail business lor
l0 years and continues to ser\¡e
the Norwegian-American
community vra her lolk music.
artwork, and writing.
198f
Walt Johnson, Minneapolis,
temporarily left the Minneapolis
Public Library to begin a yearlong
fellowship with the U.S. Patent
and Tradernark Depository Library
Program (PTDLP) ofiice in
Arlington, Va., rvhere he will assist
rvith the clei'elopment and revision
oI electronic products lor PTDLPs
throughout the country He i,vill
also travel to some of these
libraries to train staff and patrons
on patent and trademark searches.
The Rev. Richard D. Buller,
New Hope, Minn., was installed
ol Valìey Community
Presbyterian Church in Golden
Valley. He previously sen'ed 10
years at a diverse, inner-city
congregation in Philadelphia and
four years at another diverse
church in Waterloo, lowa. He
and his wife, Jean Ann, a
as pastor
tlf ùif NI IIITI.I{JI¡
Tim McWatt'742 Unique path leads to professional success
by Judy Petree
It
comes as no surprise that Auslin McWatl has a love o[baseball. After all, his c1ad, Tim McWatt, Class of '74,
played baseball rvith one o[ St. Paul's own Hall of Fame baseball players, Dave Winfield. O[ course, that rvas
rvhen they were both klds playing at the Oxford lields in the Rondo neighborhood of St. Pau1. Today, McWatt
hves in Santa Rosa, Calif., and is a hon're office property claim technical manager for Frreman's Fund insurance
Company (FFIC). He has bcen in thrs positron srnce rnoving fiorn Mir-u-reapolis in December 199ó.
Õ
õ'
s
U
Mcwatt has lvorked for FFIC for the past l7 years, starting as a property adjr-rster and then moving to
management in 1991 in what usecl to be their Minneapolis branch oflice. Before FF]C, McWatt rvas an adjuster at
St. Paul Companies and SAFECO Insurance Company. After graduating with a bachelor's degree in business
adminÌstration/econornics from Ar,rgsburg, he began working in the loan department of First Produce Bank, a
part of the First Mir-rneapolis Bank's system. He has also worked for 3M in sales.
While a stuclent ât Alrgsburg, McWatt held positions
Tim McWatt's success as a
business professional is
grounded by student
leadership roles at Augsburg
and as an early member of
the critically acclaimed gospel
group, Sounds of Blackness.
as
vice president and president of the Black Student Union
(BSU). He recalls his educational experience at Augsburg to be very positive, enabling hÌm to develop business
and leadership skills that have played a palt in his success today.
McWatt me[ one of his best frìends while at Augsb]-rrg, Roger Clarke, rvho was also a past president olBSU. They
were both members of the critically acclaimed and internationally-renowned gospel group, Sounds ol
Blackness-McWatt from I9TI-1975 during its infancy under [he directorship of Gary Hines.
"I had great opportumtres to travel r,vith the group throLlghout the Unlted States, and was fortunate enough to be
on the first alburn," 1-re said, "and happen to be one o[ the members picturecl on the back of the a1bum."
He and his wife, Michelle (Whie) '75, r,vhom he also rnet while they rvere stnclents at Augsburg, recently celebrated their 25th wedding amlversrry.
Michelle is a teacher's aid in Santa Rosa-ReiblÌ. They have trvo chilclren: 12-year-olc1 Austin, who, besides loving baseball and basketball, plays piano,
and Ì6-year-old Danae, a sophomore at Santa Rosa High Scl-rool and a member of the Dance Cornpany One o[ her best experiences, says her dad, is
when she became a cast mernber of the Penumbra Tl-reatre's production of Blacl¡ Nativity rvhen they rvere back in Minnesota.
McWatt and his family belong to the Harvest Christlan Center Church 1n Santa Rosa, ancl he enjoys playing golf and workrng olrt at the local
YMCA. He has been an assistant basketball coach for the past three years for the Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) St. Rose boy's basketball tearn,
lvhere 1-ris son, Austin, rs a point gr"rard. The 2002 season brongl-rt Lhem therr fìrst champions}rip season.
ludy Pctrct is
22
¡tt¿dict rclatiotts nlanogcr
.4UCSBUnC ¡¡OW
in thc Olficc
oJ Pttblic Rclations and Comtntnicatiott
Spring 2003
psychiatric nurse at Nonh
Memorial, have two sons: Peter,
13, and Martin, 10.
1
The Office of Alumn¡/Parent Relations announces...THE AUGSBURG SONG CONTEST
Have you ever loved the words to a song, but the music was rmpossible to follow? Here is youlchance lo
rewrite the music for the Ar-rgsburg Song that was written by P A. Sveggen and H.P Opseth. The song has a
wonderful message, but a diffÌcu1t line of music to slng. We would like to update the Augsburg Song into one
that can be sr-rng by the masses throughout the year.
985
Kevin Augustine, Plymouth,
Minn., married Cathe
Cunningham in October.
lor oul Augsbulg Song, keeping in mind that it rnust be simple enough for a range
of voices and talents. We would like to begin singing the new music at Hornecoming, October 3 and 4.
Please compose new music
1987
Jenni Lilledahl, MinneapoÌis, led
The words are:
a seminar, entitled "The Power
love the school where we belong: We love to sing its praise .
AndiJ the nrclody o[ songMay hearts to rdpture rctise.
Let Augsburg where it now doth stand and Augsburg in our love,
Resound iir songs on every hand, in thanhs to Him aboye
'We
of
Yes!" at the CoÌlege of St.
Catherine's Leadership lnstitute in
February She is co-owner of the
Brave New Workshop Theatre
.
We síng of those
(Minneapolis), and director of its
school for improvisation, the
Brave New Institute.
1
of
t'ormer days, with thanht'ulhearts we sing,
Because they wrought in wondrous ways the Love of God to bring,
To
bringhis love and wisdom down to every seehing
h joyJttl praise Let music
988
sotLl.
sound and up to heavet-t roII.
We sing of all who now belong to Augsburg's brotherhood:
May they stand always Jirm and strongwhere those before them stood:
Let Augsburg still in strength remøin, \\/hen we our way have trod:
Janice L. Aune, St. Paul, was
recently featured ln the St. Paul
Pioneer Press. She is president and
Let sound Jor aye the joyous strain oJ thanhJul praise to God.
CEO of Onvoy, a teÌecommunications firm based in Pl1'rnouth.
The deadline for submission lsJuly 16, 2003. Please send your composition [o
Heidi Breen, Associate Director
Augsburg College AlumniÆarent Relations
CB I,16
2211 Riverside Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 5545'+
Jeannie (Shaughnessy)
Hodges, Alexandria, Va., recently
became president and co-owner of
Pathwise Partners, LLC, a transition
management consulting firm
focused on partnering with nonprofit and for-profit organizations
breen@augsburg.edu
e>.periencing significant change.
1
989
Gail(Moran)
Wawrzyniak,
Raleigh, N.C.,
was promoted to
vice president. at
BB&T
Corporation,
based in
Winston-SaÌem, N.C
1
990
administrative pharmacy and
director ol the pharmacogenetics
laboratory at the University of
Iowa College ol Pharmacy
Renee (Paulsen) married Paul
Del¿ria in March. The couple
resìdes in Ham l¿ke, Minn. She is
project manager for Wells Fargo
Spring 20O3
q
993
1
received the Young Investigator of
the Year award from the American
College of Clinical Pharmacy She
was also recently awarded a fiveyeñ career development award
Mental Heaìth to investigate the
genetic basis oI antipsychotic
metabolism. She is assistant
professor of clinical and
s.
Ê,
Deb (Stone) Schumaker, Blair,
Neb., received a Master of
Education degee from Lesley
University in July She is in her
ninth year as a kindergarten teacher
at St. Paul Lutheran School. She
and her husband, Jay, have two
sons: Brett, 6, andJared, 4.
Vicki Ellingrod, Iowa City, Iowa,
from the National Institute of
a
o
a
Home Mortgage in Edina.
The Augsburg Alumni Association and President Frame honored
2002 Distinguished Alumnus Richard J. Seime, Ph.D., at a
1994
gathering in February of Augsburg alumni. friends, and parents in
Rochesteri Minn. ln addition, Professor Nancy Steblay presented
architectural renderings of Augsburg's proposed new Natural and
Nancy (Moore Smith), Erie,
Pa., married Dr. Michael T. Kalisra
in June. She is executive director
Behavior Science Center. Pictured, L to R: Richard Seime '70,
President Frame, and Augsburg regent Ruth Johnson '74.
4ucs¡uncruow
2z
Class Notes
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of the YWCA of Erie, and was
previously executive director of St.
David's Child Development and
Family Services in Minnetonka,
Minn. She can be reached via emaiÌ at <mtknak@yahoo.com>.
1
naval history military
indoctrination, and physical
[itness.
Paula Seeger, Madison, Wis.,
995
Amy Ellingrod, Woodland Hills,
Augsburg wrestling alumnus Dan Lewandowski '97 was inducted
into the National Wrestling Coaches Association's Division lll
Wrestling Hall of Fame in March in Ada, Ohio. Lewandowski, who
won Division lll national titles for the Auggies in 1996 and 1997, is
the first Augsburg wrestler to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
After graduating from Augsburg, he served as an assistant coach
for the Auggie wrestling program for four seasons (1998-2002),
and was part of three national t¡tle teams as a coach, He is
currently pursuing a graduate degree at the University of
Minnesota.
training in naval warfare,
seamanship, navigation,
engineering, naval leadership,
Calif., has been a member of the
Santa Monica S¡rmphony since
1998. After five years of working
as an engineer for 3M
Pharmaceuticals, she folÌowed a
new career path, and is currently
working for the Los Angeles
Philharmonic in the development
department.
Deborah A. Kirby,
Pensacola,
Fla., was commissioned to the
rank of Navy ensign after
completing Aviation Officer
Candidate School at Naval
Aviation Schools Command, Naval
Air Station, in Pensacola. At the
school, she received intensive
was promoted to the reference
and outreach services librarian at
the Dane County Law Library in
Madison.
1
996
Chellie (Kingsley) married
David Shaffe¡ in September. The
couple lives in Rancho Palos
Verdes, Calif., where Chellie is
pursuing a doctorate degree at
Ryokan College in Los Angeles,
and David is owner/operator of
Summit Pain and Injury
Treatment Centers.
1997
Jane Marie (Ruth) ma¡ried
in September.
Jeremy Zirbes
:IlivilI¡¡IIiltlI¡¡fl
et4ugsúotrg'6oncerr
tøn&
øt t/oe 'Úrystal T¿atl¿e&aa.l
Los Angeles-area alumni, parents, and friends are invited to this special performance of
the Augsburg Concert Band's 2003 tour, conducted by Robert Stacke '71, and featuring
reunion of the internationally-acclaimed "Skeets" Tiio and an original composition
ñ
L
a
a
L)
conducted by Augsburg alumnus Brendan Anderson'02.
FRIDAY, MAY 9, 7:30
Crystal Cathedral
p.tø.
. I2I4l
Lewis Street . Garden Grove, California
714-97t-4000
All
are
invited to a reception from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Crystal Cathedral Art Gallery;
please RSVP to Alumni/Parent Relations at I-800-260-6590 or <alumni@augsburg.edu>
il you plan to atl.end this reception.
The Crystal Cathedral in Los Angeles.
a
o
S.
çf eøture& pues t eÅyy u^rrntnt
!
THE "SKEETS" TRIO
The "Skeets" Tiio has played for presidents and royalty. Members include "Skeets"
Langley'65, winner of the prestigious Coupe Mondiale (World Cup) and the Gold Medal
at the 1963 Confederation Internationale des Accordeonistes in Baden-Baden, Germany;
Stanford Freese, entertainment director for Disney Corporation; and Robert Stacke '71,
Augsburg Music Department chair and director of bancls.
BRENDAN ANDERSON'02
will conduct hÌs original composition, I Believe, an interpretation
of the Apostle's Creed in word and music, performed by the Augsburg Concert Band
with guest high school and youth choirs from the grealer Los Angeles area.
Brendan Anderson '02
a
4ucs¡uncruow
An early photo of The "Skeets" Trio, featuring
(l to r) Stanford Freese, Robert Stacke'71, and
"Skeets" Langley'65.
Spring
2OO3
ffi
Brent Grier, Naperville, Ill., is a
lile/dental insurance underwriter
o
rvith Metlife.
Õ
AUGGIE HOURS
s.
Ar.rggie Hours are held the
Laurence Stratton was recenrly
featured in an article in the
l.
Springfield Adv ance-Press, aftel he
L)
L
a
second hesday of each month
at 5:30 p.m.
joined the Ìegal firm o[ Muske,
Muske & Suhrhoff Ltd. He and
May 13
his wife, Jennifer (Draeger)
'97,live in Morgan, Mìnn.
Stillwater, Minn.
Facilitator/topic: Angie
Ahlgren '98, theatre
Freighthouse
Ryan Kehnle, Ortonville, Minn.,
and his wife, Nikole, were
featured in an article in the
O rtonville lndep enden t detaillng
the celebration oI their one-year
anniversary as owners of the
Ortonr'ìlle Matador Supper Club.
1
998
Kaydee Kirk, Chicago, works
for Lakefront SRO, a nonprofit
developer oI supportive housing
for the homeless in Chicago. She
is pursuing a graduate degree at
the University of Illinois at
Chicago in the urban deveÌopers
program.
Gretchen Meents, South Sr.
Paul, Minn., was featured in the
St. Paul Pioneer Press as a
candidate for the St. Paul Winter
Carnival's Queen of the Snows
competition. She is a senior social
worker for Hennepin County, and
ls also co-chair o[ the Hennepin
County Social Work Advisory
Council.
f 999
Scott Hvistendahl recenrly
.
accepted a position at TiueWell,
an organization that helps youth
pastors design, build, manage,
and rnaintain Web communities.
He can be contacted via e-mail at
<hvisty@hotmail.com>.
2000
Aaron Gabriel perlormed with
the Grimrn family includlng
Jennifer Grimm '99, in a concert
at Bigfork High School Commons
inJanuary The concert was
featured in an article in the Gr-and
Rapids Herald-ll¿vi¿1a,. Jsnnifsr has
also been performing overseas and
rvith the Minneapolis band, Soul
Tight Committee.
Spring 2003
AUGGIE HOURS AL
FRESCO
Same great after-work event, but
held outside on a locaÌ patio!
(left) recently spent two weeks teaching
English in Xi'an, China, as part of a Global Volunteers service
program. He was assigned to teach conversational English to
adult learners and was impressed by their level of knowledge.
"Their English skills were good," said Soderberg, who lives in
Minneapolis. "l mainly helped them with pronunciation-so we
had many good conversations. lt was interesting; I learned a lot
about their lives."
Eric Soderberg '92
Soderberg enjoyed strolling the streets of Xi'an, meeting people
and immersing himself in the city's daily rhythms. "One day, I
was walking back from the park to the hotel," he said. "l passed
a young man-he nodded, rushed up to walk next to me, and
said 'hi!'very enthusiastically. Then he continued talking in
Chinese! We exchanged many smiles, and I knew he was just
trying to be friendly."
June
l0
Black Forest Inn
Minneapolis
Facilitator/topic: Jim Bernstein
'78, state go\¡ernmenl
July 8
Pickled Parrot
Apple ValÌe¡ Minn
Facilitator: TBA
Augsust 12
It's Greek to lvle
Minneapolis, Minn.
Facilitator/topic: TBA
Anna (Missling) married Kyle
Nutting '02 in October. The
couple resides in Eagan, Minn.,
where Anna is a case managel at
the Salvation Army's HOPE
Harbor project and Kyle r¡'orks at
Gourmet Alvard Foods.
Ò
È
E
2001
Sarah (Henderson) married
Justin Accola inJanuary The
couple live and work in the
Minneapolis area.
Brandi Czyson, Brooklyn Park,
Mìnn., was featured in a Chantplin
Dayton Press article on nelv school
district employees. Brandi is a
compuier lab paraprolessional
r'vith the district.
Meghan L. (Swanson) married
Peter Dangerfielcl
in December.
The couple resides in Minneapolis,
li'here Meghan rvorks at
Make\4usic! lnc., and Peter lvorks
ar rhe Universit)'
ol Minnesota.
ln February, the Augsburg Alumni Association sponsored a
networking fair for careers and internships, which joined
students with area employers-many of which featured
Augsburg alumni. Held in Christensen Cente1 the event also
featured a talk by Colleen Watson '91 MAL, and a panel
discussion by alumni on what employers look for in new grad
hires and interns. For those interested in recruiting Augsburg
students, contact the Center for Service, Work, and Learning at
612-330-1148 or via e-mail at <careers@augsburg.edu>. Pictured
above are Kristen Hirsch '91 and junior Brittany Fagen.
,4ucssunc
Now
2s
Class Notes
m
Mary Olson '742 'Find passion in what you do'
by Marissa Mapes'03
Would you like to trade in your business suits, endless meetings, and stale coffee for an
opportunity to fulfill your dreams? A[ter 22 years of successfully cllmblng the
corporate laclder at USWest, Mary Olson did just that when she jumped at Lhe chance
to transform her dream ol owning a winery rnto a reality ln 1996, Olson sold her
lifetime supply of pantyhose and purchased Airlie Winery in Monmouth, Ore.
Ò
o
U
As a high school student, Olson longed to broaden her experiences, and Ar-rgsburg's
Minneapolis location seemed the "perfect fit" for this small-town girl from Osceola,
Wis. Olson discovered all that Augsburg had to offer through her visits to another
Augsburg alumna-her cousin, Juhe (Olson) Munson '72.
"My days at Augsburg gave me great insight into people," Olson said. She graduated
from Ar"rgsburg In L974 with degrees ln English and politlcal science, and fondly recalls
chess games with Professor Myles Stenshoel, her tennre as student body president, and
her trlp to Russia with Professor Norma Noonan. Olson was highly involved in campus
life, and later brought that experience into her professional life and the world of
business.
"Work to me has always been more than a job-1t is a passion," Olson said. Following
graduatlon, she was hired into the management-training program with Northwestern
8e11, which became USWest and is now Qwest. From there, she was transferred and
promoted to different branches of USWest throughout the country. In 1990, she was
transferred to Portland, Ore., as she worked her way from the technical ranks to vice
presrdential level.
ln 1996, Mary Olson '74 traded her 22 years in the
corporate world to purchase and operate a winery in
Monmouth, Ore.
"I fell in love with Oregon, its people, and the wines, and started telllng friends that in my next life I was going to move back to Oregon and own
a winer¡" she said. Her "next 1ife" came sooner than she thought, and her dream came true; she ls now the proud owner of a beautrful vineyard
and winery
Olson said she would not change anythlng that lec1 up to her owmng the winery "My career at USWest made it possible for me to live out my
dream." Olson's success is illustrated by her passion for life and work. For othels seekrng to transform their lives, Olson advises, "Learn, enjoy, and
find passion ln what you do."
Olson has kept in touch with many o[ her Augsburg friends, and some have visited her vineyard. If you can't get to her winery in person, you can find
Airlie wrne at area Twin Cities retailers. Olson is planning to hold an Augsburg alumni gathering at Airlie Winery this summer. Watch for details!
Marissa Mapes is a senior majoringin commLLnication.
joins sister
2002
She
Brooke Stoeckel, Isanti, Minn.,
is a group sales manager at
Riverwood Inn in Monticello,
Minn. She can be reached via e-
advocate
Karin, 3. Diana is
a sentencing
mail at
Defender's Office.
<brookiedoll2 7@hotmail. com>.
Brenda Selander, Oakdale,
Minn., is a physical education
teacher at Anoka High School.
She can be contacted via e-mail at
<selander9@hotmai l.com>.
Births/Adoptions
Diana (Wilkie)'86 and Rick
Buffie, Apple Valle¡ Minn.-a
daughter, Kirsten Dale, in,July
26
4UCSnUnCUOW
with the
Hennepin
County Public
Leah is a special education
teacher and Todd is a social
studies teacher. They both teach
at Armstrong High School.
Julie (Severson)
Jennifer
'94
(Cummings)
'96 and Brian
and Dermott
Norman, St. Louis
Patricia
(Noren)
'91 and
Park, Mirm.-a
daughter, Sophie
Lyle
Enderson,
Leah (Johnson)
'95 and Todd
Elk River, Minn.-twins, Evan
Noren and Laura Mary, in
December. Patricia is a marketing
communications specialist for
Reviva Co.
Marla (Stratton)'92 and John
Mayer'BB, New Prague, Minn.a son, Trace Alan, in November.
He joirs brother Mason, 3.
Farmington,
.-'.:.I Minn.-a
Ann, inJune.
Weisjahn'95,
New Hope,
Minn.-a
son,
Noah Charles,
in November.
I
Ackland'95,
I
Krystina,
last
daughter, Ellie
April. They can be
reached via e-mail at
<bjackland@msn.com>.
Jasmina Besirevic-Regan'97
and Matthew Regan '95, New
Haven, Conn.-a daughter, Selma
Jane. in November.
Spring 2O03
)
m
The Rev. Harry T. Sorenson
'42,Ephrata, Wash., died in
January he was 83. In his 58
years of minìstry he sen'ed
parishes in Minnesota, North
Dakota, California, and
Washington. He is survived by his
wife, Judy; two daughters, Linda
and Sheila; son, Aaron; and four
grandchildren. He was preceded
in death by his first wife, Ruth
Berg, and his daughter, Cheri.
Marilynn
(Peterson)
Merced. She and her husband,
Herman, rerired in lg8l ancl
began a long and memorabÌe
retirement. She loved to travel and
was talented at needlepoint, crossstitching, and crocheting. A
dedicated volunteer, she surpassed
6,500 volunteer hours at a locaì
hospital, and was very active in
her local ELCA church. She also
organized and enjoyed mini
Auggie reunions on the Pacific
Coast. She is survived by her
husband of 55 years; three
children, Steven, Scott, and
Olson'48,
Shelley; eight grandchildren; and
Merced, Calif.,
died in July; she
was 77. She
taught school for
many years at
five great-grandchildren.
Wayne L. Stutelberg'49,
Woodbury, Minn., died in
September; he was 77. He spent
32 years working with programs
Oak Grove High School in Fargo,
N.Dak., and kindergarten in
related to special services,
including serving as head of the
and Wisconsin. She is survived by
her husband of nearly 40 years,
Bob; two sisters and a brother; and
speech department at Gillette
Children's Hospital, state director
for the National Easter SeaÌ
Society, and director of special
education programs for both the
Rosemount and Forest Lake
her beloved Boston terrier, Arf,
who shadowed her every step.
school districts. He is survived by
three children, Tom, Patricia, and
Mark, and eight grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his
elementary school principal.
wife, Marlys.
John N. Samuelson'50,
Minneapolis, died in December;
he was
/).
Shirley A. (Knapton) Hooker
'57, CaldwelÌ, ldaho, died inJuly
2001 after a prolonged medical
battle; she was72. AÎrer
graduating from Augsburg, she
worked for the state highway
departments in both Minnesota
Marvin Husby, lr.,'64,
Inverness, Ill., died inJanuary of
cancer. He was a retired
Dennis J. Carlson '90,
Minneapolis, died inJanuary; he
was 35. He worked as a bouncer
for many years, and was also
involved in semi-professional
wrestllng in Minneapolis, where
he was known as "Samson." He is
survived by his mother, Patricia;
three sisters, Candy, Kathleen, and
Cindy; and two brothers, Robert
and Jerome. He was preceded in
death by his father, Edwin.
Augsburg remembers leader |ibrarian
by Boyd Koehle¡; associate professor and librarian, reprinted from the Augsburg Echo
M
arJone
Sible¡
librarian and
professor at
Augsburg for more
than a quarter of a
century died
January 21,2003,
at the age of 82.
Sibley served as a reference librarian
from 196l to 1987 and also as library
'director from 1970 to 1977. Concurrentl¡
she taught courses in Quakerism and
library science at Augsburg and courses in
library science at the University o[
Minnesota.
Sibley's educational preparation
included a B.A. with Phi Beta Kappa
honors at the University of lllinoisUrbana, an M.A. in sociology with work
toward a doctoral degree also at Urbana,
and a second M.A. in library science lrom
the University of Minnesota.
Augsburg colleagues remember
Sibley's leadership style both in the library
and on campus at large. "Marjorie
regarded the library as the 'heart of the
Spring 2O03
College campus'," according to Margaret
Anderson, former library director and
professor emerita. "She helped build the
library collection up to national standards
and introduced reference service to
promote the library as an active agent of
learning," Anderson said.
The library collection received a boost
in the area of minority and diversity
studies during the early 1970s under
Sibley's leadership, according to Grace
Sulerud, acquisitions and reference
librarian. "She wrote a Bush grant that
increased our budget by $75,000 over
three years," Sulerud said.
"Her energy could not be contained in
the librar¡" said Anderson. "She served on
the laculty senate and nearly every other
faculty committee." Sibley chaired the ad
hoc commìttee on the status of women in
the early I970s, a committee that
examlned pay equity for women and other
lacets of discrimination on campus at both
faculty and staff levels. This study
triggered actual change in Augsburg's
salary structure, according to Grace
Dyrud, psychology professor.
"Marjorie was very good at seeing the
big picture and could approach matters
calmly and rationall¡" Dyrud said. Sibley
also championed world peace. "Marjorie
advised students interested in peace
studies, and, with her husband, Dr.
Mulford Sibley, devoted energy to peace
and justice in the world beyond campus,"
Sulerud said.
"Her Quaker conviction that 'there is
something of God in every person' guided
her life and work," Sulerud said.
"Marjorie was an advocate for justice
in the minds and hearts of everyone she
came in contact with," said Spanish
professor Mary Kingsley, a friend and
colleague who served on various faculty
committees with Sibley.
Sibley's first husband, Mulfurd, a wellknown political science professor at the
University of Minnesora, died in 1989.
Sibley is survived by her husband,
Don Irish; a son, Martin; a daughter,
Muriel; five sisters and brothers; and a
host of grandchildren. A Quaker memorial
service celebrated Sibley's life in February
at Augsburg's Hoversten Chapel.
,Aucssunc
Now
27
o
t^
o
-
a
o
A president looks back 500 years and finds
h iS Ca I I ing
by president wirriam v. Frame
ollowing are excerpts of a piece written
F by President
Frame Jor the September 6,
2002, issue of Tlne Chronicle of Higher
Education.
Having recently returned from a lO-year
stint in the corporate world to my original
home in the academy, I have stumbled
onto an idea of great utility-both to
rattonalize my own tortuous career path
and to guide the curricular and cultural
reforms needed to serve our college's
students. The idea is vocation. ...
The most immediately distinguishing
aspect of vocation is that of being drawn
to an undertaking with a deep sense that
"This is the right work for me!" I first
encountered that aspect as a reporter for
the student ne\Mspaper at Ohio State
University in the early 1950s. Campus
journalisrn in the early days of the civilrights movement was a thrilling business,
and it gave me, for the first time in my
college life, popular recognition. Yet my
inner voice had not yet matured, and was
thus overwhelmed by its natural rival, the
voice of public acclaim.
That orientation, unfortunatel¡
remained as I shifted my study to political
science and followed it into the
professoriate ... where I eventually
achieved tenure and the rank of professor
of political science. Now I see that I was
actually chasing after the seductive but
ultimately unsatisfactory vindication of
acclaim. ...
Even so, the process of becoming a
professor and achieving tenure
introduced me to two of the critical
axioms of the teaching vocation: Great
teachers begin and remain as serious
students-of themselves as well as of the
world-and learning improves life. But
since I discovered those axioms in a
selective liberal-arts college that was
purposely set well away from the cit¡
they took a particularly private and
rnildly antisocial form. They did not gel
with the outgoing and service-oriented
2A
,4UCSSURC l,¡OW
s
aspects of vocation. ...
A sneaking discomfort with all this
caused me, I now think, to strike out
from the secure shores of rural academe
after 13 years there. I had gone to
Chicago to direct a research program in
the humanities at the Newberry Library. I
fell in love with the city, which, I
realized, is the quintessential social
institution of the modern world. ...
As a result, I was hesitant to return
to the college at the end of the
fellowship. Almost frantically, I cast about
for an alternative, wonderingwhat a 42year-old professor of an arcane art could
do effectively in the "real" world. I joined
the First National Bank of Chicago as a
trainee in the summer of 1981. ...
Those seven years in commercial
banking, followed by three in corporate
finance, gave me a profoundly different
attitude toward work and the world than
I had acquired in the academy Yet as I
advanced in the commercial hierarchy ...
I became less and less interested in the
ultimate purpose (stockholder value) of
the institutions that employed me. I
knew that my appreciation of the
compatibility of work and personal
fulfillment in the modern commercial
world had deepened in several important
ways, and I longed to see how that new
understanding would resonate with
students. I wanted to go back to teaching.
Yet, as I was absolutely dumbfounded to discover, higher education
institutions did not invite my return,
especially into any available teaching or
teaching-related administrative function.
I had to make my way back through
finance ... I re-entered the hallowed halls
as vice president and chief financial
officer at Pacific Lutheran University ...
It was there that I learned of Martin
Luther's respect for "the fine liberal arts,"
which he proposed as the chief human
therapy for modernity-the world in
which work had begun to disconnect
from its earlier communitarian functions.
President Frame led an AugSem discussion
with students about vocation and service on
community service day last September. That
month, he also reflected upon his personal
vocational path in a piece he wrote Íor The
Chronicle of Higher Education.
Vocation, or the called life of service, is
the ultimate objective of that therapy ...
I could see in Luther's idea of
vocation the rnakings of a life-changing
educational concept ... in the presence
ol Luther and my colleagues in a
church-related college ... I began to
draw together into a new educational
philosophy the disparate elements of
what had by now been four different
adult careers. ...
Now, as president of Augsburg, I am
pursuing the application of vocation in
our curriculum and culture in ways that
reflect my personal and increasingly
fulfilled search for my own calling. ...
Looking back, I see that the concept
of vocation has helped me find a pattern
in what I once regarded with shame as a
restless turning from one profession and
career to another ... it has allowed me to
make real progress in drawing together
into a satisfying whole both thought and
action, theory and practice, work and
leisure, and ultirnately, reason and faith.
That wholeness is the ultimate gift of the
called life of service-and what I believe
we should strive to achieve for ourselves
and for our students. I
Spring 2003
)
¡-
tt
I
a,
(a
Music
For more information, call 612-330-1265 (unless otherwise noted)
April 30, }t4ay 2-3
Masterworks Chorale with the Minnesota Orchestra
Sir Neville Marriner, former music director of the Minnesota
Orchestra, returns to conduct the music of his fellow countrymen.
Actor and screen star Christopher Plummer narrates the words of
Shakespeare with music by William Walton from the lllrnr'Henry V
Elgar's poignant Enigma Variations places the finishing touches on
an all-English event.
April 30 at7:30 p.m.-Orchestra Hall
}y'ray 2 at 8 p.m.-Orchestra Hall
May 3 at 8 p.m.-Ordway Center
For ticket information, call the Minnesota Orchestra at 612-371-5656
Seminars, Lectures,
and Films
May 7
Master of Arts in Leadership Series on Transformational
Leadership
Presenters: MAL students, "Leadership Paper Colloquium"
6 p.m.-Christensen Center
For information, call 612-330-1786
Muy 5-10
Augsburg Concert Band Tour
Los Angeles area (seep.24)
Theatre
April
25
Senior Acting Recitals
7 p.m.-Tjornhom-Nelson Theater
For information, call 612-330-1257
Exhibits
For gallery information, call 612-330-1524
}/.ay L7
Parker J. Palmer
"Honor Thy Teacher: Authentic Educational Reform in an Era
of Smoke and Mirrors"
Parker Palmer, a teacher, activist, and bestselling author of
Let Your Life Speah: Listening for the Voice of Vocation and The
Courage to Teach, will present this lecture as part of
Augsburg's Exploring Our Gifts program. This presentation is
free and open to the public.
7 p.m.-Hoversten Chapel
For information, call 612-330-1 180
Other Events
May 3-4
COMMENCEMENT WEEKEND
May 3
Commencement Luncheon
Noon-Christensen Center
March 2B-May 4
All-Student Juried Art Exhibition
Gage Family Art Gallery Lindell Library
m&i
Commencement Concert
I :30 p.m.-Hoversten Chapel
Honors Convocation
4 p.m.-Hoversten Chapel
May 4
Baccalaureate Service
10 a.m.-Hoversten Chapel
Commencement Ceremony
l:30 p.m.-Melby Hall
Seating begins at 12:30 p.m.
Tickets required
March 2B-May 4
Senior Art Exhibit
Christensen Center Art GallerY
Com mencement Reception
3
p.m.-Murphy
Square
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notice, or program from a
memorial service.
Send your news items, photos, or
change of address by mail to:
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Augsburg College, CB 146,
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MN, 55'154, or e-mai1 to
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FOR
Winter 2002-03
AUGSBURG
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FOR
Winter 2002-03
AUGSBURG
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From the editor
ultural diversity can be experienced
and ap preciated in many places- in
Centra l America , Namibia , Thailand ,
and here on the Augsburg campus .
The College's vision document ,
Augsburg2004: Extending the Vision,
sugges ts that cultural diversity is the
kind of diversity that best serves
Augsburg 's educa tion al mission by
offering "many different ways of
knowing and learning " that challenge us
to look beyond the limits of our own
cu ltural assumptions .
Augsburg2004 goes on to reinforce
the critical conn ection between cultural
diversity and exploration of vocation:
.. cu ltur al diversity is critical for all of
us-employees and students alike-t o
fulfill our obligations as stewards. To
pursue our vocations in the world , we
need engageme nt with ways of life and
convictions that pose alternati ves to our
own . Kno,ving the other helps us know
ourselves, " the document states .
The stories in this issue illustrat e
C
We welcome your letters!
Pleasewnte to:
Edttor
Augsburg Now
2211 Riverside Ave., CB 145
Minneapolis, MN 55454
E-mail: now@augsburg.edu
Fax: 6 12-330- 1780
Phone: 612-330- 118 1
Leuers for publication must be signed and
include your name, class year, and dayume
telephone number . The)' may be edited for
length, clamy, and style.
how cultur al
engagement can
come about in many
ways-t hrou gh
meetings with
wome n in Guatemala
who are findin g
purpose and voice in
the cooperative
movement , through
Augsburg faculty
learn ing abou t
educational
challenges in
Namibi a, and
th roug h faculty, staff,
and students here on
Students from the Heart of the Earth Survival School Drum
campus who exp lore
and Dance Group performed in Christensen Center during
National Native American Heritage Month.
American Indian
mythology throu gh
the performance
anni versary this year and is the longestantics of Coyote .
running program of its kind in the
For 20 years, the Cente r for Globa l
Upper Midwest. ll has not only help ed
Educat ion (CGE) has facilitated stud y
native stud ent s enroll and succeed at
and travel expe riences that conn ect
Augsburg , but il has also brought
Americans directly with people and
together the Native American and
issues arou nd th e world . Comm ents
Augsburg com muniti es in a variety of
from travel pani cipants attest lo the
cultural and edu cational activities.
power of the se conn ections. My own
In 2001 , th e American Indian
experie nce as a 16-yea r-old exchange
Studi es faculty, together with the Center
stud ent to Sout h America led to a shift
for Global Education and internation al
in my academic direction and shaped
stud ent advis ing, made il possible for
interests and activities that have stayed
Augsburg international stud ents to be
wilh me throu gh decades.
imm ersed in Native American cultur e for
As th e well-being of our global
a week over sprin g break at the Tunl e
community becomes ever more fragile in
Mountain Reservation in North Dakota .
this post-September 11 environm ent ,
On many Cent er for Global
more people are recognizi ng th e need to
Education brochures, readers find the
seek und erstandin g of peop le and places
message, "See the wor ld through their
different from us in cultur e, religion, or
eyes, and your wo rld will never be the
politics. CGE's progra ms are growi ng to
same ."
respond to thi s need . In addition , stud y
Isn't that what lransformali ve
abroad serves as one of the ways in
educ ation is all abo ut?
which Augsburg stud ents can fulfill the
Augsburg Experience requirement in
their studies.
Augsburg's four multi cu ltural
programs help to begin this journey al
Belsey Norgard
home . The American Indian Stud ent
Editor
Services program celebra tes ils 25th
A ugsburg Now 1s published
quanerly by Augsburg College,
22 11 R1vers1deAve.. Mmneapohs .
Mmneso1a 5545 •
Editor
Betsey Norgard
AUGSBURG NOW
A
PUBLICATION
FOR
AUGSBURG
COLLEGE
ALUMNI
& FRIENDS
Win ter 2002 -03
Vol. 65 . No . 2
Features
Assistant Editor
Lynn Mena
Graphic Designer
Kath)' Rumpza
Class Notes Coordinator
Jessica.Brown
8
Cont ribut ing Photographer
Stephen Geffre
President
Wilham \I Frame
Director of Alumni and
Parent Relations
Amy Suu on
Wh ere in the world wi ll
the Center for Global
Education take you?
by Bet sey Norgard
Augsburg 's Center for Global Education has been
a nati onal leader for 20 years in providin g crosscultur al edu cational stud y and travel. Demand
for their program s has risen sharply, as Americans
seek to learn more abou t social, cultur al, and
religious differences around the world .
Director of Public Relations
and Communication
Dan Jorgensen
14
Opm1ons expressed m Augs burg
Now do not necessarily renect
official College pohcy
by Dan Jorgensen
ISSN I 058-1545
Postmaster· end correspondence ,
name changes . and address
correc11ons to: A ugsburg Now,
Office of Public Rela11onsand
Commu nication , 221 I Riverside
Ave.. Mmneapohs . IN 55 • 54 .
E-mail: now@augsburg.edu
Telephone : 6 12-330- 118 1
Fax: 6 I 2-330-1780
A11
gsb11rg College, as affirmed
American Indian
Student Services
celebrates 25 years
American Indi an stude nts bend u from the long
history and track reco rd of Augsburg's progra m ,
which has now add ed a maJor m Amen can
lnd tan Stud ies.
Departments
2
Around th e Quad
6
Sports
in irs missio n, does not
discrimina te on 1hc basis of race,
color, cree d, religion, na tiona l or
ethn ic 01igi11, age, ge nd c,; sex ual
or ientat ion, ma rital SllllU S, SUIIU S
with regcird to publi c ass ista nce,
or disability in its educa tio11
p olicies , culmi ss ions policies,
scl10la rs hip and loa n prograr11
s,
at hlcric anti/or school
a dmin istered programs, except
in those insta nces wl1e,e rel igio n
is a bona fi de occupal ional
q11
a lifica1io11
. A11
gsb11rg College
is committed fO p mviding
reasonable ncco mmo,lmi ons to
7
17
18
22
28
Chape ltalk
Alum ni News
Homecomin g 2002 Photos
Class Notes
In Memori am
irs employees and its stu denrs.
www.augsburg.edu
inside
back
cover
Calendar
50 percent ,·ecycleclpaper (JO percent post-consume, waste)
On the cove r:
Ounng a Centerfo r Global
Edueallon travd m mna,; focused
study of Nicaraguas m,grawry
buds scn•ccl as a conncd ing
symbol to the study of cconom,c
development ancl the rnvimnme,u.
Photo talicn al El Cas1,llo, Rw San
Juan, by Keith Olstad
Four new regents are welcomed to the board
he Augsburg Board of Regents
welcomed four new member s at its
Janu ary meeting. Kinn ey Joh nson '65 and
Sand ra Vargas were elected to six-year
tenn s; and Bishops Robert Berg and Craig
John son j oined the boa rd as ex officio
memb ers, representing two of Augsbu rg's
four ELCA syno ds for rotating three-y ear
T
Lenn s.
Kinney Johnson '65
Kinney John son
became a foundin g
memb er of Sequ el
Partn ers in 1995, a
venture finn in
Bould er, Colo.,
specializing in the IT,
telecom , and health
care secto rs. He has been involved in 45
start-up ventur es and currentl y manages
over 400 million in thr ee fund s.
J ohn son received his bachelo r's degree
from Augsburg in 196 5 with maj ors in
mathema tics and bu siness adm inistration .
He received a master's degree in
mathematical comput er science from the
Un iversity of Iowa . He curre ntly serves on
several health care and techn ology boards.
Sandra Vargas
Sandr a Vargas has
been the count y
admini strator for
Henn epin Count y
since 1999. She has
18 years of
manageme nt
expe rience in city and
state agencies, including the Minn esota
Department of Transporta tion .
Vargas holds a master's degree in
pu blic administration from the John F.
Kennedy School of Governm ent at
Harvard University. She chairs the
Chicano/Latino Advisory Committ ee at the
University of Minn esota and serves on the
Minneapolis United Way and Minn eapolis
Fou ndation boa rds .
The Rev. Robert Berg
Bishop Robert Berg , a native of Eau
Claire, Wis ., was elected bis hop of the
Evangelical Luth era n Chur ch in America
(ELCA) No rth wes t Synod of Wisco nsin in
1995. Prio r to that he
had served two
parishes in North
Dakota and several
pari shes in
Wisco nsin .
He graduat ed
with a bachelor's
degree from the
Un iversity of Wisco nsin-Eau Claire and
from Luth er Semin ary.
The Rev. Craig
Johnson
Bishop Craig John son
was elected bishop of
the ELC/1:s
Minn eapolis Area
Synod in Jun e 2001.
Previously, he had
been associate vice
president for chur ch relations at Gustavu s
Adolphu s College and serve d parishes in
Shr eveport , La. ; and Minn eapolis and
Bloo min gton , Minn . He is auth or of The
Mighty Acts of God- a Survey of the Bible.
Welcome , Class of 2006!
On a bright September day, 332 Auggie freshmen
processed into the chapel, heralded by flags representing
the countries of international students at Augsburg and
welcomed by faculty and staff lining the walk .
AUGSBURG COLLEGE- FALL 2002
Total stud ents
.. ... . . .2 ,99 4
(1,69 1 day, 1,072 wee kend , 23 1 gradu ate)
Average age ...... 21 in day, 35 in WEC, 34 in gradu ate
No . of stat es
.........
. ... . .42
No . of foreign countries
.. . .. 36
Gender . . . . . . . .
. .4 1% male and 59 % female
Race/e thnic origin ... ... ........
App roximately 17%
stud ent s of color
Res idency ... . . . .. . . .54 % resident day stud ents and
46% commut er day stud ents
Religion .. . ... . .. . . . . . .Appro ximately 34% Luth eran
2
,4 uG SBURG NOW
Winter 2002 -03
Graduate nursing program
receives accreditation
ugsbur g's Master of Arts in Nur sing
prog ram , begun in 1999, has
rece ived full acc redit ation from the
Co llegiate Coun cil on Nur sing Edu cation
(CCNE) .
Th e p rogra m , with classes offered in
both Rochester and Minn eapolis, pr epa res
nur ses for transform ational leadership
and transcultur al practice across care
settin gs, with particular emph asis on
addr essing health di sparities. Gradu ates
of the pro gram are eligible to app ly for
certification throu gh the American Nur ses
Credentialin g Cent er and th e
Transcultur al Nur sing Society.
With th e increasing diversity of
Minn eso ta's popul ation , thi s prog ram
trains nur ses LO be responsive to a wide
range of health needs th at exist in the
loca l and global communiti es . Th e
curri cular focus on hea lth disp arities
addr esses th e difficult y so me popul ation
group s have in gainin g access to health
care beca use of poverty, age, race,
religion , and/ or nati onal ori gin . Augsbur g
curr entl y has the only degree program of
thi s kind in th e countr y.
Remembering
September 11
comm emorativ e
pro gram durin g
Homecoming
Weekend honored in
word s and mu sic the
victims and surviv ors
of the eptemb er 11
attacks . The
Augsbur g Concert
Band and the
A
A
Rev. Mark Hall '77
Cheryl Leuning, nursing professor and
department chair, announced the
accreditation of Augsburg 's Master of
Arts in Nursing program , with a focus on
transcultural nursing.
Augsbur g Choir performed the
composi tion "I Believe," written by
Augsburg alumnus Brendan Anderson '02.
Special commemoration of the life of
Lt. Col. Dean Mattson '66 , who died in the
Pentagon attack, was mad e by the Rev.
Mark Hall '77 , pastor of St. Peter's
Luth eran Chur ch in Luck , Wis., Mattson 's
home chur ch.
Hall said of 1lattson , "Here [at
Augsburg College], Dean learned , like
many others have (includin g me and many
of you , too) that whatever station or place
we live out our lives, we are called to live
them with a holy pu rpose, consecreated to
God . Because life is sacred ."
Welcoming Augsburg visitors
The main entry and lobby
area in Christensen Center
has undergone a facelift to
become a more welcoming
and hospitable center.
A re-designed information
counter greets visitors,
while new furnishings and
a computer center enable
students to meet. study,
check e-mail, or gather
around the fireplace to
enjoy a cup of coffee from
the Starbucks kiosk .
Winter 2002-03
A-UGSBURG NOW
3
Around the Quad
NOTEWORTHY
New CLASS director
James Hodgson began as director of
Augsburg's Center for Learning and
Adaptive Student Services (CLASS)in
November. He received his doctorate
from M.I.T., and brings extensive
experience in working with students with
learning and physical disabilities.
•Leaders of today' connect
with •leaders of tomorrow'
Augsburg's core curriculum
In October, the faculty approved a new
general education curriculum for
students beginning in fall 2003. The
Augsburg core curriculum streamlines the
current general education requirements
and builds on the principles of
Augsburg's mission and ,~sion, including
themes of vocation, Christian faith , civic
engagement, diversity, and liberal arts
and delivered across disciplines with
experiential learning built in.
A cover story for Augsburg
Augsburg's communi ty service-learning
program was the subject of the cover
story in The Lutheran magazine in
November. "Learning by SeT\~ng"
describes programs that involve students
in tuwring , coaching youth teams,
teaching, pro,~ding seT\~Cesat a free
clinic, volunteering in community
organizations, and many other activities
in the neighborhood and Twin Cities
area. To read the full article, go to
<.www.thelutheran.org/02l l/page46.html>.
ranked in top 2S
Augsburg was ranked in the top tier
among Midwestern universities that offer
a full range of undergraduate and master's
programs in the annual ranking of U.S.
News and World Report. Among the key
cntena m Judging were highest
graduauon rate and highest proportion of
classes of fewer than 20 .
U.S. News also introduced a new
ranking of schools with "outstanding
examples of academic programs that lead
to students ' success." Augsburg ranked
21st in the nation in the service-learning
category. Each of the schools listed is said
to be a "stellar example" of programs
shown to enhance learning. Augsburg is
the only Minnesota school in this
ranking.
Augsburg
4
A-UGSBURGNOW
Scholastic Connections students and mentors for 2002-03 are (L to R) Diane Love-Scott
'98 ; Adela Arguello 'OS; Mercedes Weishalla '03; Kailash Thapa '05; Noya Woodrich '92,
'94 MSW ; Eloisa Echavez '94, '98 MEL; Matthew Shannon '04; Xia Xiong '05; Murry Kelly,
Jr. '71; Asha Geire '04; Cory Andree '03; Richard Barbeau '92. Not pictured are Rev.
Rufus Campbell '75 and Andre Lewis '73 .
I
n Septembe r, Scholas tic Conn ectio ns
celebra ted its first anni versary an d
awar ded five new sc holarsh ips to
Augsburg students of co lor , conn ecting
them with Augsburg alumni in mentorin g
relationships.
A year ago, the program was laun ched
to amplify th e Co llege's com mitm ent to
th e dre am of a post-secondary edu cation
for students from diverse backgrounds . It
responded to a lawsuit po sed by Elroy
Stock '48 , a maj o r d on or o f th e Co llege
who was discovered to be the send er of a
hate-m ail campaign over man y yea rs. He
sued when Augsburg refused to name a
building after him , but was unabl e to
return his gifts due to federa l and stat e
guideli n es. The lawsuit was dismi sse d .
Th e first Corporate Connections gift
to the College was mad e by th e law firm
o f Lockridg e Grindal Nauen & Holstein
P.L.L.P.Thi s support will provide a
schola rship for students whose family
circu mstances m ight hav e hindered
op p ort un ities for a co llege education.
Calling from Augsburg ,,.
SPRING PHONATHON BEGINS ON FEB. 2
T he Augsb u rg stude nt phona th on tea m looks forwa rd to talking with alu mn i
about Augsb u rg as they dial th eir way toward a $ 1 m illio n Ann ua l Fu nd goal.
Winter 2002-03
Joel Torstenson, at age 90,
honored by local group
oel Torstenson '38, Augsburg alumnus
chai r of HECUA, Torstenson became good
and long-time professor, was honor ed by
friends with Paul Wellstone, Carletons
representative to HECUA.
the West Bank Community Developm ent
Torstenson also served on the West
Corporation in its December newsletter for
"significant contributions to the civic,
Bank CDC board from 1993 to 1999 . He
and Fran have been active members of
spiritua l, educationa l, and community life
Trinity Lutheran Congrega tion. A birthday
in Cedar Riverside ," along with his wife,
party in Novemb er celebra ting his 90 years
Fran , and Ruth and Floyd Case.
brou ght together family and friends.
The newsletter menti oned Torstensons
many accompli shm ents,
includin g his co-founding of a
farm cooperative in Edina in
1941 that became hom e to the
Fellowship of Reconciliation,
and his service to Midland
Coop erative as education
director.
In 1947 , Torstenson
returned to Augsburg to teach
full time, which led to the
growt h of the sociology
department and the creation of
the Scandinavi an Urban Studi es
Term at the University of Oslo ,
,,_
und er the auspices of the
Professor Emeritus Joel Torstenson '38 and his wife,
Higher Education Consortium
Fran, entertained family and friends in November to
for Urban Affairs (HECUA). As
celebrate his 90th birthday .
J
THE "AUGGIE EAGLE" HAS LANDED
At the Oct. 19 home football game against St. John's, Auggie fans were introduced to
Auggie Eagle, the College's new mascot, who entertained the crowd and kept spirits
high for the team . Auggie Eagle will make his appearances at home sports games and
represent Augsburg in the community.
Winter 2002-03
NOTEWORTHY
Youth and Family Institute moves
The Youth and Family Institute , founded m
1987 by Menon Strom men ·4 2, has
separated from Augsburg College and is
opera ting independe nt!)', maintaining its
former staff und er Dick Hardel's leadership .
It will continu e to support Augsburgs youth
and family minisu y major, current!)•
enro lling arou nd 50 students.
Augsburg has established an advisory
committ ee under the direction of John
Schmit, associate dean for adu lt programs ,
lO plan an initiative in service to the church
that builds on Augsburgs strengths in
mu sic, leadership , the health sciences,
recovery, and focus on vocation.
The Youth and Family Institute \\~\I
continu e to opera te under this name ;
information about Augsburgs new program
will appea r in the spring issue.
Ann Garvey-'Woman
on the Go'
Ann Garvey, associate dean for student
affairs, was selected as a recipient of the
"Women on the Go" award . This inaugural
award , sponsored by the Minnesota ACE
Network , was awarded to women who are
"destined to be leaders in higher education ."
They are "women who are making a
difference-d ay in and day ou t-in their
institutions and in their communi ties."
New Pan-Afrikan Cent er director
Trena Bolden '00, became the new director
of the Pan-Afrikan Center in November ,
after serving as interim director . She
graduated with a doub le major in
communication and theatre arts.
Devean George '99 honored
Augsbur g Mil retire the No. 40 basketball
jersey of Devean George '99 during a
weekend celebration on Feb. 7-8. George ,
who played at Augsburg from 1995-99 ,
was the first Division Ill player to be drafted
in the first round of the NBA Draft, by the
Los Angeles Lakers, and has been a pan of
thr ee straight world championships with
them.
Feb. 8, 3 p.m.-Public ceremony
during the Auggies' men s basketball game
vs. Ham line University.
For information, contact Norm
Okerstmm at 612-330-1616 or
<okerstro@augsburg .edu> .
A-UGSBURG NOW
5
Sports
Auggie hockey player takes body checks to
a new level
byDonStoner
ugsbu rg College men's hockey
forward Jaro Cesky isn't known as an
overly physica l player on the ice. But in
August , the Auggie senio r used the
physical part of his hockey training in a
much different- and heroic- way.
Cesky, a native of Prague , Czech
Republic , helped to subdue an attacker
who had set off exp losives in a crowded
subway station and killed a police officer.
For his efforts, he earn ed national
atten tion in the Czech Repub lic and was
widely regarded as a hero . But Cesky is
quick to denect any praise for his efforts,
saying he wou ld do the same all over
again .
"People were asking me if l felt like I
was a hero, but I didn 't want to hear that
because a cop died , and l didn 't want to
get noticed because of somebodys death ,"
Cesky said. "I told people if something like
this would happe n again , or if it wou ld
happen here [in Minnesota!, I wou ld do
exactly the same thin g."
Cesky, who has lived and studi ed in
America for the last four years, return ed to
A
co ps next to me, ju st watching thi s
hap pen . l told them, 'You have guns , why
don't you go in there and get him ?' "
Unlike television shows Cesky had
seen in America , where police officers
rou tin ely pull their weapo ns to stop
suspects, the officers in this situation were
prohibited from using their firearms in the
subw ay station due to local regulations,
accor din g to publish ed report s.
As a subwa y car pull ed into the
station , Cesky yelled to the passengers to
remain on the train. He turn ed to see the
male officer stru ggling with the attacker.
"l saw the cop on the ground , and he
end ed up with the knife in him . He was
stabbed ," Cesky said. The officer died
instantly.
The second officer, a female, ran to
the attacke r and tried to subdue him with
her nightstick. As the larger assailant
fought back , Cesky sprinted forward and
body-checked him to the pavement .
"I went in and thr ew him on the
ground ," Cesky said. "He got back up and
had a plastic tub e in his hand , pointing it
"I t old people if something like this would happen again, or if it would
happen here [in Minnesota], I would do exactly the same thing ."
Prague in August to visit his family. His
second day there, whi le waiting for friends
at a subway statio n to celebra te his 24th
birthday, he heard an exp losion rock the
train statio n , filled wit h peop le going
home at the end of the day.
At first, he thoug ht it was someone
setting off fireworks in th e trai n sta tion ,
the second-busi est in the city. Instea d , it
was a 53-yea r-old Russian immi gra nt
throwing makes hift exp losives at the
train tracks.
As the Friday night crowd panicked
and ned the train stat ion, the Russian
began to attack an elderly bystander wit h a
knife attached to a long stick. "I saw the
man on his knees and th e other man was
attacking him ," Cesky said. "I saw two
6
A-UGSBURGNOW
at her face. He stepp ed closer to me and it
looke d like he wanted to commit suicide ,
he was jabbing th e tub e at his own head ."
Officers later told Cesky that the tub e
was anoth er hom emade exp losive, and
that it apparent ly had enoug h dyna mite in
it to possibly level the train station . "When
he punched him self with th e tub e a
second time , I jump ed on him from
behind again and thr ew him on the
grou nd ," Cesky said . "I sat on him , held
him down and I pu shed the tub e away
from his hands. The co p came over and
we put the handc uffs on him ."
Hittin g someone the way Cesky did
wou ld have earned him a trip to the
penalty box in hockey for checking from
behind , but in thi s instance, the hockey
player was a
hero who likely
helped to save
countl ess lives.
For his
efforts , Cesky
was honore d by
the interio r
minister. The
nation 's
president
invited him to
meet on Czech
Jaro Cesky '03
ind epend ence
day, Oct. 28-a meeting at whic h his
parents represented him , since Cesky had
to return to classes .
Cesky came to America to play juniorlevel hockey in Dubuqu e, Iowa. Augsburg
coach Mike Schwartz recruited him to
Augsburg , wher e he joined another
Europ ean player, Slovakia n Martin Hlinka ,
who graduated and now serves as an
Augsburg assistant coach.
"He's probably the most exciting
player in the league ," Schwartz said of the
team 's top line center. "Every time he gets
the puck , everybody sits at th e edge of
their seats, waiting to see what he's going
to do."
An international business major,
Cesky said he'd like to play professional
hockey after he gradua tes from Augsburg ,
and then travel and explore the world .
With the experience gained from his
recent heroic efforts, Cesky has learne d
about the fragility of life.
''You never know whats going to
happ en ," Cesky said. "I used the Metro
[subw ay] every day for my tran sportation ,
and l had to use it the next day [after the
attack) . I was looking all around that
station , seeing who was around me. I
always thought this cou ld happ en in the
United States , but not in Prague. Now, you
never know."
Don Stoner is sports information coordinator.
Winter 2002-03
Chapeltalk
Sent into the world as a mask of God
November
20, 2002 • Text: John 17:14-19
I
l was Jesus who said we are "sent into
th e wo rld " (John 17: 18). I do n't think
we have gras ped th e sign ificance o f his
wo rds and th e idea th at our wo rk, our
voca tion in th e wo rld is a way of servin g
th e creator God . If we shou ld ask most
Christians what th ey do to fulfill th eir
calling th ey may say, "I teach Sun day
schoo l, I sing in the choir, I have served
many chur ch dinn ers." But have you ever
heard someon e say, "I am called to be a
schoo l bu s dri ver. God is concern ed abou t
th e safety of his childr en ; I am called to be
a teacher and do my best to help children
grow to maturit y; I am called to be a
lawye r concern ed about ju stice." The
Chu rch is meant to be not a fortress to
which we retreat, but a laun ching pad,
thrustin g us int o th e wo rld .
Lu th er understoo d the wo rds o f Jesus
that we are sent int o th e wo rld . He writ es,
"Wh at is our wo rk in field and garden , in
tow n and house, in baul ing and in rulin g,
to God , but the wo rk of his chi ldr en? Ou r
wo rks are God's mask, behin d which
IGodl remains h idd en , although !God]
does all thin gs."
A recem statement from th e Greek
Orth odox Chu rch und erstand s th e wo rds
o f Jesus. lt says , "All are called to be saim s,
Ito be Chri stians !, but each person is
called to do so in his or her own uniqu e
way.... Some will wo rk prim arily in a
physical way, oth ers will wo rk
im ellectu ally. Some will be artists,
sciemi sts, bu siness people, and
pro fessionals .... In th e eyes of God none
is beu er th an th e other is."
Augsbur g College understand s th e
wo rds of Jesus th at "we are sem im o th e
wo rld ." In your promotion al litera tur e you
say, "Augsbur g prepares futur e leaders to
serve in th e wo rld ." ln your amazingly
goo d docu mem , Augsburg 2004: Extending
the Vi ion, you say, "A loving relations hip
with God should be enacted as a lovin g
relationship , ith th e wo rld . Augsbur g .
does n ot turn its back on the wo rld ." And
last wee k I heard your presidem speak
Winter 2002-03
eloq uem ly in dow nt own Minneapolis
about th ese ideas.
But you do not simp ly talk abou t it;
you sen d leaders imo the wo rld. You cou ld
mee t Congressma n Manin Sabo '59, ELCA
presiding bishop Mark Hanson '68 , or
baske tball coac h Lute Olson '56 , recem ly
indu cted into the Basketba ll Hall of Fame .
Or , watch L.A. Laker Devean George '99;
or Jenni Lilleda hl '87 , Brave New
Workshop; or Mike Bodnarczuk '84 ,
Hollywoo d producer. If you go to a
hu nd red or a thousand other places in the
Twin Cities you ,viii find Augsburg
gradu ates .
And soo n you will be sent int o this
wo rld , Class of 2003 or 2004 . It is a wo rld
,vith bri lliam accomp lishmen ts in
techn ology, science, and medic ine . But it is
also a very tro ubled wo rld .
You who stud y political science and
psychology and religion , will you br ing
peace to th e wo rld or to your community?
You who stu dy biology or chem istry, will
you find a cure for Al OS or will you serve
in a hospit al or other place o f healing? You
who stu dy eco nomics and bu siness, will
you br ing integ rity and j ust ice to the
wo rld of bus iness or to your wo rkp lace?
You may respo nd , "How can I make a
di fference? I am a low ly freshman ," or an
exhausted senior. Some two cent uries ago
a liu le boy grew u p in England. He was
frail and wea k ... . As a youn g boy he
listened with rap t attention to a for mer
slave trader, John Newto n , now a
Chri stian who had renou nced slaver y and
who wro te "Amazing Grace. " The name of
the boy was William Wilberforce.
This liul e boy grew up, and when he
was a mere 24 years old or so he was one
of th e most powe rful members of
Parliam ent in England . He took his faith
seriously. He strugg led with the idea that
he should leave Parliam ent and em er some
chur ch wo rk, per haps become a clergy. He
came to th e conclus ion , pers uade d by
many, even John Wesley, that he was sent
int o the wo rld to serve God . . . For 20
James B. Hofrenning
years he work ed in Parliamem to abo lish
the slave trade . He wo rked anoth er 26
year s and slaver y itself was abolished in
England and its colonies . Th ere was no
civil war such as too k place in our count ry
where 640 ,000 youn g men died .
Wilb erforce chan ged a nation; he changed
a cent ur y. He is buri ed in Westmin ster
Abbey beside king s and qu eens.
In th is wo rld you may not change a
nation or a centur y, but you may change a
city, or a neig hborho od , or your home.
You may chang e a classroom , or a hospital,
or a business . Your presence in thi s world ,
in thi s city, will mak e a difference because
you are sent there as a mask of God.
For your life in this world you will
need many gifts. I will focus on only one,
whi ch Jesus und ersco red wh en he said ,
"Behold I am sendin g you as sheep in th e
mids t of wol ves, so be wise .. . " (Mauh ew
10 :16). We don't alwa ys recog nize wisdom
as a Chri stian qu ality.
... So grow wi e here at Augsbur g as
you prepar e to go into God's wo rld as a
mask of God . You will mak e a difference.
Dr.James B. Hofrenning is professor emeri tus
of religion at Concordia College-Moorhead
and is thefa ther-in-lawof Augsburg
economics professor· Stella Hofrenning.
A-UGSBURGNOW
7
THE MISSION IS . .. to provide cross-cultural education
opport unities in orde r to foster critical analy sis of loca l and
globa l cond itions so that personal and systemic change
takes place leading to a more just and sustainable world.
SINCE 1982 , Augsburg 's Center for G loba l Educat ion has
been a national leader in providing cross-cultural travel
programs, serving nearly 10,000 peop le. Now , as A merica ns
are learning to live in a world of terrorism, they seek to
understand more abo ut the cult ures, religio ns, and issues
affecting ou r globa l society.
WHERE
1n
the WORLD will the
center for global education
take YOU?
by Betsey Norgard
Social work major Sally Nixon '01 visited a women's weaving
cooperative as part of a faculty, staff , and student professional
development seminar in Guatemala.
8
AUGSBURG NOW
Students enjoy the serenity of the courtyard
at the monastery in Tepotzlan, Mexico, an
indigenous village near Cuernavaca.
Winter 2002-03
AUGSBURG'S CENTERFOR GLOBAL
EDUCATION(CGE) had just begun
plan nin g for its 20th anniversary
celebrati on when th e terrori sm of
Sept emb er 11 left in its wake a great
un certaint y about th e futur e of
ime rn ational travel and stud y.
Stud ent enrollm em s in CGE's stud y
abroad cour ses th e following sprin g were
und erstan dab ly down , since applica tions
we re du e sho rtly after the attack . Since
th en , however , int erest from institutions
across th e countr y has grown so mu ch as
to fill CGE's travel semin ar schedul e thi s
year an d al leas t two of th e stud y abroad
cour ses . Waitin g lists are in place, and
CGE staff are wo rkin g on pro gra ms two
and thr ee years ahead .
Rather than ret reatin g from foreign
travel, Americans have demon strated a
desi re to learn more abo ut int ernation al
cu lture s, religio ns, and issues. A recent
publi c opi nion p oll by the American
Coun cil on Education , measurin g
auitud es about interna tional edu cation
before and after Sep temb er 11, showe d
that interes t in int ernation al issues has
not only been sustain ed, but has actuall y
increased in some areas , such as foreign
languag e learnin g. In addition , CGE sta ff
say th at college students increasingly
expect stud y abroad opportu nities as pan
o f th eir college edu cation , and take thi s
int o consideration when makin g college
choices .
For Orva l Gingeric h , assoc iate dean
for int ernationa l program s and dir ecto r of
th e Center for Globa l Edu cation , all of
thi s affirms the work th at CGE has don e
for 20 years . In th e fall 2001 issue of
th eir news leu er, Global News and Notes,
he wro te of his "realization th at th e
mission and pro gram of th e Cent er for
Globa l Edu cation are even more
sign ificant and pertin ent th an they were
before the au ack ." What is need ed , he
said , is for Americans lo respond to the
Winter 2002-03
CGE director Orval Gingerich welcomes
guests at CGE's 20th anniversary
celebration .
new war against terrori sm "from an
informed and reaso ned perspective," rath er
than blindl y responding in ways that lend
to become more and mor e like th e terrori st
actions being answered .
LEARNING from and
with PEOPLE
Travel arranged by the Cent er for Globa l
Education is not like tourist travel, but
offers experie nces that encour age
participants to become inform ed and
engaged during th e trip as
well as after returning
home. "IL is learni ng from
and with peop le, instead
of look ing and enjoying ,"
Gingerich to ld the
Augsb urg Echo in a
December art icle.
600+
Participam s become
immersed in local
9,00 0+
cultur e- they meet peopl e
200
in their communi ties, hear
a variety of viewpoint s on
issues affectin g th e local
513
commun ity, and reflect
78
abou t the impact on th e
larger globa l commu nity.
26
After returning hom e,
177
the y are encouraged to
share th eir experiences with oth ers and to
beco me involved in issues of socia l ju Lice.
Whil e most kind s o f travel o ffer a
"macro" loo k al a count ry, look ing al it
from out side in , Gingerich feels thi s is
insufficient. Hearing from th e local peo ple
themselves-th e hean of a CGE
exp erience-pr esent s a "micro " view as
well, looking from the inside out.
Regina McGo ff, assoc iate dir ecto r of
the Cent er for Global Education , has also
received affirmation o f CGE's prog ram .
Durin g school visits to the Pacific
No nhw est last fall, one imerna tiona l
edu cation admini strato r told her that CGE
is exac tly th e kind of stu dy abroad they
seek for their stud ents. "We're helping
th eir stud ent s learn about real-world
issues," said McGo ff. 'Th ey're not isolated
on college campu ses , but th ey're geui ng to
see th e world from a Im of differem
perspectives. "
CGE can p rovid e thi s kind of
person al experience thr ough a wealt h o f
reso urces at its branch campu ses and
adjun ct facult y in Mexico , Guate mala,
Nicaragu a, El Salvador, and amibia, as
well as throu gh consult ant s and
BY THE NUMBERS
CGE-p lann ed trave l se m inars over 20 years
Partic ipa nts in trave l sem inars ove r 20 years
Col lege a nd universiti es for whom CG E has
arranged semes ter pro grams abroad
Participants in trave l semi nars, 200 1-0 2
Students on study abro ad pro grams, 2001-02
No . of CGE staff outsid e of the U.S.
No. of peop le stud ying Spanish in CGE
c lasses, 200 1-0 2
A-UGSBURG NOW
9
partnerships in other countri es. The thr ee
residentia l centers in Cuern avaca, Mexico;
Managua, Nicaragua ; and Windhoek,
Namibia hous e up to 25 peop le each and
are staffed by both Americans and local
residents . These CGE staffers and the
network of community resources ,
including local government officials,
enab le CGE to develop the first-hand
experie nces not normall y pan of touris t
travel.
CGE coordi nates three kinds of travel
programs-semester study abroad for
undergraduates , short-term travel
seminars for adu lts and students , and
customized travel. In all cases , meeting the
people, their cu ltur es, and the conditi ons
in which they live is primary . The
conve rsation s become two-way, with
resource people learning from the visitors.
Spending a
SEMESTERABROA D
Six semester programs for und ergraduates
send students to CGEs three centers. In
lexico and Central America , courses
focus on the roles of women ,
development, social change, and social
and environm ental justice . In Nam ibia,
the legacies of aparth eid and multicultural
societies in transition are stud ied . In all
courses , students have oppo rtunities for
independent stud y and intern ship s.
During their time abroad, stud ents
visit bo th rur al and urb an areas to learn
abou t local com munity issues . They spe nd
time in homestays and hear from the
people themselves about their issues,
struggles , and the impa ct of globa lization
in their lives. Spanish-langu age classes are
includ ed in the Latin Amer ican programs .
Shon-t erm credit courses, usua lly
one- or two-weeks long during short
terms or as alternative spring break
options , enab le working adu lt students in
Augsburg's Weekend College to also
participate in cross-cultur al trave l (see
next page) .
This past year, Rochester Spanish
instruc tor Jane Melton took a group of
stude nts, most ly nur ses , to Mexico. "Eager
10
A-UGSBURG NOW
to acquire language skills to en hance
patient care ,"says Melton , the stude nts
enjoyed daily Spanish classes and prac tice
opportunities in the city.
Travel for ACTION
CGEs short-t erm travel seminars, usua lly
one-to-three weeks , are organized around
a stud y topic and are focused on
stimul ating people to action . To date ,
more than 9 ,000 people from man y
organizations across the U.S.-education al
institutions , church es, professional groups ,
and human right s organizations-h ave
participated in over 600 semin ars to 40
countri es. As man y of the se peop le share
their experiences with chur ch and civic
group s after returnin g hom e, the imp act is
greatly multiplied .
Ju st one week prior to the terrori st
attacks-o n Sept. 3, 2001-an article in
Jeni Falkman '02 made new friends in
Cuernavaca, Mexico, with whom she
could practice her Spanish lessons .
destination , as well as practical trip
planning information. They continue to
receive materia ls upo n return ing home to
help process and commu nicate their
expe rience to others.
During the 1980s and early 1990s ,
man y travel semin ars focused on
confronting the issues of civil and
religious wars in
Cent ral America.
Now, the focus shifts
to the violence of
economics, wrote
Mavis Anderson, who
led mo re than 75
travel seminars in her
19 years with CGE.
In the spring 2002
issue of GlobalNews
and Notes, she writes
that globalization is
creating bo rders that
are no longer defined
geogra phically, bu t in
terms of power and
wealth. Acting
While in Guatemala studying development issues, Jared
Zimmerman '02 took lessons in a dialect of the Mayan language.
respo nsibly as
globa l citizens
requ ires greater un derstandi ng of issues
Time magazine featu red "reality tours ,"
relating to social j ustice.
travel that is aur acting increasing nu mbers
In the 15th anniversary issue of
of Americans who seek mor e than fun and
GlobalPerspectives in 1997 , Dr. Darro ld
sightseeing in their travels. Th e article
Beekman , then bishop of the
menti oned the Center for Global
Southwestern District of the American
Education as a travel provid er that
Lut heran Churc h , reflected on the 1983
effectively links participants with political
trip he took to Brazil and Centr al America
issues and peo ple in the Third World .
with other ALC bishops to stud y issues of
Before emb arking on any CGE trip ,
poverty, hum an right s, and the wo rk of
travelers receive orie ntation materia ls
the chu rch in social change . He wro te,
abo ut the history and po litics of their
Winter 2002-03
A semester abroad in a wee k
for WEEKEND STU DENTS
by Bet se y Nor ga rd
very winter since 1989 a group of 15
or so adult stud ents in Augsburgs
Weekend College have traveled to
Cuernavaca , Meidco, for a week . Not
for the same fun-in-th e-sun vacation as
man y of their co-wo rkers have enjoyed
at that time of year, but to take a
religion course, The Church and Social
Change in Latin America.
The vision of Rick Thoni, then
Weekend College director and current
director of the Augsburg Roch ester
program , and Joel Mugge, director of
the Center for Global Education , this
course was designed to provide a study
abroad opponunity for the increasing
numb ers of stud ents in Weekend
College- wo rking adu lts for whom the
option of stud ying abroad for a
semester was not possible.
The course was designed as an
au ractive option to fulfill Augsburgs
requirement for a religion course . But,
Thoni and Mugge knew that stud ents
would also be deeply affected by the
experience.
"We knew the power of this kind
of stud y opp onunit y, given our
e>.-pe
rience with day school stud ents
and adult travel groups ," said Thoni.
"We were pleased that the reactions of
the first groups of students confirmed
our belief that they would find this l)'Pe
of travel/stud y expe rience
'transformin g'."
The course begins on the
Augsburg campu s with two or three
orientation sessions , centering around
the theme of liberation theology and
how it has profoundly impacted the
social and religious fabric of society in
E
Winter 2002-03
Each year a group of Augsburg's weekend adult students spends a
week in Cuernavaca , Mexico completing a religion course a nd
learning first-hand about Mexico 's culture-here,
a lesson in Aztec
history at the ruins of Xochicalco.
Latin America. Stud ents also get general
historical information and practical help
with travel planning .
Their Cuernavaca home for the week is
Casa CEMAL, the Center for Global
Education stud y center, permanent ly staffed
by American and Mexican personn el. The
week is carefully planned with lectures,
,~sits, e>.-p
loration in the city, and time for
both indi,~dua l and group reflection .
Each day, local resource people lecture
about history, politics, and social issues of
Mexico and the region . Visits range from the
Aztec ruins of Xochicalco to a Benedictine
convent to hear the story of the Virgin of
Guadalup e. In the indigenous ,~llage of
Tepotzlan , stud ent s meet with memb ers of
a wome ns coop erative that success fully
thwarted efforts to usurp their cropl and s
for a go lf course. Another day, the group
meets with Cuernavaca city officials to
hear very differing perspectiv es-in som e
cases , oppo sing sides of issues already
discussed.
Much of the real imp act of th e trip
comes from the personal stori es and the
oppo rtuniti es to share in the lives of local
residents . Students ,~sit a Base Chri stian
Community meeting , one of man y small,
neighb orhood groups that grew out of th e
liberation th eology mo vemen t and give
peop le opp ort uniti es to act in commun ity
and voice th eir needs .
The resources and experti se of th e
CGE Mexico staff make it possib le for
stud ents to visit ,vith people and mak e
contacts that relate to their work back
home . The January 2002 class, made up of
13 Weekend College students and five day
stud ents, included five nur ses from
Augsburgs Rochester program . While in
Cuerna vaca, the nursing stud ents
,~sited local hospitals and learn ed about
programs in alternative medicine. Oth er
students , som e of whom work at large
corporations in the Twin Cities, learned
first-hand about business issues with
local perspectives.
While the goal of the trip is to
increase cross-cultural und erstand ing, a
benefit in this particular group was the
opp ortunity for the mixed group of
adu lt and day stud ents to get to know
each oth er and share experiences, 5a)'S
Jeni Falkman '02 , one of the day school
participants and curr entl y the Lilly
grant int ern at CGE. Du ring reflective
sessions, th eir differing pers pectives
of age and life experience contribut ed
to different ways of und erstan ding the
cultural issues.
Ju st as Th oni and Mugge had
kn own , stud ent s return deeply
affected by th e expen ence. Rochester
nur sing gradu ate Diane Fieseler
wrot e, "l mu st say th at th e lexico
trip greatly changed my life and
expand ed my world view. It has
changed th e way I ,~cw my own
co mmunit y and has changed the way
I ,~ew myself in th e communit y."
Back hom e, wh en she began helpin g
a migrant Hispanic wom an with
medical care, Fieseler said , "From the
IVl
exico trip , I learn ed the imp ortance
of religion and family and
incorpor ated th ose aspects in my
teachin g plan for th e woman."
Its j ust like the wo rds stu dent s
read from th eologian Jon Sobrin o,
"Let the peopl e of Latin America keep
movin g you wh en you return ."
A UGSBURG NOW
11
Faculty members (L to R) Bev Stratton,
relig ion , and Sharon Patten , social work ,
and others studied in Namibia last
summer , taking time out here to meet in
a W indhoek , Namibia , restaurant with
CGE-Namibia staff Simon Afrikaaner and
Urbanus Dax.
"Sudde nly issues that had been prim arily
political, ideological, or military in nature
took on the shape of hum an faces that
defied easy definitions and neat
classification ."
Tailored TRAVEL
EXPERIENCES
CGE can tailor travel for a panicular area
of study, a particular purpose, or for a
specific group. Stud y top ics range [rom
human rights , chur ch , and social issues to
the study of birds and environme ntal
stewa rdship in Nicaragua . Several
businesses , including a Rutland , Vt.,
manufacturing comp any, have offered
company-paid , cross-cult ural experiences
to their emp loyees to foster responsible
globa l citizenship .
An expanding oppo rtunit y for the
Center for Global Education has been
travel for faculty and staff developm ent .
Last summer, Augsburg received a $55,0 00
Fulbright- Hays Group Projects Abroad
12
A-UGSBURGNOW
Program grant to send 12 faculty from
various academi c disciplines lo Nam ibia
for a five-week stud y seminar. Namibia
program coordinators Phoebe Milliken and
Urbanus Dax were able to conn ect them
with educa tiona l, religious, and
governm ent leaders to learn how to
integrat e in[orm ation about south ern
African issues into their teaching at
Augsburg.
'Th e people we met, the stories they
told, and the informa tion they shared have
become both anecdo tes and extend ed
pieces in the cour ses of the seminar
particip ants," said Bruce Reichenbach,
Augsburg phil osop hy pro[essor and
Namibia seminar project director. ''Without
Phoebe's and Urbanus 's connections and
persistent prodding , we wou ld never have
reached the depth of understanding
necessary to make a difference in our
thinking and in ou r classes."
Last fall, Gingerich and several o[ the
faculty members presented their
experiences to the Association [or Luth eran
College Facu lty al their conference.
Last year, CGE also worked with
Seanle University to plan a developm ent
imm ersion semin ar in Nicaragua for its
presid ent, provost , and board of tru stees to
help them exp lore the implementation of
social j ustice issues throu ghout the college
curriculum . CGE arranged for them to
meet with faculty at Central American
University, a sister Jesuit institution .
Seattle University law professor Ronald
Slye wrote, " ... I was initially a bit skeptical
about the utility of participating in this
trip . Thank you for ... showing to me (and
the rest of our delegation ) that there is a
way to do these trips that engages both the
visitors and the residents of the country
visited, and that creates the groundwork
for shared understanding and commitment
across two distinct , but inevitably
intertwined , cultures ."
LEARNING by seeing,
hearing, and doing
Joel Mugge, who came to Augsburg with
expe rience in leading immersion programs
[or youth in Mexico, founded the Center
for Global Education in 1982 . Over the
years, he led staff in developing the vision
for a learning style in international
experiential education that has become a
national model.
In CGE's pedagogy, based on the
ed ucational principle s of Brazilian
theologian and educator Paolo Freire,
stud ents learn in a cycle of three phases .
Initiall y, they have direct experience in the
local commun ity, listening to the voices of
people talking about their own
experiences. Then , informed by readings
and analytical material s, the y re0ect on
what they saw, heard , and experienced.
Participants in a Center for Global Education travel seminar hiked and boated through
Nicaragua while learning about environmental stewardship.
Winter 2002-03
Lastly, together with the travel group , issues
are discussed and reactions shared ,
informing each other about different
perceptions and form ulating actions to carry
fonh . In this kind of learning communit y,
faculty and stud ents are co-learners.
Life-changing
EXPERIENCE
Unlik e th e observational natur e of touri st
travel, th e direct experience of a CGE
travel pro gram leaves few people
un affected or unch ange d . CGE frequ ent ly
receives comm ent s sim ilar to th e stud ent
who wrote, 'Thi s program represent s a
turnin g point in my life. Th e people we
met and th e experien ces we had all
combin ed to create a change wit hin me
that I cou ldn 't have antic ipated and I'm
not willing 10 forget. "
The numb er o f people invo lved in
CGE pro gra ms is significant. Since 1982 ,
more than 9 ,000 peop le have participat ed
in the 600 -plu s CGE semin ars Lo 40
countries , and more than 1,000 stud ent s
have particip ated in stud y abro ad
semesters.
A national LEADER
lts ironic that while the Cent er for Global
Education is widely recognized as a
national leader in internation al ex'])erienlial
educat ion , it remains somewhat of a wellkept secret on Augsburgs campu s.
Gingerich , who came Lo Augsburg in 2001
from Eastern Menn onite University in
Harri sonburg , Va., mention s himself as a
good examp le of someone who was not
familiar with Augsburg College, but who
knew and highly respected the wo rk of the
Center for Global Education .
CGE staff, includin g the adjun ct
faculty in the three centers abroad , are
freque nt speakers and resou rces al national
con ferences on cross-cultural
communication and internation al
exper ientia l edu cation . In the 2001-02
academic year, seven CGE staff members
mad e 18 presentations at conferences and
Winter 2002-03
events for international
and expe riential
edu cation
organizations , Lutheran
chur ch conferences,
faculty wo rkshops, and
meetings of Latin
American edu cation
leaders.
In some cases,
Lheir task has been to
convi nce un iversity
officials th at rigorous
CGE staff member Adrienne Kaufmann (second from left)
and meanin gful stud y
explains CGE programs at their 20th anniversary celebration .
ab road experience can
be highly expe riential
trave led to Atlan ta last year to brief Jimmy
and do es not have to be campus- based. To
Caner prior to th e de legatio n he led to
that end , CGE hosted a trip for members of
Cuba in April. Whi le they were in
NAFSA, the professio nal organization for
Havana , CGE staff person Janeen
international edu cators, for them to
McAllister joined them al an event al the
ex'Perience first-hand CGEs expe riential
Manin Luther King Center.
learnin g mode l.
As program s and destination s are
CGE'S third decade
added , the curricu lum may change, but the
fundamental miss ion of CGE remains the
same. Augsburg stud ent Nat Jungerberg ,
who studied in Cuernavaca, Mexico,
expressed it succinct ly in an article he
wrote for Augsburg Echo: "Everything
mailers, from whom I vote for Lo represent
me to where I spend my dollar. It's much
easier to be cynical and say, 'What I do
do esn't matter ,' but its far more
respon sible to become a globa l citizen and
acLlike it does ."
For information about the Center for
Globa l Education , go to <www.augsburg.
edu/g lobaled>, call 1-800-299-8889 , or
e-mail <globaled@augsburg .edu> . •
As it begins its third decade , Gingerich says
that the Center for Globa l Educations
progr am is squ arely in line with Augsburg
College's vision to provide a transformative
edu cation , based on a sense o f vocation , in
a diverse camp us comm unit y.
CGEs pan of that vision includes
sponso ring courses und er the Lilly grant
"Ex'Plorin g Our Gifts" that infuse reflection
on vocation as part of the curriculum for
stud y and travel abroad. It also includes
integration of CGE courses into the new
Augsbur g Core Curricu lum being
implemented in the next academic
year.
Recent additi ons to CGEs
program s have included several travel
seminars and shon-t erm cou rses in
Cuba , an area now accessible to
Americans for educationa l purp oses.
Last year four travel seminars studi ed
aspects of Cub an society and social
issues, with programming help from
the Manin Luther King Memorial
Center in Havana.
Former CGE staffer Mavis
Anderson, who no w work s for the
Augsburg students Sara Thedinga '01 and Kellen
Latin American Working Group on
Bredesen '03 studied social and political issues in
Cub a Policy in Washington , D.C.,
Cuba for a journalism class in spring 2001 .
A-UGSBURGNOW
13
OJIBWE
LAKOTA
CREE
SIOUX
CHIPPEWA
MENOMINEE
ONEIDA
SAC
AMERICAN
INDIANSTUDENT
SERVICES
25YEARS
CELEBRATES
by Dan Jorgensen
n her drea ms Cindy Peterson sees the
creation of an American Indian Center
at Augsburg College. It wou ld be a
place for both Augsburg stude nts and the
broader Native American communit y to
come togethe r to learn , to share, and to
find new and exciting ways to provide
mu ch-needed outreach services to the
Indi an communit y.
"A few years ago, College officials
were contacted by someone who said they
were giving the American Ind ian Stud ent
Services Program (AISSP) $ 11 million ,"
Peterson , wh o is dir ector of the program ,
comm ented wistfully. "The offer turn ed
out to be a hoax, bu t it gave me some
time to do some 'fantasy dre amin g,' and in
th at dream was the creation of th is
American Ind ian Center- a stru ctur e
or space that wou ld
I
14
,4 UGSBURG NOW
accomm odate AISSP,
American Indian Stud ies,
and serve as a meeting
space . Of cour se, there also
would be additi onal staff
includin g a full-tim e
recruit er and a full-time
adm inistrative assistant ,"
she added with a smile.
The personne l issue, in
fact, might be even more
imp ortant than the center,
Peterson pointed out , in
Augsburg partners with Minneapolis and St. Paul schools
terms of help ing her
to encourage American Indian students to become
progra m grow beyo nd
teachers . Pictured is Greg Barrett '01, who teaches third
where it has been and is
grade at Mounds Park Elementary School.
today- the longest-running
progra m of its kind in the
grant s that have now brought it to the
upp er Midwest and one of ju st a few
point where a full-blown American Indian
headqu artered at a private college.
Studi
es maj or will be imp lemented in the
Du ring these 25 years , Augsbur g has
coming year. The maj or is ju st the latest
bee n fortunate to have the pro gram
step in wh at has been a 25-year series of
operate und er j ust two directorssuccesses, includin g a thr ee-year grant
Bonn ie Wallace, who serve d from the
from the Joyce Found ation to make
found ing in 1978 until 1996 , and
Augsbur g's th e on ly end owed American
Peterson , who was Wallace's
Indi an Stud ent Services Program in the
assistant for nearly 10
five-state region .
years before
In 1990 , an American Indi an Studi es
succeedin g her
minor was imp lement ed- "a hu ge
when Wallace left to
attra ction for both native and non-n ative
return to a position at
stud ents alike," Peterson said . And ,
th e Fond du Lac
Augsbu rg is the only private college in
Reservation in north ern Minnesota.
Minnesota to be designated an official
"This progra m has had
Minn
esota Teacher Training Partner,
success, I believe, because of that
offering grants and loans to Native
stability,'' Peterson said . "Stability,
American stud ents interested in becoming
consistency, and continuit y, along
teachers.
with scholarship and grant supp ort,
Th e in-th e-classroom leadership for
have been the keys."
American Indi an Studi es is dir ected by
Found ed by a grant from
Eric Buffalohead , a memb er of the Ponca
Honeywe ll, the progra m has been on the
Tribe wh o wro te his Ph.D. dissertation on
receiving end of co rporate and found ation
..........
Winter 2002-03
AUGSBURG
COLLEGE
.A-UGSBURG
C O L L E G E
2 0 0 1 - 2 0 0 2
INVESTING
TODAY
IN
THE
LEADERS
OF
TOMORROW
A ugsburg's Maroon & Silver Society was launch ed to offer special leadership opport unit ies for Augsburg alumni and
..!1.fri ends to extend help to current student s. Maroon & Silver Society members are individuals and organization s who are
committed to a special level of generosity. These donor s pledge to spon sor an Augsburg scholarship for four years, with gifts
ranging from $1,000 to more than $ 10,000 per year.
We gratefully acknow ledge those listed below for their generous annual gifts that are essential in attracting and retaining the
broadest range of out standing stud ents. Gifts can be made annually, quarterl y, or monthl y.
Donna McLean, Director of The Augsburg Fund • 612-330- 1179 or 1-800- 273- 061 7 • mclean@augsburg .edu
MEMBERSOF THE MAROON & SILVERSOCIETY(AS OF DECEMBER2002)
Richard & Mary Adamson•
Edward & Margaret Al~ rg•
Paul '50 & Pearl Almqui st'
Bruce '60 & Joann Eliason '62 Amund son•
Charles & Ca therine Anderson'
Daniel '65 & Alice And erson•
Deloris Anderson '56'
Leif And erson
O scar '38 & Leola Anderson•
William '86 & Kelly Anders on•
Scott Ande rson '76 & Lisa Bailey"
Brian And erson '8 1 & Leeann Rock '81 '
I. Shelby Gim se Andr ess '56'
Augsburg Associates•
Dorothy Bailey"
Stanley Baker '57'
Mary Quanbeck '77 & Loren Barber'
Elizabeth Anne '82 & Warren Bartt•
Vera Th orson Benzel '45"
Sidney '57 & Lola Lindstro m '50 Berg'
Inez Schey '77 & John Bergqui st'
David '68 & Lynn Boe
Kevin Bond erud 7 9•
Heidi Breen·
James & Sharon Pautz '82 Carey
Darryl Car ter '65
H arlan Christianson '57'
Richard '74 & Nancy Co lvin•
Paul '79 & Sally H ough '79 Daniels'
Susan John son Drakuli c '79
Darrell & Helga Egertson
Daniel '77 & Patricia Eitrheim•
Marie Eitrheim '85..
Joel and Mary Ann Elftmann·
Tracy Elftm ann '81'
Avis Ellingrod •
L. C raig '79 & Th eresa Serbus '79 Estrem
John Evans '82 & Joan Molin e '83
Paul '65 & Priscilla Strecker '65 Fieldhamm er'
Jerome '37 & Wi nifred Helland '37 Formo•
W tlliam & Ann e Frame•
Michael & Terry Freeman•
Andr ew Fried •93•
Laurie Fyksen '80 & Willi am Beise•
Alexand er '90 & Simone Johnson G onzalez•
Michael '7 1 & Ann Goo d•
Raymond '57 & Jan G rind e•
Fern Hanson Gudmestad '4 1"
Susan G utkn echt '97
No rm an & Evangeline Hagfors•
James & Kathleen Haglund•
D avid Halaas '76
Th omas '66 & Wand a Wagner '65 Han son•
Beverly & Roe Haden•
Christop her Haug '79 & Karl Starr"
Lee '85 and Lisa Svac '85 Hawks·
Gracc Forss '57 & Douglas Herr•
Donald '39 & Phyllis Holm·
Kenneth '74 & Linda Bailey '74 Holm en '
Richard & Carol Holy"
Donald Hoseth '65•
Allen & Jean Housh•
Pearl H usby"
Mary & Ton y Jacobson
Sandra & Richard Jacobson'
Jeffrey '80 & Jacqui Jam es
Helen Joh nson•
James John son & Maxine ls<iacs•
Kinney Johnson '65'
Heather John ston '92 and Jason Koch '93'
Ruth John son '74 & Philip Quan beck, II'
Dan & Susan Jorge nsen•
Jennifer Abeln '78 & Larry Kahlow"
Cheri H ot.rad '85 & Thomas Kamp'
Muriel Kappler•
Stanley & Edith Katz'
Ch ristop her& Liz Ki,mball"
Richard '69 & Chery l Nelson '70 King'
Susan Klaseus·
John & Dianne Knight "
Dean & Susan Kopperud ·
Joanne Stiles '58 & David Laird•
David & Caryl Larson•
Harris '57 & Maryon lee"
Gloria & Craig Lewis"
Jacquelin e Kniefel Lind '69 '94 MAL"
Jennif er & Richard Martin'
Terry Marquardt '98 & Gary Donahue•
Donn a Mclean'
Tara Cesaretti '97 & Christopher '00 McLeod
G erard & Anne MeistreURobert '70 & Sue Midn ess•
Paul '70 & Barbara Durkee '71 Mikelson•
Mark '79 & Pamela Hanson '79 Moks nes•
Rob & Taylor Moor•
Thom as & Rainy Morgan•
Paul '84 & Nancy Mackey '85 Mueller•
Jeanne Narum•
Christoph er '83 Nelson & Lisa Schroeder"
G loria Burnrvedt Nelson '43'
Jul ie Nelson '83'
Ronald '68 & Mary Kay Nelson•
Margaret Nelson Foss Nol<leberg '48'
Roselyn Nord aune '77•
Norm '85 & Kim Asleson '84 Okerstrom•
Kim O lmsted
Orville '52 & Yvonne Bagley '52 O lson
Donald '53 & Beverly Halling '55 O ren•
2
Robert & Ruth Ann Paulson •
Ronald & Arlycc Peltier"
Gerald '39 & Bernice Person·
Thomas Peterson '70"
Karin Peterson-•
Sandra Simpson Phaup '64
Wayne & Joan Popham
Philip '50 & Dora Frojen '49 Q uanbeck"
Mark '53 & Jean Raabe"
Stella Kyllo Rosenquist '64•
Alice Dahl '87 & James Roth
Dougl as '84 & Patry Ruth
Curtis & Marian Sampson..
Audrey Nagel Sander '51•
Robert & Marianne Sander"
Ruth Schmid t '52"
Jol\n Schwartt '67"
Caro l Schweize r '50•
Jam es & Eva Seed"
Richard '70 & Linda Seime
Frankie & Joie Shackelford
Patrick Sheehy & Wendy O 'Leary"
Wesley '58 & Caro l Ann Sideen
Philip Sidney '63"
Arnie '48 & Caro l Skaar•
Glen & Anna Skovholr"
Joyce Engstrom '70 & Robert Spector•
Todd Steenson '89 & Gina M . Steele·
Wtlliam '64 & Sara Halvorson '63 Strom•
Gladys Boxrud Strommen '48
Robert '74 and Andrea John son '75 Stro mm en
Philip '79 & Julia Davis '79 Scyrlund•
Dean '8 1 & Amy Sundqui st•
Ronald Swanson '69*
Jeffrey Swenson '79"
Mic hael & Debb ie Szymanczyk•
Gary '80 & Deanna Tangwal l"
P. Dawn Heil '78 & Jack Taylor"
Jean Taylor '85 & Roger G riffith '84•
Richard & Linda Thoni'
Gordon '52 & Gloria Parizek '53 Thorpe•
Kathryn & Jack Tunheim•
Betry Wade·
No rman '75 & Kathryn Anderson '76 Wah]•
Co lleen Kay Watson '9 1 MAL & Mary McDougall•
Lois Wanman '76 & Doug Shaw·
KurtWehrmann'90•
John '49 & Arnhild Werker"
Gun nar & Mary Wick"
Anne Holmberg '80 & John Wilson•
.. Indicates Charter Member
DEAR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF
AUGSBURGCOLLEGE:
In th ese opening years of th e new millennium , Augsbur g Co llege faces man y excitin g and
significant opport uniti es to advance the image we pain ted for our selves in Augsburg 2 00 4:
Extendin g the Vision. Ca pit alizing on th ese will expand our enrollment-
and chat will
requir e growt h in our en dowm ent, in th e availability of schol arship s, and in che co ntinuing
imp roveme nt of our instruction al facilities.
W hile many inscirution s are questionin g the relevance of their traditi onal commiunents,
Augsburg Co Uege has revitalized its identity as a chur ch-related co llege and has deepened its
dedi cation to che leadin g prin ciples of ics founding. For exam ple, our faculty
enthu siast ically adopted chis past fall a co re general edu cation pro gram chat is shaped by Mart in Luther 's idea of vocatio n. Built into
the curri culum is explor ation of th e centr al qu estion s of C hr istia n faith , search for meanin g, and experient ial as well as theoreti c
lear nin g in th e cont ext of th e d iverse co mmunity around us.
In additi on to improvin g our curri culum , Augsb urg is empl oying a new commitm ent to hospitality to make the campus co mmuni ty
mor e welcomin g, especially to co mmutin g stud ents in Weeke nd Co llege and ocher prog rams. In a brightly refurbished main lobby of
C hristen sen Center we can now be greeted at an inform ation cente r, gathe r over coffee within easy reach of com puter s and printers ,
and enjoy art in a dramatic , new gallery.
You played the de cisive role in anot her notewo rth y Augsbur g accom plishment. Durin g this past fiscal year, ending May 3 1, 2002, we
exceeded our goa l for gifts to T he Augsburg Fund. T he significance of d1e $804, 000 in unr estr icted gifts co ntribut ed by alu mni ,
parencs, friends , and co rporate and found ation partner s is best revealed by the fact d1at we were receiving less than $200 ,000 of such
fund s when Ann e and I came to Augsbur g in 199 7 . A great deal of this growt h has come from new memb ers of our Maroon & Silver
Society, who are instrum ental in providin g finan cial aid to cur rent stud ent s. Wit h your co ntinuin g help, we will expect co proclaim
thi s um mer that we exceeded our curr ent goa l of $ 1 millio n for T he Augsburg Fund!
Finally, last year we received th e largest foundation gift in our history-$2
million from th e Lilly Found ation co be used over five
years to bro aden the role of C hri stian vocat ion in both our curri cu lar and extra-curricul ar life, and to deepen che interest of our
scudencs in che clerical prof ession s. Already, che grant has encouraged research , chin king, an d pub licat ions among co lleagues chat are
attr acting national att enti o n to th e Co llege from che edu cation ind ustry and from the
hur ch.
Even amid st a year th at saw turmoil in d1e world and che economy , we celebrate th e thousa nd of you who graced us with your gifts.
They make it possible for talent ed stud ent s to atte nd and share in the Augsburg vision of a tran form ative ed ucation in the con texts
of th e C hristia n faith , th e city, and int ention al d iversity. T hank yo u for your co nfid ence in and enco uragement of Augsburg
Wi lliam V. Frame
President
ollege.
THE
AUGSBURG
COLLEGE
REPORT
FINANCIAL
200 1-2 002 OPERATING BUDGET
$44,153,708
•
•
•
•
•
•
Monies in the operating budget fund the
overall work of the College, from faculty
and staff salaries to student financial aid
to paying the utilitie s bill. The operating
budget keeps the College up and runnin g,
and is support ed in part by und esignated
gifts to The Augsburg Fund.
Tuiti on & Fees 74%
Other Source 7%
Board 5%
Room9 %
Private Gifts 4%
Government Grants 1%
2001-2 002 REVENUES
200 1- 2002 PLANT ASSETS
(Net) $50 ,3 59,327
The College continu es to addr ess the
deferred maintenan ce issues in relation to
•
•
•
•
•
•
its camp us infrastructure . Master planning
work for capital expansion remai ns
focused on the Co llege priority for a new
science stru cture.
Salary & Benefits 48%
O ther 17%
Financial A id 19%
Utiliti es 4%
Equipment & Capit al Impro vement 4%
Student Salary 3%
Debt Service 5%
200 1-2 002 EXPEN DITURES
200 1-2 002 ENDOWMENT
Ma rket Value : $22 ,762 ,074
A strong endowm ent ensures Augsburg 's
future strength and growth . The interest
and investm ent income on th e
endo wment principal provide needed
funding for student financial aid.
111
1993
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
EN DO WMEN T ASSETS
May 3 1, 2001- May 3 1, 2002
2000
2001
2002
LIFETIMEGIVING
Thefallo111ing
societies recog
nize al11111ni
andjiiends of Leland and Louise Sundec
Helen Sverdrup+
A11gsb11r;g
111ho
havegenero11s!J
given a 111ini11111111
of
Johan Sverdrup+
·25,000 to the Colle
ge over a lifetime.
LEGACY SOC IETY
Cumul ative g ifts of $500,000 or more
Earl and Doris Bakken
Richard '7 4 and Nancy Co lvin
Julian•30+ and June+ Foss
James and Kathleen Haglund
Edwin and Barbara Gage
Orville '36+ and Gerrrud e Lund '3 6 Hognand er
Kinney Johnson '65
Ed and Phyllis+ Kavli
E. Milton '46 and Dorothy Lijsing '4r Kleven
James '46 and Jean• Lindell
Clair '46+ and Gladys Boxrud '46 Srromm en
1869 SOC IETY
Cumu lative gi fts of SI00,000-499,999
Charles and Catherine Anderson
C.A. L.+ and Esther J. E. + And erson
Leona Radman Anth olz '4 1
Luth er •29 + and Clarene Jorenby •29+ Arnold
Earl and Doris Bakken
Paul '63 and LaVonne O lson '63 Batalden
Sidney '57 and Lola Lidstrom '50 Berg
Ca rl Blegen•
Jack and Joyce Boss
Rodney and Barbara Burwell
Darrell '55 and Helga Egertson
Raymond Erickson '50+
Malcolm Esrrem+
Clara Evju
Philip and Lavonne Fandrei
Jerry and Jean Foss
Paul •42 + and Maxine Fridlund
Raymond '57 and Janice G rind e
Michael '7 1 and Ann Goo d
Phillip Gro nseth '57
Franklinand Carolyn Groves
Norman and Evangeline Hagfors
Donald Hennin gs
Don ald '39 and Phyllis Holm
Allen and Jean Housh
Leste r Hove rsten+
James Johnson and Maxine lsaacs
Roy Krohn
Arne '49 and Jean '52 Markl and
Larry and Marie McNe ff
Hoyt '39 and Lucille Messerer
William and tephanie Naegele
Richard and Barbara Tj ornh om '54 Nelson
Ida Nelson•
Marth a Nyland er•
Donald '5 3 and Beverly Halling '55 Or en
John and No rma Paulson
Robe rt '50 and Ruth Paulson
Harvey '52 and Joanne Varner '52 Peterson
Addison and Cynthia Piper
urtis and Marian Samp so n
James and Eva Seed
Glen and Ann a Skovholt
Paul+ and Lorene+ Steen
Genevieve Stelberg+
Co nrad uncle •15+
Jean Taylor '85 and Roger G riffith '84
Andrew Urness+
Elsie Wi ldun g•
John and Eleanor Yackel
BENEFACTORS
Cumul a tive g ifts of $25,000-99 ,999
Craig Alexander and Roberta Kagin
Ernest and Helen Alne
Harcvig Anderson+
Oscar '30 and Leola Anderson
I. Shelby G imse Andress ' 56
Ted and Ruth Arneson
Luther •29+ and Clarette Jorenby •29+ Arnold
Kennet11+and Dorocl1y Bailey
Ada Bakken•
Bercl1a Johanson '28 Hagen+
W illiam Biese and Laurie Fyksen-Biese '80
Zane and Barbara Kleven Birky
Roy '50 and Ardis Bogen
Donald and Nancy Bloomfield '63+ Bottemiller
Ca rl '59 and Kathy Aaker '62 Casperson
Dr. Herbert '54 and Corinne Chilstrom
Fricjof Christensen '28+
James+ and Esther+ Crabtree
Mrs . O scar DeVold+
Joel and Mary Ann Elftman n
Tracy Elftmann '8 1
Amy Erickson
Edna Erickson '42
Jerome '37 and Win ifred Helland '37 Formo
Emil Fossan •30+
\'(lilliam and Anne Frame
O laf Gaastjon +
Donald and Irene Grangaard
H . T heodore '76 and Michele G rindal
Richard and Mabeth '58 Gyllsrrom
Florence Haasarud+
John Hanson+
Mark and hirley Hanson
Reuel+ and Margaret+Harmon
Roe and Beverly H aden
Lawrence and Lois Hauge
Anna Mae Hayden
Loren Henderson
Douglas and Grace Forss '57 Herr
Thelm a Leeland '32 Hess•
Allen '64 and Lenice Hoversten
Chester '60 and Clenora Hoversten
hester and Bernice Hoversten
Garfield Hoversten '50
Vincent 'SOand Marjorie Hoversten
Joseph Hsieh '6 1
O scar and Pearl Husby
Richard and G lenda Huston
Alfred Iversen
Richard and Sandra Jacobson
Einor and MaryJohnson
Eric Johnson
H elen John son
John Johnson
Ruth Johnson '74
Ruth John son '27'
Bruce and Maren Kleven
David and Barbara Kleven
Lowell '54 and Janice Kleven
Norma Knutson+
Dean and Susan Kopperud
Mildred Krohn
Dean '62 and Barbara Beglinger '63 Larson
Philip and Diane K.J
even Larson
Harris '57 and Maryon Lee
0. Herbert and Ilene Lindquist
Alph amae Halverson Lofgren '3 1+
Larry Lokken '60 and Claudia Sabin
Th eodo r Menzel+
Else Michaelsen '3 I +
Robert '7 0 and Sue Mid ness
Spencer '66 and Gay John son '66 Minea r
Alan Moncgomery and Janet Karvonen
Joel and Jeanne Mugge
Mildred Nelson '52
Ronald '68 and Mar y Kay Nelson
Sylvia Nelson '34
Harold and Louise Nielsen
Edith No rberg•
Robert '5 1 and Caro lyn Ode gard
R. Luther '56 and Bobbie+ Ol son
Don ald and Dagny Padilla
Isabelle Park Trust
Gerald '39 and Bernice Person
G len Person '47
Oliver and Jeannette Peterson
Thomas Peterson '70
Roger Pulkrabek
Marrin •29+ and Escher+ Quanbeck
Philip '50 and Dora Frojen '49 Quanb eck
Luther Rodvik '5 1
Olive Ronholm '47
Mathilda Sageng '3 1
C lara E. Sand ers•
Ruth Schmidt '52
Kenneth Schmit '38+
Morris Schonensrein
William and Marilee '65 Schroede r
Lyall and Inez Ol son '59 Schwarikopf
Rosemary Shafer
Agnes Siverson+
Mathias Slerca•
Borger Solberg
Paul ' 2 and Evelyn Sonnack
Stanley and Betty Srake
Roger '54 and Bonnie Stockmo
Odin Storien •2g+
Merton '42 and Irene Huglen '43 Strommen
Jack and P. Dawn Heil '78 Taylor
\'(lilliam and Donna Teeter
L. Berniece Thompson+
Richard and Linda T honi
John Thu,+
Roy '24 and Jeanette Tollefson
Joel '38 and Frances Torstenson
James Touh y
Joan Volz '68
John '49 and Arnhild Werker
Richard and Olive Ni lsen '5 1 Zo ller
+ Deceased
PLANNED GIVING
HERJTAGE SOCIETY
The A 11
gsb11r
g CollegeHeritage Society recognizes
thosewhohave arrangeda deferredgiftfar the College
thro11gh
a heq11est,
lift i11s11
ra11
cepoliC)Ia111111
iry
agreement,or a charitabletmsf. Thesetho11ghtf11/
gifts
extends11ppo
1t loge11e
ratio11s
of f11t11re
st11d
ents.
Harold '47 & Lois Black '47 Ahlborn
Ernest & Helen Alne
C harles & Cat herine Anderson
Daniel W. '6 5 & Alice Anderson
E. \X/illiam Anderson
Ernest '37 & Margaret Anderson
Esther Anderson+
Gary & Mary Anderson
Oscar '38 & Leola Anderson
\X/illiam '86 & Kelly Anderson
James '5 1+ & I. helby Gimse '56 And ress
Vince nt Andrews •50+
BeccyArnold
Luther •29+ ClarccceJorenby •29+ Arno ld
Oscar+ & Dorothy Austad
Dorot hy A. Bailey
Earl & Doris Bakken
Andrew '50 & Barbara Kolden '50 Balerud
Loren & Mary Qu anbeck '77 Barber
Gladys Pederson '25 Barnes
Elizabeth '82 & Warren Barn
Abner '35 & Marth a Baralden
Thomas '56 & Bernie Benson
Sidney '57 & Lola Lidstrom '50 Berg
Birgit Birkeland '58
Anne Blegen Estate
Kendra Bonderud '78 & Kenneth Parsons
Richard & Nancy Borstad
Donald & Nancy Bloomfield '63+ Bottemiller
Gerhard '46 and Doris Frojen '5 1 Brecheim
J. Bernhard '48 & Hildur Anderson '43 Bretheim
Nancy G . Brown-Koeller '74
Jeroy '48 & Lorraine Car lson
Harold Caspersen '42+
Herbert '54 & Co rinn e Chilscrom
FricjofChristensen '28+
Judith Christensen
L. Gracia Christensen
Geo rge '72 & Janet Dahlman
Daniel & A. Caro lyn Benson '7 1 Dauner
Dallas '64 & Sharon Day
Richard '55 & Audrey Dronen
Beverly Durk ee
Ruben '45 & Thel ma Egeberg
Tracy Elfcmann '8 1
C larence '35 + & Tho ra Eliason
Avis Ellingrod
Casper & T helma '39 Embe rson
Denise Engebretson '82
Loren '46+ & Edna Kastner '42 Ericksen
Raymond Erickson •50+
John Evans '82 & Joan Moline '83
Kenneth Svendsen '7 8 & Allison Everett '78
Norman & Rachel Ferguson
Maud Forberg
Jerome '37 & Winifred Helland '37 Formo
Julian •30+ & June+ Foss
Ardella Fossum+
William & Anne Frame
Terry J. Frovik '67
Leola Dyrud Furman '6 I
Chuck Gabrielson '77'
Harry & Mabel Storm •25+ Garlock
Clayton Gjerde+
Donald+ & Irene Grangaard
Joan L. Griffin
Gracia Grindal '65
H . Theodor e '76 & Michele Grindal
Raymond '57 & Janice Grinde
Phillip Gronseth ' 55
Florence Haasarud+
Ruth Johnson '27 Escace
Ruth E. John son '74 & Philip A. Quanbeck II
Kenneth & Carmen Jones
Larry & Jennifer Abeln '78 Kahlow
Mary Kinglsey
Ruth Kislingbury
Gloria Gran t '57 & Arthu r Knoblauch
No rman & Gwen Johnson '58 Krapf
Roy Krohn +
Lois Kvamme+
Obert Landsverk •45+
LaJune Th omas '68 Lange
David Lanl<lnen '88
Marjorie M. Lanl<lnen
Ernest Larson •30+
Luther '52 & Jan ice Bremseth '55 Larson
Alan & Dorothy Lee
Harris ' 57 & Maryon Lee
Clayton & Virginia Lefevere
Ella Lindberg
James '46 & jean+ Lindell
0 . Herbert & Ilene Lindquist
MarionLiska
Bertha Joha nson '28 & Kristofer Hagen '29 Estate
Gary '7 1 & Dallas Ahrens '69+ Hagen
Alpharnae Halverson '3 I Lofgren+
James & Kathy Haglund
David Halaas '76
Arne '49 & Jean Swanson '52 Markland
Ronald & Donn a Manhias
Theodo r Menze(+
Janet Olson '79 Halaas
Edward & Shirley Hansen
Ernest & Anna Hovland '58 Hanson
Cynthi a Hanson '66
Mark '68 & lone Agrimson '68 Hanson
Charles & BeccyJohnson '58 Hass
Lawrence & Lois Hauge
Loren & Helen Mohn '42+ Henderson
Robert '55 & Karin Herman
Mrs. Otto E. Hjelle
Sigvald '4 I & Helen Hjelmel and
Orville '36+ & Gertrude Lund '36 Hognander
Kenn eth '74 & Linda Bailey '74 Holmen
Everett '57 & Ethel Hole
John Hoium
Allen & Jean Housh
Ruth S. Hovden
C hester '60 & C lenora Hovemen
Mr. & Mrs. Clarence Hoversten
Garfield Hoversten '50
Lorna '62 Hoversten
Robert H ove rsten
Thom as '56 & Loretra Hoversten
Richard & Sandra Jacobson
Morri s & Beverly Jespersen
Anna Johnson+
Helen John son
Jerry & Bonita Johnson
Kinney John son '65
Mark '54 & Thelma Johnson
6
Daniel '65 & MaryTt ldahl '61 Meyers
Mark '79 & Pamela Hanson '79 Moksnes
Caro l Brande '67 Mork
Van & Mike Mueller
Geo rge L. Nelsen
Richard & Barbara Tjornhom '54 Nelson
Grace Peterso n '33 Ne lson+
Kenneth & Vera Nelson
Mild red Nelson '52
Robert '97 & Rose Nelson
Robert '66 & Rose Ann Nelson
Roger '52 & Marilyn Nelson
Roselyn Nordaun e '77
Estelle Nordine+
James '57 & Shirley Norman
Glenn & Ann Nycklemoe
Jonathan Nye '72 & Wendy Worner Northfeh
Terry '70 & Vicki Nygaard
Marth a Nylander Estate
Marvin Ny strom
H . Arlan Ofredah l '64
Norm '85 & Kim Asleson '84 Okerscrom
Evelyn Olson+
Gordon '63 & Janice O lson
R. Luther O lson "56
Orville '52 & Yvon ne Bagley '52 Olson
Donald '53 & Beverly Halling '55 Ore n
Kenneth & Lillian Ysteboe '5 1 Ose
Ervin '56 & Sylvia Overlund
Do nald+ & Dagny+ Padilla
Robert ' 50 & Ruth Paulson
Richard l'auc, '37
Harvey '52 & Joanne Varner '52 Peterson
Douglas & Joyce Anderson '65 l' fu/f
T helma Schroeder '38 Preusee+
Roy Q uam '3 I +
Marcin •29+ & Esd1er+ Q uanbeck
Nancy Joubert '63 Raymond
Barbara Rodvik
Frances Roller
O live Ro nho lm '47
Donald '38 & Bo rghild Ronnin g
Aud rey Nagel '5 1 Sand er
Robert & Marianne Sander
Leland '35 & Pauline Sateren
Ruth chm idt ' 52
Kenneth Schmit '3g+
Roger '62 & Jean Schwarn
Rosemary Shafer
Dorothy Sward+
Gary ' 80 & Deanna Tangwall
Patr ick D . heehy & Wendy M . O ' Leary
O liver '36+ & Elisabeth T hompso n Sidney
Rod ney Sill '82
Arnold '48 & Ca rol Skaar
James Smith '94
Russel '50 & Virginia Smi th
Evelyn Amu ndson '43 Sonnack
Dorrie Sorenson+
Robert & Joyce Engm o m '7 0 Spector
Steven & Naomi Christensen '8 1 Scaruch
John '4 6 & Esther teen
Paul+ & Lo rene+ Steen
Odin Storien '2g+
Jack & P. Dawn Heil '78 Taylor
John Thu ,+
Jeanette Tollefson '24
Joel '38 & Frances Torscenson
Kenneth '26+ & Ovedcia Torvik
John & Marcia Thompson '78 Turcone
Morris '5 1 & Bonnie Bieri '54 Vaagcnes
Mark ' 83 & Beth Voelker
Norman '75 & Kathryn And erson '76 Wahl
T homas ' 57 and Barbara Warme
Co lleen Watso n '9 1 & Mary McDougall
Do ug Shaw & Lois Wm man '76
Donald ' 89 & Melind a Mattox '9 1 Wichm ann
Merton '42 & A. Irene Huglen '43 Strommen
Peder '49 & Alice Berg '5 1 Wilcox
C lair '46 + & G ladys Boxrud '4 6 Strom men
Woodrow Wilson ' 53
Johan Sverdrup
Darrell & Lauralee Howe '63 Zen k
ANNUAL GIVING (Gifts received Jun e 1, 2001 to May 3 1, 2002)
Alumni Giving by ClassYear
CLASS OF '26
Number of Alumni: I
Total Amou nt of G ifts: $2585. 00
Participation: I00%
$2,500 -$4 ,999
Kenneth Torvik+
C LASS OF '34
N um ber o f Alum ni : 17
Tora ! Am ount of Gif ts: $33 0.00
Participation: 18%
G ifts up to $ 119
Cl ifford Johnso n
Gifts o f $ I 0,000 o r More
Jessie M . Christensen Escace
C LASS OF '35
N umb er o f Alumn i: 12
Total Amount of G ifts: $90 .00
Participation: 17%
C LASS OF ' 30
Number of Alumni: 9
Total Amo un t of G ifts: $545. 00
Parcicipacion: 11%
$500-999
Elsie Lokken Lower
C LASS OF '33
Num ber of Alumn i: 5
Total Amount of G ifts: $ 165. 00
Participation: 20%
$ 120-239
Vincent Kensrad
G ifts up to $ 119
Haro ld O lson
S5,000 -9,999
Jerome Formo
Win ifred Helland Formo
$ 120-239
Hamar Benson
W. Do nald O lsen
C LASS OF '29
N umb er of Alum ni :
Total Amount of G ifts: $2 05, I 00 .00
Parricipacion: 100%
Gifts up to $ 119
M . Dueland
Total Amo unt of G ifts: $ 12, 109.00
Participation: 53%
$2,500-4,999
Carl Ch rislock+
$ I ,000 -2,499
Ernest Anderson
$5 00 -999
Forrest Monson
$240-499
Richard Pautz
G ifts up to $ 119
Leland Sateren
Carl olberg
$ 120-239
Conrad Jergenson
Margaret ateren Trautwein
C LASS OF '36
Num ber of Alumni : 17
Tora! Amoun t of G ifts: $ 17 15.00
Participation: 29%
C LASS O F '3 8
Nu mber of Alu mn i: 33
Total Amo unt of G ifts: $3 ,555. 00
Participation: 30%
$ 1,000-2,499
Sophia Iverson Gjerde
$ 1,000 -2,499
Oscar Anderson
$240-499
Gertrude Erling Paun+
$500-9 99
Edor Nelson
G ifts up to $ 119
Roselyn Ekberg lh ling
Lynn Hanson Luthard
Dagmar Dahl Q uanbeck
$24 0-499
E. Irene Neseth
Ethel Sinn er Shebeck
Hannah Mehus Srensvaag
Joel Torsrenson
C LASS OF '37
Number of Alumni: I5
7
Adrian Tinderholc
5 120-239
Do nald Ro nnin g
G ifts up to $ 119
Einar Cannelin
Gretha Halvorson Loken
C LASS O F ' 39
Numb er of Alumn i: 37
Total Amount of G ifts: S2,985.00
Participation: 27%
$ 1,000-2 ,499
Gerald Person
S500- 999
Ruch Aune
Luther Strommen
$ 120 -239
Lester Dahlen
Irene Hagen Kyllo
G ifts up t0 $ 119
Roberc halmers
John Haaland
Gordon Korsmo
Vivien Thompson Paulson
Palmer Wold
C LASS OF '4 0
Number of Alumni: 4
Total A.m ount of ifts: $37 ,595
Participation: 36%
$ I 0,000 o r More
Adelaide Walsh Estate
$2,500-4 ,999
Valborg G ilscth C hrislock
$240-499
Margaret C hrislock Gilscth
$ 120-239
\Vanda Severson Benson
Henry Chapman
C larice Nundahl Fylling
Earl Lanes
Ca rl Overvold
Erling Tungseth
$ 120-239
Archie Buseth
Verlinda O lson Huu s
Victor Miller
Elaine Olson Seal
Gifts up co $ 119
Chester Brooks
Ebba John son Brooks
Roy Erickson+
Maryann Eye Helleckson
Florence Borstad Hicplcr
Glenn Hoplin
Kenneth Jacobson
Gifts up co $1 19
Clair Chelmen
Doris Hanson Currens
Florence Retrum Hovland
Arloene Martin Knudsen
Anna T horsgard Kordahl
Alben O lson
Ina. Hinrichs Sullivan
Roger Thomp son
CLASS OF '4 1
Number of Alumn i: 57
Toral Amount of Gifts: $7, 588.00
Participation: 35%
$2,500-4,999
igvald Hjelmcland
$ 1,000-2,499
Dona ld Lundberg
Sigfrid Aadland Lybeck
Harry Sorenson
Royal Steen
Everald Strom
Harriet Hclleckson Thompson
Morris Ulring
C LASS OF '43
Numbe r of Alumni: 66
Tota l Amount of Gifts: $ 14,6 10.00
Parcicipacion: 38%
$2,500-4 ,999
Evelyn Amundson Sonnack
A. Irene Hu glcn Strommcn
$ 1,000-2,499
Addell Halverson Dahl en
Fern Hanson Gudmcstad
Th eodore Nelson
Philip Rowberg
S500-999
Thelm a Sydnes Monson
$120 -239
Richard Jacobson
Vivian Peterson
Gifts up co SI 19
Erwin Chell
Reynold Erickson
Edward Evenson
Waldemar Framscad
Roben Girod
Roy Johnson
Mabel Nelson Kingscad
Martha Quanbcck May
Helen Helm Mork
Edmund crand
Ormande Tang
Irene Slcrcen Thoresen
Ruch Gudim Wold
CLASS OF '42
Number of Alumni : 57
Total Amount of Gifts: $11,630.00
Participation: 37%
$2,500 -4,999
Mcrcon Strommcn
$ 1,000 -2,499
Philip Helland
$240 -499
Muriel Quanbeck Turricrin
$500-999
O rloue Gisselquisc
Gloria BurnrvedtNelson
$240-499
Martin Larsen
Esther Paulson
$ 120-239
Hildur Anderson Brethei m
Borghild Escness
Arno ld Huu s•
Harry John son
Dorothy Herman Lanes
Emil Martinson
Harold Nelson
Marion Parbst Sarver
Henry Staub
Gifcs upc o$ 119
Ca rl Gilbertson
S. Elizabeth Bjornstad Luukkonen
lone C halgren Marcin
Amo Martin+
LuVerneNelson
Stanford Nelson
Ruch Framscad Steen
Estelle Uleberg Swanson
Clconc Bolstad Tang
$240-499
Bunon Fosse
Peggy Lou Zigneigo Fosse
Laville Henjum Larson
$ 120-239
Iver Sonnack
Gifts up co $ 119
Mary Ann Johnson Dixen
Kenneth Gilles
Edwin Johnson
Marjorie Kleven Quam
C larence Strandberg
CLASS OF '4 5
Nu mber of Alumni : 47
Total Amount of Gifts: $6,826. 00
Participation: 30%
$2,500-4 ,999
Vera Thorson Benzel
$ 1,000-2.499
Ruben Egeberg
Clara Carlsen Durfee
Eunice Tande Langhaug
Gifts up co $ 119
Bonnie Sorem Anderson
Donald Car lson
Marcella Solheim Nelson
D. Henrickson Pederson
Eileen Quanbe ck
Elsie Rykken Sandve
Robert Warren
CLASS OF '47
Number of Alumni : 64
Tocal Amount of Gifts: $ 13,568. 00
Participation: 42%
$5, 000-9 ,999
Glen Person
$ 1,000 -2.499
Harold Ahlborn
Lois Black Ahlborn
Olive Ronholm
$500-999
Joyce Opseth Schwarn
$500-999
Borghild Rholl Gabrielson
J. Vernon Jensen
$240-499
Marie Gjenvick Knaphus
Marguerite Gregwo n Larsen
$240-499
Paul Blikscad
Margery Manger Torgerson
$ 120-239
Muriel Ruud Frosch
John Parbsc
$ 120-239
Delpha Randklev Berg
Maria Galin Berryman
Agnes Valvik Larson
Arthur Marben
Lorna Wilberg Sanders
Gifts up co $ 119
Oliver Dahl
Elin Joh nson Lappegaard
Irene Ppedahl Lovaas
Caro l Tyvoll Nokleberg
L. Buesing Op grand
Ruch Chrislock Severson
Ruth Welnin Swanson
CLASS OF '4 6
Number of Alumni : 43
Total Amount of Gifts: $700 ,595 .00
Participation: 44%
$ I 0,000 or more
E. Milcon Kleven
James Lindell
Gladys Boxrud Scrommen
$2,5 00-4,999
Mario n Myrvik Buska
$1,000 -2.499
John Steen
$500-999
Ordelle Aaker
Gifts up co $119
Erma Chinander
Omar Gjerness
IAwell Larson
Avis Haga Lindroo s
Caro l Ysceboe Lindsay
Marilyn Rykken Michaelson
Roald Nokleberg
Eileen Kolden Olson
Herman Olson
Guilford Parsons
Jean Rachie Peterson
Edith Dreyer Reesnes
Sylvia Brande Saccren
John Thomp son
CLASS OF '48
Number of Alumn i: 9 I
Toral Amount of Gifts: $ I 1,020.00
Participation : 33%
$2,500-4,999
Jeroy Car lson
CLASS OF '44
Number of Alumni: 6 1
Tota l Amoun t of G ifts: $ 1,770.00
Parcicipadon: 16%
$24 0-499
Geo rge Sverdrup
$ I ,000 -2.499
Stephen Halvorsen
Margaret Nelson Foss Nokleberg
Arnold Skaar
$500-999
Chester Hoversten
$ 120-239
Norma Sateren Anderson
Jeannette Uleberg Boxrud
Gerh ard Bretheim
$500-999
Rona Quanbeck Emerson
Richard Koplin
Mary Schind ler Th ompson
$ 120-2 39
MaryArneson
J. Bernhard Brechcirn
Barbara Ekse Ca rlson
Doro thy Q uanbeck John son
Alcon Knucson
Duane Lindgren
Paul Sanders
G ifts up to $ 119
T heodore Anderson
LorraineCimmesrad lyne
Camille Sivertsen Forness
Eugene Hasselquist
Emily Rachie Hoard
Gud run Vik Kampen
Ge rhard Karlstad
Paul !Gide
Martha Th o mpson Nelso n
LaverneMoe Olson
Marilynn Peterson Olson
Eli1.abe1h Westphal Peterson
Ma ry Kuhn Schmid,
Ge rtrude Vik Sund srad
Erik Tromb org
Jean Tibke Vane
CLASS OF '4 9
Nu mber of Numni : 130
Toral Amount of G ifts: $ 12.525 .00
Participation: 40%
$5 ,000-9,999
Dora Frojen Quanbeck
Jo hn Werkct
$ 1,000-2 ,499
Elsie Ronholm Koivula
$500 -999
Donald Embretso n
Martha Fosse
BecsyTowns Framstad
Wi llard G lade
Lorenc McGinnis Hansen
Evelyn Green Harris
Lorraine Telander Hendershor
Wi lliam lrgens
Donna Curry lrgens+
Louisa Johnson
Robert Johnson
Ca rol John so n Logan
Jo hn Midtl ing
Joyce Dreyer Nesct
Theodore Nystuen
Anna trand Olson
Donald Peterson
Robert Peterson
Miriam Bredow Priebe
Jo hn Q uam
Pau l Rot h
Donald areren
Dorothy T horb erg chm idt
Lillian Hanson tadelman
Donald Sween
Rueben Vane
Jo hn Wetzler
Peder W ilcox
Mae Jo hnson Luhn
Quentin Quanbcck
G ifts up to $ 119
Delphin e Jensen Bakke
Raymo nd Bodin
La Verne Olson Burnrvcdt
George apetz.
hidey Dahlen
C harlotte Forness Egeberg
Robert Eftedal, I
Dolores No lan Fevig
Marilyn Larson Forslund
Merlyn Frcdman
Beverly Fowler Holte
Wi lliam Holte
Raynard Huglen
Delores Farm Johnson
Esther Johnson
Everette Johnson
LeRoy John son
\'(lilliam Knutson
G eorge Lanes
Carol Schmidt Larson
Harvard Larson
C)'ruS Lideen
Marion Iverson Loges
Rhond a Hektner Lybeck
Robert clson
James Peterson
\'(laync Peterson
Elizabet h Felland Ronnin g
John hd stad
Angeline Rolland orenson
Dorothy Twiron
Robert Ulsaker
David Wasgm
C LASS OF ' 50
umber of Numni: 194
Total Amount of Gifts: $48.523. 00
Participation: 33%
$5.000 -9,999
Roy Bogen
Rudolf Engelm ann
Garfield Hover ren
Robert Paulson
Philip Qua nbeck
C LAS OF "5 1
Numb er of Alumni : 15 1
Total Amount o f G ifts: $48,58 0.00
Participation: 50%
$2,500 -4,999
FrankArio
Georgette Lanes Ario
$5 ,000 -9.999
Anabelle H anson Dalberg
Robert O degard
Oli ve N ilsen Zo ller
$ 1,000 -2,499
$240-499
Robert Andersen
Lois \'Varner Bergcland
Luth er Bergeland
Arno ld Henjum
Henry Roufs
Jean Christenson Sverdrup
heldon Torgerson
$ 120 -239
Ray Anderson
James Carlson
Erling Helland
Esth er Tun gseth Hin schberger
Marvin Johnson
Calvin Larson
Jeanette Jacobson Martinson
Paul Paulson
Edward Nb erg
Richard Aune
Lola Lidstro m Berg
Kermit Hoversten
Carol \'(latSon chweizer
$2 ,500-4 ,999
Marolyn Sortland Halverson
\'(lilliam Halverson
$5 00 -999
Archie Lalim
Eunice Nystuen ordand
S 1,000 -2,499
LaVonnc Th ompson Benson
Ruby Helland Brow n
hirlcy L, rson Goplerud
Audr ey Nagel ander
$240 -499
Ethel Anderson Andersen
Andrew Balcrud
Barbara Kolden Balerud
orinne hicll Leslie
Lynn Lundin
Miriam Hoplin Lundin
Lyle Show
$500 -999
James hristopherson
Jennings Th ompson
$24 0-499
Elii.1bct h Becken
Roben Hoffiander
Merlin Johnson
LaRhea Johnson Morseth
LaWayne Morserh
Daniel Pearson
Wallace Pran
Calvin torley
arol Brekken Ritt enhouse
Connie Rholl Wagoner
Gifts up to $1 19
Jerome Andersen
Jack Berry
Dolores Hinsverk Bies
Fabian
arlson
Rut h Isaacson
ornell
$ 120-239
Erling aris en
Donald Erickson+
Sylvia Kleven Hanson
Marjori e Wi lberg Hauge
Doroth y Gra mlin g Hoffiander
Rob m Howells
Roger Leak
9
$ 120 -239
Gen rude ess Berg
T heodore Berkland
Doris Frojen Bretheim
Shirley Odencrans Erickson+
Glen Hendrickson
Eleanor Ewert Hucchinson
Gloria Johnson
Erika raub Niemi
Clarice Thi ngelscad Onsager
Lillian Ysteboe Ose
Dorothy wanson Ryan
G ifts up to $ 119
Dorothy Anderson
Elaine Hanson Aune
Kerman Benson
James Bergd and
Dolores Flaa Bjerga
Alben Bjerkestrand
Thelm a Finnesgard Dahle•
Trygve Dahle•
G erald Davis
John Eliason
Harold Emerson
Steph en Engelstad
Ellen Stenberg Erick.son
Kat hryn Th orsgard Erickson
Stanley Erickson
Jo hn Ga rland
Janee HargraveGavic
Ronald Gude rian
Herbert Hanson
Hubert Hanson
Howard Hjelm
Muriel Olson Hoplin
Joseph Hulterstrum
An •ild Jacobson
John Johnson
Jean Vettel Kicele}'
Arthur Kuross
Joan Baxter Larson
Richard M)'hre
Harland elson
Pete Petersen
Gloria trand Peterson•Conrad
Arthur olberg
Otto Sotnak
Joyce Bonen trand
Herbert Svendsen
Alice Anderson Thorson
Donald T horson
Mary Valtinson Vevle
Robert Weeden
David West phal
Ruth Fosten •o ld Westph al
Ni ce Berg Wilcox
Loren \Xloo lson
C LASS OF ' 52
umber of Alumni: 139
Total Am ount of G ifts: $28 ,005 .00
Participation: 1%
$5 ,000-9,999
Leon ard Dalberg
Ruth chmidc
$ 1,000 -2. 99
Joanne Varner Peterson
Harvey Pererson
Yvonn e Bagley O lson
(Gifts received Ju ne 1, 200 1 to May 3 1, 2002)
Orvi lle Olson
Harvey Peterson
$ 1,000-2,499
Gloria Parirek Thorpe
Ruth Pousi Olli la
Janice Anderson Rykkcn
James Shiell
Joann e Varner Peterson
G ordon Th orpe
$500-999
\Villiam Kuross
Leroy Nyhus
Charlorte Kleven Rimmereid
$240-499
Irene Shelstad H enjum
Lloyd Lyngdal
Mildred Nelson
$ 120-239
Arvid Dixen
Marjorie Danidson Johnson
Morris Johnson
Ludt cr Larson
Donn a Wang Leak
D oro thy Sko nno rd Petcrx n
Marlo Petersen
Beverly Gryth Villwock
Gi fts up to $ 119
LeRoy Anenson
No rman Backstrom
Laurie Balzer
herman Bohn
H arriet Haller Brown
Celia H anson Burk
David Christensen
LeVon Paulson Dinrcr
Marj orie Haley Eliason
Jun e John son Enget
James Faul
Robe rt Go rdo n
Kay Roper H agen
Elmer Hanso n
M . Joyce Tallman H anson
Richard Howells
Th eodore Hust oft
Millard Knudso n
James Kon o m
Benjamin Larson
Elwood Larson
John Leak
Lola Nelso n Nebel
Roger Nelson
Go rdon Od egaard
Arnold Paulson
Gladys D ahlberg Peterson
Vera Peterson Rachuy
Donavon Robcrcs
David Rold«
Leona Eng Rold«
Roger Shelstad
Lewann Awes Sornak
Mae Ness Sparby
Alyce Larson Thur een
O dett e Hj elle Waller
CLASS OF '53
N umb er of Alumn i: 125
Total Amount of G ifts: $22,305.00
Parcicipation: 38%
$5,000-9,999
Donald Or en
Mark Raabe
$500-999
Ruth Aaskov
Dorothy Srrommen Chrisrophcrson
Marvin Larson
John Lingen
Betry Mun son Nyhus
Thomas Ohno
ArthurR.immcrcid
Allan Sortla,1d
$ 120-239
Theodore Anderson
Louis B« ker
Lowell Brown
lnts Busevic.s
Valborg Kyllo Ellingson
Erling S. Huglen
Richard Johnson
Mavis Kyllonen
Alice Jensen Noble
Horace Porten
Allan Thoreson
$240-499
Marlys Ringdahl Gun derson
\Vilgard John son
Joan Johnso n Kuder
Wi lmer Oudal
Gifts up to $ 119
Keith Anderson
JeannineTorstenson Blanchard
Willard Botko
Roger Ca rlson
George Fisher
Esther Oleson Freund
Marshal Cante
$ 120-239
Joseph C leary
Joyce Jorgensen Eckhoff
Beverly Nystuen -Carlsen
David Rykken
Edmund Youngquist
James Gcise ndorfer
G ifts up to $ 119
Eli1.abeth Manger Anderson
LaVon Moderow Belanger
Torrey Berge
H . Emmerc Dan ielson
Faith Ca rlstedt Dippo ld
Herman Egeberg
Jerom e Engseth
Leland Fairbanks
Delmour Fenske
Marilyn Elness Froiland
Jam es Hamre
A1ice Jacobsen
Norm an John son
Sigrunn Kvamme
H arriet Dup slaff Luehrs
Jack Lundb erg
David Lunde
Dono van Lundeen
Duane Myrin
Howard Pearson
Harold Peterson
Donald Reimer
Sam Skogsbergh
Vernon Stcnoien
Phyllis Vik Swanson
Co rinne Rechwill Tiegs
William \'Uhite
Helen Larsen Wire
Mavis Strand Hafsrad
Wallace H afstad
Eileen Johnson Hanson
Rohm lngman
U roy lscmingcr
Orpha Hu shagen Iseminger
Rohm Langseth
Mary Peterson Leak
Beverly Jacobsen Lund een
Alan Mathiason
Helen Jensen Myhre
Arlene Larson Nelson
Karl Nestvold
Edward Nyhu s
Winifred Nysrucn Nyhus
Ardis Dorr Nystuen
G lenn O lson
Lloyd Peterson
Ardelle Skovholt Quanbeck
No rm an Quanbeck
Donna Erickson Reimer
Alben Sand ness
Maryls Harkm an Schm idt
John Seaver
Roger Stockmo
Jero me Trelsrad
CLASS OF '55
Number of Alumn i: 10 I
Total Amount of Gifts: $36,525.00
Parciciparion: 35%
CLASS OF ' 54
Number of Alumni : 147
Total Amo unt of G ifts: $9,670.0 0
Participation:37%
$ 10,000 or more
Phillip Gronseth
$ I ,000-2 ,499
$2,500-4 ,000
Beverly Halling Oren
Florence H elland Borman
Lowd ! Kleven
$ 1,000-2 .499
Darrell Egertson
Beverly Omdahl Nelson
$500-999
Herbert Chilmo m
$240-499
Richard Dronen
Arvin Halvorson
$240-499
Arthur Anderson
Mark John son
Colette Peterson Lyngdal
10
Philip Nelson
Ethel Nordstrom Shiel!
$120-239
Gene Anderson
Agnes Thompson Becker
John Benson
Richard H agestuen
Jacquelyn Bagley Han son
Janice Bremseth Larson
Wenona Strandlie Lund
Richard Mahre
Clinton Peterson
Gifts up to $ 119
Wi llard Burk
Elaine Fo~ Erickson
Wallace H anson
Robert Herman
Mary Jean Danger Holmquist
ErvinJohnson
LaVonne Soderberg John son
Elmer Karlstad
Ralph Martinsen
Phyllis O lson McDaniel
Audrey Larson Miller
Clarice Ca rlson Nasby
Diane Aho Nelson
Clyde Peterson
John Peterson
David Skaar
Mavis BergeTrelnad
CLASS OF '56
Numb er of Alumni : 125
Total Amount of Gifts : $ 14,405.00
Participation: 38%
$5,000-9 ,999
R. Luther Ol son
$ 1,000-2,499
Deloris Anderson
I. Shelby G imse Andr ess
$500-999
Robert Lockwood
$240-499
Lloyd Grinde
Cha rles Howard
$ 120-239
Dorot hy Floistad Benson
Thomas Benson
H ans D umpys
C harles Evavold
Rohm Gjengdah l
James Hau gen
Stan ley Ludviksen
Christine Munson Main
Ronald Main
James Pederson
Robert Roos
Donohu e Sarff
Elizabeth Morcensen Swanson
John Thomp son
G ifts up to $ 119
Margaret Hermanson Barnes
Gerald Baxter
Caro lyn Lower Bliss
J• mes Buski rk
O rla hrisrenscn
Robert Dongoske
Lel• nd Erickson
F,r olyn John son Ge hring
Shirley Mu len G rnus
Jo hn Haynes
Marlys Nepsu nd Lester
Margaret Helgaas Lincoln
Harvey Lundin
Mary Christiansen Meyer
Ardell Moen
Robert No rby
Roger O se
Ervin Ovcrlund
James Pearson
Harold Stoa
Allen Swanson
Kath ryn Th orv ig Th omp son
G lenn T ho rpe
Mark T ho rpe
Richard T ho rud
Ma lcolm Unseth
Evererc Holt
Marshall Jo hnson
Ralph Johnso n
Ro nald Johnson
Alfred Kaupins
Faye Brenni Moen
Do nald Myrvik
Rhod a Dah l Myrvik
ClaraA.nnHaugen Nordstrom
Ge rald Parupsky
Noel Sagness
Gloria Grant Knoblauch
Jeanette O lso n Locke
O rval Moren
Ruby Johnson Mortenson
Phyllis Knudson cim
Ronald cave
LaVane Srudlicn
Arden Wahlberg
Robert Welch
James No rman
Robert O slund
James Plum edahl
L'lwrcnce Pratt
C LASS OF '59
Number of Alumni : 143
Tota l Amount of ifts: S 18,050.00
Participadon: 4 1%
Marian GraffSkaar
Neal nider
Mar lys Holm Tho rsgaard
John Welckle
Ronald Welde
$5,000-9,999
John Martinsen
C LASS OF '58
Nu m ber of Alumn i: 132
Toral Amou nt of G ifts: $26,385 .00
Participation: 35%
$ 1,000-2,499
Paul Almqu iSt
arl Casperson
$ 10,000 or more
Birgit Birkeland
MarcinOlav Sabo
Inez.Olson chwarzkopf
$2,5 00-4,999
Joann e Stiles Laird
$500-999
Lois Madson Allen
John Berg
$ 1,000-2 ,499
Menon Johnson
Robert Meffert
Ronald Miskowicc
Harold eilsen
Hubert Nelson
Willard O lsen
Do nald O lson
Sylvia Moe Ovcrlund
Vicki Skor Pearson
Eileen Pund y
David Quanbeck
Luther Romo
Do nald Sallen
Junice Aasncss andncss
Theodore trand
Gale Torscenson
C LASS O F '60
N umb er of Alumni : 162
Total Amo unt of Gifts: $ 10,405.00
Participation: 3 1%
$2,50 0-4,999
Bruce Amundson
Eugene Peterso n
C LASS OF ' 57
N umb er of Alumn i: 138
Tota l Amou nt of G ifts: $29 ,984 .00
Participation: 36%
S 10,000 or mo re
Raymo nd G rind e
$ 1,000-2 ,499
Caroly n Burfield
Beverly Tollefson Uh lenberg
$500-999
Chester Hoversten
Dona ld Olsen
Lila Ogawa Furukawa
$2,500-4 ,999
Grace Forss Herr
Harris Lee
Mabech aurc yllscrom
Wesley Sideen
Crace Kemmer Sulcrud
S 1,000-2,499
tanley Baker
Sidney Berg
De>n Holmes
An na Hovland Hanson
Jo An Bjornso n Jo hnson
Mary Erickson Lockwoo d
$500.00-999
Harlan hriscianson
$240-499
T homas Moen
Bo nnie Martinson Sta rley
$500-999
$ 120-239
Mary Twiton Bosben
Paul hrisrensen
Donald Hagestuen
RmhThorsgard Homme
Harry Horne
Rhoda Monseth Hu glen
hirley Nordin e Kehrbc rg
Gary Lange
Go rdon Lindgren
Lawrence Lyscig
David Ringstad
RichardRobinson
onja Sather kurdal
$2 0-499
C hester Dyrud
Kennech Hagen
$240-499
D ennes Borman
AJdemar Johnson Hagen
Gor don Trelsrad
$ 120-239
James Armstrong
Verna Skovholr Barren
T homas Hom ander
Roben Jamieson
Morris Jespersen
Wayne Johnson
Roger Mackey
Gera ld M indrum
Maynard Nelson
Richard Vevle
Bill Z inn
Gifts up to $ 119
Richard Berg
David Freedland
Do rot hy Burke Freedland
Virg Ge h ring
Peggy-Joyce orenso n Grab le
G ilbert Gra us
Doris Rovick Hanson
Anneliese Laidig H aynes
Jean M,ng uson H icks
$ 120-239
Elyce Lundquist Arvidson
Lois Mackey Davis
Hugh Gi lmore
Betty John son H ass
Peggy Oneil wcnscn
Janet Coo ke Zinewicz
Jerome Kleven
Alice Lindell Lindgren
Wendel l Sh iell
G ifts up 10 119
Lawrence Berg
Irene O lson Brown
James Brown
Delores rupp hristianson
Barbara O lson Oertle
Jam es G uldm h
James Hanson
Franklin Hawks
Arlene dander Hill
Rod ney Hill
James Horn
Ro nald Jacobso n
LarryJunkermcier
H arold Kambak
Charlone Bac:a
lden Knmson
Monroe Larson
LeRoy Lauen
Walrer Lundeen
G ifts up to $ 119
Dennis Barnaal
Vernon Berkness
Elaine Nelson Bernards
Erwin
hrisrenson
Janet Nicderloh hristeson
Glenn Davidson
onja Johnson Enscad
Loi Hofstad Esselmom
Myrna Tollefson Ga rdin
Philip Heide
C, rl Hellie n
C. Leroy John son
Joy Hu nd l Joh nso n
Gwen Johnson Krapf
Margaret Peterson Langness
Jon Maraia
John Miskowiec
11
$240-499
Richard Berge
Phyllis Raymond Burge
Bruce Cunning
Jayton Paulson
Edyt he Strand Shogren
Marjorie Moland \Xlcndt
S 120-239
John Anderson
Kay Lemmerman ilmore
Ruth Carlsen Moen
David Nordlie
S 120.00
Donald Homme
HarryToussaim
Gifts up to $ 119
Lois Richter Agrimson
Jean Knutson Anderson
Arne Boyum
Myron Carlson
Carol Johnson Casperson
Fred Engelmann
Ruth Borchardt Engelstad
ancy Garland Erickson
Arden Fla1en
James Gedrose
Dennis Glad
BarbaraMilne Gordon
David Hanka
Kenneth Hatland
Gerald Hendricks
Donald Holmq uisc
LaVonne GravgaardIverson
Peter Locke
M•ry LundquiSt Meffert
C lifford Myhre
R. Thomas Olson
(Gifts received Jun e 1. 200 1 10 May 3 1, 2002)
Phyllis R<denbaugh Ose
Dwighr Pederson
Barbara Ricsberg Peterson
Ronald ranley
MarleneStud1ien
C LASS O F '62
Number of Alumni: 169
Total Amount of Gifts: $ 14,420.00
Participation: 29%
Gordon
$2,500-4,999
Joann Eliason Amundson
yverson
Larry Th ompson
Kermit Vall~n
Sharon Grodt West
Darrell Wiese
Shirley Harms W ilsey
Lowell Ziemann
C LASS O F '6 1
Number of Alumni : 160
Total Amounr of Gifts: $ 17,949. 00
Parcic ipation: 26%
$5,000-9,999
Richard Thompson
$ 1,000-2 ,499
Marilyn Saure Breckenridge
Joseph Hsieh
Kenneth Nelson
Karen Egcsdal Trelm d
$500-999
Daniel Carlson
Mary Ttldahl Meyers
$240-499
Dennis Johnson
Jan et Baralden Johnso n
Gregory Madson
$120-239
Kenneth AJccrman
Theodore Botten
Curtis Haney
Ca rol Oversvee Johnson
Joan Gibson Labs
Ronald Laudert
Seven Score
Co nstance Gildsech pangenberg
PatriciaNordlund Toussaint
Gifts up to $ 119
Gayle Arvidson
Lloyd Bakke
John Baxter
Mary Lou BalcerChristenson
Lawrence Gallagher
Roger Gordon
Jam es Ho lden
Audrey Halvorson Hovland
PatriciaSwanson Kreuziger
George Larson
George Lundqu ist
Julie Magnuson Marineau
Jack Mayala
Karen Erickson McCullough
Cedric Olson
Gerald Peterson
James Redeske
Myron Rew
Jud y Fosse Snider
Glenice Nordin Sprague
Carol Svanoe
Bruce Westphal
$5,000-9,999
Patr icia O 'Reilly Olso n
$ 1,000-$2,499
Dennis Erickson
Mary Lou Ervin Erickson
$ I ,000-2.499
Allen Hoverste n
Philip Sidney
Sarah Halvorson Strom
Sandra Simpson Phaup
Stella Kyllo Rosenquist
WilJiamStrom
$500-999
David Srccnson
Robert Tufford
LauraleeHowe Zenk
$ 1,000 -2,499
Kathleen Aalcer Casperson
Eunice Kyllo Roberts
Arne Sather
$240-499
Ronald Beckman
Bradley Holt
David Procrnr
Ordean Torsrenson
$240-499
Jennelle Johnson C unning
Paul Grover
Lorna Hoverste n
John Hugo
Lois Knutson Larsen
Kay Hanenbur g Madson
Wayne Stockman
Lewis Sundquist , 11
Mary Ann Sorensen Urban
$ 120-239
Roger Bevis
Brenda Henrickson Capek
Linda Carlscedt
Lola Nelson Grafstrom
C. Bagley Humphrey
Doris Wilkins Johnson
Caro l Anderson McCue n
T homas Wadsworch
Marilyn Heide Waller
John Wanner
$120-239
Marilyn Ellingson Akerman
Philip Baum an
Joanne Joski Evavold
Judy Jo hnson John son
Olivia Gordon Lorents
John Osberg
Gifts up to $ 119
R. Char les Anderson
C harles Arndt
Morris Bjurlin
Gifts up to SI 19
John Bosrad
Claire Helland Buettner
John Christense n
Wayne Coil
Sherman Coltvec
Tamara Ronholdt Francis
Marilyn Olson Gronner
Julia O se Grose
Sonia Overmoe n Gullick,
Peter Hauser
Rodney Helgeson
Wanda Anderson Hemes
Robert Umup
Ruth Gochnauer Johnson
Ursula Laidig Juliar
LynneMclean Junkcrmeicr
Gayler Korsmo
Ella Bowlby Lerud
John Lystig
Phillip Matti son
Cunis Moe
A. Robert Molldrem
Ann Ring Odegaa rd
Betty Johnson Oppegard
Milo Oppegard
Bonnie Carlson Pehrson
Roger Schwarn
Ronnie Scott
Bcrz.cPaulson Solomonson
Barbara Herkal Szoke
Roger Bosmoe
Wendell Carlson
Joan Hanson C heck
Wayne Christiansen
Gloria C lauson
Alice Evenson
l.annell Farmer
Mary Lower Farmer
Raymond Fosse
Stephen Gabr ielsen
Joyce Gusiafson Hauge
Marilyn Peterson Haus
Mary Jo Cherne Holmmand
Caro lyn Johnson
Judich Hess Larsen
KarenTangen Mattison
Julie Medbery
Russell Oste rberg
Glenn Peterson
Janet Evenson Potran
James Roback
Hans Sandbo
Allen atter
Albert Schobe r
Arvid Schroeder
C hristopher Wagner
Ann Johnson Wollman
Linda Tollefson Zenk
C LASS OF '63
Number of Alumni : 188
Tota l Amount of Gifts: $53,086.00
Participation: 29%
C LASS OF '64
Numbe r of Alumni : 202
Toca! Amount of Gifts: $ 15,76 1.00
Participation: 25%
$ I 0,000 or more
LaVonne O lson Batalden
Paul Batalden
$2 ,500-$4,999
Joyce Leifgren Young
Karen La.Mere Bosmoe
12
$500-$999
Rohm Nordin
Karen Henry Srccnson
$240-$499
Doto thy Borsgard Berldand
Ellen Paulson Keiter
Gary Langness
Jean Pfeifer Olson
Stanley Spangenberg
Dorothea Hake Torsrcnson
$ 120-$239
Luther Anderson
Bruce Braaten
Deanne Star Greco
Roger Johnson
Sharon C hristensen Kildal
Mary Fenrick Olson
Ted Olson
James Parks
Patricia Strecker Pederson
Virginia Hovland Plunkett
Bruce Ranum
Betty Hanson Rossing
Gifts up to $ 119
Dawn Asp Aarsvold
And rew Berg
Jerry DeVrieze
Avis Hoel Dyrud
Philip Dyrud
Barry Fosland
Ronald Gtoff
Margery Kyvig Haaland
Ann Tja den Jensen
David John son
Jack Kelly
Sharon Swanson Knucson
Diane Garbisch Levalce
Mary Lindgren
Karla Krogsrud Miley
Ronald No rdin
Sharon Peterson Paulson
Linda Hamilton Senta
James Spiess
Satoru Sudoh
Carla Q uanbeck Walgren
Michael Walgren
Elizabech Johnson Wolsky
C LASS OF '65
Numb er of Alumni : 229
Total Amount of Gifts: $78,627.0 0
Partic ipation: 34%
$ I 0,000 or Mo re
Kinney Johnson
$5, 000- $9,999
Lyle O lson
$2 ,500-$4,999
Daniel And erson
$ I ,000-S2 ,499
Lois Harp Bjorngoard
Paul Ficldharnmer
Priscilla Strecker Fieldhammcr
\'(landa \Xlagner Hanson
Ruth Radke Paulson
Larry cholla
S500-$999
Julie Gudmcsrad Laudicina
Daniel Meyers
Steven Nielsen
$240-$499
Gary Blosberg
Judy Thomp son Eiler
Mark Gjerde
James Harbo
MarleneHanggi Heimbigner
Cordelia Coltvec Hoffmann
BeverlyNelson Hugo
Peter Jacobson
Carol Welch Langness
Marie Hafie MacNally
John McIntyre
Dennis Morreim
Gene Nagel
Gary O lson
$ 120-239
Bradford Aamodt
JoAnn Halvorson
Robert Hinz
Donald Hostl h
Sharon Dirrbcnner KJabund
e
John Luoma
Larry Nelson
David Parupsky
Joyce Anderson Pfaff
GaryT hyren
Gifts up ro $ 119
Lois Luthard Anderson
Marilyn ielsen Anderson
Judith Kasin Anenson
Jean Amland Berg
Adrienne crand Buboln
Larry Buboltz
Darryl Can er
Gerald Dahl
Eunice Bergman Dietrich
Thomas Eberhart
Gary Ellis
Dale Engel
Marilynn Ross Fa1l
strom
Donald Francis
Hildur Oyen Gleason
Anita Christopherson Gransee
Gracia Grindal
David Gunderson
Linnea Hanke
Edythe Berg Johnson
Janice Mattson Johnson
Kendall Kamp
Chuck Kienholz
Paul Larson
Michael Marcy
Michael Monson
Peter Onstad
Calvin Peterson
Janee Anderson Peterson
Lilah Rasmussen
Paul Reiff
Gary Reuss
Lee Ridgway
I. Patricia ccenson Roback
Marie Bergh andbo
Ellen Johnson Srrorn
Sceven Scrommen
\Villiam Tessman
Lyndon West
Robert Zeller
Dennis Rykken
James enn
Joann Gilbertson Snyder
Karen Pelcola Sorenson
Beery Lundgren ravrou
Sorerios Sravrou
harles Stenson
Dale Strom
James cruve
haron Petersen Te.ssman
Steven Westby
CLASS OF '6 6
Number of AJurnni: 2 17
Total Amoun1 of Gifts: $ 18,759.00
Panicipario n: 26%
CLASS OF '67
Number of Alumni: 2 17
Total Amoun1 of Gifts: $8,337.00
Participation: 31o/o
$5,000- $9,999
Gay Johnson Minear
penccr Minear
$500-$999
ccphen Bacalden
Lee Anne Hansen L1ck
recchen Larson Swenson
\Vaync wenson
$ 1,000-$2 ,499
Thom as Hanson
$500-$999
Patricia Munson Duncan
ynthia Hanson
Beth Torstenson
$240-$499
Gail Suo msmoc Dow
Alan Gierke
Marilyn Albaugh Gierke
Rebecca Beiro Huseby
Dennis Miller
Mark Sandbo
$240-499
Janice Peterson Andrews
John Greenfield
Edward Huseby
Douglas Johnson
Kathryn Wall Johnson
Donald Marrison
Richard Mork
Jeanne \'(/anncr Morreim
$ 120-$239
James Call
Loren Dunham
Sharon Hendrickson Gronberg
Barry Gunderson
Kay Dahlquist Gunderson
uzanne Overholt Hampe
Gene Hugoson
Kathleen Feddick Luedtke
Dennis Sackreitcr
Karen Foss Sackreiter
Muriel Berg cholla
John elstad
Robert ko«egaard
Duane Vik
Rebecca Helgesen Von Fischer
$120-239
Lennore Bylund Bevis
Larry Hoff
teven Holm
Gracia Nydahl Luoma
Karen Langseth Oelschlager
Margaret Ahlson Tjade n
Gifts up to $ 119
Benjamin Coltvet
Donald Anderson
John Andr easen
K."hleen Popp Boggess
Julie eegmiller Braaten
Barbara Anderson Brown
Helen Co ltvet larke
Judith Erickson oppersmi1h
hirley Sandin Dahl
Darlene Ojak:mgas Gunderson
Catherine Blom Johnson
F. William Johnson
Karen Johnson
Margaret Danielson Jorg nsen
Allan Kriscenson
EJsie Anderson Larson
John Lund
Marcia Th imsen Noble
Douglas Norvold
Beverly Hallcock Ohmann
Larry O lson
Dennis Paulson
Darrel Pererson
Judith Erickson Pinelkow
arolyn Benson Pinman
Gifts up to $ 119
BarbaraAnderson Aaberg
Bruce Anderson
Dianne Larson onn
Janet Fischer Davenport
Marilyn McKnight Erickson
Ruth Ann Gjerde Finke
Terry Frovik
Bruce ilmore
Dennis Goldenman
Lorraine Vash osewisch
Robert Haskin
onja Helgesen
Darlene Tesdell Hetland
Duane Hetland
Robert Hosman
Roger Husbyn
Sandra Doering Jeppesen
Victori:i.Asper Johnson
Mi hael Jorgensen
loria Lamprecht
Mary Lou Lanes
Elaine Erickson L1rson
Karen Len::inder
13
Marian Schroeder Leonardson
Mary Ellen trommen Liebers
James Lindell
Carol Brandt Mork
Johanna cidcrt
Bonnie Johnson Nelson
Linda Larson Pahl
Janee Madsen Peterson
Kenneth Peterson
\Villiam Pittman
Fern Rasmussen
Harley Refsal
Audrey Anderson Rogness
Patricia Sickin
Tom Snyder
Paulene Nelson peed
Marlys Ruona Thomsen
cuan Ucgaard
Carl Wall
Geraldine Neff Wall
CLASS OF '68
Number of Alumni: 26 1
Total Amount of Gifts: $46,332.00
Participation: 29%
or more
Ronald Nelson
$ I 0,000
$ 1,000-$2,499
David Berg
David Boe
Joan Vol,
$500-$999
\Vayne Hansen
lone Agrimson Hanson
Mark Hanson
Duane llscrup
Marsha trommen Olson
Carolyn Hanson Schildgen
$240-$499
Jean Hemstreet Bachman
Janet Lunas Gjerde
Carole BraudJensen
Gerald Jensen
Bruce Johnson
Lois Hallcock Johnson
TerrySaceren
Earl ethre
Larry Sharpe
$120-$239
Dorod1y Anderson
Michael Arnd1
Dean Ersfeld
Allen islason
Herald Johnson
Lyle Malot~T
David Melby
Mary Schivone Nelson
Miriam Cox Peterson
John Roebke
Gary chmidt
Roberr Steen on
Janet Thorp
John Weinard
Gifts up 10 $ 119
Elizaberh Amdall
James Bengtson
(Gifts received June I , 2001 to May 3 1. 2002)
Benson
Priscilla Plan Berg
Joel Bjerkestrand
Donald Britt
Janee Braaten DeGaetano
Elizabeth Hukcc Demich
Jonathan DcVries
John Eckberg
Jeffery Elavsky
ccphen Erickson
John Fahlberg
\Xfilliam Farmer
Alan Fredrickson
Ca rolyn Auld Gravell
Den.isGueczkow
Anne Dauph ine Hayward
David Heidtke
Theodore Johns on
Do lores Johnson
David Joyce
Luther Kendrick
Kathlynn Lindqui st
No Reen Nystrom-Henke
Mary Fir! Olson
Jan Pedersen-Schiff
Alice Draheim Peters
Robert Peters
Mary Roiland Peterson
Linda Christ ensen Phillips
Barbara Hanson Raymond
Jam es Romslo
Gera ldine Carlstrom Rustad
Nancy Peterson Salmi
Caro l Watson Saund ers
Jan Severson
Clair Severson
ByronTroice
ConsranceAckerson\Vanner
Lois Wcllnitt \Varrcn
\YI,
CLASS OF '69
N umb er of Alumni: 3 13
Tora.IAmount of Gifts: $ 14,504 .00
Participation:2 1o/o
$2,500-$4 ,999
Lynn Benson Hjelmcland
$ I ,000-$2,499
Julie Teigland Anderson
Richard King
$500-$999
James Ericksen
Lois Batalden Hansen
John Harden
Ronald Swanson
Jeann e Kyllo Wendschuh
$240-$499
Richard Fenton
Richard Olmsted
Sandr a Larson O lmsted
Sonya Christensen Steven
LawrenceTurner
$ 120-$239
WarrenBey
Diana O lson Ersfeld
Rosemary Jacobso n
Suzann e Kelley
Ingrid Kloster Koch
Frank Wagner
Joyce Engstrom Spector
Mary Loken Veim h
G ifts up to $ 119
Karen Norum Alm
Ardell Thorpe Bengtson
Caro l Halvorson Bjerkestrand
Ronald Ca llanan
Pamela Bjorklund Car lson
Wayne Ca rlson
David Cina
David Cross
Peggy Nelson Edstro m
Philip Edstrom
Dian e Follingsrad
Dale Froyum
Lona Berg Froyurn
John Gree nfield
Dallas Ahrens Hagen+
Eunice Helgeson
Joan H alverson Holt
Jon Johnson
Laurel Jon es Joh nson
Mary Ekstrom Johnso n
Robert Kirchner
Marilyn Kusel Kirk
Marcia Weltzin Kjesbu
David Knucson
David Korila
Joan ne Ogdah l Leach
Mark Lund
Nancy Machmueller Maier
Janis Machison
Margaret Ness
Michael Peterson
Dennis PAipsen
Sandra Olson Pietig
Diane Ellingson Runquist
Kathleen Ford Ruud
Mary Mether Sabatke
Richard Sandee n
John-Mark Stensvaag
Erik trommen
Norma Johnson Strommen
John ulzbach
Nancy Neumann Thor en
Jam es Torfin
Mark Trechock
Arlene Uejima
Diane Boese \Varner
Bonnie Jami eson Wedel
Curtis Zieske
$500 -999
Gary Benson
Sara Palmgrcn Benson
Linda Larson
$24 0-499
Mary Buss
Betty Mackay
Lisbeth Jorgensen Sethre
Susan Lindberg Sorenson
$ 120-239
Peter Agre
James Ashley
Kerry Bade
Larry G lenn
Da niel Koch
Bradley Refsland
Donald Smith
Sharo n John son Sullivan
Ronald Wahlberg
Gifts up to $ 119
Daryl Anderson
Caro lyn Gilbertso n Brown
Sherman Danielson
Mary Nelso n Eckberg
James Fischer
Dan Foss-Goran
Kristin Foss-Goran
John Hansen
Renee Maikk ula Isaacson
Thomas Iverson
Steven Johnson
LaRhae Grin dal Knatterud
John Kulczyclti
Marilyn Ladin g
Stephen Larson
Pamela D rayer Lillehei
Sonya Nydahl Lund
Cat herine Go rder Mazyck
Cheryl Hayenga Nybe rg
Raymo nd Nybe rg
Linda W ichm an n Oja
Nico lyn Rajala
Diane John son T horltildson
David Ulvin
Jan et Ca ll Ulvin
M. Jane Co rnelison Van Brun t
onya Hagen Zieske
Linda Swanson Zimmerman
C LASS O F '7 0
Number of Alum ni: 27 I
Total Amount of G ifts: $39,086.00
Participation: 20%
CLASS OF '7 1
N umb er of Alumn i: 284
Tota l Amo un t of G ifts: $ I I 6,72 0.00
Parcicipacion: 2 1%
$ I 0,000 or more
Robert M iciness
Thomas Peterson
$ I 0,000 or more
Michael Good
$2,500-4,999
John Hjelmeland
$ 1,000-2,499
Mari lyn Buschbo m Lueth
Barbara Dur kee Mikelson
$ I ,000 -2,499
C heryl Nelson King
Paul Mikelson
Terry Nygaard
Paulett e O lson Od egaard
Richard eime
$500-999
Philip Hoversten
David Owen
Kay Hendri ckson Owe n
Swan Scott Swanson
14
$24 0-499
David Benzel
John Jenn eke
Rachel Hendri ckson Julian
Mary Grooters Lewis
Michael Scott
$ 120-239
Susan G ibbon s Casey
Ti mo thy Casey
Mark Ellinger
Patricia O lson Ellinger
C harles Maland
G lennis Wdd a Schlukebier
Janice Bell Schmidt
Nancy Simonetti
Kathleen Tierney Sceenson
Nancy Rosrberg Sylvester
Robert Tjaden
G ifts up to $ 119
Donald Beach
Mark Bermess
Jane Ca tlin Bracken
Roger Branes
Paul C hind vall
Kathy Kropdin Cracra ft
A. Carolyn Benson Dauner
Jeffrey Dieter
Ruth Schroeder Duffy
Peter Eckberg
Janee Levin Gordon
Gary Hagen
Gay lord Hall
PauJa Jones lvcrson
Douglas Johnson
Murry Kelly
Leslie Lee
Robert Martin
Wi lliam Mees Mees
Jud y Hoseth Mikolich
Lynn Oeder Miller
Bruce Nelson
G regg Nelson
Judith Larson Peterso n
Leanne Phinne y
John Rask
Linda Gilbertson Romslo
Susan Risum Rustebakke
David Siedlar
Darrell Skogen
Nancy Strommen Scensvaag
Stephanie Johnso n Sulzbach
Janice Sheldon T homp son
Jane Sontag Vemess
G regory With ers
Marilyn Borcherdin g Wom eng
CLASS OF '72
N um ber of Alumni: 287
Tora.I Amo unt of G ifts: $ 11,080.00
Participation: 2 1%
$2,500 -4,999
Geo rge Dahlm an
$ 1,000-2,499
James Agre
$500 -999
David Christianson
Michelle Karkhoff C hristianson
========
1FOltMtt\~Yr,
kvlFTSI~ ~::::::::
IN vR~~
6~felRIT
SOC
I ETY
Investing'Toaayin Leaaersfor 'ToTtWrrow
(7f
ugsburg 's Maroon & Silver Society was laun ched in 2000 as part of The Augsburg Fund. It recognizes donor s who are
_.l'-1.co mmitted to supporti .ng curr ent student s by pledging to spo nsor an Augsbu rg scho larship for four years wit h an ann ual
gift of $ 1,000 or more per year. Members of the Maroon & Silver Society lead the way and encourage others to join them , stepping
up to a new level of giving to build the "living endowme nt " that The Augsburg Fund provides.
Please consider jo inin g the curr ent char ter members who are helping to build a solid base of ongoi .ng financial support that is
essential in attracting and retaining our outstanding students. Gifts can be made annuall y, quarterly , or monthl y. If you would like
information regarding this opportunity , contact Donna McLean: 612-330-1179 , 1-800-273-0617 or < mclean @augsbur g.edu > .
D
(
I/We are interested in joining the Maroon & Silver Society. Please send the pledge information. (Complete nam e and address below)
--
0
Yes,I/We ENCLOSE an annu al gift to The Augsburg Fund :
Amounts: up to $ 119
$120-239
$240-499
/circ/eouc) $500-999
$1,000-2,499
$2,500 and up
0
I/We PLEDGE $____
in support of Augsburg College, to
be paid on or before May 31. I/We plan to make payment s:
/circle 011e) Monthly
Quarterly
Semi-annually
Please send reminders beginning __________
_
0
Please CHARGE my gift to:
/circle one) Visa
MasterCard
Name on card ________________
Card number __________
Signature __________________
0
American Express
_
Exp. date ___
_
_
ELECTRONIC FUNDS TRANSFER (EFT program )
(Monthl y gift transfer from my bank to Augsburg-p lease send
me the Simply Giving forms)
State ______________
E-mail ______________
.Zip _______
Class year(s) __
0
My/Our emp loyer will match my/our gift. Enclosed is my/our
matching gift form.
0
This gift can be matched by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans
(LB/AAL)
0
Augsburg College is in my/our will.
_
_
1/03/ AA
.A-UGSBURG
Place
COLLEGE
22 11 Riverside Ave
Minn eapo lis, MN 55454
Stamp
Here
The Augsburg Fund
Augsburg College
Camp us Box 142
22 11 Riverside Ave
Minn eapo lis, MN 55454
$240-499
Burton Haugen
Gary Larson
Janice Nelson
Jonathan Nye
Brian Olson
$240-499
Linda Wahlberg Jenneke
Linda Bailey Holmen
Gary Johnson
Richard Pearson
$ 120-239
Gary Anderson
Gary Ellefson
$500-999
Robert tromme n
$ 1,000-2,499
Karen Johnson Brudvig
Merilee Klemp
Norman Wahl
$240-499
Ronald Hoverstad
Elizabeth Turritcin Lien
Brian Wigdahl
$500-999
Andrea Johnson trommcn
Jon Hanson
S120-239
Lorraine \'(fiecz.kcAaland
Margam Rein Bade
Timothy Brady
Joann Koclln Frankcna
Lyn Froiland
Percr Gale
Thomas Haas
Richard Habsrritc
Thomas Howe
Ronald Johnson
Sheryle Siegfried Kaluza
Kathryn Modrow Kufus
David Lehrke
Pacrick Marcy
Julie Olson Munson
Donald Prose
Karen Sandness
AJan oli
Nancy Becker oli
Gifts up 10 $ 119
Vivian Yonker Anderson
Darla Lovaas Frantz
Srevcn Frann
John Gisselquisr
Judy Bacon Haugo
Nancy Olson Hrdlicka
Karen Johnshoy Hcsla
Christine Jacobson Jeatran
Stephen Jea1ran
Nancy Klein Maland
Bradley O lson
Catherine Berglund Becker
Rebecca Nystuen Berger
Scott Brown
Janer churr Brubak
Ste\'en Carlson
Joyce Catlin
Marilyn Rude Chindvall
Beverly Ma11SonConboy
Douglas Co nboy
Beverly Fermon
D uane Foss
Corrine Froelich Frank
Kathryn Frank
Roger Gorham
James Hagen
Lyth Harn
Ruth Gundale Hillebrand
GiflS up 10 $ 119
James Arends
Sandra Knudson Beito
Nancy Brown-Koeller
Dawn crauch Holmes
Rhona Newpon Brysky
Ann Knurson Bundy
David Heikkinen
Rad1el Iverson
Paul Holmes
Thom as Jensen
Mark Johnson
Susan Benson Karkhoff
Bonnie Ursed, Koch
Cynthia Hicks Kelly
LarryLaingen
MargrecaMagelssen
Mark Ladwig
Cheryl Lindroos Marcin
Deborah Anderson Miller
Michael Nelson
Pamela Nichols Nelson
Alan Huus
Carol Ellingson McMillin
Vivian Moe
Steven Nelson
Roberc Nilsen
Bruce Pam:rson
Susan Maahs Rowan
Judi, h andeen Sandell
T homas nell
Ronald Spencer
Mary Kay Johnson censvaag
Saul Stcnsvaag
Nancy Voss
Marlys Oelschlager Withers
CLASS O F '73
Numberof Alumni: 292
Tora( Amoun, of Gifts: $5,470.00
Parricipario
n: 19%
$500-999
Rebecca mich hrist.ianson
Marilyn Gissclquisc
Andrew Morrison
Gregory Carlson
Lavon Emerson-H nry
Marvin Felderman
Bryon usrafson
Marcia T hompson Hagen
Marvin Levake
Mark Mattison
Mary Muhlbrad,
Daniel Nordin
Kristinc Olson
Kathleen Quick
Joel Raaen
Pamela Enge Rausch
\Villiam Roen
Stephen Rolfsrud
$ 120-239
Dean Anderson
\'v'aync Anderson
Jo Ellen Schramm A,mcss
William Axncss
Stephen Blake
Karen Hayes Brophy
Cynthia Behmer Gale
Nan9 rThomsen HcckJcr
Jene Morey
teven Otoo l
Barbara Ruud Revuelras
teven Reznicek
Daniel Rodgers
Nancy Sandro
Julie Johnson Westlund
Gifts up to SI 19
Jo Ann Berg BabIitch
$2,500-4,999
Pamela Birdsall Richard
$2 0-499
onnie Garry Adams
David Dahl
Subhashchand Patel
Allan Tonn
Allan Torsce.nson
$ 120-239
Duane Esterly
Sheryl Birk Gable
Gifts up 10 $ 119
Mark Bengrson
Paul Breitenfeldt
Brenda Hoppes acradoris
Andrea Erickson
Stephanie Gierke Gustafson
Lila KJanderman Hambleton
Jann Meissner Hamilton
Raymond Hamilton
Keith Howard
Carol Jernberg
Richard Kruger
Diane Loeffler
Ruth Anderson Lofgren•
Clifford McCann
Susan Johnson Mc eill
Nancy Soli Mollner
Ka1hleen Murdock
Gayle Baker Hofmann
Daniel Nelson
Lyle Horrmann
Marlene Chan Hui
Shirley ChriS1ensen Nickel
Thom as Koplin
Elizabeth Kasee Pedersen
Brenda alberg Peterson
James Ring
Carl Oslund
Alan Krancz
David Levine
Judith Lu-Lawson
David Paun
JuJianne arlson Pederson
Bonnie Peterson
Daniel Pererson
Michael Lundeby
Paula McDermid Lundeby
Philip Lundin
ail Butson Maifeld
Jan O'Brien weec
Philip Pe1erson
Timothy Miller
Paige Nelson
CLASS OF '76
Number of Alumni: 304
Total Arnouni of Gifts: $26,538.00
Janice \Veum Philibert
William Nelson
Wendy Nilsson
Mary Clapp Overend
Karen Dahlke Rodda
Carol Sime
Donald Swenson
Samuel chmeling
Doro1hyTanaka Storeygard
Paula Roberts Tetzloff
Len \'v'ojcowicz
Participation: 23 %
Randel Widmom
Linda Larson Pipkorn
Lecda Premil Pitra
$ I 0,000 or more
H. Theodore Grindal
CLASS OF '74
Number of Alumni: 283
Total Amouni of Gifts: $ I 65,402.00
Mary Ran laff
Ward chendel
Charles Schul,
S I ,000-2.499
Scott Anderson
Parcicipation: 22%
Lynn Co rrin eykora
Larry Thomp son
Stephen Reinarz.
SI 0,000 or more
Richard olvin
$2,50 0-4,999
Ru1hJohnson
Laurie Johnson Thorp
Timo1hy T horp
Kathryn Anderson Wahl
Kathleen Tinserh
rla Johnson Velenchcnko
Mark Zellmer
$ I ,000 -2.499
Jeffrey Dahl
CLASS OF '75
Number of Alumni: 220
Toral Amouni of ifrs: $ I 1,872.00
Kenneth Holmen
Participation: 18%
15
Linda BergsethJarvis
Lois Wattman
$500-999
Karen Hesselroch
Ru1h Dahlof Vedvik
(Gifts received June I , 2001 10 May 31 , 2002)
$240-499
$ 1,000 -2,499
Steve n Bloo m
Mary Qu anb cck Barber
Barbara Brooks
Deborah Fredrickson Crowley
Laurie Paulson Dah l
Marilyn Pearson Flo rian
Daniel Eicrheim
Rose lyn No rdaune
Do uglas Mellema
Stephe n Sveom
CLASS OF '78
Numb er of Alumni : 292
Total Amount of G ifts: $24 ,901.00
Participation: 25%
$500 -999
$ 10,000 or more
P. Dawn Heil Taylor
Robe rt An derso n
$ 120 -239
Janee Nelson Anderson
Inez Schey Bergquist
John Ronn ing
Joyce Larson Brown
Belvin Doebbcrc
Jeffrey Edson
Ruth Fairchild
Susan Gangsei
Rachel Rohde Gilchrist
Tho mas Koelln
Steven Kuross
Randa ll Lundell
Douglas Ndson
Beth Qua nbeck
Pauline Rathje Rodgers
Jerome Rold«
Mark Roloff
Debra Wh eeler
$24 0-499
Mary Fastner Bloom
Debra Daehn-Zel lmer
Mark Hall
MarkSchmidt
John Sonn ack
Antoinette Laux Sveom
David Wygant
Patrick Zumbusch
$ 120-239
Alcon Benncrc
Lori Berg Bright
Lee Hagberg
Lisa Lunge-Larsen
Gifts up to $ 119
Jod y Bymark-Boughto n
Jon Bergherr
Daniel Cassada
Jean Maland Dah l
Vendla Fahning
Susan Guenthner Garness
Joan DeVore Gish
Donald G rote
David Halaas
Shari Simonson H anso n
Susan Ro thman Ho lmscen
Kim John son
David Lane
William Lindquist
Susan Forsmark Long
Patricia Lundeen
Solvcig Evenson Matcson
Russell Meyers
Larry Morgan
Jan e Hensd in Murray
D ean Myers
Lynne Gilbertson Nelsen
Jeff Nessler
Dale Paschke
Vicky Bergh Paschke
Timothy Peterson
C har les Rapp
M ichael Sack
William Schmidt
Mark Selbo
Joel Squa dro ni
Minda Grist Squad roni
Richard Sviggum
Nancy Nelson Temtc
Cynthia Theo rin
Kay Schiller Trapp
Sally Tabor Wojtowicz
Thomas Zarth
C LASS OF '77
N umber of Alum ni: 276
Total Amount of Gifts: $ 13.435 .00
Philip Raaen
Mark Rubenstein
Joan Southworth
James Strommen
Jud ith Knudso n Stromm en
Linda Carlson Wescott
Gifts up to $ 119
Nancy Bergstro m Allen
Debra C hase An derson
Eric Au ne
Wi lliam Babcock
Scott Bouman
Ow aine Bruns
Pamela Carlso n
Cheryl Palmer Dam i
Cynt hia Anderso n D uty
Wayne Eklund
Susan Polkinghorne Evarts
Mary Fitzhar ris
James Haley
Marlene Ell Jorgensen
Susan Lagcson Lundh olm
Do uglas Merrill
Lori H asslinger Merrill
Patricia Sausen Myers
G regory Nelsen
Randall N elson
Ruth Und erdahl-Peirce
j oy John son Ritte nh ouse
Paul Ritte nh ouse
John Sandn ess
Marna Schield
John Schraan
Jerome Spettman
Mark Sterling
Timo thy Strand
Bernie Swenson
Sharon Svendsen Wanvig
Christine Webber
Lou Ann Dietz WeAen
Marjorie Ellis Welde
Virginia Bond e Zarth
$ 1,000 -2,499
Kendra Bonderud
Allison Everett
Kenneth Svendsen
$50 0-999
T homas Bramwell
Jenni fer Abeln Kahlow
Bev Ranum Meyer
Dennis Meyer
$24 0-499
Th omas H endri ckson
Michael Sparby
Gerald Wood
Louise Dahl Wood
$ 120-239
Bradley Anderson
Mary Powell Ashley
Debra Bjurquist Aun e
Joan Brustad
Thomas Burnside
Peter Hanson
Bonnie Lamon Moren
Jonathan Moren
Cynthia Peterson
Connie Lamon Priesz
WJ liam Ruckel
Patricia Rydeen~Barnes
Mark Severson
Suzan Moe Stegemoeller
Steph en Th ompson
David Wi lhelm
Gifts up to $ 119
Dirk Abraham
Kris ti Swanson Ames
Bradley And erson
David Backman
Kirsten Sateren Bergherr
Jody Yaroch Bordwell
Ma rk C hristoffersen
Mark Depaolis
Donna Woodwick Didriksen
Jeffrey Freier
C hristo ph er Geason
Sand ra G lass-Sirany
Bruce Hendrickson
Gary Hu ghes
Score Kemper
Linda King
Ca rol Fevold Koepke
Jul ie Anderson LaRose
Brad Larson
Darla Burbach Lindquist
Caro l Romn ess Loncar
Keith Lund ell
Tama lyn Anderson Lundqui st
Th omas Lundqui st
C laud ia Johnso n Mills
Robert Morrow
Carol Krassin Nissen
Paula Winchester Palermo
Participation: 22%
16
Bruce Peterson
Donadee Melby Peterson
Terry Reznicek
Scott Rysdahl
Janee YacsaasSchubert
Kevin Shea
Robert Storeygard
LoraThompson Sturm
Richard Swenson
Janis Thoreson
Amy Jo Th orpe-Swenson
Janice Unstad
Joan Bredenbe Van Wirt
Deborah Lease Wagman
Megan Webster
Tim othy Wolter
CLASS OF '7 9
Numb er of Alumni : 290
Total Amount of G ifts: $ 15,848. 00
Participation: 23%
$ 1,000-2,499
Kevin Bonderud
Paul Daniels
Sally Hough Dani els
L. Craig Estrem
Th eresa Serbus Estrem
Christoph er Haug
Mark Moksncs
Pamela Hanson Moksnes
Julia Davis Styrlund
Philip Styrlund
Jeffrey Swenson
$5 00-999
Laurie Carlson
Terry Jellison
$24 0-499
Laurie Nelson Orlow
Jay Phinn ey
$ 120-239
Annette Johnson Anderson
John Aun e
Rebecca Lundeen Aune
David Eicrheim
Scott Hanus
C hr istel H am vick Meyer
Adelaide Peterson Parbst
Debra Mercier Peters
Grant Rykken
Mark Tonsager
Jane Ol son Vukelich
Scott Weber
G ifts up 10$ 119
Eric Anderson
Linda And erson
Patrick Ashwood
Mark Aun e
Rebecca Lundeen Berkas
David Boots
Th omas Bordwell
Steven Brandes
Pamela Ca ntley
Mary Krassin Con way
Mary Brandt Croft
Ca mille Dehlin
C raig Ellestad
Cynth ia Erickson
Kathleen Danielson Gabrielsen
Julie Edson Geason
Annette riem Geiselman
Catherine lngman Golv
Kim Ranaka Gyuricsko
Marion Hinz
Vernon Holmes McIntyre
igne llstrup
Joni Jensen
Ayrlahn Johnson
Holly Grotcn Krekula
Karen Rust Kulenkamp
Thomas Kulenkamp
usan Lenan
Mark Lewis
Philip Madsen
Perry Malcolm
Marguerite McDonough
Susan Ohncsorge
hawn Pagliarini
Jacqueline Roesler Peterson
Deborah Larson Schuln
Barbara Stoffel
hdley Patterson ruen
Jody Anderson Sundlee
Dana Patch T homas
KathyYakal
Margaret Youngquist
CLASS OF '80
Number of Alumni: 292
Total Amount of Gifts: $ I 8,473.00
Parcicipation: 20%
$ I 0,000
or more
Laurie Fyksen-Beise
$ I ,000-2 ,499
Phillip Nelson
Gary Tangwall
Ann Holmberg Wilson
S500-999
Marianne Lundberg Kulka
Martin L1rson
$240-499
Anita Hill Hansen
JeffreyJames
Maryl Gardin Jordahl
ynrhia Ellman Kneisl
Jacqueline Brookshire Teisberg
$ 120-239
Charles Burmeister
Daniel Carlson
Robert Roy
Janee Sorensen Rubenstein
Lisa Rusinko
Paul annerud
Diann Uzelac
Gifts up 10 SI 19
Brett Banerson
Thomas Berkas
Gayle Lammi Boyer
Patricia Boyle
BradBrewster
Jon Burnison
\Xlilliam Carlson
Sharon hrisrensen
Holly Roelo fs Dodds
Kiistofer Fenlason
Claudia Walters Forsberg
Dann Forsberg
Brian Gauger
Gail Wagner Gordon
Timothy Gordon
Paul Harcmark
Jeanne Haugen
Dawn Hendricks
Mary Gustafson Hotchkiss
Peter Jackson
Richard Jackson
Lorena Jueneman
Sandra Ketcham
Paul Kilgore
Robert LaFleur
JoAnne Moeller-Andersen
StacyJohnson Monson
Kristen Olsrud
Roald areren
Peggy Schneewind Schroeder
Valorie Lcbus Sidlo
Cheryl Michelsen Slenen
John Sorenson
Mark rrandemo
Gayle Anderson Teskey
Kory Teskey
John Wagenaar
Chris Walker
K. Phoebe Worthington
Robyn Arnold Zollner
Gayle Taylor tiller
tcven Stiller
Karla Morken T hompson
Jeffery andgren
Katherine Aune \'<lade
Gifts up 10 SI 19
Paul Amos
Susan Hanson Asmus
RichardBennett
Lorraine Bergquist
David Berryman
Linda Olson Brandt
Ju]ie hristenson Brenny
Terrence Brown
Roxanne Rauschnot Buchanan
Elizabeth arlson
Scott Daniels
Mary Deering
Wendy Fiscus Dybdal
Judy Munk England
eal Halvorson
Jean Hanson
Kay Kennedy Henjum
Rand Henjum
Penelope Larson Hinderaker
Mark Hultgren
Peggy Eggen Hyytinen
Elizabeth Bly Iverson
RurikJohnson
Diane Peterson Kachel
Heidi Smith Labyad
Karen Flom Lee
Jon Lillejord
Kay Malchow Malchow
Kimberley Olson Miklya
1imochy ohr
Lynda Bonsell 011
John Pearson
John Sackrison
Shelley Swanson Sateren
Sheryl Anderson Shark
David Sortland
Ronald Tungseth
Katherine Drechsel Vichich
David \Vilson
Dale Womeldorf
Steve Zard1
$2,500-4 ,999
Dean undquist
Gifts up co $ 119
hris Anderson
Christopher Ascher
Janis Blomgren Aune
Arlin Becker
Mcryem Mcstoura Berge
rcgory Boone
John Brett
Julie Gilyard Breer
Brian Budenski
Richard Buller
Michael Burkhard,
Andrew Ellena
Laura Fairbanks
Peter Frochlke
Louise Becken Gallagher
John Hoffiander
Walt Johnson
Cynthia Landowski Jones
Erik Kamen
Laura Kasdorf
David Leonidas
Charles McCan
Dana Holmes Mel ncyre
Dean Moren
con Musselman
Janine Mattison clson
Julie Holm Odi l
LoriJohnson Rosenkvist
Susan Dahlgren ackrison
Susan Horvat chiller
Kirsten Schwappach
hristine Halvorson Sheldon
Stephanie Torgerson Sipprell
Kari Anna Bcckmen Sorensen
Penny Becker Sullivan
Linda Roop Svendsen
John Twiron
Kathleen Knost Van Ness
Maureen \'(lebscer
Kathy Yelle
$ 1,000-2,499
Leeann Rock
Steven Rosvold
Naomi Christensen Sraruch
CLASS OF '82
umber of Alumni: 356
Total Amount of Gifrs: $ I 2, I 50.00
Participation: 15%
CLASSOF '83
Number of Alumni: 327
Total Amount of Gifts: $4,533.3 I
$500-999
Pamela Hen.an Crowell
Steven Grinde
$5,000-9,999
Kari Ann Eklund Logan
$500-999
Karina Karlen
Joan Moline
Christopher Nelson
CLASS OF '8 1
Number of Alumni: 284
Total Amount of Gifts: $35,744.04
Participation: 23%
$ I 0,000 or more
Tracy Elftmann
$5,000-9 ,999
Robert Wick
$ I ,000-2,499
Brian Anderson
Elizabeth Barn
$240-499
Barbara Burke Benshoof
Galen Bruer
Kimberly Markie
John Scrommen
$500-999
John Evans
$240-499
Susan Cash
Lori Moline
$ 120-239
Brian Arvold
Camilla Knudsen Carlson
Sharon Oglesby Christian
Barbara ilben
Kristofer Hon on
Kristine Johnson
Fred Larson
Lyndon Nelson
Elisabeth Lundeen Sandgren
David Soli
$ 120-239
Leslie Boyum
Michael Cady
Sharon PautzCarey
Jeff Christenson
Kristine \'<l
est Denton
Randall Peterson
17
Participation:12%
$240-499
Melinda Causton Lee
Allison Larges O'Day
\Villiam ,vanson
$ 120-239
Mary Thureson Belden
Paul Elliott
Mark Hassensrab
Scott Henderson
Jean Lucas Horton
David Meslow
Maren Lecy Ogdie
Jerry Quam
(Gifts received June I , 200 1 10 May 3 I , 2002)
Gifts up to $1 19
Timothy Asgrimson
Mary Yurick Bennett
Jean Nadeau Boerner
Brenc Eberc
Mary Stord ahl Floyd
Meredith Gardin
Debra Hannu
Jan e Helmk e
Lynn Helmk e
Janice Haselhorst Hostagcr
C harles Houts
Marya Manso n Hultgren
Miriam Gisselquist Jensen
Terry Johnson
Susan Hackbarth Lundq uist
David Ostrowski
Janet Griffith Sand ford
Kariann Dahl en Sann y
Michael Schwartz.
