Search results

(1 - 20 of 40)

Pages

Title: Augsburg Now Summer 2016: Carving the Way Forward
Collection: Alumni Magazine Collection
Search Result: Beyond the scoreboard National champion to local hero Leadership and conflict CARVING WAY THE FORWARD SUMMER 2016 | VOL. 78, NO. 3 INSIDE AUGSBURG NOW AUGSBURG NOW Vice President of Marketing and Communication Rebecca John ’13 MBA rjohn@augsburg.edu Summer 2016 Director of News a...
Show more Beyond the scoreboard National champion to local hero Leadership and conflict CARVING WAY THE FORWARD SUMMER 2016 | VOL. 78, NO. 3 INSIDE AUGSBURG NOW AUGSBURG NOW Vice President of Marketing and Communication Rebecca John ’13 MBA rjohn@augsburg.edu Summer 2016 Director of News and Media Services Stephanie Weiss weisss@augsburg.edu NOTES FROM PRESIDENT PRIBBENOW On thoughtful stewardship Director of Marketing Communication Stephen Jendraszak jendra@augsburg.edu Communication Copywriter and Editorial Coordinator Augsburg’s mission statement says that we educate students to be “thoughtful stewards” as well as “informed citizens, critical thinkers, and responsible leaders.” I imagine some may read “thoughtful stewards” and think about church fundraising campaigns or care for the environment, the typical places we consider stewardship—and both important causes! At Augsburg, though, thoughtful stewardship is a much more compelling claim. It goes beyond simple acts of giving or environmental care. It is a way of living, an ethic that teaches us how to live in the world. And it is at the heart of an Augsburg education—from how we engage students with the community to help them discern their gifts and gain a holistic understanding of the needs of our world (see page 16) to the deep listening and conversation we embed in our classes, such as in the Master of Arts in Leadership course that was integrated with this year’s Nobel Peace Prize Forum (see page 20). Also in this issue of Augsburg Now, you will read about the genuine privilege I had to deliver a major address on stewardship to Cargill employees worldwide. In that address, I said: “… stewardship involves a practice of standing up, speaking up in a manner that reflects—and makes clear—our values. The challenge for the good steward—as a parent or manager or citizen—is to pursue practices that help connect us with the deeply held values and commitments that characterize our personal and corporate lives. “The truth is that many people do not think about the reasons for their actions. They act, and they expect others to accept their action at face value. But good stewardship demands reflection, then the courage to act based on our convictions, and to do so overtly so that we are publicly accountable for how our actions reflect our values. Only in that link is there integrity in human life.” At Augsburg—as reflected in the stories that follow in these pages—we educate students to embrace their many gifts, to understand the obligations they have to steward those gifts, and to appreciate the important work of taking a stand for the values and commitments that honor the gifts and contributions of each of us. Thoughtful stewardship—a way of life for all of us. I give thanks for a teaching and learning community that is blessed with and inspired by our remarkable legacy and mission. I give thanks for the privilege of being a faithful steward of all the gifts that make Augsburg such a rare place. Faithfully yours, Laura Swanson Lindahl ’15 MBA swansonl@augsburg.edu Creative Associate Denielle Johnson ’11 johnsod@augsburg.edu Marketing Copywriter Christina Haller haller@augsburg.edu Production Manager Mark Chamberlain chamberm@augsburg.edu Photographer Stephen Geffre geffre@augsburg.edu Advancement Communication Specialist Jen Lowman Day dayj@augsburg.edu Contributor Ryan Nichols ’16 augsburg.edu Augsburg Now is published by Augsburg College 2211 Riverside Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55454 Opinions expressed in Augsburg Now do not necessarily reflect official College policy. PAUL C. PRIBBENOW, PRESIDENT Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Kailash Satyarthi brought energy and passion to the 2016 Nobel Peace Prize Forum sponsored by Augsburg College. Following three days of dialogue on peacebuilding, he and his wife, Sumedha Kailash, joined Forum attendees in a Bollywood-style dance party for the conference’s finale. 02 Around the quad 20 Leadership and conflict 08 From national hampion to local hero 23 Auggies connect 14 Beyond the scoreboard 27 Class notes 16 The city: Course content and classroom 32 In memoriam ISSN 1058-1545 Send address corrections to: alumniupdate@augsburg.edu. On the cover: Construction crews work on the footings for the main lobby of the Norman and Evangeline Hagfors Center for Science, Business, and Religion, an interdisciplinary building that will open in 2018, anchoring the west side of the Augsburg College campus. See page 2. Email: now@augsburg.edu All photos by Stephen Geffre unless otherwise indicated. FROM THE GROUND THIS BUG’S-EYE VIEW captures the April 2016 groundbreaking ceremony for Augsburg’s Norman and Evangeline Hagfors Center for Science, Business, and Religion. The celebration included hundreds of Augsburg College alumni, students, donors, neighbors, and faculty and staff members, as well as city and county officials. The new academic building is slated to open in January 2018. 2 Augsburg Now Pictured [L to R]: Outgoing Augsburg College Board of Regents Chair Dr. Paul Mueller ’84, Hennepin County Commissioner Peter McLaughlin, Naming Gift Donors Evangeline Hagfors and Norman Hagfors, Augsburg College President Paul C. Pribbenow, National Fundraising Campaign Chair Michael Good ’71, Augsburg College Provost Karen Kaivola, and 2015-16 Day Student Body President Duina Hernandez ’16. Summer 2016 3 AROUND THE QUAD $50,000 grant funds RECYCLING PROGRAM EXPANSION Student-faculty-staff collaboration improves campus sustainability D A U Q E H T D N U O AR NEW RESIDENTS HONORING Retiring Faculty SET MEMORIAL HALL KATHY ACCURSO ABUZZ Instructor, Department of Education— with the College since 2012 KATHERINE BAUMGARTNER Assistant Professor, Department of Nursing—with the College since 2005 Hives installed to bolster honey bee population RONALD FEDIE It has been decades since the last students moved out of Memorial Hall; the dormitory was converted to office space in the late 1960s. However, a new group of inhabitants moved in this spring when The Beez Kneez organization installed beehives on the building’s rooftop as part of an urban apiary partnership program. Augsburg joined the program to further the College’s commitment to environmental stewardship and to creating green spaces within the city. Recently, honey bee populations have been decreasing due to parasites and the misuse of pesticides. The on-campus hives will help rebuild the local population and pollinate Augsburg’s plant life. Those worried about getting stung can rest easy—honey bees are not aggressive and will not sting unless threatened. 4 Augsburg Now Professor Emeritus, Department of Chemistry—with the College since 1996 FEKRI MEZIOU Professor Emeritus, Department of Business Administration—with the College since 1987 VICKI OLSON Professor Emerita, Department of Education—with the College since 1987 CELEBRATING STUDENT Augsburg College can boost its efforts to divert organic and compostable items from trash and other recycling thanks to a $50,000 recycling grant from the Hennepin County Environment and Energy Department. The funding will be used to purchase indoor and outdoor bins, rolling carts, and signage to foster increased composting of organic material and the proper disposal of mixed recyclables. Go to augsburg.edu/green to learn about Augsburg’s Environmental Augsburg’s commitment to offering facilities that are welcoming, sustainable, Stewardship Committee, Facilities and and designed for educational excellence. Custodial staff, and the Augsburg Day Student Government’s Environmental Action Committee collaborated to submit the grant proposal. “Thousands of people touch the campus in some way during the course of one year,” said Amber Lewis ’17 MAE, an Environmental Stewardship Fellow who supports on-campus sustainability initiatives. “In addition to students, faculty, and staff, guests join our community for graduation ceremonies, sporting events, performances, convocations, summer camps, conferences, and workshops. This presents us with an opportunity to share a clear message about the importance of recycling in our community.” SUCCESS Read about the wide range of prestigious academic achievements and awards earned by Auggies during the 2015-16 year at augsburg.edu/now. AUGSBURG EXHIBITION SHINES in Guerrilla Girls Twin Cities Takeover World-renowned feminist art activists the Guerrilla Girls recently “took over” Minneapolis and St. Paul to celebrate their 30th anniversary. Augsburg College was among more than two dozen arts and cultural institutions that hosted exhibits and events highlighting gender and race inequalities and promoting artistic expression. The Guerrilla Girls, who wear gorilla masks and use the names of famous female artists as pseudonyms, were on campus for the opening reception of “Reconfiguring Casta,” a site-specific installation for the Christensen Center Art Gallery. Combining prints and paintings, artist Maria Cristina Tavera addressed the social concept of race and the issue of socio-racial classifications. Tavera, known on campus as “Tina,” also serves as the director of Augsburg’s McNair Scholars program, which seeks to increase graduate degree awards for students from underrepresented segments of society. Augsburg College President Paul C. Pribbenow delivered the keynote address for Cargill’s annual ethics week this spring. Pribbenow is recognized as one of the nation’s most engaging commentators and teachers on ethics, philanthropy, and American public life. His talk, “Promises to Keep: An Ethic of Stewardship,” reached Cargill employees located in Minneapolis and around the world. Summer 2016 5 AROUND THE QUAD ON THE SPOT What does it mean to matter? What does it look like to matter? With the Black Lives Matter movement, questions of racial equity have ignited important—and difficult— conversations in communities and courtrooms, on political campaign trails, and on college campuses. Augsburg College Professor William “Bill” Green studies and writes about history and law. His most recent book, “Degrees of Freedom: The Origins of Civil Rights in Minnesota, 1865–1912,” chronicles conditions for African American Minnesotans and others in the half-century following the Civil War. Today, Minnesota and the nation are very different than they were in the postbellum period that Green examined, but tightly woven threads unite contemporary events with those occurring more than a century earlier. COMMENCEMENT 2016 Students of color, award winners, and former KARE 11 anchor stand out at graduation Augsburg College celebrated students completing degrees in the traditional undergraduate, adult undergraduate, and graduate programs through commencement ceremonies held April 30. The 2016 traditional undergraduate class is the most diverse in the College’s history and comprised of more than 42 percent students of color. Commencement keynote speaker Michael Botticelli, director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, addressed ceremony attendees and was awarded an honorary doctorate. Michael Good ’71 also was awarded an honorary degree in recognition of his service to the College. Eleanor Barr ’16 earned the Marina Christensen Justice Award, and Kim Chisholm ’16 received this year’s Richard Thoni Award, recognizing exceptional contributions to their communities. Teaching and learning award winners Augsburg recognizes individuals or groups who have made exemplary contributions to creating an engaging academic learning environment. The 2016 recipients of the Distinguished Contributions to Teaching and Learning awards are: Teaching Former KARE 11 News anchor Diana Pierce ’16 MAL earned her Masters of Arts in Leadership and participated in commencement this spring. “The program at Augsburg gave me exactly what I wanted to add to my skillset for a new adventure,” Pierce said on KARE 11 in April. Joe Underhill, associate professor of political science Research Michael Lansing, associate professor and History Department chair Service Dulce Monterrubio, director of Latin@ Student Services 6 Augsburg Now Q: What prompted your interest in studying the history of African Americans in Minnesota? A: In 1860, a slave woman was freed in a Minneapolis courtroom. In the aftermath, citizens in the communities of St. Anthony and Minneapolis for days walked the streets eyeing their neighbors, waiting for the smallest provocation to spark violence. We were on the verge of seeing our own little civil war erupt in Minnesota over the issue of slavery. Ultimately, Minnesotans’ attention was averted by news of the Confederate bombardment of the federal installation of Fort Sumter. Upon hearing the news, Minnesota was the first state to send volunteers into the Union Army. Seven years later, it would be the first state to extend voting rights to black men, pre-dating the ratification of the 15th Amendment. I felt compelled to understand this dynamic. Q: When Minnesota granted suffrage to people who are black, what implications did this have in citizens’ lives? ELCA college conference Students, faculty members, and staff from two dozen colleges and universities affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America came together this summer as Augsburg hosted the annual Vocation of a Lutheran College Conference. The event featured a partnership with Interfaith Youth Core—an organization renowned for uniting young people of different religious and moral traditions for dialogue around shared values. IFYC Founder Eboo Patel [pictured speaking] discussed the colleges’ role in preparing students for life in a religiously diverse world. ‘Degrees of Freedom’ in Minnesota’s past and present A: [L to R]: Michael Lansing, Dulce Monterrubio, and Joe Underhill. In a practical sense, the implications were non-existent. There simply weren’t enough black voters in Minnesota to influence political leaders or affect public policy. Symbolically, however, during a time of mounting economic dislocation coupled with the spread of white supremacy, it raised the bar, not just in terms of the broader virtue of racial equality, but, more fundamentally, stressing the need for true leadership that called on ordinary people to overcome their baser instincts and choose to act with common decency. Q: And yet you’ve said that race is “written between the lines” of early Minnesota history, rather than spoken about directly. What do you mean? A: The fact that the black population was so small made it easy for historians and opinion makers to draw rosy pictures of racial exceptionalism without needing to be checked by a more balanced reality. Without the “significant other” whose history was hidden in footnotes, it became easy to believe what one wanted to believe. But could it really be true that Dred Scott was the only slave to live in Minnesota? Could Frederick Douglass be the only African American to be denied service in a prestigious hotel in St. Paul, even though the proprietor was a friend of his and an officer in the Union Army? Could the paucity of discrimination lawsuits in the 19th century really mean there was no discrimination in restaurants and taverns? Q: Today’s Black Lives Matter movement involves participatory democracy— participation by many and with more diffuse leadership than the civil rights movements of the 1960s. When you look at the Black Lives Matter movement, what strikes you, considering the lens through which you write your books? A: In 1965 when the civil rights movement pressed for voting rights, the powerful symbolism of Martin Luther King and Malcolm X joining forces placed pressure on the President of the United States to shepherd through Congress the Voting Rights bill and sign it into law. Federal protection of the right to vote was a moral issue. But it was the union of two leaders who embodied opposing approaches to advancing civil rights that heightened a sense of urgency to enact the bill. The moral: As long as there are no “inside”-“outside” forces simultaneously working for the same clearly defined issue, advocates on either side of the spectrum can be marginalized and eventually dismissed. I don’t see a rival force to Black Lives Matter that is pushing for the same ends but through different means. This isn’t the fault of BLM, but the absence of a “significant other” should be a concern to them, nonetheless. History can only provide suggestions on how or even whether to proceed. The Minnesota Book Awards honored Green with the 2016 Hognander Minnesota History Award. Go to augsburg.edu/now to learn more about Green’s research. Summer 2016 7 Devean George ’99 was the first NCAA Division III player ever selected in the first round of the NBA Draft—and he played professionally for more than a decade. Now retired from basketball, he’s gone back to his roots to help revitalize the Minneapolis neighborhood where he grew up. BY CHRISTINA HALLER 8 Augsburg Now November 3, 1999. The Los Angeles Lakers are debuting in their brand new home, the Staples Center, with an unveiling ceremony followed by a game against the Vancouver Grizzlies. A crowd of 20,000 fans is packed inside, waiting for NBA stars Kobe Bryant or Shaquille O’Neal to make opening remarks. But instead, the Lakers players decide to encourage their newest rookie to address the crowd. The lights go down, and all becomes still. In less than 30 seconds, it’s go time. “No, guys, don’t make me do this! I don’t know what to do,” whispers a 22-year-old Devean George ’99. But his pleas were met with laughter. “I just remember shaking in my boots. There are tens of thousands of people here, and I’m going to be out at center court—all eyes on me,” recalls George. “So I get out there, and it just clicked. It was easy.” George credits his education in communication studies from Augsburg for helping to prepare him for that life-changing moment, as well as all of his public speaking engagements from that point forward. “As an NBA player, you have a camera with that big, red light in front of your face every day,” George said. “You have to know how to conduct yourself and communicate effectively. And all those communication classes I took at Augsburg come into play.” After high school, George enrolled at Augsburg assuming he would play basketball for the Auggies, earn a degree, and find a job in business. But his “hoop dreams” became a reality pretty early on in his Augsburg career. “When I recruited Devean, he was about 6'2" and 170 pounds,” said former Augsburg basketball coach Brian Ammann ’85. “Fortunately for Devean, he grew about five inches and put on 50 pounds by his sophomore year. And his hard work paid off in big ways.” George was the first NCAA Division III player ever selected in the first round of the NBA Draft. He was the 23rd overall pick in 1999, chosen by the Los Angeles Lakers—one of the most storied franchises in NBA history. George is now retired from the NBA after playing 11 seasons and becoming only the seventh player in history to win a league championship in each of his first three seasons. He has since found a successful career in real estate development and a passion for giving back. George played for the Los Angeles Lakers from 1999 to 2006. In 2006, he signed with the Dallas Mavericks and played in Texas until 2009. He then joined the Golden State Warriors in Oakland, California, in 2009 until his retirement in 2010. George was raised by devoted, hardworking parents in the Willard-Hay neighborhood of north Minneapolis and still calls the Twin Cities home — a place he loves for its friendly people and four seasons. His current work focuses on helping to improve his childhood community. 10 Augsburg Now Summer 2016 11 After George joined the NBA, he started volunteering his time in schools and after-school programs. He noticed many of the children he visited didn’t have stable housing, which significantly affected their security and education. “That’s when I decided helping kids and families would be the foundation of what I do,” said George, who has two young sons. He founded Building Blocks, a nonprofit organization committed to providing quality housing, community development, and programming for youth and families. “If you don’t have stable housing, you’re not going to care about schooling, safety, or eating healthy. If we get those families into stable housing, then they can focus on those other things,” George said. George’s first affordable housing project opened this spring—The Commons at Penn in north Minneapolis, an income-restricted, 47-unit workforce apartment building that also includes an on-site health and wellness facility, an after-school program, a fitness center, a toddler playground, and a grocery store. Long-term, George would like to help create a more family-friendly community in north Minneapolis—a community that provides greater amenities for its residents. So far, The Commons at Penn has been a successful addition to the neighborhood. “[The] Commons at Penn achieves multiple city goals: creating new, highquality, affordable housing options [and] increased residential density along a key commercial and transit corridor, and bringing in commercial activity and services,” said Andrea Brennan, director of Housing Policy and Development for the City of Minneapolis. “This project sets us on a promising course to continue development at this important north Minneapolis node.” George is planning phase two of The Commons at Penn, which will go up right across the street from the existing mixed-use building. He also is developing housing complexes in South Carolina and Louisiana, and has been contacted by fellow professional athletes who would like to see a change in the neighborhoods where they were raised. In addition to literally helping build a solid foundation for families through stable housing, George also helps build a strong foundation for young people through mentorship programs like Read to Achieve. “The kids think that [NBA players] are not human beings because we know how to play basketball,” said George. “If I can tell a kid to go to school and not to do drugs, and just because I can play basketball he’ll listen to me, I’m going to try to use that to my advantage.” George is also busy instilling the values of compassion and service in his own two sons, ages 7 and 4. For starters, they learn to share by donating their toys to kids who otherwise wouldn’t have any. “They’re still young, but I started teaching my boys early on a way of giving and understanding. I explain to them that this [lifestyle] isn’t normal; they’re in a blessed situation,” George said. “I’ve been able to achieve a lot of things. But I know I’ve had a lot of help along the way.” 12 Augsburg Now WORKFORCE HOUSING offers reduced rent to people who are gainfully employed (and don’t qualify as low-income), yet still struggle to afford market-rate housing. It’s explained by the Urban Land Institute as housing that is “affordable to families earning 60 to 100 percent of area median income.” Workforce housing commonly is targeted for essential workers in a community, such as police officers, firefighters, teachers, social workers, and nurses. Summer 2016 13 BY STEPHEN GEFFRE AND LAURA SWANSON LINDAHL ’15 MBA THE CITY: COURSE CONTENT AND CLASSROOM Each semester, painting and drawing classes typically occur in what originally was an Augsburg College chapel. Old Main 100 is an inspiring place with 25-foot ceilings and soaring windows. On-campus studios offer focused spaces for students to learn about visual art media, methods, and creative expression. For 25 years, Associate Professor and Art Department Co‑Chair Tara Sweeney has taught foundational drawing principles in Old Main with what she calls “as few spectators and distractions as possible,” and in recent years she also has led short-term international travel courses in which students develop the same skills without the support of a traditional studio. This spring, Sweeney and her Minneapolis-based students traveled close to home as they stepped beyond the boundaries of the campus studio, choosing to forgo a controlled setting to embrace learning opportunities present in public areas that are as complex and challenging as they are diverse. “Instead of creating a still life with the same old props, I utilized the city as subject matter and classroom,” Sweeney said. “Students were as actively engaged in creative placemaking as they were in making drawings — effectively shaping the physical and social character of whatever neighborhood, museum, coffee shop, or landmark we chose as a drawing site.” A CORE CHALLENGE In the article “The Power of Experiential Education,” nationally recognized education scholar and professor Janet Eyler noted that a central challenge for liberal arts educators like Sweeney—and indeed the entire Augsburg College faculty—is to “design learning environments and instruction so that students will be able to use what they learn in appropriate new contexts.” That is, to successfully “bridge classroom study and life in the world and to transform inert knowledge into knowledge-in-use.” In a drawing course, for instance, students develop technical skills while exploring individual subject matter and creative expression. It is perhaps the latter of these elements that came into clearer focus when Sweeney took her students out in the community. The artists “made connections with strangers and learned things about themselves in the process,” Sweeney said. They become comfortable creating art in the midst of daily life and finished the course with “real skills and the right tools to continue drawing wherever they find themselves and wherever inspiration finds them.” JUST A GLIMPSE At Augsburg, students across disciplines and degree programs benefit from faculty instruction that integrates experiential learning opportunities with traditional instructional methods, thereby linking course concepts with real-world applications. The pages that follow offer a glimpse at a small sample of the faculty and students who use Minneapolis as their classroom. 16 Augsburg Now Johanna Goggins ’16 works on a sketch in the solarium at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis. Summer 2016 17 ARTS AND THE CITIES ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE ENV 120: Students clad in safety gear and earplugs to dampen the deafening noise weave their way through a Eureka Recycling processing plant. Environmental Science focuses on understanding and resolving problems humans have created in the natural world. The course includes hands-on learning opportunities that make complex scientific concepts more approachable and applicable for students. “The city is the perfect place for these types of experiences to happen—it’s all right at our fingertips: a wastewater treatment plant, power plant, recycling center, and public transit,” said Assistant Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies Emily Schilling. “We can observe the detrimental effects humans are having on the environment, and we also can see some of the ways we are trying to mitigate that impact.” MIS 375: HON 230: Students in Augsburg College’s Honors Program join Minnesota Orchestra performers onstage following a symphony event at Orchestra Hall. As an interdisciplinary course, “Arts and the Cities” unites film, music, theater, and visual art — offering students the chance to peruse Picassos, soak in Shakespeare, and mingle with musicians. Together, students and teachers explore the role of the arts in a culturally dynamic urban setting. “Students enjoy the experiential nature of this course,” said Associate Professor of Music Merilee Klemp ’75. “They often comment that it presents them with opportunities that they would not have on their own and deepens their understanding of the role of the arts in their lives long after the course is over.” 18 Augsburg Now E-COMMERCE Students speak with Abdirahman Mukhtar, a youth program manager at Pillsbury United Communities’ Brian Coyle Center. Mukhtar oversees the Sisterhood Boutique, a secondhand clothing store that serves as a training ground for young women to learn about entrepreneurship, business, community partnerships, and sustainable fashion. Through their discussions with Mukhtar, the Auggies began to apply some of their fundamental course concepts in a real-world setting. Summer 2016 19 2016 NOBEL PEACE PRIZE FORUM LEADERSHIP & CONFLICT BY REBECCA JOHN ’13 MBA 2014 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Kailash Satyarthi shared his vision for global compassion during the Nobel Peace Prize Forum. More than 300 students, academics, activists, and thought leaders participated in three days of discussion and presentations to advance peacebuilding. O R G A NI ZI NG PA RT N E RS 20 Augsburg Now MED IA SPO N SO R GRADUATE STUDENTS STUDY GLOBAL COMPASSION AT THE 2016 NOBEL PEACE PRIZE FORUM Conflict is a pervasive characteristic of human interaction. This is the opening line of the summer syllabus for Augsburg College’s Master of Arts in Leadership course, “Navigating Local & Global Conflict: Interfaith Dimensions.” The statement underscores how important it is for leaders to develop the ability to navigate and inspire others in the face of conflict and sets the stage for the work of analyzing leadership in the context of real-world situations. By design, the course is integrated with the annual Nobel Peace Prize Forum, for which Augsburg is the host sponsor. “The Nobel Peace Prize Forum is a gem,” said history and leadership studies professor Jacqueline deVries. It’s a oneof-a-kind event that allows students to learn through direct engagement about the contexts and complexities involved in conflict. deVries, who also serves as director for Augsburg’s general education program, co-taught the course with Martha Stortz, Bernhard M. Christensen Professor of Religion and Vocation, and Tom Morgan, professor of leadership studies. Held annually in Minneapolis, the Nobel Peace Prize Forum is one of only three programs officially associated with the Norwegian Nobel Institute. The Forum’s mission is to inspire peacemaking by focusing on the work of Nobel Peace Prize laureates and by engaging students and the wider community with national and global leaders in the process of peacebuilding. The Forum provided the students in the graduate course with direct access to leaders from businesses, nonprofits, and government organizations whose work involves navigating complex, real-world challenges that range from food security to civil unrest to poverty and climate change. The students used examples from the Forum, as well as from their own lives, to analyze conflict involving religious diversity in their communities, examine contemporary issues in a historical perspective, and develop a view on what effective leadership looks like (or might look like) in actual situations. Students come to the Master’s of Arts in Leadership program with experience PEACEB U ILD IN G PARTN ER- SPONSORS Summer 2016 21 AUGGIES CONNECT Martin Olav Sabo ’59 leaves mark on Augsburg College community in both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. In gathering during a lunch break to share reflections about what they were learning at the Forum, the class observed that it is not possible to be effective as a leader without knowing what’s going on in the world. The Forum, they said, was a prompt for thinking about how a leader would approach addressing challenging topics and situations in their work. Too often, people are so wrapped up with their jobs and family and school that they don’t think about the difficulties others are facing in the world. It’s not that people don’t care about these topics, one student said, but they often just don’t pay attention to the issues on a daily basis. Being at the Forum offered a level of understanding that may not happen in a classroom, the students said. In fact, during the Forum the students directly engaged with difficult topics, and it required a conscious choice to hear the tragic stories about topics like child slavery and human trafficking. This is where our general population may be falling short, one student observed—choosing to turn away instead of understanding the reality of these issues. The Master of Arts in Leadership program, however, equips individuals to turn toward—rather than away from— challenging issues in order to seek solutions and inspire others toward a common goal. The program is designed to prepare leaders who are ethically and morally responsible, who can see beyond immediate concerns, and who are sensitive to the complex problems that organizations face. By using the Nobel Peace Prize Forum as a classroom, these students worked to understand both the systems that contribute to conflict and the systems that effective leaders can use to address it. “WE HAVE TO CHANGE THE DEMAND” Top [L to R]: Dean Jarrow ’16 MAL and Dele Odiachi ’17 MAL Bottom: [L to R]: Jacqueline deVries; Margaret PowellMack ’17 MAL; Kevin Stirtz ’17 MAL; Subashini Ambrose ’18 MAL; Tom Morgan; Eric Miamen ’04, ’14 MBA, ’16 MAL; David Nyssen ’16 MBA, ’17 MAL; Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi; Howie Smith ’80, ’19 MAL; Satyarthi’s wife, Sumedha Kailash; MAL Director Alan Tuchtenhagen; and Brad Beeskow ’17 MAL. 22 Augsburg Now For example, some students thought that business was potentially the most powerful force for addressing the issues discussed at the Forum; others argued that the biggest changes will come when consumers demand it, quoting comments by Nobel Laureate Kailash Satyarthi, who, in his opening remarks, said, “We have to change the demand.” Another student observed that every person has a powerful “what’s in it for me” filter and noted that, if we don’t translate the message in a way that addresses this filter, it will not be effective. And, although the class agreed, the students also recognized that people are often motivated not just by what benefits them directly, but also by generosity and helping others—by what, as one student phrased it, satisfies a need of the heart. BY STEPHANIE WEISS Former U.S. Representative Martin Olav Sabo ’59, who passed away on March 13 at age 78, was a lifelong public servant and renowned Augsburg College alumnus who exemplified the progressive approach and personal integrity that were modeled in his Lutheran upbringing and education. The work he and his wife, Sylvia, devoted to guiding the Martin Olav Sabo Center for Democracy and Citizenship, the Sabo Scholars program, and the annual Sabo Symposium—all of which create opportunities for civic experiences and skillbuilding inside and outside the classroom—will leave a lasting legacy at Augsburg. Augsburg College President Paul C. Pribbenow said that Sabo’s “life-long commitment to public service is an inspiration to all of us. The Sabo Center gives Augsburg the ongoing opportunity to celebrate the life and work of our dear friend.” One year after graduating from Augsburg College, Sabo—then 22—was elected to serve in the Minnesota House of Representatives. During his tenure, he became the first member of the Democrat-Farmer-Labor party to serve as Speaker of the House—a post he held from 1973-78. He went on to serve for 28 years as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, retiring in 2007. At the same time that Sabo served in Congress, he volunteered 12 years to Augsburg College as a member of the Board of Regents. The College named Sabo a Distinguished Alumnus and awarded him its first-ever honorary degree. Sabo was distinguished in all he undertook and, in 2006, was appointed Commander of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit for outstanding work and dedication to NorwegianAmerican relations. Congressman Sabo and Sylvia Sabo are parents of Auggies Karin Mantor ’86 and Julie Sabo ’90. Summer 2016 23 AUGGIES CONNECT New to the Alumni Board Five Auggies elected to serve three-year terms on the Augsburg College Alumni Board will network with and mentor current Auggies, build community with alumni, and provide a vital link between the College and graduates. TRAVEL IN THAILAND AND CAMBODIA JANUARY 3-15, 2017 To learn more, go to augsburg.edu/alumni/travel. Derek Francis ’08 School counselor, Minneapolis Public Schools “Through the awesome community and volunteer opportunities at Augsburg, I realized I was passionate about working with youth. Augsburg’s value of service to the community transformed my life.” Lori Higgins ’94, ’12 MAL President, MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce “I am eager to give back to the school that has given me so many opportunities, such as political internships with [former U.S. Rep.] Martin Sabo ’59 and MN Sen. Bill Luther, which began my career.” MAKES LASTING IMPACT With its Give to the Max Day gifts, the Biology Department funded new research opportunities for two students: Oksana Burt ’17 and Davy DeKrey ’17 [pictured]. 