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Augsburg Now Fall 2002
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Exploring arts at
A ;:: îilli:iäi"
*
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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."i
i:d
ä{
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¡l
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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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Augsburg Now Summer 2003
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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
Send address corrections to:
Advancement Services
Augsburg College, CB 142
221 I Riverside Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55454
Third Annual International
Photo Contest
f3
co**encement 2oo3
612-330-ló87
now@augsburg.edu
Augsburg College, as affirmed
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
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5
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1lriril lrtrrrrurl ¡rlroto t orrtcl;1 for
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clttc¡pric:;: :;cctric latrrl:;rlr¡ri':;, loclI ¡rco¡tIc
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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
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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
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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'
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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
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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>.
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UGSBURG
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Title
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Augsburg Now Fall 2003
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Collection
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Alumni Magazine Collection
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Search Result
-
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!
Please tell us about the news in
your life, your new j ob, move,
marriage, and births . Don't forget
to send phot os !
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notice, or program from a
memorial service.
Send your news items, phot os, 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 to
<alumni @augsbur g.edu >.
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Augsburg Now Spring 2011: Research In Focus
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AUGSBURG NOW
SPRING 2011
VOL. 73, NO. 2
inside
research
Augsburg Now
The Magazine of Augsburg College
25Calculus
Years
of Life-Changing
Workshop Good coffee, good cause
International photo contest Sundquist Scholars
Travel
Vocation in interfaith context Chris Stedman ’08
page
20 the l...
Show more
AUGSBURG NOW
SPRING 2011
VOL. 73, NO. 2
inside
research
Augsburg Now
The Magazine of Augsburg College
25Calculus
Years
of Life-Changing
Workshop Good coffee, good cause
International photo contest Sundquist Scholars
Travel
Vocation in interfaith context Chris Stedman ’08
page
20 the lens Serving Auggie athletics
Under
in
focus
Editor
notes
from President Pribbenow
a
Conflict is the gadfly of thought. It stirs us to
observation and memory. It instigates
to invention. It shocks us out of sheep-like
passivity, and sets us at noting and
contriving. Not that it always effects this result;
but conflict is a ‘sine qua non’ of
reflection and ingenuity.
As I listened to these aspiring Auggies consider
what Dewey intended, I was convinced that this
quote gets at the heart of an Augsburg education.
Creative Director
Kathy Rumpza ’05 MAL
rumpza@augsburg.edu
Creative Associate-Editorial
Wendi Wheeler ’06
wheelerw@augsburg.edu
Conflict and learning
s I write this column, there are reports from
far and near of conflicts in the world that reflect fundamental questions about our values
and aspirations. We have witnessed clashes on the
Augsburg campus between different lifestyles and
value systems. We have experienced shootings in
our neighborhood and lived in the aftermath of violence in our community. We have seen mass gatherings in neighboring states reflecting deep divisions
in visions of a good society and a good life. And we
have felt the rising tide of freedom and democracy
in nations around the world and the seismic shifts
underway in political and social systems.
The challenge we must face as a teaching and
learning community is what we will do in the face
of this conflict. Will we withdraw and wait to see
what happens? Or will we find in the various conflicts the “stuff” of a liberal arts education and the
inspiration to put our education to work in engaging the conflicts and seeking to make a difference
in the world?
I think it is fair to assume that the Augsburg
community chooses the latter challenge.
Recently, prospective Augsburg scholarship students were asked to reflect on a provocative quote
from the great American educator and philosopher,
John Dewey, who once wrote:
Betsey Norgard
norgard@augsburg.edu
Creative Associate-Design
Jen Nagorski ’08
nagorski@augsburg.edu
Our students learn to observe and remember.
Our students engage and learn from the messiness
and complexity and conflict of the world through
experiences on campus, in our urban neighborhood, and around the world. Our students—indeed
our entire community—are shocked out of passivity
to be informed, thoughtful, and courageous actors
in the world.
This issue of Augsburg Now offers ample evidence of Dewey’s argument for the links between
conflict and learning. Chris Stedman’s journey
through interfaith dialogues—a growing aspect of
an Augsburg education—illustrates how our students face otherness and difference in considering
their own callings in the world. The work of our
MBA students helping neighborhood youth start a
small business reflects the ways in which
Augsburg’s location in the city shapes an education
that does not flinch from the realities of urban life.
And the good reports on student research projects
offer important evidence of how an Augsburg education—across the disciplines—challenges our students to fight complacency, to push the edges of
learning, and not to settle for what is expected.
I am proud to report that in our classrooms and
residence halls, on campus and out in the community, and indeed all around the world, Auggies are
pursuing what John Dewey called us to be—
informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical
thinkers, and responsible leaders. We are learning
from our experiences of the complexities and
messiness and conflicts of the world—and then we
are getting to work in our own ways, with our distinctive gifts and callings.
Photographer
Stephen Geffre
geffre@augsburg.edu
Webmaster/Now Online
Bryan Barnes
barnesb@augsburg.edu
Sports Information Director
Don Stoner
stoner@augsburg.edu
Assistant Vice President of
Marketing and Communication
Rebecca John
rjohn@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
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Advancement Services
CB 142
Augsburg College
2211 Riverside Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55454
langemo@augsburg.edu
E-mail: now@augsburg.edu
Telephone: 612-330-1181
Fax: 612-330-1780
PAUL C. PRIBBENOW, PRESIDENT
spring 2011
Features
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contents
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On the cover
Justin Ingebretson ’12 is an incredibly bright and talented young scientist whose story could get anyone excited about water fleas. He is one of
six students featured in “Under the lens: Student research at Augsburg.”
All photos by Stephen Geffre unless otherwise indicated.
augsburg now
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Talking about faith and values
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Good coffee. Good cause.
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Calculus—and so much more
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Under the lens: Student research at Augsburg
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BY WENDI WHEELER ’06
Chris Stedman learned how to focus on values and foster
dialogue between faith communities and the nonreligious.
BY WENDI WHEELER ’06
Augsburg MBA students complete a management consulting
project and get much more than a grade.
BY BETSEY NORGARD
A workshop for introductory calculus also builds community
and pushes students to engage in research and
scholarship opportunities.
BY WENDI WHEELER ’06
Student research is more than Bunsen burners
and petri dishes.
2010 International Programs Photo Contest
Departments
inside
front
cover
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Notes from President Pribbenow
Around the Quad
Auggies in sports
My Auggie experience
Auggie voices
Alumni news
Class notes
It takes an Auggie
around the
quad
Augsburg hosts international
symposium on music therapy
Augsburg College will host the Ninth International Society for Music in Medicine Symposium, June 8-12. The
conference will provide an interdisciplinary and international forum for exchange of achievements in the field,
state-of-the-art research, and applications of music in
medicine, music therapy, and counseling.
Scientific research as well as creative and innovative
concepts will be discussed, and visits to local hospitals
and clinical sites are planned. Medical doctors, nurses,
healthcare practitioners, and music therapists from 11
countries—Australia, Austria, Canada, Finland, Germany,
India, Italy, Norway, South Africa, United Kingdom, and
the U.S.—will present their research on the use of music
in medicine.
Find more information and register for the symposium
at www.augsburg.edu/musictherapy/ismm_home.html.
NewsNotes
Kemper Foundation selects Augsburg for scholarship
Augsburg was selected as one of the Kemper Foundation’s Scholar Institutions,
one of 16 institutions that best prepare students for organizational leadership.
Each year, a first-year student is selected for a three-year scholarship and paid
summer internship program funded by the Kemper Foundation in Chicago.
Commencement 2011—speakers and honorary degrees
May 7 Commencement—for day students and physician assistant graduate students
Speaker: Kjell Magne Bondevik, former prime minister of Norway, founder and
president of the Oslo Center for Peace and Human Rights
Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters —Kjell Magne Bondevik and Ishmael Noko,
Zimbabwean theologian and former general secretary of the Lutheran World
Federation
June 26 Commencement—Weekend College, Rochester, and graduate programs
in business, education, leadership, nursing, and social work
Speaker: Krista Tippett, writer and host of American Public Media’s Being
Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters—Krista Tippett and Kwok Siu Tong, former
executive vice president, United International College, China
Nobel Peace Prize Forum relocates to Twin Cities
The annual celebration of the Nobel Peace Prize Forum will evolve into a new format beginning in spring 2012. The forum will be held each year in the Twin Cities,
organized by Augsburg in close partnership with the Humphrey Institute of Public
Affairs at the University of Minnesota. It will continue with the support of the other
four Norwegian Lutheran colleges, with strong ties to area organizations that
share a commitment to educating for peace, and with opportunities for deeper
engagement between the United States and Norway.
Three Auggies receive athletic awards
Bruce Johnson ’68
Healing Wisdom of Africa
Malidoma Patrice Somé, an elder of the West African Dagara
tribe in his native Burkina Faso, spoke twice during the Counseling and Health Promotion Convocation in February. In the
strife and stress of the modern, materialistic world, Somé
offered insights on healing and reconciliation in bringing
together “the visible worlds of nature and community” with
the “invisible forces of the ancestors and Spirit.”
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Augsburg Now
Mike Good ’71
Jeff Swenson ’79
Men’s hockey assistant coach Bruce Johnson ’68 will be honored for his lifetime
contributions to the growth of amateur hockey. In April, he will receive the
American Hockey Coaches Association’s John “Snooks” Kelley Founders Award.
Augsburg Board of Regents chair Mike Good ’71 and athletic director Jeff
Swenson ’79 both will be honored in April by the National Wrestling Hall of Fame,
Minnesota Chapter.
Good, who is CEO of Southeby’s International Realty, will receive the chapter’s
Outstanding American award, given to wrestlers who have used the disciplines of
the sport to launch notable careers. Swenson will receive the Lifetime Service
award for his long career as a national champion student athlete, distinguished
25-year coach, and athletic director.
Nicaragua
In January, several regents, senior administrators, faculty, and staff
traveled to Augsburg’s Center for Global Education study center in
Managua, Nicaragua. Several Augsburg regents spoke about their
experience at the Board of Regents meeting that followed. Here are
excerpts from regents Jodi Harpstead and Rev. Norman Wahl.
A potter demonstrates his craft in Masaya, a region in Nicaragua known for its handicrafts.
Strong women, incredible stories
“In Nicaragua, we met the woman who heads the feminist movement
in the country, and she gave me a t-shirt that says, “Todos los derechos para todas las mujeres” (All the rights for all the women). We met
so many amazing women, like the women at the spinning facility, and
we heard so many incredible stories of strong, beautiful, courageous
women working to turn around their families and their country. Women
in Nicaragua are getting microloans. Women are running businesses.
Women make up most of the student body of the college we visited.