Jam es Sierakowski
Nora Andersen illcrud
Michael Swanson
Daniel Th ompson
Jeanette Hovey Thompson
Rebecca O stendorfTun gseth
Merilee Sander Womeld orf
Michael Pickett
Julie Schuett e
Amy Chang Shih
Kari Everson Strong
Michael Stron g
Michael Weidner
Daniel Westrum
Jay Zieman n
CLASS OF '84
Numb er of Alumn i: 28 I
Total Amount of G ifts: $ 16,643.84
Pani cipation: 12%
$500-999
No rman Okerstrom
$ I 0,000 or more
Roger G riffith
$2,500-4,999
Paul Mu eller
$500-999
Kyle Anderson
Kim Asleson Okersrrom
S240-499
Cunis Eischens
Rhonda Ricsberg Tj aden
$ 120-239
Cynthi a Eicher
John Enn en
Susan Richm ond John son
Carmela Brown Kranz
Perry Madsen
Patrick Sir
Gifts up to $ 119
Martha Hanson Bacon
Dave Covan
Jim Finch
Laurie O fs1edal Frattallone
Kristin Swendscid Gomez
Katharine Kuchera Gruber
Karen Jensen
Kent Karnick
Lisa Rykken Kasder
Patt i Lloyd
John Miklya
Gai l Morland
Anth ony Nelson
Laurel And erson Onhm eyer
Patricia Peluf
Brenda Hansen Peterson
CLASS OF '86
Number of Alumni : 284
Total Amount of Gifts: $6,225.00
Participacion: 13%
$2,500-4,999
Wi lliam Anderson
$ I ,000-2,499
Jona than Gusdal
CLASS OF '85
Nu mber of Alumni : 304
Tota l Amount of Gifts: $25,54 1.35
Participation: 13%
$240-499
John Wahlberg
$ I 0,000 or more
Jean Taylor
$ 120-239
Lisa Pestka Anderson
Todd Anderson
Dian a W ilkie Buffie
Janice Ca rlson
Ann Erkkila Dud ero
Manha Gisselquist
Michael Goebel
Susan Hindl ey Goebel
$5,000-9,999
Cheri H ofstad Kamp
$2,500-4,999
Nancy Mackey Mueller
$ 1,000-2 ,499
Marie Eicrheim
Lee H awks
Lisa Svac H awks
Gifts up to $ 119
Susan Smith Ambourn
Duane Birnbaum
Kenneth Boehm
Virginia Carlson
Anne Conzemius
Richard Danielson
Peter Dietz
David Drake
N icholas Gangestad
Linda Gfrerer
Mich ael H eil
Todd Hubb ard
KristenTraun Knoepke
KarinSabo Mamor
Kristin Settergren McGinness
Thomas Miller
Ann Selberg Robin son
Lance Rusco
David Shaskey
Tammi Kleinert Trelstad
Joan ne Whiterabbit
John Yazbeck
Mark Zaruba
Lois Vaagenes Zio lkowski
$240-499
Steven Lee
Linda O tt
Michael Tjaden
$ 120-239
Sherry Sein Akridge
BrianAmmann
Dawn Gerber Ammann
Jane Blameuser
Rollin Erickson
Dwighc H eaney
Michael Pirner
Gifts up to $ 119
Katherine Spoo lman Ahlrich
Peter Auran
Bernie Brunello
Michael Burden
Dale Christ op herson
Joy Deni se Burkhart Dean
Quin n Karpan
Carrie Kosek Knott
Ca rol Knutson
Theresa Kentopp Nelson
Cath leen Smith Pagels
C harles Rath
Tame ra Osell Rath
Gregory Sapp
Serena Sprenger Steffenhagen
Kay Strat ing
Noel Swanson
Ann G ullikson Tanko
Thomas Terpening
Denise RolloffTewes
Kaye Schouweiler T hibault
Paul Thomp son
Scott Thomp son
Sue Thompson
CLASS OF '87
Number of Alumni : 396
Total Amount of Gift s: $3,860.00
Participation: 8%
$500-999
Alice Dahl Roth
$240-499
Michael Schneider
Lisa John son Wah lberg
$ 120-239
Angela Schilling Aitken
Brian Brakke
Vicki Ellingrod
Keith G liva
C hrist oph er H olman
Drew Privette
Steven Severtson
Paul Terrio
Tracey Morris Terrio
18
Todd Weis
KariHuseby Wessman
Greg Wilson
Gifts up to $ 119
Daniel Aune
Amy Hyland Barett
Ch ristine Wacker Bjork
Robert Bjorklund
Mary John son Boehm
Caro l C hase
Lisa Brakke Geislinge r
Jean Guenther
Christian Hahn
Julie Ol son H endricks
Andrew Moen
Jani ce Olson
Debra Om an
Paul Rensted
Emalee H ayden Vicker
Mark Wheel er
Don ald William s
CLASS OF '88
Numbe r of Alumni : 3 I 9
Total Amount of Gifts: $5, I 55.00
Participation: 12%
$ I ,000-2,499
Chris Pieri Arnold
Jannes Arnold
$240-499
Clay Ellingson
PatriciaLong
$ 120-239
Susan H akala G liva
Patrick Lilja
Brent Lofgren
Susan Warnes Quam
Richard Smith
Eric Solberg
Sandra Ludtk e Wass
Heidi Norman Wise
Gifts up to $ 119
Douglas Baretz
Paul Blomquist
Kelly Peterson Duncan
Jean Eilertson
Margaret Nutter Guelker
Cheryl CarstensenGunderson
C hris Hallin
Wendy Sherman Heil
PerriKammerlander Hire
Carl Holm
Louise Brown Immen
Kenji John son
Dawn Hoime Kalb
Chris LcBourgeois
Julie Lindesmith
Jodi Ugland Loosbro ck
Deborah Maloney
Susan Carlson Marcinkowski
Mark Morken
Lisa SchwartingMorrone
Jennifer Snater Olson
Beth O stergaard
Rebecca Arvold Pfabe
Debra Lindem an Slack
Merry Jo Myhre Stroot
Kari rrun
CLASS OF '89
Number of Alumni: 349
Toral Amount of Gifts: $4,09 1.88
P3rcicipacion: I0%
$ 1,000-2,499
Todd Sceenson
$240-499
hcryl olomonso n C rocken
Marcia Medley
Annette Hanson Patel
Donald Wichmann
$ 120-239
Kari A.rfscrom
Carolyn Ross Isaak
Brian Larson
Melissa Olson
MahcndraTiwari
Gifts up co $ 119
Steve Acuna
Stephen Ainswonh
Merrilee Miller Brown
Keich Dahlen
Kristin Eggerling
Elaine Laswell Foell
Linda Graziano
Sheila Janson Gutmann
Amy Johnson Hanson
hrisanne Reberrus Holm
Lauren Johnson
hristie herman Kraabel
Gloria Picha Kuebelbeck
Devaney Looser
Leah Parker Maves
John Mayer
Linda Ruekerc
Verjean Buss chindeldecker
Carol Skoglund Suess
Ttmo,hy Suess
Steven Th o m
Aaron \'(/arw ick
Gail Moran \Vawn.)1niak
Terfussa Yadessa
CLASS OF '90
Number of Alumni: 338
Tora! Amount of Gifts: $7, 190.00
Participation: 11o/o
$2,500-4,999
David Chad
S 1,000-2,499
Kurr \'(lchrm ann
Jeffrey Sulzbach
Dan Terrio
Michael Nutter
Kevin ime
Cachy Svendsen Springhorn
Dean Wahlin
Gifts up co SI 19
Carol Mason Baker
Emily Blados
Lisa McEachron Caswell
Teresa Hengy Christianson
Kimberly Ryding Dahlen
Amy Marquard, Elmer
Patricia Ringwdski Erickson
Rebecca Fahlin
Greg Hanson
Robert Harris
Lisa Elwood Hiedeman
Ora Hokes
Deidre Dien Jacobsen
Sally Hedman Lawless
andra Swanson Mathisen
Julie Edstrom Olson
Claudcrtc Parris
Jane VanOverbeke Peterson
Party lshaug Pieper
Pece Riniel
Bradley chafer
CLASS OF ·92
umber of Alumni: 485
Tora! Amounc of Gifts: $4,32 0.00
Participation: 9%
$500-999
Peter Hespen
$240-499
$ 120-239
Joshua Greenwald
Emily Birch Klooz
Bonnie l..arson-Terrio
Jennifer Peterson
Lynn Huotari Pinonicmi
Julie abo
SI 20-239
Misti Allen Binsfeld
Chris1opher Bush
Tanya Qaasim English
Joseph Hoialmen
Gregory Lambach
Ilene Ferris Olson
Chad Shilson
Peter Steen
Marilee Poe Tangen
A. Nina Bishop Tutde
Terri Burno r
Heather Johnston
Molly Fochcman Schnagl
Brian Swedeen
Julie WesccorcTrafc
$ 120-239
Debra Groez.ingcr
Linda Klas
James Lensing
David Ogren
Gregory Page
Barbara Peterson
Jennifer Piper
Janice Not ermann chulz.
Debra Sronc Schumaker
Michael cofferahn
CLASS OF '9 1
Number of Alumni: 4 10
Tora! Amount of Gifts: $6,855.0 0
Participation: 8%
Gifrs up co $ 119
David Baker
Laura Breckheimer
Madelyn Browne
uz.anne Lhocka Chinnock
Elizabech rabrrce
Kachy Lindberg Evavold
Jonathan Ferrell
Amy Raedckc Frischmon
Donald Gish
Janett Hamm
Marilyn Keich Jacobson
Bonnie Lerberg
Carla Lindell
~aria rranon Mayer
Debra Sceffenson Meier
Jeffrey Meslow
Suz..1
nne Miller
Mary Molzahn
Erick Norby
Kristen Hauschild Norby
Karla Bernier O'Brien
Ti na Kubes Peterson
Elizabeth Guyoc Purcell
arole Moran Renner
Carole Senty
Janis Toramelli
Alayne Thoreson
Janel Schmid, Wahlin
Michelle \'(/escrum
$ I ,000-2,499
Colleen Kay Watson
$500-999
Shirley Severson
Darbi Worley
$240-499
Jorgen Ellingson
Patricia Peterson
Gregory Schnagl
$ 120-239
Renee Clark
Judith Councilman
Paul Klaiber
Kenc Kleppe
Rebecca Johnson Koelln
Clayton McNeff
Kevin Ronneberg
Helen Durgin Royer
Heather Laarsch Saby
Kristin Dragserh \Viersma
Gifts up co SI 19
Patricia Awker
CLASS OF '93
Number of AJumni: 482
Tora! Amounr of Gifts: $4,295.0 0
Participation: 7%
And rew Ca rlson
$500-999
Alex Gontalei
Bruce Holcomb
Heidi \: 1sner caloch
,lliam Vanderwall
~
L,ura Bower Cunliffe
Susan Dunleavy
Janie Duerrc Hall
Joelle AudecceHilfers
Krisren Hirsch
David Johnson
Brenda Lunde-Gilsrud
Todd Machlin
arol Jacobson McKellips
Kristin Miller
Gregory Nelson
$ I ,000-2,499
Andrew Fried
$240-499
Jason Koch
Eli1.,bech Pushing
19
Gifts up co SI 19
Rita Billington
Gary Bucher
Juanita utler
Mark Deming
Laurie Palmer Drolson
Janice Erickson
Bruce Frederick
Darren Garren
Michael Haukaas
Melissa Danko Machlin
Tracy Mena
Kimberly Meslow
Cassandra Moering
Patricia Norby
Terry Okonek
Lynley Richards
Devon Ross
Doris Rubenscein
John ander
Sherrie Knauss Seidensricker
Ka.ri orrum
CLASS OF '94
Number of Alumni: 45 I
l ocal Amounc of Gifts: $4,187.3 1
P::ucicipacion: 7%
$500 -999
Susan Horning Arnn
Jackie Kniefel Lind
Lisa Schroeder elson
$2 0-499
Kure lark
Sara Rhines Masters
David Narr
Nancy Lindquist Toedt
S 120-239
Jennifer Fcine Hellie
Denise ideen McNeff
Mary ox Taylor
Gifts up co S I 19
Ben Brucciani
Julie Deir, Clarke
Christine Clay
Richard racrafc
Julie Wyman Foley
Amy Gehring
Kathleen Grundhoefer
Lori Langager Higgins
Joan Johnson
Karen Grobe Johnson
Deborah Emery Knutson
T homas Lalim
(Gifts received June I , 200 1 10 May 31, 2002)
Patricia Norum Maguire
Mary Melberg
Amy Noran
Julie Severson Norman
Jonathan Rose
Sandra Rydeen
Lois Schmi tz
Deanna Srurlaugson
Vicky Thomp son
Sandra Voss Wollschlager
CLASS OF '95
Number of Alumni : 487
Tora! Amount of G ifts: $3,050.00
Participation: 6%
$500-999
Jonathan Arnn
Susan Esrenson Johnson
$240 -499
C indy Weyhrauch
$120 -239
Diane Clark DuBois
Dale Parvi
Karin Ludwigsen Rochester
Kent Tangen
Gifts up co $ 119
Jane Anderson
Alan Brandley
Grant Chrisrianson
Carole Lemcl Clymer
Amy Torgclson Forsberg
Elizabeth Matile Henness«
Nancy Holmbl ad
Julie Radke Hull
Gale Hurt ado Jensen
Greg Johnson
Rachel John son
Katherine Kioehn
Deborah Knudson-Seliski
Sarah Evans Kuehl
Luke Malloy
James Osberg
James Rustad
Kristen Ryan
Susanne Shu ler
Melody Royce oderberg
Caro l Van Hulle
CLASS OF '96
Numb er of Alumni : 464
Total Amount of Gifts: $ 1,80 5.00
Participation: 5%
$500-999
Lee Swanwoud r Hartmann
$ 120-239
Polly Anderson
ScorrAnderson
Robert Fitzsimons Jr.
Gord on Flanders
Anne Lalla
Gifts up to $ 119
Karla Hyser Betz
Michele Braley
Heather McGmigan Brandley
Connie Arndt Clausen
Nils Dybvig
Jason Hanson
Steven Johnson
Craig Johnson
Catherine Kurvers
Cathy Koepp Maki
Terrisa Meek Miller
Kay Larson Mitchell
C herish Rapp Pham
Karla Singer
Rebecca Johnson Sogard
James Sout h
Shelley Suppan Weiss
$240-499
Co nrad Meyer
Th omas Ruflaner
$120-239
Delight DeMulling
Dustin Froyum
Mark Goen
Calvin Hanson
MarchewRochesrer
Susan Con man Spreiter
Gifts up to $ 119
Emily Elicerio Braun
Yiraco C hichaco
Eloisa Lee Echavez
Joan Williams Game
Sandy Butcher Gebauer
Henry Gercen
Kaydee Kirk
Joh n Pena
Andrea Pumplun
Heather Gunderson Rose
Ted Schuln
Bob Schuln
Jane Danielson Stone
Susanne Weiss
CLASS OF '97
Number of Alumni: 447
Tota l Amount of Gifts: $4,800.00
Participation: 6%
$ I ,000-2,499
Susan Gutk necht
Tara Cesareni McLeod
CLASS OF '99
Numb er of Alumni: 4 I 5
Total Amount of Gifts: $3 , I 70.00
Parcicipation: 4%
$240-499
Teresa Cook
Dawn Haglund
Robert Nelson
Mary Lauer Waln
Susan Wygant
$ I ,000-2,499
Deborah Hun erer
Devean J. George
$ 120-239
Mona Domaas
Linda O liva
$500-999
Pamela PreimesbcrgerBaker
Gifts up co $ 119
Amy Anderson
Michelle Breen
Kathleen \'(,'jlder Burns
Kennet h Hagen
Katherine Hole
Rita Hu ber-Ge rmsche.id
$24 0-499
Lisa Askegaard Th eurer
$ 120-239
Marissa Hurccrer
Daniel Munson
Jennifer Amundson Palmer
Mike Jerde
LaurelOlson KJawitce
r
Gifts up to $ 119
Brem Fesrer
Natasha Hamann
Wanda Olson Jasch
Lisa Nos
Craig Peroutka
Renee Fournier Rodewald
Steven Sathre
Sarah Ginkel Spilman
Jennifer Tome
Todd Tour and
Joseph Wi nter
Harry Lockrem
Ario Miller
Rebekah Orm sby
Shirley And reason Saccoman
Elaine Scharpen
David Setterberg
Susan Thomp son
Amy DeMars Wilson
CLASS OF '98
Numb er of Alumni : 4 14
Total Amount of Gifts: $2,555 .00
Participation: 6%
CLASS OF '00
Number of Alumni: 443
Total Amount of Gifts: $3, I 85.00
Participation : 5%
$1,000 -2,499
Terry Marquardt
$500-999
Carolyn Hardel
$240-499
Joshua Cagle
$ 120-239
Kent Dahlen
Christine Lanoue Landherr
Sherilyn Storms Murphy
Andrew Zigan
Gifts up co $ 119
Sara Allen
Adam Danielson
James Erickson
Cynthia Graner
Patricia Heinz.mann
Karisa Isenberg
David Kelly
LorriKenny
Sr.ephanie Lein
Th eodore Page
Catherine Rosik Shea
Susan Newcomb Thompson
Dianne Trdan
Mary Vorhes
Samuel Walseth
CLASS OF '01
Numb er of Alumni : 468
Tora! Amount of Gifts: $1,400.00
Parricipation: 6%
$24 0-499
Jimm y Kline
$120-239
Lori Keith
Michael Kirk
John Parrikus
Gifts up to $ 119
Nancy Peterson Anderson
VirginiaGroneberg Backman
April Bancroft
Tami Brown
Angela Bryant
Rita Gacke C lark
Craig Ode gard
Jennifer Eckman
Douglas Grauer
Timothy Harner
Andrew Hansen
Andrew Howard
Susan DeYoung King
C harlene Leone
Eric Long
Carrie McCarville
Sheri Miller
SherrieKlassen Pre.score
Paula Fleischauer Schroeder
Gordon Thomas
Kathy Kisro Wilson
Linda Young
$ I ,000 -2,499
C hristop her McLeod
Every cffon has been made to ensure th at all names arc included an d sp elled correctly. If you notice an erro r, please call Kim Olm sted at 1-800 -273- 061 7 .
20
ANNUAL GIVING
Faculty& Staff
$ I0,000 or mo re
Philip Fandrei
\Villiam Frame
Norman Holen
$5,000-$9,999
Philip Qu anbeck, Sr. '50
$2,500-$4 ,999
David Anderson
Jeroy Ca rlson '48
Thomas Morgan
$ 1,000-$2,499
Richard Adamson
Sally Daniel s '7 9
Paul Grauer
Sonja Hagande r
Daniel Jorgensen
Christo pher Kimball
Susan Klascus
Merilee Klemp '75
Donna Mclean
Barbara Nagle
Maril)'" harpe
Patrick hcehy
BeverlySrranon
Grace Sulerud ' 58
Geo rge verdru p '46
Jeffrey Swenson '7 9
Richard Th oni
Berry Wade
Donald Warren
David Wold
$500-$999
Heidi Breen
Ronald Palosaari
Bruce, Reichenbach
David Sclnvain
Joie and Franki e hackclford
$240-$49 9
Leif Anderson
Kristin Anderson
C harles Lee C larke
Teresa ook '97
Lawrence Copes
Larry C rockm
David Dahl '75
Marilyn Florian '7 6
Ann Ga rvey
Bradley Holr '63
\Xlilliam Jasperson
John Knighr
Barbara Korm an
Rosemary Link
LauriLudeman
Carlos Mariani
Craig Maus
Esther McLaughlin
Art Meadowcroft
Co n rad Meyer '98
John Mirchell
Norma Noo nan
Sandr a O lmsted '69
Vicki O lson
Dale Pederson
ynthia Peterson
Jay Phinn ey '7 9
Jill Pohrilla
Larry Ragland
Thom as Ruffuner '98
Cha rles heaffer
Donald Sceinmerz
Rebecca Tame
Nan cy Toed , '94
James Ca rey
Lyle Griner
Arlin Gybc rg
Richard Hardel
Garry Hesser
Mary Jacobson
Do nald Wichmann '89
J Amb rose Wo lf
Joseph Young
Jennifer Kahlow '78
Lillian Maunu
Jane Nelson
Bersey No rgard
Norman Okersrrom '85
$ 120-239
Brian Ammann '85
Margaret Anderson
Jo hn Benso n '55
Antho ny Bibus
Bethany Bierman
Janelle Busse rt
John and Peggy erriro
Laura C ichockc
Jacqueline deVries
Jay Dobberstein
Rebekah Dup onr
Mark Engebrcrson
Ca rol Forbes
Cymhia Greenwood
Joan Griffin
David Hadd en
Calvin Hanson '98
Paul Helgerson
Jennifer Hellic '9
Srella Hofrennin g
Irene Jensen
Herald John son '68
Martha Johnson
Co lleen junn ila
Robena Kagin
Benjamin Kem
Kristen Kraft
Joan Kuni
Theresa Marrin
Michael Navarre
Lois Nielsen-Johns
Jack O sberg '62
Patricia Park
Joyce Pfuff '65
Drew Privette '87
Ph ilip Q uanbeck II
John Reed
Michael chock
Kathy Schwalbe
Paul Terrio '87
Mark T ranvi k
Joseph Und erhill-Ca dy
Sharon Wade
\Villiam \Xlinenbreer
Mary True
Gifts up t0 $ 119
Sam Barber
W'illiam Bierden
Vernon Bloom
LauraBoisen
21
Lois Bosch
Michael Burden '85
Willi am Ca pm an
Beth Carlson
Janna Caywoo d
Ryan Dehncl
Diann e Decloff
Suzanne Doree
Elo isa Echavez '98
Doran Edwards
Mary Ewerr-K nodcl l
V Fesenmaier
Kathryn Flarer
Laurie Franallonc '84
Srephen Ga brielsen '63
Diane Glorvigen
Douglas Green
Brenda Hemmingsen
ancy Holmblad '95
Ella Howell
Adrienne Kaufmann
Sreven Lafave
Anne Lynch
Raymond Makecver
Karen Mateer
David Mely
Eliawira dosi
Gordon clson
Catherine Nicholl
Michael O lson
Julie Ol son '90
Noel Perir
Diane Pike
Deborah Redm on d
James Roback '63
Devon Ross '93
Mart and Kathryn Rumpza
Michael Schwarn '83
Ron Scorr '62
Mark S1rand emo '80
KathrynSwanson
James Trclsrad-Porter
David \'Vashingron
Darrell Wiese '60
ANNUAL GIVING
Parents & Friends
S I0 ,000 or more
Barbara and Zane Birky
Jack and Joyce Boss
Joel and Mary Ann Elfunann
\Vdliam Ellingrod
Ann e and Willi am Frame
Barbara and Skip Gage
Bobby and Barbara G riffin
Norman and Evangdine Hagfors
Jam es and Kathy Haglund
Mark and Shirley H anson
Beverly and Roe Haclen
Donald Henn ings
Kenneth Homm e Esrare
Sand ra and Richard Jacobson
Eric R. John son
Bruce and Maren Kleven
Dean and Susan Kopperud
Diane and Phillip I.arson
Geral d and Ann e Meim ell
H elen E. O lson Esrate
Edith B. No rberg Estate
John and No rma Paulson
Addison and Cynthi a S. Piper
David L. Piper
H arry C. Piper
James and Eva Seed
G len and Ann a Skovholr
Johan Sverdrup+
M ichael and Deborah Szyman czyk
Kathryn and John Tunh eim
$5 ,000-9 ,999
Ilene G. Holen
Pearl Husby
G lenda and Di ck Hu sto n
James John son and Maxine Issacs
David and Cary l I.arson
$2,5 00 -4,999
Ca therine and C harles And erson
Doro thy Bailey
Ruth and Floyd Case
Pamela H. Oesnick
Muriel Kappler
Janet Karvonen
Stanley and Edith Kan
Jennifer and Richard Marcin
Alan and Janee Montgomery
Lorraine Morgan
Roger Pulkrabek
$ 1,00 0-2 ,499
Jay and Ann Boekhoff
Richard and Jane Borchers
John L. C hanon
Avis Ellingrod
Th omas J . Hoo ley
Elizabeth Horton
Mary P. H oven
John and Mary Huff
Helen Johnson
Jerry and Bonita John son
Rose-Marie Johnson
Cod y and Eugene Kirkham
Karen and John A. Larsen
Robert and Polly McCrea
S. Mo lder
Robert K. and Taylor Moor
Gary C. Muellerleile
Jeanne Narum
Doris Nordin
Barbara B. N ymark
Linn ea and James O lesen
John and Pauici a A. Parker
Karin M. Peterson
Wayne and Joan Popham
Frances Roller
Marianne and Robert Sander
Muriel H . Smith
Arne Sovik
Gary Tangwell
BeeryTvcice
Andrea Venco
Marth a and Steven Ward
Gun nar and Mary Wick
(non-alumni)
Melvin and MargarccEvans
J. Gamez
W illiam and Ann George
Richard I. Gisselquist
Brenda Graba u
Robert E. Gra nrud
Geo rge and Frances Gro ber
W illiam Halverstadt
Richard M. Heins
G .S. and Virginia Helgesen
Judith and Peter Henderso n
Earl Hi ghtower, Jr.
Louis and Katherine H ill
Roni and Douglas Hooper
Dale Hovland
Courtney Jenkins
Barbara Jorenby
Mar issa Klaers
B.S. Leland, Jr.
David Lobbcn
Nor man and Hd en Lorennsen
Christine Manhews
Vernon C. Maunu
Michael and Debra McGray
Richard and Florine McKay
Jeanette and John Mitchell
Jam es G . Mo ndo
Marvin Nystrom
Dougl as and Peggy Peters
Ronald and Jean Peterson
Vicki Peterson
G loria J . Pozzini
Wi lliam H . Reichwald
Rebecca Ruckel
Peter and Marnie Ruliffson
Georg e an d Arlene Simones
Mr. and Mrs . John G . Turn er
Robert and Karen Veninga
F. Orval M . Westby
Sara W illcutt
John R. Winsor
$5 00 -999
Marlys G. Barry
Rolf and Carolyn Bjelland
Nan cy and Richard Borstad
Judith A. Christens en
Mary Browne Dewey
James W. Emison
Mit ch and Dawn Felchle
Michael and Terry Freeman
Carolyn and Richard H ardel
Ken Harrvigson
Gail Holmes
Geo rge and Ella Hunt er
Rodn ey and Corrin e Jerkc
Larry and Mary Lee
Kenn eth and Rhod a Mahl er
Wayne and Jenn y Lynn McGee
John F. Mcweth y and Laurie Duncan
Mcwethy
Edward C. Neshei m
Fane and Coric Opp erman
Judith Shank
John and Martha Singleton
Leland and Louise Sund er
Donna Swanson
Edith G . Tollefson
Wh eelock Whirn ey
John and Barbara Zimm erman
$ 120-239
Craig Alexander
Daniel and Alice Anderson
Elmo and No rma Anderson
Linda K. Anderson
Lowell C. And erson
Mary Arneson and Dale Hamm erschmidt
David A. Austin
Ca therine and Glen Bengson
H . Lowell Bolstad
Jennifer Butler
Margaret Cai n and Jeffrey Louden
Winston Cavert and Carol Wine
T.M. Crosby, Jr.
Ge rald and Vicki Degner
Benjamin Dille and Sharo n Umber
Abel Dockter
Kathy and 0. Charles Ehlers
David and Nancy Erickson
Steven and Kimber ly Erickson
Alice Evans
$240-499
B.J . Anderson
Christina Boe
Linda 0 . Boyer
Daniel E. Brink
Teresa and D avid Demin g
Dick Duerre
Richard Duesenb erg
Hildred L. Dungan
Richard and Jani ce Ellingson
22
Oarald and Mary Evers
Ruth Evers
Ruth Flesner
Bruce and Kathleen Glover
Frances and Geo rge G rober
John P. Grygclko
David and Susan Hadd en
Curtis K Hargis
Larry and Lois H auge
Stephani e W H augen
Nancy H einsch
Shirley H emenway
Sylvia Hjelmeland
Amanda Holstad
Jed Jaffe
Russell Jerde
Mary and Tun John son
Gerald Kegler
John E. l..aco
Darcy and Steven l..arvick
Sharon Long
John Nor d
Darrell Norling
Bernice Nyhus
Richard Palla
Trisha Pederson
Michael and Paula Peroutka
William John Peterso n
Robert M . Powell
David and Ann Preus
John Rahko la
Lisa A. Reyno lds
Arnold and Lois Rholl
Kent and Kathleen Rolfing
W illiam Rothschild
Richard and Joyce Russ
Melba Savold
Angela Schmdit
C. V. Smith
Gertrude Sundsted
Alleen G. Tomud
Jack and Jeann e Wagner
Do nna J. Warner
Nancy Werner-Azarski and James Azarski
Jack H . Zim mer
Gifts up to $ 119
Jeff and Ca rla Abel
Peter Abell
Dale A. Ackmann
Mary Adair
Susan J . Adix
Geo rge Adzick
Co rdelia Agrimson
Richard A. Ahl
Susan Albrecht and Nancy D esmond
Julie Alexand er
Roland Allen
Woodrow Allen
Sonja Almlie
H.N .Arn dahl
Berry L. Ande rson
Caro le M. Anderson
DarciAnderson
Gloria E. Anderson
J. D. Anderson
Margaret and Ernest Anderson
Margaret and Raymond Anderson
Rosalyn A. Andmo n
Vernon E. Anderson
Zane and Carole Anderson
Michael Aquilina
Tim Archbold
Paul D. Armour
Michael Armstrong
Margaret Amason
Kathleen M. Arndt
Evelyn H. Asplin
Anna Marie and Ronald Austin
Lorettaand Christopher Aymond
Lorayne L. Bachman
Leroy and Florence Backberg
Brendan Baker
Kacl,leen M. Balfanz
Geneva Ball
Karlene and Joseph Banaszak
G. G. Bancroft
Gloria M. Barnen
Paul Beggs
M. Belford
Valerie Bengal
Rolf and Kathy Benson
Julia Berg
Robert and Rose Marie Bergherr
Marian and Thurston Berglund
Elsie Berg-Soderlund
Milton and Barbara Bergwall
Joanne Berndt
Tina Berndt
Maryand Daniel Berntson
William W. Beyer
Leonard and Martha Biallas
Nancy L. Bieraugel
Bruce Binger
Jennifer A. Bjorhus
John and heila Bjorklund
Dorothy Bjurman
Joan C. Boelter
Omar and Minnie Bonderud
Deanna and Thomas Bonneville
Henry and Barbara Borg
John and Janet Borgen
Joseph J. Borkman
Daniel and Mary Bot
Adam Borren
Laura J. Boudreau
Marie K. Boudreaux
Donald and Bonnie Boylan
Patricia Boylan
Kathleen Bozis
Susan L. Bradford
Craig J. Brandenburg
Donald C. Brandli
La D. Brandsness
Bmy Brarhol
Marion and Emroy Bratland
O"o and Stephen Braclie
David and Gertrude Breen
Kari Breen
Katherine and Richard Breen
Milo L. Brekke
Dennis E. Brekken
Mabel Brelje
Peter and Michelle Brennan
Mark Bretheim
Bernadette L. Brice
Jackie Brin
Henry A. Bromelkamp
Louise and Michael Brooks
Margaret E. Brown
tephen Brown
Joan and Richard Brust
Lynette W. Bryant
Neal Buelow
Katrina and Michael Buller
usan Burchfield
Dell and Carol Burgess
Evangeline Burton
John and Carolyn Cain
Gregory Card
Cerene Carlson
John Carlson
Roger E. Carlson
V. G. Carlson
Virgil Carlson
Wallace and Lela arlson
Bren Carstensen
BarbaraAnn Caner
Mary J. Carmey
Joyce and Paul Casey
Lois H. Caswell
Karen M. Caughey
Lynne Chamberlin
Chester and Donna Chambers
Sarah C. Chambers
Richard Chapman
Christopher Chappuis
Matthew Chappuis
Ree.seand Lorena Chezick
Betry Chilmom
Anthony and Judy Christensen
Jeffrey and Nancy hristensen
Kieand Jean Christensen
L. Gracia Christensen
Jame.sand clma Christiansen
Howard and Vernita Christianson
Parri Cierzan
Michael Ciresi
Mary and Sam Claassen
Janis M. Clay
Melvin Colfer
Joan L. and Seo" C. Cole
Gary and Delores ondon
Rick and Norma Conway
Andrew and Jacqueline Cook
Walter Cooper
Yvonne and Jack Cottrell
Paula N. Coykendall
Eloise M. Cranke
Vance 0 .+ and Joyce J. Crosby
Charles G. Cunningham
Liv Dahl
Olga 0 . Dahlen
Marilyn Dahlmeier
Darlene A. Daily
Carol and Del Dammann
Joan Davenport
Joy L. Davis
Karen Davis
Timmy and Noreen Davis
Mildred and Peter Deanovic
harles A. De orsey
Donald L. Degenaro
Judith Dehnel and Richard Ryan
Joyce L. Deir
Parrick J. Deneen
Mary and William Dexter
David and Martha Dobracz
Audrey and Monon Dodds
Jerry Dodge
Russell P. Donnelly
Tammy B. Dorn
Ruch Downey
Merwin D. Dreher
David Duca
Kathryn Dumas
Frank Eastburn
William and Diane Ebben
\'(/illiam Edson
LeeR. Edwards
Ward Edwards
Hannah Ehrlich
Mary Ehrlichmann
hirley M. Einhorn
Erin Elder
onja and Mark Elias
Marilyn Ellingboe
Lisa R. Elliott
Kari E. Elsila
Douglas A. Emerson
CurcisV. Emery
Linda P. Enger
Arla Engleman
Lowell and Carol Erdahl
Judith and Robert Erdman
A .J. Erickson
Betty Erickson
Conroe Erickson
Josephine Erickson
Kenneth Erickson
Lori K. Eranan
Kathleen M. Evans
Grant E. Evavold
Terence Evavold
Nancy and Dan Fackler
Michael A. Fahey
Keith and Susan Fahnhorst
Robert and Kaye Falck
Eleanor and Donald Falk
Irma and Donald Fallon
Mark Farnan
Barbara Farrell
Francis and Burnice Fashner
\'(/alter \Y/. Faster
Jane Fedderly
Louise and Carl Feske
Kirsten E. Fisher
Celine Fitzmaurice
Melvin & Marian Fladeboe
arric Flaten
Larry and Marilyn Fogdall
Linda and Mark Foley
Henry G. Follingstad
Ilene Forde
J. Forrest
Richard A. Forschler
Denise Foster
Lucy and Patrick Foster
Jerome Franke
David Fransen
J. A. Franson
Jeanne and Douglas Frederick
Gloria A. Frederickson
R. Mark Frey
Linda . Froiland
Nancy A. From
Daniel and Kari abriclson
Michael and Juliana Gabrielson
No rma Gabrielson
23
Ronald and Faye Gabrielson
Cynthia Gaither
Nancy L. Gandrud
Frank V. Garalfu
Leslie and Luis Garcia-Saenz
R. Harold Garre((-Goodyear
Kimberly aslin
David A. Gerber
Ann J. Gerhman
Bruce Gessell
Karla and Jeffrey Gessell
Carole and Phillip Gilbertson
Borghild Gisselquist
Greg Gissclquist
Gary W. Glasscock
Mr. Hal C. Glassman
Jessica Glenn
Cathy Gohring and Harry Raynor
Melanie Coldish
Ellen and Merrill Golliet
Jorgine and Franklin Co rnick
Charles Graham
Elaine P. Graham
Robin A. Grawe
Jean Greenwood
Mary Griesedieck
Emily Groves
Cordon L. Gruenhagen
Tiro and GuadalupeGuerrero111
Chester Guinn
Julie and Paul Gulstrand
Richard L. Gunderson
Susan K. Haataja
Lucille K. Hackbart
Dale and Joanne Hagen
Elsa Hagen
Enid M. Hagen
Henry Hagen
Kenneth A. Hagg
Todd & Diane Haglind
teven and Theresa Haik
John and Krisdne Haine.s
Margaret Hale
Mary Halrvick
BarabaraJ. Ruhberg Halverson
Carol I. Halverson
Clara H. Halverson+
John and Jill Hamburger
Edward A. Hansen
Jean S. Hansen
Paul V. Hansen
Paul Hansen
Enid 0. Hansing
Beth and Donn Hanson
Craig Hanson
Kenneth Hanson
\'(/illiamand Viola Hanson
Janaka E. Hanvey
David L. Harris
Mary and Rolf Hauck
arolyn Hawkins
Evelyn B. Hayes
Rose Heaps
Michele Hedlund
Rachel Hcfte
Herman Heinecke
Eugene Heitman
Charles and Kathrine Heinig
Arthur H. Helde
Stanley Helgerson
Karel Helgeson
Jerome and Jacqueline Helland
Robert Hellen
Wi lliam \YI, Helms
Gary Helstrom
Nan cy R. H endr icks
Dorothy Hendrickson
Mary L. Hend rickson
Neil and Mary H endrickson
Robena Henke
Michael P. He nnessy
James and Diane Henninger
Finn Hcnrikssen
David and Jeane Hedand
Arth ur J. Heuer
Jaclyn Heyda
Joan n E. H icks
Richard E. H ilbert
George and Karen Hnasko
R G. H oaglund
Robe rt and Margaret Hoberg
Th omas and Kimberly Hoffman
Marjorie and John Hogan
Donna Hogsvcn
Sigvald Holden
Mary Hoium•
Mary Holzer
Susan J. Hoseth
Helene Houle
Helmer and Margaret House
Lois Hove
Edich Hovey
Gerda H ovseth
Cheryl and Jeffrey H oward
Olive Howard
Patricia Chastain Howe
Jessie Howell
Valborg Huglen
Steven & Norma Huishecre
Mark and Na ncy Hun sley
Jon and Bonnie Hunziker
Beth and J. L. H upp
Bonnie and James Hviscendahl
Roberc E. Hyarc
Brend a J. Iliff
John Imes
Bruce and Jean Inglis
Margaret Irwin
Th omas and Ca rolyn Jackson
Janice Jacobson
Joan and Gale JaUen
Jacqu elin F.James
Susan Jenkin s
Alvern and James Jensen
Keith A. Jensen
Kenneth E. Jensen
H eacher Jern berg
Jeanne and Bill Jeska
Kimberlee Jeska
F. C. Jilk
J. Marie and Lloyd Joel
Beverly A. John son
Bruce D. John son
Byron John son
Charles and Ava Johnson
Clark and April Johnson
David John son
Eleanor L. John son
Genevieve and Leighto n Johnson
G len \YI.Johnson
Jane N. Johnson
JiUJohn son
Karen and David John son
Kathryn C. John son
Kay D . Johnson
Kelly J. Gieser John son
Klara S. Johnson
Lou Ann Larson
Valerie and AJanLarson
Naomi A. Laucn+
Charles G. Leach
Agnes Lee
Kathryn A. Lee
Sylvan Lee•
Janee and Robert Leick
Jane Leonard and Lorerco Lippert
John Lien and Paui cia Ca n er
Geo rge K. Lindb erg
Pamela Lindberg
Robert and Loretta Lindcborg
Bernardine Lindell
Gene J . Lindell
Lois J . Lindell
Mark G . Lindell
Franklyn L. Lindgren
Helen and David Livcrsidgc
C.R. Lloyd
Frances and Lance Loberg
Verna Loge
Arlene Lopas
Th omas and Sandra Lother
Odd Lovoll
Henry Lucksinger
Jill and Th omas Lund
Joyce E. Lund
Richard K. Lund
Ken Lunde
Ruth Lund een
Barbara R. Lundquist
Lorraine and Raymond Lundqui st
Jean and Kenneth Lutterman
Alice G. Madzey
T homas Macckelbergh
Richard and Kathy Magnus
John S. Malone
C. and Ruch Mandery
Anna Manger
Kenn eth A. Manth ey
James and Kathryn Mara
Kevin M. Marek
Merrie Marinovich
Michael and Patti Marinovich
Pece and Romae Marinovich
Laura Marinucci
Jodene and David Marquis
Janee Mathison and John Taylor
H arold \YI. Mank e
Tim othy and Janice Maudlin
Marcia and Robert Maxwell
Pamela R. Mayer
C indy Mayeron
John McCoy
Michael J . McC ully
Ther esa McGrad y
Richard F. McGuir e
David and Irene McPhail
William and Ann e McSwccney
Sigurd D . Medh us
Diane and William Meehan
Gregory Meehan
Joan Meierotto
T A. Meisberger
Esther Meissner
Mary A. Melland
C harlorcc Mellom
James Meredyk
Jessica A. Meyer
Arlene Meyerhofer
Joseph Miano
Lois Johnson
Lyncnc Johnson
Mary M . John son
Paul Johnson
Randall and Marjorie Johnson
Richard J. John son
Ronald N . John son
David G . Jones
D . D ixon and Janis Jord an
Richard and Ann abel Jordan
Neil A. Junk er
Jack Kahle
Phyllis and Donald Kahn
Deloris M. Kancen
Ruth Kapitan
Joanne Karvon en
Bernard Kern
James Kerr
Jean Kersting and Charles Rea
Mo llie H. Keys
Lorraine Kieffer
Debra and Sceven Kind
Ronald Kind em
Charles King
Audrey Kirby
Gretchen Kjeldsen
Robert J. Kleinschmidt
Pecer Klcsk
Kari M. Kleven
Leo Klohr and Jud y Occ hmi- Klohr
Do uglas and Susan Klunk
Lillian Knalla
Judy Knighc
K. Pecer and Loretta Knobe l
Karolyn and Rohen Knox
Agnes D . Knuch
James and Arlene Knutson
Lynn W. Koch
Margaret C. Koch
Sarah E. Koepsell
Joan Konigson
Beth An n Korkowski
C harles Kouyoumjian
Berey M. Kowalski
Kathleen Krasky
Ca therine and Robert Kraven
Mark and Jill Krawczyk
Laurene K.regncss
Ma rilyn and Scocc Kregncss
Warren K.regncss
John and Shirley Krohn
Du ane and Mary Krohnk e
Mimi and James Kron
Borgh ild Krueger
Barbara Kuhlm an
Kathryn and Randy Kuhlman
Roben Kunreuther
Harriett C. Kurek
Jeanette and Max Kurnow
Rebecca Kuruvilla
Adolph Kvam
Margaret Kvetko
Dean D . Lamke,
An n and Lon Lampp a
Renee Landsverk
Sceph en Lane
Andr ea Langeland
Karen Larsen
Ca thy S. Larson
24
John T. Michael
Pacricia and Todd Mickelson
Lester M. Mikelson
Harold and Elaine Milbrath
William A. Milbrath
Bonni e Millee-Mehemne
Darcy and Score Miller
Frank and Vera Miller
Robcrc and Marlys Miller
William and Toni Miller
Mary Minn ehan
Herbert F. Mischke
Lorind a and James Mishek
Michell e Missling
Linda and James Mitch ell
Ruth E. Moen
Caro lyn and Ca rl Mohn
C harles and Karla Ann Molin e
Anne Monteith
Larry K. and Peggy A. Moon
Curris and Patricia Moore
Caro lyn and Joseph Morgan
Robert \YI.Morgan
Tom Morgan
Robert and Mary Ann Mowatt
Will iam Moyers
Van D. Mu eller
Jean and Don ald Mueting
Mary Ann Margaret Muller
Lois and Ralph Mun son
Anne Murcc
Joyce B. Myers-Brown
Joy and Randy Nelson
Nancy Nelson
Op al Nelson
Richard and Marilyn Nelson
Rolf Nelson
Eric N . Nerland
Mary P.Neumann
Donald M. Newman
G erald Nickell
Richard and Audrey Nielsen
Barbara Northw ay
Richard and Car la Novak
Violcc Novicsky
Linda Nowak
Elizabeth Ober g
Mich ael and Jeann e Oberg
Howard V. O 'Co nn ell
Mary Olin ger
Richard I. Ol sen
Eugene R. Ol son
G en Ol son
Geo rge Ol son
Glenn G . Ol son
Harold L. Ol son
Jean A. Ol son
Judith A. Ol son
Lavonne J . Ol son
Marjorie H . Olson
Mary Olson
Phyllis Olson
Sceven and Ca rol Ol son
Wade Om an
Rae and Richard Orm sby
Larry and Kachleen Onloff
Susan Orce
Louise and C lifford Orcen
Rosemarie Pace
Joseph F. Palen
Richard and Peggy Palen
Sheila L. Palm
Judith G. Pasco
Bmy Paulsen
Timothy J. Pawlenry
Swan Peacock
John and Sharon Pearson
Steven W. Pearson
Emmagene Pedersen
Jerrilyn and Ronald Pederson
Parricia Perfertiand Ross Newlund
Michael Peroz
Gerard Perry
Jo Ann R. Peters
Dane and Lynne:Petersen
Dean Peterson
Jane M. Peterson
Kristin Peterson
Norman . Peterson
Oli ver and Jeane ne Peccrso n
tuarc and andra Peccrson
Joseph and Margery Pfankuch
Marie and Ronald Pfunnsmith
Carol PAeiderer
Mitchell Piper
Diane Pirrman
William L. Pinman
William \VI. Plante
Ronald Poeschel
Duke Pogacchnik
Nancy and Bruce Pogacchnik
Goldwin S. Pollard
Bruce E. Pond
Robert and Joan Pope
Michelle and Paul Porter
Jennifer and Ronald Prasek
Dana and JillPriverte
D arren Privette
Tim and Caren Priveu e
Verna and Eugene Puline
Holly Radice
Brian Radtke
Shyamala Raman
Judy Ramler
Sidney Rand
Max and Susan Ranft
Phillip J. Ranheim
James H. Ranum
Catherine and Alfred Rashid
Douglas Ray
Julie and James Rechriene
Jennifer and Roberco Recine
Abigail L. Reese
Marry Rehkamp
John K. Reinhardt
Patricia D. Reiscnger
Michael Renner
Avis Rescad
John and Manha Reum ann
Justin and Jennifer Rhoads
Carol J. Rholl
Donald A. Rholl
Gordon and Nancy Rholl
Winnifred and Howard Rholl
Robert Rice
Kathy Richter and Richard\Vtmrner
Margaret Richter
James L. Riede
James E. Rikkola
KarenRoberts
Catherine L. and James G. Robin
Jacque Robinson
Sharon G. Rode
Kathryn Rodriguez
Janee G. Rog
Richard and usan Rohloff
Julianne Rolek
Richard Roles and Karen Marinovich
Joyce Romano
Elmer and Astrid Romundstad
John and Connie Roselius
David and Tammy Rosenthal
Rud, M. Roch
Wayne and Linda Ro,h
John Rova
Joseph and Kay Rubbelke
Helen and Man Ruohoniemi
David and Lynne Rustad
John S. Rydberg
Phyllis Rydberg
John and Ann agers
Janee Salisbury
Marjeanand Loren anderson
E. Sands
Don n and Linda Satrom
ceven and Jean cherer
Joseph and Marie Scherkenbach
Helen K. chmidc
Rodney A. Schmidt
Rudolph and Marilyn choll
Kurt and Nelda chreiber
Karen L. Schreiner
Beery and Wale chroeder
Burch Schuln
Howard Schuln
Mary J. chwab
Gail S. Schwandc
Lillian Schwarn
Roger \YI. chwarze
Karen and Gail caver
Donna and Douglas Segelscrom
Lisa and Jirko Senkel
Wayne C. Serkland
Mary and John
Bindi Shah
Jennifer Shaw
Jean A. Sheehan
Maxine N. Sheers
Kathleen Shideler
Ethel Shufro
John and Mary Siegfried
Rod Sill
Claire Sipes
Ch ristian K. Skjervold
Lillian and Orville kordahl
Vernon Skordahl
Harlen C. Smet1.er
Elaine mith
Linda Smolnisky
Norma Snyder
Donna and Paul Soler
Jeanne Sombrio
George and Margaret ornrncrfeld
Rulli and Neil orurn
Paul Spafford
Paul and Nellie ponheim
Russell and Helen Sraberg
Michelle Srack
era rahn
Judith I. Stark
Sarah Scaveceig
Dorothy Steen
Thea Steichen
Herbert M. Srein Jr.
Angela teincr
hirlyn D. Sreinmcn
Allan cenberg
Eunice and Myles tcnshoe.l
Thomas Stern
ancy tidger
tanley L. civer
Hazel Scoeckeler
Craig S and Shirley Ann coneberg
Daniel conelake
Gary A. Scrandemo
Margaret trane
Philip and Mary Strauss
Evelyn Streng
Norton D. trommen
VernusStrommen
Kathleen and Michael mebner-Holt
T. 0. Scundahl
Edward Sunde
William Sunon
George Su,uki
Robert and Lino Swanick
\Villiam Swarbrick
Ms. LaurelC. Swean
Floyd and Lois wenson
Orville and Olga Swenson
Kenneth L. Syverson
Josephine Talarski
Diana Talcott
Robert and Paula Tews
James T halberg
PecerThid
A. Joyce T homas
Elaine and FrankThomas
Barbaraand Eugene Thompson
Beverly A. Thompson
C. I. Thompson
Neil R. Thompson
Louise K. T horeson
Daniel D. T horman
Paul E. Thorson
Paul T horson
Joan T hreet
Mildred T hronson
Hcnr)' Thu rston-Griswold
William and Sheila Todd
H. Valborg Torkelson
Ludolph Torscenson
Judy D. Tousignant
Louise Town
Kenneth and Julie Trafc
Marvin and SandraTrandem
George E. Troughc
Merry Tucker
Marjorie A. Tungseth
Larry and Susan Turner
Michael Turnipseed
Eldon Underdahl
hirley F. Underdahl
James and L.1RueUngb ube
Harold and Lynrne Usgaard
onnie Van Den Einde
Laura J. Vander ~ egen
VicrnriaVanroy
usan Vento
Gretchen Buhler Venrura
Daniel and C·uric Verville
Dorothy and Norman Vetsch
Leo B. Vetvick
EvelynVigil
Lynda Voge
LynneA. Volkman
Lloyd H. Voxland
John and Barbara Wagner
25
Candy Waldemar
Deborah H. Walscien
Karen L. Walcar
Lisa \Xlandrei
Michael R. Warber
Lilita Ward
Kathleen A. Warmbier
Patriciaand Ralph \Vackins
Malcolm and Escher\Xlarson
Marion \'Qac
son
Charleen H. Weidenbach
Donald Weidenbach
Joel Weisberg and Janee Watchman
Stephanie M. \'Q'ei
sner
James E. Welch
Mary and Paul Wenum
DoroLhy \Verncss
Raymond D. Wescermo
Gordon \Xlheder
John H. Wheelock
Thomas and Darlene \Xlhice
Richard \VI.Wiegmann
Richard and Margaret \V,ldberger
Roger Wilde
Susan Wilkey
F.and Bonnie \'(lilliams
Mary M. Williams
Eliu beth A. Wilson
Roger K. Winges
Brennan\Vincer
Patrick \'(/inter
Julie Wise
Clement P.\'(/oicas
Orville K. and Edna V. Wold
Michael Wolr
Roy and Judy Wolff
David Wood
Scott Wrighc
Geraldine P. Yackel
Mary and Marcin Yerbich
Nicole Yerbich
Vincent and Vicki Yerbich
Dale and Marilyn Yoakum
Chriscopher York
James M. Youngdale
Catherine Youngman
Ronald Youngman
Gwyn and Moses Yuhanna
PamelaZagaria
Elisabeth Zall
KarenZele-L
nak and James Fournier
Dennis and Michelle Zuzek
Dominic . Zweber
ANNUAL GIVING
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Other Organizations
3M Foundation
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American Exprcs.iFoundation
American Family Mortgage Co rporation
American Support Foundation, Inc.
Amcrw Life InsuranceCompany
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Arthur Andersen & Co mpany
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Benedictine Sisters
Bonds Inc.
Borchers Family Fund of the Minn eapolis Foundation
Buffccs, Inc.
Bush Foundation
Business Microvar, Inc.
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Capital Coo rdina tors Co.
Career Professionals lnc.
Carlson Marketing Group
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Co mm and ing Edge
Counc il of Indepe ndent Co llege
CSS Builders Inc.
Dan Transic Co mpany
De Paul Lertering
Digital Data Voice Corpo ration
DI PCo .
Dwight D O pperman Found ation
ELCA
Education Minncsora Professional Organization
Elftmann Family Fund of Th e Minn eapolis Foundati on
Eli Lilly and Co mpany
EJncssSwenson Graham Archircccs, Inc.
Erid<Son Insurance Agency
Excel Promotions
FairviewHospital Alumnae Association
Fidd ity Investment Charitable
Fortis Benefits Insurance Company
Foss Family Foundation
Foundation for the Carolinas
FucurcMusicians
Genetal Mills Foundat ion
Gray Wolf Ranch , Inc.
Great Clips Inc.
Groves Foundation
H .B. Fuller Co mpan y
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Hamill Family Found acion
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Huss Foundation
I.P.E.S., Inc
lnspcc Inc.
Inspccta- Homes O f America Inc.
Johnson Environmental & Safety Co nsultin g Co ., Inc.
Kalvig and Associates
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Kopp l_nvestmenc Advisors Inc.
Kraus-Anderson Co mpani es
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aw Transic Inc.
Larty L O rtloff & Associates
Lilly Endowment, lnc.
Lockridge, Grindal, Nauen P.LLP.
Lucent Technologies
Lutheran Brotherhood
Lutheran Ch urch of the Master
LutheranCommunity Foundation
Lutheran Quarte rly
M C M Sports Inc.
Managemenc Resource Solutions
Map le Grove Family Dental Clinic
Marb le Lutheran C hurch
Marvin and Beery Borman Foundation
Maslon foundatio n
MECA SportsWear ln c.
Mid land Lutheran Co llege
Miller Manufucru ring Co mpany
Min neola Lutheran Ch urch
Minnesota Brewing Company
Minnesoca Lynx
Minncsoca Mutual Foundation
Minnesota Private Co llege Fund
Jane N . Mooty Foundatio n
Mother of God Monastery
Joel Mugge & Associates
National Co llegiate Athletic Association
Nationa1 Recoveries Inc
NCS
Nort h Central Builders Inc
No rth Dakota Co mmuni ty Founda tion
NorthrupGrumman Linon Foundation
Peace Lutheran C hurch of Plymouth
Pease Academy
Piper Family Fund of the Minn eapolis Found ation
Pohlad Family Found atio n - Pohlad Family Charities
Presser Foundation
Prestige D,ywall
Pro Edge Power
Ray Smith lnsurance Agency
Reliastar Foundation
John R. Richmond and Associates
Riverside Florist
Riverway Foundation
Ron D. View Ranch & Outfirr ing Co.
Royal Norwegian Co nsulate
RSB Coaches
Rubel Realty ln c
Sanborn 5 North , Inc.
San ce Corporacion
Schmitt Music Centers
Sch,vab Fund for C haritable Giving
Sea Foam Sales Co mpan y
SHAP CO Printin g
Society Of Maty
St. Paul Foundati on
St. Barnabas Lutheran C hurch
ScaceBank of Tower
Sundet Foundation
Swenson Anderson Associates, Inc.
Teagle Foundacion
Textron Financial
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Th e CotsWOld Found ation Trust
Thomas A. Foscer and Associates, Inc.
Tower-Soudan Agency
Tri-Cou nty Abstract & Title
Trinity Lutheran Co ngregation
Twin Cities Trading
United Educators Lnsurance
US Bancorp Found ation
Valen Financial Services
Vandd ist & Vandd ist PA
W:M . Keck Foundation
Walser Aucomocive Group Inc
Wd ls Fargo Found ation
West Group
Westwood Lutheran C hurch
Westwood Sports
Whitney Foundation
Wilcox Family Foundation
John and Renata Winsor Fund of the Minn eapolis
Foundation
World Citizen, Inc.
THE
AUGSBURG
COLLEGE
BOARD OF REGENTS, 2001-200 2
ANNUAL
ALUMNI BOARD, 2001 -2002
Rev. Gary E. Benson '70
Susan H ornin g Arn tz '94
Ms. Jackie Cherryhomes '76
Jeff Elavsky '68
Ms. Tracy Lynn Elfcmann '8 1
Paul Fieldhammer '65
M r. M ichael 0 . Freeman
Andy Fried '93
Mr . Mich ael R. Good '7 1
Tom Hanson '66
Mr . H . Theodor e Grindal '7 6
Christop her Haug '79
Mr. Jam es E. Haglund
Lisa Svac H awks '85
M s. Beverly Thompson H arlen
Kirsten Hirsch '9 1
Dr. Ruth E. Jo hnson '74
Karina Karlen '83
Mr. Dean C. Kopp erud
Rob Lafleur '80
Mr. David J. Larson
Jackie Kniefel Lind '69, '94 MAL
Ms. Gloria C. Lewis
Terry Marquardt '98 WEC
Rev. Jose Antonio M achad o
Paul Mikelson '70
Dr. Jennif er H . Martin
Andy Mo rrison '73
Ms. Juli e R. Nelson '83
Paul Mue ller '84
Mr. Ronald G. Nel son '68
Liz Pushing '93
Rev. G lenn W. Nyckle moe, ex officio
Meri Pygman '93
Mr. Ronald J. Peltier
Beth Torsten son '66
Mr. G len E. Person '47
Bill Vanderwall '93 WEC
M r. Wayne G. Pop ham
M s. Jean M . Taylor '85
Dr. P. Dawn Taylor '78
1960 Dale Hank a
1961 Patricia Swanson Kreuziger
Leola Dyrud Furman
1962 Mari lyn 0. Gronner
Jenelle J. C unnin g
1963 Sara Halvorson Strom
1964 Robert Nordin
1965 Darryl Ca rter
1967 John Clawson
1968 lone Agrimson H anson
1970 Terry Nygaard
1973 Merja Wileniu s Fox
1974 Marlene C han Hui
1976 Larry Morgan
1979 Mark Aune
1980 Rob Lafleur
1981 Janis Blomg ren Aune
1982 Lori Moline
1983 Susan Kapp ers Ryan
1984 Jeff Quinnell
1985 Norm Okersrrom
C hu ck Rath
M r. G len J. Skovho lt
Mr. Philip Sryrlund '79
REPORT
I 986 Deb Balzer
CLASS AGENTS, 200 1-2002
Barb Nielson McGlynn
1987 Cher yl Wit soe Dudley
Ms. Kathryn H . Tunheim
1939- 194 1 Richard Jacobson
1944 C hester Hoversten
1988 Sandra Kay Smirl1
Rev. Haro ld Usgaard , ex officio
1945 Joyce Op seth Schwartz
1990 Trygve Nystuen
Ms . Joan L. Volz '68
Vera T horson Benzel
1946 John Steen
1947 Agnes Valvik Larson
1948 Jero y Ca rlson
Arnie Skaar
1949 Cal Larson
1950 Shirley Dahl en
195 1 Dan Pearson
1952 LeVon Paulson Dinrer
Sharon Mackenthun
I 99 I Kirsten Hirsch
1992 Heather John ston
1993 Misti Allen Binsfeld
H eidi Wisn er Staloch
1994 An1y Noran
1995 Lisa Ca rlson Sackreiter
An1y Torgelson For berg
1996 Jayne Rudolph
Heather Birch
1953 Ruth Aaskov
1954 Herb C hilstrom
1956 Carolyn Lower Bliss
1997 An1y Bowar
1957 Stan Baker
1999 Jackie Fuhr
2000 Sam Walseth
1958 Byron Golie
1959 Carl Cas person
Jen Ringeisen
1998 Calvin Hanson
WEC Terry Marquardt
2 0 0 1 - 2 0 0 2
A-UGSBURG
C O L L E G E
Offi ce of lnscicucio nal Advance ment
Augsbur g Co llege, C B 142
22 11 Riverside Avenu e
Minn eapolis, MN 55454
Non-profit O rg.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Mpls. , MN
Permit No. 2031
LACKFEET
CHEYENNE
OTTAWA
FOX
SANTEE
ALGONQUIN
CHOCTAW
Indian program
Angie O'Keefe and Anne O'Keefe, earned
came from the
the long-dis tance commute award when
efforts of comedian
Angie commut ed from Morton in western
Louie Anderson ,
Minnesota to earn her degree from the
who performed
Weekend College program.
two benefit
"Our alumni have been active, but I
concerts in the
would like to gel mor e of them involved .
early 1990s-on e
We need more networking ; we need an
al Augsburg , the
alumni scholarship fund ; and we need an
OLhe r at Northrup
alumni advisory board ," Peterson said.
Auditor ium-t o
"With that kind of supp ort alongside our
raise mon ey for a
curr ent students , we cou ld do more
scholarship in the
outr each Lo the native communiti es,
name of his
particularly to reserva tions that are near
brother Kent.
to us."
Th e program
Peterson also envisions a nur sing
Mercedes Weishalla (center, holding her daughter, Heyden), a
has had abou t 150
out reach program , similar Lo the one
Weekend College business management and American Indian
gradu ates and a
Augsburg current ly runs al Centra l
Studies major, meets with her Scholastic Connections mentor Noya
Woodrich '92, '94 MSW (right), executive director of the Division
similar num be r
Lutheran Chur ch in Minneapolis , which
of Indian Work in Minneapolis.
who have take n
could be sel up al the Indian Communi ty
courses . Many
Center LOserve the urban Indian
gradua tes have continued on to earn
popu lation . And , of course, there are the
adva nced degrees. Several stud ents
never-ending needs for scholarship s of all
have return ed to Augsburg for a
kinds .
Master of Social Work degree after
"I think we need scho larship s LOhelp
first comp leting Augsbu rg's
graduate student s, Lo help provide for
bachelor 's degree program in socia l
living expenses so more stud ents cou ld
work. One such stud ent is Noya
live on campu s, and LOgrow our
Woodrich , who also serves as a
end owed scholarship fund (curr ently at
mentor for Augsburg 's newly-crea ted
abo ut $600,000) up Lo al leasl $ 1
Scholastic Conn ections program. And,
million ."
a recent grad, Ben Burgess, is at the
Peterson also wou ld love Losee the
University of Californi a-Davis
workin g LOwarda Ph.D. in
Ojibwe language. When he
compl etes that program , he'll be
the first in the nation to hold
suc h a degree .
'T he Life Story of a Dakota Man ," which
Th e Augsburg program also
chron icles the life of a 20th- centu ry urb an
has been home LOfamily
Indi an. He is assisted this year by
conn ections, including Burgess
instru ctors Robert Danforth , Dale WesLOn ,
and his sister Meredi th Gauld en ;
and Soph ia Jacobso n .
sisters Caro le (Moran) Renn er
"I think scholarsh ip mon ey has been a
and Gail (Moran) Warzyniak ;
key to the success of stud ents here,"
mother an d daughter Yvonne
Peterson said . "Bonni e [Wallace] was
Leith and Nicole Fun aro; and the
aggressive in findin g such do llars and
Bruce and Ertl familes who had
helped create some big endow ed
bro ther, mother, and daughter scholarship fund s. A Jo yce Found ation
Richard Bruce , Shirl ey Ertl , and
grant help ed hir e my position , and al one
Michelle Ertl-all gradu ate in
point we had two peop le working with up
1992. The Genia broth ers, Tony
Dennis Jones, Univ. of Minnesota Ojibwe language
to 65 stud ent s each year. Now we' re in the
Jr. and Jim , went on to success ful and culture instructor , and Rosalie Cla rk, regional
30-35 range , which is abou t as many as
social worke r for the Bureau of Indian Aff a irs
caree rs in law and med icine,
one person can handl e."
Midwest office and former Augsburg social wo rk
respec tively; and one other
professor , shared comments during the Forum on
Anot her majo r boost for the American
mother-daughter combin ation ,
American Indian Issues in November.
Winter 2002-03
A-UGSBURGNOW
15
POT
A WATOMI
CHEROKEE
program play host to more conferences and
seminars such as the American Indian
Religious Freedom conference that attracted
such lumin aries as Ben Nighth orse
Camp bell, Daniel Inou ye, and Paul
Wellstone; and another exploring the use of
American Indian mascots in the media.
"We've serve d a won der ful purpo se
wiLh our program and helped a lot of
students take a ste p forward , both for
themselves and for other nati ve people ,"
Peterson said . "Now I hope we can take
DELAWARE
OGLALA
BUILDING
THESTRONG
FOUNDATION
by Dan Jorge nse n
16
A-UGSBURGNOW
HO-CHUNK
another step and be of even
greater service to even more
people and communities . There 's
so much Lo be done ; and so
much we can do if we can find a
way to expand our program. "
Visit the American Indi an
Student Services Program at
<WWW.augsburg.edu/aissp> and
conta ct Cindy Pete rson at
6 12-330- 1144 or
<petersoc@augsbur g.edu >. •
BONNIE
WALLACE:
Bonnie Wallace has long been known as
Lhe first director of Augsburg's successful
and long-runnin g American Indian
Stud ent Services Program , but she says
Lhat "technically" it's not true.
"Believe il or not, I was not the first
director," she noted . "I did serve on Lhe
task force chaired by then-d ean of the
College (and soon-to-be president )
Charles Anderson, formed by President
Oscar Anderson to eiqilore Lhe
possibilities of creating an Indian
presence on campus ." That two-year
stud y recommend ed the establishment of
the program, which was funded by a
three-year grant from the Honeywell
Found ation.
Wallace was serving as a talent
search counselor in the Minnesota
Chipp ewa Tribe's TRIO program al the
Lime, and agreed to continu e helping the
College by serving on Lhesearch
commiu ee for a director.
"We hired a native person with a
strong con nection to the National Indian
Lutheran Board ," she said . "Once he was
hired I Lhought my work was don e, but
a week later, Charles Anderson (now
president) contacted me to tell me the
person worked one day and changed his
mind. I half-hean edly said 'is it that
dreadful over Lhere?' I appr eciated the
fact that he was seeking my advice,
though , and suggested several opLions.
WINNEBAGO
Bonnie Wallace (left), now scholarship director at
the Fond du Lac Reservation in Cloquet, Minn.,
was director of Augsburg's American Indian
program for 18 years. She was succeeded by
Cindy Peterson (right), who has been with the
program since 1981.
Finally, he said, 'What I really
want is for you to come and work for me!' I
about fell over and respectfully declined ."
Wallace said the basis for her surpri se
and initial rejection was Lhatshe and
Anderson had buued heads on many issues
during the task force discussions , rarely
agreeing on anything. However, after several
months of continu ing the conversation, she
accepted the offer in 1978 .
"The first month I was here I actually
found two Indian students on campu s and
was Lhrilled ," she said. "But Lhat was shortlived since both were in the process of
withdrawing from school."
However, Wallace soon developed a
thriving , ever-expanding program . During
her 18-year directorship , the program was
recognized as having the highest retention
and graduat ion rate (85 percent) for Indian
support programs in the five-state region.
Among the more than 100 graduates durin g
those years was her own daughter, Melissa,
who eventua lly returned for a second
Augsbu rg degree as well. "Cindy Peterson's
coming on board as my assistant was a huge
factor in that success. It also afforded me the
time to recruit and , again, our numbers
increased ."
During those formative years and yet
today, Wallace attributes the success of the
program to a host of factors: "Commi tment
of the College to the Indian comm unity;
generous scholarship donors ; coopera tion of
other student sup port services; in- and
outstate tribal suppon ; qualified
American Indian faculty; and
'individua lized attention' given to
dedicated, bright stude nts combined with
having expectations of them," she said.
'We never enabled our students; rather,
we taught them how the College system
worked , what role each office played in
their academic and personal lives."
Wallace also cited the strong
suppon of peop le like Dr. Mildred
Mueller and Pat Parker, and the effons of
Herald Johnson , assistant to the vice
president for enrollment and market
services. "His willingness, understanding ,
sup port , patience, and genuin e respect
for our work will always be someth ing
special to me," she said .
And , ultimately, despite their early
differences, she points LoCharles
Anderson's supp on. "lltl was critical to
our success, and in due time he and I
simply had to agree to disagree on some
issues. He is probably the only college
president who supp on ed the fact that
Indian people do not conside r
themselves a 'minority.' He und erstood
our status as 'political entities' and did
not include our program under the guise
of 'minority programs .' I will always be
grateful for that autonomy that continu es
yet today."
Winter 2002-03
From the Alumni Board president's desk ...
s one year
ends and
anoth er begins,
we often find
ourselves
thinking of family
and friends.
Cards are
exchanged with
details of our
families; holiday pani es renew old
friendships. We discuss the good old days
Once a year, I get together with a
group of lifelong friends from Augsburg .
The group consists of students who lived
in the Delta and Omega hou ses in the '70s.
After more than 30 years , we still laug h at
the ant ics of our fellow stud ents during our
fom1ative years. Great fun is had by all!
As we move into the new year, the
Augsburg Alumni Board wou ld like you to
A
rememb er Augsburg in your hean and
prayers. We want to keep in touch , so
please let us know where you are and what
you are doing . If the new year will bring a
new locat ion , please e-mail us at
<alumni @augsbu rg.edu>, or go online al
<.vww.augsburg.edu/a lumni/
updat e.html> to change your addr ess. We'd
love to hear what you are up to, and we'll
keep you in formed of the amazing changes
al Augsburg and the up coming events
spon sored by the Events Commiuee of the
Alumni Board.
Please send us your e-mail address if
you'd like LO be inclu ded in a monthl y
e-mail from the alumni office with upd ates
and events for the next mon th . We'd love
LO see you al an upcoming Auggie Hour
gathering , which are held at various
restaur ants around the Twin Cities (see the
calend ar on page 23). Each event combin es
a faculty member or alum who presents a
shon talk on an interesting topic . These are
informa l, fun discussions, and you might
learn somethin g new, too! 0,11/epromise
there " ~II not be a test after the
discussion .)
The Alumni Board and our new
alum ni/parent relations team on campu s
invite your ideas and feedback regarding
alumni activities, so please let us know
what we can do for you. I am proud to be
a member of the Augsb urg family, and I
hope the new year bring s many blessings
to each of you and your families.
Andrew Morriso n '73
President , Alumni Board
Augsburg alumni win Minnesota and national
legislative seats
by Lynn Mena
n Nove mb er, Augsburg alumni Martin
Olav Sabo '59 and Rod Skoe '77 wo n
seats in the U.S. House of Repr esent atives
and th e Minn eso ta Senat e.
Sabo, a Democra t, kept his sea t in
the U.S. House of Rep resent atives (Fifth
District ) with 67 percent of th e vote; he
has held th e seat since 1979. As ranking
min or ity membe r of the Transportation
Appropriation s Subcom mittee, his
commitm enl Lo easing congestion in th e
Twin Cities can be seen in work securin g
$60 million for lightrail tran sit and $7
milli on for the No rth star commut er line.
Oth er issues high on Saba 's list of
pri or ities are th ose th at imp act childr enparti cularly ea rly ch ildh ood learning . He
also sees affordable hou sing , health care,
an d recent co rporat e co rruption scand als
as "big issues we have Lo so rt through ." In
addition , Sabo is co mmiued LO protecting
citizens' right s in th e fight aga inst
terrori sm .
I
Winter 2002-03
Saba's daughter , Augsburg
alumn a Juli e Sabo '88 , ran for
lieutenant gove rnor with Minn esota
gub ern ato rial candid ate Roger Moe
(DFL)-ultim ately losing in a close
race LO Republi can Tim Pawlenty.
Juli e he ld the incumb ent DFL seat
in the Minn eso ta Senate (Distri ct
62) , but she did not run for reelect ion due Lo her campaign with
Moe .
Fellow alum Rod Skoe, also a
Democrat, won a seat in the
Minn eso ta Senate (District 2). He is
a two- term Minne sota House member
(Distri ct 28 ), and stepped up LO th e
Minne so ta Senate with th is elect ion.
As a state representative , Skoe 's
committ ee assignm ent s included work
educ ation polic y, K-12 finance ,
agricultur e poli cy, and environm ent al
policy. He remain s committed to th ese
Rod Skoe '77 won a
seat in the Minnesota
Senate in November .
on
Martin Olav Sabo ' 59
was re-elected to a 13th
term in the U.S. House
of Representatives .
issues as he moves to th e Minne so ta
Sena te, and states that his priori ty issues
are tied to improving Minnesota 's
communities.
Skoe is a former Clearwa ter County
commissioner , Clearbrook/Gonvick
Schoo l Board dire cto r, and an Agassiz
Ambassador for Clea rwater County.
A-UG BURG NOW
17
HOMECOMING_
Many Gifts
ONE SPIRIT
Little Evalin's youthful enthusiasm brought smiles
to all (daughter of Lori Moline '82).
Andrea Ladda and the Augsburg Spirit
Squad kept fans at the Homecoming
game cheering , despite the Auggies' 4114 loss to Gustavus.
Members of the Class of 1942 gathered for a reunion breakfast . Pictured (L to R), Row 1 (seated) :
Magdeline Stolee, Eunice (Knudson) Iverson , Helen (Thostens) Jones, Ebba (Johnson) Brooks . Row
2: Mur iel (Quanbeck) Turrittin, Lannie (Olson) Seal, Verlinda (Olson) Huus, Mary Ann (Eye)
Helleckson . Row 3: Waldemar Boening , Elwood Lundeen , Merton Strommen , Phil Helland,
Chester Brooks, Vic Miller .
18
'4UGSBURG NOW
Brad Motl and Dega Ali were crowned 2002
Homecoming King and Queen.
Junior Jazz Burch showed her Auggie pride at
the Homecoming game.
Winter 2002-03
Several alumni and friends were honored w ith awa rds at the Homecoming Dinne r. Pictured
(L to R) Row 1: Richard J. Seime '70, Distinguished Alumnus Award ; John Magnuson , on
behalf of the StepUP Advisory Board, Spirit of Augsburg Award; t he Rev. Dr. Philip Quanbeck
Sr. 'SO, on behalf of the Quanbeck family , Distinguished Service Award ; President Frame.
Row 2: The Rev. Dr. Orval Moren '57, Spirit of Augsburg Award ; LaJune Thom as Lange '75 ,
Distinguished Alumna Award ; James S. Hamre ' S3, Dist inguished Alumnus Award; Barry
Vornbrock '96 MAL, First Decade Award . Not pictured is Ko Ly '97, First Decade Award .
Margaret Dornf eld '06 colored t he day with cheer .
The Rev. Oliver Johnson ' SO (left ) and Irving Ringdahl ' 52 (right) chatted at t he
Homecoming Picnic.
~
Buffie Blesi ('90 BA, ' 97 MAL) reconnected with
fellow alums and faculty at the Master of Arts in
Leadership reunion and 15th anniversary celebration .
Winter 2002-03
The Augg ies' Jordan Hastin gs '06 shields the ball
fr om Gustavus .
Bessie Cunningham Hughes '71,
1992 Distinguished Alumna,
enjoyed conversation at
Augsburg's ethnic programs
celebration in Christensen Center.
,4uGSBURG NOW
19
HOMECOMING_
GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY CLASS OF 1952
(L to R) Row 1 (seated) : Morris Johnson,
Leroy Nyhus, Charlotte (Kleven) Rimmereid,
Yvonne (Bagley) Olson , Orville Olson, Celia
(Hanson) Burk, Lewann (Awes) Sotnak , Lola
(Nelson) Nebel, Orlette (Hjelle) Waller, Millie
Nelson. Row 2: David Christensen , Roger
Nelson, Martha (Bozony) Peterson, M. Joyce
(Tallman) Hanson, Beverly
(Gryth) Villwock, Leona
(Eng) Rokke, Dorothy
(Skonnord) Petersen, Jean
(Swanson) Markland, John
Leak, David Rokke, Gordon
Thorpe . Row 3 : Millard
Knudson , Jim Armstrong ,
Ben L. Larson, Ruth
Schmidt , Harriet (Haller)
Brown , Marlo Petersen,
Eugene Anderson ,
Donavon Roberts, Karl
Puterbaugh , Arnold
Paulson, Irving Ringdahl .
Row 4 : Robert Thompson ,
Luther Larson, Elmer
Hanson, Leonard Dalberg ,
Donovan Jacobson, Jim
Faul, Donna (Wang) Leak,
Richard Howells , Joanne
(Varner) Peterson, Harvey
Peterson , Glen Gilbertson,
LeRoy Anenson.
Many Gifts ONE SPIRIT
Photos by Stan Waldhauser,except wherenoLed
CLASS OF 1962 (L to R) Row 1 (seated) : Kay (Hanenburg) Madson , Eunice (Kyllo) Roberts, Jack Osberg, Lois
Larson, Ann (Ring) Odegaard, Elaine (Pedersen) Gunderson, Betze (Paulson) Solomonson, Marjorie (Engevik) Espe.
Row 2 : Jennelle (Johnson) Cunning, Marilyn (Olson) Gronner, Karen (Kuszler) Roeber, MaryAnn (Sorensen) Urban,
Rose Marie (Nordin) Anderson , Betty Lou (Johnson) Oppegard , Barbara (Anderson) Stamp , Mercia (Anderson)
Fredrick, Philip Bauman, Olivia (Gordon) Lorents, Harlin Haack. Row 3: Phillip Mattison , John Sorenson, Kenneth
Erickson, J. David Lystig, Milo Oppegard, Loiell Dyrud, Kermit Paulson, Paul Gunderson, Paul Grover .
20
A- UGSBURGNOW
Winter 2002-03
CLASS OF 1977 (L to R) Row 1 (seated): Sue
(Hengy) Johnson, Mary (Quanbeck) Barber, Daniel
Larson, Lori (Eklund) Quello, Bernie Swenson, John
Sandness, John Ronning, Scott Fridley. Row 2:
Deborah Roberge, Mary (Nollet) Newell, David
Wattman, Paul Rittenhouse, Deb (Daehn) Zellmer,
Lori (Otto) Hansen, Wendy Bjorklund . Row 3 :
Karen Lokkesmoe, Jim Nieling, Mark Sanstead,
Nathan Carlsen, Kevin Peterson, Andrew Westberg,
Daniel Eitrheim .
CLASS OF 1992 (below, L to R) Row 1: Matthew
Mirmak, Matthew Maunu, Mark Mata, Teresa
White , Amy (Raedeke) Frischmon. Row 2: Erick
Norby, Amy Kildal, Lisa (Barber) Zahn, David
Palmer, Molly Schnagl, Laura Gaylord, Elise Defor,
Stacy (Shiltz) Abraham, Heather Johnston . Row 3:
Tim Machacek.
Recip ients of Augsburg 's
DISTINGUISHED SERVICEAWARD
QUANBECK FAMILY (bottom left, L to R) Row 1
(seated on floor): Abby, Mauren, Rebecca, Amy, Kate,
Zach, Cindy (Quanbeck) Goke, Tommy, Lilli (Quanbeck)
Leslie, Shon Schetnan. Row 2 : Dora (Frojen) Quanbec k,
Philip Quanbeck II, Ruth Johnson, Rona (Quanbeck)
Emerson, Helen (Nichols) Quanbeck , B. Randolph
Quanbeck, Wallace Lindsay, Carol (Ysteboe) Lindsay,
Vicki (Quanbeck) Schetnan, Ruth (Ysteboe) Engelstad,
JuliAnn (Quanbeck) Erdmann, Tom Erdmann . Row 3:
Phil Quanbeck Sr., John Turrittin, Andrea Quanbeck ,
Deborah (Sheldon) Quanbeck, Dorothy (Quanb eck)
Johnson, Muriel (Quanbeck) Turrittin , Lauren Johnson,
Mabel Quanbeck , Carol (Kelley) Quanbeck , Mary
(Quanbeck) Kvanbeck, Dagmar (Dahl) Quanbeck, Mary
C. Quanbeck, Sonja Quanbeck , Rae Quanbeck , Lavon
(Emerson) Henry, Beth Marie Quanbeck , Nadine
(Quanbeck) Anderson.
Row 4 : Daniel
Johnson , Thomas
Quanbeck , Marvin B.
Johnson, James
Dahlberg , Marian L.
(Quanbeck) Dahlbe rg,
Ardelle (Skovholt)
Quanbeck , Sara Ose,
Lillian Ose, Grace
(Gisselquist) Johnson,
Gordon Quanbe ck, Hal
Quanbeck . Row 5:
Loren Barber, Mary
(Quanbeck) Barber,
Norman Quanbeck ,
Kent Quanbeck , David
Quanbeck , Thomas
Lien, Charles Turrittin ,
Oliver E. Johnson ,
Stanley Quanbeck,
Katherine (Miller)
Quanbeck , Elizabeth
(Turrittin) Lien, Nadine
Emerson .
Winter 2002-03
,4uGSBURG NOW
21
Harold Ahlborn , Edina, Minn.,
received the Distinguished Service
Award from the Braemar Golf
Association Board for his work
\\~th the junior golf league. He
and his wife, Lois (Black) '47 ,
are both retired .
Gary Rust and his wife, Alice
{Gjesdahl) '53 , live in
Burnsville, Minn. They proudl y
report that both their son and
daughter gradua ted from
Augsburg , and their grandso n is a
freshm an. Gary owns Sunbur st
Sales, and can be reached via email at <gary@sunburstsales.com>.
1954
1957
Mark L. Johnson is a retired
realtor , he lives in Minneapolis
"~th his ,vife, Thelma . He reports
that he is looki ng forward to his
50th class reunion in 2004. He
can be reached via e-mail at
<mjohn@mr.net>.
Paul A. Hamre , Rose,~lle, Minn.,
is a retired history teacher for
Rose,~lle Public Schools, but still
teaches in an evening high school
program for adu lts.
1947
a
Richard J. Johnson, Red Wing ,
Minn. , is a retired colone l in the
U.S. Marine Corp. He served two
years m Vietnam an d was awarded
a Purple Heart.
Yvonne (Oudal) Rhodes,
Orchard Park, N.Y., is a knitting
instructor and designer. She has
written 34 books on knitting
styles and techmques , and teaches
machin e knitting nationwide and
at Buffalo State Universit)'- Her
specialty is Norwegian sweater
making , and in 1991 , she was
made a Kentucky Colonel for her
contributions to this field.
A
CALL
FOR
Marshall D.
Johnson,
Minneapolis,
wrote The
Purpose of the
Biblical
Genealogies.
Originally
published by Cambridge
University Press, it was reprinted
in paperback in Jul y by Wipf &
Stock Publishers.
Gloria (Grant) Knoblauch is
enjO)~ng retirement : she embarked
on an Amtrak trip in October to
the western United States and
Canada. She and her husband ,
Arthur , live in Lake Elmo, Minn.
1959
The Rev. Tom Moen retired in
August after 40 years of ministry.
He and his wife, Ruth (Carlsen)
'60, reside in Ham Lake, Minn.
1961
Carolyn S. Johnson, Golden
Valley, Minn ., retired from the
University of Minnesota in
September.
George Larson, Moorhead,
Minn ., received the Ole and Lucy
Flaat Distinguished Teachin g
Award from Conco rdia CollegeMoorhead , where he has taught
English for 40 years.
1963
Darold Rupp, Mankato , Minn .,
recently assum ed leadership of
the Truman High School band
program , teachin g instrumental
music to stude nts in grades 5-10.
He performs ,vith the University
of Minnesota-Manka to
Symphonic Band, and is active
with Sing Music Coru m and the
Direct Messiah Lutheran Choir.
OMEGA
Lloyd "Butch" Raymond ,
Marshall, Mmn., was named
interim vice president of
advancement at South west State
University. He has served as
associate vice president for the
past three years, and will
continu e his duti es as athletic
director . He and his ,vife, Linnea,
have thr ee childr en.
1964
The Rev. Marvin Repinski
and his wife, Becky, recently
moved to Austin , Minn., where
he was hired by the Fellowship
United Methodist Chur ch. He
has served several congregations
in Minnesota , as well as a oneyear appo intm ent as a research
fellow at Yale Universit)'-
1965
Dale M. Stone , Maple Grove,
Minn., is part owner and sales
associate for Organic Growth
Enhancement.
Robert Tyson, Murphysboro,
111
., 1s self-employed in the
marketing field an d 1s active in
the local music scene. He belongs
to the Robins Quartet, an
HOUSE ROOMMATE
REUNION
RECOMMENDATIONS
The Augsburg College Alumni Association Awards and Recognition
Comm ittee seeks your assistance in identifying memb ers of the
Augsburg community to be conside red for recognition for the
following awards:
Distinguished Alumni Award
First Decade Award
Spirit of Augsburg Award
To make a nommation on line or to view the description/ criteria for
each award , go to <wwwaugsburg .edu/alumni/n omform> .
To recieve a nomination packet , contact:
Office of Alumni/Parent Relations
Phone: 6 12-330- 1 l 78 or 1-80 0-260-6590
E-mail: alumni @augsbur g.edu
The deadline for nominations for 2003 is March 14, 2003.
22
A-UGSBURGNOW
Last June 28, these former Omega House roommates
reunited at the home of Cindy (Steen) Jindra '64 at Lake
Ely in Eveleth , Minn. Pictured (front, center) : Sylvia
(Steinbeck) Torstenson ' 66, elementary education teacher,
Hayfield, Minn. L to R, back row : Cindy (Steen) Jindra '64,
retired school administrator, St. Louis County Schools; Lila
Lee (Hauberg) Salls '66 , retired , elementary education ,
Honolulu, Hawaii ; Mary Lynn (Larson) Leff ' 66, high school
counselor , Buffalo, Minn.; Eileen (Kahlberg) Van Wie ' 66,
education professor, Southwest State University , Marshall,
Minn.; Kathy (Popp) Boggess '66, high school counselor,
Bloomington, Ind .
Winter 2002-03
a cappella singing group that
performs jazz , barb ershop , and
gospel mu sic. He also performs
under the name "Uncle Bob " as a
singer/guitarist in bars , festivals,
and coffeeshops , singing jazz ,
blues, folk, and bluegrass.
1966
Barbara Brown , Madison , Wis .,
1s a teacher in the lac qui Parle
Valley School District. She is also
involved with the Montevideo
Area Communit y Band , the lac
qui Parle Stud y Club , and is th e
organist for Monte video UCC
Church. She is a past recipient of
the ,hnne sota Elementary Science
Teache r of the Year award , and
has two daug hters, Erm and
Rebecca .
Jeanne (Wanner) Morreim ,
Cloq uet , Minn ., earn ed her Master
of Arts in Education in May. Her
husband , the Rev. Dennis
Morreim '65 , sen •es Our Sa-~or's
Lutheran Church.
1968
Lois (Hallcock) and Bruce
Johnson '68 live in Plymouth ,
Minn . Lois is a high schoo l
guidan ce co un selor, and Bruce is
the athletic dir ector for
Robbin sdale-Armstron g Schools.
Clair Severson retired after 33
years of teachin g middl e schoo l
math m Ellsworth , Wis. He
resides with his wife , Audrey
(Neiderhauser) '68 .
Diane Tiedeman , Richfield ,
Minn ., rettred from Bloomington
Public Scho ols, where she taught
grades 2, 3, and 4 for 3-l years.
1969
The Rev. Curtis Zieske, Alben
Lea, Minn. , was recentl y installed
as Trinit)' Lutheran Chu rch's
senior pastor. He and h,s wife ,
Sonya (Hagen) '70 , an
elementary school teacher, have
two childr en , Sarah Krueger and
Aaron .
1970
Janet (Call) and David Ulvin
Winter 2002-03
'70 live in Edin a, Minn . Janel
ret ired in Jun e after 3 l year s of
teaching mu sic for Minneapolis
Pub Iic Schools .
1971
Michael Milbrath , Santa Rosa,
Calif., was nominated for the
Teacher of the Year award by the
Santa Rosa Chamber of Comm erce
this past summer. He was nomm ated
for this award in l 996 and was also
nominated by the California League
of High Schools for their Teacher of
the Year award in 1999 . He sen •es as
depanment chair of fine and
performing ans at Piner High
School. He and his wife, Ulla, have a
daughter , Rowyn.
1972
George Dahlman , Coon Rapids,
Minn ., was named research
man ager and chief drill instru cto r at
U.S. Bancorp Piper Jaffra)'. Formerly
chief food-indu stry analyst, he was
a Wall Street Journ al All Star
Analyst in five of the 20 years he
covered the agribusiness and food
industri es.
The Rev. Dr. Henry F. French,
Coo n Rapids, Minn ., was app ointed
pastor of Lake of the Isles Chur ch
in Minneapolis. He and his wife,
Roberta , have four chi ldren.
1973
Linda Jean (Hansen) and
Granton Larson '73, Columbia
Heights, Minn ., became
grandp arents in Octob er.
1974
Bryon Gustafson , Plymouth ,
Minn ., attend ed his second Wint er
Olympi cs in Salt Lake City last
Febr uary, ha-~ng also attend ed the
Lilleham mer game s in 199-!. He is
a bu yer/p lanne r wnh Cipn co, Inc.
1976
Steven Richard Charles was
promoted to colonel in the U.S. Air
Force Reserves. His last
ass ignm ent , while on active dut y,
was as an F- l 17 stealth fighter
instructor pilot. He 1s also a pilot
for Delta Airhn es. He can be
reached via e-m ail at
<srcharl es@mind sprin g.com>.
AUGGIE HOURS
Patricia G. Mattos ,
~hnn eapolis. was elected chapter
chair of the MN/D akota Chapter
of the American Immi gration
law yers Association . Durin g her
term , she will also sen •e on the
Board of Govern ors of the
national association . She has
practiced immi grauon law since
198 2 and is involved in advocacy
efforts relating to homeland
securit y and other issues imp acted
b)• Septemb er 11.
Auggie Hours are held
the second Tuesday of
each month at 5:30 p.m.
Marji Miller was promoted to
memb er hip retent ion manager
for the YlvlCA of metropo litan
Minneapolis and greater Saint
Paul. She resides with her
hu sband , Bill Porteous, 111
Minneapolis. She can be reached
via e-mail at <mickey@ usinteme t.
April 8
MAGlANO'S
Southdal e Mall, Edina
Fae,!ttator/ topic : Prof. John
Mitchell, poetry
corn> .
The Rev. Steve Sveom , Staples ,
Mmn ., was recently honored with
a surpn se party comm emoratin g
his 10-)•ear anni versa ry as pastor
at Fatth Lutheran Church . He was
Join ed in the celebration by his
mother, Ann (Kveen) Sveom
'36 ; his wife, Ant oine tt e (Laux)
'77 ; and their two childr en ,
Nao mi and Dame!.
19 77
Jerald Halvo rsen, Ebetsu ,
Hokka idu , Japan , is an associa te
professo r al Sappor o Intern ational
University. He and his wife,
Mich1yo, have two sons: ~lark , 17,
and Michael, 1-1. He has enJoyed
living in Japan for the past 22
Febru ary 11
WILDFIRE
Eden Prairie Center Mall
Topic: Athleucs at Augsburg
March 11
THE NEWSROOM
Downt own Minn eapohs
Fac,htator: Lisa Zeller '8 l ,
'89 ~JAL
May 13
FREIGHTHOUSE
Sullwater
Fac1l1tator/top1c: Angie
Ahlgren '98, theatre
For more information , please
call the alumni office at
612- 330-117 8 or e-mail
<alumn1@augsbur g.edu >
>•ears and wo uld love to have
visitor s from Augsb urg. Jera ld can
be reached via e-ma il at
<Jerryhal@home.ema 1l.ne.Jp> .
M ark Sanstead . Bloomington ,
Minn ., is a senior chm cian at
Hazelden and lives with hts wife,
Julie.
Patri ck J. Zumbusch, Tucson ,
Ariz .. sen •ed as CEO to a
comp any that was recently sold to
CLASS AGENTS & REUNION COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Class age nts are needed for the following years:
19• 2, 19-!3, 19-!7, 1949 , 1955 , 1966 , 1968 . 1969, 1972 , 1975 1978 ,
1979 , 198 1,1986, 19 9 , 1996, 2001
If )'OU are interested in becomin g a class agent , please contact the
alumni office at 6 12-33 0- 1178 , or ftll out a form onhn e at
<www.augsbu rg.edu/ alumn,/ ca/ca_unr ep.htmb
Reun ion Comm ittee members are needed for Homeco min g 2003 . If
)'OU gradua ted in 1953 , 1963 , l 978 , or 1993 and would hkc LO help
plan )'Our reuni on, please contact the alumni office at 6 12-330-1 178 ,
or e-mai l <alumm @au gsb urg.edu >
..4-UGSBURGNOW
23
Class Notes
ALUMNI
Nila Neumiller
PROFILE
'84: 'Small beginnings'
lead to big successes
by Dan Jorgensen
Nila Neumiller '84 says she has never chosen the straight and narrow path when deciding
on a roadm ap for her life. "I like lO start things , and I always seem to have several things
going at once," the effervescent Neumiller said with a smile .
And carry th em thr ough to success, she might have added .
A "non-traditional " student at Augsburg , Neumiller's biggest success has been the creation
of Reaching Arms International (RA!), a multi-faceted Jud eo-Chri stian ministry to orphan
childr en .
Since 1993, she's built RA! from a single desk, single phone-lin e operation into a worldwide
organization . From its current headquart ers in New Hope, Minn.-where she has nine staff
members---Neumiller places orph ans from Russia (where her program first started), Armenia,
Poland , Romania, and the Ukraine. She has opened two full-time orphanages in the Ukraine
and Ken)'a (employing more than 40 staff members combined ), and has eight international
representatives. And , she and her hu sband , Bill, who is the RAI business manager, recently
visited China , where they will open a third orphanage this year.
Nila Neumiller '84 (center) receives the key
t o the city from the mayor of the city near
which her orphanage in Kenya is located.
Also pictured is Winnie Owiti (left), a
Kenyan woman who helped Neumiller
found the orphanage.
Neumiller was in a comfortable leadership role in art education ,vith the Inver Grove
Heights School District in 1992 when she went on an ecumeni cal trip to Russia that
changed both the dir ection and focus of her life. "I had ju st been promoted to an
edu cation coordin ator for th e entir e district," she recalled . "I was training 70 teachers and
some 2,000 children every month , plus overseeing several site groups . I went lO Russia
with an ecum enical team and when I came back lO the art coordinator career I realized
that God had a call on my life lO rescue orph ans."
It was , she said , a personal crisis, because she had always been an educator and always
wanted to be one. Sudd enly, she didn 't kn ow what to do , so she simply resigned her
position , and wok four month s off to pray and figure out what was next. "I left teaching on
October 28 and started praying ," she said . "I said , 'God , you 're showing me what I can't
do; show me what I can'."
Wh at she did was start RAI. Simultaneously, she enrolled at Ant ioch Christian Training Center , eventuall y becoming an ordained pastor in 1997 .
"Both were small beginn ings," she said , "but , my expe rience at Inver Grove Heights taught me not lO take on too much at once . That taught me,
as the Bible says, not lO despise small beginnings."
Her trip to Russia had convinced her that she needed to help Russian orph ans . so she spent the first year in her new bu siness learning more
about Russian language , cultu re, history, and th e societal factors that lead to children being orph aned . Her first success with RA! came in placing
three Russian sisters in 1995 . Since th en , RAI has placed mor e than 400 childr en from four nation s (300 from Russia alone , making it
Minnesota's largest placement organ ization for Russian orph ans).
She opened her first Cradle of Child rens' Hope orph anage in the Ukraine in
April 2000 , in Novskili, a subu rb of Kiev. Her second orph anage was
opened in eastern Kenya in Sep tember 200 I.
Neumiller, who has thr ee adu lt sons, an adopted son and daughter , and
thr ee grand childre n , has new plans for her organization . "I would like to
open a house for unwed mot hers ," she said. "I really believe we're going to
do that in the near future." Meanwhile, though , she'll be concentratin g on
openin g the orpha nage in China , in the seaport city of Zhuh ai (near Hong
Kong). All of her orp hanages are operated to provide the childr en with
both a loving environment and training in the classic arts.
"I believe th e an s embra ce a dynamic healing potential," Neumill er stated .
"Through singing, playing instrum ents, dancing, making dr awings,
sculptin g, and painting, I believe the inn er soul and spirit of a wound ed
child ,viii mend and blossom ."
Dan Jorgensen is direcwr of the Office of Public Relations and Communication.
24
,4UGSBURG NOW
Neumiller, pictured with Sergei, a young boy who had
two operations to repair a cleft palate at Neumiller's
Ukrainian orphanage. Ukrainian doctors volunteered their
services for Sergei's surgeries .
Winter 2002-03
1978 NATIONAL
CHAMPIONSHIP
HOCKEY TEAM REUNION
Members of Augsburg's 1978 NAIA championship hockey
team gathered on Nov . 22 to celebrate the 25th anniversary
of the College's first-ever national championship team .
Pictured , L to R: Dave Eckstein '78, Doug Nelson '76
(trainer), Bruce Hendrickson '78, Chuck Mccan '81, Brian
Gauger '80, Jim Peterson '78, Dick Bain '80, Gary Hughes
'78 , Tom Kulenkamp '79 , Stan Blom '78, Bob Morrow '78
(student manager), Jeff Jarnes '80, Vern McIntyre '79 .
a large Finnish organization . He is
now pondering nonpr ofit work or
start ing his own compa ny.
1978
Signe L. Nestingen , St. Paul, is a
psychologist in private practice and
\\Oilpresent "Being a Clinician" Jun e
6, 2003 , at the First Friday Forum
Series (cosponsored by the
Minnesota Psychological Association
and Metropolitan State University).
David Wi lhelm , River Falls,
Wis., has been a family practice
doctor in River Falls and Spri ng
Valley since 1987 .
1981
1982
Douglas Adams . Fayettevi lle,
Ark ., was grant ed tenur e and
promoted to the rank of associate
professor of sociology at the
University of Arkansas.
1984
Kyle Anderson , Mahtom edi ,
Minn. , is sec reta ry/treasu rer for
Assured Protection , Inc. He had
an exci ting day at the end of June
when he caug ht a 45-3/4 inch
musky.
1988
Kiel T. Christianson , East
Lansing, ~lich., is a senior writer
for T.-avclGolfand World Golf, and
his pieces are often featured onhn e
at <www.michigangolf.com> . He
recently wrote JO reviews and
articles on his ,osit to Scotland for
<www.worldgolf.com> and
<W\vw.scotland golf.com> .
Dave Stevens, Bnstol, Conn .,
recently won his third Emmy
Award for his work on ESPN's NFL
Countdown. He was also featur ed in
April in a reuni on show of That's
Incredible for htS man y
accomp lishm ents as a legless
athlete. He played football at
Augsbur g and tried out for the MN
Twins, among oth er sports
achievements .
Brent Lofgren , Ann Arbor,
Mich., is a physical scientist at the
Great Lakes Emoronm ental
Research Laboratory in Ann Arbor.
He was recently qu oted in an
article entitled "Are We Losing the
Great Lakes?" print ed in the
March/April 2002 edition of
Midwest Living magazine.
1990
Traci Layne Gates , San
Fran cisco, married Paul Sumn er
in August. Traci Layne is a client
relations specialist for an Intern et
company ; Pau l is a prin cipal
software engin eer for Moore
lacofano Goldsman . Inc. , and
races comp etitively at the elite
level in cycling.
Alexander J. Gonzalez . New
Brighton , Minn ., is a partner at
Office Systems Network , an office
furnitur e dcaler shtp .
1991
Kristen Hirsch, St. Paul , recentl y
started a new job as a senior
communi cation s specialist for
Park Nicollet Health Services in
St. Louis Park , ~!inn .
Katie (Pederson} Knutson, St.
Paul , 1s director of marketing and
communi cations at VEE
Corporation, where she develops
marketing strategies for domestic
and internauonal tours and oversees
the marketmg. creative sen oces, and
publicity departments. She
pre,oously did publirny work for
the Ordway Music Center and for
Jujam cyn Producuons.
William F. Kaschak. Blaine,
Minn ., was named a partner of
KPMG LLP,an accou ntin g and tax
firm that he Joined in 199 1 He is
a CPA and sen •es as a member of
the AICPA and the Minnesota
Society of CPAs.
Kevin Sime, ~linn eapo lts, was
prom oted to empl oyee
communi cations team leader with
Target Financial Services.
1992
Erick Norby , Elk River. Minn .,
was named head footb all coach
and assistant princip al at
Robbin sdale Coo per High Schoo l.
He and his " ofe, Kristen
(Hauschild} '92 have two
childr en : Marissa, 6 , and Reese , 2.
Shersten Johnson, St. Paul.
recently joined the mu sic
department faculty at the University
of St. Thom as. She can be reached
,oa e-mail at <Srjohn son2@
suh omas.edu>.
Alumni Cruise to Ireland and Norway
July 30-A ugust 11, 2003
Kurts Strelnieks was named ,ace
president of commercial lendin g
";th M&:I Bank in Minneapolis. He
has 17 years of banking experience
and is active in the Twin Cities
business commun ity as a board
member of the Turnaround
Management Association. the
Association for Corpora te Growth ,
and Tree Trust.
This 12-night cruise costs 2,175 each for an inside room ; $2,500 each for an outside room wu h \\ond ows ; or
$3 ,500 each for a suite with a private balcony. These pn ces are based on doub le occup anC)( A $-150 de posit
per person by Februa ry 15 will guara ntee the room of your choice. Royal Caribb ean has a special round- trip
airfare from Minn eapolis to Lond on for $600 .
Winter 2002-03
ALUMNI
CRUISE
Augsbur g alumni , staff, and friend s are invited to cru ise on the beautiful Royal Caribb ean Gra nd eu r of the Seas
cruise ship . Fly into Lond on and cru ise to : LeHavre, France (Paris); Plymouth , England ; Cork , Ireland , Dub ltn ,
Ireland ; Greenock , Scotland (Glascow); the fjords of Norway; Bergen , Non vay; Geiran ger, Non vay; Hclles)•lt,
No rway ; Flam , Non vay; Amsterdam , Holland ; and return to London .
Space is limited-m ake your reservation today! For more mformaLion, contact Dick "Porkchops" Thompson, A-Club
president , at 95 2-404- 2668 . A significant portion of the comm1ssionable fees is dedicated to Augsburg College.
A-UGSBURGNOW
25
Class Notes
Matthew
M aunu , St.
Cloud , Minn.,
married Kathleen
Newman in
November. Matt
works at the
Central Care Clinic and Kathleen
works for Anesthesia Associates.
Sharol Tyra,
Hanover, Minn .,
recently authored
an article called
"How to Improve
Your Job
Satisfaction in
Your Nursing Career," which was
published in the Minnesota
Nursing Accentand in Nort h
Dakota's The Prai1ie Rose. She is
president of Life Illumin ation and
is a personal/career coach and
inspira tional speaker. She can be
reached ,~a e-ma il at
<coach@lifeillumination .com>.
Karin Zimme rli, Springfield ,
Minn ., joined the staITof St. John
Lutheran Home in Springfield last
)•ear, as therapeu tic recreation
director . She was previously
therapeutic recreatio n directo r at
Rose,~lle Good Samaritan Center
for six years.
works at Waldorf College in
Forest City, Iowa.
1993
Sharon Biezuns, Prior Lake,
Minn. , was named Teacher of the
Year at Oak Ridge Elementary in
Eagan and honored by th e Eagan
Rotary at a luncheon in May. She
teaches English as a Second
Language to student s in
kindergarten throu gh fifth grade
and has been employed by
Ind epend ent Schoo l District 196
since 1995 . She has four children :
John , Leah, Joe, and Josh .
Kristin Jespersen, Mankato ,
Minn ., is a physical therapis t at
Pediatric Therapy Services, lnc .,
and also coaches girls' tennis.
Carrie Kennedy , St. Paul ,
comple ted her M.F.A.in writing
from Hamline University in May.
Phyllis Williams-Thompson
and her husband , Chad
Thompson '92 , recently moved
to Massachusett s for job
relocation . She works for the
March of Dimes.
1994
Ryan Kragerud married Andrea
Warren in Jun e. Ryan works for
the Longmont (Colo.) City
Planning Departm ent ; Andrea
Kari E. (Schroeder) Prescott,
Minneapolis , recently comp leted
her residency in Michigan and is a
doctor at the Medical Arts Foot
Clinic. She lives with her
husband , Scott, and their son ,
Simon , 2. She can be reached ,~a
e-mail at <keprescott@yahoo.com>.
1995
Susan (Ande rson) Boettger ,
Circle Pines, Minn., received her
Master of Ans in Education from
Hamline University in May. She is a
teacher at Mississippi Elementary
School in Coon Rapids, Minn.
Julie Caligiur i, White Bear Lake,
Minn ., is pursuing a master's in
special educa tion at th e University
of St. Thoma s and is a teaching
assistant at White Bear Lake
Public Schools. She can be
reached ,~a e-mail at
<jewel.jac@attbi.com>.
Matthew Gooding , Goodyear ,
Ariz., is a special education
teacher in the Litchfield
Elementary School District , where
he has been emplo yed since 2000 .
He is "enjo~ng the weather and
the challenges of teaching in a
AUGGIE WEDDINGS
self-contained special education
classroo m."
1997
Paul Cicmil, Minneapolis , is an
affiliate relations coordinator for
the Minnesota News Network
Radio Network, Inc. He is also a
part-Lime studio coordinator and
sports producer/on-site engineer
for WCCO/KCCO radio . He can
be reached via e-mail at
<pcicmil@minnradio.com>.
Corey Clements and his wife,
Kristie (Wawryk) '98 , live in
Whitti er, Calif. He is a doctor,
practicing in Huntington Beach ,
and she teaches third grade in
Long Beach.
Zach Curtis,
Minneapolis, was
listed as one of
the "top 10 actors
under 30 in the
Twin Cities" in a
recent Pioneer
Press article. He will direct Parallel
Lives in February- for more
information , go online to
<www.juniorbirdman.com/50ftp/>.
Sarah Gilbert , Milwaukee, Wis.,
is pursuing a master 's in education
from Concord ia University,
Wisconsin . She spent over three
years as a television news producer
prior to her return to school.
Colleen Marie Hoffman ,
Minneapolis , married James
Onstad m 2001. She is a senior
social work er at Hennepin County
Medical Center. She can be
reached via e-mail at <colleen.
onstad@co .hennepin .mn .us>.
Last September 8, Susan Spector and
Chr istiaan Simm on s w ere m ar ried at Lake
Nagawicka in Hart land , W is. The newlyweds
are both 2000 grads, a nd spent t heir first
year after college livi ng and w ork ing in New
York City. Susan tea ches fift h gr ade at Glenda
Woolley School in Las Vegas ; Chri st iaan is a
producer at NBC's Las Vegas st udio . The
couple resides in Henderson , Nev.
26
A-UGSBURGNOW
Last Augus t, Dan Werner '95 married
Shayne Hamann in Perham , Minn. Their
wedding reunited several forme r Auggie
football players , as well as head coach
Jack Osberg . Dan works in product
services for Thrivent Financial for
Lutherans in Minneapolis ; Shayne is an
attorney at Sieben , Grose, Von Holtum &
Carey. The couple lives in St. Paul.
Susan (Scott) Lundquist, Fairfax,
Va., and her husband recently
returned from their Peace Corps
assignment in Honduras. She is now
at the Environmental Protection
Agency in Washington, D.C., where
she works on policy/data issues
related to toxics release.
Terry Neneman was promoted
in August to postmaster in the
U.S. Postal Service office of
Lanesboro , Minn. He can be
reached via e-mail at
<neneman@baldwin-te lecom.net>.
Winter 2002-03
ALUMNI
GATHERINGS
M ark your calenda rs!
Rochester , Minn .: Feb 26 ,
5:30 p.m., Manion Hotel
Arizo na: March 5-9 ,
events/locations TBA
Seattle: March 16, 2 p.m.,
Augsburg Chamber Orchestra
concert/alumni reception , Seattle
An Museum
Portland/Vancouver : March 18,
Augsburg Chamber Orchestra
concert/alumni reception ,
time/locations TBA
Colorado : March 15, alumni
skiing at Winter Park ; March 17,
Augsburg Choir concert/alu mni
reception , Bethany Lutheran
Church in Englewood
Los Angeles/San Diego: May
5-1 0, Augsburg Concen Band
concert/alumn i reception ,
time/locations TBA
For more inrormalion , call
6 12-330-1178 .
Jane Stone , Red Win g, Minn .,
teaches soc ial studi es and
language an s at Zumbrot aMazepp a Middl e School. Her
hu sband, Bob, works ror the U.S.
Army Corp s or Engine ers, and the
coup le has two children .
1998
Angie Ahlgren , Minneapolis, is
pur suin g a masters in English at
the University or Minnesota,
where she is a teachin g assistant.
Patrick Berger , Minn etonka ,
Minn ., marri ed Catherin e Stamp s
in Jun e. Th ey are bo th sixth-grade
teachers at Eisenhower
Elementar y in Hopk ins, Minn .
Matt Milless ,
Schenectad y,
N.Y., was
promot ed to
director or
slUdent activities
at Union College
in Schenectady in 200 1; he was
previously assistant dir ecto r of
stud ent activities.
Winter 2002-03
1999
Holly (Howell) Pedersen , Pine
City, Minn ., is a special educat ion
teacher at Hinckley/Finlayso n
High School. She is also pur suin g
a master 's in special education .
2000
Kimberly Dilauro , Plymouth ,
Minn ., is an an teacher for grades
4-6 at St. Franci s ISD #15 .
Janice Mcinerney , Hayward ,
Wis. , left in October with the
Peace Corps as an English teacher
train er in the Ukrai ne.
2001
John Anderson , Bloomi ngton,
Minn., married Kimberly Wuenz in
August. John works at
SimonDelivers.com in Eagan, and
Kimberly works at Best Buy
headq uarters.
Jerome Fields moved to Leeds,
England , in September in order Lo
utilize his degree in internationa l
bu siness from Augsburg . He works
in intern ational business and IT
consulting in Syntegra
Corporations grad uate program.
Jody Freiberg married Nate
Froeschle in September. She is an
enrollm ent specialist in the pension
di,asion of Minnesota ure in St.
Paul; Nate is a sales representative
for Wireless Retail.
Stephanie Quick, Chicago, is
pursuing a Master or Di,on ity at
Lutheran School orTh eology. She
was recently cont racted by
Augsburg Fortress to write vacation
Bible school curriculum for 2003 ,
which will be used natiom, ade in
Lutheran congregations.
Michael Reed, Milaca, Minn ., is
the new Milaca High School band
director. He plans to continu e the
marching band and hopes to
expand the jazz program while
introducing more mu sic
techn ology into the program .
Kimberly Riesgraf, Plymouth ,
Minn ., is an urgent care clinic
ph ysician assistant.
Kari Burke Romarheim and her
hu sband , Vidar, reside in Bergen,
Norway, where she works ,~th
youth and family minisll)' and is
pursuing a masters of philosop hy
in religious education.
2002
Matthew D. Armstrong ,
Roscoe, Ill., is director or marketing
at Forest Hills Country Club .
Larry Lyden, Woodbury , Minn .,
married Jena Bitner in Septemb er.
He works at j. B. Collins Associates
in Edina ; Jena is director or
Kindercare in Woodbu ry.
Amy Carlson, Minneapolis , is a
new member of the Dale Warland
Singers for their 2002-2003
season .
Jackie Heyda , New Prague ,
Minn ., is stude nt teaching and is
excited to move forward in the
field or educa tion . She can be
reached ,oa e-mail at
<jackieheyda@augsburg .edu >.
Joel Wolf , Maple Grove, Minn .,
wo rks for Maple Grove Senio r
High as a paraprofe ssional/specia l
ed ucation teacher.
Thomas W . Henke '86 and his
,~fe , Heidi, Princeton , Minn.-a
son, Maxwell Thomas, in
August. He joins siblings Blake, 15,
and Gabby, 5.
Lisa (Seekamp) '88 and Matthew
Boerner, Bloomington , Minn.- a
son , Corey James, in July. He
joins sister Emma Kate, 2.
Leah Marie
(Parker) '89
and Jon Maves,
Amherst, Wis.a daughter,
Makena Ann ,
in Augu st. She
join s sister Karlee, 4 .
Lisa Lynn
(McEat hron)
'90 and Robe rt
Caswell,
Broo klyn Park,
Mmn .- a son ,
Clayton
Alexander , in Septemb er. Lisa is
a senior bu siness analyst at FCS
Comm ercial Finance Group .
Sue (Richmond) '84 and Peter
Johnson , Minneapo lis- a daughter ,
Marjorie Elizabeth , in April. She
joins older broth ers Austin , 7, and
Evan , 3. Sue is a registered nur se at
Shriner s Hospita l for Children and
can be reached ,oa e-mail at
<Scout,~dow sue@aol.com> .
Dina (VanAert)
'95 and Sean
Kortuem '01 ,
St. Cloud ,
Minn .- a
daughter, Adin
Shea , in
Septemb er. She j oins sister
Aubr ey, 2. Sean recently earn ed
his teachin g license in early
childh ood edu cation and Dina is
a coach for the St. Cloud Figure
Skatin g Club . They can be
reached via e-m ail at
<konu ems@att.n et>.
Joy (Burkhart) '85 and Ton y
Dean, Minn etonka, Minn .-a
daughter, Lauren Marie , in
Augu st 2001. Joy is a database
admini strato r and programm er
analyst for the State of Minnesotas
Board or Public Defense.
Joe Lavin '97 and his wife,
Heidi , Richfield , Minn .- a
daughter, Anna Vivian , in April.
She join s sister Olivia. 4 , and
broth er Timothy, 2. Joe is a
special edu cation teacher ror
Minn eapolis Publi c Schools.
Leslie (Gilbertson) '86 and Reid
Bonshire '85 , Eagan , Minn.adop ted a daught er, Olivia , from
Bogota, Colombia , last Februar y.
Reid is a sixth grade math , science,
and an teacher at Black Hawk
Middle School. He can be reached
,aa e-mail at <reid.bonshir e@
districtl 96 .org>.
Kenndy (Bade) '00 and Kirk
Lrnos, Sauk Rapid s, Minn .- a
son , Owen .
Births/Adoptions
Ann (Holmberg) '80 and John
Wilson , Bronx , N.Y.- a son , John,
in July.
Karen Hinrichs '00 and her
hu sband , ~like , Minneapolis-a
son , Joshua, in June 200 1. Karen
is a social wo rker for Evcrcare.
t4 UGSBURG NOW 27
A. Elisabeth (Thompson)
Sidney '36 , Alexandria , Minn.,
died in August; she was 87 . She
was a retired high school teacher,
and over the years as a pastor 's
wife, she served on the chur ch
council , ca11commin ees, and as
church organist. She lived in
several areas throughout North
Dakota and Minnesota. She
enjoye d readin g, mu sic, and
crafts. She is su rvived by six
childr en : Philip '63 , Da,rjd '64 , the
Rev. Mark '72, Peter, Sharon
Herchenroeder, and Jean Wihn an
'69 ; 15 grand childr en; and five
great-grand sons. She is preceded
in death by her hu sband , the Rev.
Oliver Sidn ey.
Salome (Eidnes) Cannelin '38 ,
Flossmoor, 111
., died in August.
She was a reli red teacher.
The Rev. Carl Overvold '40 ,
Portland , Ore ., died in October;
he was 86 . He was a retired ELCA
pastor , and sen •ed in the Navy
during WW II. He is survived by
thr ee sons , Peter, the Rev. Paul,
and the Rev. Jon ; daught er, Mary
Ronningen ; and nin e
gran dchildr en .
John 0 . Saugen '40 , Spokane ,
Wash ., died in August; he was 83 .
He was a master sergeant in the
Air Force, where he was a
meteorologist. He is survived by
his wife, Lena ; four sons, Mark,
Steve, Da,rjd, and Robert; and
daugh ter, Linda Klassen .
Anne L. (Berg) Oie '59 , Roseau ,
Minn ., died in 2002 . She was a
retired family-living teacher; she
was preceded in death by her
husband , James.
Lon Q. Johnson '70 , New
Hope, Minn , died in Janu ary 2002
after a nin e-year ban le with colon
cancer ; he was 53 . Lon's courage
and positive approac h lo living
with cancer were an inspiration to
his family and friends . He is
survived his wife, Nancy;
childr en , Pamela Wood '90,
Rebecca Sogard '96 , Nicho las, and
Sarah Hanson ; and grand childre n ,
Dylan, Dalton , and Hann ah .
Mary S. DiGravina '05 , died
unexpected ly in November of
unknown causes ; she was 20 . She
graduated from St. Louis Park
High Schoo l in 2000 and was a
sop homore at Augsbur g. She is
sunrjved by her parents , Frank
and Julie ; sister, Emily; specia l
friend , Jona th an Delong ; and
many other friend s and family.
Albert T. Kvamme , Pelican
Rapids, Minn ., died in Jul y; he
was 88 . He worked al Augsburg
as a mechanic for many years. He
also worked for 25 years as a
mechanic for Francis Peterson in
Detroit Lakes and Moorhead ,
Minn., until his retirement . He
loved anything mechanical, but
also loved gardening , fishing,
antiqu es, and auctions. He is
suMved by his son and daugh terin-law, Phil and Valerie, and five
grandsons; he was preceded in
death by his wife, Florence , in
2000 .
Eliawira "Eli" Ndosi, Golde n
Va11ey, Minn., died in October ; he
was 65. He was a long-time
adjunc t faculty member at
Augsburg . He is suMved by his
,vife, Barbara; daughters , Mankwe
and Rebeka; son , Nate; and many
others.
Teacher Tom Tomeo Ohno '53 dies
by Nolan Zavoral, Minneapolis Star Tribune staff writer (reprinted by permission of the Star Tribune)
om Tomeo
Ohno , a
driving force in
the Twin Cities
area's Jap aneseAmerican
communit y,
wouldn 't let
peopl e forget the
World War ll
relocation camps
where the U.S.
government
Tom Tomeo Ohno '53
confined
American s of Japanese descen t.
Ohn o, 74 , of Bloomington , who died
!Oct. 14, 2002] of a heart attack at
Fairview Southd ale Hospital in Edina,
spe nt two years, from 1942 to '44 , in a
camp in Washin gton state . Ohno , the sixth
oldes t of 11 childr en , and his family were
among 120 ,000 Jap anese-Americans sent
to camp s.
Although he made friend s and
enjoye d playing baseba ll in th e camp , h~
neve r forgot the sorrow of his parents ,
T
28
AUGSBURG NOW
forced to leave th eir lives in Seattle, where
he was born.
"He focused his life on educa ting
others ," said Chery l Hirata- Dul as,
president of th e Minnesota chapter of the
Japanese-Ame rican Citizens League . "He
wanted to make sure that it wo uldn 't
happen to any other group ."
Ohn o settled m the Twin Cities area in
1944 and left only for service in th e Army
and the Army reserves in the late 1940s
and early '50s . He serve d proudl y, his son
and daughter said , because th e relocation
camp had not turn ed his against his
countr y.
"He took a positive ou tlook ," his son ,
Rob , said .
O hn o , who gradua ted with a teachin g
degree from Augsburg in 1953 and
received a master 's in school
admini strati on from the University of St.
Thomas in 1971 , spen t his life in
edu cation and coac hin g. He taught math
for 26 years at Minneapolis Roosevelt,
until 1983 , when he retired form the
Minneapolis publi c schoo l system , and he
taught math part time for five years at
Cretin-Derham Hall High School in St.
Paul.
Ohno's Roosevelt baseball teams wo n
thr ee City Conferenc e titles. He also
coac hed girls' softball and socce r at the
school. ln additi on , he coached a variety
of sports and served as an umpir e in
Bloomington and Edina.
Although Rob played for his father 's
baseball teams, Ohno 's daught er, Pam
Ohno Dagoberg, received her share of
attention. "I was in band in high school ,
and later I rode horses ," she said . "Dad
didn 't do those things , but he never
missed one band concert, and he came to
all my horse shows ."
Besides Rob, of Vedra Beach, Fla., and
Pam , of Plymouth , Ohn o is survived by
his wife, Reiko; two brother s; eight sisters ;
and four grandsons .
Winter 2002 -03
Music
April 8
For more inf ormalion on any of these events
(unless otherwise noted), call 612-330-1265
Augsburg Jazz Ensemble Concert
February 16
Gospel Praise Concert
9 , 10 , & 11 a.m .; noon-M ount Olivet
Lutheran Church , Minn eapolis
February 21
The Habbestad Ensemble
8 p.m.- Sateren Audit orium
February 23
7 p .m.- Hoversten Chape l
Theatre
For information, call 612-330-1180
For more infom,ation on any of these events
(unless othenvise noted), call 612-330-1257
February 5-May 7
Janu ary 31- February 9
Blood Wedding
by Federi co Garcia Lorca; dire cto r, Manh a
Joh nson
Performan ces: Jan . 3 1, Feb. 1, 6, 7, 8 at 7
p .111
.; Feb. 2 and 9 at 2 p.111
.
Tjo rnh om-Nelson Th eater
Riverside Singers Concert
9:30 a.m.-Arlin gto n Hills Luthera n
Chur ch , St. Paul
April 4-13
March 8 &. 9
by Anton Chekho v; dir ector , Darcey Engen
Performan ces: April 4, 5, 10, 11, 12 at 7
p .m.; April 6 and 13 at 2 p .m.
Tjornhom- Nelson Th eate r
The Cherry Orchard
Gospel Praise Concert
March 8 al 5 p .m.; March 9 al 8 :30 a.m .
and 10:45 a.m .-G race Luth eran Chur ch ,
Tomahawk, Wis.
March 9
Forgalle1y information, call 612-330-152-!
February 21-March 19
4 p .m.- Holy Nativity Luth eran Chur ch ,
New Hope, Minn .
Anita Ophoven : Drawings
The Gage Family Art Galle1y, Lindell Library
Op ening reception: Feb. 21, 6-9 p.m.
February 21
- March 19
Augsburg Choir Concert
7 p.m.-S l. Philip the Deacon Lutheran
Church , Plymo uth , Minn .
"a simpl ifie d
ve rsion ... " a site
specific installati on
by robert k. t om
March 14-19
Augsburg Chamber Orchestra Tour
Christensen Cemer
An Gallery
Seaul e & Ponl and
March 14-23
Augsburg Choir Midwest Tour
March 25
Concerto Ar ia Concert
7 p.m.- Hovers ten Chapel
March 28-May 4
All-Student Juried Art Exhibit ion
Th e Gage Fam ily Art Gallery, Lind ell
Library; Opening reception : tvlarch 28 ,
5-7 p .m .; awards , 5:30 p.m.
March 28-May 4
April 6
Senior Art Show
Augsbu rg Concert Band Concert
Ch ristensen Center An Gallery
Op ening reception: IVlarch 28 , 5-7 p.m.
3 p.111
.-C em ral Lutheran Chu rch
Minneapolis
(6 p .m.)
Maste r of Arts in Leadership Series on
Transformational Leadership
• Feb. 5-D ave Ogren , "Transfom, ational
Leade rship and the Facilitation of
Connict "
• March 4- Suzann e Koepplinger ,
''Transformin g Society's View of
Domestic Violence"
• April 9-Kat hi Tunh eim, "How lo Lead
Authent ically and Facilitate Work/Life
Balance"
• May 7- tvlAL stud ems, "Leade rship
Paper Colloquium "
Chri stensen Cemer
For informati on , call 6 12-330- 1786
February 8
Exhibits
Augsburg Choir Concert
March 13
Seminars,
Lectures, and
Films
Connect ions: A Women's Leadership
Event
"Linking Vocation, Financial Security, and
Life Balance " (variou s speakers)
8 a.m.-1 2:30 p.m.-Thriv em Financial
Corpo rate Offices, Minneapolis
For registrati on , call 612-330-1468
February 10
"Jews and Christians in Dialog ue"
Augsburg Convoca tion Series-Tru th ,
Reconciliation , and Forgiveness
• Victoria Barnell, writer/scholar on Protestam church es during the Holocaust
• Barry D. Cytron , associa te professor of
theology and Jay Phillip s Professor in
Jewish Stud ies, Cemer for JewishChris tian Learn ing, St. John's
University/University of St. Th omas
10 a.m .- Convocation , Hove rsten Chape l
March 13-14
2003 Batalden Seminar in Applied Ethics:
Truth , Reconciliati on, an d Forgiveness
Th e Rev. Cu rtiss Pau l DeYoung, aut hor
and associa te professor of reconciliation
studi es , Bethel College, l. Paul.
March 13- 7 p .111
., Public lectur e
March 14-10 a.111
., onvocation ; panel
discussion , 11 a.m.
Hovers ten Chapel
Send us your news
and photos!
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Maide n name
Street address
Please tell us about the news in
your life , your new job , move ,
marriage , and births . Don't forget
LO send photos!
For news of a death , written noti ce
is required , e.g. an obituary, funeral
notice, or program from a
memoria l service.
Send your news items , photos, or
change of addr ess by mail to:
Augsbwg Now Class Notes,
Augsbur g College, CB 146,
2211 Riverside Ave., Minneapolis,
MN, 55454 , or e-mail lo
<alumni@augsburg.edu>.
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Work te lephone
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·-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A-UGSBURG
C O L L E G E
2211 Riverside Avenu e
Minn eapolis, MN 55454
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Post age
PAID
Minne a polis , MN
Perm it No. 2031
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Exploring arts at
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Augsburg From the editor
W
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from them we find means to express
emotion.
Whatever is said about fine arts, the
stories and profiles in this issue offer yor,r
a gllmpse of their role and importance at
Augsburg. Stud... Show more
å
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/-
Exploring arts at
A ;:: îilli:iäi"
*
Augsburg From the editor
W
JH;'ä*
from them we find means to express
emotion.
Whatever is said about fine arts, the
stories and profiles in this issue offer yor,r
a gllmpse of their role and importance at
Augsburg. Students who study and
particÌpate in music, theatre, and art
have the many and marvelous resources
oI a rich, artistic urban environment at
their doorstep. Augsburg students study
with professional actors and musicians,
visit world-class museums, and enjoy
internships with professional arts
organizations. Students who are not
majoring in the arts are welcomed and
encouraged to explore their talents and
express creativity in many ways.
The arts truly educate for a lifetime.
Students involved in a theatre
production carry the experience of that
play with them for the rest of their lÌves,
much in the same way that students who
play in orchestra during college feel
more connected to a symphony orchestra
when attending concerts. The vocabulary
of the arts enriches our lives in
innumerable ways great and small, giving
us appreciation and understanding for
new language, image, and sound.
Ours is not a cloistered faculty, and
everyone who teaches here in fine arts is
also out in the community engaged in
professional performance or exhibition.
This enables them to provide the kind of
mentoring that helps students develop
their talents and makes the real-world
connections they need, while
encouraging and supporting their
"ii"i
development.
As the nature of an Augsburg
education becomes r¡ore interdisciplinary. students experience arts
integrated into many of their courses and
actÌvities. And, our new multin-redia
computer lab will be a place for students
to stretch their imagination, to explore
the latest technology across the arts, and
I
to equip themselves to meet new
marketplace demands.
Studying the arts is also integral to
"Exploring Our Gifts," Augsburg's
program funded by the Lilly Endowment
to encourage exploration of vocation. A
new course, "Art, Religion, and Vocation"
will help students understand and
appreciate the qualities of creativì.t¡
sensitì.vity, and awareness that arts can
help develop and that will aid them in
searching for an understanding of
elcome to this first ¡heme issue of
the Arrgsburg Now. From titnc to
time, we will present an in-depth view of a
partÌcular area of Augsbr-rrg College and its
education. In this issue, you'11 explore the
line arts at Augsburg, as we open up to
you the world of muslc, art, and theatre at
the College.
Since we believe that Alrgsburg's story
cannot be told better than through the
stories o[ its students, facr-rlty, and alumni,
we introduce you to a number of these
talented people in this issue. We begin,
however, with an overview of Augsburg's
fine arts program and its curriculum.
Enjoy-we hope it may move you to
pick up your own paintbrush or musical
instrument for a time, or simply to
appreciate the arts around you by seeing
and listening just a little bit differently
WW
Betsey Norgard
Edltor
PS. As always, we'd love to hear from you
about your thoughts on AugsburgNow.
vocation.
So, I invite you to take your
AugsburgNow io a comfortable spot, ttlrn
on some music, and enjoy reading about
arts at Augsburg, while perhaps
reminiscing about your own moments on
stage, in the choir, or at an easel.
We welcome your letters!
Please
write to:
Editor
AugsburgNow
2211 Rive¡side Ave., CB 145
Minneapolis, MN 55454
E-mail: now@augsburg.edu
Fax:612-330-1780
Phone: 612-330-1181
Christopher W Kimball
Vice President for Academic and
Learning Services and Dean o[
the College
Letters for publication must be signed and
include your name, class year, and daytime
telephone number. They may be edited for
length, clarity, and style.
Augsburg Now is published
quarterly by Augsburg College,
22ll Riverside Ave., Minneapolis,
Minnesota 55,15,1.
AucsBrJRG Now
Fall 2002
Vol. 65, No.
Editor
Betsey Norgard
Assistant Editor
Features
Lynn Mena
Graphic Designer
Kathy Rumpza
Class Notes Coordinator
Jessica Brown
Contributing Photographer
7
Stephen Geffre
President
William V Frame
Director of Alumni and
Pârent Relations
Amy Sutton
Director of Public Relations
and Communication
Dan Jorgensen
Opinions expressed in Augsburg
Now do not necessarily reflect
ISSN 1058-1545
E-mail: now@augsburg.edu
Telephone: 612-330-l l8l
Fax: 612-330-1780
Augsburg College, as ffirmed
in its míssion, does not
ìliscriminate on the basis of race,
color, creeil, religion, national or
ethnic origin, age, gender, sexual
orientation, m^rital status, status
vrith regard to public dssistance,
or disability in its eilucation
p olicies, admissions p olicie s,
scholarship and loan programs,
athletic anill or school
adminis ter eil pr o gr ams, except
in those ínstances where religion
is ø bona Jide occupational
qualiJication. Augsburg C olle ge
is committed to providing
reasonable accommo ìlations to
its employees and íts students.
16
nrrc faculty
20
ettr
22
ntrtalumni
24
xugtburg music on
the road
{E
students
26 c"g.Gallery:
official College policy
Postmaster: Send correspondence,
name changes, and address
corrections to: Augsburg N ow,
Office of Public Relations and
Communication, 22I I Riverside
Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55454.
Fine arts at Augsburg
Reaching beyond
the campus
Departments
2
Around the Quad
5
Sports
6
Alumni awards and honors
28
29
Auggie Thoughts
31
Class notes
inside
back
cover
Calendar
Alumni news
www.augsburg.edu
50 percent recycled paper (10 percent post-cônsumer waste)
On the cover:
Erin Carlson'03 and Carson Lee
'04 are caught in a moment on
st(tge as the baker's wiJe and
Cinderella\ prince in thc s¡tring
theatre production, lnto the
Woods. Photoby Stephen Get'fre.
I
¡o/
O
I
^
Musictech College collaborates w¡th Augsburg
O
a
O
o
ê t. Paul-based Musrctech College ol
Ðvus¡. and Recording Arrs and
Augsburg have announced a new
collaborative arrangement enabling
Musictech students enrolled in its music
performance programs to transfer their
two years of Musictech credits directly to
Augsburg and cornplete a four-year
bachelor's program in music.
"Many music students, and theÌr
parents, have wanted to complete a fouryear bachelor's degree at our two-year
school-yet most traditional academic
settings don't provide the real-world
contemporary music education and stateof-the-art studios that Musictech
provÌdes," notes Doug Smith, co-founder
and vice presÌdent/education director of
Musictech College.
"Musictech and Augsburg's
arrangement is the best of both worlds,"
explains Smith. "For example, a
Musictech studenl can no]M specialize in
music performance for two years here in
St. Paul, and then transfer to Augsburg to
complete the final two years of a fouryear degree in music education and
become a high school band leader."
"Our new relatÌonship with
Musictech College is a boon for
Augsburg's students," adds Robert Stacke,
Augsburg music department chair and
s.
Augsburg Dean Chris Kimball (left) and Musictech co-founder and vice
presidenUeducation director Doug Smith (second from left) together toured the music
labs and observed a class at Musictech College, where a new agreement allows their
students to transfer credits to Augsburg.
director of bands. "Augsburg offers
Musictech students its excellence in
music education, music therap¡ and
performance, while Musictech provldes
its remarkable faculty of working
musicians and its expertise in such areas
as music business, in-studio recording
engineering and production, and
improvisation."
Augsburg and Musictech have also
established a scholarship fund for
students who enroll at Musictech Coliege
with the lntention of transferring to
Augsburg.
Musictech College, which opened its
$3.6 million school in St. Paul last
January, has more than 250 students
learning guitar, bass, keyboards, voice,
percussion, brass, and woodwinds;
motion imaging; as well as recording
technology, music production, and the
music business. Augsburg has more than
350 students who take music classes or
perform in musical ensembles.
2OO2-03 CONVOCATION SERI ES:
Truth, Reconciliatioh, and Forgiveness
The third annual Convocalion Series,
I titled "Truth, ReconciliaLion, and
Forgiveness" explores Lhe emergi ng
Oct. 8, 2002
Julia Butterfly H111, environmental activist,
"C)ne Makes the Dlfference"
dialogue that focuses on telling the truth
about the past, reconciling prevrous
enemies, and granting forgiveness.
Nov.11,2002
Mark Swanson and Amin Kader, "Islam
The six presentations are:
Sept.23-24,2OOz
2002 Christensen Symposium-Richard T.
Hughes, "How Christian Faith Can Sustain
the Life of the Mind"
2
,+ucsBURG Now
and Chrlstianity: ReligÌous Resources for
Living with Differences"
Jan. 20, 2003
Martin Luther King, Jr. ConvocationPrlnce Cedza Dlamini (Nelson Mandela's
grandson), "From Victim to Victor: The
Tiuth and Reconciliation Model of
Forgiveness"
Feb. 10,2003
Victoria Barnett and Barry D. Cytron,
'Jews and Christians in Dialogue"
March 6-7, 2003
2003 Batalden Seminar in Applied
Ethics-Lewis B. Smedes, "From
Alienation to Reconciliation"
For information, call 612-330-1t80 or
visit <wwwaugsburg.edu>.
Fall
2OO2
l-
Gaining a summer edge on
experience
f or a number of Augsburg students,
I there was a little less fun in the sun,
but some great opportunities this summer
in research projects or internships. Here is
a sampling of students who were literally
around the world engaged in learning
.
Brad
Math and physics
rece¡ve
Motl-University of Wisconsin
Engineering Physics Department
Seven other physics students, including four
freshmen, carried out research at Augsburg
with funding from NASA and NSE
experiences.
Six junior and senior physics students Other students found opportunitìes in
participated in research projects across the
their majors:
country, funded by federal agencies
. John Tieben, biology-teaching assistant
including NASA, National Science
Foundation, and the Department of
in neurobiology in the Summer Research
Energy:
program at the Universlty of
.
il,iïr*ï
Victor Acosta-Stanford Linear
Accelerator Laboratory at Stanford
.
University
.
Kirsten Anderson-University of
Minnesota's Materials Research Science
and Engineering Center with Augsburg
professor J. Ambrose Wolf
.
Alexa
Halford- Jet Propulsion
Labor afory, Pasadena, Calif
.
.
.
Alex Krantz, philosophy-study of
Søren Kierkegaard in Norway
first
award in new
NSF program
Æ:$tr'ï#,iä:::,::äl:ilì:å,,
projects between mathematics and the
geosciences made its first award to
Augsburg. Math professor Nicholas Coult,
principal investigator, and physics
professor Mark Engebretson, co-principal
investigator, received $214,690 to develop
mathematical models of electromagnetic
waves in Earth's space environment.
The three-year project begins in
January 2003 and will support research
efforts for Coult and Engebretson, as well
as
part-time research work for two
undergrad uate research assisl-anLs.
Erin Carlson, theatre and Englishinternship at Jay Binder Casting Agency
in New York
.
Scott Kuhl, computer science-virtual
reality research at University of Utah
.
Courtney Jenkins-MÌchigan State
University's Electrical Engineering
Department.
Jared Mack- Cornell University's
Center for Materials Research
Five Augsburg students in business and
economics traveled to Germany for
inLernships with German companies as
part of Augsburg's lnternational Partners
program. Ten students spent two weeks in
Bergen, Norway for the Youth and Family
Institute's course, Church and Culture in
Context.
a
o
s"
A Fulbright Group ftavel grant enabled 12
Augsburg faculty from a var¡ety of academic
disciplines to spend five weeks on a study tour
in Namibia, meeting with government, religious,
and tribal leaderc; educatorc; and health
workerc. ln Windhoek, they visited the home of
Augsburg alumnus Tommi.Riva Numbala '91 and
his family-his wife, Vicki, and three children
(above).
Fall 2O02
,4ucsnunc
ruow
3
Around the Quad
Nf.rlãWnrtfJ:If
Chris Kimball named
Thrivent Fellow for senior leaders
A-Club golf tournament named for
Clair Strommen '46
Academic dean Christopher Kimball was
named one of the first 12 Thrivent Fellows in
a new program sponsored by the Council of
College and University Presìdents, the ELCA,
and the Lutheran Brotherhood Foundation
for senior leaders in leadership positions in
ELCA colleges and universities.
Congratulations faculty!
Tenure granted and promotion to
associate professor:
.
.
.
Laura Boisen, sociai work
Charles Sheaffer, computer science
Mark Tranvik, religion
Promotion to associate professor:
.
.
.
David Apolloni, philosophy
William Capman, biology
Philip Quanbeck tl, religion
Robert Strommen '74 and his son, Bjorn, played in June in A-€lub's annual fundraising
Promotion to professor:
.
.
Steven LaFave, business administration
Glenda Dewberry Roone¡ social work
golf tournament that was renamed in honor of Stommen's fathen Clai¿ who died of
cancer in July 2001, Clair Strommen '46 was a basketball and baseball athlete and
Athletic Hall of Fame membet a former Augsburg regent, a Distinguished Alumnus, and
an active member of A-CIub, the College's men's athletic alumni support organization,
Alexa Halford wins national award
for paper
ê
ffi
enior nhvsics maior
Ðu,-rd vr.Ñui, Scholar
Alexa Halford was
awarded an
Outstanding Student
Paper Award for her
poster presentation at
the 2002 spring
meeting of the
American Geophysical
Union's Space Physics
and Aeronomy SectÌon.
Both graduate and
Join with current coach Mike
Schwartz, the Saugestad family,
former teammates, and friends to
celebrate Augsburgt first
national championship team-the
f 978 ment hockey Auggies.
undergraduate students
compete for these
awards.
Her winning paper
presentation Ìs titled
Physics major Alexa Halford's poster presentation at the
McNair Scholars Poster Session centered on research she
"Latitudinal and
carried out at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena,
Calif. during the summer.
seasonal variations of
quasi-periodic and
periodic-ELF-VLF emissions," and was coauthored by Halford, lProfessor] Mark
Engebretson, and [Augsburg physics staffl
4
.4UGSBURG NoW
Jennifer Posch; with Andy Smith, Britlsh
Antarctic Survey; and Umran lnan,
Stanford University
Saturday, Nov.23,2O02
5 p.m. social hour
5:30 pm. dinner
7 p.m. Hockey game vs.
Concordia-Moorhead at the
Augsburg lce Arena.
For information, call Mike
Schwartz, 612-330-1 t 63.
Fall 2002
l-
Ten
to earn Athletic Hall of Fame honors
by Don Stoner
Steenson to receive
service award
Aåi'füiHå:iilï,:"f.i'llï;
Athletic Hall of Fame banquet. Longtime
athletÌc department secretary lrene Steenson
will receive the school's Distinguished
Service in Athletics award.
The Augsburg Athletic Hall of Fame
was established to recognize male athletes in
1.973; in 1989, female athletes were first
inducted. Recipients are chosen on the basis
of performance in Augsburg athletics,
service to the school, cMc and professional
achievements, and leadership.
Steenson came to Augsburg in 1963
and worked as secretary in the Public
Relations and the Alumni and Parent
Relations offices before joining the athletic
department in the early 1980s. She officially
retired in 1982, but has worked part time
since then. She is also secretary for the
A-Club.
Honored in this year's class of inductees
into the Augsburg Athletic Hall of Fame are:
Brian Arvold '80 (wrestling)
Terry Brown '82
(ment hockey, men's golf)
(gymnastics, track and field,
Brown was a key member of hockey teams
that won NAIA national championships in
19Bl and 1982, and was the most valuable
player of the l9Bl national tournament. In
golf, he was a t\Mo-time captain and won the
MIAC individual championship in 1982.
Priesz earned Honor Athlete honors in
1978 and was on Augsburg's first teams
Brian Gauger'80 (men's hockey)
Lisa (Svac) Hawks'85
cross country)
in
in the mid-7Os. She
participated in state championship meets
in gymnastics, track and field, and cross
cross country
countÐI
Gauger was a member of Augsburg's first
national championship hockey team in
1978 and was team captain his junior and
senior years.
Wayne Graves'73 (football)
(volleyball. softball)
Hawks was a member of Auggie softball
squads that won Minnesota AiAW state
titles in 1982 and 1983, and MIAC
championships in 1982, 1983, and 1984
One of the top running backs in school
history, Graves holds the school record for
career carries and is second all-time in
rushing yardage.
Rod Jonas'77 (men's basketball)
A member of Auggie teams that won MIAC
championships in 1975, L976, and 1977,
Jonas was Augsburg's Honor Athlete his
senior year.
Scott Whirley'82 (wrestling)
One of the top lightweight wrestlers in
school history, he was a national finalist
twice. He has been an assistant head coach
for the Auggies for l9 seasons, including
all eight NCAA Division III national
championship teams.
Merlin White'56
(football, men's basketball)
White developed a reputation
Connie (Lamon) Priesz '78
Arvold was
a
wrestling team captain his
senior year, served as an assistant coach
from 1981-85, and was wrestling head
coach from 1984-86, winning an MIAC
as a rare
"i¡en¡¡¿¡"-¿ player who played all 60
minutes of a game. He was also a member
of the men's basketball teams for several
years.
championship.
For more information on Augsburg's
Athletic Hall of Fame inductees, visit
Linda (Berg) Henke'82
(women's basketball)
<www. augsburg. edu/athletics>.
Henke was the first Auggie women's
basketball player to break the 1,000-point
barrier and still holds the single-season
school mark of 272 rebounds.
Don Stoner is sports inJormation coordinator.
Fall 2002
.,,lucssunc
Now 5
o
It
¡-
o
It
o
I I
Three named as 2OO2 Distinguished Alumn¡
by Lynn Mena
hree alumni join 159 others as Distinguished Alumni of Augsburg College. Recipients are recognized for
significant achievement in their vocations and outstanding contributions to church and community,
through years of preparation, experience, dedication, exemplary character, and service.
f
I
James S. Hamre'53
o
a
James S. Hamre,
s.
Ph.D., graduated
from Augsburg i.n
à
L
o
U
1953 with a B.A.
in histor;r He
The Honorable
LaJune Thomas
Lange graduated
from Augsburg in
1975 with a B.A.
earned a master's
in psychology
degree
in church
history from the
University of
Chicago, and a
doctorate in
religion in American history from the
University of lowa.
FromL967:94, he served as a
professor of history, rellgion, and
philosophy at Waldorf College in Forest
City, Iowa, where he continues to teach
religion courses part time as a professor
emeritus. He has also taught at Luther
College in Decorah, Iowa, and has been
visiting lecturer at Luther Seminary,
Augsburg College, and at Volda
a
Dlstriktshogskule in Norway
In addition to teaching, he also served
as pastor at several churches from 1960'64.In 1998, he published From Immigrant
Parish to Inner City Ministry: Iinity
Luther an Congregation,
1
868
- 1 99
8, a book
about the history of the Tiinity Lutheran
Congregation. His list of other published
works is extensive, and lncludes several
articles and a book about Augsburg's
former president, Georg Sverdrup.
Hamre is a member of Bread for the
World and his local Sons of Norway
chapter; he is also involved with his local
chapter of Aid for Asia for Lutherans. He
has received several honors and awards,
including Waldorf College's Regents
Outstanding Faculty Award and the
Holmen Faculty Achievement Award. His
scholarly contributions have been
recognized by the Concordia Hj.storical
lnstitute.
6
,4UGSBURG NoW
Richard J. Seime'70
Lalune Thomas Lange '75
went on to
earn her Juris
She
Doctor degree
from the
University of
Minnesota Law School in 1978. She also
did post-graduate \Mork at Harvard Law
School, the NationalJudicial College, and
the Minnesota Institute of Criminal Justice.
Lange is a state trial judge serving on
the Fourth Judicial District Court in
Hennepin Coungz She is also a clinical
professor at William Mitchell College of
Law, where she teaches international
human rights and civil rights. She was the
first African American woman appointed to
the bench in Minnesota history as well as
the first African American to serve on the
Minnesota State Bar Association's Board of
Governors.
Lange served Augsburg as a regent
during President Charles Anderson's term,
and addressed graduates as a
Commencement speaker in 1991.
Judge Lange is a lecturer nationally
and internationally in the area of women's
rights, African American issues,
government corruption, comparative legal
systems, and judiclal independence. She is
a founding member of the Minnesota
Minority Lawyers Assoclation and served as
Minnesota clvil rights commissioner from
1979-'84. She was appointed to the
Minnesota Supreme Court Racial Bias Täsk
Force and the governor's Blue Ribbon Task
Force on Drugs.
Lange's concern about the problems in
developing nations led her to establish the
International Leadership Institute in 1994,
which provides resources in partnership
wìth people in developing countries.
RichardJ. Seime,
ñ
Ò
U
Ph.D., graduated
from Augsburg in
1970 with a B.A.
in psychology He
earned his Ph.D.
at the University
of Minnesota.
Dr. Seime's
professional life
has been devoted
to the mental health field. During his 25year tenure at the West Virgrnia Universì.ty
School of Medicine, Seime divided his time
between evaluating and treating patients;
doing research; teaching graduate and
medical students, supervising students,
interns, and post-doctoral fellows; and
serving as chief psychologist and on the
department executive commill,ee.
While at \W\4J, Seime also served on
the West Virginia Psychological Association's
executive committee and served a one-yeat
ten:n as president of \\ /PA. He was
appointed by the governor to the West
Virgrnia Board of Examiners of
Psychologists, where he served as secretary
He is a respected senior accreditation site
visitor for the American Psychological
Association, and was elected to the
presidency of the Association of Medical
School Psychologists.
Seime has distinguished himself with
the professional credentials that define the
top clinical scholars and training directors in
the field.
Seime left West Virginia University ì.n
1999 to join the Mayo Clinic's Department
of Psychiatry and Psycholog;r, where he is a
consultant and co-head of the Section of
integrated Evaluation and Tieatment. In
addition, he is an associate professor of
psychologr at the Mayo Medical Schooi.
Seime is a member of the advisory
board for planning the new science building
at Augsburg.
Fall 2002
First Decade and Spirit of Augsburg award
recipients named for 2OO2
bylynnMena
ff ugsburg is pleased to announce rhe 2002 recipients of the First Decade and Spirit of Augsburg awards. The First Decade Award is
filpt.r.nt.d to Augsburg graduates of the past l0 years who have made significant progress ln their professional achievements and
contributions to the communit¡ and in so doing exemplify the mission of the College: to prepare future leaders in service to the world
Graduates from the day, weekend, and graduate programs are eligible.
The Spirit of Augsburg Award honors alumni and friends of the College who have given exceptional service that contributes
substantially to the well being of Augsburg by furthering its purposes and programs.
ffi
'IIII'I
Ko Ly'97
o
o
à
o
(J
Ù
{.'ll
¡I illll!'ll
¡I Ð
Barry Vornbrock'96 MAL
Ko Ly is a business system consultant at
Wells Fargo Bank, where she co-founded
and co-chairs Asian Connection, a team
member resource group that provides a
forum for members to share experiences,
information, and support with other Asian
American employees and the Asian
American communiqr Members take
s.
II ¡ìfl I
leadership roles and develop educational and career
opportunities for its membership and for the community. Ly
received recognition from the executive management team for her
involvement with the group and for the impact it has had on the
growth of the company and the community ln addition, Ly is
active in her church, captained the United Way Campaign 2001
at Wells Fargo, and mentors St. Paul Asian youth.
Barry Vombrock manages IS Ambulatory
Patient Care Systems at HealthPartners, Inc., in
Minneapolis. His varied professional
background includes engineering, computer
science, and retail sales. An active volunteer, he
serues his community as an election judge and
site coordinator. This past year, he donated his
time and materials and taught a class that
raised money for the United Way Campaign. He contributes to the
HealthPartners community through work with their diversity
committee and grass roots political group. Since 1998, Vornbrock
has opened his home to homeless gay, lesbian, bisexual, and
transgender youth through the Minneapolis Youth Diversion
Program's GLBT Host Home Program. He joined the Augsburg
Alumni Board in 2002 and chairs the ConnectÌons Committee.
tiI{aIùIilñIfI.IIliI-úIúItIIil¡I.ItrLlIcft:lllilctlllltllilrl
Orval Moren'57
o
o
The StepUP Advisory Board
The Rev Dr. Orval
Moren was a pastor in
the Lutheran church
for
3l
years
prior to
his retirement in 1991
He served on the
national board of
directors of the
Evangelical Lutheran Good Samaritan
Society for 12 years, serving as president
of the board for two terms, and also as its
treasurer. He is a member of the
Minnesota Christian Wrlter's Guild, and
has written devotions îor Christ in Our
Home, as well as several published articles.
He is currently writing a book of
children's gospel stories. Many of Moren's
family members have attended Augsburg,
including his son, Jonathan '78, and the
family's latest graduate, his granddaughter,
Adrienne Tietz'01.
Fall 2002
o
a
The StepUP Advisory Board is
made up of alumni and friends of
the College and has provided
r^
exceptional service to the
students of the StepUP Program.
The program is one of only three
of its kind in the country for
young people ln recovery from
alcohoi and drug addictions. In
1997, Hazelden, a worldwide
ieader in addressÌng chemical
dependency lssues, estimated that
up to B0 percent of the students in the StepUP Program could be expected to relapse into drug
or alcohol use. In fact, quite the opposite has been the case-more than B0 percent of the
students who entered the program maintained their sobriety, and the mean grade point average
has consistently been at or above 3.0. The StepUP Advisory Board has been key to this success.
Most of the members are either in recovery themselves, aÍe a paÍen'- of a student in the StepUP
Program, or care about someone in recovery The board raises money to support the program,
provides advice and support for the program director, and provides personal support to
students as they work on their recovery
,4ucs¡unc
now ',
Homecoming 2OO2
The Quanbeck family honored with the
Distinguished Service Award o,LynnMena
Tï:i;il,'å",1',î'.ii::,^il#;,,^,,
year's Homecoming
with the Strommen
o
person in the history of the school,
having received the Distinguished
Tëacher Award (given by graduating
Ò
s.
þ
seniors) an unprecedented five
times. After he graduated from
Augsburg in 1950, he returned in
1957 as campus pastor and
instructor at both the Seminary and
the College. Starting in 1963, he
taught full time, and chaired the
religion department, rhe Division of
Muriel (Quanbeck)
Philosophy and Religion, and the
lhe nev' nr''37warren
Turrittin'42
Quanbeck
Division of Humanlties. He rerired
and was named professor emerÌtus
ecumenlcal leader. He was a member of the
of religion in 1993, and began teaching part
governing committee of the World Council
time ln Weekend College. Quanbeck's
of Churches and had been a delegatefather graduated from Augsburg (in f9f4),
observer from the Lutheran World
as did all six of his siblings.
a
Federation to the Second Vatican Council's
His
Dr.
Martin
uncle,
o
1963,1964, and 1965 sessions in Rome.
s,
Augsburg
served
32
Quanbeck'29,
Ê,
Slnce 1965, as a clergyman of the American
years as registrar, director of
r^
Lutheran Church, he had participated in the
teacher placement, education
official Lutheran-Roman Catholic
professor, chair of the education
conversation in the U.S. He was also a
department, and dean of the
theology professor at Luther Theological
College (1942-'46 and 1950-'65).
Seminary and contributed to the OxJord
He died in September 1992.
AnnotatedBible.He died in November 1979
Phiiip Quanbeck Sr.'s son,
of cancer; he was 62.
Philip Quanbeck II, did not attend
Several members of the Quanbeck
Augsburg, but he has serued on the
family have received prior honors from
College's religion faculty since 1987.
The Rev. Dr. Philip Quanbeck Sr. '50 becâme a
Augsburg. Five family members have
The Rev Dr. Warren Quanbeck
Distinguished Alumnus in 1996. Pictured with him
received the Distinguished Alumni Award:
graduated
from
Augsburg
(Froien)
ín
1937
on that day are his wife, Dora
'49, and
,
the Rev. Dr. Warren Quanbeck'37 (1965),
their children (t to R), JuliAnn (Quanbeck) Erdmann and became internationally known
'82, Thomas, Mary (Quanbeck) Barber'77, and
Dr. Martin Quanbeck'29 (1969), the Rev
as a Lutheran theologian and
Philip ll.
Caleb Quanbeck'24 (1975), Dr. Stanley
Quanbeck'59 (1987), and the Rev Dr.
famÌly, recognizes familles who have made
substantÌa1 and continuing contributions to
Augsburg-in the form of students and
graduates, ideas, reputation, and resources.
This year, we celebrate the Quanbeck
family, and thelr generationsJong
connection with Augsburg. Since the 1800s,
as many as B0 members of the extended
Quanbeck family have attended Augsburg
Academy, Seminary and College. In
addition, three Quanbecks have served the
College as faculty members.
The Rev. Dr. Philip Quanbeck Sr. has
been called the most decorated facultv
a
o
Philip Quanbeck'50 (1996). In addition,
Muriel (Quanbeck) Turrittin' 42 was
inducted into the Augsburg Athletic Hall of
s,
à
so
Q
Fame
A few years ago, the Quanbeck family gathered on the Augsburg campus for a reunion,
8
,+UGSBURG NoW
in
1995.
As a whole, the Quanbeck family is
remarkably service-oriented, fully
illustrating Augsburg's mission of
"education for service." Numerous family
members have gone on to become pastors,
teachers, librarians, misslonaries, business
owners, volunteers, and more.
Augsburg honors the entire Quanbeck
lamily lor its long and contrnuing senrce to
the College.
Fall 2002
,4ucsgunc Now
Fall2OO2
At Augsburg, arts abound, and not jr-rst irr the art studio, rrusic hall, or
on stage. Str-rclents participate in arts to beconre perfornrers, artists,
actors, teachers...or ior the enjoynrent of singing, playing in a jazz
band, or creating a watercolor on paper. The arts are creative ancl
sustaining-integral to growtl-r as huntan beings-ancl at whatever
level stuclents are involved, they carry the experience with them
through their lives.
þ'åru å{ ,,:'kKë''ffi= ;*å ik&
'$, ;þå
ä { iå{
by Betsey Norgard
FII\EARTS aTAUGSBURG
n Commencement
and symphonies of the Twin Cities
are thrust into a situation where's it's
Weekend, the chapel was
available nearly a short rrip from campus,
swim or sink." These students then
filled with proud families,
Augsburg extends its classrooms beyond
become role models for other
faculty, staff, and fellow students. The
its campus to allow students to learn by
students, he says.
conductor of the Concert Band,
seeing, by doing, and by working
a
with
Perhaps the most engaging of
striking figure in black and white
formal, stepped onto the podium and
professionals.
raised a baton to begin the next piece.
music education and performance. We
powerful blend of gospel and jazz
can show people rea11y what it takes to
vocals supported by a jazzbigband
director, however-it was graduating
make it in the real
sound. Stacke founded the group in
senior Brendan Anderson, directing
books, it's out of experience," says Robert
1991, several Augsburg alumni
the premiere of "I Believe,"
Stacke'71, chair of Augsburg's musÌc
mentored 1B student instrumentalists,
department.
while Anthony Brewer and the Brewer
It wasn't the
Augsburg's studenL perlorming groups
"We can train past the traditional
College's band
a
composition for band and choir that
world-it's not out of
Augsburg music students have found
he wrote and that he calls the
is Gospel Praise, who deliver
a
Family Choir coached a half dozen
culmination of his four years of
numerous ways to get tastes of real-world
student vocalists. Since then, Gospei
composition study at Augsburg
music. Students have played at Camp
Praise has brought crowds to their feet
College.
Snoopy in the Mall of America, sung with
at three national Lutheran Youth
the Minnesota Opera, played in rock
Gatherings and performed across the
therapy major and trombonist Sara
bands at local restaurants, entertalned at
country, occasionally including Brewer
Seekins took the podium to conduct
professional sports games, performed on
as guest artist.
the band in "Carnival in Venice."
campus for small events and gallery
Just before [hat, graduating music
openings, and collaborated with
Students at Augsburg are
challenged, stretched in their
r.rdeographers to provide music scores.
This experience, says Stacke, "teaches
creativity, and encouraged [o express
themselves in ways that perhaps even
them, for instance, how to communicate
they didn't expect. Seekins speaks of
her experience, "Augsburg gave me
as a
the chance to grow in an area where I
chance Lo achieve. The experience
to lry other challenges in the future."
.F
o
s
ra
CLASSROOMS
Ii\ THE, CITY
Much of this exploration Ìs done
outside the classroom. With worldclass art museums, theaters, cholrs,
fo
,4ucssr-rRc t{ow
and within walking distance of the
new Guthrie Theater site gives them
access
to performances, internships,
and connections with theatre
Music therapy major Sara Seekins '02 (lower left) played trombone in the Concert
Band, but also found ways to grow musically through jazz ensembles and playing in
student performing groups in the community.
never before would have had the
made me feel competent and prepared
director what they want before they
For theatre students, being in the
heart of the West Bank theatre district
professionals. Several of the area's
sma11
CHAMPIONII\C
II\DIVIDT]ALITY
theaters have become home to
theatre graduates seeking stage
experience.
The proximity and connections
Augsburg's small size allows faculty to
also bring arts professionals to
mentor their students throughout their
campus-for workshops with
studies, encouraging them in whatever
students, performances, exhibitions,
directions their talents and interests
and teaching. During this academic
take them.
"l think we really champion
year, lor exampie, the theatre
individuality here," notes Stacke. "We
o
a
want to develop people's potential to
the fullesr. If it's individualÌstic, that's
s'
r^
better, because
it brings crealivil-y
to
us. It can be diverse talents-opera,
classical piano, lazz
d
rumming,
trumpet playing. They are all given an
Theatre major and aspiring director Hope
Moy'02 gained experience in designing
and painting sets on an internship at
Theatre de la feune Lune in Minneapolis.
opportunity to grow here."
Martha Johnson, chair of the
speech, communications, and theatre
arts department, agrees. "We watch our
students and we mentor them all the
Theatre major Crystal Harles (left) and
Weekend College students Mary
O'Neil (center) and Michelle Hollie
(right) participated in a reading of
Princess and the Peacocks, a play by
Professor fulie Bolton, that was part of
the Studio Series.
history classes. Students visit these places
and others, like the Como Conservatory,
way through," she says. "They get a
for viewing and making art. Artists from
that they are notjust actors, but they
the community speak with classes about
their work while their shows are in the
Gage Gallery
Since openin g
series of sessions
will host a
with technical
1997 , the Gage
exhibitions in both national and
international
directors, actors, educators,
contexts, that
fÌlmmakers, dramaturgs, and voice-
have included
over artists from professional theaters
other area college
and agencies in the Twin Cities to
galleries, the
explain and illustrate their crafts to
University of
students.
AIso near campus are the
Minnesota,
Minnesota Crafts
Minneapolls Institute of Arts and the
Council,
Walker Art Center, as well as the
American-
lively gailery districts in downtown
Swedish Institute,
and northeast Minneapolis, and
and commercial
architectural gems studied in art
city galleries.
have to know how to do basic design;
they have to know how to work
backstage and they have to be in a crew."
in
Gallery has participated in major citl'wide
department's Artist Series
hoiistic view of theatre. Our goals are
With the theatre department's
strong commitment to produce the
;lw
lMÁ
l.j;;:3w]w
t
involvement of faculty in their own
prolessional fielcls.
"We all take pride 1n the fâct that
we're not just here at the College , br-rt
we re all involved ìn communitywe're playing 1n Broadway shor.vs,
r,ve're
playing in the Minnesota Opera,
at the Basillca, in pick-r-rp orchestras,
and recording sessions," says Stacke.
It's not unusuai for students to
perform alongside their professors.
Stacke tells that harprst Emily Gerard
'03 was chosen as harplst at the
Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis,
giving her the chance to play alongside
Stacke, a percussionist there.
Last summer, Johnson and Darcey
Engen 'BB, also a theatre faculty
H
member, co-wrote and perforrned
Senior music performance major and Hognander Scholar Emily Gerard studies harp with
Kathy Kienzle, principal harpist with the Minnesota Orchestra.
a
play, FloatrngMothers, at the
Play'wrights' Center. They were
delighted, and felt quite honored,
highest quality theaire productions
possible, theatre students get valuabie
experience in the three main siage
productions each year, which are
PIìOIIESSORS AS
ARTISTS
directed by theatre facult;z Thirty to
The strength of Augsburg's connections 1n
forty students have roles in each
the communlty is largely due to the
production-acting on
as assistant
stage, serving
directors or designers, and
working in set design, lighting,
costuming, and front house tasks. ln
addition, four or five studio
productions each year involve 10 to 20
students who prepare and present
scenes from classes or individual
theatre projects.
Five current Augsburg music faculty
members began their careers at Augsburg
as students and returned to their alma
mater to teach. (L to R): Merilee Klemp
ttGabett Gabrielsen
'75, Stephen
'63, Peter
Hendrickson '76, and Robert Stacke '71 .
Not pictured: Trudi Anderson '77.
12
4UCSSURCNOW
when a number of their students came
for the premiere and could share firstperformance jitters with their
professors.
Johnson sums up her department's
philosophy: "We're proacLive in
keeping ourselves involved in the
Staff photo
the world in all its
not just for a specific career. The art
complexity and diversit;z
department's foundation course
Engagement in the arLs.
teaches students the basic vocabulary
through studies or
of design and form that serves them
participation, helps iree
in
students from everyda¡ finite
heips them become visually lÌterate.
experience and encourages
The arts teach students to
their creativity, awareness,
appreciate, and understand in new
openness, and sensitivity.
ways.
ArL department chair
On Drama Day, theatre professor Darcey Engen
'BB
introduced high school students to the student cast of
A Midsummer Night's Dream (on stage), who talked
about their roles and the production.
careers, families, and home, and
Beginning this fa1l,
a1l
see,
Augsburg
Kristin Anderson describes
students are required to spend one
the studio art major as an
semester
"open" major, flexible enough
Experience"-study abroad,
internship, research with faculty, or
to educate students for life,
in an "Augsburg
Míhe Habennann
communit¡ in getting our students
out in the community, and in getting
the community onto our campus."
Also central to the line arls
mission is outreach to high schools.
On Drama Day, the theatre department
hosts 100 high school students and
their teachers, some of whom
are
Augsburg alumni, for a day on
campus. Students attend workshops
offered by Augsburg faculty, theatre
students, and visiting area fheaÍe
professionals; and they attend
a
theatre performance on campus.
The art department's Tara
Augsburg's painting classes are taken by studio art majors, on both day and weekend
class schedules, and other students who creative expression in their lives.
Christopherson is a graphic designer
as
well
as a teacher,
and brings her
professional expertise, exhibit
experÍence, and community
service-learning. While arts and
ñ
literature enable students to
connections to the classroom.
experience other worlds vicariously,
E
a
study tor-rr rhat explores the "sights
and sounds of Europe" or an
ARTS FOR A
internship at a casting agency allows
students to step into that world for a
LII.'ETIil/fIi
short time.
Augsburg's broad liberal arts
curriculum is designed to help
students learn about and understand
Fall 2O02
¡'
T
Theatre major Angela Hardy '02 (left)
and Professor Darcey Engen 'BB (right)
experienced Shakespeare's world at the
Clobe Theatre as part of a travel course
on live theatre.
4ucs¡unc ruow
13
ü
collaborations offer students nnnsual
P
opportunities.
É'
o,
ñ
Established 25 years ago,
Ar-rgsburg's mr-rsic therapy
program
remaìns the only onc at a privale
college in Mìnnesota. With expanding
critical health care needs, especially
among older adults, Augsburg's
program gives students the
background and training, includlng
a
six-month internship, to become active
participants in emergìng developments
for the role of music therapy
care. Augsburg alumni are
1n
health
in the
lorefront in contributing research and
new prîctrce to a lield that is
becoming an integral part of
mainstream health care.
Music therapy major fenna Hammel teaches children who visit Augsburg's classes to
make music on various instruments.
An initiative that promotes arts
collaboration is a multimedia lab
cluster for music, theatre, and the
As throughout the Augsburg
curriculum, fine arts courses
are
designed to be interdisciplinary.
Johnson describes the theatre arts
program as a place where the liberal
THE I]SI]AI,
exploration across disciplines. Already,
latest digital technology io support
graphics art courses have attracted
Characteristic to Augsburg's fine arts
computer sclence majors, who can
arts meet-where a play may involve
curriculum are collrses thar combine solid
apply their sensibilities and knowledge
looking at history, literature,
classroom learning with hands-on
from computer courses to explore
practice. A number of courses and
digital art and imaging for new media.
psychology, philosophy, religion, or
music. "When we direct a
p1ay,
we
oftentimes pull in people from those
disciplines to help us unclerstand it,"
she says. "When we did lbsen's ADoll's
House
, fProfessor of Norwegian]
Frankie Shackelford helped explain the
language and culture to us."
Dean Chris Kimball and Doug Smith,
vice president of Musictech College,
confer about the new agreement that
makes Musictech's extensive
technology available to Augsburg
students and enables Musictech
students to transfer to Augsburg.
14
arts-a lab equipped with the
COI IRSTS BTYONII)
visual
,4UCSBURC NOW
il
7)
D
ru
JJI
D
Augsburg's theatre
tl
6¡
r
h
department offers
a
number of courses that
set
ñ
A
Eltñtrttil¡Fl
Students in the broadcast production course get behindthe-camera experience in Augsburg's television studio.
it apart from other
campus ministly students hrghhght
the event.
For the College, it's a powerful
showcase for ministry of music in
small liberal arts
mission to community. For str-rdents,
colleges. A teaching
it's a great opportunity for leadership
partnership between
rn planning a huge event involvÌng
music and theatre
many sectors of the Augsburg
faculty has built
community And for the alumni,
enthusÌasm and interest
donors, frÌends of the College, and
in music-theatre.
the community, it's a time to
Students can partlcipate
celebrate the season through the arts
in a semester-long course
at Augsburg.
I
and prepare scenes for
Two new initiatives in the music
department respond lo emerging
perlormance in the Studio Series.
Other seldom-olfered theatre
worl<pìace needs. A new minor in
courses found at Augsburg include
music business, created in
p1a1,'wrighting, Asian and Asian-
colleboration wiLh Lhe business
American theatre, and-especially
administratlon department, is aimed
appealing for adult weekend
at music students who r.vish some
a dance-theatre licensure program for
knowledge ol business practices.
well
as at
as
majors in other areas who
wish to pursue careers in the music
industп
MAIOR AND M¡NOR AREAS OF STUDY
students-
teachers seeking state licensure to teach
in publlc schools.
A film minor, seldom offered in
Art department
Studio art major and minor*
Art history major and minor
Architecture minor
Certificate in art*
Certificate in art: graphic design*
sma1l colleges, has been extremely
Further exploration of cutting
popular since its inception several years
Music department
Music major (8.4.) major and minor
edge music technology can be
ago. lnterdisciplinary in nature. it is
pursued in collaboration wÌth
grounded in theatre and builds on the
Musictech College in St.
synergy and historical links betr.veen
Music education (8.M.) major
Music performance (8.M.) major
Music therapy (8.S.) major
Augsburg students can use their
technology ancl equipment for the
theatre and film. Students study acting,
Music business minor
recordrng and electronic music
lvell as courses in 16mm film, broadcast
production, documentary video, and
contemporary issues in film.
Pau1.
industry, while Musictech stuclents
can [ransfer to Augsburg to complete
a liberal arts degree.
lncreasing the professional
directing, set design and lighting,
Perhaps nowhere, however,
as
a1'e
the
fine arts expressed as beautifully or
Theatre arts department
Theatre arts major and minor
Dance and theatre
(teacher licensure major)
Theatre history and criticism minor
Dramaturgy minor
Film minor
optlons lor art students also
extensively as Augsburg's annual Advent
influenced the creation of an
Vespers program. Four services of
*Can be completed through Weekend
architecture minor in the art
majestic music, worship, and liturgy
Col
clepartment. Students who have
the context of cornmunlty can take
held during the first week in December
are the College's hoiiday gift to the
community and draw more than 10,000
advantage of Augsburg's liberal arts
people each year. Several choirs,
locus and bc in a strong position to
special orchestra, hturgical readers, and
apply for a graduate-level professlonal
a colorful processronal designed by
appreciation and interest for design in
lege-Weekend students may
choose other majors in the day program,
take as many courses as possible in
Weekencl College, and finish the major
as a day program student.
a
For information about Augsburg College
and its fine arts program, visit
<www.augsburg.edu>; or cal
61 2-330-1001 or'l -800-788-5678; or
I
degree
in architecture.
e-mai I <admissions@augsburg.edu>.
Fall 2O02
4ucsnunc rrrow
15
PASSION
Tära Christopherson
approaches art as a lile sport. Like a
good coach, she helps her students,
rnanlr 6f whom are not art majors,
overcome fears they bring to class, find
abilities they may not know they have, and
achieve something that will sen'e them and
give them pleasure.
Christopherson's watercolor painting
class ls a case in point. She begrns by asking
students when they last took an art course.
For some, it was elementary school.
With small class sizes, Christopherson
is able to demonstrate techniques and then
work individually with each student to see
if they can do it, understand it, and apply
it. But it's still up to them.
"The truth Ìs, no matter what leve1
you're at, you still have to show up and
paint. And the extent to which you're
willing to suspend disbelief and pick up a
brush and brave the empty page determines
what happens more than I do," she says.
What students take with them is a
discovery of how pleasurable it is to mix
colors, which can help them make choices
in theÌr personal lives, from clothing to
house colors.
I
FOR WORD
AND IMACE
u
L
Art professor Tara Christopherson demonstrates techniques for making paper
and book forms
Christopherson finds it exciting to see
students realize that "there is room lor
dlscovery in what art can do for you and
how you can make art that is separate from
our consumer culture."
Christopherson's Fiber and Form class
illustrates the interdisciplinary nature of
Augsburgs education. Students learn to
make paper by hand, to make a book form,
and then to write the text and create the
imagery for it.
"Word and image are inseparable to
me," says Christopherson. "They integrate
two parts of the brain that the education
system tries to keep separate ... I began
working in book form because I have a
passion for both word and image, and I
teach from that passion."
Students work in collaboration on their
book forms, and Christopherson says that if
she's dolng her work right, by the end of the
semester sheb just waLching.
Sometimes students are amazed at what
Tara Christopherson's watercolorr "Rayon
du Soleil," appeared on the back cover of
the fune/fuly issue of The Gardener
magazine
16
,4ucs¡unc ruow
by Betsey Norgard
happens. One student told Christopherson
that this was the first time she felt she was
making art with her whole person because
she could integrate both her art and wdting
skills.
Two years ago, Christopherson joined
with French professor Pary Pezechkian to
lead an Interim travel course to France.
Students studied six French master painters
in their own milieus and created cultural
collages of words and art ìn the form of
artist books. The course came about because
Chrisopherson audìted a French course for
her own personal improvement and began
brainstorming with Pezechkian. (See story
in
Augsburg Now, Spring 2001.)
"The way we're interconnected for
interdisciplinary opportunities is a real
strength," says Christopherson. "The
interdisciplinary connection is an adventure
for students."
This past January Christopherson
retumed to France with eight students to
study watercolor techniques.
In her own professional life,
Christopherson is transforming herself from
a longtime graphic artist to a visual artist
workng in watercolors, and finds that her
skills serve her well.
"I have to use the same marketing skills
to establish myself as a fine arts presence
and to get my work to reach the right
audience, and price it, and write press
releases," she says.
And, when her bright watercolor of
summer flowers appears on the back cover
of a gardening magazine, she knows it's
worhng.
Fall 2002
f
S
PUTTI
N' O N TH E
ob Stacke '7I , chair of the music
department, says that some
professors get an endowed chair
after tÌme at an insiitution. But he got a
bench-a park bench, as a matter of fact.
Just outside Music Hall stands a bench
inscribed, "Dedicated to Dr. Robert Stacke,
Graduating Class of 2002."
"It's my crowning accomplishment,"
Stacke said with a smile. "It meant so
much to me that my students would do
something like that. They're always talking
about meeting me in my'outdoor' office
because I like to sit outside and talk to
people. So, they created my very own
'meeting' bench for me."
Stacke's life has come full circle since
he first became aware of Augsburg and
made a decision to attend when he was
only an eighth grader. That year he played
percussion in the Twin Cities Youth
B
Symphony.
"Our guest performer was Augsburg
professor Jim Johnson, who was the piano
teacher at the College. He performed
"Rhapsody in Blue," and I was so
impressed with him and his playing that I
decided then and there that I wanted to go
to Augsburg."
o
a
Z
q
During his Augsburg student years,
Stacke started on one o[ two paths he has
since followed in the music
world-music
performance. In addition to playing in jazz
and blues ensembles in local clubs, he
served as an "extra" for the Minnesota
Orchestra's percussion section and played
in the Skeets (Langley) Trio, a job that
paid his way through school.
"Skeets was a world-class accordionist.
I did percussion, and Stan Freese, now
musical director at Disneyland in
California, was on tuba," Stacke recalled.
"We were in demand all the time,
performed for two presidents, and
everyr;vhere from conventions to circuses
to demolition derbies. It was a fantastic
experience."
His jazz playing led to his joining
with fellow students to form Augsburg's
jazz program-one in which students
wrote and arranged most of their own
music. It's a skill he shares today with
members of the current Augsburg Jazz
Band, a much sought-after ensemble in
many of the same places Stacke
himself played 35 years ago.
(Venezueia) Symphony, Stacke
embarked on the other path in his life.
In 1990, he jumped at the chance to
return to his alma mater to become the
band director while finishing his Ph.D.
"When I got here I found a
concert band with just 1B members,"
he said. "Needless to sa¡ my first
priority became rebuilding the band.
Music professor Bob Stacke sits on his "meeting
benchr" a gift from the 2002 graduating music
seniors. (L to R): Solveig Grafstrom, Brendan
Anderson, Sara Seekins, Matt"FÍ1t2" Bergin and
Adam Holzschuh.
Fall 2002
s
by Dan forgensen
After several years in teachingjobs
and orchestra positions including
piaying with the Maracaibo
s.
s
u
Today the Augsburg Concert Band is
ranked among the nation's top
undergraduate wind ensembles and
has toured to both coasts and Ireland,
where it earned rave reviews. Almost
simultaneously, he created another top
performance group-Gospel Praise.
This 3O-member instrumental and
vocal ensemble began in 1991 as a
Robert Stacke '71, music department chair,
has played in ensembles and orchestras
from Venezuela to lreland.
hybrid featuring Augsburg alumni music
professionals in the leading roles. They
have performed across the nation, been
featured at three national Lutheran Youth
Gatherings, and sung for the King of
Norway.
Stacke also continues to lind playing
opportunities for his students and ìs now
creating a jazzband for facult¡ alumni,
and the community.
"I hope I'r'e played a role in making
music fun for my students," Stacke says o[
hìs career. "Even if they never go on to
perform beyond college, I hope they will
leave here with a great understanding and
appreciation lor music that lasts them the
rest of their lives."
Dan lorgensen is director of public relations.
,4ucseunc
Now
17
COSTT]MII\G
CHARACTERS I N CHARACTER
-T-\
H
by fudy petree
ven Ín junior high school sLudy hall
in Zumbrota, Minn., Augsburg
I-Jcostume
designer Sandy Schulte
found herself drawing clothes for a comic
strip character. Now, not only does she
design and sew clothes for Augsburg
theatre productions, but for Chanhassen
Dinner Theatre as well. Schulte has been
part-time costume designer at Augsburg
for l7 years and fuil-time designer at
Chanhassen for 30 years.
However, Schulte didn't start out
wanting to be a costume designer. She
attended the University of Minnesota to
become a geneticist. But after being asked
to be in a play her freshman year, the
theatre bug bit her and "it never went
away." While in school she worked at
Northwestern Costume in Minneapolis as
an assistant to the designer to help pay
her way through college. Schulte has her
8.4., 8.S., and M.FA. degrees from the
University of Minnesota.
At first she wanted to direct, and has
also done some acting, playing mostly
children's parts because of her small
stature. But after playing the role of Helen
Keller when she was 27 years old, she
thought she needed to do something
different and took a job in summer stock
theatre as a costume designer.
Occasionally she got to act, which felt like
a vacation, she said.
After that came a call from
Chanhassen Dinner Theatre asking if she
Augsburg costume designer Sandra Schulte brings 30 years of theatre experience to
Augsburg's students, as she helps them design their own costumes.
involvement with the theatre department
doesn't stop there. She lectures in the
technical design, directing, and acting
classes, and she participates with the
director and set designer in seminars held
the week after a show opens. These
seminars are designed to show the students
how to accomplish the director's vision of a
particular show through costume and set
design.
Schulte also works with theatre
students in small work-study groups
sewing costumes, including their own-
"l can tell a student what's poss¡ble and not possible and what it's Iike in the real
world of theatre, even though somet¡mes it's not what they want to hear."
would be interested in working
as a
costume designer. At that time the
Chanhassen theatre was just "bare bones."
Now, she adds, they have four huge
costume rooms.
Because there is no costume design
class at Augsburg, Schulte works just part
time, designing and sewing costumes for
all of its productions. However, her
18
4ucsnunc ruow
something she hopes gives them a feeling
of accomplishment and pride. They also
use the opportunity to talk about different
aspects of costuming for a production and
how costumes can help develop a
character.
With her professional experience,
Schulte believes she brings to her students
a look at theatre from a practical aspect,
rather than an academic perspective. "I can
tell a student what's possible and not
possible and what it's like in the real
world of theatre, even though sometimes
it's not what they want to hear."
She said she enjoys working at
Augsburg because she can design
costumes for classic productions, which
she doesn't do at Chanhassen. Plus she
can use more subtleties in her designs to
further help develop a theme. Students
from Augsburg have also been able to
work with Schulte at Chanhassen.
"It's quite a coup for the College," she
notes, that so many of Augsburg's theatre
students are working in some aspect of
theatre somewhere. She attributes this
success to Augsburg's emphasis on
studying the entire process of theatrical
production. "The teachers and directors
are so steeped in their craft and literature
that the students get a well-rounded
education in theatre."
Right now Schulte is busy designing
costumes for Camelot, which opens in
October at Chanhassen, and she will soon
begin work on costumes for Augsburg's
fall production, Macbeth.
Judy Petree is media relations manager.
Fall 2O02
LEARN INC
OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM
T-\
H
I
ven though art professor emeritus
Philip Thompson rerired lwo years
/ugo, there is always something to
do. He says that artists never get bored,
and he has stayed connected to Augsburg
by teaching calligraphy and glass
knapping classes through the College of
the Third Age.
But sitting in an ivory tower is not
how Thompson spent his 41 years at
Augsburg, either. Whether unearthing the
wealth of treasures from the past on
campus, or reaching beyond the borders
of the College with his students, he
showed them that there is more to a
coilege education than sitting behind a
desk. "Departments have an obligation to
partake in the larger affairs, rather than
isolate themselves," Thompson says.
"There ls a time for that, but one must
learn how to balance the two."
Thompson, born in Bismarck, N.D.,
received his B.A. from Concordia CollegeMoorhead and his M.EA. in studio art
from the University of lowa. He came to
Augsburg in 1959. At that time there was
no art department, and only a few art
classes were offered through the home
economics department. Thompson was
instrumental in the formation of the art
by fudy Petree
department, and the mid '60s saw the
hiring of the art faculty at which time art
was added as a major.
Being at Augsburg College, in the
heart of the Twin Cities, has been an
important part of Thompson's work, both
on and off campus. "This is a tremendous
haven for teaching art, and being anchored
in a community with lots of interaction is
healthy. lt's important to stretch across
neighborhood borders. "
In the late 1960s, Thompson and his
students "stretched" all the way to northern
Minnesota, north of Grand Rapids, where
they found a challenging art project. The
Russian Orthodox Church o[ St. Peter and
St. Paul in Bramble, Minn., with its onion
dome, was completed in 1918 and fell into
disuse during the 1940s. In 1967, led by a
clergl.rnan from Grand Rapids, an effort
was made to restore the church. Thompson
was asked to paint 35 icons, which would
complete the church's icon screen.
Thompson enlisted several dozen of
his students, who researched the style,
technique, and content of icon painting
before embarking on the project. With
their painting, the project was completed
in spring 1971.
Closer to home, his strong
interest in urban archaeology led to
his conducting digs on the
Augsburg campus, once primarily a
residential area. They collected a
variety of artifacts, inciuding
bottles, porcelain dolls, marbles,
and even an old civil war period
projectile. He also conducted digs
at homestead sites in Carver and
Pine Counties. Thompson said that
interest in this sparked some of his
students to pursue archaeology
either as a career or a serious
hobby
Thompson's own contributions
to the campus and off campus are
numerous. A recent addition is the
For 40 years, professor emeritus Philip
Thompson's hands-on teaching took
students out of the classroom to urban
archeological digs and Orthodox icon
restoration.
stained glass cross located in the corridor
outside the chapel. Thompson used glass
from Tiinity Lutheran Church, saved when
the church was torn down to make way
for the freeway.
Outside Augsburg, Thompson's work
is in collections or on display at the Sioux
Cìty Art Center, in Sioux City, Iowa; the
Pillsbury Research and Development
Center; the Minnesota Museum of Art in
St. Paul; the University of St. Thomas;
Moorhead City Hall; Rourke Museum in
Moorhead, and the Plains Museum in
Fargo. He has also restored rotunda
paintings at the Cass County Courthouse
in Fargo and sanctuary murals at
Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Mankato.
Judy Petree is media relcltions manager.
StalJ photo
Fall 20O2
4ucsnunc ruow
19
PT]MPII\G T]P THE CRO\MD
AT LYNX CAMES
by Don Stoner
¡l everal Augsburg student musicians
\or. gaining valuable experience ancì
\*-lentertaining thousands oI people in
the process by serving as the "house band"
for the Mlnnesota L1.nx Women's Natlonal
Basketball Association (WNBA) franchise.
The Auggie band-Ben Duane,
Michael Groves, Brendan Anderson, Ryan
Parsons, and Bob Seekins-played for
most of the Lynx's home games at Target
Center durìng ¡he team's summer season.
The Lynx added a live band this
season to help fire up the crowd and serve
as a complement to the recorded music
used durlng breaks and time-outs, said
Robert Stacke, music department chair and
director of the band.
"I've worked with a lot of pro sports
teams in this area, and the Ly'nx called me
to say they needed a band," Stacke said.
"They thought it would be terrific to use
students, and it's really been successful. lt's
good pay and a wonderful experience."
The band plays during pre-game
warm-ups, halftime, and several times
during the game. The musrcians are in
constant contact with the Lynx's gameoperations personnel, who coordinate
promot ions, audience-participation events,
and the team's cheerleaders and mascot.
"You learn a lot about performing at
(t to R) Student musicians Ben Duane, Mike Groves, and Brendan Anderson form the horn
section that pumps up the crowd during the home games of the women's pro-basketball
Minnesota Lynx.
an arena, how to interact with an
audience, and how to maneuver with
headphones on with the game-operations
people. They might say, 'We need 20
seconds of music right now,' and we have
to be ready to do it," Stacke said.
The students write their own
arrangements of
popular songs and
classic Dixieland
music.
"We give them a
song list, and they'll
say that they need 15
minutes of music; so,
we adapt it to what
they need," he said.
"They may want up-
tempo music, or music
for the cheerleaders, or
something else. It's fun
to coordinate, but it's a
An up-tempo beat is added by the guitar and drums of Bob
Seekins, Ryan Parsons, and Professor Robert Stacke (on
headphones).
20
,4ucssunc f{ow
liitle nerve-u'racking. "
Several ol the
students in the Lynx's
banci also play for
another popular Augsburg-based band,
the "Camp Cruisers" house band at the
Mall of America's Camp Snooplz
Like this band, the Lynx band is able
to interact with fans and the team, which
is a positive for the musicians. lt's also a
positive for Augsburg, which is
mentioned often during the game in
introducing and acknowledging the
musicians, Stacke said.
"It's fun to work with the fans, the
support staff, and all the athletes. They're
nice folks and really appreciative of the
band," Stacke said. "lt's good basketball
and the athletes are so nice. The way they
interact with the young crowd is great to
see. P1us, the lans often ask for
autographs of the band, which is fun."
ln addition to working wlth the LJ'nx,
Stacke said that the band would
eventually like to work other pro sports
events in the Twin Cities, including the
Target Center's other occupant, the NBAb
Minnesota Timberwolves.
Don Stoner is sports inJormation cootdinator.
Fall 2002
i\EW YORK, I\.Y.
sUMMER
oN
'THE oTHER srDE'
by Erin Carlson '03
months in New
York City at Binder Casting, one o[
I
L the most influential Broadway
casting offices, swept me into an entirely
new world and understanding between
what professional theatre is and what
many actors think it is.
ftT\wo-and-a-half
Did my two-and-a-half-month
internship there shatter my fluffy dream
of becoming a paid and respected actress?
No. But it definitely put perspective into
important theatrical office, but I began to
realize the work I was doing and
observing was beyond any world I had
ever been a part of. My father made a
great analogy for my experience-it was
comparable to going to the major leagues
straight out of high school baseball. I had
always strived to do an internship
somewhere far away the summer before
my senior year, but I never realized it
would be this huge.
t'11
you desperately want to make a career out of the art you love, you must be
prepared to do it alone and have enough confidence to be rejected more than
accepted."
Carlson '03, English and theatre major
-Erin
with no connection or relationship to the
casting director is only going to get
thrown into the trash. Without great
credits or Lraining lrom a prestigious
school, it will be difficult to obtain
professional exposure. It's reality. It's also
most definitely possible to be successful
in New York and make it into a dazzlíng
Broadway show, but it demands sacrifice
and a complete surrender to your career.
Would I want to establish a longterm life and career in New York? Most
likely not. However, I have vowed that I
would not survive more than a year
without making a substantially long visit.
I suppose it is the greatest city in the
world.
my career goals of three months ago and
the reality I now understand and have
accepted.
Professional theatre is a demanding
career full of personal sacrifices. If you
desperately \Mant to make a career out of
the art you love, you must be prepared to
do it alone and have enough confidence
to be rejected more than accepted.
Although sounding clmical, these
realizations have forced me to recognize
what I must do to survive as a
professional actress. lt has also fed my
constant inspiration to act.
Binder Casting threw me over to The
Other Side-the dark, mysterious world
of theatre business that most actors never
.see nor understand. Being surrounded by
only one casting director, four associates,
and one part-time intern in an intimate,
open office space submersed me into the
inner workings of a Broadway casting
director. Within my first few weeks I was
answering phone calls from prominent
playwrights such as Neil Simon and
Wendy Wasserstein and actors Jenna
Elfman and Peter Gallagher.
During my last week I sat in on a
final callback for the replacement of Little
Sally in Broadway's Urinetown! The Musical
and watched Saturday Night Live's Rachel
Dratch sing "Welcome to the Jungle" as
part of her audition.
I knew I was working in
Fall 2002
an
My daily responsibilities with phone
answering, mail, e-mails, and faxing were
mundane. However, I experienced how
one casting director and his four
Erin Carlson is a senior majoringín theatre
arts andEnglish. She recently playedthe role
of the baher\ wife in the spnng production,
associates balance numerous projects and
Into the Woods.
somehow
beautifully cast huge
Broadway
productions. I
observed the
relationships
between casting
directors,
playwrights, agents,
producers,
directors, and entire
creative teams. It's
amazing and
shocking how
enormous a task it
just to cast the
show, let alone
is
bring to the stage.
As stated
earlier, the
knowledge gained
from my internship
and the New York
City theatre world
put perspective and
reality into my
dreams. I learned
that sending an
unsolicited headshot
Erin Carlson spent the summer learning the realities of the theatre
business as an intern at a major Broadway casting agency in New
York. Here, near Times Square, she is pictured with her two
brothers, Colin (left), a writer and editor in New York, and Evan,
visiting in the Big Apple.