24 Augsburg Now Business development, Gravie “A continuing passion of mine is to grow our networking efforts, both for employers and individuals as they connect with Auggie alumni.” Online giving day supports students, faculty, programs Auggies last fall made Augsburg College No. 1 in the annual Give to the Max Day challenge. This year, Give to the Max Day is November 17, and the College is calling on alumni to push Augsburg into the top spot for the fourth year in a row. In 2015, in just 24 hours, more than 1,000 Auggies—many of whom were first-time donors—generously stepped up to give more than $240,000 to Augsburg. As a result, Augsburg ranked first among all participating Minnesota colleges and universities, and earned a $10,000 bonus. Alumni support on Give to the Max Day has a lasting impact and supports new opportunities for students. Funds raised last year supported the expansion of on-campus research; the purchase of a 3-D printer for the mathematics and statistics department; production costs for Howling Bird Press, the student-run book publishing project in the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program; and trips by athletic teams for competition, education, and community service. This November, alumni also can give to scholarships that honor the legacy of music, research, and civil service at Augsburg. Gifts are being sought to honor the work of Leland Sateren ’35, U.S. Rep. Martin Sabo ’59, the StepUP® program, and the Office of Undergraduate Research and Graduate Opportunity, which connects students with new and existing research and scholarship on campus, across the United States, and around the world. Anyone can donate any amount on Give to the Max Day. Schedule your gifts online at givemn.org beginning November 1. Josh Krob ’08, ’15 MBA Janeece Oatman ’05 Development director, American Diabetes Association “I have a passion for committee-building, and I am interested in networking opportunities, reconnecting with campus, and fellow Auggies.” Brad Randall ’13 Mechanical maintenance planner, Xcel Energy “As a graduate of Augsburg’s Adult Undergraduate program, I am interested in mentoring Augsburg alumni in all fields.” [L to R]: Lewis Istok ’18 and Abigale Enrici ’18 create a two-material print using a 3-D printer purchased with Give to the Max Day funds. Jordan Brandt ’17 throws a pitch on the baseball team’s 2016 spring break trip to Arizona. The team raised more than $17,000 on Give to the Max Day 2015. Back row [L to R]: Josh Krob ’08, ’15 MBA; Brad Randall ’13; Mary Prevost ’12 MBA; Cyrus Batheja ’08, ’10 MBA; Jay Howard ’03, Nick Rathmann ’03; Hanna Dietrich ’05; Rick Bonlender ’78; Patricia Jesperson ’95; Melissa (Daudt) Hoepner ’92; Howie Smith ’80, ’19 MAL; Marie (Eddy) Odenbrett ’01; Greg Schnagl ’91. Front row [L to R]: Adrienne (Kuchler) Eldridge ’02; Meg (Schmidt) Sawyer ’00; Adriana Matzke ’13; Janeece Oatman ’05; Chau “Tina” Nguyen ’08; Jill Watson ’10 MBA. Not pictured: Derek Francis ’08; Lori Higgins ’94, ’12 MAL; Nick Swanson ’09 Q&A with tour guide and Professor of English Kathy Swanson Q: A: How many times have you traveled to Thailand? What keeps bringing you back? My husband and I lived in Thailand as Peace Corps volunteers for two years and have returned eight times since. We return because we feel Thailand is our “second home.” We love Thailand’s beauty—from the huge city of Bangkok to the mountains of northern Thailand in Chiang Mai to the small beach town where we lived. We also have many dear friends, some former students and colleagues, with whom we love to reconnect. Q: A: Can you share with us a memory from a trip you led with Augsburg students? We have shared our love of Thailand with Augsburg students during five trips and have so many good memories. Former Auggies still share their memories and pictures of the trips with us. Some of these students became English language learner teachers because of their experience teaching English in our former school. I remember one student, for example, who was hesitant about going so far away from home and to such an unfamiliar place. She had been my student in several classes and seemed to trust me when I encouraged her, so she took the big step. We are still in contact after many years and she has written about her trip to Thailand as being “lifechanging.” She stepped out of her comfort zone and experienced things she could have never imagined, gaining confidence and self-awareness. Q: A: Who should take this trip? Anyone who values expanding a worldview, learning about a new culture, and experiencing beauty. Summer 2016 25 ALUMNI CLASS NOTES AUGGIES CONNECT Martin Sabo ’59 leaves a lasting legacy. See page 23. 1960 Rev. Dennis Glad ’60 and Barbara Glad of St. Francis, Minnesota, have led nearly 1,000 volunteers on mission trips to 14 Caribbean islands, Costa Rica, and Belize over the past 25 years. Working on a volunteer construction team, the Glads and their crew have built schools, clinics, churches, orphanages, and more. In April, the couple received WCCO Radio’s Good Neighbor Award, and they are now in the station’s Good Neighbor Hall of Fame. In 1999, Rev. Glad retired after serving in the United Methodist Church for more than 40 years. empowering dreams Travelers EDGE® grant affords students pathway to success In March, Augsburg was awarded a $115,000 grant to continue offering Travelers EDGE (Empowering Dreams for Graduation and Employment), a program that provides underrepresented students with scholarships, paid internships, and mentorship in an effort to break down barriers and provide long-term opportunity. The highly successful program, now in its sixth year at Augsburg, is poised to have 15 Travelers EDGE scholars on campus this fall—its largest cohort yet. This prestigious program—open to only 12 colleges in the United States—has lifetime payoffs for students, including the chance to find challenging and rewarding careers in the insurance and financial services industry. To get there, each Travelers EDGE scholar works with a career coach and a professional mentor at Travelers and participates in financial literacy programming. Marlene Ibsen, vice president of community relations at Travelers, said Augsburg was already doing great work and made for a natural Travelers EDGE partner. “Everything and everyone we encountered at Augsburg, including President Pribbenow and throughout the organization, made us think, ‘This is a team of people who really get it and would be outstanding additions to the Travelers EDGE collaborative,’” said Ibsen. Students in the program receive financial 26 Augsburg Now scholarships and something that, in the long run, pays even greater dividends— networking contacts. “Once they begin immersing themselves in the professional development workshops and start to build relationships with Travelers employees, students quickly learn that the networking and professional coaching they are getting will be of significant use to them in the long term,” said Janet Morales, Augsburg’s director for the program. So far, Augsburg has had 23 Travelers EDGE scholars participate in the program and some have gone on to accept full-time positions with Travelers. Dustina Granlund ’14 is one of the Travelers EDGE alumni who works at Travelers. Granlund had two internships at the company, including one in Hartford, Connecticut. As an intern, she helped develop new and more efficient reporting systems that are still in use today. Granlund said her mentor helped her understand how school applies to the real world by encouraging her to accept and take on challenges, to network, and to push herself beyond her comfort zone. “My Travelers EDGE scholar work taught me business etiquette, interviewing techniques, and résumé writing,” she said. “It helped connect me with resources at Augsburg that I didn’t really know about.” Travelers EDGE connected Granlund with staff in Augsburg’s Clair and Gladys Strommen Center for Meaningful Work who helped Granlund become more comfortable seeking regular advice on graduate school. Morales sees that the value of the program goes far beyond job experience. “Travelers EDGE is confidence building,” she said. “Our scholars do not typically have any corporate experience prior to becoming a part of Travelers EDGE, nor do they have family members with that experience, so starting their professional journey within insurance and financial services can be intimidating. However, Travelers EDGE gives the scholars opportunities to learn and build their skills within a safe space. The end result is that they can imagine themselves with a career in insurance and financial services, which they couldn’t before.” 1964 Roger Johnson ’64 was presented with the Donald Clark Memorial Award at Minnesota Hockey’s annual banquet in April. The award is given to an individual who has been dedicated to the grassroots growth and development of youth hockey in Minnesota. Johnson was the head coach for boys’ hockey in Fergus Falls, Minnesota, from 1965 until 1972 and then was varsity assistant and junior varsity head coach for the next 27 years until 1999. He is a substitute teacher and a volunteer general manager for the boys’ hockey team. 1969 Royce Helmbrecht ’69 graduated with a degree in education. Today, 47 years later, he works as a substitute teacher with students who struggle to get through school. He also teaches jail inmates for the GED program. fundraisers. Her leisure activities include gardening, walking, biking, and reading. Michael Good ’71 celebrates at groundbreaking ceremony. See page 2. jazzy food songs. Sullivan attended Augsburg as a flute student, studied broadcasting at Brown Institute, and has worked in radio and as a voice-over artist. After appearing at venues that draw swing dancers, she teamed up with Laurie to create the duo Retro Swing Sister. Three years ago at Valley of Peace Lutheran Church in Golden Valley, Minnesota, three parishioners took on a Lenten art project to create a mosaic for their church entry. Led by Barb (Durkee) Mikelson ’71, the committee also included Emilie Moravec ’07 and Jon Daniels ’88. The design, primarily Mikelson’s work, echoed the stained glass window design in the church’s sanctuary created by the late August Molder, an Augsburg professor. Mikelson served the past 12 years as director of her church’s early childhood education center, All God’s Children Learning Center, and retired in January. The school’s leadership is now in the able hands of another Auggie, Courtney GadboisBrumbaugh ’95. From the Auggie Connections blog. Read more at augsburg.edu/alumni/blog. He says the Lord intervened in his life and directed him to Augsburg, and he feels blessed to have followed the Lord’s direction. 1971 Mary (Soulen) Johnson ’71 is the new branch assistant at Minnesota’s Aitkin Public Library. She especially enjoys working with children at the library and at the Aitkin Children’s Center. As a volunteer at Wild and Free in Garrison, Minnesota, she helps with feeding animals and assists with Merilee Klemp ’75 uses the city of Minneapolis as her classroom. See page 16. 1982 Maryann Sullivan ’82 and Rhonda Laurie have been entertaining listening audiences and swing dancers for the past three years. In February, the two performed “Swingin’ a la Carte” as part of the Jazz@ St. Barney’s concert series at St. Barnabas Lutheran Church in Plymouth, Minnesota, reflecting the singers’ love of cooking through Scott Whirley ’82 and Henry Gerten ’98 were inducted into the National Wrestling Coaches Association Division III Hall of Fame in a ceremony in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, prior to this year’s NCAA Division III Wrestling National Championships. Whirley and Gerten are the ninth and 10th Auggies to be inducted into the NWCA Division III Hall of Fame. Dr. Paul Mueller ’84 breaks ground on Augsburg’s new, signature academic building. See page 2. AUGGIE SNAPSHOTS 1967 In March, the Rev. Terry J. Frovik ’67 and his wife, Pauline, were invited by Archbishop Nemuel Babba to participate in the installation service for the Rev. Peter Bartimawus, who was elected Bishop of the Gongola Diocese of the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (LCCN). The service took place in Bartimawus’ home village of Guyuk. 1992 Rosanne Newville Bump ’92 plans events, including the St. Paul Winter Carnival as president and CEO of the Saint Paul Festival & Heritage Foundation. She received her MBA in 2010 from the University of Wisconsin-River Falls. She has stayed in touch with many of her Auggie classmates over the years, and is pleased that both the St. Paul Winter Carnival and the Cinco de Mayo organizations benefit from the help of Augsburg interns as they plan events. She lives with her husband of 28 years, Jeff Bump ’85, and their three daughters (Madelyn, Ella, and Julia) in River Falls where she served for nine years as CEO of the River Falls Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Bureau. Summer 2016 27 2000 ALUMNI CLASS NOTES Brian Ammann ’85 reflects on one of the standout athletes he coached. See page 8. 1988 Building hope In March, Bob Strommen ’74 volunteered for a Habitat for Humanity project in Nicaragua. He joined cousins Tim ’70 and Dawn (Hofstad) ’70 Strommen, and Judy (Knudson) Strommen ’77, and was overwhelmed by the magnitude of poverty in the small village where they worked. The trip was Tim’s third visit to the same site. Bob writes, “Prior to our venturing out, we had an orientation led by our Nicaraguan Habitat leader, Aleandra, who reported that there was a need for more than 600,000 homes in Nicaragua—either new builds or fixing up existing homes in desperate need of repair. And we were going to build one home. At the time I thought, ‘What difference will this make? How do you tackle such an overwhelming need?’” Upon meeting the eventual homeowner, her daughter, and grandchildren, Bob soon learned that their work in that one week would make a lifechanging impact for the family. He’d considered the impact they would make on the family of the house, but did not comprehend the impact that the people and volunteering would have on him, saying: “My goal is not to be better than anyone else, but to be better than I used to be.” Jeff Judge ’88 successfully defended his doctoral dissertation at Minnesota State University. His thesis was “Spirituality in Higher Education: A Narrative Analysis of its Use by Leaders for Decision-Making.” Judge graduated from Augsburg with bachelor’s degrees in music education and Spanish, and received a master’s in Spanish from Middlebury (Vermont) College. He lives in Minnetonka, Minnesota, with his wife, Jeannie, and their three teenagers: Nico, Danny, and Clare. He is the dean of the humanities division at Normandale Community College in Bloomington, Minnesota. 1989 Troy Bakker ’89 received a doctorate of science degree from Dakota State University in Madison, South Dakota. Stephen Hindle ’89 has been appointed practice lead at the partner level for Aon Hewitt’s assessment and leadership practice for Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. He also is the face of Aon Hewitt in these markets. His responsibilities include commercial management of all assessment and leadership business across 14 countries as well as all operations, solution development, and mergers and acquisitions activity in these markets. He is based in Singapore with his wife of more than 21 years, Adean, and their two daughters, Claudia and Madeleine. 1996 As twin sisters, Kaja Foat ’96 and Zoe Foat ’96 have shared a lot in life—a last name, a love of color and nature, and a vision for a more ethical world. In 2002, the sisters followed their shared vision to create FOAT. Their goal was to offer a refreshing, eco-conscious alternative in women’s fashion, starting with yoga apparel. Since then, they’ve expanded their designs to additional lines of one-of-a-kind garments and wedding gowns, and their workspace to studios in Minneapolis and Charleston, South Carolina. Devean George ’99 builds neighborhood pride alongside community housing in north Minneapolis. See page 8. 2000 Augsburg theater alumni Stephanie Lein Walseth ’00, Quinci Bachman ’15, and Jorge Rodriguez ’15, and Professor Emerita Martha Johnson participated in the Full Circle Theater Company’s return engagement of “Theater: A Sacred Passage.” Lein Walseth and Johnson are two writers of this original performance piece, devised by the core artists of Full Circle from their personal journeys into theater. Their stories embody the challenges and transformational experiences they have had in becoming theater artists and how their lives and work reflect the changes in the theater community during the past two decades. The piece incorporates acting, storytelling, choreography, and music. Bachman was production coordinator, stage manager, and sound designer. Rodriguez served as set and technical director and lighting designer. Johnson was dramaturge and assistant director. Visit augsburg.edu/alumni/blog to read more. 1992 Heather Johnston ’92 (second from left) was invited to speak at the annual conference of the Municipal Finance Directors of Israel in Eilat, Israel. Johnston is president of the Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada. Johnston serves as the city manager for Burnsville, Minnesota. 28 Augsburg Now 1999 [L to R]: J. Roxanne Prichard, associate professor of psychology and neuroscience, and Jeanne “Birdie” (Ramacher) Cunningham ’99, associate director of health and wellness, have created and launched the Center for College Sleep at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. 2005 Jon Dahlin ’05 participated in track and field at Augsburg, and he set a national record in the hammer throw that still stands. He went on to compete nationally and internationally in Highland games. He competed in states including California, Florida, and Texas, and he also competed in Iceland. He traveled to Gyor, Hungary, as part of Team USA for the 2015 World Highland Games Championship where he squared off against 15 athletes from around the world. He was pleased to record one of his best performances ever in caber (tossing a 175-pound wooden beam), and finished in seventh place. Dahlin lives in Minnetonka, Minnesota, and works as a software developer at Barr Engineering, focusing primarily on creating web applications. He also is a sports photographer who covers NFL games. Jenni Fisher ’05 and Jade Boettcher ’15 MAE were united in marriage on January 20 in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Boettcher received his Master of Arts in Education from Augsburg and is a special education teacher at John Marshall High School in Rochester, Minnesota. Fisher received her bachelor’s from Augsburg and is a clinic assistant at Planned Parenthood in Rochester. Brandon Green ’05 is a new managing partner at MG Resources. Before joining the company, Green spent nearly 18 years with Griffiths Corporation. 2007 James Lekatz ’07 wrote the music for “The Snow Queen,” which was presented at Stages Theatre in Hopkins, Minnesota, in March. This summer, Lekatz worked with a group of students with autism on a production of “The BFG” as part of a program called CAST, Creative Accepting Sensoryfriendly Theatre. He will be assistant director on a production called “Twinkle Twinkle,” as part of Stages Theatre Company’s theater for the very young, and he will compose Stages’ next dance/ ballet piece, “The Velveteen Rabbit,” to be performed next spring. 2008 Andrew Webb ’08 volunteers his time to assist local and global communities as they recover from natural disasters and tragedies. He encourages others through a letter-writing campaign and invites groups, such as area high schools, to join him in his dedication to this mission. Sara (Quigley) Brown ’00 received her chaplain badge for the Alaska Police and Fire Chaplains Ministry, a statewide nonprofit that serves police and fire personnel. The program follows a strict training that mirrors the training of police officers. Brown will return to the Twin Cities in August to attend a clinical pastoral education residency through which she will receive certification to become a hospital chaplain. 2000 Ross Murray ’00, ’09 MBA, has been issued a call from the Metropolitan New York Synod in New York City to be consecrated as a diaconal minister and focus on LGBT advocacy at GLAAD. He and Richard Garnett ’07, ’09 MBA were married in April. 2001 Sarah (Grans) Peterka ’01 married Erik Peterka on December 12. Several Auggies were at the celebration including: Carrie Lind ’01, Skylar Hanson ’01, Laura Hahn ’02, Erica ’01 and Jason ’01 Bryan-Wegner, Ben Hoogland ’00, Larye ’98 and Melissa (Moyle) Pohlman ’00, Lenise Butler ’01, and Birgitte Simpson ’13. 2010 Jennifer (Mathwig) Ortloff ’10 became joint owner of the public accounting firm of Peterson Juergensen Hemerick & Co. in Hutchinson, Minnesota, after five years with the firm. Prior to becoming an owner and before earning an accounting degree at Augsburg, she worked on the administrative side of the company. Ortloff is a native of Brownton, Minnesota, and worked for the city of Brownton while completing her degree. 2005 When Claire Pettry ’05 moved to Ohio in the fall of 2015, her Augsburg College connection played a key role in helping her form friendships in her new locale. She met Chris Ascher ’81 and wife, Susan, and the three became fast friends who completed a 5K run on Thanksgiving. 2003 Megan and Jay Howard ’03 welcomed their son, Elias John, on April 28. Lisa Svac Hawks ’85 sees Augsburg College as a “pillar of faith,” one of the reasons she chose the College and why she continues to be involved. She served six years on the Alumni Board and is a founding member of Augsburg Women Engaged. Hawks is vice president, external communications, for United Healthcare Services. She is focused on helping simplify the complicated health care landscape for the consumers so that they can live healthier lives. In her spare time, Hawks enjoys gardening, cooking, and playing golf and other sports. She also enjoys coaching her 10-year-old son Andrew’s baseball team, which she has done for the past three years. From the Auggie Connections blog. Visit augsburg.edu/alumni/blog to read more. ALUMNI CLASS NOTES 2011 Patrick Siegel ’11 is the proud owner of Robusto & Briar cigar store and lounge in Lakewood, Ohio. The establishment is made for all who appreciate a fine cigar and conversation-worthy décor. He got hooked on the cigar business when, as a student at Augsburg, he was hired by the Golden Leaf shop, where he bought his cigars. He and wife, Nicole, who grew up in Rocky River, Ohio, decided to settle in Lakewood. Robusto & Briar specializes in hand-rolled products that are kept in a 15-by30 foot humidor. The shop offers about 400 types of cigars and about 50 kinds of tobacco. 2012 The Minnesota Women’s Press published an article on Interfaith Youth Connection, a program for high school and college-age youth that promotes interfaith understanding and service. The article includes comments from Fardosa Hassan ’12, Muslim student program associate at Augsburg College and program coordinator of Interfaith Youth Connection. By holding regular conversations and yearly service events, the group seeks to give youth “a way to be proud of who they are in whatever faith background they [believe], while reducing prejudice and misconception,” Hassan said. “In the midst of what is going on today, this is something we need.” Patrick Sayler ’12 is the new general manager of Co-op Natural Foods in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Before returning to Sioux Falls three years ago, he spent 16 years in the Minneapolis area managing cafes and retail shops. As the general manager of Co-op Natural Foods, he will oversee an established business that employs approximately 20 people and does more than $2 million a year. He is completing work on a degree in business management/marketing and project management at the University of Sioux Falls. 2014 Allison Zank ’14 has been named a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow for 2016-17. Zank will receive a $34,000 annual stipend and $12,000 costof-education allowance to assist her in achieving a research-based graduate degree. An NSF GRFP indicates to graduate schools that a student is a top undergraduate scientist in the nation. Zank conducted summer research on biofilms with Augsburg Associate Professor Jennifer Bankers-Fulbright as well as at the University of Minnesota’s Dental School. Zank also has spent time conducting research in industry. At Augsburg, she was named an URGO Scholar, McNair Scholar, AugSTEM Scholar, and Goldwater Scholar. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in clinical microbiology at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse this fall. GRADUATE 2015 Katie Clark ’10 MAN, ’14 DNP presented at a breakout session for Fairview Health Services’ Somali Cultural Health Day in April. Her topic was “Critical decision making and chronic illness.” Clark connected her previous bedside nursing experience with her current experience working with Somali community members at the Health Commons in the CedarRiverside neighborhood. Her focus was to teach health care providers to deliver culturally congruent care to marginalized populations. She concentrated her efforts on reducing the role of stereotypes and assumptions in the patient-provider relationship. Jordan Holm ’15 competed in the 2016 Olympic trials in the 85-kilogram weight class for Greco-Roman wrestling at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City, Iowa, on April 6. Holm was one of three athletes automatically earning the No. 1 ranking. He graduated from Augsburg with a business degree in marketing. Duina Hernandez ’16 lets dirt fly at an Augsburg groundbreaking ceremony. See page 2. Evan Berg ’10 MBA was hired as assistant vice president and loan officer at the Janesville State Bank in Janesville, Minnesota. He has a bachelor’s degree in economics/ business administration from Winona State University and an MBA from Augsburg, as well as eight years of experience in credit analysis and lending with Farm Credit and several banks. AUGGIE CONNECTIONS: a new, personalized newsletter Whether it be in the classroom, cheering on your favorite Auggie team, or supporting the on-campus groups that mean the most to you, Augsburg College emphasizes a direct, personal experience for its students and alumni. In today’s world where information is coming from all angles and at all times, personalized, meaningful information is more important than ever. The Alumni Association recognizes this and is taking a step to provide more pertinent and timely information about what’s happening at Augsburg. Beginning this summer, Augsburg is offering a personalized e-newsletter that will be delivered on a schedule of your choosing, in a format you want. No more monthly Now@Augsburg emails. The Auggie Connections newsletter is now in your hands. Choose the topics you are most interested in: Auggie athletics? Theater and music? Science? Want to hear it all? With your new, improved Auggie Connections newsletter, you won’t miss a thing. The first personalized Auggie Connections newsletter arrived in your email inbox in late June. If you haven’t yet set your preferences, check your email for the message titled “Augsburg College - delivered YOUR way,” to get started. To update your contact information, email alumniupdate@ augsburg.edu. 2009 Benjamin Austin ’09 and Michelle (Anderson) Austin ’11 were married December 19 in St. Paul. They met at Augsburg during her sophomore year and his senior year. Schuyler (Dunhaupt) Tilson ’10 graduated from Mitchell Hamline School of Law in St. Paul in January with a focus in Indian law. She recently passed the Minnesota bar and became a staff attorney for the Ho-Chunk Nation Trial Court. She holds undergraduate degrees from Augsburg in history and American Indian studies. 2012 Muneer Al-Hameed ’12 won the Dancing with the Twin Cities Celebrities Charity Ball in February. Augsburg alumna Carla Beaurline ’91 was a judge this year and a 2015 Dancing with the Twin Cities celebrity dancer. FRESH LOOK, INCREASED INTERACTION Nic Thomley ’06 MBA was named to the 2016 Class of Henry Crown Fellows and the Aspen Global Leadership Network at the Aspen Institute. This growing network unites a worldwide community of entrepreneurial leaders from business, government, and the nonprofit sector who share a commitment to enlightened leadership and to using their creativity, energy, and resources to tackle the foremost societal challenges of our time. Thomley is an accomplished entrepreneur in the human services industry and the founder of companies that provide an array of services to persons with disabilities and senior citizens. Thomley is the founder and 30 Augsburg Now CEO of Morning Star Financial Services and the founder and chairman of Summit Fiscal Agency and Pinnacle Services, Minneapolis. Thomley was named a 2015 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist and, in 2006, was named to Inc. Magazine’s “30 Under 30, America’s Coolest Young Entrepreneurs” list and to the Minneapolis/ St. Paul Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” list. In 2010, Thomley was presented with Augsburg’s First Decade Award, which honors graduates of the past 10 years who have made significant progress in their professional achievements and contributions to the community. Enjoy several new features on the Augsburg Now magazine’s companion website. Thanks to a site upgrade, it’s possible to: • Read articles on mobile devices with ease • Share favorite stories and photos on social media • View exclusive slideshows and videos • Manage your magazine subscription and delivery method • “Go green” by opting for digital content instead of print • Submit class notes and share good news SUBMIT A CLASS NOTE Tell us about the news in your life—your new job, move, marriage, and births. Visit augsburg.edu/alumni/connect to submit your announcements. Mike Polis ’10 has started Backboard Media, based in Northeast Minneapolis. Check it out at backboardgroup.com. 2010 augsburg.edu/now Entrepreneurial leader recognized 2010 2013 Kuoth Wiel ’13 cofounded the NyaEden Foundation, a nonprofit that aims to provide basic survival necessities to disadvantaged women and children throughout Africa. She is an actress, model, and humanitarian whose debut film role was in “The Good Lie,” a drama starring Reese Witherspoon that tells the story of a group of Sudanese refugees who are offered shelter in the United States. Wiel was born to a Sudanese mother and father in an Ethiopian refugee camp following her parents’ escape from war-torn Sudan. As a young adult, Wiel moved to Minneapolis to attend Augsburg and study social psychology. Visit nyaedenfoundation.org to learn more about the organization’s work to foster girls’ and women’s safety, empowerment, independence, dignity, self-esteem, and self-respect. Fall 2015 37 Summer 2016 31 In memoriam Chester R. Heikkinen ’40, Robbinsdale, Minnesota, age 99, on November 24. Helen (Quanbeck) Nichols ’44, Monticello, Minnesota, age 94, on April 27. Frederick “Fred” M. King ’71, Onalaska, Wisconsin, age 73, on February 5. Helen E. (Berg) Peterson ’46, Minneapolis, age 92, on November 23. Martin O. Sabo ’59, Minneapolis, age 78, on March 13. Kenneth J. Dahlberg ’80, Colorado Springs, Colorado, age 62, on December 21. Doris M. Rear-Hustad ’46, Blanchardville, Wisconsin, age 90, on March 18. Gary A. Hoonsbeen ’60, Crystal, Minnesota, age 77, on March 7. Brenda L. Fredrick ’82, Strawberry Point, Iowa, age 57, on April 23. Loren M. Thorson ’46, Green Valley, Arizona, age 96, on March 8. Robert N. Martin ’61, Dracut, Massachusetts, age 81, on March 22. Janice C. Olson ’84, Lakewood, Washington, age 79, on January 19. Robert “Bob” E. Lee ’47, Hallettsville, Texas, age 92, on March 3. Norbert W. W. Mokros ’61, Duluth, Minnesota, age 77, on January 25. Melissa A. Lawrence ’88, Minneapolis, age 59, on March 1. Aagoth E. (Hanson) Hansen ’48, Willmar, Minnesota, age 89, on January 4. Sherman P. Coltvet ’62, Rochester, Minnesota, age 75, on January 30. Marilyn J. (Cederstrom) Teubert ’88, Waconia, Minnesota, age 84, on November 23. Paul D. Hilton ’51, Cumberland, Wisconsin, age 86, on January 28. Eugene M. Nelson ’51, Colorado Springs, Colorado, age 86, on January 11. Lillian K. (Ysteboe) Ose ’51, Benson, Minnesota, age 87, on January 5. Leonard E. Dalberg ’52, Solvang, California, age 90, on April 21. Randall “Randy” Fischer ’52, Lynchburg, Virginia, age 85, on February 5. Robert C. Ingman ’54, Minneapolis, age 85, on September 3. Charles “Bob” R. Hudgins ’62, Burnsville, Minnesota, age 75, on December 12. Charles W. King, Jr. ’62, Sun City West, Arizona, age 76, on December 17. Philip O. Sidney ’63, St. Paul, age 75, on April 10. Mary M. Lindgren ’64, Minneapolis, age 74, on March 15. David A. Mallak ’65, Austin, Texas, age 72, on February 10. Steven H. Steinke ’65, Pequot Lakes, Minnesota, age 68, on January 26. Robert R. Benson ’67, Preston, Minnesota, age 70, on December 23. Karl B. Lunder ’70, Red Wing, Minnesota, age 69, on March 12. SAVE THE DATES: SEPTEMBER 22-24 New events and schedule! William “Bill” J. Schutt ’75, Watertown, South Dakota, age 74, on February 2. Richard “Dick” L. Berg ’57, Minneapolis, age 85, on February 3. Vera C. (Alberg) Hafstad ’50, Owatonna, Minnesota, age 86, on March 11. Augsburg Now Dayne W. Sather ’55, Maple Grove, Minnesota, age 86, on January 25. Joyce I. (Engstrom) Spector ’70, Minneapolis, age 68, on April 1. Mary (Mortensen) Nelson ’45, Minneapolis, age 92, on January 22. Arnold H. Skaar ’48, Edina, Minnesota, age 91, on February 2. 32 Dale W. Quanbeck ’54, Grand Forks, North Dakota, age 84, on January 18. Carol R. (Pasquarella) Liedtke ’89, Shorewood, Illinois, age 73, on December 5. Diane P. Ondrey ’94, Minneapolis, age 80, on February 19. Jean W. (Thompson) Rondeau ’94, Minneapolis, age 77, on April 12. Sandra K. Berg ’98, Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota, age 69, on January 26. Conrad D. Meyer ’98, Merida, Mexico, age 66, on April 3. . S E I G G U A E B . D U O PR E B . D E L BE CAL Barbara (Steinle) Huckle ’00, Burnsville, Minnesota, age 55, on April 16. Jason C. Magnon ’13, Georgetown, Texas, age 25, on January 15. Go to augsburg.edu/homecoming to register and see the new events this year. The “In memoriam” listings in this publication include notifications received before May 10. 2211 Riverside Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55454 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Twin Cities, MN Permit No. 2031 The Augsburg Choir joins Barry Manilow on stage The exceptional talent and hard work of the Augsburg Choir was rewarded with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sing backup during Grammy-award winner Barry Manilow’s farewell tour. Members of the choir sang three of his hits in an encore at the Xcel Energy Center: “I Write the Songs,” “Miracle,” and “Copacabana (At the Copa).”