We heard about young women who had worked for Father Cardenal
teaching literacy. The Contras began to kill them one at a time, hoping that the others would run away and return home. But they refused
to go home, and they continued to work until the Contras gave up
when they realized their violence wasn’t getting anywhere.
We also met the woman who is the rector of UCA (Universidad
Centroamericana), a large, private, Jesuit university. She is the only
woman in the world who leads a Jesuit university. And, of course,
Nicaragua has already had a woman as president of the country;
they’re ahead of us in that respect.
We learned just how many women there are across Nicaragua who
are working to develop their country—in different places, in different
roles, and in different levels of work—and it was incredibly inspiring
to see how much they are willing to risk for freedom.”
Neighbor to so many people
“I did not know I was a neighbor to so many people in Nicaragua, including the great people that Augsburg has working there. I can’t say
enough for the Center for Global Education, and while I’ve always
been supportive of Augsburg, I will be a much more vocal advocate of
that kind of global travel and the great things it can do.
I did not know that I was a neighbor to a bunch of potters who live
in Masaya, a place that we visited one day. As we came in, everybody
was busy—the matriarch who ran the pottery place, which was a tworoom hut with an outdoor place for a kiln and a throwing wheel—everybody was busy. They were busy mixing the clay, they were throwing
clay, they were painting, they were etching, they were polishing. Everybody was so busy. We went through the whole process. And then at the
end we had an opportunity to buy some of the very fine wares that this
little family company put together. And as I looked up from where we
were making our exchanges with the people, the whole family was
gathered in the doorway to look to see how their products were being
bought and enjoyed by those people from the United States. And I
thought, wow, this is really selling merchandise at its very best—from
the people who make it to the people who will enjoy it. They really are
our neighbors, and I did not know that until this trip.”
JODI HARPSTEAD, BOARD OF REGENTS
REV. NORMAN W. WAHL ’76, BOARD OF REGENTS
Learning about war and peace in El Salvador
In January, students traveled with Religion Professor Bev Stratton to
El Salvador to study REL 480: Vocation and the Christian Faith.
We met with several speakers and visited different places, such as churches,
a university, and a rural community, in hopes of learning more about their culture, history, and people. We primarily learned about their civil war (19791992) and about the roles faith and identity play in the midst of social
injustice, oppression, and conflict.
… We visited a church where Archbishop Oscar Romero was assassinated
in 1980. … He became increasingly involved with the people and underwent a
personal transformation, becoming a leader and a voice for the people. He
once said, “If they kill me I will arise in the Salvadoran people.”
… We also heard from speakers who experienced the civil war. We visited
Suchitoto and took boats to an area where a massacre had taken place. A
man who had endured the massacre spoke to us about his experiences as a
child during the war, losing his family at age 9 in the massacre; he recalled
memories with startling clarity.
Outside of hearing intense personal stories, we also visited places of national interest, such as the U.S. Embassy and the National Assembly building.
… Senior Adam Jacobsen commented on how remarkable it was that the people were so open to us, as Americans, in spite of [the U.S. money and support
for the Salvadoran government during the civil war]. “They really understood
that our government’s decisions at the time were not our own.”
These experiences serve as testimony to what all of us hopefully learned
from this trip: people are people, and no matter creed, religion, or race, we
are all united by a common thread of humanity.
KATELYN DANELSKI ’14
Read Danelski’s full story and see photos from her study in El Salvador
at www.augsburg.edu/now.
Spring 2011
3
Every spring, as long as February snowstorms don’t
threaten, Augsburg College welcomes the best and
brightest prospective Auggies to participate in
Scholarship Weekend. In addition to an opportunity
to meet with their future classmates and professors,
students interview or audition for the President’s
Scholarships and for Fine Arts Scholarships.
On Friday evening, students are treated to The
Big Show—a spectacle unlike any other experience
they will have as Auggies. It’s a chance for them to
relax and for the College to showcase its less serious side. The evening features performances by Bob
Groven, director of Augsburg’s Honors program; history and medieval studies professor Phil Adamo;
and President Pribbenow himself.
This special event is for the eyes of Scholarship
Weekend guests only—few current students, faculty,
or staff are treated to the performance. The rumor is
that Bob Groven is surprisingly funny and that Phil
Adamo puts on a fantastic show.
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Augsburg Now
THE
Scholarship Weekend 2011
BIG SHOW
Reviews for the show keep coming in…
Augsburg Honors program director
Bob Groven poses as Conan O’Brien
in a postcard mailing to Scholarship
Weekend attendees—a prelude to
what the audience would experience
at the event.
“I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO SEE
CONAN AND THAT’S JUST NOT TRUE.”
“BOB GROVEN DELIVERS ONE OF THE MOST
MEMORABLE PERFORMANCES OF THE YEAR.
I SHOULD KNOW. I AM BOB GROVEN.”
—Bob Groven, Honors program director
I Know I Can
Yo Se Que Puedo
WENDI WHEELER ’06
Admissions counselors Peter Schattauer (left) and Justin Nash (right) and junior
Sam Waskosky (center) read to third-graders at Seward Montessori School.
Courtesy photo
Auggies help third-graders get ready for college
It may seem that third grade is a bit too early to begin thinking
about going to college. But Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak doesn’t
think so. Auggie Eagle doesn’t think so. And neither did the 2,700
Minneapolis third graders who participated in the “I Know I Can”
College Awareness Day.
On Thursday, Feb. 10, Augsburg elementary education majors
joined staff from Augsburg’s Office of Admissions at Seward
Montessori School. With Auggie Eagle also in attendance, they
read to 60 students from the book, I Know I Can, written and illustrated by Wendy R. Rouillard.
The book helps students begin thinking about how they can
take steps, even in elementary school, to prepare themselves for
college. By working on improving their skills and studying hard, the
book suggests they can do anything they want when they grow up.
Sam Waskosky, a junior education major and a Bonner Leader,
read to one of the groups. Waskosky has been volunteering at Seward Montessori for several years. After she finished reading, she
answered questions about Augsburg including what dorm life is
like and whether or not college is “hard.” Auggies Devyn Pittorf
and Alexis Stadstad also read to different groups.
Brenda Hemmingsen, the Augsburg admissions visit coordinator, reminded students that part of getting into college involves
getting good grades and having good attendance. She asked students to identify the subjects they would focus on, such as reading, math, and languages.
The event, part of The Minneapolis Promise initiative designed
to eliminate barriers to post-secondary education for Minneapolis
youth, is a partnership of the Augsburg College Sabo Center for Citizenship and Learning, the Office of the Mayor (Minneapolis), RBC
Wealth Management, Minneapolis Public Schools, the University of
Minnesota, and the Minnesota College Access Network.
Rod Gonzalez ’04 (right) and Mayor R.T. Rybak greeted children in the Windom
Spanish Dual Immersion School on College Awareness Day.
Rod Gonzalez, a native of Mexico, knows first hand the challenges
of learning another language and succeeding well enough in school
to get into college. He joined Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak on “I
Know I Can” College Awareness Day as they read to third-graders
in both English and Spanish at the Windom Spanish Dual Immersion School.
The 20 to 30 children in the class were about half native Spanish-speakers and half Spanish learners. Gonzalez spoke Spanish
with them, telling them about how he had decided he wanted to
study business and make decisions about college.
Asking the children what they wanted to do when they grew up
elicited a variety of responses. “There were some who wanted to be
firefighters and police, and there was one girl who wanted to be a
paleontologist,” Gonzalez says. “Obviously they had been thinking
about what they wanted to do in the future.”
After Rybak read I Know I Can to the class, he and Gonzalez
introduced themselves to each of the children. “We reminded them
that in order to go to college, they had to start early, study hard,
and do their homework,” Gonzalez says.
Gonzalez graduated from Augsburg in 2004 with a finance
major and French minor, and he studied in Paris. With help from
the Center for Service, Work, and Learning, he interviewed with
RBC Wealth Management and began a 12-month rotational program internship, which helped him discover his interests within the
company and match his skills to jobs. For the past seven years he
has worked at RBC as a fixed income strategist.
In January, Gonzalez was honored with the 2010 Irv Weiser
Diversity Award, which recognizes and rewards an individual in the
company who exhibits RBC’s commitment to diversity. He recently
moved to Chicago to continue his work with RBC Wealth Management and to begin an MBA program at the University of Chicago.
BETSEY NORGARD
Spring 2011
5
‘A Tale of Two Cities’—a Report on Civic Health
Minneapolis-St. Paul enjoys the highest civic health of any metropolitan area in the country, according to a report released by
Augsburg’s Center for Democracy and Citizenship (CDC). People in
the Twin Cities are the most engaged in their communities—they
are more likely to volunteer, to participate in community activities,
to vote, and to engage with their neighbors. This healthy civic behavior correlates with greater economic well-being and individual
health and happiness.
The report, “A Tale of Two Cities,” is a joint project of the
National Council on Citizenship (NCOC), the Florida Joint Center
for Citizenship, and the CDC. It compares Minneapolis-St. Paul
with Miami, which is shown to be the country’s least civically engaged city. While the two metro areas differ in many factors, the
report indicates that these differences—including demographic
measures of education and income—do not explain the disparities
in their civic engagement.
The report identifies several areas that contribute to the higher
levels of Twin Cities’ civic engagement: more school–community
collaboration and civic learning, stronger family and social networks, higher trust and diversity in government, and higher voting
rates.
In a commentary for the St. Paul Pioneer Press and a blog
posting for the American Democracy Project, CDC director Harry
Boyte draws parallels to the Civil Rights movement, recalling when
the Southern Christian Leadership Conference was formed to
spread a “culture of civic empowerment” and promote nonviolence
and a desire to change.
Just as “the Montgomery Way” helped spread democratic
© All rights reserved by The Bob Graham Center
Harry Boyte, director of Augsburg’s Center for Democracy and Citizenship and senior fellow at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, participated in a project that compared levels of civic
engagement in the Twin Cities and Miami.
change in the South, Boyte believes in a Minnesota Way, which
“teaches the skills of collaborative work across differences, connects institutions to the life of the communities, and generates a
spirit of optimism that people can share their future together.”
He points out that the “civic treasures” in Minnesota—including educational institutions like Augsburg that work across differences to foster a culture of civic empowerment—are critical factors
in preparing students to discover how they can become agents of
change to spread democratic hope and reform.
Read more about “A Tale of Two Cities” and download a PDF of the
report at www.ncoc.net/ttcrelease.
Read Harry Boyte’s blog post at American Democracy Project at
http://adpaascu.wordpress.com.