,4ucsnunc ruow
21
MAKINC
MUSIC
avid Cherwien'79 and Mark
Sedio '76 have traveled many of
the same roads since their
graduation from Augsburg three years
apart. Both have become prominent
church musicians and organists and both
have written and published widely and
continue to share the "h).rnnfest circuit,"
each playrng ar 20-30 h)'mnfests per year.
Sedio is director of music at Central
Lutheran Church and Cherwien is cantor,
or director of music, at Mt. Olive
Lutheran Church, both in Minneapolis.
Cherwien succeeded Sedio at Mt.
Olive, and each taught [or ayear at.
Gustavus Adolphus College. At Augsburg,
they sang in the choir under Leland
Sateren and they consider themselves
"spiritual, professional children," as Sedio
put it, of Stephen "Gabe" Gabrielsen '63,
with whom they studied organ.
Sedio played piano as a child, and
was captivated by the sound of the organ,
especially "the small, soft sound." But it
was psychology, not music, that brought
him to Augsburg. He joined the choir,
however, and came under the wing of the
music department, who told him that he
just couldn't do anything else but music.
It was while doing graduate work in
choral music at the University of Iowa
that Sedio discovered his vocation. "I
realízed that doing music in the context of
worship \Mas my great love," he says. He
completed two years at Luther Seminary
pursuing a calling in ministry of word and
sacrament.
At Central Lutheran, he sees a
different kind of ministry weaving
together music and spirituality. "When
you are actually able to fit music into the
life of a congregation, not maybe just in
worship, but in the whole life, and to help
people see that knitted-together fabric and
to facilitate it-that's the greatest joy you
could have," says Sedio. He delights when
he sees kids captivated with his organ
demonstrations who want to come back
for more.
22
,4UCSBUnC n¡OW
TO STIR THE SOUL
by Betsey Norgard
David Cherwien began playing organ
while his family lived briefly in France. He
never played a h).'rnn until his sophomore
year afAugsburg, when he took ajob at a
local church. Even though he was a music
education major, church music became his
passion as he sang in the Augsburg Choir,
played organ, and was inspired by
organists such as Paul Manz.
Cherwien's publishing career, which
includes most major music publishers, was
launched when a music publisher attended
an Augsburg recital and heard Cherwien
play h1.rnn improvisations he wrote for an
independent study course with Gabrielsen.
His original collection of hymn
improvisations contains 15 volumes.
Gabrielsen comments, "Dave's organ
compositions are played in all 50 states
and several foreign countries, I would
guess."
ln addition to his position at Mt. Olive
Church, Cherwien recently became
director of the National Lutheran Choir.
And, last November, he played for the
installation of the Rev. Mark Hanson '68 as
the third presiding bishop of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
Both Sedio and Cherwien attribute the
Augsburg Choir and Sateren's gift for
guiding students toward the "soul" of the
music as significant. "He never talked
about 'soul,'but he told stories and passed
on the tradition," explains Sedio.
Gabrielsen recalls the "glory years" of
the 1970s, when Sedio and Cherwien were
among his 16-20 organ students. With
lìmited organ practice available on
campus, Augsburg organ students of that
time gained opportunities to play on
wonderful organs around the metro area,
better than any college could afford.
He says that today, even with an
increase in great organs available, there is
an enormous decrease in organ students.
Lack of parental pressure to make children
practice, the instant gratification of playing
ready-made music on keyboards, and the
infiltration of contemporary music in
Church musicians and organists Mark Sedio
'76 (leÍt) and David Cherwien '79 (right)
both studied with music professor and
Coflege organist Stephen "C,abe"
Gabrielsen '63 and found their ministries of
music in publishing, congregational music,
and as organists.
churches all contribute to this decline.
Despite pressures to bring more pop
music into worship, Sedio sees the old
tradition continue. "Some of the kids I had
in Choristers at Mt. Olive are graduating
from college and they're excellent
musicians. They know what it's all aboutit's a whole."
Fall 2002
,-¿
6
THE
)
S
TO SUCCESS FOR CARRET WILLIAMS
parh, a film by writer-director Garret
Williams'89, received what some
might describe as catalytic acclaim
among those in the film industry when it
debuted as a short in 1996 at the
Sundance Film Festival. The fi1m,
originally 40-minutes long, was made
whiie Williams was enrolled in graduate
school at the American Film Institute and
was funded by two sizable grants from the
National Endowment for the Arts and the
Bush Foundation. It expiores race
relations in America through the story of
Nina and Byron, a young African
American couple whose car breaks down
on a road trip from Chicago to L.A. The
pair finds help from a mechanic,
considered suspicious and possibly racist
by Byron, and the tension between the
two empts into a confrontation. The
movie ìllustrates how easily racial
suspicion can turn violent.
Sparh garnered wide acclaim,
including at the New Directors/New Films
series at the Museum ol Modern Art; the
USA Film Festival in Dallas, where lt won
the grand prize; and the Urbanworid
on to graduate school at the American
Film lnstitute.
S
Festival, where Williams received an
award for best dìrector. Spurred on by
success, Williams wrote a script to expand
the film to feature length and embarked
.on what he calls the "entrepreneurial
adventure" of getting a film in production.
He met producers Ìnterested in the
project, gained selection of the film lor
conversÌon to lull length at the Sundance
Film Labs, and received underwriting
from the Blockbuster-McKnlght Film
Fund.
Despite hìs thought that "films, like
any arf", are never finished-you just
abandon them," Williams has not exactly
abandoned Sparh, but still travels to
various screenings, such as the recent
Image Nation Film Festival in New York.
A self-described jock in high school,
Williams says he really didn't become
interested in art untìl college. He admits,
Fall 2002
by Wendy Elofson
Last year, Williams received a Bush
Artist Fellowship, given annually to l5
artists to allow them chances to explore
new directions, continue work already in
progress, or accomplish work not
financially feasible otherwise. With this,
he is traveling for research on several
projects, one of which involves the
Addicts Rehabilitation Center in Harlem.
Williams hopes to shoot a film in
Minnesota in the near future. He is
cuûently re-writing a screenplay titled
"Hyenas," a contemporary drama about a
group of friends involved in an inner-city
drug culture, which had originally been
worked through the Sundance
Screenwriters Lab.
About his future plans, Williams says,
"l want to make a lot of movies, help
establish a foundation, and keep busy."
Garret Williams '89, who majored in studio
arts and communication, graduated from
American Film lnstitute and is now
researching several film projects with help
of a Bush Artists Fellowship.
however, to somewhat o[ a genetic
predisposition toward art-his mother is a
poet and college professor and his father ìs
Wendy Elofson t'ormerly worhed in the Olt'ice
of Institutional Advancement at Augsburg.
a painter.
Williams entered college more
ry
interested Ìn
advertising, but found
photography more to
his liking. At
Augsburg, he gained
experience as
Courtesy
liûto
ii'ri:iiFlìiiiËirk!ì!iliiir:r¡1
t
a
student photography
edltor, lvhich
increased his interest
in the visual arts and
led him to major in
studio arts/communication. Alter
graduating, Williams
worked as a
photographer and
started fìlm school at
the now-defunct Film
in the Cities. After
producing several
shoris there, he went
/
t"
i.
I
ti
¡r;ï'"
Nicole Ari Parker and Terrence Howard appear in Spark, Garret
Williams'film that explores issues of racial tension and suspicion.
,4ucssunc
Now
2g
..
AUCSBURC
MUSIC
ON THE ROAD
by Cathy Anderson
f-T-lo many o[ us, traveling with 60 peopie,
I instruments, robes, equipment, and enormous
I. amounts of luggage carefully crammed onto a
bus may not sound like the best way to spend our
vacâtÌon. However, for students who are members of
music ensembles, tours are eagerly anticipated each year
and form some of their favorite memories of college.
Muslc tours are an important pari of Augsburg's
outreach. Performances by these ensembles increase
Augsburg's recognition and knowledge of its mission.
They also help alumni, friends, and families spread
across the nation stay connected with the music
department and the College. Students take on important
roles as Augsburg ambassadors.
"Students are remarkable at communicating with
audiences and alums on tour," says Robert Stacke'71,
director of bands and music department chair. "People
enjoy interacting with students and learning how both
music education and Augsburg College have impacted
their lives."
Tours give students a unlque platform to travel and
perform around the globe while gaining valuable
professional training with a performing arts
organization. In the past few years alone, Augsburg
ensembles have traveled throughout the Midwest,
Arízona, New Mexico, Florida, the Republic of lreland
and Northern lreland, Finland, Estonia, and St.
Petersburg, Russia.
However, touring music ensembles have long been
an important tradition at Augsburg College, dating back
*#
4ucssunc Now
to 1888, when a quartet of students traveled as
part of a temperance organization. Quartets
began to visit Lutheran Free Church
congregations during summer vacations and
often served as the first contact many rural
families had with Augsburg.
In the 1950s, both choir and band tours
began to visit civic locales more frequently
than churches and toured outside of the
Midwest. In the summer of 1960, director
Mayo Savold and the Augsburg College
Concert Band embarked on a 45-day tour to
I
The1972 Augsburg Choir, led by Leland Sateren'38,
toured Minnesota, lowa, and Nebraska.
a
Flutist Bonnie Martinson '59 celebrated her
birthday in 1958 with the Augsburg Band
on tour through southwestern Minnesota.
ln April 1999, the Augsburg Orchestra and Riverside Singers
performed in Red Wing and Rochester, Minn.; and LaCrosse, Wis.
Fall 2O02
important in life. I have taken my
high school orchestras on tours
overseas because of that tour. I feel it
is important for students to see other
countries and customs that are
different from their own."
Some memorable personal
connections are also made and
renewed through the tours. ln 1998,
the Augsburg Choir traveled to
Norway and performed in a number
of small churches. The pastor of one
church told choÌr director Peter
Hendrickson '76 that he remembered
25 years earlier when the choir also
The Augsburg Choir sang in the famed "Rock Church" in Helsinki,
performed in his church.
Finland, as part of their 2002 tour to Finland, Estonia, and Russia.
Hendrickson told the pastor that he also
remembered that night, because he was
help celebrate the new state of Alaska. This
a
student
singing
in that Augsburg Choir.
remarkable journey encompassed nine states
Hendrickson
also recalls another choir reunion of
and Canadian provinces and more than 30
sorts
from
the
following
year, when he led Masterworks
performances, including two concerts under
Chorale,
the
choir
including
students, alumni, and
the renowned baton of Robert Shaw.
community
members,
That tour reunited
to
German)¿
Alum Lara (Dyrud) Maclean, a L990
the
four
lenors,
including
Hendrickson,
who had sung
violin performance grad, recalls an Augsburg
together
as
students
in
Augsburg
Choir.
Choir tour that traveled to several eastern
The Augsburg touring tradition continues in the
European countries and Germany just months
2002-03
academic year with the Augsburg Chamber
after the Berlin Wall had come down.
Orchestra
traveling to the Seattle/Tacoma, Wash. region
"It was amazíng to be there and meet
numerous
and
ensembles on the road throughout the
people our age. It was so eye-opening Lo see
entire
Midwest.
Tour itineraries and performances
how involved they were politically lt made me
schedules
can
be
found online at
feel like we take too much for granted as
<www.
augsburg.
edu/music/tours>.
Americans.
To lnquire about an ensemble visiting your
"In Poland, the choir had the opportunity
community,
contact fine arts coordinator Cathy
to stay with host families. "We stayed with...a
Anderson
af" 6L2-330-1279 or
college teacher and an engineer who made $45
a month to live on and feed their two children
and mother-inJaw. They \Mere so kind and
<andersc@augsburg. edu>.
giving... [and] really exemplified what is
Cathy Anderson
is
fíne arts coordinator.
I
The Concert Band, all dressed up ready to play, toured with
With palm trees swaying, the Concert Band
the choir in Arizona and New Mexico in spring 2000.
played on a Florida beach in March 2002.
Fall
2OO2
4ucssunc fìtow 2s
The GACE GALLERY
REACHINC BEYOND THE CAMPUS
"11 alleries are not just for those of us passionate about the
arts," says Cathy Peters '93, galleries and exhibits
I
utih. Gage Family Aricaliery opened in
\I.oordir.,uto,
-usual
commÌtment to the community to provide opportunities for up and
coming artists," says Peters. One such example is that of artist
Barbara Lea, whose "New Works" were exhibited this past February
Gage Gallery acted as a launching pad for Lea's career, resulting in
her art being picked up
by Circa Fine Arts
1997 in conjunction with the Lindell Famlly Library, Gage Gal1ery
has become a place that not only provides hands-on access to art
and artists alike but a place where the Augsburg community can
explore art. "We get to share another part of the world with
Gallery in Minneapolis.
Over five years, the
Gage Gallery has enjoyed
people-by bringing shows to campus that people would rarely
see," says Peters.
opportunities to build
The location and accessibility of Gage Gallery in the llbrary
it possible for the Augsburg community to take
of
the gailery and its artists as learning tools. By inviting
advantage
lecture
in classes and by requiring student attendance at
artists to
receptions,
faculty members ì.ncorporate the exhlbits lnto
opening
In
their curricula.
doing so, students learn how art can be
into
integrated
their major field of study; they converse about the
make
connections with the artists.
artwork, and
"The student's learning ranges from the practicality of how to
make a living to the use of various colors in a piece of art," says
Peters. "It is this interaction between student and artist that is the
most stimulating."
Peters' commitment extends beyond that
of the College. "I also have a
local, national, and
have made
Gallery exhibits vary widely in media and
R) from creative artist's books on
handmade papers (Tara Christopherson), to study of
the worldwide art of tattooing, to wearable art as
expression- (L to
fashion (Erika Spitzer Rasmussen), and to evocative
oils on canvas (Barbara Lea).
26
,AUCS¡UnC ruOW
by Cherie Christ
international
collaborations with
prestigious arts
organizations, including
the Minneapolis Institute
of Arts and the
Smithsonian Institution.
ïlhTToo
a.
u¡tüEililutrm
Fall 2002
,--
21ST CENTURY TILES: FROM EARTH TO FIRE
Augsburg College's Cage Family Art Callery and
the Catherine C. Murphy Callery at the College of
St. Catherine are co-hosting a national
Cage Gallery, located in Lindell library, focuses on the work of Minnesota
artists-providing both a place for them to exhibit and opportunities for
them to particiPate in classes.
juried tile
exhibition, "21st Century Tiles: From Earth to Fire,"
from Sept. 13 to Oct. 20.
This exhibition in the trvo galleries includes
more than 100 contemporary works by
The falt art exhibit entitled "21st Century Tiles: From Earth to Fire," is one
example of such a collaboration. In conjunction with the Tile Heritage
Foundation's 1Oth q.'rnposium "Tiles in the Twin Cities: The Quintessence
of Handicraft," the Gage Family Art Gallery and the Catherine G. Murphy
Gallery at the College of St. Catherine wili host a national juried tile
exhibition.
The gallery's growing presence in the art world has led to some
pleasant surprises and connections for Peters. While she was in Stockholm,
Sweden last summer to research Viking Age textiles, she visited the Statens
Historiska Museum, where the textiles are now conserved. On the desk of
rhe curator was the March-Apri1 2001 issue of Hahmagazine, featuring
three articles and an exhibition notice for "Textiles from the Silk Road,"
which ran in the Gage Gallery from March to May last year. Peters marveled
at lhe oppofiunity to share her exhibit and information about the gallery
with this European colleague. The ga11ery was again featured in Hali
magazine for the exhibit "Kilims: Weaving as a Tiadition."
The L997 opening
a
exhibition in the Gage Gallery
a
s.
featured paintings, prints, and
6
sculpture donated to the College
ra
approximately 50 artists. Sponsored by the
Minnesota Crafts Council, the exhibition was
juried by William Hunt, American artist, critic,
author, educator, and editor oÍ Ceramics Monthly
from 1972-1994.
"From Earth to Fire" is presented in
conjunction with the Tile Heritage Foundation's
1Oth symposium, "Tiles in the Twin Cities: The
Quintessence of Handicraft," held in September.
Presenters of the symposium include the
American Swedish lnstitute, the Handmade Tile
Association, the Minnesota Historical Society, the
Northern Clay Center, the Minneapolis lnstitute of
Arts, and theTile Heritage Foundation.
by Captain Gerald L. Johnson,
son of 1915 Augsburg alumnus
Rev Harold "Butch" Johnson.
Johnson's gifts of artwork to
the College will also be featured
this faÌl as rhe première exhibit
in the new gallery space in
Christensen Center, a gallery
wall on the main floor of the
college center.
Gage Gallery received
funding from Barbara and Skip
Gage and their families.
For information on the
Gage Family Gallery and
exhibits, caII 6L2-330-I524 or
visit <www. augsburg. edu/
galleries>.
Ch erie Chnst is a
specialistfor
Jine
c
ommunications
arts.
Fall 2002
Augsburg alumnus Noburu Sawai /66
returned to Augsburg and lectured in
Gage Gallery as one of the artists
Í:;ï'""$
l
*; ffi'fj}jïT
j;ï:,i
instructor Toshi yoshida.
4ucs¡unc ruow
27
REMEMBERII{G ESTHER OLSOI{:
JOYFUL STRUCCLE AND A ',|OIE DE VIVRE'
,,GaryK.otson'65
o
ù
Esther J. Olson, professor
of drama at Augsburg from
1960 to 1977.
"Occasionally a splash of color
comes into our lives, awakening us
to delight and goodness. That splash
may be the flight of a brightly
colored bird; it may be a piece of
music; it may be a play done so well
you are drawn in and captivated.
The awakening is better when it
comes through a person. Esther
Olson was a splash of color in the
lives of many of us." That's the way I
began my eulogT for her funeral in
T984.
In the 1960s it was my privilege
to have acted and to have done
technical theater work under the
direction of two talented and strong
professors, Ailene Cole and Esther
O1son. For them I am grateful and
because of them I am a better
person.
Esther's intense personality was
reflected in the plays she chose to
di.rect. She was drawn to
play'wrights like Henrik Ibsen,
August Strindberg, and Anton
Chekhov-not exactly writers of
comedy or musicals. I confess that I
yearned for Esther to direct more
comedles; yet the social, theological,
and personal themes of the plays
she chose were so universal they
2A
,4UCS¡UnC n¡OW
could speak to contemporary audlences.
Though she was intense, acting under
Esther's direction was to experience r.vhat
play'wright Henrik Ibsen called 'Joie de vivre,"
the joy of life. For Esther it was a joy born out of
engaging the struggles ol lile with faith in God.
Part of her joylul struggle was a passÌon for
excellence. Like a great orchestra conductor she
put together the various characters and scenes of
a play in order to bring it alive for the audience.
It is a theater cliché, but there were no small
roles in her prodr-rctions. She worked actors who
had bú parts as hard as those who had major
given up." She used this method on many
actors. Esther could draw more lalenl out
of a person than he or she thought they
roles. She wanted each scene and each character
[o contribute to the whole effect. Many times she
would say, "Run that scene again, lt's not dght! If
you do it rlght, it'1Ìmake me cry (or laugh)!" i
remember standing wrth a friend backstage late
one night, wanting to go home, hoping she
wouldn't say "Run it againl", but she did.
Sometimes she would ask actors to come to
her home on a Sunday afternoon to polish
a scene. We young actors would complain.
We would be angry But when the plays
were produced before an audience and we
did a good job, we were proud and glad.
We returned to act under her direction.
Yes, Esther had a passion for
excellence, but she also had compassion
for her students. She stood with us in the
sense that she wanted us to grow and be
the best we could be. She encouraged us
to take responsible risks, to be bold in
using our talents. On occasion during a
rehearsal she would stop everything and
yell to an actor, "Give me some emotion!
Give me something even if it's wrong!
Then I'lt have something to work with!"
More than once she would push me
ourselves.
Then she
Ìn rehearsal until I became
^ngry.
"Good,
now
use
that
good,
would say,
say,
Later
she
would
scene."
energy in this
"Don't worry if I push you or am angry at
you. it means I see potential. Only worry
if I don't say anything to yolt; it means I've
had to give.
When rehearsal was over, she would
often say, "Come over to my hor"tse for eggs
and toast." Many of us did. There we saw
the other side ol Esthcr's compassion:
tenderness, sensitivity, a willingness to
listen to our hurts, our fears, our hopes
and dreams. We laughed and cried
together. We learned to be bold ìn trustirig
God and loving people beginning with
Esther was indeed a splash of
wonderful color in the lives of many of us.
The Rev. Gary K. Olson'65 is minister at
Laheview Luther an Church in Maplew ood,
Minn.
Funding for the Tjornhom-Nelson Theater sign was
paid for by the Esther f . Olson Memorial Fund.
Fall 2002
tl I
)^
l
¡a
From the Alumni Board president's desk..,
ffi
il
Accordingly, I highly recommend that
when an Auggre Conversatlon is held in
your area, you spend a few hours
reacquainting yourself with other
alumni-and gain some useful and
interesting information at the same time.
A:Jìï*:
educational
opportunities
did not end
when we
graduated from
Augsburg. Last
month, I had the
@
m
pleasure of
attending an Auggie Conversation located
on the garden patio of a local restaurant
on a warrn summer evening.
Mr. Zack' Curtis '97 enlightened us
with interesting stories conceming what it
is like to be a professional actor in the
T¡¡in Cities. I learned more behind-thescenes information about the Minnesota
theatre community in one hour than I
could ever have imagined.
The Augsburg Alumni Board is
dedicated to connecting alumni with their
fellow alums and to their program in a
manner that is of mutual benefit to both.
Vocation Mentoring Têams
Augsburg is the fortunate recipient of the
Liþ Endowment Grant entitled
"Exploring Our Gifts; Reconnecting Faith,
Life, and Vocation." Part of the grant
involves creating a program that will bring
alumni back to the campus for a
mentoring program that includes students,
facult¡ staff, and alumni.
At the mentoring meetings and
retreat, the group participants will discuss
what fosters spiritual growth and
maturation while reflecting upon vocation.
It is anticipated that the mentors'
commitment will involve an evening
training session; five or six evening
gatherings consisting of large group
presentations for alumni mentors,
students, faculty, and staff; small-group
breakout sessions; potential follow-up with
students at their place of work; and a final
evaluation celebration.
Students will be interested to know
how you chose the work you do, how
Augsburg prepared you and influenced
you in your work, how you face the
challenges in balancing your work and
family life, and what gives your life
meaning and purpose.
Ifyou are interested in participating
or learning more about this program,
please contact Pastor Sonja Hagander at
612-330-1735 or via e-mail at
<hagander @ augsburg. edu>.
Andrew Morrison '73
President, Alumni Board
Three alumni appointed to Alumni Board
designed to provide opportunities for
youth in the South Minneapolis
community to participate in traveling
league sports. Boone was inducted into the
Augsburg Athletic Hall of Fame in 2001.
The Augsburg Alumni Board o[
I Directors appointed three new
members and elected Andy Morrison '73
as president and Paul Mueller'84 as
president-elect. The new members are as
follows:
Jennifer Tome'99
Greg Boone'81
Greg Boone
graduated from
Augsburg with
a
B.A. in business
administration and
concentration in
finance. He works
for Northwest
Airlines as a business unit manager. He
has been a volunteer youth basketball
coach in South Minneapolis for seven
years. He is also director, treasurer, and
member of the South Side Athletic
Association, a non-profit organization
Fall 2002
Å
a
m
il
z
Jennifer Tome
graduated from
Augsburg in with
B.A. in communications and
Barry Vornbrock
,96 MAL
Barry Vombrock
graduated from
Augsburg in 1996
with an M.A. in
leadership. He
manages IS
a
business. Tome is a
wine representative
to local restaurants
with
Paustis Wine Company in Plymouth.
She serves on the Children's Home Society
Winemaker's Dinner Planning Committee,
and is a member of the Minneapolis
Chamber of Commerce and Grapevine
Wine Club.
bylynnMena
Ambulatory Patient
Care Systems at HealthPartners, Inc., in
Minneapolis. His varied professional
background includes engineering,
computer science, and retail sales. His
volunteer work includes service as an
election judge and site coordinator, as well
as involvement with the United Way
campaign and the Minneapolis Youth
Diversion Program's gay, lesbian, bisexual,
and transgender host home program. This
year, Augsburg honored him with a First
Decade Award (see page 7).
,4ucsnuncruow
29
Alumni News
New director and associate director join
Alumni/Parent Relations
bylynn Mena
o
o
ñ
(_)
E
k
Amy Sutton, director
of Alumni/Parent
director of Alumni/
Relations
Parent Relations
Heidi Breen, associate
and maintain relationships with all of our
alumni, students, and parents, and to
work with them side-by-side to ensure
that Augsburg is always an exceptional
place to come home to. We hope to
provide additional support to our
international and Weekend College
students and alumni as well."
In her first recruiting assignment at
Augsburg, Sutton hired Heidi Breen as
associate director of AlumniÆarent
rlhe Oflice ol AlumniÆarent Relations
I *ilì ,tur, the 2002-'03 academic year
Relations. Breen, who joined the staff
Sept. 3, had been associate director of
admissions at Augsburg. Over the last 16
with
years, she handled all aspects of recruiting
director and associate director.
Amy Sutton joined the staff as director
in August. She was previously vice
a new
president of Friendship Ventures in
Annandale, Minn., a nonprofit organization
serving children and adults with
developmental disabilities. She has also
served both South Dakota State University
and Augustana College in positions ranging
lrom admissions counselor, assistant
director of admissions, development officer,
interim director of annual programs and
alumni relations, and director of
scholarship administration and
development.
Sutton served as dean of counselors for
South Dakota Girls State in a voluntary
capacity for 16 years and received the
South Dakota Girls State service award for
her efforts. She has also been recognized as
one of the top 20 people under the age of
40 for contributions to the Brookings,
S.Dak., community through work, public
service, and volunteer efforts.
Sutton graduated with a B.S. in
commercial economics from South Dakota
Srate University in 1991 and acquired her
Master of Science in lndustrial Management
in 2000 from South Dakota State Universiqz
"I look forward to becoming a member
of the Augsburg community," says Sutton.
"It is already obvious to me that there are
exceptional people here.
"Our continued priority in
AlumniÆarent Relations will be to build
30 4ucs¡unc now
transfer and international students plus
students from North Dakota and
Colorado.
Breen has served on the European
Council of International School Boards
since 1993 and has led two groups to
Central and South America for recruiting
purposes. She has a B.A. in elementary
education from Concordia CollegeMoorhead, but you'd find it hard to
believe she is not an Auggie!
"I have loved my years working in
admissions meeting great students and
their families," says Breen. "The
relationships that I've built with students,
families, and counselors while recruiting
are amazrng. I am very excited to begin
my position as associate director of
AlumniÆarent Relations. lt will be
wonderful meeting up with some of my
earlier recruits! The alumni oflice is here
for you, so please let us know how we can .
help you get connected to Augsburg-and
for those akeady connected and
volunteering, thank you!"
ffi
Auggie Conversations are held the
second Tuesday of each month.
October 8, 5:30 p.m.
Benihana, St. Louis Park
Facilitator/topic: Kari (Eklund) Logan'82,
media relations
November 12, 5:30 p.m.
Fhimas, Downtown St. Paul
(Lawson bullding)
FacÌlitator/topic: Merilee Klemp'75, rnr,rsic
Ãrrr\tnTfe[fl:TllTñIcßr
President and Mrs. Wl11iam V Frame wrll visit
alumni, parents, and friends of the College in
the Seattle, Wash., and Vancouver/
Portland, Ore., areas from October
26-November'3,2002.
January 14, 5:30 p.m.
St. Petersburg, Robbinsdale
Facilltator: Prof. Norma Noonan
February 11,5:30 p.m.
Wildfire, Eden Prairie (in the mall)
Mark your calendars for the following
gatherings:
Topic: Athletlcs at Augsburg
Saturda¡ October 26
March 11,5:30 p.m.
Host: Neal '60 and Kay Thorpe
Contact: Steve Rosvold'Bl
360-576-9692
Frida¡ November
The Newsroom, Downtown Minneapolis
Facilitator: Lisa Ze11er'Bl, 'Bq MAL
April 8, 5:30 p.m.
I
Magrano's, Edina (in Southdale Mall)
Facilitator/topic: Prof. John Mitchell, poetry
Seattle gathering
Locatìon and time TBD
Il you wor-rld like
December 10, 5:30 p.m.
Roadhouse, Burnsville
Facilitator: Jeroy Carlson '48
infotrnatÌon on
above gatherings, 01 you rvoulcl like to
scheclule an appointment to meet wrth
n-rore
t-he
President Frame, please contact Norn-r
Okerstrom'85 at 612-330-1616 or e-mai1
<okerstro@augsbr-rrg. edr-r>.
May 13, 5:30 p.m.
Freighthouse, Stillwater
Facilitator: Prof. MarthaJohnson and Rick
Shiomi, theatre
For more informatron, please call 612-330I l78 or e-mail <alumnl@ar-rgsburg.eclr"r>.
Fall 2O02
,--
School Business Official of rhe
1950
Year by the Minnesota
Esther Johnson, Marshall,
Minn., was honored at the Pride
in the Tiger Foundation Hall of
Honor banquet for her
contributions to area schools and
community.
A,
longtime Marshall
High School teacher, she has
spent
212
years
in education,
including teaching English to new
immigrants and teaching English
abroad.
1952
Harvey Peterson, Edina, Minn.,
was featured in the June issue of
Truch Parts and Sewice. CATCO,
the company he joined in l95l
and for which he currently serves
as chairman of the board, was
named as one of five finalists for
2002 Distributor of the Year. In
the article he is described as "one
of the best teachers anyone could
have" by both the company's
president and vice
president/general manager. Under
his leadership, the company has
expanded to 13 locations.
1
953
Phyllis (Vik) Swanson,
Association of School Business
Officers. He has been business
manager at West Central Area
Schools in Barrett, Minn., since
t996.
1964
Avis (Hoel) Dyrud, Newfolden,
Minn., was named Faculty of the
Year by Northland Community
and Tèchnical College in Thief
River Falls, Minn., where she has
taught for 19 years. She and her
husband, Philip '64, have five
children and ll grandchildren.
The Rev. Gary L. Langness,
St. Paul, retired in May after 29
years as Augustana Lutheran
Church's senior pastor. "[He] is
one of the most outstanding
pastors in the [ELCAI," said the
Rev. Mark S. Hanson'68,
ELCA presiding bishop. The Rev.
Langness plans to pursue
missionary work in lanzania and
also looks forward to spending
more leisure time with his wife,
Carol (Welch)'65: his two
children, Jennifer and Tony '93;
and his twin grandsons.
Northfield, Minn., celebrated the
marriage of her youngest son,
Daniel, to Cortney l-arson last year.
She recently retired after editing St.
Peter's Lutheran Church's
1967
Marilyn McKnight, Edina,
Minn., is running as a DFL
candidate for state legislature.
She and her husband, Stephen
Erickson '68, own a mediation
firm in Minneapolis.
1
of the No¡theastern Minnesota
Synod of the ELCA. Before his
election as bishop, he was senior
pastor of First Lutheran Church
in Duluth.
1973
Randolph
968
Just was
named senior
director and
chief auditor of
Dorothy Anderson and her
husband, Roy Hankins, recently
relocated from Mason City, Ill., to
accept positions as child
psychiatrists with Woodland
Centers in Willmar, Minn. She
was previously employed at the
Wilder Child Guidance Clinic in
St. Paul, the Mendota Mental
Health Center in Madison, and
in private practice for IB
was
Schwan's Sales
Enterprises,
Inc., a frozen foods manufacturer
and marketer based in Marshall,
Minn. Before joining Schwan's,
he served as senior manager at
KPMG, LLP, in Los Angeles.
1974
years.
Kathryn (Sanoden) Pearson,
David Loftness, Shakopee,
Cambridge, Minn., recently
published her first book,
Temp erTamer s (Attainment
Company), a guide for
instructors to help students with
behavioral problems. She works
for both the Braham Area School
District and the Princeton and
Elk River clinics of Fairview
Counseling Centers.
Minn., retired after sewing as
director of court services for
Carver and Scott Counties for
34 years.
1
969
The Rev. Peter Strommen,
Duluth, Minn., was re-elected for
a second six-year term as bishop
ffi
Augsburg alumni and friends joined President and Mrs. William V. Frame
and Prof. Frankie Shackelford on a 12-day journey to Norway.
THIS PAST SUMMER,
newsletter for23years. Sadl¡ her
husband, Bob, died in 1996.
f 955
Shirley G. (Lundborg) and
Harold Reistad '56, reside in
Circle Pines, Minn. Shirley is a
registered nurse at Northwestern
Hospital.
1
963
Carolyn E. Johnson, Ph.l.
Placentia, Calif., was recently cited
as "a great. teacher, wonderful
friend, and role model" in the
communications department
alumni newspaper at Cali[ornia
State University-Fullerton, where
she is an associate professor.
Jon Nygaard, Fergus Falls,
Minn.. was named Minnesota
Fall 2002
Pictured at left on the steps of ffollhaugen, the home
of composer Edvard Grieg, are: (top row L to R)
President Frame, Malcolm Watson, Laura Cichocke,
Esther Watson, Dorothy (Floistad) Benson '56, Sonya
Quam, tour guide, and Anne Frame; (center row, L to
R) Prof. Shackelford and Larry T[¡rner'69; (bottom row,
L to R) Farolyn (Johnson) Gehring '56, Bonnie Lerberg
'92, and Judy Ramler. Pictured at right on board the
Nordlys Ship are (t to R) Prof. Shackelford, Mary
McDougall, and Susan Albrecht.
.4ucssuRc
Now 3l
Class Notes
1975
Dan R. Bruss, Pella, Iowa, was
named the ninth president of
Bethany Lutheran College,
beginning inJanuary. Bruss began
his academic career at Bethany in
1975, where he taught until 19Bl
He has taught at Central ColÌege
in Pella since 1990. He and his
wife, Kathrym, have two children.
The Rev. David Grant and his
wife, Deb (Thomson)'76,
president-elect of the Minnesota
Osteopathic Medical Society He is
family physician with MinnHealth
in Woodbury Minn., and remains
a
active in the America Osteopathic
Association. He also holds
professorial appointments at the
University of Minnesota Medical
School and Des Moines University
Martha "Marty" (Wagner)
Nitzberg, Springfield, Va.,
continues to work for the
honors, as well as the Associate of
the Year honor by his parent [irm,
North Star Resource Group. He
and his wife, Jacqui, have three
daughters: Kristin, Justine, and
Erika.
1
981
Walt Johnson, Minneapolis,
was
elected president of PLUM
(Professional Librarians Union of
Minneapolis). He is a relerence
relocated to West Union, Iowa,
where Dave is senior pastor at
Zion Lutheran Church. He
retum in 2000 from a two-year tour
overseâs. She has two daughters,
Meredith and Robbie.
previously served Indherred
Lutheran Church and Immanuel
Lutheran Church in Starbuck,
1979
Mary Lingen, Backus, Minn.,
exhibited t9 of her paintings at
M'inn.
1976
Leah Abdella, Inver Grove
Herghs, Minrì., is co-local office
Karla J. (Wiese) Miller, Brookþ
the Johnson Heritage Post in
Park, Minn., is director of choral
music at North Hennepin
Community College.
April. Since 1988, she has had
1
980
direcLor of the Cancer PreventÍon
Coalition, an educationaì and
informative non-profit organization
whose goal is to reduce cancer rates
through outreach, public education,
advocacy, and public policy
initiatives.
1977
Bruce B. Cunningham,
Maplewood, Minn., was elected
Jeffrey
K.
13
solo shows and has been involved
in 43 group exhibits in 20 states.
Her work is described as
"surrealistic and colorful."
1984
Bloomington,
Ann Gabrielson works with
Minn., achieved
U.S. Foreigrr Service. She recently
left her two-year post in Havana,
three top
for his efforts in
200Ì as a cerrified financial
planner with Fortune Financial.
These included the Circle of
ExcelÌence and Court of Table
Cuba, for a new position in
Adana, Turkey. Prior to being
hired by the govemment, she
graduated from the University of
Minnesota Law School, worked as
a law clerk, and ran a private
practice in Montevideo, Minn.
Distinguished Alumni Award
is founder and executive director
of Reaching Arms International,
an inte¡national adoption agency
and ministry outreach
organization with programs for
adoption in Russia and Ukraine.
ln April 2000, she opened the
First Decade Award
first privately-run orphanage in
the Ukraine called Cradle of
lollowing awa¡ds:
Spirit of Augsburg Award
990
Terri (Withers) Williams and
her husband, Ray, reside in
Plyrnouth, Minn. She is a full-time
homemaker, raising their two
daughters, and teaches private
vocal lessons in the Minneapolis
area. Ray is a financial advisor with
American Express.
Corey L. Davison, Chicago, Ill.,
married Kelly Lin Sullivan. Corey
works for the Concord Coalition
as midwest director in Chicago
and as director of legislative affairs
in Washington, D.C. Kelly is a
flight attendant for a major alrline.
.lim Douglas, Apple Valle¡
the
The Rev. Nila (Garner)
Neumiller, Minnetonka, Minn.,
The Augsburg Coilege Alumni Association Awards and Recognition
Committee seeks your assistance in identifying members of the
Augsburg community to be considered for recognition for the
&
1991
Jarnes,
production goals
on his law practice, Rice, Michels
Johnson LLf; in Minneapolis.
1
librarian in the technology/science/
government documents
department of the downtown
Minneapolis Public Library.
Department. of Defense after her
in the Minnesota Senate. The Ìawyer
and former lobbyist has opted not to
run for reelection so he can spend
more time with his family and focus
Children's Hope. The organization
Minn., started a new company
providing marketing and creative
services called Nighthawk
Marketing. He and his wife,
Andrea, have two sons, Jimmy, 5,
and Tyler, 2.
Kristof Nordin, Lilongwe,
Malawi, Africa, is a technical
coordinator for the Peace Corps'
Malawi training programs. His
wife, Stacia, coordinates the Peace
Corps' Malawi Crisis Corps
Program. They have been living
and working in Africa for more
than five years.
Eric H. Peterson, Minneapolis, a
marketing director for Dairy
Queen, was recently recognized as
the creator of the Express Lunch
promotion, which has run in
approximately 1,250 of DQ
restaurants nationwide.
To make a nominatlon online or to view the description/criteria for
each award, go to <www. au gsburg. edu/alumni,/nomform>.
is planning to extend its efforts
into Africa. Last September, she
was honored as one of three
To recieve a nomination packet, contact:
Office of AlumniÆarent Relations
recipients for the 2000 Women of
Achievement by lrin West
Chamber of Commerce.
Carolyn Pool, Minneapolis, an
actor and comedian, recently
appeared in the 1929 comedy
June Moon by Ring Lardner and
George Kaufman, at the Park
f986
Square Theatre in St. Paul. She is
married to Matt Sciple.
Phone: 612-330-l i78 or l-800-260-6590
E-ma11: alumni@augsburg.edu
The deadline for nominations for 2003 is March 14,2003
Dave Johnson, Bloomington,
Mirm., will retire from his seat (DFL)
32,4UCSSURCNOW
Fall 20O2
m
'Titletown's' Eayrs an NFL innovator
uv Don sroner
A conversation with Mike Ea¡'rs is like attending a doctorate-1eve1 c1ass. The subject is footba11. Listening to him discuss the
intricacies of his favorúe sport, you understand how football has become the passion of his life for more than 30 years,
a
^s
coach and now as a National Football League innovator.
Eayrs, a 1972 Augsburg graduate, is regarded as one of the NFIS innovators 1n merging technicai and statistical analysis
with
advancements in video technology For 16 years, the West Concord, Minn., native created a unique video and technical
analysis program for the team he grew up admiring, the Minnesota Vikings. But in 200I, Eayrs left the Vikings to join one of
the team's biggest rivals, the Green Bay Packers. He became the Packers' first director of research and development.
Mike Eayrs'72
"The timing seemed right," said Eay'rs of his move to Green Bay Wis. "I was contacted by the Packers to see if I was interested
in a job. Had they called a year or two sooner, I would have probably said no, because I wasn't really interested then. But there
were some things happening with the franchise Ìn Minnesota . . . (and) there was just enough uncertainty that all of a sudden, 1
thought to myself that if the right team would call, I probably would listen."
Other teams were callingbecause Ea¡rs is considered one of the leaders in an NFL revoiution of sophisticated analysis. It all started in the early l980s,
when Ea1'rs was a footbalì assistant coach and instructor at Minnesota State University-Mankato-where the Vikings hold their annual summer training
camp.
"Every year, I taught a statistics class in the HPER (health, physical education, and recreation) department. Statistics was a painful thing to teach, and I
was trying to find a way to make the class more fun, s¡ill worthwhile, and more exciting," Ea¡rs said. "We applied statistical analysis to sports statistics.
We wrole to the NFL and got the Elias Sports Bureau to send us the year-end reports for three or four years. We started to do 'trending' on professional
football. I started to send the repoils to the Vikings, findings that we found on the NFL. They were very interested in it, and I was extremely happy to do
it for them."
Eventually, those "State of the NFL" reports led to a full-time job wrth the Vikings, where he created sophisticated research repoils on statistical, team,
and player lrends. He became one of the first NFL analysts to incorporate the use of computer databases, along with video analysls.
anaþis from the o1d style of l6-millimerer film to videotape and, now, drgital video that can be merged with
computer databases. Instead of looking through hours and hours of game films for specific plays or trends, Eayrs and his staff can instantly find specific
plays and players, via computer video, for coaches to analyze and present in team meetings.
Eayrs has seen the evolution of video
In 2001, Eayrs made the jump to the Vikings'division rival, Green Bay, where he took his skills-often referred to
created position wlth the Packers, the only publicþ-owned team in the NFL.
as
the'Viking p6d¿1"-¡6
a
newly-
Of course, moving from the Vikings to the Packers could have presented a problem for Eayrs and his family-including his son, Brian, who is entering
his senior season as a quarterback at Augsburg, and who had spent tìme as a ballboy at the Vikings' training camp as a child.
"Brian was the one who encouraged me to go to Green Bay, more than anyone
else in our fami1y," Eayrs said. "The move to Green Bay isnt just about me, it
involved all five members of our family ... Brian was a very loyal Viking fan a1l
the way through, and he had a lot of great memories and relationships with
that team. I asked hÌm what he thought, and he said, 'Dad, it's a chance to go
o
a
s.
õ
L
U
to 'Titletown,'you'd be a fool not to take it. The winnlngest franchise in the
NFL, you'd have to be a fool not to go there.' I thought, 'Well, he's on board'."
Eayrs' family has a strong association with Augsburg. He received hls bachelor's
degree in social studies and physical educatlon at Augsburg, and his wife, Mary
Jo, currently a human resouÍces director at a Twin Cities compan¡ rs
graduate of Augsburg Weekend College.
a
He said he enjoyed the urban setting and diversity at Augsburg, along wrth the
opportunities for research and real-world experience. He played football at
Augsburg, though he said that he "wasn't even a good player-I wâsn't even an
averuge player on the JV team." While at Augsburg, he was able to work as a
youth supeffisor and coach for the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board,
and learned a lot from frequent vÍsits he made to watch the Umverstty of
Minnesota football team. He eventually eamed his masterb degree at
Wisconsin-l¿ Crosse and doctorate at the University of Oregon. He coached
and taught at four different colleges in the Midwest before jumping to the NFL.
Dott Stoner is sports inJormation coordinator.
Fall 2002
Mike Eayrs '72 is regarded as one of the NF[s innovators
in merging technical and statistical analysis with
advancements in video technology.
.4ucs¡uncNow
33
Class Notes
1992
!i
()
s
All the world's their stage
q
by Lynn Mena
John Clifton, Cambridge, Minn.,
married Ernily Carr in July He
received his Master ol Arts in
Educatron frorn St. Mary's last
year.
When Darcey Engen and her husbancl, Luvetne Scifelt, were theatre majors
ar Augsburg in the 19BOs, the theatre arts cleparttnenl macle its hotne in a
space knor.m as Stage lL Although Engen and Seifert clìcl nol attend
Ar-rgsbr.rrg ar the same time, they share a similal fòndness lor the olcl theater'.
"lr rvas oliginally the rnr.tsic building, and belore tl-rat, a chtuch," says Engen.
"BnL when I rvas a stltdent, lt r,vas oul own little space , and we Lool< care of
rt. We rea11y learnecl how to create something out of nothù-rg-how lo tnake
a costunle, how to bni1cl a sct, how to c1o lighting, how Lo work with Lhe lìre
marshal, hor.v to be
a
janìtor-we
learned cvcr-ything"' says Engen.
husband, Luverne Seifert
'83, have found personal
and profess¡onal success
There rvas also another theater on camptls, the Little Theater. "Bul I
primarily remember Stage Il," says Seifert. "ll was great because yor't cor-l1d
do so rnany things with the space-I can remember being there until five or
six in the morning, working through the night. There were no restrictions,
since graduating from
you could really create r'vith yor-rr imagination."
Darcey Engen '88 and her
Augsburg's theatre a¡ts
pro9ram,
Both Engen and Seilert credit Augsburg urth helpug lo shape them into the
performers rhey are today "I calne out very well-rounded; it wasn't just
abour performing, it r,vas about thts group of peop1e," says Engen. "We were a community and a collaboration,
"
nu. purh.d each other and rve supported one another-we created art. It tvas incredtbly beneficial
Engen's perfonnance experience ir-r Minneapolis lncludes work wrth Theatre de 1a
ancl Dudley Rig¡¡s' Brave Nerv Workshop. Thìs past sumrnel she co-wrote
-Je¡ne iur-re, ReJ Uye Collaborarion,
Augsburg theatre professor Martha Johnson, a two-person procluction
with
rc
ancl perlormecl tn FloatingMothe
Since gracluating
in 1988,
that deals wlth the funny and poignant moÌrrents of being a mother.
After receiving her M.FA. in actlng from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, rvhere she specialized in voice
ancl rnovement traimng for the stage, Engen was a thealre professor al the University of Kentucky-Lexington,
and later a professor at the Uníversity o[ Northern Iowa
New York
Seifert, who teaches theatre pan time at the University of Mlnlresota-Tw1n CÌties, spent time 1n both
up the
ancl Califorr-ria after gracluaring lrom Augsburg ln 1983. He first headed to New York, where he soaked
Tì'ade
Worlc1
of
the
bottom
at
the
a
store
Alexander's,
at
a
salesperson
worled
as
and
classes,
took
culture,
"The ttlb in
Center. "l llved in an old hotel that was cheaper even than the YMCA-it was awful," he chuckles.
But
ever)'where
cockroaches
were
and
there
rvater,
the shared bathroom was always fillecl with brown, murþ
anyr,vhere."
never
been
I
had
jusr
and
college,
out
of
it r,vas a gteat experience; I was
When he returnecl to Mrnneapolis, he started a theatre company r.vrth a grotlp of [e11ow Augsburg alumni called
Franl<
Crry Stock Thearer., whÌch operared for several years. He later performed wllh the Red Eye Collaboration,
Thåafe, Chilclren's Theatre Co-p^rry, and Theatre c1e la Jeune Lune, lvl-rere he r'vas an arlislic associale for 10
str-rdy clouning in
years. Earlier this year, he receivecl a McKnlght Theatre Fellowship, rvith whìch he plans to
work.
Switzerland and to develop ârtistic
together'
Althor-rgh Engen ancl Seifert clidn'r meer as students, Angsbr-rrg still played a role it-r bringing then'r
at a festival
perform
lo
hired
them
rvho
Parker,
Gary
faculty,
thearre
Augsburg's
of
member
a
Àet
thÃugh
They
performance
he árganized called Summer Srar, an offsÀoot of rhe Renaissance Festival, in Shakopee, Minn. The
lwo sons,
their
with
Minneapohs
in
Northeast
live
eventually led to marriage tn 1992. Today, Engen and Seiferr
Severin, 5, ancl Simon, 4.
993
J. Ernst, St. Paul,
married Holly Lee Henderson Ìast
December at St. Mark's EpiscoPal
Cathedral in Minneapolis.
Jin Sun, Chengdu. China. is
a
trombone teacher, director of the
concert band, and dean ol the
Sichuan Music Conservator),. He
rvas a visiting scholar to Augsbur¡i
lrom 1992-'93, and expresses his
gratitude to the CoÌlege and its
faculty for making it a "wonderful
and beneficial" experience.
1
996
Ryan Carlson, Minneapolis,
recently earned a B.S. in cornputer
science from Augsburg Weekend
College in addition to his B.A. in
chemistry from Augsburg and an
M.S. in chemistry from the
UnÍr'ersity ol Minnesota. He is an
operations manager at sea8ate.
1997
Kevin Crerand, Peoria, Ariz., is
a mortgage broker
in Phoenix. He
says "the weather is awesome and
my golf game is tops."
Zach Curtis, MinneapolÍs, is
artistic director of Fifty Foot
Penguin Theater, which rvas
named Best Independent Theater
in the Twin Clties 2002 by CitY
Pages. The company just
completed their fifth season, and
next season will be their largest
yet.
r 998
is an olficer in the
Air Force stationed in ltaly.
Matt Butler
1997, Engen returned to Ar.rgsburg's theatre arts clepartment-this time as faculty Engen is an assistant
is nor'v
professor, teachurg several conrses ancl directing one production each year. The theatre cleparlmenl
locarecl in Foss Center, r,vith lornhorn-Nelson Theater setving as the main stage.
U.S.
now
The benefit of Augsburg's cLrrÌ'ent rhearer space is that the hlgh artistic qr,rality of the perlortnances is
"I
design
costume
and
sottnd,
paired wirh a polirhed iechnical presentation, inclucling professional lighting,
calnplìs
Augsburg
"There
the
on
prodr.tctions
ate
Engen.
are now a shorvcase for the Coliege," says
il-rir-ri.
rhat are rruly of professronal cluality-and beyond. It has really been a rvonderful transition."
stewardship and parish mrnistr):
from Lutheran Theological
Seminar¡ in May. He was also
awarded a two-month summer
ln
*.
A
1
Matthew
4ucs¡uRc
tr¡ow
Justin Walkef received
a Master
o[ Divinity degree, with honors in
Fall 2002
-
course of study ât the Goethe
Institute in Dresden, Germany.
1
River, Minn.
Dan Lillquist, Papesville,
Minn., received his Master of
999
Amy Covington moved to
Fairview Northland Clinic in Elk
San
Diego, Calif., in April; she works
for Academic Press and also writes
for several local newspapers.
Karen Schachtschneider,
Sarasota, Fla., was promoted to
senior marketing specialist at
SPEEDCOM Wireless
Corporation.
Shana Wilkinson, Bloomingron,
Minn., married Lance Jensen in
March. Shana is a teacher at
Forest HiÌls Elementary School
and is pursuing a graduate degree
at the University of St. Thomas;
Lance works at Coca Cola, Inc.
Physician Assistant Studies degree
with a specialization in family
medicine from the University of
Nebraska Physician Assistant
Program. He has worked for the
Paynesville Area Health Care
System since 2000.
Becky teaches elementary special
education in Wesley, Iowa; Dean is
a sales representative for Syngenta
Seeds and he farms with his father.
2001
Erica Bryan joined the stafl of
Kinship as an Anoka county
coordinator.
Kris Froyum married Kristina
Weinzierl inJuly. Kris is a project
manager at Braun Intertec;
Kristina is a senior development
engineer at Honeylveìl
International.
computer programmer/analyst for
Wells Fargo in Minneapolis;
Nathan is a physician assistant at
Fall 2002
and Steve
Nelson,
! Minn.-a
III
Minn.-a
Brittany Kay, in
daughter,
February. She
joins older brother, Mitchell.
Jennifer (Koehntopp) '93 and
Dan Wenzel '93, Lino Lakes,
Minn.-a
son, Dylan Michael,
inJune 2000.
Kathleen Blilie '00 and her
husband, Eric, Blaine,
Shakopee,
F
Neu, Rogers,
son,
son,
Alijah Ehret, in
January. He joins older sister
Arianna, 4. Kristin is a music
education and band teacher for
Minneapolis Public Schools.
Minn.-a
Andrew Thomas, in May.
Kathleen is a contracts specialist at
Fairview Hospital.
Tahirih (Robinson)'00 and
David Jensen '00, Woodhaven,
Mich.-a
daughter, Morgan
Theone, in March. Tahirih is an
Rozenia Fuller recently
Amy, Edina,
Minn.-a
the Henry Ford Health System.
is a fifth-grade teacher [o¡
Minneapolis Public Schools and is
also pursuing graduate studies in
special education.
Sheri lronside married Nathan
Budde '00 in April. SherÍ is a
Kristin Joy
(Schwerin)'88
Wendy (Hanson)'92 and Mark
relocated to New Jersey after
being accepted into Princeton
University's Master of Divinity
Program. She was previously
academic advisor with Augsburg's
approximately $21 million
contract to remain with the NBAIs
Los Angeles l-akers in July, staying
with the team on which he has
earned three straight NBA
championship rings. He visited
with five other teams during the
two weeks that teams could court
from Luther Seminary. Before
entering the seminary she served
as director of continuing
education and co-coordinator of
strategic planning ât Augsburg.
John is director of business
development for Exel, an
intemational logistics provider,
based in the U.K.
admissions coordinator at the
University of Minnesota.
ob/gm resident and David is an
intemal medicine resident with
TRIO/Student Support Services.
Dennice (Sorko-Ram) Gooley,
Fridle¡ Minn., received a Master
of Arts in Old Têstament degree
Mary McKinney, Texas-a son,
Jacob Thomas, in April. He
joins older brother Zachary,6.
Clara Emilie, in May. Cindy is an
Mark Keating
'91 and his wife,
Devean George, Los Angeles,
agreed to a four-year,
free agents-Minnesota,
John Ennen '84 and his wife,
Becky Soller, Algona, Iowa,
married Dean Bormann inJune.
2000
,Washington, Chicago, New Jersey,
and Utah-and between 12-15
teams had contacted him, but he
chose to remain in Los Angeles.
Births/Adoptions
Fhonda (Davis) Hicks, St. Paul,
John Rotter married Marisa
Schleis in July. John is a financial
at HealthPartners in
Bloomington, Minn.; Marisa is a
graphic artist at USP Lumber
Connectors and a dance instructo¡
at Center Stage Dance in
anaþt
Montgomery Minn.
2002
Rebecca L. Running, Edina,
Minn., received a Master of Arts in
Leadership for Mission degree
from Luther Seminary in May
Marissa Skowronek married
Michael Partridge in August.
Marissa is a marketing
communications specialist for the
Minneapolis Consortium of
Community Developers; Michael
is a programmer/analyst for
eBenX, Inc.
son,
Owen Wade, in
February Mark is
an âccount
executive for EMC; Amy is a
décor specialist for SUPERVALU
Design Services Group.
Lucinda
"Cindy"
(Wiehle)'92
Jennifer
(Crego)'01 and
Chad Carls'00,
St. Michael,
Minn.-a son,
Thomas Allon,
inJanuary
Jennifer is a math teacher for the
Osseo School District.
and JeffJohnson,
Champlin,
Minn.-a
'.1À: daughter,
Will Schroeder '95 and his
business partner T.J.
Paskach, have become hot
sensations with their Nitro
Ice Cream company, While
chemical engineering
Ph.D, students at lowa
State University, they
invented a way to flash
freeze ice cream with
liquid nitrogen, creating a
creamier-than-most
product in seconds. The ice
cream got thumbs up
from fans and food
experts at the Minnesota
State Fair this year. Visit
<wwwnitroicecream.com>,
árre$l.tRc¡tow
35
m
Palmer N. Henrickson '37,
Oakdale, Minn., died in April; he
was 90. Prior to retiring in 1978,
he worked for the Standard
Conveyer Company in St. Paul.
He also taught junior high in Fort
Ransom, N.Dak., and worked for
the Government Agriculture
Program in Lisbon, N.Dak. He
was a veleran o[ WWtl, serving in
Hawaii and the Philippines. Upon
retirement, he and his wife
traveled extensively around the
U.S.; they took their dream trip to
Norwa¡ where at 80, Palmer was
able to climb a mountain. He is
survived by his wife of 59 years,
Nora; three sons; five
grandchildren; and a greatgranddaughter. He is preceded in
death by his son, Pete¡ Tim.
Joe O. Reitan '42,Fargo,
N.Dak., died in May; he was 83.
He worked as a clerk for the U.S.
Postal Service in Minneapolis, and
later worked as a salesman for
Westem Products in Fargo until
his retirement in 1994. He is
suwived by his wife, Harriet, two
sons, a daughter, and nine
grandchildren.
Selvin "Sam" E. Sampson'44,
Grand Rapids, Minn., died in
May; he was 80. He sewed many
m
Catalog Operations, retiring in
l9B9 as general manager. He is
survived by his wife, ShirÌey
(Odencrans)'5 I ; daughters,
Susan, C1'nthia, and Karen; and
grandson, Jonathan.
Roger E. Glans'52, Coon
Rapids, Minn., died inJune; he
was 76. He was a retired teacher
from Coon Rapids High School.
He is survived by his wife, Carol;
sons, Christopher and Eric;
daughter, Mary; and
grandchildren, Erika, Lydia,
Carsten, and Connery.
Douglas Berg '56, Eurick, Wis.,
died inJune; he was 70. He
taught in the Gale-EurickTiempealeau School District for
20 years, retiring due to illness.
He is survived by his wife,
Christa; son, Steve; daughter,
Monika; and granddaughter,
Jordan.
Shirley (Lundborg) Reistad
'58, Circle Pines, Minn., died in
June; she was 65. She was a nurse
at Abbott Northwestern Hospital.
She is survived by her husband,
Harold '56; sons, Jim and Steven;
and grandsons, Joshua, Nicholas,
and Matthew.
until his retirement in 1980. In
1987, he was elected Grand
Rapids Township supervisor and
served six years. A WWII veteran,
he served in the 82nd Airbome
taught high school in Cokato,
Minn., from 1958-'60. He is
survived by his wife, Darlene. He
is preceded in death by twin sons,
Infantry in Sicil¡ ltal¡ and in
southern France. He was awarded
the Purple Heart for his wounds
and also was awarded the Silver
Star for gallantry during the Rome
Campaign. He is preceded in
death by his wife, Billie Jean. He
is survived by three sons, Bruce,
Ra¡ and Donald; seven
grandchildren; and six greatgrandchildren.
Glen and Gary
Donald R. Erickson '50, New
Brighton, Minn., died in March;
he was 74. He was a 43-year
employee o[ Sears Roebuck
36
,4UCSSURC itOW
Martha Batalden,
Lebanon,
N.H., died inJuly. She was
a
nationâl leader of Lutheran
church women and among
intemational missionaries. Martha
and the entire Batalden famiÌy
have touched the lives of many
within the Augsburg communit¡
in part through their
establishment of the Batalden
Ethics Endowment Fund. Her
inspiration and life will forever
touch the Augsburg community.
She is survived by her husband,
Abner'35; her two sons, Paul'63
(LaVonne Olson'63), and Stephen
'67 (Sandra); grandchildren; and
many others.
The Rev. Curtis
C. Peter, Isanti,
Minn., died in
June following a
valiant battle
with cancer; he
was 64. His life
served as a testament to human
strength, courage, and deep
compassion. He served l0 years
as church relations director at
Augsburg, ìeaving in 1997; he
returned to parish ministry at St.
Phillips Lutheran Church in
Fridley, and Ìater accepted a
perrnanent call at Faith Lutheran
Church in Isanti, Minn. He
concluded 32 years of formal
ministry when he preached at
Faith Lutheran's Con[irmation
service on May 4. "Curt was a
faithful, gentle person in our
midst," said Augsburg Pastor Dave
Wold. "Perhaps the best
description of Curt is that he was
a sweet guy, and always looked for
the good in every person." He is
survived by his wife of 4I years,
LaVerne; fou¡ children, Eric,
Rachel, Aaron, and Seth; a
grandson, Adam; and many
others.
The Rev. Waldo Pierson'62,
Mesa, Ariz., died in May; he was
75. Over the years, he served
congregations in Minnesota,
North Dakota, Nebraska,
Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. He
years as a teaching principal in
Effie, Minn., and at Squaw Lake,
and finally taught social studies at
the Grand Rapids Middle School
software technical consuitant at
SAP America, Inc. In memoriam,
his family established the Loren
Manuel Schottenstein Scholarship
Fund to heìp deserving students
and to honor Loren, by paying
tribute to his hard work and to
the receptive and encouraging
academic environment at
Augsburg that helped Loren to
succeed despite his learning
differences. He is survived by his
mother, Rosalyn Kirkel; father,
Morris Schottenstein; and sister,
Liann Walborsky.
Loren Manuel Schottenstein
'92, Minneapolis, died
unexpectedly inJanuary 2000; he
was 30. As a student at Augsburg,
he became chair of the College
Republicans, treasurer of the
Marketing Association, and was a
student assistant in the audiovisual department. He was also
the site manager of the
lntemational Special Olyrnpics
and a member of the Minnesota
Nationaì Guard. Prior to his
death, he worked as â computer
Fall 2OO2
)
¡a
tt
o
It
Music
Nov. 25
Sept. 26-OcL. 25
For more inJormation on any of these eyents
(unless othenuise noted), call 612-330-1265
Chamber Music Recital
8 p.m.-Sateren Auditorium
"G¡fts to Augsburg College: Selections
from the Captain Gerald L. Johnson
Sepr. 27
September
1
1 Commemorative Concert
p.m.-Hoversten Chapel
B
Collection"
Dec. 6-7
New art gallery, Christensen Center
Advent Vespers
Nov B-Dec.
Dec.
Oct.
13
Gospel Praise Concert
9 a.m.-St. John's Lutheran Church
Howard Lake, Minn.
Oct.22
Augsburg Riverside Singers and Men's
Chorus Concert
7:30 p.m.-Hoversten Chapel
Ocr. 27
O. Nicholas Raths Faculty Guitar Recital
3 p.m.-Sateren AudÍtorium
Nov. 3
The Masterworks Chorale Concert
4 p.m.-Wayzata CommunÌty Church
Wayzata, Minn.
Nov. 10
Gospel Praise Concert
9 a.m.-Emmanuel Lutheran Church
Almelund, Minn.
6-5
and 8 p.m.
Dec.7-5 and I p.m.
Central Lutheran Church, Minneapolis
For information, call 612-330-1265
Augsburg Jazz Ensemble Concert
4 p.m.-Hoversten Chapel
Nov. 18
Augsburg Chamber Orchestra Concert
7 30 p.m.-Sateren Auditorium
Dec. 13-11
For tlcket information, call 612-330-1I59
Seminars,
Lectures, and
Films
or l-800-299-8889
F or
15th Annual Benefit Concert and Silent
Auction, Center for Global Education
7 p.m.-Hoversten Chapel
Theatre
For tichet information, call 612-330-1257
l\ov. 1-10
Macbeth
by WÌlliam Shakespeare; director,
Julie Bolton
Performances: Nov l, 2,7 , 8, 9 at 7 p.m.;
Nov. 3 and l0 at 2 p.m.
Tjornhom-Nelson Theater, Foss Center
Augsburg Concert Band Concert
3 p.m.-Central Lutheran Church
Minneapolis
information, call
Oct.
Nov
l0-l : l0 p.m.-ljornhom-Nelson
Julie Bolton, director; Michael Burden,
setlighting designer, Sandra Schulte,
costume designer
Nov. 6
Drama Day for high school students
For informaiion, call Darcey Engen,
612-330-r549
-11
B0
B
"One Makes the Difference"
Julia Butterfly Hill, writer, poet, activist
7:30 p.m.-Convocation, Hoversten
Artistic Conceptsr Macbeth
:
-330
2002 Christensen Symposium
"How Christian Faith Can Sustain the
Life of the Mind"
Richard T. Hughes, Pepperdine University
For information, call 612-330-1 180
Chapel
12
612
Sept. 23-24
Nov. 4
:
Nov. 24
"Out of the Woods," by Alis Olsen
Opening reception: Nov 8, 6-9p.m.
The Gage Family Art Gallery, Llndell
Library
Theater, Foss Center
Nov. LT
18
11
"lslam and Christianity: Religious
Resources
for Living with Differences"
Mark Swanson, Luther Seminary
Amin Kader, Augsburg College
I 0 a.m.-Convocation, Hoversten Chapel
Other Events
Sept. 25-29
Homecoming: Many Gifts, One Spirit
Exhibits
For gallery int'ormatiott, call 612-330-1524
Sept. 13-OclZA
"21st Century Tiles: From Earth to Fire"
National Juried Tile Exhibition
Opening reception: Sept. 20, 6-9 p.m.
The Gage Family Art Gallery Lindell Library
Dec. 6
Velkommen Jul
10: 15
a.m.-Hoversten Chapel
I I a.m.-2 p.m.-Christensen Center,
featuring Scandinavian treats and gifts
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¡¡
¡¡
From the editor
A :':1l,l^li:-,'ïï; îffi"::
:
3:"'
May 4, Augsburg concluded its l3,lth
academic year, sending 534 graduates
of the Class of 2003 into the world,
making room for the incoming Class of
2007.
The Commencement photo spread,
starting on p. 13, features highlights
fro... Show more
¡¡
¡¡
From the editor
A :':1l,l^li:-,'ïï; îffi"::
:
3:"'
May 4, Augsburg concluded its l3,lth
academic year, sending 534 graduates
of the Class of 2003 into the world,
making room for the incoming Class of
2007.
The Commencement photo spread,
starting on p. 13, features highlights
from the weekend's festivities,
including excerpts from the ceremony's
keynote speakers, ABC News
correspondent John McWethy and
elder care advocate Laurie Duncan-
McWethy
This year, the College also bid
farewell to four retiring members of the
faculty and staff: economics professor
Satya Gupta, biology professor Esther
Mclaughlin, associate professor and
librarian Grace Sulerud'58, and
support of the College. Comprised of
Augsburg alumni, alumni wives,
faculty wives, and other friends of the
College, the organization was founded
in the fall of 1984. Since then, its
members have raised over a half
million dollars for Augsburg. The
feature story on p. B pays tribute to
this forward-thinking and enterprising
group of women.
Be sure to check out the winning
entries of Augsburg's third annual
international photo contest on p. 6.
The contest provides an opportunity
for students to share their best images
from international and off-campus
studies, and offers a glimpse into the
different cultures explored by our
students.
Finally, Auggie Thoughts onp.24
features the Commencement speech
presented by Christin R. Crabtree '03,
Weekend College representative.
Crabtree reminds us that "behind every
new person you meet, there is a sea of
faces." We may never know all the
faces existing behind the lives we
touch, but as Crabtree reflects, "we all
have the opportunity to have a ripple
upon the world we occupy ... we can
positively affect our communities
through the simple acts of smiling at
our neighbors, voting at every election,,
and advocating for our future
generations, our children."
-l
Áu¡
*Jw
ll*
Lynn Mena
Assistant Editor
facilities assistant Mary Duffee. With a
combined 93 years of service, all four
leave distinct legacies to Augsburg;
read their stories and plans for the
future on p. 11.
The Augsburg Associ.ates, who
number around I00, is a service
auxiliary dedicated to fundraising for
a
o
s.
S
special projects and scholarships in
We welcome your letters!
Please
wdte to:
Edito¡
AugsburgNow
2211 Riverside Ave., CB I45
Minneapolis, MN 55454
E-mail: now@augsburg.edu
Fax: 612-330-1780
Business administration chair John Cerrito celebrated with four graduating business seniors at
the department's reception in April: (L to R) Kristina Truong, Peter Samargia, Suki Sylaphet, and
Hugo Quintiliano.
Phone:612-330-ll8l
Letters for publication must be signed and
include your name, class year, and daytime
telephone number. They may be edited for
length, clarity, and style.
CORRECTIONS
Karen Ackerman, who completed the Master of Arts in Nursing program this Ma¡ was incorrectly
identified as Linda Ackerman in the photo on p. 1l of the spring 2003 AugsburgNow.
On the same page, Gary Shinnick, pictured with professor emerita Bev Nilsson, was incorrectly
identified as the Rev Bill Miller.
Also in
tl-re
spring 2003 Augsburg Now, Carl Grulke's name was misspelled ln the story on p. 8.
i
Augsburg Now is published
quarterly by:
Office of Public Relations and
Communication
221 I Riverside Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55454
612-330-r
AucsBuRG Now
Vol.65, No.4
Summer 2003
lBr
now@augsburg.edu
Features
Editor
I
Betsey Norgard
Assistant Editor
Lynn Mena
Graphic Designer
The Augsburg Associates-providing
service behind the front lines
Kathy Rumpza
by Betsey Norgard
Class Notes Coordinator
In the nearly 20 years since their founding,
Sara KamhoÞ
the Augsburg Associates have given to the
College over a half million dollars from their
fundraising efforts earmarked for special
projects and scholarships.
Photographer
Stephen Geffre
President
William V Frame
D¡rector of Alumni and
Parent Relations
11
Amy Sutton
Director of Public Relations
and Communication
Farewell to retiring faculty and staff
by Lynn Mena
Three retiring faculty members, with a combined 78
years of service to Augsburg, were granted
emeritus/emerita status by the Board of Regents in May;
in addition, one staff member, with nearly 15 years of
service, retired in January.
Dan Jorgensen
Opinions expressed in Augsburg
Now do not necessarily reflect
official College policy
ISSN r058-r545
6
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Augsburg College, CB 142
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Minneapolis, MN 55454
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now@augsburg.edu
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its mission, does not
discriminate on the basis oJ race,
color, creeil, religion, national or
ethnic origin, øge, gender, sexual
orientation, marital status, status
with regard to public assistance,
or disability in its education
p olicie s, a dmis sions p olicies,
s cholar ship ønil lo an pro gr ams,
athletic anill or scho ol
aâministered pro grdms, except
Departments
ir
in
those instances where religion
is a bona Jiile occupøtional
qualific ation. Au gsbur g C oll e ge
is committed to proviiling
reasonqble accommo ilations to
its employees and its students.
www.augsburg.edu
2
Around the Quad
4
Sports
17
18
Alumni News
24
Auggie Thoughts
inside
back
cover
Homecoming 2003 Preview
Class Notes
On the cover:
Augsbur g
s
tu dent
s, c ar ry ing Jlags
rcprescnltng lhe countrics oJ origin
oJ
the Class of 2003 graduates,Ied
the academic procession to the
C omnrcnc
50 percent recycled paper (10 percerLt post-consumer waste)
ement
C eremony. Pho to
by Stephen GelJre'03.
I
0
I o
^
Presenting music therapy in China
a
D ïi:: î.1ïil5i"':",*i:,:n" ""'
/a
O
tt
a
university faculty and
students, as well as a
s.
Therapy-A Field Whose Time Has
Arrived Around the World"-music
number of dignitaries,
could be felt in the
therapy professor Roberta Kagin found
that relatively few of the nearly 120
people who crowded into a room set up
for just 30 people in Beijing, China,
were familiar with the discipline of
music therapy.
Kagin was one of five music
educators invited to present at a
conference on music education reform,
held at Capitol Normal University in
Beijing. She says that Western music in
general is sorely lacking in China, and
that the Chinese concept of music
education is more commonly
understood as teaching people about
music, not preparing teachers of music.
"Students are hungry for anything
we can give them," she commented, in
reflecting on the great interest in her
presentation and in music therapy in
conference ambiance.
Kagin reported that, "The
opening ceremonies were
an amazing array of
flowers, speeches, and
videos."
general.
The conference audience included
à
as
so
U
While in Beijing,
Kagin visited two other
music schools-the
premier Central
Conservatory ol musìc
and the Chinese
Professor Roberta Kagin (right). chair of Augsburg's music
conservatory, a more
therapy program, was greeted with flowers in Beijing, China,
where her presentation at a conference on music therapy was
traditional program. As
eagerly received and overfilled the meeting room, Zhou Shibin
part of her own doctoral
(center above) is an administrator at Capital Normal University
study, Kagin met with
who visited Augsburg in the winter o1 1996-97.
members of the Huaxia
Musical Ensemble, a group of music
Kagin's host in Beijing was Zhou
students playing traditional Chinese
Shibin, an administrator at Capital
instruments. A paper she wrote included
Normal Universit¡ who visited
research and field recordings of the
Augsburg in the winter of 1996-97 and
instruments.
may return in the coming fall.
American lndian Student Services Program celebrates
25th ann¡versary
Æï}':::äffi ä":3öx'"'åïä:.
a yearlong celebration of its 25th
anniversary with a gala dinner May 16.
Mike Freeman, master of ceremonies and
Augsburg regent, welcomed guests, who
included faculty, staff, students, alumni,
and friends of the College and AISSP
The evening began with an
invocation by the Rev. Marlene
Whiterabbit Helgemo of All Nations
Indian Church, and an Honor Song by the
Lakota Singers, led byJerry Dearly Cindy
Peterson, director ofAISSB then presented
the history of the program.
Following dinner, those who have
impacted and helped shape the program
were honored with a "give-away."
Receiving special recognition were former
College presidents Oscar Anderson and
2
,+UGSBURG NOW
a
a
Charles Anderson;
former AISSP director
Bonnie Wallace and
current director Cindy
h
Peterson; Joseph Aitken;
President William Frame,
academic dean Chris
Kimball; Herald Johnson,
assistant to the vice
president of enrollment
and market development;
Tom Morgan, vice
president of enrollment
and market development;
Ann Garvey, associate
dean for student affairs;
scholarship donors; and
the Tribal Offices
Committee.
Charles Anderson, president of Augsburg
from 1980-97, receives
a
"give-away" blanket from Bonnie Wallace, the first director of
Augsburg's American lndian Student Services Program. Assisting
with the give-aways at AISSP's 25th anniversary dinner are Sandi
Lallak, a specialist with Augsburg's CLASS program (left), and
Sadie Curtis, a specialist with Augsburg's Access Center (right).
Summer 2003
I
a
o
Parker Palmer visits Augsburg
sS.
r^
Flarker l. Palmer.
Y m,
Courage
bestselling author oI
to Teach,visited
Augsburg lly''ay 17 as part of the College's
Exploring Our Gifts program. In the
afternoon, faculty, staff, and invited
guests gathered for a workshop, where
the respected teacher and activist
discussed vocation. Using a Mobius strip,
Palmer illustrated how one side
represents a person's outer
life-the
roles
played, the "stage-self"-and the other
side represents the inner life, the
Tvvo
"backstage self." He then demonstrated
how the two are combined, how "soul
and role" intersect.
In the evening, Palmer addressed
the issue of education with a public
presentation, "Honor Thy Teacher:
Authentic Education Reform in an Era
of Smoke and Mirrors." Palmer
suggested a need to "support the heart
of the teacher, and equip them as
human beings to effect change in the
troubled system we call education."
Parker Palmer, an acclaimed writen teache1 and
activist, presented a workshop and lecture May 17
as part of Augsburg's Exploring Our Gifts program
students rece¡ve Hognander Award
f, iark
Abelsen and Maja Lisa
are the 2003-04
recipients of the Hognander Award, the
College's most prestigious music award.
Mark Abelsen, of Duluth, Minn., is a
senior piano performance major studying
with associate professorJill Dawe. He
participates as an accompanist on
campus and in the chamber music
program, where he enjoys working with
singers and string players. In the future,
he plans to pursue master's and doctoral
degrees in accompanying or orchestral
conducting. He was a featured soloist in
the 2002-03 Concerto Aria concert.
lYlrtl,ruuspen
FritzHuspen, of Bismarck, N.Dak., is
a Regents Scholar and senior vocal
performance major studying with studio
artist Susan Druck. She performs in the
Augsburg Choir and vocal chamber
music program. In April 2002, she won
first place in the intermediate voice
division of the annual Schubert Club
competition. She was also featured as a
soloist in both the 2001-02 and2002-03
Concerto Aria concerts.
The Orville C. and Gertrude O.
Hognander Family Fund was established
to recognize exceptional music
performance and achievement. The
n
7
Maja
Lisa
ffi
Mark Abelsen '04
FritzHuspen '04
scholarship is based on merit, specifically
to provide encouragement to outstanding
music students. Requirements include a
resume, essay, and an audition of two
musical selections.
NOr{Wran¡t"Y
it¡t!ïtt?rñtãrtE
a
a
Augsburg hosts
Antarctic research
meet¡ng of national
scholars
s.
r4
Physics professor Mark
Engebretson (left) hosted a
meeting at Augsburg in
May of scholars from across
the country participating in
research in the Antarct¡c
region, including Vladimir
Papitashvili (center), f rom
the National Science
Foundation, and John Foster
(right), from MlT.
Summer
2OO3
President William V. Frame was
elected president of the ELCA Council
of College Presidents, representing the
28 colleges of the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in America.
Emeritus/emerita status granted
Three retiring faculty members, with a
combined 78 years ofservice to
Augsburg, were granted emerituVemerita
status by the Board of Regents in May:
Satya Gupta, professor of economics
Esther Mclaughlin, associate professor
of biology
Grace Sulerud, associate professor and
librarian
For more information,
see the story about
retinng faculty and stafJ on p. 11.
,4ucs¡unc
ruow
3
2OO2-03
Twclvc
I
athletic year in review
All-Arnclican honors; two
national players ol the weel<;
l5
national toLrrnament qualifiers in
individual sports; l2 All-Region
selections, two MIAC Players of the Year;
22 AII-MIAC honors; three AII-MIAC
second-team honors; 35 AII-MIAC
honorable mention honors, 14 MIAC
Players/Athletes of the Week; 50 MIAC
Academic All-Conference honors; seven
Verizon Academic All-District selections,
and l5 sport-specific Scholar All-America
selections highlightecl the sports year.
Wrestling
The Auggie wrestlers saw their threeseason string of national championships
ended by Wartburg (Iowa), but the
Auggies finished second with six AllAmericans. Freshman Marcus LeVesseur
went 44-0 to earn the national title at 157
pounds, Augsburg's 3lst individual
national title.
Football
The Auggies finished the 2002 campaign
with a 2-8 overall record ancl l-7 mark in
the MIAC.
championship meet, a one-position
improvernent from last year's finish.
Augsburg's volleyball team struggled this
season, finishing 3-25 overall and l-10 in
the MIAC.
Men's soccer
Augsburg finished
4-II-2 overall and 1-8-1
in MIAC play
"i
U
Augsburg recorded one of its best
finishes in school history in the NCAA
Division III Central Regional at the encl
of the season, as each of the 14 runners
who competed at the regional rneet for
Augsburg recorded a personal-best time.
Augsburg's rnen placed l3th in the
25-team event, while the women finished
20th.
Men's hockey
Augsburg reached the conference
postseason playoffs for the fifth time in
the last six years. Ar,rgsburg finished
17-9-0 overall and 10-6 in MIAC pla¡
placing third. SeniorJaro Cesþ was the
top scorer among MIAC players this
season, standing 20th nationally among
Division III players in points. Chesky
was narned MIAC Player of the Year.
After a two-season absence, Augsburg
returned to the MIAC playoffs with a
fifth-place conference standing, finishing
the season l2-lI-3 overall, 10-6-2 in the
MIAC. Sophomore Lauren Chezick was
named MIAC Player of the Year; tl-ris
season, she led the nation in total points
and was second in points-per-game.
Men's basketball
Augsburg claimed its best record since
1995, finishingll-5-2 overall and 5-5-1 in
the MIAC.
Augsburg finished 1l-14 overall, S-12 in
MIAC play
Women's basketball
Men's golf
Augsburg finished
Adjusting to a relatively young lineup,
Augsburg finished fifth in the MIAC
meet with a 482 27-hole total, finishing
out of the top four in the MIAC meet for
the first time since 1993.
MIAC play
Women's golf
4
,+UGSBURG NOW
4,;
Men's/Women's cross country
Women's soccer
Augsburg finished eighth at the MIAC
¡*4É-{tr
In the MIAC meet, Augsburg's men
placed eighth overall, while the Auggie
women placed ninth. As a team,
Women's hockey
Volleyball
byDonstoner
4-2I overall,3-20 in
Baseball
The Auggies showed strong improvement
in team play finishing 9-24-2 overaTl and
4-16 in MIAC play
Softball shortstop Kristen Lideen earned All
American honors this season.
Softball
Augsburg finished the 2003 seasonT-29
overall and 4-18 in the MIAC. Shortstop
Kristen Lideen (junior) led the team in
virtually every offensive category, setting
the third-best single-season batting
average in school history. She set singleseason school records for hits, doubles,
and total bases, and became.just the third
player in school history to go through a
season
without
a strikeout.
Men's/Women's track and field
Sprinter Mathew Shannon (junior)
became the first Auggie male track and
field athlete to ever earn multiple AllAmerican honors in track in one season,
and earned MIAC Athlete of the Week
honors three times this season. Sprinter
Tonnisha Bell (freshman) became just the
second Auggie freshman to earn AllAmerican honors in track.
For the most complete information on
Augsburg Auggie athletics. visit
<www. augsbu rg.ed u/at
h let
ics>.
Don Stoner ís s¡rorts inJorntation coordtnator.
Summer 2003
T
I
Five students earn top athletic awards
!ive senior student-athletes received
I athletic awards for the 2002-03 school
year, voted by coaches in Augsburg's men's
and women's athletic departments. Four
Auggies earned Honor Athlete designation,
the highest honor the College gives its
senior student-athletes, and one eamed
Augsburg Senior Athlete of the Year honors.
career putouts are
tops in school history.
She has served as an
year starter at
Jay Howard,
running back in
football, Bramwell
earned AII-MIAC
business
Augsburg StudentAthlete Mentor for
two years and is a
member of the MIAC Student Athlete
Advisory Commiuee. With a 3.0 GPA, she
has served as president of the Augsburg
College Education Students (ACES)
association, and is a two-time recipient of
the Joyce Pfaff Academic Award for
management-A
women's athletics.
three-year starter in
men's basketball,
Howard earned All-
2002-03 Senior Athlete of the Year
2002-03 Honor Athletes
T.J. Bramwell,
biology-A three-
second-team honors
in2002. He was a
team co-captain in 2002 and received the
football team's Auggie Award. With
a
3.611 GPA, Bramwell earned Academic
AII-MIAC honors and Verizon Academic
All-District third-team honors in both his
junior and senior seasons.
Ricky Crone,
marketing-A twotime All American in
wrestling, Crone
nation at 184 pounds
this season, after
finishing second
coaches have been hired in four sports in
recent months.
Alumnus Douge Schildgen'90 was
hired to lead Augsburg's baseball team.
For the previous four seasons, Schildgen
served as head coach at North Hennepin
Community College, where he compiled a
49-44 record in his four seasons, finishing
second in the competitive Minnesota
Community College Conference twice
and reaching state tournament and
regional competition twice.
InJanuary Augsburg hired Troy
international
business-A four-
junior and senior seasons. He led the
Auggies in scoring, rebounding, blocked
time AII-MIAC firstteam recipient in
shots, three-point baskets, and field-goal
percentage. He was 10th in the MIAC in
scoring his senior season, 18th in
rebounding, and third in blocked shots.
With a 3.593 GPA, Howard earned
Academic AII-MIAC honors his junior
and senior seasons.
men's hockey, Cesky
Jennifer Lemke, elementary educationA four-year starter in softball at catcher
and first base, Lemke served as team co-
'Augsburg hires five new Goaches
I ugsburg College has severa] new
Flfu..r in the coaching ranks, as new
Jaro Cesky,
MIAC honorable
mention honors his
placed third in the
Summer 2003
captain for two
seasons. Her 631
nationally the year before. He earned MIAC
and Great Lakes Regional championships,
and was team co-captain his senior season.
He earned the team's Auggie Award and
was a part of teams that won the NCAA
Division III national title in 2002 and
finished second in 2003. With a 3.20 GPA,
Crone earned NWCA Scholar All-America
honors in 2003 and was a member of an
academic national team that finished sixth
nationally with a team GPA of 3.335.
byDonstoner
earned AHCA
Division III AllAmerican first-team
honors in 2002-03, Augsburg's 27th AllAmerican honor in men's hockey He was
named MIAC Player of the Year for
2002-03, scoring 42 points. He was voted
team Rookie of the Year his freshman
season and team MVP his senior year. In
March, Cesky was drafted by the Quad
City Mallards, a minor league UHL team.
byDonstoner
Nygaard and Laura Levi to serve as cocoaches for the women's golf team.
Nygaard currently serves as operaLions
supervisor of the Eagle Lake Golf Course
in the Three Rivers Park District (formerly
Hennepin Parks) in Plymouth, Minn. Levi
has worked as a golf instructor in the
Three Rivers Park for the past two years,
and is the golf courses' site coordinator for
the LPGA/USGA Girls' Golf Program.
In April, Cathy Skinner was hired as
the new head coach for the volleyball
team. Skinner brings 15 seasons of
volleyball coaching experience to
Augsburg, including eight years at the
NCAA Division I level with Fordham,
Princeton, and Drexel universities.
ln May, Dave Johnson, who coached
the Hudson (Wis.) High School girls'
basketball team to six Wisconsin state
tournaments and two state titles in the
last eight years, rÃ/as hired as the Auggies'
new women's basketball head coach. In
addition to his coaching duties at
Augsburg, Johnson will also direct the
school's intramural athletics program and
serve as equipment supervisor for the
health and physical education
department and the women's athletics
program.
,4ucssunc
Now
5
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\'('r' I00 I'nir¡(':r \\,¡^c :;Lrl)ltìii1('(l ìn tllc
1lriril lrtrrrrurl ¡rlroto t orrtcl;1 for
i
ntclnltionlI
¿rrrrl of 1ì.clrr.rprr:; :;t Lrrl icl;.
Wi¡rrrcr-¡; r,r,r'r"r' :;r'lcc:1ccl irr
tllrt'i'
clttc¡pric:;: :;cctric latrrl:;rlr¡ri':;, loclI ¡rco¡tIc
irr
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r-os¡;-cnItrrlrI :;ctiin¡r,, irncI Au¡,,.1brrlt,,
:itt-tcl(ìn1:ì
ur u lrosi rjcttinlì. ¡\llr'r,inninu
l)llotos wcrc c[isl)la)/ccl itr (.Ìrristcnscn
I
C.c:ntr:r'.
Lnlries \,vcrc juclgccl on t]ìc lollor,r,ing
cJ:itcrirì: cross-cullLll'irl contcnt, artistic tìncl
Lcchnical cluiìlity, ancl r'cprocl ucibrìr ty
Io 'r t' ltll llrt' rr innt'ts, r irit
<w
w\\r
a Lt
gsllulg.
ccl
u/i r tcl'r'r r
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tiorul/
pho tocontcst03 >.
Local people in a cross-cultural setting. Third place.
A "Damara," Jamie Johnson '06. Namibia.
Scenic landscapes. Second place. "Namib," Jamie
e; &È,,e
B Johnson '06. Namibia.
Scenic landscapes. First Place.
C Stacy Enger'04. Norway.
"Little Piece of Norway,"
Local people in a cross-cultural setting. First place.
D "Playing with Pigeons," Naomi Sveom '04. Argentina
Augsburg students in a cross-cultural setting. First place.
E "Traje tipico y tevas," Katie Nielsen '03. Guatemala.
Scenic landscapes. Third place. "Nature's Embrace #2 "
F Naomi Sveom '04. Argentina.
6
.+t (;srit lì(; Now
Summer 2003
*:
q
Summer 2003
a
,,4ucsnunc
n¡ow
7
PROVIDING SIRVICE BIH ND THE FRONT
L
NES
by Betsey Norgard
Behincl the neu' Welcome Desk in
Cl.rristensen Center will soon appear a
new plaque, thar-rking the Augsburg
Associates for their funcling ancl support
for the renovatìon of that space. They
have also been thanked for similar
projects in tl-re Augsburg Roorn, Marshall
Roorn, and the Green Room in Foss
Center.
In the nearly 20 years since their
founding, the Augsburg Associates have
gi\¡en to the College over a half million
clollars frorn their fundraising eflorts
earmarked for special projects such as the
Christensen Center rerìovation.
The Ar.rgsburg CoÌlege Associates,
'uvho number around 100, is a sen'ice
auxiliary cleclicatecl to fundraising lor
special projects and scholarships in
support ol the College. Nearly 20 years
ago, in the fall of 1984, Gladys (Boxrud)
Strornmen '46, Kate Anderson, and Stella
(Kyllo) Rosenquist '64 er.rvisloned an
organization of Augsburg alumni, alurnni
1y11,s5, ancl other lriencls of
the College-sirnilar to social and service
organizations on other c:rm¡luses-ancl
compilecl a list of potential members to
invite to a luncheon.
A nurnber of these women then
hostcd thcir own luncheons. iuviting
classmates ancl friends with Augsburg
connections. Witl-rin a yeâr, the Associates
grew to arouncl 60 members.
For their initial funclraising events,
they sponsored benefit performances at
i.l'ives, facultl,
o
o
s.
bs'
Ø
Through its fundraising and membership, the Augsburg Associates have supported the College
for nearly 20 years. Board members are: (seated, L to R) Birgit Birkeland '58 (treasurer),
Michelle (Karkhoff) Christianson '72 (president). Ruth Aaskov'53 (secretary); (standing, L to R)
Lucy Hackbart, Grace (Kemmer) Sulerud'58, llene Holen, Lois (Black) Ahlbom '47,Barbara
(Olson) Dettle '59. Dorothy Bailey, Maryon Lee, Mary Wick, Anne Frame, Jo Erickson. Board
members not present are Dorothy (Floistad) Benson'56, Doris (Frojen) Bretheim '51,Terry
Cook, and Joanne (St¡les) Laird '58 (vice president).
8
,+UGSBURG NoW
Summer 2O03
L
q
Associates'board by Helga Egertson, who
had volunteered on similar sales with
Ebenezer Society. A group of 80 or so
women, who are experienced in the
organization and appraisal of household
goods, manage the sale and then take care
of anything that didn't sell. From 1996
through 2002, with six or seven sales per
year, the sales have netted $72,000 profit
The new Welcome Desk in the recently renovated Christensen Center was funded by the
Augsburg Assoc¡ates, and is but one of several examples of the Associates' generosity over the
past 20 years.
area theaters. The first, Tlrc Good Life, was
only marginally successful in raising
money, says Kate Anderson, a former
Associates president and wife of Augsburg
president emeritus Charles Anderson. "We
were barely organized, and we were trying
to do this at the same time." The two
following projects, The Rainmaher and
Gospel at Colonnus, were more successful.
At that time, planning was underway
at Augsburg for a new chapel, to be
located in the new Foss, Lobeck, Miles
Center for Worship and Communication.
As the need for a new organ was
discussed, Anderson recalls her proposal
to the Associates-"Let's see if we can buy
it for the College." Over a six-year period,
they raised $250,000 to purchase the
. Dobson organ in Hoversten Chapel.
During the first decade of the
association, their major fundraising
projects were annual "Trash and Treasure"
sales. For months, the group would
collect donations of furniture, clothing,
and other household articles for a giant
sale. While quite successful, the sales were
an enormous arnount of work to gather,
categorize, and price the goods-and
subsequently dispose of unsold items.
Space was used in the old church that
stood next to Melby Gyrn and in the
gyrnnasium itself, meaning that
everything had to be moved around to
accommodate athletic schedules and other
needs for the space.
Summer 2003
for the Associates.
These sales offer a service as well as
After eight or so years, and when the
church was torn down, the Associates
provide a benefit for the organization. The
Associates have received letters and cards
of appreciation, mentioning that they are
glad the money goes to support a worthy
decided to end the era of the Trash and
Treasure sales.
cause, says Egertson.
Managing estate and
mo\/ing sales
Anderson adds that their services are
provided at times that can be very difficult
for many people, some of whom already
have connections to Augsburg.
Each sale requires a team who spend
a week or so in the home organizing,
pricing, and preparing everything for sale,
including washing all china and crystal
Since 1996, the Associates have continued
to raise funds for the College by selling
household items, but now through the
administration of estate and moving sales.
The idea was first proposed to the
a
!
Avis Ellingrod (left) and Orlette Tatley (right) are
kept busy ringing up and packing purchases at
an estate sale in Burnsville in April.
È
L
q
Kate Anderson (right) and shopper Ruth
Schuenke examined some of the jewelry
items included in the Burnsville estate sale.
,4ucssunc
fr¡ow
9
and polishing silver. They bring tables ancl
sheÌr,ing to the sale Ìocation for clisplay
On the Friday and Saturday sale days,
approxirnately I0-12 r'olunteers are on
hand, sor-netirnes finding a line of 20
people waiting for them at 6:30 a.rn.
Customers range frorn professional clealers
who follow their schedule of sales to
neighbors and curious passers-b;'.
Funding other
special projects
After the organ purchase, the
Associates' second major
fundraising project was furnishing
the Special Collections room in the
new Lindell Library The Associates
raised $100,000 to create an
attractive space with a proper
enr¡ironr¡ent to house the special
books and collections owned by the
College, including the personal
library donated by writer and
activist Merideì LeSueur.
Since then, the Associates have
H
ru
r.w
ÆHE
LI
fl
m
Graham, and Leola Josefson.
renovated the Green Room in Foss
Center, the Marshall and Augsburg
roorns in Christensen Center, and, most
recently, havejust funded creation of the
Welcome Desk that greets visitors to the
College center.
Special lundraising projects are
chosen by the Associates in collaboration
with the College administration,
identifying projects of the greatest need to
the College.
Festive hosts
r7ïrr5
At Velkommen Jul 1999, among the festive hostesses
were (L to R) Fern Hanson Gudmestad '41, Elaine
f or
Velkommen Jul
The Augsburg Associates are perhaps rnost
visible at the College's annual Velkommen
Jul celebration for the community, held
usually on the first Friday in December.
Dressed in traditional Nordic folk
costumes, they host the sumptuous table
of Scandinavian Christmas goodies and
attract visitors with sales of homernade
and irnported Scandinavian gifts ancl
holiday clecorations. For a number o[
years, the Associates have carried out the
Over a six-year period, the Augsburg
Associates raised $250,000 to purchase the
Dobson organ in Hoversten Chapel.
10
,4ucs¡uRc ruow
planning ancl preparation for this popular
event, as well as the baking ancl donating
of many Scandinavian treats-flatbreads,
lutunl¿ahe, sandbahelser; hransel¿ahe, and
rosettes.
Service in education
Beyond fundraising, the activities of the
Augsburg Associates include an annual
educational seminar each spring.
Speakers on various topics-some frorn
the Augsburg faculty and staff-presenr
sessions to which the public is aÌso
invited.
In addition, the Associates have
endowed a scholarship offered to an
Augsburg student each year.
With a traditionally fernale
membership, the Associates would
welcome men and, especiall;', young
people to their ranks. Not all mernbers
need participate in the activities. For
many, ¡þs organization provides a way to
support the College, and higher levels of
membership represent a significant
portion of their annual funclraising.
For inlormation about estate and
moving sales or about the Augsburg
Associates, contact 6 1 2-330- I 183 or
6i2-330-1171.
I
Summer 2003
Farewell to
,i
FACULTY AND STAFF
by Lynn Mena
SATYA GUPTA
Satya Gupta,
professor of
econotnics, began
27 years oï
distinguished
service to the
College in 1976.
He was granted
tenlrre in 1982,
and promoted to
full professor in 1987. He obtained B.S.
degrees frorn Agra University in Inclia,
M.S. degrees from both Agra University
ancl Southern Illinois University, ancl his
Ph.D. from Southern lÌlinois Universì.ty.
Prior to coming to Augsburg, he taught in
India, Ethiopia, and Canada.
"He was always very interested in his
students," says Jeanne Boeh, associate
professor and chair of economics. "His
early work in peace studies was very
l-relpful to the College."
In 1981, Gupta and his wife were
two of 531 appointees from colleges and
universities throughout the United States
for six-year terms as Danforth Associates.
'The purpose of the Danforth Associate
Program is to recognize and encoLlrâge
effective teaching ancl to foster activities
that humanize teaching and learning for
nlcrnbcrs ol campus cornrnunilies.
In 1982, Gupta was awarded a grant
lo conclut l a spccial serninat'on rninority
education.
In reflecting upon eclucatior-r ancl the
role of educators, Gupta wrote in 1988,
Summer 2O03
"We need education that produces not
the physical or intelleciual, not the
political or economics man only, but also
the moral and spiritual mân-the whole
man. We need to impart education that
will help deveiop a meaningfui
philosophy ol lile."
Gupta anticipates having his hands
full during retirement, helping to care for
his new grandchild.
ESTHER G. MCLAUGHLIN
Esther
Mcl-aughlin,
associate
professor of
biology, began
her career at
Augsburg in
1989 as assistant
professor of
biology. She
obtained her B.A. and Ph.D. clegrees i.n
botany from the University of CaliforniaBerkeley in 1962 and 1968, respectively.
Prior to Augsburg, Mclaughlin held
adjunct faculty positi.ons teaching plant
biology ât Carleton College, St. Olaf
College, and the University of Minnesota.
"However, much of the time I was a stayat-home nìother, until my younger
daughter was a senior in high school,"
says Mclaughlì.n.
Outsicle of teaching, Mclaughlin has
co-eclited a two-volume book on ltrngi
for Springer-Verlag, ancl is an active
melnber of the Minnesota Native Plant
Society.
When she looks back on her career
at Augsburg, Mclaughlin says she is most
proucl of having inspirecl "a student or
a career involving plants
or fungi. She especially appreclates
having had colleagues "who care as much
as I do-or ms¡ç-¿þ6¡¡ biology and
two" to choose
teaching biology." She says she will miss
her department and her students, but
promises to "come back and annoy my
clepartment from time to time, just in
case they thought they coulcl get entirely
away from me."
"Esther Mclaughlin is a superb
teacher whose enthusiasm, energy, and
dedication is a joy to students ancl
colleagues alike," says Dale Peclerson,
associate professor of biology. "She has
rno<leled rnany oI the best l)racl jces it]
teaching: clear organization, thorough
preparation, honest self-evaluation, and
continual improvement. She has served as
mentor both for students and colleagues.
We have relied heavily on her
philosophical perspective, her wellternperecl and good-humored insistence
on rationality, and her willingness and
ability to argue for those positions that
improve the educational quality of our
programs and the College ... she will be
sorely missecl."
In the long term, Mclaughlin looks
forwarcl to spencling more time with her
two chilclren and grandchildren, traveling
wirh her husband (incluciing trips to Asia
and South America to collect fungi), ancl
,4ucs¡unc ruow
11
Fa
rewell to Retiring
plans to volunteer at the Bell Museum of
Natural History at the University of
Minnesota, where her husbancl is curatclr
of fungi.
storytelling. "She has often entertainecl
the library staff with stories of her travels
GRACE K. SULERUD '58
Augsburg, both as a stticlent ancl as a
librarian," adcls Susan Certain,
accluisitions coordinator.
Suierucl particì-tlarly enjoyecl worliing
wìth the library stafl to clevelop the
library's collections and expancl services.
An Augsburg
graduate fiom the
Class of 1958,
Grace (Kernmer)
Sulerud returnecl
to the College in
1.966 as a
circulation
librarian. She
stayecl for 37
years, retiring as associate professor ancl
collectior-r development/reference
iibrarian. She also served as acting heacl
librarian for one year, interirn co-clirector
for another year, and taught children's
literature in the education department for
14 years. She obtainecl a B.A. in English
frorn Augsburg, ancl two M.A. degrees
frorn the University o[ Minnesota (library
science in 1968 and English literature in
1970). Her husband, Ralph L. Sulerud, is
professor emeritus of biology.
"Grace Sulerud played a number of
roles as professor and librarian ... but her
most important role has been as a model
to others," saysJane Ann Nelson, director
of Library Services. "She's modeled
enthusiasm for learning, her own learning
and that of others; eagerness to try new
ways to serve stuclents or connect with
faculty; and seemingly bounclless energy
to work for peace and jr-rstice, to travel,
and to serve on caÍìpus committees.
Grace's legacy to Augsburg includes a
strollg collection of books as well as
strong relationships between the library
and faculty"
Many of Sulerud's colleagues are
especially fond of her talent lbr
12
,4UCSSURC NOW
and overseas teaching experiences, ancl
lras ¡rlovitlctì lristolical l)clsl)c( livc lr)
rnany situations liom her years at
"I'll rliss the work ancl daily encoLlrÌters
with the people here who have so greatly
enriched my life," says Sulerud. "I'rn
pleased that I could spend so rnuch of my
life at Augsburg, first as a siuclent and,
after a few years of teaching here ancl
abroad, as a librarian f'or over 30 years.
"I expect to continue working on
social issues such as affordable housing,
spend time with friends and farnily, travel,
paint a bedroom, and take more walks."
MARY DUFFEE
Mary Duffee
came to Augsburg
1988 as
facilities assistant
in
to the director of
the newly
instituted
Department of
Facilities, created
to establish
centralized scheduling on campus, as well
âs to coordinate both on- and off-campus
events. Duffee played an integral role in
helping this departrnent, now known as
Events ancl Classroom Services, to evolve
from a rnanual schecluling process to the
more sophisticated schecluling software
cllrrently in
use.
"When I started at Augsburg lin
19991, Mary scheclulecl everything on
huge hard copy books and then
transferrecl recorcls to a software
program," says Craig Maus, clirector of
Events ancl Classroom Services. "The olcl
software progranl wasn't so great, so tl-re
College pr-rrchasecl a new prograrn."
In the transition fronr tlre olcl
progrâm to the new program, Duffee
workecl hard to keep the carnplrs events
schedule running smoothly ancl, for a
tirle, was forced to scheclule everything
three times-hard copy, olcl software, and
new solÌware.
Maus creclits Duffee with having been
an invaluable member of the carnpus
community. "She knew the campus, the
departments, the phone ¡¡mþs¡5everything. She was a wonderful
resource."
Few at Augsburg know that it was
Duffee who won a contest to name two
Christensen Centel meeling loonìs upolì
their renovations-the Cedar and
Riverside rooms.
Prior to Augsbr"rrg, Duffee worked in
office adrninistration at the University of
Minnesota, Golclen Valley Lutheran
College, and Bethel College. "I discovered
[early on] that working in an academic
environment and Christian college
community is my passion," says Duffee.
"My position at Ar"rgsburg provided
interaction with faculty, staff, students,
and the general public. I will especially
miss working with students, as I always
enjoyed their vitality and energy.
"The gift of retirement will provicle
me with the opportunity to take more
trips, watch more sunsets, take more
walks, explore new bike paths, and savor
relationships with friends and farnilyespecially the six little ones who call me
'Granchna.' Retirement will also enable
me to try new opportr.lnities, such as
special interest classes ancl part-tirne
ernployment." I
Summer 2003
È
COMMENCEMENT2OO3
u
The 134th year of Augsburg College
s'
¡l
l
i
Despite overcast skies and sporadic rain
showers, spirits were high at this year's
Commencement f estivities.
ül
()
s.
ra
President William Frame presents Paul
Peterson, a metro-urban studies major, with
the Marina Christensen Justice Award for his
commitment to community issues.
REPRESENTATIVES FOR THE CLASS OF
PAUL PETERSON RECEIVES MARINA CHRISTENSEN JUSTICE AWARD
Paul Peterson, a senior metro-urban studies major, was selected as the 2003
recipient of the Marina Christensen Justice Award.
Each year, this award is presented to the graduating senior who best
exemplifies Augsburg's motto "Education for Service." The student must have
demonstrated a dedication to community involvement as characterized by the
personal and professional life of Marina Christensen Justice, who courageously
and effectively reached out to disadvantaged people and communities.
Peterson, from Minneapolis, has carried out a wide range of activities that
led to his being selected for this award. Among them are internships with both
the Lyndale Neighborhood Association and the Higher Education Consortium
of Urban Affairs' Metro Urban Studies program. He has been an active member
of MPIRG (Minnesota Public Interest Research Group) and the Coalition for
Student Activism. In addition, he spent this past spring break on the Lilly grant
"Community Development and Civil Service Exploration" trip to Washington,
D.C.
As one of his professors commented, "Paul represents the kinds of
commitments to social and community building that Marina lived for."
2OO3
COMMENCEMENT,FUN FACTS,
I
Jean M. Gunderson, representing graduate students
3000
Attended Commencement Ceremonv
I
I
Sarah R. Haberkorn, representing day school students
542
Served for brunch
Christin R. Crabtree, representing Weekend College students
19
Cakes for t"he luncheon
1
Pair of graduating sisters with the same
first name and the same major
Summer 2003
4ucssunc
Now t3
o
a
b
s.
O
B'
r^
Augsburg Chamber Orchestra director Paul Ousley poses with graduating
orchestra students after the Commencement Concert. Pictured, L to R: Heidi
Peterson, viola, business administration (marketing) major; Jody Montgomery,
violin, music therapy major; and Callie Hutchison, violin, music performance
Graduating senior and McNair Scholar Charles Barton (right)
enjoys a moment with Emiliano Chagil, director of Augsburg's
Hispanic/Latino Student Services, before the ceremony'
major.
CEREMONY KEYNOTE SPEAKERS THANK STEPUP PROGRAM,
ADVISE GRADS TO FIND BALANCE BETWEEN WORK AND FAMILY
-L
()
s.
I don't have any magic words or easy answers, but what I do know is that each of
you will progress in a way that's perfect for you. Clearly, you are embarking on the
next stage of your very interesting life-no one else's. ... I wish to thank and bless
the students, staff, and administrators of StepUP, starting with Don Warren, the
founder of the program, to the current staff and participants. Your unrelenting
vision and energy are making a critical difference in people's lives. I thank you from
the bottom of our hearts for giving our son [Adam] a safe, supportive, challenging,
and demanding place to return to college. Thank you to Augsburg.
-L
George Kwangware, a management information
systems major, celebrates before the ceremony.
So you're about to take this amazingjourney called the rest of your life. Whatever
you do, make a difference. You don't have to win a Nobel Peace Prize to have an
impact. If you help someone else, you will help yourself. It's so simple, it's all
right-and, in fact, it's wonderful-to have a passion for your job. But separate
your job from your life. l'm one who has had a job that is very demanding, and
have been gone a lot, but I have tried to separate those important parts of my lifethe job which takes me from home a huge amount of time, and still pay attention
to my kids and my
o
a
$
fi
,ì
s.
E
Steven Grande (center), a history major and
McNair Scholar; gathers with his parents after
the Baccalaureate service,
14
4UCSSUnC NOW
aur i e D un c an -M cWethy
The Class of 2003 begins their graduation day in Hoversten
Chapel, first at an early morning Eucharist service, then at the
Baccalaureate service (pictured above), led by Augsburg campus
pastors, Rev. David Wold (left) and Rev. Sonja Hagander (right).
wife. ... You cannot
imagine how relevant
the building blocks
and knowledge and
experiences you've
gained here will be in
the rest of your life.
... What you've
learned at Augsburg
may not be the
answers, but you've
been given the tools
to start asking the
right questions, and
that is critical.
-JohnF.
McWetlry
Summer 20O3
o
o
s.
COMMENCEMENT 2OO3
Eü'
ABC NEWS CORRESPONDENT JOHN MCWETHY AND ELDER CARE
ADVOCATE LAURIE DUNCAN-MCWETHY DELIVER KEYNOTE SPEECHES
ABC News correspondentJohn F McWethy and his wife, Laurie Duncan-McWethy,
were the keynote speakers at the Commencernent Ceremony Sunday, May 4. The
2003 graduating class included their son, Adam (pictured on p. 24 with his
fiancée, Christin R. Crabtree). Their other son, Ian, is a student at Fordham
University in New York City
Marissa Mapes, a communication major, joins fellow
grads as they process to the ceremony,
o
B'
q
Faculty and staff line up to enter Melby Hall for the
Commencement ceremony,
SJ
b
u
$
"We greatly admire Augsburg College and its StepUP program, in particular,"
Laurie commented upon accepting Augsburg's invitation to speak at this year's
ceremon)¿ "Not only has the school been an asset to our son and family, but we
find the College's role in education unique and filled with an exceptional mission.
We are pleased to be part of the graduation exercises and a support to the
Augsburg community"
Laurie Duncan-WcWethy is the owner and president of an elder care
management company called Choices for Aging and its affiliated daily money
management company Paperwork Solutionstt for Seniors. She founded the
company in l99t when she saw the need for assistance by older adults struggling
to remain in their homes or deal with a care crisis. She graduated from DePauw
University in Greencastle, Ind., and received her master's degree in health care
administration from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. In
addition to her health care background, Laurie is a certified public accountant
specializing in long-term care counseling and retirement planning.
John F McWethy is chief national security and Pentagon correspondent,
Washington Bureau, for ABC Nøws. An ABC correspondent since 1979, he reports
on military and diplomatic aspects of U.S. foreign policy Widely honored for his
work, John received three Emmy Awards for his reporting on Ross Perot, the
Persian Gulf Waq and the Soviet military. He has also received the Alfred I.
DuPont-Columbia Award and the Overseas Press Club Award. He is also a
graduate of DePauw University, and earned his master's degree from Columbia
University's Pulitzer School of Journalism.
Augsburg's StepUP program, founded tn 1997 by Don Warren, is a nationwide model providing resources and support for students in recovery from drug
and alcohol dependenc;z After five years of service to recovering college students,
and a career dedicated to student-centered education, Don Warren retired in the
spring of 2002, handing his duties to StepUP's currenr director, Patrice Salmeri.
s)
Ê
O
s
E
H
u
ù
u
r4
E
Patricia Gonzales (left) adds a master's hood to her
academ¡c garb, as she receives her Master of Arts in
Nursing diploma and degree from Cheryl Leuning,
nursing department professor and chait.
Summer 2003
John McWethy, ABC News correspondent, and Laurie Duncan-Mcwethy, elder care
advocate, deliver keynote speeches at the Commencement ceremony. Their son, Adam
McWethy, was among the members of the Class of 2003 listening in the audience.
.Aucssunc
r{ow
15
r
U
È
s
s.
lb
Desiree Jorgenson (center), a psychology major, Honors Program graduate, and
McNair Scholar, shares a laugh with McNair Scholar program director Dixie Shafer
(left) and Rebekah Dupont (right), assistant professor of mathematics, at the
Commencement reception.
A future Auggie grad tries on her mother's
mortar board for size.
THE AUGSBURG COLLEGE CLASS OF 2OO3
) 534 Candidates for graduation
I 315 Day program graduates
I 148 Weekend College graduates
I 38 Graduate students (5 Master of Arts in Leadership,
è
h
26 Master of
Social Work, 7 Master of Arts in Nursing)
32
If
I 13
a
I
Rochester Program graduates
United Hospital Program graduate
Countries of graduates (Bangladesh, Brazll, Cameroon, Canada,
Colombia, Czech Republic, Guatemala, Lebanon, Somalia, Tibet,
Uganda, Ukrainia, and Zimbabwe
20-60 Age range of graduates in the Class of 2003
Karen Sutherland, associate professor of computer science,
poses with computer science major Hoa Nguyen (right)
and his wife (left) at the reception following the
Commencement ceremony.
h
U
s
ù
MASTER OF ARTS IN NURSING-CLAss OF 2OO3
Academic dean Chris Kimball (left) chats with Brad
Motl (right), a mathematics and physics double maior,
at the Commencement reception. Motl accepted a
research assistantship at the University of Wisconsin
in the Department of Nuclear Engineering and
Engineering Physics.
16 ,4ucssuRc
t{ow
The Master of Arts in Nursing program celebrated its second class of graduates'
Pictured, L to R, seated (faculty): Ruth Enestvedt, assistant professor of nursing; Bev
Nilsson, professor emerita of nursing; and Cheryl Leuning, professor and
department chair of nursing. Back row, L to R (graduates): Sandra Leinonen, Karen
Ackerman, Brenda Becker, Deb Brown-Schumacher, Patricia Gonzales, Jean
Gunderson, and Rae Ormsby.
Summer 2003
ll I
I
From the Alumni Board president's desk...
¡/ll
lJ
n May 4, I had the privilege and
hono, to address a new class of
graduates at the l34th Commencement
ceremony, and welcome them as official
alumni of Augsburg College.
The fall issue of the AugsburgNow will
provide more information on the board's
new leadership and members. Several
dedicated board members have completed
their terms, and we will endeavor to keep
them involved in the Augsburg
o
Thirty years ago, I sat in the same
Meþ Hall as a young graduate
looking forward to new horizons, but
feeling sad that I was leaving so many
good friends. These years later, I still get
seats in
community
together with some of my classmates once
or twice
a year.
Being Alumni Board president has
brought me back to campus, and now I
have a new set of friends from different
classes and programs. It has been a great
experience to work with the College and
the wonderful members of the Augsburg
community
As my term has ended, Dr. Paul
Mueller'84 from the Mayo Clinic is slated
to become the next president of the
Alumni Board, with Bill Vanderwall'93
Andrew Morrison '73, 2OO2-03 Alumni Board
president addressed the Class of 2003 at the
Commencement ceremony in May.
WEC as president elect.
We are fortunate to announce that
Lew Beccone'98 MAL; Dan W Anderson
'65; Tom A. Peterson'70; Jacqueline
(Brookshire) Tèisberg'80; Luann Watson
'88,'02 MAL; and the Rev. Karsten Nelson
'83 have been nominated to the board.
Speaking of keeping involved with
Augsburg, please contact the Alumni
Board or AlumniÆarent Relations and let
us know what interests you as alumni. We
want all of you to know about the wealth
of new programs at the College and the
numerous opportunities for alumni to
become involved with Augsburg. A good
time will be had by all.
Q72,,*-,
Andrew Morrison'73
Alumni Board, president
Lori Moline '82 rece¡ves women's business award
I
(ì
s
ffi:.ïi*'
company
specializing in
religious travel
wins a business
award. But in
April, creating
*J
Lori Moline'82
journeys of faith
and pilgrimage
earned Lori Moline'82 and her business
partner, Martha Van Gorder, the honor of
Emerging Business Owners of the Year by
the Minnesota Chapter of the National
Association of Women Business Owners.
Their travel company, CrossingBorders,
Inc., based in Bloomington, Minn., creates
church-related international tours that
provide spiritual expression and religious
education.
Few businesses have faced such a
series of challenges as CrossingBorders.
First, the viability of one of their key travel
Summer 2003
products was eliminated when the conflict
erupted inJerusalem in late 2000.
"The first destination for many
Christian travelers," Moline and Van
Gorder note, "is a journey to the Holy
l¿nd." Ayear later there was the impact of
September 1f , 2001, followed by a weak
economy and the weakening U.S. dollar,
and now the situation in Iraq.
It has required strength and
unwavering commitment to the long-term
potential of their business mission. Van
Gorder states, "We remain committed to
helping U.S. cit2ens discover their
Christian heritage, other cultures, and
often times other faiths through
international travel." To meet the
challenges, CrossingBorders has expanded
travel products, strengthened its overseas
people-to-people connections, and focused
on working with church leaders who put a
high value on intemational travel.
"We have witnessed," Moline said,
"some church leaders embracing the belief
that it is more important than ever to travel
beyond our borders to understand our
place in the world."
With planning up to 18 months in
advance, clients are preparing to travel to
Greece, Turkey, Italy, England, Scotland,
lreland, Germany, Czech Republic,
Slovakia, Hungary Austria, and China.
Tours created by CrossingBorders
emphasize a combination of church
heritage, cross-cultural, and spiritual
experiences. Prior tour highlights include a
choir performance in the church of a
Slovak village to standing-room only, a
pastor given permission to play one of
France's greatest church organs with the
tour group listening by his side, a church
group meeting elderþ members of the
Lutheran church in Dresden to hear how
the church was bombed in WWII, and
members sharing communion at the
Christian Catacombs in Rome.
,4ucssunc
Now
17
ta
1
939
The Rev. Alfred H. Sevig,
Spicer, Minn., retired inJanuary
2002, alter 45 years as pastor in
five parishes, and 15 years as
part-time hospital
chaplain/pulpit-supply. Last July,
he had heart bypass surgery and
has recovered well. He celebrated
the 60th anniversary of his
ordination in October.
1947
The Rev. Paul Blikstad, Salem,
¡a
o
Ore., continues in his l5th year
St. Matthew
Lutheran
Church in
as host of TheWillamette Renewal
Radio Broadcas¿, a half-hour
program sponsored by the
evangelical churches of many
denominations located in Salem.
The broadcast can be heard
Sunday nights at 7:30 p.m.,
Pacific time, at <www.kccs.org>.
1
956
The Rev. Ervin Overlund,
Beaverton, Ore., retired in
December, and was granted
pastor emeritus status by
Beaverton. He
celebrates 41
years o[
ordained parish
ministr¡
including 17 years ofparish
ministry in North Dakota, 18
years of institutional chaplaincy
in North Dakota and Canada, and
six years as a visitation pastor. He
and his wife, Sylvia (Moe) '58,
can be reached via e-mail at
<ekosao@attbi.com>.
1964
o
o
The Rev. James Parks,
Columbia Heights, Minn., is
s.
à
chaplain o[ Crest View Senior
Housing nursing home, which
provides a continuum of care for
a
U
seniors.
1
Staten Island, N.Y., is the
associate director of a museum
housing the John A. Noble
a
Maritime Collection, which
includes drawings, paintings,
lithographs, and writings
capturing the past century's "Age
of Sail." The museum is part of
Staten Island's Cultural Center.
She
recently retired from Lucent
Technologies, where she was
development manager.
1
à'
966
The Rev. Rodger Ericson was
I
recently featured in the
Cambridge, Minn.,Stør
newspaper. A lieutenant colonel
for the U.S. Air Force, he was
assigned to the Brooks City-Base
in
Antonio, Texas, as
chaplain for the 3llth Human
San
Systems
Wing and executive
officer of the 3llth Mission
Support Group. He has 23 years
of military service.
Alumni and friends of the College gathered at the Seattle Art
Museum in March to attend a performance of the Augsburg
Chamber Orchestra, Pictured, L to R: Anne Frame, David
Fagerlie '76, and Bonnie (Johnson) '67 and Bryce Nelson.
f8
,4ucssunc Now
is a victim advocate with
C.O.PE., working to empower
victims of domestic
abuse/violence. She also has a
side business of making creations
from gourds and modified pine
needle baskets. She can be
reached via e-mail at
<dav e7 5kay@netscape.net>.
f 968
Michael Arndt, Thousand
Oaks, Calif., received the
Excellence in Theatre Education
Award of the Kenney
Center/American College Theatre.
Festival at the American Theater
Festival XXXV held in Logan,
Utah, in February He is
professor of drama at California
Luthe¡an University in Thousand
Oaks, and is co-founder and
artistic director of the Kingsmen
Shakespeare Compan¡ a
965
Julie (Gudmestad) Landicina,
Augsburg alumni and friends gathered at the Housh home in
Arizona in March. Pictured, L to R: Anne Frame, President
William Frame, Ruth (Ringstad)'53 and Marvin Larson,
Lowell Ziemann'60, Jean and Allen Housh, and Vickie (Skor)
'59 and Howie '53 Pearson.
nicknamed the "earthship." Kay
1967
Kay Eileen (Nelsen) Jenness,
Lal-uz, N.Mex., and her
husband, Dave, are building an
underground house in Laluz,
professional theatre troupe that
brings Shakespearean plays to
life each summer in CLU's
Kingsmen Park. The troupe also
performs at other venues,
coordinates apprentice programs,
sponsors Theatre in Education
programs in local schools, and
organizes summer theatre camps
for youth.
1969
Kathleen Adix, Plymouth,
Minn., was featured in the New
Hope-Golden Valley Sun-Post
after being awarded the Arts
Coordinator of the Year award
from the Minnesota Alliance for
Arts in Education (MAAE) in
April. Kathleen is curriculum
coordinator in District 28I,
,/'?
where she has worked since
1969.
1972
Robert Engelson, Clinton,
Iowa, is starting his eighth year
as music department chair, fine
arts division chair, and choir
director at Mount St. Clare
College. He is also president of
the Board of Directors of Clinton
Symphony Orchestra. His wife,
Thea, is music director atZior'
Summer 2003
)
r¡rrrcreff=filÏIiE
Summer Auggie
Hours al fresco!
Come for the great patios and
stay for the interesting
speakers and networking
opportunities! The Augsburg
Alumni Board invites you to
these popular summer alumni
gatherings at local outdoor
patios the second Tuesday of
each month at 5:30 p.m.
July 8
Pickled Parrot
Apple Valley, Minn.
Facilitator: Norm Okerstrom
'85
August
Evangelical Lutheran Church in
Clinton, and is pursuing her
doctorate in music
literature-voice at the University
of lowa. Their son, Matthew, is
in sixth grade.
197?
Don Swenson, St. Paul, is vice
president o[ operations at
Bachman's, the largest privatelyheld retail florist in the United
States. He gave a presentation
entitled "Tèchnology and
Problem Solving for Business,"
for the Augsburg Business
Organization (ABO) in April.
1975
Subhashchand Patel was
12
It's Greek to Me
Uptown, Minneapolis
Facilitators: Jeni Falkman '0I
At Patty Park'02 MAL
RSVP to AlumniÆarent
Relations if you can, or just
show up and enjoy a summer
evening catching up with old
friends and learning
something new.
featured in the Montevideo
American-N ews for practicing
dentistry in Clarkfield, Minn.,
for 26 years. He and his wife,
Annette (Hanson)'74,'89
MAL, reside in Clarkfield.
1977
Neil Paulson
started Franklin
Financial Corp.,
privately
funded
a
/¡l¡IIñN,IIm¡iJfrr\rl
,REALIZING
THE
AUGSBURG VISION'
an invitation from
President Frame
Members of the alumni,
associates, and parents'
advisory boards have been
invited tojoin the regents.
facult¡ and staff in
identifying strategies and
initiatives that will clarify the
institutional vocation of the
College and strengthen its
capacity to serve it.
President Williarn V Frame
welcomes any comments or
suggestions lrom aìl alumni;
please send them by August
15 via e-mail to
<frame@augsburg.edu> or to
Augsburg College, CB 13f,
2211 Riverside Ave.,
Minneapolis, MN 55454.
mortgage
company that
offers sub-prime
loans to help customers rebuild
their credit.
William Reyer,
English
professor at
Heidelberg
College, Tiffin,
Ohio, is the
2003 recipient of
the Jane FrostKalnow Professorship in
Humanities, established to foster
educational excellence in
humanities teaching. Reyer has
been a member of the Heidelberg
faculty since t9B2 and serves as
chair of the English department.
1978
Jonathan Moren, Eden Prairie,
Minn., was elected vice president
of the Minneapolis District
Dental Societ¡ a chapter of the
Summer 2O03
;¡
"
la
Jackie (Kniefel) Lind '69, '94 MAL and Andy Fried '93 were
recognized in April at the end of their terms on the Alumni
Board of Directors for their leadership. Other outgoing board
members include Paul Fieldhammer'65, Tom Hanson '66, Jeff
Elavsky'68, and Christopher Haug '79.
Minnesota Dental Association, in
April. He also assumed
responsibility as president of the
United States Ski Association,
Central Division, Region One
board in May. He practices
1979
Linda Sue Anderson,
Minneapolis, and Zach Curtis
'97, appeared in the Twin Cities'
area premiere of Lanford Wilson's
in
dentistry for both Boynton
Health Service at the University
of Minnesota-Twin Cities and
Booh o[ Days at the Theatre
Pentagon Dental.
Bates.
Debra Axness, Charleston,
living with her
boyfriend, Larry aboard a
The Rev. Louise Britts was
featured in Norfh N¿ws for
S.C., has been
sailboat for almost three years.
They left Duluth in 2000 and
sailed through the Great Lakes to
the Erie Canal, down the
Hudson River to the Atlantic,
over to Chesapeake Bay, and
down the East Coast to the
Florida Keys. They are currently
anchored in Charleston, where
Debra is working at the Medical
University ol South Carolina as
associate director of a computer
lab for a research center that
does compute-intensive work on
the Round. Linda played Martha
Hoch and Zach playedJames
recently being ordained and
installed as pastor of River of
Life Lutheran Church in
Minneapolis. She was previously
the interim pastor at Good
Shepherd Lutheran Church in
afIrrù¡I¡Lrra[lltD
2003-2004 Alumni Board
meeting schedule
August
19
November 18
February l7
April20
brain imaging research.
June
Susan Shaninghouse,
Minneapolis, is a primary teacher
of a multi-age classroom at
Meetings are open to the
public and all alurnni are
invited to attend. Meetings
are held in the Minneapolis
Room in Christensen Center
at 5:30 p.m. For rnore
information, visit the alumni
Web site at <www.augsburg.
edu/alumni>.
ParkView Montessori School in
North Minneapolis. She is
pursuing special education
licensing in EBD through
coursework at St. Cloud State
University and the Minneapolis
Public School District.
15
4ucs¡unc ruow t9
Class Notes
Boardman, Ore., and has served
as the outreach minister and
youth minister at several
Minneapolis churches.
1
980
accepted the position of worship
ministries pastor at Brooklyn
Park Evangelical Free Church in
fall 2001. He and his wife, Mary
(Johnson) '80, reside in
Champlin, Minn.
The Rev. John E. Carlson
198f
1
Mary Beamish, La Crosse, Wis.,
married David Christensen in
February. Mary is a copy editor
at the Duluth News kibune and
David is employed by St. Louis
Janet Paone and Deb Pearson
'83 were featured guess on the
983
Ruth Koscielah Show on KCCO
radio in March. Janet was one of
the original cast members of
County.
m
o
a
Erica Benson '94= Path leads from basement
to Beverly Hills
s.
à
(J
by Dan Jorgensen
When Erica Benson '94 started on her career path she literally found herself with nowhere to go but up.
That's because her first job was located in a basement.
Benson, who now works for Beverly Hills-headquartered Kaleidoscope Films as a producer of movie
and TV promotional spots, landed her first media job working out of the basement at the PBS
affiliate ì.n Chicago.
"I sort of got into my career by accident," she recalled. "I was in the promo department and soon I was
on my way One job led to another until I eventually took the plunge and moved out to L.A. I went to
a promo house and got experience doing network stuff, including movies. Eventually that
Ianded me my job here at Kaleidoscope."
work at
A communication major, her first experience in the promotion field came through the news side when
she landed an internship atKARE-1LN¿ws in Minneapolis.
Erica Benson, a 1994 communication grad,
successfully transitioned from her first
media iob working out of the basement
at the PBS affiliate in Chicago, to Beverly
Hills-headquartered Kaleidoscope Films,
pictured above, as a producer of movie
and TV promotional spots.
"While I wâs there I met this crazy yovîgproducer named Larry Watzman," Benson said. "He was always going out on shoots and sending me to
fetch Bowie and Devo CDs for his spots. He pointed out that the great thing about TV promos is you get to wear many hats-writing, directing,
producing, and sometimes editing-versus work in advertising where you are forced to specialize in one area.
"I'd also have ro give a nod to MTV in shaping my career. I'm a pretty 'trendy' gal, so the thought of basically doing 'art' in
and ever-evolving medium, AND getting paid for it totally rocked."
a
hip way, in an exciting
Benson said she sort of "grew up" at Augsburg, where her father, Tom Benson'56 was the longtime director of Planned Giving, and not only helped
raise money for the College's scholarship funds but also for funding many of the newer Augsburg buildings, such as Lindell Library With a tuition
break because of her father's employrnent, she decided to try a year or so to see if she would like being a student where her father worked.
"I stayed because I liked the small classes and individualized attention I got from my professors," she noted. Her principal Augsburg mentors, she
said, were communication professor Deb Redmond, who also served as her advisor, and English professorJohn Mitchell. Benson also has other
Augsburg connections, including her uncie John Benson '55, a professor emeritus of religion.
Since entering the promo field full time, she's done work for almost all the major TV networks, including a short stint full time at FOX. She cut
movie spots for a Star W'ars campaign , Erin Brochoyich and Runaw ay Bride, and has done promos for such TV shows as the CBS blockbuster miniseries Hitla¿r. Other TV shows have included That '70s Show , Dr Phil, Spin City , and 3rd Roch From the Sun, to name just a few. The art of creating
these spots is made even more complicated by the fact that they have to "fit" into 30 seconds.
Making the transition to the L.A. area from Chicago, she noted, wasn't as hard as she thought it might be, "except everyone is so skinny out here,
and I like to earl" She makes her home in Toluca Lake, which is next door to Burbank, home of NBC's The Tonight Show.
As for advice to those interested in the field, she says "definitely internships, and make all the contacts you can. Go on informational interviews,
write thank you notes, and keep in touch. It's all about who you know
"As for actual skills, if you want to edit, learn programs like AVID, Final Cut Pro, and After Effecs, which is a graphics program. More and more
producer/editors are expected to make their own graphics these days, and this is especially true in television, which has become a very graphic
sensitive medium."
And for a final word of advice, she advocates long hours and hard work.
"l know it sounds depressing, but be prepared to pay your dues and do grunt jobs for long hours at little pay Then, if you hang in there and prove
you are ambitious, it will all pay off."
Dan Jorgensen is director of public relations and communication.
20
4ucssuRcr,¡ow
Summer
2OO3
)
Minneapolis' longest running
theatrical production, Tony n'
Tina\ Wedding, and is now a
theatre director at a local high
school and has done extensive
voice-over work. Deb is the
manager of the Children's
Theatre Company.
Anthony Munsterman,
Ironton, Minn., was featured in
¡he Aithen Independent Age as
feature French horn soloist in
The Great River Strings
Ensemble concert, "Something
Old, Something New, Something
Borrowed, Something Blue" in
March. He is band director for
the elementary and senior high
bands in Crosby, and has taught
music in Minnesota, Montana,
and North Dakota for 19 years.
Throughout his career, he has
directed or participated in
numerous choirs, orchestras, and
ensembles, both with the French
horn and voice. In 1998, he was
the assistant principal horn in
the College Band Directors
National Association Honor
Band. He and his wife, a
trombonist, have three children.
1
985
Peter Carlson and his wife,
Sara (Treanor) '87, Maplewood,
Minn., both received their
master's degrees in psychology.
Sara is licensed in marriage
therapy and owns a private
practice.
The Rev. Tammy Rider,
Claremont, Minn., was recently
honored for her award-winning
sermon addressing the issue of
violence against women,
"Sleeping Women," at the Walk
the Talk recognition banquet,
part of the third annual Spiritual
Speakout for Violence-Free
Families ecumenical
competition.
988
Jeffrey Bates, Chicago,
is
student special services advocate
at Prosser Career Academy on
Chicago's West side. He is also
Summer 20O3
o
a
AT
Ê*
a
2
5
programs and projects since
1997. He is former board
member of Future Teachers of
Chicago and lllinois, and
secretary of the Northwest
Neighborhood Federation Board
of Directors and catalyst for
community improvements.
Jeffrey is the proud single father
of Alyssa Carolynn, 7, and Kyle
An Auggie track athlete. pictured on the left, is now noteworthy
because of this race from around 1960, won by Macalester
student Kofi Annan. now UN Secretary General and Nobel Peace
Prize laureate. This photo appeared in the January issue of
Smithsonian magazine as part of an article about Annan. Do you
know who this Auggie runner is? Please let us know!
Jeffrey, 5.
Susan Hakes married John
Gorski in November. She opened
her own real estate company,
Hakes Realt¡ in Grand Marais,
Minn., inJanuary. She can be
contacted via e-mail at
<hakes@boreal.org>.
Tim A. Todd, El Sobrante, Calif.,
is group finance manager for BioRad Laboratories in Hercules,
Calif. He relocated from
Borbach-Le-haut, France, where
he worked at Roche
Pharmaceutical Co. of Basel,
Switzerland. He attended Schiller
International University in
Heidelburg, German¡ in 1991 to
receive his MBA, where he met
his wife, Hélène. They have three
children: Natalie, 7, Carol1.n, 6,
and Christopher, 2.
Kiel Christianson received his
Ph.D. in linguistics from
.1987
1
the head coach for girls'softball,
varsity [ootball assistant head
coach (offensive coordinator),
and assistant coach for girls'
varsity basketball. As the service
learning coordinator at Prosser,
he has developed innovative
Michigan State University in
December. He and his wife and
daughter moved to Amherst,
Mass., where he is a postdoctoral researcher in the
psychology department at the
University of Massachusetts.
1
989
Pamela Dorset Hoye was
featured in the Mírrrreapolis
Business.lowncl as owner of
Calhoun Beach Framing Ât Art
Gallery.
1
990
Lara Elhard, Minneapolis, is
pursuing her M.E.D. in Family
Education at the University of
analyst for the Toro Company.
Minnesoa-fwin Cities.
1
I 991
Perrine Dailey married Mau
Mikesell in August. She is an
Colleen Kay Watson, Mendota
Heights, Minn., wrote two
articles for CollegeRecruiter.com,
assistive technology specialist for
the PACER Center's Têchnology
Center, where she has worked
for eight years. Perrine held her
first solo art show at a St. Paul
café inJanuar¡ which featured
her fractals. She has also been
featured in several other art
shows sponsored by VSA MN
(Very Special Arts). The couple
resides in St. Paul.
entitled "You Will Find What
You Are Looking For" and "Don't
Let the Beetles Get Under Your
Bark." Colleen is CEO and cofounder of Career Professionals
Inc., which helps job seekers
find entrylevel opportunities in
management, marketing, sales,
customer service, finance, and
administration.
Carla Beaurline, Eden Prairie,
Minn., is founder and co-host for
the new cable television show,
Aroundthe Town, covering the
seven-county metro area, and
airing on MCN regional channel 6
and Time Warner 23. She was
director of national sales for a
direct response radio agency and
has been in advertising sales for
eight years. In addition, for the last
six years she has served as a parttime spokesperson/co-host/model
for ShopNBC and QVC.
1
993
Brent Anderson married
Marilyn Barry in April. Brent is a
manager in the small business
division at Qwest
Communications in St. Paul, and
Marill,n is a senior financial
1
995
996
g
il
Ryan Carlson,
Minneapolis,
participated in
Seagate's eco-
challenge, an
adventure race
consisting of
mountain
biking, sea kayaking, hiking and
orienteering, and rappelling, in
Brisbane, Australia. Individuals
from Seagate sites around the
world are nominated to participate
in the six-hour race. He is a
manufacturing manager for
Seagate, and can be contacted via
e-mail at <rcarlson@seagate.com>.
Scott Magelssen, Rock Island,
Ill., received his Ph.D. in theatre
history and theory from the
University of Minnesota in
spring 2002. He is assistant
4ucsnunc
now
21
Class Notes
m
Jane Jeong Trenka '95:
A journey in words orJudyPerree
An accomplished rnusician and soon-to-be published book author,
JaneJeong Tienka says she has been very "lucþr"
Tienka graduated magna cum laude in I995 with degrees in music
perlormance and English. Her first "real job" came about by a
suggestion from Jill Dawe, Augsburg assistant professor of music,
that she volunteer at The Schubert Club. Dawe's suggestion led to a
job at which she stayed for five years. While at The Schubert Club,
Tienka directed a music program, Musicapolis, which reduced the
cost of music lessons for children who couldn't otherwise afford
them. She now teaches private piano lessons out of her home.
A quirk of fate and a trip to a plumbing store eventually led to the
publication of her first book, due out this fall. What do plumbing
and writing have to do with each other? Well, the plumbing store
was across from The Loft Literary Center, and since she was
already
street.
in the neighborhood, she decided to make
a
professor o[ theatre arts at
Augustana College in Rock
Island.
FT
IJ
ffi ffi
ffi
Thanks to a "quirk of fate" that
led to Jane Jeong Trenka'95
receiving The Loft Creative
Nonf iction Mentorship Award,
she is celebrating the publication
of her first book, The Language
of Blood: A Memoir (Borealis
Books), due out this fall.
trip across the
"I loved writing while I was at Augsburg, but had no idea I was a writer," Tienka said. After winning the
award, she discovered she could indeed write. Since then she has aÌso been awarded aJerome Tiavel and
Study Grant, a Biacklock Nature Sanctuary Fellowship, a Minnesota State Arts Board Fellowship, a
fellowship from SASE: The Write Place, and an Honorable Mention for the Water-Stone 2002 Brenda
Ueland Prose Prize.
Tienka said she feels kind of "guilty" that it has come so easy "Some people slave at their writing for
years before they publish, but I had luck. I'm glad people are interested in what I have to sa)¿"
The Language of Blood: A Memoir will be available this fall from Borealis Books. It is a personal comingof-age story of her search for identit¡ which takes her on a journey from Minnesota to Korea and back.
Included in her book are some of her experiences at Augsburg.
Tienka said Augsburg gave her the feeling of freedom to do whatever she wanted. It gave her a good
liberal education base, which has allowed her to pursue music as well as a literary career, and even
beyond that, if she chooses.
"Without that scholarship, I never would have been
able to attend Augsburg." But what she liked was the urban setting. She said she was so excited when
she tasted her first Korean food-growing up in a small, northern Minnesota town, ethnic restaurants
were few and far between.
She came to Augsburg on a President's Scholarship.
"I liked the slice of urban life where there is a diversity of people. In this setting I was able to find out
who I really was." While at Augsburg, Trenka said she made "terrific friends," and the faculty were so
giving. She got a sense that she could try whatever she wanted. 'John lMitchell, associate professor of
Englishl was fantastic. He would hang out with students at this little coffee place and talk to us. It was a
blessed time." She said it rerninded her of "hang-out places" you always hear about back in the'60s. "It
was like a little bubble in time at Augsburg."
What's next for Trenka? She is working on writing a series of children's books on home repair with a cowriter who is a builder. Her books will focus not only on home repairs, but diversity
"It's rare to see interracial families depicted in children's books," Tienka said with a twlnkling in her eye,
"but you'll see them in mine."
22
/,lUCSnUnC ruOW
ù
ã,
L
o
U
Laura Marie (Krepela)
Stoneburg, Farmington, Minn.,
received her master's degree in
education from St. Mary's
University. She is teaching all-day
kindergarten for Minneapolis
Public Schools.
1997
While there, she picked up information about The Loft Creative Nonfiction Mentorship Award and
decided to send in a manuscript. Tienka was one of five chosen for this award, which lent her the
opportunity to work with authors Louise Rafkin and Aram Saroyan, both out of California.
ludy Petree is media relations mdndger.
o
o
Melissa (Wieland) Bergstrom,
Brookll-n Center, Minn., was
featured ín rhe Champlin Dayton
Pr¿ss as
choral director of Anoka-
Ramsey Community College. She,
also directs music at Holy Nativity
Lutheran Church in New Hope,
and works as a personal assistant
for local composer Steve Paulus,
and is co-artistic director of The
Sacred Voice, a chamber choir in
the Twin Cities.
r
998
Brian Olmsted married Heather
Manley in May. Brian is pursuing
his doctorate in materials science
at the University of Minnesota,
and Heather is a production
manager ar cable Phoro systems.
The couple resides in Richfield,
Minn.
1
999
Leah Holloway married Kevin
Rudeen in May. Leah is a
marketing analyst with Liberty
Check Printers; Kevin is an
operations analyst with Wells
Fargo Home Mortgage. The
couple resides in Vadnais Heights,
Minn.
Wendy N.
(Hoekstra)
Vogelgesang,
Litchfield, Minn.,
received her
Master of Arts in
education from
St. Mary's
University inJanuary. She is a
second grade teacher for
Litchfield Public Schools.
2001
Todd Boerbooffi , Chattanooga,
Summer 2003
)
Tenn., married Kristine Smith in
February. He recently accepted a
position as product manager
with Playcore, Inc., in
Chattanooga. Todd can be
contacted via e-mail at
<todd_boerboom@hotmail.com>.
Dawn Millard, Iowa Cir¡ lowa,
married Brent Cobb in
December. Dawn works for Iowa
Health Physicians in Monticello,
Iowa, and Brent works at World
Class Industries Inc., in
Trojan Women.
Adam Sprech€r married
Shaundra Fossen in May. Adam
works for Thrivent Financial for
Lutherans; Shaundra is attending
college obtaining her floral
design designation. The couple
resides in Corono, Calif.
Christina Thérèse MarkwoodRod, Wayzata, Minn., is
pursuing her master's degree in
public history.
Hiawatha, Iowa.
Births/Adoptions
2002
Susan (Young)'88 and Thomas
Campbell, Maplewood, Minn.-a
son, Eric Thomas, in April. He
joins brotherJack, 5. Susan is a
kindergarten teacher for District
Ryan Krautkremer married
Amy Holthus in March. Ryan is
sales representative for Verizon
Information Services; Amy
a
third grade at Eastview
Elementary School in Lakeville,
teaches
wife, Sheila, Pl1'rnouth, Minn.-a
son, Matthew Scott, in March.
He
joins sister Lauren, 5. Scott
works in sales at MSI Insurance,
and can be contacted via e-mail
at <scotthumphre)@stribmail.
developer for Select Comfort.
Nick Gruidl '96
and his wife,
Megan, Brooklyn
Park, Minn.-a
son, Anthony
com>.
Denise (Bohnsack) '92 and
David Helke, Jordan, Minn.-a
daughter, Sarah Rose, in
December. She joins brothers
Matthew, 4, and Noah, 2.
Presley, inJuly
2002. Nick is a
tax manager at Grant Thornton,
LLP,
in Minneapolis.
Tina (Kubes)
'92 and Lance
Kristin Kay
Hillukka '98, Big
Peterson,
Willmar,
Dawn Lorna
(Givans)'89 and
Patrick Lander,
Marina Del Rey,
Erin Stuhtfaut, Inver Grove
Heights, Minn., recently
Calif.-twin
boys, Blake and
Blane, in
Minn.-a
¿:. ". daughter.
'Y
'
Ari
Rose, in
February. She joins brother
Blake, 3. Tina is a physical
education teacher for New
London-Spicer Schools.
Rich Blumer'95
and his wife,
Heather, Maple
Grove, Minn.-a
son, Carson
James, in March.
Rich is a software
Scott Humphrey'90 and his
622.
Minn.
performed at Lakeshore Players
and in Lex-Ham Community
Theatre's production of The
','
at Frege Salon, and can be
contacted via e-mail at
<dawngivans@aol.com>.
.
Lake, Minn.-a
daughter,
Meikiina
Dorothy
DanDan,
adopted from Hangzhou, China,
in May 2002. Kristin is an
accountant for Cargill, Inc.
January. Dawn is a hair colorist
lnM emorrem
I
Ann (Kveen) Sveom'36,
Minneapolis, died in February; she
was 87. She was preceded
in death
by her husband, the Rev Freeman
O. Sveom'34. She is survived by
her daughter, Karen (Sveom)
Andrews'69; her son, the Rev.
$tephen Sveom'76; and five
grandchildren.
Lloyd E. Raymond'38,
Burnsville, Minn., died in March;
he was 88. He was a retired
teacher and coach, and also coowned and operated aJohn
Deere dealership for 25 years. He
is survived by his wife, Evelyn;
son, Lloyd E. "Butch" '63;
daughter, Marcia (Raymond)
Berkowitz'73; six grandchildren;
and five great-grandchildren.
served in San Bruno, Calif.
Kenneth G. Robbins '50, Coon
The Rev. Harold l. Nelson'43,
Edina, Minn., died in April; he
Rapids, Minn., died in November
of A.L.S.; hewas74. A veteran o[
the Korean War, he taught for 32
years, and also owned an auto glass
business in San Diego, Calif., for
22 years. He is survived by his
wife, Beverly; three children; and
one grandson.
was 92. He worked as a farm
hand until he was 25, and later
served Trinit¡ Lesje, Turtle
Mountain, and Bethesda
Lutheran churches in Souris,
N.Dak., and Tiinity Lutheran
Church in Ottawa, I11. He served
as a mission developer for both
St. Mark Lutheran Church
in
Lindenhurst, Ill., and Peace
Lutheran Church in Morris, IlÌ.
Post retirement work included
visitation and interim ministry.
He is survived by his wife of 60
years, Helen; four children; ll
grandchildren, and four greatgrandchildren.
The Rev. KarlW. Berg'40,
Norman H. Hermstad'47,
Tacoma, Wash., died in December;
he was 86. A retired minister, he
was a missionary inJapan, a
chaplain at the VA Medical Center
in American l-ake, Wash., and also
Novato, Calif., died in February He
was a retired teacher, and is
survived by his wife, Anne, and
Summer 2003
tvvo sons, Steven and Bruce.
The Rev. Milford C. Parkhurst
'54, Tiempealeau, Wis., died in
February; he was 70. He was a
retired pastor, serving
congregations in North Dakota and
Wisconsin. He worked tirelessly in
writing the constitution for the
new l-a Crosse area slmod of the
ELCA and served as s1'nod dean as
well as in other capacities. He is
survived by his wife, Donna; four
children; and four grandchildren.
Lynn E. Erickson '55, Walhalla,
N.Dak., died in Februar/; he was
69. He was an attomey in
langdon, N.Dak.; an assistant
attomey general for North Dakota;
chiefjudge of the tribal court for
Sunding Rock Sioux Nation in
Fort Yates, N.Dak.; a supervisory
contract specialist and contracting
officer for the Department of
Delense at the Grand Forks,
N.Dak., Air Force Base; and a
North Dakota state attomey for
Cavalier County He is survived by
his wife, Delma; three daughters;
and four gandchildren.
The Rev. Frank Schmeling'90,
Buffalo, Minn, died inJanuary
from complicatiors following a car
accident; he was 43. He was a
welder and mechanic until 1985,
when he was seriously injured in
an industrial accident. Shortly
thereafter, he began his college
education, and was ordained in
February 1999. He served parishes
in South Haven, Kingston, and
Cokato until health problems
prevented him from his pastoral
duties in 2001. He is survived by
his wife, LuAnn.
4ucs¡unc ruow
23
I
A
o
O
¡-
I I
o
I
'Behind every new person you meet, there is
a S(êa Of facest
ollow ing is the C ommencement
ceremony sp eech presented by Christin
R. Crabtree , Weehend College Class of 2003
representatíve.
F
The first Weekend College course I
attended at Augsburg was in 1988. I had
ridden in a car for four hours from
Brookings, South Dakota, and I was
thrilled to be at college. I was 7 years old.
My mother is a graduate of Augsburg
Weekend College, where she obtained her
elementary teaching license. I am honored
to follow in my mother's footsteps, as a
graduate with a degree in history and a
secondary education teaching license.
Augsburg has been a force of change
and growth for our family My mother has
a job working in a charter school that she
loves. My sister was able to begin college
here at age 17, leaving herjunior year ol
high school to become a freshman at
Augsburg majoring in social work. There
have been countless times that my 3-yearold son, Jacob, has attended psychology
classes here, with my fiancé, Adam. He
has met every history professor in the
departmentl
A wise woman I know told me once,
"Behind every new person you meet, there
is a sea of faces." This truth is one I carry
with me daily I may never even know the
people whose lives I affect through my
actions. Because of this truth, I must carry
with me into life the ideals of love and
tolerance for all people. I must be honest,
possess integrity, and above all maintain
spiritual health. ln living up to my ideals,
my time on earth will result in positive
relations with those who surround me.
When Don Warren founded the
StepUP program, I am sure he knew his
actions would help hundreds of youth and
their families. However, the ripple effect of
the founding of StepUP reaches far
beyond these students and their families;
StepUP serves as a catalyst for change
across the country through the fine
example being set for other colleges. The
24
,4UCSBURC ruOW
by chrisrin R. crabrree'03
example of Augsburg sets
a
precedent of success and
service for universities
around the nation-through
its Weekend College, the
CLASS program, and through
StepUP
As graduates of
Augsburg, we all have the
opportunity to have a ripple
effect upon the world we
occup)¿ We have been given
the gift of finding a vocation,
a chance to work in a field
where we find meaning, and
where we can use gifts given
to us by God. We can
Christin R. Crabtree ,03, seated with her fiancé, Adam
McWethy'03, and her son, Jacob, is surrounded by her
family, who gathered at Augsburg for Commencement
positively affect our
.o-*,,,'iti., through
ffi:1,ï"i":,'ffiiï"ifliiìil! i.îi:"ff;'ï'"31n'311n"
simple acts of smiling at our
ceremony May 4.
neighbors, voting at every
experience, and I had lost faith in myself
election, and advocating for ouI future
and in God.
generations, our children.
At Augsburg, my professors helped
I want to take this opportunity to
me to reach beyond what I ever thought I
thank the Augsburg community for the
could achieve. Because of the existence of
effect you have had upon my life. My
Weekend College, I was able to work full
experiences at this institution have
time to support my son while maintaining
inspired me, and changed me. To see
my enrollment in college.
faculty and staff believe in students and
You have brightened my future and
the one-to-one interaction that occurs is
that of my son. My faith in God, and in
amazing. \üy'atching young, recovering,
the inherent goodness of humanity, has
chemically dependent students enter
developed here. My dreams for the future
college and graduate with honors is a gift.
seem real now; there was a time it
Witnessing McNair Scholars
achieving goals beyond what they thought seemed I may never graduate from high
school, and I stand here today, speaking
possible is an honor to observe. To see a
blind man attend class with his seeing-eye at my college commencement. My goal
for the future is to advocate for those
dog, never losing his positive attitude or
with no voice, and to always give back to
his dream, is a memory that will stay with
the world around me, be that through
me forever. As for me, I have been given
teaching, public service, or some othel
the gift of a drive to succeed above all
avenue. Through faith anything is
obstacles. Know that these effects upon
possible, and the people we touch along
me inspire me to be a positive force in the
the way are the largest gifts of all. You
world around me.
may never know the sea of faces existing
When I first came to Augsburg, I had
behind the lives you touch. Thank you,
little study skills, nor did I have the faith
Augsburg, for the effect you have had in
that I could succeed. As a youth, I had
my life, upon the people I love, and the
been though turbulence and trials that
sea of faces beyond each of them.
have
eveï
to
not
should
children
the
Summer 2003
)
tl
O
¡¡
ll
O
I I
o
AUGGIE TRADITIONS
September 3o-October 5, 2003
Tuesday, September
christensen
n
a
m
30
symposium
-Locarion
rBA
Men's soccer vs. university or
Thomas
7:30 p.m.-Edor Nelson Field
st.
1
Luncheon
Town 6¡ Counrry Club, St. Paul
l0 a.m.- Craft Sale
1 I :40 a.m.-Annual Business Meeting
Noon-LuncheonÆrogram
Augsburg Ethnic Programs Celebration
:4
5
p.
[iíJ;i;"tääil
Friday, October 3
Augsburg Associates Annual Fall
:30-6
Fame
Banquet
ZÍ.ÎJ;k"-:'.'f,J"-
Wednesday, October
5
Athletic Hallof
m.-Christensen Center
Scholastic Connections Social & Dinner
7-B 30 p.m.-Christensen Center
:
Volleyballvs. St. Olaf College
7:30 p.m.-Melby Gymnasium
Class
of 1943 Reunion Breakfast
Picnic in the Park
11 a.m.-l p.m.-Murphy Park
9 a.m.-Christensen Center
of 1993 Tailgating Party & Reunion
a.m.-l p.m.-Class of 1993 tent,
Class
Class
of 1953 Registration & Continental
11
Breakfast
9 a.m.-Foss Center
across Murphy Park between Urness 6¡
Homecoming Chapel & Community Time
I 0:20 a.m.-Hoversten Chapel
Augsburg Women's Story Archive
Noon-3 p.m.-Christensen Center
of 1953 Luncheon
I I:30 a.m.-Chirstensen Center
Football Game vs. Carleton College
Book Signing/Authors from the Class of
Class of 1993 Post-Game Party
Upstairs at Grandma's after the game
Class
1953
Christensen
I p.m.-Edor
Nelson Field
2 p.m.-Christensen Center
Thursday, Octob er 2
2 p.m.-Gather in Christensen Center
English Dept. Alumni/ae Wine & Cheese
Reading & Reunion
4-5:30 p.m.-Lindell Library, Room 301
Seventh Annual M. Anita Gay
Hawthorne Jazz & Poetry Bash
Trash & Treasure/Augsburg
Alumni Soccer Game
Underground
4:30 p.m.-Edor Nelson Field
Campus Tour
5-7 p.m.-Foss Center
lnternational Student Alumni Gathering
'4:30-6 p.m.-Christensen Center
wÆrofessor Emeritus Philip Thompson
3 p.m.-Location TBA
Variety/Talent Show:'Auggie ldol'
7 p.m.-Foss Center
Homecoming Social, Dinner, & Reunion
4:30-5:30 p.m., Social Hour-Christensen
Center
5 :30 p.m., Dinner-Christensen Center
7:30 p.m., Reunion parties-Locations TBA
Saturday, October 4
Science Alumni Gathering
9-1 I :30 a.m.-Location TBA
Social Work Alumni Network (SWAN)
Event
10 a.m.-noon-Christensen Center
Registration & Refreshments
l0 a.m.-4 p.m.-Christensen Center
Campus Tour
11 a.m.-Gather Ìn Christensen Cenrer
Women's Soccer Game vs. St. Catherine's
7:30 p.m.-Edor Nelson Fj.eld
Sunday, October 5
Worship Service
I
I a.m.-Hoversten Chapel
Heritage Society Recognition Brunch
I I a.m., Worship Service-Hoversten
Chapel
Noon, Brunch-Christensen Center
This is a preliminary calendar and is subject to change; please wøtch for your full Homecoming eyent brochure-ilue in mailboxes later this summer.
'"
È
*T
U
'1
å¡ ,.{'
..,'&
Send us your news
and photos!
l'ìer:i tcll
ìtc
rb(ìttl
lìlt rt.rvr
irt
your 1ile, yoltr ncrv.joÌt. move ,
nrarriage , ancl births. Don'L 1òrgct
to sencl photos!
fol ncrr' oll tlmth, \vriltcn
rs
Maiden name
Full name
Class
year or last year attended
Street âddress
ls
zip
State
City
this a new address?
[
i Yes l-l No
E-mail
Home telephone
r'ìotirc
n
okay to publish your e-mail address
lcr¡urccl, c.g. rn obitr-tary, fr,rncral
notice , or plogram fìorn a
Employer
mcmorial servicc.
ls spouse also a
Scncl yonr news iteurs, pl-roLos, or
change of aclclress by mail to:
ALrgshurg Nou, Class Nolcs,
.\rLg'brrlg t olìeg., LB l*o.
221 I Rlversiclc Ave., Minneapolis,
MN, 55454, ol e-rnail Lo
Spouse name
Work telephone
Position
graduate of Augsburg College?
n
Yes
n No
lf yes, class year
Maiden name
Your news:
t
<alun'rnr@augsì rurg.cclr-r>.
L
A
UGSBURG
COLLEGE
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A
PUBLICATION
Fall 2003
FOR
AUGSBURG
COLLEGE
ALUMNI
&
FRIENDS
Vol. 66, No. 1,4
,,\
. 111
The Sciences at Augsburg
octors, research psychologists ,
space physicists, mathematicians,
teachers, and a Nobel laureateAugsbu rg enjo ys a long tradition of
excellence in the sciences. I ... Show more
A
PUBLICATION
Fall 2003
FOR
AUGSBURG
COLLEGE
ALUMNI
&
FRIENDS
Vol. 66, No. 1,4
,,\
. 111
The Sciences at Augsburg
octors, research psychologists ,
space physicists, mathematicians,
teachers, and a Nobel laureateAugsbu rg enjo ys a long tradition of
excellence in the sciences. I am
delighted to welcome you to this specia l
issue of Augsburg Now focusing on our
program s in the natu ral and behaviora l
sciences and mathematics.
Based in the liberal arts and
sciences, an Augsburg education equips
our diverse stud ent body to meet the
needs of the highly techno logical 21st
century. All of our stud ents gain skills
that help them und erstand
contemporary issues, evaluate evidence,
and make informed decisions. The new
Augsburg Core Curri culum encourages
interdisciplinary teachin g and
coursewo rk. It also gu ides students to
become thoughtful, effective leaders,
mindful of their gifts and talents, in
whatever field they enter.
Augsburg science maj ors, the focus
of this issue, receive a solid found ation
for advanced work. Ou r science
programs provid e many hands-o n
experiences such as research with
facult y, internships, and service- learnin g.
For example, our qu arter-centur y
partn ership with NASA has prov ided
D
We welcome your letters!
Please write to:
Editor
Augsburg Now
22 11 Riverside Ave., CB 145
Minneapo lis, MN 5545 4
E-mail: now@augsburg.edu
Fax: 612-330- 1780
Phone: 6 12-330- l! Sl
Lellers for publication must be signed and
include you r name , class year, and daytime
telepho ne numb er. Th ey may be edi ted for
length , clarity, and style. Read the full text
or len ers at Now Online,
<www.augsburg.edu/n ow>.
research opportuniti es for stud ents far
beyond what is available at many other
small private colleges. Our communit y
partnership s provide internships and
other off-campu s learnin g expe riences.
We eagerly anticipate the up comin g
campaign for a new science facility. For
50 years, our Science Hall has served
stud ents well, producin g remarkabl e
achievements in its laboratories and
classrooms. Our new center for the
natur al and behaviora l sciences and
mathematics will offer a state-of-the-art
environm ent for teachin g and research ,
as well as a welcoming place for the
communit y.
In these pages, I invite you to meet
our engaged facul ty, read about stud ents
succeedin g beyond their expectations,
and catch up with some of your fellow
classmates and friends who have chosen
many different paths in the sciences.
~ -plChristopher W. Kimball
Vice President for Academic and Student
Affairs and Dean of the College
Letters to the
editor
Mystery Auggi e runn er from
1960 s photo come s forth
Seeing the picture of Kofi Ann an on the
track with two other runn ers [see Summ er
2003, Class Notes] concerns me. Without
knowing, I may have been in the presence
of one of the greatest minds of our time.
How often does that happen?
I started my freshman year in 1960
and participated and lettered in track and
field. I held the school record for the high
hurdl es for a while and ran some sprint
races and pole vaulted as well.
Wh en my wife saw the mystery
picture she immediately said "The person
in this picture looks ju st like you." I got
out the magnifying glass, and sure enough
it looked like me. I had bony legs and
always had a pained look on my face
durin g a race. Furth ermore, I hardly ever
placed first- as the picture shows.
- Gary Ellis '65
Miigw etch from Bonnie Wallace
II write] with great humilit y and
appr eciation for the wond erful
celebration held Jun e 16 [see Summ er
2003, Around the Quad] for th e 25-year
anniv ersary of th e American Indi an
Stud ent Services Program .
I want the Augsbur g and local
American Indi an co mmuniti es to kn ow
that the success of the pro gram depended
on literally hundr eds of peopl e . ... I hold
[Augsbur g President Emeritu s] Charles
And erson in high regard for his genuin e
belief in our work .... He supp orted the
progra m's aut onomy, and that is evident
today.
Twenty-five years-th at's longevity!
.. . I am so very pleased to be a part of
th e history of this exce llent progra m.
Miigwetch (th ank you , in the Ojib we
language) to the Creator and all of you
that made this poss ible.
- Bonni e Wallace , Scholarship Director,
Fo nd du Lac Reservation; and found er
and former dir ector of Augsbur g's AISSP.
Augsburg Now is publi shed
qu arterly b y Augsbur g Co llege ,
22 11 Rive rsid e Ave., Minn eapoli s,
Minn eso ta 55454.
AUGSBUR G NOW
A
PUBLICATION
FOR
AUGSBURG
COLLEGE
ALUMNI
&
Fall 2003
FRIENDS
Vol. 66, No . 1
Editor
Betsey No rga rd
Features
Assistant Editor
Lynn Mena
Graphic Designer
Kath y Rumpz a
Class Notes Coordinator
Sara Kamhol z
Photographer
Steph en Geffre
President
9
The Sciences at Augsburg
In this special issu e abou t th e sciences at
Augsbur g, stud ents, faculty, and alumni share
Willi am V. Fram e
th eir stori es of researc h in Antar ctica,
Director of Alumni and
Parent Relations
chemistry in cosm etics, teach ing high school
AmyS utlOn
Director of Public Relations
and Communication
Dan Jor gense n
O pini o ns expr esse d in Augsburg
Now do no l n ecessa rily renecL
o fficial Co llege policy.
ISSN 1058-1545
Pos tm aste r: Send co rr es pon de nce ,
nam e changes , and addr ess
corr ection s 10: Augsburg Now,
om ce of Publi c Relations and
Communication , 22 11 Riversid e
Ave., Minn eapo lis, MN 55454.
E-mail: now@au gsbur g .edu
Teleph on e: 6 12- 33 0 - 118 1
Fax : 6 I 2-3 30-1 780
Augsburg Co llege , as <iffirmed
in its mission , does not
disc,im inat e on the basis of race,
color, creed , religio n, nati ona l or
etlmic origin , age, gender. sexual
mie ntalion , marita l status , stat us
with regard to public assistance ,
or disability in its ed ucation
policies, admissions polici es,
scholarsl iip a nd loan pr ogmm s,
athletic and/or school
ad m inist ered programs , excep t
in tho se insta nces wliere religion
is a bona fide occupationa l
qualification . Augsburg College
is co mmitt ed to pr-oviding
reasonab le accommodations ro
its emp loyees and its stud ents .
biology, creatin g virtual reality, findin g su ccess
in grad schoo l, and mu ch mor e.
An overview story pull s together
th e myriad activiti es in biolog y,
chemistry, ph ysics , math emati cs ,
psycholo gy, and comput er
science.
Departments
2
Around the Quad
5
Sports
6
Homecoming awards
37
39
Alumni news
inside
back
cover
Calendar
Class not es
www.augsburg.edu
50 percent recycled paper (10 percent post-consumer waste)
On the cover :
First-year s tud en ts Sa.-ah Pesola
(lef t) and Sara Ray mond (right)
get so m e hands-on experience in
chemisoy lab. Photo by Stephen
Geffr e.
Top rankings in college guides
A
ugsb urg has been named among the
nation's best colleges in thr ee
catego ries and ranked in th e top tier
among Midwestern unive rsities.
U.S. News & World Repon listed
Augsburg (the only Minnesota school)
among 20 of the nation 's best institutions
for service learnin g.
TIie Princeton Review includ es the
Co llege in the 150 "Best for the Midw est,"
prai sing an outstandin g faculty, sma ll class
sizes , and friendl y environm ent.
Kaplan Publishing 's The Unbiased
Guide to the 328 Most Interesting Colleges,
2004 includes Augs bur g and names it as
one of the top five sc hoo ls that may be
und errat ed , as judged by a nationa l survey
of guidanc e counselor s.
For the third year, Augsbur g is one of
the best 201 in Great Collegesfor the Real
World, selec ted for best demonstrating
both the education and the opportunities
to prepare stude nts for the real wo rld .
Augsburg has been named one of 12
"foundi ng institut ions " nat iona lly to
participate in a project joint ly sponsored
by the Policy Center on the First Year of
College and the Counci l of Indepe ndent
Colleges (C IC) to develop a model of
exce llence for the first college year.
Pete r Agre wins Nobel Prize
eter Agre, a 1970
graduate and
Distinguished
Alumnu s of Augsb ur g,
was one of Lwo
win ners of the 2003
Nobel Prize in
che mistry. He is a
professor and
researcher at the John s
Hopkin s University Schoo l of Medicine in
Baltimore . His discovery of "aquapori n-1,"
a "cha nn el" that lets water pass in and out
of cells represented a major breakthrough
that has led to greater understanding of
many inherited and acquired water balance
disorders , such as kidney disease .
After gradua ting from Augsburg , Agre
received his medical degree from John s
Hopkin s University School of Med icine
and is now professor of biologica l
chem istry there.
Agre's father , the late Court land Agre,
was chem istry professor at Augsburg from
1959-76. Three of Agre's siblin gs also
auended Augsburg: Mark Agre '8 1,
Annetta (Agre) Anderson '69, and James
Agre '72 , who curre ntly serves on
Augsburg 's Science Advisory Board .
"The Chemis tr y Department is elate d
at this news ," said chemistry professor
Arlin Gyberg . "Those of us who had Peter
P
2
,4 uGSBURG NOW
as a stud ent are not su rpri sed he has
reached this level. It's no shock that he
won the Nobel Prize in chem istry."
Agre shares the chemistry prize with
America n Roderick MacKinnon .
Center for Teaching
and Learning
2003-04
Convocation
Series
he fourth an nual Convocation Series
presents a challenge to consider all
work as voca tion-id ent ifying one's gifts
and abilities, and using them in benefit to
the communit y
T
The presentaLions include:
Oct. 14. 2003
Sharon Da loz Parks , W hidbey Institute
"Big Qu estions , Worthy Dreams "
Nov. 12, 2003
Lee Hard y, Ca lvin Co llege
"The Ch ristian 's Calling in th e Academy "
Jan. 19,2004
2004 Martin Luther King, Jr.
Convoca tion
Vanne Owe ns Hayes , Minneapolis
Departme nt of Civ il Rights
"Responding to the Ca ll"
Feb. 18, 2004
Kathy Buck ley, co med ian
"No Labe l, No Lim its "
Feb. 26-27, 2004
2004 Batalden Symposium in
Applied Ethics
Paul B. Batalde n , M.D. and David C.
Leach , M.D.
"Transfor min g th e Profess ion of
Health Ca re"
A S79,000 grant from the Bush
Foundation to the Center for Teaching
and Learning will involve more than
100 faculty in studying student
outcomes and assessment in the new
Augsburg Core Curriculum. Pictured are
(L to R) Frankie Shackelford, associate
dean for teaching and learning
enhancement ; Diane Pike, director of
the Center for Teaching and Learning;
and Terry Martin, administrative
assistant. Not pictured is Carol Forbes,
director of sponsored programs .
Spring 2004
2004 Sverdrup Visiting
Scientist Lecture
To be annou nced
For informatio n , call 612-330-1180 or
visit <www.augsburg .edu/ co nvo> .
Follow Auggie Athletics
NEWS • STATS• ALWAYS UPDATED
Visit the Augsburg College Athletcis
Web site, www .augsburg .edu/athlet ics
Fall 2003
$1 million-an
Fund first!
he $1 million goal for Augsburg 's
annual fund was reached for the first
time in Co llege history durin g 2002-03.
This 25 percent increase in giving over
th e previous year was achi eved by a total
of 1,928 donors.
Often referred to as "the lifeblood of
th e Co llege ," Augsbur g's ann ual fund
supp orts the financial aid com mitm ent
that allows the College to remain
affordable for a wide variety of
academically-qualified stu den ts. Last
year, more th an 80 percent of Augsburg
stud ents received $25 million in financial
aid , includin g $9 million in Augsburg
sc holarship s and tuition gran ts.
Sixty percent of The Augsburg Fund
total was contribut ed by the 185
memb ers of th e Maroon & Silver Society,
th e College's leade rship-l evel dono rs.
T
Augsburg
Congratulations,
faculty!
These donors pledge to support the
financial aid commitm ent with annu al
cash gifts of $ 1,000 to $25 ,000 for a
minimum of four years .
Much of the growth in The
Augsburg Fund has occurred in the last
six years , during the tenur e of President
William Frame . When he ar rived at
Augsburg , the annua l fund level was at
178 ,000. His push to increase th e level
and comm itm ent lo annu al fund giving
has resulted in its more than five-fold
growt h. Augsb urg regent Tracy Elfunann
'8 1, chair of th e Develop ment
Commin ee, and Donn a McLean , dire ctor
of The Augsb urg Fund , provided
leaders hip for the fund 's success .
Planning for Augsburg 's nexl capital
campaign includes continu ed aggressive
growt h of The Augsburg Fund .
Promotion to professor
Martha Johnson , speech ,
communicati on , and theatre arts
Stuart Stoller , bu siness administrati on
Tenure granted and promotion to
associate professor
Lois Bosch , social work
Nora Braun , business admini stra tion
Rona ld Fedie , chemistry
Merilee Klemp , music
James Vela-McConn ell , sociology
J. Ambrose Wolf , ph ysics
Tenure granted
Karen Sutherland , co mput er science
Welcome, new Auggies!
Sport ing maroon Augsburg T-shirts, 22 Augsburg Seminar groups-the orien ta t ion
seminar for freshmen-contributed
over 1,400 hours of commun ity service on t he
first day of school at 18 sites, mostly in the neighborhood . At Danebo Residence,
students visited with senior residents , painted , and cleaned .
Fall 2003
Jeann ette Clark, fr om Hop kins, Minn ., is one of
t he 348 fre shm en in t he class of 2007. She moved
int o Urn ess Hall on Aug . 31, getting some help
fr om her parents in unpacking the boxes .
A- UGSBURG NOW
3
Around the Quad
Transforming our students, ourselves,
our world
"Do you believe you will
be transformed by your
college experience?"
ore th an 94 percent of curr ent
and prosp ective stud ents-da y,
weekend , and grad-an swe red, "Yes."
Now th e qu estion is , "what th ey will
do wit h this transformative
expe rien ce ."
Th ese qu estions were part o f an
exte nsive resea rch effort Augsb urg
cond ucted rece ntl y in preparation for
th e laun ch of a new brand ima ge,
tag line, and marketin g camp aign for
th e College.
Th e resu lts o f this far-reac hin g
effort are now being see n and heard
all ove r campu s and throughout th e
Twin Cities, wit h the Septe mb er
laun ch of th e camp aign . Throug h
billb oa rds and bus stop post ers,
news pap er ads and radio spot s, a n ew
Web site and man y oth er engaging
vehicl es, Augsburg College is
emb arkin g on this ex tend ed
ca mp aign wit h a three-fold goa l: to
captur e and pres ent th e uniqu e
esse nce of its edu ca tional experience ;
to raise awa reness and positive
supp ort among key co nstitu ent s; and
to dri ve the mission of Augsb urg
College forward in an excit ing and
dynamic new way.
Both th e traditiona l day stud ent
and th e wo rking adult are being
Be yourself at Augsburg. And leave completely__
changed.
chall enged to "Be yo urse lf at
Augs bur g, and leave co mpl etely
changed ." Th e theme of
"Transform ing Ed ucat ion" deliv ers
three int errelate d messages:
trans forming stud ent s' uniqu e talents
and int erests into ca lled lives of
service ; tran sforming the edu cational
exper ience itself to effec t st ud ent
growt h and chang e; and , ultimat ely, transforming our community and wo rld through positive change .
Inco ming and "vetera n " stud ents , faculty members , staff, alumni , donors , and co mmunity members-all are integral parts of
this eve r-transforming ex perience ca lled Augsburg Co llege .
Stay tun ed . More to co me.
M
4
A-UGSBURGNOW
Fall 2003
Sports
Eight receive Athletic Hall of Fame honors
by Don Stoner
ugsbu rg Co llege honored eight
form er ath letes duri ng Homeco min g
wee kend , indu cted int o the Augsbur g
Athl etic Hall of Fame at th e annu al
banqu et on Oc l. 2.
Th e Augsbur g Ath letic Hall of Fame
was es tab lished in 1973 to recog nize
ma le athletes who made spec ial
co ntributi ons lo th e Co llege's athl etic
hisw ry. In 1989, female athl etes we re
first indu cted inlO the hall. Rec ipients are
chose n each yea r on th e basis of
performan ce in Augsbur g at hletics,
se rvice lo th e sc hoo l, civic and
profess ional ac hievement s , and
leadership .
A
Honor ed as indu ctees int o th e Augsbur g
Ath letic Hall of Fame are:
Bob Adams '83 (wrestling)
T he on ly Augsbur g wres tler to earn
mu ltip le All-America n honors in a single
seaso n, Adams wo n th e CAA Division
Ill indi vidu al champi ons hip al 134
pou nds in 1983 and place d seco nd al the
we ight class in th e NAlA champi onship
meet, the only yea r Augsbur g co mp eted
in both orga niza tions' national
tourn aments . Adams won MIAC titl es in
1982 and 1983 and was Augsbu rg's
Seni or Honor Athl ete in 1983.
Michele Boyer '89 (softball,
basketball)
Boyer earn ed All-American honors in
Fall 2003
1988 as a so ftball outfi elder, ea rnin g AllMIAC honors thr ee yea rs in a row. Her
.495 bauin g ave rage in 1988 is th e best
single-seaso n perform ance in sc hoo l
history. In basketba ll, Boyer was one of
only five players in sc hoo l history LO
sco re more than 1,00 0 po in ts in her
ca ree r, finishin g with 1,0 19 poin ts, and
ea rn ed All-MIAC honors in 1986-87 and
1987-88. She was Augsburg's Senior
Honor Athl ete in 1989.
Kevin Gordon '82 (hockey)
An NAIA All-America n in 1982 , Go rd on
was a member of Auggie tea ms that wo n
th e national champi onship in both 198 1
and 1982 , as we ll as thr ee straight MIAC
championship s. He earn ed All-M IAC
honors in both 1980 and 1982 , lead ing
th e tea m in sco rin g both years . Gordon 's
30 goa l in 1979-8 0 are th e seco nd- mos t
in a single seaso n ; he finished his caree r
with 108 poin ts (57 goa ls , 51 ass ists ).
Ray Hamilton '75 (basketball)
An honora ble-mention All-American in
1975 , Hamilton playe d two seaso ns o f
bas ketball al Augsbu rg, ea rnin g AIIMIAC and NAIA All-Distri ct honors both
seaso ns and MIAC Mos t Valuable Player
honors in 1974-75 , as the Auggies wo n
th e MIAC champi onship and advanced
LO th e NAIA distri ct champions hip game.
He led th e Auggies in sco ring both of his
seaso ns and in reboundin g his enior
ca mp aign.
Melanie Herrera '88 (track and field ,
volleyball)
Herrera ea rn ed All-America n honors
seve n Limes in trac k and field ,
dominating th e throwing eve n ls. She
qu alified for national mee ts in the shot
put all four yea rs in ollldoo r com pelilion
and her final thr ee seaso n in indoor
co mp elili on , win ning CAA Divi ion Ill
national champ ionship s in 1987
out doo rs , and in 1988 in bo th indoo r
and outd oo r co mp etiti on , where her
reco rd -se ttin g effort st ill stands . She also
played th ree sea a ns of volleyba ll al
Augsbur g and was Aug burg's Senior
Honor Ath lete in 1988 .
Robert Lafleur '80 (soccer)
A two- lime All-M IAC election (1 97879) and AIA All-Distri ct selection ,
LaFleur was a member of Auggie team s
that wenl 43-15-10 in his care er, neve r
finis hing low er than third in MIAC play.
He was team capt ain his se nior seaso n.
Jim Peterson '78 (hockey, baseball)
In men's hocke y, Peter son was a memb er
o f Augs bur g's first national
champio nsh ip team , the 1978 AIA titl e
team , and was a memb er o f Augsbur g's
MIAC base ball champi on hip tea m in
1975. He earn ed All-MIAC honors twi ce
in both ho ckey and base ball, was a
member of th e
IA All-Tourn ament
Team in hocke y in 1978 , and ea rn ed
Augsburg Senior Honor Athl ete honors
in 1978 .
David Trost '81 (track and field,
basketball)
Augsbu rg's firs t men's tra ck and field
national meel qualifier, he finished thir d
in the high j um p al th e AIA outd oo r
na tiona l meel with a 2.14-meter (7-fee lO) effort , a school reco rd that still stands .
He won the MIAC titl e in the high j um p
in 1981.
Don Stoner is sports inf onnation coordinato,:
,4uGSB RG NOW
5
Two named as 2003 Distinguished Alumni
ni jo i~ 162 oth ers as Distin gu ished Alumni of Augsb u rg College. Recipien ts are recog niz ed for
T s1wogmalum
f1cant achievement m their voca u ons and ou tstandm g con tributi ons to chur ch and commun ity,
by Lynn Mena
th rough years of prepara tion , experience, dedication , exempl ary character, and se rvice.
Hans G. Dumpys '56
Bishop Hans G. Dump ys gradu ated
from Augsbur g in 1956 with a B.A. in
histo ry. ln 1960 , he earn ed a B.D. from
th e Luth eran Schoo l of Theo logy in
Chicago , and was ordained by Hope
Luth era n Chur ch in Detroit. He
received a master's degree in th eology
from Harvard Divinity Schoo l in 1965 ,
and purs ued doc toral stu d ies at
Prin ceto n Theological Semin ary and
Tuebin gen University in Germ any. He
also studied at th e Advanced Institu te for Pastora l Studi es in
Michigan , and th e Tan tur Ecu menical Inst itut e in J eru salem .
Born in ibra i, Lithuania in 1933 , Dump ys has lived in th e
U.S. since 1949. He was instrum ent al in th e renewal and reviva l
o f th e Luth eran chu rch in Lithu ania after th e count ry regain ed
ind epend ence from the Soviet Unio n. This includ ed training
pas tors and teachers for the chur ch and contributin g as one of
th e fou nders of th e University of Klaipeda's th eological sc hool
in Lithu ania in 1992 . Du mp ys retired from parish mini stry in
ove mb er, but continu es to serve as bishop of th e Lithu anian
Evangelical Luth era n Chur ch in Diaspora, located in Chicago ,
for which he also serve d as chair of the syno d coun cil. In
additi on , he has served pastora tes in Michigan , Massac hu setts ,
Canada, Iowa , and most rece ntl y at Lithu ani an Evangelical
Lutheran Home Church in Chicago , Ill.
In Febru ary, Dum pys was honored by th e Knights o f
Lithu ania "in recog n itio n o f and grateful app reciation for
ecum enical, spiritu al, cu ltu ral, and hum anit arian lifetime
achievements in th e worldwi de Lith ua nian co mmunit y." In
1998, he was invited to th e Whit e House for the signin g of th e
"Charter o f Partn ers hip" with th e Baltic republi cs. He has
pr esent ed speec hes, se rm ons, in vocations, and greetin gs both
nationally and in tern ationally, and has initiat ed , organiz ed , and
presided ove r synod asse mbli es with delega tions from Ge rman y,
Ca nada, and th e U.S. In honor of his wo rk for th e Luth eran
chur ch in Lithuania and in th e ex ile Lithu anian communi ty, he
was invited by Lithu ania's mini ster of cultur e to be an official
represe nt at ive of North America's Lithu anian co mmunit y at th e
ethni c world music festival in 1994 .
Dump ys taught in Augsbur g's religion departm ent in 19651966. W hile pur suin g his gradu ate studi es, he was an assistant
at Harva rd University's Memorial Church , and se rved as pastorin-residence and also assistan t to th e dean of inst ru ction at
Prin ce ton Th eological Semin ary. He met his wife, Donn a , while
at Augsbu rg. They live in Oak Park, Ill., and have two childr en ,
Jon and Chri sta.
6
A UGSBURG NOW
Ertwin Jones-Hermerding '69
ErtJ ones-Hermerding graduated from
Augsburg in 1969 with a B.S. in liberal
arts speech, theatre, and physical
edu cation , with a head coaching
endors ement . He received an M.S. in
curri culum and instru ction with an
English emph asis from Mankat o State
University in 1975.
Jones-Hermerding retired this year
after an exceptional 34-year teaching and
coaching career for the Robbinsdale
Independent School District. He was the first to teach
improvisational theatre at the juni or high level. From 1969-1988 ,
he taught speech and theatre at Plymouth Junior High School, and
directed 96 productions. The Children's Th eatre Foundati on of
America recognized the Robbinsdale school district's theatre
programs with an award for excellence in 1995;Jon es-Hermerding
was specifically celebrated for creating "an extraordin ary middle
school dram a progr am."
Sin ce 1988 , J ones-Herm erdin g has taught speech , th eatre,
litera tur e, oral int erpr etation , and acting at Coo per Senior High
School. He also served as th eatre arts chair and audi tori um
manage r. He dir ected over 50 produ ctions at Coo per, and his
Introdu ction to Th eatre class was on e of only two in Minn eso ta
where a childr en's th eatre perform ance proje ct is compl eted as
part of th e curri culum , givin g stud ent s who can't particip ate in
after-schoo l th eatre th e chance to exp erience th e thrill of
crea ting and performin g in a sho w.
In additi on to his strong juni or and senior high theatre
programs, Jon es-Hermerding has also been a successful football
coach. He coached at Plymouth Juni or High for 10 seasons and at
Cooper Senior High for over 20 seasons (includin g 10 as head
coach). He was honored as Lake Conference Coach of the Year in
1984 for his exceptional program. He inspired players to be role
models for each other, and they work ed on team uni ty projects by
organizing programs on chemi cal abuse, weight trainin g, and other
relevant topics. He also institut ed a program that requir ed his
players to check in with their teachers on a weekly basis regarding
their academic performance and attitud e in the classroom .
Jones-Herm erding has worked in summ er th eatre projects for
th e Orono, Hopkins , and Robbinsd ale school districts, and as a
staff member for Augsburg's summ er theatre institut e. He is an
instru ctor and curri culum writ er for th e University of St. Th omas
Cont inuin g Edu cation progra m, and has facilitated worksh ops for
colleagues and serve d on many curri culum developm ent
committ ees. He and his wife, Pat, have two childr en, Mee-lynn
and Harper.
Fall 2003
First Decade and Spirit of Augsburg award
recipients named for 2003
bylynnMena
A
ugsbur g is please d to ann oun ce the 200 3 reci pients of the First Decade and Spirit of Augsbur g awards . Th e Firs t Decad e Award
is presented to Augsbur g gra du ates of th e past 10 years who have made signifi cant progress in th eir prof ess iona l achievements
and co ntributi ons to th e communit y, and in so doing exemp lify the miss ion of th e Co llege: to prepar e futur e leaders in se rvice to th e
world. Graduates from th e day, weeke nd , and gra du ate programs are eligible.
The Spirit o f Augsbur g Award honors alumni and friend s of the Co llege who have given exceptiona l se rvice that co ntribut es
substanti ally to th e well being of Augsbur g by furth erin g its purposes and programs.
RECIPIENT
OF
THE
2003
FIRST
DECADE
AWARD
Tammera Ericson '93
Tamm era Ericson has successfully combin ed
her interests in political science , urban stu dies,
public service, and the legal profession-all
while raising thr ee children. After serving as
chair of the Columbi a Heights Charter
Commission and as a member of its Planning
and Zoning Comm ission, Ericson was
appointed in 2002 to a task force charged with
developin g city design guide lines. In addition , she helped start a
nonprofit organization , Rising to New Heights, dedicated to
improving the image of Columbia Heights . In 2002 , Ericson was
elected to the Columbia Heights City Counci l, and was also
appoint ed to concurr ent terms on the city's Econo mic Developme nt
Auth ority and Housing Redevelopment Authority.
RECIPIENTS
OF
THE
2003
In Jun e, she gradua ted summa cum laude from William
Mitchell College of law, where she received the Stud ent Award of
Melit , the Burton Award for Excellence in Legal Writin g, and the
CALI Award for Excellence in Drafting and Negotiating Business
Agreements. She volunt eers for the Minn esota Ju stice Found ation,
giving presentations on legal topics to wom en living in a transitional
housing cent er in St. Paul. In addition , she volunt eers for the
Chrysalis Center for Wom en in Minn eapolis as part of the Pro Bono
Attorn ey Safety Project. Throu gh this program , she works to help
low-income victims of dom estic abus e obtain orders for protection.
She is curr ently serving as a judici al clerk for the Minnesota
Supr eme Court for one year before returnin g to the law finn
Winthrop & Weinstein .
SPIRIT
OF
AUGSBURG
AWARD
John Benson '55
Professor Emeri tus John Benson served more
than 35 years as an ac tive memb er of
Augsb ur g's religion department. After joining
th e facult y in 1963 , he was promo ted to
associate prof essor and gra nt ed tenur e in
1969 , th en promoted to full prof esso r in
1986. Benson also taught in th e phil osop hy
depart ment and helped deve lop Augsb ur g's
hum aniti es major in th e 1970s . In additi on ,
he taught a course entitl ed Deve lop ing a Mu lti-Cu ltural
Perspect ive for th e Master of Arts in Leadership program , and
tea med up wi th ph ysics prof essor Mark Engebretson to teac h a
cou rse th at int egra ted sc ience with religion and sp iritu ality.
Their co llabora tion led to two awards from the pr estigious J ohn
Templeton Foundation 's annu al sc ience and religion co ur se
pro gra m co mp etiti on. Throughout his years at Augsburg ,
Benson se rved on co mmitt ees too numerous to list. Beyond his
co mmitt ee wo rk , he was at th e forefront of a numb er o f thin gs ,
mos t notably the introduction of co mput er techn ology to th e
campu s in th e early 1980s. An avid go lfer, he also coac hed go lf
at Augsburg for sev era l years . Benson and his ,vife, Doroth y,
co ntinu e to be ac tive memb ers of th e Augsb ur g commu nit )'.
Fall 2003
Sigvald Hjelmel and , the seco nd of four
generati ons of Hjelmeland s to attend
Augsbur g, return ed to Augsbur g in 1952 as
th e Co llege's firs t dir ec tor of deve lopm ent.
He headed the new ly establi shed
Deve lopm ent Office and emb ark ed up on
Augsbur g's first capital ca mp aign to raise
fund s for the "Libra r)' Drive ." Th e camp aign
excee ded its goal, and b)' 1955 , th e Co llege
brok e ground on th e Sverdrup -Oftedal Libra ry. Th e success of
th e camp aign led to Augsbur g's su ccess ful appli cation of
acc reditation b)' th e North Centr al Association . Hjelmeland's
man y contributi ons and proj ects begun durin g his )'ears al
Augsburg includ ed Science Hall; Chri stense n Ce nt er; Urn ess
Hall ; Foss , Lobec k, Miles Cent er for Wor ship , Drama, and
Communi cati on ; and th e Tim es Buildin g (th e first co mm ercia l
building donat ed to Augsbur g). In th e late 1980s , Hj elmeland
es tablished the Rev. John Hjelmeland End owed Scholarship
Fund in honor of his fathe r, an alumnu s of Augsbur g Academ)',
Seminar )', and College. Even after his retir ement in 1982 ,
Hj elmeland volunt ee red his vas t ex perience as a developm ent
co nsult ant from 1982 to l9 86.
frU GSBURG NOW
7
Homecoming
2003
The Hoversten family honored with the
Distinguished Service Award
he Distinguished Service Award, inaugurat ed in its currenl form al Hom ecomi_ng 2001 with ~ e Strom~en _family, and last yea_r
T award ed to the Quanbeck family, recognizes families who have made substanual and contmumg comnbuuons lo Augsburg-111 the
by l ynnMena
form of stud ents and gradu ates, ideas , reputation , and resources .
.
.
Thi s year, we celebra te the Hoversten family, and th eir gene rations-long conn ecuon with Augsburg .
The Hoversten story
In 1806 , a youn g Norweg ian teacher
namedj ohann es ja cobso n mar ried Anna
Hoversten. She was a woman of prop erty
on the rocky island of Renn esoy, up the
coas t from Stavanger. So he took her
surn ame , which came from an
ou tcro ppin g of stone- "hoved sten" or
headsto ne-on the farm she owned.
J ohann es and Ann a had nin e
childr en. It is the descendents of thr eeJacob , Knud , and Gun vor-who
recognized that edu cation offered many
more op portun ities in th e U.S. than in
orway, and who u ltimatel y formed the
Augsbur g conn ection.
The Hoverstens and Augsburg
Elias Hovers ten , son of Knud and Elen
Hoversten, was a stern and practical man
who farmed the land near Marshall,
Minn ., in the first half of the 1900s. Wh en
Elias' oldest son , Knut , grew imo a young
adult , Elias feared that his so n's bad hip
would prevent him from becoming a
successfu l farmer. So in 1926 , he sent
Knut to the city to get an Augsbu rg
education . After Knut grad uated in 1930 ,
more than 40 members of the extend ed
Hovers ten family also attended , includ ing
the family's most recent Augsbur g alumn a,
Kari Lucin '03 , da ughter of Kim
(Hoversten) Lucin '76 and the Rev. Martin
Lucin '74 , grandd aughter of Kermit
Hoversten '50 , and grea t-gra ndd aughter of
Elias Hoversten .