Show less

Title: Augsburg Now Summer 2015: Building For The Future
Collection: Alumni Magazine Collection
Search Result: BUILDING INSIDE Faculty-student research duo Auggie brews up a business The changing face of Auggies Commencement memories FOR THE FUTURE SUMMER 2015 | VOL. 77, NO. 3 AUGSBURG NOW Vice President of Marketing and Communication Rebecca John ’13 MBA rjohn@augsburg.edu Director of News an...
Show more BUILDING INSIDE Faculty-student research duo Auggie brews up a business The changing face of Auggies Commencement memories FOR THE FUTURE SUMMER 2015 | VOL. 77, NO. 3 AUGSBURG NOW Vice President of Marketing and Communication Rebecca John ’13 MBA rjohn@augsburg.edu Director of News and Media Services Stephanie Weiss weisss@augsburg.edu NOTES FROM PRESIDENT PRIBBENOW A college that is student ready The 2014-15 academic year—the 146th in Augsburg’s history—was a very good year for the College. National honors for students. Awards for faculty teaching, research, and advising. The successful completion of the $50 million campaign for the Center for Science, Business, and Religion, and the early preparation work on the construction site. Important conversations on and off campus about interfaith living, race relations, demographic trends, and diversity. Remarkable outreach programs like the Minnesota Urban Debate League and Campus Kitchen receiving major support for their important work. A national wrestling championship! And so much, much more. Reflecting on these accomplishments, I am so grateful for all our faculty and staff do for this special college and its students. But I also realize that these achievements are made possible by an increasingly clear vision of our future that says we will be “a new kind of student-centered urban university, small to our students and big for the world.” And the fruit of our labors is made possible by our common efforts to live into this vision and our shared commitment to an Augsburg education that equips our students for lives of meaning, purpose, and significance in and for the world. That is what truly excites me about Augsburg’s future—a persuasive vision that proclaims our desire to be a college that is student-ready! What do I mean by student-ready? I mean that we are turning 21st century higher education on its head by not focusing on whether students are “college-ready.” You’ve probably read and heard that phrase many times. Demanding that students are college-ready allows lots of smart people to claim that the responsibility belongs elsewhere when it comes to ensuring that students show up on our campuses prepared by someone else for what we think a higher education should look like. If students aren’t able to read or speak English as well as we would like, if their math skills are lacking, if they don’t participate in class like we once did, if they demand more of us because of difficult personal circumstances or diverse learning and leading styles, then they are not ready for college. In other words, if they don’t learn and behave like us, they are not college-ready. So here comes Augsburg offering a different— even countercultural—vision of what higher education is all about today. And it is a vision grounded in our faith and academic heritage. It is a vision that claims we are called to be ready for students with the diverse gifts and experiences they bring to our campus, gifts and experiences that demand changes in how we engage them, teach them, and learn from them. It doesn’t mean that we lower our standards—that is the too-easy retort to our vision. It means that we define and claim even higher standards of academic excellence and achievement, of teaching and learning, of civic engagement and community life—standards shaped not by measures imposed from without, but by a collaborative and democratic measure borne of our shared experience and engagement. And, come to find out, when you take the path of being student-ready, when you quit measuring by someone else’s standards, you begin to witness to a way of being in the world as educated people that others want to embrace. And students and faculty win major recognition, your campaigns are successful, and you are positioned to lead in the 21st century. Wow, that is exciting and inspiring. I give thanks every day for a community that embraces this vision of a college that is student-ready and student-centered. A college that is faithful and relevant. Our college—Augsburg College! PAUL C. PRIBBENOW, PRESIDENT Director of Marketing Communication Stephen Jendraszak jendra@augsburg.edu Communication Copywriter and Editorial Coordinator Laura Swanson ’15 MBA swansonl@augsburg.edu Creative Associate Denielle Johnson ’11 johnsod@augsburg.edu Marketing Copywriter Christina Haller haller@augsburg.edu Production Manager/Now Online Mark Chamberlain chamberm@augsburg.edu Photographer Stephen Geffre geffre@augsburg.edu Advancement Communication Specialist Jen Lowman Day dayj@augsburg.edu augsburg.edu Augsburg Now is published by Augsburg College 2211 Riverside Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55454 now@augsburg.edu Opinions expressed in Augsburg Now do not necessarily reflect official College policy. ISSN 1058-1545 Send address corrections to: Advancement Services CB 142 Augsburg College 2211 Riverside Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55454 langemo@augsburg.edu summer 2015 AUGSBURG NOW Features 02 08 11 18 22 Ahead of the curve BY REBECCA JOHN ’13 MBA Commencement memories BY LAURA SWANSON ’15 MBA Making their mark BY STEPHANIE WEISS Departments inside front cover Notes from President Pribbenow 02 Around the Quad 08 Celebrating student success 14 18 14 Auggie voices 20 It takes an Auggie 26 My Auggie experience 28 Alumni news 34 Alumni class notes 38 In memoriam 22 26 On the cover A photo illustration depicts what the future Center for Science, Business, and Religion will look like from Urness Tower; see pages 20-21. Photo illustration by Mark Chamberlain. All photos by Stephen Geffre unless otherwise indicated. Correction: In the Spring 2015 issue of Augsburg Now, the names of donors Richard Bonlender ’78 and Mary Ahern were listed incorrectly in the article “Torstenson legacy lives on through gifts,” which described an initiative to name a gathering space for Faculty Emeritus of Sociology Joel Torstenson in the new Center for Science, Business, and Religion. AROUND THE QUAD PUTTING MINNEAPOLIS IN THE SPOTLIGHT This spring, hundreds of prospective Augsburg College students and their families visited campus as part of “Destination: Augsburg,” an event designed to offer a glimpse into on-campus life. The event also included guided excursions to well-known attractions in the heart of Minneapolis including Target Field, Nicollet Mall, and the State Theatre [above]. MINNESOTA URBAN DEBATE LEAGUE adds first-ever Somali Debate Initiative The Minnesota Urban Debate League—a program of Augsburg College—sponsored the first debate in the state among Somali youth. The Somali Debate Initiative serves middle- and high-school students from Minneapolis and St. Paul. A community forum featuring U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison followed the debate. MNUDL also hosted four Spanish tournaments throughout the Twin Cities, which helps make debate more accessible to Spanish-speaking communities. In May, MNUDL hosted its third Mayor’s Challenge fundraiser. St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman; Donald Lewis, co-founder and shareholder of Nilan Johnson Lewis in Minneapolis; and Barb Schmitt, senior director at Microsoft, served as judges. The event raised $18,500 plus $3,000 in matching grants from the Pohlad Foundation. 2 Augsburg Now Keynote speaker and debate judge Ilhan Omar encourages Somali Debate Initiative guests to pursue college degrees. AROUND THE QUAD A TEACHER’S INFLUENCE NEVER ENDS Each year, the Augsburg College faculty recognizes select colleagues with Distinguished Contributions to Teaching and Learning awards—acknowledging those who have demonstrated outstanding support for students through teaching, advising, and mentoring. EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING Joan Kunz, professor of chemistry Soup for You! Café Chef Judah Nataf seasons one of his signature recipes. SOUP FOR THE HEART and soul of Augsburg’s neighbors Alumnus launches community meal program Kunz is recognized for her commitment to Augsburg’s students, embodying the College’s mission to educate students to be informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers, and responsible leaders. Since 1987, Kunz has worked toward creating and sustaining a vibrant learning community in the sciences. EXCELLENCE IN ADVISING AND MENTORING oto Courtesy Ph Susan O’Connor and Donna Patterson, assistant Five days a week, Minneapolis community members convene at Bethany professors of education Lutheran Church to dine on gourmet fare prepared as part of the Soup for You! Café—a program the Star Tribune O’Connor and Patterson are recognized recognized for its ability to redefine for their work to incorporate Public “Our model is mutuality, and community outreach. Achievement into the special education what better way is there to Augsburg College alumnus, Chaplain teacher training program in the College’s show mutuality than to gather Department of Education. The Public to Student Athletes, and Linebacker Coach the Rev. Mike Matson ’06 is the pastor at at the same table together?” Achievement model changes lives for Bethany Lutheran and the driver behind this students in special education by giving —The Rev. Mike Matson ’06 community meal. Supported by volunteers Star Tribune, April 5 them a voice to act as citizens in a and one talented chef, Soup for You! Café is democratic society. a chance for people of all backgrounds to come together in an environment that focuses on dignity. In the Star Tribune article “Church program offers hot soup, warm welcome,” Matson underscored that the program is designed to bring together people from the many faiths and cultures of the Seward neighborhood. Augsburg College students, faculty, and staff find varied—and valuable—ways to lend their time and talents to support the Soup for You! Café. Auggie Jens Pinther ’15 contributed an article about the program to the June edition of The Lutheran magazine. The story, available at thelutheran.org, included photos by Augsburg photographer Stephen Geffre. The 2015 Distinguished Contributions recipients [L to R]: Donna Patterson, Susan O’Connor, and Joan Kunz. Summer 2015 3 (RE)NAME THE MAGAZINE? From Augsburg’s CAMPUS KITCHEN to the community table Unique program expands its reach The Campus Kitchen program at Augsburg College works to make healthy food accessible to all people living in and near the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood in Minneapolis. The program also provides opportunities for service learning, leadership development, and genuine engagement between the College and the community. Based in the Sabo Center for Democracy and Citizenship, Campus Kitchen is a student-driven organization that addresses hunger locally and globally. Corporate partners support Campus Kitchen’s efforts, providing a solid foundation for Auggies’ stellar work. 2014-15 academic year highlights: 7 Augsburg student leaders took home a “Going Beyond The Meal” award from the 2015 Food Waste and Hunger Summit in Athens, Georgia. The honor recognized Campus Kitchen’s exceptional education and outreach efforts. 34 13,036 What do you think? Last summer, Augsburg College participated in a national higher education magazine survey developed by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. This survey allowed more than 600 people to share feedback on the ways Augsburg’s magazine helps them stay connected with the College. Based on the survey results, we worked to develop a clearer picture of the roles the magazine plays and found that the Augsburg College magazine serves to: • Foster inspiration and pride. • Provide intellectual stimulation and ongoing education. • Bridge the Augsburg of today with people’s past experiences. • Define and illustrate what it means to be an “Auggie.” • Help the Augsburg community learn how to talk about itself and equip individuals to advocate for the College. Given the importance of these commitments, there was a desire to have the magazine name align with and support the publication’s purpose. After an exploration of dozens of name options, Augsburg Spirit and Augsburg Experience stood out. It also was evident that the name Augsburg Now remains appropriate. To determine which of these three names is best, you’re invited to share your opinion on the name of the magazine by voting online for Augsburg Now, Augsburg Experience, or Augsburg Spirit. Go to augsburg.edu/now to share your input to help guide our naming decision. student volunteers engaged in Campus Kitchen activities per month on average. pounds of unserved, edible food were recovered from A’viands campus dining and the Mill City Farmers Market and thereby diverted from the waste stream. 11,210 total meals prepared using recovered, gleaned, and homemade food served to youths, adults, and seniors in need in the Cedar-Riverside, Seward, and Phillips neighborhoods. KEY CORPORATE PARTNERS’ YEARS OF GRANT SUPPORT LAND O’LAKES TARGET A’VIANDS GENERAL MILLS AMERIPRISE FINANCIAL =1 year Plus, a new grant from The Campus Kitchens Project and AARP has enabled Augsburg’s Campus Kitchen program to provide a weekly lunch for more than a dozen additional seniors living near campus. augsburg.edu/campuskitchen KNOW? DID YOU General Mills has invested more than $125,000 in the Augsburg College Campus Kitchen program. Renovations are underway on a number of spaces on the Augsburg campus in Minneapolis, including the Sateren Auditorium in the Anderson Music Hall. The space will return to service this fall. ACCLAIMED ARTIST CREATES painting for Hoversten Chapel This spring, Augsburg’s Campus Ministry welcomed the Rev. Paul Oman—a professional watercolorist whose artistic work draws inspiration from his experiences, travels, and Lutheran faith—to take part in a three-day worship event on campus. Oman created a large-scale painting of Jesus during Daily Chapel services as on-campus worshipers took part in music, prayer, spoken word, and Scripture. Oman’s visual ministry, known as “Drawn to the Word,” offered the Augsburg community the opportunity to engage in conversation and reflection on race, radical hospitality, reformation, faith, and the Lutheran tradition that continues to shape the College’s identity. The painting is on display in the Hoversten Chapel in Foss Center. The Rev. Paul Oman paints “Jesus Withdraws to Pray” during Daily Chapel time. Summer 2015 5 Photo by Mark Chamberlain AROUND THE QUAD AROUND THE QUAD While traveling to or from campus, some Auggies have near-perfect views of the construction underway on the new Minnesota Vikings football stadium. This vantage point is near the intersection of Cedar and Riverside avenues in Minneapolis. ON THE SPOT Kristin Anderson In the discipline of art history it’s common to discuss the visual representation of saints and sinners, kings and queens, and maybe even a Viking or two. At Augsburg College, Kristin Anderson teaches courses on the history of art and architecture, and she’s prepared to talk about works ranging from the Mona Lisa to the Metrodome—may it rest in peace. Anderson’s current writing and research are focused on sports architecture, and she is co-authoring a book on the history of athletic facilities in the Twin Cities. As the St. Paul Saints baseball club settles into its new CHS Field in Lowertown and the Minnesota Vikings football team awaits the completion of a new stadium in Augsburg’s own backyard, here is Anderson’s take on the region’s shifting sports scene. 6 Augsburg Now Q: During the past decade new sports venues including TCF Bank Stadium, Target Field, and CHS Field have opened their doors in Minneapolis and St. Paul. What factors have spurred so much change in such a brief period of time? A: Quite simply, we have moved out of an era of multipurpose stadiums. They were popular in the 1960s and 1970s, and we got one of the last ones— the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome— in 1982. Sport-specific facilities like baseball parks and football stadiums have become the standard, and that drives all kinds of new construction. And, of course, when one team gets a new space, everyone else gets in line. ... MAKING SPACE FOR A AROUND THE QUAD NEW ACADEMIC BUILDING On May 1, the campaign for the Center for Science, Business, and Religion surpassed its $50 million fundraising goal. To make room for the construction of this new academic building, the College razed two existing houses on campus. One of the structures was occupied by the Admissions Office from 1970-2003 before that department moved to a more student-accessible location in Christensen Center. The house also was home for a time to the Center for Counseling and Health Promotion (now called the Center for Wellness and Counseling), which has relocated to the first floor of Anderson Residence Hall. A second house, formerly called Delta House, was first used for student housing. It was later home to various Admissions staff, then the Sabo Center for Democracy and Citizenship, which has moved to the Oren Gateway Center. Before these two buildings were removed, an event was held to honor the work and experiences of staff and residents who once occupied the spaces. There were 30 people in attendance, some even traveling from as far as North Dakota and New York. A house on 21st Avenue South is razed. Former and current staff members reminisce over a collage of names written within one of Augsburg’s former houses. Learn more about the next steps for the CSBR on page 20. Q: Q: Q: A: A: A: Today’s sports venues offer amenities that extend far beyond a wooden bleacher seat and a bag of popcorn sold at the concession stand. What does this mean for stadium architecture and game attendees? Every new sports facility offers more than its predecessor, and fans seem to expect this improvement. The rising expectations are not new: fan amenities have been part of the discussion since the 1860s. Like us, people from that time period talked about food selection, legroom, and comfort at the games. Attending to the fan experience can add cost to a project, but it is an investment worth making. Just think about the many amazing differences between the Metrodome experience and the Target Field experience. What effect does an indoor stadium (like the new Vikings stadium) versus an outdoor stadium (like TCF) have on attendance, especially in Minnesota’s climate? We have an amazing range of weather, from glorious to horrible—and we don’t always agree on which is which. This raises the stakes on decisions about stadium design. Rather than choosing “indoor” or “outdoor,” many contemporary facilities combine aspects of each. The new Vikings stadium will have a glass roof and enormous windows, bridging the indoors and outdoors in space, light, air, and views. Target Field is an outdoor ballpark, but it is designed with sheltered areas, heat lamps, and other climate-mitigating features. Baseball is said to be America’s pastime. How does new stadium architecture show that the sport can remain relevant—and sustainable—into the future? While most contemporary ballparks pay homage to the history and tradition of baseball, they also employ an amazing array of cutting-edge technologies. One of the most exciting recent developments is the emphasis on environmental sustainability. Target Field has two LEED Silver certifications, and other sports facilities like the Xcel Energy Center and CHS Field have also engaged in significant sustainability efforts, including rainwater recycling systems and sophisticated trash-sorting and recycling programs. Kristin Anderson is a professor of art history and the Augsburg College archivist. Summer 2015 7 CELEBRATING STUDENT SUCCESS $7,500 GOLDWATER SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS Fikre Beyene ’16 and Lyle Nyberg ’16 15 STEM researchers 80+ off-campus Auggies presented at Zyzzogeton Research Festival on campus Taylor Kuramoto ’15 FULBRIGHT TEACHING ASSISTANT in South Korea 3 ROSSING PHYSICS SCHOLARS One of 104 to present at Fikre Beyene ’16, Andris Bibelnieks ’16*, and Cain Valtierrez ’16 *Also Goldwater Honorable Mention NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION GRADUATE RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP Honorable Mention, Alex Sorum ’13 2015 WINCHELL UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM Aisha Mohamed ’16 Awale Osman ’15 2 2015 NEWMAN CIVIC FELLOW KEMPER SCHOLARS Mitchell Ross ’18 and Rebecca Schroeder ’18 BENJAMIN A. GILMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP David Gersten ’16 and Amal Warsame ’16 8 Augsburg Now EDDIE PHILLIPS SCHOLARSHIP FOR AFRICAN-AMERICAN MEN Malick Ceesay ’17 For more information about these awards and recipients, go to augsburg.edu/now. Summer 2015 9 12 HONORING retiring faculty “ I love the accessibility Augsburg students have to faculty and staff, especially when we meet students in passing in the quad or elsewhere when conversations become more candid, genuine, and authentic.” — Gregory Krueger, Assistant Professor of Education PAULINE ABRAHAM Assistant Professor and Director of BSN Program, Nursing, Rochester Joined the College — 2005 KATHRYN SCHWALBE Faculty Emerita Professor of Business Administration Joined the College — 1991 FRANKIE SHACKELFORD Faculty Emerita, Professor of Languages and Cross-Cultural Studies Joined the College — 1990 MARTHA JOHNSON Faculty Emerita Professor of Theater Arts Joined the College — 1997 BEVERLY STRATTON Faculty Emerita Professor of Religion Joined the College — 1986 AMIN KADER Associate Professor of Business Administration Joined the College — 1974 ELIZABETH ANKENY Faculty Emerita Associate Professor of Education Joined the College — 2008 GREGORY KRUEGER Assistant Professor of Education Joined the College — 2000 STEVEN LAFAVE GRACE DYRUD Faculty Emerita Professor of Psychology Joined the College — 1962 Faculty Emeritus Professor of Business Administration Joined the College — 1991 DAVID VENNE Assistant Professor of Physics Joined the College — 1990 STEVEN NERHEIM Medical Director Instructor of Physician Assistant Studies Program Joined the College — 2005 10 Augsburg Now To read about what these faculty members love about Augsburg and teaching, go to augsburg.edu/now. AHEAD of the curve Augsburg leads in shaping higher education for Minnesota’s increasingly diverse population BY REBECCA JOHN ’13 MBA F or more than five years, Augsburg College has undertaken “Employers are going to have a much greater interest important efforts to intentionally diversify the traditional in bringing populations who previously may have been undergraduate student profile. This work is not only a marginalized into productive work,” Brower said. “We don’t prudent move in terms of growing enrollment, but it is also have the capacity, going forward, to leave anyone behind.” proving to be an important factor in sustaining the region’s For Augsburg, this demographic reality is significant economic health. because about 25 percent of college-bound Minnesota high This spring, more than 200 Augsburg College faculty school graduates express interest in Augsburg by applying, and staff met with Minnesota State inquiring, or visiting campus. In order Demographer Susan Brower to to successfully enroll and retain these “We don’t have the discuss the “shape and scale” of the students, Augsburg needs to be intentional capacity, going forward, demographic trends in the state that about meeting the educational needs of will influence its vitality in the coming this diversifying population. to leave anyone behind.” decades. Two significant trends detailed Augsburg already has an important —Susan Brower by Brower were the increasing diversity advantage in this area because, with Minnesota State Demographer and aging of the state’s population – nearly 33 percent students of color in trends that heighten the importance of the traditional undergraduate program, education now and into the future. the College is one of the most diverse higher education Education will grow in importance because the relative institutions in the state. This is attractive to students of both size of our workforce affects economic production and the minority and majority populations because it offers them the strength of our region. As older adults retire in the next 20 opportunity to learn and work with many different types of years and the workforce shrinks in proportion to the overall people, which is increasingly important given that the pace of population, Minnesota will need the skills and talents of the demographic change will accelerate dramatically in the next entire working-age population. 15 years. Summer 2015 11 1 Demographic Trend #1: Growing diversity. If you went to college or lived in the Twin Cities before the 1990s, your experience with the diversity of the area’s population was different from today’s scenario. 3,500,000 3,000,000 2,500,000 Total Twin Cities population 2,000,000 The Twin Cities experienced accelerated growth among populations of color from 1990 to 2010. During that time, people of color represented more than 80 percent of the overall population growth. 1,500,000 Before 1980, fewer than 6 percent of the Twin Cities population were people of color, numbering only 25,000 to 115,000 people in the total population of 1.5 million to 2 million. 1,000,000 500,000 10% 5% 2 15% 0 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 What’s driving the growth in diversity? • Younger populations are more diverse. Approximately 25 percent of Minnesota residents younger than age 35 are people of color, whereas populations older than 65 years are predominantly white. So, as the entire population ages, overall diversity grows. **Sources: 2, 3 2 • The number of foreign-born residents in Minnesota is growing. Minnesota, today, is home to nearly 400,000 foreign-born residents—a level not seen since the 1930s. By contrast, from 1960 through the 1990s, just more than 100,000 foreign-born people lived in the state. **Source: 4 Demographic Trend #2: Our aging population. • Minnesota’s foreign-born population is increasingly diverse. In 1950, 80 percent of the foreign-born population in Minnesota was from Europe. Today, most foreign-born residents are from Mexico, Somalia, India, and Laos. **Source: 4 335 Minnesota—and other regions of the United States—are experiencing an unprecedented aging of our populations. 285 How dramatic is the change? Change in Minnesota population age 65+ (in thousands) Minnesota will add more than 620,000 older adults (age 65+) between 2010 and 2030. By contrast, during the 60 years from 1950 to 2010, the population of older adults grew by just 416,000. **Source: 1 12 85 55 1950s Augsburg Now 1960s 71 1970s 97 91 67 1980s 47 1990s 2000s 2010s 2020s 2030s 66 56 2040s 2050s A commitment to diversity and inclusion Today, the Twin Cities population is estimated at 3 million residents, with nearly 800,000—about 26 percent—people of color. This number is expected to reach 30 percent in the next 10 years.* 30% 25% 20% 2010 2020 2030 *Other areas of the United States are experiencing similar diversity growth. The U.S. population in 2010 was 36 percent people of color. **Sources: 2, 3 The size of the labor force is expected to stagnate in the coming decades while the 65+ population will double. As a result, the ratio of adults ages 18 to 64 relative to adults 65 and older will go from nearly 5 to 1 in 2010 to less than 2.5 to 1 in the next 25 years. That means there will be fewer working-age people in the population as a whole. That’s an important consideration because payroll taxes are critical for funding programs like Social Security and Medicare that the growing population of retired and elderly adults will increasingly draw upon. **Sources: 2, 3 To learn more about the range of programs Augsburg offers to support diversity and inclusion, go to augsburg.edu/now. 2010 2040 One million adults age 65+ In 2015, Augsburg graduated its most diverse traditional undergraduate class in history, with more than 30 percent of graduates from underrepresented populations. In fact, every incoming first-year class since 2009 has included 30 to 40 percent students of color. Augsburg also has identified faculty and staff diversity as a priority initiative in its Augsburg2019 strategic plan. As a first step, the College highlighted its commitment to intercultural competence, diversity, and inclusion in all job postings this past spring. An early result is that six of the College’s 10 new tenure-track faculty are from non-majority populations. Augsburg also has named Joanne Reeck, director of Campus Activities and Orientation, as chief diversity officer. Reeck launched an intercultural competence program that involved more than 100 members of the campus community this spring and will expand to include a certificate program in the fall. These programs complement the diversity and inclusion workshops offered each May by the College’s Center for Teaching and Learning. Augsburg’s work in intentional diversity has garnered attention from corporations and community organizations alike. For example, Wells Fargo recently donated $100,000 to Augsburg’s Center for Science, Business, and Religion specifically because of Augsburg’s proven work in educating underrepresented populations. Augsburg also recognizes that diversity extends well beyond ethnicity and provides award-winning programs for students who represent a diversity of ages, national origins, faith traditions, gender identities, and learning and physical differences. “Of course, there is still much more we need to do,” Reeck said. “But we are committed to diversity and inclusion because it creates a richer educational environment and prepares our students to lead, innovate, and serve in a diverse and globally connected world.” This work not only supports future graduates’ individual success, it creates a diverse and well-educated generation that’s critical to our collective future prosperity. One million adults age 18-64 **Sources: 1. Minnesota State Demographic Center and U.S. Census Bureau. 2. Minnesota State Demographic Center and U.S. Census Bureau, Decennial Census and Population. 3. Estimates as presented by Minnesota Compass, mncompass.org. 4. IPUMS version of U.S. Census Bureau’s 2010-2012 American Community Survey. Tabulated by the Minnesota State Demographic Center. Summer 2015 13 Auggie Matt McGinn ’13 finds innovative ways to serve an old favorite BY CHRISTINA HALLER Matt McGinn ’13 has accomplished more in his 27 years than most. He overcame alcohol dependence to graduate from Augsburg College and its StepUP ® program and then went on to become a successful entrepreneur in the coffee industry. And when it comes to coffee, he does it all. McGinn roasts his own beans. He uses recovery working to earn his bachelor’s degree in social work. “Augsburg helped me to become a leader,” McGinn said. “I showed people you can go from not being capable of holding a job and passing out in class, to working two internships, being a resident assistant, and succeeding in five classes.” Though he later decided not to pursue a career in social work, he practices skills gained while at Augsburg to help himself succeed every day—including business savvy, budgeting, dedication, confidence, detail orientation, leadership, and follow-through. them to cold brew coffee. He bottles it. Tapping an underserved market Distributes it. And, he co-owns and runs a McGinn has been working in the coffee industry since he was a barista in high school. Once he got to Augsburg, he climbed his way up to manager at a struggling coffee shop and was able to revive it by crafting new drink recipes, learning a range of brewing techniques, improving food and drink menus, training staff, and creating more efficient labor schedules. coffee shop where he serves his cold brewed coffee on tap—an innovation that very few shops offer, especially in the Twin Cities. A transfer student from the University of Massachusetts, McGinn applied to Augsburg and StepUP early on in his sobriety. He went from drinking hard liquor every day for six years, to a student in 14 Augsburg Now “People were complimenting my work, and the owner gave me free reign to do what I wanted,” McGinn said. “I thought— I’m really good at this. What are my ideas? What do I want to do? Well, I make really good cold brew. People love my cold brew. And I was like, ‘Why am I not doing this for myself?’” So he did. McGinn now co-owns and runs artisan coffee shop Quixotic Coffee in St. Paul. His branded coffee, Blackeye Roasting Co., comes in three varieties on tap—a signature blend called “Blackeye Brew;” a nitro blend called “Left Hook;” and currently under production, a nitro Guinness, which is similar in texture and flavor to a creamy stout. Currently, you can find Blackeye Brew bottled and sold at select local retailers, but soon it’ll be distributed nationally. Blackeye Brew coffee is also kegged and served in many area restaurants, on college campuses, and even in Twin Cities workplaces. AUGGIE VOICES Summer 2015 15 AUGGIE VOICES Watch McGinn discover his passion for coffee at augsburg.edu/now. 16 Augsburg Now Wake up and smell the coffee. Q: You serve a nitro blend at Quixotic. What is that? A: Nitro cold brew is coffee infused with pure nitrogen. It’s stored in a keg and served on draft for a cascading, foamy, and velvety ice-cold drink. Q: What’s the difference between iced coffee and cold brewed? A: Iced coffee is just hot coffee that’s been brewed with twice as much ground coffee, then poured over ice. Cold brewed coffee is ground coffee that’s been steeped in cold water overnight. Q: So does cold brew have a different taste? A: Yes. When you brew coffee hot you get a lot of acidity due to the chemical reaction. When you brew it cold, you don’t get the acidity. In fact, there’s 67-93 percent less acidity in cold brewed coffee—and two times the caffeine. Q: So you roast your own beans. Is the origin of coffee beans important? A: Absolutely. Most of our coffee beans are from Africa and Central America. The coffees we select from Africa are bright and floral and have more character. The coffees we get from Central America have chocolaty notes. We blend the two for a perfect balance, so they’re not too tangy or fruity. StepUP® at a glance StepUP at Augsburg College is a residential collegiate recovery program focusing on helping students sustain their recovery, achieve academic success, and thrive in a community of accountability and support. • More than 700 students served since 1997 • 93 percent average abstinence rate • 100 students served annually • 3.2 average GPA Learn more at augsburg.edu/stepup Summer 2015 17 Augsburg College held back-to-back Commencement ceremonies May 2-3. The College welcomed nearly 4,000 people to campus who celebrated the achievements of the Class of 2015, gathered as family and friends, and participated in Augsburg’s unique approach to the centuries-old tradition of graduation. COMMENCEMENT MEMORIES BY LAURA SWANSON ’15 MBA A s one of life’s “big days” alongside events like a wedding or the birth of a child, it’s common for a commencement to be a memorable experience that people can recall for years—and even decades—afterward. Yet, of the thousands of attendees at this year’s ceremonies, it is unlikely that any two people will retain exactly the same event details in the same way. Why is that? Naturally, it’s due to the fact that each person’s process of making and recalling memories is complex. Augsburg College professor and cognitive psychologist Bridget Robinson-Riegler helped illuminate how and why people remember the standout days in their lives in accurate—and inaccurate—ways. Bridget Robinson-Riegler Augsburg professor and cognitive psychologist What makes a commencement day memorable? Uniqueness. Emotion. Cognitive psychologists have found that the most distinctive life events also are the most likely to be remembered. For many people, participating in a commencement ceremony is the type of occasion that only happens a few times over the course of their lives, such as when they complete high school, college, a graduate program, or attend a graduation event for a child or loved one. The event as a whole is unique and so are particular elements of the day. For instance, contemporary Augsburg graduates process to the commencement ceremonies by walking down 7 ½ Street, which is lined with faculty members applauding the graduates’ achievements. This type of event is so unique that the experience likely will form a memory that persists over time, according to Robinson-Riegler. Just as distinctive events are more likely to be remembered, occasions that are laden with emotion also make their mark. The two parts of the brain that serve in memory-making include the amygdala, which is responsible for the emotion of a memory, and the hippocampus, which is responsible for creating the coherent story of a memory. People are likely to remember many of the feelings they experienced on a commencement day because it’s a time of high emotion and maybe even some stress. While graduation is not stressful in a traumatic sense, there’s a lot of excitement associated with the event, which accentuates the activation of the amygdala. Then, because the amygdala is functioning at a relatively high level, a person remembers much of the emotion of a commencement. 