BETSEY NORGARD
Scholars at the Capitol
On Monday, Feb. 28, 37 students and their faculty advisers from
14 colleges presented posters describing their research in various disciplines at the Minnesota State Capitol. From biology to
psychology, engineering to English, this event showcased the
breadth and quality of undergraduate research happening at
Minnesota’s private colleges. Augsburg representatives were:
Jessica Pfaffendorf and Professor James Vela-McConnell
Facebook: Making the World More Connected?
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Michael Wilson and Professor Eric Buffalohead
The Impact of Intertribal Transmission on the Design Aesthetic
of the Grass Dance
Augsburg Now
When President Paul Pribbenow came to
Augsburg in 2006, he discovered a gap between the two sides of the small campus.
“There was this natural divide… Melby and
Kennedy [athletic facilities] on one side of campus, and, even though we’re a small campus, it
seemed like the divide was both geographical and
it was also symbolic in some ways—there wasn’t
a connection between the two sides,” he says.
His goal was to bridge the philosophical gap
and to fully incorporate Augsburg’s intercollegiate athletic program into the broader campus
community. In the pursuit, Augsburg has become an emerging leader in both the Minnesota
Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) and
the National Collegiate Athletic Association
(NCAA) Division III.
Since 2007, Pribbenow has served as chairelect and chair of the MIAC Presidents Council,
leading a move to redefine the institutional leadership within the conference. He has also worked
to increase its influence within NCAA Division III,
the largest of NCAA’s three divisions.
“We … think that the presidents need to be
involved in the strategy and priorities of the conference, making sure that our student-athletes
are having the kinds of experiences we want them
to have. That’s the best of the Division III ideal.”
Augsburg’s influence will not end with
Pribbenow’s term. Augsburg’s faculty athletic
representative (FAR) to MIAC, Tracy Bibelnieks,
associate professor of mathematics, will begin a
two-year term as chair of the FAR group this
August. Athletic director Jeff Swenson also
serves as chair-elect of MIAC’s athletic directors and will assume a two-year role as committee chair in 2013.
A faculty athletic representative is a liaison
between the faculty and athletics and an advocate for student-athlete affairs, while also serving as part of the conference’s chain of
legislation. Bibelnieks will also serve on the
conference’s Executive Committee.
“The Division III philosophy of giving students an opportunity to excel in both the academic and athletic aspects of their experience
here requires that we be able to have an understanding across the campus of what that balance
looks like for students. Certainly, faculty play a
significant role,” Bibelnieks says. “There has to
be a check and balance in how you keep those
wants and needs in balance with each other, both
in the academic realm and the athletic realm.”
DON STONER
serving
Auggie athletics
President Pribbenow finishes his term as
chair of the MIAC Presidents Council as
Professor Tracy Bibelnieks begins her term
as chair of the faculty athletic representatives. Jeff Swenson (not pictured) is chairelect of MIAC’s athletic directors.
Spring 2011
7
my
Auggie experience
Like father, like daughter—Katie and Karsten Nelson
For Katie Nelson ’14, the Augsburg experience is just beginning. But
for her dad, Rev. Karsten Nelson ’83, it is simply continuing.
When it came time for Katie to consider college, of course her
father suggested Augsburg. In fact, he had been grooming her to be
an Auggie since she was a child. “We were planting the seed when
she was three years old,” Karsten says, “by throwing Augsburg
sweatshirts on her.”
But Katie was reluctant to enroll at her dad’s alma mater. On the
day she came to campus for a visit, it was a dreary fall day. “I was
thinking, ‘You know, dad, this is clearly your school. How in the world
would I ever make it mine?’”
Karsten says he remembers that first visit. “I was excited to give
her a ride back home and find out what she thought. When she said
she didn’t think it could be her school, it was one of those disheartening times where you say, ‘Oh no.’”
After visiting several other area schools, Katie decided on
Augsburg in part because of the location and the strong sense of
community, but also because of its disability programs and attention
to access for disabled students.
“I love that Augsburg has tunnels,” Katie says. She knew she
wanted a small campus with a close-knit community, a diverse campus with many opportunities, and an open and friendly place. “And
Augsburg was definitely it.”
In her first year of college, Katie has certainly made Augsburg
hers—making new friends, getting involved as a tutor for neighborhood Somali residents, and even hosting weekly Disney movie-watching parties in her dorm room.
Karsten Nelson was a student at Augsburg in the early 1980s,
studying communication. He went on to graduate school at Luther
Seminary and currently serves as pastor at Our Redeemer Lutheran
Church in St. Paul. He has also served on Augsburg’s alumni board.
“There are a number of changes,” he says, noting that the buildings, the diversity of the student body, and the academic atmosphere
are different than when he was in school. He also likes to tell Katie
that the kitchen of the house where he used to live is in the same
spot as the front doors of Oren Gateway Center.
At the same time, Karsten says, a lot of things have stayed the
same. “It has continued to be a place that has a great grounding of
faith for people to explore and to wonder and to be challenged,”
he says.
Today Karsten is enjoying returning to Augsburg and seeing it
through his daughter’s eyes. “It’s really fun to see Katie in her own
setting with friends and connections.” He says that after one semester, Augsburg has exceeded his expectations in providing a sense of
community, intellectual stimulation, and a foundation in faith for his
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Augsburg Now
daughter, “as well as her own growth and independence,” he adds.
“Augsburg has drawn out more from Katie than we saw for her.”
Katie receives services from Augsburg’s ACCESS Center, a unique
program that provides services and support to students with documented physical disabilities. Her dad is grateful for the people who
have provided assistance to her and allowed her to find independence. Katie says that not only the ACCESS staff but also her personal
care attendants, her classmates, and people from the community are
supporting her. “I can do almost anything on my own, and I have a
lot more freedom to decide my own fate.”
Both Katie and Karsten think of Augsburg as their home away
from home. “It has been for me,” Karsten says, “and I think it is
becoming that again.”
WENDI WHEELER’06
auggie voices
Vocation in an interfaith context
I think about Augsburg’s mission statement and general education student learning outcomes—a lot. It
makes sense. They shape and direct my work in and
out of the classroom. At the same time, that very work,
my colleagues, and my students inform my understanding of these statements and sustain my commitment to the realities and possibilities they create.
At the center of my thought most recently is
Augsburg’s call to intentional diversity coupled with
our college-wide commitment to the theological exploration of vocation. All things considered, it was no surprise to me when I walked into my fall sections of
REL 200 Christian Vocation and the Search for Meaning II and encountered a wide array of religious traditions and commitments among my students: Buddhist,
Muslim, Christian (Catholic, ELCA-Lutheran, LCMSLutheran, United Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian,
and six or so other denominations), and students who
identified as agnostic and atheistic. Some of them
grew up in a tradition, others did not. And, at least six
of my 55 students named the Shamanistic tradition as
their own.
In this rich and exciting pluralistic context, what
am I called to do? How do I both express the depth
and history and promise of the Christian, particularly
Lutheran, understanding of vocation while affirming
the presence and possibilities proffered by each student’s tradition? In the end, I invite students to conversation the only way I can—openly and honestly. I
speak from my own particular context and perspective,
and I invite them to do the same. I insert the voice of
Dietrich Bonhoeffer—who describes vocation as responsible action in response to God—into the conversation, and they insert the voices of Dorothy Day and
the Dalai Lama, for example. In the title of my course
I add parentheses around the word “Christian” and,
together, my students and I add the words “and justice”: REL 200 (Christian) Vocation and the Search
for Meaning and Justice. In this rich and exciting pluralistic context, this is what I am called to do.
LORI BRANDT HALE is associate professor of religion and director of general
education. The above is adapted from devotional thoughts she presented at
Augsburg‘s Leadership Council.
Spring 2011
9
faith
&
values
Talking about faith and values
BY WENDI WHEELER ’06
While Chris Stedman ’08 was studying religion at Augsburg, he
avoided engaging in any conversations about the subject of his beliefs, God, or religion. So how did a student who wouldn’t talk
about religion manage to graduate, go on to get a master’s degree
in religion, and become a prominent and respected voice in interfaith dialogue? He stopped talking about religion and started talking about values.
“I came to Augsburg after a number of years of struggling with
religious identity and sexual orientation,” says Stedman, “but I felt
like ministry was what I was called to do.” After his first semester,
Stedman declared himself an atheist, but he kept quiet about it
and continued pursuing a major in religion. In fact, he says he developed a negative stance on religion and God. “I didn’t really
want to engage with it on the real world level.”
Stedman worked with Augsburg’s Campus Kitchen program
serving meals at the Brian Coyle Center once a week during his
first year of college and eventually became a member of the leadership team. The Coyle Center serves many of the Muslim residents in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood. Even in this
environment he was hesitant to engage in dialogue with anyone
about faith or values.
“One day I stayed a little late and had a conversation with a
woman, and out of the blue she told me that sometimes she gets
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Augsburg Now
really nervous about going out in public because of her hijab [head
scarf].” Normally, Stedman recalls, he would have ended the conversation, but he surprisingly found himself saying he could relate
with the woman’s feelings because he felt nervous about going out
in public with his boyfriend.
“She asked what gives me strength and told me she got hers
from Allah,” Stedman says. Later he realized the woman was inviting him into a conversation about values and about how they both
lived in the world where people judged them, but he was unwilling
at that time to talk more with her.
It wasn’t until after graduation that Stedman began to open up
about his values and beliefs. He was working in a group home for
adults with developmental disabilities and had a particularly good
relationship with one gentleman who often asked Stedman to read
to him. One day, he recalls, the man asked Stedman to read from
a Lutheran book of prayers.
“My initial instinct was to say no,” Stedman says, but he read
with the man. “I expected to feel either very irritated or to have a
longing to return to something that was once so important to me,
but I felt neither.” Instead, Stedman experienced relief and gratitude because he had shared in an important part of another person’s life.
“We really lose out when we are afraid of those who have dif-
CHRIS STEDMAN ’08
ferent beliefs from ours because it prevents us from engaging and
developing meaningful relationships.” This experience served as
the beginning of Stedman’s conversion from a silent religion major
to a vocal member of the interfaith movement. Today he identifies
as a secular humanist, reflecting a philosophy based on reason
and compassion that does not include belief in a god. He writes
often about seeking respect for religion among the community of
nonbelievers, about identifying common values between believers
and nonbelievers.
Stedman went on to obtain a master’s degree in religion from
the Meadville Lombard Theological School at the University of
Chicago. In the summer following his first year of graduate school,
he began an internship with the Interfaith Youth Core (IFYC), a
program founded by Eboo Patel. IFYC works with young leaders,
primarily college students, helping to promote religious pluralism
through service to the community.