Augsburg's motto, "Educatio n for
Service," is also one of the Hoversten's
strongest tradi tions , and the family has
dedicated their labors to the ideal of
service . Knut , the first Augsburg gradu ate,
is now a retired chemistry teacher. Several
other Hoverstens also became teachersand many entered the fields of medicine,
8
A-UGSBURG NOW
law, ministry, busin ess, and
agriculture.
The Hoverstens recall
Augsburg as a unifyi ng,
centr al presence in their
lives. M. Annett e
(Hoverste n) Hanson '68 ,
daught er of Knut's broth er,
the Rev. Chester E.
Hoversten '44 , heard many
stories abou t Augsburg
durin g her childh ood .
"Wh enever my dad and his
friends or other family
About 200 Hoversten family members gathered in Hoverst en
members would get
Chapel in 1989 for the dedication of the chapel_they funded . At
left are: (standing) Allen Hoversten '64, L. Berniece Johnson ,
together, they would
Knut Hoversten '30; (kneeling) Garfield Hoversten '50 and
always talk about
Clarence Hoversten '41 . At right are : (back row) Brian
Augsburg ," Annelle said in
Livingston, Kyle Hoversten , Rev. Joel Njus, Augsbu rg Pastor
an article for the fall 2000
Dave Wold ; (front row) Rev. Thomas Hoversten ' 56, Rev.
Chester J. Hoversten '60, Rev. Chester E. Hove rsten '44, and
issue of the Augsbu rg Now.
Augsburg President Charles Anderson .
"And if you want ed to
get married , you went to
Augsburg," she continu ed
the Augsburg campus . In recent years, the
with a chu ckle. "I met my hu sband ,
family had hon ored the College with gifts
Robert [Hanson '68] here. I think that
and pledges of over $1 million as major
while I was a stude nt , I didn 't auac h much
support for the cons tru ction of the
meanin g to the fact that so man y other
College's Foss, Lobeck , Miles Center for
family members had attended . But
Worship , Drama and Communication and
subsequently, it has become mu ch more
to establish the Hoversten Endowment .
important to me. What a rich, precious
On April 22, 1989, Augsburg officially
environm ent. "
dedicated the chape l in Foss Cente r as the
In Octo ber of 1985 , the Hoverstens
Hoversten Chape l. Two months later, two
gathered at the College for a reunion. It
newly endowed Hoversten scholarships
was during this time that they began
were announced , the Hoversten Peace
discussing a monum ent- a chapel at
Scholarship and the Jacob and Ella
Augsburg that would reflect their family
Hoversten Scholarship.
values and traditi ons. A gift of a chapel
"During my days on campus I was
not only expressed their gratit ude but also
enriched in man y ways," said Lorna
demons trat ed their comm itment to
Hoversten '62 . "I received not only a
edu cation , faith , and the college that so
strong scientific education , but also a
many family memb ers had au end ed.
deeper knowledge of my religious ethnic
Four years later, about 200
heritag e. I contribut e jo yfully to this
Hoverstens and their relatives from all
institu tion to enable present and futu re
over the U .5. return ed for a special day on
students to have similar experiences ."
Fall 2003
AUGSBURG NOW
Fall 2003
The sciencesat AugsburgCollegeoffer a rich educational environmentthat preparesstudentsto
enter a variety of fields in science, medicine, research, industry, public service, and education.
Rigorouscourseworkwithin a liberal arts curriculum, combined with internshipsand outstanding
opportunitiesfor researchwith faculty give students the solid foundation they need to meet the
highly technical demandsof our global society.
This combinationof high quality teaching, the enormous resourcesof the city, and an expectation
that each personcan make a difference in the world affords a powerfuleducation at Augsburg.
design
by Kathy
Rumpza
• photos
by Stephen
Geffre
• art
by Sam
Gro ss
theSCIENCES
atAUGSBUR
Educating
professional
scientists,effectiveleaders,and informed
citizens
by Cynthia Hill
" Progress made in harnessing fusion as energy source."
"World water crisis worsening. "
" Brain research reveals clues to dyslexia ."
"Meat suppliers asked to cut antibiotic use. "
"CDC reports first cases of monkey pox."
" U.S. sues over ban on genetically
modified foods ."
veryday headlin es like these
fields and inform ed citizens with th e
und ersco re the pervasive
knowledge and crit ical thinkin g skills to
influence of science in our lives .
evaluate the imp act of scientific develop ments
E
While the st ud y of science has long
been co nsidered part of a well-ro und ed
libera l arts edu cation at Augsbur g, it has
and weigh their mora l, ethi cal, and soc ial
impli cations," she said .
Augsbur g has a stro ng track record on
grown more imp ortant than
ever in a world increasingly
shape d by scientifi c and
techn ological
developm ents.
"Science matters come
up in th e pu blic deba te
continu ally, as we confront
issues such as
enviro nm ent al qu ality,
adva nces in medicine, and
the complexity of hum an
be havior," says Nancy
Steblay, professo r of
psychology and facu lty
liaiso n to Augsbur g's
Science Advisory Board.
"As a socie ty, we need
both capable professionals
in scientifi c and related
Luci Sagehorn'03 combinedminors in biology and chemistrywith a studio
art major.
Fall 2003
ETER AGRE '70
eter Agre's decision to major in
chemistry may have been a family
matter. His father, Courtland Agre
was a distinguished chemist in research at
DuPont and 3M as well as a college
professo r. He was one of the "founding
fathers" of Augsburg's chemistry
department and taught in it for 17 years.
Afte r Peter Agre graduated from
Augsburg, he went on to earn a medical
degree at Johns Hopkins UniversitySchool
of Medicine. His interest in biomedical
resea rch led him to a medical residency at
Case Weste rn Universityand a clinical
fellowshipat Universityof North CarolinaChapel Hill. He returned to Johns Hopkins
for a research fellowship in the cell biology
department and has been a faculty member
in the School of Medicine since 1984.
Agre sea rched for answers as to how
water moved from the cells within our
tissues . He also wondered why some
tissues, such as the linings of our lungs,
were so much more permeable than others .
In 1988 Agre discovered "channels "
that allow passage of water in and out of
ce lls. This major breakthrough resulted in
many related studies in biochemistry,
physiology, and genetics. From them ,
researchers have gained much greater
understanding of inherited and acquired
water balance disorders , such as kidney
disease.
P
Biology and chemistry major KeneeshiaWilliams '03 spent a summerresearchingnutrient import and export
in Augsburg'scoral reef aquariumwith biology professorBill Capman (above) and chemistry professorArlin
Gyberg(not pictured).
both fron ts, especia lly th e remarkab le
many a elementary or seconda ry teac hers.
numb er o f scient ists place d in ind ustry,
Augsb urg's strong int ern shi p co nn ect io ns
pub lic servi ce , edu cation , and socia l
lead o th ers to pro fess ional o ppo rtuniti es
servi ce organiza tio ns. Among th em a re
in ind ustry and th e no npro fit wo rld.
K- 12 teac hers, ph ysicia ns, and ot her
Augsburg science gradua tes ca n be foun d
hea lth care and ment al hea lth
at Medt ronic , SciMed, Genera l Electr ic,
prof essionals.
Guid ant , and many oth er bo th large and
In chemistry, for exa mpl e, half of all
gradu atin g maj ors ove r th e pas t 25 years
small co rp ora tio ns. At 3M in St. Paul in
parti cu lar, Augsbur g maint ai ns a large
have go n e o n to eith er earn Ph .D.s o r
prese nce beca use of its longtime
beco m e doc to rs , d en tists , or ph ar macists .
partn ers h ip with th e corpora tio n for
In th e sam e Lime fra me, m ore th an ha lf o f
trainin g of scie nti sts . Simil arly, hos pit als,
all physics maj ors have ent ered gra du ate
co un seling age ncies, and environm ent al
sc hoo l. A simil ar propo rtio n o f b iology
and health nonp ro fits empl oy grad uates
gradu a tes go o n to p rofess io na l and
from Augsbur g's sc ience depa rt ments .
gradu a te pro grams, includin g medi ca l
Thi s reco rd o f ac hi eve ment grows out
schoo l. In psyc ho logy, about half o f all
of Augs bur g's uni q uely enr ichi ng
gradu ates pur sue advanced stud y in areas
edu ca tiona l environm ent -r igorous
ranging from be haviora l gen etics to
science co ur sework wi th in a libe ral arts
co un selin g psyc ho logy as we ll a law,
curr iculum , ou tstand in g opport u nities for
medi cin e, and th eo logy.
s tud ent -fac ul ty researc h and int ern sh ips ,
O ther scie nce majo rs begin th eir
caree rs imm ediately after gra du ation ,
Fall 2003
and stro ng facult y mem ori ng and
p rogra m su ppo rt .
,4 GSB RG NOW
11
"Our science
condu cted indep endent and team research in
progra ms set high
the College's solid-state ph ysics lab as well as
expectatio ns of what our
summ er resea rch at both Stanford University
stud ents can achieve,"
and th e University of California-Berkeley.
said Mark Engebretson,
ph ysics departm ent chair.
HARDWORK,
"Whil e Augsbur g is only
BIG
REWARDS
moderately selective
comp ared to so me other
libera l arts colleges, it's
what we do with and
expect o f our stud ents
andScholarship Fair, Weekend College
n cassidy and biology major Jean Johnson
ledthe possibility of producing low sugar
the dietaryand diabetic consumer market.
that is different. "
One indi cator of
qu ality is the fact that in
the past seve n years, five Augsbur g science
majors have been awarded Goldwater
Scholarships , a pre mier national und ergradu ate
science awa rd for stud ents in science and
mathematics. Only 30 0 stud ents across th e
count ry are selected each year.
Augsb urg's mos t recent Goldwater Scholar is
senior ph ysics maj or Victo r Acosta . He has
Stud ents attain these high levels of
scholarship because Augsbur g's program s are
demandin g, said William Capman, chair of
Augsburg 's bio logy departm ent.
"Science at Augsburg is hard work, but it
pays off," he said. "Our stud ents develop the
strong found ation needed to succeed in
gradu ate school and in science professions."
Augsburg's biology program is design ed to
develop both breadth and depth of knowledge
in the field . "Our program is broadly based so
that stud ents have more opportuniti es than
they would with a more specialized degree,"
he said. "Stud ents gradu ate well-prepared for
many different paths."
Whil e each program requir es coursewo rk
Mathematics professor RebekahDuponthelps studentsfind researchprojects and internshipsthat give them experience,
combinedwith a solid foundationof theoretical and applied mathematics,for a variety of careers or advancedstudies.
Fall 2003
end eavo r. Cur riculum
tec hn o logy, it is diffi cult for th em to
enh ance ments includ e
co nve y a se ns e o f scie ntifi c exp lora tion
rece ntl y-developed courses
beca use stud ents are usu ally ex p ec ted to
in polym ers, medicin al
dupli ca te k now n res ult s ," sa id
ch emi stry , mat eria ls scie n ce ,
Enge br etson of ph ys ics.
beh aviora l m edi cin e , and
developm e nt al
int o new territo ry in every disc iplin e,
ps yc hopath o log y. In
work in g alongs ide Augs bur g facu lty o n
add iti o n , pra c tici ng
ind epend ent resea rch proj ec ts and w ithin
sc ienti sts come to ca mpu s
cours ewo rk .
as adjun ct facu lty a nd gues t
In the TeachingScholars Program,fundedby NationalScience
Foundation,Augsburg science majorstaught middle-school children at
the Cedar-RiversideSchool, involvingthem in "bottle biology"hands-onprojects like this, studyinggroundwater and its effects on
habitats when percolatingthroughsoil.
in oth er scien ce disci plin es , ma ny
stud en ts pur su e a seco nd maj o r or a
minor , of ten co mbinin g bi ology and
ch emi stry o r a scie nce d iscip lin e wi th
math em atics .
Math emati cs is a popular ch oice
beca use it is "th e language of scie nce, "
sa id ma th ema tics p rofesso r Rebeka h
At Augsburg , st ud ents are digg ing
Bes t kn ow n is Augsbur g's work in
speakers , he lpin g Augsburg
space ph ys ics over th e pas t qu a rt er
stay o n top o f sc ien ce's
ce ntu ry, fund ed w ith gra nts from the
rapidl y chang in g
Na tio nal Science Foundation
d eve lop men ts
a nd NASA.
Und er th e dir ec tio n of Engebretson
But per haps no thin g is
and
fellow ph ysics prof essor Ken Eri ckson,
mo re relevant and inOu enti a l
students
in deve lopi ng tomorrow 's
num e rou s spa ce ph ys ics proj ec ts , both
scie nti sts , do cto rs , ed uca to rs, a nd h ea lth
have bee n ac tively in vo lved in
on- a nd o ff-ca mpu s , and m any have
a nd behaviora l specia lists
than Augsburg 's
co mmitm ent to
un de rgra duat e resea rch ,
o ffer ing o pportuniti es
unmat c hed in mos t o th er
sma ll co lleges.
Dupont. "It's co mpl em ent ary to so many
o th er disci plin es ."
For exa mp le, J ennif er Pa lm er '99
QUESTIONING,
EXPLORING
co mbin ed a ma th maj or wi th a ch emi stry
minor. She wen t o n to ea rn a mas ter's
Scie nce edu ca tion ad visory
d egree in biostatisti cs at th e Un ive rsity of
pane ls have lo ng str essed
Minn eso ta and is n ow a bios ta tistician a t
th e va lue of und ergrad uate
Boston Scientifi c Co rporati on in th e
resea rch ex perien ces,
Twin C iti es .
es pecia lly th e op po rtunit y
With changing scie ntifi c tr end s and
wor kpl ace requir ement s, th e pro gra ms
n ot o nly str ess mas tery of th e
to look for n ew, as o pp osed
to ex pec ted , res ults .
"Alth oug h stand ard
fund a ment a ls but a lso ac qu ai nt st ud ent s
laborator y co u rses co nvey
with em erg in g fields of sci e ntifi c
kn ow ledge abo ut curr en t
Fall 2003
NSF funds provide 30 Augsburgscholarships each year for computer
science and mathematics majors (CSEMS) in both the day and
weekendprograms. Pictured here are: Firstrow (Lto R): Alex Krantz,
Brian Bue, Sarah Sletten (Middle row): HeatherGreene, Kirsten
Halvorson, Scott Kuhl (Back row}: Brian Ashbaugh, Paul Sanft.
/T UGSBURG NOW
13
Chemistry major Jennif er Hagenspent her summerassisting ProfessorRon Fedie on NSF-funded research studying
copolymers at the University of Minnesota.
presented resul ts at nationa l scie nce
conferences and in academic publi cation s (see
story on p. 30).
Similarl y, chemistry student J ennifer Hagen
devoted her summ er to assisting che mistry
professor Ron Fedie on a project to furth er
necessary for this work.
Engeb retso n said gradu ates rep eated ly tell
him th ese kind s of experiences were a key
factor in their decision to pursue adva nced
degrees and science caree rs.
"Their resea rch back gro und gave them an
know ledge of block copolym ers condu cted at
important sense of direction both during
the Univers ity of Minnesota, as part of the
th eir studies and durin g their later careers,"
NSF-fund ed Research Site for Edu cato rs in
he said .
According to the National Science Board's Science and Engineering
Indicators 1998 report, only one-quarter of Americans understand the
nature of scientific inquiry well enough to make informed judgments
about scientific results reported in the media.
Chemistry (RSEC) program. This grant provides
While man y stud en ts assist in resea rch
funding for faculty and students from smaller,
outsid e of th e classro om, research
primarily four-year colleges to collabora te and
experiences are also emb edded int o the
engage in cuttin g-edge research at research
curri culum . For exa mpl e, in biology, severa l
uni versities equipp ed with sophistica ted
cours es within the major includ e what
instrumentation and chemistry resources
Capman calls "non-trivi al" original research
Fall 2003
as maj or comp onents of th e labora tory
work . Every biology maj or comp letes at
progra ms.
In psychology, a research proj ect is
least two or thr ee such research proj ects
requir ed of every maj or, and many
before grad uating.
stud ents go on to do furth er work wit h a
"Through these long-term proj ects ,
students experience science the way a
faculty member.
"We stress research in our program
scienti st does, " Capm an said. "They have
because our stude nts need to become
to figure out the hypo thesis, design and
critical think ers. We want them to
cond uct the experim ents , and int erpret
question why claims are made, and to
and present the research, wh ich often
recognize both the strengths and
means dealing with the ambiguities of
limitations of research findin gs," said
results."
Bridget Robinso n-Riegler, chair of
Worki ng in small group s, stud ents
review the work of previous class projects
Augsbur g's psychology departm ent.
Research experience at Augsbur g
to figu re out the nex t logical qu estion for
often leads to int ensive off-campu s
stud y.
opportuni ties and int ernship s.
"Throu gh these stud ent proj ects , we're
Last summ er, for exa mple, j uni or
actually bui ldin g our own body of
ph ysics maj or Ryan Nevin went to Penn
scien tific literatur e on popu lation
Slate University for a research
genetics, prot ozoa n eco logy, )'easl grow th ,
expe rience, while juni or Greg McKusky
and other topics," Capm an said. He
and soph omore Nigel Milbridge loo k
add ed that this level of stud ent research
part in proj ects with Augsburg physics
goes far beyond many und ergradu ate
professor Amb rose Wolf at the University
Psychology
professorGraceDyrud(center)and psychology
studentsMatt Plitzkow(left) and Emily Beltz
(right)exploredpossiblereasonsfor persistent gamblingby lookingat gamblingbehaviorwhen players
receiveddifferentkindsof resultsin the slot machines.
Fall 2003
ecause science affects nearly every
aspect of modern life, Augsburg
courses for non-science majors are
aimed at building scientific literacy- the
knowledge and understanding of scientific
conce pts and processes required for
personal decision-making , participation in
civic and cu ltural affairs, and economi c
productivity .
B
William Capman , chair of Augsburg 's
biology department said , "We want nonmajors to become familiar with the scien ce
issues facing our society. The object is to
get them to the point where they can make
sense out of a newspaper article about
genetic engineering, health issues, human
behavior, or the environment , for
example. "
The College's general education
requir ement s include two science courses
for non-scie nce majors. Offering s include
courses specifical ly designed for the nonscience major, such as the elective
Chemistry for Changing Times.
Non-majors also participate in
Augsburg 's Science Education for New
Civic Engagement and Responsibility
program (SENCER), funded by the
National Science Foundation. Through
SENCER, biology and chemistry stud ents
have engaged in hand s-on projects, such
as analyzing water and invertebrate
samp les from area streams and providing
the information to a Hennepin
Conservation District water-quality
database. In turn , students are inform ed
as to how the data is used by legislative,
neighborhood, and environmental group s.
Joan Kunz, chemistry professor and
c hair of the Division of Natural Sciences
and Mathematics, has provided leadership
for the SENCER program . She is
ent husiastic about how thi s project brings
together two critical element s in
Augsburg 's mission-high quality science
educa tion and an ethic of service to
society. "Community environmental needs
are served at the same time that science
literacy is fostered in our student citizens,"
she said.
hUGSB URG NOW
15
University of Minnesota 's Cedar Creek
Natu ral Hiswry Area. After gradu atio n, he
was hired as a research field manager in the
program , and plans to cont inu e to grad uate
school for an advanced degree in ecology.
Augsburg science students have also
participated in research at the Mayo Clinic,
Argonn e
atio nal Laboratory, ationa l
Institut e of Health Summ er Research
Program , and the University of Minnesota
Sup ercomput er Institut e, to name just a few.
Besides enri ching stud ent learnin g,
Augsburg faculty-student research also
contribut es
lO
the wider comm uni ty by
advancin g scientific und erstandin g,
ftercomplellqhisfreshma
n year, RyanShea'06 found a research project working with Professor
Ambrow
Wolfin thesolidstatephysics lab.
contribu ting to new appli cation s, and , in
so me cases , in formin g public polic y.
In psychology, Steblay's resea rch on false
identifi cation in police line-ups , for exampl e,
has contribut ed to th e U.S. Departme nt of
Ju stice's new pro cedura l guide lin es for law
enforcemen t regarding eyewi tn ess evidence .
An exami nat io n of poverty patt ern s and th e
census in th e Cedar Riverside neighborhood
by Dupont and math ematics stud ents helped
a non-p rofit organization frame its advocacy
efforts .
On yet anoth er level, resea rch serves as a
"batt ery-c harger" for facult y, accordi ng to
Engebretso n . "Researc h can be very exc itin g.
It also remind s us that we as faculty are still
Biology maj or JaredTrost '00 was offered a position at the
University of Minnesota's Cedar Creek Natural History
Centerfollowing his research internship there in ecology.
learn ers and helps us maint ain humilit y in
th e face of th e uni verse. We don 't have all
the answe rs."
of Minnesota's Materials Research Science and
Engineering Cent er.
Sometimes an off-campus expe rience leads
A CULTURE
0 F
C A R
N G
to a job . Go ldwate r Scholar Jared Trost '00, for
example , pursu ed his interest in eco logy
Stroll through Science Hall and you'll usually
th roug h a se nior year research internship at th e
find groups of stud ents hanging ou t in the
Fall 2003
departm ent al office uit es. A strong
se nse of co mmunit y is enjoyed by
sc ience facult y and stud ents .
"Beca use we teach our ow n labs ,
j oy," she said .
Many Augsbur g scie nce gra du ates
ON THE
probably wou ld not have co nsidered
0 R I Z ON
majo ring in sc ience or pursuin g scie nce
have small classes , and advise our ow n
careers with out thi s level of facult y
majo rs , we spend a lot of tim e with our
involvement and Augsb urg's support
stud ent s and co me to kn ow th em well,"
progra ms. Science facult y wo rk clos ely
said Capm an .
with stud ents in Augsbur g's Cent er for
ugsburg is extending its pledge to
A
prepare the scientists, health ca re
and mental health professionals of the
Robin so n-Riegler's psyc hology
Learnin g and Adap tive Services (CLASS)
futur e through collaborations with
stud ents call her by her first name. "I
and Access Cr nt er (for stu dents with
like th at. Augsbur g is a place wh ere I
ph ysical o r learnin g disab ilities) and the
commu nity partners such as Fairview
can get to know stud ents well enough to
StepUP pro gram (for stud ents in
Health Services, United Hospitals, and
help guid e th em th rough thi s very
recove ry from alco hol and dru g
Hazelden. These alliances allow expanded
tumu ltu ous tim e in th eir lives. "
depend ency) .
ed ucational oppo rtunities for studen ts as
they prepare for careers as clinical
"The undergraduate years are the last opportunity for rigorous
academic study of math, science, and engineering by many of
the future leaders of our society-who
will have to make
momentous decisions that involve science and technology. "
-The National Research Council
laboratory scien tists, nurses, and chemica l
dependency counselo rs.
Among the emerging initiatives are a
new clinical laboratory science maJor to
prepare health professionals in laboratory
A ment oring relationship with
Augsbur g has also supp orted
medicine, in partner ship with Fairview
stud ent s often leads to what chemistry's
stud ent s from un de rrep rese nt ed group s
Sandra Olm sted calls "head- to-h ead ,
in pur suin g gradu ate studi es after
Health Services; an art iculated agreement
soul-sea rchin g academic advi sing."
co llege with a Ronald E. McNa ir Post-
that allows more seamless connection
Baccalaurea te Achievement grant.
between Augsburg's and Hazelden's
"Sometim es a s tud ent picks a career
path based on admirin g so meo ne, not
"lnclu sivity in our progra m is key to
necessa rily on his or her ow n calling,"
Augsbur g's missio n ," said Du po nt. "By
she said .
givin g th em th e too ls and ex periences to
educational programs; and the Augsburg
Academy, a charter schoo l focused on
Reca lling a s tud ent who had always
build th eir co nfid ence and co mpetence,
health careers, in partnership with
want ed to be a doc tor, Olmsted said th at
stud ents w ho might have bee n writt en
Fairview Health Services, Luther Seminary,
whil e workin g at a part-Lime jo b at a
off can encl up succee din g."
and othe r organizations.
hospit al near campu s , th e yo un g man
discovered he didn 't like being aro un d
ick peo ple. As his adviser, Olm ted
Robin so n-Riegler chara cterizes
Augsbur g's app roac h to scie nce
edu cation as "a laun ching pad for youn g
helped h im ex plo re oth er paths. He
peop le. You learn th eir dr eams , you see
eventu ally went on to Yale University
w hat th ey're good at, and
and beca me a medical resea rcher. "We
th em on ."
try to help stud ent s discove r th eir
Cy111h
ia Hill wriles fr eque111
/y a/JouI Augsburg
College and is a parlller <II Rw11111
el, Dubs and
Hill.
uniqu e talents and what brin gs th em
Fall 2003
)' OU
cheer
•
A- UG 8 RG NOW
17
MENTORING
andNETWORKING
BY PROFESSORS
PAYS DIVIDENDS FOR STUDENTS
by Dan Jorgensen
ugsburg College
Th e University of
math ematics and
Minn eso ta also serves
science
as a key summer
student.s---in addit ion
research site for Wolf
to winnin g such
and his students who
prestigious awards as
have worked at th e
the Goldwater
Material s Research
Scholarship (five in the
Science and
past seven years)Engin eering Center
often find themselves
(MRSEC) for th e past
in line for major
four summe rs. There ,
su mm er research
projects bring toge ther
oppo rtuniti es and
research ers from
acceptance into some
chemistry , ph ysics,
of the nati on's leadin g
material s scie nce, and
grad uat e program s,
engineerin g. In
thanks in no small part
addition to his physics
to th e research work
students Wolf has also
(L to R) ProfessorsRonFedie, chemistry; J. AmbroseWoll, physics; and NicholasCoult,
an d outside consultin g
worked with students
efforts of th eir professors. mathematics, offer their studentsadvancedresearchand internshipsopportunitiesbecauseof
researching polymers ,
their own research, networking, and collaborationwith universities, researchinstitutions,and
Faculty like icholas
the same field as Fedie .
industry across the country.
Coult in math emati cs,
"Polymers are at the
Ron Fedi e in chemistry,
heart of my work ," Fed ie
labo rato ry as well as in places like Target
and J. Ambro se Wolf in physics , brin g
stated . "Because there are probabl y 200 or
Co rporation , where th ey'll have th e
both "real-wo rld " expe riences dir ectly to
more local companies involv ed directly
chan ce to use th eir math ematics skills .
th eir classroom instru ction and pro vide
with polym er use, the indu strial
Fedie , who came to Augsburg in the
facult y-stud ent resea rch parLnerships that
applications are almost limitle ss. As a
mid -1990s after earning his Ph.D . in
help prepare th eir stud ents for graduat e
chemist, you have higher th an a 70
ph ysical/polym er chemistry from th e
sc hoo l, indu stry int ernship s, and job
perc ent cha nce of working ,vith polymer
Unive rsity of Minn eso ta, said many
chemistry, so I'm pleased that we've
op portuniti es .
chemistry stud ents find resea rch or
created a number of ties between
Coult , who earn ed his Ph .D. in
internship opportuniti es in places like
app lied mathematics at th e Universi ty of
Augsburg and th e industry . Through the
3M , Aveda, Aspen Resea rch , Hon eywe ll,
RSEC collaboration we are able to give
Co lorado , came to Augsbur g thr ee years
Genera l Mills, and Medtronic . He has also
our undergraduat es opportunities that
ago after serving as a postdoc tor al
been ab le to work in a team setting with
only graduate students might get at other
researc h asso ciate at the Institut e for
one of his students at th e U of M's
institutions. "
Mathema tics and its App lications at th e
Research Site for Educator s in Chemistry
A course developed by Fedie , Th e
University of Minn eso ta. With h is U o f M
(RSEC), where Augsburg has a grant to
Properti es of Polymers , has been th e only
con nection s, he is assis ting in develop ing
help und ergraduat e stud ents work und er
regular undergr aduate course offered on
oppo rtunities for stud ents to take
th e sup ervision of Ph .D. advisers.
this topic in the Associated Colleges of
int ernship s at its St. Anthony Falls
A
18
A-UGSBURG NOW
Fall 2003
Lhe Twin Cities (ACTC ) consort ium.
Polym er are long chain molecule
that are eith er natural , such as D A,
proteins , and cellul ose , or syntheLic.
Synth etic polym er rang e from
poly(e th ylene terep hthal ate) PETE, used
to mak e sof t drink bottl es an d polyester
fibers, to poly(s tyrene) PS, used for
insulation and co ffee cups , to
poly (ethylene ), the flexib le type used in
plastic sheetin g and trash bags. It also can
be blended for use in every thin g from car
Lires to fabrics LO artificial turf.
"Polymer ," Fedi e said , "are th e synthetic
age of materials that we're in toda y. In
many way , th e 1960s movie The
Graduate s till has it correct- th e futur e
is plastic s."
Polym er study also carries over to
ph ysics and th e thin films application s
researc h that Wolf is doi ng. "Polym ers
allow for flex ibilit y and co uld be used to
make tran istors , the building blocks of
co mput er chips . Thes e cou ld th en be
sprayed onto any surface and logical
elements created . Speci fically, th ey co uld
be sprayed on non -r igid surfaces like
clothing , si nce th ey are very thin and
lightweight. If every thin g in a store , for
example , had th ese sprayed-on pol ymer
inform ation piec es, all items in a
shoppi ng cart co uld be sca nn ed at th e
sa me tim e without being taken from th e
cart. It creat es grea t research possibiliti es
for our stud ents ."
Wolf's primar y research has centered
on Magnetic RAM (MRAM) , a co mpl ex
proc ess used for s torage densit y on th e
read-h eads of co mput er hard drives.
"MRAM will revolutionize comp uter
memory and storage as we know it," he
said . "Part of this research also is done in
my Augsburg lab. We are working on
basic equipm ent at this point , but the
resea rch shou ld reac h 'publishable ' leve l
during th e nex t academic year."
Becau se of th e ex tensive researc h
work Augsbur g stud ents have done not
on ly at th e Univer ity of Minn eso ta, but
in places like Wisco nsin , Corne ll,
tanford, and Univers ity of CaliforniaBerkeley, th e Chemi Lry and Physics
Departm ents are coo perating on crea tin g
a bachelor 's degree in materials science
for stud ent int erested in that area and
Fall 2003
currently doing doubl e majo rs in phy ics
and chemi try. Throu gh ACTC classes ,
th e new majo r also will serve Universi ty
of t. Th omas engin eer ing majo rs.
"Our new genera l edu cation
curriculum pro vid es for th e co urse
arrange ment for such a maj or," Wolf said .
"And loca l industri es are int eres ted in this
typ e of major. Its graduates will be very
empl oyable, boLh loca lly and nat ionally;
and it mirror s th e resea rch side in our
coursework. "
Wolf, who created Augsb urg's so lid
Late ph ysics co ncentr ation , did
postd octoral resea rch at Basel,
Switzerland, and th e Nava l Re earch
Laboratory in Washington , D.C., after
earning his Ph .D. from the University of
Ka in and th e Research Cent er in J0li ch ,
Germany. Th e new co ncent ration brin gs
all of the ph ysics resea rch supp ort-s uch
as co mput er program s and eq uipm entdir ectly in to th e classroo m. At th e same
tim e, it provides elective co urses for
stud ents majo rin g in chemistr y and
math ematics .
Cou lt's research also has brought new
equipm ent LO Augsburg , primaril )' in th e
form of co mput ers . The equipm ent is
pur chased throu gh gra nt s from a Texasbased seismic-exp lora tion co mp any and i
used to support his resea rch in
co mputati onal method s in ap plied
math emati cs. Augsburg tud ent
resea rchers mak e heavy use of th e
equipment both during th e summer and
throughout the schoo l year.
"I am working on severa l so ftware
packages that use advanc ed math ematics
to impro ve th e proces sing and analy is of
data used in exp lora tion for oi l and gas ,"
Co ult sa id . "A math ema tical per pective
allows us to have a precise und erstandin g
of why a process do es or do e not work ,
and how it can be impro ved . My plan is
LO ge t our tud ent dir ectly involv ed in
this kind of work ."
Coult has summer stud ents wo rkin g
with National Scienc e Foundation-funded
research . His stud ents build oftwar e th at
will be appli cable to co mput ationa l
research-solving
prob lems by using th e
comput er. Like his co lleagues in
chemistr y and physics , ou lt ha helped
start new classes, including Math 355 ,
um erical Mathematics and
Comput ation , which lie at th e
intersection of math emati cs and
comp ut er science-his primary field of
researc h.
"This is an elective for both
math ematics and computer science,
and stud ents from th at clas arc well
prepared Lo do co mput atio nal work in
th e field ," he aid.
"It is of int eres t LO stu de nts in th e
sciences , too, especia lly thos e
int erested in doing computational
modeling. Genomics , where sc ienti ts
will be sortin g th rough snippets of
DNA, and bio-infomatic , wh ich deal s
with pro cess ing and gathering in the
biological scien es, are go ing to be
growing fields where thi l rpe of
training will be ideal. " •
A- G BURG NOW
19
by 11111, Nor11rd
handra Erdman came to Augsbur g
with two years of co llege classes
alread y on her tra nscr ipt , but had
no particular major or caree r goal in
mind . Now, one year after gra du ating,
she has compl eted a master's degree and
has begun a Ph.D. progra m al Yale
University in sta tistics.
"I never thought I'd be where I am
toda y," Erdman reflected. and , as she
loo ks ahead a cou ple of years, lhe
statistic sh e's aimi ng for is lo beco me th e
first African-A merican to compl ete Yale's
doc toral progra m in statistics.
Erdman came to Augsbur g after
spendin g her ju nior and senior years of
high schoo l at the University of
Minn esota full lime taking general
co urses. She chose Augsbu rg because of
its small size and fou nd a co mfortable
fit. She decided upo n a math maj or
because the subj ect really challenged her,
and becau se o f its exac tn ess and "how
thin gs fall imo place." The fact that it's a
science that can be carrie d out enti rely
in one's mind , without too ls or lab
experim ents, imrigu ed her.
W hal made the real d ifference in
Erdm an's experience at Augsbur g,
howeve r, was selection as a McNa ir
Scholar. Thi s federally-funded prog ram
seeks to increase the number of gradu ate
degrees earned by stu de nts from
und erreprese nted segme nts of soc iety.
Th e 18 stud ents who have been serv ed
each year by the progra m, eith er lowincome first generation co llege stud ents,
stud en ts of color, or other individu als
und erreprese med in doc tora l progra ms,
have been involved in research and oth er
scholarly ac tivities lo p repare th em for
doc toral studi es.
Erdm an comp leted two research
proj ects while she was an un de rgradu ate.
For a summ er research proj ect in appli ed
mat h, she used U.S. census co un ts to
model the shifting residenti al palterns in
the last four decades among blacks and
C
20
,4 UGSBURG NOW
whit es in North Minn eap olis. She
presen ted thi s research as an ora l
presemation on campu s and as a
session at the McNa ir Scholars
conference at the University of
Puerto Rico.
Her seco nd resea rch proj ect
was in pur e math , where she
studi ed cominu ed fractions and
tried to pro ve a series of openend ed qu estions. This resea rch was
presented at a colloquium for
mathematics, co mput er science,
and ph ysics stud ents on campu s.
As she began thinkin g about
her voca tional choices , howeve r, it
was a semester with math ematics
prof esso r Ken Kamin sky that set
th e course. "My favorite class was
ChandraErdman'02 celebratedher Augsburg
graduat
ion
probability and statistics," Erdm an
with DixieShafer(left), McNairScholarsprogramdirector,
said- she enjo yed the fun in
and her mother
, PaulaErdman(right).Erdmanis currentlya
doctoralcandidatein statisticsat Yale University
.
probability and th e usefuln ess of
statistics. Thi s int erest, combin ed
with a requir ed teachin g experience in
thought about gradu ate schoo l. As a first
generation college stud ent , she grew up
calculu s, which she really enjoyed ,
helped shape her goa l to teach at the
with out role models to help her pur sue
co llege level.
edu cation or leach her th e process of
learnin g.
In fall 2002 Erdm an began a master's
In the McNair program, she learned
prog ram al Colum bia University. "I was
how to co ndu ct and present research,
terrified when I first go t th ere, thinking
that everyo ne else was smarter than I
what gradu ate schoo l is all about , and
was," she said. "But after I started gettin g
how to wril e appli cations and prepare for
th e gra d schoo l exa ms. But, most
A's, I felt I really did belong ." She
imp ortant , she received lots of supp ort
compl eted th e master's degree in a year.
and encou ragement to gain the
In seekin g doc tora l programs,
confidence to succeed. "McNa ir help ed
Erdm an loo ked not only at the schoo l's
me to never feel alone," Erdman
pro gra ms, but she also called its gra duat e
reflected .
stud en ts and talked with th em about
She stays in contact with mathematics
their ex periences . Yale's small size again
professo rs Kamins ky and Rebekah
see med like a goo d fit to pro vide the
Dup ont , also McNa ir's resea rch director,
comfort she so ught. Whil e im erviewin g
as well as with Dixie Shafer, McNair
there, she also conn ected wit h a facult y
prog ram director.
member who shared her int erest in
Fo r so meo ne who admitt ed to not
und ercoum ed popul ations and had a
even kn owing what the Ivy League was ,
proj ect idea in mind for adju stin g the
Erdman has already left her mark on on e
count s.
of its schoo ls and is ready lo tackle
Erdm an admit s that before j oinin g the
anoth er. •
McNa ir Scholars progra m, she had not
Fall 2003
LEARNING
THEHUMANSIDEOF
SCIENCE
by Paul S. Mueller '84, MD
hen sick people consult a
physician Lo determin e the cause
and treatment of their illness, they
may also seek answers to existe ntial
questions that science cann ot answe r (e.g.,
"Wh y me?"). Many patients rely on their
spirint al beliefs and spirintal care providers
to answ er these qu estions . Many patients ,
howeve r, also engage their ph ysician in
existential discuss ions. As a physician who
frequ ently conveys bad news to patients,
my liberal arts edu cation at Augsbur g,
mu ch more than my medical edu cation,
has prepared me to participat e in these
discussions .
Unlike most of the hard sciences (e.g.,
ph ysics), medical science is inexact. At
best, it is difficult to cond uc t research of
organ systems (e.g., the heart and blood
vessels) in iso latio n. Th e human body is a
highly complex organism. Its organ
systems are intertwi ned and exist in
harm ony with each other. Furth ermore ,
medical science often involves ani mal
research , the results of whi ch are
extrapolated to hum ans .
Whil e medical science is inexac t,
clinical medicine is even more so . It is
imp ossible for ph ysicians to appl y all of
the techniqu es of the laboratory LO the
patient's beds ide. In add ition, a patient is
mu ch more than a biological organism. A
patient has an emotional life, a sp iritu al
life, and past experiences, all of which give
meaning and purp ose LO life events,
includin g illness. Furth ermore , like organ
systems , patients do not exist in isolation.
Rather, patients have relationship s with
loved ones and communi ties. In fact,
evidence is growi ng that psychological
factors, spiritu ality, and interperso nal
relationship s are importa nt determ inants
W
Fall 2003
of health , and seasoned phy icians
recognize their imp ortance. Providing
holis tic care by addressing the
psychosoc ial, spiritual, and relational needs
of patients leads to beuer health outcomes
includin g recovery from illness.
In 1984 , I gradu ated from Augsburg
College with a B.A. in chemistry. I also
completed the pre-med ical education
requirements for medica l school. While in
medical school and interna l medicine
residency, I always felt my Augsburg
science education was sufficient. While I
certainly learn ed many facts at Augsbu rg, I
also deve lope d a love of discovery th rough
the scient ific method. I learned how to seek
new knowledge by asking quest ions ,
developi ng hypo theses, and conducting
expe riments--sk ills that I app ly LO my
practice and research wday.
Yet it was the Augsbur g libera l arts
edu catio n that allowed me to thrive in
clinica l medicine. Discussing a diagnosi s
(e.g., cancer ) \vith a patient requires not
only up- to-da te un ders tanding of the
disease and its treatment , but also how
such a diagnosis can impac t a perso n and
his or her relations hips. Religion ,
philosop hy, ethics, art , and the other
compo nents of a liberal arts education
inforn1 me in ways that the ph ysical
sciences do not. Not surpris ingly, it is from
these areas, especially religion and
philosoph y, that many patients draw
meaning, pu rpose , and wisdom as they face
and cope \vith illnesses. Like\vise, a liberal
arts educatio n prepares physicians to
empath ize and dialogue with patients as
they face iIIness.
Whil e the science major learns how to
become a proficient scientist, the Augsburg
liberal arts education informs the science
major of other truths such as religious ,
phil osophi cal, and ethica l tru ths. Indeed ,
blind pur suit of cientific knowledge an d
acceptance of scien tific materialism (i.e.,
the belief that everyt hing, including the
hum an being, can be under wod as simply
Paul S. Mueller'84, MD
mauer ) can have devastatin g conseque nces.
For examp le, the Nuremberg trials of Nazi
physicians taught us that medical cience
\vithoul conscience is un acceptable. A
liberal arts edu cation inforn1s the Augsburg
science major of what questions are worth
answering and what it means LO be a
scientist in the context of wday's world and
its greatest needs .
An Augsburg liberal arts edu cation also
encourages scien ce majors LO seek and
pursu e their vocation , or calling, rather
than simply a job. Like patients , man y
stud ents ask existential questions related LO
vocation (e.g., "What is my purp ose in
life?"). Science canno t answer these
qu estions. On the other hand , a rich liberal
arts educational experience can assist the
stud ent in answering these questions .
Some of my best memor ies of Augsburg are
of long discussions \vith my professors
related LO the meanin g and purpose of life.
Indeed , I spe nt countl ess hou rs in these
discussion s ,vith my mentor and adviser ,
Professor John Hoium of the Chem i try
Departm ent. He taught me not on ly the
principl es of organic chemistry, but al o
helped me reconcile my faith with my
know ledge of the physical uni verse. He
role mode led vocation and what it meant
be a conscientious scientist. These
discussions inform ed me and helped hape
my vocation , or calling-and continu e LO
inforn1 Augsburg stud ents wda)( •
Pau l 5. Muelle1; M.D., M.P.H., F.A. .P., is a
con ulta11tat the Mayo Clinic Rochester
a11dis president of che Augsburg College
Alumni Association Board of Directors.
,4 GSBURGNOW
21
I
BIOLOGY
FORTHECLASSROOM
by Betsey Norgard
TEACHING THOSE WHO WIL[ IEACH
eachers are often asked to recall past
teachers in their lives who made
differences along the edu cational
journey.Jon Iverson '00 and Pete Ockuly
'95 were biology majors at Augsburg. Both
now teach science in public schools , and
both readily talk about the differences
biology professor Dale Pederson '70 , their
adviser at Augsburg, made in their
vocational decis ions .
Iverso n teaches seventh- and eighthgrad e science at Anderson Open School in
Minn eapolis, and Ockuly teaches biology
at Champlin Park High School. Both
believe that Augsbur g prepared them well
to step into a classroom.
Iverson and Ockuly are grad uates of a
departme nt that prepares students for
varying career paths-graduate or
professional studies , secondary education,
and industry and research positions. In all
cases, it means equipping them with a
solid foundatio n in biology
Pederso n exp lains how difficult it has
become LO under stand the leadin g edges of
science without such a broad foundation .
When he talks LO prosp ective seco nda ry
schoo l teachers, he tells them how
important it will be for them to "help
[their] stud ents develop a useful
und erstanding of th e fund amental aspects
of biology, e.g. the cellular natur e of life,
the cent ral dogma of information storage
and expression , the correlations between
cell divisions and pan erns of inh eritan ce,
the unit y and diversity of life and
evolution-above all, evolution. Whil e
there are many hot topics in curr ent
biology," he says, "most of them cannot be
usefully addressed without such
found ational knowledge and insight. "
T
22
t4 UGSBURG NOW
In addition to courses in biology, most
biology majors also take six semes ters of
chemistry and physics, and two semesters
of mathematics . Iverso n says he felt this
prepar ed him for a variety of science
activities and teaching-more than many
new teachers he knows who concentr ated
in one major or focused on research.
Ockuly feels his core science
background is bett er than some of his
colleagues. His perception is that his
college training allowed him Loquick ly
work at a level like that of his colleagues
who had more extensive teachin g
experience.
Th e Biology Department's rigorous
training begins with freshm an courses that
includ e research projects throu gh which
stud ents learn to und erstand science as
process, how science knowledg e is
acquired , and the limitations of sciencewhat types of qu estions it can and cannot
ask. For futur e teachers , Pederson says,
this will provid e grounding needed for
them LO help their students , for example,
if they become involved in science fair
projects. "Teachin g science as process is
not likely to be effective un less the teacher
is experienced in research ," he says. "You
can't learn how to do science by reading a
book . ILtakes experience and
mentorin g-a lot of mentoring."
Th e departm ent also encourages
students LO develop a sense of lifelong
learnin g. "Th ere is no way that they can
learn everything they need to know [at
Augsburgl, but they'll know how to learn
and teach th emselves," says Pederson.
And , he hopes they take with them an
enthu siasm and excitement for science.
"You can't work in biology without
BiologyprofessorDale Pederson'70 adviseshis
studentsenteringteaching careershow important
it will be for them to help their studentslearn the
foundationand processof science to understand
the growingcomplexities of life.
developing a passion for it and a craving
for the insights that continually reveal life
to be both more complex and elegant than
imagined ," he says.
For his future teachers, Pederson says
the depart ment also makes specific
suggestions for courses to take. If, for
instance, th e student hasn't had a plant
biology course , Pederson recomm ends
one, believing that plant biology should be
part of th e high school curriculum .
When speaki ng abou t their advising
expe rience with Pederson, however, both
Iverson and Ocku ly speak about it more
from an intellectual than scientific
persp ective. Both recall frequent
Fall 2003
discussion s with Pederson about teaching,
education , and edu cational systems .
Iverson came to college already
knowing he wanted to teach. He tells of
recently cleaning out old paper s and
finding a report from second grade in
which he listed teaching as his choice for
wha t he wanted to be when he grew up.
He recalls Pederson as a "very, very,
very tough teacher." "ln my first year I
didn 't do very well in science ," Iverson
says, "and I was thinking that I really
shouldn 't do this . ln my second year 1 had
[Pederson]. and he pushed me like no
other instructor at Augsburg had. I think it
was at that time I really started to develop
intellectually. You could see it, not only in
my grades , but in how mu ch I remembered
after courses and in my attitud e toward
other classes.
"He taught me intellectually the effort it
took and the patience it took to do science
really well," Iverson says.
Ock uly didn 't decide on teaching until
late in his sop homore year. He can't
pinpoint the actual decision , but can recall
listening to teachers and thinki ng about
how he wou ld explain the subj ect
differently, or use different examp les. Ot her
factors supp orted his decision to teach. He
enjoyed coach ing yout h
wrestling, and his wife, Kristi
Ocku ly '95 , was in eleme ntary
edu cation.
Ockuly recalls thoughtfu l,
and sometimes provoking,
discussions he had with
Pederson. "I remember
specific conversat ions about
Jon Iverson'00, a middle-school science teacher, can now appreciate
the education system . It
the "push" he receivedfrom his biology professors at Augsburgthat
interested me to thin k and
challenged him-and helps him seek the best from his students.
talk about it, and perhaps
helped push me into
th ousands of doll ars because of the years
education ," Ockuly says. "Dale was the
or decades of research , design , and trials
first person I ever had deep discussions
that mad e it possible.
wit h; he helped me realize that I wanted
Pederson stresses that advisers at
to teach. "
Augsburg spend a great deal of time with
In educating the ir own stud ents now;
their students - in lectur es, in labs, in
both Iverson and Ockuly want to impress
one-on-o ne research, and in advising.
how important science edu cation is for
Students become comfortab le talking with
everyone, not just for the stud ents who
their advisers, mak ing it easier to discuss
want to become scientists.
how to select app ropr iate courses ,
"I believe the goal of science education
experiences, and activit ies for tho se
should be educating [students[ enoug h to
stud ents .
be able to vote on important science
For stud ents go ing into classroom
issues, to be able to deal with household
teachin g, the departm ent can arran ge
prob lems that they might have, or
pra ctical teaching experie nces. Iverson
prob lems at their businesses ," Iverson
worked as a lab assistant , helpin g teach a
says. "If their city decides to bui ld a stom1
biology class for non-majors . "The
sewer, they should be able to hear
opportuni ty to deal with tud ents who
argum ents on both sides and
really didn 't want to be th ere and didn 't
then decide whether it's a
have a good grasp on a lot of science "
good thing or not."
was a lot like th e middl e school science
Ocku ly tries to help his
classroom whe re he now teaches, he says.
stud ents und erstand the
At Augsburg, 10-15 students each year
complexity of probl ems, in
maj or in biology, chemi try, ph ysics, or
additio n to the advantages ,
math wit h seco ndary teachin g in mindthat result from the explosion
areas of current teacher shortages. Th ey
of science and techn ology.
have advisers in bot h their major
He gives medical care as a
discipline and in edu cation- something
prim e example. What once
not often the case in teacher training
were friendl y hom etown
progra ms.
doctors' offices have given
Advisers from th e two depa rtm ents
way to techni cally-advanced
depend on one anoth er, says Pederson ,
clinics. He tries to help his
and co llaborate on planning scie nce
Ideas from many of the discussions on educational systemsand
stud ents und erstand how, for
requir ements. "Th e bottom line," he
science standardsthat Pete 0ckuly '95 fondly rememberswith Dale
example, a small tub e for a
says, "is th at both want the student to
Pederson, his biology adviser, have found their way into 0ckuly's
heart procedur e may cost
succeed ." •
biology classroom at ChamplinPark High School.
Fall 2003
A-UGSBURGNOW
23
I
ONTHEROAD
TO
by Betsey Norgard
andr a Olmsted '69 , associate professor of
chemistry, often wonders what her former
classmates and stude nts are doing in the field and
what she can learn from them.
Sherry Jennings-King , director of corporat e,
foundation , and governm ent relations , has wondered,
in her new job , how she could gain ent ree to major
area corporat ions to build institutiona l relation ships
with the College. She happens to have a degree in
chemical engine ering.
So, they teamed up . Olmsted identified Augsburg
chemistry alumni worki ng at area corporatio ns, and
the duo visited them for lun ch and conversa tion.
Olmsted and Jennings-King 's agendas were differentOlmsted was anxious to hear what th e alum s could tell
her about new and chang ing ski lls in the workp lace
and , from their perspectives , what emerging trends
might impact Augsburg's chemistry curriculum .
Jennings-King was hoping to build bridges that wou ld
help bring internships , partnerships , and finan cial
support to Augsbu rg.
In meeting th e alumni , Olmste d
says it opened her eyes to new and
emerg ing opport uniti es for her
students , especia lly in the
combin ation of chemistry with ot her
disciplines . One grad they visited
combined chem istry with computer
scie nce. He writ es softwa re that run s
hosp ital instruments and allows
th em to communicate across
distances , enab ling doctors in
remo te loca tions to access medical
data and follow pat ient prog ress. He
says his kn owledge of how
chemistry works in the bod y mak es
him a bett er software engineer
because he can und ers tand the data
in more depth .
One person they visited is Dean
Malotky '71, vice president and
prin cipal at Barr Engineering. In his
25 years th ere he has been in on the
ground level to develop assessment
SherryJennings-King(right), ~irector of corporate,
and remediation meth ods for waste
foundation, and governmentrelations, and Sandra Olmsted
disposal sites . Serving as an expert
'69 (left), chemistry professoi, haveteamedup to connect
witn ess in cou rt , he helps resolve
with and learnfromchemisryalumni in the metro area.
S
24
A-UGSBURGNOW
legal battles fought over the extent of
liability and share of cleanup costs that
compa nies are assessed.
He tells of a big case in New J ersey
where thr ee maj or comp anies had to
divide up the total cost of cleanup .
Malotky 's job was to look at five or six
different chemi cal manufa cturin g
facilities to evaluate their products and
by-products , as well as the raw materials
that went into each facility, to determine
th e extent to which they contribut ed to
cont amin ation.
Earlier in his tenur e at Barr, Malotky
help ed wr ite th e specifications for
analysis of samples at the companies
where they were outsourced, in order to
ensur e accuracy.
After Augsburg, Malotky says he felt
well prepared to pursue doctoral studi es
at th e Un ivers ity of Wisconsin-Madison.
Since joining Barr Engineering , he has
helped the company grow from 40
employees to over 350 and win severa l
awards as a good place to work.
Shann on Hess , associate chemist at
Aveda, gradu ated in 2000 and told
Olmsted and J enning s-King, "I've loved
my j ob since th e day I started two-and-ahalf years ago."
Her work at Aveda, a cosmetics
compa ny whose vision is "connecting
beauty, environm ent , and well-being ," is
challenging because of th e strict
guidelines for using on ly naturallyderived materials. She explain s that
instead of using synt hetic raw materials ,
Aveda chemists mu st try to replicate the
benefits and perform ance with natur ally
derived and organ ic raw materials.
Hess' work is to acquire new organic
essentia l oils for fragran ce formul as. She
is in daily communi cation with
supp liers, who may be comp anies in
England , South Africa, Australia , or
lavender farmers in France . Aveda also
buys natural products from indigenous
Fall 2003
Shannon Hess '00 uses her chemistry to create personal care products from naturally -derived and organic raw materia ls.
Aveda and its co mmitm ent to
environm ent al issues. She says that
awareness of we llness is so methin g she
wo rks with every da y, "thinkin g about what
you put on your skin and in your body."
While her plans may includ e graduat e
schoo l some day, her work at Aveda is
giving her the experience she want s to
advance her car eer in th e persona l care
industr y.
J onath an DeVries '68 is a techni cal
manage r at th e Medallion Laborato ries
division of Gene ral Mills. For almos t 26
years he has been in th e forefro nt of
und ers tandin g, develop ing anal ytical
method s , and buildi ng sta nd ards for certain
nutriti onal and food safety guid elines. His
work has cent ered on th e infor mation
co nsum ers read on the nutrition al labels o f
foods th ey eat, with ex tra emphas is on th e
term "dietary fiber."
Prior to th e 1980s , "cru de fiber" was th e
basic nutriti on label, but thi s excluded a
significant portion of health y dietary fibers
in the foods. DeVries was instrum ental in
sta nd ardizing th e definiti on of dietary fiber
Dean Malotky 's work takes him into courtrooms to present expert
and in standardi zing and validatin g
technic al information toward resolut ion of legal issues around
meth ods of extrac tion and analysis for
environmental contamination and cle an-up.
genera tin g nutriti ona l labe ls , wo rkin g
throu gh th e Associa tion of Officia l
Analytical Chemists (now AOAC lNTER NATIONA L) ,
gro ups aro und th e wo rld , trying to
which established internationa l guid elines for th eir
und erstand and inco rpora te use of th eir
raw mate rials as they are used in th eir
usage.
De Vries cred its professor emeritu s J ohn Hoium for
cu ltur es.
emph asizing a solid scie ntifi c found at ion and process
At Augsbur g, a p lant biology co ur se
for co ntinu al learnin g, ra th er than the spec ific body of
with recent ly-retired Prof. Est her
chem istry learn ed . DeVries wo uld advise stud ent s not
McLaughlin spark ed Hess' int erest in
Fall 2003
A-UGSBURGNOW
25
Olmst ed and Jennings -King plan to
LO worry too mu ch about computer and other
continue their visits with area chemistry
techn ology that will change , but to "mast er the
alumni. Jennings -King has already told
learnin g pro cess an d the basics of the subj ect area, and
Olmsted that it's tim e LO hit the road
to loo k at all the data at their disposal before dr awing
co nclu sions ."
again. •
From these thr ee
chemistry alumni and
others, the feedb ack
Olmsted heard already
has brou ght chan ges to
the way chemistry
majors are taught. First ,
a new sec tion o f a
speec h course that
focuses on how to
present techni cal
infor mation and
research , including
makin g presentation s to
various audi ences , is
being develop ed.
Second , the fourJonathanOeVries
' work at GeneralMills over 25 years has involveddevelopinganalytical
semes ter chemistry
methodsand standardsfor nutritional and food safetyguidelines, especially concerning
semin ar for juniors and
dietary fiber.
seniors has been
revamped to be of
greater value to what stud ents can
expect after they leave Augsburg .
Stud en ts will also get more hands-on
expe rience in using instrum ents .
Olmsted says stud ents need to feel
comfortabl e about the kinds of
instrum ents they may encount er in
the wor kpla ce-no t only how LO use
th em, but also how to int erpret th e
data . "This will prepa re th em to be
functioning chemists as well as
fun ctionin g grad stud ents ," she says.
Olmsted also heard alumni speak
abo ut the imp ortance of
understanding the patent process ,
especia lly important for stud ents
pur suin g studies in publi c researc h
instituti ons where protec tion of
resea rch is para mount.
Jenning s- King has see n ben efits as
well. When she submits propo sals
and comp anies ask how engaged
Augsburg alumni at th eir co mp any
are, J enning s- King can report
co nfidentl y on their meetings . Th e
College has estab lished new
internships with these co mp anies and
SherryJennings-Kingand SandraOlmsted'69 review sketchesfor the
received in-kind donati on of
new science building, which has beena topic of discussionin their
eq uipm ent as well.
visits to metro-areachemistry alumni.
26
.4UGSBU RG NOW
by Lynn Mena
ehind Lhe door of a small
laboratory in the lower level of
Sverdrup Hall, Augsburg senior
Scott Kuhl is manipulatin g reality.
Kuhl, an undergraduate research
assistam, is part of the Departmem of
Comput er Science's Localization Project,
analyzing the cues Lhat people use to
locate Lhemselves when the y ent er
comput er-created virtua l environm ents.
Kuhl has participated in the Nationa l
cience Foundation-funded project since
Lhesum mer of 2001.
"Generally speak ing, we're trying to
answer qu estions abo ut how people
perceive thin gs," says Kuh l, a comput er
science and mathematics doubl e major.
"Similar research ha been done in
outdoo r environments. We are dupli cating
that work in a virtu al environment. We're
imerested in seeing the difference between
doing the experiments in a virtual
environm ent versus a real environm ent. "
The proj ect consists of two sets of
experime nts , the first involving selflocalizatio n and the second dealing with
rotational recalibration. The subjects in all
of the experiments view the virtual
environm ent by using a head-moum ed
display. They can move freely, able to turn
around or look up and down in the virtua l
environment. Kuhl wrote computer
programs to rend er the virtua l
environm ents for bot h sets of
experim ents .
Karen Suth erland , Augsburg associa te
professor of compu ter science , based the
overall vision of the project and the set of
localization experiments on her previous
work in both robot and real-world
localization . Experi ments in selflocalizatio n have been condu cted in the
real world for many years. More recemly,
researche rs have begun exp loring virtua l
space and asking the question: "Do we use
the same techniqu es to locate ourse lves in
B
Fall 2003
Scott Kuhl's head-mounted "glasses" give a manipulatedview of reality, as he uses a virtual environmentto
study how people locate themselvesin a given space.
virtua l space as we do in real space? "
Th e project's set of rotationa l
recalibration experim ents was developed
by Kuhl, and is inspired by a research
proj ect he participated in at the University
of Utah the su mmer of 2002.
"They had a tread mill-like system \vilh
screens, where you walk straight ahead
while the virtual wo rld is displayed on th e
screens ," ays Kuhl. "As part of their
research, they changed how fa t the virtual
world moved as you walked . The world
would , for exampl e, move twice as fast as
it should have."
This experie nce prompted Kuhl to
pond er what wou ld happe n if instead of
changing Lhe rate that the world moves as
you walk straig ht , you changed the rate at
which it moves as you rotate.
"I'm interested in learnin g about the
process of adjus tmem and how we might
adj ust differemly in virtua l environments
Lhan we do in real-world environments ,"
says Kuhl.
In Kuhl's expe riments , participants put
on the head-moumed display and are
shown a comput er-generated wall with a
post er on it. After viewing the poster ,
participants close their eyes and are
instru cted to turn around in place so that
Lhey are facing in the same direction as
the y were origina lly Then , th y are told to
look at a series of posters by follow ing a
set of instru ctions. After these instru ctions,
participants view another po ter, close
their eyes, and turn around in a complete
circle so they are facing the poster again .
"I've parti cularly enjoyed the techni cal
a pects of this research- although the
psychological aspects are a bit of a
challenge," says Kuhl. "It's really neat to
relate what I've learned in my math ematics
classes to what I'm doin g ,vith comp uter
graphi cs."
When the experiments are complete ,
the results will be compi led and analyzed
statistically, comparing results of the
previous real world and robot experiments
with these. Th e rotational recalibration
exl)eriments ,viii also erve as Kuhl's
departm emal hon ors project. After he
gradua tes Lhis sprin g, he plans to pursue
grad uat e studi es in co mput er science.
In addition to Lhi work, the co mput er
science departm ent will be performin g
experiments usin g a data glove in the
virtual environm em , and is also using the
lab to develop a comput er graph ics cour e
that incorporat es virtua l reality topics .
"I can see lots of opp ortuniti e in th e
future to use our lab-n ot just for virtu al
reality, but also for robotics-as we ll as a
combination of th e two," says
utherland . •
,4uGSBURG NOW
27
dam McWeLhy graduated with
distincti on and with deparm1ental
honors in psychology last spring.
Four years earlier, he had learned about
Augsbu rg's StepUP program and decided
to app ly- a decision Lhat wou ld change
his life.
"I knew nothing about Lhe school and
wasn't even Lutheran ," McWethy said.
"But I knew I had a great oppo rtuni ty in
this one-of-a-kind program ." McWeLhy
was on e of approximatel y 40 stu dents in
Lhe growing StepUP program, which
provides a support ive environm ent to
allow stud ents in recovery from add iction
achieve academic success. McWeLhy's
appreciaLion of StepUP's mission has now
broughL him into leadership positions on
StepUP's advisory board and , since
graduation , on a StepUP alumni board .
McWeLhy became a psychology major
in his sophom ore year. "I came here
because of StepUP, but it was the
Psychology Department Lhat allowed me
to find my niche and to excel."
He curr ent ly works as a chilcVfamily
advocate at Wayside Hou se- where he
also completed his psychology internship .
Th is program provides safe hou sing for
women in recovery from chemical
dependency. McWeLhy spends his time
working with teams who are Lrying to
accomplish what is best for the children of
Lhe residents . He says he is "on the front
line of a war to save kids' lives."
McWethy has also worked on a
numb er of research projects , most recently
with Professor Nancy Steblay. For the past
two years, McWethy and Steblay have
collaborated on a project in psychology
and law that includes Steblay's research
colleagues at Lhe University of Texas-El
Paso. Together, the team has collected and
analyzed a massive amo un t of laboratory
data addr essing three interrelated variables
in the ju ry decision-making process:
inadmissible evidence, judicial instruction
to disregard this eviden ce, and type and
timin g of such instrucLion. A pap er, which
A
28
A-UGSBURG NOW
At Augsburg, AdamMcWethy'03 discoveredhis
passion for research in psychologythat helped him
shape his goals in working with children.
McWethy co-auth ored , was presented
in Jul y at the International
Interdisciplinary Psychology and law
conference in Edinburgh , Scotland .
McWethy's honors Lhesis was a section
of this research and specifically
investigated the impact of charging
instru ctions that follow a trial.
McWeLhy's internship and his
research experiences are part of an
education that allowed him
"oppo rtuniti es to go above and beyond
the classroom. " 'T hat is what I love
about Augsburg," he said. "There is
always room to do your own thi ng,
and you truly get out of the school
what you put into it."
According to Steblay, what
McWethy "put into" the academic
endeavor was laud able. "Adam's skills
of analysis and syn lhesis are
remarkab le," she said. "His talents are
well-suited to Lhis domain of
research- an inquiry Lhat merges
psychology and law. He has a
particu larly sharp eye for the policy
implications of the data. Adam is a
valued collabora tor; the products of
our work have been mu ch richer for
his contributi ons ."
The research experience
dramatically influenced McWeLhy's
futur e plans . "While my jobs have
shaped my interest- helping children - it
is my research experience that has altered
how I believe I can be most effective in
solving kids' problems. I began to truly
comprehend the power of research to alter
the way in which society views prob lems.
It is only through research Lhat the way we
heal can become more effective," said
McWethy. He plans to apply to graduate
programs in psychology and law.
"Augsburg gave me a focus and a
passion that have allowed me to exceed
all my expectations for myself. No long er
do I mak e excus es ... Inst ead , I now do
what I need to do becaus e I love it and
because I see the good thaLcan result
from my work. " •
Judy Petree is media relations manager.
Professor Nancy Steblay contributed to
this story.
PROFESSOR
NANCY STEBLAY
:
Involving
students
in reSl,IJ;Pft
Professor Nancy Steb lay believes the goal of
the psychology department is to facilitate
students' movement from learning about the
disciplin e to becoming active contributors to
the discipline. Each psychology major must
comp lete at least one major laboratory
research project under the guidance of a
faculty member , plus at least one
com muni ty-based interns hip .
Steblay's ongoing research projects have
established her as an expert in areas of
psychology and law and have given her
student s challenging original research
oppo rtunit ies
The research Steblay and her student s
have carried out on police lineups has
contribut ed to recent U.S. Department of
Justice police procedural guidelines for the
gathering of eyewitness evidence. Her
projects focus on proper lineup structure
and format, assessing far''1rs of social
influence and witness memory in the
identification process. Recent cases in which
convictions have been overturned by forensic
Fall 2003
SEAN
TRuMANA PERSONAL PERSPECTIVE
Psycho logy professo r Sean Truman is
beginnin g his secon d year teac hin g in th e
department. Augsburg Now edi tor Betsey
Norgar d talked with him about stu dents
and teaching.
Whydid Augsburg
interest youas a placeto
teach?
I'm int eres ted in und ergrad uate
excellence, and I'm int erested in
gro undin g edu catio n in the libera l arts
NancySteblay
, professor of psychology
DNA tests have revealed a crucial
finding: Mistaken eyewitness
identifications have been the primary
evidence used to convict innocen t
people. Thus, this research has critical
implications for soc iety.
A secon d line of resea rch bega n with
a 1999 article, co-authored by Augsburg
stude nts, regard ing the effect of pretrial
publicity on jury verdicts. The research
team found that pretrial publicity
produce d juror expectations of defendant
culpability before the trial and ultimately
produced higher conviction rates.
Traditionaljudicial safegua rds did not
reduce the pub licity's impact. Since then,
additional teams of Augsburg students
have advanced our understanding of
comp lex nuances of memory that
underlie pretrial publicity effects.
-Betsey Norgard
Fall 2003
tradition .... I also th ought that th e caliber
of my colleagues in th e Psycholo gy
Departm ent was remarka ble. The people
in the departm ent were clearly committ ed
to teac hin g, and to prod ucing research
and wo rkin g in th e communi ty on things
that were im po rtant. I found that
compe lling.
Whatdo youseek for your students?
I want to be unapolo get ically demandin g
of st ud ents.
I want them to be int ellectuall y
sop histicated , rigorou s, consi dered people
who have th e capacit y to dea l with
int ellectua l ambig uit y and who can
manag e in a worl d th at is frequ entl y
contradi ctory. The world is co mpli cated,
and what we do here is help peop le to
dev elop a capacity for compl ex thinkin g
that serves th em throu ghout th eir lives.
The way we do th at in th e psycholog y
department is th ro ugh scie nce-based
und ersta nding of peop le's experiencewhether it's peop le's emot ional exper ience,
cog nitiv e pro cess, socia l behavior, or what
have yo u. These are all different slices of
how we , as psycholog ists , think about
human expe rienc e. There's nothing
magical abo ut one parti cular pers pective;
it's th e disciplin e we bring to th e
perspective th at I think is really useful.
You don 't know who's in your class.
You have no idea. l'm hop ing I hav e a
futur e senator in my class. Wh en she sits
on a Senate sub-commiu ee, she 'll think ,
"How do we evaluate thi s iss ue? W hat is
th e justifi cation for spending a half billion
dollars on th is program? Whe re is th e
eviden ce th at this approac h wi ll be
effective?" We hope that our stud ents are
discip lined and rigorou s thi nkers when
th ey leave the College.
Some of the most comp elling mom ents
l've had here are when stud ents begin to
Psychology professor Sean Truman
see th emselves as intell ectu ally
sop hist icated. Early on in college students
rarely appreciate their own capac ity for
exce llence; they don 't see the horizon
that 's possib le for them. Th ey can exce l in
ways that the y don 't yet appreciate. It is
really fun to see students change ove r four
years in ways that are simply astounding.
How will a newsciencebuilding makea
difference in your department?
The first thing a new science buildin g
does is provid e ph ysical evidence of an
institutional commiu11ent to th e sciences.
When we app ly for grants , a new
building will mak e it possible to su pp ort
larger and mor e substantia l proj ects. Il
puts us in a mu ch more co mp elling
position to say, "We have intell ectu al
cap ital here , we have th e capacity for hard
work here, we have th e institutional and
organiza tional capacity , and we hav e th e
capaci ty to contr ibut e in a serio us way
through our laboratory resea rch." In th e
encl, havi ng th ese reso urces wi ll mean that
our stud ent s get more opportuniti es to do
meaningf ul work with faculty.
We have to recog niz e and be honest
abou t th e fact that we've don e great work.
This work has tak en pla ce wi th out many
resources. While people have done an
incr ed ible amount with what they have,
we also should be clear that the limit ed
resourc es redu ce our capaci ty to do work
that wi ll be meanin gful, larger in scope ,
and more comp elling and productive for
our students. •
A-UGSBURGNOW
29
LAB
ight scientists are gathered round a
conference table for a regular
week ly meeting. As they begin
reportin g their research to the group , the
talk is of variations in ULF and VLF
waves, compi lation of PE and QP/PE
data, progress on papers to be presented
at professional conferences, etc.
This would not sound unu sual unt il
it's realized that the meeting is taking
place on a small, private college campu s,
and five of the eight part icipants have
only ju st completed their first or second
year in college.
Each summ er, as part of the funding
Augsburg receives from the National
Science Found ation, NASA, and others,
physics professor and departm ent chair
Mark Engebretso n selects promi sing
physics and pre-engineering stud ents for
research proj ects in the physics labs.
Engebretso n says that the depart ment
tries to provide all physics maj ors with
research opportu nities- the experience
helps physics and pre-engineering
students with graduate school admi ssions
and helps them compete for national
fellowships.
Geoff Shelburn e, who is beginn ing
his j un ior year, began workin g last year
with Augsburg physics senior Alexa
Halford '03 on a paper titled "Latitudinal
and Seasonal Variations of Quasi-Periodic
and Periodic ELF-VLF Emissions." The
paper, a statistical study of extremelylow-frequency (ELF) and very-lowfrequency (VLF) waves using data from
severa l stations in Antarctica, includ ing
the South Pole, won Halford a top
student award last year when she
presented it at the spring meeting of the
American Geophysical Unio n. This was
one of two such awards Lo Augsburg
E
30
ft UGSBURGNOW
Sophomore
physics studentsSteveQuick(left), Erik Lundberg
(centerfront), and Matt Argall(right)watched
as junior Jon-Erik Hokenson (centerback) demonstrate
s howto run and plotdatafromgroundstationsand
orbitingsatellitesoverAntarctica
.
students in the last th ree years, who
comp eted against mostly graduate
stud ents, some of whom were presentin g
their Ph.D. work .
Shelburn e's work has focused on
identifying, tabu lating, and plottin g
occurrences of various types of these
waves as a function of the time of day for
an entire year at four different stations in
Antarctica- a time-consumin g and
tedious jo b.
Engebretson points out at the
meeting, however, that Shelburn e has
made a valuable con tributi on with his
meticulous work , because of surp rising
variations that can be observed only
when stud ying th e data in the detail he
plotted.
Shelburn e is workin g with
Engebretson to comp lete the paper and
ready it for publi cation next year. The
final author list will includ e Halford,
Engebretso n, assistant scientislj ennifer
Posch '94 , as well as researchers at the
British Antarctic Survey and at Stanford
University. Engebretson points out that
all the department 's fund ed research is
do ne in collaboration with physicists at
other schools and instituti ons, part of the
educational process for the students.
Shelburn e has put in his time learnin g
the detailed, routin e task of collecting
data. Next summ er, he hopes to gain
additi onal research experience at another
school or research laboratory- somethin g
that Engebretson encourages most of his
stud ents to pur sue.
Jon-Erik Hokenson, who ju st
completed his sophomore year, is
teachin g thr ee first-year research stud ents
in the space physics lab how to run and
plot the routin e data-th e same kind of
work he did last year as a freshm an. Part
of their work involves comparing the data
recorded daily by an orbiting satellite
with dat a recorded at the same time at the
ground stations to see if the same events
are observed. It requir es using a
comput er program to translate num erical
data int o spectrograms, or colored char ts,
that show wave activity.
Hokenson is a physics and math
major, and also has a comput er science
min or. The comput er progra m familiarity
comes in handy when stud ents must
wr ite their own programs in order to run
the data they want. Comput er science
and physics stud ents have been
Fall 2003
collaborating over the past coup le of years
on new progra ms in the physics labs .
Back in the meeting, first-year research
student Erik Lundb erg reports to the
group on the difficulti es he faced wit h
such a compu ter progra m while trying to
run the data requ ested by a researcher at
anot her inst ituti on. Wh en the printer
refused to spit ou t any data beyond 1999,
Lundberg wro te a new progr am to
eliminate the prob lem . Engebretson asked
him to inst all it on all the lab comput ers.
Lund berg recogn izes that science is a
lot of rout ine. "Sometim es you run the
numb ers several tim es and it doesn't
work; but one time it works ... and it's
exciting."
Heather Greene '04 reports to the
meeting that her paper is completed and
will be presented at a McNair Scholars
conference the following week. The paper
and the National Science Found ation .
The McNair program seeks to prepare
stud ents for doctora l studi es and to
increase the numb er of gradu ate stud en ts
from und errepresented sec tors. Through
the summ er experience, Greene says, "I
am starting to learn the process of
research and what I need to network wit h
others."
To prepare for her conference
presentation , Greene was able to bu ild
confidence wit h presentations to her two
ph ysics pro fessors, Engebretson and
Professor Ken Erickso n '62 , as well
as to the McNair Scholars staff and
stud ents .
Augsburg's physics department
has a long history of both involving
stud ents in ongoing, original
research and of collabora ting with
other scientists literally aro un d the
world . Hokenson said that he had
j ust sent thr ee CDs of data to a
researcher in England who had
requested it. Some of Shelburne 's
data came from Stan ford University
Senior HeatherGreene's research on geomagnetic activity was
and the Brit ish Antarctic Survey.
presentedboth on campusand at a McNair Scholars
Recent physics grad uate Jesse
conferenceat PennState University.
Woodroffe is still comparing data
from four European satellites,
studi es the activity recorded by satellites
obtained from a researcher in Germany
durin g a geomagn etic storm to help
wit h da ta from Augsbu rg's own
und erstand its effect on communi cations
instru ments .
systems as well as hum an health .
After gradu ating from Augsburg,
Greene's summ er research was fund ed
Erickso n return ed in 1970 , to teach space
by both the McNair Scholars program
Fall 2003
---
,
ProfessorMark Engebretsonreviews data in research carried out by graduati ng senior Jesse Woodrolle , who
1sheadedto a teaching assistantship and fellowship at the University of Minnesota.
physics at both the University of
Minnesota and Augsbur g. Following the
example of his faculty mentor at the
university, he began involving stud ents
in in teresting proj ects and research.
When Engebretson came to Augsburg in
1976, he began to seek grant funds to
cover the stud ent activit ies. Today, after
more than 30 years, and with the
additi on of Professor Ambrose Wolf's
research in solid state physics, there are
few small, private colleges that provide
the depth of undergrad uate research in
physics found at Augsburg.
The meeting continu es with an
ann oun cement that Olga Kozyreva, a
visiting ph ysicist from the Institut e of
the Physics of the Earth in Moscow,
would arrive the following week for a
month 's stay. Her visit, along with regular
semester-long visits by Russian physicist
Slava Pilipenk o, continu es collabora tive
research and teachin g with Engebretso n ,
fund ed by a recently-renewed Nationa l
Science Found ation grant.
In addi tion to the 10 students
working at Augsburg durin g the sum mer,
other stud ents are at un iversities around
the count ry. For the physics majors
attendin g the meeting, getting
experience that helps them gain an edge
in their field and getting paid for it is
ideal. And , as Hokenson pu ts it, "you
couldn't ask for a better employer than
Professor Engebretson. " •
/t- UGSBURG NOW
31
by Judy Petree
or 10 weeks over the summer,
severa l of Augsburg 's physics labs
on the lower level of Science Hall
became a staging area for a large-sca le
model of the Mars surface, with robot
exp lorers and a simulated model of the
space shuttle.
It's part of the Girls in Engineering ,
Mathematics, and Science (GEMS)
program , providin g middle and high
school girls and college undergraduates
an opportunity to exp lore math ematics ,
scie nce, and applied technology.
Because boys as young as fourth
grade begin LO show greater interest and
highe r achievement in math and science
than girls, GEMS address es an acute
need to create programs that encourage
girls to exp lore, experiment , and
collaborate in these fields.
Jeanin e Gregoire , assista nt professor
of edu cation and science coordin ator at
Augsburg, and co-coordinator of the
program , is con cern ed with gender
equit y in science edu cation . "Research in
F
gender-based programs and our own
experiences with the GEMS program
throughout the past six years have shown
how important it is for girls to have
access to challenging , comp lex, and fun
science, math, and technology proj ects
set in a supp ortive environm ent. "
Gregoire , in conjunction with the
Augsburg NASA Space Grant Program ,
has worked closely with Brad Blue,
Minneapolis Public Schoo ls science/math
teacher , and parents and teachers from 13
Minneapolis schools to develop ,
implement , and evaluate this program.
The GEMS progr am includes three
age groups:
FOURTH-EIGHTH
GRADE
COMPONENT
The year-ro und GEMS program presents
you ng wom en with comp lex problemsolving proje cts and opportu nities to
present in public . Annu ally, the girls
bui ld and program robots to compete in a
robotics competition.
One of th e GEMS
teams was featured on
the premiere episode
of Dragonfl y TV
Students also
Middle-schoolgirls in the GEMSprogramcarve from Styrofoama scale
modelof the surface of Mars createdfrom NASAtopographicalmaps.
32
A-UGSBURGNOW
particip ate in an intensive, 10-week
summ er program at Augsburg. During
the summ er of 2003, 78 middl e-school
girls from Minn eapoli s public schools
met twice a week at Augsburg and
learned how LO "terraform " the surface of
Mars. Th ey researched question s they
had about Mars, and built and
progra mm ed robots to maneuver on the
scale mod el surface they create d. Other
GEMS proj ects investigate the Science of
Speed, where they design, build , test, and
race CO2 cars in the Annual Day at th e
Races at Augsburg.
GEMS gro ups regularl y present the
results of their projects at the Science
Museum of Minnesota , LEGOL.and at the
Mall of America, the Minn esota State
Fair, the Minn eapolis School Board, th e
Eye to the Futur e Career Conference for
Young Women, and to engin eers and
technicians at Medtronic . These venu es
provide stude nts wit h opportu nities to
consolidate their und erstandin g of what
th ey are learnin g, become more
comfort able communi cating th eir
findin gs to othe rs, apply sk ills th ey have
learned in their proj ect, and receive
feedback from participants .
Gregoire said that they have already
seen many of th ese st ud ents do well on
Layersof Styrofoamwere piled and then smoothedout to look like the actual surface
of Mars' mountains.
Fall 2003
Two girls check to see if the robot they built and programmedto maneuver
on the Mars surface is working properly.
th e advanced placement tests for nin thgrade science, and th ey tend to take
more math and science cour ses in high
school.
"The GEMS program has also given
man y girls a strong network of friend s
who encoura ge schoo l att endance, value
and support each oth er's academic
achievement , and wh o demonstrate
leadership in oth er areas of sc hoo l. Th e
GEMS program gives each girl a different
way to see herse lf in the world. "
The program is free to gir ls in the
Minn eapolis Public Schools who app ly
and qualify.
NINTH-12THGRADE
MENTORING
PROGRAM
Girls who have participa ted in th e GEMS
fourt h-eighth grad e pro gram are eligible
to app ly for the su mm er leadership
program . Success ful compl etion of th e
summ er program allows new ment ors to
participat e in a year-long position as a
GEMS ment or. The GEMS ment or
program bu ilds up on th e mat u rity,
leader shi p developm en t, int erests, and
academ ic needs of the GEMS ment ors
involved in th e program. Incomin g
ment ors, th e girls in grades 8-12 , are
involved in a beta level leadership
trainin g to develop int erp erso nal
communi cation and group bui ld ing
skills. Th ey then have th e opp ortu nity to
lead larger GEMS enri chm ent progra ms.
"We have een many of th ese youn g
Fall 2003
On break time, GEMSgirls relaxed outside with jump ropes and games.
women develop tremend ous leadership
capacity wor kin g with th e middl e schoo l
stud en ts as a 'coach' and in one case the
progra m coo rd inator of a GEMS
program ," said Gregoi re.
Thi s past summ er 15 GEMS mento rs
participa ted in th e GEMS leadership
trainin g progra m . In 200 1, a high sc hool
mentor was chose n as "Mentor of th e
Year" from among all adu lt
ment or/coac hes in Minn esota for the first
Lego-Logo comp etitio n .
"Midd le school GEMS loo k up to th e
high choo l GEMS for direction , supp ort ,
and friendsh ip," Grego ire sa id. "I love to
see the strong bond established between
th e high sc hoo l ment ors and the middle
school GEMS dur ing th e summ er
prog ram."
UNDERGRADUATES
AS TEACHERS
Augsbur g smd ents have also benefited
from this progra m. Und ergrad uate
wo men in sc ience, math ematics,
engineer ing, and element ary or
seco ndary edu cat ion are recruit ed to
serve a teachers for th e summ er GEMS
middl e-schoo l progra m and as cofaci litator durin g th e regular schoo l year.
GEM mento rs and th e un de rgradua te
stud ent s wo rk as a team to plan and
teach uni ts to GEMS middl e schoo l
stud ents.
"Such opportuni ties give Augsbur g
stud ents valuable teachin g experience
and bui ld th eir own confidence and
know ledge of math ematics, scie nce, and
techn ology," Gregoire said. She added
th at as a result of th e program , severa l
elementary majors have refocused their
co ncentr ation in scie nce and several
oth er math majors are now in secondary
licensure programs .
Gregoire said that Augsburg , as a
college of th e city, has gained
tremendous ly as a community partner
with Minn eapo lis Pub lic Schoo ls.
"With th e challenge in urban
edu cation, th e College could be either
pan of th e prob lem, or we can be pan of
the so luti on by leveraging our resour ces,
knowledge , and experiences to create
viab le solut ions. The GEMS program is
bu t one program where the College and
th e NASA Space Grant have take n an
active role in working with urban schoo l
d istricts on specia l programs and
projects. GEMS has been a tremend ous
program for the linneapolis Publi c
Schoo ls and Augsburg College."
Fundin g for th e GEMS program s
co mes from th e Medtro nic STAR grants ,
Minn eapolis Public Schoo ls, and the
NASA Space Gra nt. The GEMS program
was prese nt ed at th e American
Association for Advancement o f Science
(AAAS) conference in an Franci co in
Feb ruary 2001. In Augu t it was featur ed
on W CCO-TV •
Judy Petree is media relations manager:
A-UGSBURGNOW
33
s part of the continued commitment
to maintain and enhanc e Augsburg's
traditio n of excellence m the
sciences, the Science Building Plannin g
Committ ee comp leted a feasibility report
that addresses the needs of curr ent
Augsburg stud ents and offers a unified
vision toward interactive and
interdisciplinary learning in the sciences.
In 2001 , a Science Advisory Board
(SAB) of 13 experts in the fields of biology,
chemistry, physics, mathematics, and
psychology was created to gain inp ut ,
guidance , and support. Propo sed by
academic dean Chris Kimball and scienc e
facility shepherd Nancy Steblay, the SAB is
sponsored by the Board of Regents and led
by Augsburg alumn a Ruth E. Johnson '74,
MD, chair of the regents' Academic and
Student Affairs Committ ee (ASAC).
The objectives of the Science Advisory
Board were out lined: (1) raise the pro file
of science edu cation at Augsburg; (2)
increase enro llment in science programs ;
(3) improve educatio nal opportunities and
outcomes for Augsbu rg stu dents; and (4)
assist in the design and fundr aising efforts
for the new science hall.
SAB members represent the corporat e
sector ; medical, dental, men tal health and
laboratory health care professions ;
Augsburg science faculty eme riti; and a
science-oriented charitable trust. Eight of
the thirt een SAB member s are Augsbur g
science alumni.
In its two years, the SAB has met
quart erly as a full board and has consulted
with President Fra me, Board of Regents
chair Kathy Tunh eim, ASAC regents, and
chairs of all the departm ents includ ed in
the new science hall. SAB memb ers tour ed
current science facilities and have had
several virtual tours of the proposed new
facility led by project designers Holabird
and Root, who also led an on-site tour of
A
34
A-UGSBURG NOW
the science bu ilding they designed at
University of St. Thomas .
In fall 2002 a special Homecoming
science alumni gathering , sponsored by
SAB and the ASAC, brought together
nearly 200 alumni , students , and faculty
to meet with science faculty emeriti Ted
Hanwick (physics),John Hoium
(chemistry) , Ralph Sulerud (biology), and
Bev Durk ee (mathemati cs), and to hear a
talk by SAB member Pau l Mueller '84 on
the interface of science and faith.
The Science Advisory Board also
focuses on fundraising efforts for the new
science hall, and has met with Sue
Klaseus, vice president for institutional
advancement , and the developm ent staff.
Neil Thorpe , executive director of the M.j.
Murdock Charitable Trust, SAB member,
and former Augsburg biology professor,
presented a Foundation Perspective
Report and recommended how Augsbur g
might approac h foundations for funding .
The SAB also plays a crucial role in
providing opp ort uniti es for science-related
educati on and careers for curr ent stud ents.
SAB member Rick Pannin g, president of
labora tory services at Fairview,
spearheaded developm ent of an Augsburg
partnership with Fairview, beginnin g this
fall, for stude nt s to pursue a n ew major
in clini cal laborato ry scie nc es. In thi s
joint p rogra m , stud ent s can co mp lete
thr ee yea rs at Augsbur g and one yea r of
practi ca l laboratory exper ien ce at
Fairv iew, to ea rn a B.A. degree and
certifi ca tion as a clini cal labor atory
scienti st.
In add ition , se nior psychology
majors met in Roch ester wit h SAB
memb er Rick Seime, a Mayo Clini c
psyc holog ist, to tour Mayo 's
psychoge netics rese arch labs and
discuss psych o logy-related health careers.
In August SAB member and Honeywell
Ruth E. Johnson
'74, MD, chair of the regents'
Academicand StudentAffairsCommittee (ASAC
)
executive J oel Houlton brought a dozen
members of HEART (Hon eywell Employee
and Retiree Team) to the Augsburg
campus for a tour and a "roll up the
sleeves" session with faculty and staff on
advancing the missi on of science
edu cation.
"It is in the role of helping to raise the
funds to make the science hall a reality
that the Science Advisory Board is most
needed now," says SAB chair Ruth E.
Johnson .
"Th e most challenging aspect of the
science hall project now is securin g
financial commitm ents against the
backdrop of an econo mic downturn ," she
says. "I have confidence that the Science
Advisory Board will continu e its
outstandin g leadership in this end eavor,
and I believe that science alumni and
friends of Augsburg College will do what
is so chara cteris tic of them: to give
generously so that curr ent and futur e
stud ents can also experi ence an
outstanding educati on in the best
traditi on of Augsburg College."
Fall 2003
•\iX'.;·
.->~·•.
1-\:Jj1t'
SCIENCE
ADVISORY
BOARD
.,1~•.~ -·
James Agre '72 , MD
Min istry Medical Group
Eagle River, Wis.
Loren Barber,
;.
l...
•
•
•
"t;
•
~-
·---
~ _:....
r
•,.;
.. ;
,.~--.
..
PhD
3M
Gary Carlson
'95
3M
Fred Faxvog , PhD
Honeywell, Inc.
Steven Grinde '81, DDS
Maple Grove Dental Center
Joel L. Houlton
Honeywell, Inc.
David Knutson '69
Park Nicollet Medi cal Center
Paul S. Mueller ' 84, MD
Mayo Clini c • Rochester , Minn.
Joel T. Nelson '85, PhD
Universi ty of Wisconsin- Madison
Rick Panning
Fairview Health Services
Richard Seime ' 70 , PhD
Mayo Clini c • Rochester, Mi nn.
Distingui shed Alumnu s 200 2
ugsbur g's new scie nce facility will
pro vide 58 ,000 net-ass ignable
square feet (NASF) of teac hi ng
laborat ories , resea rch space, classroo ms,
offices , and supp ort . Th e new bui ldin g
will includ e 45,000 NASF and house th e
Depart ments of Biology, Chemistr y, and
Psyc hology as well as add itional lab and
class room space for physics. The ex is tin g
Science Hall will und ergo ex tensive
renova tion , and will house the
A
Ralph Sulerud , PhD
Professor Emeritu s of Biology
Augsburg College
Neil 0 . Thorpe '60 , PhD
M.J. Murdock Charitabl e Trust
Vancouver, Wash.
Distingu ished Alumnu s 2001
AUGSBURG
BOARD
OFREGENTS
LIAISONS
Departm ent s of Phys ics and Mat hemat ics,
as we ll as add 13 ,000 NASF for other
campu s needs.
T he addition of the new science
bu ildin g crea tes a new quadrang le,
jo inin g Ande rso n and New Halls to the
aca dem ic plan. It also opens up th e
ex istin g area aro un d th e curr ent Scie nce
Hall, returnin g grea ter prom inence and
s tatur e to Old Main in th e main
qu adrang le area .
Ruth E. Johnson ' 74 , MD
Mayo Clin ic • Rochester, Minn.
Distingui shed Alumn a 1996
Beverly Thompson Hatlen,
MSN
Minnesota Li fe College
RN,
EXOFFICIO
- AUGSBURG
COLLEGE
Christopher W. Kimball , PhD
Vice President for Academic and Stu dent
Affa irs and Dean of the Coll ege
Joan Kunz , PhD
Associate Professor of Chemistry
Chair, Division of Natural Sciences
and Mathemati cs
Nancy Steblay , PhD
Professor of Psychology
Assistant to the Dean for Spec ial Projects
Fall 2003
A-UGSBURGNOW
35
"\
-
..\·,·..,·..__
•
,_.., '
-..T
·,_
--•••
··•
A ·..
ugsburg's biology department is home to two thri ving and colorful coral
reef ecosystems. Difficult to maintain in captivity, the coral reef habitats
provide stud ents opportunit ies for laboratory stud y of marine life
organism s usually accessible only in the natur al environm ent.
The 600-gallon multi -tank system has a sp ecial filter system that sustains
the more than 100 species of marin e organisms- corals, live sponges, fish,
shrimp , and many oth ers. The aqu arium provid es a numb er of biology stud ents
with research topics, as well as an opportuni ty for outr each to the communi ty.
Capman has train ed teachers as well as volunt eered in scho ols to help set up
small systems for science classes. He has also publi shed an article and been
featured in professional meetings of reefkeepers.
A
Biology professorBill Capmanhelps biology major Jean
Johnsonin a study of coral colony developmentunder
different water flow conditions.
36
,4uGSBURGNOW
Fall 2003
From the Alumni Board president's desk ...
Tw o decades ago, I
I enter ed my senior
year at Augsbur g. I
rememb er the fall of
1983 as a
transform ing tim e for
me. 1 vividly recall
the brilliant colors of
that autumn , the crisp yet sunn y weather,
the Quad covered with fallen leaves, my
classes, my friends , and especially my
housemates (not to mention the
camaraderie and the socia l gatherings that
living in one of the houses afforded).
Indeed , it was durin g this period that
many of my closest friendsh.ips were made
and when I met my wife (Na ncy Mackey
Mueller '85). I give thanks and praise for
Augsburg, as it has touched and enriched
my life every day for more than 20 years!
For the last severa l years, I have
served on the board of directors of the
Augsburg Alumni Association. Th e
changes that have occurr ed over the past
20 years at Augsburg are trul y asto nishin g.
New curri cula challenge stud ents in
relevant and practical ways. Th e stud ent
body has grown dramatically. A myriad of
programs and classes are offered to nontraditi onal stud ents. In additi on , the
campu s itself has also changed
dramatically: the houses are gone, and in
their place new buildin gs have been
erected . Desp ite these changes, however,
Augsbur g has retained its charac ter as an
academically rigoro us college that
encourages stud ents to pur sue their
vocation in a world with num erous and
daunt ing needs.
The Augsbu rg Alum ni Association
exists to represent you and to serve the
College. Our motto is "Buildin g
Conn ections. " All Augsbu rg alumni are
members of the associa tion. Members are
encouraged to supp ort Augsburg wit h
their time, talents, and financial gifts. The
Alumni Board consists of more than 20
alumni who serve one or two three-year
terms. We work closely with the
Augsbu rg's Office of Alumn VParent
Relatio ns, and we meet regularly at the
College. ln add ition, severa l Alumni Board
com mittees meet regular ly. These
com mittees include the Events
Committee , which sponso rs activities
such as the State Fair boot h and the
"Auggie Hour " gatherings; the
Connections Committee , which assists
wit h th e Class Agent Progra m and
establishes conn ections between current
st ud ents, alumni , faculty, staff, and others;
the Communications Committee , whic h
coordinates alum ni award program s,
provides input for the Augsburg Now and
alumni Web pages, and develo ps new ways
of stayi ng in touch with alumn i.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
• Contact us . We want to hear from
•
•
•
you ! Let us kn ow what you are doi ng
and how you wou ld like to be
involved wit h th e College and fellow
alumn i. We can be reach ed through
the Office of AlumnVParent Relations
by ph one at 6 12-330-1178 or
1-800-260-6590, by e-mai l at
<alum ni@augsburg .edu >, or in writing
(Ca mpus Box 146, 2211 Riverside
Ave., Minn eapolis , MN 55454).
Attend Augsburg events . The College
offers many enriching and entertaini ng
activities that are available to alumni .
These activities include mu sic and
dra ma produ ctions, athletic events,
holiday events, Homecom ing, alumni
gatheri ngs, conferences , and more.
Visit the campus . Look up former
professors and mentors , shop at the
bookstore , and see the dram atic
changes tha t have occurred over the
last severa l decad es.
Keep Augsburg and its stu dents ,
facul ty, and staff in you r prayers.
Paul S. Mue ller, M.D. '84
President , Alumni Board
Six alumni appointed to Alumni Board
he Augsbur g Alumni Board of
Directors app ointed six new memb ers
and elected Paul S. Mueller '84 as
president and Bill Vand erwall '93 WEC as
president-elect. To view photos of the new
memb ers, vis it the Alumn VParent
Relations Web site at <www.augsbur g.edu/
alumn i>. Th e new memb ers are as follows:
T
Dan W . Anderson '65
Anderson gradua ted from Augsbur g with a
B.A. in math . He is president of Swenson
And erson Financial Group .
Fall 2003
Lew Beccone '98 MAL
Lew Beccone gradu ated from Augsbu rg
with a Master of Arts in Leadership . He is
an ind epend ent software consultant .
Jacqueline (Brookshire) Teisberg '80
Teisberg gradu ated from Augsbu rg with a
B.S. in nu rsing. She is a homemake r and
serve d on Augsburg's alumni awards
selectio n committee.
The Rev. Karsten Nelson '83
Nelson grad uated from Augsburg with a
B.A. in commun ication. He serves as
bylynnMena
pastor of Redeemer Luth era n Church in
W hite Bear Lake, Minn .
Tom A. Peterson '70
Peterson graduated from Augsburg with a
B.A. in socio logy. He is chief investment
officer at the Good Samaritan Society.
LuAnn Watson '88, '02 MAL
Watso n graduated from Augsburg ,vith a
B.S. in nursing and a Master of Arts in
Leadership. She is a pan-tim e member of
Augsburg's nursing faculty.
t4UGSBURG NOW
37
Alumni News
2003-04 Augsburg
Alumni Events
Calendar
Gatherings and events for Augsburg alumni and friends are
being plann ed in the areas listed below throug hout 2003 -2004 .
Events may be added/changed as the year progresses. Please
make sure your cont act information is up-to-date with th e
alum ni office and then watch your mailbox for invitations with
complete details! Hope to see you soo n!
October
1- 4 ............ Homeco min g 2003 : Auggie Traditi ons
18 ...... .......Augsburg Centenni al Singers 20th Anni versary
Celebration, First Luth eran Chur ch, Columbia
Heights, Minn ., 7 p.m.
2004 Alumni Tour
he Augsburg Alumni
Association
invites you to
T
....,,!-.:~~~.
-.~;:;. :•:·J
enjoy the fellowship , comfort , and
, •. ·,.•l')• . .-.11
~'~
-,
-
. -
.
learnin g opportuniti es of travelin g
with a group of alumni and
friends to Germ any and Eastern
Europ e in early fall 2004.
A tour to Germany, the Czech Republi c, Slovakia, and
Hun gary is being plann ed to featur e a stud y of Martin Luth er's
life and ministry in Witt enberg, Germany, as well as visits to
Berlin , Pragu e, Bratislava, and Budapest. Pre-tour edu cation and
inform ation sessions are also being planned .
To receive upd ates about this exciting travel experience as
details become available, please e-mail the alumni office at
<alumni @augsbur g.edu> or call 6 12-330-1178 to have your
name added to the mailing list. Start plannin g now to j oin us
for this amazing trip!
' '-.
._ - ' t •
23 ............. StepUP Celebra tion, 5-10 p.m.
November
date TBD .... Chicago, Ill., alumni gatherin g
date TBD ....Boston , Mass ., alumn i gathering
date TBD .... New York area alum ni gathering
date TBD .... Rochester, Minn., alumni gathering
December
5- 6 ............Advent Vespers, Cent ral Luth eran Chur ch,
Minn eapolis, 5 p.m. and 8 p.m .
date TBD ....Washin gton, D.C. , alumni gatherin g
date TBD ....Norwa y alumni gatherings
January
24 ........ ...... Clint on , Minn. , alumni gatherin g (featurin g
Augsbur g's Gospe l Praise)
25 ........ ......Alexandria , Minn., alu mn i gathering (featu ring
Augsburg's Gosp el Praise)
30 .......... .... Theatre alumni reception on campu s prior to th e
winter pro du ction of An Ideal Husband
February
date TBD .... Du luth , Minn ., alumni gath ering
date TBD ....Arizona alumni gat herin gs
March
13 ..... .........Bonita Springs, Fla. , alumn i gather ing (featur ing
the Augsbu rg Choir )
14 .......... ....Venice, Fla., alumni gath ering (featurin g the
Augsburg Choir)
16 .............. Fairmont , Minn. , alumni gathering (featurin g
Augsburg's Chamber Orc hestra)
38
AUGSBURG NOW
Auggie Hours 2003-04
Auggie Hours are held th e second Tuesday of each month at
5:30 p.m. Please j oin us!
October ............Keegan's , N.E. Minn eapolis
November ........Bella Fin o, Maple Grove
December ........PF Chang's , Edin a (Southd ale)
January ............Rudolph 's, Plymouth
February ..........Pazzalun a, St. Paul
March ..............Koyi, Downtown Minn eapolis
April.. ................Redstone, Eden Prairie
May ..................Toby's on th e Lake, Oakdale
June ..................Solera, Minn eapolis
July ....................Dock Cafe, Stillwater
August ..............Bar Abilene, Upto wn Minn eapolis
2004 Lutheran Free
Church Reunion
reuni on celebrating Augsbur g's Luth eran Free Chur ch
(LFC) heritage is planned for Jun e 2004 . A new fellowship ,
Sons and Daught ers of '97 (the Luth eran Free Chur ch was
established in 1897) , is being organized by the Rev. Neal Snider
for those who have at any time been a member of an LFC
congregation. If you are interested in learnin g more about Sons
and Daughters of '97, please contact Snider at 253-583-8293. If
you would like to be involved in the upcomin g reun ion
preparations, which are being coordinated by a committ ee led by
Gracia Grind al '65, please contact the alumni office at
<alumni @augsburg.edu > or 612-330-1178 so we can keep you
updated as plans progress !
A
Fall 2003
1940
Ma rgaret (Chrislock) Gilseth ,
St. Charles, Minn., was named to
the Winona County Hall of
Fame. Prior to her retirement in
1976, Margaret taught English at
St. Charles High School. She also
served on the Board of American
Field Sen~ce Foreign Students;
was a member of Friends of the
Library, reading to childr en
weekly for over 10 years; and
taught Nonvegian through
community edu cation . From
1959-1963 , she and her husband ,
Walter Gilseth , taug ht at a
teacher trainin g college on ML
Kilimanjaro in Tanzania . After
retiring , she wrote four books .
Rev. Dale Striker , Faribau lt,
Minn , mourn ed the passing of
his wife of 58 years, Amelia
(Engelstad ), in Decem ber; she
named poet laureate of Taluca
Lake Village, Calif. He continues
to write poems for his chu rch
men's group and has received
several awards for his acrylic
landscape paintings.
1959
Rev. Robert Mor itz , Hadley,
Minn ., retired in Jun e after 40
years of min istry. His call to serve
often reached beyond the chur ch
wall and into the communit y,
where he sen •ed as chair and/or
member of several boards and
organizations , includ ing Murra y
County Development
Achievement Center ,
WonderWorld Preschoo l, SW
Minnesota Regional
Developm ent Committ ee,
Battered Women 's Workshop ,
and more. He was an end orsed
candidate for the MN Senate, and
was awarded the Murray County
ARC Distinguished Citizens'
Award. He and his wife, Carol,
have three childr en.
1960
Don Holmquist , Braham ,
Minn ., was inducted into
Braham's Hall of Fame in May.
Prior to forming the HolmquistGrundyson Insurance Agenc)' in
1986 (which evolved int o
Cent ral Insurance Agenc)') , he
worked at Olso n Insura nce
Agency and was ,~ce president
of Braham Bank. He is involved
in numerous communit y
activiti es, including two terms
on the Dist rict 314 Braham
School Board and in nearly all
phases of churc h activity at
Braham Evangelical Luth eran
Chur ch.
1961
Sheldon Johnson, Lake
Sup erior , Minn ., was hired as
interim superintendent for the
Lake Superior schoo l distr ict.
He retired in 1997 after 39 years
in edu cat ion , including 24 years
as superintendent of schools in
Monticello , Minn . After his
retirement , he was hired by the
Monti cello schoo l distri ct as its
cons tru ction proje ct supervisor
for the new Mont icello high
school, compl eted in 1999. He
then served as int erim
superintendent in the Crosb )'lronton School District from
2000-2001.
1963
Brenda (Henri ckson) Capek
and her husband , Richard,
retired last September and
moved from Illinois to Punta
Gorda , Fla. She was a socia l
work er for nearly 40 years. The
coupl e enjoys trave ling and has
visited all the contin ents .
1965
Anit a (Christ opherson)
Gransee, Belle Plaine , Minn .,
retired in May. She spent the last
16 years of her 38-year teachin g
AUGSBURG WEDDING
was 81. Amelia worked as a
nurse in several communilies
where Dale was an ELCA
minister . An active church
membe r, she taught Sunday
School and confirmati on, led th e
childr en's choir, sang in th e
church choir, and participated in
the ladies' aid and several pr ayer
groups . She was a dedi cated wife,
mother , grandmother , and greatgrandmother .
Bohdan and Erika Vadis w ere marrie d in February. an d t hough bot h Gustavus alumni were wed at
t heir alma mater, t he guest list conta ined a large number of Augsburg alumni . The groom' s mother is
Anita (Berg) Vadis '66, and his fat her is t he Rev. James Vadis '64, w ho presided over the ceremony .
1947
Warren Anderson, Huntington
Beach, Calif., taught for Long
Beach Public Schools for 29 years
until his retirement in 1981.
During that time, he was awarded
the "School Men Medal" at the
American Freedoms Foundation
in Valley Forge, Pa., hon or ing his
12 years of work prom oting
American ideals in the public
schools. He also wrote the script,
songs, and music for the school's
annua l spring pageant, and was
Fall 2003
Pictured (left to right): Christina (Vadis) Jones '95, Anita (Berg ) Vadis '66, Mardelle (Johnson) Pearso n
'66, Timothy Vadis '94, Lona (Berg) Froyum '69, Darryl Carte r '65, Carmen (Neseth) Berg '66, Rev. James
Vadis '64, Kim Vapp ie '98, Dustin Froyum '98; (kneeling): David Berg '66.
AUGSBURG NOW
39
Class Notes
career as a mu sic teacher al Belle
Plaine Elementary Schoo l. Her
hu sband , Earl, also retired from
his posLas principal of Belle
Plaine Elementary , and th e
coupl e plans LOspend retirement
traveling and volunt eerin g. Th eir
two daughters , Corinn e and
Miche lle, also work in ed ucation .
The Rev. John Luoma recentl y
celebra ted 25 years in ordained
ministry and was elected to a
seco nd term on th e Trinit y
Sem inary Board of Trustees in
Co lumbu s, Ohio . He and his
wi fe, Gracia (Nydahl) '66 ,
reside in Stow, Ohio .
1968
Janet (Letnes) Martin ,
Hastin gs, Minn ., recent ly spoke
at the Wom en's Spring Luncheo n
at Cambridge Luth eran Chur ch .
She is th e aut hor of 14 books ,
including Growing up Lutheran,
whi ch received th e Minnesota
Book Award in Humor in 1998 .
1969
John-Mark Stensvaag , Iowa
City, Iowa , received his second
Collegiate Teachin g Award from
the University of Iowa, and has
been named the Cha rlotte and
Frederi ck Hubb ell Professor of
Environmental and Natural
Resources Law at the University
of Iowa Co llege of Law.
1970
Terry Nygaard , Arden Hills,
Minn. , was promot ed to
principal at Ernst & Young in
Minn eapolis .
1971
Steven E. Larson, Riverside,
Calif., received th e Outstanding
Cont ributi on to Medicine Award
for 2002 from th e Riverside
County Medical Association . The
award hon ors his many years o f
serv ice to medicin e and the
contributions he has mad e to the
advancement of HIV medicin e.
He treated his first AIDS patient
in 1983 and has been active ly
involved in th e treatment of HIV
pati ents ever sin ce. He is th e
chief exec utiv e officer and
chairman of the Riverside
Medica l Clinic, and also serves
as a clinica l professor of
biomedica l sc ience at th e
Universit y of CaliforniaRiverside . In add ition , he directs
the AIDS Clinic at the Riverside
Ronald J. Graham '61: Class assignment
opens door to 40-year career
by Jessica Brown
Ronald Graham could never have guessed that an und ergraduate research paper would lead to a
career that has spanned more than 40 years. But a fateful class assignm ent did ju st that.
As pan of an Int rodu ction to Business cour se al Augsbur g in the late 1950s, Graham and his
classmates were instru cted LOwrite a pap er based on a chapter in their textbook , and in "one of
those linle things that becomes a very big, life-defining thing ." Graham was assigned the chapter
dealing with eth ics. He contacted the local Better Business Bureau , an organization whose prim ary
focus is business self-regulation and advocacy for cusLOmersatisfaction, and schedul ed an interview
with Cecil Shirk , then-president of the Minneapo lis bran ch.
Graham was intrigu ed by what he learned from Shirk about the BBB. He discovered that
Minn eapolis was th e birthp lace of the organization , and he admired the idea of busin esses
organizing themselves around the core principa l of engaging in honest advertisi ng and custome r educatio n. At th e end of the interview, Graham's
interest was piqu ed and he indi cated his willingness LOdo volunt eer work for the organization. Short ly thereafter, he became a "shopp er" for the BBB,
visiting local businesses and reporting on his exp eriences.
A year after beginnin g his volunt eer role, Graham received a call from the BBBnotifying him of an ope nin g for departme nt manager . Sudd enly, he
was faced with a difficult decision: stay in school, or strike ou t on a possible career path. Having spent time in the Air Force prior LOenro lling at
Augsburg, he was reluctant to halt his edu cation on ce again . But upon hearing that these positions were hard to come by- app roximate ly one
opening every seven years- he decided LOgrab the opport uni ty in front of him . Although his time at Augsbu rg was cut short, Graham says that the
College had an impact on his Christian values, pointin g him in the righ t direction .
"Augsburg helped me to renew and refine my Christian faith , which in tum help ed to shape and mold my business career," says Graham.
He soo n realized that his work at the BBBserved as his calling, and he contin ued working for the organization for more than 40 years. Eventually,
Graham was promot ed to general man ager of the Minneapolis bran ch. After the Minneapolis and St. Paul branches merged in 1978, he became
president of the BBBfor the state of Minnesota.
Th ough semi-retired, Graham still operates the BBBUniversity, an on line Web site designed to train BBBpersonn el in basic opera tional and
investigative skills. He enjoys the freedom that the Internet gives him to work as a cons ultant from home.
In addit ion LOhis continu ed involvement ,vith the BBB, Graham serves on the board for the Minnesota News Coun cil, the media's instrument of selfregulation, and on the Minnesota Consu late for Economic Education . "We need LOtrain teachers on economic edu cation before they can train their
own stud ents," he says.
Graham and his wife reside in Arizona for part of the year, but return LOMinnesota for the summ ers.
Jessica Brown is a communication specialist in the Office of Public Relations and Communication.
40
'4UGSBURG NOW
Fall 2003
Cou nt y Medical Center in
Moreno Valley, and is an active
member of the Inland AIDS
Project Board o f Dir ectors , the
HIV Medical Assoc iat ion , and
th e American A soc iat ion of HIV
Med icine . He has lectured
numerou s tim es in Chin a and
has published severa l articl es. He
can be reac h ed ,~a e-mail at
<Steven. larso n@rmcps .co m >.
David Siedlar, Co n cord, Mass .,
comp leted a 22-week course
spo nsored by th e New England
Regio n of th e United Synagogue
of Co nservative Jud aism . The
Jewish Discovery Institut e wa s
an in-d epth examina tion of
J ew ish belief, hi s tory, pra yer, and
ritua l, as we ll as in s tru ction in
basic Hebr ew.
Nancy (Strommen)
Stensvaag , Iowa Ci ty, Iowa ,
retir ed from her volunt eer
position as execu tive dir ector o f
th e Iowa Valley Habitat for
Hum anity affiliate. Durin g her
eight years of leaders hip , th e
affiliate built 25 hom es in the
greater Iowa City co mmunit y
and fund ed man y addi tiona l
homes in third-, o rld co umries
through its tith es to Hab itat for
Humanit y Int ern ation al.
1972
George Dahlman , Coon
Rapids , Minn ., was the focus o f
an articl e in th e Enterprise
Dispatch . He is th e resea rch
manage r for US Ban co rp Pip er
Jaffray 's Equity Capi tal Mark ets
Departm ent , and is we ll known
in th e financi al wor ld . He has
bee n named a Wall Street j ourn a l
All-Star five tim es , and is
frequeml y int erview ed and
refer enced in the Scar Tribun e
and on WCCO radio , as well as
on CNN, CN BC , Wall Street
Wee/1, and more .
1974
Raymond E. Dahlof , Buffalo ,
Minn ., is a produ ction s up en •i or
at Maximum Gr aphic s .
Fall 2003
1975
Rev. Rufus Campbell , St. Paul ,
is district s up erint end ent of th e
Southwest Dis tri ct o f th e
Minn eso ta Uni ted Meth od ist
Chur ch . He was pr evio usly
pas tor of Camp ho r Memor ial
United Methodist Chur ch in St.
Paul , wh ere he se rved fro m
1990 -2003 . He and his wife ,
Caro lyn, have thr ee childr en and
seven grand childr en .
1976
Rev. Mary (Ronning)
Gilthvedt , Grygla , Minn ., and
her hu sband , th e Rev. Gary
Gilth ved t , step ped in to fill
pas toral duti es at Gryg la
Luth eran Pari sh (G ra ce and Our
Savior 's) in Jun e. Mary is se rvin g
as prim ary int erim pasto r and
Gary as assis tant int erim pastor .
Rev. David Halaa s, River Falls ,
Wis ., accep ted a call to serve as
pastor o f Augus tana Lutheran
Chur ch in Cumb erla nd , Wis . He
recen tly se rved on th e
development panel for "New
Hymns and ew Songs ," one in
a series o f vo lum es in the ELCA's
"Renewi ng Worship " series .
1978
Dan Taffe , Glend ale, Ariz. , is
p lease d to hav e twin daug ht ers
enroll ed as so ph om o res at
Augsbu rg.
Steve Wehrenberg , St. Paul ,
was promoted to execu tive vice
president and director of
s trategic p lannin g and
int egra tion at Ca mpb ell Mithun.
operation s, and advocac)' and
publi c education campaigns for
clients ranging from Fortune I 00
corpora tio n and large trade and
profes s iona l assoc iatio ns to
leadin g think tanks and
gove rnm ent age ncies . He has
crea ted and m anaged success ful
coa liti ons, and lobb ied on
Capi to l Hill and in stat e houses .
His wri tin g on behalf of clients
has been p ubli shed in most
major newspa pers , including The
Washington Post , The ew Yori,
Times, and th e Los Angeles Times.
Throughout the 1980 s , Bond erud
served as press secretary for U.S.
Rep. Mart in Sabo 'S9 and
wo rk ed o n pr esidential and
co ngre s ional campa igns .
1980
Jeffrey K. James, Bloo min gton ,
Minn ., received the A sociate of
the Year award from Fortune
Financial for his client service and
for his produ ction durin g the year
endin g J une 30. Jam es is a
certifi ed financial planner at
Fortune Financial ; this is th e 15th
time he has earn ed this top award .
Mar ianne
(Lundberg)
Kulka,
Bloomi ngto n ,
Minn ., is
corporate vice
pr es ident at
Rada Adv ertis ing , and recentl )'
won four award s with th e agen cy
for creat ive advertising
exc ellence at the EMA
(Emp loym ent Manag ement
Associa tio n) An nu al Conf erence
in Las Vegas.
1979
Kevin Bonderud , Washington
D.C. , was prom o ted to exec uti ve
v ice pr es id ent o f Widmeyer
Co mmuni ca tio ns . A 20-year
ve tera n o f publi c policy
co mmuni ca tions , Cap ito l Hill ,
a nd political campaigns ,
Bonderud directs the firm 's
public affa irs pra ctice group . He
has d eve loped and execu ted
maj or co mmuni ca tio n
str ategies , natio n al m ed ia
M ary Beamish,
and David L.
Chri stense n ,
both o f Du luth ,
were married
Feb . 9 , 2002 , in
Duluth . She is a
cop y editor a l th e Duluth 'ews
Tribw,c.
1982
her comp an)', Cro s ingBord er ,
were the focu of an articl e in th e
Southsid e Prid e. Cross in gBord cr
is a travel comp an)' specializin g
in journ ey of faith and
pilgri m age.
Samuel Twerefo ur, Fon
Co llin , Co lo., was app oim ed
vice pr esid ent o f engin ee rin g and
corporat e o fficer al Advanced
En erg)' lndu tri es .
1983
John Oelfke , ew Hope, tinn .,
was nam ed athl etic d irec tor at
Robbin sdale Coo per High
Schoo l. He se rved as int erim
athleti c dir ec to r for th e pas t yea r
and pr eviously coac hed footb all,
bas eball , and gir ls' hocke)'. He
wa s hir ed by th e dis tri ct in 1986
as a phy sica l edu cati on and
h ea lth teach er, and has been
invo lved in impr ovin g th e
ph ysica l edu ca tion cur ric ul um
for di s tri ct s tud en ts . His wi fe,
Diana (Boe) '82, teac hes
kind erga rten in th e Robb insdale
sc hoo l di tri ct. Both rece ived
m as ter's deg rees fro m St. Mary's
Uni ve r il)' in May. Th e)• have
thr ee childr en : Eric, 16 , Allie, 13 ,
and Abb y, 10.
1985
Jose Becquer, Plymouth ,
Minn ., is se ni or m an age r for
treasur) ' manage m ent sa les and
co mm ercia l bu in ess
developm ent at \ Veils Fargo . He
bega n his ca ree r wi th o n vest in
1995 as vice pr esid ent and
dir ec tor o f treas ur y management
sys tems . He has also work ed at
Lotu s Deve lopm ent Co rp ora tion
as a regio nal sa les manage r an d
at IBM a a sa le m anager to th e
financial se rvices indu str)'.
1986
Jo hn W . Sandin III co mp leted
his Ph .D. at New Mex ico Lale
Uni ve rs ity with a read ing
specializa tion . 1-te continu es LO
teach at Taco ma Co m m unit )'
Co llege in Taco m a, Wash ., and
lives n ea r Taco ma with his wi fe
and thr ee daught ers .
Lori M ol ine, Minn ea polis , and
A-UGSBURGNOW
41
Class Notes
racing, called
Signs of Winning
(Whipp oorwill
Press). He
teaches
alternative
edu cation al
Nort h Branch ISO and has 20
sled dogs.
1987
Jenni Lilledahl, Minneapolis, will
present a seminar, "The Power or
Yes," as part or the eighth annua l
Women Venture Conference at the
Minneapolis Convent ion Center
Oct. 31. She is co-owner and
executive director or the Brave
New Workshop Theatre in
Minneapolis.
1989
Stephen Hind le accepted a
position as regional manager for
New Horizons, an IT training
compan y. He recently moved
Scott D. Mill er, Hinckle y,
Minn ., published his first book , a
young adu lt novel abo ut a dear
girl and her passion for dogsled
AUGSBURG CENTENNIAL
from Taiwan to Singapor e with
his wire, Wu Chun-Yann, and
two daught ers, Claudia, 7, and
Madeleine , 4. He has also lived
in Korea and Chin a.
1991
Rev. Andrew Carlson is the
new pastor at Zion Lutheran
Chur ch or Finland in nonhern
Minnesota. Prior to his recent
ordin ation , Andrew painted
houses to support his love or
travel. He has visited 30
countries in Europ e, the Midd le
SINGERS
The Augsburg Centenni al Singers consist or 40 men from various walks or lire drawn together by their
love or singing . Th e group was formed in 1993 to commemorate the 100th an niversary or the first gospel
qua rtet to travel to Norway from Augsburg . The group has traveled to Norway twice, mos t recently in
2001. Al Reesnes '58 serves as music director, and Pau l Christensen '59 as assistant director/accompanist.
Upcom ing performances by the Augsburg Centennial Singers :
Saturday, October 18
Sunda y, October 19
Satur day, November 1
7 p.m .
7 p.m .
5 p.m .
20th ann iversary celebration or
the Augsbu rg Cent enni al
Singers.
First Luth eran Church
1555 40th Av. E
Columbi a Heights , Minn.
Grace Luth eran Chur ch
1730 Old Hudson Rd, St. Paul
Oak Grove Presbyterian
Chur ch
2120 W. Old Shakopee Rd.
Bloomi ngton , Minn.
Sunda y, Octo ber 19
11 a.m .
(Part or the wors hip service)
Fort Snelling Chapel,
Minneapolis
Saturday, October 25
7 p.m .
First Luth eran Church
Hinckley, Minn .
Sunda y, October 26
7:30 p.m .
Communit y or the Cross
Lutheran Churc h
10701 Bloomington Ferry Rd.
Bloomington , Minn .
Sunday, November 2
4p.m.
House or Prayer Lutheran
Church
7625 Chicago Ave. 5.
Richfield, Minn .
East, North Africa, South Asia,
and Latin America.
Tina (McGregor) Jackson, St.
Paul , was reatur ed in the
Mi1111esota
Spokesman-Recorder
arter being appointed by the
University or Minn esota as
coo rdinator or the Minne sota
Women 's Center. She is th e first
Arrican-American woman to hold
the position since its inception
43 years ago. Ja ckso n is well
known in socia l service and
academic circles for her vitality
and commitm ent to youth
development and mentor ship ,
and is one or only 20 University
or Minnesota faculty, sta ff, and
administrator s chosen to
parti cipate its President 's
Emerging Leaders program .
Joel Staehling , Worthington ,
Minn ., is president or
Community First National Bank.
He previousl y served as vice
president or commercial loans at
Vermillion State Bank in
Vermillion, $.Oak. , He and his
wire, Erica, have two children:
Hannah , 5, and Benjamin , 2.
1992
Jennifer (Piper) Kempenich ,
St. Paul, received her master 's
degree in counseling and
psychological services from St.
Mary's University in January. She
works at Courage Center in
Golden Valley, and marri ed
Gerald Kempenich in June.
1993
Doris Rubenstein , Minneapolis ,
was named one or "25 Women
Changemake rs in the Twin
Cities" by The Business Journal.
She was selected for her
proressional achievements ,
leadership qualiti es, and her
ability to influ ence positive
change ,vithin her company and
her industr y. She was pronied in
a special section or the Jul y 25
issue or The Business Journal, and
was honored at a luncheon in
Jul y.
42
AUGSBURG NOW
Fall 2003
1995
2000
Rick Sansted was app oint ed
assistant prin cipal for South
View Middle Schoo l in Edin a.
Dan ielle Scheff , Go lden Valley,
Minn ., ma rri ed Co rey Drevlow
last Sept emb er. During their
honeymoo n , th e coupl e ran
togeth er in the Dublin Marath on
in Ireland . Danielle i a staff
acco unt ant at Ryan , Hodg ins &
Associa tes.
1996
Xanara Amand marri ed Marc
Stevenso n in Jul y.
Jox Metcalf, Monti ce llo , Minn .,
marri ed Kristi Hanso n in August.
Both are teac hers at St. Michae lAlben ville High Schoo l.
David Schreiber , Big Lake,
Minn ., marri ed Jane Millerb ernd
in August. David is a learnin g
disabilil )' tut or at LOA, Inc.; Jane
is a special edu cation teac her for
the Osseo Scho ol Distri ct.
1997
Kevin Crerand , Mesa , Ariz ., is
operati ons manager for a large
mortgage comp any in Phoenix .
Travis Stettler , Forest Lake ,
Minn ., join ed th e Miller Law
Office in Wyomin g, Minn .,
prim arily handlin g th e firm's
comm ercial litigation , personal
inj ur y, and crimin al defense
porti ons of th e pra ctice. Prior to
Miller Law Office , he work ed at
law firms in Chanh asse n and
Duluth .
1998
Jennifer Durst marri ed Kirk
Affeldt in Jun e. J ennif er works at
New Ulm Medi cal Cent er ; Kirk
works for Cann on Falls Publi c
Schoo ls.
1999
Natasha Hamann , Shoreview,
Minn ., gra du ated from th e
Universit)• of Minn eso ta Medi cal
Schoo l in Ma)'. She started her
family prac tice residency at St.
John 's Hos pit al in Maplewood .
She is marri ed to Jos h Schae fgen .
Aaron D. Smit h, Tucso n , Ariz. ,
gradu ated from th e Univ ersity of
Minn eso ta Medi cal Schoo l in
May. He start ed his general
surgery residency at th e
University of Arizo na . He is
marri ed to Jill (Pin tens) '99.
Fall 2003
Ma tt hew Romsdahl , Mankato ,
Minn ., marri ed Brin a Urevig in
Jun e. Manh ew wo rks at Kenda ll
Doo r a nd Hardwa re; Brin a wo rks
at Habil itative ervices Inc.
2001
Carrie Lind , Cham plin , Minn .,
marr ied Christopher Cabe in
April. Car rie is a sup erviso r a t
Edin a Kids Club , and can be
reached via e-mail at
<chri sand ca rr ie03@ao l.com>.
Carrie Mcc arvi lle , Hopki ns,
Minn ., own s Mac's Liquor in
Hopki n
Emily Shelt on, Minn eapo lis,
married William Grau in May.
Emily is a middle school ma th
teacher for Cedar -Riverside
Charter School in Min neapo lis;
William is as oc iate cent er
dir ec tor for Sylvan Learn ing
Cent er in Burn svi lle and is
dep loyed oversees on active dut y
with th e U.S. Arm y.
kind ergarten teacher for
linn eapolis Publi chools.
2003
Linda Kay
Stuart '99 and
Maur icio
Co rdova ,
Minneapo li -a
so n , Luca
Santiago , in
Apr il. He j oins sister Ananda . 2.
Th e coup le rece ntl y rewrn ed to
th e U.S. after Lind a comple ted
her master's in int ernational
relations at the Universi t)' o f
Chil e in Santi ago, Chil e.
Jill Boike , Ham Lake, Minn ., is a
family therap ist al ystrom's &
Assoc iates in ew Brigh ton .
Catheri ne Colsrud was nam ed
assistant general manager at
Grand Casino Hinckley.
Births/Adoptions
Jean Taylor '85 and Roger
Griff ith '84, Eagan , Minn .a daughter, Abby Jean, in Jun e.
She joins big sister, Emm a.
Laura (Krepela)
'96 and Dan
Stonebur g,
Farmin gton ,
Melis sa Mo rfo rd, Shakopee,
Min n ., married Spe ncer
Ande rso n in May. Melissa is a
trave l adm ini Lrator for Carlson
Marke tin g Group; Spenc er is a
comp uter consu ltant at
Wiz mo , Inc.
Mi nn.- a son ,
Jake Daniel , in
Ju ne. Laura is a
Rick W illbanks marri ed J ennif er
Spyc halla in Jun e.
AUGSBURG
Mike Darring t on , Red Wing,
Minn ., is a new financia l
associa te with th e south ern
Minn eso ta regional office of
Thr ivent Financial for Lu th erans.
He previously worked al th e
State Cap ito l in l. Pau l.
Angela Sat re marr ied Troy
Dej ong in Jul y. Angela wo rks at
Minn ewaska Luth era n Home in
Starbu ck , Minn .; Troy wo rks at
Garb's Sales of Kensingto n .
co m >.
Brenda Ely '99
and her husba nd
Tim , Blaine ,
Minn .-a on ,
Nicholas
Alexander , in
Ju ne. He JOins
sister Elizabeth , 2. Brenda is an
element ary teac her for Fores t
Lake Area Schoo ls.
LICENSE PLATE
•
2002
Pat Campanero was rece ntl y
th e spotlight perso n in th e
"Sunday Peop le" featu re of the
bu sines section of th e Srar
Tribu11
e. She is genera l manage r
of bu sin ess and whole ale
markets for Sprint in
Minn eton ka. She was previously
sales dir ector at Avaya Inc.
M elanie (Anderson) '97 and
Brian Burm eister, Owa tonn a,
Minn .- a so n , Nolan Dale , in
Oc tober. Mela nie i pra Lice
manager at Mont go mery Dent al
Care; she can be reached via email at <melanieb93@hotm ail.
EXPLORE
h
A-iJGsBDRG
CO
LLL
O l:
a.
AUGSBURG COLLEGEe
Display your Auggie pride by ordering an Augsburg lice nse plate
for your car! You may order Augsburg license plates th roug h th e
Department of Motor Vehicles. Considered a sp ecia lty collegiate
plate , these plates may be displayed on any passe nge r class
vehicle . A minimum contribution of S25 is collecte d at t he time of
the initial application and at each registration renewal. This
contribution is deposited to the scholarship accou nt of the
participating baccalaureate degree-granting colleg e, un iversity, or
post -secondary institution . Applicants must also pay an initial S10
plate fee and a S7 filing fee. You do not ne ed to be a n a lum to
order these plates - proud parents can order th e m too ! For
further information, visit the DMV online at <www .dp s.state .
mn .us/dvs /MotorVehicle /specialplates .htm >.
A-
GSB RG NOW
43
In Memoriam
Harold Olson '33, Cannon Falls,
Minn ., died in April; he was 93.
He work ed for the State of
Minnesota in social services al
various agencies for nearly 38
years until his retirement in 1975.
He also served with the U.S. Navy
from 1943-1946. He is survived
by his wife, Gladys; two
daughters; five gran dchildren ; and
two great-grand childr en. He was
preceded in death by five broth ers
and two grandchildren.
Viola (Holland) Nydahl '36,
Decorah, Iowa, died in May; she
was 84. She worked for Dayton's
for over 18 years and was active in
various Lutheran church es where
her husband served as pastor. She
is survived by two daught ers and
five grandchildren. She was
preceded in death by her husband ,
the Rev. Harold Nydahl '36 .
Winifr ed (Helland ) Formo '37,
Roseville, Minn ., died in April;
she was 86. She was a retired
nur se, and anended Augsburg
Academy before enro lling in
Augsburg College. Her father,
Andreas Helland, was an
Augsburg professor. She is
survived by her husband , Jerome
'37, and two childr en, Philip and
Katherine '79. She was preceded
in death by a son, David.
Walte r Keller '39, Tacoma,
Wash. , died in May; he was 91.
He was retired from
Weyerhaeuse r Co. He is surviv ed
by two childr en, Kathryn an d
Richard. He was pr eceded in
deat h by his wife, Hilder.
The Rev. A lfr ed H. Sevig '39,
Spicer, Minn ., died in June ; he
was 86 . He served parish es in
Canada, Minn eso ta, and Sou th
Dako ta. Following h is retirement
as a full- time pastor , he serve d as
chaplain part time al Rice
Memoria l Hospi tal in Willmar,
Minn ., for 10 years . He also
wo rk ed as a visitation pastor at
Calvary Luth eran Chur ch for five
years and continu ed to be an
active volunt eer visitor until his
deat h. He was survive d by four
childr en and seve n
grand childr en. He was preceded
44
AUGSBURG NOW
in deathcby his wife, Olive, and
two sons in infancy.
The Rev. John W. Steen '46,
Maple Grove, Minn ., died in Jun e;
he was 81. He served as pastor of
First Lutheran Church of Crystal
for 22 years. Following his
ordination in 1949, he served a
four-point parish north of
Williston , N.Dak. , until 1953.
From 1953-1956, he was a fulltime chaplain in the U.S. Air
Force. He continu ed his military
service in the Reserves for an
additional 17 years. He is survived
by his wife, Esther Victoria; five
childr en; 14 grandchildre n ; and
one great-grandson .
Erik Tromborg '48 ,
Bloomington , Minn ., died in May;
he was 77. A retired Honeywell
engineer, he and had a life-long
love of trains, and served on the
board of the St Croix Railroad
Club. He is survived by his wife,
Evelyn; two children ; and five
grandchildren .
Bonnie Mae (Everts) Yasgar
'48, Little Falls, Minn., died in
May; she was 77. She was a retired
English and physical education
teacher. She is survived by her
husband , Donald; two daught ers;
four grandchildren ; and her three
dogs and five hors es.
Berti! "Bert" Sandberg 'SO,
Mendota Heights, Minn ., died in
April; he was 77. He was a
building contractor , an
outstanding lifetime athlete , and a
decora ted WWll veteran. His
behind-th e-scenes work earned
him man y admir ers and an award
from former St Paul Mayor
George Latimer for ridding St.
Paul streets of Dutch Elm disease.
He was drafted after graduating
from Augsburg to play football for
the Philadelphia Eagles, but he
waived the opportunit y and
instead join ed his father's
business , St Paul-based N.H.
Sandberg Erection Co., which he
eventu ally took over and
e,q,anded . He was a member of
the Augsburg Board of Regents
from 1968-1980 , and was
indu cted into Augsburg's Alhletic
Hall of Fame in 1979. He is
survived by his wife, Carol
(Ziniel) '73, and three children.
William H. Riley '52, Golden
Valley, Minn ., died in June ; he was
77. He worked at the Montgomery
Wards home office in Chicago as
iLSnationa l merchandise manager
of iLScatalog division. He later
served as advisor to the founder of
the Lands End Co. He was a
WWll Navy veteran. He is
survived by his wife of 16 years,
Carol, and two stepchildren. He
was preceded in death by his first
wife, Marlys.
The Rev. Dr. A ndrew Hsaio
' 56, Hong Kong , China , died in
May of a heart attack; he was 77.
He was president emeritus of
Lutheran Theological Seminary
in Hong Kong, where he was its
first Chinese president. He was
named an Augsburg
Distinguished Alumnus in 1970.
He is surviv ed by his wife, Anna ,
and three children.
Warren Persons '66, Tracy,
Calif., died in June ; he was 59. He
was a successful software
engineer , and was instrumental in
developing software at Honeywell
for the Air Force's first-ever
computerized flight simulator . He
also worked at MTS Systems
Corporation , Bentley Scientific
Corporation , Pacific Bell, and
most recently at Lawrence
Livermore National Laboratory
He also taught math ematics at
Augsburg . He is survived by his
wife, Connie; four children; and
three grandchildren.
Carole (Moran) Renner '92
WEC, New Brighton, Minn ., died
in May; she was 44 . She had
worked for Wells Fargo since high
school , starting with a clerical
position and most recently as
check reconciliation manager . In
her long career at Wells Fargo, she
earned many awards for her hard
work and accomplishments.
Known as an adventurer , she
loved to travel and enjoyed
fishing, boating , and camping. She
is survived by her husband ,
Ronald , and stepson , Christopher.
Robert B. Miller '04 , Virginia
Beach, Ya., died in August after a
car accident in Golden Valley,
Minn. ; he was 28. He was a senior
at Augsburg, studying psychology
and English, and a member of the
wrest ling Learn. ln 2001 , he won
the MlAC championships at 133
pounds , and earned All-American
honor s at the NCAA Division Ill
national championship s. He was a
1993 graduate of Kempsville High
School in Virginia Beach, where
he was a state champion wrestler.
He is survived by his parents, Nho
Tran Miller and Ernest Miller, and
two siblings , Kimberly and James .
James "JC" Carey, Minneapo lis,
died in September of heart failure;
he was 54. A 30-year employee of
Augsburg , he was mosl recently
director of ath letic facilities. He
was a muc h-loved member of the
Augsburg community , and his
unique and kind spirit will be
missed deeply. He is survived by
his wife, Sharon (Pautz) '82; two
children , Tim and Joy ; two sisters ,
Patjensen and Deb Yolkart; and
his father-in-law, Richard Pautz
'3 7, who co-founded Augsburg 's
A-Club.
Robin "Rob" A. Curtis, St Louis
Park, Minn ., died in April; he was
56. He served for many years in
Augsburg 's facilities management ,
and was a beloved member of the
campus community . He is
survived by his wife, Sadie, who
works with Augsburg 's Access
Center, and a son , Zach '97.
The Rev. Maynard L. Nelson ,
Phoenix , Ariz., died in May; he
was 72. He was a former member
of the Augsburg Board of Regents,
and also served on the boards of
Lutheran Deaconess Hospita l,
Fairview Riverside Hospital , and
Golden Valley Luth eran College.
He was senior pastor of Calvary
Lutheran Church of Golden
Valle)• for 22 years until his
retirement in 1996, after serving
congregations in North Dakota
and Washington. He is survived
by his wife, Nancy ; five children;
and 14 grandchildren.
Fall 2003
Calendar
Music
Oct. 3 1-Nov. 9
for more i11fo1111ation
on any of t/1ese events
(unless othen vise noted), call 612-330-1265
The Pirates of Penzance
or The Slave of Duty
Oct. 18
Gospel Praise Concert
7 p.m.-O ak Grove Luth eran Church
Richfie ld , Minn .
Directed b)' Karen Coe Miller;
mu sic dir ection by Sonja Th omp son
Perfo rmances: Oct. 3 1, Nov. 1, 6, 7, and
8 at 7 p.m .; Nov. 2 and 9 at 2 p.m .
Tjornhom- Nelso n Th eater, Foss Cent er
Nov. 22-23
Oct. 19
Gospel Praise Concert
10:30 a.m .-Peac e Luth era n Chur ch
Inver Grov e Heights, Minn.
0. Nicholas Raths Faculty Guitar Recital
3 p.m .- Sateren Auditorium
Nov. 2
The Masterworks Chorale Concert
7 p.m .-Immanue l Lut hera n Chur ch
Eden Prairi e, Minn.
Exhibits
Oct. 30
For galle,y infor malion , call 612-330-1524
International Business Forum :
Competing Glob a lly a nd Act ing Loca lly
Discuss ion o f global i sue pertainin g to
trade , int ernational awa reness , and
resea rch .
Guest speaker : Dr. Richard Bohr
4-6 p.m.- Chri ste nse n ent er
For inform ation , call 6 l 2-330- 119 1
Sept. 15-Nov. 2
"Recent Works by C.B. Sherlock:
Exploring the Box"
11 a.m.-Trinity Lut hera n Chur ch
Hovers ten Chapel
"Five Metro Paper Artists : Marjor ie
Alexander , Amanda Degener , Mary Har k,
Erica Spitzer Rasmussen, Jeff Rat hermel "
Nov. 15
Ope ning reception : Oct. 10, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Th e Gage Family Art Gallery, Lindell
Librar y
7 p.m.-Hoversten
Chapel
Nov. 7-Dec. 18
Nov. 16
Augsburg Concert Band Concert
3 p.m .- Centra l Luth eran Chu rch
Minneapolis
Nov. 18
Augsburg Chamber Orchestra Concert
7 p.m .- Sateren Auditorium
Dec. 5-6
24th Annual Advent Vespers
5 and 8 p.m. serv ice eac h night
Central Lutheran Chur ch , Minn eapoli
"Dan Noyes: Recent Wo rk in Stone
and Metal "
Annu al StepUP Prog ram Celebration
Ope ning reception : Nov. 14, 6:30-8 :30 p.m.
Christensen Center An Galler)'
5- 10 p.m.-Foss
ent er
For in formation , call 6 12-330- 1173
Seminars,
Lectures, and
Films
7th Annual M . An ita Gay Haw th orne
Jazz and Poet ry Bash
"Big Questions , Worthy Dreams"
Studi o , Foss Cent er
Dr. Lee Hard y, professo r of phi loso ph y,
alvin College
10 a.m.-Co nvocation, Hovers ten hapcl
Pan of the 2003-04 Augsburg
Convocation Series:
lak ing the Most of Your Gifts
"M arcia Soderman-Olson : Drawings ,
Paintings, and M ixed Media"
Oct. 14
7 p.m .-Film
"The Christ ian's Calling in t he Academy"
Other Events
For tic/1et i11formatio11
, call 612-330- 1257
Festival of Student-Directed
10-Minute Plays
Nov. 12
Opening reception: ov. 14, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Th e Gage Family Art Gallery
Theatre
Oct. 16
Oct. 20
Colombia : Women and W ar
Directed by Sarah arga ng (s tud ent
senior proj ect)
Per forman ces: ov. 22 and 23 at 7 p.m.
Tjornh om- elso n Th eater
Gospel Praise Concert
Augsburg Jazz Ensemble Concert
Kathy Kelley Present ati on
A Nobel Peace Prize- nomin ated activi t
return s from Iraq .
9:45-11 :15 a. m.- Chri stense n ent er
For information , call 6 12-33 0-13 12
Luth era n Wo rld Relief- pon ored
di cussion by thr ee olombi an wo men
speakin g about wo men's issues , war,
and peace .
4-6 p .m .- Christen en enter
For inform ation , call 612-330-1385
On the Verge
Opening reception: Oct. 10, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Christensen Center Art Gallery
Nov. 9
Oct. 16
Sharon Daloz Parks, as ociate directo r and
facult y member, Whidb e)' Institut e
11 a.m.- onvocat ion , Hoversten Chape l
Fo r in formation , call 62-330- 1180
Oct. 23
Nov. 6
6:30- 10 p.m.-Sat eren Auditorium
For information , call 612-330 -1022
Dec. 5
Annual Velkomm e n Jul Celebration
10:15 a. m.- Chape l ervice , Hove r ten
hapel
11 a.m.-2 p.m.-Sca ndi anavian treats
and gifts , Chri s tensen ent er
Send us your news
and photos!
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marriage, and births . Don't forget
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2211 Riverside Ave., Minneapolis,
MN , 55454 , or e-mail to
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Show less
AUGSBURG NOW
SPRING 2012
VOL. 74, NO. 2
inside
called
Augsburg Now
Magazine
of Augsburg College
25The
Years
of Life-Changing
Auggie Pastors Nobel Peace Prize Forum
Travel
International photo contest Writers’ challenge
of place Roger Griffith ’84
pagePersonality
20
to
inspire
peace
not... Show more
AUGSBURG NOW
SPRING 2012
VOL. 74, NO. 2
inside
called
Augsburg Now
Magazine
of Augsburg College
25The
Years
of Life-Changing
Auggie Pastors Nobel Peace Prize Forum
Travel
International photo contest Writers’ challenge
of place Roger Griffith ’84
pagePersonality
20
to
inspire
peace
notes
from President Pribbenow
Assistant Vice President of
Marketing and Communication
Rebecca John
rjohn@augsburg.edu
Creative Associate-Editorial
Wendi Wheeler ’06
wheelerw@augsburg.edu
Creative Director
Kathy Rumpza ’05 MAL
rumpza@augsburg.edu
Innovation and excellence
Senior Creative Associate-Design
A
s I write this, there is much conversation
around the country about President Obama’s
challenge to colleges and universities to
stem tuition increases and make higher education more accessible. It is an important challenge and one we take seriously at Augsburg.
In many ways, Augsburg’s longstanding commitment to access and excellence prepares us well
to address the challenge. We have developed a
strategic model for using College-funded financial
aid to make college accessible for a diverse student
body. We are involved in ongoing efforts to link academic planning, enrollment outlooks, and a sustainable financial model. We focus our attention as
a campus community on ensuring that students are
at the center of our lives and that their success is
our primary objective. All of these efforts are mission-based and challenge us to be open to innovative ways to ensure that Augsburg’s excellence is
sustained into the future.
In fact, Augsburg 2019, our strategic map,
names innovation and excellence as one of our
three key pathways to our future. (The others are
student success and telling Augsburg’s story in
word and deed.) You will read in this issue of
Augsburg Now about several innovative projects,
including the Nobel Peace Prize Forum (see page
9), the American Commonwealth
Partnership (see page 2), and the opening of the
new Gage Center for Student Success (see page 3
and back cover).
All of this said, however, we still must ask ourselves a fundamental question about higher education and about Augsburg in particular. That
question is this: Is it worth it? Why would any of
us—parents and students who pay tuition, alumni
and friends who make gifts—invest the time and
energy and money that college demands?
It is a question I think a good bit about, though
I certainly will admit my bias as a lifelong educator. In engaging in the important public conversations about the role of higher education for our
economy and democracy, there is great value in re-
visiting the reasons why the sort of education
Augsburg offers is worth it—for our students, graduates, and the world.
I find essayist and poet (and farmer) Wendell
Berry’s words in his prose-poem “Damage” particularly instructive when he writes: “No expert knows
everything about every place, not even everything
about any place. If one’s knowledge of one’s whereabouts is insufficient, if one’s judgment is unsound, then expert advice is of little use.”
Education, in other words, is not about taking
someone else’s word for it. It is about finding our own
way into an understanding of our world and our
whereabouts so that we might use our education to
make our whereabouts safer and healthier, and more
fair and just. This is how we think about education
here at Augsburg. Students come here not to be filled
up with someone else’s knowledge but to find and
ask their own questions, to test their own hypotheses,
to create their own art and music, and to engage our
neighborhood and world as they learn and serve. They
come here to learn about themselves, to learn with
each other and with our remarkable faculty, and to
learn about the world they inhabit with all its diversity
and complexity.
And then in a few short years, we send them
out from here to use their education in service and
leadership in the world. We count on them to take
the questions they have asked here and knowledge
they have gained about their whereabouts, and
then we watch with great pride and expectation
how their Augsburg education makes the world a
better place for all of us.
Accountability for our plans and budgets? Indeed. Innovation and excellence in support of our
students? You can count on it. But in the end, we
must be passionate advocates for the value—the
worth—of the sort of education Augsburg offers
and the difference it makes for our students and
the world. I thank all of you for your support and
passion. Please share our amazing story!
PAUL C. PRIBBENOW, PRESIDENT
Jen Nagorski ’08
nagorski@augsburg.edu
Photographer
Stephen Geffre
geffre@augsburg.edu
Director of News and
Media Services
Stephanie Weiss
weisss@augsburg.edu
Production Manager/Now Online
Mark Chamberlain
chamberm@augsburg.edu
Sports Information Director
Don Stoner
stoner@augsburg.edu
Director of Alumni and
Constituent Relations
Kim Stone
stonek@augsburg.edu
www.augsburg.edu
Augsburg Now is published by
Augsburg College
2211 Riverside Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55454
Opinions expressed in Augsburg Now
do not necessarily reflect official
College policy.
ISSN 1058-1545
Send address corrections to:
Advancement Services
CB 142
Augsburg College
2211 Riverside Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55454
langemo@augsburg.edu
E-mail: now@augsburg.edu
spring 2012
augsburg now
Features
9
13
24
28
Nobel Peace Prize Forum
COMPILED BY REBECCA JOHN
WE ARE CALLED.
auggie pastors.
BY WENDI WHEELER ’06
.
14 Bob Bagley ’58
16 David Lillejord ’86
18 Jeni Falkman Grangaard ’02
20 Peter Morlock ’90
22 Stephanie Quick-Espinoza ’01
9
contents
13
26
On the cover
At the 24th annual Nobel Peace Prize Forum, Augsburg’s President
Paul C. Pribbenow was joined by F. W. de Klerk, former South African
president and 1993 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and Peter Agre ’70,
2003 recipient of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, and director of the
Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute.
All photos by Stephen Geffre unless otherwise indicated.
24
26
28
International photo contest
Auggie writers’ challenge
COMPILED BY WENDI WHEELER ’06
The personality of place—student break room
BY STEPHEN GEFFRE
Departments
inside
front
cover
2
5
6
30
31
36
40
Notes from President Pribbenow
Around the Quad
My Auggie experience
Auggie voices
Auggies in the front office
Alumni news
Class notes
It takes an Auggie
quad
around the
SportsExtravaganza
American
Commonwealth Partnership
Augsburg was named coordinator of the nationwide
American Commonwealth Partnership (ACP), launched in
January by the White House Office of Public Engagement, the U.S. Department of Education, and the Association of American Colleges and Universities. The ACP
is rooted in the recognition that education should be—
must be—delivered for the common good rather than be
allowed to become an individual benefit only for those
who can afford it. As coordinator, Augsburg will work to
deepen connections and relationships
and create policies, initiatives, and practices in
public engagement efforts across higher
education. Read more on page 6 of this
edition of Augsburg Now.
Auggies majoring in physical education had the chance
in November to work with more than 225 grade school
kids from 27 schools during the Sports Extravaganza. All
the youth who attended have developmental and/or physical needs and participated in nine different activities designed with their needs in mind. The program is a chance
for future teachers to get hands-on practice working with
students.
Academic
ACCREDITATION
education
Youth Day
Native American
More than 250 Native American youth from grades 6 through 12
were on campus January 13 for Native American Youth Day. As
part of their visit, the students from eight metro-area school districts had the chance to hear Olympian Billy Mills talk about living
a drug-free, alcohol-free life. Mills, who was born and raised on
the Pine Ridge (Lakota) Reservation in South Dakota, also spoke
about “Unity through Diversity” in an evening presentation open
to the public.
2
Augsburg Now
The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher
Education (NCATE) Review Board granted Augsburg’s
Education Department programs continued national accreditation until 2017. Accredited programs include
initial licensure programs in elementary, secondary, and
special education at the undergraduate and graduate
level. NCATE also granted a two-year accreditation to
advanced licensure programs. In addition, the department’s teaching and service to the community
received the highest possible rating by the NCATE
Review Board.
nursing
The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
(CCNE) Board of Commissioners granted accreditation
to the College’s post-master’s Doctor of Nursing Practice
Program for a term of five years, the maximum time
frame granted for accreditation of new programs.
Clair and Gladys Strommen
EXECUTIVE LEADER SPEAKER SERIES
The 2011-12 Clair and Gladys Strommen Executive Leader
Speaker Series kicked off in November with Steve
Wehrenberg ’78, CEO of Campbell Mithun advertising
agency. In February, the series welcomed Keith Wyche,
a leading African-American executive and CEO of Cub
Foods. The next event in the series, March 29, features Jim
Owens, president and CEO of HB Fuller. All Strommen Executive Leader Speaker events are free and open to the public.
C E L E BRAT I N G
3 0
Y E AR S
GAGE CENTER CELEBRATION
The Center for Global Education celebrates its 30-year anniversary
of offering cross-cultural learning experiences that foster critical
analysis of local and global conditions. During December, CGE
hosted its first trip to Cuba since 2005. The program provided
participants an opportunity to learn about politics, health care,
food security, workers’ rights, and more. Beginning in the fall of
2012, Augsburg will conduct semester-long programs in Cuba
with courses in history, political science, sociology, and Spanish
language. The program will be coordinated by CGE in conjunction with the Martin Luther King Jr. Center, an organization
based in Havana and dedicated to community development and
national and international politics. Augsburg is one of only a
handful of colleges to offer such a unique learning opportunity.
Representatives of the Gage and Groves Family foundations joined Augsburg College staff and faculty in
February for the grand opening of the Gage Center for Student Success and the Groves Center of
Technology, located at the heart of campus on the second level of the Lindell Library.
Celebration of
Philanthropy
Modeling Constructive Debate:
The Celebration of Philanthropy, the second annual celebration of supporters and friends of the College, is June 7.
The event is open to current annual donors who have
made gifts of $1,000 or more in fiscal 2012, Sven
Oftedal Society members, donors who have made cumulative gifts of $25,000 or more, and donors who have given
to the College for 15 or more consecutive years. Invitations to the event will be mailed this spring.
Augsburg’s annual Sabo Symposium modeled constructive debate in addressing some of the contentious issues surrounding
K-12 integration funding in Minnesota. The panel included
Peter Swanson and Scott Thomas, co-chairs of the Minnesota
Integration Revenue Replacement Advisory Task Force, who
discussed their experiences on the task force to illustrate how
people with differing perspectives can lead and model civil
discourse in order to work together productively.
Sabo Public Policy Symposium
To learn more about the Symposium,
go to www.augsburg.edu/now.
Spring 2012
3
quad
around the
MANY VOICES
BOLD VISIONS
New academic programs
The Augsburg College Board of Regents has approved two new
graduate-level programs—the Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Creative
Writing and the Master of Music Therapy—which will launch in the
fall of 2013.
The Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing offers tracks in fiction,
creative nonfiction, poetry, and screenwriting. Playwriting will be
added in 2014. The MFA will be offered through a low-residency,
hybrid model that includes online and face-to-face learning.
The Master of Music Therapy will address changes to the minimum professional requirements for music therapists as set by the
Music Therapy National Board. The program, offered via a combination of online and face-to-face learning formats, focuses on
music and medicine, which is projected to be a growth field in
nursing homes and hospice care.
Also, the Augsburg College faculty approved an ESL (English as
a Second Language) teacher licensure program, an area of demand
in K-12 education today. The program is currently pending final
approval from the State of Minnesota and will be offered at the undergraduate and graduate levels of the College’s teacher education
programs.
Where Condor Meets Eagle
NATIVE AMERICAN FILM FESTIVAL
Frederic Luskin, director of the Stanford
University Forgiveness Project, spoke February
11 at the Center for Counseling and Health
Promotion Convocation about the process of letting go of hurt, helplessness, and anger, while
increasing confidence, hope, and happiness.
At this year’s Batalden Symposium in Applied
Ethics, members of the Augsburg community
explored the effects of youth on political
change in Egypt through first-hand accounts
from members of the EYouth (Engaging and
Empowering Egyptian Youth) project, who described their experiences as part of the protests
and their observations about the process of
youth-led political change in Egypt.
Kenna-Camara Cotton,
director of Voice of
Culture Drum and Dance,
a Minneapolis-based
Black dance company,
performs an African
dance at the January
Martin Luther King Jr.
Convocation.
Photo by Mark Chamberlain
Augsburg Now
The Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation, held
January 16, featured T. Mychael Rambo, local
actor, vocalist, and educator. The convocation
featured other local performers using poetry,
song, dance, and imagery to explore the topic,
“Now is the Time: Giving Voice to the Dream.”
A full schedule of the 2011-12 Augsburg
College Convocation series is available at
www.augsburg.edu/convo.
Augsburg’s Native American Film Series partnered with
Phillips Indian Educators and the Parkway Theater to
present a three-night film festival in March celebrating
indigenous film, collaborations across national boundaries, and visual storytelling. The festival featured films
by Bolivian and North American artists, many of whom
attended the screenings and participated in audience
discussions about their films. The festival title, Where
Condor Meets Eagle, reflects the prophecy that when
the condor (Bolivia) meets the eagle (North America),
the Indigenous continent will be healed.
4
Convocation Series 2011-12
my
Auggie experience
Beating the Odds
After completing her PhD from Yale in 2009,
Chandra Erdman ’02 was in high demand.
She was recruited for tenure track teaching
positions at several universities, and the
global banking firm Goldman Sachs also
came calling with an attractive offer. But
Erdman’s dream job was to work for the U.S.
Census Bureau.
Today, she is one of the 39 percent of
Washington, D.C., residents who work for
the government. She is a mathematical
statistician in the Center for Statistical Research and Methodology, a group that
makes up less than one percent of U.S.
Census Bureau employees.
She also happens to be the only African
American ever to obtain a PhD in statistics
from Yale University.
There was a time, however, when Erdman
did not care about graduating from high
school, much less obtaining a college degree. But with the encouragement and support from those who recognized her
potential, she has not only succeeded as a
scholar, she has also landed her dream job.
In the 10th grade, Erdman was truant 59
days; if she had missed 60 days, she would
have been expelled. While speaking to mathematics students at Augsburg in January,
Erdman said she had an “attitude” in high
school. Despite her truancy and her bad attitude, she maintained a 4.27 grade point average (out of 4.33).
At the end of her 10th grade year, she
met a man who directed a program that
helped inner city youth focus on their education. “I didn’t think college was an option
for me,” Erdman said. Neither of her parents had graduated from high school, and
in the low-income housing community
where she grew up, she knew no one who
had gone to college.
Erdman enrolled in the Post-Secondary
Enrollment Options program (PSEO) at the
University of Minnesota. After two years, she
transferred to Augsburg to complete her undergraduate degree in mathematics. “My
only aunt who had been to college went to
Augsburg,” she said, “and this just felt like
the right place for me.”
Erdman continued to excel at Augsburg as
a McNair Scholar, a federally-funded program that assists first-generation and low-income students with preparation for graduate
school. She also conducted faculty-led research, served as a supplemental instructor
for Calculus I and II, and tutored in mathematics. Through McNair, and with the guidance of several staff and faculty members,
Erdman realized that a graduate degree
could be in her future.
“They helped me along each step of the
way, getting me prepared and helping me do
what I needed to become a strong applicant
to grad school,” she said. Erdman applied to
and was accepted by three graduate programs in statistics. She chose Columbia,
where she received a full fellowship.
In the summer before graduate school and
again following that year, Erdman participated in Enhancing Diversity in Graduate Education (EDGE), a program aimed at helping
women prepare for graduate study in mathematics. She completed her master’s program
in one year and then went on to Yale to pursue a PhD.
When she finished her PhD program,
Erdman applied to the Census Bureau and
heard nothing from them for three months.
Then she learned that the director of the statistical research division was speaking at a
conference in Washington, D.C. She bought
a train ticket and went to meet him. “At the
end of his presentation, I walked up to him,
handed him my C.V., and said, ‘I want to
work for you.’” They talked, and he later invited her for an interview.
Today Erdman works in the Center for
Statistical Research and Methodology at the
U.S. Census Bureau. “I wanted to work at
Census because I wanted to look at good
data, but I got put into the missing data
methods group that only looks at bad data,”
she said. Still, she loves her work and speaks
enthusiastically about the projects in which
she has been involved.
Now that she is finished with school and
settled into her career, Erdman hopes to find
a way to mentor other young women through
the EDGE program.
WENDI WHEELER ’06
Spring 2012
5
auggie voices
Higher Education as a Public Good
In January, Augsburg joined the White House Office of Public Engagement, the
Association of American Colleges and Universities, the U.S. Department of Education, other education organizations, philanthropies, and businesses in launching the American Commonwealth Partnership (ACP) to begin a year of activity
exploring how colleges and universities can reclaim their civic identity. At the
heart of this initiative is the recognition that higher education should be—and
must be—delivered for the common good rather than be allowed to become an
AT THE CREST OF A WAVE
For many years, Augsburg, with its mission of educating students
to be “informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers,
and responsible leaders,” has resisted forces turning higher education into a private benefit rather than a public good. When the
public opinion group Public Agenda recently sounded people’s
views on the role of higher
education, they found little
awareness that colleges
and universities can contribute to the health of
neighborhoods, or that they educate students to be problem
solvers with skills of working across differences.
But describing these roles in focus groups also generated animated discussion and created hope. Many remarked that few
places any longer teach such skills. There was the sense that the
country is dangerously polarized and losing control over our collective future.
On January 10 at the White House, many higher education
groups launched a major new coalition, the American Commonwealth Partnership, to respond to the civic crisis. It has support
from the Department of Education, which released a new “Road
Map and Call to Action,” emphasizing citizenship education.
Augsburg is the inaugural host institution for ACP, which seeks
to mobilize colleges and universities in developing “civic identity,
not simply civic activities.” By engaging in this exciting project,
Augsburg is at the crest of a new wave of reengagement of higher
education with communities and the world.
DEMOCRACY AND
CITIZENSHIP
HARRY C. BOYTE is the director of the
Center for Democracy and Citizenship
at Augsburg College and serves as
national coordinator of the American
Commonwealth Partnership.
6
Augsburg Now
individual benefit only for those who can afford it.
As part of the dialogue about the role of higher education in building civic
identity, we asked Augsburg faculty from various academic departments to provide their perspectives on how higher education serves the public good. Their
responses are published here.
For additional information on higher education as
a public good, go to www.augsburg.edu/now.
CITIZEN NURSES:
A UNIQUE PERSPECTIVE ON HEALTH
In our society today, people have become so medicalized that we
often forget that health is not about the absence of disease but a
place of belonging. At Augsburg College, the Department of Nursing has focused on returning to what nursing was originally intended to be about—relationships—by opening two drop-in
community health centers.
One of these centers provides care to people living on the streets
of Minneapolis. This center has been in existence for almost 20
years, and the nurses there engage with 120 people each week. We
listen, provide basic necessities, and take the time to make sure
people feel they are supported and are part of a community.
Our other drop-in center, the Health Commons at Dar Ul-Quba,
is a new project focused on immigrant health in the CedarRiverside neighborhood of Minneapolis. Our efforts at Dar
Ul-Quba have been about
trying to help people not
only to understand our
healthcare system but also
to realize how they can practice health and healing as they did in
their country of origin. The center also helps people come together
to create the change they want to see in their neighborhood.
To us, being citizen nurses means that we are working to
strengthen our communities in ways that avoid the expert model.
We see people as collaborators and co-creators. Through their experiences at the drop-in centers, Augsburg nursing students are
changing their worldviews in ways that benefit our society. Our
hope is to continue to do just that.
NURSING
KATIE CLARK is an instructor in
Augsburg’s nursing department
and serves as coordinator of the
Augsburg Nursing Center.
“
In exchange for services rendered to the
neighborhood organization, Augsburg
students are privileged to observe and
learn about citizenship, democracy, and
being a ‘steward of place.’
”
AUGSBURG: AGENT AND ARCHITECT OF
DEMOCRACY AND STEWARD OF PLACE
The work of Joel Torstenson, Bernhard Christensen, Myles
Stenshoel, Vern Bloom, and Robert Clyde reveals the history of
Augsburg’s role as agent and architect of democracy and steward
of place and provides the context for our current activities. As I
reflect and write about their work, I marvel at their insight, commitment, and capacity as agents and stewards of place, well before it was in vogue or even acceptable. I probably would not
have remained in higher education were it not for Augsburg’s
valuing such a commitment for faculty and welcoming me to be
a part of this vision and endeavor.
For 30 years, students in my Human Community and Modern
Metropolis course have engaged in a service-learning experience
in collaboration with the official
neighborhood organizations
surrounding Augsburg: CedarRiverside, Seward, Phillips, and Powderhorn. In exchange for
services rendered to the neighborhood organization, Augsburg
students are privileged to observe and learn about citizenship,
democracy, and being a “steward of place.”
In addition to seeing and feeling the value of grassroots efforts to take responsibility for a neighborhood and influence the
wider political context, students have learned firsthand about
community organizing, community development, and public
service. Many students, as alumni, have expanded their sense of
vocation, both as citizens and professionals, through these engagements with the commonwealth and as stewards of place.
SOCIOLOGY
GARRY HESSER is a professor of
metro/urban studies and sociology
at Augsburg College.
To read Hesser’s complete submission,
go to www.augsburg.edu/now.
FROM COMPLEXITY TO COMPASSION
In his book My First Summer in the Sierra, John Muir offered a
sentiment which, more than 100 years later, represents as good
a justification for higher education in contemporary society as
one is likely to find in any college catalogue: “When we try to
pick out anything by itself,” he says, speaking of the profoundly
ecological nature of the world, “we find it hitched to everything
else in the Universe.”
To be sure, college campuses—meaning the empirical kind
with living, breathing students, with staff, teachers, textbooks,
trees, quads, and stadiums—sit
squarely at the various junctures
of this tangled-up creation, seeking from these vantage points to
understand through intensive study the pressing issues, the
timeless questions, and the persistent, ineluctable mysteries
that unite our places in time and space with those of countless
others.
College is literally where and when we hope to experience the
joy that comes with accessing the eternal through the particular.
It is where we come to study, in our specific yet overlapping disciplines, the problems of the world so as to appreciate the complexity of all things—because it is, without question, an
informed appreciation for complexity that inspires reflection and
breeds compassion.
ENGLISH
COLIN IRVINE is an associate professor of English at Augsburg College
and serves as the summer 2012 research coordinator for the College’s
Office of Undergraduate Research
and Graduate Opportunity (URGO).
“
College is ... where we come to
study, in our specific yet overlapping
disciplines, the problems of the
world so as to appreciate the
complexity of all things.
”
Spring 2012
7
ARTS-BASED CIVIC DIALOGUE
Arts programs in higher education are all the more vibrant when
a wealth of voices and bodies come together to create and discuss work. Community-engaged performance is progressive pedagogy; it’s theater by, for, of, and about the people—and it can be
an integral part of a civic-minded college culture.
Last winter, the student ensemble of The Living Newspaper
Project: Everyone Has Something used collective research, writing, workshops, and performance to generate discussion about a
taboo topic: the stigma attached to mental illness. They engaged
with audiences through post-show talkbacks and panels, academic conferences, letters in the Augsburg Echo, and outreach
to local community organizations.
Next fall, students will be invited to tackle a Town Hall Nation
project by creating short performances around campus that gen-
THEATER ARTS
erate civic dialogue on campus about students’ financial needs
and crises. Town Hall Nation is a national engagement initiative
inviting arts organizations, colleges and universities, and other
community groups to create 30-minute events that demonstrate,
present, or embody an ideal town hall meeting. Students of any
major may audition for or volunteer to participate in the Town
Hall Nation project, as with any other Theater Department production.
SARAH MYERS is an assistant
professor in Augsburg’s Theater
Arts Department.
“
Community-engaged performance is
progressive pedagogy; it’s theater
by, for, of, and about the people—
and it can be an integral part of a
civic-minded college culture.
”
8
Augsburg Now
“
In transforming individuals, we transform
our communities and our world.
DEVELOPING INDIVIDUAL AGENCY
TO TRANSFORM OUR WORLD
”
Higher education is often viewed as separate from the public
arena, something accessible to a few and beneficial to only the
individual. However, higher education greatly impacts the public good, and that impact is the true mission of higher education. In transforming individuals, we transform our communities
and our world.
In this era of globalization, individualism seems to serve little
purpose. Preparing children to live in a global society is essential and should begin in the K-12 years. Higher education then
is a continuation of that learning and a time to step out into the
world. With this in mind, while higher education does serve the
individual, the larger goal is the influence each individual will
have on the greater public good.
The impact of higher education is increasingly more visible
and far reaching. More frequently, civic engagement has become part of higher education curriculum. The need for students to see and experience a more seamless connection to
their acquisition and application of knowledge is essential.
Knowledge is not only something centered in higher education institutions; it is also something constructed and exercised within the community.
Knowledge then becomes transformative not only to the individual but to the broader community, society, and world. This is increasingly being seen through civic engagement projects such
as Public Achievement, service learning, and travel abroad experiences where students and faculty “develop agency” through
active rather than passive means that, in turn, inform theory
and future practice.
EDUCATION
SUSAN O’CONNOR is an associate
professor of education at Augsburg
College.
“I can really say that [the Nobel Peace
Prize Forum] has changed my
perspective of the world around us!”
“Couldn’t have asked for a more thoughtprovoking and inspiring three days.”
These are just two of the sentiments shared via social media
by participants of the 24th annual Nobel Peace Prize Forum,
held March 1 to 3.
The Nobel Peace Prize Forum exists to inspire peacemaking by celebrating the work of Nobel Peace Prize laureates. Founded as a unique partnership between the
Norwegian Nobel Institute and five Norwegian private colleges—Augsburg, Augustana (Sioux Falls), Concordia (Moorhead), Luther, and St. Olaf—the Forum this year moved to its
new, permanent location in the Twin Cities. It is organized by
Augsburg college in partnership with the Humphrey School
of Public Affairs and with ongoing sponsorship from the original college partners.
With “The Price of Peace” as its theme, the 2012
Forum introduced a new format with topical tracks—Business Day, Arts and Music Day, Education Day, and Global
Studies Day—to engage participants in exploring the relationship of stability and peace to business, to arts and
music, to education, and to international policy.
A number of tracks and events were sold out, including
Business Day, the Education Festival, and Global Studies Day.
In fact, as coverage by major Twin Cities media grew on the
second day of the Forum, more than 200 additional tickets
were sold for the closing day of the event.
In addition to the tremendous attendance, the Forum
fostered dialogue around the world through livestreaming.
Students from Assumption University of Bangkok, American
College of Norway, the Copenhagen Business School, Nagasaki University, and Nelson Mandela University of South
Africa watched keynote addresses live, submitted questions,
and engaged in dialogue about peace.
For additional photos, video links, and social media
quotes about the Forum, go to www.augsburg.edu/now
NOBEL PEACE
PRIZE FORUM
WE INSPIRE PEACEMAKING
Spring 2012
9
THE 2012 NOBEL PEACE PRIZE FORUM
10
Augsburg Now
THE 2012 NOBEL PEACE PRIZE FORUM
Spring 2012
11
“The prizes of peace, in fact, come to us in very little stages…but in order to claim them, we must be willing to pay the price…We have to be willing to recognize and celebrate the humanity of those whom
we view as enemy…We must start from the place of believing that those who are opposed to us…are
human beings with a story of their own to tell. We must start from an awareness that our side is not
necessarily all good.
The price of peace is the price of our pride…the certainty that we are right…the comfort that we are
on God’s side…As we go out into our lives, be prepared to pay the price for peace—the price of uncertainty, the price of humility, the price of recognizing our connectedness as human beings.”
—Naomi Tutu, Nobel Peace Prize Forum “Call to Action” address, March 3, 2012
Augsburg College thanks the sponsors of the 24th annual Nobel Peace Prize Forum, whose financial support and subject matter expertise helped make the 2012 Forum a success.
We also owe thanks to the many volunteers, faculty, and staff from all of the participating colleges and universities. We are grateful
for the perspectives shared by speakers, the participation of our student and community attendees, and the dedicated work of the volunteers who ensured this rich and vibrant event ran smoothly from beginning to end.
Now that the 2012 Forum has concluded, we invite you to stay connected to the work of the Nobel Peace Prize Forum by signing
up for e-mail updates at www.peaceprizeforum.org, and by following us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/nobelforum) and Twitter
(@NPPF).
Finally, be sure to mark your calendars for March 7-9, 2013. We look forward to seeing you next year!
BUSINESS DAY SPONSORS
MAJOR EVENT SPONSORS
SPONSORS
3M
A Million Copies Initiative
Borton Volvo
Jeanne M. Voigt Foundation
Minnesota Public Radio
Nordic Home Interiors
GLOBAL STUDIES DAY SPONSOR
Oslo Center For Peace and
Human Rights Foundation
Winds of Peace Foundation
Special thanks to our
2013 NOBEL PEACE PRIZE FORUM
LEAD SPONSOR
12
Augsburg Now
THE 25TH ANNUAL NOBEL PEACE PRIZE FORUM
March 7-9, 2013
Augsburg College and the
University of Minnesota Humphrey School of Public Affairs
WE ARE
CALLED.
auggie
pastors.
BY WENDI WHEELER ’06
Last year, Bob Bagley ’58 submitted an idea for a story about his
teacher, mentor, and friend, Mario Colacci.
His submission sparked an idea. We decided to interview different
generations of Augsburg pastors who have served in a variety of
settings. We wanted to know who inspired them. We wanted to
share their experiences and highlight the similarities and differences in their ministries. We wanted to know what they want our
readers to know about their lives as servants.
The following interviews are with pastors Bob Bagley ’58, David
Lillejord ’86, Jeni Falkman Grangaard ’02, Peter Morlock ’90, and
Stephanie Quick-Espinoza ’01.
To read Bob Bagley’s story about Mario Colacci,
go to www.augsburg.edu/now.
Spring 2012
13
14
Augsburg Now
’58
BOB BAGLEY
Retired. First call in Papau New Guinea; served most recently part-time at Christ Lutheran in Lake Elmo, Minn.
As a pastor, what did you learn that you
didn’t expect to learn?
Here’s the biggie: Bishop Rogness’ dad,
Alvin Rogness…when I came to a rural
parish after being in New Guinea, he said,
“Bob, you use this small parish to better
yourself for future ministry.”
So here’s what I did. I made advanced
standing in clinical pastoral education. I
was endorsed for specialized ministry,
which most pastors don’t make, specializing in chaplaincy work in hospitals. After
my fourth parish, I went to Hazelden and
did a four-year chaplaincy program. Then I
was endorsed for veterans’ hospital ministry. I was a chaplain for a year at the big
VA Hospital in Minneapolis.
What is an issue that you never imagined yourself dealing with as a pastor?
The first parish after Papua New Guinea
was easy because it was a bunch of loving,
Norwegian farmers. It was a good place to
get re-acclimated to the American way of
doing things after five years overseas.
What are some of the most interesting
or prominent changes you’ve seen in
the church in your career or since you
went to seminary?
There’s a lot more support in empowering
the pastors to do what they’re most gifted
to do. You can’t do everything; you can’t be
good at everything. I think a middle-sized
parish should have a changeover of pastors
every six years because in six years you’ve
kind of done everything and it’s time to
move on.
The concept of the old Lutheran Free
Church and many of the old ELC churches
was that they were tired of the pastor doing
everything and deciding everything, and
they hardly needed a church council. The
reaction to that was “We’re going to tell the
pastor what to do.” Now it’s changed so
that the pastors are empowered to do whatever they’re most gifted in.
What are your own spiritual practices?
Where/to whom do you turn for
guidance and encouragement?
I work with 60 global students at Luther
Seminary who come from all over the
world. I also did ministry with people with
alcohol and drug issues. At Gethsemane
Lutheran in Maplewood and where I am
now, I established Stephen ministry, an
outreach. I do more training to help others
minister to people in great need.
Is there a particular passage of scripture that frames your call to ministry?
It would be where Jesus said to the whole
church, “I send you.”
The motto that I follow is: Go out and
share the love of Jesus, and only if necessary, say something. Naomi (my wife) says
too often I end up telling people I’m a pastor. She says, “You don’t have to say anything. Just be you.”
What is one thing you wish non-clergy
knew about your life/identity/call as
a pastor?
I’ve never been satisfied to stop growing in
pastoral care and I’m available when people want to talk. The gift I learned from a
Catholic priest in my chaplaincy training is
this: He asked me what I consider to be my
primary gift. I said, “I don’t know.” He
said, “When you’re talking with someone,
there’s just an automatic pipeline between
your eyes and their eyes, and that removes
all reluctance to talk.” I can get people to
share stuff with me that normally would
take four or five visits, but they know I care
about them by just looking them in the eye.
What is one of your most memorable
services?
At the VA Hospital, I touched the lives of
people there who, if I hadn’t had special
training, I wouldn’t have been able to help.
One guy owned a million-dollar auto dealership, and he wouldn’t sign his will and he
was dying. It was on a Saturday that I wasn’t even supposed to work. The people were
waiting for me at the door saying I needed
to come up and talk to their dad. I sat
down with him and his son and had Holy
Communion as a Lutheran priest (he was
Catholic). When we were done, I said,
“Your family is so upset. It’s unbearable for
them that the doctor says you’re dying, and
you haven’t signed your will.” He kept saying, “Nope. I got a few loose ends to tie up
at the dealership.” In the end, I got him to
sign his will by promising I would help him
tie up the loose ends. A cheer went forth to
the Lord above. The next day he was playing cards with his friends in the hospital,
and three days later he died.
What do you think you would be if you
were not a pastor?
I probably would have followed in my older
brother Emil’s footsteps and have done
some aspect of social work.
When you meet God, what do you hope
God says to you?
Well, I would be meeting Jesus, not God,
and he would say, “Well, welcome thou
good and faithful servant.”
Spring 2012
15
’86
DAVID LILLEJORD
Senior Pastor, Mount Calvary Lutheran in
Eagan, Minn., until March 2012; now Senior
Pastor, St. Andrew in Eden Prairie, Minn.
16
Augsburg Now
As a pastor, what did you learn that you
didn’t expect to learn?
I mostly learn about myself—what I do
well, what I can improve upon. As a little
kid who grew up in a parsonage, I knew
people inside and out and was able to see
in them the really good and the really bad
or indifferent. I knew the goodness and the
wonderful nature of the church and the underbelly, so what I’ve learned in 20 years is
mostly about myself.
What is an issue that you never imagined yourself dealing with as a pastor?
I think the issue is the number of people
who simply are not attending church, even
people that years ago would have naturally
been inclined to find a new home, start a
family, baptize their kids, go to Sunday
school, and become involved in the life of
the church. There’s a whole subset of people who simply have not engaged for myriad reasons.
What are some of the most interesting
or prominent changes you’ve seen in
the church in your career or since you
went to seminary?
I think an awful lot of changes have happened in seminary training. When I attended 20 years ago, it was simply, “We
need to teach you how to teach people the
historical context and facts about the
Bible.” I think now it is so much more,
“What does this mean for our life?” I do
think the younger people who do go to
church want a direct connection between
what scripture says and how it will connect
with their lives. That means we have to
make our message contemporary and even
futuristic.
What are your own spiritual practices?
Where/to whom do you turn for guidance and encouragement?
What is one thing you wish non-clergy
knew about your life/identity/call as
a pastor?
I’m part of a team ministry, and I’m able to
hear really good sermons delivered by my
colleague. It’s hard to listen when you’re
talking, so I’m fed in and through my colleague who preaches the gospel well. For
guidance and encouragement, I’m so inspired by the members of the congregation.
I’m always greatly fortified by the faith that
parishioners have. I go in as a kind of spiritual lifeguard, and they end up humbling
me. They encourage me because they live
out their faith. It’s like a good teacher who
is fed by the students. My biggest supporters are my wife and children. They are my
lifeline—other than Jesus, of course.
The importance of balancing all those three
and the holistic nature of that continuum.
Being a pastor today is different, thankfully, than when my dad was younger,
which was you basically served the church,
often at the expense of spending time with
family. I have a wife (Joy) and three children: two in hockey and one in soccer who
also rides horses.
Also it’s important for members to
know that the vast majority of pastors are
trying as hard as they can. It’s just a very
difficult and challenging job.
Is there a particular passage of scripture that frames your call to ministry?
I would say more of a theme or concept,
one I learned from one of my many mentors. It is that God is in relationship with
you through Jesus. It’s a declaration; it’s
not a theory or something that needs to be
validated. It’s just “God is,” and you explore how that’s true. You notice it, you
name it, and you claim it.
We had a healing service a number of years
ago for a woman who was diagnosed with
terminal pancreatic cancer. We had never
been asked to have a healing service before. So we constructed a service with the
laying on of hands. Not that long after the
healing service she went to the doctor and
they did tests, and the cancer was gone.
When we heard about the lack of cancer,
even we were amazed.
Who at Augsburg inspired or guided
you, and how?
What do you think you would be if you
were not a pastor?
The religion professors at Augsburg were
helpful to my life of faith because they
were “good” and solid Lutherans. I have
heard stories of Lutheran colleges that tell
students: “What you were taught in Sunday
school and Confirmation was wrong.”
Thankfully, the professors at Augsburg
helped us look deeper into scripture
through a Lutheran lens.
After this long I can’t imagine what it
would be; however, psychology also makes
me tick.
What is one of your most memorable
services?
When you meet God, what do you hope
God says to you?
It would probably be, “Your mom’s over
here.” She died much too young, and I
would love to see her again.
Spring 2012
17
As a pastor, what did you learn that you
didn’t expect to learn?
It’s a huge learning experience … things
from how to learn about sump pumps,
budgeting, working with office managers,
how to be tactful and graceful, how to balance a really chaotic life and come at it
with some sensibility and some sense of
peace—all of these are a big part of my
learning experience.
What is an issue that you never imagined yourself dealing with as a pastor?
One is dealing with a local sugar producer. A
lot of our people harvest beets, and we have
a lot who work in the plant. Their union has
been locked out since August. There are
some people who aren’t union who are working 12-hour shifts now and can’t see their
families. I also have people who are on the
board there. So I don’t make any comments
on the issue. It’s really messy, and there’s no
one side to stand on.
What are your own spiritual practices?
Where/to whom do you turn for
guidance and support?
Spiritual practice for me means finding time
for silence. Colin (husband) and I went to
Taizé in France and got into the rhythm of
simple prayer, silence, and meditation. I turn
to colleagues and good friends who are in
similar positions for guidance. There are
some good seasoned pastors who have made
themselves available to have conversations
with, and certainly our bishop’s staff at the
synod has a lot of experience.
Who at Augsburg inspired or guided you,
and how?
Augsburg was a place that really rooted my
faith in the world and really shaped the person I am today. Having not grown up in
church, I was so young in faith when I came
18
Augsburg Now
to Augsburg. The Religion Department faculty took time to respond to my questions,
especially Janelle Bussert, Bev Stratton,
Mark Tranvik, Lynn Lorenzen, Brad Holt,
Phil Quanbeck, and Lori Brandt Hale. Pastor Dave Wold and Pastor Sonja Hagander
were my first pastors, and they invited me
into the language and liturgy of being
Lutheran. The Center for Global Education
taught me to see that faith isn’t just a personal relationship with God but a deep engagement with the world, especially in
places of suffering; they helped me to see
that God is with those who suffer. Augsburg
prepared me to be a pastor before I began
discerning the call to ordained ministry.
Is there a particular passage of scripture that frames your call to ministry?
There have been a lot of different verses that
I’ve clung to at different times. Galatians
2:19-21.
19
For through the law I died to the law, so
that I might live to God. I have been crucified
with Christ; 20 and it is no longer I who live,
but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I
now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son
of God, who loved me and gave himself for
me. 21 I do not nullify the grace of God; for if
justification comes through the law, then
Christ died for nothing.
What is one thing you wish non-clergy
knew about your life/identity/call as
a pastor?
I just want people to know I’m easy to talk
to, and I’m not trying to get anything from
them. I’m not here to tell people they are
behaving badly. I’d rather just talk about
the gospel. I want people to know we don’t
fit into a mold, and pastors aren’t the
guardians of the gospel. No one can claim
ownership on the gospel.
What is one of your most memorable
services?
I did a prayer service and funeral for a 54year-old man who had served on the board of
a local company. There were over 1,000 people, and we had to have the funeral at a bigger church in town. There’s something
strangely beautiful about a funeral. There’s
no pretending. It’s an inevitable part of life.
Sometimes it’s a celebration, but this one
was special. Before I entered the church, I
closed my eyes and was praying, and there
was a beautiful light streaming in through
the stained glass windows. It was a really
meaningful service. I’m still reflecting on it
and getting comments on it. Working with
the family has been strangely affirming and
grounding.
When you meet God, what do you hope
God says to you?
What I hope I’d hear God say is, “I kinda
like that Josh Ritter song, too.” The song is
Thin Blue Flame, and it includes lyrics
like: “Only a full house gonna have a
prayer,” and “You need faith for the same
reasons that it’s so hard to find,” and “And
all wrongs forgotten and all vengeance
made right. The suffering verbs put to
sleep in the night.”
What do you think you would be if you
were not a pastor?
If I knew, I would go be that. I don’t know!
Sometimes I think I’d like to be a chef. I like
the idea of making meals and baking bread
and spending time with people. Part of me
wants to design websites. The thing about
being a pastor that is so appealing, other
than the vocational call that brings you there,
is that you have permission to be a generalist. You get to do a lot of different things.
’02
JENI FALKMAN GRANGAARD
Pastor, Glyndon Lutheran Church, Glyndon, Minn.
Spring 2012
19
As a pastor, what did you learn that you
didn’t expect to learn?
All kinds of stuff! One of the things that they
can’t really teach you in seminary is how to
get into a community and to become part of
that community. You can’t really teach how
to enter into the daily life and get a sense of
the pulse of the community.
What is an issue that you never imagined yourself dealing with as a pastor?
One of the things I’ve found myself dealing
with that I hadn’t thought of while I was in
seminary is helping people with their dayto-day problems. There’s such a variety of
things that may come up. One day you’re
talking with someone about their medications, which I know nothing about, or
you’re talking with someone about daily living and how it is to do that.
What are some of the most interesting
or prominent changes you’ve seen in
the church in your career or since you
went to seminary?
One of the trends I’ve seen over the years
is a wider inclusiveness, if you will, in an
issue that’s near and dear to my heart. I’ve
seen a concerted effort by the church to
make their buildings and their worship
services and facilities more accessible and
more friendly to folks with disabilities. All
the things that bring people in and into
contact with the gospel are good stuff.
What are your own spiritual practices?
Where/to whom do you turn for guidance and encouragement?
One of the challenges of being a pastor, especially in a setting like this, is where I go
to feed myself, to “the well.” I have a
men’s Bible study that I’m part of at
20
Augsburg Now
church, and they have become the group
where I go to get fed. I also meet regularly
with my chaplain colleagues in the area,
and we worship and pray together.
Who at Augsburg inspired or guided
you, and how?
Without doubt major influences during my
time at Augsburg would include the following people: Pastor Dave Wold, Don
Gustafson, “Gabe” (Prof. Stephen
Gabrielsen), Tom Rossin, and my fellow
choir members (1986-1990).
One of the things that I truly appreciate
about Augsburg, even today, is the willingness to engage the idea of vocation and
make intentional questions about the connection between faith and life. Throughout
my time at Augsburg and even beyond that,
these people were/are instrumental in my
walk of life and faith. In broad strokes they
helped to provide the arena in which my
self-understanding and my sense of call
were shaped and honed. Daily contact with
these folks helped me to see vocation in
action and also gave me the space and the
courage to face and voice my questions.
They were, and still are, willing to engage
with me and push me in conversation and
prayer.
Is there a particular passage of scripture that frames your call to ministry?
people who work only on Sundays. In this
setting, people aren’t entirely sure what to
do with you. One thing I wish folks would
think of is the importance of spiritual stuff,
the spiritual nature, and how that needs to
be supported and fed.
What is one of your most memorable
services?
We did a service on our Alzheimer’s unit to
break up the winter blahs. We did a renewal of vows ceremony for one of the residents and her husband.
They’d been married for 56 years.
We had a big wedding party, and what was
really neat is that on that unit, it’s kind of a
crapshoot as to whether or not the resident
will remember who their family members
are.
For that particular moment in that service, the wife, Alyce, walked out of the
kitchen and she saw her husband, and her
face lit up, and she came up to him and
chucked him in the chin and said, “Let’s
do this again, sweetie.”
It was awesome. It turned out to be a
meaningful experience for Alyce and her
husband and their family because they’d
never had a wedding. Their families didn’t
like each other, so they eloped. And they
both passed away within three months of
that ceremony.
The walk to Emmaus story resonates really
highly with me, particularly in the work I do
now. A lot of what I’m called to do is walk
alongside people at the end of life. I also
like Psalm 121.
What do you think you would be if you
were not a pastor?
What is one thing you wish non-clergy
knew about your life/identity/call as
a pastor?
“Hi, welcome home.” That’s the short
answer.
I think the perception is that pastors are
A kindergarten teacher.
When you meet God, what do you hope
God says to you?
’90 AND GUIDO
PETER MORLOCK
Director of Spiritual Care, Cerenity Senior Care, St. Paul.
Spring 2012
21
Senior Pastor, New Hope Lutheran Church/
Iglesia Luterana Nueva Esperanza in North Aurora, Ill.
’01
STEPHANIE QUICK-ESPINOZA
22
Augsburg Now
Photo by Sally Ryan
As a pastor, what did you learn that you
didn’t expect to learn?
How to get rid of chickens roosting in the
sacristy!
What is an issue that you never imagined yourself dealing with as a pastor?
Racism. We often feel that our U.S. society
is advanced and racism no longer exists,
but we are ignorant to and/or ignore how it
permeates our lives, culture, and even our
church. It is difficult for me to see how
racism has affected the lives of the people
I have been in ministry with—from Inupiaq
in Alaska, to Nicaraguans living in Costa
Rica, to Mexicans and other Latinos in the
Chicago area.
What are some of the most interesting
or prominent changes you’ve seen in
the church in your career or since you
went to seminary?
A decrease in the intentionality of becoming an inclusive, multi-cultural church. I
would like to see more support of ethnic
ministries within our church. For example,
there are no longer classes held in Spanish
at the seminaries for Spanish-speaking student pastors.
What are your own spiritual practices?
Where/to whom do you turn for
guidance and encouragement?
I attend the Spanish worship service on
Saturdays at the congregation my husband
serves, San Andres Lutheran Church. The
mostly Mexican congregation has a great love
for the Virgin of Guadalupe (Mary). As a person firmly grounded in Lutheran tradition
and faith, I have incorporated the Virgin into
my spirituality and turn to her for guidance
and encouragement. My Lutheran and Christian faith says that I only need to pray directly to God. I don’t need intercessors,
though I find it comforting to ask the Virgin,
as mother of our Lord Jesus and mother of all
of us, to pray with me.
Who at Augsburg inspired or guided
you, and how?
The whole religion department really inspired me, both academically and in my
faith. Their classes were interesting and
unique. The quality of the classes helped
prepare me, even more than seminary, for
ordained ministry. PQ2 (or Phil Quanbeck
II), Janelle Bussert, and Lynne Lorenzen
especially guided me by always being willing to lend an open ear to listen to my
questions about my courses, future seminary plans, and just life in general. They
are pastors who were my pastors and
helped me become a pastor.
Is there a particular passage of scripture that frames your call to ministry?
I remember [Professor] Dick Hardel
retelling the call of Isaiah to my Youth and
Family Ministry class at Augsburg. After
Isaiah said, “Here I am, Lord, send me!” I
knew I was called to ministry and I also
said, “Here I am, Lord, send me!”
What is one thing you wish non-clergy
knew about your life/identity/call as
a pastor?
A pastor is on call 24/7, which is really
hard on your family life. It is even harder
because my husband is a pastor, too. We
have people wanting to talk to us starting
at 7 a.m. and sometimes we even get calls
at 3 a.m.