18 Augsburg Now “Ten or 20 years into the future, you remember some of the day’s details— some of the big things about it—but it may be easier to remember how you felt,” Robinson-Riegler said. Timing. When an event occurs also affects a person’s ability to remember it. For many traditional undergraduates, graduation falls at a time in life known as the “reminiscence bump,” the period that spans approximately from age 10 to age 30 when things are most remembered. “As we age, things become more routine, so what stands out are things that are distinctive in your life,” Robinson-Riegler said. “The things that you talked about, that you spent a lot of time rehearsing or explaining—the events like graduations and weddings—those are things that are better remembered.” What affects the accuracy of memory? Despite the memorability of unique and emotional moments, the accuracy of our memories is not always reliable. One of the reasons memories change over time is that people come into contact with new situations that shape their recollection of the past. “None of us really should trust our memories as much as most of us do; the gist of our memories is often accurate, but the details of exactly what happened are often inaccurate,” Robinson-Riegler said. Graduation is an interesting event to recall because there’s not a lot of “cross-contamination” of memory from the event happening repeatedly, but there are disturbances in memory caused by outside influences. For instance, people have what’s known as “schematic knowledge” about what graduations entail. Due to popular culture, a person who has never attended a graduation may be able to explain what happens at the celebration because the event typically follows a formulaic structure that includes listening to speeches, watching graduates walk across a stage, and so on. In addition, people’s memories about past events can become skewed by the individuals they interact with later and the discussions that follow. Graduations might spur conversations with friends and family that help a person “fill in the gaps” where their own memories have faded, according to Robinson-Riegler. “Think about how easy it would be for someone to infuse a memory from what someone else said about graduation, and suddenly it becomes your memory so you have no idea what the reality is,” she said. In addition to pulling outside comments into your memory pool, commencement recollections can be influenced by the photos and other artifacts from the day that a person comes across later. “If you see pictures of the graduation ceremony, those things get into your head, so to speak, as you reconstruct your memory based on several different components,” Robinson-Riegler said. Ultimately, when Auggies of all ages think back on their commencement experiences, those memories are shaped by myriad factors, but it’s the outcome of the education that persists over time and can be counted upon for the remainder of their lives. And, while college memories may fade and change over time, they still serve several purposes—one of the best being to make us smile. Summer 2015 19 Augsburg College hits $50 million campaign goal for new, signature academic building Augsburg College has successfully surpassed the $50 million mark in its capital campaign for a unique, interdisciplinary academic building that brings together science, business, and religion. The campaign—the largest in the College’s history— met its goal a year in advance of the original schedule. With the campaign fundraising milestone achieved, the Augsburg College Board of Regents approved moving forward with the next stage of architectural and construction design for what will be the College’s state-of-the-art, signature academic building. Once that design work is completed, the Board will set a timeline for groundbreaking and construction. The College already has begun the planning and preparation necessary to make the new building a reality. Examples of this collaborative effort include the following: • A Board-designated project leadership team is selecting an architect who will work with the College to verify that the building meets the needs of academic programs in order to create detailed interior and exterior drawings. • Augsburg readied the future site of the building by razing two existing houses on 21st Avenue South. (See page 7.) • Faculty members are using grant funds to design new, interdisciplinary courses and to revise existing classes to better integrate the science, business, and religion subject areas. Anderson Residence Hall Urness Tower Luther Hall N Mortensen Hall Old Main Christensen Center Sverdrup Hall Memorial Hall Lindell Library 20 Augsburg Now Find campaign news and building updates at augsburg.edu/CSBR. IT TAKES AN AUGGIE Graphics by Mark Chamberlain Summer 2015 21 “Individuals matter in stopping the spread of disease because disease has no boundaries ... I have made it a personal goal to advocate for the development of generic medications for infectious diseases that unfairly affect the developing world.” —Anika Clark ’14 22 Augsburg Now Unique research experience draws faculty-student duo to East Africa and Capitol Hill BY STEPHANIE WEISS ho gets pooped on by chimpanzees, zig-zags through a mountainous forest to elude elephants, and has been recognized by members of the U.S. Congress for her impressive research? The first undergraduate student from the United States ever invited to study the world’s largest known community of chimpanzees and to gather research data to build a foundation for understanding how human diseases—including Ebola—can be transmitted to and move through the animals. By gathering data to model how disease spreads through the nearly 200 chimps in the Ngogo community in Kibale National Park in Uganda, Anika Clark ’14 may be able to help identify and develop vaccination plans to protect this and other groups of chimpanzees from being devastated by transmissible human diseases for which the chimps have no resistance. Clark, a biology major, spent four weeks in Africa doing field research under the direction of Kevin Potts, a biology instructor at Augsburg and one of the nation’s leading primatology experts. His studies on chimpanzee conservation, food, habitat, and foraging behaviors are featured in some of the world’s most prestigious primatology journals. Potts earned his master’s and doctoral degrees from Yale University and studied under the Yale faculty who founded the Ngogo Chimpanzee Project in Kibale National Park. It’s through his decades-long study of chimpanzees, in which he’s watched some members of the animal group go from juveniles to adult leaders, and his deep professional and personal relationships with the project’s founders that he was able to invite Clark to conduct research on this unique group of chimpanzees. Summer 2015 23 Undergraduate research—an opportunity for hands-on practice of skills helpful to science majors and necessary to succeed in graduate school—is an important part of an Augsburg College education and is evidence of how the College lives out its vision of educating for lives of purpose. Clark was among nearly 100 Augsburg students who conducted summer research in 2014, spending many hours in the lab and in the field to solve complex problems. Fieldwork is grueling. “You have to be physically and mentally alert at all times,” Clark said of the work she did in Uganda. “Elephants can be in the forest. You have to move away from them quickly … once I zig-zagged down a mountain ravine to get away.” The work also can be very, very dirty. Even gross. “Once, a chimpanzee in the canopy pooped on me and my field notebook,” Clark said. But she wasn’t deterred. Potts acknowledged the physical demands of fieldwork. He said it’s not uncommon for researchers—including graduate-level researchers—to burn out after a few weeks, especially in places as rugged as Ngogo. Clark was up and in the field by 7 a.m., walking for miles and as many as 10 hours per day in the forest to find where chimps were feeding so she could gather her data. Clark’s research is unique because she is creating a baseline for understanding how infectious diseases spread in the largest group of chimpanzees on Earth. While some other researchers are trying to understand dispersal of illness among chimpanzee troupes of about 65 individual animals, nobody else is seeking to explain how disease moves through Ngogo’s population of nearly 200 individuals. “Chimpanzees are strange among mammal species,” Potts said. “Unlike most other mammals, chimps that make up one social group rarely are together all at the same time. Instead, on a day-to-day basis, small foraging parties go out to look for food, and members of groups can change daily.” This means that unlocking how an infectious disease spreads is complex because chimps don’t interact consistently with the same community members day after day. Unraveling this mystery may allow people to protect chimps from transmissible human diseases for which the animals have no immunity. An Ebola vaccine for chimpanzees is in development and could feasibly be used on wild chimps in the near future. But vaccinating all the chimps would be prohibitively expensive and logistically impossible. 24 Augsburg Now “If we can identify a few individuals who are disproportionately gregarious and, therefore, more likely to spread a disease to others, we can target them for vaccines and stop an outbreak,” Potts said. Uganda’s forests may depend upon this understanding, too, since chimps are prolific distributors of seeds from the tree fruits that they eat and thereby ensure reforestation and new growth. Clark’s grit in the field and outstanding achievements in the classroom have garnered attention in the nation’s capital. Last spring, she was selected to present at Posters on the Hill in Washington, D.C. This annual event highlights outstanding undergraduate research and was a chance for 60 selected students from more than 800 applicants to meet with policymakers and lawmakers, including U.S. Sen. Keith Ellison of Minnesota. “Anika’s work stood up exceptionally well against top-tier student researchers from across the nation, and I hope she sees how talented she is,” Potts said. “This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to present scientific results directly to those who implement policy based upon science.” Clark is applying her resolve to working as a medical scribe at three different hospitals. At one of the hospitals, Clark serves as lead scribe, a leadership role that includes responsibility for recruiting other top pre-health students to work as scribes. Clark’s determination to excel is further readying her for the challenge of applying to medical schools, her next step toward fulfilling her goal of one day working for Doctors Without Borders. Through Doctors Without Borders, an internationally renowned humanitarian organization that provides assistance to countries overwhelmed by armed conflict, epidemics, natural disasters, and malnutrition, Clark will have the opportunity to use her talents and gifts to alleviate some of the world’s greatest global health problems. The organization also is recognized for its dedication to serving people who experience neglect and discrimination from local health systems. “Individuals matter in stopping the spread of disease because disease has no boundaries. The world is connected through trade, aviation, and immigration,” Clark said. “I have made it a personal goal to advocate for the development of generic medications for infectious diseases that unfairly affect the developing world. An infectious disease in one part of the world must be considered a global threat.” As Clark turns her sights toward medical school and a future serving as an international doctor of medicine, other Auggies will head into the lab and field with faculty to unravel problems and seek solutions to better our shared world. While Auggies have worked to protect chimpanzees from infectious diseases in Uganda’s Kibale National Park, these animals also face constant threats from poaching. Visit augsburg.edu/now to learn more about chimps and how you can help in their conservation. The field journal of Anika Clark ’14 carries the mark of a chimpanzee encounter. Clark trekked many miles through sometimes muddy forests in these shoes. A solar sun shower was the closest to a hot shower Clark got while in Uganda. Biology instructor Kevin Potts uses his own codes and shorthand to track information on chimpanzees. Summer 2015 25 BY CHRISTINA HALLER Augsburg student travels 900 miles in search of answers The last thing studio arts major Indra Ramassamy ’17 thought she’d get out of her course, Women and Art, was a life-changing trip and lasting friendship with an established artist. But it just so happened that Augsburg’s commitment to experiential education fostered a memorable experience for Ramassamy and cultivated skills that will prove useful throughout her life. Ramassamy, an international student from Paris, was assigned to choose an object from Augsburg’s permanent collection of art and complete a research project resulting in a final paper, a speech, an installation, and a curatorial file. Ramassamy was drawn “Augsburg expects us to discover to a print by Nilda Getty things. We are encouraged to make called “Psychic,” one work deep connections with people, to find in a five-piece series titled, new ways to problem-solve, to make a “Life Series.” difference.” “What drew me to this —Indra Ramassamy ’17 print was a sort of ‘motion’ around a white circular shape—to me, it represented the moon,” Ramassamy said. “We can see six female figures around the shape, but there is a possibility that these female figures might actually be one person at different moments.” A little persistence goes a long way In researching the piece, Ramassamy found that biographical information about the artist was limited. She was, however, able to locate and contact an art gallery where Getty had once exhibited. The art gallery contacted Getty about Ramassamy’s inquiry, and within a week, they were speaking regularly on the phone for Ramassamy’s project. A few weeks later, Getty and her son, Leslie, contacted Ramassamy and invited her to Colorado, offering to fly her out so she could complete her assignment. Ramassamy gladly accepted. “It was about a lot more than the paper,” she said. “Through phone conversations and an exchange of emails, I had already made a connection with Nilda and was beyond excited to meet her.” Leaving a lasting legacy A few weeks later, Ramassamy was on a flight from Minneapolis to Fort Collins, Colorado, for a 48-hour stay. While there, Ramassamy toured Getty’s studio, met Getty’s family, learned how to use metalsmithing tools, and studied Getty’s artwork—from silk prints to photographs, metalwork to jewelry. She also visited Colorado State University where Getty taught metalsmithing in the Art Department. When Ramassamy asked Getty about “Psychic,” Getty said the white circle represented both the world and the universe. But the artist also explained that it doesn’t matter what she thinks of the piece. What is important to Getty is the viewer’s experience with the art and the relationship formed with it. Ramassamy was inspired by Getty’s work, by her outlook on art and life, and by her warmth and spirit. “One of the sweetest things was when Nilda told me her ‘greatest works of art are her children’—and she also asked me a lot about my own mom,” Ramassamy said. “I believe Nilda’s legacy will be what her children go out into the world and achieve.” An Augsburg education is shaped by its global settings Ramassamy is grateful to Augsburg for the whole experience. “There’s a culture at Augsburg to go the full extent—do as much as you can,” she said. “Augsburg expects us to discover things. We are encouraged to make deep connections with people, to find new ways to problem-solve, to make a difference.” And that’s exactly what Ramassamy did. 26 Augsburg Now MY AUGGIE EXPERIENCE FUN FACTS ABOUT AUGSBURG’S PERMANENT COLLECTION OF ART MOST FAMOUS? Andy Warhol’s “Liz” LARGEST? Henry Lande’s minimalist sculpture, 24 Elements, stands outside between Urness Tower and Christensen Center at 33 feet tall. BEST-TRAVELED? A photograph of Gerda Mortensen vanished from Mortensen Hall (more than once) and reappeared at St. Olaf College. MOST GENEROUS DONORS? Don and Dagny Padilla, avid art collectors, who gave dozens of pieces to Augsburg’s permanent collection of art, including Nilda Getty’s “Psychic.” AVAILABLE IN TWO SIZES? Jakob Fjelde’s life-size marble bust of Augsburg’s third president, Sven Oftedal, and Fjelde’s small-scale plaster copy, a recent gift from Melinda and Jim Kohrt. Summer 2015 27 ALUMNI NEWS INTRODUCING NEW ALUMNI BOARD MEMBERS Six Auggies―successful in business, mentorship, leadership, and advocacy for the College recently were elected to threeyear terms on the Augsburg College Alumni Board. New members: Cyrus Batheja ’08, ’10 MBA Mary Prevost ’12 MBA National corporate director, UnitedHealth Group Owner, MJP Strategic Communications Hannah Dietrich ’05 Howie Smith ’80 Principal planning analyst, Hennepin County Department of Community Corrections and Rehabilitation Manager, talent development, Ameriprise Financial Services Jay Howard ’03 Take a moment to read a few of the reasons why these new representatives are excited to be part of the Alumni Board. Go to augsburg.edu/now for more information. Director of global sales, Innovative Computer Software Chau “Tina” Nguyen ’08 Project analyst, U.S. Bank 28 Augsburg Now ALUMNI BOARD Back Row [L to R]: Adrienne (Kuchler) Eldridge ’02, Sarah Grans ’01, Howie Smith ’80, Jay Howard ’03, Rick Bonlender ’78, Greg Schnagl ’91, Nick Swanson ’09, Patricia Jesperson ’95 Front Row [L to R]: Marie (Eddy) Odenbrett ’01, Hannah Dietrich ’05, Jill Watson ’10 MBA, Meg (Schmidt) Sawyer ’00, Melissa (Daudt) Hoepner ’92, Chris Hallin ’88, Adriana Matzke ’13, Rachel (Olson) Engebretson ’98, Chau “Tina” Nguyen ’08, Mary Prevost ’12 MBA Not Pictured: Cyrus Batheja ’08, ’10 MBA; Sharon Mercill ’09; Jordan Moore ’12 MBA; Brent Peroutka ’02; Nick Rathmann ’03; Tracy (Anderson) Severson ’95 If you have ideas for alumni involvement, email the Alumni Board at alumni@augsburg.edu. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8 ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME RECEPTION AND CEREMONY 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Honor the 2015 Athletic Hall of Fame inductees. HOMECOMING 2015 OCTOBER 8-10 REUNION CLASSES Silver Auggies and 60th Reunion—1955 50th Reunion—1965 40th Reunion—1975 25th Reunion—1990 10th Reunion—2005 For Homecoming this year, let’s come together and revel in our Augsburg connections with great events all weekend long. Alumni, families, and friends are all invited to this celebration of our shared Augsburg experience. Registering for Homecoming is easier than ever with an allaccess pass. One $40 pass admits you to all events. Register to guarantee your spot. The price increases to $50 after September 8. Go to augsburg.edu/homecoming to register. FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9 HOMECOMING CONVOCATION AND DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARDS 10 to 11:30 a.m. Recognize the First Decade, Spirit of Augsburg, and Distinguished Alumni award recipients. HOMECOMING AND REUNION CELEBRATION LUNCHEON 12 p.m. Celebrate this year’s distinguished award recipients and the newest inductees into the 50-Year Club from the class of 1965. AUGGIE HOURS 6 to 8:15 p.m. Join the all-class Auggie happy hour. HOMECOMING FIREWORKS 8:30 p.m. SATURDAY, OCTOBER 10 Join Homecoming co-chairs Jacquie Berglund ’87 and Devean George ’99 for Augsburg alumni’s favorite weekend of the year. “Connecting with folks you haven’t seen in such a long time is just heartwarming.” Jacquie Berglund ’87, 2014 Spirit of Augsburg award recipient HOMECOMING AND REUNION BREAKFAST 8 to 9:20 a.m. HOMECOMING CHAPEL 10 a.m. TASTE OF AUGSBURG 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Family fun takes over Murphy Square park with carnival-style booths, great food, student groups, and games. HOMECOMING FOOTBALL GAME VS. UNIVERSITY OF ST. THOMAS 1 p.m. AUGGIE BLOCK PARTY 3:30 to 6 p.m. Enjoy live music, s’mores, and a post-game social hour. ALUMNI NEWS THE YOUNG ALUMNI COUNCIL The mission of the Young Alumni Council is to provide opportunities to engage young alumni through planning and hosting networking, fundraising, and volunteering events and programs. In May, Auggies joined the Rev. Mike Matson ’06 and his congregation during an annual rummage sale at Bethany Lutheran Church in the Seward neighborhood of Minneapolis. This summer the Young Alumni Council hosted a sold-out gathering at a St. Paul Saints game in June and an evening at Canterbury Park in July, bringing more than 600 Auggies together. If you’ve graduated within the past 10 years and are interested in joining this growing group of active alumni, contact Katie Radford ’12, volunteer and alumni engagement manager, at radford@augsburg.edu. FINAL EVENT OF THE SEASON Summer Series: On Tap Monday, August 10 5:30 to 8 p.m. | Surly Brewery Build your Auggie network and learn how fellow alumni are fulfilling their vocations today. Appetizers and two drink tickets provided. Tickets: $10 To register, call 612-330-1085 or visit augsburg.edu/alumnievents. To learn more about the Young Alumni Council members, go to augsburg.edu/now. Courtesy Photo Buy a brick. Honor a friendship. “We came together to buy a brick in honor of the strong friendships we formed at Augsburg and the memories we continue to make among our families.” –Brittany Jakubiec ’96 There is still time to participate in the campaign for the Center for Science, Business, and Religion! Buy a brick as a tribute to the bonds that helped to create your Augsburg story. 30 • Augsburg will inscribe a brick with your name, the name of someone you’d like to honor, or a special message. • Each brick will be displayed in the CSBR, creating a lasting legacy for the future of the College. • Augsburg alumnae from the class of 1996 support the Center for Science, Business, and Religion. You will receive official recognition of your participation in this program. • Front Row [L to R]: Brittany (Lynch) Jakubiec, Jennifer (Cummings) Ackland, Wendy Laine, Brooke (Manisto) Reseland. Back Row [L to R]: Connie (Arndt) Clausen, Stephanie Harms, Jodi Monson, Natasha (Solberg) Sheeley. The first 500 to buy a brick will receive a VIP invitation to the CSBR dedication. Foundation Brick (40 characters, 3 lines) = $250 Legacy Brick (80 characters, 6 lines) = $500 Augsburg Now augsburg.edu/csbr | 612-330-1085 ALUMNI NEWS A mix of current students, alumni, and former faculty serve as the backup band for one of the Midnimo artists. Somali-British musician Aar Maanta (far right) practices with musicians [L to R]: Kyle Burbey ’15, Steve Herzog ’06, Andy Peterson ’05, and Ben Somers. BEHIND THE MUSIC Auggie backup band’s role helps bridge cultures and generations Augsburg College students, alumni, and faculty have helped bring a cuttingedge musical partnership to life by performing alongside the rising voices of the Somali music scene and even some “super stars.” Midnimo was awarded one of six $200,000 grants from the highly competitive Building Bridges: Campus Community Engagement program by the Association of Performing Arts Presenters funded by the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and the Doris Duke Foundation for Islamic Art. Midnimo, the Somali word for “unity,” is a two-year partnership between Augsburg and the Cedar Cultural Center to bring Somali artists to Minnesota for educational residencies and concerts. This unique opportunity is supported by a prestigious $200,000 grant award and a number of Auggies—including Faculty Emeritus Bob Stacke ’71—whose crosscultural relationship building and love for performance set the stage for a truly intergenerational, intercultural musical immersion. At concerts held through Midnimo, artists ranging from the pop collective North American Super Stars to SomaliBritish singer-songwriter Aar Maanta played alongside backup ensembles comprised of a mix of Auggie students, alumni, and former faculty whose own musical gifts and talents helped make Midnimo a critically acclaimed program. For many of the Auggies, participating in Midnimo has offered the opportunity to join a partnership that’s the first of its kind in the nation and to do what they love best: play. Bob Stacke ’71, retired associate professor of music, is known and respected for his crosscultural percussion performances. Stacke’s deep musical connections were critical in forging the partnership between the College, the Cedar Cultural Center, and visiting artists. Steve Herzog ’06 [pictured, right] was selected by Bob Stacke ’71 to write and arrange the music for Midnimo visiting artists. Herzog often has needed to transcribe and arrange music in less than a week. Through this work, Herzog has been inspired to develop a program for engaging Somali youth in the advancement of Somali music. He’s also pursuing a master’s degree in education at Augsburg. See a clip of the band performing with Aar Maanta at augsburg.edu/now. Summer 2015 31 ALUMNI NEWS AUGGIES FIND LEADERSHIP IN inneapolis shoppers can find a little Auggie Pride in an unexpected location—a secondhand clothing store that is an active illustration of Augsburg College’s mission, which includes collaborating with others to serve the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood and providing students with hands-on learning opportunities. Sisterhood Boutique (2200 Riverside Ave., Minneapolis) has been a training ground for young, Cedar- the idea of opening a clothing store. Richardson, who in high school founded a secondhand clothing store through Youth Express, an after-school program in St. Paul, used her retail experience and business management training to help the women get started. First, she collaborated with a youth social entrepreneur coordinator, a store founder, and other interested young women to develop a paid internship program for the boutique. The program provides young Augsburg College alumnae Yasameen Sajady ’11 and Stella Richardson ’15 serve the Sisterhood Boutique. Riverside neighborhood women in entrepreneurship, business, community partnerships, and sustainable fashion since its opening in February 2014. Since then, 60 women ages 14 to 23 have participated as staff and interns, and two Auggies—Stella Richardson ’15 and Yasameen Sajady ’11—have played roles on the store’s leadership team. Two years ago, East African women in the Youth Social Entrepreneur Program at the Brian Coyle Center, a neighborhood resource and community center, began envisioning a way to empower young women in the area. The women worked with Richardson, then an intern at Brian Coyle Center, to explore 32 Augsburg Now East African women with professional development, peer-to-peer mentoring, and classroom training, followed by three months of employment in the store. The founders of the boutique also collaborated with Augsburg’s Director of Community Engagement Mary Laurel True, who has been integral to the store’s success. Community engagement for Auggies happens both on and off campus—and when True learned about the vision for a women’s entrepreneurial project in the neighborhood, she ensured that Augsburg joined with other community groups to make the innovative business venture a reality. True serves as the Augsburg liaison to the program, is a mentor for the staff and interns, and has been on the Sisterhood’s Advisory Committee since the beginning. Seizing the opportunity for realworld training, classes on campus got into the act. A group of Augsburg MBA students created a business plan for the store through a management consulting class project. Christopher Houltberg, assistant professor of art, led Sisterhood interns in a branding exercise and assisted with the design of a boutique logo; classes taught by Marc Isaacson, assistant professor of business, provided website recommendations; and, through clothing drives, Residence Life collected thousands of pounds of clothing to donate to the startup. Today, Augsburg alumna Sajady manages the Sisterhood Boutique. Sajady, a business marketing major, was hired last November through Pillsbury United Communities to lead Brian Coyle’s Youth Entrepreneur Program. Under her leadership as the operations coordinator, the Sisterhood Boutique has exceeded its social media and community engagement goals. The program is supported by Fairview Health Services, an institution that, like Augsburg, is committed to its role as a community partner. Fairview donated a vacant retail space to the Brian Coyle Center for workforce development. Additional donors and community partners include the Foundation of Minnesota, Sundance Family Foundation, Marbrook Foundation, and Women Investing in the Next Generation (WINGs) Fund of the Greater Twin Cities United Way. ALUMNI NEWS CULTURAL TRAVEL Courtesy Photos WITH AUGGIES A ugsburg organizes international tours for the College’s alumni, parents, families, and friends. Each customized trip is led by Augsburg faculty members whose distinction and expertise adds to a uniquely Augsburg experience. Celebrating Lutheran heritage in Germany and the Czech Republic Mark Tranvik and Hans Wiersma, Religion Department faculty members, host this journey through Germany and the city of Prague October 27-November 6, 2016, celebrating Lutheran heritage in honor of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Cultural immersion in Thailand and Cambodia English Professor Kathy Swanson, who is fluent in Thai, will lead this exploration through Thailand and Cambodia January 3-15, 2017. This voyage takes travelers to the Grand Palace, Wat Pho (the Reclining Buddha), and floating markets. It continues to Chiang Mai for elephant rides, an authentic cooking class, and volunteer work at a local orphanage. The journey concludes in Siem Reap at Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world. If you are interested in traveling with fellow alumni, contact Sally Daniels Herron ’79 at herron@augsburg.edu or 612-330-1525. To learn about Augsburg cultural travel opportunities, go to augsburg.edu/alumni/travel. Summer 2015 33 ALUMNI CLASS NOTES 1963 After serving as pastor of Faith Lutheran Church in Vista, California, since 1969, the Rev. Beryl Droegemueller retired in April. Over the course of his 45 years of shepherding the congregation, membership grew from 125 to more than 1,000. During those four decades, the church opened preschool, elementary school, middle school, and extended daycare programs. Droegemueller trained 37 pastoral interns through the church’s vicarage program and, in the early 1970s, worked with church members to develop a new mission church, Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran in Oceanside, California. He led Faith Lutheran through the construction of the sanctuary, a parish hall, an early childhood center, and offices. Together with members of the congregation, Droegemueller was instrumental in building a multi-level care retirement facility, now Rancho Vista retirement community, which was dedicated in 1981. When he talks about the projects and productivity, he points to his “very dedicated, creative, and hardworking members” and his staff. Along with his doctor of ministry degree, he earned a law degree, which he said was helpful in the many building projects. He assisted area churches with numerous legal challenges and served as circuit counselor and chairman of the Pacific Southwest District of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod board of directors. The Minnesota native entered Concordia Lutheran Seminary after a year of working for a bank and following graduation from Augsburg with a double major in history and English. Jean (Bagley) Humphrey married her husband, Roger, one week after graduation. Nancy (Bloomfield) Bottemiller and Ruth (Sather) Sorenson were her bridesmaids. The Humphreys moved to the Boston/Cambridge area where they lived in married student housing at the Massachusetts Institute of As a public relations expert, Kari (Eklund) Logan ’82 assists clients in raising awareness about topics that range from education to urban forestry and from financial services to the arts. At CEL Public Relations, Logan leads a media relations team and couples her talents in writing and networking to serve her clients. From the NOW@Augsburg blog. Visit augsburg.edu/alumni/blog to read more. Technology and had their two children. After five years, they moved to California where Roger’s first job was with Chevron Oil. They lived in California for 38 years. Nine Bagley children attended Augsburg including Robert Bagley ’58, who went on to Luther Seminary, and Yvonne (Bagley) Olson ’52, who lived with Gerda Mortensen and married Orville Olson ’52. 1967 Jerilyn (Bjugstad) Wibbens is the choral director of the NW Nordic Ladies Chorus of Everett, Washington. The group recently performed with other Nordic choruses in a Seattle-area celebration of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius. They sang “Finlandia” with the Seattle Symphony. In May, Robert and Sandra (Syverts) ’68 Benson were grand marshals for Trout Days in Preston, Minnesota. The Bensons remain active in this community where Bob served as a county judge. Bob (now retired) is a certified firearms instructor and a retired fireman. Sandra is the founder of the Preston Farmers Market. 1970 Ray Hanson is working for Goldbelt Raven as an assistant program manager for chemical forensics at the Department of Homeland Security’s Homeland Security Advanced Research Projects Agency. His role supports the Chemical and Biological Defense Directorate in Washington, D.C., which is developing forensic methods for detecting signatures for chemical threat agents. AUGGIE SNAPSHOTS 1982 Diane (Peterson) Kachel is now a clinical research manager for Metro Urology, the largest urology private practice network in Minnesota. In this newly created position within the organization’s management team, she is responsible for managing all aspects of the research program in addition to developing new research opportunities and scalable research infrastructure across multiple clinical sites and patient conditions. 34 Augsburg Now 2008 Jay Matchett ’08, ’13 MAL was named director of Our Neighbors’ Place, a social service agency, in River Falls, Wisconsin. The social service agency includes a day center, shelter for families, community closet, classes, and a successful backpack program. He cites Tim Pippert, associate professor of sociology, and Andy Aoki, professor of political science, as strong influences during his time at Augsburg. Matchett believes he truly has found his path to vocation. He would like to establish a partnership with Augsburg’s social work program so that Our Neighbors’ Place may serve as an internship site for current students. ALUMNI CLASS NOTES 1972 After more than 40 years of regional sales management and marketing for two Fortune 500 companies, James Piepenburg has retired and lives in the Phoenix metro area with his wife, Lucy. He has two great daughters, Krista and Jaime, along with son-in-law, Chris, and 12-year-old grandson, Nicolas. Currently, Piepenburg is doing parttime art consultation with Thomas Kinkade Art Gallery of Arizona. music therapy and has done additional study at Colorado’s Center for Biomedical Research in Music. 