Stedman is currently the Interfaith and Community Service
Fellow for the Humanist Chaplaincy at Harvard University. He
works with Greg Epstein, the humanist chaplain, and author of
Good Without God. Their work focuses on helping students initiate
and organize interfaith service projects and creating positive com-
munities for the nonreligious.
In addition, Stedman is managing director of State of Formation at the Journal of Inter-Religious Dialogue. He is also founder
of the blog NonProphet Status, a columnist for the Huffington
Post, and the youngest contributor to the Washington Post’s On
Faith blog. Currently, he is writing a book for Beacon Press. His
speaking engagements focus on fostering positive and productive
dialogues between faith communities and the nonreligious.
In the few years he has been doing interfaith work, Stedman
says he has learned the value of working and talking with those
whose beliefs may be different but whose values are similar to his
own. His message to young people, particularly those who are dissatisfied with religion or who identify as nonbelievers, is to get involved. “There is value in organizing around common values and a
lot to be gained from working with and learning from religious
communities,” Stedman says. He encourages young people not to
simply wipe their hands of involvement with religious people but to
find communities where their needs can be met.
“I look back on my time at Augsburg and realize I was doing
interfaith work, but I left the discussion out of it. Now I am so
excited to reclaim that missed opportunity.”
Spring 2011
11
good
coffee.
good
cause.
Wouldn’t it be great if you could complete
a project for your graduate school class,
earn a passing grade, and help someone
else in the process? That is what happened for a group of Augsburg MBA students. Their management consulting
capstone—an online marketing research
project—has the potential to help one incredible organization and at least 1,500
young people in Minneapolis.
When it came time for Lynn Harris,
Darren Chaloner, and Kelly Ambourn to
choose an organization to work with for
their MBA project, they wanted to move
beyond the obvious choices. Harris says
they wanted to help a local social enterprise, so she did a bit of research and
found CityKid Java.
CityKid Java is a local for-profit coffee
company located off Lake Street in
Minneapolis’ Phillips and Central neighborhoods. Every dollar of their profit is returned to the community, specifically to
their non-profit partner, the Urban Ventures Leadership Foundation’s youth programs. Urban Ventures’ youth programs
provide mentoring, athletic teams, camps,
leadership experience, and after-school
programs for at-risk inner city youth. In
2010, CityKid Java gave $80,000 to
Urban Ventures.
The team worked closely with MarkPeter Lundquist, CityKid’s founder and
vice president of Urban Ventures; Jenifer
12
Augsburg Now
BY WENDI WHEELER ’06
CityKid Java founder Mark-Peter Lundquist
is passionate about coffee and kids.
Augsburg MBA students completed an assignment and got
much more than a grade out of it. They got some great coffee
and the good feeling that comes from giving back.
Hagness, general manager of CityKid; and board member Joyce
Hansen. They asked what CityKid needed, outlined the deliverables, and went to work.
Hagness says the team provided marketing research and recommended tools and resources that CityKid could begin using
immediately. “When they came to us, we really gave them a
blank slate in terms of the website. We thought we knew some
things about our market and our customers, but they really gave
us some great tools and resources,” Hagness says. Ultimately the
team developed a Web 2.0 marketing plan including a social
media strategy for increasing traffic and sales and building
awareness on the CityKid website.
Harris says she was excited to see how their ideas could help
the organization. CityKid took the team’s information, moved
ahead with their recommendations, and even dedicated an employee as their “chief listening officer” to focus on social media.
Harris says CityKid also invited the team back to share feedback
and the action plan they created based on the team’s work. “We
didn’t see this as just a project,” Harris says. “We really took this
to heart.”
(Photo above) CityKid Java’s Lindquist and general
manager Jenifer Hagness (on right) talk with MBA
students Darren Chaloner and Lynn Harris (on left)
at the skatebard ramp at CityKid’s rec center.
Spring 2011
13
coffee.
good
cause.
good
Throughout the six-month project, Lundquist and Hagness treated
the MBA group as a part of their team. “They were very open to questions and made our job a thousand times easier,” says Chaloner. The
students were invited to sit in on board meetings and tour Urban Ventures’ facilities. Harris says she even joined Lundquist and Hagness at
a local roasters “cupping” experience.
This project, however, had a much greater return on investment for
the students. In addition to gaining consulting experience and practical
application of marketing research principles, the team had an opportunity to give back to their community. They bought the coffee, of course,
but they also shared the story of CityKid Java with their classmates,
family, and friends. “You can’t work with CityKid Java and not tell the
story,” Chaloner says.
So that is what Harris and Chaloner have continued to do even after
their project was complete—tell the story of CityKid Java. It’s one of
good coffee for a good cause and the opportunity to get a good grade
while working with great people.
world setting
value
The courses in the Augsburg MBA program are designed to prepare students with content knowledge
and theoretical application. The MBA consulting project puts this into practice in a real-world setting. To
be successful in the management consulting project,
students have to crystallize their knowledge into the
real demands and needs of an existing for-profit, notfor-profit, or community service organization—they
must use their education to be of service to an organization. This is where their learning becomes real,
and of real value, in the world.
Students have worked with a broad spectrum of
companies from Fortune 100 companies to much
smaller organizations such as local theaters and
charter schools to individual entrepreneurs starting a
company. About half of the recent projects have been
with local nonprofits that serve the local communitites within Minneapolis and St. Paul.
14
Augsburg Now
Lynn Harris and Darren Chaloner with Kelly
Ambourn (not pictured) continue to share the
CityKid Java story—and drink their great coffee!
calculus
and so much more
BY BETSEY NORGARD
A dozen or so first-year students in groups of threes and fours are
talking, scribbling, erasing, and rewriting equations on the board.
The professor watches and offers hints as needed. Two student leaders wander
around, pausing to respond to questions or give a word of praise. Sometimes students
work at tables, but rarely do they listen to a lecture.
Welcome to Calculus Workshop, a twice-weekly elective workshop for students enrolled in Calculus I and II.
Professor Rebekah Dupont is the Augsburg coordinator of the North Star STEM Alliance, a program that seeks to increase the number of minority students who complete degrees in STEM—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. She
developed Calculus Workshop as a strategy to help these students succeed in collegelevel mathematics courses.
Spring 2011
15
The workshop particularly targets the
needs of underrepresented minorities, firstgeneration college students, and women in
majors that require calculus, but any student taking Calculus I or II who is interested in working collaboratively and setting
high performance standards is welcomed.
The first workshop began as a pilot in fall
and spring last year, starting with 12 students. At the end of spring semester, the results were impressive. The mostly-minority
students in the workshop achieved a 0.6
higher grade point average (GPA) than the
Calculus I and II students not in the workshop, despite having entered college with an
overall lower average ACT score and GPA.
So, now in its second year, Calculus
Workshop is an official department offering.
Just why is it so successful? To begin with,
Dupont grounds it in the research and best
practices developed for STEM students participating in workshops linked to academic
courses. She designed the workshop for
students to preview the material to be presented in their calculus class, reinforce it,
and synthesize it by working together to
solve problems.
The intent of the workshop is not remedial, but to promote high levels of academic excellence, which also promotes
retention. Its major objective is to build
community and collaboration among stu-
Professor Rebekah Dupont coaches the
students in Calculus Workshop.
The North Star STEM Alliance is …
A program funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), through
the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP).
• The Minnesota North Star STEM Alliance is a partnership of 16 higher
education institutions plus the Science Museum of Minnesota and the
Minnesota High Tech Association.
• Its goal is to double the number of minority students receiving bachelor’s degrees in STEM in a five-year period.
• Its objectives are to provide support, tutoring, supplemental instruction; engage students through faculty mentorship and research; explore career directions; and build community among students.
16
Augsburg Now
dents, who, in this case, are mostly in their
first year.
Not your classroom calculus
Jazmine Darden took the pilot Calculus
Workshop last year and credits it in large
part for the grade she received in Calculus
I. One factor for her was that the workshop
is hands-on, not class lectures.
“Workshop teaches in a different manner
… There are many days that we, the students, are up at the chalkboard solving
problems,” says Darden. “Or other times
we are given worksheets and work in small
groups … Workshop is a very team-oriented
and group-oriented environment.”
Darden also finds the workshop a comfortable environment. “Workshop is very
diverse,” she continues. “It’s
nice to walk into Workshop and
see other students just like me.
It gives us all an extra push to
strive for success.”
Mathematics + opportunities
In addition to building community, the workshop has emerged as an effective means for
Dupont to connect first-year students with
leadership, academic, and research opportunities. In some cases, these are opportunities such as study abroad and Fulbright
awards that wouldn’t be familiar to students
whose parents have not attended college.
“We have so many programs to support
and help students, but they have to get connected to them,” Dupont says. “They have to
hear about these opportunities and then
start thinking about them.” Several of last
year’s students have become McNair Scholars, which provides them summer research
and ongoing support to apply to graduate
school. Some have joined the North Star
STEM program and work closely with
Dupont.
It was in this workshop where sophomore
Fred Vedasto heard about the Minneapolis
schools’ summer Guys In Science and Engineering (GISE) program, which brings middle-school boys to Augsburg for hands-on
science exploration, with Augsburg students
hired as mentors.
“It was all about the kids for me,”
Vedasto says. He loved feeling like a “big
brother” while helping teach them science—
it meant letting them have some fun and
fool around, but also making sure they got
the work done.
Workshop big brothers
and sisters
Two student mentors assist Dupont in the
workshop. These students also offer help beyond calculus. One of last year’s mentors,
Research—
jumping right in
Gaby Hamerlinck, was a senior biology and
math major. She says that she and junior
Tom Lopez, another mentor, helped students
prepare for exams, learn how to approach
their professors, and answer questions about
college life.
“There were a few student-athletes in the
group who did not think that a math major
and collegiate sports could work in their
schedule,” Hamerlinck says. “But being a
multi-sport athlete as well, I was able to help
them with time management, which allowed
them to succeed on and off the field.”
This year’s student mentors are Darden
and Trevor Rodriguez Sotelo, both sophomores and workshop students from last year.
They are closer in age to the workshop students and believe this makes a difference in
connecting with their mentees around campus, sometimes eating and studying together. “Workshop has allowed me to build
relationships with many first-year students in
and out of the classroom,” says Darden. “I
don’t like to be called a tutor to these students because I have built a relationship
that is so much more.”
“As a student leader, it’s important to be
a positive role model in the classroom,” says
Rodriguez Sotelo. “… but my biggest challenge has been how to be a positive role
model of life. … I hope that if I can teach
them a thing or two about schoolwork and
also about everyday life, they will have a
more enjoyable experience throughout their
college career.”
Students in the workshop are
expected to set high goals for
themselves. While first-year
students do not usually begin
research in their first year,
Dupont seeks funding and encourages them to connect with
faculty about research opportunities.