What is one of your most memorable
services?
When I was a missionary in Costa Rica, one
of the congregations I served was only
youth and children. Holy Communion was
always a powerful experience, as I watched
sometimes 80 children come forward to the
Lord’s table with their arms outstretched
and their hands held out in front of them to
receive the sacrament.
During a worship service, I noticed that
one small boy came through the communion line twice. It was only after the service,
I realized it was because he came from an
impoverished family and was hungry. After
that, I gave every child a whole tortilla,
rather then a small piece of bread or a
host, during communion.
What do you think you would be if you
were not a pastor?
A religion professor at Augsburg or a firstgrade teacher.
When you meet God, what do you hope
God says to you?
Well done, good and faithful servant.
Share your stories…
We know these are just a few of the dedicated, inspiring Auggie pastors serving around
the world. If you’d like to tell us who you are and what you’re doing, choose your favorite
question from those we asked our pastors, and send an answer and a photo to
now@augsburg.edu. Or, post it on your personal blog, on Facebook or Twitter, and send
us a link. We’d love to hear from you!
Spring 2012
23
INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS
24
Photo Contest
A
A
“Tabacchi” Amanda Rowan ’13
Siena, Italy Landscapes/cityscapes, First place
B “The Elder” Susie Mechtel ’13
Maasai Mara, Kenya Portraits, First place
C
“Afternoon Nap” Jasmine Zand ’12
Dubai, United Arab Emirates Portraits, Second place
D
E
B
“Autumn Fjord” Reed Johnson ’12
Flam, Norway Landscapes/cityscapes, Third place
“Que Viva Cuba!” Danielle Goodwin ’12
Havana, Cuba Photojournalism, First place
F “Iglesia El Rosario” Jakob Anderson ’12
San Salvador, El Salvador Photojournalism, Second place
G
“Chichicastenango, Guatemala” Danielle Goodwin ’12
Chichicastenango, Guatemala Portraits, Third place
Augsburg Now
H
I
C
“Recess Stroll” Caleb Wagner ’12
Havana, Cuba Photojournalism, Third place
“Shepherd’s Field” Jasmine Zand ’12
Beit Sahour, Palestine Landscapes/cityscapes, Second place
To view more student photos,
go to www.augsburg.edu/now.
D
F
E
H
G
I
Spring 2012
25
AUGGIE WRITERS’ CHALLENGE
ith the 2013 launch of the new Master of Fine Arts
in Creative Writing (see Around the Quad, page 4,
and www.augsburg.edu/mfa), Augsburg will welcome even more aspiring writers to the College. To celebrate
Augsburg’s tradition of creative writing excellence, we asked
Augsburg English Department faculty to help us recruit
Auggie alumni writers for a creative writing assignment.
The assignment was to write a 250-word piece—of any
genre—based on the photo below. We told the writers nothing about the photo—not when or where it was taken or by
whom. Following are the stories they crafted. Read their stories first, then see the photographer’s story, below.
W
Write
on!
The Cat
Kayla Skarbakka ’09,
writing consultant,
Walden University
THE PHOTOGRAPHER’S STORY
While studying in Augsburg’s Weekend College program,
Philip Pelto ’10 made this self-portrait for a class. He wrote:
The photo was taken at my condo in downtown Minneapolis. It’s looking
east out over the Depot and the Guthrie Theater, and Augsburg is not too
far off in the distance to the right. It’s a self-portrait, and I was experimenting with the lighting. I was trying to get a cool silhouette with the
outside in focus. What I wound up getting is this really cool photo that
reminds me of where I came from and where I am now. The photo conjures up feelings of success. I’m in my condo, surveying my city, taking
it all in. There’s a sense that I’ve made it.
Alan found the cat in Mom’s bed, under the sour-smelling comforter. It was a weasely thing, patchy, crusty-eyed.
“Did you know about this?” he asked the girls.
Erin was folding a sweatshirt, one of the syrupy ones, printed
with wildflowers and the words Someone special calls me
Grandma. She looked up and gasped.
“Where did it come from?” she asked.
Helen, who’d been sorting jewelry, glanced up and wrinkled
her nose. “The question is, where is it going.” She’d always had
an armored sensibility. “You know,” she added, “the boys are allergic.”
Alan sat down by the cat. It flicked its tail, which was hooked
and jointed like a broken finger.
“Um,” said Erin, which was how she started most arguments.
“I can’t really bring it on the plane.”
“Well,” said Helen, “I certainly won’t take it home.”
Alan offered no excuse, and they didn’t him ask for one. They
rarely did.
They’d had few tussles that day. Alan gave the girls credit for
that. A debate about the sofa, one watery altercation regarding
Dad’s old Dutch clock, but for the most part, they’d worked efficiently, tallying, dividing, and claiming.
Alan claimed little. A bar stool, because one of his had broken.
A crucifix, because Helen made him. But otherwise he’d chosen
odd jobs, clearing the fridge and garage shelves, and stayed out
of the way.
It was a tactic he’d learned early on from Dad…
To read more of Kayla Skarbakka’s story
go to www.augsburg.edu/now
26
Augsburg Now
Late Morning Window View
Jeremy Anderson ’07, client relations manager, Furnituredealer.net
First thing,
stop at Charlie’s on the corner
for a sweet chai on the go.
Catch the rail and scroll
the morning news. Work will start
soon enough, bustling tables,
shit shooting with the regs.
Don’t let Old Rick ride
you too much
because tonight it’s microbrews
along St. Anthony Main.
Usual sites, different taste
(order something the menu describes
as dark and complex).
Let ’em flow down and just talk and listen and talk back.
Try and top ’em. Tell ’em, Tell ’em what you learned,
what you read, who you ran into, that thing you Googled the other
day and what popped up. Remember when? Remember when?
Remember when? And all that shit. It’s good
to let it blur. The best is when it blurs into something
unclear. My head is warm. My arms, heavy and strong.
There’s a pulse in these veins, an exciting calm to the night until
eventually I’ll gaze back out this way
with an arm snug around my Laura (maybe, hopefully)
and a glass of pinot
in my other hand as street lamps torch the dark
dark sky.
Profile Pic
Orion Wisness ’03, technical consultant, Kroll Ontrack
Here is a man who wants to keep you guessing. He looks away
from you but commands your attention by looming large in the
patio doors. He chooses a strong stance, a confident pose, all
while hiding in the light of day right in front of you. But he appears
more hat rack than human. An armless X meant to distract you
from the finer points, the tiny details, which expose his personality.
You suppose he is doing one of three things in decreasing order of
profundity: practicing Zen Croquet, contemplating the evening’s dinner (the size of the grill suggests he consumes a fair share of red
meat), or standing fully clothed in the sunlight in order to tan only his
face. He has cats and creases in his pants. He’s tidy for sure, but he’s
forgotten Mr. Whiskers’ ball near the door jamb. He prefers a shirt
with a collar but won’t spring for a rug to wipe his feet when stepping
from the balcony. A grocery bag near the grill contains the shadow of
a Chihuahua, which makes you wonder why a man so tall would have
so tiny a dog?
You could puzzle yourself with questions all day, but what you want
to do is tap him on the shoulder. The opposite shoulder from where
you’re standing. Make him guess where you are, who you are, and
what you’re doing.
The Apocalypse, as
Seen from Unit 24E
Jaye Lawrence ’05 WEC,
director of web communications,
Carleton College
Franklin liked order. Neatness. Discipline. He’d been a drill sergeant once,
and it showed. You could take the
man out of the Army but never the
Army out of the man.
Military experience was an asset. It
kept him alive, and his ragtag band of
survivors too. But that need for order?
That was a problem. That just might
be the thing that finally drove him
mad.
Franklin no longer lived in an
orderly world.
“You should be asleep,” chided a
voice behind him, thready with age.
“Weren’t you supposed to wake me
for CQ duty at oh-three hundred?”
Esther. Franklin didn’t turn or relax
his stance, but the corners of his
stern mouth twitched. He didn’t smile
much, never had, and he sure as hell
didn’t have occasion to anymore—but
83-year-old Esther Rosenberg from
23C, bona fide blue-haired lady, former bane of the condo board of directors, spouting military jargon? That
tickled his funny bone.
With a slow soft tread of orthopedic
shoes, Esther crossed the room to
stand beside him. Franklin inspected
her with a sidelong glance, granting a
curt nod of approval to the pistol accessorizing her polyester pantsuit.
Esther always kept his rules. Many
who’d been younger, faster, and fitter
had not.
“Why didn’t you wake me?”
“I like seeing the sun come
up again.”
“Ah.” A sigh, light as a whisper.
“Yes, I do too.”
Esther patted his arm. She used
her left hand, keeping the right free
for the pistol.
Franklin smiled.
Witness
Andrea Sanow ’09,
administrative assistant,
Augsburg College Office of
Undergraduate Research and
Graduate Opportunity
They catch sight of each other’s
shoes underneath a bathroom stall,
and when they are washing their
hands, they are too embarrassed to
look each other in the eye.
Then, they are strangers the next
semester when they take Calculus
together. They laugh about being two
of the four girls in the room and they
bond over the fact that they aren’t
going to major in mathematics. And
when Emily doesn’t come to class,
Rachel worries.
Em, where r u?
My grandma died, take notes
for me.
And Rachel goes to the funeral.
And they take classes together. And
they live together and share clothes
and try to learn to cook while they
recount the jokes of every day.
Then, Rachel travels abroad and
one night, from somewhere in South
Africa where she has gotten drunk
for Em’s 21st birthday, she writes:
Here’s what I see on my walk
home: a tree that grows at a 90degree angle out of the sidewalk, a
woman sitting with a baby, a spraypainted stencil of a tiny red man, a
few kids who ask me to say something with my accent, and a man,
who every day sees me walk back to
my apartment and the triangle from
foot to crotch to foot reminds me
that somewhere we remember geometry or whatever and you are passing
me a note and we’re meeting after
class and you’re pissed—I’ve borrowed your favorite pair of shoes.
Spring 2012
27
1
3
6
4
C
5
E
B
D
A
7
personality
of place
STUDENT BREAK ROOM
BY STEPHEN GEFFRE
28
Augsburg Now
A TEXT MESSAGE GOES OUT AT MIDNIGHT
ON JANUARY 1. “HAPPY NEW YEAR!
And we are working tomorrow. See you at 6:30 a.m.”
The next morning, groggy students stroll into the facilities building, a small
gray box behind the ice arena. They make their way through a maze of tools,
vehicles, and junk into the far back corner, where they fall onto a plethora
of salvaged couches and chairs. Then they fall back to sleep and wait for
their boss, Bruce.
1
KOELE—A family tradition since 2006, the Koele brothers (Jason and Kyle) have worked on the grounds crew.
The years in green are when only Jason worked, the
years in white are when they worked together, and the
year in blue is when Kyle was the lone Koele brother.
2
THE MANNEQUIN—She was found in a residence hall
trash chute. Over the years, some of the more interesting items from the trash are added to her ensemble.
Her accessories have come exclusively from the residence halls.
3
WEST HALL SIGN—The students gather unused and outof-date signs to use as decoration. Almost all of these
are from the sign cache in the Luther Hall underground
parking lot.
4
THE KUBB TROPHY—Kubb is an ancient Viking game
that uses wooden sticks to knock over wooden blocks.
The grounds crew and other facilities staff play Kubb in
Murphy Square on their summer lunch breaks. Stats
are kept throughout the seasons, and the top players
are awarded the Kubb trophy (which never leaves the
break room).
5
THE HEAD—Found in a residence hall trash chute, the
head is used to torment student “B,” Brittany Hecker.
It is placed by her when she is sleeping, put in her
backpack, or just thrown at her to freak her out.
6
I-94 FLAG—The flags in the Urness/Mortensen hall parking lot along the I-94 corridor are replaced yearly, and
the old, tattered flags are distributed among the student crew. Some have even found their way to students’
rooms.
7
THE FURNITURE—All of the furniture has been scavenged from residence hall move-out day in the spring
semester. There are enough couches and chairs in the
break room so that everyone gets their own, but the
Lazyboy recliner is the softest and most coveted chair.
It is, therefore, reserved for the grounds crew student
supervisor’s hindquarters.
2
F
This is a typical start to the new year for a group of Augsburg students who
are lucky enough to work for Bruce Rowe, the College’s groundskeeper.
With Bruce and assistant groundskeeper Arlen Madigan, these students
make sure the grass is clipped, the flowers are pruned, the snow is shoveled, and the campus is maintained year round.
One perk of their job is access to the grounds crew student break room—
a mixture of reclaimed and repurposed items. According to Kyle Koele, the
current student supervisor, the room holds a kind of history and acts as an
unofficial museum of Augsburg College.
STUDENTS IN PHOTO
A—Kyle Koele
B—Brittany Hecker
C—Mary Hildestad
D—Benjamin Grant
E—Jacob Haehnel
F—Meghan Novak
Spring 2012
29
auggies in the front office
Supporting the home team
Roger Griffith ’84
Last season, he didn’t make any three-point shots, pull down
any rebounds, or have any assists on the court. But Roger
Griffith ’84, executive vice president of the Minnesota Lynx,
did have a great season—in part because the Lynx brought
home their first championship title, and in part because of the
team’s dedicated fans.
Griffith came to the Timberwolves franchise in 1994 as a finance officer. When the Lynx, Minnesota’s Women’s National
Basketball Association (WNBA) team, came to the state in
1999, Griffith took on the role of executive vice president. In
that role, he is responsible for making decisions about the head
coach and working with the coaching staff on player and personnel relations. He also maintains the team roster and oversees scouting and drafting functions as well as the signing of
free agents. Basically, he said, his work supports the coaches
so that they can focus on coaching.
And that is how he contributed to the Lynx’ winning 2011
season. In October, the team completed its season, beating the
Atlanta Dream in a three-game sweep of the WNBA championship series. It was the team’s first championship and first
appearance in the playoffs since 2004.
“The championship game was very nerve-wracking,” Griffith
said. The team was behind at half-time, but Griffith said they
weren’t worried. “We had always been a good second-half
team, and we knew we had the skills and talent to pull
ahead.” They did, but nearly lost their lead in the final minutes of the game.
“It was stressful,” Griffith said, “but it was also fun and exciting to see the large number of fans who traveled to Atlanta
to support the team.”
Griffith said the Lynx fans are one of the best parts of his
job. “Last year, through the whole season, it was great to be
able to sit in the stands and look away from the game to see
how much the experience meant to the people,” he said. “Our
fans have been extremely loyal and supportive, and they got
their payoff when we took the championship title.”
WENDI WHEELER ’06
30
Augsburg Now
alumni news
FROM THE ALUMNI BOARD PRESIDENT
Dear Auggies,
n the time since my fall letter, I hope
you enjoyed the holiday season with
your family and friends, and I hope the
new year has begun well for you. With
help from our fellow alumni, we have
been making a difference in our communities and engaging with our student
body. In November, we focused on giving
back to the community at our Alumni Board meeting. Partnering
with Brian Noy, coordinator of Augsburg’s Campus Kitchen program, we participated in a peanut butter and jelly sandwich-making project and produced 250
sandwiches that were taken
to a local homeless shelter.
It was a fantastic project
and the most fun I can remember ever having at a
board meeting!
In December, when thousands
of Augsburg alumni and friends
gathered at Advent Vespers, many
brought basic hygiene supplies and
warm clothing to donate to the Augsburg
Central Health Commons (ACHC), housed at Central Lutheran
Church. Alumni who attended the Auggie Night at the Races last
summer did the same, helping the center to provide for community
members in need.
Auggies will have another opportunity to give back on June 5 by
participating in a Feed My Starving Children event. Please see details on how to register in the information listed on page 33.
I am pleased to announce that alumni engagement is at an all-
i
s
e
i
augGEg
T INVOLVED
time high! Alumni event attendance is up by 25 percent compared
to last year. We are thrilled to see this progress. It is due in part to
your feedback that we have seen such great results. Knowing what events are meaningful and fun for you
drives our program development. Thank
you for your consistent feedback and participation.
In February, the Alumni Board hosted
the annual Student and Alumni Networking event. This event consistently attracts
alumni who are passionate about being a
resource to current students, while providing them the opportunity
to reconnect with fellow alumni. If you or someone you know would
like to help connect or get connected to alumni or students, please
consider attending this event in the future.
Another tool to reconnect you with Augsburg and fellow alumni
is the Maroon Pages. This online tool helps recognize and promote
alumni businesses on the web. It can be used as a marketing tool
for the self-employed as well as a resource for students to reach
alumni for job hunting or networking.
Lastly, I want to lift up the Eye-Opener Breakfasts that are
held quarterly at the Town and Country Club in St. Paul and the
Strommen Executive Speaker Series, which takes place on campus
on a regular basis. These events give alumni opportunities for personal and professional development by hearing from successful
leaders within our community. Come to be inspired, to network
with peers, and to reconnect with your alma mater.
Go to www.augsburg.edu/alumni to learn about all the excellent
resources available to Auggie alumni.
ROBERT WAGNER II ’02
ALUMNI BOARD PRESIDENT
The Augsburg Alumni Association is looking for volunteers to serve on
the Alumni Board. All alumni are welcome and encouraged to apply.
The Alumni Board is a governing body of the Alumni Association.
Together with the Office of Alumni and Constituent Relations, it
provides resources and opportunities to engage alumni with the College and each other through consistent communication, inclusive
programming, and intentional relationship-building. To apply or get
more information, go to www.augsburg.edu/alumni/getinvolved.
Spring 2012
31
alumni news
What a Legacy!
As an Augsburg graduate and as the
director of parent and family relations
at Augsburg, I was delighted to be a
part of the first annual Legacy Family
Reception, held at the Augsburg
House on January 16. I attended with
my two Auggie daughters (Kristin ’09
and Maren ’13) and their dad, Paul
Daniels ’79. We had such a lovely
evening connecting with other legacy
families!
Currently, 112 students enrolled in
Augsburg’s traditional undergraduate
program are part of a legacy family. In
other words, each is a child and/or
grandchild of an Augsburg graduate.
At the reception, Wendy Delesha ’10
MAL said, “I am proud to be an Auggie
and to have both of my children be Auggies, too. We will have graduates three
years in a row: 2010, 2011, and 2012.”
Another Augsburg grad who attended the reception was Howie
Smith ’80. He said, “I loved my years
at Augsburg and am so, so happy to
have my son and daughter here now.”
If you would like to encourage a
member of your family to become an
Auggie, please contact the Office of
Admissions at www.augsburg.edu/
admissions and the staff will be happy
to connect with your family member.
SALLY DANIELS HERRON ’79
L to R: Kristin Daniels ’09, Maren Daniels ’13, Paul Daniels ’79, and
Sally Daniels Herron ’79
L to R: Erica Wilson ’12, Cliff Wilson ’11, and Wendy Delesha ’10 MAL
SAVE THE DATE FOR
homecoming
New events along with traditional favorites make this one of the best times to
come back to campus. Reconnect with fellow alumni and favorite faculty, and
experience the Augsburg of 2012. Watch www.augsburg.edu/homecoming for
future information.
If you would like to help make your reunion a success, contact the Office of
Alumni and Constituent Relations at 612-330-1085 or alumni@augsburg.edu.
32
Augsburg Now
SEPTEMBER 24-29, 2012
Reunion Classes
50th Reunion—1962 25th Reunion—1987
40th Reunion—1972 10th Reunion—2002
30th Reunion—1982
Auggie
IN RESIDENCE
Last fall, Augsburg implemented a new volunteer
program, Auggies in Residence—yet another great opportunity for alumni to visit campus to reconnect with the College and its students. Through
this speaker series, alumni are invited by faculty to speak at a
fall or spring class and then engage in a question-and-answer
period with students. Of the 70-plus alumni who have volunteered to serve as an Auggie in Residence, those who have
experienced this unique program have been gratified and happy
with the opportunity to speak in the classroom and interact with
future Auggies.
If you think an Auggie in Residence experience is something
you would enjoy and you want to share your time and talent,
contact Pat Grans at gransp@augsburg.edu or 612-330-1329.
Courtesy photo
Feed My Starving Children
JOIN US ON JUNE 5
Join the Alumni Board at Feed My Starving Children to help pack
millions of meals for hungry children in 70 countries. Alumni and
friends may volunteer on June 5, 6-7:30 p.m. or 8-9:30 p.m.
Register to volunteer with the Augsburg College Alumni group at
www.fmsc.org (click “join existing group”). Registration code for
6 p.m. is 205100 and for 8 p.m. is 205101.
Last year 75 Auggies gathered together to pack 22,000 meals for hungry children around
the world through the Feed My Starving Children program. We are hoping for even greater
participation and impact during the upcoming June event. Pictured above [L to R] are
Maria (Mitchell) Helgerson ’07, Jennifer Oliver ’07, Brandon Elegert, Stephanie Gnojek,
Carolyn Mollner ’07, and Erik Helgerson ’07.
Meet Sara Schlipp-Riedel ’06
The Augsburg
College Alumni
Association welcomes Sara
Schlipp-Riedel as
the new associate
director of alumni
and constituent
relations. She
comes to the department with
nearly six years of
event and project
management experience and is thrilled by the opportunity to engage fellow Auggies.
“My primary focus will be to connect with and engage
our young alumni and recent graduates,” said SchlippRiedel. “We want to build awareness among current students that their connection with Augsburg doesn’t end
once they have received their diploma, and our hope is
that there will be a lifelong relationship. I want to develop programming across the board that will cultivate
community, instill pride, and emphasize tradition.”
Schlipp-Riedel lives in South Minneapolis with her
husband, Aaron Riedel ’07, and their one-year-old son,
Aidan. She can be reached at 612-330-1178 or
schlipp@augsburg.edu.
SAVE THE DATE
auggie night
AT THE RACES
August 3, 5-7 p.m.
Canterbury Park
1100 Canterbury Road,
Shakopee, Minn.
Free admission, picnic buffet,
and reserved seating provided.
Go to www.augsburg.edu/
alumnievents to register.
Spring 2012
33
alumni news
AUGSBURG YOUNG ALUMNI HOLIDAY PARTY 2011
YOUNG ALUMNI
summer series
To register for Young Alumni events or to see the full calendar
of events at Augsburg, go to www.augsburg.edu/alumni.
May 31, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
1900 Marshall St. NE, Minneapolis
Live music, one complimentary beverage, and
appetizers provided.
Courtesy photo
PSYCHO SUZI’S MOTOR LOUNGE
June 21, 6-9 p.m.
Since it launched in 2009, the Young Alumni Summer Series has been an incredible success, engaging young alumni
and recent graduates through unique programming. In
2011, the Young Alumni Council expanded the program to
include a winter event by hosting the first Young Alumni
Holiday Party in December at La Meridien Chambers Hotel
in downtown Minneapolis. The event was a huge success
and will be added to future programming.
YOGA BOAT CRUISE
Afton Hudson Cruise Lines
500 1st St., Hudson, Wisc.
$15 includes one-hour yoga session, boat cruise, appetizers,
and one complimentary beverage. SPACE IS LIMITED.
July 18, 5-7 p.m.
MINNESOTA TWINS GAME
Hubert’s and Target Field
$30 includes ticket to game with seating in
the Pavilion, appetizers, and two complimentary beverages at Hubert’s.
5-7 p.m. Pre-game at Hubert’s, 600 1st Ave. N., Minneapolis
7:10 p.m. Twins vs. Orioles
August 3, 5-7 p.m.
Canterbury Park
1100 Canterbury Rd., Shakopee, Minn.
Free admission, picnic buffet, and reserved seating provided.
September 28, 6-8 p.m.
HOMECOMING 2012:
YOUNG ALUMNI RECEPTION
Republic
221 Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis
Two complimentary beverages and
appetizers provided.
Join the AUGSBURG COLLEGE
YOUNG ALUMNI FACEBOOK
GROUP to get the full scoop!
34
Augsburg Now
Courtesy photo
AUGGIE NIGHT AT THE RACES
L to R: Rebecca Lewis ’07, Aili Brom-Palkowski ’07, Felicia Faison ’09, and
Shannon Olson ’07
save the date
December 7, 8:30-11:30 p.m.
YOUNG ALUMNI HOLIDAY—UGLY SWEATER PARTY
Location TBD
To register, go to www.augsburg.edu/alumnievents.
past meets present
A Journey to the Holy Land:
EXPLORING THE PAST, THE PRESENT, AND THE PEOPLE
Courtesy photo
When the travelers heard about the work of the Parent Circle
For 10 days in January, a group of 28 Auggies explored the Holy
Family Forum (comprised of bereaved Israeli and Palestinian famiLand with Philip Quanbeck II, associate professor of religion, and
lies who have lost family members in the conflict, and who support
Ruth Johnson ’74, former Augsburg College Regent.
peace, reconciliation, and tolerance), Turner was particularly imWhen the group arrived, Larry Turner ’69 was surprised at the
pressed by the gentleman who spoke of losing his son in the last
contrast in terrain—not only was it more rugged than expected, but
parts looked like fertile farmland, especially around Galilee. In addi- week of military service. This Israeli father was soon drawn into the
tion to the warm Palestinian welcome, he was
struck by many of the historical sites, several
of which Herod the Great had built—Masada,
the palace in Jerusalem, and Caesarea (where
Herod insisted on building a harbor, even
though his architects advised against it).
From a religious point of view, Turner said it
was very moving to visit the Mount of Beatitudes, the Sea of Galilee, the Mount of
Olives, Capernaum, Primacy of Peter, Gethsemane, and the Via Dolorosa—the very places
Jesus walked some 2,000 years ago.
For Turner, images of the region’s past were
soon overlaid with realities of the Holy Land of
today, especially on a tour bus when the guide
pointed to a nearby village in Lebanon and
then a fence bordering Syria. He noticed yellow signs reading “Danger, Mines” on a fence
along the side of the road. Though Turner
didn’t feel endangered during the trip, he
Front Row [L to R]: Sandy Prince, Sally Daniels Herron ’79, Charlie Green, Barb Green, Ruth Johnson ’74, Sharon Carlson ’72,
Terri Rummans, Mary Kinney ’04, Donna McLean; Middle Row [L to R]: Yousef Eideh (our guide), Larry Turner ’69, Sue Turner,
found the most distressing aspect to be the
Jennie Wilson, Phil Quanbeck II, Nancy Sampair, Susan Carlson, Liz Weninger ’92, Judy Coppersmith ’66, Lee Furman ’61;
wall between Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
Back Row [L to R]: Barbara Bruce, Sharon Mortrud ’64, Scott Anderson ’96, Judy Reeve ’95, Jeff Gotfredson ’82, Kirk Gill,
When Palestinian Lutheran pastor Rev.
Paul Kilgore ’80, Becky Kilgore, Jim Weninger ’92, Heidi Hunter
Mitri Raheb spoke to the group about his
ministry in Bethlehem, he described three areas of focus: culture,
forum, where he met a Palestinian who had also lost someone. As a
education, and health. Culturally, the ministry helps Palestinians
result, his thoughts about the conflict evolved from quite hawkish to
deal with identity issues and obtain meaningful work, and it promore conciliatory. In pairs, members of the forum (one Israeli, one
vides a place for concerts, art, and theater. Educating the youth is
Palestinian) make regular visits to schools in an effort to help
another priority since 55 percent of the population is under the
younger people think more seriously about the human aspects as
age of 18. Dar al-Kalima College, Bethlehem’s new Lutheran colthey consider military expectations.
lege (the first in the Middle East), will certainly aid in those efforts
Turner and his wife, Sue, have traveled a fair amount since he reas well, providing studies in art, music, communication, and mantired after 38 years with Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway, but
agement. The ministry also offers opportunities in women’s sports,
this trip was special, he said. It felt like a real pilgrimage for him.
eldercare, and preventive health, helping people learn how to take
CHERYL CROCKETT ’89
better care of themselves.
Spring 2012
35
alumni class notes
Norm Larsen and Jerome “JD”
34Detviler ’74 were inducted into
the Saint Paul Park (Minnesota)
High School Athletic Hall of Fame in
November. Larsen was the head
football coach at Park for 10 years
and served as Park’s athletic director until his retirement in 1977.
Detviler was a soccer, Nordic skiing,
and track and field coach at Park.
Herb Chilstrom, former presiding bishop of the ELCA, released his autobiography, A Journey
of Grace: The Formation of a Leader
and a Church (Lutheran University
54
Press). The book is a reflective account of his family roots, childhood,
education, and pastoral and teaching career. It tells of his life as
bishop, his role in the formation of
the ELCA, and his ministry as the
first presiding bishop.
In June, Richard “Dick” Thorud
56was inducted into the Min-
nesota Inventors Hall of Fame. The
award was based largely on the 80
patents he was awarded as a principal research engineer with the Toro
Company.
Corrine (Froelich) Frank
73became a grandmother for
the first time in December, when
grandson Weston Leslie Frank
was born.
Steven Resnicek was ap-
74pointed interim director of the
Bemidji State University concert
choir for the spring 2012 semester.
Resnicek is an adjunct faculty member in the music department at
Bemidji State.
David Larson and Kate Sholon-
77ski released their book, Wide
auggieSNAPSHOTS
Awake: Three Minutes a Day
to an Inspired Life! in Novem-
36
ber. This volume is filled with personal stories of challenge, triumph,
empowerment, and motivation.
Linda (Slater) Thoni was se-
88lected by the Art Educators of
Minnesota (AEM) as the Elementary
Art Educator of the Year for the State
of Minnesota. She has been employed by the Byron School District
for 12 years. AEM annually recognizes teachers who have made significant contributions to AEM, the
state of Minnesota, and their school
or organization. Award recipients
have demonstrated dedication,
achievement, and professionalism
in the art education field.
Members of the class of ’81 met in October in Cable, Wisc., for
81their annual Augsburg reunion. Pictured [L to R]: Mary Beamish, a
copy editor at the Duluth News Tribune who is rehabbing a 1920s
house in Duluth; Susan (Dahlgren) Sackrison, a history teacher at
Lakeville High School; Maureen Webster, a grandma, an Army mom,
and a Title I teacher at Sunnyside Elementary in Mounds View; Laura
Kasdorf, a master gardener who coordinates the Community Garden in
Chippewa Falls, Wisc.; Mary Lou (Schlosser) Suss of Louisiana, who
misses being able to grow rhubarb; Janna (Wallin) Haug, who just returned from four years with the ELCA Global Mission in Slovakia.
Karla (Morken) Thompson graduated from
81the College of St. Scholastica with a Doctor
of Physical Therapy degree in August. She has
worked at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. for
30 years and is a staff physical therapist specializing in women’s health and vestibular rehabilitation.
Heidi Anderson gave birth to
Jim Lindell and Karri (Birkholz)
04Lindell ’03 were married on July
16, at Central Lutheran Church in
Minneapolis. Auggies in the wedding
party were Kim Birkholz ’05, Britni
(Morgan) Robertson ’05, Jeremy
Robertson ’05, Travis Kalis, Tom
Delisle ’04, Jeff Willihnganz ’04, Kyle
Howard ’04, Jillian (Janicki) Howard
’04, Nick Collins ’04, Stefanie (Lindell)
Lender ’98, Bruce Lender ’98, Jason
Luhrs ’96, and Melissa (Luhrs) Gooder
’93. Karri is a brokerage product manager at Ameriprise Financial, and Jim
is a corporate account manager at
Choice Communications. They live in
Maple Grove, Minn.
Janine (Borchardt) Kellogg
93Soren Russell in May 2011.
04and her partner, Jennifer
Heidi has worked for GE Lighting
in Cleveland, Ohio, since 1999.
Kellogg, welcomed baby boy
Sawyer Jay on August 8.
Becky (Welle) Winters and Paul
05Winters ’07 welcomed Maximilian Robert on August 17.
Marette (Hoffman)
09Hahn married Justin
Hahn on August 26, in Mendota Heights, Minn. Other
Auggies involved included
Leah Jarvi ’09 (bridesmaid),
Shonna Fulford ’09 (personal
attendant), Amber Stransky
’07 (personal attendant),
and Kendra (Christiansen)
Oxendale ’10 (photographer).
Mateo Martin Irby was born
on September 7, to Joanne
K. Reeck-Irby and Cornelius
M. Irby. Joanne is the director of campus activities and
orientation at Augsburg.
The Political History and Landmarks
91
In a January special election,
Marathon Road in January. The film
features Augsburg cross country/track
and field head coach Dennis Barker,
a trainer for Team USA distance athletes. The film was produced through
Sanft’s company, Ideatap Studios.
of South Africa and Namibia:
AUGUST 2013
Courtesy photo
Tom Kerr was named Administrator of the Year by the Iowa
Reading Association. Kerr has
served as the principal of BoydenHull Elementary School in Boyden,
Iowa, for six years.
Jennifer (Richter) and Dylan
92Susan Allen was elected to the 07Soberg ’06 welcomed baby
After nearly eight years, Heather
Johnston left the City of Minneapolis
to become the CFO and director of
administrative services for the City of
Burnsville, Minn. In that capacity,
she oversees finance, communications, community relations, city
clerk, and information technology
operations. In addition, she was recently appointed to the executive
board of the Government Finance
Officers Association (GFOA) of the
United States and Canada.
boy Alexander David on October 10.
Emily Crook, a 2007 graduate and a
current student in the Master of Arts
in Education program, married David
Hamm ’08 on October 8, 2010, in
Duluth, Minn. Many other Auggies
were in attendance to celebrate with
the couple and their families.
Angela (Barron) and Charles
08Brewer welcomed Emma
Rose on November 17.
In November, Dave Lange began a
career at Ameriprise Financial in life
insurance sales.
George Hemmingsen and his
Jesus (Alex) Hernandez Herrera
was promoted to senior director, principal gifts, in the Northwestern University (Illinois) Office of
Alumni Relations and Development
in September.
95
Heather Savage has been writ-
01ing (under HK Savage) and editing and opened her own publishing
company, Staccato Publishing.
Staccato’s purpose is to help authors who want to publish their work
but aren’t sure how to navigate the
twists and turns on the road to publishing.
09brother Grant Hemmingsen,
both 2009 graduates, are assistant
basketball coaches at Kentucky
Wesleyan College. George is in his
second year with KWC and his first
year as top assistant coach, and
Grant is in his first year as assistant
coach.
Katie Wornson was named to the
Volunteers of America-Minnesota
board of directors in December. Volunteers of America is a nonprofit
human service organization headquartered in Edina, Minn.
Julia Sewell and her colleague
Jennifer (Langman) and husband Kevin Reese welcomed
Elsie Marie on November 8.
02
Tony Geckler completed a
05Master of Social Work degree
from St. Catherine University/University of St. Thomas in August. In
November, he passed his licensed
graduate social worker examination.
Augsburg cross country/track and
field alumni Paul Sanft ’05, Dan Vogel
’05, Riley Conway ’05, and Tori Bahr
’09 released their documentary
10and partner, Don Patterson, are
touring the United States spreading
messages of youth voice and action,
leadership, and educational reform
through their 2011-2012 SWAG
(Sharing Wisdom Amongst our Generation) tour concluding in April.
Sandra (Albrecht) Sutton married
Michael Sutton on August 27, 2010.
The couple resides in Baldwin, Wisc.,
where Sandra works as a sponsor
services analyst with Wells Fargo.
Namib Desert
Join Augsburg alumni and friends on this
12-day tour to learn about Namibia and South
Africa’s shared political past and to see the
popular tourist attractions and landmarks this
history has created. Learn firsthand about this
region’s struggle against apartheid while visiting the acclaimed Apartheid Museum, Cape
Point where the Dutch conquerors landed and
built a lighthouse, and Robben Island where
Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. Tour the former black and colored townships in Windhoek
and Johannesburg and hear from a cross-section of Southern African society.
Discover how the Evangelical Lutheran
Church in Namibia, with a total membership of
more than 700,000, mainly in Northern
Namibia, played a significant role in opposition
to apartheid and was part of the Namibian independence struggle. The Namibia portion of
the trip will also include a visit to the Etosha
Game Reserve and the Namib Desert, the site
of the world’s highest sand dunes.
This trip is offered by the Alumni Association
in partnership with the Center for Global Education (CGE) at Augsburg College. For 30 years,
CGE has provided cross-cultural educational
opportunities that foster critical analysis of
local and global conditions so that personal
and systemic change takes place, leading to a
more just and sustainable world.
To request more details about the trip, call
612-330-1085 or email alumni@augsburg.edu.
namibia and south africa
Minnesota House of Representatives
to represent District 61B. Allen is
the first Native American woman to
serve in the Minnesota House.
Spring 2012
37
A phone call.
An e-mail.
A diploma.
When Jennifer Ivers ’13 e-mailed Larry
Couture ’79 as part of her work with
Augsburg’s IGNITE program, she couldn’t
have imagined the chain of events that
would transpire—or that she would end up
with an internship as a result.
Through IGNITE (Involving Graduates
Now in Thoughtful Engagement), current
Augsburg students connect with alumni to
help them find ways to engage with the
College. But when Ivers contacted Couture,
she was surprised by his e-mail response.
“He sent a short essay explaining why he
wasn’t really excited about meeting with
me,” she said. It turns out that Couture
thought he graduated from Augsburg in
1979 but found out in 2006, when he tried
to apply for admission to a graduate program, that his transcript was incomplete.
Couture had been one religion course
short of completing his graduation requirements in the spring of 1979 and had returned to Augsburg that summer to complete
the final class.
That course was
never posted, but
Couture didn’t suspect anything because he’d moved to
a new apartment and
thought perhaps his
diploma had just
been lost in the mail.
After receiving
Couture’s e-mail, Ivers
told him that she
would like to help him.
She said she would forward his e-mail to her
boss, who could bring his issue to the attention of the Dean, and together they would try
to resolve the situation.
“He said that after this long he didn’t
think it really mattered, but if I could help,
he thought that would be great,” Ivers said.
And help she did. On February 1, more
than 30 years after he thought he graduated,
On February 1, more than 30 years after completing his
graduation requirements, Larry Couture ‘79—pictured
here with Jennifer Ivers ’13, a summer intern at Couture’s
company—received his Augsburg College diploma.
nt
llege Commenceme
1979 Augsburg Co
Larry Couture received his Augsburg College
diploma and became a member of the class
of 1979.
Couture was so impressed with Ivers’
tenacity, as well as her speaking and writing
skills, that he asked her to work as a summer intern for his company ECOSmarte, a
Richfield, Minn.-based manufacturer of nonsalt, non-chemical water technology for
’79
LARRY
COUTURE
swimming pools and spas. The relationship
has also led to an internship for a second
Augsburg student.
“This has been one of the more fulfilling
aspects of my position,” Ivers said. “The
IGNITE program aims to re-involve alumni
on campus, and what’s a better way to involve someone than finally getting them their
diploma?”
WENDI WHEELER ’06
38
Augsburg Now
Send us your news and photos
Please tell us about the news in your life, your new job, move, marriage, and births.
Don’t forget to send photos! (Digital photos must be at least 300 dpi or a 1MB file.)
For news of a death, printed notice is required, e.g., an obituary, funeral notice, or
program from a memorial service.
Send your news items, photos, or change of address by mail to: Augsburg Now
Class Notes, Augsburg College, CB 146, 2211 Riverside Ave., Minneapolis, MN
55454, or e-mail alumni@augsburg.edu. You can also submit news at
www.augsburg.edu/alumni.
____________________________________________________________
Full name
____________________________________________________________
Maiden name
____________________________________________________________
Class year or last year attended
In Memoriam
____________________________________________________________
Street address
Edward L. Evenson ’41, age 93, on September 28
____________________________________________________________
City, State, ZIP code
Verlinda L. (Olson) Huus ’42, age 91, on September 19
Carol A. (Hibbard) Kirtley ’42, age 88, on October 22
Vivian A. (Larson) Loren ’43, age 89, on September 23
Is this a new address? q Yes q No
____________________________________________________________
Home telephone
H. Daniel Frojen ’45, age 87, on September 18
J. Bernhard Bretheim ’48 on August 2
____________________________________________________________
E-mail
Ruth O. (Holm) Sawyer ’48, age 83, on January 18
Okay to publish your e-mail address? q Yes q No
Evelyn (Green) Harris ’49 on June 29
John H. Wetzler ’49, age 88, on January 22, 2011
Raymond J. Bodin ’50, age 93, on October 27
____________________________________________________________
Employer
____________________________________________________________
Position
Jean (Kuklish) Knudsen ’50, age 83, on July 12
Robert G. “Bob” Smith ’51, age 89, on October 24
____________________________________________________________
Work telephone
Edwin O. Silrum ’53, age 90, on September 12
Is spouse also a graduate of Augsburg College? q Yes q No
Elizabeth G. (Hagen) Carlson ’56, age 76, on November 26
If yes, class year ________________________________________________
Roger Lecander ’56, age 77, on July 17
____________________________________________________________
Spouse’s name
John T. Thompson ’56, age 76, on February 28, 2011
Loren G. Berkness ’60, age 82, on February 21, 2011
Bernard A. “Bernie” Onsager ’65, age 82, on September 28
____________________________________________________________
Maiden name
Beverly Jean (Mattson) Conboy ’73, age 59, on September 10
Your news:
____________________________________________________________
Nancy (Kerber) Anderson ’74, age 59, on November 18
____________________________________________________________
Janice L. Phinney ’74, age 58, on July 30
____________________________________________________________
Jody (Anderson) Sundlee ’79, age 56, on December 6
____________________________________________________________
Patrick D. Hurley ’84, age 49, on March 3, 2011
George C. Ogbonna ’88, age 55, on December 26
____________________________________________________________
q I know a student who is interested in attending Augsburg.
Henry G. Parsons ’04 MSW, age 59, on January 26, 2011
Spring 2012
39
it takes an
Auggie
During fall 2011, 26 student callers dialed 37,925 times, spoke with 3,178 constituents
(parents, friends, and alumni), and raised almost 700 gifts totaling $66,574.
Meet our Augsburg Fund callers
ANYA CLEAVER
Major: Political science, minors in
German and communication studies
Hometown: Technically, Buxton, England
Activities and interests: Queer and Straight
in Unity (QSU), Echo newspaper, Augsburg
Atheist and Secular Humanist group
Interesting fact about me: I moved to Minnesota at age 12 from a town outside of
Manchester, England, because England is
drab and rainy.
KALEB
WILLIAMS
Favorite things about Augsburg and the city:
I’m a film buff, and I love the independent movie theaters. I also like the riverfront and Harriet Island in St. Paul.
Major: Public relations and advertising
Hometown: Lakeville, Minn.
Activities and interests: Football
Interesting fact about me: I always say I’m
like an old black man; I have an old soul.
I think I would have fit in well in the 60s
or 70s.
Favorite things about Augsburg and the city:
It’s such a diverse place, and everyone
seems to get along well. Every day I feel
like I meet someone new.
Favorite Augsburg experience: The football
game last season against St. Thomas. It
was a home game, and the stands were
packed. At the time, we were the top
two teams in the MIAC, so it was pretty
exciting.
40
Augsburg Now
My favorite Augsburg experience: I was a
summer orientation leader and got to connect with many students from different
backgrounds. It helped me learn about
being more inclusive, and I made a lot
of friends.
KATHERINE
WALKER
Major: International relations, minor in
peace and global studies and religion
Hometown: Brainerd, Minn.
Activities and interests: Study Japanese,
volunteer tutor, editor for the Honors
Review
Interesting fact about me: I plan to go to
Vietnam this summer to teach English at
the British Embassy.
Favorite things about Augsburg and the city:
I love Augsburg’s emphasis on community
service. I think that if I had gone to another college, it wouldn’t have given me
such an introduction to the community. I
feel like I live in this neighborhood; I
don’t just go to school here.
Favorite Augsburg experience: I went to El
Salvador to take a class over winter break
two years ago with assistant religion professor Matt Maruggi. We studied liberation
theology, and we got to interact with local
people, community activists, and religious
leaders. We stayed in a small self-sufficient
community in the middle of the jungle, and
there were baby pigs running around.
AN
LEGACY
Dr. Gerald Mindrum
“I shall always remember the personal influence of many Augsburg professors
on my life and career, and also appreciate the continued support of Augsburg
to communities—both at the neighborhood and the global scale. I hope my
charitable gift annuity will foster a similar experience for future students.”
1-800-273-0617
www.augsburg.edu/giving
2211 Riverside Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55454
The Gage Center for Student Success and
Groves Technology Center
The Gage Center for Student Success and Groves Technology Center have quickly become a
hub of student activity. This photo, created by merging 10 different photographs together,
is a still life time-lapse image showing how this common space is constantly being used by
all members of the community.
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
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AUGSBURG NOW
SUMMER 2011
VOL. 73, NO. 3
inside
auggies
Augsburg Now
The Magazine of Augsburg College
25Awesome
Years
of Life-Changing
internships Commencement 2011
Ali Rapp ’11 Gage Center for Student Success
Travel
International Auggies Ask an Auggie expert
page
20
Achievement
in the ... Show more
AUGSBURG NOW
SUMMER 2011
VOL. 73, NO. 3
inside
auggies
Augsburg Now
The Magazine of Augsburg College
25Awesome
Years
of Life-Changing
internships Commencement 2011
Ali Rapp ’11 Gage Center for Student Success
Travel
International Auggies Ask an Auggie expert
page
20
Achievement
in the classroom Nick Ward ’11
go
global
notes
from President Pribbenow
Assistant Vice President of
Marketing and Communication
Rebecca John
rjohn@augsburg.edu
Creative Associate-Editorial
Wendi Wheeler ’06
wheelerw@augsburg.edu
Creative Director
Kathy Rumpza ’05 MAL
rumpza@augsburg.edu
Education off the main road
Creative Associate-Design
a
s I write these words for the summer issue of
the Augsburg Now—which includes stories illustrating Augsburg’s vision of educating
global citizens—I am in Oslo, Norway, attending an
international conference on the links between higher
education and democracy, and also spending time
with Augsburg students studying peace and conflict
mediation at the University of Oslo. I am struck by
how relevant Augsburg’s longstanding commitment
to what I call an “education off the main road” is to
preparing our students for life in the 21st century. A
simple story illustrates my point.
In a trip last fall to Augsburg’s Center for Global
Education (CGE) campus in Windhoek, Namibia, I remember looking out at the sparkling lights as I was
hosted at a dinner in an ultra-modern restaurant high
above the city. All was well, it seemed, as I waited for
my dinner companions to arrive.
But the view from our perch above the city, nestled in an obviously affluent subdivision of the burgeoning city, belied my experiences earlier in the day.
I had witnessed the remnants of an apartheid system.
Formerly separate cemeteries for whites, colored, and
blacks. Housing that was clearly demarcated by tribal
class. Primary and secondary schools stratified by social class. A sprawling tin village—the so-called “informal settlements”—in which tens of thousands of
Namibians lived in squalor, unable to find work after
they arrived in the city and were left to their own devices to survive. Health clinics with waiting rooms full
of women seeking both prenatal care and HIV tests.
Non-governmental organizations struggling to serve
the needs of indigenous people whose rights were
neglected. The stark contrasts of the day were mindbending.
My dinner companions arrived—a labor activist
and a teacher working to improve education for indigenous people—and as I described our day in
Windhoek, one of them commented that he was
grateful I had witnessed these contrasts because too
many outsiders come to Namibia and travel only “the
main road,” from which all seems well. I had left that
main road and experienced the real Namibia.
My experience that day was a snapshot of what
our CGE students encounter each semester in
Namibia as they participate in intense experiences
that open their eyes to the life-transforming dynamics
of life in this developing country. Through extended
homestays in both urban and rural areas, internships
with organizations doing important social and educational work, classes that feature speakers who have
firsthand experience of the tensions in Namibia’s life,
and opportunities for significant interaction with
Namibian people and culture, our students experience life off the main road in this remarkable country, just 22 years after it declared independence.
And when these students return home to the
U.S., we know they carry with them knowledge and
experiences of this place and its good people that will
shape the decisions they make about their own lives
and what they might be called to do in the world.
Some may return to Africa, perhaps as medical workers or teachers. But most will not, and, for them, we
trust and know that their experiences off the main
road in Namibia will help them understand their own
privilege in an increasingly complex world—privilege
that must be named and then put to responsible use
in the search for equity and justice, both in their personal lives and in the systems they inhabit.
Off the main road in Namibia, off the main road
wherever Augsburg offers its distinctive education for
global citizenship. I’m only beginning to understand
how critical our work as a college is in transforming
the lives of students and contributing to a different
vision of our common future as global citizens.
Jen Nagorski ’08
nagorski@augsburg.edu
Photographer
Stephen Geffre
geffre@augsburg.edu
Director of News and
Media Services
Stephanie Weiss
weisss@augsburg.edu
Webmaster/Now Online
Bryan Barnes
barnesb@augsburg.edu
Sports Information Director
Don Stoner
stoner@augsburg.edu
Director of Alumni and
Constituent Relations
Kim Stone
stonek@augsburg.edu
www.augsburg.edu
Augsburg Now is published by
Augsburg College
2211 Riverside Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55454
Opinions expressed in Augsburg Now
do not necessarily reflect official
College policy.
ISSN 1058-1545
Send address corrections to:
Advancement Services
CB 142
Augsburg College
2211 Riverside Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55454
langemo@augsburg.edu
E-mail: now@augsburg.edu
PAUL C. PRIBBENOW, PRESIDENT
summer 2011
Features
11
6
“Problem” students become problem solvers
BY WENDI WHEELER ’06
14
21
Auggies
are everywhere
BY STEPHANIE WEISS
.
16 Gloria Xinico Morales ’12
A girl of the world
17 Max Bregenzer ’12
Living life to the Max
17 Erica Lippitt ’12
Family teamwork creates a world of possibility
18 Jiahua (Holly) Huang ’12
Holly is a regular Minnesotan
8
14
18 Dat Nguyen ’11
contents
Unlocking possibilities and potential at Augsburg
26
19 Faiza Abbas Mahamud ’11
A life that defies definition
20 Ibrahim Al-Hajiby ’14
Life in the United States: Different, but not weird
21
26
Real experience in the working world
BY WENDI WHEELER ’06
Commencement 2011
BY WENDI WHEELER ’06
Departments
On the cover
International Auggies Gloria Xinico Morales, Alom Martínez, Zebokhon
Tursunova, and Gottlieb Uahengo have fun at a Minneapolis landmark,
Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen’s Spoonbridge and Cherry.
All photos by Stephen Geffre unless otherwise indicated.
augsburg now
inside
front
cover
2
6
8
9
10
28
32
Notes from President Pribbenow
Around the Quad
My Auggie experience
Auggies on the track
It takes an Auggie
Auggie voices
Alumni news
Class notes
quad
around the
NEWSNOTES
National fellowship and scholarship awards
Fulbright Awards, 2011-12
• Katie Edelen ’11, majoring in chemistry, biology, and environmental studies, received a Fulbright Research Grant to Norway. She
will study and carry out research at the Peace Research Institute
of Oslo. (See story page 10.)
Urban Debate League success at nationals
Two teams from the Minnesota Urban Debate League (UDL), part of
Augsburg’s Sabo Center for Citizenship and Learning, were among the
top 10 teams in the country at the National Urban Debate League
(NAUDL) tournament in New York in April. A student debater from each
of the two teams—Washburn and South high schools—placed seventh
and eighth respectively in individual speaker competition.
Newberry Library Fellowship to
Michael Lansing
Michael Lansing, assistant professor of
history, received the Lloyd Lewis Fellowship in American History for 2011–12.
The fellowship will support the ongoing
work of his book-length research project
on the Nonpartisan League.
Norma Noonan honored for long-term
direction of the MAL program
Norma Noonan was honored this spring after
stepping down as director of the
Master of Arts in Leadership (MAL) program.
Throughout her 18 years of directing
and teaching in the program, Noonan has
been both a leader and a shaper of leaders. Since the mid-’90s, Noonan has had an exceptionally steady
hand in leading the ongoing development of the MAL program and
the Leadership Center. Students have appreciated her accessibility,
encouragement, and clarity. Although she is leaving the director position, Noonan will continue to teach at Augsburg and support the
College’s commitment to leadership.
2
Augsburg Now
• Jennifer Oliver, a graduate student in education and former financial aid counselor in the Enrollment Center, received a Fulbright
English Teaching Assistantship in Germany.
Goldwater Scholarship—Math major Austin Wagner ’12 received Honorable Mention for a Barry S. Goldwater Scholarship.
Newman Civic Fellows—Claire Bergren ’12 was honored by Campus
Compact for her community work around racial justice and social issues linked to poverty.
Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship—Katie Edelen will pursue graduate
study in environmental management in 2012–13.
Udall Scholarship—Kathy DeKrey ’12, an environmental studies and
political science pre-law double major, has been awarded a Udall
Scholarship for 2011–12.
Top green power purchaser
Augsburg College has been recognized by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the 2010-11
top green power purchaser in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC). Augsburg College
purchased more than 13 million kilowatt-hours of
green power, representing 100 percent of the
school’s annual electricity usage on
the Minneapolis campus.
This is the equivalent to
avoiding the carbon dioxide emissions from the electricity use of more than 1,000 average U.S. homes
or nearly 2,000 cars annually.
EXCELLENCE in research
In April 2011, Jeremy Anthony, a senior
Presidential
Award for
mathematics major, represented
Augsburg College in the Council on
Undergraduate Research Posters on
Community Service
the Hill event. This event, held each
year in Washington, D.C., showcased
Metropolitan Regional Arts Council Awards
Augsburg College earned two $10,000 grants
from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council for
programs recognized for providing “high-quality, age-appropriate arts education.”
Medieval Minnesota: This one-week boarding camp for students ages 14 to17 reimagines life during the Middle Ages.
Students study medieval history, the Crusades, castle design, and the history of
labyrinths. They also learn to build a medieval costume, juggle, dance, fence, and
entertain. The camp, in its fifth year, attracts
students from across the United States and
Canada. For more information, go to www.augsburg.edu/medievalminnesota.
Centro Youth Workshop: This summer photography
workshop provides 10 youths from metropolitan
Latino/Chicano communities the opportunity to develop technical and artistic photography skills. The
program, which is in its second year, is a partnership
between the College and Centro, a Minneapolis-based
social service nonprofit. Learn more at http://overexposuremedia.org/.
the research of 75 undergraduate stu-
Courtesy photo
Augsburg is one of six higher
education institutions in
the nation to receive the
2010 Presidential Award for
Community Service from the Corporation for National and Community Service. This is the highest award given that recognizes institutions for their
commitment to and achievement in community service, and Augsburg is
the only Minnesota school to receive this honor. In three previous years,
the College has been named to the President’s Honor Roll with the additional designation of “With Distinction.”
During the 2009-10 school year, Auggies contributed nearly 200,000
hours of community service to programs, including course-based servicelearning, Bonner Leaders, Campus Kitchen, community gardens,
GEMS/GISE/STEM summer programs, Urban Scrubs Camp, and more.
More than 1,700 students and 200 faculty and staff participated in service-learning last year.
dents from colleges and universities
across the country.
L to R: Isanti mayor George Wimmer, Senator Al Franken, and Clayton McNeff ’91,
vice president of research at SarTec Corporation.
SENATOR FRANKEN
visits Ever Cat Fuels
On April 21, U.S. Senator Al Franken visited Ever Cat Fuels in Isanti, Minn., which
can produce three million gallons of biodiesel each year using the Mcgyan
Process. In 2008, the discovery of the Mcgyan Process began with student research by Brian Krohn ’08, along with chemistry professor Arlin Gyberg.
The process received its first patent in March 2011.
Augsburg receives second grant
for Travelers EDGE
Augsburg received a second gift from Travelers Insurance for their
Empowering Dreams for Graduation and Employment (EDGE) program. This program focuses on college recruitment and retention of
low-income and first-generation students. In Minnesota, the focus is
specifically on students graduating from the St. Paul Public School
district.
The $100,000 grant will be used for Augsburg’s Travelers
Pathways program for financial literacy training, which is open to all
students. Current Augsburg juniors and seniors who graduated from
a St. Paul public high school may be eligible to apply for a $5,000
annual scholarship, which brings with it opportunities for job shadowing, internships, and mentoring.
Summer 2011
3
In Memoriam:
Jessica Nathanson
Jessica Nathanson, assistant professor and director of the women’s studies program and the
Women’s Resource Center at Augsburg College, died April 5 of breast cancer. Nathanson’s passion for and knowledge of social justice and gender issues was instrumental in shaping the
women’s studies community at Augsburg. Nathanson earned a BA from Wesleyan University and
an MA and PhD from the State University of New York at Buffalo. She co-edited the book Mother
Knows Best: Talking Back to the “Experts” and enjoyed a wide following as a blogger on feminist
issues. The following is an excerpt of an original spoken word piece read by Lucreshia Grant ’11
at the multifaith service in Hoversten Chapel to remember and celebrate Nathanson’s life.
An excerpt from
There are so much things to say
By Lucreshia Grant ’11
For Jessica Nathanson
There are so much things to say right now
There are so much things to say
There are so much things to say right now
There are so much things to say
…
Friends, let me tell you
If we had the time to recall every moment where in which this
woman made me feel like I could levitate, I swear it’d take all day…
This is a piece about praise today because,
if there was bad between us
I just can’t remember it
I never knew I could float with pride this way.
I came in here rusty and naïve, too big for my own britches
You saw a light in me and followed it
My writing then, was sloppy, holey and dishonest
There are times when writing for an audience is just plain perjury
And every time I lifted my pen from this paper in disbelief
Turned my palms up in discouragement
You calmly, proclaimed that
“That must be the oppression talking.”
That day I thought my heart would beat right through my ribcage
I never imagined that someone might get it
Get me, get this
I love you, for the tears you allowed me to cry, often and
The beauty you believed me to write
And I can’t help believing that we were meant to be
in a space like SVERDRUP 207
warm and complicated
in the differences between us
4
Augsburg Now
age, race, class, time, distance
there is love in that and we confronted it daily
learning that
oppression sometimes smells like privilege and
power doesn’t always have to be dominance
you are my best memory about this place and
I know we’re not done
Cuz you African dance through my dreams
Reminding me of the freedom I already keep, on my tongue
You’re in my windpipe
Part of the cadence and confidence in my voice
You’re the social justice in my strut
I won’t lower my head in fear again
Eyes forward ready to stand completely still with another
You gave me grace, honored me with respect
Not just a Black woman on a stage to you…clap me a round of
“thanks and that was beautifuls”
But she knew the truth.
Knew I was a Queen, believed my words and told me.
There are so much things to say
I have so much to say, but I can say nothing fully at all.
Thanks for all the books and
Reminding me that I can do this
Thanks for believing in feminism enough to teach it.
Thanks for loving us as much as you did
Thanks for loving me
It’s not over, we’re not done
You’ll see
Because
This place became a home for me because you were in it
It is better because you graced it
Because you believed it I am better
Jessica, thank you!
CONGRATULATIONS
TO OUR RETIRING TENURED FACULTY
Retiring faculty were honored at the
Faculty Recognition Luncheon on May 5.
Nora Braun, Business Administration
Nora Braun has been described as a role model for successfully
balancing the demands of professional and personal responsibilities
with incredible patience, integrity, and humor during her 14 years
at Augsburg. A few of her contributions include participating in the
College’s accreditation program, chairing a keystone collaborative,
helping to design the business keystone course, and being involved
in the initial design process for the Augsburg Master of Business
Administration program. Braun enjoys writing and is the author of a
children’s book that explores the life of the middle child.
Francine Chakolis, Social Work
Bruce Reichenbach, Philosophy
Francine Chakolis graduated from Augsburg in 1978. Since 1983,
her dedication to her colleagues and students has taken many
forms. Always a proud Auggie, Chakolis was a formidable leader
and the first director of the Master of Social Work program in the
1990s. Her colleague Tony Bibus used these words to describe
Chakolis, “…spouse, mother, family, and COMMUNITY, with capital letters. She is also a teacher, activist, fighter, administrator,
leader, and social worker.”
Bruce Reichenbach began his teaching career at Augsburg 43 years
ago. Students have always been at the top of his priorities, and they
received the very best of Reichenbach’s passion and deep commitment to learning. He organized and led the writing team for the Lilly
Grant and then served on its advisory board. As a logical outgrowth
of the Lilly Grant to explore vocation, he worked on the development
of an extended orientation for first-year and second-year faculty.
Reichenbach is a prolific scholar, having written a dozen books and
many articles, and is regarded for his expertise in helping faculty understand how to teach critical thinking.
Dan Hanson, Communication Studies
A 1986 graduate of the Weekend College program, Dan Hanson
began taking classes when he was a vice president at Land
O’Lakes. A dedicated colleague and teacher for 23 years, Hanson
developed several courses, including the communication studies
keystone course and a course for the Master of Arts in Leadership
program. He is the author of several books, including A Place to
Shine and Room for J: A Family Struggles with Schizophrenia.
Hanson has devoted his energy and years of experience and expertise to the development of his students in both undergraduate
and graduate program classes.
Lynne Lorenzen, Religion
At a reception honoring Lynne Lorenzen’s 22-year career at
Augsburg, Professor Bev Stratton referred to Lorenzen as a trailblazer. A tireless advocate for gender rights on campus and in
broader communities, Lorenzens’s collaboration on the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America’s (ELCA) first sexuality task force 20
years ago laid the groundwork for the decision to recognize lesbian
and gay clergy in committed, same-gender relationships. She played
an important role in the design and development of the
Augsburg/Associated Colleges of the Twin Cities (ACTC) women’s
studies program. An active member and leader in the Lutheran
church, Lorenzen’s classes at Augsburg also reflected her interests
and focus on theology, church studies, and feminism.
Charley Sheaffer, Computer Science
Charley Sheaffer has been involved in several curricular development efforts in his department since he joined the College in
1997. He helped revise the computer science major to include the
programming languages and compilers sequence. He was a co-creator of a three-credit cognitive science course, which was instrumental in increasing confidence among many students about their
ability to handle college-level work. His colleague Larry Crockett
said, “If the measure of a person is finally the ability to retain a
gracious sense of humor in the face of all that life can present,
then Charley is a remarkable person indeed.”
Nan Skelton, Center for Democracy and Citizenship
As co-director of the Center for Democracy and Citizenship (CDC) at
Augsburg College, Nan Skelton led the center’s external public work
in civic education, reclaiming neighborhoods, and the democratic
renewal of education. She is a co-founder of the Jane Addams
School for Democracy; and she has been an architect of the
Neighborhood Learning Community and, more recently, Learning in
Cities (also called Sprockets), pioneering new approaches to learning
and education. Prior to joining the CDC in 1994, Skelton served as
assistant commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Education
and provided leadership with the National Governors Association.
Summer 2011
5
my
Auggie experience
Floating on the social media bubble
If you’re a friend of Ali Rapp ’11 and weren’t a frequent visitor
to the communication and film studies office where she
worked on campus, you maybe “saw” her on Facebook and
Twitter. And if you didn’t attend a class or go to a local restaurant with her, you may have kept up with the goings-on of Ali
Rapp’s life—and maybe still do—through her blog, “No, I am
a Cat.”
Rapp was the social media intern for Augsburg’s admissions office since 2007. In this position, she maintained her
own blog and managed other student bloggers on Homemade,
the College’s unobstructed window on student life.
6
Augsburg Now
The student bloggers kept prospective and current students entertained and up-to-date with real-life posts about classes, favorite
professors, internships, experiences abroad, papers and projects,
social events, and general commentary on life as an Auggie.
Homemade follows a national trend among college admissions
offices to engage and recruit students using social media. A May
2009 article from The Chronicle of Higher Education cites data
from the Center for Marketing Research at the University of
Massachusetts Dartmouth. It shows that in fall 2008, 61 percent
of admissions offices were using social-networking sites and 41
percent had blogs, up from 29 percent and 33 percent, respectively, in 2007.
Rapp thinks Homemade is an easy way to give new students a
view of Augsburg that they might not get through visits with admissions staff. “Incoming students aren’t dumb,” she said. “They
know that things go on that no one talks about. I think they appreciate our honesty.”
Staying afloat in the social media bubble is more than writing
and editing posts and reminding bloggers to blog. It’s also about
using other social media tools such as Facebook and the microblog
tool Twitter to raise awareness of the blogs. Throughout her internship, Rapp became more adept at promoting Homemade using
unique accounts on those social media sites.
Rapp said the key to staying on top of social media is to remember
that it is always changing. “For me it’s a matter of realizing I can’t
stop learning. If I stay off of Twitter and Facebook for too long, I will
lose some of it.”
To be sure, social media is growing in importance not only for
recruiting new students but also for keeping current students,
alumni, donors, faculty and staff, and the community engaged in
the life of the College. Many campus departments including the
Enrollment Center, Campus Kitchen, the bookstore, and the dining
service rely on social media to keep students informed. Auggie
Eagle is on Facebook, too.
In the fall, Rapp will begin graduate studies at the University of
Minnesota in communication studies with a focus on critical media
studies. She hopes to continue research started as an undergraduate on computer-mediated communication and to explore the role
of social media in the communication studies field.
And just in case you’re wondering, “No, I am a Cat” has no
meaning. At least none that Rapp can remember. She doesn’t have
a cat at her Minneapolis home. She does, however, have a dog
named Per. If you were following her social life through social
media, you may have read about him on her blog, too.
WENDI WHEELER ’06
Keeping up with social media
@Augsburg College
Throughout Augsburg College, many departments and programs are finding that
one of the best ways to stay in touch with prospective and current students,
alumni, and the community is through social media.
BLOGS YOU MIGHT LIKE:
Homemade—www.augsburg.edu/homemade
President Pribbenow’s blog—follow at www.augsburg.edu/president
FACEBOOK PAGES YOU SHOULD “LIKE:”
Augsburg College—the official page of the College (2,879 followers)
Augsburg College Alumni Association—all the alumni news you need, and a
great way to connect with your Auggie friends (336 followers)
Augsburg College Homemade—you guessed it (285 followers)
Auggie Eagle—be Auggie’s friend (1,251 followers)
FOLLOW US ON TWITTER:
@AugsburgCollege (1,088 followers)
@paulpribbenow (258 followers)
@auggieshomemade (107 followers)
Number of followers listed are as of July 2011.
auggies on the track
More than an all-around guy
At Augsburg, Nick Ward ’11 worked hard to
be an all-around student-athlete—one who
was as dedicated to his studies as he was
to setting records on the track. In his last
year of college, he put in extra time to add
one more accomplishment to his list:
All-American athlete.
A physics and mathematics major originally from Milwaukee, Wis., Ward says he had
no intention of participating in college track
and wanted instead to focus on academics.
Then a couple of his first-year friends talked
him into joining the track team.
Augsburg track and field coach, Dennis
Barker, says Ward was a very coachable athlete and a good listener. “He always tried to
absorb and understand the concepts behind
what I asked him to do,” Barker said. “I think
that’s partly the way he thinks as a physics
student.”
Barker was impressed with Ward’s commitment. “I don’t know anyone who studies as
much as he studies,” Barker said. He speculates that track offered a chance for Ward to
let loose after spending long hours in the lab
and the library. “I think track and field maybe
comes more naturally to Nick than physics,
but that never stopped him from excelling,”
Barker said.
Being a member of the Auggie track team
turned out to be a good choice for Ward. One
of the top men’s sprinters in school history,
he earned his first trip to national competition this spring when he competed in
the men’s 55-meter dash at the
National Collegiate Athletic
Association (NCAA) indoor
championships in Columbus,
Ohio. Ward’s qualifying time
of 10.73 seconds in the
men’s 100-meter dash was
the 17th-fastest among the
22 entrants in the event.
Last season, Ward won
the conference titles in
the men’s 55-meter dash
and men’s long jump at
the MIAC indoor championships, while finishing
second in the men’s 100meter dash and winning a
conference title as part of
the 400-meter relay at
the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC)
outdoor championships.
In his first-ever appearance at the NCAA
championships in May, Ward clocked a time
of 11.07 seconds to record a 20th-place finish in the event. As one of the top sprinters
in Augsburg school history, Ward will end his
career having earned seven MIAC titles, 12
All-MIAC honors, and eight All-MIAC honorable-mention honors, to go along with eight
school records.
Off the track, Ward completed his studies
with a 3.2 grade point average and conducted
summer research in physics as a McNair
Scholar and also through the North Star
STEM Alliance program. He credits his academic success to faculty and staff who encouraged him, namely his physics adviser Ben
Stottrup, Tina Tavera from the McNair Scholars program, and Rebekah Dupont who advises North Star STEM students at Augsburg.
“They pushed me throughout my whole
college career, making me apply for internships and for research opportunities off campus. I guess they motivated me to keep
going,” he said. Ward applied to three graduate school programs and was accepted into
the master’s program in electrical engineering
at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical
State University in Greensboro.
“Nick has such a great attitude and is always so excited about the opportunities he
has,” Barker said. “I think he feels very fortunate to be at Augsburg, studying in a stellar
physics department and being on the track
team. I think he’s enjoying life here.”
After four outstanding seasons and a successful academic career, Ward’s goal for the
end of the season was to be named an AllAmerican in the 100- and 200-meter dashes
and in the long jump. Unfortunately his name
was not on the NCAA Division III list, but that
doesn’t change the fact that Nick Ward is an
impressive student and athlete.
For Ward, a somewhat shy young man,
talking about his accomplishments is one
thing that does not come easily. “I guess I’m
just trying to be an all-around guy,” he said.
WENDI WHEELER ’06 AND DON STONER
8
Augsburg Now
it takes an
Courtesy photo
Auggie
Visionary leadership in support of student success
In 1984, Skip and Barbara Gage’s oldest son, Geoff, made an unexpected choice. Though he had been determined to attend school
in California, the high school senior decided after a tour of the
Augsburg campus that he preferred to become an Auggie. At parent
orientation the following fall, Skip and Barbara joined the campus
community for the first time.
“We couldn’t have been more pleased with the nurturing and
caring environment provided at Augsburg,” Skip said.
While they remained proud Auggie parents (all four of their
children attended classes at Augsburg, and two graduated from the
College), it didn’t take long for Skip and Barbara to take a more active role in the community. Just two years later, Augsburg President
Charles Anderson asked Barbara to join the board of regents, where
she served for 12 years, including four years as chair of the board.
During the early years of Barbara’s service, she and Skip approached President Anderson to discuss ways to expand student
support.
“We’ve had distinct experience with learning differences in our
family,” Skip said, but at that time, little research had been done
on learning differences at the college level. In fact, according to
the Gages, Augsburg and the University of Colorado, Boulder, were
Barbara and Skip Gage
Skip and Barbara have supported other campus projects
through the years, including the Scandinavian Center,
Lindell Library, Anderson Plaza, and the Gage Family Art Gallery.
And, with their newest gift, the Gages once again reveal their enthusiasm for student support and innovative programming.
The Gage Family Foundation and the Carlson Foundation last
spring announced that they will collectively contribute $900,000 toward the creation of the Gage Center for Student Success—a centralized place where all
“We were so thankful that we had found a school that actually had ways to help
students can go to enhance their learning and
students with learning differences,” Barbara said. “We were excited to help
achieve their academic goals. Construction for
make the program larger and able to meet the needs of more students.”
the center started this summer in Lindell
Library. The center will be on the link level,
the only two colleges they found that provided support services to
creating space at the heart of the campus for the CLASS program as
students with different learning abilities.
well as numerous other academic success programs.
Passionate about this cause, Skip and Barbara commissioned a
Barbara noted the importance of having the learning center
$30,000 study on programming to support learning differences.
near the College’s technological resources and at a centralized loBased on this study’s findings, the Gages, together with the
cation.
Carlson Family Foundation, committed half a million dollars and
“The center will be a part of the students’ daily lives,” she
raised another half a million to institute a new program at
said. “[The students who use the center] will become advocates of
Augsburg, which evolved into the Center for Learning and Adaptive
learning.”
Student Services (CLASS). This program provides services to help
The Gages believe that Augsburg’s leadership in student sucall students—regardless of learning style, preference, or need—
cess is due in part to its mission for service.
reach their full potential at Augsburg.
“Augsburg has been wonderful in being inclusive in working
“We were so thankful that we had found a school that actually
with students of different needs,” Barbara said. “I’m so proud to
had ways to help students with learning differences,” Barbara said. be a part of it.”
“We were excited to help make the program larger and able to meet
the needs of more students.”
KAYLA SKARBAKKA ’09
Summer 2011
9
auggie voices
Treating the system instead of the symptoms
Katie Edelen ’11 wanted to be a
doctor from the time she was five
years old. She watched surgery on
the Discovery Channel before naptime and begged her parents to let
her be present at the birth of her
two younger siblings.
It wasn’t until she was in college
and working with doctors in India
that Edelen realized she did not actually want to be a doctor.
Soon after she arrived at
Augsburg, Edelen began looking for
an opportunity to volunteer abroad
to gain medical experience helping
people in war-torn countries. She
had been interested in Doctors
Without Borders, so she contacted
native health non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to find volunteer opportunities. In her junior year,
Edelen landed in Chennai, India,
where she shadowed doctors in government hospitals and another who
brought internal medicine services to
refugee camps, slums, and villages.
“What really spoke to me were all
the people who had been exposed to
water-borne, preventable diseases
because of unsafe sanitary conditions,” she recalled. Though she had
been interested in environmental issues before traveling to India, there
she began to see in a new way the
consequences of peoples’ actions on
the environment. She saw that issues related to health, education,
poverty, and social justice were connected to environmental problems.
“That is when I started to become
interested in treatment of the systematic inequalities as opposed to
putting a band-aid on the problem,”
she said.
This experience led Edelen to
pursue other opportunities centered
10
Augsburg Now
on water and its role in society. She
took a course on environmental and
river politics led by Augsburg political science professor Joe Underhill.
She traveled to Uganda and worked
with villagers on water access and
conservation, even starting a “safe
water and hygiene club” in the primary school.
This summer, she will be in
Norway on a Fulbright fellowship
researching the correlation between
armed conflict and water hazards
and scarcity at the Peace Research
Institute in Oslo. Following her
time in Norway, Edelen will pursue
graduate work in environmental
studies on a Rotary Ambassadorial
Scholarship.
A triple major in chemistry, biology, and environmental studies,
Edelen said her education and experiences abroad have solidified her
desire to work in the area of policy
analysis and research. “I really see
my vocational work and my background bridging the different realms
of sciences and the humanities together to address problems,” she
said. “The nexus between science,
policy, and society can be messy
and convoluted, but that’s what really excites me about it.”
Edelen said her parents instilled
in her the importance of taking initiative, encouraging her interest in
medicine even before she began
grade school. “I’ve always had a desire to make a difference in the
world somehow. That’s what really
motivates me. I want to use my gifts
as a way to help the world.”
WENDI WHEELER ’06
To read more about Katie Edelen, go to
www.augsburg.edu/now.
“PROBLEM” STUDENTS BECOME
PROBLEM SOLVERS
BY WENDI WHEELER ’06
Visualize young people in our public schools making positive change in their communities. Who comes to mind? Probably not middle school
students in the special education classroom—kids with emotional and behavioral disabilities who have difficulty paying attention and communicating with each other or their teachers.
Typically, students in special education are labeled as troublemakers. They are marginalized, silenced, and given little choice in their daily
school tasks. But a partnership between Augsburg College and Fridley Middle School hopes to change that. By giving students a voice in their
education and allowing them to focus their time and energy on an issue they care about, this program has turned “problem” students into
public problem solvers.
Public Achievement in special education
Piloted in the 2010-11 academic year, Augsburg’s program
at Fridley Middle School (FMS) is a partnership involving
Augsburg’s Center for Democracy and Citizenship (CDC), the
Augsburg special education faculty and students in the
Master of Arts in Education (MAE) program, and teachers
and students from the school.
The project began when Susan O’Connor, associate professor
of special education at Augsburg, heard Dennis Donovan and
Nan Skelton of the CDC speak about the Public Achievement
model. This model for youth civic organizing was developed by
the CDC’s Harry Boyte. In the classroom, Public Achievement
serves as an empowerment tool that allows students to create
change in an area that they select and take ownership of as
a group.
To O’Connor, Public Achievement seemed like a fit for special education classrooms. “It was like the self-advocacy tool
we are always encouraging teachers to use with their students,”
she said. “The kids with EBD (emotional/behavioral disabilities)
are kids that typically don’t have a voice in their school work.
They’re told what to do. They’re told how to act.”
O’Connor and Donna Patterson from the Augsburg special
education faculty learned how to implement Public Achievement in the classroom. They looked for a location to pilot the
project and settled on FMS because two of the special educa-
tion teachers—Michael Ricci ’07 and Alissa Blood ’07—are
graduates of Augsburg’s teacher education program. Finally,
they hand-picked five MAE students from the Critical Issues
seminar course to work with the middle school students and
then began weekly classes at Fridley in the fall term.
A new way of teaching and learning
The Public Achievement model identifies classroom teachers as
coaches and places all responsibility for decision-making and
action on the students. The middle school students identified
two projects: one concerning alternative energy and another on
homelessness.
In each project, the students were responsible for designing
every aspect. They created timelines, conducted research, contacted experts and members of the community to schedule
speaking engagements or field trips, and communicated about
their projects with faculty and students in their school.
Cheryl McClellan, an Augsburg MAE student, worked with
the “Solar Heroes” team on installing solar panels to light the
school’s flag and a solar thermal to heat water for domestic
uses at the school. “The idea is, the students decide who gets
invited to be a part of the project. They find out how to contact people, send them an e-mail or call, and follow up with
them,” McClellan said. At the end of the year, Solar Heroes
had not been able to finalize the projects but pledged to con-
Summer 2011
21
11
tinue working on fundraising initiatives
for the solar panels.
For many of the students, these were
tasks they had never been entrusted to perform. In addition to learning about how it
feels to be empowered, McClellan said students also came to understand that community organizing and advocacy is not always
easy work. “You get a lot of ‘no’s,’ but they
are learning the skills to move forward.”
Kayla Krebs is one of the Augsburg MAE
students working with “Team Making a
Way,” the class focused on homelessness.
Her students went to the State Capitol to
speak with legislators and also made fleece
blankets to donate to Families Moving
Forward, a North Minneapolis shelter that
provides services for families with children
who are experiencing homelessness.
Krebs saw her role in the classroom as a
facilitator. “I learned how to be flexible and
how to let the students’ voices shine.” For
students with special needs, she says this is
an important part of the learning process because “so many times, people tell them
what to do.”
Molly McInnis, an Augsburg MAE student, said the program has taught her a new
way of teaching. “I have learned how to let
the students make the decisions and drive
their own project,” she said. “I can’t come
in and be a teacher—I need to listen to
them and let them lead.”
Blood said the program was beneficial to
her students because they struggle with
taking responsibility. “This program has
given them a sense of power and responsibility and taught them that what they think
and do matters. They are much more committed and have a sense of pride in what
they are doing.”
By giving students the power to choose
the issues they want to work on and the
methods of solving problems, Donovan said
the students have developed the capacity to
become public problem solvers. That means
they work to solve problems affecting the
Augsburg-Fridley
Public Achievement Team
Back Row [L to R]: Dennis Donovan, Stephen Keeler, Cheryl
McClennan, Alissa Blood, Steph Bloxham, Heidi Austin,
*Barbara West
Middle Row [L to R]: Michael Ricci, *Susan O’Connor,
*Dee Vodicka, *Elizabeth Ankeny, *Donna Patterson
Front Row [L to R]: Molly McInnis, Becki Hamlin, Kayla Krebs
*Augsburg College Faculty
12
Augsburg Now
“THIS PROGRAM HAS GIVEN THEM A SENSE OF POWER AND
RESPONSIBILITY AND TAUGHT THEM THAT WHAT THEY THINK AND DO
MATTERS. THEY ARE MUCH MORE COMMITTED AND HAVE A SENSE OF
PRIDE IN WHAT THEY ARE DOING.”
ALISSA BLOOD ’07
public and are doing it in a public way. The
students created displays for cases outside
their classroom, logos and posters for their
projects, appeared on the FMS Friday
radio broadcast, spoke at a luncheon at
Augsburg, and held a public presentation
at the school. “Kids that are marginalized
really rise to the top when they are given
power,” he said.
“In education, we say it’s not an
achievement gap—it’s an empowerment
gap,” Donovan said. “We have to ask ourselves how we can empower teachers and
students to learn about things that are
meaningful to them and have a voice in
their education.”
Lessons for teachers
One of the most important reasons for implementing this Public Achievement project was to drive institutional change,
O’Connor said. “We want these students to
be seen in a more positive light, not as
trouble-makers.” She added that the Fridley
students were noticed by their administrators and peers, recognized publicly for
their work, and asked to contribute to future discussions.
Another goal of the project was to bring
lessons learned by the Augsburg students
and faculty into the special education curriculum at Augsburg. The faculty are creating a three-year plan to integrate into
the special education curriculum and
hope to develop a Public Achievement
coaching course that can be used in other
departments.
Donovan is excited to see how this project will affect Augsburg’s special education curriculum and students. “I think
Augsburg students are going to be different teachers because of this experience,”
he said. A former public school administrator, Donovan is passionate about working with teachers and helping them
acquire new skills for the classroom.
Helping the Fridley students find their
voice and become more visible in their
middle school community are outcomes
that also had a strong impact on the
Augsburg students who will one day lead
their own classrooms.
Heidi Austin, an Augsburg MAE student
who worked with the Solar Heroes group,
said that as a future teacher, this program
makes her very hopeful. “It is so important
to give kids an opportunity to see that they
can make a difference,” she said. “I came
in thinking there wasn’t going to be much
progress with this project, but I’ve been totally blown away with what they’ve done.”
Speaking to the Augsburg community at
an event in May, McClennan said this project transformed the FMS culture, the students, and also transformed her personally
in a way she hadn’t anticipated. “At my
core I am a better parent, a better citizen,
and a better teacher,” she said.
She commented that the students have
felt empowered by their accomplishments
and the public recognition they received.
“I have learned that these kids who are so
often silenced have a strong voice.”
To read more about the Fridley Middle School Public
Achievement project, go to www.augsburg.edu/now.
Summer 2011
13
ERICA LIPPITT ’12
Erica, a Weekend College
student, studied abroad in
Mexico to learn Spanish.
a
Cuernavaca, Mexico
San Lucas Sacatepequez,
Guatemala
GLORIA XINICO MORALES ’12
ugsburg’s Office of International Programs (OIP) for
more than 25 years has provided internationally recognized and award-winning programs to students who
seek cross-cultural and hands-on learning abroad. The office also brings international students to campus.
“Increasingly, a global perspective is critical to a liberal
arts education,” said Orval Gingerich, assistant vice president for International Programs and director of the Center
for Global Education. “Intercultural experiences—at home
and abroad—are a way to bridge global and local issues.”
During the 2009-10 school year, nearly 275 students
studied abroad. At the same time, Augsburg’s Minneapolis
campus was home to nearly 100 international students
from about two dozen countries including Morocco, Nepal,
Norway, Tanzania, Togo, and many more.
In this edition of Augsburg Now, we present a snapshot
of the stories of students with ties to Guatemala, Germany,
Mexico, China, Vietnam, Kenya, and Yemen. Some traveled
from Augsburg to other parts of the globe. Others came to
Augsburg and the Twin Cities from far away home countries. Still others have graduated and are on to the next
chapters of their stories.
To learn more about OIP and its programs, go to
www.augsburg.edu/oip.
Gloria, an international student
from Guatemala
plans to study in
Namibia this fall.
auggies are ev
14
Augsburg Now
MAX BREGENZER ’12
Max has traveled, studied,
and lived in four countries,
but was born and raised in
Germany.
Würzburg, Germany
IBRAHIM AL-HAJIBY ’14
Guangzhon, China
FAIZA ABBAS MAHAMUD ’11
Faiza went back
to her home
country of Kenya
as an exchange
student to help
African women.
Sana’a, Yemen
Hue, Vietnam
Holly, a student
at United International College in
China, came to
the U.S. to study
education at
Augsburg.
JIAHUA (HOLLY) HUANG ’12
Ibrahim hopes one day to
return to his home in
Yemen to start a non-governmental organization.
Nairobi, Kenya
DAT NGUYEN ’11
Windhoek, Namibia
Dat, a recent graduate and international student, will
be a graduate student at Dartmouth.
verywhere
BY STEPHANIE WEISS
Summer 2011
15
GLORIA
XINICO MORALES
A girl of the world
Gloria Xinico Morales has worked so hard at
Augsburg since arriving during 2008 that
she twice won outstanding student of the
year awards—once during her sophomore
year and again her junior year.
The hard work that earned Xinico Morales
these honors is fundamental to her personality. She doesn’t give up. She doesn’t quit.
Xinico Morales was 18 when she first applied for—and was denied—a student visa.
She wanted to study at Augsburg College, a
school she has known of for her whole life
because her father is director of the Center
for Global Education in Guatemala. Xinico
Morales wasn’t deterred by the denial.
Top: A view of the mountains from Gloria Xinico Morales’
hometown of San Lucas Sacatepequez, Guatemala.
Bottom: Xinico Morales, left, is the oldest of three children. Here she is shown with her brother, Manuel, and
sister, Nickte.
Courtesy photos
16
Augsburg Now
She waited the three months before she
again could apply, and this time was approved. But the whole process pushed her
college plans back by a full year. And as if
that wasn’t enough, her visa was delivered to
the wrong city the day before she was to fly
to the United States. She drove to the city to
pick up her visa.
“After waiting one year and one week, I
had two days to get here, unpack, and settle
in,” Xinico Morales said. “I’d never been
outside of Guatemala before.”
But she still didn’t get to start at Augsburg
right away. She said that by working with admissions staff, they decided she should
study English for three months before starting college. It was a good plan.
“Going to Global Language Institute was
very helpful,” she said. “When I did start at
Augsburg, it seemed the teachers talked really fast. I wasn’t comfortable with English,
homework took a lot longer.”
She kept plugging away. She joined the
Spanish club and quickly was an officer. She
joined Allied Latino/a Augsburg Students,
and finally the International Student Organization of which she now is president. That’s
not even all of it, though, because Xinico
Morales said she can’t say ‘no.’
Being a student from another country can
be challenging and students sometimes
grapple with living life in two cultures. Xinico
Morales grew up in Guatemala and was
raised Catholic. She looks for answers to
questions about varied perspectives in part
through self reflection.
“My life is like a tree,” Xinico Morales
said. “The roots are the morals my parents
taught me. When things get messy, that’s
where I go. The trunk is my immediate family that is there for me no matter what. Then
there are the leaves. The leaves go away and
come back as I grow and change.”
Lately, people have been asking Xinico
Morales what she plans to do with her degree
in international relations and minor in political science. She doesn’t know the answer.
“Minneapolis is my second home. My life
is built here, but Guatemala is where I belong, all my roots are there and my heart is
there,” she said. “But I’ve become a different person and don’t fit there.”
She hopes that she’ll find the answer in
Namibia, in southern Africa, where she’ll
study in the fall as an exchange student.
“Namibia is a neutral place, a different
country, a different continent,” she said. “It
will help me make a decision from far away.
Or maybe I’m just a girl of the world and I’ll
go other places.”
MAX
BREGENZER
Living life to the Max
Max Bregenzer has traveled, studied,
and lived in four countries—Germany,
Spain, Argentina, and the United
States—and he might not yet be done.
Bregenzer, 22, was born and raised
in Germany and now works in his
home country for a large grocery
wholesaler. The company, called
Edeka, also is sending him to school.
He studies for three months, then applies what he’s learned for three
months. He’ll do that for a total of
three years and at the end will have a
holistic perspective of the company. It was through
this model that Bregenzer came to Augsburg.
He researched schools in the U.S. and found
that Augsburg offered the classes he wanted, including human resources and project management, problem-solving for business, and
international business. He said he also was lured
by the arts and outdoor activities.
“I learned about theatre and was totally surprised that everyone is biking here in the winter,”
he said.
This isn’t the first time Bregenzer has studied
or lived abroad. He spent a year of high school
in Spain. Then he went to Argentina to work
with street youths as part of his civil service.
Bregenzer is the oldest of three boys, and his family since about 1869 has owned a group of bakeries and cafés within 40 miles of his home city. You can see all the tasty-looking treats his family
makes at Maxl Bäck (http://maxlbaeck.de).
He hasn’t shut the door on the idea that he might someday work in the family business, but for
now he is focused on learning and practicing regional store management.
ERICA
LIPPITT
Family teamwork creates
a world of possibility for WEC student
Some people buy home study courses to learn
Spanish. Some enroll in Spanish classes. And some
people, like Erica Lippitt, go all the way to
Cuernavaca, Mexico, to live and study.
“I definitely achieved what I wanted in only four
months,” said Lippitt, a single working mother and
Weekend College student. “My son’s family is from
Cuba and they say that my Spanish is getting good.
We can communicate, and I understand them.”
Studying at the Center for Global Education’s
Mexico location was possible because Lippitt’s family pulled together. Her parents offered to care for
her son, and Lippitt’s brother helped, too. Her father, a Lutheran pastor, even got a night job so the
family could afford daycare for Lippitt’s son.
“My parents pushed me,” she said. “They showed
me this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Lippitt originally enrolled at Augsburg during
2001 for business administration. She said she left
the school—also her mom’s alma mater—because
Erica Lippitt visited the pyramids of Teotihuacan in Mexico City and
the Xochicalco pyramids in Cuernavaca, Mexico, with friends she
made on her travels.
Courtesy photos
she wasn’t focused. Lippitt moved to Florida to work
and while there, met her son’s father.
“I left Florida to escape an abusive relationship,”
she said. “My dad is a pastor, and I wasn’t raised to
live like that. I had to leave.”
When Lippitt returned to Wayzata, she returned
to Augsburg where she earned a 4.0 grade point average while working as many as 30 hours a week
and raising her son.
“It shows I am more focused, more determined. I
am here because I want to learn, not because I have
to be here.”
Studying in Cuernavaca also opened new possibilities and ways of thinking. Erica now knows she
wants to work in human resources for an international company. She’d also like to live and work in
Mexico for a time so her son can experience living
in a Spanish-speaking country. And finding ways to
help other women is on her radar screen, too.
“I’ve gained so much strength from my experience, that if there is something I can do to help
other women, I’d like to,” she said.
Summer 2011
17
JIAHUA (HOLLY) HUANG
Holly is a regular Minnesotan
In the 12 months Jiahua Huang was in the United States, she became a typical Minnesotan. Holly, as she prefers to be known in
the U.S., liked the Minnesota State Fair and shopped at the Mall
of America. And she got sick of snow.
Huang, a student at United International College (UIC) in
China, came to the U.S. to study education at Augsburg College.
She learned about
the college through
an Auggie studying
abroad at UIC. She
wanted to learn about
the United States’
culture and improve
her English skills,
and she was attracted
to Augsburg because
of its location.
“It’s better for me
to live in a city,” said
Jiahua Huang was originally excited for snow, and her
Huang, who comes
friends were jealous that she was able to experience
from
a city of 1.6 milwinter. By April, though, she was ready for springtime.
lion people. “Friends
who went to [rural private colleges] said they were bored. But,
when I got here, I asked where all the people were. I went to the
State Fair, and I liked it a lot—all the people.”
Huang was raised near Hong Kong. She has two older sisters
and an older brother. Many families in China have only one child,
but some are able to afford more children.
“My parents wanted another boy, but got another girl,” she
said. “Many friends would think from my name that I am a boy
because my name means ‘handsome’.”
Huang struggled with classes at first. “English is so hard,” she
said. “I would listen to the professor, and I didn’t know what he
was talking about. I would read the textbook, and I didn’t know
what I was reading.”
She also worked hard to become comfortable with cultural differences in the classroom.
“In China, you raise your hand and stand up to participate,”
she said. “Here, all the students talk. I wish I were more confident in class—I feel comfortable talking, but it also feels like I
am being impolite.”
Despite growing tired of the snow, Huang said she would like
to return to Minnesota. She wants to go to graduate school at the
University of Minnesota and teach Chinese while staying connected with her new friends in Minnesota.
18
Augsburg Now
Success in the sciences started for
Dat Nguyen when
his photographer
father lectured
him on the solar
system. It was
1995 and the
two were taking
pictures
of
the
total
solar
Dat Nguyen, right, performs with
folksinger Peter Yarrow of Peter,
eclipse in Vietnam. Nguyen was
Paul, and Mary
more interested in how the
camera and solar system worked than in the photos.
Nguyen, who is Buddhist, said that his success also can
be traced to selling candy at his mother’s store, and performing improvisational theater with American students visiting Vietnam in 2004. It was through these experiences
that Nguyen learned to break out of his comfort zone.
“As a Buddhist, we aren’t real loud or active. You have to
break out of your shell and contribute,” Nguyen said.
The American students that Nguyen’s family hosted invited him in 2005 to an improvisational theater camp in
Colorado.
“I didn’t expect to be invited to America when we
hosted the students,” he said. “But I’ve found that if you do
something voluntarily, without expectation, something automatically will come back.”
In Nguyen’s case, that “something” turned out to be lifechanging relationships that resulted from his theater performances in Colorado. He met Peter Yarrow—of Peter, Paul
and Mary—and later sang backup with Yarrow when the
singer was in Vietnam for a fundraiser. He also connected
with a group of families who offered to sponsor his education by providing his tuition, health insurance, and a
stipend.
In the sciences, Nguyen credits his success to the strong
advising, encouragement and opportunities provided by his
Augsburg professors, all of whom encouraged him to explore
his curiosities and broad-ranging scientific interests.
He will continue to feed his unlimited curiosity this fall
as a graduate student at Dartmouth, where he has earned a
full scholarship. He said he is looking forward to continuing
his studies in a setting similar to Augsburg College—one
with a smaller department where he can connect and interact with many people.
DAT
NGUYEN
Unlocking
possibilities
and potential
at Augsburg
FAIZA
ABBAS MAHAMUD
A life that defies definition
Faiza Abbas Mahamud moved a lot when she was young. First
her family moved from war-torn Somalia to Kenya. Then the
family moved four times in Kenya, including living at one time
in a refugee camp.
All the moving meant Mahamud wasn’t able to have one set
of friends with whom to spend time, connect, and grow up. But
she did have one constant—a dictionary.
“As a child, textbooks had to be purchased. We couldn’t buy
books, but we always had a dictionary. I feel like this is a tradition in our home,” she said.
The moving stopped in 2004 when Mahamud’s family came
to Minnesota.
“My aunt put her life on hold to help us,”
Mahamud said. “Aside from God, if it weren’t for
my mom’s youngest sister, it would be hard for us
to have a stable life.”
Mahamud graduated from Roosevelt High School
in 2007, then enrolled at Augsburg College. She
went back to Kenya during 2010 as an exchange student to work for a United Nations agency in a variety
of roles, including as a premarital counselor.
“When I went back to Kenya, I was a totally different person,” she said. “I wasn’t the girl who wanted
to get away from this country. Where is home for me?
When I was in America, I would say ‘I’m going home.’
When I was in Kenya, I kept calling Minnesota home.”
Mahamud, now a U.S. citizen, graduated in spring
2011 with majors in English and women’s studies and
with a minor in chemistry. She’s now exploring options
for graduate school but isn’t ready to confine herself
only to the United States.
“I want to be in Africa to help women who don’t have
that second helping hand like my aunt,” she said. “I
want to be in a position to make a difference in the lives
of women and children.”
And she still needs to finish reading the dictionary.
“I spent so much time reading and using the words I
learned,” she said. “But there are so many words I haven’t
gotten to.”
During her trip to Kenya, Faiza
Abbas Mahamud learned beadmaking from the women of
Narok who sold their goods at
Maasai Mara.
Courtesy photos
Summer 2011
19
IBRAHIM
AL-HAJIBY
Life in the United States:
Different, but not weird
Ibrahim Al-Hajiby’s time in America is a study in contrasts.
He first came to the United States during 2007 as a
high school exchange student. He crossed the globe from
Yemen’s capital city of Sana’a to Cloquet, Minn.—in the
dead of winter.
“I always seem to come to Minnesota in the winter,” he
said. “In Cloquet, I loved McDonald’s double cheeseburgers. I would eat one every day. Even in winter, I’d ride my
bike and the wheels would just spin in the snow.”
Volunteerism and politics are different, too.
“I live in one of the most conservative countries in the
Middle East, and we have a tribal culture,” said Al-Hajiby,
20. “In Yemen, our schools are focused on academics—
there isn’t the focus on serving the community.”
Al-Hajiby volunteered time since first arriving in the U.S.
and next year will serve as an officer of the International
Student Organization.
Al-Hajiby said that a key to his success in America is to
embrace wherever he is living, and to be open to new experiences and people.
“One of my host moms and I have a slogan: ‘It’s not
weird, it’s different’,” Al-Hajiby said.
Al-Hajiby said he misses and worries about his parents
and sister but is glad that his brother also is in Minnesota
Al-Hajiby is shown wearing the traditional clothing
worn by men in his home country of Yemen.
Courtesy photo
20
Augsburg Now
Ibrahim Al-Hajiby said two of his favorite foods in
the United States are hot dogs from The Wienery
and double cheeseburgers from McDonald’s.
this year. His country is in turmoil with protests against the government,
and some demonstrations turn deadly.
“I know people who have been killed,” he said. “My parents’ last
words on the phone are that they are glad my brother and I are here and
that we are safe.”
Al-Hajiby is an honors student in chemistry and recipient of Augsburg’s
International President’s Scholarship. He hopes one day to return to
Yemen to start a non-governmental organization.
“I really want to go back at one point and make a change,” Al-Hajiby
said. “I feel like God has chosen me to pursue such a fine education so I
can go back and help.”
REAL EXPERIENCE IN THE WORKING WORLD
BY WENDI WHEELER ’06
INTERNSHIPS, ONCE A NECESSARY STOP ON THE CAREER PATH OF ASPIRING PHYSICIANS, ARE NOW COMMON FOR MANY COLLEGE STUDENTS. WE TALKED TO FOUR
AUGGIE INTERNS ABOUT WHAT THEY ARE LEARNING OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM.
INTERNSHIPS PROVIDE VALUABLE OPPORTUNITIES for college students to gain hands-on experience in their fields. In addition to practical
training, internships can give students an inside view of a business or industry and help them broaden their professional networks. The internship
experience often validates a student’s career choice, but it can also lead
them to consider options they hadn’t before.
Today an internship is part of many students’ college experience and
perhaps a must for those hoping to be hired after college. According to a
May 2011 Washington Post article, internships are common for 75 percent of U.S. college students.
There are a number of reasons why students should and do take on
internships, said Lois Olson, executive director of the Clair and Gladys
Strommen Center for Meaningful Work at Augsburg. “Students get excited about what they are learning in the classroom and want to apply it
in another setting.” Often, she said, students will tell her that an internship experience helps them better understand lessons from the classroom. “They say, ‘Now I understand why we needed to learn that.’ ”
One of the most significant reasons for doing an internship relates to
getting a job after college. “A prominent message from employers is that
they want practical applied experience related to a student’s major on
their résumé,” Olson said. “They want to know they are making a good
hiring decision.”
In fact, completing at least one internship during college can have
great value beyond the learning experience. According to the 2010 Student Survey published by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, 42 percent of graduates with internships who applied for a job
received an offer compared with only 30 percent for students who had no
internship experience. In addition, students with internships tended to
receive higher starting salary offers.
As for internships leading to a job offer, Olson said technically a job
cannot be promised in an internship situation. “Most students hope it
will lead to a job,” she said. Olson added, “The reality is that many organizations will look to their interns to fill open positions should the opportunity arise.”
The prominence of internships and the rise of importance in the hiring process means students should start thinking about an internship
early. Olson said students who want to do an internship in their junior
year should start the process of planning in their sophomore year. “The
competition has really changed. It’s not as easy as making a phone call
anymore,” she said. Because the process takes longer, Olson encourages
students to dedicate as much time and attention to it as they would
when applying for a job.
Here we profile four students whose unique and challenging internships have given them insight into their chosen career fields and also
helped them grow as future leaders.
Summer 2011
21
What are you doing?
I bring the children of major donors and long-time season ticket holders onto
the field for batting practice so they can see what happens and meet the players. I also coordinate a few of the opening pitches.
’11
22
22
What have you learned?
I have learned how much goes into the presentation of a professional sporting
event. There is so much that you don’t see or hear about that’s behind the
scenes to make a baseball game run.
DAN BRANDT
What is the value of your internship?
Major: marketing
Internship: Minnesota Twins public affairs office
I have had a lot of unique experiences—meeting people, networking, and
doing things out of the ordinary that most people don’t get to do. At some
point I would like to have a career in this field, but it is very competitive.
Augsburg Now
Now
Augsburg
’11
KRISTI VINKEMEIER
Major: chemistry, biology minor
Internship: Aveda Corporation/SarTec Corporation
What are you doing?
My internship is a joint project between Aveda and SarTec Corporation. We are using the Mcgyan reactor technology to synthesize
new surfactant precursors from renewable resources. Surfactants
are an important class of molecules and integral to the performance of shampoos, conditioners, and soaps. This new surfactant
will be produced almost exclusively from renewable resources and
is expected to be fully biodegradable.
What have you learned?
When you work in lab class, your professor says, “This is what you
need to do, this is how you do it, and this is what you are going to
get.” In industry, you don’t know what you are going to get. You
have to keep strict notes. In lab you assume you’ll remember minor
details, but in the real world you can’t remember from the first
time to the fifth time. In industry, it’s not always clear as day what
is going to happen. The learning curve is much greater.
I’ve also learned about myself. Before this, I told everyone I
didn’t like research. Now I love it. I need change, so research and
development and the variety of tasks I’ve been able to do are a lot
of fun. Originally I was strongly interested in becoming a physician
assistant, but I have started to explore the idea of getting my master’s or PhD in chemistry.
What is the value of your internship?
I can’t explain how awesome an internship is. The companies are
willing to work with a student who is learning. I wish everyone
could have this opportunity. You learn so much about working with
people in a real chemistry lab.
If I went to a big school I don’t think I would have had the
same opportunities as I have had here. Augsburg has great affiliations with companies. Here, the chemistry department [faculty] got
to know me and know what I am interested in.
Summer 2011
23
What are you doing?
I have been researching the area around the proposed stops along University
Avenue on the Central Corridor Light Rail line. I have looked at the cost of developing high-density housing units in the area. I have also looked at government policies that were changed, such as some zoning policies and parking
regulations. I have had to look at the background information of the proposed
stops and give their story.
’11
TOM THAO
Major: sociology
Internship: Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC)
What have you learned?
I am getting more into urban planning and learning about the policies involved
in implementing a big project into a city.
What is the value of your internship?
I would like to have a career in urban planning, so it’s been beneficial to go
into the field and get to know people. I hope I can build up my résumé these
next few years and then get a master’s in urban regional planning. But right
now it’s about building the connections.
’11
GEOFFREY GILL
Major: youth and family ministry, psychology minor
Internship: Seeds of Change at St. Paul Central High School
What are you doing?
Seeds of Change is an after-school program directed toward African
American males. We try to give them the support they need in their
education and in their personal lives.
Our main goal is to get the families involved in the kids’ lives.
A lot of their parents don’t go to conferences and don’t know about
their kids’ grades. We are inviting the parents to a family night where
they come and get involved in conversations. We are doing a small
play to portray their experiences in school and life. It’s a chance for
them to literally tell their parents what is going on in their lives. At
the end we give the parents an opportunity to talk about what they
saw.
My goal is to be a support for the students. I first of all want to
be a listening ear and hear where they are in life and be with them.
They talk about how they moved around all their life and they never
had a stable home. A lot of them don’t have fathers in their lives.
They talk about how their relationship with their parents isn’t good
and how they have seen their parents at their lowest points. They
didn’t know how to handle it so they found a way to cope. You see
kids who get into drugs because it’s the only way that makes them
feel normal. Some of them don’t go home sometimes; they just ride
the bus all night.
What have you learned?
It has helped me immensely. I’ve been put in a leadership position as
the artistic coordinator. I’ve learned how to be a leader, how to make
decisions, and how to lead a group. It’s different leading a group of
people who are going out to do volunteer work or working with kids,
but having your own employees and needing to delegate and make
sure they stay on top of it is different. It’s been totally new for me.
I’ve learned the importance of being consistent and organized and on
time. If you’re slacking on something, it starts to show.
What is the value of your internship?
It has prepared me for the real world. When I walk into a new job situation, I am confident that I will be able to step in right away. I feel
comfortable working with young people because through the youth
and family ministry major we were taught to focus on what youth really want—not just from a religious perspective but on a human level.
When I come into a situation I am able to understand what a person
really wants.
Summer 2011
25
2011
commencment
Commencement by the numbers
3,655
150 faculty lined 7 ½ Street
and applauded graduates as they processed
tickets redeemed
2 drummers 314 steps
Bob Stacke, professor of music, was unable to
lead the procession in May due to an injury, so
he enlisted the help of Andrew Myers ’10.
718
participating graduates
(May and June)
18 FLAGS
8
Augsburg Now
210
5,200
minutes
of music, speeches, recognition, and applause
from Christensen Center
to Si Melby front steps
3
number
of
volunteers
Kwok Siu Tong, founder of United International College in Zhuhai, China
The Reverend Kjell Magne Bondevik, former Prime Minister of Norway and
founder and president of the Oslo Center for Peace and Human Rights
The Reverend Ishmael Noko, general secretary (retired) of the Lutheran
World Federation
70
Doctor of Nursing
Practice graduates
representing countries of international students graduating
26
sandwiches served at postcommencement receptions
honorary degrees conferred
6 bows
1 bow
on Colin Stanhill’s beard, photo
featured in the May 8 Pioneer Press.
on President Pribbenow’s neck
(at each ceremony)
dnp
The first graduates of Augsburg’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program
are prepared to bring new perspectives to the nursing practice.
Back Row [L to R]: Kristin McHale '08 MAN; Susan Loushin '03 BSN, '06 MAN; Mary Ann Kinney '04 MAN; Kaija Freborg Sivongsay '08 MAN
Front Row [L to R]: Joyce Miller '02 BSN, '05 MAN; Katherine Baumgartner '05 MAN; Jean Gunderson '03 MAN; Deb Schuhmacher '04 MAN
At this year’s June commencement, Augsburg College graduated its
first cohort of students in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)
program. The DNP program, which began in 2009, is the College’s
first doctoral program.
The DNP curriculum focuses on transcultural nursing in community life, and the program has given students new perspectives
on treating people and illness.
Katherine Baumgartner ’05 MAN has been a member of the
nursing faculty since 2005. For her, the DNP program was a logical fit to expand her journey and practice and to strengthen and
deepen her knowledge in transcultural nursing. An ongoing focus
of her study and practice has been providing training and skill
building for health promoters in indigenous communities in rural
Guatemala.
Baumgartner said the DNP program reminded her that her own
experiences matter and encouraged her to go forward with her work
in Guatemala. “I learned that the practical wisdom borne from my
own experiences is not to be minimized,” she said. “That’s not a
classic outcome but is so important to my work.”
Joyce Miller ’02 BSN, ’05 MAN also has taught for the past
five years in the Augsburg nursing program. Her career focus has
always been on leadership, she said, and she felt the DNP program
would add a different dimension of care to her practice.
“This program has changed the way I look at the world and pa-
2011
tients and the way I envision health care,” Miller said. “I ask who
isn’t being cared for and how we can make sure everyone is being
cared for in the same way.”
Miller said she has learned to value “metis,” a term that refers
to collective wisdom, and to respect its role in the nursing practice.
“There is tremendous wisdom that we can learn from indigenous
healers,” she said. The nurses learned from the practices of healers in Mexico, Africa, and Native American traditions. “This program has given me the ability to stand back and respect everyone
for who they are and what they bring,” Miller said.
Jean Gunderson ’03 MAN was one of the first students to graduate from Augsburg’s nursing master’s degree program and is also
one of the first doctoral graduates. A public health nurse for the
majority of her career, Gunderson says she has dedicated her whole
life to creating systems of care that resonate with cultural diversity.
“This program has been lifelong learning for me,” Gunderson
said. She added that the program has transformed her models of
care and helped her recognize diverse ways of knowing. She also
said she has been moved to honor and recognize indigenous wisdom and to work in partnership with healers.
Both Miller and Gunderson said that being “pioneers” of the
DNP program has been rewarding. “We jumped right in with huge
faith and helped to co-create the program,” Gunderson said. “We
felt like we were partners.”
commencment
Summer 2011
27
alumni news
FROM THE ALUMNI BOARD PRESIDENT
Dear fellow alumni,
I
t is with great honor and a humble
acceptance that I will serve as your
Augsburg Alumni Board president for
the 2011-2012 academic year. Having
been a part of the Alumni Board for three
years, I am very fortunate to have been selected to lead our alma mater in connecting and engaging alumni. It is my goal to
help create fun and efficient programs that will not only get you connected but will keep you engaged!
I grew up playing golf, and I absolutely love the game! My favorite
times are when I am heading off that first tee with either family or a
group of buddies and we are reminiscing or razzing one another
about past memories that bring a few laughs. It’s that type of bond
that keeps us connected and eager to reunite.
When I think of family, Augsburg is a place I keep close to my
heart—the friends that I made and the new friends that continue to
emerge. Over the past few years, the Young Alumni Council has
helped reunite old and new friends with the Young Alumni Summer
Series of events, attended by 1,500 alums. We have had a blast putting this program together and have enjoyed watching its success.
Following Auggie Eagle on Facebook and Augsburg College on
Twitter have been fantastic ways to stay in touch and relay information when groups are getting together.
I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the 2011
graduating class! I look forward to seeing you at the 2011 Young
Alumni Summer Series. We have another engaging and entertaining set of events in store for you, including Canterbury Park on
August 5 and a Minnetonka boat
cruise on September 15! Register at
www.augsburg.edu/alumnievents
or 612-330-1085.
Auggies are literally all over the world! With
more than 25,000 alumni, Auggies can be found from
New Zealand to Denmark, the United States to Japan, and
Minneapolis to San Diego. We are everywhere doing good things
for our communities! The Alumni Board is rolling out a networking
program, Augsburg Builds Connections, which will enable alumni
professionals to provide information, encouragement, and support
to current students and recent graduates. This flexible volunteer
program will allow alumni mentors to connect with students via
e-mail, phone, or face-to-face meetings and assist them in navigating their career path and achieving their professional goals.
Read more about this program on the next page. Now, assisting
Auggies is as simple as ABC!
With all of this, I can’t help but be excited for the future. I wish
you well and look forward to getting connected this year.
Sincerely,
ROBERT WAGNER II ’02
ALUMNI BOARD PRESIDENT
P.S. The Alumni Board would like to welcome our new members:
Kathy Amos ’87, Heather Cmiel ’02, Kate Loyd ’05, and Jerry
Poland ’92
Alumni Board of Directors 2011-12
Standing (L to R): John Stadler ’07 MAL (past president); Jennifer M.
Carlson ’91; Sarah Grans ’01; Chad Darr ’04; Sharon Mercill ’09; Tracy
Anderson ’95 (secretary); Julia Mensing ’00, ’07 MBA; Michael Loney ’03
(treasurer); Kate Loyd ’05; Chris Ascher ’81 (president elect); Kathy
Amos ’87; Jerry Poland ’92; Dale Hanka ’60; Robert J. Wagner II ’02
(president); Misti Allen Binsfeld ’93; Daniel Hickle ’95
Seated (L to R): Holly Ebnet Knutson ’03, ’07 MBA; Sharon Engelland ’87;
Chris Hallin ’88
Not Pictured: Heather Cmiel ’02; Lee Anne Lack ’67; Nancy Nordlund
’91, ’07 MAL; Carolyn Spargo ’80; Maggie Tatton ’01
28
Augsburg Now
abc
Augsburg Builds Connections
CONNECTIONS HELP GRADUATES DISCOVER WHAT’S NEXT
After college, many graduates ask, “What am I going to do now?”
Since he graduated from Augsburg, Cory Allen ’07 has helped
several Auggies answer this question and find ways to share their gifts
and talents with the world.
“Augsburg is great about helping you understand your vocation,
but it’s difficult to go the rest of the way,” he said. “You have to push
yourself to discover what is next.”
Allen works with students and graduates to help them understand
their strengths and their weaknesses, what they do well and where
they can improve. He said that knowledge might help in a person’s
career but will also be beneficial in other areas of their lives.
One recent graduate who has benefitted from Allen’s mentorship
is Joe Lichtscheidl ’11. Allen helped Lichtscheidl improve his résumé
and also gave him an “in” with a local company.
Lichtscheidl said having a mentoring relationship with an alumnus who has gone through the job search is extremely helpful. “I feel
that it keeps me from stressing out about getting a job in this tough
economy because I have someone who has gone through it to help.”
Sama Sandy ’08 reconnected with Allen at a Young Alumni Summer Series event, and the two continued communicating after that
e
w
a
Alumni mentoring volunteer
opportunities will begin this fall
night. Sandy said mentorship is a mutually beneficial relationship because both parties learn from each other.
He added, “Mentorships are a fantastic way of networking in
every sense because you are able to learn more about a person, potentially provide advice or assistance during times of struggle, and
also get to be a part during the times of triumph.”
For Allen, mentoring and working with others is simply “organic.”
He said, “I think it’s my responsibility to pass on my knowledge and
experiences, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see students go from the
start of their senior year to a successful career.”
SUPPORTING FELLOW AUGGIES IS AS EASY AS ABC
The Augsburg Builds Connections (ABC) program is one of the many
volunteer opportunities available to Augsburg parents and alumni.
Volunteers in the program meet or correspond with students or graduates who are in the process of applying for a job or are interested in a
career in their industry.
Augsburg alumni and parents who participate in the ABC program
have the opportunity to help Augsburg students navigate their career
path. To learn more about Augsburg Builds Connections, go to
www.augsburg.edu/alumni/abc.html.
Auggie alumnae seek to engage
women through AWE
In late 2009, a group of Auggie women gathered to respond to a
challenge: how to effectively engage more women in the life of
Augsburg College. They created AWE: Augsburg Women Engaged.
In Spring 2010, Augsburg graduates convened to share their insights about meeting this challenge. These alumnae shared two key
pieces of advice. First, alumnae desire to re-establish or strengthen
meaningful connections with classmates, faculty, current students,
and the College community. Second, women desire to make an impact in whatever they do.
We invite all alumnae to be part of making strategic connections
for the coming years for Auggie women. Participate in whatever way
best suits your interests, circumstances, and availability. Contact any
of the Advisory Council members or Donna McLean, director of development initiatives, mclean@augsburg.edu or 612-330-1556, to
find out how you can be involved.
AWE women gathered at Augsburg House on Wednesday, June 1. Pictured [L to R]:
Lisa Zeller ’81, ’89 MAL; Donna McLean; Shelby Andress ’56; Buffie Blesi ’90, ’97
MAL; Cassidy Titcomb; Sherilyn Young; Kari Eklund Logan ’82
The AWE Advisory Council members are Shelby Gimse Andress ’56;
Buffie Blesi ’90, ’97 MAL; Lisa Svac Hawks ’85; Kari Eklund Logan
’82; Jennifer Hipple ’09; Lori Moline ’82; Roz Nordaune ’77; Heidi
Wisner Staloch ’93; and Lisa Zeller ’81, ’89 MAL. We thank them
for accepting the challenge to engage more women in the life of
Augsburg College.
Summer 2011
29
alumni news
YOUNG ALUMNI
summer series
To register for the Young Alumni events or to see the full calendar
of events at Augsburg, go to www.augsburg.edu/alumni
Friday, August 5, 5-7 p.m.
AUGGIE NIGHT AT THE RACES
Canterbury Park
1100 Canterbury Road, Shakopee
Free admission, picnic buffet, and
reserved seating
Thursday, September 15, 6-8 p.m.
BOAT CRUISE ON LAKE MINNETONKA
Join other Young Alumni donors for a
sunset boat cruise on Lake Minnetonka
with complimentary appetizers and beverages. Not a donor? Don’t miss the
boat! Become a donor today at augsburg.edu/giving.
Thursday, October 20, 7-8:30 a.m.
EYE-OPENER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
BREAKFAST sponsored by Thrivent Financial
for Lutherans™
Town & Country Club
300 Mississippi River Blvd. N., Saint Paul
$5 includes full breakfast buffet and networking
Friday, October 21, 6-8 p.m.
HOMECOMING 2011: AUGGIE HOURS
Republic (formerly Preston’s)
221 Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis
Two complimentary beverages and appetizers provided
30
Augsburg Now
10% Auggie discount
In an effort to attract Augsburg’s finest back to campus
to continue their education, the Augsburg Master of
Business Administration (MBA) is offering a 10% discount on MBA tuition to graduates of any of Augsburg’s
undergraduate programs including Weekend College.
The discount applies to students who begin the MBA
program in September 2011 and will be applied to each
course in the MBA program. Admission requirements
and deadlines for the Augsburg MBA can be found at
www.augsburg.edu/mba or by calling 612-330-1101.
The Augsburg MBA is an accredited MBA that has recently become a formal candidate for global business accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business
Schools & Programs (ACBSP). Consider coming back to
Augsburg for a two-year MBA program grounded in the liberal arts with a focus on local, national, and global business issues.
Augsburg LIVE! webinar
SEPTEMBER 21
Augsburg’s President Paul C. Pribbenow has traveled this year
to ten cities and six states to engage the Augsburg community
in discussions about the College’s mission, vision, and vocation, and to foster opportunities to advance the College’s key
strategic initiatives. Alumni who have had the opportunity to
hear from the president have left with a greater sense of pride
in their alma mater and excitement for the future of the
institution.
The Augsburg LIVE! webinar is your chance to hear firsthand from President Pribbenow. Log in at www.augsburg.edu
on Wednesday, September 21, at noon CT for a 30-minute
conversation with President Pribbenow. See
images of the campus master plan
and hear stories of student success and excellence.
Augsburg
alumni
experience
the
EMERALD ISLE
Courtesy photo
auggie
involved in monitoring
Japanese nuclear facility
After the March earthquake and tsunami in Japan,
Augsburg alumna Cynthia Jones ’81 was called upon
to monitor nuclear safety of the affected Fukushima
Daiichi nuclear site.
Jones, a physics graduate and Augsburg
College regent, is a senior staff member in the
Office of Nuclear Security and Incident Response
of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC)
and worked as part of NRC’s 24-hour Operations
Center team in the aftermath of the earthquake.
During mid-May, the NRC transitioned this 24hour monitoring to a Japanese regulatory office.
Since that time, Japanese officials have been managing the recovery process for the site.
Because of Jones’ early involvement in the response, she now is presenting at scientific conferences. During late June, she chaired a special
session at the national Health Physics Society
meeting in Florida on the response to the events.
For continuing information on NRC activities in
response to this event, go to
www.nrc.gov/japan/japan-info.html.
Early in May, Auggie alumni and friends journeyed through Ireland on an
alumni tour led by Phillip Adamo, director of the medieval studies program and
history department chair.
Highlights from the group’s travels include a Dublin cruise on the river
Liffey and sites such as the Rock of Cashel and Holy Cross Abbey. Travelers experienced the majestic landscapes at the Cliffs of Moher and explored the ancient fort of Dun Aengus on the Aran Islands. Traditional Irish music was
enjoyed in the village of Dingle and the bustling city of Galway.
The travelers are pictured in front of Kylemore Abbey, a working Benedictine abbey in the countryside of the Connemara.
Front Row [L to R]: Phil Adamo, Fritz and Linda Morlock, Marya (Christensen)
Farrell ’63, Jessica Motschenbacher ’08, Jean Moucha, Sara Naegeli, Sandi
Prince ’05, Ted Naegeli, Clodaugh Horner (Irish guide)
Back Row [L to R]: Trace Regan, Mary Ellen Kelly, John Greenfield ’66, Mary Jo
Greenfield, Bob Farrell, Jennifer Carlson ’91, Sue Tesmer ’74, Nancy and
Richard Borstad, Amanda Storm
Courtesy photo
Journey to the Holy Land
With Religion Professor Philip A. Quanbeck II
JANUARY 3-14, 2012
Travel with a community of Augsburg alumni and friends under the leadership of
religion professor Philip Quanbeck II and Dr. Ruth E. Johnson ’74. Discover the
geography, places, and people of the Holy Land. Visit Jerusalem, Bethlehem,
Caesarea, Capernaum, the Sea of Galilee, the Dead Sea, and much more. Woven
into the itinerary are several opportunities to dialogue with local community
leaders who give voice to the complex history and geopolitical issues of the region. Return home with a broader and deeper understanding of a land considered holy by the world’s three monotheistic religions.
To register or request more information call 612-330-1525 or e-mail
alumni@augsburg.edu
Summer 2011
31
alumni class notes
57the 50th anniversary of his or-
Rev. Alfred Kaupins celebrated
dination on June 11.
72Come Join Their Song (pub-
Mark Shepperd's choral piece,
lished by Beckenhorst Press) won
the 2010 VocalEssence & American
Composers Forum Christmas Carol
contest. The world premiere performance was given by VocalEssence at
their Welcome Christmas concerts in
December 2010 and will be rebroadcast in December 2011 on
American Public Media. Mark has
served as minister of music at Woodbury Lutheran Church in Woodbury,
Minn., since 1990.
98master’s degrees at Hamline
Beverly Bushyhead earned
auggieSNAPSHOTS
University in nonprofit management
32
and public administration. Bev
hopes to do some research and policy work after her graduation.
Ann Jenkins has accepted a position
as an intake investigator with Allen
County Children's Services in Lima,
Ohio.
Matt Butler licensed his invention,
the ROLLORS® lawn game, to
Maranda Enterprises. Matt conceived of the game while he was
serving in the Air Force in
Afghanistan. The game has sold
more than 25,000 copies.
Julie Johnson, with Doug Otto ’05 and
Drew Druckrey, released The Banks
of the Little Auplaine, an experimental roots album that mines historic
Upper-Midwestern folk music. Julie
Johnson & The No-Accounts trio performed the song collection at a CD
release show at the Open Eye Theatre in Minneapolis in April.
99graduated in May 2010 with
Kyran (Christianson) Cadmus
her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
degree from Colorado State University. She finished her Master of Public Health degree in April 2011
through the University of Minnesota.
Kyran lives in Fort Collins, Colorado
with her husband, Pete.
00
Mauris DeSilva received
recognition for a study on controlled delivery of antibiotics to
wounds. His team of researchers received first place for their work at a
poster competition.
Meg (Schmidt) Sawyer married Jim
Sawyer on October 9, 2010 in Shoreview, Minn. Meg works for Youth
Encounter, a Christian nonprofit
youth ministry organization, as the
business communications executive.
04ated with an MFA in musical
Deanne M. McDonald gradu-
theatre from Minnesota State
University Mankato.
07years as a bicycle courier in
After serving for almost three
New York City, Jenessa Stark moved
to El Paso, Tex., to study midwifery
at Maternidad La Luz midwife
school. She was also featured in
“Triple Rush,” a Travel Channel
series about New York City bicycle
messengers that aired this spring.
99Damion Spilman welcomed
Sarah (Ginkel) Spilman and
Elizabeth (Libby) Frances
Spilman on December 6, 2010.
She joins big brother Zane, 5.
00Nicki, welcomed son Foster
Mac Gordon and his wife,
06Aaron Riedel ’07 wel-
Sara Schlipp-Riedel and
on March 9.
01welcomed their first child, Liam
Carrie (Lind) Cabe and Chris Cabe
comed son Aidan Theodore on
February 22.
Christopher, on March 20.
71-73together at Augsburg and have met
Members of the Chi House lived
annually since graduation. The group received mittens hand knit by Lennice Keefe. Making them was
on her “bucket list.” Pictured [L to R] are Julie
(Hagberg) Swaggert ’73, Marilyn (Moxness) Hall ’71,
Carol (Pederson) Jorgenson ’72, Mary Lynn (Monson)
Oglesbee ’72, Lennice “Sparkie” (Nordaune) Keefe
’72, Jill Steele ’72, and Mary (Boraas) Janotta ’73.
Not pictured: Suzanne (Olson) Swanson ’73.
Augsburg Now
09ried Tom Henry Fields III
Emily (Tischer) Fields mar-
02Whaylen were married September 11, 2010 in
Brooke (Stoeckel) Whaylen and Courtney
Edina, Minn. Shelly Laugerman ’04 and Erica Champer
’04 were also in the wedding party. Brooke works as a
hospitality sales director at an area convention and visitors bureau, and Courtney works in IT security software.
on August 28, 2010 in
Rochester, Minn. Other Auggies
in the wedding party included
Killa Martinez-Aleman ’08,
Caris Warnock ’09, and Kasi
(Clauson) Lange ’08.
08
Emma Stensvaag returned to the states in December 2010
after completing 27 months of service for the U.S. Peace
Corps in Mozambique.
10program in clinical psychology at the California School of
Leann Vice-Reshel has been accepted into the doctoral
Professional Psychology in San Diego, Calif. She will begin the
program in September 2011.
Graduate Programs
Timothy (Tim) Van Rooy ’89 MAL and Rob Wagner ’02 (new
alumni board president) were chosen to help build a community with families in need through Thrivent Builds with Habitat
for Humanity in El Salvador. They helped build homes with families in need thanks to a multiyear, multimillion dollar partnership between Thrivent Financial for Lutherans™ and Habitat for
Humanity International.
Patrick Troska ’94 MAL was appointed executive director of the
Jay and Rose Phillips Family Foundation. In addition to providing leadership for the organization’s overall strategy, Patrick will
be the lead contact for the foundation’s grantmaking strategies
related to housing and transit.
Nicolas Thomley ’06 MBA has been named one of the 2011
Minnesotans on the Move by Finance & Commerce. The award
honors professionals who are poised to make business history
of their own during the coming years.
Chris Wolf ’09 MAN recently published “A Head Injury Teaching
Module for Pre-Hospital Assessment" in the February 2011
issue of Military Medicine Journal. Susan Nash, Augsburg College associate professor of nursing, was co-author.
ENGAGING
Homecoming
October 16-22
2011
Join Augsburg alumni, parents, students, and friends in a fun-filled
week of events and activities.
New events have been added to this year’s schedule, including the
Student and Alumni Networking Event following the Sabo Symposium on
Wednesday, October 19, and the Alumni Art Exhibition on Friday,
October 21.
Homecoming Convocation will kick off the weekend’s events on Friday,
October 21. At convocation, we will recognize the First Decade, Spirit of
Augsburg, and Distinguished Alumni Award winners, as well as members of the class of 1961. Don’t miss opportunities for fellowship and
reminiscing at the Homecoming Convocation Luncheon that afternoon or
later that evening at Republic (formerly Preston’s).
Experience the Best of Augsburg on Saturday, October 22, by attending a brief lecture from three of Augsburg’s outstanding faculty
members: Garry Hesser (sociology, metro/urban studies), robert tom
(studio art), and David Murr ’92 (physics).
This year’s Taste of Augsburg pregame picnic on Saturday will include carnival-style booths operated by student, parent, and alumni
groups. Following the picnic, cheer on the Auggies at the football
game as they take on St Olaf.
The Auggie Block Party is back by popular demand! Following the
game, gather in the parking lot to the north of Si Melby Hall to enjoy
food, entertainment, and camaraderie. The activities don’t end there—
after the block party, attend the Hognander Music Scholars Reunion
Concert at 6 p.m. in Hoversten Chapel.
Homecoming weekend truly has something for everyone. For
more information and to see a complete schedule, go to
www.augsburg.edu/homecoming. We look forward to seeing you there!
go auggies!
WITH THE SCIENCES
• Beer Brewing 101 with physics professor Ben
Stottrup. Saturday, September 17, 2-4 p.m.
Great Waters Brewing Co., 427 Saint Peter
Street, Saint Paul
• Stargazing and Minnesota Starwatch Class
with WCCO Radio meteorologist Mike
Lynch and astronomy professor Mark
Bransford. Saturday, October 1,
7-9:30 p.m. Quarry Hill Nature
Center, Savanna Room, 701 Silver
Creek Road, Rochester
For more information and to RSVP, go to
www.augsburg.edu/engage or call
612-330-1085.
Summer 2011
33
’72
ASK AN AUGGIE EXPERT
Greg Fitzloff
Certified barbecue cook-off judge
How did you become certified as a barbecue judge?
Since I retired five years ago, I’ve been doing a lot of volunteer
work. I met a gentleman who was a caterer but also cooked for
a living. He would call me and I would go over when he was
testing recipes, and he said I should become a judge.
There are a couple of professional societies for barbecue
cooks, and they have a certification class and process for
judges. I found out more about it and said, “Why not?” If you
will, it kind of ended up on my own personal bucket list.
Why is a judge so important?
As the contests become more popular, the key is to draw in
top teams, and they want to be sure the judging is done correctly. In the last several years there have been more people
involved, and the prize money has grown significantly in the
professional circuit. A winner in a recent contest won
$10,000. That’s why the judging is so important.
After retiring five years ago from a career in teaching and economic development, Greg Fitzloff started checking items off
his bucket list. Now he travels around the country tasting
chicken, ribs, beef brisket, and pulled pork as a certified barbecue cook-off judge. We caught up with him at his cabin “up
North” to find out more about this delicious-sounding job!
What’s the key to a perfect barbecue?
Two key words: low and slow. Cook it on low heat, 200 to 225
degrees, and slow. It takes time—anywhere from a couple of
hours to 12 to 16 hours depending on the size and cut of meat.
What are your favorite summer barbecue side dishes?
I think the classics tend to go best. In the South and Southeast you see barbecue beans with a great variety of tastes.
Further north and in the Midwest you see potato salad and
cole slaw, of course. The other thing we’ve discovered over
the years is that after you’ve been tasting barbecue all day,
the thing that goes extraordinarily well is ice cream. I don’t
know why. That nearest Dairy Queen generally gets a big hit
after a contest.
What criteria do you use in judging barbecue?
It is fairly structured, but you are looking for three things. First
is appearance—how the meat actually looks. Does it look like
something you want to eat right away? Presentation is so important. The second is tenderness—is it cooked correctly? Each
category has a slightly different process, but the questions are:
Is it done? Is it cooked all the way through? Does the meat pull
off the bone? And the final thing is the taste. Can you taste the
meat? Does it taste good? We’re trying to judge to a certain
standard, not based on what we like personally.
Have you had any judging mishaps? Tasted an
especially bad barbecue?
Even though these are supposed to be really good cooks, they
make mistakes. The most difficult category is beef brisket,
and they usually make one of two mistakes. They overcook it
to the point where it’s absolutely overdone, and once that
happens, there’s nothing you can do about it. Or if they cut it
with the grain, that meat is literally the consistency of shoe
leather. We are supposed to taste it, but if you can’t get a bite
out of it you can’t taste it. That’s always somewhat comical.
34
Augsburg Now
Would you like us to feature you in a future
issue? E-mail now@augsburg.edu and tell
us about your area of expertise!
Send us your news and photos
Please tell us about the news in your life, your new job, move, marriage, and births.
Don’t forget to send photos! (Digital photos must be at least 300 dpi or a 1MB file.)
For news of a death, printed notice is required, e.g. an obituary, funeral notice, or
program from a memorial service.
Send your news items, photos, or change of address by mail to: Augsburg Now
Class Notes, Augsburg College, CB 146, 2211 Riverside Ave., Minneapolis, MN
55454, or e-mail alumni@augsburg.edu. You can also submit news at
www.augsburg.edu/alumni.
____________________________________________________________
Full name
____________________________________________________________
Maiden name
____________________________________________________________
Class year or last year attended
In Memoriam
Rev. Hamar Benson ’34, Auburn, Wash., age 100, on November 27.
William A. Benson, Jr. ’42, Minnetonka, Minn., age 90, on April 11.
____________________________________________________________
Street address
____________________________________________________________
City, State, ZIP code
Is this a new address? q Yes q No
Dr. Henry Staub ’43, Minneapolis, age 91, on March 8.
Maria E. (Sandness) Berryman ’47, Minneapolis, age 89, on February 26.
____________________________________________________________
Home telephone
Melvin Haven ’47, Mesa, Ariz., age 88, on December 8.
Gordon D. Ahlquist ’48, Robbinsdale, Minn., age 88, on February 24.
Paul D. Arnold ’48, Milaca, Minn., age 85, on April 20.
____________________________________________________________
E-mail
Okay to publish your e-mail address? q Yes q No
Vincent S. Dahle ’49, Shoreview, Minn., age 83, on April 18.
Donald H. Hegg ’49, Minneapolis, age 86, on March 10.
Lillian L. Stadelman ’49, Pound, Wis., age 90, on April 27.
Jeanette Jacobson Martinson ’49, Decorah, Iowa, age 85, on March 15.
Quentin G. Quanbeck ’50, Sioux Falls, S.Dak., age 83, on February 18.
Don L. Ortler ’51, Coon Rapids, Minn., age 82, on October 1.
Donald R. Oscarson ’52, Northbrook, Ill., age 81, on April 23.
Ralph Kirchoff ’53 on January 6, 2010.
Edwin T. Johnson ’55, Walton, N.Y., age 91, on May 7.
____________________________________________________________
Employer
____________________________________________________________
Position
____________________________________________________________
Work telephone
Is spouse also a graduate of Augsburg College? q Yes q No
If yes, class year ________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Spouse’s name
Marshall D. Johnson ’57, Lake Havasu City, Ariz., age 75, on January 26.
Jerry D. Carlson ’59, New Brighton, Minn., age 75, on December 20.
____________________________________________________________
Maiden name
Harold W. Schilling ’59, Annandale, Minn., age 80, on May 8.
Viola (Anderson) Aaseng ’69, Eau Claire, Wis., age 86, on August 20, 2010.
Ronald A. Berg ’69, Arden Hills, Minn., age 64, on April 20.
Your news:
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Thomas P. O’Meara ’71, Minneapolis, age 63, on November 28.
____________________________________________________________
Terrance L. Blue ’72, Minneapolis, age 61, on February 15.
Richard W. Kelley ’72, Minneapolis, age 64, on August 25, 2010.
Nancy (Krusemark) Kruse ’76, Eden Prairie, Minn., age 56, on November 30.
Janice O’Brien ’87, Burnsville, Minn., age 68, on June 21, 2010.
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
q I know a student who is interested in attending Augsburg.
Lucas R. Johnson ’07, New Hope, Minn., age 27, on April 3.
Summer 2011
35
’67
gene hugoson
Auggie tills a different field to success
Gene Hugoson credits his success to a lifetime of farming and a
liberal arts education. He said that his grounding in a range of topics—politics, communication, science, geography—allowed him to
bridge diverse issues and backgrounds in each of the public service positions he’s held.
“The idea of a liberal arts background was perfect for what I’ve
done,” Hugoson said. “My knowledge is 15-miles wide and half an
inch thick.”
Hugoson, who earned a social sciences teaching degree from
Augsburg College, recently was appointed a senior fellow for the
University of Minnesota’s Global Initiative for Food Systems Leadership. He will collaborate with farmers and farm groups, state and
federal government, and businesses to find improved ways to
maintain food security.
“The idea of a liberal arts background was perfect for
what I’ve done,” Hugoson said. “My knowledge is
15-miles wide and half an inch thick.”
One project on which he will focus is the development of a plan
for the prevention, isolation, control, and economic recovery from
foot-and-mouth disease in the domestic livestock herd. This project includes working with a multistate education consortium.
“Part of my role is to use past contacts and experiences to tap
into relationships at the federal level,” he said. “It will be a challenge and will test my mettle. But we need that broad base of information and understanding at the table.”
Prior to his work at the University of Minnesota, Hugoson served
as commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture
(MDA). It’s a post he held for nearly 16 years and through three
gubernatorial administrations. And again, he credits his education
for this success.
“Most of my colleagues in other states were agriculture school
grads. Veterinarians,” he said. “Mine was social science and education—in reality, it was perfect. It is key for these kinds of roles.”
Hugoson also credits his success to a lifetime of farming. He
36
Augsburg Now
farmed while at MDA. He farmed before that, during the five terms
he was a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives. Even
in his new post, he still farms 600 acres of corn and soybeans located less than a mile from the East Chain, Minn., farm on which
he was raised.
“I kept farming out of necessity to keep my day job,” Hugoson
said. “The governors said they wanted a real farmer. I think being a
farmer turned out to be a huge plus. I have credibility with the
farming community. I can stand up and talk about what it’s like to
be in the combine all night because of threatening weather or at
the elevator selling my beans.”
As much as farming has helped Hugoson succeed in his public
leadership roles, it also has other rewards.
“Farming also is my relaxation,” Hugoson said. “In the tractor or
combine, I can see what I accomplish right behind me. That’s not
always the case at the office. It’s nice to see corn combined or
tilled earth.”
STEPHANIE WEISS
a
an
augsburg legacy
to
sy p h o
g
k celebratin
Harriett Kure
hday.
her 90th birt
Harriett Kurek, a long-time member of Trinity Lutheran
Congregation, generously included a gift of $250,000 to
Augsburg College in her will. “She was a very giving,
caring person to her family and to her community,” said
her niece, Joyce Nyland. Senior Pastor Jane BuckleyFarlee said Kurek loved the way Trinity is involved the
Cedar-Riverside neighborhood and appreciated how
Augsburg shares that commitment with Trinity and welcomes the congregation on its campus.
C o u rte
Courtesy photo
Harriett Kurek
an augsburg legacy
1-800-273-0617
www.augsburg.edu/giving
2211 Riverside Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55454
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
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Permit No. 2031
2010 Presidential Award for Community Service
In the summer, Augsburg’s laboratories and classrooms come alive with the enthusiasm of our
neighborhood youth. Aspiring scientists and future healthcare professionals learn through programs
like Girls in Engineering, Mathematics, and Science (GEMS) and Guys in Science and Engineering
(GISE), as well as the Urban Scrubs camp (pictured here). These are three of the programs for
which Augsburg was recognized this year with the 2010 Presidential Award for Community Service.
(See story on page 3).
Show less
AUGSBURG NOW
Opening Convocation
At this year’s opening convocation, Augsburg College welcomed nearly 400 new first-year
students and 160 transfer students to campus. The College also added 437 new students in
adult undergraduate and graduate programs in Minneapolis and Rochester, Minn., t... Show more
AUGSBURG NOW
Opening Convocation
At this year’s opening convocation, Augsburg College welcomed nearly 400 new first-year
students and 160 transfer students to campus. The College also added 437 new students in
adult undergraduate and graduate programs in Minneapolis and Rochester, Minn., this fall.
Higher education in the 21st century
30 years of Weekend and Evening College
Stewardship of space
MAL celebrates 25 years
40 years of women’s athletics and Title IX
Auggie Days 2012
living
OUR
calling
FALL 2012 | VOL. 75, NO. 1
inside
2211 Riverside Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55454
Non-Profit Org.
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PAID
Twin Cities, MN
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notes
from President Pribbenow
Stewardship of place and people
t
he Augsburg College mission statement says
that Augsburg “educates students to be informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers, and responsible leaders.”
These aspirations for our students require that all
of us who are part of the
Augsburg community consider how we model in our
lives and work the core values embodied in these aspirations. In other words, we
need to live what we teach!
This issue of Augsburg
Now offers several examples
of how we are seeking as a
college community to live as thoughtful stewards.
You’ve read in past issues of this magazine the
remarkable progress we have made as an institution in our commitment to environmental stewardship—composting leftover food from the cafeteria,
community gardens on campus, new biodiesel production methods, and a commitment to carbon
neutrality by 2019.
All important work, but stewardship is a rich
concept and extends to our care for all of the gifts
we have been given as a community. I am particularly struck by how our College has explored ways
in which we care for our physical location and facilities. The 2010 Campus Space and Master Plan
is not simply a map to future facilities; it is a
statement of values around stewardship of the
land and buildings we occupy and the need for us
to be constantly vigilant about the opportunities to
renew, reuse, and extend the life of our spaces
and buildings. In addition, the plan points to our
commitment to stewarding relationships with our
neighbors, building facilities and designing landscapes that welcome our neighbors to campus
rather than keep them away.
Stewardship is also about people—and as I
was reminded again this year at our Homecoming
celebrations, Augsburg is all about people. The
upcoming celebration of the 40th anniversary of
Title IX—the landmark federal legislation that seeks
to ensure equity for women and men in intercollegiate athletics—is an example of what it means to
be good stewards of our people. For years and years,
women students at Augsburg participated in athlet-
Vice President of Marketing
and Communication
Rebecca John
rjohn@augsburg.edu
Creative Associate-Editorial
Wendi Wheeler ’06
wheelerw@augsburg.edu
Integrated Communication
Specialist
Laura Swanson
swansonl@augsburg.edu
Creative Director
Kathy Rumpza ’05 MAL
rumpza@augsburg.edu
Senior Creative Associate-Design
Jen Nagorski ’08
nagorski@augsburg.edu
Photographer
Stephen Geffre
geffre@augsburg.edu
Director of News and
Media Services
Stephanie Weiss
weisss@augsburg.edu
Production Manager/Now Online
ics without the support and recognition enjoyed by
their male counterparts. A couple of years ago, we
honored those unheralded women Auggies with the
athletic letters they never received while on campus.
Now, we lift up our enduring commitment to opportunities for all Auggie student-athletes. Our recent
news about establishing the first intercollegiate
women’s lacrosse program in Minnesota is just one
example of how we steward the gifts of people—students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and friends
who make Augsburg strong!
In 1931, the renowned 20th-century theologian Reinhold Niebuhr wrote in The Christian Century an essay with the provocative title, “Is
Stewardship Ethical?” His indictment of Christians
for the ways in which they had turned stewardship
into random programs of fundraising and voluntarism stands as a relevant challenge to all of us.
We are called to be thoughtful stewards. Stewardship is a way of life. At Augsburg, we are working
hard to live what we teach.
Yours in Augsburg,
Mark Chamberlain
chamberm@augsburg.edu
Senior Director of Alumni
and Constituent Relations
Kim Stone
stonek@augsburg.edu
augsburg.edu
Augsburg Now is published by
Augsburg College
2211 Riverside Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55454
Opinions expressed in Augsburg Now
do not necessarily reflect official
College policy.
ISSN 1058-1545
Send address corrections to:
Advancement Services
CB 142
Augsburg College
2211 Riverside Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55454
langemo@augsburg.edu
Email: now@augsburg.edu
PAUL C. PRIBBENOW, PRESIDENT
Members of the Maroon & Silver Society lead by example with monthly gifts
of $84 or more, or annual gifts of $1,000 or more to The Augsburg Fund.
These unrestricted gifts to The Augsburg Fund allow the College to award
more financial aid, employ high-quality faculty and staff, offer a challenging
and thought-provoking academic curriculum, and provide support to our
students so that they can become the people they are called to be.
To learn more about the Maroon & Silver Society, contact the
Office of Annual Giving at 612-330-1652 or giving@augsburg.edu.
augsburg.edu/giving
WE ARE CALLED auggies
fall 2012
Features
8 Calling and purpose: Lutheran higher education in the 21st century | BY LAURA SWANSON
11 Stewardship of space | BY REBECCA JOHN
16 Auggie Days 2012 | BY STEPHEN GEFFRE AND WENDI WHEELER ’06
20 Augsburg College annual report
23 Homecoming 2012
26 Weekend and Evening College celebrates 30th anniversary | BY LAURA SWANSON
Departments
2 Around the Quad | 6 Augsburg celebrates 40 years of women’s athletics | 15 Auggie voices
19 My Auggie experience | 22 It takes an Auggie | 31 Alumni news | 37 Alumni class notes
All photos by Stephen Geffre unless otherwise indicated.
quad
around the
COLLEGE
In August, the College
announced support of the
“Vote No” work of
Minnesotans United for All
Families to prevent passage
MINNESOTANS of a Minnesota Constitutional
UNITED FOR amendment that would
ALL FAMILIES define marriage. The College
is proud to stand with five of Minnesota’s synods
of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America,
nearly 600 businesses and organizations, and
150 ordained church leaders. The College’s
decision to support the “Vote No” effort is
grounded in the commitment of the College to
end discrimination; its academic tradition of
critical and humble
inquiry and of modeling and fostering
civil discourse; and
its Lutheran heritage, which
requires that we
build inclusive
communities, learn from the other,
and seek social justice.
SUPPORTS
VOTE NO
Courtesy photo
WORK OF
celebrating success
A group of Augsburg College McNair Scholars and staff attended the 20th Annual McNair Scholars
Symposium in California in August. Front Row [L to R]: McNair Scholars Program assistant Lara Crombie,
Beau Elkington ’13, Alexandra “Alix” Young ’13, Allison Zank ’14, Nou Yang ’13, Shoua Moua ’13, McNair
Scholars Program director Tina Maria Tavera, Nikki Stauffer ’13; Back Row [L to R]: Jazmine Darden ’13,
Arianna Genis ’13, Roseanna “Rosie” Benser ’13, Jon Barrick ’13, Charlie Olson ’13, Dustin Ritchea ’13,
Leah Tillman ’13, and McNair Scholars Program assistant director Brian Greening
McNair Scholars Program grant renewed for five years;
STUDENTS PRESENT AT NATIONAL CONFERENCE
To read a sampling of feedback on the
College’s decision, go to augsburg.edu/now.
Sociology professor honored by peers
DISTINGUISHED CONTRIBUTIONS TO TEACHING AWARD
Augsburg College’s McNair Scholars Program recently
received a renewal grant for five years. The total award of
$1.1 million from the U.S. Department of Education will
provide $220,000 per year from 2012 to 2017.
The McNair Scholars Program prepares first-generation,
low income, and underrepresented students for doctoral studies. This August, 12 Auggies traveled to the University of
California, Berkeley for the 20th Annual McNair Scholars
Symposium.
Many of the students presented findings from their facultyled, on-campus summer research. Students who participate in
the McNair Scholars Program spend an average of 400
hours exploring their topics, developing theses, collecting
and reviewing data, and preparing formal paper presentations.
2
Augsburg Now
Sociology professor Diane Pike
was named co-recipient of the
Distinguished Contributions to
Teaching Award at the 2012 meeting of the American Sociological
Association (ASA). Pike, who
received her PhD from Yale
Diane Pike
University, was honored for her
nearly 20 years of commitment as evidenced by her
extensive presentations to teaching colleagues via
paper sessions, professional workshops, regional
meetings, keynote and panel participation, and
more. Pike also is editor of TRAILS (Teaching
Resources and Innovations Library for Sociology),
the ASA’s online library of teaching materials.
Physics faculty receive awards from
National Science Foundation
Eboo Patel, president and founder of
Interfaith Youth Core, spoke at the
Bernhard M. Christensen Symposium.
Mark Engebretson,
physics professor, was
awarded $243,000 to
study Earth’s space environment, known as the
magnetosphere. The
award, Number
Mark Engebretson
Ben Stottrup
1142045 from the
National Science Foundation (NSF), brings to more than $1.8
million the awards earned by Engebretson since mid-2008.
In addition to his teaching and research, Engebretson
recently presented at a pre-launch meeting for NASA officials
and members of the Radiation Belt Storm Probes (RBSP)
science team. His ground-based space research will
strengthen the work of the RBSP mission that
launched in late August. Ground data gathered by Augsburg instruments in the Arctic
will provide a large-scale picture of what is
happening in the Earth’s environment to add
to the data gathered by the RBSP satellite
probes.
Associate Professor of Physics Ben Stottrup was
awarded more than $157,000 by the NSF for investigation
of pattern formation and morphology in two-dimensional, selfassembled model biomembranes. The work will allow Stottrup to
continue research on how multicomponent lipid systems spontaneously assemble. The long-term goals of this work are to
contribute to the development of new biomaterials and nanotechnology and to prepare undergraduates from diverse backgrounds for careers at the intersection of the physical sciences
and biology. The funding is from NSF award Number 1207544.
MANY VOICES
BOLD VISIONS
CONVOCATION SERIES 2012-13
The Convocation series kicked off during
September with the Bernhard M. Christensen
Symposium. Eboo Patel, president and founder of
Interfaith Youth Core, spoke about the holiness of
common ground and the value of developing interfaith understanding.
During October, the Center for Counseling and
Health Promotion Convocation was an opportunity
for the Augsburg community to learn from psychiatrist and author, Dr. Henry Emmons, about ways to
restore mental and emotional resilience in the face
of depression, anxiety, and other stress-related
conditions.
The Humanities and Fine Arts Convocation in
November featured Dan Phillips, a designer and
builder of recycled housing. Phillips also is
founder of The Phoenix Commotion, a local building initiative that, according to its website, was
created to demonstrate that salvaged materials are
viable building materials.
The Convocation series is a cross-disciplinary
speaker series that explores ideas and thoughts
around the impact each person can have in a
world of 6.9 billion people.
To see photos and video from the Convocation
series, go to augsburg.edu/now.
Dual MBA/MAL program
meets needs of senior-level employees
The work world is an ever-evolving place,
and Augsburg College continually seeks
ways to meet the ongoing needs of students
who strive to advance their careers. One new example of the College’s
approach is its fall 2012 offering of a dual Master of Business
Administration/Master of Arts in Leadership program. Students in one program
now will be able to add skills and knowledge from the other program and to
earn master’s degrees in both areas. The program can be completed in as
few as three years.
at
Fall 2012
3
quad
around the
accelerates path to MBA
4+1
Traditional undergraduate
students will be able to
earn a bachelor of arts in
business and a Master of
Business Administration
in just five years beginning in the fall of 2013 through
Augsburg’s new “MBA 4 + 1” program. The program, the
first of its kind in the Twin Cities, offers an accelerated
schedule that is cost efficient because it reduces overall time spent in college. Designed for traditional undergraduates, the program will be friendly to international
students, will feature close academic advising relationships, and will include hands-on learning through focused
internships. The College is exploring how the program
might serve students at other Minnesota colleges that
do not offer graduate programs.
Correction: In the “Honoring Our Retired Faculty”
story on pages 17-18 of the summer 2012 edition of
Augsburg Now, information about Norma Noonan’s
education was incorrectly cited. A corrected version
of Noonan’s information is posted here.
Professor of Political Science Norma Noonan served
Augsburg for more than 45 years, joining the faculty
during 1966. She was instrumental in the development of the Master of Arts in Leadership, the
College’s inaugural graduate program, and served as
program director for 18 years. She chaired the
Political Science Department, served on key faculty
committees, and was a mentor to many. In addition,
Noonan was founding director of what now is the
Center for Teaching and Learning. Noonan received a
bachelor of arts in political science from the
University of Pennsylvania. She earned a master of
arts and PhD in political science from Indiana
University. She also holds a certificate in Russian
and East European Studies from Indiana University.
4
Augsburg Now
Regents elect Harpstead as chair
Courtesy photo
New program
Jodi Harpstead, chief executive officer
of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota,
was elected chair of the Augsburg
College Board of Regents at its May
2012 meeting and began her term on
July 1.
As chair of the governing board of
Jodi Harpstead
the College, Harpstead will play a key
leadership role in Augsburg’s planning and fundraising
initiatives. She will guide the Board’s oversight of the
College’s strategic priorities, including:
• Helping define the plan to build a signature academic
building, the Center for Science, Business, and
Religion;
• Ensuring the quality and relevance of the academic
offerings; and
• Monitoring the development of a long-range enrollment
plan for the College.
Harpstead has served on the Board of Regents since
2005.
In addition, the Augsburg Corporation at its
September meeting elected four new members to the
Board of Regents. Each member was elected to a fouryear term. Newly elected Regents include:
• Jennie Carlson, executive vice president of human
resources for U.S. Bancorp;
• Pam Moksnes ’79, management consultant;
• Curt Sampson, chairman and director of Canterbury
Park Holding Corporation; and
• Steve Wehrenberg ’78, chief executive officer of
Campbell Mithun.
Regents elected to second, four-year terms
include Mark Eustis, Alexander
Gonzalez ’90, and Eric Jolly.
Anthony Genia ’85 was elected
to a third, four-year term.
Thank you to Philip
Styrlund ’79, who retired
from the Board of
Regents after 12 years
of service to the College.
Upholstery project
supports local economy
experiential
At first glance, the choice to refurbish the chairs in Hoversten
Chapel is just good financial management. The move to refresh
versus replace the chairs saved the College more than
$40,000.
But that’s only the surface of the decision.
What really went on gets to the heart of what it means to be
a good steward.
When the College this past summer opted to refurbish the
17-year-old chairs, staff requested a bid from All About
Upholstery, a locally owned business.
“We had worked with Tonya, the owner, on a smaller project
in the old coffee shop, and she was great,” said Matt Rumpza,
director of Purchasing and Central Support Services. “By making the decision to reupholster the chairs, we were making an
environmentally friendly and cost-sensitive decision.”
Tonya DuRoche, who lives in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood, worked with her team to refresh 597 chairs. The job
included new upholstery, replacing the seat and back cushions, regluing joints, and touch-up varnishing. It was rewarding work, too.
“Contributing to the comfort of students who are studying
and those who are practicing their spirituality in the chapel is a
way to contribute to the future,” DuRoche said.
DuRoche, who is committed to her community and other
local businesses, sources nearly all of her fabrics from a familyowned company in Minneapolis. Studies show that money
Tonya DuRoche, owner, All About Upholstery
spent locally stays in a community longer than money spent at
companies with headquarters outside of that community, state,
or region. In fact, the 2004 Andersonville Study of Retail
Economics found that $100 spent in locally owned independent stores returns $68 to the community through taxes, payroll,
and other expenditures. Money spent at a national chain only
returns $43 to the community.
DuRoche also hires and trains local employees. She completes a mix of residential and large-scale commercial work for
tribal businesses such as casinos and helps stabilize other local
companies by providing suppliers with a fairly steady stream of
business. In turn, her suppliers are able to provide a stable
income for their employees. This interconnected way of doing
business is important to her.
“It’s a way to be an entrepreneurial role model, to give back
to our community,” said DuRoche, a member of the Iowa Tribe
of Kansas and Nebraska. “I’ve always wanted to be an artist or
work in the medical field. This gives me the chance to offer a
kind of healing by creating beauty in surroundings.”
National Society for Experiential Education AWARD
Augsburg College’s commitment to experiential education was recognized for the third time in as many years on October 5
when the National Society for Experiential Education (NSEE) presented President Paul C. Pribbenow with the
2012 William M. Burke Presidential Award for Excellence in Experiential Education.
The award, presented by the NSEE and funded by The Washington Center for Academic Internships and Seminars, celebrates the dedication of a sitting college or university president who has made significant contributions to experiential
education on campus and in the community.
Pribbenow was nominated for the award by Garry Hesser, sociologoy professor and Sabo Professor for Citizenship and
Learning; Orval Gingerich, assistant vice president for international programs; and Lois Olson, former director of the
Strommen Center for Meaningful Work.
The Burke Award, a testament to the fact that hands-on learning is a core part of the College’s curriculum, includes a
$2,000 scholarship that will be awarded to a deserving Auggie who is involved in experiential learning.
education
Fall 2012
5
2012
Augsburg celebrates 40 years
of women’s athletics
The passage of Title IX, enacted as part of the U.S. Education
Amendment of 1972, mandated equal opportunities in education, allowing women to participate on high school and college
athletic teams. But the tradition of women’s athletics at
Augsburg actually dates back to the earliest days of Auggie athletics in the 1920s.
On November 10, Augsburg celebrated 40 years of varsity
women’s athletics and the 40th anniversary of the passage of
Title IX. Lavonne (Mrs. Pete) Peterson ’50 and Joyce Pfaff ’65
were honored at the celebration with “One of Our Own” plaques
for their contributions to Augsburg College and the Athletic
Department. In addition, female athletes from each decade were
chosen for All-decade Teams.
Peterson, an instructor, coach, and women’s physical education director, started the Auggiettes basketball team in 1950 and
coached the team for 18 years, leading them to an incredible
154-6 record. Pfaff, an Augsburg coach, instructor, and director
of women’s athletics, started several women’s teams after the
passage of Title IX and served the College for 43 years.
Here we recognize a few of the leaders and milestones in
women’s athletics at Augsburg. To read more about these women
and others who contributed to the proud tradition of women’s
athletics at Augsburg College, go to athletics.augsburg.edu.
1980
1995
1951
Auggiette basketball team
1972-73
1979
Women’s varsity intercollegiate volleyball, gymnastics,
and tennis are founded while basketball is restarted.
The softball team places second
at the MAIAW State Tournament.
1985
1974-75
1970s
1970
The volleyball team places second in the Minnesota
Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women
(MAIAW) state tournament, qualifying to compete in
the Region 6 AIAW tournament both years. The
Auggies place fourth in the Region 6 tournament in
1974 and fifth in 1975.
1971
Softball is added as a varsity sport.
Title IX is passed June 23, 1972.
In both the floor exercise and balance beam, gymnast Ann Knutson
Brovold ’74 is the first Augsburg female athlete to compete in a
post-season event—an Association for Intercollegiate Athletics
for Women (AIAW) Region 6 tournament.
6
Augsburg Now
1979-80
Kathy Korum ’81 is the first woman to play
and letter on a men’s varsity team (golf).
1980
1974-75
1972
Women’s soccer is
added as a varsity sport.
1980s
1975-76
Women’s track and field is
added as a varsity sport.
1982-83
Augsburg joins the Minnesota
Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC).
1981-82
The softball team qualifies for its
first AIAW national tournament.
1988
1982
2003-04
1971
2006-07
1974
1999-00
1988
2012
Under coach Paul Grauer, the women’s track
and field team earns a third place National
Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) team
finish with Carolyn Ross Isaak ’89 and
Melanie Herrera-Storlie ’88.
Augsburg announces that it will establish
the first varsity intercollegiate women’s
lacrosse program in the state of Minnesota.
2003-04
1991
Women’s cross country is reestablished
as part of the varsity athletics program.
1990
1990s
1995-96
Augsburg establishes the
first Midwest varsity
women's hockey team.
Augsburg establishes the swim and dive program.
2000s
2010
2000
1999-00
2004-07
The women’s hockey team is the Division III
national tournament runner-up in the American
Women’s College Hockey Alliance (AWCHA).
Women’s soccer qualifies for the MIAC playoffs.
Fall 2012
7
CALLING
PURPOSE
LUTHERAN HIGHER EDUCATION
IN THE 21ST CENTURY
AS PAUL C. PRIBBENOW ENTERS THE
SEVENTH YEAR OF HIS PRESIDENCY
at Augsburg College, he believes Lutheran higher education is more relevant than ever before.
Pribbenow affirmed this view through a summer sabbatical project in which he developed succinct ways to
articulate how five theological traditions make Lutheran
colleges and universities valuable—and sustainable—in
an increasingly diverse society.
For Pribbenow, the role of Lutheran higher education
is well described by Darrell Jodock, professor emeritus at
Gustavus Adolphus College. Jodock has written that a
Lutheran college uses religion as the foundation of the
institution’s identity so that it may explore “the riches of
that tradition as part of its contribution to the community
as a whole.” Jodock continues, “The Lutheran tradition
summons a college to work out a ‘both…and,’ both
affirming the religious identity and engaging with today’s
world.”
BY LAURA SWANSON
8
Augsburg Now
GIFTS OF THE ELCA TRADITION
P
ribbenow during his sabbatical identified the ways in
which five gifts of the Lutheran theological tradition
serve colleges and universities as they navigate challenges in the 21st century. The tenets that he deems
applicable to higher education include:
1. VOCATION
theologically, Lutherans believe God has created humankind in
all its diversity in God’s own image.
Eboo Patel, founder and president of the Interfaith Youth Core, spoke during
September on interfaith dialogue, neighborhood service, and intentional diversity at
the Augsburg College Bernhard M. Christensen Symposium. Patel’s remarks allowed
the Augsburg community to explore the concept of engaging with otherness and difference (see “Around the Quad,” page 3).
The Lutheran view of vocation has a deep, philosophical
meaning that extends beyond an individual’s occupation.
Lutherans believe that all people have a calling—a vocation—
to live a life that serves the well-being of their community.
Lutheran colleges and universities are uniquely situated to
help students of all ages and backgrounds. “Our students
come to us hungry for something. Hungry for knowledge, yes.
Hungry for career paths, yes. But they’re hungry for more,”
Pribbenow said. “They are hungry for meaning. The concept of
vocation gives us a way to talk with students in a nuanced and
sophisticated manner about how they can live purposeful
lives.”
2. CRITICAL AND HUMBLE INQUIRY
A liberal arts education equips individuals with the skills and
knowledge required to engage in civic life, public debate, and
thoughtful analysis across a wide range of disciplines and topics. The Lutheran commitment to critical and humble inquiry
highlights the importance of a liberal arts education in “teaching students how to go out into the world not as experts who
lord their knowledge over others but as people who are determined to bring their particular wisdom or knowledge to bear,”
Pribbenow said.
3. ENGAGING WITH OTHERNESS
AND DIFFERENCE
The world’s citizens live and work in increasingly complex and
diverse cultures. Lutheran colleges are positioned to offer students the knowledge, skills, and values needed to navigate a
world with people of all backgrounds and experiences. The liberal arts approach to learning and teaching has a fundamental
commitment to engaging with otherness and difference so that
people understand and embrace the richness of the human
experience. Diversity is a core value of the Church because,
4. SERVICE AND JUSTICE
Since the beginning of his Augsburg College presidency,
Pribbenow has articulated a simple but powerful vision for the
College: “We believe we are called to serve our neighbor.” The
Lutheran commitment to service and justice is embraced and
fulfilled in different capacities at each Lutheran college or
university. But the institutions are unanimous in their desire to
use education, civic engagement, and community service as
pathways to develop informed citizens who engage with their
neighbors.
Service at Augsburg takes many forms, and the College is
committed to the “anchor institution” movement—a model
where service is not seen as one-way “charity” but instead an
opportunity to find shared value among institutional partners
and to strengthen the economic vitality and safety of the
neighborhoods in which the institutions are located.
Read the fall 2011 Augsburg Now article, “Community
Relations,” at augsburg.edu/now to learn more about
the College’s role as an anchor institution.
5. SEMPER REFORMANDA
Translated from Latin as “always to be reformed,” semper
reformanda is a tenet of Protestant reformist Martin Luther,
who advocated for the Church to continually re-examine itself
in order to maintain its vitality. The term, Pribbenow asserts, is
useful for colleges and universities because it creates not an
allowance for—but an expectation of—continuous review and
change. This flexibility empowers institutions to implement
initiatives to better serve students, to change policies that do
not deploy resources responsibly, and to align themselves with
contemporary market needs.
Fall 2012
9
LIVING OUT A
LUTHERAN CALLING
T
he five gifts of the Lutheran tradition that
Pribbenow identified during his sabbatical project
may serve as a common lexicon for the 26 U.S.
higher education institutions committed to providing
post-secondary education in affiliation with the ELCA.
The ELCA colleges and universities are not held together by
a centralized governance model, but rather choose to claim a
common identity based on their shared values. The institutions
form a mutually beneficial network where they help one another
align their work to the deeply held values and priorities of the
Lutheran faith so that all of its gifts are well used. Pribbenow’s
sabbatical research is acutely relevant as each area of his investigation can deepen conversation among Lutheran colleges and
universities across the United States during a time when the
leadership at many of these institutions is in transition.
Lutheran colleges and universities will undergo significant
turnover in their leadership in the near future as current presidents at these institutions retire or move on to new vocational
callings. Many institutions are changing their bylaws to allow
non-Lutherans to apply for the openings in order to broaden the
applicant pool for those positions. The implication of this trend
already is visible.
Pribbenow immediately used his sabbatical research to foster discussions with four individuals who do not hail from the
Lutheran tradition but who were slated to begin their presidencies this fall at the Lutheran institutions Carthage College,
Newberry College, Pacific Lutheran University, and Wittenberg
University.
The integration of non-Lutherans into the leadership of
ELCA institutions fosters critical review and offers a new perspective to existing ELCA college presidents, like Pribbenow,
who are deeply rooted in the Lutheran faith. “It sometimes
takes a non-Lutheran to remind us of the gifts of this tradition
and to lift them up,” said Pribbenow, who was raised the son of
a Lutheran pastor.
Pribbenow’s commitment to leading Augsburg as a “both…
and” Lutheran college is firm.
“Being Lutheran is our bedrock,” Pribbenow said. “The
gifts of this firm foundation enrich our students’ experiences
and strengthen our future.”
10
Augsburg Now
The focus of Pribbenow’s sabbatical research is lived out
daily on the Augsburg College campus where the gifts of
the Lutheran tradition are paired with the gifts of the
College’s urban setting. Higher education models and
expectations are shifting at a rapid pace, which requires
universities to embrace semper reformanda and engage in
continuous review and change.
Because Augsburg’s Minneapolis campus is located in
the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood, the College is uniquely
situated to live out the commitments of its Lutheran tradition in a seamless, integrated manner. Located in one of
the more diverse ZIP codes in the nation, Augsburg College
students have daily opportunities to engage with people
from across the globe, become committed to service and
justice at organizations throughout the neighborhood,
and—as a result—participate in critical and humble
inquiry. Ultimately, these features allow the College to fulfill its calling to prepare students for meaningful vocations.
“I was called to Augsburg to tell our story,” Pribbenow
said. “I’m proud of this College and its Lutheran heritage
because it allows us to live out our mission, to create an
educational space that’s welcoming and progressive, and to
serve our community on local and global levels.”
Pribbenow was granted a two-part sabbatical as a provision of his
contract, which the Augsburg College Board of Regents approved in
2008. The sabbatical was slated for the end of his sixth year at the
College, and he conducted his research project for six weeks from
July to mid-August at the ELCA churchwide headquarters in Chicago.
ELCA Presiding Bishop Mark Hanson ’68 invited Pribbenow to spend
his sabbatical at the denomination’s headquarters because the two
men are engaged in ongoing conversations about Augsburg and the
wider context of Lutheran higher education.
In Chicago, Pribbenow also spoke with ELCA leaders “who consider how the Lutheran church expresses itself in the world,”
Pribbenow said. “Church leaders understand that colleges are one of
the places where the Lutheran faith is explored deeply, but they don’t
necessarily understand every aspect of our lives.” The sabbatical, he
said, was an excellent opportunity both to educate and to learn.
During December, Pribbenow will travel to Asia with his family
for the second leg of his sabbatical. On their trip, the Pribbenows will
visit the birthplaces of their children Thomas (Soc Trang, Vietnam)
and Maya (Chonquing, China). The Pribbenows will return to
Minneapolis before the end of 2012.
BY REBECCA JOHN
STEWARDSHIP
OF SPACE
&
PLAN
CAMPUS
SPACE
Twenty-three acres.
MASTER
That’s the area of Augsburg’s
Minneapolis campus—roughly the size
of 21 football fields.
As an urban college, Augsburg recognizes that thoughtful stewardship of
this finite resource is critical to its success in serving students and providing
an affordable, high-quality educational experience.
That’s why, in 2010, a cross-functional team—including
faculty, staff, and outside consultants—established the
Augsburg Campus Space and Master Plan. This 20-year strategic
vision for the use, reuse, and improvement of Augsburg’s nineblock urban campus identifies and integrates near-term priorities with future construction plans. The result is a logical,
cohesive progression of projects and enhancements that work
in concert to enable the College to achieve its long-term vision
for the campus.
“How we use our space is part of how we express our priorities and tell our story—how we live out our mission and
promise to students,” said Tammy McGee, Augsburg vice president and chief financial officer.
“One of the core tenets of the Campus Space and Master
Plan is that Augsburg College, in its current footprint, has
enough space to deliver on its mission,” said McGee, who led
the year-long planning commission effort. The focus of the
long-term plan is on stewardship—“building to replace, fix, or
improve our spaces, not necessarily to have more space,” she
said.
The master plan’s focus on student experience is evident
in that it is built around the College’s No. 1 campus priority:
the planned Center for Science, Business, and Religion. The
center will be constructed on the west side of 21st Avenue
South, across from the James G. Lindell Library, replacing the
existing Science Hall, which was built in 1949.
“Augsburg’s vision for the Center for Science, Business,
and Religion is a physical manifestation of the interdisciplinary inquiry and critical thinking our faculty bring into classroom and lab experiences every day,” said Barbara Farley, vice
president of academic affairs and dean of the College.
“Augsburg believes that co-locating and fostering deep inquiry
across these academic disciplines will prepare our students to
be the problem solvers, leaders, and citizens our community
and nation will need in the 21st century.”
While the College continues the
fundraising effort for the Center for
Science, Business, and Religion,
the campus master plan guides
progress on other campus and interior space improvements that help
prepare for and complement the
new building.
One of the main goals in improving campus space usage,
according to David Draus, Augsburg Facilities Management
director, is to create adjacencies—locating departments
that work together near each other to help improve their
effectiveness.
A prime example of this work was the Gage Center for
Student Success and Groves Technology Center, which opened
in the spring of 2012, co-locating a range of student support
services at the heart of campus. (See “Gage Center for
Student Success” in the summer 2012 Augsburg Now.)
Following this model, the College moved its career and internship services staff into the newly renovated Clair and Gladys
Strommen Center for Meaningful Work this summer. (See sidebar, page 14.)
“Because of the vision and generosity of the Strommen,
Gage, and Groves families, Augsburg was able to enter this
academic year with two new, beautiful spaces dedicated to
The Center for Science, Business, and Religion
12
Augsburg Now
The Clair and Gladys Strommen Center for Meaningful Work overlooks the Quad from the main level of Christensen Center. Directly outside its floor-to-ceiling
windows is the “Burning Bush” sculpture, funded in 1989 by Clair and Gladys Strommen and created by Augsburg Professor Emeritus of Art, Norm Holen.
serving students throughout their educational journeys and
beyond,” said Augsburg President Paul C. Pribbenow. “By
locating these centers in such highly visible, high-traffic areas,
we expect a dramatic increase in the number of students who
will take advantage of the academic and career services
Augsburg offers.”
With the opening of the Gage Center, several student support departments moved out of Science Hall, which, Draus
said, opened up space for additional moves that better support
student and department needs. For example, Augsburg’s signature Undergraduate Research and Graduate Opportunity (URGO)
program moved to a larger space in Science Hall, and that
shift enabled the College to expand its psychology labs and to
add student and faculty space in mathematics and environmental studies. The Department of Nursing also moved to
Science Hall—at least until that building is ready to be
razed—as the department had outgrown its former suite in
Memorial Hall.
“As much as is possible with these moves, we are working
to minimize the amount of disruption and relocation that will
be required when the Center for Science, Business, and
Religion is built,” Draus said. URGO, psychology, mathematics, and environmental studies are all slated to move out of
Science Hall to the new Center once it is built.
The College’s space upgrades also include several highprofile projects in Christensen Center. This past fall, the
College moved all of its admissions operations—first-year,
transfer, adult undergraduate, and graduate—together in a
welcoming new suite in the lower level of Christensen Center,
creating a warm and engaging first impression for visiting
prospective students and their families. This move also created important adjacencies. With the new Strommen Center
for Meaningful Work just upstairs from the Office of
Admissions, campus tours now “begin with the end in mind”
by talking with families about how the entire Augsburg educational experience prepares students for postgraduate and lifelong learning and success.
As with the Gage Center, co-locating the admissions teams
created additional opportunities for repurposing space in
Christensen Center. One of the major results was a newly refurbished suite for Augsburg Abroad, the International Student and
Scholar Services team, and the College’s multicultural student
services directors. The new location for these groups is just
down the hall from the admissions office and the Campus
Activities and Orientation department. So now, the admissions
team can easily introduce prospective students to staff and
programs that support some of the major life-changing opportunities that a college experience provides.
Augsburg Abroad, International Student and Scholar
Services, and the multicultural student services directors previously were housed in Murphy Place, which was originally
built in 1964 as a temporary structure across 7½ Avenue
from Murphy Square park. With those groups now in
Christensen Center and Augsburg’s Center for Global Education
relocated in the Anderson Hall suite that formerly housed the
Strommen Center, Murphy Place was vacated and, as outlined
in the Campus Space and Master Plan, was scheduled to be
razed. The campus master plan does not call for developing
the land where Murphy Place previously stood until other,
higher-priority construction projects are completed, but it
does outline a long-term vision for creating a green-space
gathering area in that location.
While there certainly were numerous changes on campus in
the past year, not all campus improvements involve relocation.
&
SCIENCE BUSINESS RELIGION
Fall 2012
13
“Many of the improvements involved upgrading furniture to foster more collaboration and interaction in existing
spaces,” said Matt Rumpza, director of Purchasing and
Central Support Services. Two examples of these kinds of
upgrades include the casual learning spaces in Old Main and
outside the Enrollment Center—a centralized services location where students can meet with a financial aid counselor,
process late registrations, and work with the Registrar’s
office to finalize their graduation application.
“We also did significant renovations in Hoversten
Chapel,” Rumpza said. Upgrades included introducing a
new sound system, recarpeting the stage risers, and refurbishing the chairs for the chapel and nearby TjornhomNelson Theater (see “Around the Quad,” page 5). “Rather
than throw the existing 600 chairs into a landfill, we were
able to hire a locally owned business to recover and refurbish them,” Rumpza said. “We get a refreshed look for our
chapel while supporting the vitality of our neighborhood.”
Old Main
The Enrollment Center
14
Augsburg Now
Cutting the ribbon at the opening ceremony of the Clair and Gladys Strommen
Center for Meaningful Work is Gladys Boxrud Strommen ’46. She is joined by her
family [L to R], granddaughter Tjersti Strommen ’07, son Robert Strommen ’74,
grandson Bjorn Strommen, and grandson Hans Strommen ’04, along with
Augsburg President Paul C. Pribbenow.
Clair and Gladys Strommen Center
for Meaningful Work moves
to campus student center
On September 28, members of the Clair ’46 and Gladys Strommen
family joined Augsburg students, staff, and faculty at the ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the Clair and Gladys Strommen Center for
Meaningful Work in its new, central location on the main level of
Christensen Center. Located within eyesight of Einstein Bros. Bagels
and directly on the path to the stairwell to the Christensen Commons,
the Strommen Center makes a statement to hundreds of passers-by
each day about Augsburg’s commitment to helping students find
meaningful work.
“Meaningful work, or discerning one’s vocational calling, is not
just about being successful in one’s career,” said Amy Gort, assistant
vice president and dean of arts and sciences. “Vocation is about
developing and using your gifts to serve others. So, it involves understanding not only your own strengths but also the larger context of
where those talents and strengths can best be put to use. This exploration is an important part of what makes an Augsburg education
unique.”
“This Center is a place where students, both past and present,
can get the assistance they need” in finding meaningful work, said
Gladys Strommen, who spoke at the grand opening ceremony. “Four
generations of the Strommen family have been part of Augsburg,” she
said. “Clair [Gladys’ husband, who passed away in 2001] would be so
pleased that this Center has become a reality.”
Clair and Gladys’ son, Bob Strommen, also spoke at the dedication event, honoring the work his mother has done over the years to
fulfill the dreams of both of his parents. “The gift [to fund the relocation of the Center] was an event, but the hope is that the Center will
be a journey—for the College, as well as for faculty, staff, students,
and alumni. We all come [to college] for an education,” he said, “but
the dream is to leave and have a meaningful life. To help our students
have an impact on what’s important to them in their lives—that’s our
hope for this Center.”
auggie voices
Music with a mission
Since her graduation from Augsburg
College, Sarah Elhardt ’06 has gone
from playing piano and French horn
arrangements in Hoversten Chapel and
Sateren Auditorium to performing experimental, orchestral indie rock at concert
venues and music festivals across the
United States.
In 2008, the multi-instrumentalist
joined Minneapolis-based band Cloud
Cult—a nationally acclaimed group recognized by Rolling Stone magazine for
its commitment to the environment.
Elhardt said her music education at
Augsburg prepared her for performing on
three instruments and singing during
Cloud Cult shows, but she laughed when
she acknowledged that during her time
at the College she was more accustomed
to “playing gospel praise” than rock
music.
Preparation for meaningful work
Elhardt enrolled at Augsburg because she
wanted to continue her family’s tradition
of attending a private Lutheran college.
Originally from a northern suburb of the
Twin Cities metro area, Elhardt sought to
establish roots in the art and music
scenes of Minnesota’s most urban city.
She declared majors in music and
marketing communication—degree programs that allowed her to develop skills
required in a variety of careers. “I was
always trying to figure out how music performance, teaching, and arts administration could be a part of my life,” she said.
After graduation, Elhardt worked in
arts administration at the Minnesota
Orchestra and the Dakota Jazz Club. In
2007, she founded her own piano studio
through which she instructs more than
40 students. Teaching allows Elhardt to
positively impact her community while
sharing her passion for music with a
younger generation.
Yet, Elhardt said she also felt called
to use her musical talents for performance. The opportunity to join Cloud Cult
aligned with her vocational goal and her
desire to be a thoughtful steward of the
Earth’s environment.
Cloud Cult: Music and mission
Cloud Cult, formed in 1995, was
described in a 2008 Rolling Stone article as “extremely environmentally conscious: They tour in a biodiesel van,
record in a geothermal-powered studio,
and even printed their liner notes on
recycled paper with nontoxic vegetable
oils.”
The band’s green focus resounded
with Elhardt. “I had found a way to play
music and love playing music,” she said.
“I’m sharing a positive message around
the world.”
Cloud Cult performs in venues across
the U.S., and many of the shows occur
in environmentally friendly cities such as
Boston, New York, Portland, and Seattle.
Elhardt joined Cloud Cult on stage in
Chicago’s famed Millennium Park this
past summer, and few venues seem a
more perfect fit for a performance by the
band. Millennium Park’s creation transformed more than two dozen acres of
industrial wasteland into a world-class
center for art and music. Cloud Cult
crafts multimedia art during each of its
performances, and the eight-person
group includes two trained artists who
start with a blank canvas at the beginning of each show, which adds a visual
aspect to the concert experience.
Cloud Cult performances are opportunities to mix art forms, indie-rock, and
environmental activism. Band members
like Elhardt see their openhearted songs
as a call to action toward a greener
world.
“It’s music with a purpose, not just
another rock band,” she said.
LAURA SWANSON
Fall 2012
15
auggie days
CITY SERVICE DAY
September 4, 2012
Every year on the day before fall semester classes
begin, first-year and new undergraduate transfer students in the day program participate in City Service
Day projects in the neighborhoods surrounding campus. Students are organized into “AugSem” groups
according to their anticipated fields of study. The purpose of AugSem is to help new students embrace the
learning community at Augsburg by encountering the
community, engaging in the learning process, and
exploring their academic interests. Students meet with
their AugSem faculty and student leaders throughout
their first semester.
En route to Aesthetic Apparatus
Powderhorn Park
16
Augsburg Now
Focus Minnesota
Brian Coyle Community Center
Mixed Blood Theatre
KFAI Radio
Cedar Cultural Center
Mississippi River
West Bank Business Association
Cedar Riverside Community School
Trinity Lutheran Congregation
Augsburg Community Garden
Korean Peace Garden
More than 400 students, faculty, and staff served at 20
locations throughout the community on City Service Day.
Bethany Lutheran Church
SPOKES
Aesthetic Apparatus
Seward Montessori School
Holy Rosary Church
Matthew’s Center
Minnesota Indian Women’s
Resource Center
Bedlam Theatre
Focus Minnesota
Powderhorn Park
Fall 2012
17
New Auggie Tradition
begins with Class of 2016
PICTURE THIS:
Hoversten Chapel is packed with nearly
400 first-year students, excited about
beginning their Augsburg classes after a
week of Auggie Days orientation activities.
They are grouped into the “neighborhoods” they’ve been connected to since
their summer orientation: CedarRiverside, Downtown East, Downtown
West, Hiawatha, Loring Park, Midtown
Phillips, Powderhorn Park, Seward, and
University.
They’ve just learned who won each of
the events they competed in during the
Neighborhood Challenge, one of the
most highly anticipated activities of
Auggie Days:
• Auggie Pride for the neighborhood that
sported the most Augsburg bling—
18
Augsburg Now
shirts, buttons, lanyards, and more!
• Scavenger Hunt all across campus
• Knowledge Bowl about Auggie trivia,
which is not so trivial after all
• Pie-Eating Contest
• Obstacle Course through a giant
inflatable bounce house in Murphy
Square park
• Water Relay celebrating the Land of
10,000 Lakes
In the chapel, they begin shouting their
neighborhood cheers, trying to drown out
every other neighborhood.
The orientation leaders (OLs), a
group of 18 returning students who have
guided, encouraged, and supported
these first-year students, file up to the
front of the chapel. They are welcomed
with thunderous applause.
And then, the big finale comes,
thanks to biology professor Jennifer
Bankers-Fulbright (called “Dr. B” by her
students). It’s the call-back cheer she
originated.
OLs: We are called!
First-years: AUGGIES!!!
OLs: We are called!
First-years: AUGGIES!!!
OLs: We are called!
First-years: AUGGIES!!!
Can’t you just hear it? It’s a new year
marked by a new tradition.
Watch the video at ow.ly/dEBWh
WE ARE CALLED auggies
my
Auggie
experience
Tina Prchal (left) and Wendi Wheeler ’06 (right).
Helping a new Auggie get Started
On the first Saturday of the 2012 Weekend and Evening
College (WEC) fall term, Tina Prchal seemed as excited and
nervous about returning to college as you might expect a new
student to be. Tina met with me on that first day of classes
through Augsburg’s “Start” program, which helps new WEC
students transition to Augsburg and provides WEC alumni an
opportunity to help those new Auggies navigate their college
experience.
At lunch in the Quad between Tina’s morning and afternoon classes, she talked about her first class—algebra. She
said she loved her professor, but she was nervous about studying math after more than 20 years away from the subject. She
also talked about her previous college experience, her current
job, her family, her long commute to campus in the winter,
and her career and educational goals.
As I listened to Tina, I remembered my own feelings about
beginning classes at Augsburg in 2001. Like Tina, I looked
forward to being a student again but was also anxious about
getting good grades, balancing life and work obligations with
schoolwork, making friends, and, frankly, being able to stick
with the program in order to complete my degree. What I
know now, and what I shared with Tina that day, was just how
much support is available at Augsburg for all students.
For 30 years, students in Augsburg’s weekend and
evening programs have achieved the goal of obtaining a
degree through their own dedication and with the encouragement of staff and faculty. The Start program now gives WEC
alumni an opportunity to join in to support students and help
them achieve success at Augsburg.
So how is it going for Tina? After her first week, she said
she felt less intimidated. “I was afraid that I wasn’t going to
be successful in my classes, but seeing that other students
felt the same way as I did gave me confidence,” she said.
“I’m so very glad I transferred to Augsburg.”
SHARE YOUR SUCCESS WITH A NEW AUGGIE
If you are a WEC alum, you can help support a new adult
undergraduate student through the Augsburg Start program.
Contact Pat Grans in Alumni Relations at 612-330-1329 or
gransp@augsburg.edu to volunteer for the upcoming winter
or spring trimester.
WENDI WHEELER ’06
Fall 2012
19
Augsburg College
2011-2012
ANNUAL REPORT TO DONORS
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, Augsburg College realized its
most successful fundraising year in fiscal 2012, with $14,815,000
received from 4,350 donors.
This philanthropy supports building and ongoing maintenance
projects, financial aid, salaries, and other resources that allow
Augsburg to provide a quality education to more than 4,000 students in our undergraduate and graduate programs in Minneapolis
and Rochester, Minn. But more importantly, your gifts enhance and
continue to grow the quality of teaching and learning at Augsburg,
helping the College to attract gifted, ambitious students and the talented faculty and staff who teach and guide them.
Your gifts help Augsburg educate future thinkers, stewards, leaders, and
citizens of our world. We invite you to meet two outstanding Auggies:
Jazmine Darden ’13, a mathematics and physics major, McNair Scholar, Phillips Scholar,
North Star STEM Scholar, GEMS/GISE summer camp leader, and member of the residence
life student staff.
Eric Dooley ’13, a physics and secondary education major, Regents’ Scholar, Christensen
Scholar, physics tutor, and offensive lineman and four-year starter for the Auiggie football team.
20
Augsburg Now
To read more about Jazmine and
Eric, go to augsburg.edu/now
2011-2012 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
REVENUE BY SOURCE
Tuition
70%
Room and board
11%
Private gifts and grants
11%
Government grants
4%
Other sources
4%
EXPENSES BY CATEGORY
Salary and benefits
44%
Financial aid
26%
Operating expenses*
18%
Debt service
4%
Equipment and capital improvements
3%
Utilities and insurance
3%
Student salaries
2%
*Expenses in this category include: facility repairs and maintenance, information
technology expenditures, marketing expenditures, membership dues and fees,
outside consultants, supplies, and travel and business meetings.
$33.3
$32.4 $31.5
$25.4
2004
$29.8
$28.2
$27.2 $27.8
May 31, 2012
$29,778,094
$24.5
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2012 ENDOWMENT MARKET VALUE
2011
2012
We are committed to maintaining the value of
the principal gifts and providing support to the
College in perpetuity. As of May 31, 2012,
Augsburg had annual realized and unrealized
losses of 8.91 percent on its endowment. Our
five-year average annual return on the endowment is -1.61 percent, and the ten-year average annual return is 2.72 percent.
(IN MILLIONS)
Please visit augsburg.edu/giving/report for our 2012 Honor Roll of Donors.
Fall 2012
21
it takes an
Auggie
Augsburg Associates
The Augsburg College Associates is a
service auxiliary of volunteers including
alumni and friends of Augsburg whose
mission includes fundraising for special
projects and scholarships in support of the College.
Throughout the year, the Associates manage estate
and moving sales in the Minneapolis and St. Paul
metro area and host a boutique and buffet for the
annual Velkommen Jul celebration at Augsburg. For the
past two years, they have also had a booth at the Taste
of Augsburg during Homecoming weekend. The
Associates have given to Augsburg more than a half
million dollars from their fundraising efforts for projects, including:
• creation of the Welcome Desk in Christensen Center,
• renovation of the Green Room in Foss Center,
• renovations of the Augsburg and Marshall rooms in
Christensen Center,
• creation of the Special Collections room in Lindell
Library, and
• purchase of the Dobson pipe organ in Hoversten
Chapel.
Thank you, Augsburg Associates, for your commitment to
supporting Augsburg and our students!
22
Augsburg Now
HOMECOMING
During the past few years, the Augsburg Homecoming festivities
have expanded beyond the classic class reunions, and this year
was no exception. Homecoming 2012 included a reception for
recent graduates, a reunion of the famed Cabaret Singers, a new networking breakfast for Latina and Latino alumni, a Silver Auggie
reunion for alumni who graduated more than 50 years ago, a football game watch reception hosted by the A-Club, and anniversary
celebrations for the Master of Arts in Leadership program (25 years)
and the Weekend and Evening College (30 years). More than 2,000 alumni and friends came to campus for
Homecoming 2012 to reconnect with former classmates and professors and to enjoy the Auggie spirit.
Homecoming provides an opportunity for all Augsburg alumni to stay connected to the College.
Save the date for Homecoming 2013: September 23 to 28. If you are interested in serving on your reunion
committee or volunteering to help plan events, contact alumni@augsburg.edu. For more information, go to
augsburg.edu/alumni for more information.
2012
go auggies
Fall 2012
23
24
Augsburg Now
2012 alumni awards
Distinguished Alumni
Awards
Bruce Brekke ’70
CEO of Heartland America
I’ve always been
proud to be an
Auggie.To know that
Augsburg is proud of
me is very special. I
meet successful people every day. Most
are just like me: ordinary people. Don’t
ever let anyone tell you that you can’t,
you won’t, you’ll never. Thanks,
Augsburg, for the most transformational years of my life.
First Decade Award
Spirit of Augsburg Awards
Joyce Miller ’02, ’05 MAN, ’11 DNP
Dale Hanka ’60
Retired Mayo Clinic nurse manager
and assistant director, Mayo Clinic
research study coordinator, and
Augsburg faculty member
Former teacher, real estate agent,
financial planner, bank president,
and title company owner; founder of
the Dale and Carolyn Hanka Business
Scholarship
As nurses, we have
lots of scientific
knowledge to use in
helping care for our
patients, but the
patients are the
experts, not us. We
need to walk alongside of them and
understand their stories. Otherwise,
how will we know what they need for
health care?