1988 Kiel Christianson is associate chair of the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Illinois, UrbanaChampaign. He is an associate professor of educational psychology, psychology, and linguistics, and he directs the EdPsych Curt Rice ’84 has been chosen to lead Norway’s largest university college, taking charge of Oslo and Akershus University College of Applied Sciences as rector on August 1. Rice received his undergraduate degree in philosophy from Augsburg. His wife, Tove Dahl ’84, is a professor at the University of Tromsø, Norway, and is the dean of Concordia Language Villages’ Norwegian camp, Skogfjorden. From the NOW@Augsburg blog. Visit augsburg.edu/alumni/blog to read more. John Sherman, sports editor of Sun Newspapers, has been inducted into the Minnesota State Football Coaches Hall of Fame. Sherman said he was truly honored to join the ranks of Stan Nelson ’43, Dave Nelson, Sid Hartman, Bronko Nagurski, and Ray Christensen in the Hall of Fame. Psycholinguistics Lab at the Beckman Institute of Advanced Science and Technology. In his spare time, he is a senior writer for the Golf Channel websites, where he writes about golf, golf travel, golf courses, and golf equipment. He lives in Mahomet, Illinois, with his wife, Jen, and their two children. 1978 1989 Steve Hoffmeyer is interim general counsel and executive director of the new Minnesota Public Employment Relations Board. He also teaches business law classes at the University of Phoenix campus in Minnesota and arbitrates labor cases outside of the state. 1979 Phil Madsen and wife, Diane, moved into the fitness business, opening their first Anytime Fitness franchise gym in July 2014 in Port Orange, Florida. A second gym will follow in nearby New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Phil says, “This is a wonderful opportunity. The franchise business model is sound, we interact with members in truly personal and lifechanging ways, and we get to improve our own health and fitness like never before.” 1982 Sandra (Walter) Holten, a music therapist who specializes in caring for people with Parkinson’s, was featured on Minnesota Public Radio in March for her work with Struthers Parkinson’s Center in Golden Valley, Minnesota. She has a bachelor’s in Leah (Parker) Maves graduated from Luther Seminary in May 2014 with a master’s in children, youth, and family ministry. She received her first call on December 22 to the Tomorrow River Lutheran Parish in Amherst and Nelsonville, Wisconsin. She was commissioned and installed on February 11 by Bishop Gerald Mansholt. 1991 Stephanie (Grochow) Trump has been elected to serve as the choral vice president of the Minnesota Music Educators’ Association. 1992 Todd Lange was honored with the Albert Lea (Minnesota) Area Schools’ 2015 Teacher of the Year award. He teaches high school English. Sharol (Dascher) Tyra is a professional certified coach and mentor for leadership development at Life Illumination Coaching. Tyra has been a mentor to Augsburg students since 2011. She will serve as president of the Minnesota charter chapter of the International Coach Federation, and she represented ICF Minnesota at four global leadership forums. 1998 Raylene Dale (Navara) Streed has been appointed executive director of the Minnesota Lions Eye Bank at the University of Minnesota. Streed has served in other leadership positions, including as interim executive director and technical director. Streed graduated from Augsburg with a bachelor’s degree in biology. 1999 Scott Hvistendahl manages the event department at the University of Northwestern-St. Paul, where he is a member of the football coaching staff. He enjoys being involved with football and having a chance to work with fellow coaches in developing players in a Christian environment as well as helping them to grow as men on and off the field. Hvistendahl and his wife, Alisha, have two children: Macey and Jordan. The couple met through an Augsburg staff member who knew Scott from football and Alisha through athletic training. Jenna (Bracken) Held ’05 is following in the footsteps of her mother, Jane (Catlin) Bracken ’71, by serving as a teacher and pursuing her love of working with children. Last year, after having taught fourth and fifth grade for eight years, Jenna switched to first grade at Lincoln Center in South St. Paul, Minnesota. She enjoys working in the community where she lives. She met her husband, Andrew Held ’05, at Augsburg and started to date him after doing homework together for Calculus II. They welcomed their third child in June. From the NOW@Augsburg blog. Visit augsburg.edu/alumni/blog to read more. Summer Spring 2014 2015 Fall 2014 17 35 37 ALUMNI CLASS NOTES Josh Krob ’08, ’15 MBA was granted a prestigious “Twin Cities Finest” award from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in recognition of his extensive community volunteer efforts and professional growth. A believer in the value of lifelong learning, Krob earned his MBA at Augsburg seeking to expand his understanding of how to be an effective leader. From the NOW@Augsburg blog. Visit augsburg.edu/alumni/blog to read more. 2001 Maggie Tatton was among those named “40 Under 40” honorees by The Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. This honor includes young business and community leaders from throughout the Twin Cities. Tatton is partner at Lindquist & Vennum, P.L.L.P. 2002 Brent Peroutka was featured in the Faribault (Minnesota) Daily News as a “40 Under 40” honoree for his community achievements and career in finance. A financial advisor at Comprehensive Wealth Solutions. Peroutka holds a business administration/finance degree from Augsburg. The best part of his day is helping his clients achieve their goals, he says. “We can make a difference each and every day, whether it’s at home, at work, or in the community.” with the Minnesota Department of Human Services to help improve the lives of those with disabilities. 2012 Lauren Grafelman is the 2015 Business Administration Scholar Award recipient at Hamline University. This award is given to the university’s top MBA student based on academic performance and leadership within the program. Grafelman was honored with this award at a graduation and recognition reception in May. 2013 Mike Lanski is in a long-term position with U.S. Bank. He also has started his second season with the Minnesota Twins, working as an usher, and he is in his 10th year with the Minnesota Wild in the same capacity. Madalyn Johnson is employed as a promotions assistant at 1500 ESPN Radio at Hubbard Broadcasting. Matt McGinn ’13 talks coffee on page 14. 2014 Janelle Holte was accepted into the U.S. Peace Corps and departed for Jamaica in March to serve as an agriculture extension volunteer. During the first three months of her service, Holte lived with a host family in Jamaica to learn the local language and integrate into the local culture. Holte will work with her community to identify resources and agriculture projects that can be developed and implemented to generate income. She also will facilitate training in farm management and work with schools to enhance and expand environmental education. Anika Clark ’14 discussed the research she conducted in Africa with lawmakers on Capitol Hill. See page 22. 2015 Ben Menzies graduated in May and is about to begin a master’s program at the University of Minnesota in integrated behavioral health. He and Shira Bilinkoff are looking forward to their wedding in fall 2016. 2008 Justin Reese has been named head football coach for Fridley (Minnesota) High School. A native of Houston, Texas, Reese earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education at Augsburg and went on to earn a master’s degree in sports management from the University of Minnesota. His vision for the Fridley football program is to inspire academic and athletic excellence in students by challenging them to achieve the highest level of personal development. 2010 Michael Polis was nominated for the “32 Under 32” awards. This honor was created in partnership with the Advertising Federation to recognize the top young Minnesota marketing and advertising professionals. 2011 Samantha Drost was appointed to the State Quality Council for a twoyear term. The council works in partnership 36 Augsburg Now Meghan (Armstrong) Peyton ’14 MAL is the head men’s and women’s cross country coach and assistant track coach at Augsburg College. Augsburg, she says, has opened her eyes in many ways. Her time at the College has shown her the joy of serving others and becoming a more thoughtful steward and responsible leader. She wants to continue to make a difference in the lives of future Auggie alumni. Peyton and her high school sweetheart, Cole, were married in 2010 and live in Richfield, Minnesota, with their pets. In 2008, she joined Team USA Minnesota, a post-collegiate distance training center that encourages holistic development. In 2013, she won the U.S. 20K Championship. You can “track” her successes and find her personal best records at meghanpeyton.com. From the NOW@Augsburg blog. Visit augsburg.edu/alumni/blog to read more. GRADUATE PROGRAMS Kathy Rumpza ’05 MAL has taken a position with the University of Minnesota as lead of the Creative Services team in University Relations, the central marketing office. She works closely with the university’s brand. Anna Coskran ’09 MBA has been named a principal of NTH, a Twin Cities real estate and project management firm where she has worked since 1998. With more than 15 years of real estate experience, she has worked with a diverse array of clients including The Minneapolis Foundation, the Star Tribune, and Xcel Energy. AUGGIE SNAPSHOTS 2001 Hilary English Crook and her husband, Jacob Seljan, welcomed Lovisa Emily Seljan on March 30. Both Lovisa and big brother, Britton, are sporting their Augsburg gear! Chris Wolf ’09 MAN was named chief nursing officer of a medical element of the Minnesota Air National Guard. Jordan Moore ’12 MBA and his wife, Jen, became parents on March 27 with the birth of their daughter, Carla Jo. Jim Miles ’14 MBA recently published “Hero,” a middle grade novel. In addition to writing as a lifelong passion, “Hero” is the result of Miles’ MBA program. He came to Augsburg to learn how to give artistic projects the business legs they needed to walk and thrive. He named one of his supporting characters after Magda Paleczny-Zapp, associate professor of business. Magda Corbett originally was conceived as a minor character, but she quickly became a rather significant part of the story, which Miles considers the result of the influence of the name. For more information on “Hero,” go to coltonsilver.com. Submit a Class Note Please tell us about the news in your life—your new job, move, marriage, and births. Visit augsburg.edu/alumni/connect to submit your announcements. 2007 Sarah (Gilbert) Clay and her husband, Ryan, welcomed Oscar Leo Clay on March 19. 2010 Matt and Sarah (Thiry) Solberg celebrated their marriage on August 8, 2014. Auggies in the wedding party included maid of honor Hannah Thiry ’17, Emily Wiles, and Dan Thewis. 2012 Courtney Gamrath and J.P. Perpich were married on August 15, 2014. Summer 2015 37 In memoriam Ingeborg C. Garborg ’38, Grand Marais, Minnesota, age 94, on January 20. Euna G. Nelson ’50, Evansville, Minnesota, age 86, on March 18. James S. Carlson ’55, Richfield, Minnesota, age 88, on October 12. Darwin G. Thorbeck ’60, Charleston, South Carolina, age 76, on January 26. Bernice A. (Westman) Giguere ’39, Columbia Heights, Minnesota, age 97, on April 26. Kerman J. Benson ’51, Victoria, Minnesota, age 85, on January 13. Lyle I. Hunter ’55, Cathedral City, California, age 85, on September 27. James F. Redeske ’61, Golden Valley, Minnesota, age 75, on February 16. Karl I. Krohn ’41, Memphis, Tennessee, age 95, on February 7. John “Al” A. Johnson ’51, Maplewood, Minnesota, age 88, on January 7. Eileen M. (Wirkkunen) Thompson ’55, Astoria, Oregon, age 81, on January 23. Kay L. (Hanenburg) Madson ’62, Minneapolis, age 74, on January 21. Thelma (Sydnes) Monson ’41, San Diego, age 95, on April 27. Raymond V. Trochmann ’51, Ulen, Minnesota, age 93, on March 29. Laurayne R. (Helgerson) Solberg ’56, Stoughton, Wisconsin, age 91, on October 20. Paul R. Engwall ’64, Lakeville, Minnesota, age 75, on May 14. Philip “Phil” W. Rowberg, Sr. ’41, Chico, California, age 95, on March 24. Marion M. (Myrvik) Buska ’46, St. Louis Park, Minnesota, age 90, on January 18. Willard “Bud” W. Glade ’49, Dows, Iowa, age 94, on March 1. Georgette F. (Lanes) Ario ’50, Minneapolis, age 86, on January 17. Irving R. Burling ’50, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, age 87, on April 16. Bernice A. (Larson) Howell ’50, Beltsville, Maryland, age 89, on January 30. 38 Augsburg Now Elmer H. Hanson ’52, Elk Mound, Wisconsin, age 90, on February 24. Karl D. Puterbaugh ’52, Eagan, Minnesota, age 86, on March 22. Dennis H. Erickson ’58, Rochester, Minnesota, age 85, on March 10. Lorents J. Flak ’58, Santa Rosa, California, age 83, on March 8. Berton R. Hushagen ’53, Fergus Falls, Minnesota, age 87, on February 16. Jon W. Matala ’58, Carver, Minnesota, age 78, on March 15. Harold E. Peterson ’53, Bella Vista, Arkansas, age 89, on April 1. Ronald “Ron” J. Stave ’58, Minneapolis, age 83, on March 7. Gloria M. (Parizek) Thorpe ’53, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, age 84, on May 5. Nancy Bauman ’59, Rochester, Minnesota, age 78, on April 10. Lloyd A. Nelson ’54, Willmar, Minnesota, age 91, on January 27. James “Jim” A. Noble ’60, Grand Blanc, Michigan, age 76, on January 25. Wayne E. Myrvik ’64, Fergus Falls, Minnesota, age 72, on February 7. Gary E. Utoft ’64, Owatonna, Minnesota, age 72, on February 23. Kathryn “Kathy” A. (Lundby) Young ’64, Williamsburg, Virginia, age 72, on March 9. Lowell H. Asplund ’65, Butterfield, Minnesota, age 73, on February 6. Anita M. (Gransee) Christopherson ’65, Belle Plaine, Minnesota, age 71, on April 28. Neil C. Sideen ’65, Howard Lake, Minnesota, age 71, on March 6. Send us your news and photos Please tell us about the news in your life, your new job, move, marriage, and births. Don’t forget to send photos! (Digital photos must be at least 300 ppi or a 1 MB file.) For news of a death, printed notice is required, e.g., an obituary, funeral notice, or program from a memorial service. Send your news items, photos, or change of address by mail to: Augsburg Now Class Notes, Augsburg College, CB 146, 2211 Riverside Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55454, or email alumni@augsburg.edu. You can also submit news at augsburg.edu/alumni/connect. ______________________________________________________ Full name ______________________________________________________ Maiden name ______________________________________________________ Class year or last year attended ______________________________________________________ Street address ______________________________________________________ City, State, ZIP code Karen L. (Torkelson) Leverentz ’66, Stillwater, Minnesota, age 70, on February 7. Magdalen A. (Ardolf) Miller ’75, Silver Lake, Minnesota, age 91, on January 20. Richard “Rick” A. Niles ’67, Minnetonka, Minnesota, age 69, on March 6. Robert “Bob” A. Roberge ’77, Rochester, Minnesota, age 60, on March 7. Mary M. (Dolan) Peterson ’67, Parkers Prairie, Minnesota, age 69, on March 25. Eunice C. (Holmes) Johnson ’80, White Bear Lake, Minnesota, age 84, on February 28. Russell E. Ilstrup ’68, Buffalo, Minnesota, age 70, on March 21. Lori L. (Johnson) Rosenkvist ’81, St. Paul, age 55, on March 25. Ronald A. Nilsson ’68, Wheaton, Illinois, age 69, on January 9. Timothy J. Beck ’83, St. Paul, age 53, on March 30. Nancy E. Stevens ’68, Plymouth, Minnesota, age 68, on December 29. Jeffrey T. Miller ’94, Plymouth, Minnesota, age 52, on January 29. Ronald L. Danckwart ’72, Lake City, Minnesota, age 64, on February 25. Alfred “Al” A. Drears ’11, St. Paul, age 51, on March 24. James E. Ericksen ’72, Edina, Minnesota, age 68, on January 27. Max D. Bassinson ’17, Minneapolis, age 23, on March 7. Alan C. Kelsey ’73, St. Paul, age 63, on January 19. Professor Emeritus Jerry Gerasimo, Menomonie, Wisconsin, age 84, on April 4. Ronald “Ron” A. Hart ’75, Coon Rapids, Minnesota, age 62, on March 9. Longtime staff member Irene Steenson, Eden Prairie, Minnesota, age 102, on April 18. Is this a new address? q Yes q No ______________________________________________________ Home telephone ______________________________________________________ Email Okay to publish your email address? q Yes q No ______________________________________________________ Employer ______________________________________________________ Position ______________________________________________________ Work telephone Is spouse also a graduate of Augsburg College? q Yes q No If yes, class year___________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ Spouse’s name (include maiden name, if applicable) Your news: ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ q I know a student who is interested in attending Augsburg. The “In memoriam” listings in this publication include notifications received before May 20. Summer 2015 39 In memoriam Courtesy Photo JAMES E. ERICKSEN ’72 James E. Ericksen ’72, whose life was marked by his commitment to faith and passion for the arts, passed away in January at age 68, leaving Augsburg an unexpected and extraordinary bequest of more than $5 million. To honor his legacy, the majority of Ericksen’s gift will be designated to the Center for Science, Business, and Religion. Part of this gift will honor Ericksen’s faith and be directed to Christ Auditorium, the 80-seat classroom at the heart of the new building. In tribute to his love of music, a renovation to Sateren Auditorium and its lobby also will be named for Ericksen. His gift was one of the largest estate gifts in Augsburg’s history. “We wish so much that we could have thanked him during his lifetime,” said Heather Riddle, vice president of Institutional Advancement. Ericksen graduated from Minnehaha Academy in Minneapolis in 1964 and enrolled at Augsburg College that fall. While still a student, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Germany. Ericksen returned to Augsburg College after his service, finished his business administration degree with an emphasis in accounting, and graduated with the 139-member class of 1972. A history minor, Ericksen later told Augsburg staff that Carl Chrislock, remembered as one of Minnesota’s preeminent U.S. historians and a professor emeritus of history at the College, was one of Ericksen’s favorites. He returned to Augsburg College several times over the years to attend concerts, particularly those for which his piano instructors served as accompanists. A loyal public servant The entrance to the Sateren Auditorium lobby. 40 Augsburg Now After starting his career at Polaris, Ericksen worked as an auditor for the State of Minnesota Department of Revenue for 31 years before retiring in 2009. Along the way, he invested wisely and lived carefully. “Nobody knew much about him, including his family,” said his cousin, Robert Quick. But they knew he loved history, travel, and classical music—especially symphonies. In mid-life, Ericksen began piano lessons at MacPhail Center for Music, where he studied with Victoria and Dan Sabo for many years. Friend and piano instructor Janet Holdorf described Ericksen as “so sincere and ardent in his appreciation of music making.” He didn’t consider himself much of a musician, but he enjoyed learning and playing. His home was equipped with a large sound system and filled with carefully cared-for albums, many of them the symphonies he loved so much. Ericksen traveled often, venturing to France, Italy, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and elsewhere. He took long driving trips, eventually visiting nearly all 50 of the United States and taking time to explore each destination’s history. When he was at home in the Twin Cities, he attended Bible study at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. In his will, Ericksen remembered many family members, friends, and organizations dear to him. Doctor of Nursing Practice Master of Arts in Nursing Master of Arts in Education Master of Arts in Leadership Master of Business Administration (MBA) Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing Master of Music Therapy Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies Master of Social Work TAKE ADVANTAGE OF NEW ALUMNI AND FAMILY DISCOUNTS FOR GRADUATE DEGREES augsburg.edu/grad/discount GRADUATE PROGRAM TUITION DISCOUNT FOR ALUMNI Many of Augsburg’s current graduate students are alumni who earned their first degree at Augsburg and returned to pursue further education. Become a part of this growing group and take advantage of our Alumni Tuition Discount—a savings of $80 per credit! Auggie graduates who’ve earned a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree from Augsburg qualify for this alumni discount. Additionally, parents or spouses of alumni and current students are eligible to receive the Family Grant of $80 per credit on graduate programs. gradinfo@augsburg.edu | 612-330-1101 * This alumni discount also applies to Augsburg graduates who are currently Summer 2015Fall 2015. 25 enrolled in a graduate program at Augsburg effective Photo illustration by Stephen Geffre. Photos courtesy of D3sports.com and NCAA. 2211 Riverside Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55454 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Twin Cities, MN Permit No. 2031 Auggies win 12th national wrestling title The Augsburg College wrestling team claimed its record 12th NCAA Division III national championship, winning two individual national crowns and earning six All-Americans in the finals of the national tournament. Heavyweight Donny Longendyke ’17 [pictured, left] joined 125-pound back-to-back national champion Mike Fuenffinger ’15 [pictured, right] in earning top individual honors. Augsburg also swept the awards presented by the National Wrestling Coaches Association. Visit augsburg.edu/now to learn more about the College’s national tournament win.
Show less

Title: Augsburg Now Summer 2014: An Active Education
Collection: Alumni Magazine Collection
Search Result: The Class of 2014 reﬂects Grants gain ground Spotlight on research Faithful and relevant AN EDUCATION ACTIVE SUMMER 2014 | VOL. 76, NO. 3 INSIDE AUGSBURG NOW Vice President of Marketing and Communication Rebecca John ’13 MBA rjohn@augsburg.edu Director of Marketing Communication Kat...
Show more The Class of 2014 reﬂects Grants gain ground Spotlight on research Faithful and relevant AN EDUCATION ACTIVE SUMMER 2014 | VOL. 76, NO. 3 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 Director of News and Media Services Stephanie Weiss weisss@augsburg.edu NOTES FROM PRESIDENT PRIBBENOW An alternative narrative of higher education Our colleague, Harry Boyte, who heads Augsburg’s Center for Democracy and Citizenship, recently argued in The Huffington Post that America needs an alternative narrative of higher education, one that focuses not on meritocratic excellence, but on “cooperative excellence...[the] principle that a mix of people from highly varied backgrounds can achieve remarkable intellectual, social, political, and spiritual growth if they have the right encouragements, resources, challenges, and calls to public purpose.” And, as Harry further points out, we have the makings of this alternative story of higher education in institutions like Augsburg, with its rich heritage of faith, learning, and service. And so we do, as this issue of Augsburg Now so compellingly illustrates. You hear it in the stories our recent graduates tell about what they love about Augsburg—its people, its location, its diversity, its commitment to service and justice, its educational experience like no other. You hear it in the tributes to retiring faculty members like Donald “Gus” Gustafson and athletic legends like Edor Nelson ’38 and Ed Saugestad ’59—even as you read the accomplishments of this year’s distinguished teachers and scholars, future legends. You hear it in accounts of innovative theater programming, bringing together students from Augsburg and the University of Minnesota to perform a groundbreaking production of Peer Gynt at the university’s arboretum. You hear it in the voices of students and alumni sharing their vocational journeys, shaped in this remarkable community. The power of the Augsburg story is that it is not new—it is what I call “the saga of Augsburg” (see my recent essay, “Lessons on Vocation and Location: The Saga of Augsburg College as Urban Settlement” at augsburg.edu/president/presentations), a story that is grounded in our rich history as a college dedicated to the Lutheran Christian faith, to the power of a liberal arts education, to vocational discernment, and to our urban setting. And it is a story more relevant than ever, as it counters the ways in which higher education is viewed as a commodity to be purchased, a ticket simply to a successful career, a stepping stone instead of a firm foundation. Our society needs an alternative story about higher education in order to recover its soul. Augsburg offers such a story in both its history and its aspirations as a 21st century “student-centered urban university, small to our students and big for the world.” And now we need to recruit a corps of storytellers—good folks like you—who know this story well and are willing to stand with us to share it with the world. In our tradition, that is called evangelism. Will you join us? Integrated Communication Specialist/Augsburg Now Project Manager Laura Swanson swansonl@augsburg.edu Creative Associate Denielle Johnson ’11 johnsod@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 for Advancement Kim Stone stonek@augsburg.edu augsburg.edu Augsburg Now is published by Augsburg College 2211 Riverside Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55454 Opinions expressed in Augsburg Now do not necessarily reflect official College policy. ISSN 1058-1545 Faithfully yours, 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 summer 2014 AUGSBURG NOW Features 12 9 16 23 12 16 24 29 Faithful and relevant BY REBECCA JOHN ’13 MBA We love Augsburg EDITED BY LAURA SWANSON What is it? BY LAURA SWANSON Grants gain ground COMPILED BY STEPHANIE WEISS Departments inside front cover Notes from President Pribbenow 02 Around the Quad 09 My Auggie experience 15 Auggie athletics 23 Auggie voices 30 Alumni news 35 Alumni class notes 15 24 38 In memoriam 40 It takes an Auggie On the cover Each summer, Augsburg College students complete on-campus research activities across a wide range of academic disciplines. Learn about Auggies’ recent projects on page 24. Correction: The Spring 2014 issue of Augsburg Now included an archival photo of Science Hall as part of the My Auggie experience story. The caption accompanying the image should have noted that the building, in its early years, housed the home economics department in addition to the offices, laboratories, and rooms named. All photos and archival photo compilations by Stephen Geffre unless otherwise indicated. AROUND THE QUAD Excellence in teaching and learning Choir performs throughout Ireland The 2014 Distinguished Contributions recipients [L to R]: Shana Watters, Phil Adamo, and Stacy Freiheit. Each year, the Augsburg College faculty recognizes select colleagues with the Distinguished Contributions to Teaching and Learning awards—acknowledging those who have demonstrated outstanding support for students through teaching, advising, and mentoring. The 2014 recipients include: The Augsburg Choir delivered their annual Bon Voyage Performance May 2, then traveled to Ireland for an international tour. The group performed in Cork, Dublin, Limerick, and Newbridge; they also took time to visit the Rock of Cashel, Blarney Castle, and the Cliffs of Moher on Ireland’s rugged western coast. To read more about their trip, visit the students’ blog at engage.augsburg.edu/ augsburgchoir. EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING: Stacy Freiheit, associate professor of psychology “As a professor, [Stacy] ensures that she engages students in the material that she is teaching and makes it personal…She is very creative and open, and implements a multitude of methods to help students learn—from videos, to interviews, to live demonstrations.” —Amineh Safi ’14, psychology and political science major Day at the Capitol EXCELLENCE IN SCHOLARSHIP: Phil Adamo, associate professor of history and director of the Medieval Studies Program “[Phil] has an ability to fold students into his scholarship, providing them with rich and meaningful experiences that develop them as young scholars.” —Dixie Shafer, director of Augsburg’s Office of Undergraduate Research and Graduate Opportunity EXCELLENCE IN ADVISING AND MENTORING: Shana Watters, associate professor of computer science “[Shana] really shines. She is interesting; she is supportive; she has high expectations; she is fun. She takes her responsibility to her students very seriously, but never takes herself too seriously. As a result, she has been a remarkable mentor to many students, even those who have not chosen to pursue computer science.” —Carrie Shidla, Augsburg program manager and assistant director of academic advising 2 Augsburg Now Brid Henry ’16 meets Minnesota State Sen. Charles Wiger during the Day at the Capitol event. This spring, Augsburg Day at the Capitol gave students a voice in the important debate surrounding the Minnesota State Grant program. Augsburg students met with lawmakers and wrote letters advocating continued support for this important financial aid. City and state officials judge ‘The Great Economic Debate’ Courtesy of University of Minnesota Children’s Hospital at [L to R]: Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman, Minnesota Department of Commerce Commissioner Michael Rothman, and Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges. MASTER OF MUSIC THERAPY Augsburg’s music therapy program has provided students with a holistic approach to health care through music medicine since 1974. To build on that tradition, Augsburg is launching a music therapy graduate program in the Twin Cities beginning this fall. The Master of Music Therapy (MMT) program will engage students in life-changing experiences and experiential learning, and foster a holistic view of the use of music in health, healing, and well-being. For more information about the MMT, visit augsburg.edu/mmt. The Minnesota Urban Debate League (MNUDL)—a program of Augsburg College—in May hosted its second Mayor’s Challenge. Saint Paul Mayor Chris Coleman, Minnesota Department of Commerce Commissioner Michael Rothman, and Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges served as judges for a student debate resolving that the North American Free Trade Agreement has been beneficial for the economy of Mexico and the United States, specifically Minnesota. This spring, MNUDL also hosted its first Spanish Debate Invitational, a Spanish tournament for Twin Cities middle and high school students, as a way to make forensics available to more students and to help extend the reach of the positive work of MNUDL. Courtesy photo STROMMEN SPEAKERS SERIES This April, the Strommen Executive Speakers Series, which brings local business leaders to campus to share insight and expertise, featured Jon Campbell, executive vice president of Wells Fargo. With 36 years of banking experience at Wells Fargo, Campbell presented “Finding Vocation in Corporate Philanthropy,” touching on his career path, which has been characterized by a strong emphasis on community service. CONNECT. NETWORK. LEAD. Summer 2014 3 AROUND THE QUAD Honoring our retired faculty WILLIAM ARDEN DONALD “GUS” GUSTAFSON Assistant Professor, Business Administration Professor, History Joined the College – 2005 Education – bachelor’s, Gustavus Adolphus College; master’s and PhD, University of Wisconsin Education – bachelor’s, New York University; master’s, Northeastern University (Boston); MBA, Boston University “One of my most memorable experiences as a teacher was my first time in a classroom. I taught a graduate marketing course (at another institution) and walked out of class the first night saying, ‘I haven’t had this much fun in a job in a long time!’” Joined the College – 1961 Gustafson thrives most on the sheer delight of teaching— students from his classes usually remember Rasputin, Alsace-Lorraine, and Che Guevara. GRETCHEN IRVINE Assistant Professor, Education RUTH ENESTVEDT Joined the College – 1993 Assistant Professor, Nursing Education – bachelor’s, College of St. Teresa; master’s, University of Wisconsin-River Falls; PhD, University of Minnesota Joined the College – 1999 Education – bachelor’s, St. Olaf College; master’s and PhD, University of Minnesota “We assume that people are experts in their own lives. We provide useful, relevant service that respects what the person brings to the situation.” MARK ENGEBRETSON Professor, Physics Joined the College – 1976 Education – bachelor’s, Luther College; Master of Divinity, Luther Theological Seminary; master’s and PhD, University of Minnesota One of the most important features of Engebretson’s work is sharing it with his students. His research grants from NASA and the National Science Foundation have supported dozens of undergraduate student research opportunities that educate and motivate science students. 4 Augsburg Now “I believe in using the community as a research tool and bringing the community into the classroom through resource speakers. Respect for the unique characteristic of each student is essential.” JEFFREY JOHNSON Associate Professor, Physics Joined the College – 1985 Education – bachelor’s, master’s, MBA, and PhD, University of Minnesota Johnson likes to teach quantum physics and astronomy, which, he says, “allows me to give my students an appreciation of the wonder and weirdness of our universe.” ASHOK KAPOOR Associate Professor, Business Administration Joined the College – 1998 Education – bachelor’s and master’s, University of Delhi; master’s and MBA, University of Minnesota; PhD, Temple University “Augsburg is different from other institutions in that we have a vocational aspect to our education, which fits in with my thinking. I tell my students that they can do whatever they want, as long as they excel. They will then be happy in life.” DAWN LUDWIG Director and Assistant Professor, Physician Assistant Studies Program Joined the College – 1995 Education – bachelor’s, University of Colorado-Denver; master’s and PA Certificate, University of Colorado Health Science Center; PhD, Capella University One of the guiding principles in Ludwig’s approach to teaching is to help students maintain a focus on service to others, and to always be aware of how one good deed can bless another person’s life. ROBERT STACKE ’71 Associate Professor and Department Chair, Music Joined the College – 1990 Education – bachelor’s, Augsburg College; master’s, University of St. Thomas; PhD, University of Minnesota “I am very proud of the number of students who have a chance to be involved in Augsburg’s music program. One of the benefits of attending a liberal arts college is having the opportunity to perform even if you are not a music major.” Faculty Recognition Luncheon This spring, Augsburg celebrated the careers and contributions of retiring faculty members at the Faculty Recognition Luncheon. The event included a program and a display of recent scholarship and teaching materials. CELEBRATING STUDENT SUCCESS Scholarships and fellowships Augsburg students earned a range of prestigious accolades during spring semester, including the following: BARRY GOLDWATER SCHOLARSHIP Eric Bowman ’15, a biology and chemistry major and McNair Scholar, received an honorable mention in the Barry Goldwater Scholarship competition. The Goldwater Foundation provides $7,500 undergraduate scholarships to students who plan to pursue a research career in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathmatics) field, and the scholarship is the premier undergraduate award of its type in these fields. Bowman was one of only eight Minnesotans to receive an honorable mention this year. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP Sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program offers grants for U.S. citizen undergraduate students of limited financial means to pursue academic studies or credit-bearing, careeroriented internships abroad. Since 2008, 36 Auggies have been awarded a total of $150,000 from the Gilman International Scholarship. This spring, sociology and psychology major Pa-Loo Lor ’14 studied at Augsburg’s exchange partner, Hong Kong Baptist University. This summer, GaoSheng Yang ’14 studied and interned in Shanghai. She is an international relations major with a minor in management information systems. And this fall, biology major Fowsia Elmi ’15, international business and finance major Smeret Hailom ’15, and sociology major Ayan Khayro ’15 will study in Turkey; and music major Elizabeth Fontaine ’16 will study in Indonesia. HAWKINSON AWARD The Hawkinson Foundation for Peace & Justice has awarded Ibrahim Al-Hajiby ’14 the Vincent L. Hawkinson Foundation Scholarship. This scholarship was created by the Foundation to encourage students who have already demonstrated a 6 Augsburg Now commitment to peace and justice to strive for peace and justice both in their educational pursuits and in their personal and professional lives. KEMPER SCHOLARS PROGRAM Najma Warsame ’17, a communication studies student, was named the College’s fourth Kemper Scholar. Students in this prestigious program, which is funded by the James S. Kemper Foundation, receive academic scholarships and stipends to cover the costs of two summer internships in major nonprofit and for-profit organizations. Augsburg is one of only 16 U.S. liberal arts colleges with the Kemper Scholars Program distinction. NEWMAN CIVIC FELLOWS AWARD Vincent Henry ’15 was named a Newman Civic Fellow for 2014. The Newman Civic Fellow Award is a Campus Compact distinction recognizing students who—through service, research, and advocacy—work to identify the root causes of social issues and effective mechanisms for creating lasting change. PHILLIPS SCHOLARSHIP Each year, the Minnesota Private College Council awards six scholarships from the Jay and Rose Phillips Family Foundation of Minnesota to students who attend its 17 member institutions. This year, two of the six were awarded to Augsburg students Sagal Ali ’16 and Muna Mohamed ’15. Ali will work on a project that addresses the high risk of obesity and the rise of diabetes among Somali women, while Mohamed’s project will focus on engaging Muslim women in sports while honoring their religious and cultural beliefs. 2014 PRESIDENTS’ CIVIC ENGAGEMENT STEWARD AWARD The Augsburg student group Students for Racial Justice won the Presidents’ Civic Engagement Steward Award at the Minnesota Campus Compact Summit that took place this spring. This award recognizes those who have advanced their campus’s distinctive civic mission by forming strong partnerships, supporting civic engagement, and working to institutionalize a culture and practice of engagement. Student research awards and achievements ROSSING PHYSICS SCHOLARS STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN ZYZZOGETON 2014 Two Augsburg College students have been named Rossing Physics Scholars for 2014-15. Juan Tigre ’16 and Fikre Beyene ’16 will receive $10,000 and $7,000, respectively. The Rossing Fund for Physics Education Endowment in the ELCA Foundation was established in 2005 for physics majors at the 27 ELCA colleges. TRAVELERS EDGE SCHOLARS AND TRAVELERS INTERNSHIPS Stella Richardson Hohn ’15 and Lee Thao ’15 are interning in St. Paul and Hartford, Conn., respectively, as part of the Travelers Insurance Empowering Dreams for Graduation and Employment (EDGE) program. This program focuses on college recruitment and retention of low-income and firstgeneration students, and enhances awareness of careers in the insurance and financial industries. In Minnesota, the focus specifically is on students graduating from both the St. Paul and Minneapolis public school districts. Five additional Auggies—Lorreal Edwards ’16, Liban Elmi ’16, Lyton Guallpa-Naula ’16, Angela Hernandez ’16, and Seng Vue ’16—also will complete internships at Travelers Insurance in St. Paul. This group will participate in professional and leadership development workshops supported by the Kemper Foundation to prepare for their internship opportunity. VANN FELLOWSHIP Michelle Grafelman ’15, an Augsburg Presidential Scholar, was awarded the $5,000 Vann Fellowship in Biomedical Ethics at Mayo Clinic. As a summer fellow, she is working with physician and research mentors within Mayo’s Program in Professionalism and Ethics to examine issues such as end-of-life care, genetic therapies, and patient consent, among others. Zyzzogeton is an opportunity to hear about the exciting scholarship happening on campus. This year, more than 80 students presented their research and creative activity to the Augsburg community in the annual spring poster session, which is sponsored by the Office of Undergraduate Research and Graduate Opportunity (URGO), the McNair Scholars program, and the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP) program. SUMMER 2014 OFF-CAMPUS RESEARCH APPOINTMENTS This summer, several Auggie researchers will be building their skills to support graduate school admissions and careers in the sciences. • Elly Bier ’14—physics; National Institute of Standards and Technology • Weih Borh ’16—chemistry; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (LSAMP Summer Research Program) • Chris DeVet ’15—chemistry; CIMA Labs pharmaceuticals • Becca Freese ’16—biology and mathematics; University of Minnesota (Summer Institute in Biostatistics) • Kirubel Frew ’14—chemistry; working with Armon Sharei and Katarina Blagovic at Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, respectively • Cedith Giddings ’15—biology; University of Minnesota (CHE-CTSI Advanced Research Program and Undergraduate Research Program) • Michelle Grafelman ’15—biology; Mayo Clinic (Vann Fellowship in Bioethics) Summer 2014 7 CELEBRATING STUDENT SUCCESS • Daniel Hildebrandt ’15—biology and chemistry; Mayo Clinic (Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship) • Taylor Kuramoto ’15—mathematics; University of Tennessee, Knoxville (National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis) • Oscar Martinez ’16— chemistry; Scripps Research Institute in Jupiter, Fla. (Summer Undergraduate Research Fellows Program) • Bethany Marlette ’14—biology; Mayo Clinic • Yemi Melka ’15—chemistry and international relations; Friends Committee on National Legislation in Washington, D.C. • Lily Moloney ’15—chemistry; Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, Calif. (Summer Undergraduate Research Fellows Program) • Promise Okeke ’15—biology; Harvard Stem Cell Institute of the Harvard Medical School • Andrew Roehl ’15—chemistry; Colorado State University (Summer Research Experience for Undergraduates) • Ben Swanson ’15—chemistry; Northwestern University (Materials Research Science & Engineering Center) • Sadie Tetrick ’16—physics; Dartmouth College Physics Department 8 Augsburg Now POSTERS ON THE HILL Each spring, the Council on Undergraduate Research hosts its annual undergraduate poster session, Posters on the Hill, in Washington, D.C. At the event, students meet members of Congress, funding agencies, and foundations, and have the opportunity to advocate for undergraduate research programs. Summa cum laude English graduate Margo Ensz ’13 was among the top 10 percent of applicants selected to present and received an honorable mention for her URGO summer research project, “Analyzing the Persistence of a Sense of Place Among Young Adults in the Technology-Rich, A-Contextual 21st Century,” advised by Colin Irvine, Augsburg College associate professor of English. SCHOLARS AT THE CAPITOL During spring semester, Augsburg TRIO McNair Scholars Amineh Safi ’14 and David Fowler ’14 participated in the 11th annual Private College Scholars at the Capitol event. Each private college in Minnesota annually selects two students to attend the event and present their research. Safi’s research topic, “Racializing Islam: Newspaper Portrayal of Crime Involving Muslims and Islam,” is a descriptive content analysis examining how crimes involving Muslims are portrayed in the Star Tribune and the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Fowler’s research focused on methods for studying heart development and function in the model organism Daphnia magna. MY AUGGIE EXPERIENCE PEASANTS AND TROLLS, COLLABORATIONS AND CHALLENGES BY STEPHANIE WEISS ▲ Nearly 1,000 theatergoers visited the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum for Peer Gynt’s three-day run. The character of Peer Gynt was played by University of Minnesota student Joe Kellen. I ▲ Peer Gynt visits the troll kingdom in an attempt to marry the troll princess. Imagine it’s spring and you are at a site USA Today named as among the nation’s 10 greatest places in America to smell the flowers. You start to meander along a footpath that will lead you through a natural habitat of trees and ferns to rolling prairie and lowlands, all while birds sing after a long winter. As you round the corner from the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum’s visitor center, you come across a small homesteader’s cabin. It’s nestled among the trees. A group of people, dressed as peasants from the 1800s, bicker with one another. You’ve just walked smack into the middle of the set of Peer Gynt, a play by Henrik Ibsen, being performed by students from Augsburg College and the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. The site-specific performance—a production shaped by the unique place in which it is performed and that relies upon existing landscapes and features to serve as the stage and sets—was the first time the two schools collaborated and probably the first site-specific production of this ▲ [Top of page] An audience watches an opening scene from Peer Gynt, a production by Augsburg College and the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum’s historic Berens Cabin serves as the backdrop for dialogue between the Peer Gynt character and his mother, seated on the wheelbarrow. Summer 2014 9 said. “We thought the universe might like them to meet. We wanted to see new alliances formed and to create more opportunities for artistic intersections because theater and artists are best served when more and more connections can be made.” The staging of this classic Norwegian tale at a Minnesota landmark also was a testament to the academic excellence driven by Augsburg faculty and alumni who create multifaceted student-learning experiences. “Faculty know that in order to develop students’ abilities to think critically and to solve problems— essential 21st-century skills—we need to expose them to hands-on opportunities to work together, to interact with people who think differently from themselves, and to provide time to reflect upon and voice what they learn,” Engen said. STUDENTS CO-CREATE SCRIPT That multi-layered complexity drew students to the story. Boo Segersin ’15, an Augsburg theater major pursuing A children’s playground serves as the set for a scene in Peer Gynt. Existing landscape features are used to stage site-specific theater. ▲ scale for Twin Cities’ theatergoers. “This adaptation demanded new partnerships between schools and with many theater artists—puppeteers, movement specialists, musicians, [and] fight choreographers. We pummeled students with new experiences and gave the audience a spectacular performance,” said Darcey Engen ’88, associate professor and chair of Augsburg’s Theater Arts program. Collaborating with the University of Minnesota allowed Engen and her counterpart, Luverne Seifert ’83, to assemble the large cast required by the play: about 40 student actors in all. And the complexity of the script meant students would build new skills in collaboration, forge friendships, and nurture the beginnings of new professional networking relationships in the tightly connected world of Twin Cities theater. “It seemed odd to Darcey and me that each night there were groups of students creating all of this amazing artistic energy, and they were only three blocks away from one another,” Seifert minors in musical theater and Norwegian, said she was drawn in by the density of Peer Gynt. “I read the play over winter break and wondered how we could do it. It’s on mountains. It’s in mountains. There are trolls. Just the landscapes were a challenge in themselves,” Segersin said. The students worked with Sarah Myers, Augsburg College assistant professor of theater arts, to adapt the script and halve the length of the play. “I was nervous to work on the script, but one of the best parts was working— as a full cast—with Sarah to cut things down,” Segersin said. “We found the ‘red thread,’ the core storyline that runs through the script, and, with that, found our way.” That thread allowed the students to take the play from the three-hour adaptation by famed Minnesota poet Robert Bly to a compact 90 minutes that was accessible to newcomers of all ages but that remained engaging and challenging for seasoned theatergoers. It’s quite a feat when one considers that Ibsen’s original was a hefty seven hours. Boo Segersin ’15 (top) played the role of Solveig, a young woman who leaves her family and insists upon living with Peer Gynt in his hand-hewn cabin. The role of Peer Gynt’s mother, Åse, was played by Nikki Whittaker ’17 (bottom). ▲ 10 Augsburg Now ▲ Nearly 40 performers were involved in the Peer Gynt wedding scene. ▲ Students worked with professional master puppeteers to build and coordinate the movement of a giant raven puppet with a nearly 20-foot wingspan. NAVIGATING CULTURE, CAST, WEATHER, AND LANDSCAPE Wrestling with the script of the play—a story of loss due to procrastination and avoidance followed by redemption late in life—was just one of the challenges faced by students. They also had to identify features in the arboretum’s landscape that could serve as sets, deliver their lines in open-air scenes with acoustics affected by the landscape and ambient noises not usually present in a theater, and learn original music, all while getting to know the culture and student performers from another school. Then there were the logistics for which no planning can be done. “Because of the variables involved, site-specific theater provides attendees the chance to see what is a once-in-alifetime performance and to leave having been an active traveler in the play,” Engen said. “For performers, there’s a textured chaos that you can’t plan for and that forces you to think fast and improvise within boundaries. It leaves you exhausted and exhilarated at the end.” Being faced with those challenges was just what Engen and Seifert wanted for students. The two worked closely to co-direct students in this first-ever collaboration between the schools. “Students learned to perform to the moment at hand,” Engen said. “Sometimes that meant changing the energy and volume of lines to overcome wind or a noisy attendee. Other times it meant staying in character but improvising when a young child persisted in trying to break into the scene.” Segersin said that it was a rewarding experience to work with peers from the University of Minnesota and to perform for the nearly 1,000 attendees who visited the arboretum for the production. “This beautiful thing happened: We became a team,” Segersin said. “And now, sometimes, when I sleep, I dream about them.” BUILDING PROFESSIONAL NETWORKS The relationships and networks, though, extend beyond just the student peers at the two institutions. Engen used the production to help students connect with other theater professionals. “Students built experience in creative problem-solving with some of the Twin Cities’ foremost theater professionals, including master puppeteers, musicians, and movement professionals,” Engen said. “It was a chance for students to explore the many ways to work in theater and to challenge themselves to meld these disciplines.” Seifert added that making connections with artists across disciplines and fields is critical for the future of theater and the artists. “These students now can reach out to one another to collaborate on future projects,” he said. “This model allowed us to give students an understanding of how major companies in regional theater increasingly are combining resources to produce shows.” That goal wasn’t lost on Segersin, who was invited to work as a summer intern with Sod House Theater, a production company founded by Engen and Seifert. “We’re still working out what it means. But I will have the chance to work with the performance of Peer Gynt at sites around the state, to meet professional Twin Cities’ actors and local actors, and to network,” Segersin said. Summer 2014 11 give experience perspectives equipped work explore practice live care beneficial center seek explore beliefs understand evolving seen passions citizen boldly beneficial tell important seen strengths hear world human articulate calling love meaning foundations competence A scholars expanding welcoming give diverse respectfully society propelled God meaning leadership seek desire gifts inquiry views true moral diversity H skill human callAugsburg Now 10 faithful strengths shared center T articulate path beliefs appreciation discussion conversation nurturing relationships opportunity citizen learn Lutheran explore expand value connect religion reflection life I growing journey traditions interfaith responsive asking answers life service skill profound rise care work true dynamic vocation effective gifts challenging path F answers integrity views Christensen connect passions & Relevant Faithful BY REBECCA JOHN ’13 MBA experience theology service vocation reflect Pictured [top to bottom]: Whitney Pratt ’11, Cody Tresselt-Warren ’09, and Jessica Spanswick ’10 Photo by Thomas Kosa ith careers in accounting, education, Grappling with vocation military service, and pastoral ministry, One of the aspects that Auggies in the Christensen Scholars and Interfaith Scholars programs valued most about the experience was the dedicated time to learn and to grapple together with difficult topics and questions. “Having that regular, dedicated time for discussion helped us to better articulate our gifts, strengths, and passions,” said Emily Wiles ’10, a youth and family ministry major who this spring earned a Master of Divinity from Luther Seminary. “We pushed each other to articulate our positions, which helped me really connect with what I think and who I am,” she said. As a result, “things that I might have otherwise taken for granted, I came to ‘own’ as my gifts.” In having to express and explain your perspectives, Wiles said, “you really get to know yourself better.” Also beneficial, according to several alumni, was the opportunity to reflect on the full meaning of vocation. “My generation is going to have 15 different jobs or careers in our lifetimes,” said Cody Tresselt-Warren ’09, who majored in accounting and religion at Augsburg and today is a tax accountant at Wells Fargo & Company. “You think, when you’re in college, that once you graduate and get a job, you’re set,” he said. But there are so many other important layers—from family obligations to the needs of the wider world—that, “you have to interpret your calling from a number of perspectives. It’s a dynamic, evolving journey.” Sylvia Bull ’10 agreed, noting that, especially in the U.S.—a generally career-oriented culture—it is important to expand the view of vocation beyond just a job or career. Bull, an international relations and religion double major who this spring completed her third year at Princeton Theological Seminary in Princeton, N.J., sees faith as serving an important role in considerations about vocation. We need to “open our eyes of faith to see all of the things that we do in our lives as part of God’s call,” she said. six recent Augsburg alumni are finding that their undergraduate experiences studying vocation and interfaith leadership are paying off well beyond their college years. These Auggies participated in the Christensen Scholars and Interfaith Scholars programs at Augsburg—programs that provide scholarships for students to take upper-level religion courses that thrust them deep into topics of faith, religious diversity, service, theology, and vocation. Meeting on weeknight evenings throughout the academic year, students engaged with these topics—and each other— through focused discussion, inquiry, service-learning, and reflection. The number of scholarships available each year is limited, so getting into the program is a competitive process, involving writing an essay and obtaining a recommendation from an Augsburg College faculty or staff member. Students accepted to the programs earn four religion credits and a $2,000 scholarship for the year. But, according to some of the early alumni from the programs, the value of the experience extends well beyond course credit and financial support. Pictured [left to right]: Peter Weston Miller ’10, Emily Wiles ’10, and Sylvia Bull ’10 Summer 2014 13 And “even if faith is not explicitly part of the conversation,” said Jessica Spanswick ’10, who today works as director of career services at Globe University, “it is a profound, shared human desire to seek and find meaning in our lives.” fully effective.” To function as a citizen in today’s world, “you have to understand how people think and the beliefs on which they base their social and moral codes.” Welcoming difficult conversations In the end, these Auggies agreed that the programs’ greatest value was that they equipped participants to ask challenging life questions—seemingly simple (but, actually, not-sosimple) questions like, “Where have you come from—and where are you going?” and “How do you know you’re on the right path?” Consistently, all of these alumni said it was the questions—not the answers—that were most meaningful to them. In fact, they have each continued the practice of asking and reflecting on difficult questions and they shared some of the questions they regularly encounter in their lives today: Asking tough questions Alumni from these programs also shared an appreciation for how their experiences helped them develop the listening and interpersonal skills to learn from and understand others. “We learned to step boldly and respectfully into difficult conversations,” said Peter Weston Miller ’10, “meeting people where they were at, where God had uniquely called them to be.” Weston Miller, an English major who also completed his Master’s of Divinity at Luther Seminary this past spring, said these conversations taught the participants how to “build relationships based on human integrity and dignity, not just [based on] topics” that they agreed upon. “We learned to know ourselves better through the eyes of others, despite different backgrounds, political leanings, and socio-economic statuses,” he said. In particular, alumni from the programs valued the opportunity to interact and work with people who bring different faith perspectives. “Speaking with people from many different faith backgrounds helped me learn to listen to and understand others’ views and beliefs,” said Spanswick, who majored in international relations at Augsburg and recently completed her MBA at Globe University. In her current work, Spanswick meets people from many different cultures, and she noted that their cultural practices often differ because of faith traditions. Whitney Pratt ’11, who majored in economics at Augsburg and serves as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force, agreed that interfaith competency is an important life skill. “Religion is such an important facet of our lives,” she said. “Most of our political struggles center around topics that stem from the moral foundations” that different groups of people use to guide their behaviors and interactions in society. “You can try to build intercultural competence, but without understanding religion,” Pratt said, “you won’t be • “Am I questioning my current path because I don’t like it [today] or because it’s really not my calling?” • “How do I remain true to my Lutheran beliefs and still operate in an ecumenically diverse organization?” • “How will what I want to say affect this other person?” • “If this current path is not my calling, what’s the best step to take to explore what is right?” “As our lives and our world change,” Weston Miller said, “we need to keep asking these questions in order to keep ourselves expanding, growing, nurturing, and propelled forward in God’s calling for all of us.” Continually asking these questions and searching for meaning helps us to see the world not just as it is, Wiles added, but as it could be. reflection • And, the question that Martin Luther is famous for: “What does this mean?” learn care journey leadership life welcoming pathdiverse call world appreciation respectfully discussion citizen moral calling competence 14 Augsburg Now skill passions opportunity work answers FROM GAME TIME TO LIFETIME Influence of Auggie icons shapes alumni and today’s campus August 18 marks the 100th birthday of legendary Augsburg College coach Edor Nelson ’38. Nelson is one of the elite Augsburg coaches who profoundly impacted the College’s athletic programs and whose influence echoed in the lives of student-athletes beyond their competitions on athletic fields, rinks, and courts. At Augsburg, the legacies of renowned coaching staff and faculty live on in the facilities that carry their names, are exhibited in their own philanthropy, and can be seen in the generosity they inspire in others. Bruce Nelson ’71, son of Edor Nelson, said coaches such as his father grew up in an era in which sacrifice for the greater good was common, and coaches played larger roles in the lives of student-athletes than simply running drills. “These coaches taught student-athletes about commitment and that a team is bigger than the individuals,” said Bruce, who lives out what he learned—in part—by serving as president of the Augsburg A-Club, a service organization of former and current Auggie student-athletes and friends of the College. Bruce knows from first-hand experience that student-athletes see, understand, and appreciate the ways their mentors continue to influence their lives as they move on to new opportunities. “Very few athletes, when they’re older, talk about wins and losses. They talk about camaraderie, support, and struggles,” Bruce said. “They remember that my dad helped them get jobs out of college—that the support didn’t stop after graduation.” Nelson is one of a group of long-tenured coaches who are pillars in the Auggie community. Others include: • Ernie Anderson ’37–Coach of Augsburg’s men’s basketball team from 1947-1970, Anderson also was athletic director for 33 years from 1947-1980. His tenure inspired the Ernie Anderson Court in Si Melby Hall. • Marilyn Pearson Florian ’76–Coach of Augsburg’s women’s volleyball team from 1981-1998, she also was the women’s athletic director from 1988-2007. She increased the number of women’s sports and of female student-athletes. AUGGIE ATHLETICS • Edor Nelson ’38–An Augsburg Athletic Hall of Fame member, Nelson coached football from 1947-1969 and baseball from 1946-1979. Augburg’s outdoor athletic field bears his name. • Lavonne Johnson Peterson ’50–“Mrs. Pete” led the ‘Auggiettes’ basketball team in 13 unbeaten seasons from the 1950s to the 1970s and was an instructor until 1980. Augsburg named the health and physical education center in her honor. • Joyce Anderson Pfaff ’65–A pioneer in women’s athletics and in the establishment of varsity women’s sports, Pfaff was Augsburg’s first women’s athletic director, serving from 19721998. She also taught for 43 years. • Ed Saugestad ’59–Coach of the men’s hockey team from 1958-1996, Saugestad’s championship teams claimed three NAIA national and six MIAC state titles. One of Augsburg’s hockey rinks is named in honor of Saugestad, who passed away in March. • Jeff Swenson ’79–Wrestling team coach for 25 years, Swenson has served the past 10 years as athletic director. Auggies brought home 10 national wrestling titles under his leadership, and the wrestling wall of fame bears his name. Today the commitment of these coaches continues to be honored through philanthropic initiatives by alumni whom they inspired. Corky Hall ’71, Augsburg’s first men’s hockey All-American, is challenging fellow student-athletes-turned-Augsburg-alumni to raise funds for a named space in the Center for Science, Business, and Religion (CSBR) to honor Saugestad. (Read more about Saugestad’s legacy on page 33.) Mark Rabbe ’53, one of Edor Nelson’s baseball players, is funding a faculty office in the CSBR to honor the coach. And additional challenges are underway to honor the centennial of Edor Nelson’s birth. These Augsburg alumni—and many others who have stepped up to join a philanthropic challenge—demonstrate that alumni athletes recognize the role coaches played in positively shaping their lives and are willing to seize the opportunity to make a positive impact on the Auggies of tomorrow. Summer 2014 15 WE LOVE AUGSBURG THE CLASS OF 2014 SHARES MEMORIES, STORIES, AND TAKEAWAYS FROM THEIR TIME AS STUDENTS EDITED BY LAURA SWANSON This spring, hundreds of new alumni celebrated their graduation at Augsburg College Commencement ceremonies. While these events often are treated as a conclusion—the grand finale at the end of years of study and hard work—it’s important to remember that commencement, in its very definition, marks a beginning or start. As Augsburg’s newest graduates prepared to launch into new challenges and opportunities with an Augsburg degree in hand, we began to wonder, “What was it about this campus…this curriculum…this College that they came to appreciate during their time as students?” So, we asked. And the Class of 2014 answered. This list, in no particular order, includes a brief sample of the things Auggies love about Augsburg. While it cannot represent all of the College’s valued traits, it does help depict just how unique the institution is. Our students, our alumni, our location, our heritage, and our mission help influence this place, just as the College—in turn—shapes many of these entities. Let’s take a look at why there’s so much to love about Augsburg College and why it’s such a privilege that WE ARE CALLED AUGGIES. 16 Augsburg Now 2 1 The mission AUGSBURG COLLEGE EDUCATES STUDENTS TO BE INFORMED CITIZENS, THOUGHTFUL STEWARDS, CRITICAL THINKERS, AND RESPONSIBLE LEADERS. Working to be “Green by 2019” “I love [Augsburg’s] effort to make the world a better place through means such as eliminating the It says it all, doesn’t it? “I love Augsburg’s commitment to being an institution that prepares students for life beyond academics.” —KIMBERLY CLUB ’14 carbon footprint.” —MITCHELL FUCHS ’14 MSW Intentional diversity “I appreciate Augsburg’s dedication not only to being a diverse community but also to giving students the opportunity to fully acknowledge this through various assignments and campus activities.” —SIERRA BARGER ’14 That small-college feel 4 “Augsburg is big enough to fit your needs, and small enough that you’ll be noticed.” Summer 2014 17 The faculty Professors, teachers, faculty members, instructors, mentors, and friends. The Class of 2014 used many names to describe the people at the head of the classroom and the backbone of their education. And, not surprisingly, these people were the most-cited aspect to love about Augsburg. “The faculty are top notch and some of the most caring and conscientious people I have ever met.” —HOLLY HANSON ’14 MAN “Professors are understanding and accommodating of nontraditional students’ individual circumstances.” —MAYA SUTTON ’14 MAE “I love the close-knit community between students and professors.” —ANDREW DENT ’14 Life in the city Augsburg is the only college of the ELCA located in the heart of a large urban area, and students use the Twin Cities as a metropolitan classroom where they can engage with College neighbors, community partners, and companies large and small. 6 7 “I love Augsburg because of its strong commitment to its mission and its dedication to being a College of the city. I have never been anywhere that has a clearer sense of its identity or that has tried harder to be a ‘good neighbor.’” —MARTHA TRUAX ’14 MAL, DIRECTOR OF ANNUAL GIVING Athletics Augsburg teammates develop bonds akin to a “second family.” From hockey to swimming and from basketball to lacrosse, approximately 450 students participate in varsity athletics at the College each year. It’s a good thing maroon is always in style. “The bond that was built over the years of workouts, practices, games, wins, losses, and just hanging out was one of the biggest benefits to me throughout my college career.” —GARY MARISCAL ’14 8 18 Augsburg Now The dress code Okay, okay. Wearing Norwegian sweaters to Velkommen Jul and bowties with formalwear isn’t actually required. But, it’s fun! Experiential education Augsburg was the first Minnesota college or university to receive the Presidential Award for Community Service. Each fall, incoming first-year and transfer students participate in City Service Day—a day on which the students volunteer at organizations matched to their degree programs and learn in the neighborhoods that surround Augsburg’s Minneapolis campus. Undergraduate students begin their experiential education on Day 1, and it’s a priority that extends throughout each of Augsburg’s degree programs. 9 “I learned how to be a ‘citizen professional,’ and work collaboratively with others to solve problems.” —JUDY SCHLAEFER ’14 DNP Global learning opportunities Cohorts Augsburg undergraduate and graduate students take courses around the world. Whether studying business in Germany, nursing in Namibia, or psychology in Slovenia, Auggies find that learning and living in a foreign culture catalyze academic, intercultural, and personal leadership skills and Some of Augsburg’s programs follow a cohort model that allows students to travel together from course to course, fostering strong relationships between classmates and outlining a clear path toward a degree. “The cohort model for the MBA program allows for great camaraderie!” —AVA BEILKE ’14 MBA responsible global citizenship. 12 Dining together in Rochester “Meals for the Rochester students kept [our] energy up for long evening classes.” —HEIDI OCHTRUP-DEKEYREL ’14 Small class sizes 13 Augsburg’s undergraduate classes average 13 to 17 students, which allows Auggies to learn from—and with—their professors and classmates. Summer 2014 19 Nearby restaurants When it comes to dining out, the CedarRiverside neighborhood has something for everyone. 15 “I love that I can get a gyro, chicken curry, or Chicago-style hot dog all within a couple blocks of my dorm.” —SAMANTHA CANTRALL ’14 Tracy’s (just across I-94 on Franklin Avenue) serves up the “Augsburger,” which features two beef patties, sharp cheddar cheese, barbecue sauce, bacon, lettuce, tomato, mayo, and a side of school spirit. Yum, yum. “Tracy’s is amazing and within walking distance!” —EMMA WINEGAR ’14 Auggie Days Leading up to the start of the fall semester, this on-campus orientation for incoming first-year students is so memorable that people think of it as a highlight of their Augsburg experience—even four years later. Part of the fun includes a Neighborhood Challenge relay in Murphy Square. The campus Not every school is so lucky as to have a 7 ½ Street on campus. “I love that you can walk anywhere on campus in less than 10 minutes.” 