Sometimes it takes a little push from
Dupont—which is how Vedasto got into his
physics research project last spring. “She
was asking,” he says, “but it wasn’t a
question.”
With NASA funding, physics professor
David Murr, junior Chris Woehle, and
Vedasto developed a payload of instruments
to measure light that was launched in a
rocket 40 miles high as part of a nine-college project. Vedasto determined the
rocket’s navigation using math calculations. He plans to continue research with
Murr again this summer.
Vedasto says the research helped him
figure out his interests. “I always thought I
wanted to be an electrical engineer, and my
research confirmed this,” he says. “It was
fun, interesting, and helped me get a feel
for what I wanted to do.”
Last spring, Dupont also helped Hamerlinck and first-year student Kayla Johnson
secure funding for research with mathematics professor John Zobitz, who had taught
calculus to both of them. They studied the
spread of the flu through a contained population of Augsburg day students.
With the project, Hamerlinck and Johnson had to face the challenges of learning
how to present their research at poster sessions, which they did at three events in late
spring. “It was a great experience, and I
wish I had been able to do it sooner in my
career at Augsburg,” Hamerlinck says. “But
FRED VEDASTO ’13
[About getting involved in research] “Professor
Dupont was asking us, but it wasn’t a question.”
Spring 2011
17
KAYLA JOHNSON ’13
“I’m so glad I filled out that application for Workshop …
Isn’t it crazy how one choice can make such a huge
impact on someone’s life?”
I’m so proud of Kayla for getting it done her
freshman year!”
Working together with Hamerlinck was
great for Johnson. “Gaby pushed me, helping
me with study skills, with balancing my time,
and mainly showing me that I could do it.”
This combination of faculty, upper-level
student, and first-year student research is a
nontraditional model, but proving especially important to increase the participation of underrepresented groups in
mathematics, Zobitz says. “Gaby gave
Kayla some helpful advice about courses
and navigating a four-year degree that I (as
her adviser) could not.”
What does Zobitz see the students gain
from the research experience? “The first-year
students see a direct connection between
their coursework and research topics,” he
says. “For Kayla, I tried to give specific readings commensurate with her skills, typically
tied to her calculus textbook.”
“The upper-level students have an opportunity for reinforcement of previouslylearned skills by having to communicate
with younger students,” continues Zobitz.
“More importantly, this is an opportunity
for mentorship and collaboration. … It was
important to foster a sense of community
18
Augsburg Now
that this is a shared, collaborative endeavor, rather than each person pursuing
their own individual research.”
Especially exciting for Dupont last summer was to secure research spots for all six
of the North Star STEM workshop students
by the end of their first year.
An incredibly valuable experience
Students have high regard for Calculus Workshop, even those who may have signed on reluctantly because of the extra time involved.
One student, with a heavy work schedule in
addition to classes, found out how valuable
the workshop could be when his Calculus I
grade improved from a failing first test to a
score in the 90s on a subsequent one.
Dupont enjoys watching the growth of
the students. “At the beginning, going to
the board was so hard for them,” she says.
“They’re so smart and have ideas in their
head, but they fear they’re wrong. For
them, it’s about gaining the confidence to
be on their feet and get to the point where
they want to know how to fix what they do
wrong and take that understanding to the
next level.”
Hamerlinck, who is now working toward a
PhD in evolutionary biology on a scholarship
at the University of Iowa, agrees: “The best
part for me was watching the students grow
more confident in themselves and their academic skills.”
For Kirubel Gezehegn, a current student
in the workshop who graduated from British
schools in Zimbabwe, the transition to American college life was difficult. “The workshop
prepared me for learning about American education, seeing that processes here are different, and it helped my understanding.” He
welcomes the challenges—“I don’t want to
breeze through and think about what I could
have done with the time.”
It’s clear, however, among all students,
that a key to much of the workshop success
has been the leadership of Dupont, whom
Vedasto refers to as “the godmother of our
class.”
Darden says, “I am so thankful for all the
opportunities I have been given in the last
couple of years due to North Star STEM, Rebekah Dupont, and my upper-class mentors.” She says that there’s nothing she
would rather do than “give back and try my
best to give these opportunities to other
students.”
In an e-mail to Dupont, Johnson writes,
“Without your help and my experience in
Workshop, I would have missed out on so
many opportunities.”
She continues, “I’m so glad I said ‘why
not?’ and filled out that application for
Workshop. … Isn’t it crazy how one choice
can make such a huge impact on someone’s life?”
Student research at Augsburg
It’s not uncommon to associate “research” with a scientific laboratory,
microscopes, and tiny glass slides smeared with cells. But research at
Augsburg is more than Bunsen burners and petri dishes.
Every year students in the natural and social sciences, the humanities, and the arts conduct intensive 10-week summer projects as well as
ongoing projects throughout the year. Last summer alone, students
wrote music and screenplays, tested the water quality in Rice Creek,
studied aggression in Girl Scouts, produced wearable art, and tried to
find a body mass index for dogs—among other things.
Student research is funded from a variety of sources: grants provided by the Office of Undergraduate Research and Graduate Opportunity (URGO), the McNair Scholars program, a NASA Space Physics
grant, the Northstar STEM Alliance, and Augsburg donors. The funds
not only allow students to focus on their projects for 40 hours a week in
the summer but also provide opportunities for them to travel to national
conferences to present their work.
Here we highlight the work of six outstanding Augsburg undergraduates—students whom we may see winning awards or publishing scholarly journal articles in the future.
To meet some of these student researchers and many others, attend
Zyzzogeton, Augsburg’s annual celebration of academic and artistic student achievement. The spring 2011 Zyzzogeton student research poster
session will be held Wednesday, April 13 from 3-5 p.m. in the Oren
Gateway Center atrium.
BY WENDI WHEELER ’06
To watch videos of four other students who spent
last summer researching algae, biodiesel, dogs,
and songwriting, go to www.augsburg.edu/now
justin ingebretson
The Effect of Dopaminergic Neurotoxins on
Daphnia magna Swimming Behavior
Faculty adviser, Matt Beckman
Justin Ingebretson spent a good deal of his summer shooting video of swimming
water fleas. Actually, he was filming perturbed water fleas, also known as Daphnia
magna. The purpose was to understand the role that certain neurotoxins have in
motor behavior, with applications for humans suffering from disorders like Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis. Ingebretson presented his research at the national conference of the Annual Society for Neuroscience, where he says he was
able to hold his head high next to students from multimillion-dollar research institutions. A member of the recovery community who at one time did not see college in
his future, this promising scientist says, “I feel honored that the faculty and this
college entrusted me to represent them.”
20
Augsburg Now
becky shaheen
Art Song: Poetry into Music
Faculty adviser, Sonja Thompson
You wouldn’t think a recipe or a letter to Miss Manners would make
for a good song, but Becky Shaheen ’11 knows otherwise. A talented musician and composer in her own right, Shaheen researched the relationship between text and music using the art
song, a classical form that incorporates piano and voice. She analyzed the work of different composers and wrote seven songs, one
for each of seven composer-poet teams. Shaheen’s project emphasizes that research is not only for students in the sciences. “This
project was created exclusively by me and really fed my passions,”
she says. In addition to funding her summer research, the URGO
program also provided funds for Shaheen to travel to the
Vancouver International Song Institute where
she workshopped her pieces with singers
and composers.
Spring 2011
21
tom lopez
Construction of a Magnetic Needle Viscometer for Use in Research and Undergraduate Education
Faculty adviser, Benjamin Stottrup
Three years ago Tom Lopez, then a first-year mathematics and physics major, went to Google’s scholar database and typed the
words “magnetic lipids.” No, these aren’t typical search terms for the average student, but Lopez isn’t the average student.
A former construction foreman, Lopez entered Augsburg at the age of 27. He became interested in research after completing a
project for his general physics course and meeting professor Ben Stottrup. Since that first summer, Lopez has had his research
fully funded through the McNair program, a NASA Space Physics grant, the Computational Science Training for Undergraduates
in the Mathematical Sciences (CSUMS), and the North Star STEM Alliance. He’s applied to graduate school and hopes one day to
return to the classroom as a professor. “I want to be able to mentor students and introduce them to opportunities like the ones I
have had at Augsburg,” he says.
22
Augsburg Now
lucreshia grant
Hair Is, Hair Ain’t: Black Women and the Meaning of Their Hair
Faculty adviser, Jessica Nathanson
When Lucreshia Grant shaved her head a couple of
years ago, her friends started calling her “Mikey”
and asking if she was going through some kind of
phase. Then when she began growing dreadlocks,
they asked if she was still going to be able to get a
job after college. All this caused Grant to ask,
“What does my hair mean?” Augsburg’s McNair research program allowed her to ask this same question of several black women. She learned that hair
shapes women’s identities as well as their vocabularies, and she explored how black women’s attempts to change their hair were both an
assimilation of a white standard of beauty as well
as an exploration of the versatility of black hair.
A sociology and psychology major with a minor in
women’s studies, Grant hopes she can continue this
research one day in graduate school.
Spring 2011
23
walker krepps
Quantitative EEG as a Bio-Marker for Addiction Risk
Faculty adviser, Henry Yoon
Sometimes research is boring. Even research that results
in a new discovery can start out with some mundane tasks.
But every once in a while, a student is able to be involved in
research that has the potential to break new ground in its
field. Such is the case with Walker Krepps and his work with
psychology professor Henry Yoon. They have connected
with a University of Minnesota team to examine brain waves
that may predict the tendency toward addictive behavior in
children of alcoholic and addict parents. What makes this
so exciting for Krepps is the opportunity to conduct tests on
a “perfect sample,” namely students in Augsburg’s
StepUP® residential recovery community.
24
Augsburg Now
kathleen watson
The Dramaturgical Process in Context: Sketches of
Eastern European Jews at the Turn of the Century
Faculty adviser, Sarah Myers
Theatre-goers have undoubtedly seen the listing of a “dramaturg” in
the playbill at their local playhouse and wondered what it meant.
Kathleen Watson wondered, too, and spent the first few days of her
research project trying to figure out how to explain it. In the case of
her project, Watson worked with theatre professor Sarah Myers to
provide the historical and creative research for Myers’ play based on
her family history. Watson immersed herself in Jewish culture and
history, learning about Jews who entered the U.S. through Galveston,
Tex., reading letters and looking at photos found in Myers’ grandmother’s attic, and even becoming a fan of klezmer music. “I learned
some naughty words in Yiddish, too,” she says. Watson plans to attend graduate school for dramaturgy. “It gets under my skin. I could
do it all day, every day.” And now she can explain what it is as well.