Richard Ekstrand ’72
Founder of Rural Cellular
Corporation, now part of Verizon
Wireless, and board member for
American Solutions for Business
The seeds planted in
college really helped
prepare me: Be a
good steward; be
humble; encourage
others to succeed.
These were the foundations for my company’s ideology.
Surround yourself with good people,
and you and they will be successful.
I volunteer because I
care and because I
can. I always say,
“Give until it feels
good.” My family,
faith, and my experience at Augsburg
have all worked together to make my
life successful.
Dick “Pork Chops” Thompson ’61
Athletic Hall of Fame
Congratulations to the alumni who
have been inducted into the
Augsburg Athletic Hall of Fame:
Allan Berg ’68, football/men’s basketball
Jennifer Coyle Rhoads ’97, softball
John Evans ’82, men’s hockey
Jack Grengs ’88, baseball
Kurt Habeck ’91, wrestling
Anne Richter ’86, volleyball/softball
Former teacher, co-founder of Mobile
Sports Athletic Camps, president and
owner of Playmore Travel
You don’t do [the
things that earn you
awards] because you
want to get awards.
You do them
because that’s what
you’ve been taught
to do. There are so many people
deserving of this award. It’s an honor to
receive it.
Meg Schmidt Sawyer ’00, women’s
hockey/softball
John Selstad ’67
Retired senior vice president,
National Chronic Care Consortium;
lead staff (retired) at the Minnesota
Department of Human Services and
the Minnesota Board on Aging
Augsburg played a
formative role for
me, but it was the
people of Augsburg
who influenced me
most. We need to
carry on that outreach; all 24,000 alumni must carry
out the charge to serve our neighbor.
Timothy Tousignant ’91, wrestling
2012 Coaching Excellence Awards:
For biographies and more information
about this year’s award winners, go to
augsburg.edu/now
Larry Hoff ’66, football
Timothy Theisen ’93, men’s basketball
homecoming
alumni awards
Fall 2012
25
weekend
and evening
30
college
years
26
Augsburg Now
BY LAURA SWANSON
Weekend and Evening College
celebrates 30th anniversary
Augsburg’s Weekend
and Evening College
for three decades has
offered nontraditional undergraduate students the opportunity to obtain their
bachelor’s degrees through a schedule
that accommodates full-time employment, parenthood, and the countless
other time commitments present in an
adult learner’s life.
Augsburg was among the first colleges and universities in its region to
offer classes in the evening and weekend
format. The weekend and evening program was founded in the spring of 1982
with 69 students and a single major.
Today more than 800 adult students are
enrolled in 17 degree programs at
Augsburg’s Minneapolis location and
Rochester campus. Since its founding,
Weekend and Evening College has fulfilled a need for adult education in the
Twin Cities’ and Rochester’s higher education markets, and it has aligned with
Augsburg’s commitment to intentional
diversity.
“Like with all of the categories of
diversity, there are inherent challenges
and benefits,” said Lori Peterson, assistant vice president and dean of graduate
and professional studies. “We believe
that our students come to us with gifts
and that we—as an institution—are
changed because of their presence. Nontraditional students have brought to us a
greater understanding of what it means
to value lifelong learning.
“We all have many vocations in our
lives, and the vocation of a student can
come at any time,” she continued. “Nontraditional students allow the College to be
deeply aware of what it means to say that
years
we’re an institution of learning for all.”
The College continually has sought to
offer students the “highest quality option
in the Twin Cities’ adult education market,” according to John Schmit, former
director of Weekend and Evening College
and current chair of the English
Department. At Augsburg, it’s worth noting that adult learners are instructed by
full-time faculty members whose expertise is key to students’ exceptional education, Schmit said.
Today, as it did when Weekend and
Evening College was founded 30 years
ago, Augsburg seeks to provide innovative
adult education that meets market
needs. This year, in advance of the
College’s 2014 reaccreditation process
with the Higher Learning Commission
and in response to changes in federal
regulations regarding minimum credit
contact hours, Augsburg faculty and staff
are exploring possible schedule and format changes that will enable the College
to meet the education requirements,
and—most importantly—to further the
College’s call to serve traditional and
nontraditional students.
In this edition of Augsburg Now, we
invite you to read how an Augsburg education shaped the lives of several
Weekend and Evening Auggies.
To learn more about Weekend and
Evening College and its programs, visit
augsburg.edu/weekend.
To read how an Augsburg education changed the
lives of three other Weekend and Evening College
students, go to augsburg.edu/now.
Patrick BAYLE ’12
Matt VAN ZANT ’08
Sharon WADE ’08
30th Anniversary Breakfast
The Weekend and Evening College hosted an anniversary breakfast in conjunction with
Augsburg’s 2012 Homecoming week. Alumni, faculty members, and friends met in the Oren
Gateway Center lobby to celebrate three decades of adult education. Guests reconnected
with former classmates and met current students.
Fall 2012
27
Karen
’05
HARTZ
“There was a hole in my
life, and I knew I could fill
it by going back to school
and getting my degree.”
years
years
28
Augsburg Now
Karen Hartz ’05 enrolled in Augsburg’s
Weekend and Evening College because earning a college degree was her lifelong goal.
“I was missing something,” Hartz said. “I
knew that I had excelled in my career, but I
wanted to go through the classroom experience. I wanted to meet fellow students, take
exams, write papers, and do everything else
students do. There was a hole in my life, and
I knew I could fill it by going back to school
and getting my degree.”
Hartz declared a major in communication
studies because she believed sharpening her
organizational communication skills would
positively impact her vocation.
For more than 20 years, Hartz has worked
as a church administrator—a role, she said,
she fell into by “happenstance.” While in her
mid-30s, Hartz switched from a career in
banking and finance to one where she could
serve her church congregation. Her professional career since has led her to work for
multiple suburban churches in the Twin Cities
metro area, and in 2009 she became the
director of operations at Minneapolis’
Plymouth Congregational Church.
“I love the challenge of being in an urban
setting and having the pulse of city life
around me,” Hartz said. “I experience all
that’s going on in the neighborhood and in the
community.”
As with all of her previous church administration roles, her position at Plymouth
Congregational Church requires quick thinking
and a “ready-for-anything” attitude. Hartz
oversees approximately 20 employees on the
church’s support staff team, and each of her
workdays is unique. “I never know exactly
what is going to come up,” she explained. “I
could have a tree fall down, or a plumbing
leak, or an HR problem, or maybe an issue
with donor giving.
“I believe that in order to work as a
church administrator, as with any ministry
position, you need to be called to serve
because it can be tough, tough, tough work,”
she added.
Hartz dedicates more than 40 hours a
week to her job, and she juggles numerous
volunteer and family commitments that
require much of her time. She said that
Augsburg’s adult undergraduate program
accommodated her schedule as a working
adult and supported her educational
ambitions.
“I went to school thinking that the professors were going to be very strict,” Hartz
recalled. But, she soon realized that the first
priority of faculty members and academic
advisers was to help her succeed at the
College. “The people at Augsburg respect
adult students and understand that we all
have very busy lives with families and jobs,”
Hartz said.
Hartz wanted to live the college experience firsthand, but she also wanted to finish
her degree by the time she turned 50 so that
she could move on to new life goals.
And she did it—with a month to spare.
James
’07
CHAMBERS
“I don’t think I would have
been able to complete my
degrees and work full time
to support my family without this program.”
years
James “Bubba” Chambers ’07 sums up his
typical workday in one word—“busy.”
And that, he says, is exactly how he
wants to spend his time. As an accounts
payable supervisor at Ecolab, Chambers
works on accounting tasks, corporate banking, tax analysis, and so many other duties
he can barely relay the list in a single
breath. But, even if he must pause,
Chambers undoubtedly will mention that he
supervises other staff members.
In 2004, Chambers enrolled in
Augsburg’s accounting program through the
Weekend and Evening College because he
needed a bachelor’s degree in order to find
a job that matched his skill level and desire
for leadership.
Chambers served in the U.S. Navy for
20 years and retired from the military as a
chief petty officer in 2001. While enlisted,
he worked as a course supervisor for an
eight-week school house program. The Navy
uses the school house model to educate
and train servicemen and servicewomen for
specialized roles. The training activities
that Chambers managed prepared sailors
for their first duty assignment by teaching
them payroll and travel entitlement
procedures.
Chambers sought an Augsburg education because he knew that the College was
renowned for its business programs and
that furthering his education would enable
him to find a challenging civilian vocation
where he could return to a supervisory role.
“It was upsetting to have the qualifications to do a job and know the only thing I
was missing was a four-year degree,”
Chambers said.
At Augsburg, Chambers took two
classes each term to maintain full-time
enrollment status, a requirement for his
G.I. tuition benefit. Some of his military
experience fulfilled course requirements at
the College, and he finished the accounting
degree in 2007. Chambers secured his job
at Ecolab a few months before completing
the accounting program, and he later
returned to Augsburg to obtain his finance
degree when the company granted him
funds for continued education.
“I’m glad that Augsburg offered the
Weekend and Evening College,” Chambers
said. “I don’t think I would have been able
to complete my degrees and work full time
to support my family without this program.”
Signs of a liberal arts education
As an Augsburg student, Chambers ’07 took American
Sign Language (ASL) classes to fulfill his modern language core curriculum requirement. Chambers completed accounting and finance degrees through the
Weekend and Evening College and now uses his business savvy during each workday.
He also applies his second language skills to his new
night and weekend gig—serving as the fifth and sixth
grade assistant football coach in Eagan, Minn.
Chambers communicates with the mother of one of his
players using ASL. He said his ability to sign allows the
parent and the player to feel more involved in the football program.
Fall 2012
29
years
It’s uncommon
for an incoming
student to visit
every college and
university within
a five-state area
before determining that
Augsburg is the
perfect fit.
Jennifer Weber ’11 for nearly 10
years worked as an Indian education
advisor in the Anoka-Hennepin School
District and took high school students on
more college tours than she could count.
While her job was to encourage her students to obtain bachelor’s degrees, she
awaited the opportunity when she, too,
could become a college student.
That’s why Weber accepted a layoff
intended to downsize her employer’s
Indian education department. In return,
she received financial assistance from a
dislocated worker program that would
allow her to attend Augsburg’s adult
undergraduate program. Weber called the
Augsburg American Indian Student
Services office upon taking the layoff and
within two days was registered for
classes.
“There was no looking back once I
set my mind to it,” Weber said. “I
thought, ‘If I’m going to do this, I’m
going to do it completely.’ I was a 16year-old mom, and I watched all of my
friends go off to college. I wanted to say
that I still had that experience; I just had
it at a different time.”
Weber declared a triple major in
emotional/behavioral disabilities, learning
disabilities, and American Indian studies,
and she participated in an Augsburg
Abroad trip to Chiapas, Mexico. She
30
Augsburg Now
Jennifer
anticipated that her study-abroad experience would change her perspectives on
education and American Indian studies
by introducing her to a new culture, but
she found she was most engaged by discussions surrounding water contamination and the unequal distribution of water
resources to native peoples. “An elder
asked us, ‘Now that you’ve been here and
you’ve seen our communities, are you
going to go home and forget about us?
Or, are you going to go home and do
something?’”
Weber felt called to raise water conservation awareness and later learned of
the Mother Earth Water Walk through an
event held at Augsburg College. The
water walk was established by
Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) who regard themselves as the caretakers of the Great
Lakes. The walk called attention to the
need to conserve water as the source of
all life. “I left the event that night and
everything made sense to me,” Weber
said. “This was my chance to do something.”
During the water walk, Anishinaabe
grandmothers, women, men, and youth
from Canada and the United States carried water to Bad River, Wis., from the
Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, the
Atlantic Ocean, and the Hudson Bay.
Weber coordinated the southern direction
water walk. She found lodging for participants, acquired donations, and joined
walkers on their journeys—all the while
finishing her coursework at Augsburg in
preparation for graduation.
Today Weber continues to raise water
conservation awareness, and she, with
Native educators from across Minnesota,
is writing a curriculum that will accompany a Mississippi River water walk
WEBER ’11
slated to begin during March 2013. The
curriculum will be made accessible
online to any school or organization working with youth. “If you want to make an
effective change, you must start with
children,” Weber said.
Since her Augsburg graduation,
Weber has resumed her meaningful
vocation working with Twin Cities
youths. She now serves Cedar-Riverside
Community School as a behavior specialist, K-8 special education teacher,
and athletic director.
By working in the Augsburg neighborhood, Weber serves her alma mater in a
unique way. She is in the midst of a collaborative project with Augsburg education department faculty members
Elizabeth Madson Ankeny and Dee
Vodicka to create hands-on learning
opportunities for students in Augsburg’s
weekend and evening program. The students learn about positive behavioral
interventions through an on-site classroom experience at the Cedar-Riverside
Community School. Research on the collaborative project’s success in teaching
Augburg students has been overwhelmingly positive, according to Weber.
Ankeny, Vodicka, and Weber presented observations from the collaboration at the Teacher Education Division for
the Council for Exceptional Children
national conference in November in
Grand Rapids, Mich. Their presentation
was titled, “A Walk from Campus to a
Neighborhood School: Preservice
Teachers’ Experiences in a Partner
School.”
It seems Weber’s educational journey with Augsburg College will continue
to fork—like a river—at each new
opportunity.
alumni news
FROM THE ALUMNI BOARD PRESIDENT
Dear alumni and friends,
a
save the date
s I reconnected with former classmates and teammates during the
Homecoming 2012 festivities, I
was again reminded how important it is
for Auggie alumni to support one
another. The entrepreneurial impulse is
strong in Auggies, and many of us
choose to launch new businesses. Augsburg is committed to
helping alumni-owned businesses through the new Auggie Food
and Fun Deals program.
If you are an alum and a business owner, Auggie Food
and Fun Deals can increase the visibility of your business and
drive customers to
you, provide an
attractive benefit
for our fellow
alumni, and
deliver a modest
return to the
College. Through
the Auggie Food and Fun Deals program, you can reach more
than 15,000 alumni households—a great pool of potential
customers for alumni-owned or managed hospitality, retail,
and food-related businesses. The program is free to alumni,
and I encourage you to contact Laura Roller, senior director of
corporate, government, and foundation relations, at
roller@augsburg.edu to learn more.
Another program that supports Auggies is the Maroon Pages,
a directory of businesses and services offered by Augsburg
alumni. Participation in Maroon Pages is free, so please email
alumni@augsburg.edu for more information.
Save the date for one of my favorite opportunities to connect with fellow Auggies—the Student and Alumni Networking
event on Wednesday, February 13, 2013. Please consider volunteering your time that evening to teach students how to
network. I was fortunate to meet Dennis Som ’12 at the event
last year, and we have continued to stay in contact. The relationship has benefited both of us!
CHRIS ASCHER ’81
ALUMNI BOARD PRESIDENT
Alumni and student networking event
Wednesday, February 13
6-8 p.m.
Au
gg
Chief ie Eag
le
Spir
it Off
icer
The Augsburg Alumni Board
invites you to an evening of networking. Connect with fellow
Auggie alumni from a variety of
professions and help Augsburg students hone their professional networking skills as they prepare to
venture out into the working
world. Program details will
be available soon. You may
register to participate at
augsburg.edu/alumni.
FIND US ON
FACEBOOK
AND TWITTER
Facebook pages you
should “like:”
Augsburg College—the official page of
the College
Augsburg College Alumni Association—all
the alumni news you need, and a great
way to connect with your Auggie friends
Auggie Eagle—be Auggie’s friend
Augsburg College Young Alumni & Recent
Graduates—connect with alumni who have
graduated in the past ten years
Follow us on Twitter:
@AugsburgCollege
@AugsburgAuggies
Fall 2012
31
Courtesy photo
alumni news
World-renowned scientists present
to Augsburg alumni in Norway
Renewable energy, the green economy, and partnership opportunities between the United States and Norway were topics of a lateSeptember meeting of more than 30 Augsburg College alumni in
Norway. The meeting was led by Clayton V. McNeff ’91, vice
president of research at SarTec, Ever Cat Fuels LLC, Mcgyan
Biodiesel LLC, McNeff Research Consultants, and ZirChrom
Separations, and Alf Bjørseth, chairman of Scatec AS, a business development company focused on renewable energy and
environmentally friendly advanced materials.
The two men, each with extensive credentials in green
technologies, met at the 2012 Nobel Peace Prize Forum
hosted and coordinated by Augsburg College. McNeff is the cocreator of the innovative Mcgyan biodiesel production process,
and Bjørseth is the founder of one of the world’s largest solar
energy companies.
Augsburg College has partnered with schools in Norway for
more than 15 years to welcome international students to its
Minneapolis campus. This relationship has resulted in a large
alumni population in the country. The September green economy event was part of an ongoing effort to connect and engage
Alf Bjørseth, President Paul C. Pribbenow, Clayton McNeff ’91
alumni with the College and to maintain Augsburg’s connection to its Norwegian heritage.
Augsburg also is connected to Norway through its work as
host of the annual Nobel Peace Prize Forum, held in cooperation
with the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of
Minnesota. The Forum is supported by the Norwegian Nobel
Institute, Augsburg’s sister Norwegian Lutheran colleges, and
community partners who share a commitment to education for
peace.
The 2013 Forum will be held March 8 to 10 on the campuses
of Augsburg College and the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities.
The keynote speaker is Tawakkol Karman, 2011 Nobel Peace
Prize winner, journalist, and human rights activist.
Learn more at peaceprizeforum.org.
AN AUGSBURG
legacy
During Homecoming week this fall,
Augsburg Legacy students received an
“Auggie Family” photo frame from
President Pribbenow and Auggie Eagle.
Legacy students are those whose
grandparents, parents, or siblings are
Augsburg graduates or current students and students who are children
or spouses of ELCA pastors.
Congratulations, Legacy students, and
thank you for carrying on the Auggie
family tradition!
If a member of your family would
like information about becoming an
Auggie, contact the Office of
Admissions at 612-330-1001.
32
Augsburg Now
alumni tour
Join Augsburg College President Paul C. Pribbenow
and fellow alumni and friends on this African tour
through South Africa and Namibia’s shared political past
and the popular tourist attractions and landmarks this history has created.
Learn first-hand about this historic region by visiting Cape Point where the Dutch Conquerors landed
and built a lighthouse, Table Mountain, and Robben
Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned. Tour
the former black and coloured townships and hear
from a cross-section of southern African society.
Discover how the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
Namibia played a significant role in opposition to
apartheid and was part of the Namibian independence
struggle.
This trip is offered in partnership between the
Augsburg College Alumni Association and Center for
Global Education (CGE) at Augsburg College. For more
than 25 years, CGE has provided cross-cultural educational opportunities that foster critical analysis of local
and global conditions so that personal and systemic
change takes place, leading to a more just and sustainable world.
To request more details about the trip, call
612-330-1085 or email alumni@augsburg.edu.
Courtesy photo
The Landmarks of South Africa and Namibia
August 11-24, 2013
@
auggies
THE TWINS GAME
Auggies Jason Bryan-Wegner ’01, Erica Bryan-Wegner
’01, Sarah Grans ’01, and Skylar Hanson ’01 represented Augsburg College and Thrivent at the Thrivent
Financial for Lutherans® Night at the Twins on July 30.
Janet Paone ’83 (not pictured) threw out the first pitch.
To watch the Augsburg video that was displayed on the big screen at Target Field
before the game, go to augsburg.edu/now.
Winter Eye-Opener Breakfast features Mike Good ’71
THURSDAY, JANUARY 24, 2013
Come hear from outgoing Augsburg College Board of Regents
Chair, Mike Good ’71, CEO of Sotheby’s International Realty. As
board chair, Good provided four years of outstanding leadership to the College. He is now taking on the critical role of
national campaign chair for the Center for Science, Business,
and Religion. Learn how Good’s undergraduate experience at
Augsburg equipped him to rise to the rank of CEO and why he continues to remain so engaged with his alma mater.
During his tenure at Sotheby’s, Good has been instrumental in attracting more than 150 quality real estate firms, representing nearly 500 offices from around the world, to join the
Sotheby's network. Under Good’s leadership, Sotheby’s has
won Franchise Business Review’s Best in Category for Real
Estate Franchisee Satisfaction award for the past three years.
It was also rated the most prestigious real estate company by
high-net worth consumers in the 2008 Luxury Brand Status
Index survey, and in 2009 was ranked second on Franchise
Times’ Fast 55 list.
Augsburg’s Eye-Opener Breakfast series provides an opportunity for alumni and friends to network and learn about current
issues in our community. The series is sponsored by Thrivent
Financial for Lutherans® Central Minnesota Regional Financial
Office. Cost is $5 per person, which includes breakfast and
presentation. RSVP at augsburg.edu/alumni.
Save the date for the spring Eye-Opener Breakfast, Thursday,
May 9, 2013.
Fall 2012
33
HOMECOMING 2012 REUNION CLASSES
SILVER AUGGIES—CLASS OF 1961 AND EARLIER
First Row [L to R]: Jeroy Carlson ’48, Eunice (Nystuen) Sortland, Grace (Forss) Herr ’57, Ruth Aaskov ’53, Charlotte (Kleven) Rimmereid ’52, Dora (Frojen) Quanbeck ’49;
Second Row [L to R]: Mert Strommen ’42, Harris Lee ’57, Farolyn (Johnson) Gehring ’56, Inez (Olson) Schwarzkopf ’59, Leroy Nyhus ’52, Arthur Rimmereid ’53, Louise Jones
’56, D. Josh Nelson ’57, Philip Quanbeck Sr. ’50; Third Row [L to R]: Grace (Kemmer) Sulerud ’58, Leola (Dyrud) Furman ’61, Shelby (Gimse) Andress ’56; Fourth Row [L to R}:
Allan Sortland ’53, Virg Gehring ’57, Ainy Carlson, Paul Almquist ’59, Millie Nelson ’52, Dale Hanka ’60, Richard Thorud ’56, Larry Gallagher ’61, Dave Hanka ’60, Dick “Pork
Chops” Thompson ’61, Milt Kleven ’46, Jerry Peterson ’61
50-YEAR REUNION—CLASS OF 1962
First Row [L to R]: Judy (Lerstad) Hill, Marjorie (Engevik) Espe, Maryann (Sorensen) Urban, Bonnie Pehrson, Jennelle (Johnson) Cunning, Mercia (Anderson) Fredrick, Joyce
(Gustafson) Hauge, Bunny (Beglinger) Larson, Barbara (Anderson) Stamp; Second Row [L to R]: Lois (Knutson) Larson, Kathy (Aaker) Casperson, Eugene Strand, David Fredrick,
Sally (Stuber) Cook, Marilyn (Olson) Gronner, Ann (Ring) Odegaard, Kay (Hanenburg) Madson; Third Row [L to R]: Loiell Dyrud, Ken Erickson, Paul Grover, John W. Christensen,
Eunice (Kyllo) Roberts, Julia (Ose) Grose, Rose Marie (Nordin) Anderson; Fourth Row [L to R]: Jack Osberg, Dean Larson, Paul Gunderson, Elaine (Pedersen) Gunderson
34
Augsburg Now
40-YEAR REUNION—CLASS OF 1972
1. Linda (Engstrom) Akenson 2. Ron R. Johnson 3. Lorraine (Wietzke) Aaland 4. Sharon
Carlson 5. Rachel Iverson 6. Ken Wistrom 7. Sue Maahs 8. Judy (Bacon) Haugo 9.
Jennifer (Klema) Cuthbertson 10. Sue (Didrikson) Lisell 11. Karen Sandness 12. Jill
Steele 13. Susan (Lindbloom) Johnson 14. Larry Laingen 15. Jim Wolslegel 16. Marilyn
(Moxness) Hall 17. Ginny (Dahlen) Baali 18. Gail (Thacker) Ofstehage 19. Judy
(Mendenhall) Trimble 20. Nancy (Olson) Hrdlicka 21. Sue Anderson 22. Jim Agre 23.
George Dahlman 24. Joe Stork 25. Rob Engelson 26. Kathy (Langemo) Dugdale 27.
Jackie (Wolhart) Harvestine 28. Carol (Pederson) Jorgenson 29. Tom Fischer 30. Tom
Snell 31. Mary Kay (Johnson) Stensvaag 32. Saul Stensvaag 33. Michelle (Karkhoff)
Christianson 34. Bernelle (Mattson) Hansen 35. Kathy (Seim) Tilderquist 36. Cheryl (Lindroos) Martin 37. Cindy (Barr) Karels 38. Sandie (Youngquist) Kidder 39. Kristin (Parbst)
Rohde 40. Kristine Olson 41. David Christianson 42. Marius Anaházy 43. Jonathan Nye 44. Steve Frantz 45. Darla Frantz 46. Jan (Christensen) Tift 47. Linda (Truax) Johnson 48.
Tom Howe 49. Burton Haugen 50. Rick Ekstrand 51. Tom Haas
2013 REUNION CLASSES
Silver Auggies—Class of 1962 and earlier
Interested in volunteering?
50-Year Reunion—Class of 1963
If you would like to help make your reunion
a success, contact the Office of Alumni and
Constituent Relations at 612-330-1085 or
alumni@augsburg.edu. Save the date for
Homecoming 2013: September 23 to 28.
40-Year Reunion—Class of 1973
30-Year Reunion—Class of 1983
25-Year Reunion—Class of 1988
10-Year Reunion—Class of 2003
Fall 2012
35
Courtesy photo
Courtesy photo
30-YEAR REUNION—CLASS OF 1982
25-YEAR REUNION—CLASS OF 1987
[L to R]: Kari (Eklund) Logan, Gail (Sathre) Kaderlik, Lori LaBelle Bartz, Tia
(Opsahl) Schimek, Lori Moline, Brad Lehto, Tamara Cowan, Beth Anderson, Heidi
(Smith) Labyad, Kaia Knutson
Front Row [L to R]: Tammy Rider, Kathy (Trost) Amos, Anne
(Skurdalsvold) Johnson; Second Row [L to R]: Cheryl (Witsoe) Dudley,
Angela (Schilling) Aitken; Back Row [L to R]: Charles Jorenby, Chris
Hahn, Doug Johnson
Courtesy photo
auggie reunions
10-YEAR REUNION—CLASS OF 2002
Members of the Class of 2002 [pictured above] gathered to celebrate and
reconnect during Homecoming week.
The 10-year reunion committee includes Ben Carlson, Heather (Schwartz) Cmiel,
Jackie (Heyda) Eyberg, Michael Fasching, Britt Gilbertson, Nick Slack, Robert
Wagner, and Brooke (Stoeckel) Whaylen.
36
Augsburg Now
alumni class notes
54Corinne, coauthored a book 72elected president of the
staff qualification manager at
Seagate Technology.
from Princeton Theological
Seminary on May 19.
Minnesota Construction
Association in 2012. She is the first
woman to serve in this position.
99James Johnson, and their
11at St. Paul Preparatory, was
76
daughter, Stella (3), welcomed son
and brother Adrian James on
January 4.
one of five teachers selected from
across the United States to participate in an exchange program
through World Savvy and the U.S.
State Department. Woolever will
travel to Bangladesh to study the
environmental, social, economic,
and political impacts of climate
change and to observe communities that have been affected by climate change. Teachers and
students will spend a month living
with a host family and participating
in research and service projects
with local Bangladeshi students.
Herb Chilstrom and his wife,
of daily inspirational reflections
titled Every Morning New.
63Wisconsin Press released
Alana Sunness Griffith was
In August, the University of
Mau Mau’s Children: The Making of
Kenya’s Postcolonial Elite by David
P. Sandgren. In the book, Sandgren
reconnects with former students he
taught in a Kenyan school for boys
beginning in 1963. Sandgren is a
professor of history at Concordia
College in Moorhead, Minn.
Carol Ann (Nelson) Zwernik was
honored in February with the
Donald A. Vetter Educational
Service Award. The award recognizes extraordinary achievements
and contributions to Lutheran education and commitment to the values of the Evangelical Lutheran
Education Association.
Poet Mary (Belardi)
Erickson’s second chapbook,
While You Blue-Step, was released
in May by Aldrich Publishing.
94enjoying her fifth year of
Patricia (Sotanski) Pardun is
independent practice in Stillwater,
Minn., as a licensed marriage and
family therapist and licensed alcohol and drug counselor. She also
welcomed her first grandchild,
William Joseph McDearmon, on
July 21, 2010.
96ect management professional
Angela Zurn, her husband,
00Russell Brown were married
Sara (Quigley) Brown and
June 18, 2011, in Minneapolis.
Sara is an ordained and rostered
minister in the ELCA, and Russell
works in IT for Wells Fargo.
01and her husband, Aaron, welElizabeth Meskan Neiderhiser
comed daughter Camille Jane in
June. Camille is the third child for
the couple.
Ryan Carlson achieved proj-
(PMP) certification and in
September was named a senior
08
Michael John Gyura of
Rochester received a Master
of Divinity and a Master of Arts
Kate Woolever, an art teacher
graduate programs
Craig and Tina Meeker Mattson ’07
MBA welcomed daughter Audrey
Anne on June 3.
auggie SNAPSHOTS
73Holmes Spun 2, presented at Holmes Theatre in Detroit
Corrine Ruth (Froelich) Frank acted, sang, and danced in
Lakes, Minn., in May.
62brated her 50th anniverJudy Lerstad Hill cele-
38College Commencement cer-
38Thompson ’40 grew up
emony, Gretha (Halvorson) Loken
and her daughter Mary (Loken)
Veiseth ’70 celebrated the graduation of Amy Aylsworth ’12, Loken’s
granddaughter and Veiseth’s
daughter. The three generations of
Auggies are pictured here.
together in Dawson, Minn., and were
college roommates for four years at
Augsburg. They had not seen each
other for 30 years, so Thompson’s
daughter drove him all the way from
Salt Lake City, Utah, to visit Nelson in
Inver Grove Heights, Minn.
At the May 2012 Augsburg
Edor Nelson and Roger
sary as Miss Minnesota 1962.
Crowned the evening before
her Augsburg graduation, Hill
was the first Auggie to win the
competition. In 2011, Hill was
reunited with her former
Augsburg woodwinds teacher,
Ruben Haugen (pictured here).
Hill credits Haugen for developing her talent on saxophone
that earned her a scholarship
at the Miss America Pageant.
Fall 2012
37
auggie
SNAPSHOTS
98Jenell (Torma) Agrimson
Erick Agrimson and
95Severson were married July 7.
Tracy (Anderson) Severson and Scott
’00 welcomed their first child,
Anders, on June 12. Erick
works at St. Catherine
University as assistant professor of physics and is a
Minnesota Space Grant affiliate director. Jenell works at
East Suburban Resources as
a job coach.
00MSW, was named the
Heidi Kammer Jensen,
99wife, Tracy (Holloway)
Thane Drier and his
Drier, welcomed daughter
Morgan Rae on July 29.
Morgan joins brothers
Tristan and Caden.
director of Recovery
Resource Center (RRC), a
division of RESOURCE in
Minneapolis.
97his wife, Mary
Brent Grier and
Ellen, welcomed
daughter Lily Anne
on May 17.
01Espinoza welcomed son Simon on
Stephanie Quick-Espinoza and Jorge
00husband, Eric Darwitz, welcomed twins
Jodie Marie (Henriksen) Darwitz and
November 11, 2011.
Dino Patrick and Delanie Marie on February
11. Jodie is a peer coach in the West St. PaulMendota Heights-Eagan (Minn.) school district.
05Burgess, welcomed daughter Tenley
Kyla (Rice) Burgess and husband, J.R.
Renee on November 2, 2011. Burgess is a
school counselor in St. Cloud, Minn.
07graduated from
Jeni Strom
Northwestern Health
Sciences University
with a Doctor of
Chiropractic degree
in November 2010.
She opened a chiropractic practice in
Roseville in February.
She and Nathan
Massa were married
October 6.
38
Augsburg Now
08and husband, Chris
Megan (Carlson) Lagasse
08Pictured are [L to R] Sara Horishnyk ’08, Jackie
Nicky Cronin was married on June 16 to Kyle Bohm.
Bohm (sister of groom), Nicky Bohm, Kyle Bohm, Pam
Breadman (sister of the bride), and Annika Spargo ’09.
Nicky is a part-time teacher at West Metro Learning
Connections and a program coordinator at the Mentor
Network/REM Ramsey. Kyle is an IT support tech for
Minneapolis Public Schools.
Lagasse, welcomed son Micah
Steven on May 22. His parents
hope he will be a fourth generation Auggie following his
mother, Micah’s grandfather
Steven Carlson ’73, and his
great-grandfather Fabian
Carlson ’49.
Send us your news and photos
Tell us about the news in your life, your new job, move, marriage, and
births. Don’t forget to send photos! (Digital photos must be at least 300
dpi or a 1MB file.) For news of a death, printed notice is required, e.g., an
obituary, funeral notice, or program from a memorial service. Send your
news items, photos, or change of address by mail to: Augsburg Now Class
Notes, Augsburg College, CB 146, 2211 Riverside Ave., Minneapolis, MN
55454, or email alumni@augsburg.edu. You can also submit news at
augsburg.edu/alumni.
______________________________________________________
Full name
______________________________________________________
Maiden name
______________________________________________________
Class year or last year attended
______________________________________________________
Street address
______________________________________________________
City, State, ZIP code
Is this a new address? q Yes q No
______________________________________________________
Home telephone
______________________________________________________
Email
Okay to publish your email address? q Yes q No
______________________________________________________
Employer
______________________________________________________
Position
In memoriam
______________________________________________________
Work telephone
Vincent Kenstad ’33, San
Diego, Calif., age 102, on
June 3.
Wayne A. Peterson ’50,
Cambridge, Minn., age 84,
on August 21.
Doris C. Hanson-Currens ’40,
Minneapolis, age 96, on
August 14.
Beverly Lentz ’55, Bird Island,
Minn., age 78, on April 29.
Edna Ericksen ’42,
Cottonwood, Tex., age 92,
on June 5.
Ruth N. (Framstad) Steen ’43,
Eden Prairie, Minn., age 91,
on June 9.
David H. Larson ’44, Great
Falls, Mont., age 89, on
January 26.
Rev. John N. Parbst ’45,
Bloomington, Minn., age 88,
on August 4.
Dr. Ernest Thorsgard ’49, Thief
River Falls, Minn., age 88, on
June 7.
Robert Moylan ’56, Spokane,
Wash., age 78, on July 15.
Marcia (Myring) Carlson ’60,
Bloomington, Minn., age 74,
on January 30.
Shelly M. (Forslund) Ulven ’06,
Apple Valley, Minn., age 34,
on July 7.
Is spouse also a graduate of Augsburg College? q Yes q No
If yes, class year __________________________________________
______________________________________________________
Spouse’s name
______________________________________________________
Maiden name
Your news:
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
Dorii Gbolo ’08, Minneapolis,
age 56, on June 30.
______________________________________________________
Joseph R. Beckfeld ’13,
Minneapolis, age 36, on
June 11.
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
q I know a student who is interested in attending Augsburg.
Fall 2012
39
Master of Arts in Leadership
celebrates history with a look toward the future
The Master of Arts in Leadership (MAL)
program celebrated its 25th anniversary
in late September. The milestone was an
opportunity to acknowledge the healthy
and long success of the program and to
look toward the future of the College’s
graduate studies as a whole.
The success of the MAL program comes
from the vision of its early leaders and its
alignment with Augsburg’s mission, said
MAL director Alan Tuchtenhagen. “It
seems natural,” he said, “that one of
Augsburg’s first graduate programs was in
leadership because leadership is central
to who and what defines Auggies.”
Norma Noonan, Augsburg professor of
political science, directed the program for
18 years and stepped down from that role
last spring. About Noonan, Tuchtenhagen
said, “Norma played a critical role in
establishing the MAL program’s identity
and strength, making it a cornerstone
graduate program for Augsburg.”
Throughout the years, the program has
grown and changed. Going forward, and
thanks to a formal program assessment
done in partnership with MAL faculty,
Augsburg can ensure that the program
continues to be timely and relevant.
During the assessment, Tuchtenhagen
worked with Andy Aoki, professor of political science; Tom Morgan, executive director of the Center for Faith and Learning;
Diane Pike, professor of sociology; and
Velma Lashbrook, director of the Center
for Teaching and Learning and assistant
professor of leadership studies. Other faculty and alumni also were engaged in the
review.
The group explored educational outcomes of the program and identified ways
to ensure that the curriculum matches
current and future students’ needs. Some
recommendations from the group include
refreshing the MAL model to reflect current issues in leadership and integrating
community engagement into the curricu-
40
Augsburg Now
MAL director Alan Tuchtenhagen speaks at the MAL 25th
anniversary celebration on September 26.
lum. Additionally, the group suggested
streamlining the curriculum and program
completion options and placing a greater
emphasis on development of graduatelevel writing and research skills.
The MAL program will continue to offer
a classic classroom-based format and an
integrated hybrid format that combines faceto-face and online learning. In addition, the
College now pairs the Master of Business
Administration (MBA) program with the
MAL to form a dual degree that,
Tuchtenhagen said, “integrates the career
focus of the MBA with the developmental
nature of the MAL.”
These changes to the MAL program
will help maintain the strength of the
graduate studies program at Augsburg.
“Graduate studies offers one of the highest areas of growth potential for
Augsburg,” said Lori Peterson, assistant
vice president and dean of graduate and
professional studies. “We are excited to
have the strong foundation in the MAL program and to see it and other graduate programs continue to evolve to meet the needs
of learners in our community.”
WENDI WHEELER ’06
at
Augsburg offers nine graduate
programs with classes meeting
primarily in the evenings and on
weekends:
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Master of Arts in Education
Master of Arts in Leadership
Master of Arts in Nursing
Master of Business Administration
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
BEGINNING SUMMER 2013
Master of Music Therapy
BEGINNING SUMMER 2013
Master of Science in
Physician Assistant Studies
FULL-TIME DAY PROGRAM
Master of Social Work
Dual degree programs:
MBA/MAL
MBA/MSW
MSW/MA Theology
For more information about
graduate studies at Augsburg,
go to augsburg.edu/grad.
notes
from President Pribbenow
Stewardship of place and people
t
he Augsburg College mission statement says
that Augsburg “educates students to be informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers, and responsible leaders.”
These aspirations for our students require that all
of us who are part of the
Augsburg community consider how we model in our
lives and work the core values embodied in these aspirations. In other words, we
need to live what we teach!
This issue of Augsburg
Now offers several examples
of how we are seeking as a
college community to live as thoughtful stewards.
You’ve read in past issues of this magazine the
remarkable progress we have made as an institution in our commitment to environmental stewardship—composting leftover food from the cafeteria,
community gardens on campus, new biodiesel production methods, and a commitment to carbon
neutrality by 2019.
All important work, but stewardship is a rich
concept and extends to our care for all of the gifts
we have been given as a community. I am particularly struck by how our College has explored ways
in which we care for our physical location and facilities. The 2010 Campus Space and Master Plan
is not simply a map to future facilities; it is a
statement of values around stewardship of the
land and buildings we occupy and the need for us
to be constantly vigilant about the opportunities to
renew, reuse, and extend the life of our spaces
and buildings. In addition, the plan points to our
commitment to stewarding relationships with our
neighbors, building facilities and designing landscapes that welcome our neighbors to campus
rather than keep them away.
Stewardship is also about people—and as I
was reminded again this year at our Homecoming
celebrations, Augsburg is all about people. The
upcoming celebration of the 40th anniversary of
Title IX—the landmark federal legislation that seeks
to ensure equity for women and men in intercollegiate athletics—is an example of what it means to
be good stewards of our people. For years and years,
women students at Augsburg participated in athlet-
Vice President of Marketing
and Communication
Rebecca John
rjohn@augsburg.edu
Creative Associate-Editorial
Wendi Wheeler ’06
wheelerw@augsburg.edu
Integrated Communication
Specialist
Laura Swanson
swansonl@augsburg.edu
Creative Director
Kathy Rumpza ’05 MAL
rumpza@augsburg.edu
Senior Creative Associate-Design
Jen Nagorski ’08
nagorski@augsburg.edu
Photographer
Stephen Geffre
geffre@augsburg.edu
Director of News and
Media Services
Stephanie Weiss
weisss@augsburg.edu
Production Manager/Now Online
ics without the support and recognition enjoyed by
their male counterparts. A couple of years ago, we
honored those unheralded women Auggies with the
athletic letters they never received while on campus.
Now, we lift up our enduring commitment to opportunities for all Auggie student-athletes. Our recent
news about establishing the first intercollegiate
women’s lacrosse program in Minnesota is just one
example of how we steward the gifts of people—students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, and friends
who make Augsburg strong!
In 1931, the renowned 20th-century theologian Reinhold Niebuhr wrote in The Christian Century an essay with the provocative title, “Is
Stewardship Ethical?” His indictment of Christians
for the ways in which they had turned stewardship
into random programs of fundraising and voluntarism stands as a relevant challenge to all of us.
We are called to be thoughtful stewards. Stewardship is a way of life. At Augsburg, we are working
hard to live what we teach.
Yours in Augsburg,
Mark Chamberlain
chamberm@augsburg.edu
Senior Director of Alumni
and Constituent Relations
Kim Stone
stonek@augsburg.edu
augsburg.edu
Augsburg Now is published by
Augsburg College
2211 Riverside Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55454
Opinions expressed in Augsburg Now
do not necessarily reflect official
College policy.
ISSN 1058-1545
Send address corrections to:
Advancement Services
CB 142
Augsburg College
2211 Riverside Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55454
langemo@augsburg.edu
Email: now@augsburg.edu
PAUL C. PRIBBENOW, PRESIDENT
Members of the Maroon & Silver Society lead by example with monthly gifts
of $84 or more, or annual gifts of $1,000 or more to The Augsburg Fund.
These unrestricted gifts to The Augsburg Fund allow the College to award
more financial aid, employ high-quality faculty and staff, offer a challenging
and thought-provoking academic curriculum, and provide support to our
students so that they can become the people they are called to be.
To learn more about the Maroon & Silver Society, contact the
Office of Annual Giving at 612-330-1652 or giving@augsburg.edu.
augsburg.edu/giving
AUGSBURG NOW
Opening Convocation
At this year’s opening convocation, Augsburg College welcomed nearly 400 new first-year
students and 160 transfer students to campus. The College also added 437 new students in
adult undergraduate and graduate programs in Minneapolis and Rochester, Minn., this fall.
Higher education in the 21st century
30 years of Weekend and Evening College
Stewardship of space
MAL celebrates 25 years
40 years of women’s athletics and Title IX
Auggie Days 2012
living
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calling
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Finding meaning in work
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WE ARE CALLED
TO INSPIRE
PEACE
SPRING 2014 | VOL. 76, NO. 2
INSIDE
AUGSBURG NOW
Vice President of Marketing
and Communication
Rebecca John ’13 MBA
rjohn@augsburg.edu
Dire... Show more
Finding meaning in work
Auggies on the job
The future of history
CSBR gains momentum
Auggies on the soccer field
WE ARE CALLED
TO INSPIRE
PEACE
SPRING 2014 | VOL. 76, NO. 2
INSIDE
AUGSBURG NOW
Vice President of Marketing
and Communication
Rebecca John ’13 MBA
rjohn@augsburg.edu
Director of Marketing
Communication
Kathy Rumpza ’05 MAL
rumpza@augsburg.edu
NOTES FROM PRESIDENT PRIBBENOW
Reflective practice
As I write, I am on my way back to Minneapolis
after spending meaningful time at our Center for
Global Education campus in Cuernavaca, Mexico,
and my mind and heart are full with what I
learned and experienced alongside our students.
For more than 30 years, students who travel
to our campus in Mexico have been offered
remarkable experiences engaging local residents
in their various realities. In my short stay, I saw
this work on the ground as I was able to visit
local host families who share their homes with
our students for several weeks; an indigenous
village, where our students face the realities
of poverty and personal struggle; and a clothing assembly plant, made possible by the North
American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), creating opportunities for economic progress and at
the same time challenging our sense of economic
well-being for workers.
This is education “off the main road,”
which I first described in 2011 (see augsburg.
edu/now/archives/summer-2011), an education
that promotes what Massachusetts Institute
of Technology professor Donald Schön called
“reflective practice,” the dynamic relationship
between learning and experience that is at the
heart of Augsburg’s academic mission.
This vision of education challenges us to
see that our various experiences are inextricably
linked with our reflection and learning. When
we see poverty, what questions do we ask, what
do we feel, what will we do? When we experience injustice, what are the causes and what
options are available for our response? When we
are jarred out of our normal perspectives, what
will we see and do? This integrated link between
experience and learning defines reflective
practice.
Director of News and
Media Services
Stephanie Weiss
weisss@augsburg.edu
Creative Associate
This issue of Augsburg Now illustrates in
myriad ways how this commitment to reflective
practice is at the heart of an Augsburg education.
The interviews with alumni in “Finding
meaning in work” advise students to be able to
reflect upon and explain their choices (in college
activities, academic major, and career moves) as
they equip themselves for the workplace.
The story on Augsburg’s women’s soccer
team tells how the student-athletes chose to go
to Nicaragua to combine community engagement
and learning with their soccer games. They partnered with the Center for Global Education (perhaps the first Auggie team to do so), and had the
full “off the main road” educational experience.
And on and on. In the stories that follow, we
celebrate our relationships with the Mdewakanton
Sioux community, with some of the leading business people in the Twin Cities, with our Somali
neighbors in Cedar-Riverside, and even with His
Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, who came to
campus as part of the 26th annual Nobel Peace
Prize Forum. These stories powerfully illustrate
Augsburg’s diversity, hospitality, and embrace of
“the other”—all of which point to a college community dedicated to equipping our students for
lives of meaning and purpose in the world.
Reflection and practice—small to our
students and big for the world. Our vision for
Augsburg in the 21st century. We welcome your
support and engagement in the important work
before us.
Denielle Johnson ’11
johnsod@augsburg.edu
Integrated Communication
Specialist
Laura Swanson
swansonl@augsburg.edu
Marketing Copywriter
Christina Haller
haller@augsburg.edu
Photographer
Stephen Geffre
geffre@augsburg.edu
Production Manager/Now Online
Mark Chamberlain
chamberm@augsburg.edu
Assistant Vice President
of Advancement
Kim Stone
stonek@augsburg.edu
Graphic Design
Jen Nagorski ’08
augsburg.edu
Augsburg Now is published by
Augsburg College
2211 Riverside Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55454
Opinions expressed in Augsburg Now
do not necessarily reflect official
College policy.
Faithfully yours,
ISSN 1058-1545
PAUL C. PRIBBENOW, PRESIDENT
Send address corrections to:
Advancement Services, CB 142
Augsburg College
2211 Riverside Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55454
langemo@augsburg.edu
Email: now@augsburg.edu
Hennepin County Library Special Collections
Archive photo
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24
11
21
spring 2014
AUGSBURG NOW
Features
07
11
21
32
Finding meaning in work
BY STEPHANIE WEISS
The future of history
BY REBECCA JOHN ’13 MBA
2014 Nobel Peace Prize Forum
BY LAURA SWANSON
Losar: Celebration of
Tibetan New Year
Departments
inside
front
cover
Notes from President Pribbenow
02 Around the Quad
16 My Auggie experience
18 It takes an Auggie
19 Auggie voices
24 Auggies on the field
26 Alumni news
16
On the cover
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama blessed Augsburg College student Tenzin Yeshi
Paichang ’16 during a keynote event at this year’s Nobel Peace Prize Forum (NPPF),
held March 1 and 7-9 in Minneapolis. When he was two years old, Paichang was
cast as the Dalai Lama in Martin Scorsese’s movie, Kundun. At the NPPF, Paichang
added a new role to his résumé—that of the Dalai Lama’s student attaché.
Read more about the NPPF on page 21.
All photos by Stephen Geffre unless otherwise indicated.
19
29 Alumni class notes
31 In memoriam
Designed by Laura Humes
AROUND THE QUAD
AUGSBURG IS A TOP PRODUCER
OF U.S. FULBRIGHT STUDENTS
This past fall, the U.S. Department of State recognized Augsburg College
for being among the top colleges and universities for producing Fulbright
students. The College, ranked No. 11 among master’s institutions, has had
17 Fulbright students since 2007. The Chronicle of Higher Education also
recognized the College in 2010-11 for being a top producer of Fulbrights.
Augsburg earns perfect score
Two Auggies were recognized for outstanding work as filmmakers at the 2013 Student
Film Festival hosted in November by the
Associated Colleges of the Twin Cities
(ACTC) at the Main Theatre in Minneapolis.
•
Chessdogs, an experimental film by Nial
Nelson-Hopkins ’14, won the award for
Best Experiential Film. Watch the film at
chessdogs.com.
•
Black Sun, Red Sky by J.C. Calubayan ’14
won the Best Dramatic Narrative award.
See the film at vimeo.com/71923072.
on Campus Pride Index
Augsburg College recently scored a
perfect 5 out of 5 stars on Campus Pride’s
LGBT-Friendly Campus Climate Index. This
tool assesses colleges and universities
across the United States on a number
of variables, including policy inclusion,
housing, campus safety, counseling,
support and institutional commitment,
academic life, student life, and recruitment and retention. Campuses that
receive the highest score are considered
“leader(s) for LGBT-inclusive policies,
programs, and practices.”
More than 150 people attended the
film fest screenings. The Student Film
Festival celebrates ACTC students’ digital
storytelling.
More than 160 students from throughout the Twin
Cities’ metro area participated in Augsburg’s third
Native American Youth Day held in January. The students
from grades 6-12 learned how post-secondary education
can influence their futures, got a feel for what college
is like, and were able to interact with current American
Indian college students.
2
Augsburg Now
Courtesy photo
Native American YOUTH DAY
Shakopee Mdewakanton scholarship
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC)
recently contributed $250,000 to increase endowed scholarships for American Indian students at Augsburg College.
This grant funding will be added to the existing SMSC
endowment fund, which was established in the mid-1990s.
The scholarship is utilized to recruit and retain talented
American Indian students who are enrolled or are eligible
for enrollment in a federally recognized tribe or are identified as American Indian by the Indian Education Act.
Bonnie Wallace
“On behalf of all those involved with our request to the
SMSC, we are absolutely thrilled and extremely appreciative of this most generous
gift. The SMSC, once again, serves as a shining example of its ongoing commitment
in the area of ‘cradle to career’ educational opportunities in our native communities, and in our case, [of providing] scholarship support to American Indian students
seeking degree completion at Augsburg College,” said Bonnie Wallace, enrolled
member of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and member of the
Augsburg Board of Regents.
IME Becas scholarships
from Mexican consulate
Augsburg College was one of seven
Minnesota colleges and universities to
receive a grant from Consul Alberto Fierro
Garza, Consulate of Mexico in St. Paul. Garza
presented grants from the Instituto de los
Mexicanos en el Exterior (IME—Institute for
Mexicans Abroad) Fellowship Program to colleges and universities in Minnesota to benefit
Mexican or Mexican-American students. The
presentation took place during a ceremony
hosted by Minnesota State Colleges and
Universities (MnSCU) following the October
meeting of the Board of Trustees. A total of
$55,000 in scholarships was presented at
the ceremony, placing Minnesota among the
top states nationally for the amount received
from this competitive grant. The colleges
and universities will match the awards for a
total impact of $110,000.
THE CEDAR, AUGSBURG RECEIVE GRANT
A grant awarded to The Cedar Cultural Center and Augsburg
College will support a program to build cross-cultural
awareness, knowledge, and understanding of Somali culture through
music. One of only six grants of its type in the nation, the $200,000 award
was made as part of the highly competitive Building Bridges: Campus
Community Engagement grant by the Association of Performing Arts
Presenters funded by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and the Doris
Duke Foundation for Islamic Art.
The grant will be used to launch a two-year project titled Midnimo: Music
for Unity, Campus, and Community. Through Midnimo, the Somali word
for “unity,” Augsburg students, Cedar-Riverside residents, and the general public will engage in a series of educational and experiential events
focused on Somali music.
Spring 2014
3
AROUND THE QUAD
SPORTS EXTRAVAGANZA
SABO CENTER
for Citizenship and
2013
Learning
The November Martin Olav Sabo Symposium focused on creating
policy change and featured three panelists who spoke about
their experience working on climate change, the Minnesota
Dream Act, and marriage equality.
Speakers included Kate Knuth, Boreas Leadership Program
Coordinator at the University of Minnesota’s Institute on
the Environment and a citizen member of the Minnesota
Environmental Quality Board; Juventino Meza ’11, a founding member of NAVIGATE, a network of immigrant youth and
allies seeking to widen the path to higher education for young
people; and Sen. Scott Dibble, a third-term state senator.
Sports Extravaganza was founded in 1999 and continues to be an annual College tradition because of the
benefits it provides for Twin Cities area children, and
Augsburg health and physical education (HPE) and
exercise science students.
In mid-November, more than 200 Minnesota students
in grades 3-6 took part in the event, in which participants played adapted games and completed physical
education activities. The event is an opportunity for
Augsburg students to problem solve, use encouraging
messages and motivation techniques, and increase
their adeptness at instructing children with disibilities.
Kate Knuth
Juventino Meza ’11
Sen. Scott Dibble
STROMMEN SPEAKERS SERIES
The Clair and Gladys Strommen Executive Speakers Series at Augsburg
College, which brings local business leaders to campus to share insights
and expertise, kicked off in November with John Taft, CEO at RBC Wealth
Management, and his presentation on “Stewardship: Lessons Learned
from the Lost Culture of Wall Street.” He made a compelling argument
that Wall Street leaders and institutions experienced a failure to fulfill
their stewardship responsibilities by putting their own interests before the
interests of the constituencies they serve.
John Taft
The series continued in February with Dave St. Peter, president of the Minnesota Twins. St. Peter,
who joined the Twins in 1990 and was named president in 2002, talked about the baseball
industry in his presentation, “The Business of Baseball.” St. Peter oversees the Twins’ day-to-day
operations, strategic planning, and interaction with Major League Baseball.
4
Augsburg Now
Dave St. Peter
CONVOCATION SERIES 2013-14
HEAD COACH
DENNIS
BARKER
RETIRES
First held in 1990, the Augsburg College Convocation
Series is an annual speaker series that incorporates longstanding endowed and special programs. This winter, the
26th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation honored one
of the United States’ visionary civil rights leaders with song.
T. Mychael Rambo and Brian Grandison hosted the event,
“Music for Martin.”
In February, the Batalden Seminar
in Applied Ethics featured Sister
Peggy O’Neill, president and director of Centro Arte para la Paz in
Suchitoto, El Salvador. Her presentation was titled, “Awakening
to the Reality of a Crucified World:
Discovering What It Means to Be
Human.”
Augsburg College men’s and women’s track and field
and cross-country head coach Dennis Barker resigned
his coaching positions after the fall season. Barker had
served as coach for both sports for the past 20 seasons.
Barker coached 59 Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic
Conference (MIAC) event champions and 147 All-MIAC
and 126 All-MIAC Honorable Mention honorees, and
his teams earned several U.S. Track and Field and
Cross Country Coaches Association Team Academic
Awards, among others.
Photo by Caleb Williams
The Sverdrup Visiting Scientist
Lecture in April featured Bonnie
L. Bassler, professor in molecular
biology at Princeton University,
whose presentations included
“Tiny Conspiracies: Cell-to-Cell
Communication in Bacteria” and
“Manipulating Quorum Sensing to
Control Bacterial Pathogenicity.”
The annual Sverdrup Visiting
Scientist Lecture series brings renowned scientists to campus to share their expertise with the Augsburg community,
the College’s aspiring scientists, and members of the larger
scientific community.
To find out more about the Augsburg Convocation series,
go to augsburg.edu/convo.
Spring 2014
5
AROUND THE QUAD
BOOK PROCEEDS to benefit Augsburg College
Book describes Augsburg professor’s
heritage as Norwegian immigrant
Profits from lost manuscript
designated for CSBR
Author Phillip Formo’s new
book, Papa: A Life Remembered,
describes the experiences of his
grandfather, Andreas Helland, a
Norwegian immigrant and a longtime Augsburg College professor.
In the book, Formo shares memories and insights about Helland’s
teaching and commitment to the
Church. Proceeds from the sale
of the book will go to an Augsburg student
scholarship in Helland’s memory.
The family of Erwin Mickelberg
is donating all profits from
his lost manuscript, It’s About
the Ripples, to the Center
for Science, Business, and
Religion. The book breaks down
1 Corinthians 13, line by line,
giving meaning and scope to
the well-loved passage.
A NEW PATH
TO DEGREE
COMPLETION
New bachelor’s
degree program for
working professionals
augsburg.edu/pro
Augsburg is rolling out a new, evening bachelor’s degree program for working professionals beginning
fall 2014. It will be offered in a flexible, hybrid-learning format, combining traditional weeknight
classes with convenient online components on an alternating, every-other-week schedule.
The new degree program format is designed to help working professionals complete their major in as
little as two to three years. With small classes of working professionals, students will be able to learn
from and with professors and classmates.
The program includes degrees in high demand among working adults—including business, communications studies, education, nursing, and psychology. More information about available majors,
tuition, and financial aid is available at augsburg.edu/pro.
6
Augsburg Now
Finding
MEANING
In Work
BY STEPHANIE WEISS
The value of a college education is greater
than it’s been in nearly 50 years. This is
the key finding of a 2014 Pew Research
Center study, which showed a wider earnings gap between college-educated and
less educated people ages 25-32 compared with those in the same age bracket
in previous generations dating back to
1965. The report, “The Rising Cost of Not
Going to College,” found that individuals
ages 25-32 who hold a bachelor’s degree
and work full time make $17,500 per year
more than working adults in that age range
who have only a high school diploma. This
disparity, the report states, “has never
been greater in the modern era.”
But life after college is about more
than just getting a job to earn a paycheck.
And that’s where Pew’s research provides
even further evidence of the value of a
college education: According to the study,
recent college graduates are more satisfied
with their jobs and are more likely than
those with a high school degree or less to
see themselves on a career path, rather
than simply working at a job to make ends
meet.
So what can Augsburg families do to
make the most of college and to ensure
that the investment in education pays off
over time and helps pave the way from
early jobs to a rewarding career?
On the next page, you’ll meet four
alumni who work in human resources
management and with whom we spoke
about finding meaning in work. The group
provided tips and insight into how Auggies
can improve job search outcomes, intentionally build their careers, and seek ways
to use their gifts and talents in a meaningful manner in the world. See their advice
on pages 9 and 10.
AUGGIE NETWORKING EVENT
[L to R]: Rick Bonlender ‘78, of the
Augsburg Alumni Board, talks with Michelle
Grafelman ‘14 and Donny Hunter ‘03 at an
Auggie networking event.
7
MEET THE EXPERTS
LARRY MORGAN ’76
President, Orion HR Group, LLC
Studied: communication/mass communication and
political science, minor in psychology; also holds a
master’s of arts in industrial relations from the University
of Minnesota
What makes work rewarding: “Helping clients solve
human resource-related challenges such as hiring and
dealing with difficult employees; designing compensation
programs; and getting thanked by top executives for
resolving problems.”
Augsburg College Regent
LISA NOVOTNY ’80
Vice President, Human Resources,
General Mills Inc.
Studied: social work and Spanish; also holds master’s
of arts in industrial relations from the University of
Minnesota
What I learned from a liberal arts education: “The liberal
arts taught me to think beyond what was in front of
me. It helped me find linkages to other coursework and
the world, and to other systems. Grad school taught
me about my discipline. Augsburg taught me to think
of all the factors that impact someone and the role of
the organization as something that can play a role in
impacting the person.”
MARCIA WRIGHT ’89
PAUL RENSTED ’87
Director of Human Resources, City
of Annapolis, Md.
Studied: international relations and East Asian studies,
minor in history
What I learned from a liberal arts education: “The liberal
arts will make you well-rounded by allowing you to have
a major focus area and to build around that. A liberal
arts education teaches people how to think, write,
communicate effectively, and relate to others. These are
critical skills to succeed in the work world. They also are
critical to succeed in life.”
8
Augsburg Now
Global Human Resources
Consultant and Human Resources
Manager, Toshiba Global
Commerce Solutions, Inc.
Studied: psychology and business administration; also
holds a master’s of arts in industrial relations from the
University of Minnesota
What makes work rewarding: “I get excited about making
a difference—whether by driving business results or
creating a positive experience for an employee. I enjoy
creating programs and a work environment that optimizes
our human capital.”
FINDING MEANING IN WORK
These four human resources professionals stressed that the starting point for Auggies is to take advantage of the rich
opportunities that Augsburg College has to offer. Getting involved in student activity groups, attending networking and career
events, having an internship, and more, will give Auggies a jumpstart on the skills, experience, and networks needed to land a
job and grow a career. The group stressed the need for Auggies to:
DO AT LEAST ONE INTERNSHIP
Students should seek at least one hands-on learning
opportunity while at Augsburg. Larry Morgan said that
internships offer a way to practice what you are learning in the
classroom and to identify skills that interest you and at which
you excel. Internships are a way to explore where your gifts
intersect with the needs of the world.
BE MINDFUL OF ALL THE WAYS YOU COMMUNICATE
Be aware of the many manners in which you communicate.
“At least 40 percent of employers check social media during
the background check,” Morgan said. “Many people are
screened out based upon inappropriate social media [posts],
and many also are screened out based upon inappropriate
email addresses and voice mail messages.” But not all uses
of communication tools need to cause anxiety. Morgan said
that for people who are seeking jobs in the visual arts, such
as in graphic design, creating an online website and portfolio
to showcase work is a good way to raise your profile and
professional reputation.
PARTICIPATE WITH A PURPOSE
Join student organizations, community groups, and professional organizations. Being involved provides opportunities to
build leadership skills and a network of peers. Marcia Wright
said these groups also provide students the chance to develop
a reputation for doing excellent work and for showing a willingness to embrace challenges. It’s important to know what
you hope to get out of a group, she said, and to be able to tell
potential employers about the influence you made and results
you drove.
NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK
While getting involved in student groups and professional
organizations is an important component of building a face-toface network, it’s also important to take advantage of campus
networking events. Morgan said these events offer an easy
way to take advantage of the interest that alumni have in
students and in staying connected to the College. Face-to-face
networking also can be a starting point for building an online
network on LinkedIn.
CUSTOMIZE COVER LETTERS AND RÉSUMÉS,
RESEARCH COMPANIES
Human resources professionals spend only 15 to 30 seconds
scanning a résumé for an initial screening. Morgan said to
help ensure your résumé is sorted into the “closer look”
pile, it’s critical that your résumé be spotless, that it share
achievements via metrics—it should “show how you made a
difference, not tell them your qualifications.”
“Show how you made a difference, not tell
– LARRY MORGAN
them your qualifications.”
Cover letters and résumés should be tailored to each job and
should highlight the areas in your skills and experience that
dovetail with the job for which you are applying.
MAKE THE MOST OF EVERY JOB YOU HOLD
It’s not uncommon at some point to hold a position that is
not ideal. However, as Paul Rensted pointed out, all jobs offer
opportunities. “Always strive to learn everything you can in
any job you hold,” he said. “Work toward self-learning and
skill growth because you get to take those skills with you. Do
the same with relationships because you never know where
your next job will be or who will help you get there.”
STRATEGICALLY NAVIGATE FROM ONE JOB TO THE NEXT
“By moving around in one company or strategically moving to
different companies, you can start to focus on building your
depth of expertise and interpersonal and technical skills,”
Wright said. “Be sure to ask yourself before you start a job
what it is that you want to get from it.”
TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR CAREER
“We all spend a lot of time at work. We need to try to enjoy
that time—or change it if we don’t,” Rensted said.
Spring 2014
9
FINDING MEANING IN WORK
Augsburg College Regent Lisa Novotny agreed with
her colleagues and added another level of insight into how
Auggies can create meaning in work. She said that Auggies
not only need to be taking advantage of the city as an
extension of the classroom and more, they also should be able
to articulate choices and decisions to potential employers.
“If students don’t pay attention to where they are putting
their energy, they will not be prepared to explain or represent
what they did,” Novotny said. “We [hiring managers and HR
professionals] don’t necessarily want to hear that a student
never deviated from a path or that they never looked back. We
want to hear why and how students made their choices and
decisions.”
“If students don’t pay attention to where they are
putting their energy, they will not be prepared to
explain or represent what they did.” – LISA NOVOTNY
Early in their work lives, Auggies should be prepared to
explain to potential employers why they took courses beyond
their major or minor, how they spent their summers, what
types of internships they sought, and what fuels their passion,
she said. This type of deep questioning helps employers learn
how a person thinks and whether they will be a good fit at an
organization.
In her work for one of the largest food companies in the
world, Novotny said she asks probing questions to determine
whether people are curious, authentic, and able to explain
how they may have served as a leader even when they weren’t
in obvious positions of leadership.
But not every employer will ask deep questions or ask
for thoughtful explanations, and that, itself, could serve as a
warning sign to job candidates.
“Organizations that don’t poke and prod, but that look
10
Augsburg Now
only for certain coursework and a specific major, may be
looking just to fill a job rather than help someone build a
career of meaning and differentiating contributions,” she said.
Novotny also stressed the importance of reflection after a
person has landed a job. “You need to pause and ask yourself
why you are doing something, what you are learning, what you
are contributing to the organization and the world. But you
also have to ask what it—the work—is doing for you and how
it is changing you.”
This diligence will help signal whether and when it is time
to seek change.
“Pay attention to your energy level and when and why
and how it is high at work. Do the same when it is low. Ask
yourself what is behind that,” Novotny said.
While being intentional is critical to building toward
and finding meaningful work, it’s not always the case that a
vocation, or call, is apparent right away.
“Sometimes meaning doesn’t come until we are ‘doing,’”
Novotny said.
“We need to learn what we don’t know and let some stuff
be uncovered over time. Be patient while you uncover what
leaves you high and low, but don’t be passive. Passive is really
close to indifferent. Indifferent is close to apathy. Apathy is a
hair’s breadth from disengaged. It’s hard to come back from
disengaged,” she said.
In the end, Novotny said, “you will find meaningful work
and make meaningful contributions when what you are really
good at lines up with where your skills are, what you are
passionate about, and what the organization needs. Careers
are 40 years or longer for a reason. They are just like life, they
are a journey.”
The Historyapolis Project
The Future of History
BY REBECCA JOHN ’13 MBA
When professional historian Kirsten Delegard published her book in 2012—her first publication where
she was the sole author—she sold 300 copies. “And
that includes sales to my parents, in-laws, and large
extended family,” she said.
After nearly a decade of research, writing, and editing, her total proceeds were $96. Of course Delegard,
who currently serves as a scholar-in-residence in the
Augsburg College History Department, asserts that she
hadn’t done the work of publishing the book to make
money.
“I published it to share my ideas—to tell a story
about the past that few people knew.”
Delegard’s book, Battling Miss Bolsheviki, describes
the emergence of conservative women political activists in the United States after women won the right to
vote in 1920. It was published by one of the leading university presses in the United States and was
reviewed favorably by the largest professional journals
in Delegard’s field. “It addresses an important and even
provocative topic,” Delegard said, “something that
should be interesting to lots of people—particularly
in a state that includes political figures like Michele
Bachmann.
“But only a few people will ever pick up this book,”
she said. And, so, it is not likely to “shift popular
understandings of politically conservative women or
women’s politics.”
It was this lack of impact—not the lack of monetary
reward—that caused Delegard to become disillusioned
with the conventional approach to scholarly publishing in her profession. Our system squanders precious
cultural resources, she said, by encouraging “our most
highly trained interpreters [of history] to write things
that no one reads.”
History that does work in the world
Instead, Delegard wanted to write history in ways that
challenge people to rethink their perceptions and that
give them new context to help them make sense of the
world.
She said she felt drawn to respond to the words
American Historical Association president Carl Becker
used in his 1931 annual address. Becker called on
scholars to do “history that does work in the world, the
history that influences the course of history,” instead of
the history “that lies inert in unread books.”
The question Delegard then faced was: How?
Photo from the Library of Congress
Spring 2014
11
“How do humanities scholars reach the people who
want to hear their insights? How do they speak to broader
publics?” she asked.
Delegard responded to these questions by upending academic conventions and launching a history
project that is digital first and “old media” second.
The Historyapolis Project, as she has named it, focuses
on producing a comprehensive history of the city of
Minneapolis that adheres to high-quality scholarly standards and, at the same time, is accessible to the broadest
possible audience.
Bringing the story of a city to life
Today, the Historyapolis Project is a multi-platform,
historic storytelling endeavor, spanning Facebook and
Twitter as well as the newly launched Historyapolis.com
website. Delegard also has developed a research plan for
the project as well as an outline for a narrative history of
Minneapolis, which will be published by the University of
Minnesota Press.
A year before launching the Historyapolis Project,
Delegard, a third-generation Minneapolis native, met with
a wide range of community stakeholders. She spoke with
representatives from museums, higher education institutions, historical archives, and policymaking and arts
organizations about the need for a “usable” history of the
city. “In all of these places, I heard the same thing—that
the citizens of our state are hungry for complex stories
about the past, for narratives that will help them understand how Minneapolis became the wonderful, complex,
and contradictory place that it is today.”
The last overview of Minneapolis’ history was written in 1940, Delegard said. That project, Minneapolis:
The Story of a City, was a 94-page volume compiled
by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Education and
the then-Minneapolis Board of Education. Since then,
many aspects of the city’s history have been covered in
various publications, she said, but “in the largest city in
our state, we do not have a central clearinghouse where
people can go to find a full story of our past.”
12
10
Augsburg Now
Engaging Minneapolis
So, the Historyapolis Project was launched—first on
Facebook—in April 2013. Delegard’s decision to undertake this work using digital tools was definitely a step
outside the comfort zone of a self-proclaimed “digital
convert” (as opposed to a “digital native”). But, Delegard
explained, “by making [my work] available to anyone on
the internet, I could reach a broader community and find
the audience I was seeking—an audience interested in
serious and accessible historical work that would bridge
the gap between the academic domain and the larger
world.”
Today, Delegard posts on the Historyapolis Facebook
page five days a week. Each post has an image accompanied by roughly 300 words that explain the significance
of the image. “I try to challenge pre-conceived ideas
about the city’s past. I present primary sources that are
meant to engage readers and to catalyze conversations
about difficult episodes” in Minneapolis’ history.
One of the most widely read and shared Historyapolis
posts was on January 1 this year, when Delegard posted
an archival image and brief history of the building at
512-516 Cedar Avenue, which was destroyed in a tragic
New Year’s Day explosion and fire that killed three
people, and injured and displaced many others. (See a
reproduction of the post on page 14.)
Other examples of Historyapolis topics that have
generated audience response and interaction range from
a 1954 burning of a trolley car to celebrate the end of
the city’s streetcar operations to a post about the beginning of desegregation in the Minneapolis schools in 1971
to various historic maps, which Delegard posts on “Map
Mondays.”
Because of the social nature of platforms like
Facebook, Delegard’s readers not only can provide feedback about the posts that interest them, they also often
share additional historical information about the topic
and even engage with each other in dialogue or debate on
various subjects.
It’s the interactive aspect of digital media that
Delegard finds most valuable. “It took me almost 18
months to get the reviews when I was publishing Battling
Miss Bolsheviki,” she said. “On the Historyapolis
Facebook page, I get instant and thoughtful feedback
from a diverse range of readers. Almost every day these
citizen researchers teach me something I didn’t know
about the city. They direct me to new sources. They
inspire me with their suggestions for new work and their
enthusiasm for the material.”
As evidence of that enthusiasm, the Historyapolis
audience has grown steadily during the past year, reaching a weekly audience of nearly 3,000 by the end of
February—“almost ten times as many as the total sales of
my book,” Delegard noted.
Historyapolis at Augsburg College
The project also is gaining attention and support
beyond its immediate online readership. In January, the
Minnesota Historical Society (MHS) awarded an $82,000
Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage grant to the History
Department at Augsburg College for the Historyapolis
Project—the first time that an academic department of
history has received funding from the Arts and Cultural
Heritage program for such a project. The grant supports
engaging students in the research process and, according
to an MHS news release, creates a “central hub for the
interpretation of Minneapolis history and an innovative
model for urban collegiate history departments.”
“The awarding of this grant establishes Augsburg
as a center for the study of Minneapolis’ past, one in
which the broader public will play a powerful role,” said
Michael Lansing, associate professor and chair of the
Augsburg History Department. It builds on the History
Department’s long-term commitment to the public work
of history and to expanding its role in the discipline
of “public history”—a discipline that comprises the
many and diverse ways in which history is applied to
real-world issues. According to the National Council on
Public History, public history is practiced by “historical consultants, museum professionals, government
historians, archivists, oral historians, cultural resource
managers, curators, film and media producers, historical
interpreters, historic preservationists, policy advisers,
local historians, and community activists, among many,
many other job descriptions.”
As part of its commitment to history education at
every level, the Augsburg History Department has, for
years, hosted Minnesota History Day, which is one of
12 National History Day venues and provides more than
30,000 Minnesota social studies students in grades 6-12
with the chance to be actual historians. Augsburg is also
home to the ACTC Museum Fellows Program, a semesterlong course taught by MHS historians and available to
students from any of the five Associated Colleges of the
Twin Cities (ACTC) institutions.
Bringing the Historyapolis Project to Augsburg,
Lansing said, extends this commitment into the digital
arena, incorporating tools and skills that are increasingly
critical for the practice of public history. The first year of
the project at Augsburg is focused on research and, this
spring, Delegard has engaged several Augsburg students,
funded through April by the MHS grant, in conducting
research that will lay the foundation for specific digital
projects in the future—including projects that may serve
as the foundation for future grant applications, Lansing
said.
“This transformational research project creates an
incredible immersion experience for students,” Lansing
said. Plus, it supports both the Augsburg College History
Department and the people of Minnesota by creating a
collaborative, “public work that brings the practice of history into the world.”
Delegard agrees. “The Historyapolis Project focuses
on the history of Minneapolis, but the practices and
collaboration it represents are as much about the role
of higher education in shaping our shared future as it is
about our historical roots.”
Editor’s note: Portions of the background about the
Historyapolis Project were derived from a presentation
delivered in November by historian Kirsten Delegard to
Augsburg students in The History Workshop course.
Spring 2014
13
The Historyapolis Project
Minnesota Historical Society
Historyapolis.com
Featured on these pages are reprints of three posts
from the Historyapolis Project. To read about, discuss, and engage with the history of Minneapolis,
go to Historyapolis.com and click to the blog or to
the project’s Facebook and Twitter sites.
R.I.P., 514 Cedar Avenue
Posted January 1, 2014
Tragic news from the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood, where
514 Cedar Avenue exploded this morning. At least 13
people were injured in the blaze; as of this writing, three
people have not been found in the icy ruins. The building’s first floor contained a small grocery that catered to
the tastes of the immigrant neighborhood. Upstairs were
inexpensive apartments that provided basic housing for new
African immigrants.
When Peter Nordberg constructed this building in
1886, he designed it to house two stores on the first floor
and “twenty room flats” above. At this time, this section
of Cedar Avenue was known as “Snusgatan” and was the
commercial center for new Scandinavian immigrants. The
traditional gateway for newcomers to the city, the neighborhood began to transform once immigration slowed to a
trickle during the Great Depression.
In 1968, the struggling Cedar-Riverside neighborhood
provided the perfect location for a new commercial endeavor
envisioned by two [University of Minnesota] students. Ron
Korsh and Dan Foley started the Electric Fetus music store
at 521 Cedar Avenue in 1968, hoping to sell the psychedelic rock music they heard coming out of San Francisco.
Korsh quickly became bored with the store and sold his
share to Keith Covart, who is credit[ed] with making the
business a long-lasting success.
These counterculture entrepreneurs kept their store in
14
Augsburg Now
the news. In 1969, police confiscated a poster from the
store that depicted a nude couple resembling President
Richard Nixon and his wife. Notoriety (and low record
prices) helped the store to grow, forcing it to seek larger
quarters across the street. In October 1969, it moved into
514 Cedar Avenue, the building destroyed in this morning’s
blaze.
In 1970, Covart was arrested after the store displayed a
United States flag with a peace symbol superimposed in the
spot usually reserved for the 50 white stars. In 1972, the
store held a “naked sale,” offering free records and pipes
to nude patrons. After fifty people showed up to claim their
free merchandise, the store lost its lease on Cedar Avenue.
With the influx of Somali immigrants, Cedar-Riverside
has once again become a first stop for new arrivals to the
city. And the building at 512-516 Cedar had reverted to its
original purpose. The tiny apartments and ethnic businesses
destroyed this morning would have seemed very familiar
to Peter Nordberg, the nineteenth-century entrepreneur
who recognized the economic potential of a new immigrant
community.
Photo from the Minnesota Historical Society. And material for this post is taken from the excellent history of the
Electric Fetus, [“A History of the Electric Fetus”], written by
Penny A. Petersen and Charlene K. Roise in July 2006.
School Desegregation in Minneapolis
Hennepin County Library Special Collections
In November 1970, the Minneapolis Public Schools announced a
modest proposal meant to begin the desegregation of its schools.
Aimed at undermining the effects of residential segregation in
the city, it recognized that neighborhood schools were stratified
by race. In the scheme announced by the School Board, two
elementary schools would be paired. The all-white Hale School
would trade students with nearby Field School, which was almost
entirely African American. Children in the youngest grades would
attend Hale; grades four through six would go to Field.
The proposal was poorly received by a vocal minority, which
coalesced behind Mayor Charlie Stenvig, a former police detective. Stenvig ran for mayor in 1969 as an independent, on a
platform of law and order. Anxieties about the urban disturbances
on the North Side dissipated quickly after Stenvig took office.
They were completely eclipsed by rising concerns about the racial
integration of the school system. District officials knew that if
they could not come up with a workable integration plan, they
would soon find themselves under a court order to begin widespread busing. A determined group of parents sought to block
these efforts, calling on officials to defy any legal orders.
By 1970, anxious parents were voicing their opposition in
marathon meetings; one meeting stretched twelve hours long,
breaking up at 5 a.m. after everyone had spoken for three minutes. Concerned citizens were not content to express their opinions in public forums. School board member Harry Davis—the
only African American on the board—had to keep his phone off
the hook to prevent a constant barrage of threatening phone calls.
Minnesota Historical Society
Posted November 13, 2013
Despite the popular opposition, Minneapolis moved forward
with its plan to combine Hale and Field in the fall of 1971. The
paired schools attracted a committed group of parents, who
worked to build an integrated school community that could be a
model for the rest of the city.
This photo shows Monica Lash (left) and Molly Johnson (right)
on their first day on the bus in 1971. The image comes from
Dave Kenney, who curates the MN70s tumblr, and the Minnesota
Historical Society.
Minneapolis Streetcars
Posted June 19, 2013
The city has decided to invest millions to build new streetcar
lines. Which [begs] the question, what happened to our old
streetcar system? It met its demise in June of 1954 when this
sinister-looking photo was taken. This image records the celebration organized by the Twin City Rapid Transit Company [TCRT]
when it declared streetcars to be relics of the past. On this early
summer day, the company actually burned streetcars—like the
one in the background-—to demonstrate its commitment to
progress and innovation. The men in this photo were celebrating
the purchase of 525 buses, which had been financed with liberal terms from General Motors. This allowed them to discard the
streetcars and dispose of assets necessary to maintain the rail
network. This image shows TCRT treasurer James Towey handing
a check (from NSP for the company’s Main Steam Station) to
company president Fred Ossanna, who was later investigated for
shady business dealings and political bribes.
Spring 2014
15
MY AUGGIE EXPERIENCE
THEHeart OF MINNEAPOLIS
Archive photo
BY STEPHEN GEFFRE AND LAURA SWANSON
with thanks to Augsburg Archivist and
History Professor Kristin Anderson
Since 1872,
Augsburg—and many
Auggies—have called
Minneapolis home. The history of the College
is interwoven tightly with that of Mill City
and its vibrant Cedar-Riverside neighborhood.
These archival images portray the College’s
ever-changing campus and illustrate its
connection to the broader municipality. Take
a close look. And take a moment to recall
your own Augsburg history.
Archive photo
›
The group photograph shows the Augsburg Seminary
community in February 1918. At that time, Augsburg
Seminary had three areas of focus—a theological
school, a college, and a preparatory department.
›
Built during the 1948-49 academic year, Augsburg’s Science Hall in its early years served
several functions, including as the campus entrance; the home of student publications,
administrative offices, and the economics department; and—naturally—the site of lecture rooms
and science laboratories, as seen here.
16
Augsburg Now
›
In 1967, the construction of Augsburg College’s Christensen Center and Urness Tower buildings coincided
with Interstate 94 development occurring at the campus periphery. The freeway changed the College’s
southern border, creating a finite boundary between its Cedar-Riverside home and the Seward neighborhood,
although pedestrian bridges were in place prior to freeway completion.
Archive photo
‹ In 1872, Augsburg established its campus next to Murphy Square—Minneapolis’ oldest public park—and this 1905 photograph by Sweet Studio shows children at play. The
image is in the Minnesota Historical Society’s collection and was enlarged for display in
Murphy’s, a dining establishment formerly located in the Christensen Center.
Archive photo
On October 8, 1972, Augsburg held groundbreaking and site dedication ceremonies for
a new student apartment tower that later
was named Mortensen Hall after Gerda
Mortensen, long-time Dean of Women at
the College. In addition to housing Auggies,
the tower initially was intended to serve
students from St. Mary’s Junior College and
the Fairview Hospital nursing program, as
well as St. Olaf College nursing students
who trained in Minneapolis hospitals. ›
[L to R]: Oscar A. Anderson, Augsburg
College president; Sr. Mary Madonna
Ashton, executive vice-president of St.
Mary’s Hospital; Sr. Anne Joachim Moore,
president of St. Mary’s Junior College;
Suzann Olson ’73, Augsburg student body
president; Leonard F. Ramberg, chairman
of Augsburg’s Board of Regents; Kent
S. Knutson, president of the American
Lutheran Church; and Carl Platou, chief
administrator of Fairview Hospital.
Spring 2014
Archive photo
17
IT TAKES AN AUGGIE
THE TEMPERATURE’S
RISING
As we expectantly watch outdoor temperatures climb this
spring, the Augsburg community has seen the mercury
rise on another attention-drawing gauge. The fundraising
thermometer for the campaign for the Center for Science,
Business, and Religion (CSBR) has surpassed its halfway
mark, reaching nearly $27 million* thanks to donors who
continue to demonstrate support for the largest building
project in the College’s history.
An outgrowth of the campaign’s continued success
is that we’ve heard new stories about why Augsburg
College means so much to so many. Augsburg is a place
where faculty members connect with students, helping
them to troubleshoot assignments and to work through
life’s tough decisions. Augsburg is a place where coaches
inspire teamwork, sparking an enduring dedication to
collaboration and a passion for cooperation. Augsburg
is a place where alumni are proud to call themselves
Auggies, supporting current students and recent
graduates who will carry the legacy forward. And,
Augsburg is a place where people flourish, meeting some
of their dearest friends and making some of their fondest
memories. Here are a few such stories.
Class of ’52 couple gives $250,000 to sponsor
physics laboratory
Harvey ’52 and Joanne Peterson ’52 believe the CSBR
demonstrates how Augsburg prepares students for the
future with energy and vitality. Combined, these Auggie
sweethearts were involved in activities ranging from
athletics to the Augsburg Choir, and beyond their student
years, they have maintained deep ties to the College.
Bill Anderson ’56 sponsors new biology laboratory
Bill Anderson ’56 found a creative way to make a big
difference with his support for the CSBR. Currently
president of the Minnesota Federation of Stamp Clubs,
he is a lifelong collector who gives Augsburg valuable
18
Augsburg Now
stamps each year and has named the College as a major
beneficiary of his estate. Anderson taught high school
biology for 34 years, and he said he enjoys seeing
Augsburg’s plans for the CSBR move forward.
Marilyn ’61 and Tom Breckenridge sponsor two
faculty offices for CSBR
Rev. Marilyn Saure Breckenridge ’61 is Augsburg’s first
female graduate to be ordained as a Lutheran pastor.
She and her husband, Tom, initially planned to sponsor
one office in the Religion Department in gratitude for
Marilyn’s undergraduate education and her Distinguished
Alumna Award, but—as their excitement about the
CSBR project grew—they sponsored an additional
office located in the Business Department to reflect an
important aspect of Tom’s ministry.
Roommates from ’45 sponsor adjacent
rooms in CSBR
Beth (Buesing) Opgrand ’45 and her college roommate,
Genevieve (Larson) Hendrickson ’45, reconnected after
50 years and both decided to give a naming gift for a
faculty office in the CSBR. It seems only fitting that
these faculty offices sit side by side.
Oliver Dahl ’45 sponsors faculty office in CSBR
Oliver Dahl ’45 has had an 80-year relationship
with Augsburg College. From age 10 to 15, he went
to campus to practice basketball while on a Trinity
Lutheran Church youth team in Minneapolis. Dahl
enrolled at Augsburg in 1941, and in 1942, served as
the College’s first wrestling coach before leaving to join
the U.S. Army during World War II. Dahl has named
Augsburg’s athletics program and the CSBR project the
major beneficiaries of his estate, and he says, “I’ve been
thinking about Augsburg College all of my life.”
LAURA SWANSON
These stories—and many others—are available in an
extended format on the CSBR campaign blog.
To read more, visit augsburg.edu/now.
*Figure represents fundraising total as of February 28.
AUGGIE VOICES
JOB
ON THE
Young alumni
value networks formed and opportunities
available at Augsburg College
As excitement and anticipation grow regarding the campaign for the Center for Science, Business, and Religion, Augsburg’s
newest alumni can articulate why studying at a college that emphasizes thinking across disciplines and beyond convention
proved beneficial in their education and invaluable when launching their professional careers.
BY LAURA SWANSON
TRENT ANDERSON ’12
Studied: accounting, business administration, and economics
Current role: Certified Public Accountant and Assurance Associate,
CliftonLarsonAllen
People have the wrong idea about accountants, according to
Trent Anderson ’12. “It’s not really as math-intensive as you’d
think,” he said. Sure, Anderson admits that part of his job entails
adding or multiplying large groups of numbers, but he also
stresses that teamwork and client relations are equally important—and, for him, energizing—aspects of his career. Anderson
chose to attend Augsburg because the College offered him the
opportunity to exercise his passion for teamwork as a student
athlete. During his undergraduate experience, Anderson found
that he and his baseball teammates developed friendships with
bonds as strong as family and a network with the potential to
influence their careers. It was an Augsburg alumnus and former
baseball player employed by CliftonLarsonAllen who introduced
Anderson to what turned out to be his first employer—and one of
the top 10 accountancy firms in the United States. Both Auggies
benefited from the College’s small-school experience, Anderson
explained, where it is possible to develop meaningful relationships with professors, fellow students, and Twin Cities professionals. “It’s an interesting mix,” he said. “Augsburg is about
more than mastering one subject. It’s about being a well-rounded
student, a well-rounded individual. Now that is something I value
to this day.”
To watch Trent Anderson discuss his start at
CliftonLarsonAllen, go to augsburg.edu/now.
Spring 2014
19
ANGELA BONFIGLIO ’13
Studied: sociology, youth and family ministry
Current role: Director of Youth Programs, Redeemer Center for Life and Redeemer Lutheran Church
During her second year at Augsburg, Angela Bonfiglio ’13 sought the opportunity to become involved in Minneapolis’ community
partnership work, and the College’s Sabo Center for Citizenship and Learning was able to connect her with an organization matching
her interests and her studies. By the next fall, Bonfiglio was an afterschool program coordinator at Redeemer Center for Life, a
nonprofit seeking to meet the housing, employment, and youth development needs of Harrison and North Minneapolis neighborhood
residents. Her work—funded through a Batalden Scholarship at Augsburg—turned out to be a near-perfect fit, and she continued to
lead the program during her senior year. A few months prior to completing her degree, Redeemer’s executive director offered Bonfiglio
a full-time position following graduation. She accepted the offer, recognizing that she could use the knowledge and skills she’d gained
during college in her future position. “I loved youth ministry classes, and sociology challenged me in a new way,” she said. Today she
couples her sociological research experience with her background in youth programming to guide the “big picture” for the nonprofit’s
youth activities. “The work is completely interdisciplinary,” she said. “I can ‘plug into’ contexts for both sociology and youth ministry,
and that’s because of Augsburg.”
ALEX SORUM ’13
To watch Alex Sorum discuss the URGO project he
completed with Jennifer Bankers-Fulbright, associate
professor of biology, in Augsburg’s summer research
video series, go to augsburg.edu/now.
Studied: biology, chemistry
Current role: Postbaccalaureate Cancer Research Training Award Fellow, National Cancer Institute
Daily tasks vary widely for Alex Sorum ’13, a research fellow in one of the National
Cancer Institute’s chemical biology laboratories. Some days he tests enzyme activity,
and other days he synthesizes compounds. Synthesis, it seems, is a common theme
between his college experiences and his life since graduation. As a double major, Sorum
was quick to take part in every opportunity available to him, oftentimes combining his
interests. “I always knew I wanted to go into research,” he said. “The biggest benefit
for me was that Augsburg professors use a hands-on approach in their teaching.”
Sorum satisfied his appetite for research through on- and off-campus opportunities that
allowed him to gain valuable experience and strengthen his relationships with faculty
mentors. It was Michael Wentzel, assistant professor of chemistry, who helped introduce
Sorum to the National Cancer Institute, and other faculty members’ thoughtful letters
of recommendation that allowed him to secure the prestigious position. The National
Cancer Institute was “looking for someone with the ability to perform in this research
position,” he recalls. “With my past experience, I had the ability to both think critically
and to problem-solve. Now that’s key.”
20
Augsburg Now
1
2
3
4
BY LAURA SWANSON
The 26th annual Nobel Peace Prize Forum—an event that celebrates the importance, consequence, and controversy of the
Nobel Peace Prize—was held March 1 and 7-9 in three Minneapolis locations, including Augsburg College.
With “Crossing Boundaries to Create Common Ground” as
its theme, the 2014 Forum brought Nobel Peace Prize winners,
civic leaders, and scholars together with students and other citizens to contemplate questions of peace and conflict. Now in its
third year of permanent residency in the Twin Cities, the Forum
welcomed more than 5,700 ticket holders who explored topics
ranging from science to law and from music to global affairs and
business.
His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, the 1989 Nobel Peace
Prize laureate, delivered the Forum’s opening address at Faith
and Peace Day. Leymah Gbowee—a 2011 Nobel Peace Prize
winner and Liberian peace activist—spoke at Global Day, and Dr.
Deane Marchbein represented Doctors Without Borders/Médecins
Sans Frontières (MSF)—the 1999 Nobel Peace Prize laureate—
on Science and Health Day. Representatives from the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, the 2013 Nobel
Peace Prize winner, also led a breakout session.
In addition to engaging attendees in speeches, book signings, networking events, and more, the 2014 Forum premiered a
partnership with social networking service Google+ that enabled
online attendees to live-stream events, submit questions to keynote speakers, and participate in thought-provoking dialogue—all
from their unique locations around the globe.
“The opportunity to host the Nobel Peace Prize Forum offers
our students, alumni, and international community inspiring
examples of those people who strive to make peace and to make
a difference in our world,” said Augsburg College President Paul
Pribbenow. “At the heart of Augsburg’s mission are our commitments to educating informed global citizens and to embracing
the links between faith and learning.”
Spring 2014
21
6
5
PEACE ON THE STREET
BRAD ST. AUBIN ’15
The Dalai Lama is looked at as a paragon of peacemaking,
but his address helped reinforce that he is also human.
When doing peace work, we want solutions, but his ability
to say, ‘I don’t know,’ gave a nod to the fact that even our
revered leaders don’t have all the answers.
The 2014 Forum was an event that united the Augsburg
community, and Auggies participated both as guests
and as volunteers.
One Auggie who worked at the Nobel Peace Prize
Forum was Banna Kidane ’15. A Sabo Scholar studying
computer science, Kidane was an intern for the Nobel
Peace Prize Forum and acknowledged the rarity of his
chance to serve.
“Being an intern with the NPPF is a once-in-alifetime opportunity that I’m happy I didn’t pass up,”
Kidane said.
It is through making memories, sparking ideas, and
spurring action that the Forum lives out its mission to
inspire peacemaking. A few Auggies shared reflections,
takeaways, and highlights from their NPPF experiences:
HUMAN
KIM BESTLER ’10, Augsburg program assistant and tutor
coordinator, TRiO/Student Support Services
It’s a privilege that Augsburg gets to host an international
event that so tightly corresponds with our College mission.
MISSION
PEACE
LOVE
UNAFRAID
COMPASSION
COMMUNITY
CHARMAYNE SLETTEN, AUGSBURG PARENT
The presentations inspired peacemaking that starts
with love and compassion by each individual.
PAUL BATALDEN ’63
I realize I can’t personally control the emerging,
complex world. I, too, have no other choice but to
control what I pay attention to, what words I use,
what relationships I maintain, and what community
I foster. Through these recognitions, choices, and
actions, I can exert my influence and do my part
for peace and a better world.
INFLUENCE
22
Augsburg Now
SHELBY ANDRESS ’56
Augsburg is unafraid to enter a complicated world,
guide its entire community in ways of peace and
noble action, and use its spheres of influence.
LIZZIE FONTAINE ’16
The NPPF brings together a whole community.
That’s a huge gift for Augsburg.
BRAM OOSTERLEE ’16
My favorite part of the Nobel Peace Prize Forum is
the connections you make with the speakers and
the audience. The speakers open up discussions
that are not held often enough, and the audience is
excited and encouraged to take action.
CONNECTIONS
7
8
9
ABOUT THE PHOTOS
NOBEL PEACE PRIZE FORUM SPONSORS
PAGE 21:
The Forum is housed and coordinated by Augsburg College in
partnership with the University of Minnesota Humphrey School
of Public Affairs and the School of Public Health. It was founded
in 1989 through a unique partnership between the Norwegian
Nobel Institute and five Norwegian Lutheran colleges—Augsburg,
Augustana (Sioux Falls, S.Dak.), Concordia (Moorhead, Minn.),
Luther (Decorah, Iowa) and St. Olaf (Northfield, Minn.).
1 His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, the 1989 Nobel
Peace Prize laureate
2 Dr. Deane Marchbein, American president of Doctors
Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières, the 1999
Nobel Peace Prize laureate
3 Leymah Gbowee, Liberian peace activist and 2011
Nobel Peace Prize laureate
LAW AND BUSINESS DAY SPONSOR
4 Jay Nordlinger, senior editor of National Review;
Stephen Young, global executive director of the Caux
Round Table; and Geir Lundestad, director of the
Norwegian Nobel Institute
MAJOR EVENT SPONSORS
PAGE 22:
5 Singer/songwriter Mason Jennings
6 Arjia Rinpoche, director of the Tibetan Mongolian
Buddhist Cultural Center in Bloomington, Ind.
Page 23:
7 Burroughs Community School students performing
at the Nobel Peace Prize Youth Festival
8 Dr. Maureen Reed, executive director of the
Nobel Peace Prize Forum
9 A Peace Quilt Labyrinth exhibited at Oren
Gateway Center
To view additional photos, watch laureate
addresses and keynote presentations, or learn
more about the Forum, go to augsburg.edu/now.
EVENT SPONSORS
Barbara Forster and Mary Tjosvold, Smaby Family Foundation,
U.S. Embassy-Oslo, and Winds of Peace Foundation
FESTIVAL PRODUCTION PARTNER
Spring 2014
23
AUGGIES ON THE FIELD
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT,
COMPETITION,
& CULTURAL LEARNING
Photos courtesy of Augsburg’s Women’s Soccer Team
It’s easy to say that students at Augsburg
College are interested in the world around
them and that they strive to make a
difference by serving their neighbors. It
shows a deeper commitment to living
out the College’s mission to be engaged
citizens when a group of student-athletes
chooses to take a winter break trip to
Nicaragua instead of a destination beach
vacation in Costa Rica.
This winter, the women’s soccer
team showed just what it means to be
an Auggie when the group of student
athletes voted to go to Nicaragua for a trip
comprised of community engagement,
reflective service work, and soccer. When
the student-athletes combined their desire
for such a trip with the rich programming
that comes from partnering with the
College’s 30-year-old, award-winning
24
Augsburg Now
Center for Global Education (CGE), the
team landed an experience that pushed
their boundaries and understanding of the
world.
“The players genuinely have hungry
hearts and open minds,” said Mike
Navarre, head coach of the women’s
soccer team. “They voted to have an
immersion experience, and I am proud
that they feel they have a responsibility to
make the world better.”
By collaborating with CGE, the
women’s soccer team became the first
of the Auggie teams to participate in a
winter break trip that met the College’s
“Augsburg Experience” requirement,
a distinctive feature of an Augsburg
education that links classroom theory
with off-campus learning through
activities including internships, practica,
service-learning courses, study abroad,
special and individualized off-campus
immersion experiences, and more.
“Our CGE program has deep
relationships and a permanent presence
in Nicaragua, as well as other locations
in the world. We have established mutual
trust with our international partners,
so students who go abroad engage in
meaningful ways with the communities
that they visit,” said Leah Spinosa de
Vega, director of Augsburg Abroad and
International Programs.
“The result is that we deliver a
customized experience that aligns
students’ talents and interests with the
wants and needs of the community. The
programs also challenge students to
see that the community also serves the
students—that both groups experience
a mutual gain from the engagement and
that there is reciprocity of giving.”
For the Auggie women’s soccer team,
CGE designed a program that included
service at a preschool and soccer clinic,
competition against Nicaragua’s national
women’s soccer team, and cultural
learning activities.
The student-athletes spent about
a third of their time serving two
organizations, Nica HOPE (nicahope.
org) and Casa Alianza (casa-alianza.
org). The team painted the preschool
operated by Nica HOPE, an organization
that evolved to serve the needs of people
who live around and near the site of the
now-closed Managua City trash dump and
who depended upon foraging in the dump
for income and survival.
For the second service project,
student-athletes conducted a soccer
training clinic with Casa Alianza—an
organization that serves young people who
are homeless, or may have been trafficked
or exploited.
“We were humbled by the
challenges of the kids at Casa
Alianza and grateful to share in
their love of soccer.” -MIKE NAVARRE
The clinic prepared the Casa Alianza
youth soccer team to represent Nicaragua
in the international Street Child World
Cup (streetchildworldcup.org), a soccer
tournament that is held in late March in
Brazil with the goal of raising international
awareness of issues of homeless youths.
“We were humbled by the challenges
of the kids at Casa Alianza and grateful
to share in their love of soccer,” Navarre
said.
The Auggie team also had the
opportunity to compete in a series of three
games against the Nicaragua women’s
national football (soccer) team. While the
Nicaraguan team won two games, the
Auggies tied in the third game. All the
games received coverage in Nicaraguan
newspapers, an added bonus because it
raises awareness of the value and impact
of women’s sports.
“Our players work hard and respond
well to raised expectations on and off the
field,” Navarre said. “We showcase who
we are by how we play soccer. It’s our
medium. It has proven to be a significant
medium through which our players can
grow individually and collectively.”
The team also visited a coffee growing
cooperative, La Reina Agroecotourism
Project, in the small, rural community
of Matagalpa. The visit was a chance to
learn about the cooperative, which has
55 members of whom 22 are women,
about the impact of coffee and ecotourism
on the national economy, and about the
culture and typical lifestyle in Nicaragua.
All the experiences—working to
improve the Nica HOPE preschool,
working on soccer techniques with
homeless youths through Casa Alianza,
visiting the coffee cooperative, and even
the bits of free time—not only help
students build a greater understanding of
the world we share, but also help them
prepare for the work world.
“Employers today are looking for
employees with intercultural skills,” said
Spinosa de Vega. “Augsburg and CGE
programs require that participants take
time to reflect upon their experience.
Reflection is fundamental to driving
intercultural skills development. This
process undertaken by the team—to
engage and reflect—will help bolster their
success in their professional and personal
lives.”
To make the trip possible, studentathletes conducted soccer camps and
clinics, fundraisers, and an online auction.
In all, they raised about $20,000.
Team co-captain Alekzandra “Ali”
Miller ’14, a business management
major responsible for the online auction,
said she knew the value and impact that
playing soccer and studying abroad can
have. During high school, Miller played
soccer in Sweden and Denmark, and
earlier in her college career, she spent a
semester studying in Spain. Miller wanted
her teammates to have an experience like
the ones she had, but also knew finances
would be a challenge for some of her
teammates.
The trip was highly rewarding to all
the participants and Navarre and Spinosa
de Vega are hopeful that the success of
the trip will spur other athletics teams
to explore how to mix sport, community
engagement, and reflective service for the
type of meaningful learning experience
for which Augsburg College is nationally
known.
“It’s hard to say how much of an
impact we were able to make in just eight
days,” Miller said. “But I can say for
certain that our team was impacted for
the better. These types of experiences are
the kind of catalysts that give a direction
to people’s lives, that spark a new type
of gratitude, and that change the way we
think about and live our lives.”
“This trip confirmed for me and the
players that we have an obligation to make
ourselves and the world a little better,”
Navarre said. “In doing so, we also make
our own lives better. We don’t need to be
overwhelmed by the enormity or gravity
of the world’s problems. We can embrace
the world to make meaningful connections
and improvements.”
STEPHANIE WEISS
Spring 2014
25
ALUMNI NEWS
FROM THE ALUMNI BOARD PRESIDENT
t
Dear alumni and friends,
used as a resource by alumni and students, and it features
posts specifically for Auggies from local and national employers. The next time you or your employer are hiring, consider
employing a fellow Auggie.
We have already seen what can happen when Auggies
work together—we accomplish great things. I would like to set
another goal. Currently, approximately 1,000 alumni are posting jobs on AUGPOST. I would like that to increase to 5,000
alumni submitting internship, job, and volunteer opportunities. Imagine the influence we can have on current Augsburg
students and their future opportunities. Learn more at
augsburg.edu/strommen.
Sincerely,
Courtesy photo
his fall, I reached out to you, my fellow Auggies, to ask
that you support our alma mater on Give to the Max Day
by donating to more than 25 different Augsburg fundraising projects. I am grateful to the 837 donors who
helped us raise $313,639 in one day and achieve our
goals of coming in first place among colleges and
universities and fourth place among all Minnesota
nonprofits! This proves that when Auggies pull
together, we can accomplish any goal!
I am often asked, “How, in addition to supporting Augsburg with gifts, can I help the College and the
current students?” Here’s an answer: draw upon your
experience, expertise, and networks to help students who
are looking for jobs and internships.
Our students are bright, ardent, and ambitious. They
represent our best hope for the future. Their most immediate
challenge in moving on to life after Augsburg is aligning their
liberal arts degree with a career path that will be personally
rewarding and provide them with financial independence.
I encourage all Augsburg alumni and parents to post internship, job, or volunteer opportunities—for free—on AUGPOST
through Augsburg’s Clair and Gladys Strommen Center for
Meaningful Work. AUGPOST is an online job posting board
TRACY (ANDERSON) SEVERSON ’95
ALUMNI BOARD PRESIDENT
Join the women of Augsburg for
CONVERSATION, LAUGHTER, AND INSPIRATION
The leaders of AWE (Augsburg Women Engaged) and the Augsburg Associates
are teaming up to host an interactive alumnae event in which women discuss
issues prevalent in contemporary culture, including their reflection on the question, “Am I measuring up?” At this inspirational event for Auggie women of all
ages, attendees will engage in conversation on what it means to be daughters,
mothers, grandmothers, women in public leadership and business, and involved
community members. Join us for brunch and hear insightful remarks from
author, speaker, and TV host Joan Steffend, as well as from an alumnae panel.
The event will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, May 17. The cost is
$25, which includes the meal. RSVP at augsburg.edu/alumnievents. For more
information, call 612-330-1085 or email alumni@augsburg.edu.
26
Augsburg Now
170 ALUMNI
JOIN THE CHALLENGE
Courtesy photo
as class leaders
Celebrating Lutheran heritage
and the Reformation
In the past year, Wayne Jorgenson ’71 and Chris Ascher ’81 have
made a concerted effort to seek the financial support of Augsburg’s
entire alumni community through the campaign for the Center
for Science, Business, and Religion. The Class Challenge goal they
set—for each Augsburg class to contribute a total of $1 million
toward this effort—has generated great momentum that has carried
forward into 2014. So far, the classes of 1952, 1965, and 1971 have
each exceeded their $1 million goal.
Their passion is catching on. As the momentum builds for this
essential and visionary project, Jorgenson and Ascher have been
joined by more than 170 alumni from across the years, each of
whom has made an individual campaign commitment and encouraged classmates to join them in contributing to the campaign.
Currently, every class from 1942 to 2014 has at least one
classmate who has contributed to the campaign. Since the challenge began, there has been a 53 percent increase in the number
of alumni donors supporting the CSBR.
For 2014, Jorgenson and Ascher set a goal of 40 or more
people from each graduating class to become financial supporters
of the campaign. The highest class participation award (so far) goes
to the Class of 1972 with 27 donors. Which class wants to exceed
their goal?
“Each additional classmate who joins with their support for this
wonderful project will find the satisfaction of adding their generosity
to the cause,” said Jorgenson. “The goal is ambitious, and we truly
need a lot of you to say, ‘Yes, I believe, and I will help.’ The size of
all contributions will vary, as they should, based on each person’s
situation and ability to give. Please know that, for each gift, we are
truly grateful.”
Visit the CSBR blog (augsburg.edu/csbr) for the latest progress
on the campaign and alumni participation in the Class Challenge.
Augsburg College is designing a custom travel program
for October 2016 that will celebrate the Reformation
and the upcoming 500th anniversary of when Martin
Luther in 1517 nailed the 95 Theses to the church
doors in Wittenberg, Germany. A highlight of the trip
itinerary will be a visit to Wittenberg over October
31—a time when the town annually celebrates Reformation Day with a parade, medieval fair, special
church service, and evening concert. In addition
to visiting Wittenberg, the itinerary includes stops
in the German cities of Berlin, Dresden, Eisenach,
Erfurt, Leipzig, and Prague, Czech Republic.
Led by Augsburg Department of Religion faculty
members Mark Tranvik and Hans Wiersma, program
participants will explore the lives and ministries of
Martin and Katie Luther and the legacies of influential Lutheran musicians Johann Sebastian Bach
and Paul Gerhardt. They will learn about Dietrich
Bonhoeffer, a 20th century German theologian and
martyr, and Jan Hus, a church reformer of 15th century Prague—100 years before Luther. Participants
also will hear about the church’s role in the Peaceful
Revolution that brought down the Berlin Wall and
remember the sobering days of WWII at the Buchenwald concentration camp. This travel program is
an opportunity to explore the connections between
people, cultures, and historical events while examining the Reformation as an ongoing influence in the
21st century.
To receive updates about this alumni tour as
plans are finalized, email alumni@augsburg.edu, or call
612-330-1085 to be included on a mailing list.
Spring 2014
27
homecoming
ALUMNI NEWS
CELEBRATE YOUR REUNION
SAVE THE DATE FOR
HOMECOMING
2014
SEPTEMBER 22-27
Join Augsburg alumni and friends for Homecoming 2014
Whether or not you are celebrating a
class reunion this year, new events
accompanied by traditional favorites
make Homecoming Week one of the
best times of year to come back to visit
campus. Reconnect with alumni and
favorite faculty members, and experience
the Augsburg of 2014.
The week will include reunion
events, networking and educational
opportunities, and fun for the entire
family. The Homecoming Convocation
on September 26 will kick off the weekend at a morning celebration where the
College will bestow the First Decade,
Spirit of Augsburg, and Distinguished
Alumni awards, and recognize members
of the class of 1964 celebrating their
50-year reunion.
This year’s Taste of Augsburg
28
26
Augsburg Now
pregame festival on September 27 will
include excitement for all ages, with
fair-style booths operated by student,
parent, and alumni groups. Following
the picnic, cheer on the Auggies at the
Homecoming Football Game as they
take on St. Olaf College.
The Auggie Block Party is back by
popular demand! Following the football
game, gather in the parking lot to the
north of Si Melby Hall to enjoy food,
entertainment, and camaraderie. The
activities don’t end there! Homecoming weekend truly has something for
everyone. For more information and a
complete schedule, visit augsburg.edu/
homecoming.
[
REUNION CLASSES
60th Reunion
1954
50th Reunion
1964
40th Reunion
1974
25th Reunion
1989
10th Reunion
2004
If you would like to help make your reunion a success, call the Office of Alumni
and Constituent Relations at 612-330-1085 or email alumni@augsburg.edu.
]
ALUMNI CLASS NOTES
50
John Shelstad was inducted
into the Minnesota Livestock
Breeders Hall of Fame at the
University of Minnesota.
62
Ron C. Nelson received the
Faithfulness in Ministry
Cross Award from Luther Seminary
in January. The honor was given in
the category of “25 years or more”
of faithful ministry.
66
Grace (Estenson) Fladeboe
retired after 30 years of work
as a family and consumer science teacher, and she continues
employment with her husband
and children for Fladeboe
Auctions.
67
Marlys (Ruona) Thomsen
and her husband, Tom,
have enjoyed traveling in their
RV since his retirement. They
have especially enjoyed the
Susquehanna River and mountains in Pennsylvania; Florida; the
southeastern United States; the
Pacific Coast (Southern California
to the Olympic Peninsula); the
vineyards of Washington, Oregon,
and California; the gorgeous sights
of Alaska; and the Texas coast.
At home, they are working on a
backyard garden and are active in
their church, Grace Lutheran of
Apple Valley, and Sons of Norway.
74
Scot Davis became the
winningest wrestling coach
in U.S. high school history when
his Eden Prairie, Minn., team beat
Columbia Heights, Minn., 58-17 on
December 12. Davis, who is in his
36th season as a high school head
coach, is the first high school wrestling coach in the nation to surpass
the 1,000 dual meet wins mark.
77
Randy “Goggles” Nelson was
inducted into the Minnesota
State High School Golf Coaches
Association Hall of Fame in June.
His teams have earned three state
titles, two second-place finishes,
and one third-place finish. He has
had an individual champion and
numerous other state participants in 21 years of coaching at
the Academy of Holy Angels in
Richfield, Minn.
Jodi and Rick Pelishek have
advocated for the rights of people
with disabilities for many years.
They began a statewide disabilities coalition in North Dakota and
later, Rick was hired by Disability
Rights Wisconsin (DRW), the state’s
protection and advocacy system,
to work on a rural transportation
project in Northwest Wisconsin
and to begin the development of a
Northwest Wisconsin DRW office.
He and Jodi received a national
award for their efforts on behalf of
the Rice Lake (Wis.) DRW. Rick
currently is retired and shares these
thoughts with his fellow Auggies:
“Your education is to help you
pursue your passion and to follow
your dreams. Wealth or poverty may
follow, but in the end you will find
more joy and inner peace by following your heart.”
David B. Wattman and John
Karason ’78 were married at
Bethany Lutheran Church in
Minneapolis on November 9.
Officiating were Susan Masters
of Bethany Lutheran Church
and Justin Lind-Ayers, Augsburg
College associate pastor.
99
83
Ryan Adrian-Hendrick Rivard
and his wife, Kristin, had a
baby girl, Maeve Wren Rivard, on
July 8.
Debra Hannu was selected
as 2013-14 Minnesota
Art Educator of the Year and
also Minnesota Middle School
Art Educator of the Year by Art
Educators of Minnesota, the state’s
only professional organization for
visual and media arts educators.
She is in her 25th year at the
Duluth Public Schools, teaching
63
Carol (Erickson) Zwernik retired in the summer of 2013 after serving for 45 years at Calvary Lutheran in Golden Valley, Minn. She
was director of pre-kindergarten for 30 years, a teacher for 12 years,
and director of children’s choirs for 25 years. She was awarded the
Vetter Educational Service Award in 2011 from the Evangelical Lutheran
Education Association and named Director of the Year in 2006 by the
ELCA. She is spending time with her husband, Don, at their lake home
and traveling. Future plans include spending time with her two sons and
six grandchildren, and writing a collection of stories about her family.
87
and serving as a curriculum coach
for visual and media arts. For the
past several years, she has served
on the Visual Arts Writing Team
for the National Coalition for Core
Arts Standards. The new national
standards were released in March.
Hannu and her husband, Patrick
Thomson, have a small community supported agriculture (CSA)
operation called Uncle Herman’s
Farm. They spend their summers
growing food and raising honeybees, and currently help feed
15 Duluth, Minn., families. Their
goal is to develop a model of a
small enterprise fashioned around
sustainability and creativity.
Andrew Altenburg works for the Bank of Tokyo as an associate
events manager. During the past nine years, he has produced
and emceed 450 installments of his weekly fundraising event, The Will
Clark Show. Recently, he was honored for his fundraising by the Gay/
Lesbian Anti Violence Project (2012), acknowledged by United for the
Ride (2013), and knighted by New York’s Imperial Court (2013). He
continues to officiate mainly—but not exclusively—same-sex weddings.
Jump for joy with him at jumpingforjoy.net.
Jennifer Grimm recently performed in Theater Latté Da’s
Steerage Song and in Words By…
at the Park Square Theatre.
06
Sara Schlipp-Riedel was promoted
to Alumni Relations Program
Director at Augsburg College in
2013.
ie
augPg
SHOTS
SNA
99
Mark Joseph and his wife,
Danielle, welcomed their
second child, a daughter, on April
30, 2013. Her name is Emily
Renee Joseph and she joins big
sister Ella (age 3) at home.
Spring 2014
29
auggie SNAPSHOTS
Send us your news and photos
Tell us about the news in your life, your new job, move, marriage, and
births. Don’t forget to send photos! (Digital photos must be at least 300
dpi or a 1MB file.)
For news of a death, printed notice is required, e.g., an obituary,
funeral notice, or program from a memorial service.
Send your news items, photos, or change of address by mail to:
Augsburg Now Class Notes, Augsburg College, CB 146, 2211 Riverside
Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55454, or email alumni@augsburg.edu. You can
also submit news at augsburg.edu/alumni.
_________________________________________________
Full name
01
Hilary English Crook and
her husband, Jacob Seljan,
welcomed Britton Samuel Seljan
on September 26.
04
Dayle VanderLeest and
Karley Kielty ’06 welcomed
their son, Jack, on September 30.
_________________________________________________
Maiden name
_________________________________________________
Class year or last year attended
_________________________________________________
Street address
_________________________________________________
City, State, ZIP code
Is this a new address? q Yes q No
_________________________________________________
Home telephone
05
Laree (Lother) Schouweiler
opened Reefuel, the first
indoor cycling and yoga studio in
Decorah, Iowa.
06
Belinda (Painschab)
Estrem and Andrew Estrem
welcomed Allison Jo Estrem on
March 24, 2013.
_________________________________________________
Email
Okay to publish your email address? q Yes q No
_________________________________________________
Employer
_________________________________________________
Position
_________________________________________________
Work telephone
Is spouse also a graduate of Augsburg College? q Yes q No
If yes, class year_____________________________________
_________________________________________________
Spouse’s name (include maiden name, if applicable)
07
Carolyn (Mollner) Mason married Justin Mason on September 1 at
Faith Lutheran Church in Forest Lake, Minn. Bridesmaids included
Augsburg alumnae from 2007, Beth Chalstrom, Sarah Pahl, and Jenn
Oliver. Carolyn is the daughter of Joe ’75 and Nancy Mollner ’75, and
granddaughter of John Soli ’54.
Your news:
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
q I know a student who is interested in attending Augsburg.
30
Augsburg Now
In memoriam
Thora O. (Torvick) Anderson ’39,
Fergus Falls, Minn., age 98, on
January 12.
Edith A. (Sorem) Gudim ’52,
Mayville, N.Dak., age 82, on
October 11.
Eleanor R. (Ortonstone) Gustafson ’40,
Brainerd, Minn., age 95, on
January 17.
Marvin L. Hagen ’53, St. Paul, age
84, on November 29.
Arlene (Olson) Borgendale ’44,
Chandler, Ariz., age 92, on
September 16.
James D. Bartsch ’45, Charleston,
W.Va., age 92, on December 24.
Orrin O. Agrimson ’46, Vancouver,
Wash., age 90, on September 2.
Glen M. Springer ’46, Barron, Wis.,
age 90, on October 30.
Carol J. (Ysteboe) Lindsay ’47,
Dilworth, Minn., age 86, on
January 4.
Shirley J. (Vance) Menzel ’48,
Spearfish, S.Dak., age 91, on
October 20.
Nathalie M. (Anderson) Peterson ’48,
Bloomington, Minn., age 87, on
September 1.
Ruby A. (Johnson) Sharp ’53,
Minneapolis, age 83, on January 5.
Audrey E. (Knudson) Boettcher ’54,
Suamico, Wis., age 81, on
November 2.
Gerald D. Baxter ’56, Bellevue,
Neb., age 79, on October 24.
Peggy-Joyce (Sorenson) Grable ’57,
College Place, Wash., age 78, on
November 9.
Norman R. Matson ’57, Evanston,
Ill., age 78, on January 12.
Albert N. Kemmer ’59, Eagan,
Minn., age 75, on November 6.
Helen J. Bergan ’61, Las Cruces,
N.Mex., age 76, on September 6.
Stephen A. Nelson ’69, Edina,
Minn., age 67, on September 5.
Debra K. (Chase) Anderson ’77,
Onamia, Minn., age 59, on
December 19.
Peder J. Wilcox ’49, Bloomington,
Minn., age 87, on December 10.
Philip S. Johnson ’79, Ashland,
Wis., age 58, on October 4.
Roy A. Bogen ’50, Bloomington,
Minn., age 86, on December 26.
Thomas S. McCleery ’87, Eden
Prairie, Minn., age 49, on July 4.
Robert E. Paulson ’50, Crystal,
Minn., age 86, on December 2.
Matthew E. Smith ’02, Minneapolis,
age 51, on April 9, 2013.
Robert “Bob” V. Ryan ’50, East
Helena, Mont., age 85, on
December 18.
Laura A. Peterson ’04, St. Cloud,
Minn., age 31, on December 31.
Virginia “Ginny” L. (Thompson)
Smith ’50, Hendricks, Minn., age
85, on January 1.
Clarice E. (Glamm) Madsen ’51,
Kasson, Minn., age 85, on
October 31.
Celia J. (Hanson) Burk ’52, Fargo,
N.Dak., age 86, on September 24.
Adjunct Psychology Faculty Member Megan Shroat
Linda K. Johnson ’70, Sarasota,
Fla., age 64, on September 15.
William “Bun” W. Fischer ’49, Barrett,
Minn., age 92, on October 21.
Gretchen M. Myers ’05, Waconia,
Minn., age 37, on January 14.
Associate Professor of Social
Work Annette Gerten, Inver Grove
Heights, Minn., age 52, on
December 31.
Adjunct Psychology Faculty Member
Megan Shroat, Minneapolis, age
38, on February 6.
The “In Memoriam” alumni listings in this publication include
notifications received before January 31.
Annette Gerten, 52, a passionate and valued member of
the social work faculty and the
Augsburg community, passed
away in late December from
an aggressive cancer. Her time
with us and our students was a
blessing we will long remember and greatly miss.
Her colleagues in the Social Work Department
said Gerten was an innovative teacher, a tireless
collaborator, and an incurable knitter. She dedicated her whole heart to her students and to her
colleagues, serving as a Fellow with the Center
for Teaching and Learning, on the Committee for
Tenure and Promotion, as assessment director for
the social work program, and as field placement
coordinator for undergraduate social work students.
“As she did with yarn so beautifully and creatively, she wove
us all together more tightly centered on the important work of
serving others...What a good mother, social worker, educator,
and human being! May we carry on in her hopes and dreams as
her spirit lives in our hearts.”
–Anthony Bibus, professor emeritus, Social Work Department
Courtesy photo
Ruth C. (Anderson) Blanshan ’44,
Green Bay, Wis., age 91, on
October 29.
Courtesy photo
Associate Professor of Social Work Annette Gerten
Megan Shroat, 38, a long-time
adjunct faculty member in the
Psychology Department, passed
away in February. An accomplished academician as well as
a gifted teacher, she was deeply
connected and committed to
the fabric and mission of Augsburg.
She also was a strong advocate of Augsburg’s
StepUP® program for students in recovery and shared
the College’s commitment to making higher education accessible to diverse groups of students. She was
willing to listen to her students, their opinions, and
even their struggles, but was also not afraid to challenge them to dig deeper and achieve more.
“I have had students tell me that Megan was the reason
[they] chose to major in psychology and pursue a profession
dedicated to improving the lives of others. Her example, her
presence, her genuine love for students and their growth had
this impact. She taught not simply to impart knowledge but to
change lives.”
–Scott Washburn, assistant director, StepUP
Spring 2014
31
LOSAR
Tibetan New Year Celebration
AUGSBURG WAS THE SITE OF A HISTORIC EVENT
March 2 when it hosted the Tibetan American
Foundation of Minnesota’s Losar celebration in Si Melby
Hall. His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama presided over
this Tibetan New Year ceremony—the first time he
observed the holiday in the western hemisphere.
Sitting on the floor and filling the bleachers, more
than 2,500 guests packed Augsburg’s gymnasium,
which had been transformed (literally) overnight from the
site of a wrestling tournament to an ornately decorated
space. After the ceremony and the departure of attending
dignitaries—including Augsburg College President Paul
Pribbenow and Abigail Pribbenow, Minneapolis Mayor
Betsy Hodges, and U.S. representatives Keith Ellison
and Betty McCollum—guests continued the festivities
with traditional music, dancing, and food—rice, jerky,
deep-fried pastries, dumplings, butter tea, and more.
Dozens of Augsburg staff, students, and volunteers
worked the event, demonstrating how Augsburg lives out
its commitment to hospitality.
LAURA SWANSON
32
EXPERIENCE
AUGSBURG NOW
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Photo by Richard Tsong-Taatarii, Star Tribune
2211 Riverside Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55454
Tibetan New Year
Three Auggies, all sisters, participated in the historic Tibetan New Year celebration held at Augsburg
College in March. [L to R]: Tenzin Dolsel ’16, a master of social work student; Dechen Dolma ’16, who
is pursuing a bachelor of science in nursing degree; and Kalsang Chodon ’15, a master of business
administration student. Chodon served as a volunteer for the event, working in one of the VIP reception
rooms for the Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota. See page 32 for more about the celebration
or scan the QR code to see event photos.
Show less
Twin Cities urban anchors
Nobel Peace Prize Forum 2013
Physician assistant program success
Getting social with Auggies
auggies
LOVE
LIFE IN THE
city
SPRING 2013 | VOL. 75, NO. 2
inside
AUGSBURG NOW
$10 MILLION GIFT
ONE GIANT LEAP
FOR AUGSBURG
In early April, Augsburg College was
hono... Show more
Twin Cities urban anchors
Nobel Peace Prize Forum 2013
Physician assistant program success
Getting social with Auggies
auggies
LOVE
LIFE IN THE
city
SPRING 2013 | VOL. 75, NO. 2
inside
AUGSBURG NOW
$10 MILLION GIFT
ONE GIANT LEAP
FOR AUGSBURG
In early April, Augsburg College was
honored with a $10 million, unrestricted
gift from a 1965 alumnus. The funds will
be used for a new academic building
that will house the College’s science,
business, and religion programs.
Visit Inside Augsburg to learn more:
IN THIS ISSUE
inside.augsburg.edu.
Features
Departments
6 Getting social with Auggies | COMPILED BY STEPHANIE WEISS
8 Nobel Peace Prize Forum
12 Urban anchors | BY JAY WALLJASPER
18 Physician assistant program success | BY LAURA SWANSON
20 Drawing from experience | BY LAURA SWANSON
2 Around the Quad | 5 My Auggie experience
All photos by Stephen Geffre unless otherwise indicated.
11 Auggies on the field | 16 Auggie voices
21 Alumni news | 24 Alumni class notes
28 It takes an AAuggie
Vice President of Marketing
and Communication
Rebecca John
rjohn@augsburg.edu
Notes
from President Pribbenow
Doing the work
Campus is still buzzing with excitement about the
generous $10 million donation that will support the
Center for Science, Business, and Religion (see opposite page). This unprecedented gift profoundly honors
the important work we do at Augsburg College, and it
builds on a growing trend of external recognition for the
role Augsburg plays in our community.
Another testament to Augsburg’s value was earning
the National Society for Experiential Education’s 2012
William M. Burke Presidential Award for Excellence
in Experiential Education this past fall (see “Around
the Quad” in the fall 2012 Augsburg Now). The award
honors the College’s long-standing commitment to
experiential learning—reaching across decades from
the legends of our faculty, including Joel Torstenson,
Vern Bloom, Garry Hesser, Mary Kingsley, Frankie
Shackelford, and countless others, to a newer generation of teachers and scholars who come to Augsburg
intent on ensuring that this distinctive educational
experience will continue for future generations. I am
proud to be their partner in this important work and to
tell their stories far and wide.
Augsburg’s commitment to engaging in and learning from the world is one that the College has sustained
even through very difficult times. Four years ago, when
Augsburg student Ahmednur Ali was fatally shot as he
left the Brian Coyle Community Center where he was
tutoring Somali junior high students, was one of those
times—a time of immense sadness that challenged our
mission and character as a College dedicated to serving
our neighbors. It is fair to say that fear and anxiety
could have led us to pull back from our community, but
that is not what Augsburg did. Certainly we took the
time we needed to heal, but then we stood together and
recognized that our work in the neighborhood—
work that is at the heart of our academic mission—
was more important than ever, and that it was critical
for us to return to our work so that our entire neighborhood might be safe, healthy, and prosperous.
And that—I am proud to say—is what we did. We
Creative Associate-Editorial
Wendi Wheeler ’06
wheelerw@augsburg.edu
Integrated Communication
Specialist
Laura Swanson
swansonl@augsburg.edu
Creative Director
formed a neighborhood partnership to address security
and economic development and infrastructure needs.
We forged additional partnerships with neighborhood
groups and community agencies. And we spent time
together, doing the work of improving our community.
Today, I can firmly attest that our neighborhood
is safer, stronger, more vibrant, and more united than
ever before. That, to me, is what our commitment to
experiential learning is meant to achieve: education for
our students, of course, and also a safer and more just
community for all of us who live and work here.
Each fall, I offer our incoming students a simple
message about “what is required of them” as they
join our community. One of those requirements, I tell
them, is to “do the work.” Yes, the work assigned to
them, but even more so, the work that they discern
and pursue as important and meaningful. Our mission
at Augsburg—“to educate students to be informed
citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers, and
responsible leaders”—is not just a set of nice aspirations, but a challenge to all of us to do the work that
the world so needs done.
This issue of Augsburg Now includes many
examples of the work our students and alumni do—on
campus and in the world. I couldn’t be more proud of
our commitment to real-world experiences—a commitment at the heart of our mission.
Auggies take their studies out into the world and
enrich both their learning and the world around us.
Our location, our active and highly connected faculty,
our dedicated and generous donors, our commitment
to linking the liberal arts and professional studies, and
the important role Augsburg plays in the Twin Cities
and around the world—all of these provide our students
with experiences that deepen their learning and their
preparedness for life beyond college. That’s good for
our students, and it’s good for the communities where
Auggies live and work.
PAUL C. PRIBBENOW, PRESIDENT
Kathy Rumpza ’05 MAL
rumpza@augsburg.edu
Senior Creative Associate-Design
Jen Nagorski ’08
nagorski@augsburg.edu
Photographer
Stephen Geffre
geffre@augsburg.edu
Director of News and
Media Services
Stephanie Weiss
weisss@augsburg.edu
Production Manager/Now Online
Mark Chamberlain
chamberm@augsburg.edu
Senior Director of Alumni
and Constituent Relations
Kim Stone
stonek@augsburg.edu
www.augsburg.edu
Augsburg Now is published by
Augsburg College
2211 Riverside Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55454
Opinions expressed in Augsburg Now
do not necessarily reflect official
College policy.
ISSN 1058-1545
Send address corrections to:
Advancement Services
CB 142
Augsburg College
2211 Riverside Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55454
langemo@augsburg.edu
Email: now@augsburg.edu
quad
around the
MASTER OF FINE ARTS
Photo by Natasha D’Schommer
in Creative Writing
SCHOLARS at the Capitol
During February, McNair Scholars Charles Olson ’13 [pictured
above] and Roseanna Benser ’13 represented Augsburg at the
Minnesota Private College Scholars at the Capitol research poster
session. Olson, a biopsychology major, presented the research he
conducted with biology assistant professor David Crowe on brain
activity during perception. Benser, a sociology major, shared an
analysis of audience perception during stand-up comedy performances, research she conducted with sociology professor James
Vela-McConnell. This annual event, sponsored by the Minnesota
Private College Council, highlighted the research of undergraduate students from 15 Minnesota colleges and universities.
Augsburg College is accepting applications
for its new, low-residency Master of Fine Arts
in Creative Writing. The program initially will
offer four concentration areas: fiction, creative
nonfiction, poetry, and screenwriting. The twoyear program features an annual 10-day summer residency, one-on-one work with mentors,
a student-to-mentor ratio of five to one, and
engaging online classroom sessions. This program, the only one of its kind in the region,
will be taught by distinguished Augsburg
faculty and visiting writers.
To find out more about the MFA program,
go to augsburg.edu/mfa.
CONNECT
STROMMEN SPEAKER SERIES
2
Augsburg Now
The Clair and Gladys Strommen Executive
Speaker Series at Augsburg College, which brings
local business leaders to campus to share insights
and expertise, kicked off in November with Sally
Smith [pictured at left], president and CEO of
Buffalo Wild Wings.
Smith, who joined the company as chief
financial officer in 1994 when it was a chain of
only 35 restaurants, talked of establishing the infrastructure needed to
create the nation’s fastest-growing restaurant chain. The company now
has nearly 850 restaurants in 48 states and Canada.
In February, Auggies heard from Chris Killingstad, the president and
CEO of Tennant Company. Killingstad described how Tennant is pursuing
its vision—through product innovation and employee engagement—
to become a global leader in chemical-free cleaning and other technologies. Killingstad joined Tennant, a world-leading manufacturer of
cleaning solutions, floor coatings, and industrial equipment, in 2002
and became CEO in 2005.
Augsburg named a“Top
5”
theater program
outside of New York
Backstage magazine’s 2012 Fall College
Guide listed Augsburg College among the top
five U.S. institutions for theater majors who wish
to continue their studies professionally.
“In our Theater Arts Department, students
connect with professional artists in the city
while they delve into their theater courses,”
said Darcey Engen ’88, Augsburg College
associate professor and chair of theater arts.
Backstage, a theater publication in existence for more than 50 years, recommended
an Augsburg education for “enterprising,
driven students looking to climb the [professional] ladder in double time.”
The article described the three academic
theater concentrations offered by the College,
which include performance, directing/
dramaturgy/playwriting, and design/technical. The article also highlighted Augsburg’s
course offerings and emphasized the theater program’s proximity to the renowned,
Minneapolis-based Guthrie Theater.
FIFTH AUGGIE WINS
prestigious Milken Award
Since 2004, five Augsburg College alumni
have won the prestigious Milken Educator Award.
Steve Abenth ’04, a fourth-grade teacher and choir director at
Highland Park Elementary in St. Paul, was awarded the Milken
Educator Award for the State of Minnesota this past November.
Abenth earned his bachelor’s degree in elementary education
through Augsburg’s adult undergraduate program.
The $25,000 award was established in 1985 by the Milken
Family Foundation to recognize excellence in early- to mid-career
educators.
Other Auggies who have won the award include Jacki Brickman ’97,
Tracey Cross ’01, Maggie Knutson ’91, and Kelly Woods ’98.
To read more about Augsburg’s Milken Educator Award
winners, go to augsburg.edu/now.
To read the full article, go to augsburg.edu/now.
Norwegian parlimentarian visits Augsburg
Augsburg College hosted Norwegian parliamentarian Marianne Aasen on her first trip to
Minnesota. Augsburg President Paul C. Pribbenow invited Aasen to visit the College to
further her understanding of U.S. higher education and to explore topics central to her
vocation. Her trip included meeting dozens of Auggies, including those from Norway,
students in an environmental politics class, interns to the Nobel Peace Prize Forum
(hosted and organized by the College), and Augsburg’s Peace Scholars.
Aasen, far right, meets with Augsburg students.
Spring 2013
3
AUGGIES SHINE at
college film festival
Three Auggies were recognized for
outstanding work as filmmakers at the
2012 Student Film Festival hosted by the
Associated Colleges of the Twin Cities
(ACTC).
• Carly (Lassegard) Johnson ’11 won
Best of Show for her film Angel. She
earned her bachelor of arts degree in
film and English.
CONVOCATION SERIES 2012-13
BOLD VISIONS
quad
around the
The Humanities and Fine Arts Convocation in November featured Dan Phillips,
a designer and builder of recycled housing. Phillips also is founder of the
Phoenix Commotion, a building initiative that was created to demonstrate that
salvaged materials can be and are viable building materials.
In January, a group of performers at the Martin Luther King, Jr.
Convocation explored the legacy of King through song, movement, images,
and writings by the civil rights leader. The performers were led by T. Mychael
Rambo, an accomplished singer-songwriter, playwright, and arts educator.
The Batalden Seminar in Applied Ethics in February welcomed Susan
E. Pick, professor of psychology at National University of Mexico. Pick shared
insights on ways the “Human Capabilities Approach” was used to develop
programs that reached more than 19 million people in Mexico who became
agents of change in their own lives and communities in areas of citizenship,
development, education, and health. The approach also was used in 14 other
Latin American countries.
Augsburg’s Convocation Series is a cross-disciplinary speaker series that
explores ideas and thoughts around the impact each person can have in a
world of nearly seven billion people.
To find out more about the Augsburg Convocation series, go to
augsburg.edu/convo.
MANY VOICES
• Casey Bargsten ’14 won for Best
Experimental Film. Bargsten is
studying film at Augsburg.
• Joe Funk ’11 won the Technical
Award. He earned his bachelor of
arts degree in film and theater arts.
The ACTC Student Film Festival
celebrated more than 60 short films
including narratives, documentaries,
experimental films, and avant-garde
films. All the films were created during
the 2011-12 academic year.
Augsburg students submitted work
from virtually every class offered in
the College’s film studies program,
said Wesley Ellenwood, an Augsburg
communication studies instructor.
Ellenwood, who serves on the ACTC
Student Film Festival committee, said
the festival is a chance for students to
have their work formally presented in a
theater of more than 200 seats.
4
Augsburg Now
INTERACTIVE ART
Students in Graphic Design I and II courses during the fall semester
researched the history, philosophy, and practice of the Augsburg Central
Health Commons and the Health Commons at Dar Ul-Quba. The students
learned that for many of the 20,000 people seen by the nurses every
year at the Commons, a pair of clean socks can be very important. The
students worked with assistant art professor Christopher Houltberg to
host “Health Commons: Exhibition and Sock Exchange,” an interactive art
exhibit where viewers could take an original print home if they donated a
clean pair of socks to the Health Commons.
To read the full article, go to augsburg.edu/now.
my
auggie
experience
Have a dream.
Focus on key priorities.
Recognize the importance of the team.
Never give up.
THESE ARE THE FOUR LIFE LESSONS Mike Good ’71 shared with Augsburg alumni at
the Eye Opener breakfast in January, a talk that tied together key themes of Good’s
journey to Augsburg and back again.
It started at Fridley High School where, Good said, his dream was to become a
wrestling state champion. He posted a sign above his bedroom door—“SC” for “state
champion”—to remind him every day of his goal and the importance of working
toward it. In his senior year, his high school won the state championship as a team.
Individually, though, Good lost in the semi-finals, ultimately placing third—a result
that was critical to the overall team’s victory. Listening to Good recount the story, it’s
clear that the team accomplishment is as important to him as any individual title
might have been.
Have a dream. Focus on priorities. Recognize the importance of the team.
At Augsburg, Good said, he was passionate about racial justice and freedom from
hunger. A sociology major and physical education minor, he also remained passionate about wrestling. His new goal: to be Augsburg’s first All-American wrestler.
Again, as Good recounted the outcomes of this dream, he not only reported his own
success in winning an All-American title, but with equal relish named several of his
teammates—Daryl Miller ’69, Ron Johnson ’72, Pat Marcy ’72—who also earned
All-American titles during their time at Augsburg.
Dream. Focus. Team.
When Good got into real estate, he brought this same focus and drive to his leadership. By 1998, he was executive vice president and chief operating officer for NRT
Incorporated, responsible for the oversight of more than 1,000 offices nationally.
Then, in 2004, when his parent company, Cendant Corporation, bought the rights
to use the Sotheby’s brand, he was tapped to serve as chief executive officer of
Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates, Inc.
No one ever had built a luxury real estate franchise before, Good said. So, early
on, many of the premier independent real estate companies in the U.S. were not
interested in joining Sotheby’s. Instead of worrying about that, Good focused his
team on building a unique value proposition for Sotheby’s real estate, growing the
franchise to 650 offices in 45 countries. In the end, many of those same independent real estate companies who said, “no thanks,” at the beginning, joined the
Sotheby’s operation and, according to Good, dramatically grew their sales within the
first few years of taking on the Sotheby’s name.
Focus on priorities. Recognize the importance of the team. Never give up.
This past January, Good retired from Sotheby’s and, with his wife, Ann, moved back
to Minnesota. He also just completed four years as chair of the Augsburg College
Board of Regents, where he has served since 2001. So now he has taken on a new
challenge: serving as campaign chair of Augsburg’s capital campaign for the Center
for Science, Business, and Religion. In his January talk, Good acknowledged that the
campaign has moved forward more slowly than desired but, he said, “Nothing happens without belief.”
Today, Good has another sign above his door: “CSBR. Believe.”
Another dream, another focus. A team, Good said, that will include alumni and
others who can and will make a significant impact on the College. And, even if it
takes longer than expected, Good said, he is in this for the long haul.
“I believe in this college,” Good said. “I believe in what it does for young men
and women, helping them grapple with the issues of today and come out as leaders.”
To learn more about Augsburg’s capital campaign for the Center for Science, Business,
and Religion, contact Heather Riddle, vice president of institutional advancement,
612-330-1177, riddle@augsburg.edu.
I couldn’t be more proud to represent
@AugsburgCollege as a @FulbrightPrgrm
scholar in the Czech Republic – @adamspanier
Getting
Nice day for a bike ride, right @niceridemn?
Temps in the single digits, but that’s not too
cold for #Auggies. #AuggieCAM
SOCIAL
with Auggies
Drove by @AugsburgCollege today &
involuntarily beamed with pride when
I saw the “#Auggies We are Called”
banners outside Oren. #AuggiePride
– @mnemosynekura
Members of the Augsburg College community are increasingly turning to
social media to get connected and to stay in touch with what is happening on campus. People connecting to the College in social media—
Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or other social media sites—include current
students and alumni, faculty and staff, media and policymakers, and
people from across the globe. Here’s a snapshot of some of the College’s
most established social media channels by number of followers:
Facebook:
5,336
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
facebook.com/augsburgcollege
Twitter:
2,365
@AugsburgCollege
LinkedIn:
2,263
linkedin.com/company/augsburg-college
Check us out online and on your favorite social media sites.
We welcome your comments, tweets, posts, and photographs.
facebook.com/augsburgcollege
“Like” us and get updates in your Facebook feed.
twitter.com/AugsburgCollege
Follow @AugsburgCollege on Twitter for information about
upcoming events and other news.
instagram/AugsburgCollege
Get a glimpse into life at Augsburg through our Instagram
photo feed.
storify.com/AugsburgCollege
Check us out on Storfiy to see what’s happening on campus
and what students, alumni, and others are saying about their
Auggie experience.
6
Augsburg Now
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
TWITTER
Found out I could graduate from
@AugsburgCollege summa cum
laude. My heart is in my throat. It’s
a lot of work, but I think I’m gonna
try. – @littlelizbeth
The college I really want to go to is
Augsburg College.
– @ThE_KinG_54
So thankful for the tunnels and skyways @AugsburgCollege today!
– @jordan_leigh13
Graphic design students
@AugsburgCollege met w/@cityof
saintpaul staff to discuss concepts
for a new stormwater drain stencil
#CityLabs – @CityLabsatACTC
Accepted into the PA program at
Augsburg College! God is faithful!
#PAbound – @jennanoonan33
Oh my gosh. The people from
Augsburg College were such sweethearts. I love each & every one of
y’all. <3 – @amyyvon
A big congrats to my son’s college
basketball team, they are 7-0. Way
to go Augsburg – @sdionyoung
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SEEING
My research @AugsburgCollege just
got accepted for the APA National
Conference in Hawaii! (jumps up
and down repeatedly)
– @LadyChristy
So glad I picked Augsburg. Happy
kid right thereeee. – @kfec3
INSTAGRAM
1
Getting ready for the 25th
@NPPF March 8-10 in Minneapolis!
@AugsburgCollege #NPPF
#NobelPeacePrize
– @LandOLakesInc
I am now a college graduate with a Bachelor of Arts
degree! #AugsburgCollege
#MinneapolisMinnesota
– @ZachKim21
Can’t wait to walk with the Class of
2013 in early May. We’re a great
class. #Auggies – @WhatAPriss
Steve Abenth ’04=5th
@AugsburgCollege grad to win prestigious @Milken award for teaching.
#WeAreCalled – @Milken
To say the #NobelPeacePrizeForum
is inspiring is an understatement
– @OfficialGNiver
2
3
1 “With one day remaining in January, let’s
cheer on the #Auggies who are sticking with
their fitness resolutions for the New Year.”
#AuggieCAM 1/21/2013
2 “Arianna Genis ’13 received the Spirit of
MLK Award at today’s #MLKConvocation.”
#WeAreCalled 1/30/2013
3 “Alumni & their families ice skated during
the recent #Auggie Night at the Depot. What’s
your favorite winter hobby?” #AuggieCAM
1/23/2013
#AUGGIEPRIDE
Auggie Eddie Frizell back on campus for
Mpls Police Department promotions.
He’s now a Deputy Chief! #AuggiePride
– @AugsburgCollege
Wear pink at Augsburg’s home athletic
events this weekend to support the fight
against breast cancer! #AuggiePride
– @AugsburgAuggies
I’ve got big dreams. Augsburg records I’m
coming for you at the MIAC championships
tomorrow #AuggiePride
– @LouLouBell0491
I am soo geeked1 that my school is hosting
Omar @Offendum and Brother Ali for the
#2NobelPeacePrize. S/O3 to @Augsburg
College! #AuggiePride – @LoveLikeHani
THE TWEET DEFINED:
1
➦
geeked = excited
2
# = A hashtag is a word or
phrase preceded by a hash
mark that’s used to categorize
social media posts by topic.
3
S/O = shout out
Spring 2013
7
NOBEL PEACE
PRIZE FORUM
March 8-10, 2013
Augsburg’s Ibrahim Al-Hajiby ’14 [above center] leaves
Christensen Center with Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Tawakkol
Karman [above right] and Karman’s husband. Al-Hajiby
served as Karman’s attaché during her visit to Minnesota
for the Nobel Peace Prize Forum. Karman and Al-Hajiby
both are from Yemen, and Karman is the youngest person
in history to be named a Laureate. Al-Hajiby accompanied
Karman to appointments, helped her navigate campus, and
became a trusted member of her team while she was at
Augsburg.
To watch an audio slideshow about Al-Hajiby’s experience,
go to augsburg.edu/now.
8
Augsburg Now
WE ARE
Nobel Peace Prize Laureates Tawakkol Karman [center] and Muhammad Yunus [right] leave
Si Melby Hall at Kennedy Center following their addresses to K-12 students at the Nobel
Peace Prize Forum Festival. Karman, of Yemen, won the Nobel Prize in 2011 for her work
as a journalist and human rights activist. She is called the “Mother of the Arab Spring.”
Yunus, who won the Nobel Prize in 2006, is from Bangladesh. He pioneered a form of
banking known as “microcredit,” the practice of making very small loans to people with
little or no collateral. “The Father of Microcredit,” Yunus founded Grameen Bank to give
loans of about $100 each to more than 8.4 million people, 94 percent of whom are women.
HIP HOP
AND PEACE
CALLED
TO
INSPIRE
PEACE
Internationally known hip hop artist and activist Brother Ali [above left], of Minneapolis, presented and performed during the Nobel Peace Prize Forum. He was joined by Omar Offendum [above
right], a Syrian-American rapper and activist. The two men explored the dynamics of peace and
hip hop through songs, poetry, lecture, and dance. The event built upon the success of last
year’s “Ethics and Hip Hop” presentation by Dessa, a Minneapolis rapper, singer, and writer.
Spring 2013
9
THE 25TH ANNUAL NOBEL PEACE
PRIZE FORUM—a conference
that celebrates the importance,
consequence, and controversy of Nobel Peace Prize
Laureates—was March 8-10 in
Minneapolis.
“This event brings
members of the world’s most
exclusive club—Nobel Peace
Prize Laureates—to campus,”
said Maureen Reed, executive
director of the Nobel Peace Prize Forum, which is housed at
Augsburg College. “Students, faculty, and staff have the opportunity to interact with people who fundamentally have changed
and are changing the world.”
More than 6,000 people attended throughout the three
days of the event, which explored issues related to peacemaking, world security, and global stability. One of the 2011 Nobel
laureates, Tawakkol Karman of Yemen, spoke on Global Day,
and 2006 laureate Muhammad Yunus of Bangladesh spoke on
Business Day. Dr. Paul Farmer, chair of global health and social
medicine at Harvard Medical School and cofounder of Partners in
Health, spoke to a packed house [left] on Science and Health Day.
In addition to offering inspiration from global peacemakers,
the Forum provides an opportunity for participants to understand why individuals “halfway across the globe” should care
about one another.
“One of the mission commitments of Augsburg is to educate students to be informed global citizens,” said Augsburg
College President Paul Pribbenow. “By bringing the world to
campus, we also get to know our neighbors, which is fundamental
to our identity as a college of the Lutheran church.”
Watch the laureate addresses and other keynote presentations from the Forum at
nobelpeaceprizeforum.org.
To see more photos from the Forum, go to augsburg.edu/now.
LEAD SPONSOR
MAJOR SPONSORS
SCIENCE AND HEALTH DAY SPONSOR
GLOBAL DAY SPONSOR
EVENT SPONSORS
Jeanne M. Voigt Foundation
US Embassy-Oslo
Winds of Peace Foundation
MEDIA SPONSOR
DONORS
Global Spotlight-GPS Alliance
HealthPartners
Liv Dahl Fund of the Saint Paul Foundation
10
Augsburg Now
auggies on the field
Steward, athlete, scholar
If Paul Hallgren ’13 isn’t at Parade Stadium, home of the Auggie baseball
team, he might be in Augsburg’s Writing Lab helping a student with a paper.
He could be studying in the Honors program lounge or having a high-minded
discussion in the Quad with colleagues in the Philosophy Club. And if he’s not
in the aforementioned places, it’s possible that he is at an event representing
the College as an Augsburg Steward.
This busy outfielder and double major in philosophy and English is able
to balance his studies with his other activities and responsibilities in part
because he’s bright and talented, but he also gives a lot of credit to his
coaches and professors.
“I love that I can have direct correspondence with my professors and that they
know me and know I’m involved on campus,” Hallgren said. “They are always
willing to make sure I have what I need.”
Hallgren was able to meet some of his future professors when he was
recruited by Coach Keith Bateman to play baseball and came to Augsburg for
a campus visit. “I felt that they were genuinely interested in me in ways that
professors at a large institution might not be,” Hallgren said.
Hallgren has played with the Auggie baseball team since his first year at
Augsburg and said that being an athlete with off-season practices helped him
adjust to the rigor of a college schedule. “I was responsible for putting my
schedule in order and making sure I got everything done,” he said. If not for
athletics, Hallgren supposed he might have been a bit lazy.
But “lazy” is one word most would not use to describe Hallgren.
During his first year at Augsburg, he provided research assistance to
professor Larry Crockett for Crockett’s paper on pragmatism, and last
year he spent a semester in Scotland studying English modernism
and Scottish literature.
Through the Augsburg Stewards program, Hallgren learns
leadership and networking skills by connecting alumni to the
College and working with current students to encourage their
continued involvement with Augsburg after graduation.
As a tutor in the Writing Lab, Hallgren helps undergraduate and graduate students with all stages of the writing
process and in all academic areas. “I really enjoy reading
others’ papers and helping them learn how to convey their
thoughts in a coherent way,” Hallgren said. “I hope they come
away from a session feeling more confident in themselves and in
their ability to write.”
Hallgren said these extra activities have shaped him and his Augsburg
experience. “I feel like I’m a much more well-rounded individual as a result
of participating in other activities.”
This spring, find Hallgren and the Auggie baseball team at Parade
Stadium, 400 Kenwood Parkway in Minneapolis. The regular season begins
in late March and ends in early May. And see the new baseball dugout built
with donations from the Augsburg A-Club, a service organization of former and
current Augsburg College athletes and friends of the College.
e
WENDI WHEELER ’06
Spring 2013
11
AN INCREASINGLY
GLOBALIZED ECONOMY
leaves communities everywhere anxious about losing good jobs. Even the
prosperous Twin Cities is no exception,
as the closing of the St. Paul Ford
plant and the transfer of Delta Air Lines
employees show.
It’s bad news for the whole region
when jobs leave, including local institutions like Augsburg that benefit from
being located in a thriving community.
An increase in unemployment, poverty,
and social dislocation in neighborhoods surrounding the campus would
raise new challenges for the College
in attracting students, faculty, and
contributions.
But there’s good news, too. Some of
the Twin Cities’ biggest employers aren’t
going anywhere.
How can we be sure? Because
“anchor” institutions like colleges,
medical centers, and cultural institutions serve the people of a particular
area and are in fact defined by their
location and the people they serve.
For example, try to imagine Fairview
Hospital moving to Beijing or Augsburg
to New Orleans. They would not be the
same in another place because they
12
Augsburg Now
anchor the communities in which they
are located.
Many communities coast-to-coast
see these “eds and meds” institutions as
crucial, not just for keeping jobs but for
keeping neighborhoods vibrant. Anchor
institutions are the largest employer in
66 of the 100 largest U.S. core cities,
according to a study from the Initiative
for a Competitive Inner City.
“Colleges and hospitals are embedded in their community and have a
real stake in seeing that it thrives,”
explained Augsburg President Paul
Pribbenow, who is chair of an ambitious new anchor initiative along the
light rail Central Corridor. Large-scale
anchor strategies have been proven
to work under rigorous conditions
in Philadelphia, Detroit, Cleveland,
Baltimore, and Syracuse—where
economic challenges far surpass those
here in the Twin Cities. But anchor
strategies are not confined to cities with
dire social and economic conditions. A
set of Boston hospitals has established
successful training, employment, and
housing programs to boost surrounding neighborhoods; other projects are
underway in Phoenix, Atlanta, and
Washington, D.C.
Augsburg stands out as a leader in
the Twin Cities’ anchor institution strategy—thanks to longstanding programs
that partner students and faculty with
the community to increase public safety,
boost local education, provide health care
services, promote economic development, work with immigrant groups, train
neighborhood youth, improve the urban
environment, and feed people in need.
Steve Peacock, Augsburg’s director
of community relations who works closely with many of the projects, said the
programs fit with Augsburg’s distinctive
mission as an urban liberal arts college.
“It’s one of the things that distinguishes
us. We offer an opportunity for students
to be engaged in the neighborhood. For
us, it’s not just a charitable activity. It
creates shared value.”
Augsburg recently became one of
a dozen anchor institutions—ranging
from Allina and HealthPartners to the
University of Minnesota—that were first
to sign on to the Central Corridor Anchor
Partnership, a joint effort funded by
the McKnight Foundation to strengthen
communities along the light rail line
between downtown Minneapolis and
St. Paul. Pribbenow pointed out the
immense economic and civic potential
of nine medical facilities and seven
colleges in the corridor that together
account for 67,000 jobs, 115,000
students, and 100 current or planned
capital improvement projects totaling
$5 billion.
Eric Muschler, the McKnight
Foundation program officer involved
with the project, noted that Augsburg’s
long involvement in the West Bank
community offered inspiration for the
overall Anchor Partnership. “[Augsburg
IN THE CENTRAL CORRIDOR,
AUGSBURG IS ONE OF
9 MEDICAL FACILITIES 7 COLLEGES
AND
THAT TOGETHER ACCOUNT FOR
100
67,000 JOBS,
115,000 STUDENTS,
AND
CURRENT OR PLANNED
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
TOTALING
has] been thinking about this longer,”
he said.
“This is not do-gooderism,”
Pribbenow stressed. “This is moving
beyond the charity model. We have
real interests that are at play with the
neighborhood. For us, this is about our
students. It contributes to their education,
their safety, and a vital urban environment where they live. This is not just what
we give to the community, it’s about our
shared interests and mutual benefits.”
Five years ago, Augsburg took a
leading role in the creation of the CedarRiverside Partnership, where stakeholders
including West Bank businesses, Fairview
Clinics-Riverside, University of Minnesota,
neighborhood organizations, the City
of Minneapolis, and Hennepin County
explore new ways of working together in
the neighborhood. Pribbenow currently
serves as the partnership’s chair.
“At first the group was all about
safety,” Pribbenow said, noting how
partners raised funds to increase security at a community center, supported a
neighborhood crime prevention group,
and helped plan a community safety
center that opened at a nearby housing
complex.
“If you talk to the police department, they will tell you that all of
this work by many institutions and
community organizations has improved
the safety and vitality of the neighborhood in a surprisingly short amount of
time.”
That initial success showed everyone what could be accomplished
cooperatively. The group’s attention
then widened to the coming Central
Corridor light rail line. Hennepin County
Commissioner Peter McLaughlin told
the group, “If you get this right, it will
undo the damage that was done” when
Interstates 94 and 35W essentially
walled off Cedar-Riverside from the rest
of the city.
“This work is about resurrecting
a neighborhood,” Pribbenow noted.
“Cedar-Riverside could become a destination for the whole region.”
That’s also a goal of the Central
Corridor Anchor Partnership: to make
sure that adjacent neighborhoods capitalize on the transformative benefits of
this nearly $1 billion public investment.
Pribbenow outlines four major initiatives
to strengthen Central Corridor communities, which in turn strengthen anchor
institutions such as Augsburg.
1 PROCUREMENT—A Central
Corridor Funders Collaborative study
found that 16 major anchor institutions
already spend more than $300 million
$5 BILLION
in goods and services from neighborhood businesses. Finding practical ways
to increase this local spending—both
individually and as a group—makes
a good investment, said Augsburg’s
Peacock. “Local purchasing benefits the
local economy, which means a healthier
neighborhood.”
When it came time to reupholster the
chairs in Hoversten Chapel, for instance,
Augsburg found a small Native Americanowned business in the nearby Phillips
neighborhood to do the job. A class of
Augsburg MBA students is now investigating more opportunities on this front.
2 WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT—
The same principle of keeping resources
circulating throughout the community
applies to the goal of hiring more neighborhood residents at anchor institutions. Of course, as Peacock noted, this
depends on finding people with the right
skills. “How do we connect residents to
the training and certification programs
that are needed for the jobs?” That’s
where Augsburg’s nursing and physician
assistant programs come in, preparing
young people to work at the nine medical facilities along the light rail line.
For several years, Augsburg has
gone one step further in developing the
future health care workforce by hosting
Spring 2013
13
“THIS IS NOT DO-GOODERISM,” PRESIDENT PAUL PRIBBENOW STRESSED. “THIS IS MOVING BEYOND
THE CHARITY MODEL. WE HAVE REAL INTERESTS THAT ARE AT PLAY WITH THE NEIGHBORHOOD. FOR
US, THIS IS ABOUT OUR STUDENTS. IT CONTRIBUTES TO THEIR EDUCATION, THEIR SAFETY, AND A VITAL
URBAN ENVIRONMENT WHERE THEY LIVE. THIS IS NOT JUST WHAT WE GIVE TO THE COMMUNITY, IT’S
ABOUT OUR SHARED INTERESTS AND MUTUAL BENEFITS.”
Urban Scrubs Camp (in conjunction
with Fairview and the state-funded
HealthForce Minnesota) to excite young
people about careers in health care.
Augsburg’s many community partners
invite interested high school students to
spend a week on campus in order to get
a feel for work in these fast-expanding
fields and for college life. St. Paul
College, at the other end of the Central
Corridor, is now adopting the idea.
3 ENGAGED LEARNING—Augsburg
holds honors from the National Society
for Experiential Education (2012) and
the White House’s Presidential Award
for Community Service (2010), which
demonstrate the College’s leadership
in this area. “Since the 1960s, we’ve
taken advantage of the city itself as a
classroom,” Pribbenow noted. “It’s part
of what make us distinctive.”
Nursing students, for instance,
gain invaluable experience working at
the school’s drop-in health centers at
Riverside Plaza and Central Lutheran
Church. Hundreds of students also
have volunteered at the Cedar Riverside
Community School, a K-8 charter
school at Riverside Plaza, and the
Augsburg Fairview Academy public high
school in the Phillips neighborhood.
All Auggies can be involved with the
Campus Kitchen, a student-led project
that distributes 2,000 meals a month
to homeless shelters, youth programs,
and senior and community centers.
Similarly, Augsburg’s community garden
finds students, community groups,
and neighborhood residents growing vegetables side by side.
Trinity Lutheran Congregation,
which was founded by Norwegian
immigrants 140 years ago and today is
home to many Eritrean and Ethiopian
immigrants, is housed right on campus
in a unique arrangement that further
strengthens the ties between college
and community. Students are involved
with the congregation’s tutoring program
for immigrants living in Cedar-Riverside
and in interfaith collaborations with
Augsburg’s many Muslim neighbors.
4 PLACEMAKING—Neighborhoods do
not stay vital on economic development
alone; a strong sense of place contributes greatly to their success. Augsburg
reaches out into the community in many
ways to improve the built environment
and enhance the distinctive character
of the neighborhood. This goal is woven
throughout the College’s campus master
plan. The Oren Gateway Center, which
opens onto Riverside Avenue, is symbolic of the College’s commitment to community connection. Another welcoming
gateway is being considered long term
for property Augsburg owns on Riverside
Avenue on the east side of campus.
Riverside Avenue itself underwent
a remarkable makeover in the last few
years—with improved bike lanes and
a new street configuration to calm
traffic—thanks in part to the College’s
cooperation with the city of Minneapolis.
“There are improvements on Riverside
that would not be there if we had not sat
down with the city and said we wanted
them,” Pribbenow said. It is exactly
this type of leadership, collaboration,
and active engagement in community
building that Augsburg and its anchor
partners will now extend to the entire
Central Corridor region through this
innovative new anchor institutions
initiative.
Jay Walljasper, a senior fellow with Augsburg’s Sabo Center for Citizenship and Learning, specializes in city and
community issues. He is author of The Great Neighborhood Book and All That We Share: A Field Guide to the
Commons. Read more at jaywalljasper.com.
14
Augsburg Now
ANCHOR INSTITUTION STRATEGIES across the United States
Augsburg’s recent participation in an “anchor” approach
to community revitalization does not rely simply on theory.
Large-scale strategies have been tested successfully
under rigorous conditions in U.S. cities where economic
challenges surpass those in the Twin Cities.
CLEVELAND
• Anchor institutions teamed up to create
a series of worker-owned cooperatives.
• Cleveland Clinic, Case Western Reserve
University, and University Hospitals will benefit from light
rail improvements and a new high-speed bus line.
• A growers cooperative was formed to produce local food.
A FUTURE PROJECT MAY INCLUDE
A TRANSPORTATION COMPANY TO
SHUTTLE PATIENTS TO HOSPITALS.
PHILADELPHIA
• Anchor strategies were pioneered in West Philadelphia.
• The University of Pennsylvania redefined its relationship
with the community from isolation to interaction.
SYRACUSE
• The city’s Near Westside, one of the 10 poorest census
tracts in the United States, is transforming into a center
for technology, design, and art.
Successful initiatives included
launching an incentive
program for workers to live in
the area, reviving commercial
districts, creating more than
600 jobs, and more.
SYRACUSE
UNIVERSITY
RAISED
$
56
million
FOR ITS PLANS TO BETTER
CONNECT DOWNTOWN
WITH ITS CAMPUS.
DETROIT
• Housing initiatives transformed an area notorious for
abandoned properties into a desirable neighborhood.
• Hospitals convinced a medical products vendor to move
its distribution center from the
suburbs to the city, creating
140 jobs.
• The Henry Ford Health System
established a five-year program in area high schools
that trains and certifies students for jobs in 10 health
care occupations.
Other communities with anchor initiatives underway:
ATLANTA
BOSTON
CINCINNATI
PHOENIX
WASHINGTON, D.C.
To learn more about anchor initiatives in these
communities, go to augsburg.edu/now.
Spring 2013
15
auggie voices
From Z to A: Zimbabwean student discovers his dream at Augsburg
During the 2011 Agre Symposium at Augsburg College,
Kirubel Frew ’14 was apprehensive in introducing himself
to Peter Agre ’70—the 2003 recipient of the Nobel Prize
in Chemistry and the director of the Johns Hopkins Malaria
Research Institute. But the conversation between the Auggie
and one of the College’s most notable alumni proved to be the
first discussion of many.
“I happened to mention that I was from Zimbabwe,” Frew
recalled. “[Agre] said, ‘Zim? Zim? I love Zim. It’s a beautiful
country. I believe Zimbabwe will have a scientific boom within
the next decade.’”
As an international student, Frew selected Augsburg
because of its well-respected science programs and its welcoming staff, which he identified during his college application process. Today he recognizes that the warmth of the
Augsburg community extends beyond campus to its alumni
network.
That’s because what began as a simple chat between
Agre and Frew regarding their ties to Zimbabwe matured into
a bond through which the Nobel laureate has shaped the
career aspirations of one of the College’s standout third-year
16
Augsburg Now
chemists.
Frew views Agre’s ability to operate a research lab, speak
to audiences around the globe, and inspire young scientists as
‘a dream job’ and a goal he could not have identified without
studying at Augsburg.
“Years ago, I wouldn’t have believed all this was possible,” Frew said. “Meeting a Nobel laureate in chemistry is awesome, and being mentored by him is even more
awesome.”
This mentorship began when Agre invited Frew to conduct research at the Baltimore-based Johns Hopkins Malaria
Research Institute during summer 2012 and to attend the
Lindau Meeting of Nobel Laureates in Lindau, Germany, an
exclusive annual event that brings together several dozen
chemistry and physics laureates and an equal number of
student guests.
Frew was a fitting choice for these life-changing opportunities because he developed the critical thinking skills
that high-level research requires during the summer after
his first year at Augsburg. He participated in a 10-week
faculty-led research program through the College’s Office of
STUUDDEENNT
Undergraduate Research and Graduate Opportunity (URGO).
“Research is so unscripted and there are so many turns,”
said assistant professor of chemistry Z. Vivian Feng, one of
Frew’s faculty advisers.
Feng presented Frew with the opportunity to conduct a
complex proof-of-concept project in which he could demonstrate the feasibility of making a bench-top reactor, a small
instrument tied to revolutionary biodiesel experimentation conducted by Augsburg alumnus and businessman Clayton McNeff
’91, chemistry professor emeritus Arlin Gyberg, and Augsburg’s
first Rhodes Scholar Brian Krohn ’08.
Feng said she knew the research project would be challenging for Frew given his limited experience in the chemistry lab,
but she also believed it suited his background in physics and
interest in engineering. Frew was determined to independently
achieve his goal of modifying the reactor design using his creativity, ingenuity, and knack for problem solving.
Frew said his experiences on the Augsburg campus and
around the globe have proven so inspiring that he now is determined to continue his science education and align his career
path to his vocation.
Dixie Shafer, URGO director, sees this objective as a nearperfect fit. She said that from Frew’s first days of research at
Augsburg, he has demonstrated a gift for explaining
complex scientific processes in terms that an interdisciplinary audience can understand.
“He sees communication as one of his life-long
missions,” Shafer explained. “He may become a serious scientist and work on issues that are related to
policy—realizing that too many people in policy don’t
know the science and too many scientists have difficulty
communicating with the non-science community … he’d
love to be doing what Peter Agre does.”
Frew cites Agre’s hard work and intellect as key
components in the Nobel laureate’s career success, and the
young Auggie is on track to take his Augsburg education to
the next level with his own tenacity. Students and alumni from
Augsburg’s science and mathematics departments commonly
go on to conduct research, attend graduate school, and accept
employment at some of the nation’s leading research institutions including Cornell University, Johns Hopkins Applied
Physics Lab, Johns Hopkins University, and Yale University,
among others.
Augsburg is a place for young scientists like Frew to set
dreams for the future and lay the educational foundation on
which to achieve them.
research
As spring turns to summer, life on a college
campus typically quiets. But for a select
group of undergraduate researchers, the
summer months are anything but slow.
From May to August, Augsburg students
perform faculty-led research in the sciences, humanities, and fine arts. Their work
is supported by funding from Augsburg’s
Undergraduate Research and Graduate
Opportunity (URGO) program, the McNair
Scholars program, the Sundquist Scholars
program, the Northstar STEM Alliance,
a NASA Space Physics grant, and the
National Science Foundation.
To watch audio slide shows featuring Laura
Essenburg ’12, Samantha Cantrall ’14, and other
summer researchers, go to augsburg.edu/now.
’12
LAURA
ESSENBURG
Essenburg studied
stereotypes and the
portrayal of race
in college admissions marketing
materials.
’14
SAMANTHA
CANTRALL
Cantrall studied the
hip hop protest music
inspired by the Arab
Spring movement.
LAURA SWANSON
To watch an audio slideshow in which Frew discusses his
URGO research, go to augsburg.edu/now.
Spring 2013
17
18
Augsburg Now
PHYSICIAN ASSISTANT FIELD
SWELLS IN U.S.;
AUGSBURG LEADS IN MINNESOTA
BY LAURA SWANSON
IN JUNE 2012, Forbes named physician assistant studies one
of the best master’s degrees for jobs, citing the discipline’s
salary and employment outlook in which job opportunities are
expected to grow 30 percent by 2020.
Physician assistants (PAs) are in demand due to an
aging U.S. population, a projected shortage of primary care
physicians, and a need for increased access to affordable
health care. And—in alignment with health care industry
demand—100 percent of Augsburg PA alumni are employed
within six months of graduation, according to Dawn Ludwig,
the College’s PA program director.
Jamie Schneekloth ’11 MPA is one of these graduates.
She worked as an emergency room technician and nursing
assistant for a half dozen years. After witnessing firsthand
the important role PAs play in the health care industry, she
gained admittance to the highly competitive Augsburg College
PA program. She wanted to earn a well-regarded education in
general practice medicine, to expand her earning potential,
and to pursue an exceptionally versatile career path.
Schneekloth secured her first full-time PA position at La
Clinica following her master’s degree completion.
“In my day-to-day practice, I manage a number of acute
and chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure,
asthma, and I focus on preventive health,” Schneekloth said.
“I perform procedures as needed, such as joint injections …
and laceration repair.”
As a Spanish-major-turned-physician-assistant, she was a
natural fit for employment at the St. Paul-based community
health center that provides multicultural and multilingual
treatment to immigrant and low-income communities.
“PAs are a cost-effective way to deliver quality health
care in primary care areas,” Ludwig said. “The licensure of
a physician assistant is dependent upon the practice of the
physician, which means physicians can delegate certain
responsibilities to the PA to help them run their practices.”
Augsburg began its PA program in 1995 and during 2001
became the first college in Minnesota to offer the Physician
Assistant Certificate along with the Master of Science in
Physician Assistant Studies—a degree program that prepares
mid-level health care providers. As a PA, Schneekloth is
licensed to examine, treat, educate, and write prescriptions
for patients while under the supervision of a physician.
“The profession has exploded in the past 15 years,”
Ludwig said.
Schneekloth completed the Augsburg College PA program
in three years. Current Augsburg students earn a PA certificate
and a master’s degree in 31 months. The program’s duration
is a fraction of the length of medical school, which requires
a commitment of at least seven years. Like med students,
Augsburg College PA students enroll in lecture courses
emphasizing science and diseases, then complete 2,500
hours of clinical rotations during the second half of their education. These rotations are “key to what makes you confident
in providing quality care for a patient,” Schneekloth said.
PAs also are generalists who can easily change medical disciplines. “I liked that the career was versatile,”
Schneekloth added. “I could work in any specialty, as opposed
to physicians who have to maintain the particular career path
that they chose in residency for their entire career.”
The Augsburg PA program promotes a commitment to
lifelong personal and professional development and has a
“strong reputation in the country,” according to Ludwig. “That
leads to high-quality people applying, which means we are
selective about the candidates we admit, which then leads to
high-quality graduates.”
DID YOU KNOW?
The first physician assistant program was established at North Carolina’s Duke University Medical Center in 1965,
and the discipline has become increasingly popular in all 50 U.S. states. Early PA programs were modeled after the
fast-track training available to World War II doctors and addressed a shortage of primary care physicians.
Spring 2013
19
Drawing from
experience
Tara Sweeney, Augsburg College associate
professor of art, looks for the extraordinary
in the ordinary, drawing from direct
observation with watercolor and ink.
After 21 years at Augsburg, she is
at ease teaching painting and drawing
in the College’s on-campus studios.
But, Sweeney said, since 1999 she has
pushed herself—and the students she
instructs—into “deeper observing, questioning, and creating” through shortterm study abroad programs in Italy and
France.
“Learning to draw in a study abroad
program is an opportunity to travel in
an entirely different way than a typical
tourist,” Sweeney said. “It wakes us
up. Sketching in the midst of daily life
challenges the habitual ways we think
about ourselves, where we are, and what
we know. It coaxes us to be more open,
more present to what we encounter.”
In January 2013, Sweeney collaborated with Merilee Klemp, associate
professor of music, to teach the fine
arts course, The Sights and Sounds of
Europe: Paris, which encouraged students to embrace art and music as interrelated disciplines during an Augsburg
Abroad winter break program.
Sweeney said students sketched at
key cultural locations as well as at art
museums and live musical performances
throughout the City of Lights, prompting the travelers to learn new visual and
aural skills, engage with people in the
community, and embrace the diversity of
their unfamiliar setting.
“Drawing is its own language—one
that can be shared without words,”
Sweeney said. “It makes the artist
and the art-making more visible and
approachable. Strangers pause, watch
the sketches unfold, and sometimes
share their stories. Empathy and trust
grow out of this experience. These
attitudes are essential to drawing and
designing, to teaching and learning, and
to embracing and understanding the
world we live in.”
Prior to teaching, Sweeney was a freelance book illustrator and designer as well as executive art director for
Mpls. St. Paul Magazine. She is a prolific artist whose
recent work ranges from artist books to mixed media
paintings and drawings. She holds signature status in
the Minnesota Watercolor Society. The Phipps Center for
the Arts in Hudson, Wis., recently exhibited 42 drawings from her current series, “Close to Home: A Visual
Journal.” Her spring 2013 sabbatical project focuses on
the completion of this series.
Sweeney, at right, with student Nina Robinson ’14.
Augsburg students who participated in The Sights and Sounds of Europe: Paris course
recorded their travel experiences in sketchbooks and journals. Sweeney taught students
drawing techniques by demonstrating in her own visual journal. Sweeney’s examples,
included here, show how Paris provided both the subject matter and the classroom for
this unique approach to experiential education.
20
Augsburg Now
alumni news
FROM THE ALUMNI BOARD PRESIDENT
Dear alumni and friends,
d
ALUMNI AND STUDENT
networking
During February, Augsburg students connected with alumni at a networking event
sponsored by the Office of Alumni and Constituent Relations and the Clair and Gladys
Strommen Center for Meaningful Work. Here psychology major Joe Kempf ’16 talks
with Auggie alumni. To find out about future opportunities to mentor or support current
students, go to augsburg.edu/alumni.
Current and former Alumni Board members gather at the first Alumni Leadership
Summit.
provide all alumni with an opportunity to return to campus,
meet with current faculty and students, learn about the exciting things that are taking place at Augsburg, and discover how
we can play a role in the continued success of the College.
Please join with me in taking ownership of the future of
Augsburg!
CHRIS ASCHER ’81
ALUMNI BOARD PRESIDENT
AUGSBURG ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
uring February, the Alumni Board
hosted the first Alumni Leadership
Summit, bringing to campus key
leaders who have served on the Alumni
Board of Directors in the past. The objective of this summit was to educate our most
engaged alumni about the importance of the Center for Science,
Business, and Religion; to introduce them to its Campaign
Action Team; and to discuss meaningful ways that they can
contribute to the success of the campaign and engage their
classmates in the process.
The summit was a wonderful opportunity to see the outstanding work being done by Augsburg faculty and staff members, to tour the current science facilities, and to reconnect
with the College and our classmates. I was truly overwhelmed,
although not surprised, by the enthusiasm demonstrated by
those in attendance.
As alumni of Augsburg College, we are in part responsible
for its financial future. This summer and fall, we have planned
a series of additional class year and affinity group summits to
The Augsburg Alumni Association is looking
for volunteers to serve on the Alumni Board.
All alumni are welcome and encouraged to
apply. The Alumni Board is a governing body
of the Alumni Association. Together with the
Office of Alumni and Constituent Relations,
it provides resources and opportunities to
engage alumni with the College and each
other through consistent communication,
inclusive programming, and intentional
relationship-building. For more information,
email alumni@augsburg.edu.
Spring 2013
21
alumni news
YOUNG ALUMNI
AUGSBURG HONORS
FORMER WRESTLING COACH
summer series
RON PFEFFER
BRIT’S PUB
1100 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis
Complimentary beverage and appetizers provided.
Wednesday, June 19
TWINS VS. CHICAGO WHITE SOX
5-7 p.m.—Pre-game reception at
Hubert’s, 600 N. First Avenue,
Minneapolis
7:10 p.m.—Game at Target Field.
$30 includes ticket to game in The Pavilion, appetizers, and
a complimentary beverage at Hubert’s.
Thursday, July 18, 5:30-9 p.m.
YOUNG ALUMNI LEADERSHIP SUMMIT
Minneapolis Club, 729 Second Avenue S., Minneapolis
Join fellow young alumni leaders to learn how you can
support the future of your alma mater.
Pre-reception cocktails, dinner, and presentation.
Friday, August 2, 5-7 p.m.
Photo by Don Stoner
Thursday, May 30, 5-7 p.m.
Former Augsburg College
wrestling coach Ron
Pfeffer, who coached
the team’s first four
Augsburg All-American
wrestlers and led the
team to its first top-10
national tournament
finish, was honored on
Saturday, January 26,
when a new competition
mat was named in his
Ron Pfeffer celebrates with the All-Amerhonor. Augsburg wrestling icans who competed during his Augsburg
coaching career. [L to R]: Mike Good ’71,
alumni, including many
Ron Johnson ’71, Ron Pfeffer, Daryl Miller
who wrestled for Pfeffer,
’69, and Pat Marcy ’72.
attended the ceremony.
Pfeffer coached the Auggies from 1966 to 1971, compiling a 52-10-1 dual-meet record. His teams from 1967-68
to 1969-70 won three straight Minnesota Intercollegiate
Athletic Conference (MIAC) championships, and his 197071 team became the first Augsburg wrestling squad to earn
a top-10 national finish. Pfeffer coached 17 MIAC individual
champions, taught health and physical education courses,
and served as an assistant football coach at Augsburg.
AUGGIE NIGHT AT
CANTERBURY PARK
1100 Canterbury Road, Shakopee
Free admission, picnic buffet, and
reserved seating.
Friday, September 27, 6-8 p.m.
HOMECOMING 2013—
REPUBLIC AT SEVEN CORNERS
221 Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis
Complimentary beverage and appetizers provided.
To register, go to augsburg.edu/alumni.
Join the Augsburg College Young
Alumni Facebook group to learn
more and stay connected.
22
Augsburg Now
SAVE THE DATE
Leland B. Sateren’s
100th birthday
celebration
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13
4 p.m., Normandale Lutheran Church
Edina, Minn.
Leland B. Sateren ’35, director of the
Augsburg Choir from 1946 to 1979, would have
been 100 years old on October 13, 2013. To celebrate
Sateren’s legacy, a special public concert including
Augsburg Choir alumni will be held on his birthday. Choir
alumni will receive more information this summer. To
learn more, contact the Office of Alumni Relations at
alumni@augsburg.edu.
Scholastic Connections’ students, mentors forge deep bonds
Beverly Bushyhead ’98,
a professional in nonprofit leadership and
management, volunteered to serve as a mentor through the
Scholastic Connections program at Augsburg because of her
strong desire to assist Native American students with navigating college.
Scholastic Connections is a scholarship and mentorship
program for high-achieving undergraduate students of color at
Augsburg College. The program is designed to assist students in
the completion of their undergraduate degree by pairing them
with a mentor—usually also a person of color—who recognizes, supports, challenges, and inspires them. In addition,
mentors provide meaningful insight and guidance on becoming
engaged, successful citizens of the world when students graduate, in part by facilitating career development and planning.
Bushyhead, who is a member of the Eastern Band of
Cherokee from North Carolina, was paired in 2010 with
Rebecca Dickinson ’13, a double major in Spanish and sociology. Dickinson is a member of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe.
Since they first met three years ago, their mentoring relationship has grown to focus on challenging questions related to
life and professional success, and the two regularly connect.
Bushyhead describes Dickinson as “incredibly bright and
competent, and more than that—she is brave and ethical.”
Bushyhead also
said she’s watched
Dickinson’s commitment to others deepen
during the course of
their three-year mentor relationship.
Dickinson,
indeed, is engaged in Beverly Bushyhead ’98 and Rebecca Dickinson ’13
the community. She
teaches voice to middle-school girls, is a Page Scholar in community centers, works with Minnesota Public Research Group,
and is a tutor at a community library.
Dickinson said when she questions whether she can make
a difference in the world, she leans on words from Bushyhead:
earn an education because you can, represent similar voices that
are unheard, and work to create systemic change so that educational opportunities are available to more people.
CHERYL CROCKETT ’89
Alumni are needed to mentor students in the Scholastic Connections
program. If you are interested in volunteering your time, contact
Cindy Peterson at 612-330-1754 or petersoc@augsburg.edu.
Reunion Classes
SEPTEMBER 23-28
50th Reunion—1963 40th Reunion—1973
30th Reunion—1983 25th Reunion—1988
10th Reunion—2003
augsburg.edu/homecoming
Spring 2013
23
alumni class notes
After 10 years of service as
chief technology officer at
Lewis & Clark College in Portland,
Ore., Dan Terrio accepted the
position of chief information officer
at Whitman College in Walla Walla,
Wash.
90
Sara (Quigley) Brown was
installed on October 28,
2012, as the pastor at Alaska
Native Lutheran, an Inupiaq
(Eskimo) congregation of the
ELCA in Anchorage, Alaska. Her
husband, Russell, works in IT for
Wells Fargo.
00
Kathryn Koch has been
appointed the event and
administrative manager for the
O’Shaughnessy at St. Catherine
University in St. Paul.
01
auggie SNAPSHOTS
Stephanie Quick-Espinoza was
named the director of evangelical mission and synod minister
for expanding vision in the
Rocky Mountain Synod Office
of the Bishop. Her call began in
24
February 2013. Stephanie and her
family relocated to Denver, Colo.
Jaclyn Gehrke is teaching at
a bilingual school in Roatán,
Honduras.
07
Jake (Johnson) Rapp
directed Brain-Dumb for
the Minnesota band STNNNG.
The video was named a Best
Twin Cities music video of 2012
by City Pages. Rapp earned his
bachelor of arts in film production
at Augsburg. Rapp’s student work
was featured at the 2011 and
2012 ACTC film festivals.
12
Graduate programs
Lori Peterson, Augsburg assistant
vice president and dean of graduate and professional studies, was
recognized with the University of
Minnesota’s College of Education
and Human Development 2012
Distinguished Alumni Award.
Peterson was commended for her
leadership in adult education.
Filling their father’s skates
When Bill McClellan ’86 [center] attends Augsburg men’s hockey
games, he is proud to see his sons, Ben ’15 [left] and B. J. ’14 [right],
stepping out onto the same rink where he skated with the Augsburg
hockey team more than 20 years ago. If you’re an Auggie alum and
would like your grandchild, son, daughter, or sibling to be an Auggie
too, contact the Office of Admissions about the Augsburg Legacy
scholarship at 612-330-1001 or admissions@augsburg.edu.
To read more about the McClellans, go to augsburg.edu/now.
Kaye (Nelson)
Jenness
’67 and Gretchen (Strom)
Schmidt ’68 and their
spouses met in Astoria,
Ore., for a two-day visit
during September 2012.
67-68
Marilyn Elness Froiland and her husband, Pastor Philip
Froiland, spent the month of August 2011 in Sitka,
Alaska, as volunteer docents at Sitka Lutheran Church, the
oldest Lutheran church on the West Coast of the United
States. The church was founded in 1840 by Pastor Uno
Cygnaeus of the Church of Finland after the Russian czar
granted permission for a Lutheran church to be built by the
Russian American Company. Throughout the month, the
Froilands showed 1,100 tourists the artifacts of the original
church and explained its history.
53
Augsburg Now
Neil Pauluk Paulson completed a marathon in each of the 50
U.S. states and in the District of Columbia. Paulson ran 36
marathons in 2010 and 32 in 2011; his longest streak was 14 races
in 14 weeks, and he completed two marathons (in New Hampshire
and Maine) in one weekend. He also competed in 50K and 24-hour
races. Paulson is the director of a private mortgage investment fund
affiliated with Equity Trust Company and owner of Franklin Financial,
LLC, a mortgage and real estate investment company.
77
auggies are awesome
Carol (Kenyon) Dekker’s son, Sam, was
named Wisconsin’s Mr. Basketball in
2012 and led the team from Sheboygan
Lutheran High School to the Division V
state basketball championship by hitting
a game-winning 3-pointer with 6 seconds
remaining on the game clock. Sam also was
selected to play on the USA Basketball Men’s
U18 national team that won the gold medal
in Brazil during June 2012, and he was a
member of the Wisconsin Badgers men’s
basketball team in the 2012-13 season.
80
Jessica Barker, Jen Ringeisen Berg, Christa Winkelman,
Tara Cesaretti McLeod, and Jane Ruth Zirbes attended their
15-year reunion during Homecoming 2012 at Augsburg.
97
Cristina M. Olstad ’00, ’05
MSW was named the assistant
vice president for student affairs
at Towson University in Maryland.
Olstad began the position on
January 23. She previously served
as the assistant director of residential education at the University
of Vermont, where she completed
her doctoral degree in educational
leadership and policy studies.
Olstad and her wife, Kirsten Fricke,
are thrilled to be moving to the
Baltimore area to be closer to family
and friends.
00
Christina (Boe) and Michael T.
Anderson ’13 WEC welcomed
Savannah Elizabeth on October 9,
2012. She joins big sister, Charlotte.
The couple hopes the girls will
become third-generation Auggies by
attending the College following their
parents and their grandfather, David
E. Boe ’68.
04
Laura (Eliason) Faitsbau
was married on January
8, 2011, to Lauren (Jung)
Faitsbau in Decorah, Iowa.
The couple welcomed Rowan
Sage Faitsbau on August 16,
2012.
05
Stacey (Kinder) and
Ryan Plasch welcomed
daughter Audrey Valda
Plasch on November 22,
2012. Ryan works for South
Metro Human Services and
Stacey is currently a full-time
mother. The family lives in
Maple Grove, Minn.
09
Kelsey Crockett married Stacey
Gadsden in Belknap Springs,
Ore., on July 7, 2012. The couple
lives in Spring Hill, Tenn., where
Stacey works at Olive Garden and
attends college while Kelsey is a
consultant for Verizon Financial
Services, Southern Region. Kelsey’s
parents are Larry Crockett, professor
at Augsburg College, and Cheryl
Crockett ’89, a volunteer in the
Office of Alumni and Constituent
Relations.
07
Brittney Ruth Hodgdon was
born to Andrea (Slack) and
Clint Hodgdon ’04 on August 15,
2012. Andrea is an accountant at
Renewable Products Marketing
Group, and Clint is a sales manager
at Ameriprise Financial.
07
Jenessa Payano Stark
married Geomar Payano
Stark in Glenwood, Minn., on
June 8, 2012. The couple lives
in New York City, where they
met as bicycle messengers.
Jenessa works as a homebirth
midwife assistant for Cara
Muhlhahn Midwifery, and
Geomar works as a bicycle
messenger.
07
Spring 2013
25
auggie SNAPSHOTS
Dixon Dehmer and Melissa
Ludwig were married
at Zion Lutheran Church in
Buffalo, Minn. on September
15, 2012. Dixon is employed at
Nilfisk-Advance in Plymouth,
Minn., as a financial accountant. Melissa is employed at
Venture Photography in Edina,
Minn., as the office manager.
The couple resides in Buffalo.
09
Ali Rapp and Jake
(Johnson) Rapp ’12 were
married on November 10,
2012. Jake owns a video production company, and Ali is a
master of arts candidate at the
University of Minnesota.
Carmen Crockett ’12 MBA
married John Williams in
Eagan, Minn., on October 6,
2012. Larry Crockett, professor
at Augsburg College and father
of the bride, officiated at the ceremony. The bride was escorted
down the aisle by her mother,
Cheryl Crockett ’89, who is a
volunteer in the Office of Alumni
and Constituent Relations.
Carmen is an account manager
for SPS Commerce in downtown
Minneapolis, and John works for
Wells Fargo in the area of mortgages and foreclosures. They live
in Eagan, Minn.
12
26
Augsburg Now
Later this year, the offices of Alumni Relations
and Marketing and Communication will administer the member magazine readership survey created by the Council for Advancement and Support
of Education (CASE). This web survey is designed
to help college and university editors evaluate
how readers view their campus magazine and to
benchmark the results.
Please email langemo@augsburg.edu to update
your email address. A random sample of Augsburg
Now readers will be asked to participate in this
survey.
The Landmarks
of South Africa
and Namibia
11
CORRECTION:
On page 37 of the Fall
2012 issue of Augsburg
Now, Gretha (Halvorson)
Loken ’38 and her
daughter Mary (Loken)
Veiseth ’70 were pictured
at the graduation of Amy
Aylsworth ’12. Aylsworth
was incorrectly listed as
Veiseth’s daughter; she is
Veiseth’s niece.
GIVE US YOUR FEEDBACK
Dr. Amit K. Ghosh ’12 MBA
received the Laureate
Award from the Minnesota
Chapter of the American College
of Physicians. The award was
presented in Minneapolis on
November 2, 2012. Ghosh is a
professor of medicine at Mayo
Clinic College of Medicine and a
consultant in the division of general internal medicine. He is also
the current director of the Mayo
Clinic international program.
Pictured with Dr. Ghosh are his
wife, Karthik [left], and daughter,
Divya [right].
12
AUGUST 11-24, 2013
Join Augsburg College President
Paul C. Pribbenow and fellow alumni and friends on this
African tour through South Africa and
Namibia’s shared political past and the
popular tourist attractions and landmarks
this history has created. This trip is offered
by the Augsburg College Alumni Association
and Center for Global Education (CGE) at
Augsburg College. To request more details
about the trip, call 612-330-1085 or email
alumni@augsburg.edu.
In memoriam
Send us your news and photos
Rev. Lester A. Dahlen ’39,
Richfield, Minn., age 95, on
September 25.