16 —MOLLIE KING ’14 Peers (of course) “The people—friendly, genuine, and approachable.” —DENISE HERRERA ’14 MAL, SENIOR ADMISSIONS COUNSELOR “I love the ability to build life-long relationships with people from many different backgrounds and from many different places around the world.” —MATTHEW SCHIRBER ’14 20 Augsburg Now StepUP® Augsburg’s StepUP Program helps students champion lives of recovery, achieve academic success, and thrive in a community of accountability and support. StepUP annually serves more than 100 students and is the largest residential collegiate recovery program in the U.S. 18 The skyline 19 The Minneapolis campus has an eagle-eye view of downtown that’s perfectly fitting for the Auggie mascot. (We’ll let you know how things are coming on the new Vikings stadium). “There’s a stellar view of the city from the top of Mortensen.” —JOE VOKRACKA ’14 On-campus art galleries, pop-up exhibits… The staff 20 21 …guest speakers, music ensemble performances, and research festivals. It isn’t an exaggeration to say that there’s always something happening at Augsburg. Each spring, Zyzzogeton celebrates the creativity and scholarship of undergraduate students. It’s fun to say—and to attend. The College also hosts scholars and professionals at the leading edge in students’ academic disciplines and showcases artwork by visiting artists and Auggies. The exhibition spaces around campus transform multiple times each year in order to present an array of innovative and inspirational pieces. Zyz·zo·ge·ton “I love the changing art exhibits.” —WHITNEY WORLEY ’14 MPA You name it; they do it. In many ways, Augsburg locations are like small cities unto themselves where students eat, sleep, shop, socialize, learn, and live. Augsburg staff members foster an exceptional student experience at locations in Minnesota and around the world. “I love the super helpful and nice financial aid advisers, and the wellorganized Registrar’s Office staff.” —HOLLY REDDY ’14 The changing seasons Winter sometimes can last a tad too long, but Minnesota’s seasons certainly add variety to Augsburg’s academic calendar. Each year the Quad features fall colors, spring blooms, summer picnics, and winter snow angels, which means the weather outside helps to emphasize the timeliness of the College’s in-house traditions. Summer 2014 21 Nearby sidewalks, trails, and bike lanes Home of the Greenway and the Chain of Lakes, Minneapolis has 92 miles of on-street bikeways and 85 miles of off-street paths, not to mention an abundance of pedestrian-only zones. “I love running and walking on the River Road.” —LAUREN RICE ’14 24 A snapshot of graduation The graduating class of 2014 added more than 750 Auggies—from our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs—to the College’s alumni ranks. Commencement ceremonies held May 3-4 featured the theme “Thoughtful Stewards,” which was inspired by the College’s mission statement and reflected the Augsburg communi- Arts and culture Minneapolis has world-class museums, a vibrant dance scene, and more theater seats per capita than any U.S. city outside New York. It’s no wonder Minneapolis was named one of America’s most creative cities, and it’s no surprise that Auggies take advantage of the visual and performing arts in their midst. “I love seeing new work at the Playwright Center just down the road.” —HANNAH YOUNGQUIST ’14 22 Augsburg Now ty’s passion for social justice and sustainability. To see additional photos or watch Commencement ceremony videos, go to augsburg.edu/now. 25 Its influence “Augsburg changed how I think.” —PETER MOORE ’14 MAL Philosophy The AUGGIE VOICES BEHIND A CAREER She’s a lawyer, a seasoned business operations executive, a mother of two, a biotech entrepreneur, and a restaurant owner. She’s also a philosophy and political science double major, and an Auggie. In the years since she graduated from Augsburg College, Naomi Williamson ’78 has charted a career path that has taken her into multiple, disparate industries and types of organizations. “I like the challenge,” Williamson said. Each new opportunity introduces “a new orbit of people and a different knowledge area.” Indeed: After completing her bachelor’s degree, Williamson went on to earn a law degree at the University of Minnesota Law School and worked as a litigator at Larkin Hoffman, one of Minnesota’s largest full-service law firms. From there, she joined Honeywell, where she spent 15 years in contracts, marketing, sales, process quality, and supply chain management. After that, she helped a medical pathologist with a successful biotech start-up, and, then, in 2007, she started a restaurant with her husband, Roger Kubicki, and veteran restaurant owner Michael Kutscheid—while also working on the side as an aircraft manufacturing contracts and negotiations consultant. Williamson’s appetite for digging into a challenge and seeking new knowledge was evident even before she launched her professional career, however. She fell in love with philosophy, she said, after trying to make sense of the writings of Immanuel Kant. “It took me four hours to read 40 pages” she said. “I didn’t fully understand it, but I thought that if I did, I might be able to find the answers I was looking for.” This willingness to do the hard work to make sense of things is so consistently woven into Williamson’s educational and career choices that it appears to be more of an internal drive, a calling, than a choice. “I just can’t get myself on easy street,” she joked. “I’m always doing something to make sure that my next step is just as hard as the last one.” Naomi Williamson ’78 is co-owner of Sanctuary, a restaurant in Minneapolis’ Mill City district. Of all her career experiences, Williamson said that the restaurant business is “far and away the most difficult.” BY REBECCA JOHN ’13 MBA Summer 2014 23 What is it Scenes from undergraduate students’ ON-CAMPUS RESEARCH BY LAURA SWANSON Each summer, undergraduate students at Augsburg College work directly with faculty mentors to complete individually designed research projects and creative activities. Auggies seeking to enhance their education gain rich, hands-on experience by participating in research opportunities sponsored by the College, funded through grants and private gifts, or offered through federal programs. Students from all disciplines can participate in summer research. This year, their topics included designing a tool to sample motor vehicle pollution; examining immigrants’ influence in community organizations and politics; cloning and characterization of Daphnia magna, a water flea; and analyzing the effects of the No Child Left Behind Act on Minneapolis youth, among many others. During the research process, students often use specialized materials and technologies, investigate complex and specific concepts, and explore existing scholarship and literature. Can you match each summer research image with its academic discipline? History 2 Photo by Bill Capman CAN YOU IDENTIFY THESE ITEMS? Exercise Science English 5 24 Augsburg Now Social Work Leading IN UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH ONE KEY WAY Augsburg College delivers on its commitment to experiential education is through undergraduate research projects in which Auggies employ their talents and passions. On campus, these projects are funded through several sources, including Augsburg’s Office of Undergraduate Research and Graduate Opportunity (URGO), National Science Foundation and corporate grants, private donations, and the McNair Scholars program—a federal TRIO program funded by the U.S. Department of Education and designed to increase graduate degree attainment by students who are first-generation, low-income, and/or members of groups underrepresented in graduate education. 3 Chemistry Physics Political Science Women’s Studies Courtesy image 1 Economics 4 Biopsychology Computer Science Biology Mathematics 6 ANSWERS Summer 2014 25 Q: What is it? A: A column that contains a catalyst and through which a stream of reactants move. Reactants are substances that undergo change during a chemical reaction, and “flow chemistry” is a process that gets its name from the movement of these materials. Chemistry ALAN MEDINA-GONZALEZ ’16 Major: Chemistry, Minors: Biology and Mathematics Research mentors: Z. Vivian Feng, associate professor of chemistry; and Michael Wentzel, assistant professor of chemistry Alan Medina-Gonzalez ’16 chose to participate in summer research because it granted him the opportunity to spend more time in the lab optimizing a chemical reaction, which is a fun—albeit time-consuming—puzzle he enjoys solving. “I wanted to see what it was like to work on a project all day long versus only going into the lab four hours per week as part of a class,” he said. Medina-Gonzalez’s research involved setting up chemical reactions using flow chemistry—a process that helps make reactions more “green” by allowing chemists to lessen waste generation and to improve energy efficiency and safety. His research goal included producing a variety of molecules, including acetaminophen—the primary active ingredient in Tylenol and other medicines—to demonstrate the uses of flow chemistry in the pharmaceutical industry. Q: What is it? A: A foam roller, a tool that breaks up fibrous tissue in order to increase muscle elasticity and circulation flow. Exercise Science CAN YOU GUESS? 26 Augsburg Now BRIANA FELTON ’14 Major: Exercise Science, Minor: Psychology Research mentors: David Barrett, assistant professor of health, physical education, and exercise science; and Tony Clapp, associate professor of health, physical education, and exercise science Briana Felton ’14 chose a summer research project that will help to prepare her for the dream of attending graduate school to study physical therapy. Felton is a member of the Augsburg women’s soccer team, and she loves sports and fitness. Athletes commonly use a foam roller on their muscles for self-myofascial release—a process that applies pressure to trigger points within muscle tissue and is thought to cause the tissue to relax and become more flexible. Although the use of foam rollers has become a common practice in therapy and fitness centers, few peer-reviewed studies have examined its effectiveness. For Felton’s research project, she conducted a study in which middle-aged adult males participated in an exercise program utilizing foam rollers. Felton then assessed the study participants’ balance and functional movement patterns using industry-standard tests to see whether their scores improved over the course of the study. Higher scores have been shown to correlate with a person’s decreased risk of injury. To read a brief overview of Felton’s research findings, go to augsburg.edu/now. Biopsychology Q: What is it? A: An electroencephalogram (EEG) recording cap, which is used to capture the brain’s electrical activity while at rest or engaged in mental activity. BRAD MARCY ’15 Major: Biopsychology, Minor: Chemistry Research mentor: Henry Yoon, assistant professor of psychology Research conducted on substance use disorders often extends to either the biological or the behavioral aspects of addiction. This summer, Brad Marcy ’15 took on the challenge of combining both of these aspects into a single study incorporating behavioral information— in this case, a person’s age of first alcoholic drink (AFD)—and biological data, which was derived from brain patterns collected through EEG scans. Marcy and other Augsburg psychology students gathered data by working with student volunteers, including those in the College’s StepUP® program, which serves students who are in recovery from addiction. Marcy’s research project involved processing and analyzing participants’ EEG data in order to identify telltale signs of being at biological or genetic risk for dependence in these brainwave patterns. He then examined whether an association exists between this biological information and AFD. By evaluating these variables, Marcy can later assess their usefulness in refining the diagnosis of substance misuse. Q: What is it? A: The examination of journal articles, images, and academic texts—illustrated here— are key aspects of student researchers’ literature review process. A literature review discusses published information in a particular subject area. AWALE OSMAN ’15 Major: Communication Studies, Minor: Women’s Studies Research mentor: Adriane Brown, assistant professor of women’s studies “I’ve always wanted to be a teacher,” said Awale Osman ’15, a McNair research scholar whose project almost perfectly aligned with his desired career path. Osman began his undergraduate education at a community college before transferring to Augsburg, and his research project involved examining the establishment and evolution of women’s studies, the emergence of gender and masculinity studies, and current dialogue regarding the field. This work allowed him to combine his interests in communications and women’s studies into a project that enhanced his academic skills. Osman would like to return to a community college one day—this time as a professor instead of as a student. Osman chose his research topic in order to establish a foundation in the research he hopes will be incorporated in a future doctoral program that will, eventually, lead to a teaching role in higher education. “I realize I have to be grounded to be successful in my track,” he said. “So, I’m going for it.” Women’s Studies MORE ANSWERS Summer 2014 27 Biology Photo by Bill Capman Q: What is it? A: The parasitic plant dodder (Cuscuta pentagona) attached to a host plant from which it acquires all its water and nutrients. LUCY BUKOWSKI ’16 Major: Biology, Minor: Environmental Studies Research mentor: Bill Capman, associate professor of biology Courtesy image Augsburg College students have studied the interactions between dodder and its host plants since 2008, and this summer Lucy Bukowski ’16 worked on an experiment testing the hypothesis that a decline in the health of the host plant triggers the dodder to flower. Bukowski’s project benefitted from the help of a plant pathologist at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities who offered greenhouse space, thus providing a larger growing area and better growing conditions for Bukowski’s research. Go to augsburg.edu/now to learn more about the dodder project. Q: What is it? A: The Bengali pronoun “Ētā,” which is similar to the English pronoun “it.” PRITI BHOWMIK ’15 AND BRAM OOSTERLEE ’16 Majors: Computer Science Research mentor: Shana Watters, associate professor of computer science Computer Science As international students, Priti Bhowmik ’15 and Bram Oosterlee ’16 were attracted to research linked with the official languages of their home countries. In 2011, Bhowmik left Bangladesh to attend Augsburg, and she seized the opportunity to use her background in the Bengali language in combination with her computer science major. Her research project fell in the field of computational linguistics—a branch of linguistics in which computer science techniques are applied to the analysis of language and speech. She explored whether the pronoun “Ētā” has the same cognitive status as the English pronoun “it.” That is, whether a Bengali speaker, in determining what Ētā refers to in a sentence, uses his or her short-term memory in the same manner that an English speaker does when determining what the word “it” refers to. Oosterlee, a student from the Netherlands, performed a similar study by examining the cognitive status of the Dutch pronoun “het.” Bhowmik and Oosterlee’s work ultimately will contribute to developing systems that enhance how computers extract information, summarize text, and translate language. One example of the usefulness of these processes is that they increase the likelihood of returning accurate content descriptions when doctors use digital medical reference materials to find information that pertains specifically to a disorder. 28 Augsburg Now GRANTS GAIN GROUND Funding enhances the Augsburg experience How can you better predict the weather on Earth—or in space? Why do elementary students learn the way they do? And what makes one person attracted to another? Augsburg faculty and students are committed to asking difficult questions and seeking equally complex answers. Each year, the College’s faculty, staff, and students apply for—and receive—prestigious grant awards to fund research, continued scholarship, and academic travel opportunities. There’s tough competition among grant-seeking institutions, but Augsburg continues to gain ground and to obtain funding for new projects. That’s because when Auggies recognize an opportunity to improve teaching, advance scholarship, or enhance the student experience, they ask another great question: WHY NOT? Participation grows across campus. More and more departments and groups are seeking grants as a way to enhance students’ educational experience, to build the hands-on problem-solving skills employers and graduate schools demand, and to propel Augsburg’s research scholarship to the next level. This past year, 13 academic departments and groups—up from just seven departments the previous year—submitted grant proposals, including: 1. Biology 8. Nursing 2. Chemistry 9. Physics 3. Education 10. Psychology 4. History 11. Social Work 5. Interdisciplinary Collaboration 12. Sociology 6. Mathematics 13. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) 7. Management Information Systems Here’s a brief overview of Augsburg’s recent grant achievements: Augsburg ranks as top-tier NSF grant recipient. Augsburg College was ranked the top private college in Minnesota for the total dollar amount awarded by the National Science Foundation in 2012. With three grants totaling just more than $1 million, the College ranked third among all Minnesota institutions—behind only the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and the University of Minnesota-Duluth. Faculty steer student involvement. Tremendous faculty dedication is part of the mix, too. More than 50 faculty and staff members are the driving force behind the College’s 38 active grants. These teachers coach and guide 324 students in rigorous research related to climate change, human health, understanding addiction, and more. COMPILED BY STEPHANIE WEISS GRANTS BY THE NUMBERS Augsburg received 18 new grant awards in 2013-14—up from just seven two years earlier At the time this publication went to print, Augsburg had 14 grant proposals still pending, representing a total of $3.2 million NEW GRANTS 2012-13 2013-14 17 GRANT PROPOSALS 24 7 $1.6 MILLION 18 NEW GRANTS In 2013-14, Augsburg submitted 24 grant proposals— up from 17 the prior year 1% The BREAKDOWN of grants* by sponsor type PRIVATE GRANTS 10% STATE GRANTS 89 % FEDERAL GRANTS GRANT PROPOSALS *Does not include grants secured by Corporate and Foundation Relations Summer 2014 29 ALUMNI NEWS ways to get involved FROM THE ALUMNI BOARD PRESIDENT A-Club I Dear alumni and friends, have served as a member of the Augsburg College Alumni Board for more than six years, and I am looking forward to taking on the role of president. During my time on the Alumni Board, I have seen an increase in the level of our alumni engagement with the College, and I am inspired by the alumni who were generous on Give to the Max Day; the alumni who volunteered by planning reunions or mentoring current students; and the alumni who have invested in Augsburg’s top priority—the campaign for the Center for Science, Business, and Religion. Like many of you, I care deeply about this College. Augsburg is one of the most diverse private colleges in Minnesota, serving more than 2,700 undergraduate students and 838 graduate students participating in nine advanced degree programs. Augsburg is committed to its Lutheran heritage with an eye on the 21st century. At this year’s Commencement, we welcomed hundreds of new members to our Alumni Association. As alumni, we are a product of Augsburg College and benefit from its local and national reputation. Alumni play a vital role in the rich history, present success, and future vision of the College. I invite you to join me and fellow Auggies who are making a difference in the life of the College. Sincerely, CHRIS HALLIN ’88, ALUMNI BOARD PRESIDENT Photo by Mark Chamberlain ALUMNI BOARD Front Row [L to R]: Chris Hallin ’88, Marie Odenbrett ’01, Jill Watson ’10 MBA, Sharon Engelland ’87, Melissa Hoepner ’92, Patricia Jesperson ’94, Adriana Matzke ’13; Back Row [L to R]: Brent Peroutka ’02, Adrienne Kuchler Eldridge ’02, Meg Schmidt Sawyer ’00, Sarah Grans ’01, Nick Rathmann ’02, Tracy Severson ’95, Rick Bonlender ’78; Not Pictured: Rachel Engebretson ’98, Frank Grazzini ’96, Holly Knutson ’03, ’07 MBA, Michael Loney ’03, Sharon Mercill ’09, Jerry Polland ’92, Greg Schnagl ’91, Nick Slack ’02, Nick Swanson ’09 The Augsburg College Alumni Board is pleased to welcome new members. ADRIENNE KUCHLER ELDRIDGE ’02 graduated from Augsburg with a major in youth and family ministry and a minor in sociology. As a student, she was involved in Campus Ministry and Residence Life, served as an orientation leader, and studied abroad. Today Eldridge works at River’s Edge Academy charter school. This fall, she will begin a graduate program at St. Catherine University, where she plans to study ethics and leadership. “I chose Augsburg for my college education as an undergrad student because of the Youth and Family Ministry program and [the College’s] solid Lutheran values. My experiences at Augsburg were always hands-on, service-oriented, and growth-filled.” 30 Augsburg Now All new Alumni Board member photos by Mark Chamberlain. The A-Club is an organization of former and current Augsburg College athletes—as well as friends of the College—committed to providing student-athletes with the opportunity to have a quality athletic experience. A-Club members participate in events, service projects, and fundraising initiatives that support Auggie athletic teams, the athletic department, and the mission of the College. Alumni Board The Alumni Board is the governing body of the Alumni Association. Together with the Office of Alumni and Constituent Relations, the Alumni Board provides resources and opportunities to engage alumni with the College and each other through consistent communication, inclusive programming, and intentional relationship building. Auggie in Residence The Auggie in Residence program is a way for alumni and friends of the College to share their professional expertise and vocation. This flexible program allows the community to connect with current students, faculty, and staff members through a variety of opportunities that range from speaking to a class to having lunch with a student organization. Augsburg Builds Connections (ABC) The ABC mentoring program is designed to enable alumni and parent professionals to provide information, encouragement, and support to students. This flexible volunteer program allows mentors to connect with students via email, phone, or face-to-face meetings and assist them in navigating their career paths and achieving their professional goals. Augsburg College Associates MELISSA HOEPNER ’92 attended Augsburg from 1988 to 1990 before transferring to California Lutheran University where, in 1992, she graduated with a major in psychology and a minor in art. Today, Hoepner is a human resources consultant. As an alumna, she has remained involved by serving as a mentor for current students. She has also served as a member of the church council at Peace Lutheran Church in Bloomington, Minn., and is a programming volunteer with the Twin Cities Human Resources Association. PATRICIA JESPERSON ’94 graduated from Augsburg’s Weekend College with a major in business administration and minor in marketing. She serves as the area vice president for Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Jesperson’s career in business has been distinguished by her extensive volunteer experiences in the areas of program development and diversity. “While I see Augsburg as innovative and inclusive in its approach to education, I also see this as a time for significant change and opportunity in private, four-year educational programs—a time that drives the need to think beyond the box in light of competition from MOOCs [Massive Open Online Courses], for-profit colleges, technical programs, the economy, etc. It’s an exciting time to be part of a team invested in Augsburg’s long-term success.” ADRIANA MATZKE ’13 graduated from Augsburg’s Weekend College with a degree in business management. She serves as the director of financial assistance and admissions coordinator for The Blake School. Matzke served a year on the parish council at her church, and on Blake’s original diversity committee. She and her husband served as presenters with World Wide Marriage Encounter. “I am confident that serving on the Alumni Board will be a positive way for me to give back to the community and to stay connected to a school that I felt so a part of for the last few years. I am a strong advocate for the [adult undergraduate] program and would love to help find ways to support other students.” NICK RATHMANN ’02 graduated from Augsburg with a degree in education. As a student, he played on the baseball and basketball teams and worked in the athletics office. His experience as a student prepared him for his career serving as the director of athletics and PK-12 physical education department chair for The Blake School. Rathmann volunteers for his church, and serves on The Blake Road Collaborative. “Serving on the Alumni Board will give me an incredible opportunity to give back to a school that has given me so much. Augsburg was a transformational experience for me, and anything I can do to help others have that same type of experience is important to me.” MEG SCHMIDT SAWYER ’00 graduated from Augsburg with a major in business administration and a minor in information systems. As a student, she played hockey, softball, and golf. She was involved in Campus Ministry, a contributor for The Echo, a Regents and Community Service Scholar, and part of the studentathlete mentor program. Today she is the chief communications officer for Youth Encounter. She has served on the A-Club Board, and was inducted into the Augsburg Athletic Hall of Fame for women’s hockey in 2012. “I had a life-changing experience at Augsburg College and welcome the opportunity to give back to the College that made me who I am today.” GREG SCHNAGL ’91 graduated from Augsburg with a major in management and minors in economics and management information systems. As a student, he played football and hockey. He is the founder and editor of TeacherCentricity.com. Schnagl is pursuing an advanced degree in educational leadership at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. He taught elementary and middle school for the past twenty years, both nationally and internationally. His most recent position was in the Centennial School District where he also served as a coach and board member for Centennial Youth Hockey Association. “I am looking to deepen my commitment to Augsburg by engaging in a leadership role designed to facilitate the financial and personal participation of alumni and promote the benefits of an Augsburg education to future students.” The Augsburg College Associates is a service auxiliary of volunteers whose mission includes fundraising for special projects and scholarships. The Associates’ commitment to the College is evident in the group’s ongoing support of fundraising events including estate sales, Velkommen Jul, and the Scandinavian boutique. Funds raised each year support special projects and scholarships. Augsburg Women Engaged (AWE) AWE is a catalyst for tapping the potential for women to connect, learn, and give. AWE members believe all women have knowledge, experience, and resources to share. Therefore, Augsburg alumnae are invited to make meaningful connections with and for women by participating with an AWE Action Team. Campus Kitchen The Campus Kitchen program at Augsburg College makes healthy food accessible to people in and around the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood while also providing opportunities for service learning, leadership development, and engagement between the College and community. Campus Kitchen serves 2,000 meals a month at community centers, provides about 80 community garden spaces on campus, hosts two farmers markets, and offers educational programming to the community. College Liaisons Augsburg College Liaisons are alumni, parents, and friends of the College from across the U.S. and around the world who serve as an extension of the College by connecting with prospective students at college fairs. Dozens of fairs are held each year—in high schools, churches, hotels, and conference centers. College Liaisons help to describe the Augsburg experience to interested students and their families. Summer 2014 31 Augsburg Centennial Singers honor Al Reesnes ’58 The Augsburg Centennial Singers, men of faith sharing that faith through songs of praise, honored Al Reesnes ’58 by performing a special concert in mid-May at House of Prayer Centennial Singers [L to R]: Paul Christensen ’59, Mert Strommen ’42, and Al Reesnes ’58 Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. Reesnes served as director of the group for 11 years and will move from his leadership position to a vocalist role with the ensemble. Paul Christensen ’59 succeeded Reesnes as director of the Singers. Christensen is the third director for the group, which was established in 1993 under the direction of Mert Strommen ’42. The chorus originally was formed by former Augsburg quartet members who came together to sing for the College’s Homecoming celebration. The group traveled to Norway in 1994 to mark the centennial of the first Augsburg College gospel quartet, and toured again in Norway in 2001. Courtesy Photo A 500-year anniversary celebration in Germany, October 2016 On October 31, 2017 Lutherans worldwide will mark the 500th anniversary of when Martin Luther posted the 95 Theses on the church doors in Wittenberg, Germany. Augsburg College is rooted in the faith and values of the Lutheran church and is offering alumni and friends of the College the opportunity to learn about this heritage. For travelers interested in discovering more about the Germany of Luther and the Reformation, October 2016 is a great opportunity to make the pilgrimage! Join Hans Wiersma and Mark Tranvik, Augsburg College religion faculty members and Reformation 32 Augsburg Now historians, for an enriching experience in the Land of Luther. The tour itinerary includes stops in the German cities of Berlin, Dresden, Eisenach, Erfurt, and Leipzig and in Prague, Czech Republic. This is an opportunity to explore the connections among 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. Photo by Ben Krouse-Gagne ’11 ALUMNI NEWS ways to get involved Master of Arts in Leadership (MAL) Alumni Board The MAL Alumni Board engages MAL students and alumni in advancing the Center for Leadership Studies at Augsburg College. Parent and Family Council The Parent and Family Council includes parents and families of current Augsburg students, and helps Augsburg families stay up to date on campus events and feel connected with students and the College. Scholastic Connections 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 completing their undergraduate degrees. Through career planning and development support, it prepares them to be engaged, successful citizens of the world upon graduation. StepUP® Advisory Board StepUP is a program for men and women pursuing a college education while in recovery from addiction. The StepUP Advisory Board increases philanthropic support for, and visibility of, the program’s endowment. Young Alumni Council This volunteer group is comprised of alumni who have graduated within the previous 10 years. The Young Alumni Council’s mission is to provide dynamic and engaging social and educational opportunities for alumni. Members serve as an advisory council to the Office of Alumni and Constituent Relations. To participate, email alumni@augsburg.edu. AUGSBURG ALUMNI HONOR Archive p hotos ED SAUGESTAD ’59 THROUGH FUNDRAISING CHALLENGE Ed Saugestad ’59 is “plain and simply, a legend,” according to Jeff Swenson ’79, Augsburg College athletic director. Saugestad led the Auggie men’s hockey team to 503 victories and three national championships. He was football coach and athletic director. The ice arena’s main rink carries his name. But the legacy of “Big Man,” who died in March of pancreatic cancer after serving Augsburg for 39 years and retiring in 1996, goes far beyond athletics. As a soft-spoken teacher, mentor, and source of courage and inspiration, he made a difference. If Corky Hall ’71 is any indication, he also instilled generosity and gratitude. “He is the person who kindled the fire in me, and I think he did that for many, many people,” Hall said. He and his wife, Lori, led the charge to name Saugestad Hall in the Center for Science, Business, and Religion (CSBR) with their $25,000 pledge—a first step toward the $150,000 naming goal and a tribute to the CSBR as a visual symbol of strength and connection. When we build the CSBR, “[Augsburg’s] facilities will grow to match the quality of our faculty,” said Hall. “Coach had a huge effect on all of us.” A gifted athlete who became both hockey and football captain, Hall had few academic expectations when he entered Augsburg. His parents hadn’t finished high school, no one in his family had attended college, and homework was a foreign concept. Yet, one day, he managed to ace a test in Saugestad’s tough physiology class. “Ed was the first person to tell me that I was smart,” he recalled. “He set me on a path I wouldn’t have found otherwise.” That path led him to a career that included starting, with classmate Bill Urseth ’71, one of the nation’s leading promotional marketing agencies, U.S. Communications, U.S. Restaurants, and U.S. Studios; launching a brand consultancy, Hall Batko; and founding Stellus Consulting, which helps corporate leaders envision and brand their companies. It also led him to realize that great mentoring builds strong bridges—between athletics and academics, between teachers and students, and between gratitude and giving back. “Augsburg needs great facilities for athletes to develop their academic side,” he said. “Ed made the bridge for me between athletics and academics, and if I hadn’t gotten strong academics at Augsburg, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. I want to give a gift that says ‘thank you’ to Ed for making such a difference in my life.” Hall has found that his fellow Augsburg alumni have similar gratitude for Saugestad’s commitment and are willing to echo his “thank you.” “Corky is so respected by the Augsburg community that, when he steps forward, he sets a tone with his leadership. That’s the momentum we need,” said Keith Stout, Augsburg College director of principal gifts. “He wants everyone involved, participating at any level. If they’re grateful for their time with Ed, it’s their chance to honor his legacy.” By May, the initiative had raised $105,000. “He deserves it,” Hall said. “Ed did so much to make our lives better. Now it’s our turn.” Get Social Find Augsburg Alumni across a variety of social media channels. “Like” the Augsburg College Alumni Association on Facebook for fun contests, trivia, photos, news, and more. facebook.com/AugsburgAlumni Tag @Augsburg_Alumni in your tweets, and the College may help share your news. Or, simply follow @Augsburg_Alumni on Twitter to learn about upcoming events and read College updates. twitter.com/augsburg_alumni Make connections with fellow Auggies and join discussions about careers and networking through the Augsburg College Alumni group on LinkedIn. goo.gl/UJ9BkO Check out the “Auggies through the ages” board on Pinterest for a slice of College history. pinterest.com/augsburgcollege Visit Augsburg’s YouTube channel for a video archive of alumni lectures, events, and more. youtube.com/augsburgcollege No matter where you are in the world, you can join the Augsburg College social media conversation! Summer Spring 2014 2014 17 33 ALUMNI NEWS HOMECOMING 2014 SEPTEMBER 22-27 IS BACK! Save the date for Give to the Max Day 2014. On Thursday, November 13, Augsburg College once again will participate in Give to the Max Day, a one-day online giving event in which donors around the world support their favorite Minnesota nonprofits. Give to the Max Day is also a competition, and last year Augsburg raised more money than any other Minnesota college or university. A total of 837 donors gave more than $313,000 to Augsburg in just 24 hours. Augsburg also placed fourth among all nonprofits overall. Many alumni, parents, and friends took to social media throughout the day to share Augsburg’s rankings and to keep tabs on the College’s progress. Augsburg faculty, staff, and students from across campus are preparing for another successful Give to the Max Day by setting up their own fundraising projects and encouraging donors to support Augsburg causes close to their hearts—such as volleyball, student research funding, the StepUP® program, and more. There is no limit to the number of projects donors can give to. In fact, many Augsburg donors gave to multiple projects last year. Watch for updates about Give to the Max Day in the coming months. For more information, contact Martha Truax at 612-330-1652 or truaxm@augsburg.edu. 34 Augsburg Now Homecoming 2014 is a great time to come home to Augsburg. Alumni, families, and friends—get ready for a fun-filled week of celebration. New events along with old favorites make this one of the best times to visit campus. Go to augsburg.edu/homecoming to find additional information and to register. PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Friday, September 26 Saturday, September 27 Homecoming Convocation with Distinguished Alumni Awards Taste of Augsburg Hoversten Chapel, Foss Center, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Recognizing the First Decade, Spirit of Augsburg, and Distinguished Alumni Award winners. Faculty and Faculty Emeriti Meet and Greet Old Main, 4 p.m. Reconnect with faculty from your time at Augsburg College and take the opportunity to meet current faculty from a variety of departments. Auggie Hours Old Main, 6 to 8:15 p.m. Back by popular demand, this homecoming social hour is being brought to campus. Homecoming Weekend Fireworks Murphy Square, 8:15 p.m. All are invited to kick-off homecoming weekend with a full fireworks display. Murphy Square, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. This event includes carnival-style booths operated by student groups, alumni, and local restaurants, as well as games, inflatable bounce houses, and fun for the entire family. Homecoming Football Game vs. Gustavus Adolphus College Edor Nelson Field, 1 p.m. Cheer on the Auggie football team as they take on the Gustavus Gusties. Auggie Block Party Parking Lot K, 3:30 to 6 p.m. Immediately following the football game, enjoy live music, s’mores, and more. ALUMNI CLASS NOTES 77 70 Ray Hanson is working for TASC, Inc. Hanson is a scientist working on countermeasures for multi-drugresistant bacteria. 