Spring 2011
25
International Programs
Photo Contest
3
explore experience
26
challenge discover
Augsburg Now
Photojournalism
1 First place
“Comfort Women Protest”
Tracy Olsen
South Korea
2 Second place
“Love and Heineken”
Nora Dahlberg
France
3 Third place
“La Cueca”
Erika Osterbur
Chile
Also winner of the People’s Choice Award
1
2
Landscape/Cityscape
1 First place
“Seoul from Namsan Tower”
Tracy Olsen
South Korea
2 Second place
“Nueva Esperanza”
Katherine Walker
El Salvador
3 Third place
“Daybreak”
Kate Woolever
Thailand
2
3
1
Spring 2011
27
Portrait
1 First place
“Bird Man”
Nora Dahlberg
France
3 Third place
“A Blessing”
Jeffrey Xiong
Thailand
2 Second place
“Gazing toward Change”
Chelsie Duckworth
Mexico
1
2009-10
Study Abroad
by the
Numbers
274
Augsburg
students
studied
abroad
66% female and 34% male
14 Augsburg faculty-led programs
47%
Studied in Latin
America and the
Caribbean
9%
2
Studied in Asia
31% Studied in Europe
11%
Increase in students
studying abroad
from 2008-09 to 2009-10
28
Augsburg Now
3
auggie
alumni news
From the Alumni Board president …
Dear fellow alumni,
ransition takes many forms,
and occurs at many points
throughout our lives. Important to living with transition is
our continued growth—growth
through education, growth
through volunteer work, or growth
through professional development—and education is one of the many ways to spark
that growth in our lives.
Consider how you can embrace transition through
learning—especially in a rich learning environment like
the one at Augsburg College. Learning and enlightenment
open doors of opportunity that you can only imagine—your
first job, a promotion, or reflection on a satisfying career.
Each has rewards that will benefit both you and the people with whom you interact.
Continuing your education can provide a keen awareness in an ever-changing world, and can enable you to engage the world in a meaningful way, as well as adapt to
new experiences and change more readily.
Transition is a normal part of life! Why not consider the
richness of opportunities to embrace transition by becoming an active alumnus/a, or by re-engaging with Augsburg?
T
JOHN STADLER ’07 MAL
PRESIDENT OF THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
P.S. The Alumni Board is looking for a few new leaders!
To receive more information about becoming a member
of this dynamic group, contact the Office of Alumni and
Constituent Relations at alumni@augsburg.edu or
612-330-1085.
Alumni Board 2010-11
Front row (left to right): John Stadler ’07 MAL, Chris Hallin ’88, Maggie Tatton ’01,
Misti Allen Binsfeld ’93; Back row (left to right): Jennifer M. Carlson ’91; Chad Darr
’04; Sharon Mercill ’09; Nancy Nordlund ’91, ’07 MAL; Holly Ebnet Knutson ’03, ’07
MBA; Sarah Grans ’01; Daniel Hickle ’95; Chris Ascher ’81; Michael Loney ’03
Save the Date!
Homecoming 2011
October 17–23, 2011
Reunion Classes
50th reunion—1961
40th reunion—1971
25th reunion—1986
10th reunion—2001
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. Go to
www.augsburg.edu/homecoming for
updates and reunion information.
Spring 2011
29
auggie
alumni news
Young Alumni Council
Estate sales group:
Outreach + service = tangible outcomes
A little history: The
Augsburg College Associates began to conduct
estate sales in 1996—
15 years ago. However,
the idea of raising funds
to help with College projects began with the
founding of the Augsburg
College Associates in
1984-85. The first very
large and challenging
project was funding a
new pipe organ for
Hoversten Chapel in the
new Foss Center. The
Associates held one gigantic “Trash and Treasures” sale in Melby Hall. It was a huge success and continued to
be held each fall until the old music hall was razed and the Associates’ storage space was no longer available.
Eager to find a new source of funds, the group began conducting estate sales in 1996. Coordination, leadership, and expertise
over the years have been provided by scores of loyal, energetic volunteers. The Augsburg Associates have conducted a total of 62
sales through 2010, earning approximately $136,000, which has
helped fund campus renovations, support for new buildings, and
the establishment of several scholarships.
The Augsburg Associates is a people-powered organization in
need of constant refueling. The group is as strong as its numbers.
Imagine the possibilities if they could increase the number of
Associates and friends who would participate in this outreach and
income-producing program. Contact Kate Anderson at
651-645-3262 or andersoc@visi.com if you are willing to be
added to the list of estate sales associates.
There is another way you can help that does not involve a commitment of time—help pass the word to your friends and neighbors about the Augsburg Associates’ estate sale services. Potential
clients should contact the Office of Alumni and Constituent Relations at 612-330-1085.
The Young Alumni Council is busy planning great events for Summer
2011. Join the Augsburg College Young Alumni group on Facebook and
check the alumni calendar for a full schedule.
Front row (left to right): Cory Allen ’07, John MacCormick ’10, Lauren Back ’08,
Teresa Barnhill ’08, Robert Wagner ’02, Ali Fitzpatrick ’11; Back row (left to
right): Mark Matzek ’05, Maria Helgerson ’07, Jennifer Oliver ’07, Nick Slack ’02,
Cody Tresselt-Warren ’09, David Lange ’08, Nick Swanson ’09, Megan Benrud ’10,
Charles Sletten ’09, Beth Franklin ’09, Missy Motl ’06, Julia Mensing ’00, ’07 MBA
Enjoy recordings of Augsburg’s music
2010 Advent Vespers service—music, liturgy, and hymns
A two-disc set is $25. To order, go to www.augsburg.edu/vespers.
Augsburg Choir Legacy Recordings, 1949–1979
Three boxed sets, each with five CDs, plus a monograph about the life
and career of Leland B. Sateren with each order:
• From Opseth to Sateren (1949–1962)
• Sateren Intermezzo (1964–1972)
• Sateren Finale (1972–1979)
Cost: $49 per box (5 CDs); $135 for all three sets (15 CDs), plus shipping
and handling. To order, go to www.augsburg.edu/music/saterenCD.html
or call the Augsburg College Bookstore at 612-359-6491.
Watch for these—
coming later this spring!
The Augsburg Choir, “Stay with Us”
Augsburg Jazz, Volume II
My Song in
1
1
1
17
The 31st An
nual Augsburg
30
Augsburg Now
the Night
College Adven
t Vespers
Alumni artists—
call for submissions
auggies
VOLUNTEER
Augsburg Alumni Juried Show 2011
The Augsburg art galleries are pleased to
announce an exciting opportunity for
alumni to show their artwork in a juried
exhibition featured in both the Gage
Family Art Gallery and Christensen Center Art Gallery opening in early August.
Each artist may submit up to three
images. The submission deadline is June
24; notifications of acceptance will be
sent out July 12. For more information
about the Augsburg Alumni Juried Show,
go to www.augsburg.edu/galleries or
e-mail gallery@augsburg.edu.
Feed My Starving
Children
In mid-January, 75 Augsburg volunteers
of all ages gathered in Coon Rapids to
work together with other volunteers to
package meals for hungry children
around the world. During the session,
more than 22,000 meals were packaged,
which would be made available through
the Feed My Starving Children program.
Thank you to all who participated in
this effort, once again demonstrating the
difference alumni continue to make living out the values gained as Augsburg
students, giving back and helping others.
Called to Lead:
An invitation
If you wonder where you are going in
your professional and personal life and
feel you could be doing something
more significant, you are invited to
explore “Called to Lead,” a four-week
intensive experience for Augsburg
alumni and friends of the College.
Explore the challenges of leadership,
the nature of servant leadership, the
centered life, seeing things whole, and
development of your strategic game
plan. Facilitators include Professors
Tom Morgan, Jack Fortin, and Norma
Noonan. The workshop is co-sponsored
by the Augsburg Center for Faith and
Learning and the Center for Leadership
Studies.
Spend four spring mornings before
work—April 26 and May 3, 10, and 17
from 7:30 to 9 a.m.—and emerge
energized and renewed for new challenges in your life.
For more information and an application, contact Norma Noonan at
noonan@augsburg.edu. The total cost
is $200, which includes books, weekly
breakfasts, and all sessions. Registration closes April 11.
Above left: Jennifer Oliver ’07 and Carolyn
Mollner ’07
Left: Amy Forsberg ’95 and her children,
Aubrey and Olin.
A journey to the Holy Land
with Professor Philip A.
Quanbeck II
Encounter the geography, places, and people of
the Holy Land. Visit Jerusalem, Bethlehem,
Caesarea, Capernaum, Sea of Galilee, Dead Sea,
and much more on a journey departing in early
January 2012. Woven into the itinerary are opportunities to share in dialogue with local community
leaders. Return home with a broader and deeper
understanding of a land that is holy for the
world’s three monotheistic religions.
The cost for this comprehensive program includes airfare from the Twin Cities and a carefully planned and paced schedule of activities
The Mount of Beatitudes is topped by a Catholic chapel
built by the Franciscan Sisters.
and site visits—along with select accommodations, most meals, special educational programming, and a licensed guide throughout.
To receive further information as details are
finalized, contact Alumni Relations at
alumni@augsburg.edu or 612-330-1085.
Spring 2011
31
alumni class notes
Frank Ario was featured on
50KARE-11 TV in Minneapolis in
December, recalling his experience
fighting in a tank batallion in Europe
during the Battle of the Bulge in
1944. He taught economics and philosophy at Washburn High School for
30 years, and in retirement he has
volunteered at the Veterans Hospital
in Minneapolis. He and Georgette
(Lanes) ’50 have been married for
more than 60 years.
to share their building, including a
Mennonite congregation and a First
Nations worship center.
Douglas Emerson was honored
66on January 15 as the Man of
the Year by the San Benito County
(Calif.) Chamber of Commerce.
Since 2005 he has served as city
councilman and in 2008 became
mayor of Hollister, Calif.
Nancy Brown-Koeller, received
Margaret “Grit” Youngquist was
in Marketing Awards given to the
North American marketing organization at Kimberly-Clark Corp. She led
a team that received the award for a
workshop to educate about the challenges senior citizens face when
shopping or using products or services. It was featured in the Wall
Street Journal business section in
September 2009.
Hubbard Maternal and Child Health
Leadership Award from the Minnesota Department of Health that
recognizes leadership and achievements in promoting good health for
mothers, children, and youth. She is
the adolescent health and healthy
youth development coordinator for
the Ramsey County Public Health
Department.
Richard Pearson was elected in November to the board of directors of
North American State Bank of Willmar, Belgrade, and Elrose. He is
now retired, after a 34-year career in
senior financial positions in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.