Richard H. “Dick” Velve ’57,
Eden Prairie, Minn., age 76,
on September 24.
Rev. Luther O. Strommen ’39,
Minneapolis and Sun City, Ariz.,
age 95, on September 29.
Allen J. Johnson ’61, Sioux
City, Iowa, age 73, on
October 23.
Clair K. “Kenny” Chelmen ’40,
Bloomington, Minn., age 93,
on September 17.
Ronald T. Hagenson ’63,
Plymouth, Minn., age 76, on
May 2, 2012.
Mildred D. (Tweed) Thudium
’40, Oreland, Pa., age 93, on
August 6.
Charles M. Daggett ’64,
Watertown, Minn., age 74,
on November 6.
Philip C. Helland ’42,
Minneapolis, age 92, on
December 12.
Christ J. Behm ’68, Little
Canada, Minn., age 65, on
January 14.
Shirley Ann (George) Foster
’49, Springfield, Minn., age
84, on September 19.
John G. Telste ’72, Ashburn,
Va., age 61, on October 7.
Charlotte E. Leafblad ’49,
Zion, Ill., age 85, on
January 2.
Merida N. (Collin) Erickson
’50, Naperville, Ill., age 85,
on November 22.
Marolyn (Sortland) Halverson
’51, Columbus, Ohio, age
83, on October 31.
Jean (Vettel) Kiteley ’51,
Exeter, N.H., age 83, on
November 16.
Orpha (Hushagen) Iseminger
’54, Sioux Falls, S.D., age
82, on June 14.
Walter K. Josephson ’54,
Rochester, Minn., age 82,
on May 16, 2012.
Kermit E. Bolstad ’56,
Culbertson, Mont., age 77,
on August 8.
John W. Haynes ’56,
Pengilly, Minn., age 80, on
September 15.
Charles “Chuck” Howard ’56,
Madelia, Minn., age 81, on
October 15.
Harlan C. Christianson ’57,
Los Angeles, Calif., age 77,
on December 15.
Karen L. Johnson ’75, St.
Paul, age 58, on April 2,
2012.
Deidre (Durand) Middleton
’88, Plymouth, Minn., age
73, on November 24.
Vicki C. MacNabb ’07,
Minneapolis, age 65, on
December 24.
Please tell us about the news in your life, your new job, move, marriage, and
births. Don’t forget to send photos! (Digital photos must be at least 300 dpi
or a 1MB file.)
For news of a death, printed notice is required, e.g., an obituary, funeral
notice, or program from a memorial service.
Send your news items, photos, or change of address by mail to:
Augsburg Now Class Notes, Augsburg College, CB 146, 2211 Riverside Ave.,
Minneapolis, MN 55454, or email alumni@augsburg.edu. You can also
submit news at augsburg.edu/alumni.
______________________________________________________
Full name
______________________________________________________
Maiden name
______________________________________________________
Class year or last year attended
______________________________________________________
Street address
______________________________________________________
City, State, ZIP code
Is this a new address? ❑ Yes ❑ No
______________________________________________________
Home telephone
______________________________________________________
Email
Okay to publish your email address? ❑ Yes ❑ No
Daniel J. Martin ’10,
Lafayette, Colo., age 27, on
October 23.
______________________________________________________
Employer
Eric Dietz ’11, Hilo, Hawaii,
age 29, on January 6.
______________________________________________________
Position
Mark C. Langdon ’13, Omaha,
Nebr., age 22, on December 7.
______________________________________________________
Work telephone
Andrew Pehrson ’13, Eden
Prairie, Minn., age 23, on
December 27.
Is spouse also a graduate of Augsburg College? ❑ Yes ❑ No
Austin R. Conley ’16,
Minneapolis, age 20, on
October 27.
Professor Emeritus Ray
Anderson, Minneapolis, age
88, on January 6.
Professor Emeritus Vern
Bloom, Bloomington, Minn.,
age 78, on October 20.
If yes, class year__________________________________________
______________________________________________________
Spouse’s name (include maiden name, if applicable)
Your news:
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
❑ I know a student who is interested in attending Augsburg.
Spring 2013
27
it takes an
auggie
AUGSBURG STEWARDS:
auggies for life
A group of dedicated students play
an important role in the life and
future of the College. Since 2005,
the Augsburg Stewards have shared
their stories of being a student with
alumni. The Stewards also have
taught their college peers about the
importance of philanthropy to the life
of the College.
These dedicated Auggies perform
their service to Augsburg through
alumni relations programs and
Augsburg Fund initiatives. In return,
the Stewards find that their service
yields unique career development
opportunities.
In addition to educating their
peers on the role they will play as
alumni, Stewards also connect with
other students throughout the year
through Philanthropy Week, the Feed
the Pig class challenge, and the 100
Days to Graduation Senior Party.
Each of these programs is intended to
inspire a lifetime of Auggie Pride in
Stewards and other students.
Stewards, as current Auggies,
connect with alumni at events such
as Advent Vespers, the Convocation
Series lectures, Homecoming, the
Alumni Summer Series, the Alumni/
Student Networking evening, and
Scholarship Brunch, and begin to
build relationships that can lead to
internships or career opportunities.
Augsburg Stewards [pictured clockwise from top]:
Justin Lochner ’13, Ashley Pepper ’16, Emily
Bauermeister ’15, Gary Mariscal ’14, Jake Haehnal ’14
THE
Maroon
& Silver
SOCIETY
JILL WATSON ’10 MBA is one of the newest members of Augsburg’s
Maroon & Silver Society. Members pledge to contribute $1,000 annually to The Augsburg Fund to provide scholarships, help the College
hire and retain outstanding faculty, and foster academic growth and
achievement for Augsburg students. The generous donors of the Maroon
& Silver Society make up 8 percent of all donors to The Augsburg Fund
but provide 69 percent of the dollars received each year.
Watson gives to The Augsburg Fund because she knows it supports all students—undergraduate and graduate—in their pursuit of an
Augsburg education.
“In January, I was fortunate to be invited to a Leadership Summit
where I learned about Augsburg’s long-term vision and goals. This
experience was truly inspiring, and I walked away knowing that I had
to get more involved in the life of the College. I chose to support The
Augsburg Fund through the Maroon & Silver Society because it touches
all Augsburg students in some way.”
augsburg.edu/giving
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Twin Cities, MN
Permit No. 2031
2211 Riverside Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55454
Auggies are everywhere!
As part of the Rochester community for nearly 15 years, Augsburg College’s campus in downtown
Rochester offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs in business, education, and nursing.
To watch a video of Auggie Eagle in Rochester, go to augsburg.edu/rochester or scan the QR code.
Show less
inside
AUGSBURG NOW
What the world wants is a good job
Augsburg College Homecoming 2013
Keeping track of Auggies
Augsburg 2019: A strategic vision
CELEBRATING
auggie
PRIDE!
FALL 2013 | VOL. 76, NO. 1
Auggie class challenge
Vice President of Marketing
and Communication
NOTES
NOTES F... Show more
inside
AUGSBURG NOW
What the world wants is a good job
Augsburg College Homecoming 2013
Keeping track of Auggies
Augsburg 2019: A strategic vision
CELEBRATING
auggie
PRIDE!
FALL 2013 | VOL. 76, NO. 1
Auggie class challenge
Vice President of Marketing
and Communication
NOTES
NOTES FROM
FROM PRESIDENT
PRESIDENT PRIBBENOW
PRIBBENOW
“Big
“Big for
for the
the world…”
world…”
In this issue of
In this issue of
Augsburg Now, you
Augsburg Now, you
will find a summary of
will find a summary of
Augsburg 2019,
Augsburg 2019,
a strategic framework
a strategic framework
developed over the
developed over the
past several months
past several months
with the involvewith the involvement of Regents,
ment of Regents,
faculty, staff, and
faculty, staff, and
students. Focused on
students. Focused
Augsburg’s 150th anniversary in 2019, the plan sets
on Augsburg’s 150th
out an ambitious vision, which claims that in 2019,
anniversary in 2019, the plan sets out an ambitious
“Augsburg will be a new kind of student-centered, urban
vision, which claims that in 2019, “Augsburg will be a
university—small to our students and big for the world.”
new kind of student-centered, urban university—small to
I hope you find in this vision statement a glimpse
our students and big for the world.”
of the Augsburg we all know and love—and that we all
I hope you find in this vision statement a glimpse
want to support and help strengthen for the future.
of the Augsburg we all know and love—and that we all
The Augsburg that we all know is a college where
want to support and help strengthen for the future.
students are central to our daily lives; where personal
The Augsburg that we all know is a college where
relationships and a sense of community combine to
students are central to our daily lives; where personal
provide rare opportunities to learn and serve; and
relationships and a sense of community combine to
where academic, civic, and faith commitments are
provide rare opportunities to learn and serve; and
explored and strengthened. A college that is small to
where academic, civic, and faith commitments are
our students.
explored and strengthened. A college that is small to
At the same time, we are a college that makes
our students.
a remarkable impact on the world—as a community
At the same time, we are a college that makes
and through our thousands of graduates pursuing
a remarkable impact on the world—as a community
their vocations in various settings around the globe.
and through our thousands of graduates pursuing
A college that is big for the world.
their vocations in various settings around the globe.
When reviewing the editorial plan for this issue
A college that is big for the world.
of Augsburg Now, I was struck with how this vision
When reviewing the editorial plan for this issue
of “big for the world” is evident in so many different
of Augsburg Now, I was struck with how this vision
ways. And at the risk of violating what my predecesof “big for the world” is evident in so many different
sor, President Bill Frame, called Augsburg’s “militant
ways. And at the risk of violating what my predecesmodesty,” allow me to brag a bit about this very
sor, President Bill Frame, called Augsburg’s “militant
special college…
modesty,” allow me to brag a bit about this very
s !BOUTONEOFTHELARGESTlRST
YEARCLASSESIN
special
college…
Augsburg’s history this fall—more than 460 first• About one of the largest first-year classes in
year students—and the effect they already are
Augsburg’s history this fall—more than 460 firsthaving on campus with their spirit and activism.
year students—and the effect they already are
s having
!BOUTTHEFACTTHATOURSCIENCEFACULTYHAVEGENERon campus with their spirit and activism.
ated unprecedented funding from the National
• About the fact that our science faculty have generScience Foundation and other federal agencies,
ated unprecedented funding from the National
ranking Augsburg third in the state among all higher
Science Foundation and other federal agencies,
ranking Augsburg third in the state among all higher
Rebecca John ’13 MBA
rjohn@augsburg.edu
Director of Marketing
Communication
Kathy Rumpza ’05 MAL
rumpza@augsburg.edu
education institutions, behind only the University
education institutions, behind only the University
of Minnesota-Twin Cities and the University of
of Minnesota-Twin Cities and the University of
Minnesota-Duluth.
Minnesota-Duluth.
s !BOUTTHEFACTTHATWEWERENAMEDTHISPASTFALLAS
• About the fact that we were named this past fall as
one of the top 25 colleges in the country for service
one of the top 25 colleges in the country for service
learning programs, exemplifying how our commitlearning programs, exemplifying how our commitment to education for service is imbedded in the
ment to education for service is imbedded in the
curriculum and recognized by others as a highcurriculum and recognized by others as a highimpact way of learning.
impact way of learning.
s !BOUTTHEFACTTHATWEAREPARTNERINGWITHMORE
• About the fact that we are partnering with more
than a dozen colleges and health care institutions
than a dozen colleges and health care institutions
in the Twin Cities to combine our human and fiscal
in the Twin Cities to combine our human and fiscal
resources in support of neighborhoods along the
resources in support of neighborhoods along the
new Central Corridor Light Rail Line between downnew Central Corridor Light Rail Line between downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul.
town Minneapolis and St. Paul.
s !BOUTTHEFACTTHATWERAISEDMORETHANMILLION
• About the fact that we raised more than $19 million
in gifts and pledges during the 2012-13 academic
in gifts and pledges during the 2012-13 academic
year from alumni, parents, friends, corporations, and
year from alumni, parents, friends, corporations, and
foundations—another record year in fundraising for
foundations—another record year in fundraising for
Augsburg, our third record year in a row—and that
Augsburg, our third record year in a row—and that
WEHAVENOWRAISEDMORETHANMILLIONFORTHE
we have now raised more than $25 million for the
planned Center for Science, Business, and Religion.
planned Center for Science, Business, and Religion.
s !BOUTTHEFACTTHATWECONTINUETODEVELOPINNOVA• About the fact that we continue to develop innovative academic programs, including our new Master
tive academic programs, including our new Master
of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, which was launched
of Fine Arts in Creative Writing, which was launched
this past summer with a first cohort of 16 students,
this past summer with a first cohort of 16 students,
and a partnership with the Minneapolis Community
and a partnership with the Minneapolis Community
and Technical College to offer the first fast-track
and Technical College to offer the first fast-track
RN/Bachelor of Science in Nursing professional
RN/Bachelor of Science in Nursing professional
program in Minnesota between a two-year public
program in Minnesota between a two-year public
institution and a four-year private college.
institution and a four-year private college.
And I could go on. There’s more in the pages
And I could go on. There’s more in the pages
that follow and even more in the daily life of the
that follow and even more in the daily life of the
Augsburg community. Come and visit, as Minnesota
Augsburg community. Come and visit, as Minnesota
State Senator Terri Bonoff, chair of the Senate
State Senator Terri Bonoff, chair of the Senate
Higher Education Committee, did recently, and see
Higher Education Committee, did recently, and see
for yourself what she described this way: “This is a
for yourself what she described this way: “This is a
special college—one where being small to students
special college—one where being small to students
and big for the world is really true.” I couldn’t have
and big for the world is really true.” I couldn’t have
said it better.
said it better.
Faithfully yours,
Faithfully yours,
PAUL C. PRIBBENOW, PRESIDENT
PAUL C. PRIBBENOW, PRESIDENT
Director of News and
Media Services
Stephanie Weiss
weisss@augsburg.edu
Senior Creative Associate-Design
Jen Nagorski ’08
nagorski@augsburg.edu
Integrated Communication
Specialist
Laura Swanson
swansonl@augsburg.edu
Marketing Copywriter
Christina Haller
haller@augsburg.edu
Photographer
Stephen Geffre
geffre@augsburg.edu
Production Manager/Now Online
Mark Chamberlain
chamberm@augsburg.edu
Assistant Vice President
of Advancement
Kim Stone
stonek@augsburg.edu
augsburg.edu
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fall 2013
AUGSBURG NOW
16
Courtesy photo
12
Features
20
18
02
09
14
18
20
Augsburg 2019
What the whole world wants
is a good job
Augsburg College annual report
Mixing teamwork into the
courseload
Homecoming 2013
Departments
inside
front
cover
4
Notes from President Pribbenow
Around the Quad
12 Auggie voices
16 Auggies on the court
19 My Auggie experience
23 It takes an Auggie
2
On the cover
Edor Nelson Field, home to Auggie football, softball, lacrosse, and soccer,
was resurfaced with more durable and safe FieldTurf Revolution this summer. The field is named for Edor Nelson ’38, longtime Auggie athletics coach
and World War II veteran. Read about other Auggie veterans on page 12.
All photos by Stephen Geffre unless otherwise indicated.
19
24 Keeping track of Auggies
31 In memoriam
AUGSBURG
2019
A STRATEGIC VISION
In January 2013, the Augsburg College Board of Regents
launched a strategic planning initiative that involved conversation and input from across the campus community. The outcome
of that work is a strategic vision statement that looks out to
2019, Augsburg’s sesquicentennial year:
In 2019, Augsburg College will be
a new kind of student-centered,
urban university that is
small to our students and big for the world.
“Small to our students” reflects the relationships, community,
and personal attention that are hallmarks of the educational
experience at Augsburg. “Big for the world” acknowledges the
significant impact we know our students—and alumni—do and
will make in the world.
The strategic plan is grounded in Augsburg’s mission statement,
which was updated in 2010. The plan is organized into three
categories, or dimensions, each with three goals. Detail about
each of the strategic planning dimensions is provided on the
next page. The strategic vision will anchor the College’s institutional initiatives and priorities throughout the next five years,
reflecting the values and commitments stated in our mission:
AUGSBURG EDUCATES STUDENTS TO BE
INFORMED CITIZENS,
THOUGHTFUL STEWARDS,
CRITICAL THINKERS,
AND RESPONSIBLE LEADERS.
THE AUGSBURG EXPERIENCE IS SUPPORTED BY AN ENGAGED COMMUNITY
THAT IS COMMITTED TO INTENTIONAL DIVERSITY IN ITS LIFE AND WORK.
AN AUGSBURG EDUCATION IS DEFINED BY EXCELLENCE IN THE LIBERAL ARTS
AND PROFESSIONAL STUDIES, GUIDED BY THE FAITH AND VALUES OF THE
LUTHERAN CHURCH, AND SHAPED BY ITS URBAN AND GLOBAL SETTINGS.
2
Augsburg Now
DIMENSION 1
DIMENSION 2
DIMENSION 3
EDUCATING FOR LIVES
OF PURPOSE
AT THE TABLE
BUILT FOR THE FUTURE
The first dimension articulates OUR ACADEMIC
The second dimension focuses on OUR
The third dimension is about how OUR
DISTINCTION: Augsburg educates students for
REPUTATION AND IDENTITY: Augsburg is “at
INSTITUTION WILL THRIVE NOW AND IN THE
lives of purpose. The goals in this category
the table” with our neighbors and institutional
FUTURE. The goals in this category call on
challenge us to:
partners in shaping education to address the
Augsburg to be:
world’s needs. The goals here call on us to:
• rigorously integrate the liberal arts and the
professional studies;
• a welcoming, sustainable campus,
• prepare an intentional mix of diverse learners for a complex, interconnected world;
• use high-impact teaching and learning
practices, enriched by our core com-
• provide experiential opportunities that
mitments of faith and spiritual inquiry,
enable students to discover their gifts,
vocational discernment, civic engagement,
discern their vocations, and open doors to
and global understanding; and
careers; and
anchored in our community and designed
for educational excellence;
• organized for collaboration, efficiency,
and effectiveness; and
• committed to maintaining a sound and
sustainable financial footing.
• provide each student with pathways for
success to graduation and beyond.
• publicly advance the core commitments
that enrich our learning environment—
faith and spiritual inquiry, vocational
discernment, civic engagement, and global
understanding.
Fall 2013
3
AROUND THE QUAD
COLLEGE AWARDS
Top 25 schools for service learning
U.S. News & World Report designated Augsburg College
as one of the top 25 colleges and universities in the
nation for its dedication to service learning. Schools
named to the list were nominated by college presidents,
chief academic officers, and deans from more than
1,500 higher education institutions. Augsburg was the
only Minnesota school named to the list.
Best Regional Universities by U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report named Augsburg one of the
Best Universities in the Midwest. Rankings are based
on several factors, including average first-year retention rates, graduation rates, class sizes, student-faculty
ratios, acceptance rates, and more.
“Best in the Midwest” by Princeton Review
Augsburg College is one of 155 colleges that The
Princeton Review has named “Best in the Midwest” for
academic excellence.
Named Top 200 school by Winds of Change
The American Indian Science and Engineering Society
Winds of Change magazine has selected Augsburg as
one of the Top 200 Schools in 2013 for Native American
and Alaska Native students pursuing degrees in science,
technology, engineering, and math.
Recognized nationally for contribution to the public good
Augsburg College was the No. 2 institution in Minnesota
named by Washington Monthly in its 2013 Master’s
Universities Rankings. The list rates schools based upon
their contribution to the public good in three categories:
social mobility, research, and service.
Named a High ROI College by Affordable Colleges Online
Augsburg College was named a top college for return on
investment (ROI) in Minnesota for having high-earning
graduates in comparison to tuition and fees. The ranking,
by Affordable Colleges Online, is the result of a partnership among the National Center for Education Statistics,
Integrated Post-Secondary Education Data System, the
Carnegie Foundation, and PayScale.com.
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Augsburg Now
BOARD OF REGENTS
WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS
At its annual meeting in September, the Augsburg
Corporation elected two new members to the Board of
Regents and re-elected five others.
Wayne Jorgenson ’71
Dennis Meyer ’78
Elected to their first term on the Augsburg Board of Regents:
•
Wayne Jorgenson ’71 serves as senior vice president
of wealth management with UBS Financial Services,
Inc. and brings decades of financial planning and
investment management experience to the Board.
•
Dennis Meyer ’78 has extensive experience in strategic
marketing and global business development. He has
held executive positions in several industries, most
recently in architecture and building engineering with
AECOM Ellerbe Becket, as well as in communications,
printing and imaging, and supply chain management.
Elected to a second or third term:
•
Ann Ashton-Piper, president of The Bridge Group
•
Norman Hagfors, president (retired), Norsen, Inc.
•
Jodi Harpstead, chair of the Augsburg Board of
Regents and chief executive officer, Lutheran Social
Service of Minnesota
•
Dr. Paul Mueller ’84, physician and chair of general
internal medicine, Mayo Clinic
•
Lisa Novotny ’80, vice president human resources,
International, General Mills
Mike Good ’71 and Jennifer Martin were named Regents
Emeriti at the May meeting of the Augsburg Board of
Regents. Each had served three four-year terms on the
board. Marie McNeff also was named Regent Emerita by
the Board at that meeting. McNeff, who passed away
in September, was elected to the Board in 2005 and
served as a Regent for the College until her retirement
from the Board earlier in 2013.
Augsburg science faculty
awarded more than $695,000 in grants
Augsburg College science
faculty continue to be awarded grants from the National
Science Foundation (NSF) for
research. During 2012, the
College was ranked third in
Minnesota for the total dollar
amount awarded to a school,
behind only the University of
Minnesota, Twin Cities and
the University of Minnesota, Duluth. In addition, science faculty members recently were awarded an additional $695,087
in grants. These grants include:
MARK ENGEBRETSON, professor of physics, was awarded a
three-year, $185,940 grant for continued study and probing of
Earth’s space environment, known as the magnetosphere. The
project will help society better understand the relationship
between Earth’s magnetosphere and its interaction with the
solar wind and the interplanetary magnetic field. The project, which builds upon a long-standing relationship with the
University of New Hampshire and that also makes data available to space physics researchers throughout the world, will
study ultra-low-frequency waves on Svalbard, Norway, which
is the only place in the northern hemisphere where the Aurora
Borealis (Northern Lights) can be observed for longtime periods in darkness at noon. The grant, Federal Award ID Number
AGS-1202267, brings to more than $2 million the awards
earned by Engebretson since mid-2008. Funds will support
the continued operation of four search coil magnetometers
and the analysis of the data gathered.
DAVID HANSON, assistant professor of chemistry, was awarded in
excess of $386,000 for a three-year project that ultimately will
help increase understanding of the sources of particulate matter that are harmful to human health. Hanson will test models
for what is called nucleation rates that can be incorporated
into global climate models. Nucleation is a process that drives
the formation of new particles in the atmosphere. Hanson’s
team will look specifically at nucleation in sulfuric acid, water,
and amines. The funds from Federal Award ID Number
AGS-1338706 also will support work by eight students in
Hanson’s lab.
David Hanson, assistant professor of chemistry, will use National Science
Foundation funding to advance atmospheric chemistry research and support
Augsburg students working in his lab.
ANN IMPULITTI, assistant professor of biology, received an NSF
grant for nearly $123,000 to investigate the physiology and
productivity of economically important plants infected by
parasitic, mutualistic, and commensal fungi. Research will
focus on soybean due to its high economic value and the
diverse uses of soybean products. The funds from Federal
Award ID Number 1337582, along with an additional award
of more than $52,000 that Impulitti received from the LiCor
Environmental Education Fund, will be used to purchase a
suite of instruments for plant ecophysiology research. The
instruments will support interdisciplinary research in the
plant biological sciences, mathematics, and environmental
sciences, and also support collaboration between Augsburg
College and the University of Minnesota. The instrumentation will enhance research experiences for undergraduates
and will improve student instruction and discovery-based
labs in plant biology, environmental science, and mathematics. Co-principal investigators on the grant include John
Zobitz, Augsburg associate professor of mathematics, and
Dean Malvick, associate professor of plant pathology at the
University of Minnesota.
Editor’s Note: Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or
recommendations expressed in this material are those of
the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the
National Science Foundation.
Fall 2013
5
AROUND THE QUAD
AUGSBURG HONORS PRESIDENT EMERITUS
CHARLES S. ANDERSON
Augsburg College renamed its music building the Charles S.
Anderson Music Hall to honor the legacy of the College’s eighth
president, who passed away June 14. Anderson oversaw significant growth in the College’s enrollment, program offerings,
commitment to its Lutheran heritage, and student diversity.
He was a constant advocate for Augsburg and helped to
establish the College’s public presence in the Twin Cities.
During his 17-year tenure, Augsburg launched the Weekend
and Evening College (WEC) program, established the Center
for Global Education, and introduced the StepUP® program
for young people in recovery and the CLASS office for differently abled students.
“Charles Anderson’s influence on the Augsburg community is deep and long-lived,” said Augsburg College President
Paul C. Pribbenow. “The priorities Anderson outlined and
championed during his tenure continue to shape how we live
out our institutional mission and celebrate life and learning in
the city each day.”
Anderson Music Hall occupies a central location on
campus and houses an array of music programs that welcome
students of diverse musical interests. More than 100 students each year pursue traditional liberal arts music studies as well as degrees in music business, music education,
[L to R]: Augsburg President Paul C. Pribbenow with Charles S. Anderson’s
family: daughter Kristin Anderson, Augsburg College professor of art history
and archivist; wife Catherine Anderson, an active Augsburg Associates
member; and son, Eric Anderson.
music performance, and music therapy. More than 350 music
majors and non-music majors alike participate in the College’s
numerous vocal, concert band, symphony orchestra, and jazz
ensembles.
Anderson’s legacy also includes the College’s beautiful
annual Advent Vespers—celebrating the Advent season with a
service of traditional and contemporary hymns, anthems, and
carols. The celebration is one of the largest seasonal events in
the Twin Cities, with 300 participants, including choral and
instrumental performers, readers, a full liturgical party, and
more than 10,000 worshipers annually.
Each year, two Augsburg music students receive the prestigious Orville and Gertrude Hognander Music Scholarship.
Initiated during Anderson’s tenure, Orville and Gertrude
(Lund) Hognander, both 1936 Augsburg graduates, established the Hognander Scholarships in 1998 to provide up to
full tuition for students with exceptional music performance
and academic achievement.
Students present AT BERKELEY
In front of Dwinelle Hall on the University of California, Berkeley campus:
Front row [L to R]: McNair Scholars Program Assistant Director Brian Greening, Mahelet Maru ’14, McNair Scholars Program Administrative Assistant Lara
Crombie, Amineh Safi ’14, Sawiya Hassan ’14; middle row [L to R]: Magaly OrtizAucapipa ’14, Enrico Barrozo ’14; back row [L to R]: Raesean Sneed ’15, David
Fowler ’14, Dereck Dasrath ’14, and Amir Rose ’14
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Augsburg Now
Last summer, nine researchers from Augsburg College
traveled to California for one of the largest national gatherings of McNair Scholars. The Auggies presented findings
from their summer research at the University of California,
Berkeley for the 21st Annual Ronald E. McNair California
Scholars Research Symposium, which boasts more than 300
student attendees. Augsburg students spent an average
of 400 hours exploring their research topics, developing theses, collecting and reviewing data, and preparing
formal paper presentations. Scholars were paired with a
faculty mentor in their discipline to gain extensive skills
and knowledge, learn research methods, and practice writing and public speaking. The students represented a wide
range of disciplines including biology, philosophy, physics,
and sociology.
CONVOCATION SERIES 2013-14
First held in 1990, the Augsburg
College Convocation Series is
an annual speaker series that
incorporates long-standing
endowed and special programs.
This fall, the series kicked off
with the Bernhard M. Christensen
Symposium featuring Krista Tippett,
host and producer of the public
radio show, On Being. Tippett
shared thoughts from her book, Einstein’s God: Revisiting
Science and Religion in a New Century.
During the Center for Counseling
and Health Promotion Convocation
in October, Sian Beilock, an expert
on performance and cognitive science, revealed the brain science
behind “choking under pressure”
in a lecture based on her book,
Choke—What the Secrets of the
Brain Reveal About Getting it
Right When You Have To.
GIVE FROM YOUR HEART
GIVE TO THE
MAX
GiveMN, an online resource that helps Minnesotans
donate to the state’s nonprofit community, hosted its
annual Give to the Max Day on November 14. Auggies
created more than 20 fundraising projects to help raise
money for an Augsburg cause that they are passionate
about. Contributions from Give to the Max Day help:
• Faculty develop creative course offerings that
encourage Augsburg students to think beyond the
classroom.
• Augsburg graduates prepare for their next chapter.
• Keep Augsburg affordable—thanks to the generosity of donors, more than 94 percent of Augsburg day
undergraduate students receive financial aid through
grants and scholarships.
The Humanities and Fine Arts Convocation in mid-November
featured the Rose Ensemble’s performance of Portraits of
Peru, 1785 Exotic Folksongs and Dances from Trujillo,
inspired by a collection of watercolor paintings compiled by
the local bishop for Spanish King Carlos IV, imaginatively
depicting the plants, animals, people, and archaeological
monuments of this diverse region in northern Peru.
The next event, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation, is
scheduled for January 20 and will celebrate the life and
legacy of this important civil rights leader. Convocations are
free and open to the public.
• Encourage a tradition of vocation and faith, going
back to Augsburg’s roots as a Lutheran seminary.
• Make healthy food accessible to all people in and
around the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood and provide
for basic needs, service learning, leadership development, and genuine engagement between the College
and the community through Campus Kitchen.
Check out the final results from the challenge online at
givemn.org/auggiesgive.
Fall 2013
7
AROUND THE QUAD
Innovative partnership
allows students to earn
BACHELOR’S IN NURSING
IN ONLY THREE YEARS
A new partnership between Augsburg College and Minneapolis
Community and Technical College (MCTC) gives students the
opportunity to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
in only three years. The program, the first fast-track BSN
professional program in Minnesota between a two-year public
institution and a four-year private college, allows the schools
to respond to the changing needs of health care professionals
and local communities.
“Augsburg has long been committed to offering high-quality
bachelor’s and master’s programs in nursing,” said Augsburg
College President Paul C. Pribbenow. “We are excited to
partner with MCTC given our shared commitment to educating
diverse student populations.”
The partnership leverages unique relationships and
strengths in each program. Students will study for two years
Minn. Senate Higher Education
Committee visits campus
Photo by Laura Swanson
To view additional photos from the event or watch a video in
which Sen. Bonoff discusses Augsburg’s unique emphasis on
service learning, go to augsburg.edu/now.
8
Augsburg Now
at MCTC and then transfer to Augsburg for the third year.
During their study at Augsburg, students will experience
first-hand community health nursing in diverse settings including
at the Augsburg Health Commons in downtown Minneapolis
and at Dar Ul-Quba in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood. In
addition, third-year students in the program will be offered
BSN practicum opportunities locally or abroad in Namibia or
Nicaragua. Prior to their time at Augsburg, students will study
in new, state-of-the-art classrooms and labs at MCTC.
State, local, and education officials attended an opening
ceremony at MCTC to announce the partnership. Those in attendance included Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton, Hennepin County
Commissioner Peter McLaughlin, and leaders from Augsburg,
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, and MCTC.
Dozens of Augsburg College students, faculty, and staff took part in
a September town hall meeting with Minnesota Rep. Phyllis Kahn and
Sens. Terri Bonoff, Greg Clausen ’69, and Kari Dziedzic. The legislators
visited Augsburg as part of a statewide “listening tour” effort launched
by Bonoff, chair of the Minnesota State Senate Higher Education and
Workforce Development Committee.
The legislators were enthusiastic to learn more about private colleges in Minnesota and invited Auggies to consider ways to improve the
state’s higher education system. The Augsburg students discussed with
the legislators a number of issues, including transfer credits, financial
aid options, career preparation, and on- and off-campus service learning
experiences. One of the key themes the legislators stressed during the
meeting was the important role colleges and universities play in educating the nation’s future leadership and workforce.
“Education is the engine that runs our Minnesota economy,” Clausen said,
addressing the Augsburg crowd. “We need to invest in you, and you need to
invest in your education.” Clausen is part of an Augsburg legacy family—his
wife, Roberta ’69, and son, Steven ’96, also attended the College.
“What the whole world wants
IS A GOOD JOB.”*
BY REBECCA JOHN ’13 MBA
Today, higher education has come under question—
is the debt worth it, are students graduating at sufficient rates, are we educating enough of our population, are students actually learning what they need?
In this environment, the value of higher education increasingly is being
defined—by parents and prospective students alike—as “getting a good
job.” In fact, this is the No. 1 reason cited by U.S. respondents in the 2012
Gallup/Lumina poll for pursuing education beyond high school. And the second
reason? To earn more money.
“When college students and their parents think about the value
of higher education, they typically think about it too narrowly,”
said Brandon Busteed, executive director of Gallup Education.
“People tend to get caught up with things—like potential
income or getting a job with a ‘blue chip’ company—that don’t
matter” when it comes to predicting career success and satisfaction, Busteed said. “Focusing on those things is not the best
way to think about a great job and a great life.”
“WELLBEING” AS A MEASURE OF CAREER SUCCESS
What factors do predict career success? According to Gallup,
it’s being able to respond affirmatively to statements like the
following:
•
•
•
•
“I like what I do each day.”
“I do what I do best every day.”
“My supervisor cares about my development.”
“I have a best friend at work.”
Agreeing with statements like these indicates that a person
is engaged in interesting and meaningful activities at work,
is using his or her strengths to achieve goals, is motivated by
the team leader, and is supported by colleagues who share a
common purpose. Those characteristics, according to Gallup’s
“wellbeing” research, correlate more with top performance than
income or title or working for a prestigious organization.
Gallup has been studying wellbeing, on a global basis,
since the 1930s.
“Wellbeing is not ‘wellness,’” Busteed said. “It is a multidimensional measure of how people rate their lives.”
In the past several decades, Gallup’s study of people in
more than 150 countries has revealed five universal, interconnected elements that shape our lives: career wellbeing, social
wellbeing, financial wellbeing, physical wellbeing, and community wellbeing.
“We didn’t invent these categories,” Busteed said. “The
factors that correlate with wellbeing are what we found from the
data collected over time and across populations.” Of those five
*Source: Gallup World Poll, 2010
Fall 2013
9
Opportunities to learn and grow
Progress in last six months
How do
we grow?
10
Augsburg Now
What do I get?
ic
Bas s
d
Nee
The career wellbeing issue is connected with low worker
engagement, Busteed said. According to Gallup’s 2012 “State
of the American Workplace” report, only 30 percent of full-time
U.S. workers are engaged and inspired at work. Fifty percent
are not engaged, the report states—“they’re just kind of present, but not inspired by their work or their managers.” The
remaining 20 percent of all full-time U.S. workers are actively
disengaged in their jobs.
One significant driver of high or low engagement is a person’s manager, Busteed said. People looking for a “good job”
focus so much on income and landing a position at a “good”
company, but finding a good manager is vastly more important
than working for a well-known company, he explained.
Another factor causing low worker engagement is whether
a person is using her or his strengths every day. “Not just once
in a while, not once every week or so, but every day,” Busteed
said. Among college graduates, he said, the lack of opportunity
to use one’s strengths at work every day points to career misalignment—either getting a degree in a field in which one isn’t
What do I give?
.
WELLBEING AND WORKPLACE ENGAGEMENT
In c
interconnected elements of wellbeing, career wellbeing is the
most important, Busteed said.
“Our careers are a fundamental piece of how we define
ourselves,” Busteed said. “Plus, work is where you spend the
majority of your waking hours,” so it is going to have a major
impact on your life evaluation—not to mention your social,
financial, and physical wellbeing.
Gallup’s research shows that those who have high career
wellbeing are 4.5 times more likely to be “thriving”—versus
merely surviving or, worse, suffering—in life. However, just 31
percent of the U.S. population has very high career wellbeing.
p,
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ual
Ga
ivid
Ind ibution
tr
Con
Materials and equipment to do the job
I know what is expected of me at work
ce:
Someone encourages my development
Supervisor/someone at work cares
Recognition in the last seven days
Do what I do best every day
ur
So
Do I belong?
ork
mw
Tea
I have a best friend at work
Coworkers committed to quality
Mission/purpose of company
At work, my opinions seem to count
wth
Gro
What does a
‘GOOD JOB’
look like?
able to get a job or pursuing a field because of others’ expectations instead of based on one’s own strengths.
“The onus is certainly on the individual [student], but it is
also on the college and mentors to make sure that students are
asking themselves” what they are truly good at, what engages
and excites them, Busteed said.
EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES THAT SUPPORT CAREER SUCCESS
In addition to studying workplace dynamics that correspond
with career wellbeing, Gallup also has identified specific college
experiences that correlate with subsequent career success. In
its research, Gallup has found two educational experiences
that are twice as likely as other factors to predict high work
performance:
1) Working on a long-term project that took several classes to
complete, and
2) Using what was learned in class to develop solutions to
real-world problems.
In short, Busteed said, “what works in school is ‘real work.’”
“Real work”—including problem-solving and experiential
education opportunities—helps prepare students for success
after graduation, but Gallup also has done extensive research
on the factors that predict success during college. Here,
Busteed said, Gallup has found that “hope” is statistically a
stronger predictor of educational outcomes than test scores or
grade-point averages. (In fact, according to the work of Gallup
Senior Scientist Shane Lopez, hope is the leading indicator of
success in relationships, academics, career, and business—as
well as of a healthier, happier life.)
HOPE: AN IMPORTANT FACTOR IN COLLEGE SUCCESS
“Hope is a strategy,” Busteed said. However, it is not just wishful thinking, he explained. Instead, it refers to one’s ideas and
energy for the future and includes the following three elements:
1) Attainable goals,
2) The ability to see multiple pathways to achieve those goals,
and
3) Agency—i.e., a belief that you can achieve your goals.
Measures of hope, engagement, and wellbeing account for
one-third of the variance of student success in college, Busteed
reported. And, although college success is also driven by other
things—such as academic preparation and content knowledge—those things are being measured fairly consistently and
systematically through cognitive measures, such as tests.
“But no one is paying attention to measuring the noncognitive factors that account for a whopping one-third of
student success,” Busteed said. “We need better balance and
alignment around how we track and promote student success
[in college].”
The same is true for college outcomes, where job placement percentages and average salaries tell only part of the
story. “What’s the ultimate outcome of an education?” Busteed
asked. “To have a better life,” he said. We need to pay attention
to how we measure that.
Augsburg and Career Wellbeing
MATCHING YOUR GIFTS TO THE NEEDS
OF THE WORLD
According to Gallup, career wellbeing requires
that people understand what they are truly good
at and pursue career opportunities that allow
them to use their strengths every day.
Augsburg calls this vocational discernment.
“Augsburg is about forming and shaping
students to lead lives of meaning and purpose,”
said Mark Tranvik, professor of religion and
director of Augsburg’s Bernhard Christensen
Center for Vocation. “At Augsburg, we encourage
students to move beyond self-enhancement and
think about their lives within a wider horizon. We
want them to ask questions like, ‘What am I good
at?’ and ‘How can my gifts best be used to make a
difference in the world?’
“For many at the College,” Tranvik said,
“faith plays an important role in how those questions are answered.” The exploration of one’s
gifts is rooted deeply in the Lutheran theological
tradition of vocation, and it is a critical part of the
educational journey at Augsburg—for students of
all faith and spiritual backgrounds, Tranvik said.
FINDING THE RIGHT WORKPLACE
ENVIRONMENT
Another important part of the self-discovery
journey is determining what types of work environments might suit you best, said Keith Munson,
director of the Clair and Gladys Strommen
Center for Meaningful Work. “You can get a job
doing something you love, but if that job is not
in the right place—the right work environment
or culture—you won’t be able to sustain your
motivation for the job very long,” he said.
In other words, you need to pay attention to
where and how your gifts will be used.
A good way to learn about work environments is through informational interviews,
Munson said. “Networking, of course, ensures
that people learn more about you than can be
picked up from your résumé, but that’s not
the only reason to network,” he said. It is as
important “for you to actually find out if a given
company or department is a good place for you
to work.”
Determining whether a given work
environment is a fit, however, requires that
you understand what kind of work cultures and
relationships are best for you. This involves
self-reflection and, usually, some amount of
coaching. But many students—and many adults
in job transitions, for that matter—skip that
step and just focus on securing a job.
EXPANDING THE DEFINITION OF A
“GOOD JOB”
Munson said he understands why students (and
their parents) think it’s important to get a “good
job” after college. “For many students, following
their passion without worrying or thinking about
their income is not a realistic option,” he said.
“I always tell these students that it’s okay for
them to think about the realities of their career
choices. You can be practical about those matters and still pay attention to the other piece”—
the search for work and work environments that
suits you—as well.
“You’re looking for a job anyway,” Munson
tells students. “Why not also try to find something
that you are going to like to do?” In fact, Munson
said, by actively seeking work environments that
suit them, students tend to be more effective in
the job search process. “When you are looking
for something—and someplace—that’s interesting to you, you are likely to be more motivated in the job search,” he said. You’ll do more
background preparation, seek more informational
interviews, and ask more purposeful questions.
In the end, Munson said, students shouldn’t
think that they need to choose between following
their hearts and getting a “good job.” You can—
and should—do both.
Fall 2013
11
AUGGIE VOICES
Launching a new mission
Augsburg College celebrated 56 Master of Social Work graduation candidates at the June 2013 Commencement, and it’s
quite possible that Christine Dawson ’13 MSW was the only
graduate who began her professional career as a mechanic.
Shortly after high school, Dawson joined the United States
Marine Corps where she spent three decades and worked in two
distinct military occupations.
While Dawson met her goals of traveling the world and
doing something “most women didn’t do” at the time, she felt
called to serve the Marine Corps troops—rather than Marine
Corps vehicles—and began a new assignment as a licensed
alcohol and drug counselor. This role turned out to be a perfect
fit because of her ability to help “people go on to live their best
life and achieve their goals,” she said.
Dawson completed a 17-year tenure with the Marine Corps
and served an additional 13 years in the Army National Guard
where she continued work as a mental health specialist. When
she approached military retirement, she returned to school to
earn a graduate degree at Augsburg College, which offered her
the opportunity to advance in her civilian career and integrate
her military experience into a challenging professional role.
Augsburg, she found, was a place that understood her desire to
live a purpose-driven lifestyle and to embed meaningful service
within her career.
Military and veterans support
CHRISTINE DAWSON ’13 MSW
12
Augsburg Now
Many of Augsburg’s students with military experience enroll in
an undergraduate or graduate degree program to build upon the
education and training that were part of their military service.
For other students, Augsburg is a way to prepare for a civilian
career that’s unlike any past duties.
Some students who have served in the armed forces are eligible for state and federal financial aid assistance to help pay
for college. At Augsburg, more than 100 students with military
experience are working one-on-one with the College’s Student
Financial Services and Registrar’s offices to successfully claim
their education benefits and get individualized help navigating
complex eligibility rules.
Augsburg College also directly supports these students by
hosting an on-campus space for them to meet and by employing a Student Veteran Liaison who mentors peers and works to
connect students with College resources.
A.J. ANDERSON ’15
“We’re seeing more nontraditional-age students in
our undergrad population and some of those people
have been around the world and have served our
country,” said Lori York, assistant registrar and
Veterans Affairs certifying official. “A veteran’s sense
of ‘a call to serve’ totally meshes with Augsburg, and
we want to make sure they can make the most of their
education here.”
From call to campus
During four years of Marine Corps service, A.J.
Anderson ’15, Augsburg’s student veteran liaison,
led an amphibious assault team as the crew chief for
vehicles that he likens to those that carried troops
onto Normandy beaches during World War II. At age
25, Anderson had reconsidered his decision to attend
a large public university and left school to become a
Marine.
“I felt that joining the military was my calling for a
little bit,” he said. “Other people backpack in Europe
or just take a break. I went to war.”
Anderson served around the globe and later joined
the Marine Corps Reserve military police unit at Fort
Snelling in St. Paul before he began thinking about
his long-term career.
He said his military experiences didn’t translate
into a civilian profession, but—through his service—
solidified his aspirations. He resumed his education
and in 2012 transferred to Augsburg with a plan to
serve his country in a new way.
“I’m devoting my life to helping veterans,” he
said. “I didn’t know I wanted to do social work until I got out
of the military, so coming to Augsburg and working toward
that goal is a big part of my life.”
And, Anderson is getting a jumpstart on this career
through his student involvement.
“We know that peer mentors and peer leaders play an
important role in students’ achievement,” said Ann Garvey,
vice president of Student Affairs. “For example, student
athletes serve on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee and
Orientation Leaders welcome our new Auggies to campus. Our
Student Veteran Liaison does outreach with a different group,
but the premise is the same.”
For Anderson, helping other veterans succeed at Augsburg
College couldn’t be a better fit.
“I want to give other students the tools I’ve been working with,” he said, “and make sure they have the support I’ve
experienced.”
From assisting veterans on campus to one day serving
them as a clinical social worker, Anderson’s Augsburg education has prepared him for a meaningful career that aligns with
his passions. And Dawson, who has been working with
veterans for decades, shows that this path is clearly a worthwhile one.
LAURA SWANSON
Fall 2013
13
Augsburg College
2012-2013
ANNUAL REPORT TO DONORS
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, Augsburg College realized another record year of fundraising in 2012-2013, with
$19,367,258 received from more than 4,500 donors.
This philanthropy helps Augsburg to attract gifted, engaged
students and the talented faculty and staff who teach and guide
them. Your gifts provide financial aid, building and maintenance
support, and instructional and other resources that help
Augsburg provide a quality education to more than 3,500
undergraduate and graduate students at our Minneapolis and
Rochester, Minn., campuses—students like Zach Baltich, Jenna
Leahy, and Hector Camarena.
Zach Baltich ’14 is studying music performance. Originally from Ely, Minn., Baltich received the
Sampson and Carlson scholarships.
The Sateren and Gyllstrom scholarships were awarded to Jenna Leahy ’15, a music education
major. Leahy is from New Richmond, Wis.
14
Augsburg Now
Hector Camarena ’16, a physics major from Fridley, Minn., received the
Grindal and Gjerde scholarships.
2012-2013 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
REVENUE BY SOURCE
Tuition
72%
Room and board
12%
Private gifts and grants
9%
Government grants
4%
Other sources
3%
EXPENSES BY CATEGORY
Salary and benefits
45%
Financial aid
26%
Operating expenses*
17%
Debt service
3%
Equipment and capital improvements
4%
Utilities and insurance
3%
Student salaries
2%
*Expenses in this category include: facility repairs and maintenance, information technology expenditures, marketing expenditures, membership dues
and fees, outside consultants, supplies, and travel and business meetings.
$25.4
$34.6
$33.3
$32.4 $31.5
$27.2 $27.8
ENDOWMENT MARKET VALUE
$29.8
$28.2
May 31, 2013
$34,552,615
$24.5
In the year ending May 31, 2013, the value
of the endowment increased by 16.04
percent. Our five-year average annual return
on the endowment is 2.24 percent and
the ten-year average annual return is 4.22
percent. We are committed to maintaining
the value of the principal and to providing
support to the College in perpetuity.
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
(IN MILLIONS)
Please visit augsburg.edu/giving/report for our 2013 Honor Roll of Donors.
Fall 2013
15
[L to R]: Assistant Men’s Basketball
Coach Charlie Scott ’08 and Head
Men’s Basketball Coach Aaron Griess
AUGGIES ON THE COURT
[L to R]: Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach Charile Scott ’08 and Head Men’s Basketball Coach Aaron Griess
Communication. Accountability. Service.
Nine years ago, Aaron Griess moved from
Pacific to the middle of
the middle of the Pacific
the United States to become the Augsburg
College men’s basketball coach. It was a
path back to his Midwest roots and to a
culture that values college athletics.
“Living in paradise has its obvious
advantages, but athletics just isn’t part
of the culture in the same way it is in
the Midwest,” said Griess about serving as coach at Chaminade University in
Honolulu. “Here, lots of families go to
games together, many kids grow up in
organized sports.”
Griess found in Augsburg not only
a school that values the student-athlete
experience, but also one whose mission
refl
ects his own vision for coaching and
reflects
leadership.
“Coaching gives me a chance to instill
important principles of life in the athletes
I work with,” he said. “I want to provide
these students tools that will help them
succeed beyond the court.
“My vision of success in coaching is
fairly unique in this profession,” said the
head men’s basketball coach. “I want
16
Augsburg Now
to build a sustainable program of fi
rstfirstclass leaders who don’t complain about
challenges, and who solve problems. A
team that consistently wins. A program
that helps graduates land good jobs, and
helps them understand the value of giving
back.”
Augsburg College Athletic Director
Jeff Swenson said the program epitomizes
what Augsburg College strives for throughout its teams.
“Coach Griess and his staff exemplify
what we want to see in all our sports—student athletes who display great athleticism
and who work hard to achieve in the classroom and in the community,” Swenson
said. “Griess’ program has helped studentathletes become leaders on and off the
court during their time at Augsburg—leaders who stay connected and who give back
when they graduate.”
Griess also requires that players take
seriously their academics. “We communicate throughout each semester about their
academic progress. We expect our studentathletes to know exactly where they stand
in their progress toward graduation,”
Griess said. “They need to learn to be able
to talk about progress or struggles, and to
be able to communicate that with us, their
professors, and families.”
Mentoring and service work also are
components used by Griess. Juniors and
seniors help younger players understand
the culture and values of the team. The
team currently is part of an Adopt-a-Road
program and is exploring the start of a
reading program with a neighborhood
school.
The impact of Griess’ effort is visible
in the players’ grades, the team’s standing,
and the players’ actions after graduation.
“Coach Griess’ guys are known for
their work ethic. We never have to worry
about his student-athletes meeting eligibility standards,” said Kelly AndersonDiercks, associate athletic director and
compliance director.
During his nine seasons with the
Auggies, the team’s overall winning percentage steadily has climbed to .750. The
team, which is a member of the Minnesota
Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC),
has made it to conference playoffs four
times, twice reaching the semifinals.
semifinals.
In 2012-13, the team earned a spot in
the championship game. In the past five
five
seasons, the Auggies have won 65 percent
of their games—the second-highest men’s
basketball winning percentage in the MIAC
for that time period. Griess’ work earned
him MIAC Men’s Basketball Coach of the
Year honors during the 2009-10 season.
Assistant coach comes full circle
The impact of Griess’ vision also can be
seen in the growing number of players
who contribute to the team and College
after they graduate. One of the best
examples of this can be seen in Charlie
Scott ’08, who now serves as Griess’
assistant coach.
Scott, who hails from Ely, Minn.,
was recruited as a fi
first-year
rst-year student
to Augsburg by former Coach Brian
Ammann. Scott picked Augsburg because
of its urban location, which he said
allowed him to make campus as small
or as large as he wanted. He played for
Ammann for two years and for Griess for
two years.
Griess and Scott both acknowledge that at the time Griess arrived at
Augsburg, just as Scott finished
finished his
second year as an Auggie, Scott wasn’t yet
the leader he later grew to be.
“When we met, Charlie wasn’t ready
to be a team leader. He didn’t completely
believe in himself because he hadn’t put
in the necessary work. I talked to him
about whether he wanted to be a leader,”
Griess said. “I wanted him to take himself
seriously, and to use the tools he had. I
knew the players would follow him, but he
had to become our team’s hardest worker.”
Scott said he was ready, and he was
in the weight room and gym every day the
summer before his fourth year of college.
He also talked to Griess every day, picking
his brain for advice on how he could help
the team and reach his potential.
“Coach sparked the drive and
determination in me,” Scott said. “When
Coach shared his vision for how he wanted
the team to be, I wanted to be part of
that. I wanted to help the team accomplish its mission to be nationally known
and respected as a first-class
first-class program and
to cultivate student-athletes who understand the values of hard work, perseverance, honesty, integrity, and teamwork.”
Scott was so committed to the success of the team that he wanted to stay
involved even after his four years of eligibility expired. He served as a volunteer
coach during the fifth
fifth year of college that
it took him to finish
finish his double major in
finance
finance and business management.
After graduation, Scott continued
to volunteer while working full time in
financial
financial services. He gradually became a
part-time coach. Then, when the opportunity to apply for the position of full-time,
assistant coach opened up, Scott chased
it. He was one of more than 100 applicants who wanted to work with Griess at
Augsburg.
“I look for leadership qualities in my
assistant coaches, no matter whether they
are volunteers, fellows, or paid coaches.
They have to be willing to learn and work,”
Griess said. “Charlie is the guy who jumps
in and works as hard as anyone. He leads.
He digs in.”
Developing strong relationships with
prospective families is one thing Scott is
looking forward to as he works to fulfill
fulfill his
recruiting responsibilities.
“I have a huge passion for Augsburg,
for basketball, for working with Coach
Griess,” Scott said. “I’m excited to meet
prospective athletes and their families,
helping them learn about Augsburg
and our program, and decide whether
Augsburg is the right place for them as it
was—and is—for me.”
While Scott exemplifies
exemplifies a studentathlete turned servant-leader, he’s just one
of Coach Griess’ players who is finding
finding a
way to give back to a program and school
that means much to them.
Some players give back by volunteering as Scott did. Others serve as a
resource to students to help ready them
for the working world, and some have
hired qualified
qualified alumni to work at their
companies, knowing they are hiring people
with shared ethics and determination to
succeed—qualities honed on and off the
basketball court at Augsburg. Others give
back in the form of gifts to the College.
Today, the two coaches are continuing to build a special program founded
on communication, accountability, and
service. They know that the program will
support student-athletes in their studies
and when they look for their first
first jobs.
They also know that new recruits are coming to a college that will help them not
only develop as an athlete, but also as a
whole person.
STEPHANIE WEISS
Fall 2013
17
Courtesy photo
A promising experiment in organic chemistry:
MIXING TEAMWORK INTO THE COURSE LOAD
Capitalizing on an opportunity to recreate Augsburg College’s advanced organic
chemistry class, assistant professor of
chemistry, Michael Wentzel, has developed a highly attractive approach to a
complicated subject matter. He forces his
students to work together.
“Originally, I wanted to make it so
everybody understood how to write a
reasonable organic mechanism,” said
Wentzel. “But after taking a step back, my
major goals became communications, and
group work, and teaching students how to
work together and how to communicate
better as scientists.”
Each week Wentzel breaks his students up into teams of four. The groups
are then given a simple assignment:
prepare to send a randomly selected group
representative to a guest lecture at the
University of Minnesota.
After the lecture, each group is
required to put together a presentation on what they feel is the essence of
the subject matter. “Every person got
a chance to be the point person for his
or her group,” said Wentzel, in reference to his first class. “I wanted to see
people work together. To force them to be
uncomfortable.”
Inside the lab, Wentzel’s unique
approach to teaching ensues. He delegates
his workload by directing his students’
questions to other students. He assigns
18
Augsburg Now
As for the class itself, Wentzel’s
methods are driving enrollment. “You can
imagine how many people are excited to
take organic chemistry, let alone advanced
organic chemistry,” joked Wentzel. “I
think the most students to ever take
the course at one time was maybe five
students before I got it,” he said. “And
now we have [another] 20 or at least 15
people for next year. It’s been exciting.”
individual students specific pieces of lab
equipment, has them write out instructions for that equipment, and then dubs
them the go-to person for that instrument’s
technical support moving forward.
The results of this interactive style
of teaching are compelling. “The biggest
thing I’ve seen is the students are confident in talking about science,” he said.
Using the confidence learned in his
class, some of Wentzel’s former students
have landed internships and entry into
competitive graduate degree programs following graduation from Augsburg. Wentzel
is clearly proud. “We had a Goldwater
Scholarship winner and an honorable
mention [this year]. These were kids that
were in [my] classes,” he said.
Editor’s Note: An integrated course design
grant from Augsburg College’s Center for
Teaching and Learning funded peer-review
sessions and other opportunities allowing
Wentzel to revise the advanced organic
chemistry class.
Reprinted with permission. Article by
Phil Meagher for JoVE, the Journal of
Visualized Experiments. JoVE is a peerreviewed journal dedicated to publishing
methods and research in a visual format.
MY AUGGIE EXPERIENCE
Augsburg shifts student’s dream into high gear
Trevor Rodriguez-Sotelo ’13 was the kid who was fascinated
by anything with a steering wheel and motor. From a young
age, instead of playing with Matchbox cars or Tonka trucks, he
would tinker with real engines in his uncles’ garages.
Later, when Rodriguez-Sotelo enrolled at Augsburg
College, he had a clear vision of his dream: to work as an
engineer designing automobile—specifically BMW—engines.
He knew entering this highly specialized field was going to be
a challenge, but he soon learned that Augsburg faculty and
staff were eager to help him achieve his dream.
During his first semester at the College, Rodriguez-Sotelo
took Calculus Workshop, an elective course designed by
Rebekah Dupont, the coordinator of an Augsburg program
that seeks to increase the number of minority students who
complete degrees in science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics.
Rodriguez-Sotelo said Dupont helped prepare him for
success in college-level mathematics courses, supporting him
inside and outside the classroom. She recognized RodriguezSotelo’s remarkable abilities and suggested that he take them
to the next level through undergraduate research on campus,
which he went on to conduct with Benjamin Stottrup, associate professor of physics.
“Trevor came with a dream, and he had to slog through
my biophysics lab to get to that dream,” said Stottrup, who
for two years advised Rodriguez-Sotelo in the use of scientific
instruments to measure resistance to flow in biomaterials.
Rodriguez-Sotelo said he knew this research wasn’t linked
perfectly to his automotive engineering interest, but would
give him priceless experience.
Part of Rodriguez-Sotelo’s on-campus research was made
possible through Augsburg’s McNair Scholars Program, a federal grant-funded graduate school preparatory program to help
ready underrepresented students for doctoral study.
“Stottrup stressed writing skills even though we’re in the
sciences,” Rodriguez-Sotelo said. “This helps you become
more articulate and allows you to present yourself better—
those skills are applicable in my future.”
Rodriguez-Sotelo’s work on campus bolstered his offcampus research applications and opened the door to a prestigious summer automotive engineering position at Oakland
University outside of Detroit, Mich.
In addition to conducting research on and off campus,
Rodriguez-Sotelo was a member of the men’s track team,
was president of Augsburg Latin American Students and of
As Trevor Rodriguez-Sotelo ’13 crossed the stage at Augsburg’s May
Commencement, he celebrated a successful undergraduate experience that accelerated his ability to achieve his dream of becoming
an automotive engineer.
Augsburg’s Society of Physics Students chapter, mentored
first-year STEM students, and more.
“I had the opportunity to do all the academic, cultural and
social activities I liked,” he said. “I was able to do everything
because of personal and academic support from faculty and staff.
I followed their advice, and they put me on the right path.”
Rodriguez-Sotelo graduated last May, and in August took
a step closer to achieving his goals by beginning a master’s degree program at the renowned Clemson University
International Center for Automotive Research. He earned a
competitive BMW fellowship, which will help fund his graduate
studies and allow him to intern at BMW Manufacturing Co. next
summer. He credits earning this award to his “whole body of
work” at Augsburg.
“The beautiful thing about Augsburg is that faculty and
staff pay attention to their students…they care what kind of
person I am and where I go after Augsburg,” he said. “Since
I was a little kid, I knew this was where I wanted to be, and
now I’m here—an automotive engineer.”
LAURA SWANSON
Fall 2013
19
IT’S NOT YOUR
AVERAGE WEEK.
IT’S HOMECOMING.
20
Augsburg Now
Homecoming brings alumni, friends back to campus
Homecoming 2013 reunited former classmates, friends, roommates, and professors, and invigorated the Auggie spirit in everyone in attendance.
Traditional celebrations ensued, including the Homecoming
Convocation with Distinguished Alumni Awards; the Taste of
Augsburg event in Murphy Square featuring food, carnival-style
booths, and bounce houses; and lively athletic events including an
alumni baseball game and dugout dedication ceremony, as well as
volleyball, soccer, and football games.
The week also boasted the Eye-Opener Breakfast featuring Augsburg alumnus Dr. Paul Mueller ’84; reunion brunches;
campus tours; an Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony to
honor 2013 inductees; an Auggie Author book reading with Cheri
Johnson ’99; a panel discussion about the Center for Science,
Business, and Religion; and the Augsburg Associates luncheon
with a presentation by Jacqueline deVries, Augsburg professor of
history and director of general education.
The merriment came to a close at the Auggie Block Party with
live music and s’mores.
Homecoming is just one of many ways for Augsburg alumni to
stay connected to the College. If you are interested in serving on
your reunion committee or volunteering to help plan next year’s
events, contact alumni@augsburg.edu. For more information, visit
augsburg.edu/alumni.
AUGGIES AREN’T ORDINARY.
NEITHER IS THEIR HOMECOMING.
Fall 2013
21
ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENTS
First Decade Award
Honors an Auggie who graduated during
the past 10 years who has exemplified
the mission of the College while achieving significant progress in his or her
professional achievements and contributions in the community.
Alexa Halford ’03
Halford, who graduated from Augsburg
with a bachelor of arts
in physics and mathematics, currently is
a lecturer and postdoctoral researcher in
physics at Dartmouth College.
After graduating from Augsburg, she
earned a master’s degree in astronomy
and planetary sciences from the University of Colorado Boulder and a doctorate
in physics at the University of Newcastle. Shortly afterward, she won a highly
competitive Visiting Young Scientist
fellowship from Dartmouth College.
“Augsburg is small, but that’s what makes
it so special. I have people here in my
corner, and you will, too.”
director from 1993-2001.
“I’ve had the wonder of studying music for
many years…it’s for Him we sing, to tell
the wonders of His love.”
Alan Rice
Rice, an Olympic athlete and coach, is one
of the most respected
and honored men in
U.S. Greco-Roman
wrestling. He also is a member of the
U.S. Wrestling Hall of Fame. He is a
long-time friend and supporter of the
College, and responsible for the worldclass Alan and Gloria Rice Wrestling
Center in Kennedy Center.
“I’ve been so privileged to be so involved
in Augsburg. Thank you for allowing me to
participate. Thank you, Augsburg.”
Distinguished Alumni Awards
Honors alumni in recognition of a significant achievement in their vocation,
for outstanding contribution to church
and community, and for leading a life
that exemplifies the ideals and mission
of the College.
Spirit of Augsburg Award
Honors alumni and friends of the College who have given of their service to
substantially impact the well-being of
Augsburg’s mission and programs.
Alfred Reesnes ’58
Reesnes is dedicated
to using his love of
music to serve the
College. For 33 years,
he taught high school
music and developed choirs noted for
high-quality performance and literature.
He was a charter member of the Augsburg
Centennial Singers and assistant
22
Augsburg Now
H. Theodore Grindal ’76
Grindal is former
chair of the Augsburg
Board of Regents
and a partner in the
law firm of Lockridge
Grindal Nauen PLLP. He repeatedly has
been recognized as one of Minnesota’s
top lobbyists.
“I’ve tried to follow five principles throughout my life: God, family, friends, work, and
service. Remember who you are. Be true
to yourself, be authentic, let that be your
guidepost.”
HOMECOMING
2013
Clayton McNeff ’91
McNeff is vice
president of research
at SarTec, Ever Cat
Fuels LLC, Mcgyan
Biodiesel LLC, and
other family businesses. He is known as
the co-creator of the patented Mcgyan
process, which uses non-food sources to
create biodiesel.
“I dedicate this award to my mother,
Marie Olive McNeff, and I urge you to use
your gifts to help those around you. Work
together to pay it back and pay it forward.”
Roselyn Nordaune ’77
Nordaune is founder
of the law firm,
Nordaune & Friesen
PLLC, and is known
for her work in family law. She is a former member of the
Augsburg Board of Regents and dedicated to engaging Augsburg alumnae in the
philanthropic priorities of the College.
“I pledge you: I’m not done yet. I pledge
to Augsburg my work, my resources, my
service.”
IT TAKES AN AUGGIE
Class Challenge spurs friendly competition
among Auggies to build new academic building
Alumni from throughout the decades have responded to a
charge presented by Augsburg College Regent Wayne
Jorgenson ’71 and former Alumni Board President Christopher
Ascher ’81. The two men established alumni Class Challenges
to create a friendly philanthropic-giving competition between
their respective classes, and to invite all alumni to give back to
the College to help build the Center for Science, Business, and
Religion (CSBR).
“Early gifts from alumni and friends of the College made
it possible for each of us to experience a great Augsburg
education,” Ascher said. “We are convinced. Now is our time to
make the investment and help open doors for others.”
“No other campus we know has created such an exciting intersection of disciplines—science, business, and
religion—to serve students and forge a pathway to a better
future for all of us,” Jorgenson said.
Many classes already are involved in Class Challenges,
and some have surpassed their goal of donating $1 million to
the campaign. As of October 15, 42 classes had contributed
more than $25,000 (see chart below).
The Class Challenges, combined with a recent gift of $10
million from a member of the class of 1965, bring the CSBR fund
to more than $25 million. The overall goal for the campaign is
$50 million.
To see the status of all Class Challenges—and to learn more
about the CSBR—visit blogs.augsburg.edu/alumni. To join an
existing Class Challenge or to start a new Class Challenge, contact Kim Stone at 612-330-1173 or stonek@augsburg.edu.
Surpassed the
$1 million challenge
Contributed between
$250,000-$499,999
Contributed between
$50,000-$99,999
Contributed between
$25,000-$49,999
1962
1965
1945
1956
1963
1968
1971
1972
1977
1950
1953
1955
1959
1961
1962
1964
1966
1974
1982
1991
1994
1946
1951
1954
1960
1969
1970
1973
1978
1986
1987
1998
2002
2014
Contributed between
$500,000-$999,999
1981
1984
1985
Contributed between
$100,000-$249,999
1957
1967
1975
1979
1980
1962 1977 1968
1972 1956 1965
1971 1984
1981
1963 1985
1945
Fall 2013
23
ALUMNI NEWS
Dear alumni and friends,
t
hank you to those of you who participated in the
alumni survey that was conducted earlier this
fall. We received a tremendous response: More
than 4,000 alumni records have been updated, and
the Alumni Board is able to more effectively connect
with alumni with whom we had lost touch.
We’ve included many of the alumni updates from
the survey in a special “Keeping Track of Auggies”
Class Notes section on pages 24 to 30 of this issue
of Augsburg Now. You can also discover information
about your fellow Auggies in the recently relaunched
Auggie Maroon Pages online. To open the door to this
network, go to augsburg.edu/alumni and click “Auggie
Maroon Pages.” This will take you to an overview page
for the Auggie Maroon Pages, where you can click the
“Sign In or Sign Up” button and log in or register as a
new user.
In reading all the wonderful notes sent in
response to the survey, it is obvious to me that an
Augsburg education has made a huge difference in
the lives of our alumni!
healthy and active at ages 89 and
86, respectively.
Reprinted with permission
from Duluth News Tribune
FROM THE ALUMNI BOARD PRESIDENT
Joseph T. Seto received a
Congressional Gold Medal in 2011
in Washington, D.C., for Military
Intelligence, Service Veteran WWII.
Ebba (Johnson) Brooks
recently was presented the
Swedish Council of America’s
Award of Merit. She was acknowledged in the Duluth News Tribune
with an article and photo (above).
Brooks is pictured in the center of
the image.
42
Evelyn H. Sonnack Halverson
married Dr. Bill Halverson on
July 14, 2013. They honeymooned
in Norway and England, and currently reside in Edina, Minn.
43
Mary Lou Nelson received
a scholarship to Syracuse
but got married instead. She is 90
years old, and a 50-year member
of AAUW and LWV.
45
Jack E. Jacobsen was
ordained as an Auxiliary
Bishop in 2010 by the Ordaining
Council of the Minnesota Graduate
School of Theology.
46
Courtesy photo
Sincerely,
TRACY (ANDERSON) SEVERSON ’95
ALUMNI BOARD PRESIDENT
Peter A. Lokkesmoe retired
after 36 years with the Boy
Scouts of America. Immediately
after college, he served in the U.S.
Navy.
47
Eugene Hasselquist was
ordained in 1951 at Holy
Communion Lutheran Church in
Racine, Wis. He retired in 1987
from St. Paul Lutheran Church in
Red Wing, Minn.
48
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Beatrice M. Walker moved to
Otterbein North Shore, a senior
continuing care facility. She and
her husband, Tom, celebrated
their 63rd wedding anniversary
September 10.
49
24
Augsburg Now
J. Forrest Anderson and
his wife are blessed to be
Arne Simengaard is blessed with
a loving family of five daughters,
11 grandchildren, and two great
grandchildren.
Carol V. Larson, at age 85,
was thankful to walk up the
203 steps of Florida’s Ponce De
Leon Lighthouse. She and her husband have four sons: Gary Larson
’72, James Larson ’73, Daniel
Larson ’77, and Fred Larson ’81.
50
Norman F. Nideng retired from his
service in the U.S. Navy Chaplain
Corps.
James E. Christopherson
served since 1954 as a
Lutheran pastor, primarily in South
Dakota. He and his wife have
three grown children: John, Mary,
and Tom.
51
Lillian K. Ose trained and worked
as a medical laboratory technologist at Minneapolis General
Hospital from 1951-57 when she
married her husband, Kenneth.
She worked at various hospitals
and/or clinics in Minnesota until
her retirement in 1994.
Arvid D. Dixe published a
book titled Come, Meet
the Church, which included a
foreword written by Minnesota
journalist Jim Klobuchar.
52
Charlotte M. Rimmereid served
for three years as a teacher in
North Branch, Minn., where she
directed two choirs and taught
music, geometry, and algebra for
grades 1-12.
Dorothy Christopherson
recently retired from serving 11 years as director of the
women’s choir for First Lutheran
53
KEEPING TRACK OF AUGGIES
Church of Sioux Falls, S.Dak. She
also has directed choirs for children, youth, adults, and handbell
ensembles.
Minnesota. Their sons, Dan, Dave,
and Brad, all work for Dart Transit.
Daughter, Angie, is very busy at
home with her three sons.
59
Reidun H. Newquist had several music therapy students
from Augsburg observe at Michael
Dowling School.
Lawrence E. Gallagher and his
wife, Barbara, celebrated their
50th wedding anniversary in
August.
Gloria M. Thorpe and her husband, Gordon, celebrated their
60th wedding anniversary on
August 23.
Ellayne V. Velde-Conyers retired
in 2011 but continues to write a
weekly column in the Marshall
Independent newspaper. She hosts
a public access television program
in Marshall, Minn., once per week,
and was elected to the Marshall
City Council in November 2012.
60
Lois A. Agrimson’s son Erick
Agrimson ’98 welcomed son,
Anders David Agrimson, on June
22, 2012.
James N. Holden recently received
the Distinguished Service Award
from the Northfield (Minn.) High
School Booster Club for support of
the tennis program.
Helen Witt is very thankful for her
two years spent at Augsburg while
earning her nursing education at
Deacon’s Hospital from 1949-52,
also being included in the class of
1953 at Augsburg College. Both
the school and the hospital were a
major influence in her life.
Woodrow W. Wilson’s niece, Catha
Jones, attended Augsburg and
graduated in 1970. After graduation she was diagnosed with
cancer and passed away. In 1975,
her parents, Kenneth and Carmen
Jones, endowed the Catha Jones
Scholarship, which has supported
21 students who share Catha’s
interest in elementary education
and music.
Herbert W. Chilstrom and his
wife, Corinne, recently wrote
Every Morning New—a book of
devotional readings for every day
of the year.
54
George W. Fisher and his wife,
Mary, began their 18th year
singing with the Lexington County
(S.C.) Choral Society. George has
played violin for 17 years and
recently began learning clarinet.
James W. Anderson taught
music for 40 years and was
a real estate agent for 27 years.
Four of his children also graduated from Augsburg College.
55
Dorothy Devick worked for three
years as a school teacher, then
worked with her husband at their
business.
Beverly J. Oren and her husband
have 12 grandchildren. All of their
children have children of their
own and live close to them in
E. William Anderson taught
at Bagley High School and
Mound-Westonka High School.
He has visited more than 100
countries.
56
Robert R. Lockwood was inducted
into the Augsburg College Hall
of Fame in 1994. He taught and
coached for 42 years in Golden
Valley and Hopkins (Minn.)
District 270. At 82, he continues
to spend his time swimming, skiing, biking, and golfing.
Mark C. Thorpe retired from a
lifetime of aircraft design work at
McDonnell Aircraft, McDonnell
Douglas, and Boeing in St. Louis.
Oscar E. Olson taught for
many years, including as
a substitute for Willmar (Minn.)
Public Schools. He partially retired
to Bozeman, Mont., where he
substitute taught for several years
before moving to Billings, Mont.
57
Dennis E. Barnaal and his
wife, Doris, in 2011 traveled
to Norway and the Barnaal Farm/
Mountain Hotel with their children
and children’s families. While
in the Luther College Physics
Department, he conducted three
research sabbatical leaves in
Norway, including one with Keith
Anderson ’54.
58
Harland P. Danielson continues
crop farming in Wisconsin. He
and his wife have 10 children,
23 grandchildren, and four
great-grandchildren.
Luther A. Anderson is a founding
board member of the Lake Region
Writers Network, and serves
as the managing editor of Lake
Region Review, an annual regional
literary magazine.
Carol A. Casperson’s granddaughter, Harley Ann Fulton, was born
on September 1 to parents Laura
Casperson and Scott Fulton.
Karen (Erickson) McCullogh in
2012 walked the pilgrimage route,
Camino Frances, from St. Jean
Pied de Port, France, to Santiago
de Compostela, Spain.
Philip Q. Bauman was
blessed with three greatgranddaughters in 2013.
62
Arden Flaten with his wife, Alice,
celebrated a 50th wedding anniversary in September.
Dennis E. Glad continues to cocoordinate work teams for the
United National Church to the
Caribbean and Central America.
Glad will lead work teams with the
Caribbean Mission Cruise in 2014.
Gordon L. Syverson retired in 2008
but continues to lead worship services. He welcomed grandchildren
in 2011 and again in 2013.
Lowell “Zeke” Zieman was honored by Marshall (Minn.) High
School in April and inducted into
the school’s Hall of Honor.
Kenneth L. Akerman and his
wife, Marilyn A. Akerman ’62,
celebrated their 50th wedding
anniversary in 2012.
61
Larry B. Cowl practiced law for
more than 30 years prior to his
retirement in 2005. He continues to work part time as a legal
consultant.
James E. DeMars has been married to Susan for 52 years, and
they have six grandchildren.
Roger and Judy Lerstad Hill ’62
reunited with Gretchen Carlson at
the Miss Minnesota/Miss America
Sisters Reunion Gala held at the
Radisson Blu in Bloomington,
Minn., in June. Hill was Augsburg’s
first Miss Minnesota in 1962, and
Carlson was Miss Minnesota in 1987
and Miss America in 1988. Hill was
the first Alumni Director for the Miss
Minnesota Pageant from 1964-78.
Glenn D. Peterson retired
in 1997 after 35 years as a
teacher of choral music in Rush
City, Minn., and Duluth, Minn. In
2001, he founded Garden Street
Landscape.
63
David D. Proctor was ordained into
the Lutheran ministry in 1963. He
served congregations in Ohio and
Michigan before his retirement in
2000.
Andrew M. Berg and wife,
Jean, are retired near
Willmar, Minn. They have visited
64
Fall 2013
25
all 50 states, Norway numerous times, and many European
countries.
Roger G. Johnson, a Minnetonka,
Minn., native, was awarded
Fergus Falls (Minn.) High
School’s Hall of Fame award for
Distinguished Service.
Arla P. Landon retired in 1985.
Jean S. Olson retired in 2011
following 23 years of service as
an employee of the Minnesota
Historical Society.
her husband have done a lot of
traveling around Colorado and the
U.S., plus trips to Norway, China,
Mexico, Costa Rica, and Hawaii.
third grandchild, Bridget Erin
Causby, on July 3. Their other
grandchildren are Charles Lawton
Ogburn, IV and Selah Eliot Ogburn.
Adeline R. Sarkela is involved in
volunteer ministry with church
music and children.
Jan Pedersen Schiff was honored
and inducted into the Marin
Women’s Hall of Fame for her
community service as the founder
and artistic director of Singers
Marin. For the past 26 years,
Pedersen Schiff has created
structured programs to develop
vocal skills that support musical
development.
When Harold J. Bagley
graduated in 1966, he was
the last (youngest) of several children of Rev. Emil G. Bagley ’49 to
attend Augsburg College. He also
was the first lawyer from a family
of ministers, teachers, and social
workers.
66
Carolyn E. Anderson celebrated 50 years of marriage
with her husband, Don Anderson
’66, in September.
67
Larry G. Buboltz and his wife,
Adrienne, recently celebrated 50
years of marriage. Larry served as
the Director of Rural Minnesota
CED, Inc. He was a member of
the Detroit Lakes (Minn.) City
Council from 1976-1988, and
elected mayor from 1988-2008.
Bruce L. Hansen is a retired
English teacher from
Minneapolis Public Schools, and
now serves as a lay minister for
his local church.
Myrna J. Sheie retired in 2011
after more than 30 years working in the Twin Cities, Minn.,
and Chicago for the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America
(ELCA) and the American
Lutheran Church (ALC).
Susan E. Ferguson earned her
masters of theology in 2004 from
Trinity Lutheran Seminary in
Columbus, Ohio.
Diane J. Tiedeman is retired from
Bloomington (Minn.) Public
Schools where she taught secondthrough fourth-grade students.
Kay E. Jenness and her husband,
Dave, moved from New Mexico to
Washington to be closer to their
family.
Karen M. Alm recently retired
after 31 years teaching elementary education in the Forest
Lake (Minn.) School District.
69
Dennis D. Miller and his wife,
Christine, are members of the faculty at Cornell University in Ithaca,
N.Y. Miller serves as the chair of
the Department of Food Science.
Richard E. Cummings has been
active in civic and service organizations, including the Stillwater
(Minn.) City Council and, since
1983, Rotary International for
which he is proud of his 30 years
of perfect attendance.
65
Dennis D. Gray celebrated 50 years
of marriage to Marilyn Rokke Gray
on July 13. They have three sons
and eight grandchildren.
Carmen D. Herrick studied
Norwegian at the University of Oslo
International Summer School from
2008 to 2010. In 2011-2012, she
attended Elverum Folkehogskole in
Elverum, Norway.
Marie D. McNally retired from her
work as an English teacher. Her
husband, Tom, continues employment as chief operating officer of
Mount Olivet Lutheran Church in
Plymouth, Minn.
Diane S. Ristrom sang in a special
choral concert in October with
hundreds of alumni to celebrate
the 100th birthday of Augsburg’s
Leland B. Sateren ’35.
Marlys Tron, retired, stays involved
in her community through church
activities and as chair of a polio
support group.
Richard E. Sandeen retired from
teaching and coaching in Edina,
Minn.
Jerome Schaubach was inducted
into Minnesota Cross Country
Coaches Hall of Fame in 2013.
Margaret P. Albright and her
husband have two daughters. One is a kindergarten teacher
in Bemidji, Minn., and the other
works for Mayo Clinic in the Legal
Department.
70
James Fischer was inducted into
the Augsburg Athletic Hall of
Fame and received the Excellence
in Coaching award.
Ric Hovda retired last June from
San Diego State University, where
he served as dean of the College
of Education for six years. Prior
to his work at SDSU, Hovda was
dean of the College of Education
at the University of Memphis.
Susan M. Pursch was awarded the
ELCA’s Tom Hunstad Award for
Excellence in Youth and Family
Ministry in 2007. She currently
works as a development officer at
The Cancer Support Community
of Philadelphia, Penn.
Mary J. Loken Veiseth retired last
July following 24 years of work
at Apple Valley (Minn.) Medical
Clinic.
68
Lois J. Peterson enjoys living in
Colorado, spending time with
her grown children, friends, and
family, and spoiling her six-yearold granddaughter. She and
Paul A. Andell retired from
his call of 39 years as senior
pastor of St. James Evangelical
Lutheran Church in Philadelphia,
Penn.
Mim Jacobson and Marian Korth
were married in September in
Augsburg’s Harbo Meditation
Chapel.
Charles A. Niles and Bonnie
(Board) Niles ’71, welcomed their
Glen J. Peterson has been
employed for 27 years as the
Augsburg Now
Patricia A. Piepenburg was
inducted into Augsburg’s Athletic
Hall of Fame in 2011.
Bonnie K. Risius retired during
2010.
Jane M. Norman is a business coowner of Kultur Hus, a Norwegian
heritage shop in Sunburg, Minn.
26
director of the Hyland Snow
Sports Academy in Bloomington,
Minn.
Jane C. Bracken retired in
2012 from Cannon Falls
(Minn.) Area Schools after teaching
first grade for 41 years. She continues to work as an organist and
pianist at St. Ansgar’s Lutheran
Church in Cannon Falls, Minn.
71
KEEPING TRACK OF AUGGIES
Wayne D. Jorgenson has long
enjoyed Civil War re-enacting
and studying the Civil War. He
recently published a book on the
First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry,
titled Every Man Did His Duty.
Janice K. Thompson retired in
2012 after 35 years of teaching.
She enjoys traveling with her
family, and she is the Pine Island,
Minn., WCCO Weather Watcher.
Darrell L. Skogen is in his 43rd
year of teaching, with a goal of
continuing until his 50th anniversary. He recently retired from 47
years of charting statistics for high
school and college games, and
from maintaining statistics for St.
Michael-Albertville (Minn.) High
School football.
Clarence D. Anderson is a
retired Air Force Bandsman
stationed mostly in Northern
California.
72
Robert A. Engelson’s son, Matthew,
graduated from Luther College
with a degree in music education
this past May.
Kristin P. Parbst Rohde retired in
June.
Scott J. Brown is a customer
service specialist at Walser
Honda in Burnsville, Minn.
73
Joyce L. Casey retired after
39 years of teaching elementary grades in the St. MichaelAlbertville (Minn.) School District.
Mark A. Ladwig is retired and
enjoying his grandchildren, running, playing viola, genealogy, and
learning German.
Beth C. Walen retired in
January after more than
33 years of service as a flight
attendant.
74
Debra D. Johnson has worked
as a pediatrician and clinical
geneticist for HealthPartners since
75
1985 and is the mother of two
daughters.
Patti (Edwards) Kramlinger
was honored with the Claire
E. Faust Public Service Award
from Minnesota State University,
Mankato, Minn. The award is presented to faculty or staff members
in recognition of their years of
dedicated service to the university,
the Mankato community, the state
of Minnesota, and the United
States.
Clifford G. McCann’s three
children, Kevin, Meredith, and
Allison, are married and he has
three grandchildren.
Heidi (Leaf) Haagenson
recently was named vice
president of Academic and
Student Affairs at Anoka Technical
College.
77
Ruth A. Underdahl-Peirce welcomed her first grandson, Cyrus
Steven Richard, born to her
daughter, Beth Underdahl-Peirce,
on August 9 in Bloomington,
Ind. Son, Jon Underdahl-Peirce,
served in the Peace Corps in
Burkina Faso, Africa, and now
works for the U.S. Department of
Labor in Washington, D.C.
Roberta Aitchison Olson
gets together with five of her
former classmates and roommates
on a regular basis, and cherishes
lifelong friendships and professional support. They call themselves “chez nous” and started
out by forming an intentional living
community based on social justice
principles: Megan Webster Stemper
’78, physical therapist; Jackie
Goheen ’78, gardening business
owner; Grit Youngquist ’79, health
educator, adjunct professor at
the University of Minnesota; Patty
Frazier, psychology professor at the
University of Minnesota; and Jane
Bjorndal McAdams ’78, pharmaceutical compensation director.
78
Marion G. Hinz is an “empty
nester” with her only child
now in college in Chicago.
79
David L. Norgard was
appointed a teaching
faculty member in the Graduate
Management program at Antioch
University Los Angeles.
80
Roxanne K. Williams is in her 34th
year of teaching physical education and credits Lavonne “Ma
Pete/Mrs. Pete” Peterson for her
skills in the classroom.
Jennie Clark-Anderson is
the executive director for
the Living at Home of the Park
Rapids (Minn.) Area, which
helps seniors remain in the home
of their choice. She performs
with the Northern Light Opera
Company and the Park Rapids
Area Community Band.
81
Kyle A. Anderson’s daughter, Kaitlyn, married Peter
Langston, Jr. on July 14 in
Delwood, Minn. Both Kaitlyn and
Peter are graduates of Bethel
University.
84
Janet B. Bolm welcomed her
grandson, Brody, on November
13, 2012.
Brent J. Crego co-founded
Comfort Love Care Assisted Living
Operations. Crego helps nonprofit
organizations care for their elder
members while generating income.
Charles K. Evans retired as a correctional police officer in 2013.
Kathi A. Osmonson has a new
job with the State Fire Marshal
Division as the youth firesetting prevention and intervention
specialist.
Kirsten M. Schwappach is a fulltime proofreader at Medical Arts
Press. She began her career as
an assistant librarian at the Blake
Upper School and a reference
librarian at Hamline University.
Liz Sheahan recently became
the director of transformational
gifts with Society of St. Andrew,
a national nonprofit focused on
getting fresh produce to hungry
Americans.
Jodi L. Holden is enrolled at
Saint Mary’s University pursuing a master’s degree in counseling and psychology, and she
expects to graduate in May 2014.
Holden works as a career counseling graduate intern in the career
and internship services center of
the University of Minnesota. She
holds an MBA in international
management from the University
of Dallas.
88
82
Lynda C. Ott has worked at Seward
Montessori School for seven years,
and many Augsburg students
have volunteered in her fourthand fifth-grade classrooms. Ott
and her husband, Peter, have two
grown sons.
Diane Wells received the 2012
Lifeworks Advocate of the Year
award.
Matthew Butler in 2013 was
promoted to Lt. Colonel.
Jacqueline E. Forrester is working
to establish a nonprofit in her
home country of Jamaica. The
organization will provide food,
clothing, and other services to
children.
Dan Wright and his wife, Kristen
Haglund, celebrated the birth of
their second son, Bjorn Arthur.
Their first son, Johan Rowen, is
now 8 years old. Dan is a senior
applications engineer at Nike,
Inc. and Kristen is a naturopathic
physician.
Michele L. Boyer and her
wife, Melissa Conway, have
two kids, Evan (age 10) and Rita
(age 9)—both adopted from
Nepal. They came home in 2003
and 2006.
89
Fall 2013
27
Michelle C. Goldberger is the
program director of COR Retreat,
a nonprofit spiritual retreat for
food addicts. She is mother to five
children ranging in age from 10
to 24.
Marilee A. Mowry completed three
degrees through Augsburg College
and recently retired from teaching
music and kindergarten in St.
Paul Public Schools. She continues to teach piano and woodwinds
in her home.
Julie A. Edstrom accepted a
new position in enrollment
management at the University of
Great Falls in Great Falls, Mont.
Her son, Cameron, began his first
year at Augsburg in August.
90
Joel B. Bue has an
18-month-old daughter and
another baby due in February
2014.
91
Stephanie A. Trump is serving as
adjunct professor of music at
the University of NorthwesternSt. Paul, and she directs the
Women’s Chorale.
Madelyn D. Browne earned a
Green Belt certificate at the
University of St. Thomas in 2012.
92
Terri A. Burnor is a student at
United Theological Seminary of
the Twin Cities, and she will intern
with two Unitarian Universalist
congregations.
Sharol Tyra, a professional certified coach at Life Illumination
Coaching, was elected president
of the Board of Directors, effective in 2014, for ICF Minnesota,
a chartered chapter of the
International Coach Federation.
Marilyn J. Vick-Kalar is a working
artist.
She recently was crowned Mrs.
Arizona International 2013 and
competed in the Mrs. International
competition in July. Throughout
her reign as Mrs. Arizona
International, McCune continues
to support Adopt a Senior Citizen
programs as her platfom and raise
awareness for the nation’s growing
senior citizen population.
Lisa M. Zahn recently opened her
own business as a Co-active Life
Coach.
Michael P. Schmidt married
Steven A. (Bartkowicz) Schmidt in
Decorah, Iowa, on April 6.
Kristin A. Lehne is a physical therapist and works at
Pediatric Therapy Services, Inc. in
Mankato, Minn.
97
93
Summerei-Dawn Hamille is
creating an original ballet to
“Thumbelina.”
94
Beryl J. Deskin is semiretired and employed parttime as a business writer and
facilitator.
95
Jennifer S. Kvidt welcomed son,
Ethan, on February 13, 2012.
Michelle Boyum Breen and
Trenda Boyum-Breen legally
were wed on August 1.
Shari Hornseth welcomed
daughter, Claire, on February
19. She joins big brother, Andrew.
Shari is a social work MSHO manager with HealthEast. The family
lives in Farmington, Minn.
99
Lillian
Lillian Jane
Jane Moore
Moore was
was born
born
January
January 23
23 to
to proud
proud parents
parents Anne
Anne
(Osberg)
(Osberg) Moore
Moore and
and Scott
Scott Moore,
Moore,
and
and prouder
prouder grandparents
grandparents Jack
Jack
Osberg
Osberg ’62
’62 and
and Nina
Nina Osberg.
Osberg.
Kat
Kat Wolfe
Wolfe and
and her
her husband
husband
opened
opened aa talent
talent agency,
agency, Wolfe
Wolfe
Talent,
Talent, which
which serves
serves the
the Twin
Twin
Cities.
Cities.
Robert P. Wasik retired from
corporate life in 2012 and
opened his own business in White
Bear Lake, Minn.
96
Holly (Kolander) McCune, a
Minnesota Vikings cheerleader
for five years, recently was
interviewed by the NFL Alumni
Organization for its “Where are
they now?” series. McCune lives
in Scottsdale, Ariz., with her
husband and twin daughters.
Ryan R. Ball welcomed
his son, Owen Ball, on
February 20.
01
Jesse (Lipelt) Moen and Jason
Moen ’98 welcomed daughter,
Ada, on May 15.
Emily
Emily E.
E. Larsen
Larsen Scaglia
Scaglia and
and
her
husband
recently
her husband recently welwelcomed
comed their
their son,
son, Logan
Logan Thomas,
Thomas,
born
on
February
born on February 10.
10.
02
Jacob
Jacob M.
M. Wegscheider
Wegscheider welcomed
welcomed
aa daughter,
daughter, Whitney
Whitney Nichole,
Nichole, on
on
June
June 6.
6. She
She joins
joins brother,
brother, Henry
Henry
Tate,
Tate, born
born April
April 6,
6, 2011.
2011.
Brian
Brian L.
L. Kuhl
Kuhl graduated
graduated
summa
summa cum
cum laude
laude from
from
the
the University
University of
of Wisconsin
Wisconsin Law
Law
School,
School, fifinishing
nishing in
in the
the top
top 1
1
percent
percent of
of his
his graduating
graduating class.
class.
He
He is
is an
an associate
associate attorney
attorney at
at
Mayer
Mayer Brown’s
Brown’s Chicago
Chicago offi
office,
ce, aa
proud
proud husband,
husband, and
and aa father
father of
of aa
fifive-year-old
ve-year-old son
son and
and 10-month10-monthold
old daughter.
daughter.
03
Carl Grulke ’07 and Bart
Rall ’05 graduated from
Concordia Seminary in
St. Louis, Mo. Grulke will
serve as associate pastor
at Christ Lutheran Church
in Lincoln, Nebr., and
Rall will serve as pastor
at Bethlehem Lutheran
Church in Monterey, Calif.
28
Augsburg Now
Mac Gordon and Nicki
Gordon welcomed their
daughter, Vivian, on May 16. She
joins big brother, Foster.
00
Michael G. Hargadine completed
his 18th year working for the St.
Paul Public School system.
Matt
Matt Christensen
Christensen and
and his
his wife
wife
Katie
Katie Lindenfelser
Lindenfelser ’02
’02 welcomed
welcomed
their
their baby
baby boy,
boy, Daniel
Daniel Gordon
Gordon
Christensen,
on
Christensen, on January
January 16,
16,
2012.
2012. They
They are
are working
working to
to build
build
KEEPING TRACK OF AUGGIES
a children’s hospice and respite
care home for kids with life-limiting conditions and their families,
the first in the Midwest.
Kari A. Badali and partner,
Jodi, welcomed their first
son, Oliver Joseph Badali-Winters,
November 29, 2011.
04
Deanne M. McDonald performed
as Rosalind in “As You Like It” in
Chicago’s Hamlin Park with her
theater company, The Traveling
Players.
Colleen R. Peterson welcomed son,
Cole Lee Peterson, on August 5.
Lauren Wood relocated to San
Francisco, Calif., after accepting
a position as an associate at the
law firm, Glynn & Finley LLP. Her
practice focuses on commercial
litigation.
Dallas Worth, and her husband,
Jarod Worth, welcomed their son,
Kainen David Worth, on June 15.
Jennifer L. Galvin-Anderson
published her memoir about
overcoming cancer and traumatic
brain injury, Crawl Walk Run, and
welcomed son, Evan Craig, in 2012.
05
Bethany Stolle recently graduated
from an interaction design and
social entrepreneurship program
at the Austin Center for Design.
She won the Intel-sponsored
Student Design Challenge at the
Interaction Design Association’s
annual international conference.
Her concept was playful technology to support communication
and connection for nonverbal
people on the Autism Spectrum.
Perry D. Mathison’s son,
Alex, attended St. Thomas
University and graduated in
May of 2013 with a major in
neuroscience.
06
David L. Nash is planning to
pursue a fellowship and career
in pediatric ophthalmology and
strabismus. Sara Nash ’06 is a
senior marketing coordinator for
HDR Engineering. The couple
is expecting their first child in
February.
Jennifer L. Annett married
Douglas Annett on May 18,
2008. Their son, Julian, was born
on October 7, 2010.
07
Lenette M. Baron is married to
Jason with three daughters, ages
8, 5, and 3; another baby due in
November.
Therese M. Maas completed her
master’s degree and graduated
as adult-nurse practitioner from
the College of St. Catherine. She
is completing her doctorate of
nursing practice degree at the
University of Minnesota.
Brooke H. Brown welcomed
Morgan Elizabeth to her family in November 2012.
08
Chad Greenwaldt and his wife welcomed their third child, Nikolas
Nielsen Greenwaldt, on April 10.
Kevin M. Haglund graduated from
the doctor of physical therapy
program at A.T. Still University and
began a physical therapist position
at Spooner Physical Therapy in
Fountain Hills, Ariz.
Jessica H. Snider is teaching
English as a Second Language
(ESL) in Guanajuato, Mexico. Prior
to teaching in Mexico, Snider
taught in Istanbul, Turkey.
Webster L. Ford teaches
through the Minnesota Math
Corps, and he is the sports director of a small-market radio station.
09
Shonna L. Fulford began a senior
admissions counselor position at
Augsburg College in the Office of
Undergraduate Admissions.
Cody Lewis Oaks graduated from
Luther Seminary with a master’s
degree in systematic theology. He
and his wife, Melody, recently welcomed their first son, Theodore.
Jenni Pickford is completing her
master’s in philosophy at Northern
Illinois University. She and her
husband, Thomas R. Anderson,
Jr., live in DeKalb, Ill.
Ryan Sorensen and Kristi Castelic
’09 were married in Green Bay,
Wis., on August 3. Ryan is the St.
Francis High School boys’ varsity
head coach and Augsburg men’s
soccer assistant coach. Kristi
is employed at DCM Services
in Richfield, Minn. The couple
resides in Maple Grove, Minn.
Brett T. Thompson works fulltime as a customer service team
member at Whole Foods Market in
Minnetonka, Minn.
Whitney P. Holman recently
graduated from St. Cloud
State University with a master’s
in communication sciences and
disorders. Holman received the
Mary E. Weise Clinical Excellence
Award and Plural Publishing
Master’s Research Award for her
work on Parkinson’s disease and
pre-motor brain potentials, which
was presented at the American
Speech-Language and Hearing
Association Conference.
10
Stephanie A. Hubbard married
William (Will) Hubbard on May 4.
Stephanie started a master of arts
in music therapy program at Saint
Mary of the Woods College in July.
Roxanne L. Nelson is a loan document specialist at Wells Fargo.
She and her husband, Miles
Nelson, live in Bloomington,
Minn. Augsburg librarian Mike
Bloomberg was the officiant at
their wedding, which included
several other Auggies: mother
of the bride, Teresa Lynch ’95;
maid of honor/sister of the bride,
Charlotte Johnson ’15; and father
of the bride, Bruce Johnson ’68.
Kirsten (Bar) Wells married Garth
Wells on July 27 in Evergreen,
Colo. Kirsten is a music therapist
at Mountain Vista Retirement
Community, and Garth is a helicopter pilot for Flight for Life. The
couple resides in Evergreen, Colo.
Jaclyn D. Willis became a certified
trainer for Proloquo2Go assistive
software, a communication program that helps those with speech
impairments and with challenges
in communicating with others.
Jennifer L. Avery is a freelance muralist. She recently
completed her first project for
CND’s Nuts N Bolts, a machine
shop in South St. Paul, Minn.
11
Fall 2013
29
Seth Lienard was named in the
July/August SpecialEvents.com
list of “25 Young Pros to Watch”
for the admirable work he is doing
and for his belief in the ongoing
power of special events.
School in Rockford, Minn., and
Brett is a team lead in the Margins
Department at the Royal Bank of
Canada in Minneapolis. They live
in Maple Grove, Minn.
Ali Rapp finished her master’s
in communication studies at the
University of Minnesota, and
began a position as product marketing specialist at Nintendo of
America in Redmond, Wash.
Angela L. Lee and husband,
Adam, in August welcomed their
son, Alexander Michael Lee.
Andrew J. Witte’s undergraduate
research is being reviewed for the
Journal of Geophysical Research.
Meghan A. Novak has a new
job as executive team leader
of hardlines at Target Corporation.
She is engaged to marry Ryan
Bachman ’13 in 2014.
13
John W. Truax welcomed son,
Parker Wayne Truax, on July 14.
Jessica and Stephen Westby
welcomed daughter, Olivia Grace
Westby, born November 23, 2012.
Brett Quick and Jenna (Forbrook)
Quick ’10 were married on
December 1, 2012, at Incarnation
Lutheran Church in Shoreview,
Minn. Auggies in the wedding
party were Steven Quick ’06 (best
man), Ashley (Hovey) Holten ’10
(bridesmaid), Seth Lienard ’11
(usher), and Kendra (Christiansen)
Oxendale ’11 (photographer).
Jenna is a kindergarten teacher at
Rockford Elementary Arts Magnet
Kristin G. Bunge lived in
Costa Rica earlier this year,
teaching English through English
Volunteers for Change.
12
Brittany A. Juntunen and Scott
Hemann ’12 moved to Oklahoma
City, Okla., where Juntunen teaches fifth grade as a special education corps member with Teach for
America. She was accepted into
Johns Hopkins Graduate School of
Education.
100TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
A special choral concert in honor of Leland
B. Sateren ’35, on what would have been his
100th birthday, took place on October 13
at Normandale Lutheran Church in Edina,
Minn. Sateren taught at Augsburg from
1946 through 1979, during which time he
also served as chair of the Music Department. Sateren was also a renowned composer, having composed hundreds of choral
works. More than 180 Augsburg choir alumni,
spanning four decades and coming from all
over the U.S., participated in the concert,
which was directed by several of Sateren’s
former students, many of whom now serve
as choral directors across the country.
30
Augsburg Now
Mary Simonson Clark ’07 MSW
recently received the David and
Nancy Olson “Leadership for a
Missional Church Award” at the
Minneapolis Area Synod of the
Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America Assembly.
Sandra J. Laski ’07 MSW was
awarded Veteran’s Administration
national recognition for work on
LGBT issues.
Rachel Loftus ’10 MAE teaches
math at Kennedy High School in
Bloomington, Minn.
Kirsten Spreck ’10 MAL recently
accepted a new role at Thrivent
Financial as vice president of talent management.
Hector R. Matascastillo ’10 MSW
began a private practice and
recently developed a batterer
intervention program for veterans.
He received the Returning
Veteran’s Resiliency in Response
to Trauma award and the Veteran’s
Voices award from the Humanities
Center in Minnesota.
Julie A. Lundberg ’12 MAN works
in an enhanced critical care unit
(E-ICU). She is the founder of the
patient family advisory council,
One World, which is dedicated to
understanding health and wellness needs.
Photo credit: Johanna Kitzman ’11, johannakitzmanphotog.wix.com/jkphoto
Leland B. Sateren’s
Graduate programs
Christopher Annand ’09 MBA was
named the global ethics and
compliance program director for
Cargill, Inc. and is responsible for
representing and administering
Cargill’s Code of Conduct.
In memoriam
Roy A. Johnson ’41, Fargo,
N.Dak., age 94, on May 14.
Sylvia (Sevig) Rovenko ’41,
Minot, N.Dak., age 93, on
February 21.
Franklin John Skolos ’56,
Bloomington, Minn., age 83, on
January 30.
Virgil Robert Gehring ’57, Eagan,
Minn., age 82, on June 16.
Muriel M. (Melhus) Rufsvold ’42,
Lisbon, N.Dak., age 93, on
May 11.
Sylvia P. (Ostergaard) Dixen ’62,
Circle Pines, Minn., age 74, on
January 17.
LaVille Caroline (Henjum) Larson
’44, Bozeman, Mont., age 89,
on June 7.
Robert “Bob” W. Tyson ’65,
Murphysboro, Ill., age 69, on
July 5.
Mildred E. (Serstock) Boxrud ’45,
Minneapolis, age 90, on June 1.
Victoria Mae Koelling ’66, Fertile,
Minn., age 68, on July 10.
Edna Marion (Carlson) Johnson
’45, Yuma, Ariz., age 90, on
July 24.
Dale E. Sturzenegger ’66,
Olympia, Wash., on June 2.
Send us your news and photos
Tell us about the news in your life, your new job, move, marriage, and
births. Don’t forget to send photos! (Digital photos must be at least
300 dpi or a 1MB file.)
For news of a death, printed notice is required, e.g., an obituary,
funeral notice, or program from a memorial service.
Send your news items, photos, or change of address by mail to:
Augsburg Now Class Notes, Augsburg College, CB 146, 2211 Riverside
Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55454, or email alumni@augsburg.edu. You can
also submit news at augsburg.edu/alumni.
_________________________________________________
Full name
_________________________________________________
Maiden name
Suzanne Marie (Lundeen)
Matthews ’69, Minneapolis, age
66, on July 31.
_________________________________________________
Class year or last year attended
George M. Sverdrup ’46, Edina,
Minn., age 88, on September 20.
Christine E. (Hansen) Scott ’70,
Glasgow, Ky., age 64, on
July 24.
_________________________________________________
Street address
Ruth G. (Pederson) Cashman ’47,
Margaretville, N.Y., age 88, on
July 13.
Brian Christian Nielsen ’74,
Cold Spring, Minn., age 60, on
January 3.
Theodore “Ted” LeRoy Anderson
’48, Iowa City, Iowa, age 89, on
April 26.
Mary Jean (Clapp) Overend ’74,
Grand Rapids, Minn., age 85,
on July 21.
_________________________________________________
Home telephone
Calvin Bryan Hanson ’48,
Bellingham, Wash., age 87, on
May 10.
Susan Heidi (Thorkelson) Ryan
’74, Ivanhoe, Minn., age 61, on
July 6.
_________________________________________________
Email
Ravonna Deon (Nelson) Lassle
’48, Sioux Falls, S.Dak., age 86,
on June 30.
Doris Winnifred (Larson) Sunde
’74, Maryville, Tenn., age 86, on
January 4.
Barbara A. (Schindler) Berg ’49,
Janesville, Wis., age 85, on
May 31.
Joseph Rafael Becquer ’85,
Naples, Fla., age 50, on
April 20.
Erling M. Helland ’49, Olmsted
Falls, Ohio, age 87, on April 12.
Kathleen George Tobin ’87,
Minneapolis, age 90, on July 12.
Marilynn Avenell (Halvorson)
Parker ’50, Trempealeau, Wis.,
age 86, on June 2.
Keith Emmet Hanrahan ’89,
Minneapolis, age 53, on May 27.
Wedel Daniel Nilsen ’45, Cape
Girardeau, Mo., age 90, on
July 5.
Joann (Wicklund) Welinski ’50,
Northfield, Minn., age 85, on
July 19.
Harold Roy Schafer ’51, Windsor
Heights, Iowa, age 91, on
August 15.
Eleanor Marian (Landsverk)
Gargrave ’52, Northfield, Minn.,
age 82, on July 24.
Jerome “Jerry” M. Engseth ’53,
Elm Grove, Wis., age 82, on
August 4.
Richard “Dick” John Larson ’54,
Litchfield, Minn., age 80, on
June 1.
26
Ray Stanley Ganyo ’91, Grand
Forks, N.Dak., age 52, on
July 27.
_________________________________________________
City, State, ZIP code
Is this a new address? ❑ Yes ❑ No
Okay to publish your email address? ❑ Yes ❑ No
_________________________________________________
Employer
_________________________________________________
Position
_________________________________________________
Work telephone
Is spouse also a graduate of Augsburg College? ❑ Yes ❑ No
If yes, class year_____________________________________
Jill Marie (Sculthorp) Stich ’96,
Hudson, Wis., age 43, on
May 20.
_________________________________________________
Spouse’s name (include maiden name, if applicable)
Ann Kristin Johnson ’00, St. Paul,
age 49, on July 21.
Your news:
_________________________________________________
Leslie Kathlene Lynch ’04,
Savage, Minn., age 54, on
March 22.
_________________________________________________
Settar M. Altiok ’09, Plymouth,
Minn., age 43, on February 11.
_________________________________________________
❑ I know a student who is interested in attending Augsburg.
Regent Emerita Marie Olive
McNeff, Anoka, Minn., age 76,
on August 23.
Fall 2013
31
IN MEMORIAM
Lifelong teacher.
Pilot.
Regent.
Dean of Academic Affairs.
Mom.
Entrepreneur.
Cook.
These are only a handful of words and titles that describe
Marie Olive McNeff, a dedicated leader in the Augsburg
College community for nearly 40 years, who passed away
August 23 at her home following a yearlong battle with cancer.
McNeff’s commitment to the College crossed all departments, but started in 1968 when she was a member of the
Education Department. McNeff taught for 27 years in the
College’s elementary education, adult undergraduate, and
Master of Arts in Leadership programs.
“Marie’s willingness to think ‘large’ and beyond traditional
bounds and take calculated risks serves as a model for all of
us in the Education Department,” said Vicki Olson, director of
the Master of Arts in Education program, in a 2001 nomination of McNeff for the Spirit of Augsburg Award.
“Always we have been challenged by Marie’s ‘reach for
the stars’ attitude,” Olson said. “She pushed, prodded, and
encouraged us to think large. Sometimes we could, often we
couldn’t. As I grow older, I find that those stars don’t seem
as far away, and that is largely due to the conditioning and
practice that Marie has led me through.”
In 1995, McNeff was appointed vice president of academic affairs and dean of the College. She left this position in
1999 to spend her last year prior to retirement as Augsburg’s
academic master planner, creating a blueprint to implement
the academic provisions of Augsburg 2004, a College vision
document. She was elected to the Board of Regents in 2005
and served in that position until her retirement.
“I became Marie’s student when I arrived at Augsburg
and slowly realized that this remarkable woman did indeed
have the heart of a teacher. She did strive each and every
day to create opportunities for learning—learning that was
grounded in community, learning that was lifelong, learning
that changed lives,” said Augsburg College President Paul C.
Pribbenow in his eulogy for McNeff.
32
26
Augsburg Now
Archive photo
Marie Olive McNeff
“I was invited into her extended classroom, where she
taught me about Augsburg and its deeply held values—about
community and shared leadership and walking the talk. She
taught me about ways in which a small business such as
SarTec can partner with a college like Augsburg to serve our
mutual needs and aspirations. She taught me to dream big
and then give away what you find. She taught me courage and
resilience.”
McNeff’s reach extended into many areas outside of Augsburg, most notably in her commitment to McNeff family businesses where she served in varied roles, including as assistant
to the president at SarTec Corporation, president of McNeff
Research Consultants, and member of the Board of Directors
of Ever Cat Fuels.
It was in her role with SarTec that McNeff’s commitment
to mentoring, leadership, and hospitality was again made
evident. Every day McNeff prepared lunch for employees of
the company. Staff and family would gather in fellowship and
community just upstairs from the offices.
McNeff was a graduate of Genoa High School in Genoa,
Nebr., and earned bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees
in education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. She was
a member of the Anoka United Methodist Church and held a
private pilot’s license.
As an educator, leader, entrepreneur, and philanthropist,
McNeff was deeply committed to the vision for the Center for
Science, Business, and Religion, and the McNeff family is a
great benefactor of the College.
She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother,
LeRoy Rockey. She is survived by her sister, Marece; her husband, Larry; her son, Clayton ’91, and daughter-in-law, Denise;
and three grandchildren: Charles, Alexander, and Bridget.
Memorials may be directed to the Augsburg College Center
for Science, Business, and Religion (augsburg.edu/giving).
An Augsburg Legacy:
Dr. Paul and LaVonne Batalden ’63
Since their graduation in 1963, Paul and LaVonne Batalden
have seen Augsburg grow and change, and—at the same
time—have appreciated the ways in which the College
upholds its founding traditions. The Bataldens attend several
Augsburg events each year, and—as the holiday season
approaches—recognize that the upcoming Advent Vespers
services and on-campus Velkommen Jul celebration play an
integral part in many Auggies’ annual traditions.
We hope you are able to take part in these treasured
Augsburg celebrations. And, whatever your plans,
we wish you a blessed holiday season.
To learn more about Velkommen Jul and
Advent Vespers, go to augsburg.edu/now.
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Twin Cities, MN
Permit No. 2031
2211 Riverside Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55454
Charles S. Anderson Music Hall
This fall, Augsburg renamed its music building the Charles S. Anderson Music Hall to honor the legacy
of the College’s eighth president (see story, page 6). To watch a stop-motion video of the building sign
installation, go to augsburg.edu/now or scan the QR code.
Show less
inside
AUGSBURG NOW
Augsburg Commencement 2013
Student success and achievements
Hybrid teaching and learning
Auggie teachers shape our future
New women’s lacrosse program
SHAPE
oUr
WORLD
SUMMER 2013 | VOL. 75, NO. 3
auGGiEs
Vice President of Marketing
and Communication
NOTES
from P... Show more
inside
AUGSBURG NOW
Augsburg Commencement 2013
Student success and achievements
Hybrid teaching and learning
Auggie teachers shape our future
New women’s lacrosse program
SHAPE
oUr
WORLD
SUMMER 2013 | VOL. 75, NO. 3
auGGiEs
Vice President of Marketing
and Communication
NOTES
from President Pribbenow
Faithful and Relevant
During the past several months, Augsburg’s Board of
Regents has invited the campus community into a
strategic mapping process focused on our priorities
and aspirations leading up to the College’s sesquicentennial in 2019. Fittingly titled “Augsburg 2019,” the
plans emerging from extensive research and conversations are aimed at enabling the College to live into a
vision we have stated this way:
In 2019, Augsburg will be a new kind of studentcentered, urban university, small to our students and
big for the world.
As we have engaged in this important strategic work
for Augsburg, I have been struck by the synergy we
have found between what it means to remain faithful to our core values—our Lutheran faith, the liberal
arts, diversity, and urban life—while at the same time
looking for ways to be relevant in the world—equipping students for lives of meaning and purpose in the
21st century.
Some might note the paradox in such a framework—faithful and relevant—but as good Lutherans,
we know well how to live as people centered in the
gifts of our faith and of service to God’s good creation.
It seems especially fitting that this issue of
Augsburg Now includes a meaningful tribute to
Charles Anderson, who served as Augsburg’s eighth
president from 1980 to 1997, and whose legacy is
very much the foundation for the College’s work today
and in the future.
Chuck Anderson believed deeply in the College’s
Lutheran heritage. He was a tireless advocate for the
liberal arts. And he made the College’s urban setting
an even more central part of its daily life and work.
At the same time, Chuck paid close attention to
the needs of the world. He championed Augsburg’s
ground-breaking Weekend College for adult undergraduates, its Rochester campus, the StepUP®
program for students recovering from addictions,
Rebecca John
rjohn@augsburg.edu
Integrated Communication
Specialist
Laura Swanson
swansonl@augsburg.edu
Creative Director
Kathy Rumpza ’05 MAL
rumpza@augsburg.edu
the CLASS program for students with learning challenges, the Center for Global Education, and the
College’s first graduate programs. Chuck also set
the stage for Augsburg’s commitment to intentional
diversity, a commitment that has been realized in
the increasing diversity of our student body during
the past several years.
Chuck Anderson’s legacy of sustaining Augsburg
as a faithful and relevant institution may be best captured in our new vision statement. He put students at
the center of the College’s life. He cared deeply for the
urban neighborhoods around campus and saw them
as an extension of the classroom. And he watched
over the expansion of Augsburg’s academic programs,
leading to the comprehensive range of undergraduate
and graduate programs that characterize the College’s
academic profile today—the profile of a small university, a new kind of 21st century university.
As this issue of Augsburg Now so powerfully demonstrates, this vision is very much alive and thriving
on campus and around the world today: Keeping students at the center of our lives through scholarships
made possible by the generosity of remarkable alumni
like Milt Kleven ’46. Students and faculty achieving at
the highest level and being recognized nationally and
internationally for their work. Innovative new curricula,
aimed at sustaining Augsburg’s abiding commitment
to face-to-face instruction, while at the same time
using technology to enhance student experiences.
Augsburg’s ground-breaking work to educate teachers
for diverse schools, bringing the best of new classroom
methods together with the College’s strengths in the
sciences and mathematics. And so much more. It is a
great time to be an Auggie!
Augsburg is a new kind of 21st century university.
Small to our students—the reasons we exist—and
big for the world. Thanks for all you do to help keep
Augsburg faithful and relevant.
Senior Creative Associate-Design
Jen Nagorski ’08
nagorski@augsburg.edu
Photographer
Stephen Geffre
geffre@augsburg.edu
Director of News and
Media Services
Stephanie Weiss
weisss@augsburg.edu
Production Manager/Now Online
Mark Chamberlain
chamberm@augsburg.edu
Assistant Vice President
of Advancement
Kim Stone
stonek@augsburg.edu
augsburg.edu
Augsburg Now is published by
Augsburg College
2211 Riverside Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55454
Opinions expressed in Augsburg Now
do not necessarily reflect official
College policy.
ISSN 1058-1545
Send address corrections to:
Advancement Services
CB 142
Augsburg College
2211 Riverside Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55454
langemo@augsburg.edu
Email: now@augsburg.edu
PAUL C. PRIBBENOW, PRESIDENT
summer 2013
AUGSBURG NOW
22
20
36
10
Features
10
20
22
24
Shaping our future
BY WENDI WHEELER ’06 AND
REBECCA JOHN ’13 MBA
Commencement 2013
Success after college
BY WENDI WHEELER ’06
Hybrid learning
BY LAURA SWANSON
Departments
inside
front
cover
Notes from President Pribbenow
2
Around the Quad
9
My Auggie experience
18 The Center for Science, Business, and Religion
19 It takes an Auggie
28 Alumni news
30 Alumni class notes
36 Auggies on the field
9
On the cover
Kassie Benjamin-Ficken ’12, an Augsburg elementary education and math
major, and a member of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, teaches first grade
at Tatanka Academy in Minneapolis. She is one of the seven Auggie teachers
and education alumni featured in “Shaping our future,” page 10.
All photos by Stephen Geffre unless otherwise indicated.
19
quad
around the
Augsburg top-ranked in
Dave Wold named
NATIONAL SCIENCE
FOUNDATION GRANTS
Campus Pastor Emeritus
Augsburg was ranked third in Minnesota for the total dollar
amount awarded in 2012 by the National Science Foundation
(NSF). Augsburg received three awards from NSF last year, totaling more than $1 million. The top two Minnesota NSF grant
recipients are the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities and the
University of Minnesota, Duluth—which means that Augsburg
was the leader in NSF funding among private higher education
institutions in the state. This achievement was highlighted
this past spring in a list published by the Minneapolis/St. Paul
Business Journal.
Auggies had the rare opportunity to go on stage at the Bon Jovi concert this past spring.
The group was interviewed by television stations—including KARE 11, KSTP 5, and
WCCO 4—about their community service, education, and experiences working backstage.
Auggies earn
behind-the-scenes opportunity
on Bon Jovi tour
Six Augsburg College students were given the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get an inside look at the music business when they worked
backstage during the Bon Jovi “Because We Can” tour held in April at
the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. The students were selected for the
band’s Community Service College Campaign based on their community
engagement and leadership. Participants included [pictured L to R]
Alom Martinez Aleman ’13, Andrea Batt ’13, Alexandra Jamieson ’14, James
“Bear” Mahowald ’13, Thu Nguyen ’15, and Morgan Waldorf ’15. The
group got hands-on experience in public relations, media, management,
and ticketing; and took advantage of the opportunity to network with
media and music professionals.
To read more about Auggies backstage at
Bon Jovi, go to augsburg.edu/now.
2
Augsburg Now
Pastor Dave Wold—Augsburg’s pastor
since 1983—retired at the end of the
2012-13 academic year, and, in its May
meeting, the Augsburg College Board
of Regents resolved that he would be
named Campus Pastor Emeritus. Pastor
Dave served faithfully and well for three
decades, ministering in a variety of ways
to individual members of the Augsburg
community and the entire College. His
service in organizing and leading daily
chapel services, his accessibility to all
with spiritual needs, his inimitable style
as announcer for Auggie athletic events,
his leadership of outreach programs such
as the Augsburg High School Basketball
League, his guidance of the annual
Advent Vespers worship services, and his
ubiquitous presence at College events—
especially student events—all of this and
so much more have been Pastor Dave’s
remarkable contributions to Augsburg. A
community-wide celebration of his ministry at Augsburg is being planned for fall.
Excellence
in teaching and learning
The 2013 Distinguished Contribution recipients [L to R]:
Laura Boisen, David Matz, Darcey Engen ’88, and Colin Irvine.
Each year, the Augsburg College faculty recognizes select colleagues with Distinguished
Contributions to Teaching and Learning awards—
acknowledging those who have demonstrated
outstanding support for students through
teaching, advising, and mentoring. The 2013
recipients include:
• For Excellence in Teaching—Colin Irvine,
associate professor of English
• For Excellence in Mentoring and Advising—
Laura Boisen, professor of social work
• For Excellence in Scholarship—Darcey Engen
’88, associate professor of theater arts, and
David Matz, associate professor of psychology
COMMUNITY CELEBRATES
STEPHEN ‘GABE’ GABRIELSEN
The Augsburg College community celebrated the life, music,
and contributions of Professor Emeritus Stephen “Gabe”
Gabrielsen ’63 in an April ceremony at Hoversten Chapel.
Gabe, as he was known to students, staff, and faculty, taught
at Augsburg for 47 years. He is known for his service to the
community as College organist. His majors in music and
religion were the foundation for his vocation, which found
expression in music and faith. He played organ in daily chapel
throughout his time at Augsburg and was organist for 28
Advent Vespers services.
URBAN DEBATE LEAGUE
Minnesota Urban Debate League is affiliated with Augsburg College’s Sabo Center for Citizenship and
Learning. The Center, named for former Congressman Martin Olav Sabo ’59, is home to programs that
foster civic engagement, including Bonner Leaders, Campus Kitchen, the Center for Democracy and
Citizenship, and more.
The Minneapolis Public School District committed to provide Minnesota Urban Debate
League (MNUDL), with funding of $100,000
over a two-year period. The funding, combined with support the program already
has from the St. Paul Public Schools,
means the MNUDL will add seven schools
to its program. MNUDL serves more than
500 middle- and high-school students
in the Twin Cities, and students in the
program have a 100 percent on-time high
school graduation rate.
Summer 2013
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STATE GRANT PROGRAM
Augsburg Day at the Capitol, held in
March, gave students a voice in the
important debate surrounding the
Minnesota State Grant program.
Patrick DuSchane ’13, Augsburg’s
former day student body president,
said the event was a chance to help
ensure that legislators understand
the value of the state grant program
to Augsburg students and their
families. The program is designed
to help make college more affordable to more than 88,000 Minnesota students. In addition to their
visit to the Capitol, students were invited to a post-event reception
with former U.S. Representative Martin Olav Sabo ’59. Earlier in the
legislative session, Ben Yawakie ’13 testified at a committee hearing
on behalf of the Augsburg College community. Rosie Benser ’13 and
Charlie Olson ’13 spoke about
the value to their education
of participating in undergraduate research.
The 2013 Minnesota Campus Compact Presidents’ Awards recognized leaders on the Augsburg campus and in the College’s
surrounding community.
• The Presidents’ Civic Engagement Steward Award went to
Augsburg’s Health Commons programs at Central Lutheran
Church and Dar Ul-Quba. It recognizes those who advance a
campus’s distinctive civic mission by forming strong partnerships, supporting others’ civic engagement, and working to
institutionalize engagement.
• The Presidents’ Student Leadership Award was presented to
Rachel Svanoe ’13 for her commitment to civic responsibility
and leadership.
• The Presidents’ Community Partner Award was presented
to the Brian Coyle Community Center for supporting Augsburg
students’ experiential education.
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Augsburg Now
HIGH-DEMAND TRACK ADDED TO
DOCTORAL NURSING PROGRAM
The Augsburg College Nursing Department added
an innovative, accredited, and high-demand track to
its Doctor of Nursing Practice program to respond to
the evolving needs of nurses, communities, and the
medical industry. The new track, DNP—Family Nurse
Practitioner (FNP), is geared toward preparing students
who already hold their bachelor of science in nursing
to apply for certification as FNPs through the American
Nurses Credentialing Center. It is the second doctoral program offered by Augsburg. The first doctoral
program, the DNP—Transcultural Nursing Leadership,
readies nurses who hold a master’s degree in nursing
for advanced transcultural nursing across care settings
and care systems.
Ensembles perform throughout Turkey
The Augsburg College Concert Band and Augsburg Jazz
delivered their annual Bon Voyage Performance the
day before May Commencement. The two groups then
went on an international tour to perform throughout
Turkey. The groups played in cities including Istanbul,
Izmir, and Bodrum; met in small groups with school
children in grades K-12; and took time to tour destinations including the Blue Mosque and world heritage
site Hagia Sophia, which was built in 537 A.D. as an
Orthodox Christian church. Each year, Augsburg music
ensembles tour and perform both domestically and
internationally. Read the Augsburg Concert Band and
Jazz Tour blog to learn about the full trip:
augsburgmusic.blogspot.com.
Honoring our retired faculty
Marilyn Pearson Florian ’76, assistant
professor of health, physical education,
and exercise science, joined the College
in 1980. She received a master’s from
St. Cloud State University. Along with her
classroom teaching, she served as chair of
her department, head women’s volleyball coach, and, most recently, women’s
athletic director. She has been a strong
advocate for gender equity in athletics
throughout her career.
Garry W. Hesser, professor of sociology
and metro-urban studies and Martin
Olav Sabo Professor of Citizenship and
Learning, started his career at Augsburg
in 1977. He received a bachelor’s from
Phillips University, a Master of Divinity
from Union Theological Seminary, and a
master’s and PhD from the University of
Notre Dame. Hesser played a key role in
the development of the College’s metrourban studies program and the intensive
curriculum for the hybrid Master of Arts in
Leadership (MAL) program. He is recognized nationally as a leader in the field of
experiential education and urban education. His scholarship and accomplishments in these areas reflect the College’s
mission as a “College of the city.”
Kenneth S. Kaminsky, professor of mathematics, began his work at Augsburg in
1987. He received a bachelor’s in mathematics, a master’s in statistics, and a
PhD in statistics from Rutgers, The State
University of New Jersey. Along with his
classroom teaching, Kaminsky is an active
scholar, having published books and
articles in the areas of statistics and financial mathematics. Through a bi-weekly
newsletter and by inviting alumni, industrial mathematicians, and local academics
to speak in the mathematics colloquium
series, Kaminsky keeps mathematics
alumni and current students connected.
Ned D. Kantar, assistant professor of
music, joined the College in 1999. He
received his bachelor’s and master’s
from the University of Minnesota. Before
joining Augsburg, Kantar taught music
to students from elementary school age
through college. Drawing upon his wide
ranging professional experiences that
included performance (jazz and classical),
booking, and production, Kantar brought
to Augsburg the music business degree,
which has grown significantly in both
numbers and innovation, and in which
Kantar taught classes in improvisation,
aural skills, and music business.
Anne M. Kaufman, associate professor of
education, began working at Augsburg
in 1987. She received her bachelor’s,
master’s, and PhD from the University of
Minnesota. Kaufman has been a leader in
secondary social studies teacher preparation at Augsburg College and for the State
of Minnesota. She is the director of the
Paideia Institute at Augsburg and has led
teacher professional development workshops in this area for the past 20 years.
Kaufman has been active in statewide
efforts to set social studies standards and
has been a member of the Minnesota
Board of Teaching.
Laura K. Lazar, assistant professor of
business administration, has worked at
the College since 2005. She received
her bachelor’s from Valparaiso University,
and her MBA and PhD from Indiana
University. Lazar teaches all levels of
accounting in both the undergraduate and
graduate program. She is uniquely gifted
to make this information accessible to
students of all abilities. Along with her
teaching responsibilities, Lazar has served
as the coordinator for the accounting
program and its faculty.
Susan K. Nash, associate professor of
nursing, began teaching at Augsburg in
1977, and in her full-time role in 1998.
She received her bachelor’s, master’s, and
EdD from the University of Minnesota.
Nash received the Augsburg College
Distinguished Contribution to Teaching
and Learning award for Mentoring in
2009. She has been instrumental in
developing a partnership and agreement
with Rochester Community and Technical
College that has introduced hundreds of
students to Augsburg. Nash was one of
the initial architects for the adult learner
programs in nursing on the Minneapolis
campus. Her scholarship has focused on
complexity science in family nursing.
Ronald W. Petrich, assistant professor of
education, began his career at Augsburg
in 1980. He received his bachelor’s from
Augsburg College and his master’s from
United Theological Seminary. Petrich
returned to Augsburg as a member of the
faculty following an extensive career in the
Minneapolis Public School system, giving
him a rich history of hands-on experience
from which to teach his students. Petrich
integrated these experiences in the undergraduate education program and also in
the MAL program, where he examined
the role of the school in modern society
as well as the significance of mentoring
relationships, models of leadership, and
professional development.
David G. Schwain, assistant professor of
business administration, began teaching
at Augsburg in 1995 and five years later
started in his full-time role. He received
his bachelor’s from the University of
Cincinnati and his MBA from Harvard
University. Prior to joining Augsburg,
Schwain had a distinguished career in
general management with more than 15
years in positions at the executive level.
Schwain brought this extensive experience to bear as one of the architects of
Augsburg’s MBA program. For the past
several years, he has coordinated the Clair
and Gladys Strommen Executive Speaker
Series, while teaching marketing classes
in the undergraduate and graduate business programs at Augsburg.
COMPILED BY JUDI GREEN
Summer 2013
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CONVOCATION SERIES 2012-13
The Koryne Horbal Lecture in April
featured Gloria Steinem, a prominent
spokesperson for women’s issues.
Steinem has traveled the globe speaking on the topic of women’s equality,
has led awareness rallies, is author
of six books, and has launched two
magazines including Ms. She spoke
to a packed Hoversten Chapel about
the founding of the women’s movement, the gains made to find equity
for all people, and areas in which
improvement still must be realized. In
addition to Steinem’s talk, recipients
of the Women’s Resource Center’s
Courageous Woman Award (CWA) were
acknowledged at the lecture. Recipients
included Kristina Monje ’14 and Bo
Thao-Urabe, a long-time advocate for
Hmong women, children, and refugee
families. The CWA recognizes women
who strive for social justice and peace
on campus or in the community.
Strommen
Executive Speaker Series
Augsburg College welcomed HealthPartners
CEO Mary K. Brainerd, a national leader
known for her business acumen and unwavering commitment to the community, as a
featured presenter in the Clair and Gladys
Strommen Executive Speaker Series in
April. Brainerd, who spoke on the topic of
health care reform, is the president and
chief executive officer of Minnesota-based
HealthPartners—the largest, consumer-governed, nonprofit health care organization in
the United States.
The Sverdrup Visiting Scientist Lecture
in April featured Harvard University
Professor David Weitz who talked
about the everyday physics involved
in cooking food. Weitz explored with
attendees the manners in which foods
change during cooking as a way to
illustrate scientific processes. The
annual Sverdrup Visiting Scientist lecture series brings renowned scientists
to campus to share their expertise with
the Augsburg community, the College’s
aspiring scientists, and members of
the larger scientific community.
Augsburg welcomes new Provost/Chief Academic Officer
In July, Augsburg College welcomed Karen L. Kaivola as provost and chief academic
officer. Kaivola serves in a key leadership position as the second in command to
Augsburg College President Paul C. Pribbenow.
Kaivola has wide-ranging responsibilities, including working with faculty, administration, and the Board of Regents to implement the College’s strategic vision; providing oversight of the accreditation process, as well as planning, development, and
administration of the academic program for graduate, undergraduate, and international programs; academic budgeting; and leadership of and advocacy for the faculty.
She most recently served as the associate provost for faculty development and
J. Ollie Edmunds Chair in English at Stetson University in DeLand, Fla. She holds
a master’s and a PhD in English from the University of Washington and a bachelor’s
degree in English from Georgetown University.
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Augsburg Now
cElEBraTIng
student success
Scholarships and fellowships
Augsburg students earned a range of prestigious accolades
during spring semester. Some of the awards include the
following:
Allison Zank ’14
Kayla Johnson ’13
• FULBRIGHT SCHOLARS: Kayla Johnson ’13 and Emily Jensen ’08
were awarded English teaching assistantships. Johnson,
who graduated with degrees in biology and mathematics,
will teach in Taiwan. She plans to attend medical school in
the future. Jensen, who earned her bachelor’s in international relations and peace and global studies, will teach in
the Czech Republic. Jensen has worked in the Minnesota
State Senate and House of Representatives, most recently
as a research director. She hopes to pursue a master’s
in social work and public policy following her year as a
Fulbright Scholar. In 2010-11, Augsburg was recognized
as a top producer of Fulbright students by The Chronicle of
Higher Education.
• GILMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS: Four Auggies
received Gilman International Scholarships from the U.S.
State Department to study overseas this summer and fall.
Celia Hernandez Payan ’13 traveled this summer to Amman,
Jordan, while Mariam Ali ’15, Darius Sean Gray ’14, and
Magaly Ortiz ’13 will study abroad this coming fall. Thirty
Auggies have been awarded this prestigious scholarship since
fall 2008.
• GOLDWATER SCHOLARSHIP: Allison Zank ’14, who is studying chemistry, received a Barry Goldwater Scholarship.
Ashley Waters ’14
This $7,500 award is given to students from throughout
the United States who excel in STEM (science, technology,
engineering, and math) disciplines and who plan to work
in a STEM field upon graduation. Zank is Augsburg’s first
female Goldwater Scholar and one of only eight students
in Minnesota to receive the award. Augsburg’s Ashley
Waters ’14 was recognized for her outstanding scholarship when she was named one of seven Minnesotans to
receive an Honorable Mention in the Goldwater Scholarship
competition.
• KEMPER SCHOLARS PROGRAM: Keisha Barnard ’16, who is
studying sociology and international relations, was named
the College’s third Kemper Scholar. Students in the prestigious Kemper program receive academic scholarships and
stipends to cover the costs of two summer internships in
major nonprofit and for-profit organizations. Augsburg is
one of only 16 U.S. liberal arts colleges with the Kemper
Scholars Program distinction.
• NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION GRADUATE RESEARCH
FELLOWSHIP: Joe Buchman ’13, who graduated with majors
in chemistry and biology, received a National Science
Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship that will provide
$40,500 each year for the first three years of his doctoral
study in chemistry. The selection of these fellows is very
competitive and is based on the viability of the student’s
proposed research.
Summer 2013
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cElEBraTIng
student success
Student research awards
and achievements
STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN ZYZZOGETON
2013: More than 70 Auggies presented
their research in the annual poster
session, Zyzzogeton. The spring event
is an opportunity to celebrate student
research, creativity, and scholarship.
The festival is sponsored by the McNair
Scholars Program, the Office of Undergraduate Research and Graduate Opportunity, and the Louis Stokes Alliance for
Minority Participation.
POSTERS ON THE HILL: Three Augsburg
College students were recognized
for outstanding research at Posters
on the Hill in Washington, D.C. This
highly competitive annual celebration of student research, sponsored
by the U.S. Council on Undergraduate
Research, featured the work of only 60
students out of a pool of more than 800
applicants.
Brianna Noland ’13, a mathematical economics major, was selected to present
her research on college loans and firstyear retention in Washington, D.C., to
members of Congress and congressional
staff. She also met with U.S. Sens. Al
Franken and Amy Klobuchar, both of
Minnesota.
Samantha Cantrall ’14, a communication
studies major, received an Honorable
Mention, ranking within the top 80
applicants, for her investigation of the
influence of hip hop on the Arab Spring.
Megan Rich ’13, a biology alumna and
Master of Arts in Education student,
also received an Honorable Mention.
She studied ways to reduce the growth
of soybean pathogens.
Auggies conduct
off-campus research
At least a dozen Augsburg students are
spending their summer doing off-campus research at locations throughout the
United States as well as on the European and African continents.
• Katherine Aleman ’14, psychology,
research intern at Mayo Clinic
• Elianna Bier ’14, physics, National
Institute of Standards and Technology
• Eric Bowman ’14,
biology and chemistry,
University of Nebraska
• Emma Capman ’14,
physics, University
of Maryland Robotics
Center
Brianna Noland ’13 [at left] met with U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn.
[center], when Noland was in Washington, D.C., to present her research at
Posters on the Hill. Noland traveled with Stella K. Hofrenning [at right],
associate professor of economics.
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Augsburg Now
• Haley Diem ’13,
environmental studies, field research in
Tanzania on sustainable
agriculture
• Kirubel Frew ’14, chemistry, Johns
Hopkins University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology
• Ben Grant ’14, physics, Colorado
School of Mines National Renewable
Energy Lab
• Anna Herauf ’14, biology and chemistry, North Dakota State University’s
program for research on prairies
• Dan Kornbaum ’14, physics, Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic, and
Geospace Sciences Research Experiences for Undergraduates at University of Michigan
• Marie-Aimee Ntawkulityayo ’14, international relations, research in Belgium on ethnic identity and conflict in
the Kivu Region of Eastern Congo
• Promise Okeke ’15, biology, Johns
Hopkins University Malaria Research
Institute
• Casey Powell ’15, biology, University
of Minnesota Plant Pathology Lab
• Emily Rutten ’14, biopsychology and
psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
• Rachel Shaheen ’15, biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine
and Public Health
• Ryan Sullivan ’14, computational
philosophy, Carnegie-Mellon University Summer Workshop on Cognitive
Science and Epistemology
my
auggie
experience
Janice Murphy Gladden—
an Auggie All-Star
When it came time for Janice Murphy
Gladden ’14 to think about returning to
college, she found herself taking advice
from her college-aged daughter.
Several decades earlier, while studying at a junior college in Cupertino, Calif.,
she and Dan Gladden met. The two later
would marry.
She would leave school to focus on
being a wife and mother, and also would
work to support the family. She would put
on hold the education her father urged her
to pursue while her husband developed
his baseball-playing career, going from an
amateur free agent to a major league star.
“It was one of those things where Dan
had the opportunity,” she said. “Someone
needed to work. It’s worked out really well,
and we’ve been very fortunate.”
Dan would become a champion
left- and center-fielder for the Minnesota
Twins, a core part of the dream teams that
propelled the Twins to victory in two World
Series.
A couple of years ago, Gladden
decided that the time was right for her to
return to college to finish what she started
some 30 years ago. She talked with and
listened to one of her two daughters,
Whitney Nicole Gladden ’12.
“My daughter had such a great experience at Augsburg,” Gladden said, “so she
encouraged me to visit.”
Gladden met with an admissions
counselor, and said she was hooked from
the very beginning—even though the
idea of again being in the classroom was
daunting. Augsburg faculty and staff supported her and made easier her transition
to life as a college student in communications studies, she said.
“I thought I’d be on my own, navigating this journey,” Gladden said. “But
there are so many ways to access services
and help and to be connected.
“I feel valued in class. My thoughts
matter, my opinions matter,” she said.
“As adult learners, we kick around our
experiences, and I get to hear from people
at Medtronic and Target and other places.
I’m more well-rounded.”
In addition to benefitting from the
experiences shared by her peers, Gladden
said her Augsburg education has helped
her develop valuable workplace tools
including stronger interpersonal and nonverbal communication skills that she is
using in her career. For 18 years, she has
worked for Target Corp. in the financial
and retail services division.
While Gladden chose on her own
to return to college, she also said the
decision was made easier because her
company encourages employees to continue to develop and supports pursuit of
education. But perhaps one of the biggest
influences stretches back through the
decades to her days as a child growing up
in California.
“My father would be so proud, so
proud I stuck to it, no matter my age,”
she said. “Education was the biggest
deal to him. It’s what I remember him
emphasizing when I was little: ‘Education.
Education. Education.’”
Gladden is less than a year away from
finishing her undergraduate degree, and is
thinking about what is next in her life. She
said her positive experience at Augsburg
has her pondering a graduate degree.
“I love Augsburg. I love the vibe. I like
the peer networks. I like that it is small
enough that even after 30 years I could
find a way to come back,” she said. “I’m
thinking now about getting a master’s
degree at Augsburg. I’d love to teach.”
WENDI WHEELER ’06 AND STEPHANIE WEISS
Summer 2013
9
Shaping our future
“TO PREPARE AMERICANS FOR THE JOBS OF THE FUTURE…
WE HAVE TO OUT-EDUCATE THE WORLD.”
—WHITEHOUSE.GOV
10
Augsburg Now
BY WENDI WHEELER ’06 AND
REBECCA JOHN ’13 MBA
The programs in Augsburg’s Education
Department prepare teachers—
at both the undergraduate and graduate levels—to meet our national education challenge.
The U.S. government recognizes that “the strength of the American economy is inextricably linked to the strength of [our] education system,” which means “America’s ability to
compete begins each day, in classrooms across the nation.”
Auggie teachers and education alumni are leading these classrooms, improving education outcomes, and shaping our future. They are igniting student interest in math and
science, educating an increasingly diverse youth population, bringing global perspectives
and learning into the classroom, and leveraging new technologies and teaching practices
to enhance learning. The following are just a few examples of the ways Auggie teachers
and education alumni are leading the advancement of education in our schools.
Cutting-edge science research for
middle and high school students
When Dan Forseth ’08 was a student at Augsburg, he spent
many hours in the lab with associate professor of physics Ben
Stottrup. It was Stottrup, he said, who helped him realize he
wanted to be a teacher. “He taught me how to make things
work with what you have,” Forseth said.
Today Forseth uses that lesson in his own classroom to
excite students about science and to inspire the next generation of teachers. He teaches biology, physical science,
and robotics at St. Paul Preparatory School, an international
college-preparation program in St. Paul. He said he enjoys
teaching because he loves the transformation when students
grasp a difficult concept after struggling with it. “When they
get it, seeing that light bulb turn on for them is very exciting.”
During the summer of 2012, Forseth was one of six
teachers who participated in a research program at Augsburg
funded by a grant from the Margaret A. Cargill Foundation.
The program paired Augsburg undergraduate science education students studying to be secondary teachers with current
science teachers. The teams conducted college-level research,
which was supervised by Augsburg faculty, and developed
curricula to adapt science projects for middle and secondary
school classrooms.
The Augsburg education students in the program learned
about the practical realities of teaching from their interactions
with current teachers, Forseth said. “And teachers like me
were revitalized by the opportunity to work in new labs and
develop new and different topics for our classes.”
Along with engaging in scientific research, participants
had opportunities to expand their scientific professional
networks through conversations and workshops with scientists in the workplace and college science faculty, said Tracy
Bibelnieks, Augsburg associate professor of mathematics
and director of the Margaret A. Cargill Foundation grant.
Summer 2013
11
“Feedback from last year’s participants was very positive.”
she said. “We are looking forward to building on that experience to continue developing ways that cutting-edge research
and engaging experiences can be integrated into 9th- through
12th-grade STEM (science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics) classrooms.”
Forseth will participate in the program again this summer,
working with Augsburg faculty to create a website to share
materials produced in the program with 9th- to 12th-grade
STEM teachers across the state. “This program provides an
opportunity for Augsburg students pursuing secondary STEM
licensure to learn from experienced science teachers and
helps current teachers integrate more research and authentic
learning experiences into their classrooms,” he said.
Teaching in a diverse world
When Will Ruffin ’13 MAE moved from California to North
Dakota to attend college, he left his little brother behind. “He
struggled in school. I was the smart older brother who wasn’t
there for him, and that always bothered me,” Ruffin said. It’s
the memory of leaving his brother that today drives Ruffin to
make a personal connection with each of his students.
For Kassie Benjamin-Ficken ’12, it’s her ability to relate
to the experiences of first-generation and minority-culture
12
Augsburg Now
students that has strengthened her connections with her students. “As a first generation student, I think it’s easier for me
to explain to my students why it’s important to get an education,” she said.
Ruffin and Benjamin-Ficken are examples of Auggie
teachers working in increasingly multicultural communities—
where the ability to connect with students of diverse backgrounds is critical to student success.
Despite his passion for teaching, Ruffin didn’t begin his
career in education. He first completed a bachelor’s and a
master’s degree in business and began working for a retail
company in southern Minnesota. Then one of his customers—
a teacher—asked if Ruffin would volunteer at his school
because the teacher wanted a strong, black, male role model
to work with his students. “There was just something about
being with kids that hooked me,” Ruffin said, “and I fell in
love with teaching.”
Ruffin became a substitute teacher and eventually was
teaching full time, so he decided to attend Augsburg to pursue
a master’s degree in education. For the past five years, he has
been teaching fifth grade at Riverside Central Elementary in
Rochester, Minn.
For many students, Ruffin is the first black teacher and
the first male teacher they have had, so he takes seriously
his responsibility to be a role model in a community that is
increasingly more ethnically and culturally diverse. Judging by
the drawings and awards posted by students on his classroom
walls, and by the former students who often stop in at Riverside
to visit, Ruffin is making a difference in students’ lives.
As a student himself, Ruffin said, he was quiet and
seldom participated in class discussions. As a teacher and
leader, however, he’s learned that his voice is important. “I
know I have a lot to share, and I can enrich others’ experiences through my own,” he said. “I can’t be a leader and be
silent. I have a perspective that too often is lost or overlooked,
and I need to share that.”
Benjamin-Ficken, a member of the Mille Lacs Band of
Ojibwe, also embraces the opportunity to bring her cultural
perspective into the classroom. “My culture teaches that you
are on this Earth to help others,” she said. “Education is how
I can make a difference.”
At Augsburg, Benjamin-Ficken double majored in elementary education and math. This July, she completed her first
year at Tatanka Academy in Minneapolis, where 13 of her 14
first-grade students were Native American.
In working with students from minority populations,
Benjamin-Ficken strives to instill in them the belief that
they can—and should—excel in school, especially in STEM
fields where populations of color and females are significantly
underrepresented. For example, this past spring, BenjaminFicken celebrated “Pi Day” (which falls on March 14, or
3/14, representing the first three digits in the mathematical
constant, pi) with her students. A self-professed “math nerd,”
Benjamin-Ficken believes that these types of classroom experiences will help her students see math as a subject they can
succeed in and, potentially, choose to pursue in their lives.
Augsburg’s focus on urban education and teaching in a
multicultural classroom were an important part of her educational experience, Benjamin-Ficken said. “My education
studies at Augsburg really taught me to reflect,” she said.
“Taking time to ask what went well [in class], what didn’t, and
whether you reached every student—that’s what makes you a
better teacher.”
NATIONAL RECOGNITION
Since 2004, five Augsburg education graduates have received the prestigious Milken Award for Excellence
in Teaching. This award provides public recognition and financial awards to elementary and secondary
education professionals. Only 30 Milken Awards are given annually across the United States.
Summer 2013
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KATE WOOLEVER ’11
14
Augsburg Now
Bringing global issues and perspectives
into the classroom
Teaching and traveling are more than passions for Kate
Woolever ’11—they are vital to her own education as a citizen
of the world. As a studio art and education major at Augsburg,
Woolever combined her interests into a career that today
allows her to continue her own education and to provide
meaningful learning experiences for her students.
Woolever’s mother, father, and brother are teachers, so
it’s no surprise that she also chose to become a teacher.
“Teaching is completely a part of my life,” she said. “For me
it’s about service to others.”
Woolever came to Augsburg because she wanted to
teach in an inner city or international school, and she felt
Augsburg’s program would best prepare her for that career. As
a student, Woolever took advantage of opportunities to study
abroad through the College’s Center for Global Education. She
studied in Namibia, Thailand, and Ghana, where she completed her student teaching. She said she has always “traveled
with a purpose,” using travel to learn about others by experiencing their lives firsthand.
After she became an art teacher at St. Paul Preparatory
School in the Twin Cities, Woolever had another opportunity
to travel and teach abroad. She was one of five U.S. teachers
selected to participate in a program through World Savvy and
the U.S. State Department. With 30 U.S. high school students, she studied the environmental, social, economic, and
political impacts of climate change in Bangladesh. The group
spent one month living with host families while participating
with Bangladeshi students in research and service projects.
Woolever lived in the Rayer Bazar slum located on the
edge of the capital city of Dhaka—the fastest growing city in
the world. She interviewed and photographed climate refugees
who had moved to the city from outlying areas because the
flooded coastal lands are uninhabitable and the soil is too
saline-contaminated to support crops.
“These climate refugees now live in indescribable squalor,” Woolever said. “There are a thousand people per square
kilometer living in Rayer Bazar; 100 people sharing three
open gas flames for cooking and a single squat toilet.”
This experience, Woolever said, made her more aware
of the global effects of climate change and emphasized the
importance of spreading the word. “The guilt I felt—coming from my bountiful country and witnessing these people’s
atrocious living conditions—constantly tugged at me, and I
needed to find a way to respond.”
One way Woolever responded was to turn her photos and
stories into a traveling exhibit, which she hopes to show at
numerous venues across the state. This past March, her work
was displayed in Augsburg’s student art gallery in Old Main;
the exhibit then was shown in the Pelican Rapids (Minn.)
Library during May and June.
Because of her experiences in Rayer Bazar, Woolever also
is committed to finding ways to incorporate real-world issues
into her classroom. The Bangladeshi trip was a stark lesson in
how much we consume and how wasteful we are as a culture,
Woolever said. Education, at the very least, “is not something
we should take for granted.”
To see samples of the photos and stories from Woolever’s studies
in Rayer Bazar, Bangladesh, go to augsburg.edu/now.
Flipped classrooms: Creating studentfocused learning environments
Most of the time, a noisy middle school classroom doesn’t
seem like a productive learning environment. But, when
the classroom is “flipped,” noise is a sign that students are
engaged in the learning process and working constructively
with each other.
Tara Martinson ’09 MAE leads a lively seventh-grade
INNOVATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAMS
In 2009, the Margaret A. Cargill Foundation awarded Augsburg more than $400,000 in support of its
teacher preparation programming. Augsburg was one of only four Minnesota colleges receiving these
grant funds. Augsburg also participates in the Network for Excellence in Teaching (NExT) and is one of six
private colleges in the Twin Cities working to improve teacher education through the Twin Cities Teacher
Collaborative (TC2), made possible by major funding from the Bush Foundation.
The College also gives education majors an opportunity to engage elementary school children in the
sciences through Girls in Engineering, Math, and Science (GEMS) and Guys in Science and Engineering
(GISE), two summer programs held on the campus.
Spring 2013
15
pre-algebra class at Central Middle School in Eden Prairie,
Minn. The reason for all the activity is that Martinson uses
the flipped learning model of instruction. With this particular
method, students listen to an online lecture at home and complete a “note sheet”—a structured note-taking guide—on the
lesson. The next day in class, students spend the majority of
their time in “hands-on” learning exercises, working out practice problems and completing small group activities. Students
can ask each other for help and are required to check their
work with Martinson.
Martinson, who has taught middle school math for five
years, flipped her classes in January 2012 after learning about
the method at the 2011 Education Technology Conference
hosted by TIES, the St. Paul-based education technology training organization. During the winter break, she recorded lectures
and set up the resources for her classes and then introduced
the model to her students at the start of the new term.
With flipped learning, Martinson said her students are
more engaged because the responsibility for learning the
material rests with them. “Before [flipping the class format],
I typically would lecture for 35 minutes, and the students
would have the last 10 minutes of class to start their assignment,” Martinson said. “Then, if a student got lost, they
would just shut down. Now there is a much higher level of
engagement and retention.”
Flipped learning changes education from a teachercentered classroom to a student-focused learning environment, said Kari Arfstrom ’89, executive director of the Flipped
Learning Network, a nonprofit organization dedicated to
providing educators with the knowledge, skills, and resources
With research support from George Mason University and sponsored by Pearson, the Flipped
Learning Network this summer released the first comprehensive literature review on the flipped
learning model. The full-length literature review, along with an executive summary and white
paper, are available to download for free at flippedlearning.org/research.
16
Augsburg Now
TARA MARTINSON ’09 MAE
to successfully implement flipped learning.
“When I went to school,” Arfstrom said, “it was the
teacher who was imparting information to the student. Now
the students are leading and determining what they need.”
This model makes students more accountable because the
teacher has an opportunity to talk with them every day,
Arfstrom said.
With flipped learning, teacher interaction with students
increases dramatically, said Taylor Pettis ’03, ’09 MAE, senior
manager of marketing communications at Minneapolis-based
Sophia Learning, which has worked with thousands of teachers to create flipped classrooms. “One of the teachers we
worked with said his feet hurt after class because he’s walking up and down the aisles so much more.”
Teachers also have a greater opportunity to provide differentiated instruction to each student when they use a flipped
learning model, Pettis said. This customized, student-centered attention leads to improved student learning. “Eightyfive percent of teachers we work with report improved grades
in their flipped classes.”
For Martinson, the benefits go beyond improved performance in class. In the flipped environment, she said,
students learn social skills, relationship building, and selfadvocacy—abilities that will serve them well in high school,
in college, and beyond.
STATE FUNDING TO EXPAND THE DIVERSITY OF
MINNESOTA’S TEACHER WORKFORCE
In May, the State of Minnesota approved legislation granting
Augsburg College nearly $400,000 over the next two years
to launch the East African teacher preparation program.
The new Augsburg EAST (East African Students to Teachers) initiative will provide scholarships, academic support,
and service learning opportunities for East African students
who are education majors at Augsburg’s Minneapolis and
Rochester campuses.
The number of East African students in K-12 public
schools is growing in many communities throughout
Minnesota. School systems are challenged to meet the
needs of these students, many of whom are the first in their
families to receive education in the United States.
Augsburg’s strong relationships with the Somali and East
African communities and its successful record of teaching
East African education majors, in both Minneapolis and
Rochester, make it uniquely qualified to lead this initiative.
Every year
, more than 600 Auggies are enrolled in education degree
programs at Augsburg’s Minneapolis and Rochester campuses. About 250 of those
students are undergraduates—of all ages—pursuing bachelor’s degrees in education.
The remaining 350 are enrolled in the College’s Master of Arts in Education program,
which provides training for professionals to begin a career in teaching or for current
teachers to obtain additional licenses or endorsements. Every day, these Auggie educators—both in and outside of the classroom—are preparing our children to live and
grow in our increasingly diverse, globally connected, and technologically sophisticated
world. They are, literally, shaping our future potential.
Summer 2013
17
THE CENTER FOR
SCIENCE, BUSINESS, AND RELIGION
Expanding undergraduate research
THE CENTER FOR SCIENCE, BUSINESS, AND RELIGION at Augsburg College
will bring together the study of global business, advanced science and
technology, and religion and the search for meaning into a first-of-its-kind
education center.
The Center will house classrooms, labs, and key Augsburg initiatives, including programs that support our success in undergraduate
research. It will enable Augsburg to accommodate a greater number and
larger scope of year-round research projects across disciplines—the kind
of long-term educational projects that help students gain 21st-century
problem-solving skills.
The tremendous impact of these research programs is evidenced
by the growing number of students who leverage the robust, hands-on
skills they learned in their on-campus experiences to obtain off-campus
research positions and continue to graduate programs. Augsburg students
are sought after by institutions such as the Massachusetts Institute of
Technology, the Mayo Clinic, the University of Maryland Robotics Center,
and many other organizations. (See more examples on page 8.)
We know that Augsburg’s faculty-led research makes a profound difference in the educational experience of our students—and, through their
work, will shape advancements in science, technology, and other fields
across the globe. The Center for Science, Business, and Religion (CSBR)
is a fitting manifestation of our commitment to the growth of this work.
18
Augsburg Now
it takes an
auggie
Leading the way for others
ALUMNI ENGAGE IN SUPPORT OF THE CENTER FOR SCIENCE, BUSINESS, AND RELIGION
“We know what a difference the
generosity of others made for us. Truly,
it was the acts of strangers, other
Augsburg leaders, whose gifts provided
foundational support for the College,
before our times here. It’s our turn.”
So said Wayne Jorgenson ’71, as
he and Christopher Ascher ’81 met
recently on campus to help plan a
series of Alumni Leadership Summits
for their classmates from the decades
of the ’70s and ’80s.
“Those early gifts from alumni and
friends of the College made it possible
for each of us to experience a great
Augsburg education,” Ascher said.
“We are convinced. Now is our time to
make the investment and help open
doors for others.”
Both Jorgenson and Ascher know
some things about good investments
through their accomplishments in the
field of finance. Jorgenson has applied
his business degree from Augsburg,
now serving as senior vice president of
investments at UBS Financial Services
in Bloomington, Minn. Ascher, a finance
major with a psychology minor, also
played on the Augsburg soccer team.
Ascher now leads and manages the
wealth management office for Morgan
Stanley, also in Bloomington, Minn.
“We are convinced. Now is our
time to make the investment
and help open doors for others.”
Both men chose to step up,
inspired by the message of CSBR
Campaign Chair Mike Good ’71 to
“Believe.” By first making their own
leadership gifts in support of the
building, and then by chairing their
respective Alumni Leadership Summits
and $1 million class challenges,
they are adding their enthusiasm and
leadership to the cause. Their goal
is to ensure the success of the effort
to build a new Center for Science,
Business, and Religion at the very
heart of the Augsburg campus.
“We both see this building as the
essential next step in the College’s
development. No other campus we
know has created such an exciting
intersection of disciplines—science,
business, and religion—to serve students and forge a pathway to a better
future for us all,” Jorgenson said.
Watch for updates on the Alumni
Leadership Summits in future alumni
communications.
CATHERINE REID DAY
Wayne Jorgenson ’71 [left] and Christopher Ascher ’81 [right].
Summer 2013
19
INTRODUCING
AUGSBURG’S
NEWEST ALUMNI
The graduating class of 2013 added more than
700 Auggies—from our undergraduate, graduate,
and doctoral programs—to the College’s alumni
ranks. This brings the total number of alumni to
more than 28,000 people living in all 50 states
and 57 countries around the world.
We Are Called | Auggies!
INFORMED CITIZENS
The 2013 Augsburg College Commencement theme—
“informed citizens”—was inspired by the College’s
mission statement.
“To me, an informed citizen is someone—in any profession, living out any vocation—who seeks information, digests it, and vigorously participates in society
by putting their knowledge to a good, collective use.
It means that we are prepared to inform, encourage
and uplift people to make a difference for themselves and for the world we live in.”
— MARY GODI ’13, MAY COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER
To see additional photos, read Commencement
addresses, or watch ceremony videos from May
and June, go to augsburg.edu/now.
20
Augsburg Now
May 4, 2013
June 23, 2013
Summer 2013
21
auggies
ARE ACHIEVERS
Each year, Augsburg College mints hundreds of new graduates who
go on to continued education in graduate schools and workplaces
across the nation. Preparing students for success is a key part of
an Augsburg education and central to the College’s mission of educating students to be informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers, and responsible leaders. Here’s a snapshot of facts
and figures—and student stories—that show how recent Auggie
graduates are having an impact early in their careers.
SUCCESS AFTER COLLEGE
COMPILED BY WENDI WHEELER ’06
Each year, more than
100 employers
60%
visit campus to recruit students
or to participate in career-related events
More than
OF AUGSBURG STUDENTS
including Fairview Riverside Hospitals
and Clinics, the federal government,
KDV consulting, KPMG, Target Corp.,
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans™, and
Twin Cities television and radio stations
More than
ENGAGE IN INTERNSHIPS and major-related work with
business, non-profit, and government employers,
gaining professional experience before graduation
90%
OF AUGSBURG STUDENTS
are fully employed or enrolled in graduate school
within 18 months of graduation
LAURIE BARGER ’13
Associate Analyst—Merchandising and Business Intelligence,
Target Corporation
At Augsburg: Mathematics and Spanish major, played on the women’s
soccer team, studied abroad in Mexico and Cuba, tutored for the
Mathematics Department, volunteered at a local social service agency
doing taxes for low-income families, member of the Augsburg Business
Association
“From the moment I stepped on campus, I knew that Augsburg was
going to give me the drive, motivation, and opportunities I would need
to become successful. Through networking and community involvement, making strong relationships with my professors and peers, as
well as being educated in a high-level, real-world environment, I was
able to build a résumé that made me stand out from everyone else.
With the help of the Strommen Center and my professors, I was able to
confidently take what I had learned and comfortably transition from a
full-time student and intern to a full-time employee.”
22
Augsburg Now
The CLAIR AND GLADYS
STROMMEN CENTER FOR
MEANINGFUL WORK provides
individualized assistance with
choosing a major, finding an
internship, writing résumés,
developing interviewing skills,
attending job fairs,
and helping students
find meaningful work
after college
JOHANNA FRYKMARK KITZMAN ’10
EDI implementation analyst,
SPS Commerce
JENS OLSON ’10
Medical student, University of Minnesota
Medical School
At Augsburg: Double major in international business and business management, Honors program, co-captain
of women’s golf team, worked in the
alumni relations office
At Augsburg: Biology major, Honors
program, did research related to asthma
and presented at a national conference,
first-year orientation leader, studied abroad
in Vietnam, volunteered and worked at
hospitals, was a Fulbright English Teaching
Assistant in Vietnam
“When I moved from Sweden to begin
school at Augsburg, it was the first
time I had set foot in the U.S. The
international student staff, my golf
coach, my team, and my professors all
helped me get past my homesickness
and establish friendships. Thanks to
their support, I finished my degree
and today I am happily married, am
working in the city, and own my very
own American house in the suburbs.”
“Augsburg’s emphasis on service and
openness to all members of our world community not only aligned with my beliefs but
helped me develop and shape myself into
who I am today. The experiences I had at
Augsburg and the relationships I developed
with staff and faculty helped me decide
that I wanted to serve others as a doctor
and then get into medical school—definitely an accomplishment I am proud of.”
Graduates from the class of 2012
SECURED FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT
with organizations including:
3M, Advanced Medical Electronics, Air Force Research Labs,
Ameriprise Financial, Cargill, Comcast, Dart Transitt Company,
Com
Delfi Technologies Inc., Delta Airlines, Hennepin County,
t
Marriott, the Mayo Clinic, the Minnesota Department of
Revenue, Minnesota Twins, Piper Jaffray, Prudential, Regions
Hospital, Robert Half Technology, Robotics Redefined Inc.,
Sherwin-Williams, Target Corp., Teach for America, Thomson
Reuters, University of Minnesota, and Wells Fargo
KATHLEEN WATSON ’12
Editorial assistant at a GLBT
media company that produces a
bi-monthly magazine, web content,
international news, and podcasts/
entertainment
At Augsburg: Double major in theater
arts and English, Honors program, Honors house president, did
research on dramaturgy, member of
Feminist Collective
“My experience at Augsburg College
allowed me to not only create a successful and fulfilling career—
it allowed me to embrace and love
who I am and use my talents and
skills to work for a community I
believe in. My job truly feels like my
vocation: I’m using my gifts to meet
a need in a community I advocate
for and support.”
Spring 2013
23
LEARNING
or Lisa Benjamin ’06, ’12, the possibility of going back to school
was appealing, but finding time to spend in a classroom was
challenging.
In 2010, Benjamin sought a license to teach in Minnesota and to
sharpen her skills in American Indian student instruction—a field
she has been passionate about since her youth. But, like many of
Augsburg’s non-traditional learners, Benjamin had the busy schedule
and family responsibilities of a working adult.
That’s why a unique Augsburg College program that takes
advantage of the strengths of both classroom and web-based learning environments—called hybrid or blended learning—offered an
ideal opportunity. Courses delivered in a hybrid format combine
traditional face-to-face components and online learning activities to
optimize student engagement.
F
24
Augsburg Now
BY LAURA SWANSON
Students will earn degrees
through combination of online
and in-person instruction
“I thought the Augsburg program was a perfect match for
what I was working toward,” Benjamin said. “I liked the fact
that a partially online course meant I didn’t have to go into
school every weekend or every day. My son was 3 years old,
and I didn’t want to be away from him all the time.”
By taking advantage of the strengths of a hybrid program
structure, Benjamin met her teaching licensure goal and
joined a tight-knit community.
“The other students were a remarkable, supportive group
of people,” she said. “I got to learn from them and their
experience.”
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF HYBRID LEARNING
Augsburg historically has offered only select hybrid classes.
However, beginning this fall, the College will expand the num-
ber of courses offered in a blended format.
Augsburg will launch a hybrid instruction model for a
significant number of graduate and adult undergraduate
courses at its Minneapolis and Rochester campuses, shifting
approximately half of students’ course contact time to a webbased format. Students in these blended courses will follow a
schedule in which in-classroom meetings and online instruction alternate every other week.
Augsburg already employs a variety of approaches to
hybrid instruction, and the proportion of in-class versus online
course contact time varies from program to program based
on student demographics. For example, Augsburg’s Master of
Arts in Leadership and Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
programs offer a low-residency schedule in which one- or
multi-week intensive face-to-face sessions are paired with
Summer 2013
25
“Many organizations are finding out that, where possible, combining
face-to-face meetings with work in an online environment increases
student satisfaction, student learning, and retention when compared to a
course that’s offered solely online.”
online coursework completed throughout the term.
The new initiative to expand hybrid program offerings
with an every-other-week format is based on recommendations made following multi-year studies through which faculty,
staff, and administrators identified how the College could best
further its tradition of delivering high-quality, face-to-face
instruction; integrate technology into programs for non-traditional students; align with the changing demands of the adult
education market; and satisfy federal education regulations.
“Much of the inspiration for this work stems from the
opportunity we identified as an institution to enhance the
way we serve our students,” said Lori Peterson, assistant vice
president and dean of graduate and professional studies.
Peterson, who chaired a task force on academic program
structure, said the College is taking a thoughtful approach to
integrating online elements into teaching and learning. “Our
faculty and curriculum committees have done tremendous
work to ensure quality in our blended learning approach and
to identify the ways in which we will achieve the highest level
of learning outcomes,” she said.
By shifting additional academic programs to a hybrid
format, the College will meet the needs of current and future
non-traditional learners. A 2010 U.S. Department of Education analysis of online-learning studies concluded that hybrid
courses were at least as good if not marginally better and more
engaging than a fully online model.
26
Augsburg Now
“Many organizations are finding out that, where possible, combining face-to-face meetings with work in an online
environment increases student satisfaction, student learning,
and retention when compared to a course that’s offered solely
online,” said Dan McGuire, an education and communication
specialist who is working with the College as the project manager for a hybrid teaching and learning transition team.
Nationally, 6.7 million higher education students took at
least one online course in 2011, accounting for nearly onethird of all such students. These figures, released in the 2012
Survey of Online Learning, detail those classes in which at
least 80 percent of the course content was delivered online,
but schools offer online learning in varying degrees—including
a web-facilitated instruction model with few online elements
as well as the blended learning model Augsburg selected.
Non-traditional students 21 and older constitute the majority of online learners. Frequently, adult students prefer to
take courses online or to have some combination of an online
and a face-to-face format because it affords greater flexibility
as the students juggle full- or part-time employment, family
commitments, and other obligations while attending school.
By implementing a hybrid model for adult students,
“Augsburg is retaining the power of its physical community—of
a social, spiritual place that exists within a long, vibrant history—and is fusing the educational tradition of the College with
an effective teaching and learning system,” McGuire said.
A COLLEGE-WIDE ENDEAVOR
Rolling out a new academic program structure is an effort that
requires diligence, commitment, and coordination. In order
to offer adult undergraduate programs in a hybrid format,
Augsburg faculty and staff for almost a year have worked to
re-conceptualize and redesign face-to-face classes so that
content can be presented through online course management
software.
Often times, students in hybrid courses master more
basic material online at their own pace so that the classroom
becomes a place where the application of that knowledge can
be refined through lab experiments and discussions with peers
or the professor.
The online component in Augsburg’s hybrid courses will
be delivered through Moodle, a website in which educators
create micro-sites for each unique course. Augsburg has used
Moodle since 2005 and selected this learning management
system because the platform is “grounded in sound teaching
principles,” according to Scott Krajewski, director of information technology.
Moodle is recognized for supporting activities common in
a classroom, and it “provides an elegant structure to ask and
answer questions, to present information, and to engage in an
educational community in between meeting times,” McGuire
said. “The beauty of Moodle is that it’s a very powerful tool—
all of the different variations of interacting with students have
been thought through.”
According to Krajewski, Augsburg faculty and staff are
working in collaboration to design the hybrid courses and to
implement best practices for teaching online. Members of
Augsburg’s information technology staff are certified in online
course design and are experts at tailoring classes so that they
“best match the institutional mission as well as the needs
of distinctive academic departments, course sections, and
students.”
By the end of May, nearly 200 faculty members had begun the process of converting adult undergraduate courses for
fall 2013 into a hybrid model, and their work continues this
summer. Together, faculty and staff members will convert approximately 300 unique courses into a new format—tasks that
McGuire said require a time commitment ranging from 10 to
40 hours per class.
Developing high-quality hybrid courses requires sufficient
time for planning, designing, developing, and testing. Moodle
then allows professors to maximize the productivity of the inclass portion of their instruction and to use innovative, multimedia elements online. In contrast to an in-person course with
minimal supplementary material, the instructor and students
in a hybrid course interact with each other online—they engage in discussion, complete activities, and consume entirely
new information in textual, visual, and auditory formats.
Susan O’Connor, associate professor of education, has
been teaching in a hybrid model for the past five years and
served as a co-instructor for Benjamin’s teaching licensure
program. O’Connor found that while she initially was hesitant
to instruct online, she quickly realized the benefits of the new
format. “It turned out to be one of the best teaching experiences of my career,” she said. “This teaching method calls
students to take more ownership in their learning, it offers
a lot more freedom of time around their schedules, and it
sharpens the objectives that they need to fulfill during each
class session.”
Benjamin found that the blended learning model pushed
her to be specific and clear in her written communication and
to master course content by approaching assignments at her
own pace.
“I feel like the program helped me in my career and
served the K-12 students I work with,” she said. “I was challenged, but at the same time it was possible for me to be a
mom, to be a student, and to have a full-time job.”
Summer 2013
27
alumni news
FROM THE ALUMNI BOARD PRESIDENT
Dear alumni and friends,
a
s a third-generation Auggie, I am thrilled to be serving
as the new president for the Augsburg College Alumni
Board. My grandparents, Rev. Waldemar and Thora
(Torrick) Anderson, attended Augsburg in the 1930s, and my
father, Dan Anderson, graduated in 1965 and is currently a
member of the Board of Regents. I have fond memories of
attending Augsburg basketball games with my dad as a little
girl, and I’m proud to carry on the Augsburg legacy.
Graduating from the Augsburg Weekend and Evening
College program in 1995, I was immediately grateful for the
flexibility of the program, which allowed me to work full time
while pursuing my degree. Today I am an accomplished Realtor®
in Minneapolis and its western suburbs, and I live in Woodland,
Minn., with my husband, Scott, and our new baby boy, Finn.
My first order of business as president is to inform you
that the Auggie Alumni Directory and the Maroon Pages have
joined forces to provide you with an all-encompassing resource
to find professional and personal information about your classmates in one simple-to-use location. The new Auggie Maroon
Pages will make it easier for you to stay connected with fellow
Auggies and your alma mater.
This fall you will be asked to complete an alumni survey.
The personal and professional information collected in this
survey will appear online in the re-launched Auggie Maroon
Pages. As a business owner, I’m excited about the potential
the Auggie Maroon Pages offer for connecting with other
alumni, but the success of the new service depends on user
participation—so log in now! To open the door to this network,
go to augsburg.edu/alumni, click on “Maroon Pages,” create
your own login name and password, and click again on the
“Maroon Pages” box.
The Alumni Board is committed to lifting up the accomplishments of our fellow Auggies. The new Auggie Maroon
Pages is one more tool that will help us discover and share the
many success stories of Augsburg graduates. Please consider
sharing an update for class notes that will be featured in
future issues of Augsburg Now and the NOW@Augsburg online
newsletter. Help us share the difference an Augsburg education can make.
Sincerely,
TRACY SEVERSON ’95
ALUMNI BOARD PRESIDENT
28
Augsburg Now
ALUMNI BOARD Front Row [L to R]: Jill Watson ’10 MBA, Holly Knutson ’03,
’07 MBA, Marie Odenbrett ’01, Kathy Amos ’87, Rachel Engebretson ’98; Back Row
[L to R]: Chris Hallin ’88, Jerry Poland ’92, Jordan Moore ’12 MBA, Sarah Grans ’01,
Tracy Severson ’95, Chris Ascher ’81, Brent Peroutka ’02, Rick Bonlender ’78
NEW MEMBERS
“The College is doing tremendous work, and I want
to be a part of this great team. I also will be a visible
promoter of Augsburg College in my workplace,
church, and community.”
BRENT PEROUTKA ’02
FINANCIAL ADVISOR, COMPREHENSIVE WEALTH SOLUTIONS
“I want to serve on the Augsburg College Alumni
Board because I believe that building a strong
network of current and former students—from
both the Rochester and Minneapolis campuses—
will enrich the experience had by all.”
JORDAN MOORE ’12 MBA
FINANCE MANAGER, IBM
“It’s difficult to express what Augsburg College means
to me. Augsburg has been a huge part of my life and
has offered me opportunities to gain a great education,
see the world, and discover that anything is possible.”
NICK SWANSON ’09,’12 MBA
HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATOR, ALLINA HOSPITALS & CLINICS
“Simply put, my experience at Augsburg was much
more than I had hoped for from any college. I enjoy
the sense of community that came with being an
Auggie.”
RACHEL ENGEBRETSON ’98
ATTORNEY, BINSFELD & ENGEBRETSON, PA
“I look forward to helping spread the word about
the transformation taking place at Augsburg, to
getting classmates reconnected and engaged with
the College, and to improving the board’s ability to
leverage connections to achieve larger goals.”
RICK BONLENDER ’78
BUSINESS BANKER
Leland B. Sateren’s
100TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
On October 13, 2013, Leland B. Sateren ’35 would have been
100 years old. Family and friends will commemorate Sateren’s
legacy at a musical celebration at 4 p.m. on his birthday at Normandale Lutheran Church, 6100 Normandale Road, Edina, Minn.
The event is open to the public.
Sateren taught at Augsburg from 1946 through 1979,
during which time he also was chair of the Music Department. His work includes more than 400 choral pieces that
are sung in churches throughout the United States. Sateren’s
accomplishments include premieres of works with the Minnesota Symphony Orchestra and a piece that was commissioned
by the United Nations.
Peter Hendrickson ’76, director of the Augsburg Choir, is
the music advisor for the event. He is assembling a program
of Sateren compositions in addition to a couple of pieces by
good friends of Sateren. Each piece performed will be conducted by an Augsburg alum who was mentored by Sateren.
The program also will include hymns and Sateren anecdotes.
Nearly 160 alumni from the 1950s-80s plan to participate
in the event by singing. A rehearsal—and reunion—is Saturday,
October 12, at Normandale Lutheran Church.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13
4 p.m., Normandale Lutheran Church
Edina, Minn.
Every effort was made to reach
all music alumni who sang during Sateren’s career at Augsburg.
If you would like to participate, email
sateren100@gmail.com.
Mike Walgren ’64 is chair of the
planning team. Others working on the event include
Hendrickson, David Clarke
’76, Jim Erlandson ’76, Tom
Fischer ’72, Bill Halverson
’51, Sally (Hough Daniels)
Herron ’79, Anne (Mollison) Klus ’76, and Naomi
(Christensen) Staruch ’81.
In addition, John Hanson
’76 and Paul Read ’77 were
instrumental in the early
stages of planning.
Meet David ‘DJ’ Hamm ’08
The Augsburg College Alumni Association
welcomes David “DJ” Hamm ’08 as the new
volunteer and alumni engagement manager
within the alumni and constituent relations
office. David comes to Augsburg with a
background in event planning, social media
communication, and philanthropy.
“Civic engagement and service learning are major parts of the Augsburg experience,” Hamm said.
“As Auggies, ‘we are called’ to serve the community beyond
Augsburg as I did in 2008 as an AmeriCorps VISTA member. I
want to build upon the tradition of giving back by creating meaningful opportunities for alumni, current students, and local residents
that instill pride and strengthen our collective community.”
David lives in Minnetonka with his wife, Emily Crook ’07. He
can be reached at 612-330-1329 or hammd@augsburg.edu.
Follow David on twitter @DJHamm1.
GIVE US YOUR
FEEDBACK
Later this year, Augsburg
will invite alumni to participate in a magazine readership survey created by the
Council for Advancement
and Support of Education (CASE). This web survey
is designed to help colleges and universities evaluate how readers view their campus magazine and
to benchmark the results.
Email langemo@augsburg.edu to update your email
address. A random sample of Augsburg Now readers
will be emailed to participate in this survey.
Summer 2013
29
alumni class notes
John Luoma published an
article in the book Religion:
A Clinical Guide for Nurses 2012.
65
Tom Koplitz was named
Director of the Minnesota
Prevention Resource Center. He
has managed several federal
and state prevention projects
during the past 22 years. He also
manages the drug-free coalition,
Partners for a Drug Free Chisago
County.
74
Scott Seal released an online
video that brings to life a scene
from his 2011 novel Convergence:
A Novel of Science Fiction.
Doug Greseth, boy’s basketball coach at Wesley Chapel
High School near Tampa, Fla.,
won his 400th career game in
December. He has coached 26
people who have gone on to play
college basketball or football,
including three players in the
NFL and one in the NBA. He was
named the Sunshine Athletic
Conference Coach of the Year in
2011-12 and 2012-13.
79
Terri Bocklund was chosen
by jury as an Artist in
Residence at Isle Royale National
Park, located in the northwestern
section of Lake Superior.
81
Kristine West Denton
performed Beethoven’s
“Emperor” piano concerto with
the Erie (Pa.) Philharmonic
Orchestra at Edinboro University
on February 12. She is an associate professor of music at Edinboro
University.
82
Jacquie Berglund, owner
of FINNEGANS Inc. and
the FINNEGANS Community
Fund, was awarded the Social
Impact Award for Best Social
Entrepreneur from Minnesota
Business Magazine. Berglund also
received the Best Small Business
Award from the Minneapolis
Regional Chamber of Commerce
in March. For the past four years,
Berglund has been coached
by Buffie Blesi ’90, ’97 MAL,
owner of the KnowledgeSphere
Group of AdviCoach. Blesi helps
FINNEGANS grow its profits so
that it can continue to purchase
fresh produce for food banks in
each of the markets where its
beer is sold.
87
Heather Johnston was
promoted to city manager of
Burnsville, Minn.
92
Heather Cmiel, account
director with Minneapolisbased public relations firm
02
Auggie Legacy Family
The fourth of five children from the Schmit family graduated this past
May from Augsburg College. This fall, the College will welcome to
campus the fifth Auggie from the Schmit family. The Schmit children,
shown holding their fingers up in their birth order, include [L to R]:
Hannah Schmit ’18, Peter Schmit ’13, Caitlyn Schmit ’11, Michael
Schmit ’09, Christianna “Christi” Lobermeier ’08. These Auggies are
the children of Kathy and Dave Schmit of Tomahawk, Wis.
Weber Shandwick, was named
to the board of directors for the
Minnesota chapter of the Public
Relations Society of America
(PRSA).
Mel Freitag completed her PhD in
curriculum and instruction with
minors in composition/rhetoric
and educational psychology at the
University of Wisconsin-Madison.
She has accepted a position as
a clinical assistant professor and
director of diversity initiatives for
ie
augPg
SHOTS
SNA
Allison (Cornell) and Matt
Broughton ’06 welcomed
their son Calvin Patrick Broughton
on April 24. Calvin joined the
family as the first grandchild for
Randy and Pam Cornell and Cal
and Alice Broughton, and the first
nephew for Jeff Cornell ’15.
05
Iris Grace Terrell was born on
February 25 to Lisa (Ritchie)
Terrell and Chris Terrell. She joins big
sisters Julia, age 9, and Cece, age 7.
94
30
Augsburg Now
Tara (Cesaretti) McLeod and
Chris McLeod ’00 welcomed
daughter Maren on October 11.
She joins big sister, Cora.
97
the University of Wisconsin School
of Nursing.
James Pope, instrumental
music instructor at North
Branch (Minn.) High School
organized the North Suburban AllConference Honors Band program
this past January with 10 high
schools represented. Bob Stacke
’71, chair of the Augsburg College
Music Department, directed the
concert band’s performance. The
festival also included a separate
03
CORRECTION:
On page 25 of the Spring
2013 issue of Augsburg
Now, Cristina M. Olson ’00
’05 MSW was incorrectly
listed as the assistant
vice president for student affairs at Towson
University. She is the
assistant to the vice president for student affairs.
HOMECOMING
All-Conference jazz band under the
direction of Dave Mitchell, director of the
Minnesota Youth Jazz Ensembles.
2013
Elsa Maxwell and her husband,
Rodrigo Bello, have relocated to
Duluth, Minn., after residing in Santiago,
Chile, for nine years. Elsa completed her
master’s degree in Latin American Studies
at the Universidad de Chile and is working
on her doctorate in literature.
04
Kimberly A. Cruce was appointed
to the University of Michigan Mott
Children’s Hospital Nursing Governance
Committee. Before joining Mott, Cruce was
on staff at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.
08
Alissa Nollan started a new position in November as coordinator for
the graduate business programs at Saint
Mary’s University in Minneapolis.
09
Jenni (Pickford) Anderson married Thomas
R. Anderson, Jr. on July 28, 2012, in
Rosemount, Minn. They now live in
DeKalb, Ill. where Jenni is working on her
master’s degree in philosophy at Northern
Illinois University, after which she hopes to
pursue a doctoral program.
Matthew Curtis joined The Principal
Financial Group’s Minnesota
Business Center. He serves as a financial
advisor and financial representative.
10
Graduate programs
Dan Dierfeldt ’94 MSW was elected to
represent Minnesota as a delegate to the
2012 National Education Assembly in
Washington, D.C.
Kathy Thoreson ’96 MSW retired in January
after serving as chief executive officer of
Lutheran Services in Tennessee.
Ed Frizell ’05 MAL was promoted during February to deputy chief of the
Minneapolis Police Department. He previously served as the First Precinct inspector
and has had a career with the Minneapolis
Police Department since 1993.
Dr. Amit K. Ghosh ’12 MBA earned the
Certified Physician Executive (CPE)
degree from the Certifying Commission in
Medical Management. The CPE degree
indicates that the physician has achieved
superior levels of professional excellence
and management experience while also
demonstrating effective knowledge and
leadership skills.
SEPTEMBER 23-28
Come back to campus to enjoy Homecoming 2013 and Parent and Family
Weekend with alumni, parents, and friends. New events along with traditional
favorites make this one of the best times to visit campus all year. Visit
augsburg.edu/homecoming for more information and to register.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
Friday, September 27
Saturday, September 28
Homecoming Convocation with
Distinguished Alumni Awards
Hoversten Chapel, Foss Center,
10 to 11:30 a.m.
Recognizing the First Decade,
Spirit of Augsburg, and Distinguished
Alumni Award winners.
Breakfast with the Provost
Oren Gateway Center Atrium, 9:30 a.m.
Current Auggies and their parents are
invited to a breakfast to meet Karen
Kaivola, the College’s new Provost and
Chief Academic Officer.
Homecoming Convocation Luncheon
Dining Commons, 12 p.m.
Enjoy a time for fellowship as we continue to recognize and celebrate our
distinguished alumni award winners
as well as the 50-Year Club inductees
from the class of 1963.
Faculty and Faculty Emeriti
Meet and Greet
Lindell Library, 4 p.m.
Reconnect with faculty from your
time at Augsburg College and take
the opportunity to meet current
faculty from a variety of departments.
Refreshments will be served.
Auggie Hours
Republic, 6 to 9 p.m.
Augsburg Young Alumni, 10th
Reunion, and 25th Reunion will come
together for an all-out Homecoming
bash! Republic is located at 221
Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis.
Augsburg Legacy Family Event
Admissions Suite, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Augsburg legacy families—past,
present, and future—will enjoy time
together at this special reception.
Taste of Augsburg
Murphy Square, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The event includes carnival-style
booths operated by student groups,
alumni, and local restaurants, as well
as games, inflatable bounce houses,
and fun for the entire family.
Homecoming Football Game vs. Hamline
Edor Nelson Field, 1 p.m.
Cheer on the Auggie football team as
they take on the Hamline Pipers!
Auggie Block Party
Parking Lot K, 3:30 to 6 p.m.
Enjoy live music, barbecue fare,
reunions, and more.
Summer 2013
31
Augsburg College President Emeritus
Charles S. Anderson dies at 83
Charles S. Anderson, respected reformation scholar, higher
education leader, and president of Augsburg College from
1980 to 1997, passed away June 14.
As the eighth president of Augsburg, Anderson led the
College to expand diversity in enrollment and programs; to
advance its curriculum to draw more fully on the resources of
the city as an extension of the College’s campus and classrooms; and to strengthen its commitment to spiritual growth,
freedom, and liberal arts education.
During his tenure, Anderson said, “A liberal arts education
answers what business leaders say they need: people who can
communicate, people who can think, people equipped for change…
people who understand history and the possibilities of the future,”
and he led the College to be clear and focused in its mission
while embracing opportunities for growth and progress.
Anderson was a constant advocate for Augsburg and
helped to establish the College’s public presence in the Twin
Cities, said David Tiede, Augsburg College Regent and former
Bernhard M. Christensen Professor of Religion and Vocation.
Tiede, who studied under Anderson and served as his faculty
colleague at Luther Seminary, said that Anderson “brought
Augsburg into the public square of the city of Minneapolis in a
way that it hadn’t been previously” and put the College on “a
trajectory that has been taken effectively forward.”
“Chuck Anderson was a careful steward of Augsburg’s
distinctive legacy of liberal-professional-experiential education
in the city,” said President Emeritus William V. Frame, who
succeeded Anderson at Augsburg. “He took the view that the
College was, in fact, the Church at 22nd and Riverside, and
he made it profoundly hospitable to a daring array of diversity—not only religious and cultural, but of learning styles and
varying physical capacities.”
Anderson wears the Knight’s Cross, an honor presented in 1993 by His Majesty King Harald
V of Norway to recognize Anderson’s work to strengthen ties between the U.S. and Norway.
Anderson advanced the College vision he inherited from
Oscar Anderson and, before him, Bernhard Christensen and
passed on “an extraordinary College of the Church, which
continues today along the path he and his predecessors laid
out for it,” Frame said.
Anderson was born in Madison, Wis., in 1930—the 400th
anniversary year of the Augsburg Confession, the statement of
faith for which the College was named. He earned a bachelor’s
degree from St. Olaf College in 1951 and after graduation
went on to serve as a Marine Corps officer. He later continued
his studies, earning a master’s degree in English from the
Anderson pictured during his tenure as a
Luther Seminary professor.
Anderson attends Augsburg College’s 1994 Commencement
ceremony with his wife, Catherine.
His Majesty King Olav V of Norway and Anderson meet in 1987.
32
26
Augsburg Now
University of Wisconsin in 1954, a bachelor of theology degree
from Luther Theological Seminary in 1957, and a doctor of
philosophy degree from Union Theological Seminary in 1961.
For 15 years Anderson taught church history at Luther
Seminary in St. Paul, and for six years he also was director of
graduate studies. He was a guest professor in 1968 at
Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Mo., and for five years was
a guest lecturer at St. Paul Diocesan Seminary. A frequent
guest pastor and educator at Lutheran churches throughout
the United States, his publications include four books: The
Reformation, Then and Now; Augsburg Historical Atlas of
Christianity in the Middle Ages and Reformation; Readings
in Luther for Laymen; and Faith and Freedom: The Christian
Faith According to the Lutheran Confessions.
As a lifelong scholar, Anderson completed postdoctoral
study in Strasbourg, France, and at Columbia University, the
University of Minnesota, Harvard University, and Union
Theological Seminary.
Anderson came to Augsburg in 1976 as vice president for
academic affairs and dean of the college—a role he served
until his election as College president.
During the 17 years of Anderson’s presidency, Augsburg
instituted two graduate degree programs, launched the Weekend and Evening College program, and established the Center
for Global Education. The College amplified its support of
students of diverse backgrounds and abilities by creating the
StepUP® program for young people in recovery and the CLASS
office for differently abled students. Augsburg also celebrated
the addition and improvement of numerous campus facilities
such as the Foss, Lobeck, Miles Center for Worship, Drama,
and Communication; the Oscar Anderson Residence Hall; and
the James G. Lindell Family Library.
At the time of Anderson’s retirement, then-Board of
Regents Chair Barbara Gage described his legacy as one in
which “leadership, energy, faith, and pursuit of new ideas...
helped Augsburg fulfill her mission to create leaders in service.”
Gage said Anderson epitomized the servant leader and left
Augsburg strong, healthy, and ready to have a positive impact
in the 21st century.
Anderson, a respected leader in higher education service
learning, was appointed chair of the Youth Works Commission by former Minnesota Gov. Arne Carlson. He received the
Knight’s Cross, First Class of the Royal Order of Merit, from
His Majesty King Harald V of Norway in 1993 for his work
to preserve and strengthen ties between the two countries.
Anderson was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters
degree from Augsburg College in 2007.
“Charles Anderson’s influence on the Augsburg community
is deep and long-lived,” said Augsburg College President Paul
C. Pribbenow. “The priorities Anderson outlined and championed
during his tenure continue to shape how we live out our institutional mission and celebrate life and learning in the city each day.”
Anderson is survived by his children, Eric and Kristin,
Augsburg College professor of art history and archivist; five
grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and his wife,
Catherine, with whom he established the Charles and Catherine
Anderson Diversity Scholarship in 1989 and with whom he was
recognized by the June and Julian Foss family with the establishment of the Charles and Catherine Anderson Scholarship in
1997. The scholarship awards help the college fulfill its mission
of being an intentionally diverse community and supporting
students’ exceptional academic ability and Christian service.
A memorial service was held at St. Anthony Park Lutheran
Church on June 18. The Anderson family has requested that
memorials be sent to St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church,
Luther Seminary, or Augsburg College.
Anderson greets American folk singer Peter Yarrow,
the 1990 Augsburg College Commencement speaker.
Anderson pictured in 1980, the year of his
inauguration as Augsburg College President.
To learn more about
President Emeritus
Anderson’s legacy,
view archival images
from his tenure at
Augsburg, and read
articles from the
Star Tribune and
Pioneer Press, go to
augsburg.edu/now.
Summer 2013
33
In memoriam
Irene (Hagen) Kyllo ’39,
Donovan A. Moe ’56, Canton,
Bloomington, Minn., age 96,
on January 26.
Julia (Sletten) Benson ’42,
Minneapolis, age 98, on
January 18.
Muriel (Quanbeck) Turrittin ’42,
St. Peter, Minn., age 93, on
March 10.
Orloue N. Gisselquist ’43,
Minneapolis, age 91, on
March 16.
Ruben N. Egeberg ’45, Rock
Island, Ill., age 89, on
March 2.
Joyce K. (Opseth) Schwartz ’45,
Minneapolis, age 88, on
February 3.
E. Milton Kleven ’46, Edina,
Minn., age 90, on April 11.
Gudrun (Vik) Kampen ’48,
Plentywood, Mont., age 90, on
October 27.
Reynold “Ray” J. Skotte ’48,
Long Beach, Calif., age 92, on
January 28.
Iris J. (Johnson) Brustad ’49,
Eden Prairie, Minn., age 85,
on November 4.
Glenn C. Grahn ’49, Atwater,
Minn., age 87, on April 6.
James Cleatus Hodge ’49,
Minneapolis, age 89, on
April 22.
Norman C. Hoium ’50, Coon
Rapids, Minn., age 87, on
May 3.
Allen D. Hanson ’52, Knoxville,
Tenn., age 82, on April 10.
Elwood “Woody” H. Larson ’52,
Roseville, Minn., age 83, on
January 12.
John R. Madsen ’52, Spring
Park, Minn., age 85, on
April 30.
Arnold Paulson ’52, Woodbury,
Minn., age 84, on March 6.
Dean L. Lapham ’53,
Bloomington, Minn., age 81,
on March 29.
Donald J. Reimer ’53, Mound,
Minn., age 81, on March 31.
Jeneane (Abrahamson) Stein ’53,
Killen, Minn., age 82, on
February 7.
Ga., age 78, on December 29.
Harlan C. Christianson ’57, Los
Angeles, age 77, on
December 15.
Janice “Jan” M. (Bremseth) Larson
’55, Sparta, Minn., age 79, on
April 23.
34
26
Augsburg Now
Leona M. (Samuelson) Nelson
’57, Payson, Ariz., age 75, on
March 14.
Marvin S. Rodvik ’57, Franklin,
Minn., age 85, on April 5.
Genevieve T. (Trenne) Michelsen
’61, Charlotte, N.C., age 73,
on April 7.
Stephen “Gabe” Gabrielsen ’63,
Minneapolis, age 73, on
April 8.
David S. Ziegler ’64, Crystal,
Minn., age 71, on April 13.
Francis W. Monseth ’65, Rogers,
Minn., age 71, on March 29.
Carolyn A. (Hanson) Schildgen
’68, Northbrook, Ill., age 66,
on April 20.
Timothy J. Wattman ’70,
Minnetonka, Minn., age 66,
on April 8.
James “Jim” M. Genia ’87,
Shoreview, Minn., age 48, on
March 30.
Scott E. Humphrey ’89,
Plymouth, Minn., age 47, on
January 17.
Erika L. (Timm) Rodriguez ’96,
Alexandria, Minn., age 39, on
December 11.
Kirsten (Kvamme) Salmi ’99,
Golden Valley, Minn., age 38,
on March 23.
Allan T. Davey ’00, Maple
Grove, Minn., age 50, on
September 16.
Juli Elisabeth Crees ’05,
Plymouth, Minn., age 30, on
March 3.
Ana M. Strandemo ’12,
Minneapolis, age 29, on
January 26.
President Emeritus Charles S.
Anderson, St. Paul, age 83,
June 14.
CORRECTION:
The name of Richard “Dick”
Vevle ’57 name was misspelled
in the Spring 2013 Augsburg
Now.
Send us your news and photos
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notice, or program from a memorial service.
Send your news items, photos, or change of address by mail to:
Augsburg Now Class Notes, Augsburg College, CB 146, 2211 Riverside Ave.,
Minneapolis, MN 55454, or email alumni@augsburg.edu. You can also
submit news at augsburg.edu/alumni.
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In memoriam
E. Milton Kleven
E. Milton “Milt” Kleven ’46, active Augsburg alumnus, generous scholarship benefactor, teacher, businessman, Navy
Reserve commander, and friend of Augsburg College, passed
away April 11.
Kleven, son of a Norwegian immigrant mother and a
Norwegian-American father, grew up two blocks south of
Augsburg College. He enrolled in the College in 1940,
but his studies were interrupted by World War II. Kleven
returned to Augsburg after the war and graduated with a
bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a minor in physical
education. He later earned a master’s degree in vocational
education from the University of Minnesota.
Kleven began his career teaching mathematics in the
Minneapolis Public School District in 1946. He was an
educator in Minneapolis for 34 years. In 1947, he founded
Kleven Flooring Service, a hardwood flooring company that
he led for more than 60 years.
“The impact on Augsburg students—past, present, and
future—of Milt’s incredible generosity will be felt for generations to come,” said Augsburg College President Paul C.
Pribbenow. “Growing up and teaching in Minneapolis, Milt
understood what a full scholarship could mean to students
from low-income families. He loved getting to know the
students his family supported, and he was a strong advocate
among his peers for greater scholarship funding for even
more students.”
Kleven and his wife, Dorothy, who met at Augsburg in
1943, were generous supporters of the College and student
scholarships for more than 50 years. In 2001, he established the Dorothy Lijsing Kleven Scholarship in Choral
Music, the College’s first endowed President’s Scholarship,
providing a full scholarship to students interested in choral
music. Dorothy was interested in choral music throughout
her life. In 2007, the Kleven family created two additional
endowed President’s Scholarships: one in memory of Milt’s
and Dorothy’s parents, Magnus and Kristofa Kleven, and
David and Florence Lijsing; and a second in Milt’s name—
the E. Milton Kleven Scholarship in Public Service.
Kleven also helped to facilitate two other scholarships.
The Margaret E. Andrews Scholarship was established by
Kleven and his fellow trade and industry coordinators in the
Minneapolis Public Schools to honor Andrews, who founded
the district’s Cooperative Education Training program. The
Reverend Donald C. Carlson Scholarship, through the
Normandale Lutheran Church Foundation, is named for
Normandale’s founding pastor, a 1942 Augsburg alumnus.
This scholarship supports students from Normandale who
attend Augsburg College. The Klevens also provided major
support for the construction of the James G. Lindell Library.
Kleven joined with Glen Person ’47 and Dick “Pork Chop”
Thompson ’61 to provide funding to name the Jeroy C.
Carlson ’48 A-Club Hospitality/Classroom in the Kennedy
Center, in honor of Carlson, their longtime friend.
“The impact on Augsburg students—past, present,
and future—of Milt’s incredible generosity will be
felt for generations to come.”
AUGSBURG COLLEGE PRESIDENT PAUL C. PRIBBENOW
Summer 2013
35
auggies on the field
Lacrosse team maps new ground in women’s athletics
Being first can be daunting.
It’s intimidating because no one before you has done what
you are trying to do. There’s no road map to keep you on track.
But it’s also exhilarating to create the map for others and
to leave an indelible mark on everything that follows.
“I am excited to be at the forefront of Augsburg College’s
varsity women’s lacrosse team,” said Coach Kathryn
Knippenberg. “I’m looking forward to building a team that
knows winning is as much about team chemistry and bonds as
it is about the stick.”
It’s not just that Knippenberg is Augsburg’s first women’s
collegiate varsity lacrosse coach.
It’s bigger than that. Knippenberg is the first women’s collegiate varsity lacrosse coach at any college in Minnesota, and
at the one that launched in 1995 the first women’s collegiate
varsity hockey team.
“It’s an honor to help pioneer this great sport,”
Knippenberg said. “Getting to lead at a place that believes in
the value of women’s athletics is thrilling and challenging.”
Knippenberg, who as a student at the University of
Minnesota was captain and president of the school’s club
lacrosse team, said the commitment that Augsburg is making
to lacrosse has significant meaning for student athletes.
“Auggie athletes won’t have to spend time like my college
club team did on fundraising for equipment and travel. They
won’t have to worry about budgets and scheduling practice and
game time,” she said.
“They just have to show up, practice, and play hard. My
job is about having things in place so our student athletes can
improve their skills on the field, and to help make sure they
stay on track and are achieving in the classroom.”
Jeff Swenson, athletic director for the College, said
Knippenberg is accomplished in Minnesota’s fast-growing
lacrosse community and that the players will benefit from her
experience and leadership.
“Coach Knippenberg will lead us in realizing our goal of
expanding opportunities for women, and continuing to prepare
them for success beyond Augsburg,” Swenson said.
“These student athletes will develop their skills on the
field, and carry into life and work valuable lessons about how
to balance multiple priorities and to work as part of a diverse
team.”
Knippenberg said her primary work now is focused on
recruiting and preparing for the first sanctioned and regulated
games scheduled for spring 2014.
36
Augsburg Now
“I hope the community comes out to watch our games. It’s
fast paced and intense,” she said.
“Whether the team wins or loses, one thing is sure:
Everyone in the stands will be part of something bigger. We’ll
all be making history as Augsburg continues to blaze a new
trail for women’s varsity athletics in Minnesota.”
Knippenberg has served as head lacrosse coach at
Academy of Holy Angels since 2009, is cofounder and president of the North Central Women’s Lacrosse League, and works
with Winning For Life, an organization that develops positive
leadership and life skills through sports.
STEPHANIE WEISS
Reconnect with Augsburg through
ALUMNI LEADERSHIP SUMMITS
AUGGIES ARE ENGAGED.
Each year, students dig into life at Augsburg by participating in
City Service Day and working at community organizations in the
neighborhood; build teamwork and leadership skills through athletics and student organizations; and develop and hone research and
technical skills through on- and off-campus research programs.
Each year, alumni shape the Augsburg community by mentoring students; engage with the College through volunteer work,
including serving on the alumni board and Board of Regents; and
celebrate life as an Auggie by returning to campus for signature
events including Homecoming and Velkommen Jul.
This year, we invite all of our alumni to reconnect with the College
by attending an Alumni Leadership Summit. It’s your chance to learn,
first-hand, about the Center for Science, Business, and Religion. It’s an
opportunity to be part of the change that ensures Augsburg continues shaping and preparing students for lives of meaning.
Visit augsburg.edu/alumni/events to learn more
and to register for an Alumni Leadership Summit.
1-800-273-0617 augsburg.edu/giving
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Twin Cities, MN
Permit No. 2031
2211 Riverside Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55454
Augsburg Sneak Peek
First-year students got a chance to gear up for fall at the Sneak
Peek event this past spring. Those attending had the opportunity
to tour campus and residence halls, sample classes, and talk
with current students, faculty, and staff. Jordan Tayor ’13
(pictured, left) was one of the students on hand to answer questions and meet and greet future Auggies.
Alisha Olson ’15, Admissions Counselor Shonna Fulford ’09, and
Admissions Counselor Jenna Obler [pictured L to R] greeted students
at Sneak Peek registration.
Show less
SPRING 2015 | VOL. 77, NO. 2
Everyday work advice for Auggies
Magazine survey results
A tale of two Auggies
Nobel Peace Prize Forum
AUGSBURG COLLEGE RECEIVES
$10 MILLION CASH GIFT
to name Center for Science, Business, and Religion
This winter, Augsburg College was
honored with a $10 mil... Show more
SPRING 2015 | VOL. 77, NO. 2
Everyday work advice for Auggies
Magazine survey results
A tale of two Auggies
Nobel Peace Prize Forum
AUGSBURG COLLEGE RECEIVES
$10 MILLION CASH GIFT
to name Center for Science, Business, and Religion
This winter, Augsburg College was
honored with a $10 million philanthropic
gift that will support a new signature
academic building housing the College’s
science, business, and religion
programs. Visit augsburg.edu/csbr to
learn about the celebration to announce
the building’s name and the capital
campaign’s progress toward its
IN THIS ISSUE
$50 million fundraising goal.
Features
On the cover
2 Magazine survey results | COMPILED BY REBECCA JOHN ’13 MBA
10 Everyday work advice for Auggies | BY STEPHANIE WEISS
16 A tale of two Auggies | BY STEPHANIE WEISS
24 Nobel Peace Prize Forum | BY STEPHEN GEFFRE AND LAURA SWANSON
Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and former
U.S. President Jimmy Carter addressed
middle school and high school students
during a Youth Forum event in Augsburg’s
Si Melby Hall as part of the 2015 Nobel
Peace Prize Forum, held March 6-8 in
Departments
Minneapolis. Carter spoke in front of
4 Around the Quad | 13 It takes an Auggie
exhibition about past Nobel Peace Prize
Augsburg student artwork created for an
14 My Auggie experience | 20 Auggie voices
winners that opened at the American
22 Auggies on the court | 27 Alumni news
Swedish Institute in February. Learn more
31 Alumni class notes | 36 In memoriam
All photos by Stephen Geffre unless otherwise indicated.
on pages 8 and 24.
Vice President of Marketing
and Communication
Rebecca John ’13 MBA
rjohn@augsburg.edu
Director of News and
Media Services
NOTES FROM PRESIDENT PRIBBENOW
Abundance at Augsburg
2015 is off to a remarkable start at Augsburg!
The announcement on the facing page
about the $10 million gift to name the Center
for Science, Business, and Religion certainly
ranks as our most exciting news. The momentum
to break ground on this signature academic
building is now palpable on campus and beyond
as we imagine its transformational impact on our
community for generations to come.
And this issue of Augsburg Now is full of
many other examples of the good news of this
academic year. News of national recognition for
community engagement and interfaith initiatives.
News of special events featuring Bill Nye the
Science Guy (a fellow bow tie lover!) and Nobel
Peace Prize Laureates U.S. President Jimmy
Carter and The Organisation for the Prohibition
of Chemical Weapons. News of more than 100
Augsburg students and faculty from five academic
departments collaborating to create an interactive
exhibit to engage people in the topic of peace.
News of student and faculty achievements on
and off campus. News of generous alumni and
friends supporting the mission-based work of
the Augsburg community—including more than
1,300 donors who, for the second year in a row,
helped Augsburg surpass every other Minnesota
college or university in fundraising on Give to the
Max Day. And much, much more to celebrate.
For me, all of this good news points to a core
value at the heart of Augsburg’s identity and
character—we are a community of abundance in
a world of scarcity.
What do I mean by abundance? It is a way
of life that calls our community to live and work
together with a focus on our common wisdom,
experience, and aspirations. It is an ethic that
challenges us to believe that we can do more and
Stephanie Weiss
weisss@augsburg.edu
Communication Copywriter
and Editorial Coordinator
Laura Swanson
swansonl@augsburg.edu
better together than on our own. It is a vision
that says we are small to our students and big for
the world.
As I near the end of my ninth year as
Augsburg’s 10th president, I am more and more
struck by the abundance of our lives together, the
many ways in which the students, faculty, staff,
alumni, and friends of our community aspire to
embody a way of life that links faith, learning,
and service to the neighbor.
I also am struck by the abundance of our place,
the remarkable work of Augsburg as an institution
and community in this neighborhood, city, and
world, and our firm resolve to send our students
out into the world as educated and faithful
citizens, to be good stewards of our environment,
and to embrace hospitality and generosity for our
fellow humans.
Finally, I am struck by the abundance of the
promise we make each and every day to each
other as we dedicate ourselves to collaboration,
to doing things differently, and to working
together to meet the needs of students and
neighbors. Where others say there is not enough,
we say there is more than plenty if we believe and
bring resolve, courage, and imagination to our
efforts to educate, to feed the hungry, to clothe
the poor, and to meet the needs of strangers.
What a deep privilege it is to be a partner
in this work of abundance at Augsburg College.
Thanks to all of you for your abiding support and
passion for this good and faithful work.
Creative Associate
Denielle Johnson ’11
johnsod@augsburg.edu
Marketing Copywriter
Christina Haller
haller@augsburg.edu
Photographer
Stephen Geffre
geffre@augsburg.edu
Production Manager
Mark Chamberlain
chamberm@augsburg.edu
Advancement Communication
Specialist
Jen Lowman Day
dayj@augsburg.edu
augsburg.edu
Augsburg Now is published by
Augsburg College
2211 Riverside Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55454
Opinions expressed in Augsburg Now
do not necessarily reflect official
College policy.
ISSN 1058-1545
Yours in Augsburg,
Send address corrections to:
Advancement Services
CB 142
Augsburg College
2211 Riverside Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55454
langemo@augsburg.edu
PAUL C. PRIBBENOW, PRESIDENT
Email: now@augsburg.edu
600
Took the survey
TURNING
A NEW PAGE
35-49
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE RESULTS:
34 & under
Who took the survey
COMPILED BY REBECCA JOHN ’13 MBA
More than 600 people responded to the
Augsburg survey, with 541 completing the
entire questionnaire.
Augsburg Now magazine survey: What you told us
NATIONAL
This past summer, Augsburg College participated in a national higher
education magazine survey developed by the Council for Advancement
and Support of Education. This survey has been used by more than
350 college and university magazines across the United States,
allowing Augsburg to compare its results with national benchmarks.
AUGSBURG
30 percent of the Augsburg Now survey respondents
were 65 years of age or older, nearly 10 percentage
points above the national response rate.
Top ways the magazine helps keep Auggies connected*
Augsburg’s results
National results
Auggies are connected
87%
80% 53%
As a reminder of your
college experience
46% 46%
Keeping you in touch with
your graduating class
39%
Encouraging financial support for
the College and current students
Survey respondents confirmed that
Augsburg Now strengthens their
connection with the College. In fact,
80 percent of respondents older than
age 35 agreed with this notion, and
70 percent of respondents under age
35 agreed as well.
SO, WHAT DOES ALL OF THIS MEAN?
Readership, connection, and format
Topics of interest
The magazine will build on its strengths in order
to maintain high readership levels and the strong
connection that the magazine helps Auggies feel with
the College. Augsburg will continue publishing the
magazine in both print and online versions, but those
who prefer a digital format are encouraged to let us
know their preference for receiving notifications instead
of printed editions.
The topics of greatest interest across all age groups align well with the
College’s Augsburg2019 strategic vision, which states that, in 2019,
Augsburg will be a new kind of student-centered, urban university that is small
to our students and big for the world. Stories about student achievements,
alumni in their professions, and campus facilities and growth illustrate our
commitment to educating for lives of purpose, being “at the table” with
our partners and neighbors, and building a vital and sustainable institution.
In addition to those topics, the magazine will continue to include events,
speakers, obituaries, and class notes given that these topics garnered strong
response rates, especially among readers over 35 years of age.
See augsburg.edu/Augsburg2019 for information about the strategic plan.
Go to augsburg.edu/now for more information about
changing your Augsburg Now delivery format.
2
Augsburg Now
ended
event
ade a
nation
64%
h These categories were ranked substantially higher than the national averages.
prefer print
Agreement with these statements among people age 35 years or older was 10 or more percentage points higher than for respondents under age 35.
*
12%
prefer
online
Magazine
readership
23%
Ages represented:
65+
50 to 64
35 to 49
34 and under
11 percent of Augsburg’s respondents were under
age 35, which is only half of the percentage in
that age category nationally.
Attended
an event
Recommended
Top actions
taken as a
Augsburg
Recommended
result of reading
Augsburg Now
Augsburg
Augsburg’s results
National results
Made a
donation
Recommended
Augsburg
Most respondents indicated that Augsburg Now was the No. 1
way they get information about the College, and 82 percent said
they read all orprefer
mostboth
of each issue.
Most respondents said they prefer to read the printed
version of Augsburg Now, although some favor digital formats.
It is exciting to learn that 1/3 of
respondents
indicated that the magazine
Made a
donation
prompted them to recommend Augsburg
to others. One of the primary objectives of
the magazine is to equip Auggies to act as
advocates of the College, so this result was
of particular significance in measuring the
impact of the magazine.
Renaming the magazine
Although the name of the magazine was not specifically addressed
in the survey questions, the time has come to rethink the name of
the publication. “Augsburg Now” served well for decades, but in an
age of digital communication, a publication that comes out three
times per year cannot reasonably include information about what’s
happening at the moment.
As a result, the plan is to announce a new name for the magazine
in the summer 2015 issue and officially change the masthead in
the fall. Look in the summer issue for more information about these
future plans for the Augsburg College magazine!
82%
read all or most of
64% prefer print 13% prefer online 23% prefer both
Topics of interest
When asked what topics readers preferred to see in the magazine,
the following categories rose to the top.
1. Cultural events and performances
68.1% *
2. Alumni in their professions
67.5%
3. Class notes
67.4% * h
4. Institutional history and traditions
66.5% * h
5. Obituaries
65.8% * h
6. Campus facilities and growth
62.5%
7. Student achievements
61.2% h
8. Visiting speakers
60.3% * h
Subscribe to NOW@Augsburg
For the past few years, Augsburg’s alumni relations staff
has published a monthly email newsletter and blog called
“NOW@Augsburg,” which features stories about Augsburg
alumni, upcoming events, fundraising milestones, and College
accolades. Visit augsburg.edu/alumni/blog for past newsletter
content, or email langemo@augsburg.edu to sign up for the
monthly email newsletter if you are not already receiving it.
Spring 2015
3
Jamar Esaw ’05 directs members of Triad:4Christ, a gospel choral
ensemble, during the 2015 Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation.
MANY VOICES,
BOLD VISIONS
2014-15 Convocation Series
sparks critical thinking,
meaningful conversation
The Augsburg College Convocation Series each year offers the community a chance
to hear from outstanding leaders and visionaries who ignite important conversations
and contribute to making the world a safer place for future generations.
The first event held during the spring semester was the Martin Luther King, Jr.
Convocation in January, featuring collaboration among on-campus student groups
and ARTS-Us, a St. Paul-based arts education organization; Dare 2 Be Real, a
Twin Cities-based interracial student leadership program; and Triad:4Christ, a
renowned gospel choir led by Jamar Esaw ’05.
The Batalden Seminar in Applied Ethics in February welcomed
Rami Nashashibi, executive director of the Inner-City Muslim
Action Network and a visiting professor at the Chicago Theological
Seminary. Nashashibi spoke on “The Sociology of Seerah:
Reclaiming Prophetic Tradition for Our Time and Place.”
The Koryne Horbal Lecture in March featured Janell Hobson,
associate professor of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
at the University at Albany. Hobson’s presentation was titled
“Historical Consciousness and Black Feminist Imagination.”
4
Augsburg Now
AROUND THE QUAD
FROM SCREEN TO SCRIPT:
Auggies win big at film festival
Augsburg students were recognized for
their excellent work at the fourth annual
Student Film Festival hosted by the
Associated Colleges of the Twin Cities.
Delegates from Wells Fargo’s Diversity Council Leadership Team visit with Augsburg student leaders, faculty, and staff.
WELLS FARGO MAKES $100,000
GIFT
to the Center for Science, Business, and Religion
In recognition of Augsburg College’s leadership in closing the higher education
disparity gap for students of color in Minnesota, Wells Fargo made a $100,000
gift to the campaign to build the Center for Science, Business, and Religion.
Wells Fargo joined several other corporations—including 3M and General Mills—
in supporting the CSBR.
Dave Kvamme, CEO of Wells Fargo Minnesota,
in a statement expressed admiration for Augsburg’s
commitment to partnering with college access programs
Wells Fargo also supports a
to help recruit, support, and retain first-generation and
scholarship program through
low-income students.
the Minnesota Private College
“We support Augsburg College’s commitment to
Fund. The fund, started in 1976,
provide opportunities for a college education for those
provides scholarships at each of
students who may face life challenges to attain it,”
the 17 Minnesota Private Colleges,
Kvamme said. “We know our donation will help Augsburg
including Augsburg.
be successful in developing Minnesota’s future business
and community leaders.”
DID YOU KNOW?
U.S. BANK SUPPORTS STUDENT VETERANS
and Center for Science, Business, and Religion with
$125,000 gift
Augsburg College and U.S. Bank celebrated the
opening of the new U.S. Bank Veterans’ Lounge
on campus with a dedication ceremony this fall. U.S. Bank recently pledged
$125,000 toward the building of the Center for Science, Business, and Religion at
Augsburg, and the College recognized the contribution to the campaign by granting
naming rights to the Veterans’ Lounge.
The renovated space, located in Oren Gateway Center, honors the contributions
student veterans have made to their country. U.S. Bank and Augsburg College are
nationally recognized as top supporters of veterans and military families. Augsburg
was named a 2015 Military Friendly® School for its ongoing efforts to provide
transitioning veterans the best possible experience in higher education.
• Thomas VandenDolder ’15 won
Best Experimental Film for
“Oblivious.”
• Rebecca Schroeder ’18 won the
Best Music Video award for
“We Are The Art.”
This year’s ACTC festival included
a new screenplay contest. Students
who have participated in courses in
the Augsburg Master of Fine Arts in
Creative Writing program took home
top awards in all three categories.
• Michelle Herrin ’15 MFA won the
Overall Excellence award for
“Side Effects.”
• Amanda Symes ’15 MFA received
an Honorable Mention, FeatureLength Narrative for “Celia.”
• Mark Woodley ’14 received the
Best Short Screenplay award for
“Missing.”
The festival included work submitted
by students from Augsburg College,
Hamline University, and the University
of St. Thomas. More than 100 people
attended the film festival screenings
this year, and all films were created
during the 2013-14 academic year.
Spring 2015
5
Augsburg earns dual national
COMMUNITY SERVICE HONORS
Augsburg was the only Minnesota college or
university named a finalist on the Corporation for
National and Community Service’s 2014 Interfaith
Community Service Honor Roll as well as on the
Corporation’s General Community Service Honor Roll
with Distinction.
Augsburg is one of only four colleges out
of hundreds of applicants nationwide to be
named a finalist in the interfaith category, an
honor recognizing institutions
that support exemplary
community service
programs, promote greater
interfaith cooperation,
and raise the visibility
of effective practices
in campus-community
partnerships.
Augsburg receives
Carnegie Foundation’s Community
ENGAGEMENT CLASSIFICATION
Augsburg College has earned its second
Community Engagement Classification from
the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of
Teaching. Institutions are recognized based on
evidence of their collaboration with the larger
community, which:
• enriches scholarship, research, and creative
activity;
• enhances curriculum, teaching, and learning;
• prepares educated, engaged citizens;
• strengthens democratic values and civic
responsibility;
• addresses critical societal issues; and
• contributes to the public good.
Augsburg was one of only eight
Minnesota colleges or universities
recognized in 2015. The College
previously received the Community
Engagement Classification in 2008.
6
Augsburg Now
Bush Foundation grant supports
DIVERSITY IN TEACHING
Augsburg College’s Department of Education was awarded a $150,000
grant from the Bush Foundation through its Teacher Effectiveness
Initiative. The award will be used to fund a project that builds the
College’s capacity to recruit and support students of color as they work
toward a degree in teaching. Augsburg was one of only five higher
education institutions selected to receive this one-time award.
Augsburg’s Department of Education Chair and Associate
Professor Margaret Finders will lead the project in partnership
with Minneapolis Public Schools, Minneapolis Community and
Technical College, and St. Paul Public Schools. This team will
create a coordinated, sustainable infrastructure that will
recruit high-quality teacher candidates and reduce attrition.
This infrastructure will help the partner institutions engage
in proactive recruitment of teacher candidates of color
from multiple entry points, improve experiences for teacher
candidates of color, and foster smooth transitions into teaching.
AROUND THE QUAD
This winter, AUGSBURG COLLEGE PRESIDENT PAUL C. PRIBBENOW joined other private college leaders in testifying before the Minnesota State Senate Higher
Education Committee. Pribbenow thanked senators for their support and discussed the ways in which Augsburg works to best educate the state’s future leaders.
DAY AT THE CAPITOL
During the 2013-14 academic year, more than 34 percent of all Augsburg undergraduates—1,054
students—received Minnesota State Grants totaling more than $3.4 million. This February, Augsburg
College students and members of the larger Twin Cities community met at the Capitol with their
respective representatives and advocated for the Minnesota State Grant program.
Augsburg’s StepUP® program, the EAST (East African Student to Teacher) program,
Student Financial Services, Multicultural Students Services, and Athletics partnered to
recruit and train students before the event. The students’ agenda included a policy and
lobbying briefing with comments from House and Senate members representing Augsburg
and a breakfast with alumni legislators followed by a meeting with representatives.
Spring 2015
7
AROUND THE QUAD
128 AUGGIES
exhibit at the
American Swedish Institute
Led by Assistant Professor of Art Christopher
Houltberg, 128 students and six Augsburg
faculty members contributed to a collaborative exhibition, Shaping Peace, at the
American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis.
The project is a collaboration involving the
disciplines of art and design, English, music,
political science, and religion.
Shaping Peace, a visual exploration of
the past 128 Nobel Peace Prize laureates,
is on display from February 28 through
May 24 and aims to broaden the awareness
of the Nobel Peace Prize. The interactive
installation encourages viewers to actively
participate in exploring the history of
the prize by contributing their own ideas
surrounding the concept of peace.
AUGSBURG YEARBOOKS
AVAILABLE ONLINE SOON
The Augsburg College student yearbook, the
Augsburgian, is being digitized for
online viewing. Issues are
being scanned from
newest to oldest,
and all editions
dating back to the
early 1900s will be
available online
soon. Check for your
yearbook at
augsburg.edu/now.
8
Augsburg Now
Archival Photo
PRESIDENTIAL SCULPTURES undergo restoration
public monuments, sculpted busts of Augsburg College Presidents Sven Oftedal
and Georg Sverdrup. For many years, the sculptures were housed in the College’s
original Main building and Old Main before being relocated to the Marshall
Room in Christensen Center. As time passed, the sculptures had become dirty,
scratched, and damaged. In fact, the bust of Sven Oftedal had even fallen off its
pedestal, which resulted in a broken nose.
In 2014, the sculptures were properly restored for the first time in 125
years. They are now on display in all their glory in Lindell Library. All of this work
has been supported by the Nydahl Family fund, which was created in 2006 to
celebrate the history of Augsburg and the Lutheran Free Church on campus.
THE CENTER FOR
COUNSELING AND HEALTH PROMOTION
gets new name and location
The Center for Counseling and Health Promotion recently became the
Center for Wellness and Counseling to better capture the mission of the
department, which is to support students to “stay healthy in body, mind, and
relationships.” The services of the center—
to offer free counseling, low-cost medical
services at a neighborhood clinic, and selfhelp information—will remain the same.
The name change comes at the same time
the center moves from a house on the corner
of 7th Street and 21st Avenue, to a remodeled
first floor of Augsburg’s Anderson Residence
Hall. The new location will allow students easier
access as well as add a dedicated relaxation
space. The house that the center staff once
occupied will be razed this spring as part of the
preparation of the area where the new Center for
Science, Business, and Religion will be built.
explores reputation management
During spring semester, Augsburg
College invited leaders with experience
in the for-profit and nonprofit sectors
of the Twin Cities business community
to share their expertise as part of the
annual Clair and Gladys Strommen
Executive Speaker Series.
In February, Lynn Casey,
CEO at PadillaCRT,
spoke on building and
protecting reputations
in real time. Casey also
discussed her work at
the Minneapolis-based headquarters
of PadillaCRT—the largest employeeowned agency in the United States.
Courtesy Photo
FROM 1888 TO 1890, Jacob Fjelde, a Norwegian portraitist and creator of
SPEAKER SERIES
The College welcomes
MayKao Hang, president
and CEO of the
Amherst H. Wilder
Foundation, in April.
Hang leads the
foundation as it works to live out its
mission to promote the social welfare
of persons resident or located in the
greater St. Paul metropolitan area.
Courtesy Photo
ABOVE: Augsburg’s historic presidents sculptures were first
housed in the College’s original Main building. RIGHT: The
sculptures are transported to a professional restorer.
Courtesy Photo
STROMMEN EXECUTIVE
“When we’re talking about building and
protecting reputations, high standards,
good character, and good operating
principles up-and-down [an organization]
are really essential ingredients.”
–Lynn Casey
Spring 2015
9
Meet Dave Conrad
Dave Conrad has honed his knowledge through decades of work as an
independent business consultant, his experience in sales and marketing
for public and private companies in a range of industries, and his
positions in higher education. He’s author of “Ask Dave,” a column for the
Rochester Post-Bulletin. His first book, which shares the same name as
his column, is available for purchase at the Augsburg College bookstore.
Ask Dave
EVERYDAY
WORK ADVICE
FOR
E
I
G
G
U
A
Y
R
E
V
E
Business professor Dave Conrad shares workplace guidance
with 100,000 readers through weekly newspaper column
BY STEPHANIE WEISS
T
he majority of American workers report being unhappy
in their jobs. One of the biggest factors for this
dissatisfaction is poor workplace communication, according
to The Conference Board’s annual survey of 5,000 U.S.
households. Other top factors that contribute to workplace
dissatisfaction include issues related to compensation,
recognition, and career development.
None of this is surprising to Dave Conrad, assistant director
of the Augsburg College Master of Business Administration
program at Rochester and associate professor in Rochester and
Minneapolis. Each week for the past eight years, Conrad has
shared straightforward business and workplace guidance with
100,000 readers of his column, “Dear Dave,” published in the
Rochester Post-Bulletin since 2006.
Conrad said that while he fields plenty of questions on
workplace communication issues, he also responds to
queries on everything from conflicts among coworkers to
issues of company culture, managing change, and problem
solving. There’s probably no question that has been left
unasked of Conrad. And his advice is so popular that he
published a book based upon his column and has another
one in the works.
Conrad dispenses usable guidance that blends
management processes with leadership thinking so that
readers can gain insight into the worlds of their coworkers.
“My readers tend to be everyday, hard-working staff
employees or mid-level managers who need everyday advice,”
he said.
Spring 2015
11
Clear counseling cleans up
clumsy communication
Conrad doesn’t really need to be told
by a national survey that communication
problems vex employees at all levels.
He knows it because, time and again,
he receives questions from readers
struggling to give voice to their opinions
or to share information about the
direction an organization is heading.
“People are bursting at the seams
with ideas, input, and feedback, but
there often is no one listening,” he said.
When one reader in 2013 asked
Conrad why it seems that managers don’t
interact with employees—not even to ask
how the employees are coping—Conrad
delivered his trademark guidance, mixing
simple steps with insight:
“Organizations thrive on
communication and dialogue. It is
crucial that managers simply interact
with employees ... and ask if they can
help the employees in any way,” Conrad
wrote. “Managers should pass along
information about the company that will
help employees understand the mission,
vision, goals, and objectives pertaining
to where the company is heading.”
Conrad said that the reason this
type of communication is critical
is because it creates what he
calls “we-ness,” a shared purpose
among employees that can inspire
everyone to work toward shared goals.
Conrad also offers practical
guidance for how managers should
communicate with employees:
share honestly, strive to promote
dialogue, ensure every voice is heard,
and welcome ideas and input without
chastising the messenger.
When a manager asked Conrad
how to more effectively guide change
after learning that her employees
felt she didn’t connect well with
those employees who most needed
information, Conrad first shared insight
on the organizational need to develop
12
Augsburg Now
“Keep things fresh,
engaging, and
constructive—dare
I say ‘positive.’”
Read Dave Conrad’s weekly column in the local
business section found at postbulletin.com.
a change-management communication
plan. The creation of such a plan is
an important step in ensuring that the
manager delivers the right information
to the right people at the right time.
He followed up with the types of
information to include in the plan so
all his readers could understand steps
toward shaping and managing change.
“Communication gaps and
weaknesses must be discovered,
and a systematic means of providing
instructions, information, and
feedback must be created and
implemented,” he responded via
the 2014 column. “To get and keep
people on board: Explain the ‘why’ of
the change. Clearly communicate the
vision, mission, and the objectives of
the change management initiative.
Have and articulate ideal outcomes.
Get people interacting and sharing
ideas and perspectives.”
Insight for Auggies
Conrad’s approach was no different
when we asked him what insight he has
for Augsburg College alumni just starting
out in the work world and those who
want to grow their careers.
Conrad said that it’s likely Auggies
who are beginning their careers will
need to perform unglamorous — and
possibly, humbling — work for a while.
But that’s normal.
“I love the saying: If you do what
you love, you will never work a day the
rest of your life,” Conrad said. “The
problem is, when you’re just out of
college, it’s easy to get confused about
what you can do in the workplace, or
even what you want to do.”
Just as Auggies are sorting through
what they might want to do, employers
will be watching. Conrad encourages
Auggies to stay positive, maintain
enthusiasm, and take on tasks they
never thought they would have to
perform. Early in their careers, he said,
Auggies should show off their work ethic
no matter the task assigned.
Conrad’s tips for young employees
include taking on the assignments
nobody wants, asking managers for
feedback on their work, and seeking
guidance for how to earn promotions.
“Not only is this a way to
demonstrate drive and ethic, but
it also offers a way to practice the
communication skills that make a
workplace more rewarding,” he said.
For Auggies further along in their
career, Conrad offers similarly upbeat
advice.
“Keep things fresh, engaging, and
constructive—dare I say ‘positive,’”
he said. “Volunteer for small and big
projects, mentor budding managers,
be there for people in need, learn new
things, and do anything that shows
care about the productivity and wellbeing of the organization, others, and
especially yourself.”
Employers are attracted to employees
who understand the importance of their
work on their team, department, and
organization. Through the reflective
practices and hands-on learning built
into an Augsburg College education,
Auggies leave campus knowing how
their work makes a difference in the
world, and they are ready to lead in
organizations ranging from nonprofits to
Fortune 500 businesses. And, they are
ready to do it well.
IT TAKES AN AUGGIE
IMPACT
Augsburg’s day of record-breaking
fundraising supports new opportunities
More than 1,300 donors gave Augsburg College more than
$430,000 on Give to the Max Day 2014. For the second year
in a row, Augsburg surpassed every other Minnesota college
or university in this annual online fundraising event. The
achievement reflects the work of alumni, faculty, and staff
who championed nearly three dozen unique projects.
A new drone copter for
student filmmakers.
IN THE CLASSROOM
$1,605 was raised to help students purchase essential — but
sometimes pricey — textbooks for class.
The College launched its first student-run publishing organization,
Howling Bird, which is part of the Master of Fine Arts in Creative
Writing program.
The Communication Studies Department purchased a drone camera
that takes student filmmakers’ work to new heights. (above right)
ON-CAMPUS RESEARCH
Biology students will benefit from the
opportunity to fund additional DNA
sequencing critical to their research.
Faculty in the Department of History will
further their research on topics ranging
from the deathbed conversions of medieval
knights to Minnesota after the Civil War to
women’s medicine in the Victorian era.
LEARN ABOUT THE
OTHER PROJECTS
AUGGIES ON THE MOVE
The Augsburg College women’s hockey team
traveled to four European countries, playing
games against international opponents, and
touring historic and cultural sites.
Gifts from Give to
the Max Day helped
to fund student
learning and success
through 34 projects.
Find the full list at
augsburg.edu/now.
Spring 2015
13
AUGGIES HAVE
AND
FOOD COOKING
DOWN TO A SCIENCE
Unique course makes science
approachable for all students
Ceviche is a South and Central American favorite that’s also
been popularized in the United States. It’s a bright and flavorful
seafood dish that’s not raw, but it’s not exactly cooked either. In
fact, it’s never exposed to heat.
Although it’s not cooked in the traditional sense, the raw
fish in ceviche goes through a chemical process that rearranges
or “denatures” its proteins, much like what happens when meat
or other protein is cooked with heat. The acid in citrus juice
cures the raw fish, which makes it safer to eat.
This is just one of the fascinating processes students learn
in one of Augsburg College’s popular physics courses: The
Science of Food and Cooking, taught by Associate Professor
Ben Stottrup.
Among other concepts, students in the course learn the
fundamental physics and chemistry of materials science through
hands-on preparation, like the phase change that occurs when
spinning cotton candy and the Maillard reaction caused by
searing a steak. They are taught the mechanical properties of
ricotta cheese and the states of matter in a root beer float.
And the students love experimenting with various cuisine.
SPECIAL THANKS to chefs Erick
*
Harcey of Victory 44, Landon Schoenefeld of
Haute Dish, and Karyn Tomlinson of Borough for
lending their expertise to the course.
14
Augsburg Now
“My biggest takeaway from this class is that science is,
in fact, present in everything in our daily lives,” said Cynthia
Del Villar ’15, business administration and economics major.
“Even eating is a daily reminder that food undergoes its own
scientific transformation through cooking or even combining
certain ingredients, like oil and vinegar.”
Del Villar took much away from the class—from learning how
to prevent freezer burn to emulsifying a mayonnaise to gaining
an understanding of heat transfer through a molten chocolate
cake. But she also made a personal contribution to the course—
her Mexican family’s traditional shrimp ceviche recipe for
experimentation in the lab. (See recipe on the next page.)
Restaurant reviews, cook-offs, and potlucks
But it’s not just the food that gets students engaged—Stottrup
also introduces competition and community involvement. For
example, while baking cupcakes, some groups are allowed the
use of measuring devices while others are not. Or some use
measurements based upon volume versus weight. This, of
course, determines the outcome of each recipe.
At the end of each lab,
guest judges from
“
This is a traditional family recipe
from my parents’ home state of
Nayarit, on Mexico’s west coast.
- Cynthia Del Villar ’15
MY AUGGIE EXPERIENCE
SHRIMP CEVICHE FOR A CROWD
Serves 20
INGREDIENTS:
• 4 pounds headless shrimp
• 10 medium limes
• 10 medium tomatoes
• 4 large cucumbers
• 1 purple onion
• 8 small green serrano chili peppers
• 2 tablespoons salt
• Tortilla chips
PREPARATION:
1.
Cleanse shrimp in water, peel completely, and
chop into half-inch pieces. Place in large bowl
and set aside.
2.
In a blender, combine lime juice and serrano chili
peppers and blend until smooth. Pour over shrimp.
3.
Add 2 tablespoons of salt to mixture and stir.
various departments on campus decide whose dish was most
successful. The competition and participation of the wider
campus community “creates an educational, memorable, and
interactive experience,” Stottrup said.
Members of the greater Twin Cities restaurant scene
also play an important role in the class. One requirement of
the course is that students dine at one of three well-known
Minneapolis restaurants and then write a restaurant review
describing the materials science on their plate. Afterward, one
chef from each restaurant comes to campus to participate in a
panel discussion on the creativity and lifestyle of being a chef.*
Community members participate in these panel
discussions each term, which range from local cooks revealing
the process of handcrafting the perfect scoop of
natural, organic ice cream to urban
planners explaining
4.
Cut onion into thin slices and add to shrimp. Allow
mixture to sit for 20 minutes.
5.
In the meantime, dice tomatoes and cucumbers
into small cubes and add to shrimp.
6.
Mix all ingredients well and salt to taste.
7.
Serve with chips or tostadas.
sustainable food systems to entrepreneurs from the craft beer
industry talking about the chemistry of brewing.
To wrap up the semester, the class participates in a
“Minnesota potluck,” where each student makes a dish to
share and describes the science behind it to their peers.
These engaging, communal activities make science “fun
and accessible to all students, not just science majors,”
Stottrup said. He hopes the class helps students gain a new
appreciation for science, as well as “for growing, preparing,
cooking, and simply enjoying food.”
BY CHRISTINA HALLER
Spring 2015
15
A TALE OF TWO
AUGGIES
ST. PAUL
COLLEGE EXPERIENCES SHAPE WORK
BY ALUMNI IN THE MINNESOTA
CAPITAL AND ON THE NORTH SHORE
BY STEPHANIE WEISS
As a young man growing up on Minnesota’s far western prairies
during the 1960s, Allan Torstenson ’75 felt the lure of big cities
tugging at him when he was deciding where to go to college.
He considered leaving his hometown of Dawson, Minn., for
campuses on the coasts in Berkeley, Calif., or New York City,
but it was the beehive of activity in Minneapolis and near the
Augsburg College campus that drew him in.
16
Augsburg Now
“I was watching the anti-war movement unfold on
television. People in a counter culture were fighting
construction of HUD-planned communities, including Cedar
Square West,” he said. “It was all happening on the West Bank
of Minneapolis. I wanted to be there to watch it.”
At the same time that Torstenson was responding to the pull
of Augsburg and all that its location in the heart of Minneapolis
offered students, Mark Johnson ’75 found himself similarly
drawn to Augsburg from his hometown of Two Harbors, Minn.,
on the scenic north shores of Lake Superior.
When the two young men arrived at Augsburg, they began to
explore life in the city. They were among the first to enroll in what
was a brand new interdisciplinary major, metro urban studies.
Allan Torstenson ’75
St. Paul city planner
Mark Johnson ’75
Two Harbors city planner, retired
Courtesy Photos
TWO
HARBORS
This new program would prove to build a solid foundation
for the careers of both men, equipping them to navigate
constantly changing landscapes in their careers. Torstenson’s
Augsburg College education provided the skills and knowledge
to begin work as an intern in 1981 for the City of St. Paul—
where he continues to work today as principal city planner with
responsibility for planning and zoning.
Johnson’s education allowed him to successfully return to
Two Harbors where he took a detour from city planning for more
than 20 years to run the family business before becoming the
city planner from 1999 until his retirement in 2001.
Industry changes reshape Minnesota cities
Two Harbors is the birthplace of Minnesota Mining and
Manufacturing (3M) and was long shaped by the railroad
and an ore shipping port. St. Paul is the state capital and
has been home to breweries such as Hamm’s and Schmidt’s,
manufacturing such as Whirlpool and the Ford Assembly Plant,
and more.
When the dominant industries in the cities served by
Torstenson and Johnson inevitably shifted over time, the two
planners needed to interpret what those changes meant for their
communities.
Spring 2015
17
Courtesy Photo
In Two Harbors, the changes meant an opportunity to
reclaim what once were private railroad beds and begin
converting rails to trails. It also meant the opportunity to create
greater public access to the waterfront.
In St. Paul, Torstenson was faced with answering questions
about how to respond to a changing economy that has resulted
in the shuttering of multiple large businesses.
“Our big building and manufacturing companies—Ford in
Highland Park, Whirlpool on the East Side, [and] the breweries
are all gone,” Torstenson said. “Our challenge was to begin to
address the economic, structural, and job training issues left in
the wake of these closings.”
One of the problems faced by Torstenson is that the
underpinnings of earlier city planning—as it was practiced
in the United States after World War II—wasn’t flexible or
resilient, two concepts now at the forefront of civic design.
From the 1950s through the early 1980s, city planning
primarily relied upon a single-use approach that identified
different areas—or zones—for different uses. Single-family
housing was clustered in one area, and apartments and
condominiums in another area. Businesses were situated
somewhere else, and industrial areas were planned in yet another
spot. This type of planning, possible largely because of the
automobile, created what we now understand to be an expensive
form of spread-out development often called “sprawl.”
This type of segregated development can make responding
to changing markets and demands difficult.
“Cities need to think about the social and market needs of
the people who live there,” Torstenson said. “Cities also need
to be resilient in their design so that they can be sustainable
while evolving to meet changing needs.”
The more compact, high-density design used in Oslo,
Norway, after World War II (and studied by both Torstenson
and Johnson during their undergraduate study-abroad trip to
Scandinavia in 1973) now is shaping the work Torstenson
does for St. Paul. Multi-use design allows buildings to be
placed closer together and to be used in multiple ways all at
18
Augsburg Now
once. Business and light industry can be placed at street level
with housing above. It means residents of a building have a
greater likelihood of being able to walk to work and shop close
to home. In addition, these environments typically include
sidewalks, bike lanes, and public transit—whether in the form
of light rail, trains, or streetcars.
“Many people want to live and work in a close, compact
area,” Torstenson said. “Mixed-use and shared-use planning
can create ways for us to change to meet the demands of a new
and creative, diverse, and collaborative economy.”
Today, Torstenson continues to work to shape a city code
that will guide
“The question always has been:
higher-density
development and How can we manage change for
redevelopment
the good of all?” –Mark Johnson
that also fosters
efficient, flexible, and mixed-form uses with multi-modal
transportation corridors—all things that are sought-after by
the Millennial Generation as well as today’s teenagers who are
putting off learning to drive in favor of public transit.
While Torstenson was working in St. Paul, Johnson was
grappling in Two Harbors with a community that at first didn’t
have a history of proactive engagement, which meant that
change had the potential to be seen as negative and foster
greater outcry.
“The question always has been: How can we manage
change for the good of all?” Johnson said. “There are always
unintended consequences of change. At the core, we have to
respect the values of the community we work with, and we have
to reflect those qualities in the work.”
Community-classroom connection
MAKES REAL-WORLD IMPACT
Shawn Thompson Photography
Two Harbors railroad depot near Lake Superior
For instance, when Two Harbors in the 1990s began
the work of creating greater public access to the waterfront
by converting old railroad beds to trails, the community
wasn’t happy.
“It seems that, in a smaller community, there can be a
lot of pushback on any type of change,” Johnson said. “North
Shore people are tough, independent. It’s just innate. We’ve
spent our lives battling Lake Superior.”
But civic engagement is one tool that local governments
such as cities and counties, no matter their location, can
use to help learn about and understand the desires of a
community.
“Community involvement is important,” Johnson said.
“My job was a chance to encourage people to reach out
beyond themselves and to seek ways to be a bridge builder of
relationships.”
Although Johnson retired from city work more than a
decade ago, he remains involved in Two Harbors through
a community fund that he helped establish and that is
used to support new projects in response to emerging and
changing needs.
Johnson said that his days as an Augsburg student
continue to influence him today and have played a role in
creating a rewarding path for someone who has been driven
to serve.
“I never saw my work at the family business or as
city planner as separate paths,” he said. “My work as an
employer, as a city planner, and as someone with an interest
in community service gave me ways to make Two Harbors a
better place.”
Community engagement is an essential part of
city planning, but how that takes shape beyond
town hall meetings and open forums varies.
City planners meet with community
members, government entities, and local and
federal agencies to gather perspective, priorities,
and input from groups before projects are
undertaken. But getting community participation
that represents the diversity of viewpoints and
priorities of any community is challenging.
The Friendly Streets Initiative in St. Paul is
an emerging model of community engagement
that aims to identify the shared needs and wants
of people directly impacted by proposed change.
It’s a model being forged by Lars Christiansen,
lead organizer of FSI and associate professor of
Augsburg’s interdisciplinary metro-urban studies
program. Christiansen, who also is chair of the
Augsburg College Sociology Department, is known
DARIUS GRAY ’15
for his teaching and scholarship focused on urban
resilience and sustainability, and public engagement.
Because of this community-classroom connection, metro-urban
studies majors such as Darius Gray ’15 have augmented classroom
experiences with hands-on learning.
“We engage [people] to give input on how they want their street to be
designed,” said Gray, who has worked as an FSI intern for the past three
years. “Basically we throw block parties and ask questions like: What if
this was on your street? How would you feel?”
FSI staff facilitates community organizing, gathers and examines
information, and helps citizens understand how local government operates.
“The model of engagement used by the Friendly Streets Initiative
invites in those who feel left out of planning processes or who believe their
input is sought for projects that are already a fait accompli,” Christiansen
said in his article, “The Friendly Streets Initiative: Bringing Community
Voices into the Planning Process.”
Christiansen writes that this groundbreaking work has unearthed
lessons for successful community engagement, including bringing
multiple voices into the mix before formal planning is underway; creating
community engagement events that are fun, family-friendly, and easy
to access; helping neighbors navigate formal city processes; and using
multiple methods to garner input.
Through their work in the classroom and out in the community, a new
generation of Augsburg College students is prepared to leave its mark on
American cities and to steward the world’s resources well into the future.
Learn more about the Friendly Streets Initiative and model used at
friendlystreetsinitiative.org.
Spring 2015
19
USING MUSIC’S POWER
TO SOOTHE AND INSPIRE
COMPILED BY REBECCA JOHN ’13 MBA
In addition to regularly composing music for Twin
Cities companies including Theater Latté Da, Stages
Theater Company, and Wonderlust, Aaron Gabriel ’99
serves as resident composer for Interact Theater.
Interact is a radically inclusive theater company
that creates new musical theater for performers with
and without disabilities, and Gabriel is committed to ensuring that
each production is shaped by and for the performers. This winter,
he took his expertise on the road—spending a month in Chiang Mai
collaborating with Interact Thailand and the children it serves.
“We’ve created many new scenes and many new songs for
The Love Show—a show about all the different ways we find love
in life … We decided to write The Love Show because one of our
performances falls on Valentine’s Day (a very popular holiday in
Thailand). The songs and stories will all deal with different kinds
of love: romantic love, love of friends and family, love of singing,
love of disabilities, love of food.”
Thematically, the show resonates with nearly all audiences,
but the cast and crew greatly anticipate one special attendee.
In July, the children will perform an excerpt of the show for
Her Majesty the Princess of Thailand, who will be visiting the
hospital that houses Interact Thailand for its grand opening, “so
it’s important,” Gabriel said, “that the songs and scenes really
showcase the stories and talents of these unique performers.”
Comments are from Gabriel’s blog chronicling his work with the Rajanagarindra Institute
of Child Development in Chiang Mai, Thailand, the hospital that houses Interact Thailand.
aarongabrielcomposer.com
20
Augsburg Now
Photo courtesy of amyandersonphotography.com
AUGGIE VOICES
#MLKConvocation @AugsburgCollege. Lovely!
Thank you @JamarEsaw for fillin’ my spirit.
And … wow, #AmaniWard is only 15! Lordy.
-Tweeted by community member Noreen Bulmann
after the Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation
MUSIC MOVES US.
It makes us
smile, dance, cry,
remember. Like Augsburg alumnus Jamar Esaw ’05, whose
choral ensemble, Triad:4Christ, performed at the College this
past Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Auggies are sharing their
musical gifts with their communities and the world.
Conie Borchardt ’98 founded Grace Notes hospice
choir, a group that sings to people in hospice care
at Twin Cities nursing homes, and co-created the
Arts Responding to Foreclosure (ARF) project,
which, she says, creates a community for people
experiencing foreclosure—turning an isolating
experience into a supportive one.
Music, Borchardt says, transforms us and changes us from
the inside out. She has witnessed music’s power to unite and
soothe—both performers and audiences—during times of financial
challenge and even in a person’s final hours.
“We have been blessed with so many meaningful moments
… We sang for a gentleman who seemed at peace, though his
breathing was labored. We sang to him about journeys. Later
we would find out that he completed his earthly journey about
24-hours later.
“And then there are the stories we could tell you about
other second-hand listeners! … Some non-hospice residents
spontaneously decide to join our band of singers on rounds to the
amusement of the nursing staff. Oh, and the staff smiles we see.
Some are coy and some are gratefully enlightened for the service
we provide. It is like watching the sunrise change your mood!”
“There are times in life when I am absolutely
certain, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that
music, singing, movement, and dancing are
how we heal ourselves,” said Nicole Warner ’01,
an Augsburg College alumna whose major in
music performance prepared her for life as an
independent artist and professional ensemble singer.
In 2011, Warner had the opportunity to sing the Mozart
Requiem in a United We Stand concert marking the 10-year
anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Opportunities like
this one remind Warner why the joy she feels while singing
is only a small part of the performance’s real impact. It’s the
audience, she says, who are truly benefiting.
“Most of the time, I think of the beauty of the people sitting
in front of me, and I wonder at their ability to take in the music,
to restore their souls, to be filled by and to fill up with the
music,” she explained. “Time gets lost, and we all get lost in the
music together.”
Comments are from the 2011 “To Sing is to Heal” blog post regarding Warner’s
participation in the 2011 United We Stand concert. nicolewarner.com/blog
Photo courtesy of Karen Nichols Photography, knicholsphoto.com
Quotations are from the Points of Light Music blog written by Borchardt.
pointsoflightmusic.blogspot.com
Photo courtesy of Intermedia Arts
To learn more about Auggies at the intersection of
career and composition, go to augsburg.edu/now.
Spring 2015
21
PA S S I N G O N A
Augsburg College volleyball finds success
on 40th anniversary of historic season
This fall, the Augsburg College women’s volleyball team qualified for the NCAA
Division III National Tournament for the second straight year, an achievement that
marked its reemergence as a regional powerhouse.
Recent team successes—which include back-to-back co-conference
championship seasons and several All-American honors—hearken back to the
achievements of Augsburg’s earliest volleyball teams.
THE FIRST FEW YEARS
Archival Photos
Augsburg launched its varsity volleyball program in 1972 when students
Nancy Soli Mollner ’75, Marilyn Pearson Florian ’76, and Cindy Schendel ’76
walked into the office of Athletic Director Joyce Anderson Pfaff ’65 to ask about
joining Augsburg’s volleyball team. Anderson Pfaff didn’t have the heart to tell
The Augsburg College women’s volleyball team during the 1974-75 season.
22
Augsburg Now
Photos b
y John N
icholso
n
AUGGIES ON THE COURT
The Augsburg College women’s volleyball team
earned Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic
Conference regular-season co-champion honors
during the 2013 and 2014 seasons.
the passionate students that there was no team at the time, so
she created one on the spot.
Augsburg’s first volleyball players proved their sport was to
become a staple in Auggie athletics, and in 1973 the College
hired star coach Mary Timm. The next year, the volleyball team
earned a perfect 8-0 record at home.
While there were 14 women on the roster during the 1974
season, six Auggies played nearly every minute of the regular
season and did, in fact, play every minute of the postseason.
The Auggies completed the regular season with a 15-4 record,
which earned them a spot in the Minnesota Association of
Intercollegiate Athletics for Women State Tournament, where
teams competed against one another regardless of their
schools’ sizes or types. After beating Concordia-St. Paul,
Bemidji State, and the University of Minnesota-Duluth, the
Auggies faced the No. 1 seeded University of Minnesota in the
finals. Soli—a setter and team captain—dislocated her thumb
in the first game, but adrenaline allowed her to continue to
play, ensuring that the Auggies could maintain the offensive
strategy they had in place all season.
Augsburg didn’t win the tournament, but its secondplace finish secured a bid to participate in the Association for
Intercollegiate Athletics for Women Region 6 Tournament at the
University of Nebraska. However, there was one more obstacle
to overcome: the team was ineligible to participate because of
an issue with its AIAW membership.
Anderson Pfaff was determined to remedy the issue, so
she and Soli filed a complaint with the District of Minnesota
fourth court. After the Auggies successfully argued their case,
United States District Judge Miles Lord allowed Augsburg
to participate in the regional tournament, but his ruling was
made just one day before the tournament was set to begin.
When they got the news, the Auggie crew jumped in vans and
drove all night, arriving in Lincoln, Neb., at 3 a.m. only to find
that there was no place to stay due to a Nebraska-Oklahoma
football game that weekend.
At the regional competition, the underdog Auggies ended
up playing 10 matches in only three days and earned a
fourth-place finish—the best finish for an Auggie volleyball
team until its NCAA tournament appearances in 1982,
2013, and 2014.
TODAY’S PLAYERS
Augsburg College volleyball alumnae from across the past
four decades continue to support the talented students
who take to the court in Si Melby gymnasium each fall.
Alumnae involvement ranges from cheering in the stands to
encouraging the young women as they venture out into their
careers and callings after college.
Current Head Coach Jane Becker, a two-time MIAC and
Region Coach of the Year, sees firsthand the ways that those
from the College’s past help uplift its future.
“Being a part of rebuilding the Auggie volleyball program
has truly been a remarkable experience,” Becker said. “I am
so blessed to work with such a talented group of studentathletes and to be so supported by an amazing group of
Auggie alumnae.”
BY KELLY ANDERSON DIERCKS
Spring 2015
23
U.S. President Jimmy Carter, the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, spoke to a
sold-out crowd at the 2015 Nobel Peace Prize Forum. He discussed the need to
protect the rights of women and girls, setting the stage for further discussion on
the last day of the Forum, which was International Women’s Day.
NOBEL PURSUITS
BY STEPHEN GEFFRE AND LAURA SWANSON
2015 Nobel Peace Prize Forum
This spring, the 27th annual Nobel Peace Prize Forum embraced
a new, interactive approach in fulfilling its charge to inspire
peacemaking.
Even before opening its doors to audiences from March 6-8
at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Minneapolis, the Nobel Peace Prize
Forum encouraged Augsburg College community members—
and citizens across the globe—to share the ways they promote
peace in their daily lives.
In 1989, the Nobel Peace Prize Forum was founded by
five Norwegian-American colleges under the auspices of the
Norwegian Nobel Institute to inspire peacemaking by exploring
the work of Nobel Laureates and international peace builders.
According to Gina Torry, executive director of the Nobel Peace
Prize Forum, the event also has the power to change the
dialogue around peace by uplifting the important roles all people
play in fostering a more just, amiable, and nonviolent world.
Using a common theme, #peaceitforward, individuals
spanning generations and continents shared in social media how
their actions positively shape the present and the future.
The “#peaceitforward [campaign] was not just about the
prevention of conflict but the promulgation of good,” Torry said.
The campaign uplifted “the idea that you can be an ordinary
person and still do something extraordinary, which is a powerful
message that the Laureates send.”
This year’s Forum concentrated on the work of 2013 Nobel
Laureate The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons
and also featured former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, the 2002
Nobel Laureate who presented, “A Call to Action: Women, Religion,
Violence, and Power.”
The Forum welcomed more than 1,000 attendees, known
as delegates, during its three days and invited these individuals
to join in the important work of peacemaking—a task that aligns
with Augsburg’s own identity and role in educating students to
be informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers, and
responsible leaders.
View #peaceitforward images, read comments, see
additional event photos, watch featured presentations,
or learn more about the Forum at augsburg.edu/now.
24
Augsburg Now
INSPIRING PEACE
1 Former Prime Minister of Norway Gro
Harlem Brundtland [at left] stops to chat with
Nobel Peace Prize Forum delegates after her
speech on human rights and democracy.
1
2 Director-General Ahmet Üzümcü [at right],
a representative of the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize
Laureate The Organisation for the Prohibition of
Chemical Weapons, speaks with Minnesota Public
Radio host Tom Crann about demilitarization and
the destruction of chemical weapons.
4
3 An ensemble of Native American women
sings on International Women’s Day to honor and
raise awareness of those Native American women
who are victims of violence.
4 The closing presenter at the Forum,
Sanam Naraghi-Anderlini, co-founder of the
International Civil Society Action Network, calls
for greater participation by women in global
conflict management and peace building.
2
Arvol Looking Horse, who is the 19th Generation
Keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe and a
spiritual leader of the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota
nations, offers closing comments on the second
day of the Nobel Peace Prize Forum.
Rev. Mark Hanson ’68, Imam Muhammad Ashafa, and Pastor James Movel Wuye
[L to R] share a laugh during their panel discussion at the Forum. Ashafa and Wuye
are featured in a 2006 film, “The Imam and the Pastor,” which is a story about
forgiveness and grass roots peace initiatives.
Augsburg College President Paul C. Pribbenow [at right] participates in the
dearworld.me portrait project by having words of peace written on his arms. Robert X.
Fogarty, founder of dearworld.me, brought his internationally renowned project to the
Forum to help participants share their messages of hope and peace.
HOST SPONSOR
LEAD ACADEMIC PARTNERS
DIALOGUE SPONSORS
PEACE BUILDERS
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THANK YOU SPONSORS
ALUMNI NEWS
FROM THE ALUMNI BOARD PRESIDENT
Dear alumni and friends,
I
was connected to Augsburg
as a student working in the
admissions office, as a resident
assistant, and even after college.
But there’s something that comes
with age, time, and distance that
really makes me appreciate the
Augsburg that I continue to be
involved with today. When I began
to connect with fellow Auggies and
eventually the Alumni Board, my connections to the College
were enriched, and they continue to grow.
Augsburg has grown, too. It’s exciting to see the ways
in which the College has become larger—not only with new
buildings and faculty, but through an energetic and engaged
commitment to the city and the community—in both programs
and leadership. Augsburg is thriving, and this growth makes
me so proud to call myself an Auggie.
In honor of Augsburg’s sesquicentennial in 2019, the
College is embracing a vision for its future that is both bold
and rooted in values that are uniquely Augsburg.
Focusing on where the College wants to be in 2019, the
Augsburg Board of Regents and President Paul C. Pribbenow
engaged the College community in creating a strategic vision
statement that includes three aspirational dimensions: the
College will educate for lives of purpose, be at the table with
our neighbors and partners, and be built for the future.
I believe my education at Augsburg prepared me for the
future. When I see what’s happening at Augsburg today—
and what’s planned—I know the College’s future is bright.
Augsburg today is a place that calls many to the table to
participate in the life of the College.
The time I first heard about the Center for Science,
Business, and Religion, I may have wondered how all these
disciplines would work together in the same space. I have
come to know that this building represents the future,
and its interdisciplinary emphasis is deeply Augsburg. It
is a demonstration of the College’s vision to work with its
community, to embrace the world, and to prepare its students
for the future.
Today’s students know Augsburg as a place where faith,
service, and learning intersect. It is a College we can be proud
of, and I know I want to help build an Augsburg that continues
to generate pride and equip graduates for the world in which
we live. The outstanding scholarship and research being done
by our faculty and students deserve to take place in a facility
whose quality and capability match their exceptional work. I
want to be a part of preparing for that future.
The interdisciplinary emphasis of the CSBR will match the
world that today’s graduates enter and will truly demonstrate
Augsburg is a sustainable and vital force for educating
future generations. As you’ll see on the inside of the back
cover of this magazine, we can all be part of building that
future for Augsburg by buying a brick that will be a part of
this important new building. Won’t you join me in helping
Augsburg build for the future?
Sincerely,
CHRIS HALLIN ’88, ALUMNI BOARD PRESIDENT
HOMECOMING 2015
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
OCTOBER 5–10
augsburg.edu/homecoming
OCTOBER
Spring 2015
27
ALUMNI NEWS
IN FEBRUARY, Augsburg
wrestling alumni celebrated the
championship teams from 1975, 1985,
1995, and 2005 in the College’s
Kennedy Center with a Reunion of the 5s.
Teams from these class years exhibited
exemplary accomplishments both on
and off the mat, and their successes
represent four of Augsburg wrestling’s
record 32 MIAC Championship teams
and two of the College’s record 11 NCAA
DIII National Championship teams.
Former teammates and wrestling
alumni from all classes gathered to hear
coaches and managers Jim Moulsoff and
Tony Valek ’12, and Athletic Director Jeff
Swenson ’79 share memories and laughs
about the incredible talents from these
four wrestling classes. The crowd of
wrestling legends, families, friends, and
current Auggies cheered at the Battle of
the ’Burgs competition as Augsburg took
on longstanding rival, Wartburg College,
on the elevated stage. Despite a packed
house of enthusiastic supporters,
Wartburg took the victory.
The two teams battled for the newly
created Swens-Millboy Championship
Belt. The belt is named in honor of
Augsburg’s Jeff Swenson (nickname:
Swens) and Wartburg’s Jim Miller
Mike Fuenffinger ’15 opened this
year’s Battle of the ’Burgs match.
28
Augsburg Now
(nickname: Millboy), the head coaches
who led these teams to power. Both men
won 10 national team championships
as head coaches and now, retired from
coaching, are active in supporting their
winning wrestling programs.
The belt will travel with the previous
year’s winner to the duel each year and
will be engraved with the score and the
winning team. Scores from previous
years were engraved to mark the historic
nature of this rivalry.
As Auggies, we are proud to
celebrate the history, legacy, stories, and
success of four generations of Augsburg
College wrestling. Future Auggies can
become a part of the action with our
29th year of summer wrestling camps.
Augsburg wrestling coaching staff and
athletes supervise these camps, which
serve a variety of ages. Learn more at
augsburgwrestling.com.
ALUMNI NEWS
TORSTENSON LEGACY
lives on through gifts
Augsburg alumni shaped and inspired by Professor Emeritus
Joel Torstenson, known as the College’s “father of sociology,”
have contributed more than $180,000 to the Center for
Science, Business, and Religion to honor the legacy of the
man who greatly influenced their Auggie experience.
Torstenson, who died in 2007 at age 94, was well known
for his advocacy for civil rights and social services. His
decades-long legacy is being extended and honored through
generous gifts to name a hall for him in the new CSBR.
One alumnus central to the effort to honor Torstenson is
the Rev. Herb Chilstrom ’54, the ELCA’s first presiding bishop.
Chilstrom, who grew up in Litchfield, Minn., said being a
student in Torstenson’s class opened his eyes to justice issues
and pulled him from his comfort zone.
Then, as today, the College’s location in the city was an
asset to its faculty and students. Torstenson’s impassioned
teaching and perspective on civil rights inspired Chilstrom
years later to fight for the rights of gay and lesbian people.
“Dr. Torstenson impacted me not only during my student
years but throughout the rest of my life,” Chilstrom said.
“He taught that if you are a Christian, you need to face the
problems of the world and be out on the front lines, even if it
makes you unpopular.”
Torstenson challenged students to confront the world’s
problems by engaging directly with individuals. It seems only
fitting, then, that Augsburg’s proposed CSBR pay tribute to
Torstenson’s influence on generations of people, including the
Chilstroms and another family with deep roots in the College:
U.S. Rep. Martin Olav ’59 and Sylvia Sabo.
“Clearly, people like Joel have an impact on what you
think and who you are,” said Rep. Sabo, who spent 46 years
serving his state and country as an elected official.
Rep. Sabo’s Augsburg connection never waned. He
served on the Board of Regents from 1973 to 1984, and
daughters—Julie ’90, a former state senator, and Karin ’86—
are also Auggies.
The Sabos share enthusiasm that the CSBR will be a great
addition to campus.
“The facilities need to keep up with the quality of the
faculty,” Rep. Sabo said. Combining three disciplines in one
facility, the Sabos believe, is a unique and positive step for
the College, which has long embraced interdisciplinary and
experiential education.
The Sabos also marvel at the lifelong friendships that
evolved from Martin’s undergraduate experience, and the
couple remains close to Torstenson’s widow, Fran.
“I’m always amazed at Augsburg,” Sylvia Sabo said. “I
think so much good comes out of it, and Martin had such a
great four years there. I think its size and location give it a
specialness that a lot of colleges don’t have.”
CENTER FOR SCIENCE, BUSINESS, AND RELIGION
JOEL AND FRANCES TORSTENSON CORRIDOR
This space will be provided through the generosity of
Norman ’59 and Delores Berg
Richard ’78 and Linda Bonlender
Herbert W. ’54 and E. Corinne
Chilstrom
Joel ’61 and Yvonne “Bonnie” ’62
Egertson
Harold Hansen ’52
Garry Hesser and Nancy Homans
Lowell O. Larson ’47
Steven ’64 and Rebecca ’65 Nielsen
Martin ’59 and Sylvia Lee Sabo
Allan Torstenson ’75 and Frances
Homans
Beth Torstenson ’66
Gale ’59 and Barbara Torstenson
Linnea Torstenson
Lyndon Torstenson ’78
Robert ’65 and Sylvia ’66 Torstenson
Herb and Corinne Chilstrom pledged $30,000 to kick off
the Torstenson corridor initiative.
“Giving is a lot of fun,” Rev. Chilstrom said. “We have
been blessed, and we like to share our blessings. Giving to the
CSBR means I can say ‘thank you’ to Dr. Torstenson for the
major impact he had on my life, and maybe, by example, we
can encourage others to do likewise.”
If you are interested in donating to the CSBR or honoring
Torstenson with a gift, contact Doug Scott at 612-330-1575 or
scottd@augsburg.edu.
Spring 2015
29
ALUMNI NEWS
AUGGIES CONNECT
on campus and throughout their careers
Building connections, facilitating networking opportunities, and
supporting students and graduates keeps the Alumni Board and Alumni
Relations engaged with inspiring Auggies year-round.
Thanks to those who attended the annual Alumni Board-sponsored
Auggie Networking Event, a reception that welcomed nearly 150 alumni and
more than 100 current students for an evening of networking, conversation,
career pointers, and speakers who shared their stories of finding success
after graduation. Among the speakers were Tina Nguyen ’08, small business
project analyst for U.S. Bank, and Greg Schnagl ’91, former educator and
founder, TeacherCentricity.
The event was a partnership with the Clair and Gladys Strommen
Center for Meaningful Work, which assists students in discovering their
vocation; offers career and internship tips; and helps students with
interviewing skills, resume building, and networking.
The Strommen Center also seeks to help companies recruit more
Auggies. One company with a strong connection to Augsburg alumni is
3M. In January, Augsburg College President Paul C. Pribbenow joined
more than 100 Augsburg graduates now working at 3M for an alumni
event coordinated by Alumni Board member Holly Knutson ’03, ’07 MBA.
In addition to celebrating the amazing presence of Auggies in
the Maplewood, Minn.-based company, the event honored Nicholas
Gangestad ’86, who last summer was appointed senior vice president and
chief financial officer at 3M.
3M also is a major donor to the Center for Science, Business, and
Religion and a strong recruiting partner, hosting internships for Augsburg
students and hiring Augsburg graduates.
If you are interested in hosting an alumni gathering at your workplace, contact
Sara Schlipp-Riedel ’06, director of Alumni Relations, at 612-330-1178 or
schlipp@augsburg.edu.
More than 200 Augsburg College students and alumni attended the 2015
Auggie Networking Event.
New Volunteer and Alumni
Engagement Manager
Katie Radford ’12 joined the Augsburg Alumni and
Family Relations team in January as the new volunteer
and alumni engagement manager. In this role, she hopes
to continue to provide meaningful opportunities for
students, alumni, and friends to connect, give back, and
thrive together as Auggies.
Radford previously worked at Greater Twin Cities
United Way, helping plan and execute corporate United
Way campaigns dedicated to community outreach,
volunteerism, and community giving. She is excited to
be back at Augsburg to continue those initiatives in the
College’s community. If you are interested in volunteering,
mentoring, or serving in a volunteer leadership role, email
her at radford@augsburg.edu.
SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCE
All over campus and in corporate communities, Auggies
are connecting and sharing their insight and expertise.
There are many ways to support current students and
recent graduates as they move between classroom and
career. No matter your position—whether you’re navigating
a career change or looking to bring more Auggies into your
workplace—Augsburg programs can help.
As alumni, you are invited to share your career
expertise, interests, and life experience with Augsburg
students. One way to do this is through the mentorship
program Augsburg Builds Connections. Learn how to
get started in this program by contacting Katie Radford,
volunteer and alumni engagement manager,
at volunteer@augsburg.edu.
To learn more about helping Auggies succeed or to
take advantage of career planning services and graduate
school information, contact the Clair and Gladys
Strommen Center for Meaningful Work at 612-330-1148
or careers@augsburg.edu.
ALUMNI CLASS NOTES
1951
John Garland lives in
St. Paul and has fond
memories of his time as sports
editor for the Echo, including the
rare time he covered a meeting of
the Augsburg Women’s Club. He
recently shared a couple of his
columns with Augsburg Now. In
his final column, he handed the
reins to Richie Howells ’52 and
paid tribute to fellow writers.
1953
Edmund Youngquist
first remembers being
drawn to Augsburg in 1945.
Augsburg’s choir put on a concert
at Calvary Lutheran Church in
Mora, Minn., and soloist Evelyn
(Amundson) Sonnack Halverson
’43 became a never-to-beforgotten memory. “At Augsburg,”
he writes, “I roomed in Memorial
Hall with Jerry Elness ’54 and
Wally Hanson ’54. An occasional
visit to our suite was from blond,
blue-eyed Herb Chilstrom ’54.”
After graduation, Youngquist
graduated from Luther Seminary
in St. Paul and was ordained in
1958. His daughter, Margaret
“Grit” Youngquist ’79, went on
to become a president of the
American Lutheran Church Luther
League. His cousin, Beverly
Gustafson, is married to Professor
Emeritus of History Donald “Gus”
Gustafson.
1956
Richard Thorud, who
lives in Bloomington,
Minn., with his wife, Darlene,
was recently named Toro’s most
prolific inventor for its first 100
years. He has 80 Toro patents
and worked for Toro for 34 years
before retiring in 2000 as a senior
principal research engineer. He
was inducted into the Minnesota
Inventors Hall of Fame in 2011
and was named a Distinguished
Alumnus at Augsburg in 2009.
1957
of the Ashford University Faculty
Senate, the governing body for
250+ full-time instructors and
more than 2,000 adjunct faculty.
1974
Kenneth D. Holmen
was named president
and CEO for CentraCare Health.
Holmen, who is a medical
doctor and has served as vice
president of physician strategies
and business development for
HealthPartners, took leadership of
CentraCare in January.
Stanley Baker was
recognized as the
Counselor Educator of the Year
by the North Carolina School
Counselor Association at its
annual conference in November.
He is employed as a professor
of counselor education at North
Carolina State University.
In the summer of 2014, Stan Nelson ’43 won a
gold medal at the Minnesota Senior Olympics,
shooting a 47 in the golf competition. In
July 2015, he will compete in the 95-99 age
group at the National Senior State Games
held in Bloomington, Minn.
From the NOW@Augsburg blog.
Visit augsburg.edu/alumni/blog to read more.
1967
Dennis Miller and his
wife, Christine, spent
the fall semester on sabbatical
at the University of Gothenburg
in Sweden. They are faculty
members at Cornell University in
Ithaca, N.Y.
1972
Rob Engelson is
completing 34 years
of full-time college/university
teaching and department chairing,
including the past 20 years at
Ashford University in Clinton, Iowa.
He recently rose to become chair
Jerry Gerasimo used to take
us karate guys to at the Cedar
Theatre on the weekends. It was
lots of fun marching around inside
and outside the Student Center,
playing my bagpipes during
Augsburg College Day. I just want
to say,” he added, “that Boyd
Koehler was the very best boss a
guy could ever have. He was an
uncle, big brother, therapist, and
encourager to me, and [he] had
a wonderful dry sense of humor.
God bless you, Boyd.”
Mark S. Johnson ’75 and Allan
Torstenson ’75 shape cities and
build communities. See page 16.
1977
David Charles Friedman
has fond memories of
his stays in Urness and Mortensen
towers and the delightful people
he met during that time. He writes
that he fondly remembers “the
samurai movies that anthropology
instructor and fellow karate-ka
Neil Pauluk was a U.S. Infantry
Army officer and later used the
GI Bill to become a trial lawyer.
He legally changed the spelling of
his last name in 1978 to Paulson,
for the convenience of others,
and still goes by either last name.
He set up a scholarship in his
parents’ name at Augsburg and
started a nonprofit organization,
HelpTheVets.org. He writes that his
Augsburg education paid off.
AUGGIE SNAPSHOTS
1967
Sue Nelson was given
the title of Community
Hero for her 10+ years of service
to the John Deere Classic. She
has worked tirelessly to support
other organizations, including the
National Education Association,
Missouri Valley – U.S. Tennis
Association, and Special Olympics.
She also has gone to Yale
University and the University of
North Carolina as Team Iowa tennis
coach for the World Games.
1970
The newly released book, “Waters Like the
Sky,” is a short adventure tale of a young
voyageur and is authored by the late Agnes Peloquin
Rajala and her daughter, Nikki Rajala (pictured),
who are direct descendants of voyageurs, explorers,
and fur traders. After Agnes passed away in October
2013, Nikki carried the legacy of the book forward,
determined to share this historical adventure with
readers. The story is steeped in the history of the
French-Canadian voyageur journeys in the early
1800s in North America. To learn more about the
book, visit nikkirajala.com. Nikki is available for
interviews and presentations at schools, meetings,
and other events.
Spring 2015
31
Pauluk runs into Ron Robinson, also in
Orlando, Fla., from time to time. “God
has blessed me more than I can imagine.
Good friends, good family, and good times.
I ran marathons in each of the 50 states in
2010 to 2012. I am director of the Orlando
Marathon each year. Look me up if you
come to Orlando, The City Beautiful!”
1978
Arvella E. Edwards had a
children’s book, “Town of
Never Never,” published in May by Xlibris,
ISBN #978-1-4931-1486-3. She is so
excited and proud.
Paula (Winchester) Palermo has moved to St.
Charles Parish, La., and continues her work
with the St. Charles Parish School System.
Donadee (Melby) Peterson and husband,
Tim ’76, will celebrate 20 years in business
in 2015. Donadee is the president of their
family company, SDG Computing, Inc.
Tim, a graduate of Luther Seminary and
an ordained pastor of the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America, served
two parishes full time until 1995 when
he turned bi-vocational and started the
1979
Karla (Wiese) Miller was
honored with the 2014
Minnesota Choral Director of the Year
award. She is in her 21st year as fulltime music instructor/director of choral
activities at North Hennepin Community
College in Brooklyn Park, Minn. At
Augsburg, she received a bachelor’s
degree in piano performance with a vocal
music (K-12) certification.
1980
John Edwin Carlson is a lead
chaplain at Redeemer Health
and Rehabilitation Center in Minneapolis,
which provides senior housing and health
care in the spirit of Christ’s love.
1981
Carla (Isachsen) Kukkonen is
working at Allina hospice as a
medical social worker.
1989
Steven Torgerud is an assistant
professor of life sciences
at Palmer College of Chiropractic in
Davenport, Iowa, where he teaches
neuroanatomy and biomechanics courses.
His students have selected him “Teacher
of the Year” three of the past four years.
Justin Grammens ’96 presented “The Science of My Life and
Career After Augsburg” in an AugSTEM seminar. He provided
insight into current technology trends and advice on what
employers are seeking from graduates in science, technology,
engineering, and mathematics fields. Grammens is a software
architect and has been a business owner for the majority of his
career. He is an engineering co-founder at Code42 Software
where he is protecting the world’s data with high-performance
hardware and easy-to-use software solutions. He enjoys family
movie nights with his wife and two children.
From the NOW@Augsburg blog.
Visit augsburg.edu/alumni/blog to read more.
family business. He has since served as
a part-time and fill-in pastor as well as
chaplain in the Minnesota National Guard.
He retired from the National Guard in
2012 after 28 years of service. Tim and
Donadee have spent one or two months
each year for the last three years in
Drammen, Norway, where Tim has worked
as a computer consultant for Conexus, a
company that reports on all aspects of the
Norwegian educational system. Their son,
Nathan, also works for the business from
Concord, Calif.
32
Augsburg Now
Courtesy of Kelly Browne
ALUMNI CLASS NOTES
1990
Peter Morlock began serving a
new call as pastor of Bethany
Lutheran Church and Lost Island Lutheran
Church in western Iowa in February 2014.
1991
In September, Bill Koschak
was appointed a vice president
of the global internal audit division at
General Mills. In this role, he will provide
leadership and guidance to the global
internal audit team and support the audit
committee in executing its charter.
1981
Bev Benson was elected to the
judgeship for the 4th Judicial District
of Hennepin County, Minn., in November.
Augsburg alumni supporting her campaign
included former roommate Leeann Rock ’81,
Brian Anderson ’81, Kristine Johnson ’81, Kristin
Lehmann ’08, Peggy Larkin ’09, and Benson’s
son, first-year student Robb Benson-Ernst ’18
(pictured), as well as Gaynelle (Webb) Buckland
’81, Fred Buckland ’81, Molly (Olson) Blomgren
’81, and Jim Blomgren ’81. Benson thanks her
Auggie supporters, including Martin O. ’59 and
Sylvia Sabo and professors Milda Hedblom,
Norma Noonan, and Janelle Bussert.
1993
Heidi
Staloch
is now vice president
and senior corporate
counsel, managing U.S.
Bank’s legal channel
for default accounts
nationwide. Heidi is an
active alumni volunteer,
serving as a member of
AWE–Augsburg Women
Engaged.
2010
John Ideen
has been
named executive chef
at Covenant Village
of Golden Valley,
a continuing care
retirement community
in Golden Valley, Minn.
In his new position,
Ideen will manage dayto-day food operations
for the 344-resident community, including casual
and formal dining in the residential and assisted
living, memory support, and health care settings.
He is responsible for managing and training a
kitchen staff of 65; creating innovative, healthful
menus; and managing the community’s catering
services.
AUGGIE
SNAPSHOTS
ALUMNI CLASS NOTES
1992
Terri Burnor is interning at the
Minnesota Religious Coalition for
Reproductive Choice.
2005
Charles “Rusty” Brace graduated
from Luther Seminary in May
2014. He is looking for a call somewhere in the
Twin Cities area.
Conie Borchardt ’98 transforms lives with
song. See page 20.
Bryan Ludwig ’08 is a head coach and general counsel for
the PHD Baseball Club, LLC, which was created in 2009 by
another Auggie, Brian Bambenek ’07, and two of his friends.
The idea behind PHD—which stands for pitching, hitting,
and defense—is for the coaches to share the love of baseball
with and return value to participating athletes, training young
men and giving them the tools they need to succeed on and
off the field. Learn more at phdbaseball.us.
From the NOW@Augsburg blog.
Visit augsburg.edu/alumni/blog to read more.
Aaron Gabriel ’99 creates new musical theater
for performers with disabilities. See page 20.
2000
In May 2014, Ann Staton received
a master’s of English in technical
communication from Minnesota State
University Mankato. She accepted a oneyear visiting instructor appointment to teach
technical communication during the 201415 academic year at Montana Tech of the
University of Montana in Butte.
Debbie Heard, a tax managing director for
KPMG’s San Francisco office, was honored
with Silicon Valley’s 40 Under 40 award.
2001
Sarah Grans is a new director of
confirmation and youth ministry
at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church in
Shoreview, Minn.
Michael Reed has taken a new position with
Robbinsdale (Minn.) Area Schools as a district
behavior coordinator and focuses on reducing
racial disproportionality in suspension rates.
Nicole Warner ’01 gets lost in the music.
See page 20.
2002
Christy Blake completed a
master’s of urban planning from
Virginia Tech’s Alexandria campus in 2007.
She has been working in local government
and economic development. She resides in
Winchester, Va., in the Shenandoah Valley.
Mark and Jessica (Bjurquist) ’06 Matzek
announce the birth of their daughter, Natalie
Violet, who arrived February 9, 2014.
Dan Vogel started a new position as an inside
sales/marketing specialist at the technical and
outdoor apparel company, Storm Creek, based
in Hastings, Minn. He’s excited to pair his
passion for the outdoors and an active lifestyle
with a new, exciting professional career at this
up-and-coming organization.
Jamar Esaw ’05 inspires members of
Triad:4Christ. See page 4.
2006
Tyra (Jensen) Taylor is completing
her graduate-level internship. She
is working with elementary students needing
mental health services. She plans to graduate
in May 2015.
2007
Brett Cease began a doctoral
program in public policy and
political economy with an emphasis in
sustainable development at the University of
Texas-Dallas.
Andrew L. Johnson is a manager of franchise
recruiting and engagement at Ameriprise
Financial Services, Inc., in Cleveland.
Molly Shortall recently became engaged to
Brian Kaszuba of Brooklyn, N.Y. She is a
senior annual giving officer at Memorial SloanKettering Cancer Center and also serves as one
of the primary musicians for the Diocese of
Brooklyn and Queens.
2009
Amber Davis is working as
a moderator at the Zürich
International Film Festival.
Stephanie (Holman) Hubbard works as a music
therapist for St. Paul Public Schools. She is
attending St. Mary of the Woods College for a
master’s in music therapy.
2010
Sylvia Bull is studying at Princeton
Theological Seminary in Princeton,
N.J., for Master of Divinity and Master of
Arts in Christian education degrees. Her
anticipated graduation date is May 2015. She
is a candidate for ordination in the Evangelical
Lutheran Church in America.
Gabriella Hamerlinck is a doctoral candidate
in ecology at the University of Iowa. She is an
alumna of Augsburg’s biology and mathematics
departments, as well as the McNair Scholars
and North Star STEM programs. In addition
to Hamerlinck’s academic successes at
Augsburg, she was a two-sport athlete who
participated in soccer and track.
Sara Kaiser ’08, a social worker for Rice County, Minn., has seen
first-hand the need for daily support for single moms. In addition
to helping families, she convinced the mayor of Northfield, Minn.,
to designate a month for “Teen Dating Violence Prevention and
Awareness,” and she has worked in collaboration to create a
young moms’ support group. She interned at the Northfield
Women’s Center and worked at the Crisis Pregnancy Center. She
has found her life’s calling and is pursuing a master’s of social
work from the University of Southern California.
From the NOW@Augsburg blog.
Visit augsburg.edu/alumni/blog to read more.
Spring
2014
2015
Fall 2014
17
33
37
ALUMNI CLASS NOTES
Michael Hamm has accepted a position
with the Dakota County Sheriff’s Office in
Minnesota. He has been an officer with the
Department of Public Safety at Augsburg for
the past several years, and he will move to oncall status with DPS.
Grant Rostad is employed with Best Buy for
Business as an account manager. He also is a
licensed certified public accountant.
2011
Kate Edelen is a legislative associate
on climate and conflict for the
Friends Committee on National Legislation in
Washington, D.C. Edelen submitted a letter on
climate change to the editor of The New York
Times, which was published in October.
2012
Joseph Fahnhorst was promoted
to vice president of a payments
application at the Federal Reserve Bank of
Minneapolis. The Minneapolis Fed, with one
branch in Helena, Mont., serves six states in
the Ninth Federal Reserve District: Minnesota,
Montana, North and South Dakota, 26 counties
in northwestern Wisconsin, and the Upper
Peninsula of Michigan.
2013
Since graduating, Alex Bennett has
gotten married and had a beautiful
baby, Layla. He graduated with a degree in
music business and has accepted a position
at Mystic Lake Casino in the entertainment
department.
Kayla Johnson is in medical school at the
University of Minnesota Duluth.
Rachel Rixen graduated from the American
University of Paris with a master’s in cultural
translation.
2014
Janelle Holte has a new job as a
marketing and communications
coordinator at the University of Minnesota.
After a summer internship with Dart Transit,
which is owned and operated by Don ’53 and
Bev ’55 Oren, Mike Schumacher landed a
position as a fleet leader with Transit America.
Anne Skriba is happy to share the news that she
is employed at Bemidji State University as an
assistant women’s basketball coach.
Lani (Langanki) Hollenbeck ’77, ’11 MAN is a staff nurse in an
infant care center at Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota
in St. Paul. She was named 2014 Nurse of the Year by March
of Dimes Minnesota, Children’s Hospitals and Clinics, and
Minneapolis-St. Paul Magazine. “We do not get to rock babies all
day long,” she said of her care team. “We’re very like-minded in
focusing on the developmental needs of infants.”
From the NOW@Augsburg blog.
Visit augsburg.edu/alumni/blog to read more.
Katia Iverson celebrated two years at
Minnesota Council of Churches Refugee
Services in February 2015. She recently was
promoted to a case manager position.
Kim (Saukkola) Simmonds is an executive
director at the MonDak Heritage Center in
Sidney, Mont., and is completing a master’s
degree in public and nonprofit administration
at Metropolitan State University.
34
Augsburg Now
Through bridge program funding for research
and extra assistance, Enrico Barrozo is
preparing for a doctoral program at the
University of Georgia.
Maya Sutton has accepted a special education
teaching position for the 2014-15 school
year at Fraser Academy, a charter school in
Minneapolis.
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
Rebecca (Johnson) Koelln ’76, ’91 MAL
has been named director of leadership
development and senior consultant for
Learning Sciences International. LSI is a
learning and performance management
company focused on continuous improvement
at all levels of the system.
Tom Driscoll ’07 MBA was featured in the
Minneapolis Star Tribune as one of the
construction industry’s “Movers and Shakers”
due to his work as partner and vice president
of business development at the Minneapolis
office of Big-D Construction.
Chris Wolf ’09 MAN recently became a nurse
manager for Ask Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn.
Physician Assistant Kelly Kleven ’10 MPA
joined the hospitalist department at Essentia
Health-St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth,
Minn. Kleven is certified by the National
Commission on Certification of Physician
Assistants.
Lori (Langager) Higgins ’94, ’12 MAL was
appointed to the Minnesota Amateur Sports
Commission by Gov. Mark Dayton. Since 2010,
she has been the president of the MetroNorth
Chamber of Commerce, which is the fourthlargest chamber in the Twin Cities metro area.
She lives in Blaine, Minn., with her husband
and two children.
In September, Carmen (Crockett) Williams ’12
MBA accepted a position as director of business
development at Mediaspace Solutions in
Hopkins, Minn. Carmen and her husband, John
(who works in mortgages and finance), recently
purchased a home in Burnsville, Minn.
Christine Dawson ’13 MSW was featured on
the cover of the Regions Hospital Foundation
newsletter for her outstanding work with the
HeroCare Program for veterans at Regions
Hospital. Dawson, who is herself a veteran,
coordinates services and advocates for patients
in Regions Hospital’s mental health programs.
ARE YOU AN AUGGIE IN PUBLIC SERVICE?
Whether you are serving as an elected, appointed, or volunteer official, we would
love to hear from you! Submit a Class Note, and we’ll enter you into a raffle to win
an Augsburg College swag bag to display your Auggie pride at work.
AUGGIE SNAPSHOTS
1998
Kaydee Kirk
and Peter
Spuit welcomed Paul
Johann Spuit, who was
born May 27, 2014, and
joins 3-year-old sister,
Miriam.
2005
Ellen (Kvitek)
Saj and her
husband, Nathan, welcomed
their second child, Hazel
Christine, at home on April
26, 2014.
Send us your news and photos
Please tell us about the news in your life, your new job, move, marriage, and
births. Don’t forget to send photos! (Digital photos must be at least 300 ppi
or a 1 MB file.)
For news of a death, printed notice is required, e.g., an obituary, funeral
notice, or program from a memorial service.
Send your news items, photos, or change of address by mail to:
Augsburg Now Class Notes, Augsburg College, CB 146, 2211 Riverside Ave.,
Minneapolis, MN 55454, or email alumni@augsburg.edu. You can also
submit news at augsburg.edu/alumni/connect.
______________________________________________________
Full name
______________________________________________________
Maiden name
______________________________________________________
Class year or last year attended
______________________________________________________
Street address
______________________________________________________
City, State, ZIP code
Is this a new address? q Yes q No
______________________________________________________
Home telephone
______________________________________________________
Email
2011
Korri (Yule)
Corrigan married
Joshua Corrigan on December
13 in Hoversten Chapel at
Augsburg College.
Okay to publish your email address? q Yes q No
______________________________________________________
Employer
______________________________________________________
Position
______________________________________________________
Work telephone
Is spouse also a graduate of Augsburg College? q Yes q No
If yes, class year___________________________________________
______________________________________________________
Spouse’s name (include maiden name, if applicable)
2011
Jessica (Hilk)
Kociemba and
Joel Kociemba celebrated their
marriage with Auggies Amy
Opsal ’12, Katie (Christensen)
Beadell ’11, Laura (Harms) Faruq
’09, Katelyn Berens ’14, Amanda
Rueb ’09, Jamila Lee ’13, Korri
(Yule) Corrigan ’11, Colleen
Ourada ’14, Julie Jenkins ’09,
Denielle Johnson ’11, Amanda Unze, and Morgan Baumgarten ’14.
Your news:
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
q I know a student who is interested in attending Augsburg.
Spring 2014
Spring 2015
17
35
In memoriam
Nellie I. (Thorud) Blake ’38,
Barron, Wis., age 98, on
October 16.
Edward M. Alberg ’50,
Minnetonka, Minn., age 87, on
September 22.
Albert S. Olson ’40, Amery, Wis.,
age 97, on November 7.
Delphine J. (Jensen) Bakke ’50,
Hendricks, Minn., age 85, on
November 30.
Maynard Bahre ’41, San
Francisco, Calif., age 97, on
January 14, 2014.
Mark C. Thorpe ’56, Kirkwood,
Mo., age 80, on October 30.
Birgit E. Birkeland ’58,
Minneapolis, age 87, on
October 23.
Elizabeth V. Koenig ’72,
Minneapolis, age 91, on
December 2.
Julia C. Blixrud ’76, Lawrence,
Kan., age 59, on October 29.
Sylvia A. (Moe) Overlund ’59,
Portland, Ore., age 90, on
October 26.
Dennis C. Callahan ’82, Grand
Rapids, Minn., age 55, on
December 22.
Louise A. (Heydenreich) Swenson
’60, Princeton, Minn., age 89,
on October 7.
Wendy J. (Miller) Johnson ’90,
Sanford, N.C., age 58, on
August 22.
Gail W. Castor ’61, Redwood
Falls, Minn., age 83, on
September 16.
Eric H. Peterson ’91,
Minneapolis, age 45, on
November 19.
George O. Johnson ’61, Pequot
Lakes, Minn., age 77, on
December 4.
Kathleen M. (McCullough) Zander
’91, ’04 MAN, Minneapolis, age
54, on October 2.
Robert M. Sletta ’51, Dayton,
N.J., age 86, on September 27.
Richard “Dick” “Pork Chops” M.
Thompson ’61, Long Lake, Minn.,
age 74, on September 11.
Sarah (Christiansen) Schuck ’95,
Hager City, Wis., age 64, on
November 29.
Dayel M. Olson ’44, Storden,
Minn., age 87, on October 11.
Warren C. Nelson ’52, Buffalo,
Minn., age 86, on July 7.
Richard L. Strand ’66, Mayville,
N.D., age 70, on December 1.
Peter A. Lokkesmoe ’47, Elgin,
Ill., age 90, on March 20.
Elwood Nestvold ’52, Houston,
Texas, age 81, on January 11,
2014.
Dale L. Strom ’66, Venice, Fla.,
age 71, on October 24.
Sandra “Sandy” S. (Hawley)
Hamann ’00, Fredericksburg,
Iowa, age 58, on October 23.
Mildred I. (Krinke) Sandel ’42,
North Mankato, Minn., age 94,
on September 9.
John R. Bergeron ’43, Detroit
Lakes, Minn., age 93, on
October 12.
Floyd J. G. Rodmyre ’43, Eden
Prairie, Minn., age 92, on
September 17.
Verona A. (Woyke) Blasing ’44,
Mankato, Minn., age 89, on
October 7.
Christine M. (Westman) Behrend
’48, Manistique, Mich., age 88,
on October 29.
Rona B. (Quanbeck) Emerson
’48, Kenyon, Minn., age 90, on
November 1.
Anna M. (Strand) Olson ’49,
Amery, Wis., age 88, on
September 10.
36
Augsburg Now
LaVerne “Lu” A. (Gothe)
Engelstad ’50, Moorhead,
Minn., age 86, on October 16.
Sylvia R. (Kleven) Hanson ’50,
Big Lake, Minn., age 86, on
November 7.
Ann B. (Spencer) Zaudtke ’50,
Meadows Place, Texas, age 86,
on October 5.
Luella (Neumann) Hanson ’51,
Phoenix, Ariz., age 90, on
August 15.
Orville B. Walters ’52,
Minnetonka, Minn., age 89, on
November 29.
Marlys P. (Stock) Giese ’53,
Morris, Minn., age 83, on
September 15.
Wayne G. Steinbrecker ’55,
Princeton, Minn., age 82, on
November 2.
Paul W. Frank ’69, Brooklyn
Park, Minn., age 66, on
September 18.
Jeffrey T. Kosse ’70,
Minneapolis, age 67, on
September 16.
Arnold “Bud” M. Rader ’71,
Minneapolis, age 69, on
December 23.
Nancy J. Mohs ’08, Lakeville,
Minn., age 46, on October 30.
Professor Emeritus Henry
Follingstad, Arden Hills, Minn.,
age 92, on October 1.
The “In memoriam” listings in this
publication include notifications
received before January 10.
THE CENTER FOR SCIENCE,
BUSINESS, AND RELIGION
HELP BUILD A SOLID
FOUNDATION FOR
FUTURE AUGGIES
Read about the $10 million gift to name
the new building on the inside front cover.
Briana Alamilla ’17
Marketing major
Buy a Brick. Build a Legacy.
A
ugsburg College invites you to join your fellow alumni and participate
in the Buy a Brick, Build a Legacy program. When you buy a brick, you
are doing your part to help make Augsburg’s newest academic building, the
Center for Science, Business, and Religion, a reality.
The CSBR will replace the existing 60-year-old Science Hall and
bring together academic disciplines that reflect our commitment to
interdisciplinary education and academic excellence.
WITH YOUR DONATION:
• Augsburg will inscribe a brick with your name or the name
of someone you’d like to honor.
• Each brick will be incorporated into the building of the CSBR,
creating a lasting legacy for the future of Augsburg.
• You will receive official recognition of your participation.
Foundation Brick
(40 characters, 3 lines) = $250
Legacy Brick
(80 characters, 6 lines) = $500
Your support will help educate and inspire
students for generations to come.
START BUILDING TODAY
augsburg.edu/csbr
For more information, call 612-330-1085.
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
2211 Riverside Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55454
Twin Cities, MN
Permit No. 2031
Bill Nye wows audience at Augsburg College
Bill Nye “The Science Guy” captivated 1,800 guests at a sold-out, on-campus presentation during Augsburg’s Scholarship Weekend,
a time when high school seniors visit the College to vie for highly competitive scholarships. During his address, “How Science Can
Save the World,” Nye spoke about planetary science, climate change, environmental awareness, and more. Nye took a “selfie” with
the delighted crowd, which included 650 high school students from 12 states.
Show less
BUILDING
INSIDE
Faculty-student research duo
Auggie brews up a business
The changing face of Auggies
Commencement memories
FOR THE
FUTURE
SUMMER 2015 | VOL. 77, NO. 3
AUGSBURG NOW
Vice President of Marketing
and Communication
Rebecca John ’13 MBA
rjohn@augsburg.edu
Director of News an... Show more
BUILDING
INSIDE
Faculty-student research duo
Auggie brews up a business
The changing face of Auggies
Commencement memories
FOR THE
FUTURE
SUMMER 2015 | VOL. 77, NO. 3
AUGSBURG NOW
Vice President of Marketing
and Communication
Rebecca John ’13 MBA
rjohn@augsburg.edu
Director of News and
Media Services
Stephanie Weiss
weisss@augsburg.edu
NOTES FROM PRESIDENT PRIBBENOW
A college that is student ready
The 2014-15 academic year—the 146th in
Augsburg’s history—was a very good year for the
College. National honors for students. Awards
for faculty teaching, research, and advising. The
successful completion of the $50 million campaign
for the Center for Science, Business, and Religion,
and the early preparation work on the construction
site. Important conversations on and off campus
about interfaith living, race relations, demographic
trends, and diversity. Remarkable outreach
programs like the Minnesota Urban Debate League
and Campus Kitchen receiving major support
for their important work. A national wrestling
championship! And so much, much more.
Reflecting on these accomplishments, I am
so grateful for all our faculty and staff do for this
special college and its students.
But I also realize that these achievements
are made possible by an increasingly clear vision
of our future that says we will be “a new kind of
student-centered urban university, small to our
students and big for the world.” And the fruit of
our labors is made possible by our common efforts
to live into this vision and our shared commitment
to an Augsburg education that equips our students
for lives of meaning, purpose, and significance
in and for the world. That is what truly excites
me about Augsburg’s future—a persuasive vision
that proclaims our desire to be a college that is
student-ready!
What do I mean by student-ready? I mean that
we are turning 21st century higher education on
its head by not focusing on whether students are
“college-ready.” You’ve probably read and heard
that phrase many times. Demanding that students
are college-ready allows lots of smart people to
claim that the responsibility belongs elsewhere
when it comes to ensuring that students show up
on our campuses prepared by someone else for
what we think a higher education should look like.
If students aren’t able to read or speak English
as well as we would like, if their math skills are
lacking, if they don’t participate in class like we
once did, if they demand more of us because of
difficult personal circumstances or diverse learning
and leading styles, then they are not ready for
college. In other words, if they don’t learn and
behave like us, they are not college-ready.
So here comes Augsburg offering a different—
even countercultural—vision of what higher
education is all about today. And it is a vision
grounded in our faith and academic heritage. It is
a vision that claims we are called to be ready for
students with the diverse gifts and experiences they
bring to our campus, gifts and experiences that
demand changes in how we engage them, teach
them, and learn from them. It doesn’t mean that
we lower our standards—that is the too-easy retort
to our vision. It means that we define and claim
even higher standards of academic excellence
and achievement, of teaching and learning, of
civic engagement and community life—standards
shaped not by measures imposed from without, but
by a collaborative and democratic measure borne
of our shared experience and engagement.
And, come to find out, when you take the path
of being student-ready, when you quit measuring
by someone else’s standards, you begin to witness
to a way of being in the world as educated people
that others want to embrace. And students and
faculty win major recognition, your campaigns are
successful, and you are positioned to lead in the
21st century.
Wow, that is exciting and inspiring. I give
thanks every day for a community that embraces
this vision of a college that is student-ready and
student-centered. A college that is faithful and
relevant. Our college—Augsburg College!
PAUL C. PRIBBENOW, PRESIDENT
Director of Marketing
Communication
Stephen Jendraszak
jendra@augsburg.edu
Communication Copywriter
and Editorial Coordinator
Laura Swanson ’15 MBA
swansonl@augsburg.edu
Creative Associate
Denielle Johnson ’11
johnsod@augsburg.edu
Marketing Copywriter
Christina Haller
haller@augsburg.edu
Production Manager/Now Online
Mark Chamberlain
chamberm@augsburg.edu
Photographer
Stephen Geffre
geffre@augsburg.edu
Advancement Communication
Specialist
Jen Lowman Day
dayj@augsburg.edu
augsburg.edu
Augsburg Now is published by
Augsburg College
2211 Riverside Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55454
now@augsburg.edu
Opinions expressed in Augsburg Now
do not necessarily reflect official
College policy.
ISSN 1058-1545
Send address corrections to:
Advancement Services
CB 142
Augsburg College
2211 Riverside Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55454
langemo@augsburg.edu
summer 2015
AUGSBURG NOW
Features
02
08
11
18
22
Ahead of the curve
BY REBECCA JOHN ’13 MBA
Commencement memories
BY LAURA SWANSON ’15 MBA
Making their mark
BY STEPHANIE WEISS
Departments
inside
front
cover
Notes from President Pribbenow
02 Around the Quad
08 Celebrating student success
14
18
14 Auggie voices
20 It takes an Auggie
26 My Auggie experience
28 Alumni news
34 Alumni class notes
38 In memoriam
22
26
On the cover
A photo illustration depicts what the future Center for Science, Business, and Religion
will look like from Urness Tower; see pages 20-21. Photo illustration by Mark Chamberlain.
All photos by Stephen Geffre unless otherwise indicated.
Correction: In the Spring 2015 issue
of Augsburg Now, the names of donors
Richard Bonlender ’78 and Mary Ahern
were listed incorrectly in the article
“Torstenson legacy lives on through gifts,”
which described an initiative to name a
gathering space for Faculty Emeritus of
Sociology Joel Torstenson in the new Center
for Science, Business, and Religion.
AROUND THE QUAD
PUTTING MINNEAPOLIS
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
This spring, hundreds of prospective Augsburg College students and their
families visited campus as part of “Destination: Augsburg,” an event
designed to offer a glimpse into on-campus life. The event also included
guided excursions to well-known attractions in the heart of Minneapolis
including Target Field, Nicollet Mall, and the State Theatre [above].
MINNESOTA URBAN
DEBATE LEAGUE
adds first-ever Somali Debate Initiative
The Minnesota Urban Debate League—a program of Augsburg College—sponsored
the first debate in the state among Somali youth. The Somali Debate Initiative serves
middle- and high-school students from Minneapolis and St. Paul. A community forum
featuring U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison followed the debate. MNUDL also hosted four Spanish
tournaments throughout the Twin Cities, which helps make debate more accessible to
Spanish-speaking communities.
In May, MNUDL hosted its third Mayor’s Challenge fundraiser. St. Paul Mayor
Chris Coleman; Donald Lewis, co-founder and shareholder of Nilan Johnson Lewis in
Minneapolis; and Barb Schmitt, senior director at Microsoft, served as judges. The
event raised $18,500 plus $3,000 in matching grants from the Pohlad Foundation.
2
Augsburg Now
Keynote speaker and debate judge Ilhan Omar
encourages Somali Debate Initiative guests to
pursue college degrees.
AROUND THE QUAD
A TEACHER’S INFLUENCE
NEVER ENDS
Each year, the Augsburg College faculty
recognizes select colleagues with Distinguished
Contributions to Teaching and Learning
awards—acknowledging those who have
demonstrated outstanding support for students
through teaching, advising, and mentoring.
EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING
Joan Kunz, professor of chemistry
Soup for You! Café Chef Judah Nataf seasons one of his signature recipes.
SOUP FOR THE HEART
and soul of Augsburg’s neighbors
Alumnus launches community meal program
Kunz is recognized for her commitment to
Augsburg’s students, embodying the College’s
mission to educate students to be informed
citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers,
and responsible leaders. Since 1987, Kunz has
worked toward creating and sustaining a vibrant
learning community in the sciences.
EXCELLENCE IN ADVISING AND MENTORING
oto
Courtesy Ph
Susan O’Connor and Donna Patterson, assistant
Five days a week, Minneapolis community members convene at Bethany
professors of education
Lutheran Church to dine on gourmet fare prepared as part of the Soup
for You! Café—a program the Star Tribune
O’Connor and Patterson are recognized
recognized for its ability to redefine
for their work to incorporate Public
“Our model is mutuality, and
community outreach.
Achievement into the special education
what better way is there to
Augsburg College alumnus, Chaplain
teacher training program in the College’s
show mutuality than to gather Department of Education. The Public
to Student Athletes, and Linebacker Coach
the Rev. Mike Matson ’06 is the pastor at
at the same table together?”
Achievement model changes lives for
Bethany Lutheran and the driver behind this
students in special education by giving
—The Rev. Mike Matson ’06
community meal. Supported by volunteers
Star Tribune, April 5
them a voice to act as citizens in a
and one talented chef, Soup for You! Café is
democratic society.
a chance for people of all backgrounds to come together in an environment
that focuses on dignity. In the Star Tribune article “Church program
offers hot soup, warm welcome,” Matson underscored that the program is
designed to bring together people from the many faiths
and cultures of the Seward neighborhood.
Augsburg College students, faculty, and staff find varied—and
valuable—ways to lend their time and talents to support the Soup
for You! Café. Auggie Jens Pinther ’15 contributed an article about
the program to the June edition of The Lutheran magazine. The
story, available at thelutheran.org, included photos by Augsburg
photographer Stephen Geffre.
The 2015 Distinguished Contributions recipients [L to R]:
Donna Patterson, Susan O’Connor, and Joan Kunz.
Summer 2015
3
(RE)NAME THE MAGAZINE?
From Augsburg’s
CAMPUS KITCHEN
to the community table
Unique program expands its reach
The Campus Kitchen program at Augsburg College works
to make healthy food accessible to all people living in and
near the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood in Minneapolis. The
program also provides opportunities for service learning,
leadership development, and genuine engagement between
the College and the community.
Based in the Sabo Center for Democracy and Citizenship,
Campus Kitchen is a student-driven organization that
addresses hunger locally and globally. Corporate partners
support Campus Kitchen’s efforts, providing a solid
foundation for Auggies’ stellar work.
2014-15 academic year highlights:
7
Augsburg student leaders took home a “Going Beyond The
Meal” award from the 2015 Food Waste and Hunger Summit
in Athens, Georgia. The honor recognized Campus Kitchen’s
exceptional education and outreach efforts.
34
13,036
What do you think?
Last summer, Augsburg College participated in a national
higher education magazine survey developed by the Council for
Advancement and Support of Education. This survey allowed
more than 600 people to share feedback on the ways Augsburg’s
magazine helps them stay connected with the College.
Based on the survey results, we worked to develop a clearer
picture of the roles the magazine plays and found that the
Augsburg College magazine serves to:
• Foster inspiration and pride.
• Provide intellectual stimulation and ongoing education.
• Bridge the Augsburg of today with people’s past experiences.
• Define and illustrate what it means to be an “Auggie.”
• Help the Augsburg community learn how to talk about itself
and equip individuals to advocate for the College.
Given the importance of these commitments, there was a desire to
have the magazine name align with and support the publication’s
purpose. After an exploration of dozens of name options, Augsburg
Spirit and Augsburg Experience stood out. It also was evident that
the name Augsburg Now remains appropriate.
To determine which of these three names is best, you’re invited
to share your opinion on the name of the magazine by voting online
for Augsburg Now, Augsburg Experience, or Augsburg Spirit.
Go to augsburg.edu/now to share your input
to help guide our naming decision.
student volunteers engaged in Campus
Kitchen activities per month on average.
pounds of unserved, edible food were recovered from
A’viands campus dining and the Mill City Farmers Market
and thereby diverted from the waste stream.
11,210
total meals prepared using recovered, gleaned, and
homemade food served to youths, adults, and seniors in need
in the Cedar-Riverside, Seward, and Phillips neighborhoods.
KEY CORPORATE PARTNERS’
YEARS OF GRANT SUPPORT
LAND O’LAKES
TARGET
A’VIANDS
GENERAL MILLS
AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL
=1 year
Plus, a new grant from The Campus Kitchens Project and AARP has
enabled Augsburg’s Campus Kitchen program to provide a weekly
lunch for more than a dozen additional seniors living near campus.
augsburg.edu/campuskitchen
KNOW?
DID YOU
General Mills has invested more than $125,000 in
the Augsburg College Campus Kitchen program.
Renovations are underway on a number of spaces
on the Augsburg campus in Minneapolis, including
the Sateren Auditorium in the Anderson Music Hall.
The space will return to service this fall.
ACCLAIMED ARTIST CREATES
painting for Hoversten Chapel
This spring, Augsburg’s Campus Ministry welcomed the Rev. Paul
Oman—a professional watercolorist whose artistic work draws
inspiration from his experiences, travels, and Lutheran faith—to
take part in a three-day worship event on campus. Oman created
a large-scale painting of Jesus during Daily Chapel services as
on-campus worshipers took part in music, prayer, spoken word,
and Scripture.
Oman’s visual ministry, known as “Drawn to the Word,”
offered the Augsburg community the opportunity to engage
in conversation and reflection on race, radical hospitality,
reformation, faith, and the Lutheran tradition that continues to
shape the College’s identity. The painting is on display in the
Hoversten Chapel in Foss Center.
The Rev. Paul Oman paints “Jesus Withdraws to Pray” during Daily Chapel time.
Summer 2015
5
Photo by Mark Chamberlain
AROUND THE QUAD
AROUND THE QUAD
While traveling to or from campus, some Auggies have near-perfect views of the construction underway on the new Minnesota
Vikings football stadium. This vantage point is near the intersection of Cedar and Riverside avenues in Minneapolis.
ON THE SPOT
Kristin Anderson
In the discipline of art history it’s common to discuss the visual
representation of saints and sinners, kings and queens, and maybe even
a Viking or two. At Augsburg College, Kristin Anderson teaches courses on
the history of art and architecture, and she’s prepared to talk about works
ranging from the Mona Lisa to the Metrodome—may it rest in peace.
Anderson’s current writing and research are focused on sports
architecture, and she is co-authoring a book on the history of athletic
facilities in the Twin Cities. As the St. Paul Saints baseball club settles into
its new CHS Field in Lowertown and the Minnesota Vikings football team
awaits the completion of a new stadium in Augsburg’s own backyard, here
is Anderson’s take on the region’s shifting sports scene.
6
Augsburg Now
Q:
During the past decade new sports
venues including TCF Bank Stadium,
Target Field, and CHS Field have opened
their doors in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
What factors have spurred so much
change in such a brief period of time?
A:
Quite simply, we have moved out
of an era of multipurpose stadiums.
They were popular in the 1960s and
1970s, and we got one of the last ones—
the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome—
in 1982. Sport-specific facilities like
baseball parks and football stadiums have
become the standard, and that drives
all kinds of new construction. And, of
course, when one team gets a new space,
everyone else gets in line. ...
MAKING SPACE
FOR A
AROUND THE QUAD
NEW ACADEMIC BUILDING
On May 1, the campaign for the Center for Science,
Business, and Religion surpassed its $50 million
fundraising goal. To make room for the construction of
this new academic building, the College razed two existing
houses on campus. One of the structures was occupied
by the Admissions Office from 1970-2003 before
that department moved to a more student-accessible
location in Christensen Center. The house also was home for a time to the Center
for Counseling and Health Promotion (now called the Center for Wellness and
Counseling), which has relocated to the first floor of Anderson Residence Hall. A
second house, formerly called Delta House, was first used for student housing. It
was later home to various Admissions staff, then the Sabo Center for Democracy
and Citizenship, which has moved to the Oren Gateway Center. Before these two
buildings were removed, an event was held to honor the work and experiences
of staff and residents who once occupied the spaces. There were 30 people in
attendance, some even traveling from as far as North Dakota and New York.
A house on 21st Avenue South is razed.
Former and current staff members reminisce over a collage
of names written within one of Augsburg’s former houses.
Learn more about the next steps for the CSBR on page 20.
Q:
Q:
Q:
A:
A:
A:
Today’s sports venues offer
amenities that extend far beyond
a wooden bleacher seat and a bag of
popcorn sold at the concession stand.
What does this mean for stadium
architecture and game attendees?
Every new sports facility offers more
than its predecessor, and fans seem
to expect this improvement. The rising
expectations are not new: fan amenities
have been part of the discussion since
the 1860s. Like us, people from that
time period talked about food selection,
legroom, and comfort at the games.
Attending to the fan experience can add
cost to a project, but it is an investment
worth making. Just think about the
many amazing differences between the
Metrodome experience and the Target
Field experience.
What effect does an indoor stadium
(like the new Vikings stadium) versus
an outdoor stadium (like TCF) have on
attendance, especially in Minnesota’s
climate?
We have an amazing range of weather,
from glorious to horrible—and we
don’t always agree on which is which.
This raises the stakes on decisions about
stadium design. Rather than choosing
“indoor” or “outdoor,” many contemporary
facilities combine aspects of each. The new
Vikings stadium will have a glass roof and
enormous windows, bridging the indoors
and outdoors in space, light, air, and views.
Target Field is an outdoor ballpark, but it is
designed with sheltered areas, heat lamps,
and other climate-mitigating features.
Baseball is said to be America’s
pastime. How does new stadium
architecture show that the sport can remain
relevant—and sustainable—into the future?
While most contemporary ballparks pay
homage to the history and tradition of
baseball, they also employ an amazing array
of cutting-edge technologies. One of the
most exciting recent developments is the
emphasis on environmental sustainability.
Target Field has two LEED Silver
certifications, and other sports facilities like
the Xcel Energy Center and CHS Field have
also engaged in significant sustainability
efforts, including rainwater recycling
systems and sophisticated trash-sorting and
recycling programs.
Kristin Anderson is a professor of art
history and the Augsburg College archivist.
Summer 2015
7
CELEBRATING STUDENT SUCCESS
$7,500 GOLDWATER
SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Fikre Beyene ’16 and Lyle Nyberg ’16
15 STEM researchers
80+
off-campus
Auggies presented at Zyzzogeton
Research Festival on campus
Taylor Kuramoto ’15
FULBRIGHT TEACHING
ASSISTANT in South Korea
3
ROSSING PHYSICS
SCHOLARS
One of 104 to present at
Fikre Beyene ’16, Andris Bibelnieks ’16*,
and Cain Valtierrez ’16
*Also Goldwater Honorable Mention
NATIONAL SCIENCE
FOUNDATION GRADUATE
RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP
Honorable Mention, Alex Sorum ’13
2015 WINCHELL
UNDERGRADUATE
RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM
Aisha Mohamed ’16
Awale Osman ’15
2
2015 NEWMAN
CIVIC FELLOW
KEMPER SCHOLARS
Mitchell Ross ’18 and Rebecca Schroeder ’18
BENJAMIN A. GILMAN
INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP
David Gersten ’16 and Amal Warsame ’16
8
Augsburg Now
EDDIE PHILLIPS SCHOLARSHIP
FOR AFRICAN-AMERICAN MEN
Malick Ceesay ’17
For more information about
these awards and recipients,
go to augsburg.edu/now.
Summer 2015
9
12
HONORING
retiring faculty
“
I love the accessibility Augsburg students have to faculty and staff,
especially when we meet students in passing in the quad or elsewhere
when conversations become more candid, genuine, and authentic.”
— Gregory Krueger, Assistant Professor of Education
PAULINE ABRAHAM
Assistant Professor and Director of BSN
Program, Nursing, Rochester
Joined the College — 2005
KATHRYN SCHWALBE
Faculty Emerita
Professor of Business Administration
Joined the College — 1991
FRANKIE SHACKELFORD
Faculty Emerita, Professor of Languages
and Cross-Cultural Studies
Joined the College — 1990
MARTHA JOHNSON
Faculty Emerita
Professor of Theater Arts
Joined the College — 1997
BEVERLY STRATTON
Faculty Emerita
Professor of Religion
Joined the College — 1986
AMIN KADER
Associate Professor of Business
Administration
Joined the College — 1974
ELIZABETH ANKENY
Faculty Emerita
Associate Professor of Education
Joined the College — 2008
GREGORY KRUEGER
Assistant Professor of Education
Joined the College — 2000
STEVEN LAFAVE
GRACE DYRUD
Faculty Emerita
Professor of Psychology
Joined the College — 1962
Faculty Emeritus
Professor of Business Administration
Joined the College — 1991
DAVID VENNE
Assistant Professor of Physics
Joined the College — 1990
STEVEN NERHEIM
Medical Director Instructor of Physician
Assistant Studies Program
Joined the College — 2005
10
Augsburg Now
To read about what these faculty members
love about Augsburg and teaching, go to
augsburg.edu/now.
AHEAD
of the
curve
Augsburg leads in shaping higher education for
Minnesota’s increasingly diverse population
BY REBECCA JOHN ’13 MBA
F
or more than five years, Augsburg College has undertaken
“Employers are going to have a much greater interest
important efforts to intentionally diversify the traditional
in bringing populations who previously may have been
undergraduate student profile. This work is not only a
marginalized into productive work,” Brower said. “We don’t
prudent move in terms of growing enrollment, but it is also
have the capacity, going forward, to leave anyone behind.”
proving to be an important factor in sustaining the region’s
For Augsburg, this demographic reality is significant
economic health.
because about 25 percent of college-bound Minnesota high
This spring, more than 200 Augsburg College faculty
school graduates express interest in Augsburg by applying,
and staff met with Minnesota State
inquiring, or visiting campus. In order
Demographer Susan Brower to
to successfully enroll and retain these
“We don’t have the
discuss the “shape and scale” of the
students, Augsburg needs to be intentional
capacity,
going
forward,
demographic trends in the state that
about meeting the educational needs of
will influence its vitality in the coming
this diversifying population.
to leave anyone behind.”
decades. Two significant trends detailed
Augsburg already has an important
—Susan Brower
by Brower were the increasing diversity
advantage in this area because, with
Minnesota State Demographer
and aging of the state’s population –
nearly 33 percent students of color in
trends that heighten the importance of
the traditional undergraduate program,
education now and into the future.
the College is one of the most diverse higher education
Education will grow in importance because the relative
institutions in the state. This is attractive to students of both
size of our workforce affects economic production and the
minority and majority populations because it offers them the
strength of our region. As older adults retire in the next 20
opportunity to learn and work with many different types of
years and the workforce shrinks in proportion to the overall
people, which is increasingly important given that the pace of
population, Minnesota will need the skills and talents of the
demographic change will accelerate dramatically in the next
entire working-age population.
15 years.
Summer 2015
11
1
Demographic Trend #1: Growing diversity.
If you went to college or lived in the Twin Cities before
the 1990s, your experience with the diversity of the area’s
population was different from today’s scenario.
3,500,000
3,000,000
2,500,000
Total Twin Cities population
2,000,000
The Twin Cities experienced accelerated growth
among populations of color from 1990 to 2010.
During that time, people of color represented more
than 80 percent of the overall population growth.
1,500,000
Before 1980, fewer than 6 percent of the
Twin Cities population were people of color,
numbering only 25,000 to 115,000 people in
the total population of 1.5 million to 2 million.
1,000,000
500,000
10%
5%
2
15%
0
1960
1970
1980
1990
2000
What’s driving the growth in diversity?
• Younger populations are more diverse.
Approximately 25 percent of Minnesota residents
younger than age 35 are people of color, whereas
populations older than 65 years are predominantly
white. So, as the entire population ages, overall
diversity grows. **Sources: 2, 3
2
• The number of foreign-born residents in
Minnesota is growing. Minnesota, today, is home to
nearly 400,000 foreign-born residents—a level not
seen since the 1930s. By contrast, from 1960 through
the 1990s, just more than 100,000 foreign-born
people lived in the state. **Source: 4
Demographic Trend #2: Our aging population.
• Minnesota’s foreign-born population is
increasingly diverse. In 1950, 80 percent of the
foreign-born population in Minnesota was from
Europe. Today, most foreign-born residents are from
Mexico, Somalia, India, and Laos. **Source: 4
335
Minnesota—and other regions of the United States—are
experiencing an unprecedented aging of our populations.
285
How dramatic is the change?
Change in Minnesota population
age 65+ (in thousands)
Minnesota will add more than 620,000 older adults (age
65+) between 2010 and 2030. By contrast, during the
60 years from 1950 to 2010, the population of older
adults grew by just 416,000. **Source: 1
12
85
55
1950s
Augsburg Now
1960s
71
1970s
97
91
67
1980s
47
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s
2030s
66
56
2040s
2050s
A commitment to diversity and inclusion
Today, the Twin Cities population is estimated at
3 million residents, with nearly 800,000—about
26 percent—people of color. This number is
expected to reach 30 percent in the next 10 years.*
30%
25%
20%
2010
2020
2030
*Other areas of the United States are experiencing similar diversity growth.
The U.S. population in 2010 was 36 percent people of color. **Sources: 2, 3
The size of the labor force is expected to stagnate in the coming
decades while the 65+ population will double. As a result, the
ratio of adults ages 18 to 64 relative to adults 65 and older will
go from nearly 5 to 1 in 2010 to less than 2.5 to 1 in the next 25
years. That means there will be fewer working-age people in
the population as a whole. That’s an important consideration
because payroll taxes are critical for funding programs like Social
Security and Medicare that the growing population of retired and
elderly adults will increasingly draw upon. **Sources: 2, 3
To learn more about the range of programs Augsburg offers
to support diversity and inclusion, go to augsburg.edu/now.
2010
2040
One million adults age 65+
In 2015, Augsburg graduated its most diverse traditional
undergraduate class in history, with more than 30 percent
of graduates from underrepresented populations. In fact,
every incoming first-year class since 2009 has included 30
to 40 percent students of color.
Augsburg also has identified faculty and staff diversity
as a priority initiative in its Augsburg2019 strategic plan.
As a first step, the College highlighted its commitment to
intercultural competence, diversity, and inclusion in all job
postings this past spring. An early result is that six of the
College’s 10 new tenure-track faculty are from non-majority
populations.
Augsburg also has named Joanne Reeck, director
of Campus Activities and Orientation, as chief diversity
officer. Reeck launched an intercultural competence
program that involved more than 100 members of the
campus community this spring and will expand to include a
certificate program in the fall. These programs complement
the diversity and inclusion workshops offered each May by
the College’s Center for Teaching and Learning.
Augsburg’s work in intentional diversity has garnered
attention from corporations and community organizations
alike. For example, Wells Fargo recently donated $100,000
to Augsburg’s Center for Science, Business, and Religion
specifically because of Augsburg’s proven work in educating
underrepresented populations. Augsburg also recognizes
that diversity extends well beyond ethnicity and provides
award-winning programs for students who represent a
diversity of ages, national origins, faith traditions, gender
identities, and learning and physical differences.
“Of course, there is still much more we need to
do,” Reeck said. “But we are committed to diversity
and inclusion because it creates a richer educational
environment and prepares our students to lead, innovate,
and serve in a diverse and globally connected world.”
This work not only supports future graduates’ individual
success, it creates a diverse and well-educated generation
that’s critical to our collective future prosperity.
One million adults age 18-64
**Sources: 1. Minnesota State Demographic Center and U.S. Census
Bureau. 2. Minnesota State Demographic Center and U.S. Census
Bureau, Decennial Census and Population. 3. Estimates as presented
by Minnesota Compass, mncompass.org. 4. IPUMS version of U.S.
Census Bureau’s 2010-2012 American Community Survey. Tabulated
by the Minnesota State Demographic Center.
Summer 2015
13
Auggie Matt McGinn ’13
finds innovative ways to
serve an old favorite
BY CHRISTINA HALLER
Matt McGinn ’13 has accomplished more
in his 27 years than most. He overcame
alcohol dependence to graduate from
Augsburg College and its StepUP ® program
and then went on to become a successful
entrepreneur in the coffee industry.
And when it comes to coffee, he does
it all.
McGinn roasts his own beans. He uses
recovery working to earn his bachelor’s
degree in social work.
“Augsburg helped me to become a
leader,” McGinn said. “I showed people
you can go from not being capable of
holding a job and passing out in class,
to working two internships, being a
resident assistant, and succeeding in
five classes.”
Though he later decided not to pursue
a career in social work, he practices skills
gained while at Augsburg to help himself
succeed every day—including business savvy,
budgeting, dedication, confidence, detail
orientation, leadership, and follow-through.
them to cold brew coffee. He bottles it.
Tapping an underserved market
Distributes it. And, he co-owns and runs a
McGinn has been working in the
coffee industry since he was a barista in
high school. Once he got to Augsburg,
he climbed his way up to manager at a
struggling coffee shop and was able to revive
it by crafting new drink recipes, learning a
range of brewing techniques, improving food
and drink menus, training staff, and creating
more efficient labor schedules.
coffee shop where he serves his cold brewed
coffee on tap—an innovation that very few
shops offer, especially in the Twin Cities.
A transfer student from the University
of Massachusetts, McGinn applied to
Augsburg and StepUP early on in his
sobriety. He went from drinking hard liquor
every day for six years, to a student in
14
Augsburg Now
“People were complimenting my work,
and the owner gave me free reign to do
what I wanted,” McGinn said. “I thought—
I’m really good at this. What are my ideas?
What do I want to do? Well, I make really
good cold brew. People love my cold brew.
And I was like, ‘Why am I not doing this for
myself?’”
So he did.
McGinn now co-owns and runs artisan
coffee shop Quixotic Coffee in St. Paul.
His branded coffee, Blackeye Roasting
Co., comes in three varieties on tap—a
signature blend called “Blackeye Brew;”
a nitro blend called “Left Hook;” and
currently under production, a nitro
Guinness, which is similar in texture and
flavor to a creamy stout.
Currently, you can find Blackeye Brew
bottled and sold at select local retailers, but
soon it’ll be distributed nationally. Blackeye
Brew coffee is also kegged and served in
many area restaurants, on college campuses,
and even in Twin Cities workplaces.
AUGGIE VOICES
Summer 2015
15
AUGGIE VOICES
Watch McGinn discover
his passion for coffee at
augsburg.edu/now.
16
Augsburg Now
Wake up and smell the coffee.
Q: You serve a nitro blend at Quixotic. What is that?
A: Nitro cold brew is coffee infused with pure nitrogen. It’s stored in a keg
and served on draft for a cascading, foamy, and velvety ice-cold drink.
Q: What’s the difference between iced coffee and cold brewed?
A: Iced coffee is just hot coffee that’s been brewed with twice as much
ground coffee, then poured over ice. Cold brewed coffee is ground coffee
that’s been steeped in cold water overnight.
Q: So does cold brew have a different taste?
A: Yes. When you brew coffee hot you get a lot of acidity due to the chemical
reaction. When you brew it cold, you don’t get the acidity. In fact, there’s
67-93 percent less acidity in cold brewed coffee—and two times the caffeine.
Q: So you roast your own beans. Is the origin of coffee beans important?
A: Absolutely. Most of our coffee beans are from Africa and Central America.
The coffees we select from Africa are bright and floral and have more
character. The coffees we get from Central America have chocolaty notes.
We blend the two for a perfect balance, so they’re not too tangy or fruity.
StepUP® at a glance
StepUP at Augsburg College is a
residential collegiate recovery program
focusing on helping students sustain
their recovery, achieve academic
success, and thrive in a community of
accountability and support.
• More than 700 students
served since 1997
• 93 percent average
abstinence rate
• 100 students served annually
• 3.2 average GPA
Learn more at
augsburg.edu/stepup
Summer 2015
17
Augsburg College held back-to-back Commencement ceremonies
May 2-3. The College welcomed nearly 4,000 people to campus who celebrated the
achievements of the Class of 2015, gathered as family and friends, and participated
in Augsburg’s unique approach to the centuries-old tradition of graduation.
COMMENCEMENT
MEMORIES
BY LAURA SWANSON ’15 MBA
A
s one of life’s “big days” alongside events like
a wedding or the birth of a child, it’s
common for a commencement to be a
memorable experience that people can recall for
years—and even decades—afterward. Yet, of the
thousands of attendees at this year’s ceremonies,
it is unlikely that any two people will retain
exactly the same event details in the same way.
Why is that? Naturally, it’s due to the fact
that each person’s process of making and
recalling memories is complex. Augsburg College
professor and cognitive psychologist Bridget
Robinson-Riegler helped illuminate how and why
people remember the standout days in their lives
in accurate—and inaccurate—ways.
Bridget Robinson-Riegler
Augsburg professor and
cognitive psychologist
What makes a commencement day memorable?
Uniqueness.
Emotion.
Cognitive psychologists have found
that the most distinctive life events also
are the most likely to be remembered.
For many people, participating in a
commencement ceremony is the type
of occasion that only happens a few
times over the course of their lives, such
as when they complete high school,
college, a graduate program, or attend
a graduation event for a child or loved
one. The event as a whole is unique and
so are particular elements of the day.
For instance, contemporary Augsburg
graduates process to the commencement
ceremonies by walking down 7 ½ Street,
which is lined with faculty members
applauding the graduates’ achievements.
This type of event is so unique that the
experience likely will form a memory
that persists over time, according to
Robinson-Riegler.
Just as distinctive events are more
likely to be remembered, occasions that
are laden with emotion also make their
mark. The two parts of the brain that serve
in memory-making include the amygdala,
which is responsible for the emotion of
a memory, and the hippocampus, which
is responsible for creating the coherent
story of a memory. People are likely to
remember many of the feelings they
experienced on a commencement day
because it’s a time of high emotion and
maybe even some stress.
While graduation is not stressful
in a traumatic sense, there’s a lot of
excitement associated with the event,
which accentuates the activation of the
amygdala. Then, because the amygdala
is functioning at a relatively high level, a
person remembers much of the emotion
of a commencement.
18
Augsburg Now
“Ten or 20 years into the future, you
remember some of the day’s details—
some of the big things about it—but
it may be easier to remember how you
felt,” Robinson-Riegler said.
Timing.
When an event occurs also affects a
person’s ability to remember it. For many
traditional undergraduates, graduation
falls at a time in life known as the
“reminiscence bump,” the period that
spans approximately from age 10 to age
30 when things are most remembered.
“As we age, things become more
routine, so what stands out are things
that are distinctive in your life,”
Robinson-Riegler said. “The things that
you talked about, that you spent a lot of
time rehearsing or explaining—the events
like graduations and weddings—those are
things that are better remembered.”
What affects the
accuracy of memory?
Despite the memorability of unique
and emotional moments, the accuracy of
our memories is not always reliable. One
of the reasons memories change over
time is that people come into contact
with new situations that shape their
recollection of the past.
“None of us really should trust our
memories as much as most of us do; the
gist of our memories is often accurate, but
the details of exactly what happened are
often inaccurate,” Robinson-Riegler said.
Graduation is an interesting event
to recall because there’s not a lot of
“cross-contamination” of memory
from the event happening repeatedly,
but there are disturbances in memory
caused by outside influences.
For instance, people have what’s
known as “schematic knowledge” about
what graduations entail. Due to popular
culture, a person who has never attended
a graduation may be able to explain
what happens at the celebration because
the event typically follows a formulaic
structure that includes listening to
speeches, watching graduates walk
across a stage, and so on. In addition,
people’s memories about past events can
become skewed by the individuals they
interact with later and the discussions
that follow. Graduations might spur
conversations with friends and family
that help a person “fill in the gaps”
where their own memories have faded,
according to Robinson-Riegler.
“Think about how easy it would
be for someone to infuse a memory
from what someone else said about
graduation, and suddenly it becomes
your memory so you have no idea what
the reality is,” she said.
In addition to pulling outside
comments into your memory pool,
commencement recollections can be
influenced by the photos and other
artifacts from the day that a person
comes across later.
“If you see pictures of the
graduation ceremony, those things
get into your head, so to speak, as
you reconstruct your memory based
on several different components,”
Robinson-Riegler said.
Ultimately, when Auggies of all ages
think back on their commencement
experiences, those memories are shaped
by myriad factors, but it’s the outcome
of the education that persists over
time and can be counted upon for the
remainder of their lives.
And, while college memories may
fade and change over time, they still
serve several purposes—one of the best
being to make us smile.
Summer 2015
19
Augsburg College hits $50 million campaign goal
for new, signature academic building
Augsburg College has successfully surpassed the $50 million
mark in its capital campaign for a unique, interdisciplinary
academic building that brings together science, business, and
religion. The campaign—the largest in the College’s history—
met its goal a year in advance of the original schedule.
With the campaign fundraising milestone achieved,
the Augsburg College Board of Regents approved
moving forward with the next stage of architectural
and construction design for what will be the College’s
state-of-the-art, signature academic building. Once that
design work is completed, the Board will set a timeline for
groundbreaking and construction.
The College already has begun the planning and
preparation necessary to make the new building a reality.
Examples of this collaborative effort include the following:
•
A Board-designated project leadership team is selecting
an architect who will work with the College to verify that
the building meets the needs of academic programs in
order to create detailed interior and exterior drawings.
•
Augsburg readied the future site of the building by
razing two existing houses on 21st Avenue South.
(See page 7.)
•
Faculty members are using grant funds to design new,
interdisciplinary courses and to revise existing classes
to better integrate the science, business, and religion
subject areas.
Anderson
Residence Hall
Urness Tower
Luther Hall
N
Mortensen Hall
Old Main
Christensen Center
Sverdrup Hall
Memorial Hall
Lindell Library
20
Augsburg Now
Find campaign news and building
updates at augsburg.edu/CSBR.
IT TAKES AN AUGGIE
Graphics by
Mark Chamberlain
Summer 2015
21
“Individuals matter in stopping the spread of disease
because disease has no boundaries ... I have made
it a personal goal to advocate for the development
of generic medications for infectious diseases that
unfairly affect the developing world.”
—Anika Clark ’14
22
Augsburg Now
Unique research experience draws
faculty-student duo to East Africa
and Capitol Hill
BY STEPHANIE WEISS
ho gets pooped on by chimpanzees, zig-zags through a
mountainous forest to elude elephants, and has been
recognized by members of the U.S. Congress for her
impressive research?
The first undergraduate student from the United States ever invited
to study the world’s largest known community of chimpanzees and
to gather research data to build a foundation for understanding how
human diseases—including Ebola—can be transmitted to and move
through the animals.
By gathering data to model how disease spreads through the nearly
200 chimps in the Ngogo community in Kibale National Park in Uganda,
Anika Clark ’14 may be able to help identify and develop vaccination
plans to protect this and other groups of chimpanzees from being
devastated by transmissible human diseases for which the chimps have
no resistance.
Clark, a biology major, spent four weeks in Africa doing field research
under the direction of Kevin Potts, a biology instructor at Augsburg
and one of the nation’s leading primatology experts. His studies on
chimpanzee conservation, food, habitat, and foraging behaviors are
featured in some of the world’s most prestigious primatology journals.
Potts earned his master’s and doctoral degrees from Yale University
and studied under the Yale faculty who founded the Ngogo Chimpanzee
Project in Kibale National Park. It’s through his decades-long study
of chimpanzees, in which he’s watched some members of the animal
group go from juveniles to adult leaders, and his deep professional and
personal relationships with the project’s founders that he was able to
invite Clark to conduct research on this unique group of chimpanzees.
Summer 2015
23
Undergraduate research—an opportunity for hands-on practice of skills helpful to
science majors and necessary to succeed in graduate school—is an important part of
an Augsburg College education and is evidence of how the College lives out its vision
of educating for lives of purpose. Clark was among nearly 100 Augsburg students who
conducted summer research in 2014, spending many hours in the lab and in the field to solve
complex problems.
Fieldwork is grueling.
“You have to be physically and mentally alert at all times,” Clark said of the work she
did in Uganda. “Elephants can be in the forest. You have to move away from them quickly
… once I zig-zagged down a mountain ravine to get away.”
The work also can be very, very dirty. Even gross.
“Once, a chimpanzee in the canopy pooped on me and my field notebook,” Clark said.
But she wasn’t deterred.
Potts acknowledged the physical demands of fieldwork. He said it’s not uncommon
for researchers—including graduate-level researchers—to burn out after a few weeks,
especially in places as rugged as Ngogo. Clark was up and in the field by 7 a.m., walking
for miles and as many as 10 hours per day in the forest to find where chimps were feeding
so she could gather her data.
Clark’s research is unique because she is creating a baseline for understanding how
infectious diseases spread in the largest group of chimpanzees on Earth. While some other
researchers are trying to understand dispersal of illness among chimpanzee troupes of
about 65 individual animals, nobody else is seeking to explain how disease moves through
Ngogo’s population of nearly 200 individuals.
“Chimpanzees are strange among mammal species,” Potts said. “Unlike most other
mammals, chimps that make up one social group rarely are together all at the same time.
Instead, on a day-to-day basis, small foraging parties go out to look for food, and members
of groups can change daily.”
This means that unlocking how an infectious disease spreads is complex because
chimps don’t interact consistently with the same community members day after day.
Unraveling this mystery may allow people to protect chimps from transmissible human
diseases for which the animals have no immunity. An Ebola vaccine for chimpanzees is in
development and could feasibly be used on wild chimps in the near future. But vaccinating
all the chimps would be prohibitively expensive and logistically impossible.
24
Augsburg Now
“If we can identify a few individuals who are disproportionately gregarious and,
therefore, more likely to spread a disease to others, we can target them for vaccines and
stop an outbreak,” Potts said.
Uganda’s forests may depend upon this understanding, too, since chimps are prolific
distributors of seeds from the tree fruits that they eat and thereby ensure reforestation
and new growth.
Clark’s grit in the field and outstanding achievements in the classroom have garnered
attention in the nation’s capital. Last spring, she was selected to present at Posters on
the Hill in Washington, D.C.
This annual event highlights outstanding undergraduate research and was a chance
for 60 selected students from more than 800 applicants to meet with policymakers and
lawmakers, including U.S. Sen. Keith Ellison of Minnesota.
“Anika’s work stood up exceptionally well against top-tier student researchers
from across the nation, and I hope she sees how talented she is,” Potts said. “This
was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to present scientific results directly to those who
implement policy based upon science.”
Clark is applying her resolve to working as a medical scribe at three different hospitals. At
one of the hospitals, Clark serves as lead scribe, a leadership role that includes responsibility
for recruiting other top pre-health students to work as scribes. Clark’s determination to excel
is further readying her for the challenge of applying to medical schools, her next step toward
fulfilling her goal of one day working for Doctors Without Borders.
Through Doctors Without Borders, an internationally renowned humanitarian
organization that provides assistance to countries overwhelmed by armed conflict,
epidemics, natural disasters, and malnutrition, Clark will have the opportunity to use
her talents and gifts to alleviate some of the world’s greatest global health problems.
The organization also is recognized for its dedication to serving people who experience
neglect and discrimination from local health systems.
“Individuals matter in stopping the spread of disease because disease has no
boundaries. The world is connected through trade, aviation, and immigration,” Clark
said. “I have made it a personal goal to advocate for the development of generic
medications for infectious diseases that unfairly affect the developing world. An
infectious disease in one part of the world must be considered a global threat.”
As Clark turns her sights toward medical school and a future serving as an
international doctor of medicine, other Auggies will head into the lab and field with
faculty to unravel problems and seek solutions to better our shared world.
While Auggies have worked to protect chimpanzees from infectious diseases in Uganda’s Kibale National Park,
these animals also face constant threats from poaching. Visit augsburg.edu/now to learn more about chimps
and how you can help in their conservation.
The field journal of Anika Clark ’14 carries
the mark of a chimpanzee encounter.
Clark trekked many miles through
sometimes muddy forests in these shoes.
A solar sun shower was the closest to a
hot shower Clark got while in Uganda.
Biology instructor Kevin Potts uses
his own codes and shorthand to track
information on chimpanzees.
Summer 2015
25
BY CHRISTINA HALLER
Augsburg student travels 900 miles in
search of answers
The last thing studio arts major Indra Ramassamy ’17
thought she’d get out of her course, Women and Art,
was a life-changing trip and lasting friendship with an
established artist. But it just so happened that Augsburg’s
commitment to experiential education fostered a
memorable experience for Ramassamy and cultivated
skills that will prove useful throughout her life.
Ramassamy, an international student from Paris,
was assigned to choose an object from Augsburg’s permanent collection of art and complete a research project
resulting in a final paper, a speech, an installation, and
a curatorial file.
Ramassamy was drawn
“Augsburg expects us to discover
to a print by Nilda Getty
things. We are encouraged to make
called “Psychic,” one work
deep connections with people, to find
in a five-piece series titled,
new ways to problem-solve, to make a
“Life Series.”
difference.”
“What drew me to this
—Indra Ramassamy ’17
print was a sort of ‘motion’
around a white circular
shape—to me, it represented the moon,” Ramassamy
said. “We can see six female figures around the shape,
but there is a possibility that these female figures
might actually be one person at different moments.”
A little persistence goes a long way
In researching the piece, Ramassamy found that
biographical information about the artist was limited.
She was, however, able to locate and contact an art
gallery where Getty had once exhibited. The art gallery
contacted Getty about Ramassamy’s inquiry, and within
a week, they were speaking regularly on the phone for
Ramassamy’s project. A few weeks later, Getty and her
son, Leslie, contacted Ramassamy and invited her to
Colorado, offering to fly her out so she could complete
her assignment.
Ramassamy gladly accepted. “It was about a
lot more than the paper,” she said. “Through phone
conversations and an exchange of emails, I had already
made a connection with Nilda and was beyond excited
to meet her.”
Leaving a lasting legacy
A few weeks later, Ramassamy was on a flight from
Minneapolis to Fort Collins, Colorado, for a 48-hour
stay. While there, Ramassamy toured Getty’s studio,
met Getty’s family, learned how to use metalsmithing
tools, and studied Getty’s artwork—from silk prints
to photographs, metalwork to jewelry. She also
visited Colorado State University where Getty taught
metalsmithing in the Art Department.
When Ramassamy asked Getty about “Psychic,”
Getty said the white circle represented both the world
and the universe. But the artist also explained that it
doesn’t matter what she thinks of the piece. What is
important to Getty is the viewer’s experience with the
art and the relationship formed with it.
Ramassamy was inspired by Getty’s work, by her
outlook on art and life, and by her warmth and spirit.
“One of the sweetest things was when Nilda told me
her ‘greatest works of art are her children’—and she
also asked me a lot about my own mom,” Ramassamy
said. “I believe Nilda’s legacy will be what her children
go out into the world and achieve.”
An Augsburg education is shaped by its
global settings
Ramassamy is grateful to Augsburg for the whole
experience. “There’s a culture at Augsburg to go
the full extent—do as much as you can,” she said.
“Augsburg expects us to discover things. We are
encouraged to make deep connections with people, to
find new ways to problem-solve, to make a difference.”
And that’s exactly what Ramassamy did.
26
Augsburg Now
MY AUGGIE EXPERIENCE
FUN FACTS ABOUT
AUGSBURG’S PERMANENT
COLLECTION OF ART
MOST FAMOUS?
Andy Warhol’s “Liz”
LARGEST?
Henry Lande’s minimalist
sculpture, 24 Elements, stands
outside between Urness Tower and
Christensen Center at 33 feet tall.
BEST-TRAVELED?
A photograph of Gerda Mortensen
vanished from Mortensen Hall
(more than once) and reappeared at
St. Olaf College.
MOST GENEROUS DONORS?
Don and Dagny Padilla, avid art
collectors, who gave dozens of
pieces to Augsburg’s permanent
collection of art, including Nilda
Getty’s “Psychic.”
AVAILABLE IN TWO SIZES?
Jakob Fjelde’s life-size marble bust
of Augsburg’s third president, Sven
Oftedal, and Fjelde’s small-scale
plaster copy, a recent gift from
Melinda and Jim Kohrt.
Summer 2015
27
ALUMNI NEWS
INTRODUCING
NEW ALUMNI BOARD MEMBERS
Six Auggies―successful in business, mentorship, leadership,
and advocacy for the College recently were elected to threeyear terms on the Augsburg College Alumni Board.
New members:
Cyrus Batheja ’08, ’10 MBA
Mary Prevost ’12 MBA
National corporate director,
UnitedHealth Group
Owner, MJP Strategic
Communications
Hannah Dietrich ’05
Howie Smith ’80
Principal planning analyst, Hennepin
County Department of Community
Corrections and Rehabilitation
Manager, talent development,
Ameriprise Financial Services
Jay Howard ’03
Take a moment to read a
few of the reasons why these
new representatives are excited
to be part of the Alumni Board.
Go to augsburg.edu/now for more
information.
Director of global sales, Innovative
Computer Software
Chau “Tina” Nguyen ’08
Project analyst, U.S. Bank
28
Augsburg Now
ALUMNI BOARD
Back Row [L to R]: Adrienne (Kuchler)
Eldridge ’02, Sarah Grans ’01, Howie
Smith ’80, Jay Howard ’03, Rick Bonlender ’78,
Greg Schnagl ’91, Nick Swanson ’09, Patricia
Jesperson ’95
Front Row [L to R]: Marie (Eddy) Odenbrett ’01,
Hannah Dietrich ’05, Jill Watson ’10 MBA,
Meg (Schmidt) Sawyer ’00, Melissa (Daudt)
Hoepner ’92, Chris Hallin ’88, Adriana
Matzke ’13, Rachel (Olson) Engebretson ’98,
Chau “Tina” Nguyen ’08, Mary Prevost ’12 MBA
Not Pictured: Cyrus Batheja ’08, ’10 MBA;
Sharon Mercill ’09; Jordan Moore ’12 MBA;
Brent Peroutka ’02; Nick Rathmann ’03;
Tracy (Anderson) Severson ’95
If you have ideas for alumni
involvement, email the Alumni Board
at alumni@augsburg.edu.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8
ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME
RECEPTION AND CEREMONY
5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Honor the 2015 Athletic
Hall of Fame inductees.
HOMECOMING
2015
OCTOBER 8-10
REUNION CLASSES
Silver Auggies and
60th Reunion—1955
50th Reunion—1965
40th Reunion—1975
25th Reunion—1990
10th Reunion—2005
For Homecoming this year, let’s come together and revel in our
Augsburg connections with great events all weekend long. Alumni,
families, and friends are all invited to this celebration of our shared
Augsburg experience.
Registering for Homecoming is easier than ever with an allaccess pass. One $40 pass admits you to all events. Register to
guarantee your spot. The price increases to $50 after September 8.
Go to augsburg.edu/homecoming to register.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9
HOMECOMING CONVOCATION AND
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARDS
10 to 11:30 a.m.
Recognize the First Decade, Spirit
of Augsburg, and Distinguished
Alumni award recipients.
HOMECOMING AND REUNION
CELEBRATION LUNCHEON
12 p.m.
Celebrate this year’s distinguished
award recipients and the newest
inductees into the 50-Year Club
from the class of 1965.
AUGGIE HOURS
6 to 8:15 p.m.
Join the all-class Auggie happy hour.
HOMECOMING FIREWORKS
8:30 p.m.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10
Join Homecoming co-chairs Jacquie Berglund ’87
and Devean George ’99 for Augsburg alumni’s
favorite weekend of the year.
“Connecting with folks you
haven’t seen in such a
long time is just
heartwarming.”
Jacquie Berglund ’87,
2014 Spirit of Augsburg
award recipient
HOMECOMING AND REUNION
BREAKFAST
8 to 9:20 a.m.
HOMECOMING CHAPEL
10 a.m.
TASTE OF AUGSBURG
11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Family fun takes over Murphy Square
park with carnival-style booths, great
food, student groups, and games.
HOMECOMING FOOTBALL GAME VS.
UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS
1 p.m.
AUGGIE BLOCK PARTY
3:30 to 6 p.m.
Enjoy live music, s’mores, and a
post-game social hour.
ALUMNI NEWS
THE YOUNG
ALUMNI COUNCIL
The mission of the Young Alumni Council is to provide opportunities to
engage young alumni through planning and hosting networking, fundraising,
and volunteering events and programs.
In May, Auggies joined the Rev. Mike Matson ’06 and his congregation
during an annual rummage sale at Bethany Lutheran Church in the Seward
neighborhood of Minneapolis. This summer the Young Alumni Council hosted
a sold-out gathering at a St. Paul Saints game in June and an evening at
Canterbury Park in July, bringing more than 600 Auggies together.
If you’ve graduated within the past 10 years and are interested in joining
this growing group of active alumni, contact Katie Radford ’12, volunteer and
alumni engagement manager, at radford@augsburg.edu.
FINAL EVENT OF THE SEASON
Summer Series: On Tap
Monday, August 10
5:30 to 8 p.m. | Surly Brewery
Build your Auggie network and learn how fellow
alumni are fulfilling their vocations today.
Appetizers and two drink tickets provided.
Tickets: $10
To register, call 612-330-1085 or visit
augsburg.edu/alumnievents.
To learn more about the Young Alumni
Council members, go to augsburg.edu/now.
Courtesy Photo
Buy a brick. Honor a friendship.
“We came together to buy a brick in honor of the strong
friendships we formed at Augsburg and the memories we
continue to make among our families.” –Brittany Jakubiec ’96
There is still time to participate in the campaign for the Center
for Science, Business, and Religion! Buy a brick as a tribute to
the bonds that helped to create your Augsburg story.
30
•
Augsburg will inscribe a brick with your name, the name
of someone you’d like to honor, or a special message.
•
Each brick will be displayed in the CSBR, creating a
lasting legacy for the future of
the College.
•
Augsburg alumnae from the class of 1996 support the
Center for Science, Business, and Religion.
You will receive official
recognition of your
participation in this program.
•
Front Row [L to R]: Brittany (Lynch) Jakubiec, Jennifer (Cummings)
Ackland, Wendy Laine, Brooke (Manisto) Reseland.
Back Row [L to R]: Connie (Arndt) Clausen, Stephanie Harms,
Jodi Monson, Natasha (Solberg) Sheeley.
The first 500 to buy a brick will
receive a VIP invitation to the CSBR dedication.
Foundation Brick (40 characters, 3 lines) = $250
Legacy Brick (80 characters, 6 lines) = $500
Augsburg Now
augsburg.edu/csbr | 612-330-1085
ALUMNI NEWS
A mix of current students, alumni, and former
faculty serve as the backup band for one of the
Midnimo artists. Somali-British musician Aar
Maanta (far right) practices with musicians
[L to R]: Kyle Burbey ’15, Steve Herzog ’06,
Andy Peterson ’05, and Ben Somers.
BEHIND THE MUSIC
Auggie backup band’s role helps bridge cultures and generations
Augsburg College students, alumni, and
faculty have helped bring a cuttingedge musical partnership to life by
performing alongside the rising voices of
the Somali music scene and even some
“super stars.”
Midnimo was awarded one of six $200,000
grants from the highly competitive Building
Bridges: Campus Community Engagement
program by the Association of Performing
Arts Presenters funded by the Doris Duke
Charitable Foundation and the Doris Duke
Foundation for Islamic Art.
Midnimo, the Somali word for
“unity,” is a two-year partnership
between Augsburg and the Cedar
Cultural Center to bring Somali artists to
Minnesota for educational residencies
and concerts. This unique opportunity
is supported by a prestigious
$200,000 grant award and a number
of Auggies—including Faculty
Emeritus Bob Stacke ’71—whose crosscultural relationship building and love
for performance set the stage for a truly
intergenerational, intercultural musical
immersion.
At concerts held through Midnimo,
artists ranging from the pop collective
North American Super Stars to SomaliBritish singer-songwriter Aar Maanta
played alongside backup ensembles
comprised of a mix of Auggie students,
alumni, and former faculty whose own
musical gifts and talents helped make
Midnimo a critically acclaimed program.
For many of the Auggies, participating
in Midnimo has offered the opportunity
to join a partnership that’s the first of its
kind in the nation and to do what they
love best: play.
Bob Stacke ’71, retired associate professor
of music, is known and respected for his crosscultural percussion performances. Stacke’s deep
musical connections were critical in forging
the partnership between the College, the Cedar
Cultural Center, and visiting artists.
Steve Herzog ’06 [pictured, right] was
selected by Bob Stacke ’71 to write and arrange
the music for Midnimo visiting artists. Herzog
often has needed to transcribe and arrange
music in less than a week. Through this work,
Herzog has been inspired to develop a program
for engaging Somali youth in the advancement
of Somali music. He’s also pursuing a master’s
degree in education at Augsburg.
See a clip of the band performing with
Aar Maanta at augsburg.edu/now.
Summer 2015
31
ALUMNI NEWS
AUGGIES FIND LEADERSHIP IN
inneapolis shoppers can
find a little Auggie Pride in
an unexpected location—a
secondhand clothing store that is an
active illustration of Augsburg College’s
mission, which includes collaborating
with others to serve the Cedar-Riverside
neighborhood and providing students
with hands-on learning opportunities.
Sisterhood Boutique (2200
Riverside Ave., Minneapolis) has been
a training ground for young, Cedar-
the idea of opening a clothing store.
Richardson, who in high school
founded a secondhand clothing store
through Youth Express, an after-school
program in St. Paul, used her retail
experience and business management
training to help the women get started.
First, she collaborated with a youth social
entrepreneur coordinator, a store founder,
and other interested young women to
develop a paid internship program for the
boutique. The program provides young
Augsburg College alumnae Yasameen Sajady ’11 and Stella Richardson ’15 serve the Sisterhood Boutique.
Riverside neighborhood women in
entrepreneurship, business, community
partnerships, and sustainable fashion
since its opening in February 2014.
Since then, 60 women ages 14 to 23
have participated as staff and interns,
and two Auggies—Stella Richardson ’15
and Yasameen Sajady ’11—have played
roles on the store’s leadership team.
Two years ago, East African women
in the Youth Social Entrepreneur
Program at the Brian Coyle Center, a
neighborhood resource and community
center, began envisioning a way to
empower young women in the area. The
women worked with Richardson, then an
intern at Brian Coyle Center, to explore
32
Augsburg Now
East African women with professional
development, peer-to-peer mentoring,
and classroom training, followed by three
months of employment in the store.
The founders of the boutique also
collaborated with Augsburg’s Director
of Community Engagement Mary Laurel
True, who has been integral to the
store’s success.
Community engagement for Auggies
happens both on and off campus—and
when True learned about the vision for
a women’s entrepreneurial project in
the neighborhood, she ensured that
Augsburg joined with other community
groups to make the innovative business
venture a reality. True serves as the
Augsburg liaison to the program, is a
mentor for the staff and interns, and
has been on the Sisterhood’s Advisory
Committee since the beginning.
Seizing the opportunity for realworld training, classes on campus got
into the act. A group of Augsburg MBA
students created a business plan for the
store through a management consulting
class project. Christopher Houltberg,
assistant professor of art, led Sisterhood
interns in a branding exercise and
assisted with the design of a boutique
logo; classes taught by Marc Isaacson,
assistant professor of business, provided
website recommendations; and, through
clothing drives, Residence Life collected
thousands of pounds of clothing to
donate to the startup.
Today, Augsburg alumna Sajady
manages the Sisterhood Boutique.
Sajady, a business marketing major, was
hired last November through Pillsbury
United Communities to lead Brian
Coyle’s Youth Entrepreneur Program.
Under her leadership as the operations
coordinator, the Sisterhood Boutique
has exceeded its social media and
community engagement goals.
The program is supported by
Fairview Health Services, an institution
that, like Augsburg, is committed
to its role as a community partner.
Fairview donated a vacant retail
space to the Brian Coyle Center for
workforce development. Additional
donors and community partners
include the Foundation of Minnesota,
Sundance Family Foundation, Marbrook
Foundation, and Women Investing in the
Next Generation (WINGs) Fund of the
Greater Twin Cities United Way.
ALUMNI NEWS
CULTURAL TRAVEL
Courtesy Photos
WITH AUGGIES
A
ugsburg organizes international tours for the College’s alumni, parents,
families, and friends. Each customized trip is led by Augsburg faculty members
whose distinction and expertise adds to a uniquely Augsburg experience.
Celebrating Lutheran heritage in Germany and the Czech Republic
Mark Tranvik and Hans Wiersma, Religion Department faculty members, host this
journey through Germany and the city of Prague October 27-November 6, 2016,
celebrating Lutheran heritage in honor of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.
Cultural immersion in Thailand and Cambodia
English Professor Kathy Swanson, who is fluent in Thai, will lead this exploration
through Thailand and Cambodia January 3-15, 2017. This voyage takes travelers to the
Grand Palace, Wat Pho (the Reclining Buddha), and floating markets. It continues
to Chiang Mai for elephant rides, an authentic cooking class, and volunteer work at
a local orphanage. The journey concludes in Siem Reap at Angkor Wat, the largest
religious monument in the world.
If you are interested in traveling with fellow alumni, contact Sally Daniels Herron ’79
at herron@augsburg.edu or 612-330-1525.
To learn about Augsburg cultural travel
opportunities, go to augsburg.edu/alumni/travel.
Summer 2015
33
ALUMNI CLASS NOTES
1963
After serving as pastor of Faith
Lutheran Church in Vista,
California, since 1969, the Rev. Beryl
Droegemueller retired in April. Over the
course of his 45 years of shepherding the
congregation, membership grew from 125 to
more than 1,000. During those four decades,
the church opened preschool, elementary
school, middle school, and extended daycare
programs. Droegemueller trained 37 pastoral
interns through the church’s vicarage program
and, in the early 1970s, worked with church
members to develop a new mission church,
Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran in Oceanside,
California. He led Faith Lutheran through
the construction of the sanctuary, a parish
hall, an early childhood center, and offices.
Together with members of the congregation,
Droegemueller was instrumental in building
a multi-level care retirement facility, now
Rancho Vista retirement community, which
was dedicated in 1981. When he talks about
the projects and productivity, he points to
his “very dedicated, creative, and hardworking members” and his staff. Along with
his doctor of ministry degree, he earned a
law degree, which he said was helpful in the
many building projects. He assisted area
churches with numerous legal challenges and
served as circuit counselor and chairman of
the Pacific Southwest District of the Lutheran
Church Missouri Synod board of directors. The
Minnesota native entered Concordia Lutheran
Seminary after a year of working for a bank
and following graduation from Augsburg with a
double major in history and English.
Jean (Bagley) Humphrey married her husband,
Roger, one week after graduation. Nancy
(Bloomfield) Bottemiller and Ruth (Sather)
Sorenson were her bridesmaids. The
Humphreys moved to the Boston/Cambridge
area where they lived in married student
housing at the Massachusetts Institute of
As a public relations expert, Kari (Eklund) Logan ’82 assists
clients in raising awareness about topics that range from
education to urban forestry and from financial services to the
arts. At CEL Public Relations, Logan leads a media relations
team and couples her talents in writing and networking to
serve her clients.
From the NOW@Augsburg blog.
Visit augsburg.edu/alumni/blog to read more.
Technology and had their two children. After
five years, they moved to California where
Roger’s first job was with Chevron Oil. They
lived in California for 38 years. Nine Bagley
children attended Augsburg including Robert
Bagley ’58, who went on to Luther Seminary,
and Yvonne (Bagley) Olson ’52, who lived with
Gerda Mortensen and married Orville Olson ’52.
1967
Jerilyn (Bjugstad) Wibbens is the
choral director of the NW Nordic
Ladies Chorus of Everett, Washington. The
group recently performed with other Nordic
choruses in a Seattle-area celebration of
Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. They sang
“Finlandia” with the Seattle Symphony.
In May, Robert and Sandra (Syverts) ’68 Benson
were grand marshals for Trout Days in Preston,
Minnesota. The Bensons remain active in this
community where Bob served as a county
judge. Bob (now retired) is a certified firearms
instructor and a retired fireman. Sandra is the
founder of the Preston Farmers Market.
1970
Ray Hanson is working for
Goldbelt Raven as an assistant
program manager for chemical forensics
at the Department of Homeland Security’s
Homeland Security Advanced Research
Projects Agency. His role supports the
Chemical and Biological Defense Directorate
in Washington, D.C., which is developing
forensic methods for detecting signatures for
chemical threat agents.
AUGGIE SNAPSHOTS
1982
Diane (Peterson)
Kachel is now a clinical
research manager for Metro
Urology, the largest urology private
practice network in Minnesota. In
this newly created position within
the organization’s management
team, she is responsible for
managing all aspects of the
research program in addition
to developing new research
opportunities and scalable research
infrastructure across multiple
clinical sites and patient conditions.
34
Augsburg Now
2008
Jay Matchett ’08, ’13 MAL was
named director of Our Neighbors’
Place, a social service agency, in River
Falls, Wisconsin. The social service agency
includes a day center, shelter for families,
community closet, classes, and a successful
backpack program. He cites Tim Pippert,
associate professor of sociology, and Andy
Aoki, professor of political science, as strong
influences during his time at Augsburg.
Matchett believes he truly has found his path
to vocation. He would like to establish a partnership with Augsburg’s social
work program so that Our Neighbors’ Place may serve as an internship
site for current students.
ALUMNI CLASS NOTES
1972
After more than 40 years of regional
sales management and marketing
for two Fortune 500 companies, James
Piepenburg has retired and lives in the Phoenix
metro area with his wife, Lucy. He has two
great daughters, Krista and Jaime, along with
son-in-law, Chris, and 12-year-old grandson,
Nicolas. Currently, Piepenburg is doing parttime art consultation with Thomas Kinkade Art
Gallery of Arizona.
music therapy and has done additional study
at Colorado’s Center for Biomedical Research
in Music.
1988
Kiel Christianson is associate chair
of the Department of Educational
Psychology at the University of Illinois, UrbanaChampaign. He is an associate professor
of educational psychology, psychology, and
linguistics, and he directs the EdPsych
Curt Rice ’84 has been chosen to lead Norway’s largest
university college, taking charge of Oslo and Akershus University
College of Applied Sciences as rector on August 1. Rice received
his undergraduate degree in philosophy from Augsburg. His
wife, Tove Dahl ’84, is a professor at the University of Tromsø,
Norway, and is the dean of Concordia Language Villages’
Norwegian camp, Skogfjorden.
From the NOW@Augsburg blog.
Visit augsburg.edu/alumni/blog to read more.
John Sherman, sports editor of Sun
Newspapers, has been inducted into the
Minnesota State Football Coaches Hall of
Fame. Sherman said he was truly honored to
join the ranks of Stan Nelson ’43, Dave Nelson,
Sid Hartman, Bronko Nagurski, and Ray
Christensen in the Hall of Fame.
Psycholinguistics Lab at the Beckman Institute
of Advanced Science and Technology. In his
spare time, he is a senior writer for the Golf
Channel websites, where he writes about golf,
golf travel, golf courses, and golf equipment.
He lives in Mahomet, Illinois, with his wife, Jen,
and their two children.
1978
1989
Steve Hoffmeyer is interim general
counsel and executive director
of the new Minnesota Public Employment
Relations Board. He also teaches business law
classes at the University of Phoenix campus in
Minnesota and arbitrates labor cases outside
of the state.
1979
Phil Madsen and wife, Diane, moved
into the fitness business, opening
their first Anytime Fitness franchise gym in July
2014 in Port Orange, Florida. A second gym will
follow in nearby New Smyrna Beach, Florida.
Phil says, “This is a wonderful opportunity.
The franchise business model is sound, we
interact with members in truly personal and lifechanging ways, and we get to improve our own
health and fitness like never before.”
1982
Sandra (Walter) Holten, a music
therapist who specializes in caring
for people with Parkinson’s, was featured on
Minnesota Public Radio in March for her work
with Struthers Parkinson’s Center in Golden
Valley, Minnesota. She has a bachelor’s in
Leah (Parker) Maves graduated
from Luther Seminary in May
2014 with a master’s in children, youth, and
family ministry. She received her first call on
December 22 to the Tomorrow River Lutheran
Parish in Amherst and Nelsonville, Wisconsin.
She was commissioned and installed on
February 11 by Bishop Gerald Mansholt.
1991
Stephanie (Grochow) Trump has
been elected to serve as the
choral vice president of the Minnesota Music
Educators’ Association.
1992
Todd Lange was honored with
the Albert Lea (Minnesota) Area
Schools’ 2015 Teacher of the Year award. He
teaches high school English.
Sharol (Dascher) Tyra is a professional certified
coach and mentor for leadership development
at Life Illumination Coaching. Tyra has been a
mentor to Augsburg students since 2011. She
will serve as president of the Minnesota charter
chapter of the International Coach Federation,
and she represented ICF Minnesota at four
global leadership forums.
1998
Raylene Dale (Navara) Streed
has been appointed executive
director of the Minnesota Lions Eye Bank at the
University of Minnesota. Streed has served in
other leadership positions, including as interim
executive director and technical director. Streed
graduated from Augsburg with a bachelor’s
degree in biology.
1999
Scott Hvistendahl manages the
event department at the University
of Northwestern-St. Paul, where he is a member
of the football coaching staff. He enjoys being
involved with football and having a chance to
work with fellow coaches in developing players in
a Christian environment as well as helping them
to grow as men on and off the field. Hvistendahl
and his wife, Alisha, have two children: Macey
and Jordan. The couple met through an
Augsburg staff member who knew Scott from
football and Alisha through athletic training.
Jenna (Bracken) Held ’05 is following in the footsteps of
her mother, Jane (Catlin) Bracken ’71, by serving as a
teacher and pursuing her love of working with children.
Last year, after having taught fourth and fifth grade for
eight years, Jenna switched to first grade at Lincoln
Center in South St. Paul, Minnesota. She enjoys working
in the community where she lives. She met her husband,
Andrew Held ’05, at Augsburg and started to date him
after doing homework together for Calculus II. They
welcomed their third child in June.
From the NOW@Augsburg blog.
Visit augsburg.edu/alumni/blog to read more.
Summer
Spring
2014
2015
Fall 2014
17
35
37
ALUMNI CLASS NOTES
Josh Krob ’08, ’15 MBA was granted a prestigious “Twin Cities
Finest” award from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in recognition
of his extensive community volunteer efforts and professional
growth. A believer in the value of lifelong learning, Krob earned
his MBA at Augsburg seeking to expand his understanding of
how to be an effective leader.
From the NOW@Augsburg blog.
Visit augsburg.edu/alumni/blog to read more.
2001
Maggie Tatton was among those
named “40 Under 40” honorees
by The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal.
This honor includes young business and
community leaders from throughout the
Twin Cities. Tatton is partner at Lindquist &
Vennum, P.L.L.P.
2002
Brent Peroutka was featured in
the Faribault (Minnesota) Daily
News as a “40 Under 40” honoree for his
community achievements and career in
finance. A financial advisor at Comprehensive
Wealth Solutions. Peroutka holds a business
administration/finance degree from Augsburg.
The best part of his day is helping his clients
achieve their goals, he says. “We can make a
difference each and every day, whether it’s at
home, at work, or in the community.”
with the Minnesota Department of Human
Services to help improve the lives of those
with disabilities.
2012
Lauren Grafelman is the 2015
Business Administration Scholar
Award recipient at Hamline University. This
award is given to the university’s top MBA
student based on academic performance and
leadership within the program. Grafelman was
honored with this award at a graduation and
recognition reception in May.
2013
Mike Lanski is in a long-term
position with U.S. Bank. He
also has started his second season with the
Minnesota Twins, working as an usher, and he
is in his 10th year with the Minnesota Wild in
the same capacity.
Madalyn Johnson is employed as a promotions
assistant at 1500 ESPN Radio at Hubbard
Broadcasting.
Matt McGinn ’13 talks coffee on page 14.
2014
Janelle Holte was accepted into the
U.S. Peace Corps and departed for
Jamaica in March to serve as an agriculture
extension volunteer. During the first three
months of her service, Holte lived with a host
family in Jamaica to learn the local language
and integrate into the local culture. Holte will
work with her community to identify resources
and agriculture projects that can be developed
and implemented to generate income. She
also will facilitate training in farm management
and work with schools to enhance and expand
environmental education.
Anika Clark ’14 discussed the research
she conducted in Africa with lawmakers on
Capitol Hill. See page 22.
2015
Ben Menzies graduated in May
and is about to begin a master’s
program at the University of Minnesota in
integrated behavioral health. He and Shira
Bilinkoff are looking forward to their wedding
in fall 2016.
2008
Justin Reese has been named
head football coach for Fridley
(Minnesota) High School. A native of Houston,
Texas, Reese earned a bachelor’s degree in
physical education at Augsburg and went on to
earn a master’s degree in sports management
from the University of Minnesota. His vision
for the Fridley football program is to inspire
academic and athletic excellence in students
by challenging them to achieve the highest
level of personal development.
2010
Michael Polis was nominated for
the “32 Under 32” awards. This
honor was created in partnership with the
Advertising Federation to recognize the top
young Minnesota marketing and advertising
professionals.
2011
Samantha Drost was appointed to
the State Quality Council for a twoyear term. The council works in partnership
36
Augsburg Now
Meghan (Armstrong) Peyton ’14 MAL is the head men’s
and women’s cross country coach and assistant track
coach at Augsburg College. Augsburg, she says, has
opened her eyes in many ways. Her time at the College
has shown her the joy of serving others and becoming
a more thoughtful steward and responsible leader. She
wants to continue to make a difference in the lives
of future Auggie alumni. Peyton and her high school
sweetheart, Cole, were married in 2010 and live in
Richfield, Minnesota, with their pets. In 2008, she joined
Team USA Minnesota, a post-collegiate distance training
center that encourages holistic development. In 2013,
she won the U.S. 20K Championship. You can “track”
her successes and find her personal best records at meghanpeyton.com.
From the NOW@Augsburg blog.
Visit augsburg.edu/alumni/blog to read more.
GRADUATE PROGRAMS
Kathy Rumpza ’05 MAL has taken a position with the
University of Minnesota as lead of the Creative Services
team in University Relations, the central marketing
office. She works closely with the university’s brand.
Anna Coskran ’09 MBA has been named a principal of
NTH, a Twin Cities real estate and project management
firm where she has worked since 1998. With more than
15 years of real estate experience, she has worked with
a diverse array of clients including The Minneapolis
Foundation, the Star Tribune, and Xcel Energy.
AUGGIE
SNAPSHOTS
2001
Hilary English
Crook and her
husband, Jacob Seljan,
welcomed Lovisa Emily
Seljan on March 30. Both
Lovisa and big brother,
Britton, are sporting their
Augsburg gear!
Chris Wolf ’09 MAN was named chief nursing officer of a
medical element of the Minnesota Air National Guard.
Jordan Moore ’12 MBA and his wife, Jen, became
parents on March 27 with the birth of their daughter,
Carla Jo.
Jim Miles ’14 MBA
recently published
“Hero,” a middle grade
novel. In addition to
writing as a lifelong
passion, “Hero” is the
result of Miles’ MBA
program. He came to
Augsburg to learn how
to give artistic projects
the business legs they
needed to walk and
thrive. He named one
of his supporting
characters after Magda
Paleczny-Zapp,
associate professor of
business. Magda Corbett originally was conceived as a
minor character, but she quickly became a rather
significant part of the story, which Miles considers the
result of the influence of the name. For more information
on “Hero,” go to coltonsilver.com.
Submit a Class Note
Please tell us about the news in your
life—your new job, move, marriage, and
births. Visit augsburg.edu/alumni/connect
to submit your announcements.
2007
Sarah (Gilbert)
Clay and
her husband, Ryan,
welcomed Oscar Leo Clay
on March 19.
2010
Matt and
Sarah (Thiry)
Solberg celebrated their
marriage on August 8,
2014. Auggies in the
wedding party included
maid of honor Hannah
Thiry ’17, Emily Wiles,
and Dan Thewis.
2012
Courtney
Gamrath and
J.P. Perpich were married
on August 15, 2014.
Summer 2015
37
In memoriam
Ingeborg C. Garborg ’38, Grand
Marais, Minnesota, age 94,
on January 20.
Euna G. Nelson ’50,
Evansville, Minnesota, age 86,
on March 18.
James S. Carlson ’55,
Richfield, Minnesota, age 88,
on October 12.
Darwin G. Thorbeck ’60,
Charleston, South Carolina,
age 76, on January 26.
Bernice A. (Westman) Giguere ’39,
Columbia Heights, Minnesota,
age 97, on April 26.
Kerman J. Benson ’51, Victoria,
Minnesota, age 85, on
January 13.
Lyle I. Hunter ’55, Cathedral
City, California, age 85, on
September 27.
James F. Redeske ’61, Golden
Valley, Minnesota, age 75,
on February 16.
Karl I. Krohn ’41, Memphis,
Tennessee, age 95, on
February 7.
John “Al” A. Johnson ’51,
Maplewood, Minnesota, age
88, on January 7.
Eileen M. (Wirkkunen)
Thompson ’55, Astoria, Oregon,
age 81, on January 23.
Kay L. (Hanenburg) Madson ’62,
Minneapolis, age 74,
on January 21.
Thelma (Sydnes) Monson ’41,
San Diego, age 95, on April 27.
Raymond V. Trochmann ’51,
Ulen, Minnesota, age 93,
on March 29.
Laurayne R. (Helgerson)
Solberg ’56, Stoughton,
Wisconsin, age 91, on
October 20.
Paul R. Engwall ’64, Lakeville,
Minnesota, age 75, on May 14.
Philip “Phil” W. Rowberg, Sr. ’41,
Chico, California, age 95, on
March 24.
Marion M. (Myrvik) Buska ’46,
St. Louis Park, Minnesota, age
90, on January 18.
Willard “Bud” W. Glade ’49,
Dows, Iowa, age 94, on
March 1.
Georgette F. (Lanes) Ario ’50,
Minneapolis, age 86, on
January 17.
Irving R. Burling ’50, Sioux
Falls, South Dakota, age 87,
on April 16.
Bernice A. (Larson) Howell ’50,
Beltsville, Maryland, age 89,
on January 30.
38
Augsburg Now
Elmer H. Hanson ’52, Elk
Mound, Wisconsin, age 90,
on February 24.
Karl D. Puterbaugh ’52,
Eagan, Minnesota, age 86,
on March 22.
Dennis H. Erickson ’58,
Rochester, Minnesota, age 85,
on March 10.
Lorents J. Flak ’58, Santa Rosa,
California, age 83, on March 8.
Berton R. Hushagen ’53, Fergus
Falls, Minnesota, age 87, on
February 16.
Jon W. Matala ’58, Carver,
Minnesota, age 78, on
March 15.
Harold E. Peterson ’53, Bella
Vista, Arkansas, age 89, on
April 1.
Ronald “Ron” J. Stave ’58,
Minneapolis, age 83, on
March 7.
Gloria M. (Parizek) Thorpe ’53,
Eau Claire, Wisconsin, age 84,
on May 5.
Nancy Bauman ’59, Rochester,
Minnesota, age 78, on April 10.
Lloyd A. Nelson ’54, Willmar,
Minnesota, age 91, on
January 27.
James “Jim” A. Noble ’60, Grand
Blanc, Michigan, age 76, on
January 25.
Wayne E. Myrvik ’64, Fergus
Falls, Minnesota, age 72,
on February 7.
Gary E. Utoft ’64, Owatonna,
Minnesota, age 72, on
February 23.
Kathryn “Kathy” A. (Lundby)
Young ’64, Williamsburg,
Virginia, age 72, on March 9.
Lowell H. Asplund ’65,
Butterfield, Minnesota, age 73,
on February 6.
Anita M. (Gransee)
Christopherson ’65, Belle
Plaine, Minnesota, age 71,
on April 28.
Neil C. Sideen ’65, Howard
Lake, Minnesota, age 71,
on March 6.
Send us your news and photos
Please tell us about the news in your life, your new job, move, marriage, and
births. Don’t forget to send photos! (Digital photos must be at least 300 ppi
or a 1 MB file.)
For news of a death, printed notice is required, e.g., an obituary, funeral
notice, or program from a memorial service.
Send your news items, photos, or change of address by mail to:
Augsburg Now Class Notes, Augsburg College, CB 146, 2211 Riverside Ave.,
Minneapolis, MN 55454, or email alumni@augsburg.edu. You can also
submit news at augsburg.edu/alumni/connect.
______________________________________________________
Full name
______________________________________________________
Maiden name
______________________________________________________
Class year or last year attended
______________________________________________________
Street address
______________________________________________________
City, State, ZIP code
Karen L. (Torkelson) Leverentz ’66,
Stillwater, Minnesota,
age 70, on February 7.
Magdalen A. (Ardolf) Miller ’75,
Silver Lake, Minnesota, age 91,
on January 20.
Richard “Rick” A. Niles ’67,
Minnetonka, Minnesota,
age 69, on March 6.
Robert “Bob” A. Roberge ’77,
Rochester, Minnesota, age 60,
on March 7.
Mary M. (Dolan) Peterson ’67,
Parkers Prairie, Minnesota,
age 69, on March 25.
Eunice C. (Holmes) Johnson ’80,
White Bear Lake, Minnesota,
age 84, on February 28.
Russell E. Ilstrup ’68, Buffalo,
Minnesota, age 70, on March 21.
Lori L. (Johnson) Rosenkvist ’81,
St. Paul, age 55, on March 25.
Ronald A. Nilsson ’68, Wheaton,
Illinois, age 69, on January 9.
Timothy J. Beck ’83, St. Paul,
age 53, on March 30.
Nancy E. Stevens ’68, Plymouth,
Minnesota, age 68, on
December 29.
Jeffrey T. Miller ’94, Plymouth,
Minnesota, age 52, on
January 29.
Ronald L. Danckwart ’72, Lake
City, Minnesota, age 64, on
February 25.
Alfred “Al” A. Drears ’11, St.
Paul, age 51, on March 24.
James E. Ericksen ’72, Edina,
Minnesota, age 68, on
January 27.
Max D. Bassinson ’17,
Minneapolis, age 23, on
March 7.
Alan C. Kelsey ’73, St. Paul,
age 63, on January 19.
Professor Emeritus Jerry
Gerasimo, Menomonie,
Wisconsin, age 84, on April 4.
Ronald “Ron” A. Hart ’75, Coon
Rapids, Minnesota, age 62,
on March 9.
Longtime staff member
Irene Steenson, Eden Prairie,
Minnesota, age 102, on April 18.
Is this a new address? q Yes q No
______________________________________________________
Home telephone
______________________________________________________
Email
Okay to publish your email address? q Yes q No
______________________________________________________
Employer
______________________________________________________
Position
______________________________________________________
Work telephone
Is spouse also a graduate of Augsburg College? q Yes q No
If yes, class year___________________________________________
______________________________________________________
Spouse’s name (include maiden name, if applicable)
Your news:
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
______________________________________________________
q I know a student who is interested in attending Augsburg.
The “In memoriam” listings in this
publication include notifications
received before May 20.
Summer 2015
39
In memoriam
Courtesy Photo
JAMES E. ERICKSEN ’72
James E. Ericksen ’72, whose life was marked by his commitment to
faith and passion for the arts, passed away in January at age 68, leaving
Augsburg an unexpected and extraordinary bequest of more than $5 million.
To honor his legacy, the majority of Ericksen’s gift will be designated to
the Center for Science, Business, and Religion. Part of this gift will honor
Ericksen’s faith and be directed to Christ Auditorium, the 80-seat classroom
at the heart of the new building. In tribute to his love of music, a renovation
to Sateren Auditorium and its lobby also will be named for Ericksen.
His gift was one of the largest estate gifts in
Augsburg’s history.
“We wish so much that we could have thanked him
during his lifetime,” said Heather Riddle, vice president
of Institutional Advancement.
Ericksen graduated from Minnehaha Academy in
Minneapolis in 1964 and enrolled at Augsburg College
that fall. While still a student, he enlisted in the
U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany. Ericksen
returned to Augsburg College after his service, finished
his business administration degree with an emphasis in
accounting, and graduated with the 139-member class
of 1972.
A history minor, Ericksen later told Augsburg staff that Carl Chrislock,
remembered as one of Minnesota’s preeminent U.S. historians and
a professor emeritus of history at the College, was one of Ericksen’s
favorites. He returned to Augsburg College several times over the years to
attend concerts, particularly those for which his piano instructors served
as accompanists.
A loyal public servant
The entrance
to the Sateren
Auditorium lobby.
40
Augsburg Now
After starting his career at Polaris, Ericksen worked as an auditor for the
State of Minnesota Department of Revenue for 31 years before retiring in
2009. Along the way, he invested wisely and lived carefully.
“Nobody knew much about him, including his family,” said his
cousin, Robert Quick. But they knew he loved history, travel, and classical
music—especially symphonies.
In mid-life, Ericksen began piano lessons at MacPhail Center for Music,
where he studied with Victoria and Dan Sabo for many years. Friend and
piano instructor Janet Holdorf described Ericksen as “so sincere and ardent
in his appreciation of music making.” He didn’t consider himself much of
a musician, but he enjoyed learning and playing. His home was equipped
with a large sound system and filled with carefully cared-for albums, many
of them the symphonies he loved so much.
Ericksen traveled often, venturing to France, Italy, Norway, Sweden,
the United Kingdom, and elsewhere. He took long driving trips, eventually
visiting nearly all 50 of the United States and taking time to explore each
destination’s history. When he was at home in the Twin Cities, he attended
Bible study at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church in Minneapolis.
In his will, Ericksen remembered many family members, friends, and
organizations dear to him.
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Master of Arts in Nursing
Master of Arts in Education
Master of Arts in Leadership
Master of Business Administration (MBA)
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
Master of Music Therapy
Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
Master of Social Work
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF NEW ALUMNI
AND FAMILY DISCOUNTS
FOR GRADUATE DEGREES
augsburg.edu/grad/discount
GRADUATE PROGRAM TUITION
DISCOUNT FOR ALUMNI
Many of Augsburg’s current graduate students are alumni
who earned their first degree at Augsburg and returned
to pursue further education. Become a part of this
growing group and take advantage of our Alumni Tuition
Discount—a savings of $80 per credit! Auggie graduates
who’ve earned a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree
from Augsburg qualify for this alumni discount.
Additionally, parents or spouses of alumni and current
students are eligible to receive the Family Grant
of $80 per credit on graduate programs.
gradinfo@augsburg.edu | 612-330-1101
* This alumni discount also applies to Augsburg graduates who are currently
Summer
2015Fall 2015.
25
enrolled in a graduate program at Augsburg
effective
Photo illustration by Stephen Geffre. Photos courtesy of D3sports.com and NCAA.
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Permit No. 2031
Auggies win 12th national wrestling title
The Augsburg College wrestling team claimed its record 12th NCAA Division III national championship, winning two individual national
crowns and earning six All-Americans in the finals of the national tournament. Heavyweight Donny Longendyke ’17 [pictured, left] joined
125-pound back-to-back national champion Mike Fuenffinger ’15 [pictured, right] in earning top individual honors. Augsburg also swept
the awards presented by the National Wrestling Coaches Association.
Visit augsburg.edu/now to learn more about
the College’s national tournament win.
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