84ate vice president of develop-
74one of the seven 2010 Legacy 79awarded the 21st annual Betty
Susan Nelson, Moline, Ill., re-
Dr. Leland Fairbanks, Tempe,
Ariz., in his retirement from
the Indian Health Service and U.S.
Public Health Service, is actively advocating a ban on smoking in tribal
casinos. In 1983 he succeeded in
passing a smoking ban at the Indian
Health Service center in Phoenix,
the first in the country at a health
institution.
53
Lute Olson gave a speech in
September in Minot, N.D., at a
joint meeting of Minot service clubs
as he was inducted into the Scandinavian-American Hall of Fame.
56
Rev. Ron Nelson, Winnipeg,
62Manitoba, is pastor of Trinity
Lutheran Church, which opened its
doors 11 years ago to serve the
community, inviting a variety
of ministries
67tired from Davenport (Iowa)
Schools in June, where she was an elementary special education teacher.
She coached Iowa’s 2010 Special
Olympics National Games Tennis
Team, July 17–24, in Lincoln, Neb.,
where the team played with professional tennis player Andy Roddick.
Don Lenzen will retire on June
30 after 13 years as elementary school principal in the Pequot
Lakes School District. He has been
in education for 42 years.
69
Jerry Johnson, Bellingham,
70Wash., teaches mathematics
at Western Washington University
and was awarded the Peter J. Elich
Excellence in Teaching Award. He
was lauded for “drawing upon realworld experiences to illustrate
math concepts and reach students with a variety of learning
styles.”
Catherine (Mork)
48Kordahl, Mora,
Minn., shared this photo
from 1946, standing
with her friends in front
of Old Main.
Lars Walker is librarian and bookstore manager for the schools of the
Association of Free Lutheran Congregations in Plymouth, Minn. He is
the author of several published fantasy novels, the latest of which is
West Oversea, a Norse saga of mystery, adventure, and faith.
Anne (Mollison) Klus is presi-
76dent and CEO of Trinity Uni-
forms that will begin supplying
uniforms for 51,000 healthcare
providers around the country. She
also is a music teacher and choir director at St. Paul Academy and
Summit School.
Ruth (Dahlof) Vedvik is a principal at
Hardwick-Day, Inc., and has written
The Financial Aid Handbook, with
co-author and former Augsburg director of admissions Carol Stack.
The book will be released in April by
Career Press and is already online at
Amazon and elsewhere.
Bonnie (Lamon) Moren is an
78adapted physical education
teacher/lead for Bloomington
Schools. She recently received the
Allen Burton Developmental
Adapted Physical Education Award
for outstanding efforts and contributions given to students with disabilities in the area of developmental
adapted physical education by a
teacher of elementary, secondary, or
higher education. She has been
teaching for 31 years.
32
Augsburg Now
Carmela (Brown) Kranz, associ-
ment of the Minnesota Medical
Foundation in Minneapolis, received
the 2010 Distinguished Service Award
from District V of the Council for Advancement and Support of Education
(CASE), its top volunteer recognition
for her 20 years of service.
Tim Andrew was included on
88the second annual list of Top
Lawyers 2010, as chosen by their
peers, in Duluth-Superior Magazine.
His firm, Andrew & Bransky PA, represents labor unions and employee
benefit plans in Northeastern Minnesota.
Karen Reed, Program III direc-
90tor at Coalinga State Hospital
in Coalinga, Calif., and other music
therapists celebrated 60 years of
music therapy in the “Rock out the
past … Roll into the future.” Earlier,
in October, her staff honored her
with an engraved silver journal on
Bosses Day.
Lisa Dietz received a 2010 Proj-
91ect Grant for Emerging Artists
with Disabilities through VSA Minnesota. She is a fiber artist who has
had a number of exhibitions and
won prizes at the Minnesota State
Fair for several years.
Katie Knutson received a 2009-10
Upper Midwest Regional Emmy for
part of WCCO’s promotion and marketing team in the one-time event
sports category. Since June she has
worked as sales and marketing director at Chanhassen Dinner Theatre.
Anthony Patton has a new novel
published, Treaty Violation, exploring murder and conspiracy in the
spy world.
Holly (Kolander) McCune, a
96former Minnesota Vikings
Mary Lou (Mortensen) Nelson
was awarded the 2010 Honorary Award, given by the Vincent L.
Hawkinson Foundation for Peace
and Justice, recognizing her many
years of leadership with the United
Nations Association.
45
Michelle (Wincell) and Bill
91Nielsen, Mendota Heights,
Minn., welcomed baby Josephine
May on October 9. She joins big sister Lena Kay, 3 1/2.
Jennifer (Crego) and Chad Carls, Oak Grove, Minn., welcomed the birth
cheerleader and 1998 Pro Bowl
cheerleader, was recently interviewed for the “Where are they
now?” magazine article about former
NFL cheerleaders and players. She
currently lives in Scottsdale, Ariz.,
with her husband and twin daughters and teaches Spanish part time.
She and her daughters are also featured on pool product packages and
boxes for Leslie’s Swimming Pool
Supplies stores nationwide.
Jackie (Heyda) and Joshua Ey-
Mary Elizabeth (Brooks) and
98Jon Wroge, Norwood Young
America, Minn., welcomed their
beautiful and cherished gift, Aubry
Ann, in April 2010. She joins big sisters Hannah and Kylie and big
brother Cole.
Leah (Spafford) and Taher
00of their fifth son, Isaac Victor, on March 24, 2010, who joins big broth-
02berg welcomed the birth of
02Omar, Brooklyn Center, Minn.,
ers Tommy, 8; Andrew, 7; Brock, 5; and Nick, 3. Chad teaches physics and
chemistry in Anoka Hennepin District 11, and Jennifer is currently home with
the boys.
their daughter, Lydia Louise, on January 11.
welcomed their son, Khalil Nur,
home from Ethiopia.
Jeff Ronneberg, in his second year as
superintendent of the Spring Lake
Park school district, was elected in
the fall to the board of Learning Forward, a 13,000-member organization based in Oxford, Ohio.
Trang Thanh Nguyen and her husband, Osman, welcomed their son,
Noah, on Sept. 2, 2009, two weeks
overdue. Trang and Osman met while
she was pursuing her master’s degree in intercultural relations at Lesley University, and they were married
five years later. Currently, Trang is a
senior assistant director for multicultural recruitment at Wheaton College
(Mass.), and Osman works as a bank
examiner for the U.S. Treasury Department. They plan to return to Minnesota this year to be closer to family.
03estate for five years and re-
Linda (Moffat) Sauber was ap-
94pointed director of client portfo-
Judy Workman is a physician
98assistant at the Prior Lake
Park Nicollet Clinic.
Aaron Gabriel received a 2010
99Ivey Award in Minneapolis for
his musical score for Madame Majesta’s Miracle Medicine Show.
lio management services at Advantus
Capital Management in St. Paul.
Kjirsten Hoversten married Chris
Probst on August 28.
Nick Gruidl is a managing director in McGladrey’s Corporate Tax and Transactions practice
and was a presenter on tax issues in
a webinar for the Bureau of National
Affairs, Inc., in October.
Cheri Johnson has won the Second
Year Winter Fellowship at the Fine
Arts Work Center in Provincetown,
Mass., for 2010–11. She has also
been hired as a fiction reader at the
literary magazine Our Stories. Her
novel excerpt “In San Jacinto” was
published in the fall/winter 2009–10
issue of Cerise Press.
96
Tara (Cesaretti) and Chris
97McLeod ’00 welcomed a baby
girl, Cora, on December 7.
Trena Bolden Fields wrote and
00performed a one-woman show,
Daring to Think, Move, and Speak,
at Dreamland Arts in January. It is a
series of monologues and spirituals
featuring African American women
of the Civil Rights Movement.
Chad Moore has been in real
cently joined Weichert RealtorsTower Properties in Brainerd.
Kristen Opalinski is living and working in Johannesburg, South Africa,
as a communications specialist with
the Lutheran Communion in Southern Africa (LUCSA).
Sarah Suter was named to the 2010
“Legal Elite” attorneys in Nevada, as
chosen by their peers. She practices
at the firm of Ryan Mercaldo & Worthington in Las Vegas in a variety of
practice areas throughout California,
Nevada, and Arizona.
Dara Fernandez, an attorney
04with Haskell Slaughter Young
& Rediker LLC, was named the Ala-
Spring 2011
33
alumni class notes
bama deputy representative for the
Hispanic National Bar Association.
She works in international law.
Nikki Lemire and Kent Bodurtha ’08
were married in Hoversten Chapel
on October 30.
Khoi Tuan Nguyen lives in Irvine,
Calif., and is a computer engineer.
He is also pursuing music as a
singer and a songwriter within the
Vietnamese American community in
Southern California.
and Lindsay (Bonner)
08were married on August 28 in 02Matthew
Pavelka are excited to anBrainerd, Minn. Kelly works at Med-
Jason Stock joined his father’s roofing company, which has grown and
diversified throughout the economic
recession, becoming national leaders in sustainability solutions. They
installed green roofs on major projects such as Target Center and Minneapolis City Hall.
09leader on a Thrivent Builds
Laura Wade married Joe Machacek
on October 9 in Lakeville, Minn.
They are employed by Mystic Lake
Casino and live in Burnsville, Minn.
Ryan Davies and Michelle
05Arnhold were married in Grand
Rapids, Minn., on June 19. Michelle
works at University of WisconsinSuperior. Ryan is employed by
Nortrax. They live in Duluth.
Mike Matson is currently serv-
06ing a one-year internship at
Immanuel Lutheran Church in
Killeen, Tex., a church with many
military families. He attended
Lutheran School of Theology in
Chicago, and the Chaplain School
and Center in Fort Jackson, S.C.
Following ordination, he aims to deploy as a military chaplain with an
active Navy or Marine unit.
Taylor Kroger and Tara Velde ’07
were married in Detroit Lakes,
Minn., on August 14. Taylor works
for Cappella University in Minneapolis, and Tara is a middle school math
teacher in the Minneapolis School
District. They live in Minneapolis.
Graham Waite started a new business, Man Essentials, an online
order service for men’s socks, Tshirts, and underwear.
Rachel Forsberg and Tony
07Wernsing were married on
June 12.
34
Augsburg Now
Kameron Markworth and Lind-
05say (Plocher) ’06 were mar-
Kelly (Torfin) and Phillip Ukes
tox Scientific and Phillip works at
Thomson Reuters. They live in
Farmington, Minn.
Gena Gilbertson was a co-team
trip to Lautoka, Fiji's second-largest
city, from October 31 to November
13 to build a two-bedroom home for
Pastor Emosi Delana and his family.
nounce the birth of their son, Leo
Mack, born on January 7. Matthew
graduated from the University of
Texas Medical School at Galveston
in May 2010 and is currently an
emergency medicine resident at
Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Los
Angeles.
ried on July 10 in Stillwater, Minn.
They currently live in Philadelphia
where Lindsay is pursuing a master’s degree in music therapy
through a teaching assistantship at
Temple University. Kameron is a
creative managing partner for a web
publication, DrinkPhilly.com, while
also seeking a performance and
teaching career in music. Three
Auggies were bridesmaids: Miya
Kunin ’04, Megan (Feider) Druckrey
’06, and Kristi Billings ’06.
Travis Lang joined Cornerstone Bank
in Bismarck, N.D., as a mortgage
loan consultant.
Jennifer Ortloff began a new position
in October as finance director for the
City of Granite Falls, Minn. Previously, she was deputy city clerk in
Brownton, Minn.
Matt Carlson is head coach of
10the junior varsity soccer team
and assistant varsity and goalkeeper
coach at Stillwater High School, as
well as goalkeeper coach at the University of St. Thomas.
Trisha (Chevalier) and Jason
07Garvin were married on Au-
gust 21. They live in Sauk Centre,
Minn.
Dan Kerrigan married Amber Knutson on August 21.
Matthew Tonsager and Melissa
09Moberg ’10 were married by
her father, Rev. Steve Moberg in
Hoversten Chapel on August 14.
Auggies included Dave Afdahl ’10,
vocalist/pianist; Kendra Christiansen
’10, photographer; Seth Lienard ’11,
videographer; Mikey Cunningham
’09, DJ; and Kristi Castelic ’10, personal attendant. Wedding party Auggies were Brian Gullick ’09, best
man; Mackenzie Shiell ’10 and
Kathryn Amberg ’10, bridesmaids;
Rev. James Shiell ’54, Melissa’s
grandfather and a reader.
Graduate Programs
Will Ruffin ’09 MAE, was awarded
the Rochester “ABC 6 News Excellent Educator” recognition and was
featured on ABC 6 News at 5 p.m.
on Wednesday, Jan. 26, and on the
Good Morning show the next day.
He was also recognized with the
fifth-grade students, teachers, and
his wife at his school.
Buffie Blesi ’90, ’97 MAL, was interviewed by Shoreview Press in November about her business and
background. After a career in financial services, she started her own
company in 2009, KnowledgeSphere, a franchise business for
AdviCoach, business coaching and
advising services.
Kevin Chou ’07 MBA and Jennifer
(Tome) ’99 were married July 30 at
St. Thomas More Catholic Church in
St. Paul. Kevin is an independent
Oracle Retail guru and Jennifer recently started a wine brokerage.
They love to travel the world and
currently call Savage home with
their children and two Boxers.
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
____________________________________________________________
Street address
In Memoriam
Hannah (Mehus) Stensvaag ’38,
Minneapolis, age 94, on November 14.
Adrian C. Tinderholt ’38, Fergus
Falls, Minn., age 94, on November 27.
Theodore M. Nelson ’41, Two Harbors, Minn., age 90, on July 30.
Rev. Bennett Randolph Quanbeck
’45, Monticello, Minn., age 94,
on November 13.
Beverly (Tollefson) Uhlenberg ’60,
Distinguished Alumna 1994,
Grand Forks, N.D., age 72, on
December 4.
____________________________________________________________
City, State, Zip code
Mary Lee (Felrath) Ebeling Pichner
’62, of Owatonna, Minn., age 70,
on January 10.
____________________________________________________________
Home telephone
Grace Johnson ’63, Sandstone,
Minn., age 71, on October 23.
Is this a new address? q Yes q No
____________________________________________________________
E-mail
Okay to publish your e-mail address? q Yes q No
Phyllis (Fredrickson) Stuckmayer
’64, Northfield, Minn., age 65,
on January 11.
____________________________________________________________
Employer
Rev. Loren Nelson ’67, Mahtowa,
Minn., age 65, on October 21.
____________________________________________________________
Position
IvaDell (Kleven) Rice ’48, Edina,
Minn., age 80, on November 12.
Glenda Potter ’76, Eagan, Minn.,
age 56, on January 3.
____________________________________________________________
Work telephone
Lyla (Larson) Jystad ’49,
Rochester, Minn., age 83, on
August 12.
Terri Monroe ’80, Pequot Lakes,
Minn., age 59, on November 27.
Is spouse also a graduate of Augsburg College? q Yes q No
Thelma (Landsverk) Peacock
LeBeau ’48, Eagle Butte, S.D.,
age 82, on October 3.
Richard H. Aune ’50, St. Peter,
Minn., age 82, on September 7.
Rev. Benjamin Larson ’52, Ely,
Minn., age 81, on November 13.
Sigrunn Kvamme ’53, St. Paul,
Minn., age 90, on September 28.
Esther (Olesen) Freund ’54, Fremont, Neb., age 82, on November 9.
Richard A. Mahre ’55, Richfield,
Minn., age 77, on December 22.
James A. Bye ’59, Redwood Falls,
Minn., age 73, on December 12,
2009.
Mary J. (Holmberg) Severson ’90,
St. Anthony, Minn., age 65, on
November 18.
Susan (Doughty) Moes ’92,
St. Paul, Minn., age 60, on
November 11.
Celeste O’Brien Haugen, former
music faculty, Ft. Myers, Fla., on
December 22.
Howard E. Olson, former senior
development officer and regent
emeritus, St. Paul, Minn., age
89, on November 18.
If yes, class year ________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
Spouse’s name
____________________________________________________________
Maiden name
Your news:
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________
q I know a student who is interested in attending Augsburg.
Spring 2011
35
it takes an
Auggie
A gift for the future
Dean Sundquist ’81 has witnessed a few changes to Augsburg’s
campus since his days as an undergraduate business major. He
describes how, in the campus center during the spring of his senior
year, he learned about the assassination attempt on President
Reagan by watching a black-and-white television that, he quips,
“probably used a coat hanger for an antenna.” Now, noting the
facility renovations and technological revolutions of the past 30
years, he remarks simply, “It’s changed a lot.”
Sundquist knows about progress. As chairman and CEO of Mate
Precision Tooling, which specializes in metal products and laser
technologies, he has not only survived the economic downturn, but
also guided his company through product expansion and international growth. With offices in Minnesota, Sweden, Germany, China,
and Malaysia, and more than 500 employees, Sundquist’s business is a worldwide leader in its market.
To many Auggies, however, business success is not Sundquist’s
biggest claim to fame. He is the founder of the Sundquist Scholars, a summer research opportunity for students in the sciences.
Since 2006, the Sundquist Scholars program has provided funds
and resources for five students per year to conduct summer research, either of their own design or in conjunction with a professor’s project.
Sundquist claims that his interest in funding the research scholars stems from the opportunity to target his gift to a specific program. “It was more exciting than donating generally to the College,”
he explains—adding quickly, “although that’s important too.”
While Sundquist believes that the scholars program offers a
wonderful educational experience for science students, he is also
excited about the potential for their work beyond Augsburg. “Scientific improvements will propel the economy,” he explains. “Science is the way of the future for the health and living conditions of
everyone in the world.”
The Sundquist Scholars have certainly risen to the challenge.
Among the first of these students was Brian Krohn ’08, who researched a groundbreaking method for developing bio-diesel.
Krohn, Augsburg’s first Rhodes Scholar, earned a master of science
degree in environmental change and management at Oxford University, and is currently pursuing a master of science in the history of
science, medicine, and technology. Caryn Quist ’09, another scholar,
researched orchid growth and development, was a Goldwater Scholar
nominee, and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in civil and
environmental engineering at Stanford University.
Besides providing a solid base for postgraduate study, the
Sundquist Scholars program provides students the unique opportu-
36
Augsburg Now
nity to perform high-level research in close partnership with a faculty mentor. Two of the most recent Sundquist Scholars, Trevor
Rodriguez Sotelo and Gottlieb Uahengo, both current sophomores
in the physics department, began their research on lipid biophysics
the summer after their first year at Augsburg.
Sundquist, who has met many of the Sundquist Scholars over
the years, commends the students for their ambition and hard
work. “They’re setting themselves up to go to grad school and to
get jobs in research,” he says. “I’m awfully impressed. I really
admire these students.”
Sundquist has recently agreed not only to continue funding the
program, but also to double its size. His donation will sponsor 50
more young scholars over the next five years.
In addition, he has pledged to support the new Center for Science, Business, and Religion. He sees this project as an illustration of Augsburg’s distinctive interdisciplinary perspective. “These
departments don’t seem like they would fit together,” he says, “but
Augsburg showed me that they do.”
Sundquist is humble about his contributions to Augsburg’s students. “If it works for them,” he says, “that’s my main criterion.”
KAYLA SKARBAKKA ’09 is a writer living in Minneapolis.
an
augsburg legacy
Michael Darling
“After everything Augsburg did for me, it’s a bit of a no-brainer to give something back. That’s why I’ve named Augsburg College in my will. And even better, I’m able to say ‘thank you’ to Professor Emeritus Duane Johnson by
designating part of my gift to an endowed scholarship fund in his name.”
1-800-273-0617
www.augsburg.edu/giving
2211 Riverside Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55454
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Twin Cities, MN
Permit No. 2031
Celebrating in rural Nicaragua
While traveling down a rutted road in rural Nicaragua, members of Augsburg’s Board of Regents
came upon a massive crowd cheering and celebrating in the middle of the road. Wonder turned to
shock as the crowd turned and began running at full speed toward their bus. In the midst of the
crowd was a depressed-looking bull being pushed along. The people were celebrating the Feast of
St. Sebastian, which this year contained not a running of a bull, but more of a dragging.
To view photos of Augsburg’s Board of Regents trip to Nicaragua,
go to www.flickr.com/photos/augsburgcollege
Show less
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Title
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Augsburg Now Spring 2012: Called To Inspire Peace
-
Collection
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Alumni Magazine Collection
-
Search Result
-
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
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12
Augsburg Now
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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
PAID
Twin Cities, MN
Permit No. 2031
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Augsburg Now Summer 2011: Auggies Go Global
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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.
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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).
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Title
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Augsburg Now Fall 2012: Living Our Calling
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Alumni Magazine Collection
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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.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Twin Cities, MN
Permit No. 2031
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
OUR
calling
FALL 2012 | VOL. 75, NO. 1
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Minneapolis, MN 55454
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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
Dire...
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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
7
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
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Photo by Richard Tsong-Taatarii, Star Tribune
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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
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Title
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Augsburg Now Spring 2013: Auggies Love Life In The City
-
Collection
-
Alumni Magazine Collection
-
Search Result
-
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 [