72 Kathleen Edmond joined the law firm of Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi LLP as counsel with the business litigation group in Minneapolis. She most recently served as chief ethics officer at Best Buy. Edmond serves as an advisory board member for the University of St. Thomas Law School where she provides curriculum guidance for the master’s degree in organizational ethics and compliance. She is also an executive fellow at the Center for Ethical Business Cultures at the University of St. Thomas. Sonja (Daniels) Zapchenk has served Eaglecrest, a Presbyterian Homes community in Roseville, Minn., for 20 years and is now recreation and volunteer director. She is also the intergenerational coordinator, which provides the special opportunity to lead activities for senior residents and the toddlers and preschoolers who attend a childcare center in the same facility. 74 William “Bill” Axness is the 2014 Minnesota Society of Health-System Pharmacists (MSHP) Hallie Bruce Memorial Lecture Award recipient. The award is presented to an individual of high moral character, good citizenship, and high professional ideals who has made significant contributions to the profession of pharmacy in Minnesota. Axness is a pharmacy manager at Allina Hospice and Palliative Care. 79 Rev. David Halaas was installed as pastor of St. Mark Lutheran Church in Sioux City, Iowa. 87 Jenni Lilledahl co-founded the new Twin Cities location of Gilda’s Club after losing her AUGGIE SNAPSHOTS 69 Janis “Matty” Mathison had a banner year in 2013. She organized Walk to School programs at several schools, served on the Board of Shawano Pathways (a Shawano, Wis., group promoting safer and better pedestrian and cyclist opportunities), raised $20,000 in matching grant funds for sister, Teri Svare, to cancer. Gilda’s Club serves cancer patients and those who love them. Named after Saturday Night Live comedian Gilda Radner, who died of ovarian cancer, this new clubhouse is a place where cancer patients and their families and friends can de-stress in the mind-body studio, take a nutrition class in the kitchen, and meet with others for emotional and social support. Not only is Gilda’s Club an oasis for those touched by cancer, it offers all of its services free of charge. 62 Shawano Pathways, and led the effort to host a supported bike tour of Shawano County called Bike the Barn Quilts. Wisconsin Public Television came to Shawano to interview her about the bike tour, which in its first year drew 180 participants and 50 volunteers. Mathison also organized a large fundraiser for a former student who was battling brain cancer. These and many other community contributions earned Mathison the “Distinguished Citizen of the Year” award for Shawano County. This year, she is planning the second Bike the Barn Quilts ride, organizing a Let’s Get Moving! campaign, and finalizing maps for Park to Park walking and biking routes in the city of Shawano. She also was among the inaugural inductees into the new Wisconsin Volleyball Coaches Hall of Fame. 89 Sue Hakes has been selected as a 2014 Bush Fellow. The Bush Foundation is committed to supporting and developing leaders who are better equipped and better networked to effectively lead change. The work of the fellowship is to blend opportunities for personal development with efforts to effectively engage with others. In January, Luther Seminary honored Pastor Ron Nelson with the 2014 Faithfulness in Ministry Cross Award, which recognizes seminary alumni who have demonstrated exemplary ministries as a symbol of the multitudes of graduates who serve faithfully wherever they are called. 90 Jennifer Carlson moved back to Washington, D.C., in fall 2011. In December 2013, she accepted a position with Evolent Health as director of technical project management for data warehouse client implementations. She was in Italy for 10 days this past October. Summer 2014 35 ALUMNI CLASS NOTES 89 Brynn (Mundahl) Watson was honored by Lockheed Martin with a 2013 Full Spectrum Leadership NOVA Award. The company grants the NOVA Award to select employees who have made outstanding contributions to customers, business, and strategic goals. In a workforce of more than 115,000, only 58 awards were granted in 2013. in income. As part of his award, Thrivent Financial will donate $5,000 in his name to VEAP, and he will be recognized at a national conference in front of his peers. 89 Devoney Looser has taken a position as professor of English at Arizona State University. She and her husband, George Justice, are Jane Austen scholars and were featured in a chapter of Deborah Yaffe’s book, Among the Janeites: A Journey Through the World of Jane Austen Fandom. 90 Alex Gonzalez, a member of the Augsburg College Board of Regents, received the 2013 Thrivent Financial “Volunteer of the Year” award for work in his community. Gonzalez is one of three financial representatives recognized for community involvement and generosity out of the more than 2,400 Thrivent Financial representatives nationwide. Gonzalez works with Volunteers Enlisted to Assist People (VEAP), an organization with service programs that help alleviate the financial stress that low-income individuals and families face as the result of unexpected expenses or lapses Beth (Josephson) Cronk completed the master of library and information science degree through the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in December. She is the Meeker County librarian for Pioneerland Library System. 01 Carrie (Lind) Cabe earned a master of arts degree with a community education administration emphasis from the University of St. Thomas in 2013. She is the community resources and adult involvement coordinator for Edina Public Schools Community Education. 08 Sara Horishnyk is enrolled in the arts and cultural management graduate program at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota. 06 Maureen Parker Marrandino with her husband, Martin Marrandino, and son, Cyrus, welcomed daughter Penelope Carol on January 11. 06 Sara Schlipp-Riedel and Aaron Riedel ’07 welcomed daughter Charlotte Elizabeth on New Year’s Eve 2013. 10 In April, Roxanne (Johnson) Nelson accepted a new job as a rebate assistant at Donaldson Company in the engine aftermarket rebate program. 68 Augsburg Now Maja Lisa FritzHuspen was married May 25, 2013, to Don Roupe. Auggies from the Class of 2004 attending included Adam Nugent, Carolina (Chiesa) Nugent, and Jennifer (Holm) Schmitt. FritzHuspen is selfemployed as an opera singer and voice teacher. 93 In February, a Rotary Club in Loveland, Colo., honored Earl Sethre with its Citizen of the Year Award. The award recognizes a non-Rotarian in the community who lives out the four-way test, which asks the questions: Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build good will and better friendships? Will it be beneficial to all concerned? Sethre stood out to the selection committee because of his charitable work and the number of groups he serves. 36 04 09 Abby Ferjak married Becca Seely on September 1 at Yale Divinity School in New Haven, Conn. Attendants included Bethany Hellerich, Stephanie (Holman) Hubbard, and Kayla Skarbakka, Augsburg College alumnae from the Class of 2009. 12 Alison (Witt) Ellertson married Cory Ellertson ’11 in June 2013. Four Auggies pictured at the wedding are [L to R]: Ashley Kappes ’11, Alison, Cory, and Brittany Rueb ’11. AUGGIE SNAPSHOTS ALUMNI CLASS NOTES Beth Franklin was featured in a Star Tribune article in which she described how her studies led her to a “dream job” as a Certified Public Accountant at a firm serving writers, artists, and musicians. At Augsburg, Franklin had a double major in music business and accounting. The article quoted her as saying, “I thought I’d work in international business or for Sony in New York. The first day of class, the professor said, ‘Accounting is the most fun you could have with a pencil.’ I took my first test and aced it. I decided, ‘I like this.’” 09 06 While at Augsburg, Kasey Yoder started coaching youth hockey and has seen his hard work pay off. During 2013-14, his first year at Orono (Minn.) High School, he took his team to the state hockey tournament. He also was selected Section 2A Coach of the Year. Yoder says one of the most exciting challenges in coaching high school hockey is keeping the kids focused, especially with everything else they have going on in their lives. Yoder works to help young people find balance while still being committed to success at the arena. WE ARE CALLED. AUGGIES. Andrew Kent served as goalie coach for the Finland women’s hockey team during the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. A goalie for the Augsburg men’s hockey team from 2005 to 2009, Kent turned his love of hockey into a profession and serves as a director of goaltender development for MEGA Goaltending, a Twin Cities-based development center for hockey goalies. He also has served as a volunteer goalie coach for the University of Minnesota’s women’s hockey team for the past four seasons, which led to his role on the Finland coaching staff for the Olympics. 09 14 GRADUATE PROGRAMS While studying elementary education at Augsburg, Josh Thelemann founded a nonprofit organization that takes at-risk kids off the streets and provides programs that give them a fair shot. He named it SOS (Saving Our Schools). RESOURCE promoted Heidi Kammer ’00 MSW from director of its center for recovery services to vice president of chemical and mental health. She is regarded highly by her peers and has a passionate commitment to RESOURCE’s mission of reducing the disparities experienced by the people they serve. Once functioning as two separate divisions, RESOURCE’s chemical and mental health programs are in the process of being integrated. Susie Schatz ’09 MSW was named director of advocacy and volunteer services for St. Paul-based Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, the state’s oldest and largest human service organization. In the new position, she oversees advocacy efforts to improve services and public policies for people served by the statewide organization. She also oversees volunteer efforts across Minnesota that advance the mission of Lutheran Social Service. John Cerrito wrote the article “It’s Not About Getting a Job, It’s About Finding a Vocation,” for College News. In the story, he described how internship opportunities at a Twin Cities radio station helped him discover and develop an enjoyable career before he completed his degree. 11 Summer 2014 37 In memoriam JOHN AND NORMA PAULSON The Atrium-Link, funded in part by the Paulson family, is adorned with a Dala horse, a nod to John’s pride in his Swedish heritage. The link is named in memory of John’s parents, Rose E. and Johnny E. Paulson, and is dedicated by John R. Paulson, Sr., and his children, John Reid Paulson, Mary Jo (Paulson) Peterson ’80, Deborah Stansbury, Laurie (Paulson) Dahl ’76, and Lisa Paulson ’80. This summer, scenes of remembrance and honor unfolded on the the Center for Science, Business, and Religion—a capital project John’s daughter Lisa said is fitting given her family’s numerous beaches of Normandy as World War II veterans and their loved career ties to the health, science, and business fields. ones marked the 70th anniversary of D-Day—the battle recogAugsburg College President Emeritus William Frame recalls nized as the largest sea invasion in history. The occasion was that John and Norma were passionate about their family and reminiscent of commemorations attended years ago by John and friends, their hobbies and interests, and their call to better the Norma Paulson, caring parents of Augsburg alumni and generous world. “They were a sight from the 1930s—John driving Norma benefactors of Augsburg College. John returned to France several in a Packard touring car up to Augsburg House, stamping down times as a D-Day +1 survivor. Norma joined him as a passionate to applause…more of his panache than of his great car,” Frame steward of history. And, together, they formed a couple who— said. “That’s the way they ‘drove up’ to the dedication of the when abroad—could unite people across countries and—when at Link” and their gifts to the College. home in Minnesota—could connect a congregation, campus, or Throughout their lives, John community. and Norma connected the past to John, who passed away June the present and future. Whether 7, 2012—68 years to the day Norma was funding fieldtrips for after D-Day +1—and Norma, grade school students from her who passed away March 5, are hometown of Redwood Falls, remembered for their commitMinn. to visit the Minnesota ted involvement in Twin Cities Historical Society in St. Paul or organizations ranging from Rotary John was contributing to an organ to Shriners, and from the Classic fund that allowed young musiCar Club of America to the Purple cians to practice, the Paulsons Heart Association. The Paulsons ensured future generations could were successful in their careers— At the 60th anniversary commemoration of D-Day, engage with varying aspects of John as a builder and Norma as a Norma and John met and talked with actor Tom Hanks. history. banker—and made deeply meaningAugsburg College Pastor Emeritus David Wold recalls the ful philanthropic gifts throughout their lives. Paulsons as “people of tremendous faith and commitment.” While neither John nor Norma attended Augsburg, three of “I learned so much from John in my days at Calvary Lutheran John’s children and a son-in-law are alumni of the College—Mary Church and in my years at Augsburg College,” Wold said. “I Jo (Paulson) Peterson ’80, Laurie (Paulson) Dahl ’76, David Dahl ’75, learned about patriotism…about work ethic, about family, and Lisa Paulson ’80. The couple’s lifetime gifts to Augsburg about resiliency through tragedy, about benevolence, and about exceed $2 million. In 2001, the Paulson family provided major Packards.” funding to complete the Atrium-Link that connects Lindell And, Wold says he learned about the Paulsons’ “commitment Library via skyway to an atrium between Memorial and Sverdrup to the young and the old and to those in between.” halls and, in 2006, they were early donors to the campaign for 38 Augsburg Now In memoriam Ruth A. (Guldseth) Kallevig ’43, New Hope, Minn., age 92, on January 29. Cora A. (Rishovd) Steen ’44, Phoenix, Ariz., age 93, on January 26. Tenner C. Thompson II ’45, Alexandria, Minn., age 89, on December 23. Willis H. Johnson ’47, Willmar, Minn., age 88, on November 1. Carroll N. Anderson ’48, Madison, Wis., age 89, on April 6. Sylvia G. (Sateren) Elness ’48, Turlock, Calif., age 87, on December 1. Carl N. Germundson ’48, New Brighton, Minn., age 92, on February 24. Gloria (Gregguson) Johnson ’48, Golden Valley, Minn., age 87, on April 23. Richard “Dick” V. Lucas ’50, Jordan, Minn., age 87, on January 18. Ida Marie (Eggen) Benson ’51, Wanamingo, Minn., age 83, on December 24. Wayne E. Sampson ’51, Stillwater, Minn., age 84, on February 22. Bernice E. Broberg ’52, Dunseith, N.Dak., age 83, on February 13. Glenn E. Sieth ’52, Appleton, Wis., age 84, on January 31. Professor Emeritus Erwin D. Mickelberg ’54, Bloomington, Minn., age 87, on May 3. Helen (Halvorson) Hjermstad ’55, Jacksonville, Fla., age 80, on March 17. Ruth L. (Loland) Jarvis ’56, Greenacres, Wash., age 79, on March 30. Arthur N. Johnson ’58, Crystal, Minn., age 82, on December 1. Gary E. Turner ’58, Hemmet, Calif., age 78, on April 13. Marcus W. Johnson ’59, Moundsview, Minn., age 76, on November 27. Ock “Peggy” H. (Kim) Moss ’59, Longwood, Fla., age 78, on January 11. Professor Emeritus Edwin J. Saugestad ’59, Minneapolis, age 77, on March 20. Audrey M. (Halvorson) Hovland ’61, Alexandria, Minn., age 76, on February 25. Jeanette “Jeanie” L. (Robinson) Thorpe ’62, Kandiyohi, Minn., age 73, on February 27. Judy (Thompson) Eiler ’65, Minneapolis, age 70, on January 25. John A. Fundingsland ’69, Eden Prairie, Minn., age 67, on November 26. Stephen E. Smestad ’70, St. Clair, Minn., age 65, on February 2. Lavonne “Vonnie” L. Pearson ’73, St. Paul, age 63, on April 19. Kevin L. Boettcher ’84, Eagan, Minn., age 52, on March 23. 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 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 Richard T. Olson ’86, Minneapolis, age 55, on December 9. ______________________________________________________ Position Sean A. Danforth ’91, Monticello, Minn., age 45, on February 1. ______________________________________________________ Work telephone Susan G. (Strawn) Strawn-Whitney ’94, Excelsior, Minn., age 48, on April 27. Is spouse also a graduate of Augsburg College? q Yes q No Melinda R. Longfors ’02, Maple Grove, Minn., age 34, on January 28. ______________________________________________________ Spouse’s name (include maiden name, if applicable) Rae S. Ormsby ’03, Pine Island, Minn., age 68, on February 14. Professor Emerita Beverly C. Durkee, Edina, Minn., age 83, on March 31. If yes, class year___________________________________________ Your news: ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ q I know a student who is interested in attending Augsburg. Wayne C. Johnson ’58, Minneapolis, age 83, on March 10. Summer 2014 39 IT TAKES AN AUGGIE AN AUGSBURG LEGACY LARRY AND CHERYL ’89 CROCKETT Whether they are traveling five states by motorcycle from Minnesota to Tennessee, he’s teaching across two of Augsburg College’s academic departments, or she’s pursuing an undergraduate degree while raising toddlers, there’s one thing Larry and Cheryl ’89 Crockett know well: How to cross boundaries to arrive at a destination that expands their horizons and inspires others. 40 Augsburg Now The Crocketts have a shared love for exploring the richness that exists at the intersections of seemingly different frontiers. For more than 30 years, Larry has served as an Augsburg professor of religion and computer science. During that time, Cheryl has experienced— both as a student and as an Augsburg volunteer—the rich conversations that cross disciplines at the College. That’s why the Crocketts decided to make a $50,000 estate gift to the Augsburg College campaign for the Center for Science, Business, and Religion (CSBR). Both Larry and Cheryl recognize that students in today’s world must engage in discussions and solve complex problems in a multinational world where science, business, and religion intersect. And, they’re helping to pollinate those conversations by supporting the CSBR: Augsburg’s boundary-breaking academic building. BY STEPHANIE WEISS To read more about Larry and Cheryl or to learn about the Center for Science, Business, and Religion, go to augsburg.edu/now. GET IT RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW Get the print edition of Augsburg Now, and more, on your Apple or Android tablet. Current and previous digital issues of Augsburg Now are moving out of Apple Newsstand and into a new standalone app called “Augsburg Gallery,” available on your Apple or Android tablet and offering readers even more dynamic content. This digital experience allows you to interact with the content in a whole new way. The new Augsburg Gallery app includes the latest issue of Augsburg Now and a special publication called President’s Messages 2012-14. To find this new app on your tablet, search for “Augsburg Gallery” (include the quotation marks in your search) on the Apple App Store or Google Play. For more information, go to augsburg. edu/now/tablet. These tablet versions are available. AUGGIE HAS AN APP FOR THAT! Augsburg Gallery app The current issue is available in the new Augsburg Gallery app. Photo by Tom Roster 2211 Riverside Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55454 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Twin Cities, MN Permit No. 2031 Auggies go green! Augsburg College President Paul C. Pribbenow was one of several Auggies to take an inaugural ride on the Metro Transit Green Line during its grand opening June 14. The Green Line runs from downtown St. Paul to downtown Minneapolis and is the second Light Rail Transit (LRT) line to pass through Cedar-Riverside—the only neighborhood in the Twin Cities with access to both LRT lines. The addition of the Green Line expands student access to jobs, internships, and experiential education opportunities; enhances safety in the neighborhood; and contributes to a vital urban environment for all who live and work in the area.
Show less

Title: Augsburg Now Summer 2013: Auggies Shape Our World
Collection: Alumni Magazine Collection
Search Result: inside AUGSBURG NOW Augsburg Commencement 2013 Student success and achievements Hybrid teaching and learning Auggie teachers shape our future New women’s lacrosse program SHAPE oUr WORLD SUMMER 2013 | VOL. 75, NO. 3 auGGiEs Vice President of Marketing and Communication NOTES from P...
Show more inside AUGSBURG NOW Augsburg Commencement 2013 Student success and achievements Hybrid teaching and learning Auggie teachers shape our future New women’s lacrosse program SHAPE oUr WORLD SUMMER 2013 | VOL. 75, NO. 3 auGGiEs Vice President of Marketing and Communication NOTES from President Pribbenow Faithful and Relevant During the past several months, Augsburg’s Board of Regents has invited the campus community into a strategic mapping process focused on our priorities and aspirations leading up to the College’s sesquicentennial in 2019. Fittingly titled “Augsburg 2019,” the plans emerging from extensive research and conversations are aimed at enabling the College to live into a vision we have stated this way: In 2019, Augsburg will be a new kind of studentcentered, urban university, small to our students and big for the world. As we have engaged in this important strategic work for Augsburg, I have been struck by the synergy we have found between what it means to remain faithful to our core values—our Lutheran faith, the liberal arts, diversity, and urban life—while at the same time looking for ways to be relevant in the world—equipping students for lives of meaning and purpose in the 21st century. Some might note the paradox in such a framework—faithful and relevant—but as good Lutherans, we know well how to live as people centered in the gifts of our faith and of service to God’s good creation. It seems especially fitting that this issue of Augsburg Now includes a meaningful tribute to Charles Anderson, who served as Augsburg’s eighth president from 1980 to 1997, and whose legacy is very much the foundation for the College’s work today and in the future. Chuck Anderson believed deeply in the College’s Lutheran heritage. He was a tireless advocate for the liberal arts. And he made the College’s urban setting an even more central part of its daily life and work. At the same time, Chuck paid close attention to the needs of the world. He championed Augsburg’s ground-breaking Weekend College for adult undergraduates, its Rochester campus, the StepUP® program for students recovering from addictions, Rebecca John rjohn@augsburg.edu Integrated Communication Specialist Laura Swanson swansonl@augsburg.edu Creative Director Kathy Rumpza ’05 MAL rumpza@augsburg.edu the CLASS program for students with learning challenges, the Center for Global Education, and the College’s first graduate programs. Chuck also set the stage for Augsburg’s commitment to intentional diversity, a commitment that has been realized in the increasing diversity of our student body during the past several years. Chuck Anderson’s legacy of sustaining Augsburg as a faithful and relevant institution may be best captured in our new vision statement. He put students at the center of the College’s life. He cared deeply for the urban neighborhoods around campus and saw them as an extension of the classroom. And he watched over the expansion of Augsburg’s academic programs, leading to the comprehensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs that characterize the College’s academic profile today—the profile of a small university, a new kind of 21st century university. As this issue of Augsburg Now so powerfully demonstrates, this vision is very much alive and thriving on campus and around the world today: Keeping students at the center of our lives through scholarships made possible by the generosity of remarkable alumni like Milt Kleven ’46. Students and faculty achieving at the highest level and being recognized nationally and internationally for their work. Innovative new curricula, aimed at sustaining Augsburg’s abiding commitment to face-to-face instruction, while at the same time using technology to enhance student experiences. Augsburg’s ground-breaking work to educate teachers for diverse schools, bringing the best of new classroom methods together with the College’s strengths in the sciences and mathematics. And so much more. It is a great time to be an Auggie! Augsburg is a new kind of 21st century university. Small to our students—the reasons we exist—and big for the world. Thanks for all you do to help keep Augsburg faithful and relevant. Senior Creative Associate-Design Jen Nagorski ’08 nagorski@augsburg.edu Photographer Stephen Geffre geffre@augsburg.edu Director of News and Media Services Stephanie Weiss weisss@augsburg.edu Production Manager/Now Online Mark Chamberlain chamberm@augsburg.edu Assistant Vice President of Advancement Kim Stone stonek@augsburg.edu augsburg.edu Augsburg Now is published by Augsburg College 2211 Riverside Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55454 Opinions expressed in Augsburg Now do not necessarily reflect official College policy. ISSN 1058-1545 Send address corrections to: Advancement Services CB 142 Augsburg College 2211 Riverside Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55454 langemo@augsburg.edu Email: now@augsburg.edu PAUL C. PRIBBENOW, PRESIDENT summer 2013 AUGSBURG NOW 22 20 36 10 Features 10 20 22 24 Shaping our future BY WENDI WHEELER ’06 AND REBECCA JOHN ’13 MBA Commencement 2013 Success after college BY WENDI WHEELER ’06 Hybrid learning BY LAURA SWANSON Departments inside front cover Notes from President Pribbenow 2 Around the Quad 9 My Auggie experience 18 The Center for Science, Business, and Religion 19 It takes an Auggie 28 Alumni news 30 Alumni class notes 36 Auggies on the field 9 On the cover Kassie Benjamin-Ficken ’12, an Augsburg elementary education and math major, and a member of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, teaches first grade at Tatanka Academy in Minneapolis. She is one of the seven Auggie teachers and education alumni featured in “Shaping our future,” page 10. All photos by Stephen Geffre unless otherwise indicated. 19 quad around the Augsburg top-ranked in Dave Wold named NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION GRANTS Campus Pastor Emeritus Augsburg was ranked third in Minnesota for the total dollar amount awarded in 2012 by the National Science Foundation (NSF). Augsburg received three awards from NSF last year, totaling more than $1 million. The top two Minnesota NSF grant recipients are the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities and the University of Minnesota, Duluth—which means that Augsburg was the leader in NSF funding among private higher education institutions in the state. This achievement was highlighted this past spring in a list published by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. Auggies had the rare opportunity to go on stage at the Bon Jovi concert this past spring. The group was interviewed by television stations—including KARE 11, KSTP 5, and WCCO 4—about their community service, education, and experiences working backstage. Auggies earn behind-the-scenes opportunity on Bon Jovi tour Six Augsburg College students were given the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get an inside look at the music business when they worked backstage during the Bon Jovi “Because We Can” tour held in April at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul. The students were selected for the band’s Community Service College Campaign based on their community engagement and leadership. Participants included [pictured L to R] Alom Martinez Aleman ’13, Andrea Batt ’13, Alexandra Jamieson ’14, James “Bear” Mahowald ’13, Thu Nguyen ’15, and Morgan Waldorf ’15. The group got hands-on experience in public relations, media, management, and ticketing; and took advantage of the opportunity to network with media and music professionals. To read more about Auggies backstage at Bon Jovi, go to augsburg.edu/now. 2 Augsburg Now Pastor Dave Wold—Augsburg’s pastor since 1983—retired at the end of the 2012-13 academic year, and, in its May meeting, the Augsburg College Board of Regents resolved that he would be named Campus Pastor Emeritus. Pastor Dave served faithfully and well for three decades, ministering in a variety of ways to individual members of the Augsburg community and the entire College. His service in organizing and leading daily chapel services, his accessibility to all with spiritual needs, his inimitable style as announcer for Auggie athletic events, his leadership of outreach programs such as the Augsburg High School Basketball League, his guidance of the annual Advent Vespers worship services, and his ubiquitous presence at College events— especially student events—all of this and so much more have been Pastor Dave’s remarkable contributions to Augsburg. A community-wide celebration of his ministry at Augsburg is being planned for fall. Excellence in teaching and learning The 2013 Distinguished Contribution recipients [L to R]: Laura Boisen, David Matz, Darcey Engen ’88, and Colin Irvine. Each year, the Augsburg College faculty recognizes select colleagues with Distinguished Contributions to Teaching and Learning awards— acknowledging those who have demonstrated outstanding support for students through teaching, advising, and mentoring. The 2013 recipients include: • For Excellence in Teaching—Colin Irvine, associate professor of English • For Excellence in Mentoring and Advising— Laura Boisen, professor of social work • For Excellence in Scholarship—Darcey Engen ’88, associate professor of theater arts, and David Matz, associate professor of psychology COMMUNITY CELEBRATES STEPHEN ‘GABE’ GABRIELSEN The Augsburg College community celebrated the life, music, and contributions of Professor Emeritus Stephen “Gabe” Gabrielsen ’63 in an April ceremony at Hoversten Chapel. Gabe, as he was known to students, staff, and faculty, taught at Augsburg for 47 years. He is known for his service to the community as College organist. His majors in music and religion were the foundation for his vocation, which found expression in music and faith. He played organ in daily chapel throughout his time at Augsburg and was organist for 28 Advent Vespers services. URBAN DEBATE LEAGUE Minnesota Urban Debate League is affiliated with Augsburg College’s Sabo Center for Citizenship and Learning. The Center, named for former Congressman Martin Olav Sabo ’59, is home to programs that foster civic engagement, including Bonner Leaders, Campus Kitchen, the Center for Democracy and Citizenship, and more. The Minneapolis Public School District committed to provide Minnesota Urban Debate League (MNUDL), with funding of $100,000 over a two-year period. The funding, combined with support the program already has from the St. Paul Public Schools, means the MNUDL will add seven schools to its program. MNUDL serves more than 500 middle- and high-school students in the Twin Cities, and students in the program have a 100 percent on-time high school graduation rate. Summer 2013 3 quad around the STATE GRANT PROGRAM Augsburg Day at the Capitol, held in March, gave students a voice in the important debate surrounding the Minnesota State Grant program. Patrick DuSchane ’13, Augsburg’s former day student body president, said the event was a chance to help ensure that legislators understand the value of the state grant program to Augsburg students and their families. The program is designed to help make college more affordable to more than 88,000 Minnesota students. In addition to their visit to the Capitol, students were invited to a post-event reception with former U.S. Representative Martin Olav Sabo ’59. Earlier in the legislative session, Ben Yawakie ’13 testified at a committee hearing on behalf of the Augsburg College community. Rosie Benser ’13 and Charlie Olson ’13 spoke about the value to their education of participating in undergraduate research. The 2013 Minnesota Campus Compact Presidents’ Awards recognized leaders on the Augsburg campus and in the College’s surrounding community. • The Presidents’ Civic Engagement Steward Award went to Augsburg’s Health Commons programs at Central Lutheran Church and Dar Ul-Quba. It recognizes those who advance a campus’s distinctive civic mission by forming strong partnerships, supporting others’ civic engagement, and working to institutionalize engagement. • The Presidents’ Student Leadership Award was presented to Rachel Svanoe ’13 for her commitment to civic responsibility and leadership. • The Presidents’ Community Partner Award was presented to the Brian Coyle Community Center for supporting Augsburg students’ experiential education. 4 Augsburg Now HIGH-DEMAND TRACK ADDED TO DOCTORAL NURSING PROGRAM The Augsburg College Nursing Department added an innovative, accredited, and high-demand track to its Doctor of Nursing Practice program to respond to the evolving needs of nurses, communities, and the medical industry. The new track, DNP—Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP), is geared toward preparing students who already hold their bachelor of science in nursing to apply for certification as FNPs through the American Nurses Credentialing Center. It is the second doctoral program offered by Augsburg. The first doctoral program, the DNP—Transcultural Nursing Leadership, readies nurses who hold a master’s degree in nursing for advanced transcultural nursing across care settings and care systems. Ensembles perform throughout Turkey The Augsburg College Concert Band and Augsburg Jazz delivered their annual Bon Voyage Performance the day before May Commencement. The two groups then went on an international tour to perform throughout Turkey. The groups played in cities including Istanbul, Izmir, and Bodrum; met in small groups with school children in grades K-12; and took time to tour destinations including the Blue Mosque and world heritage site Hagia Sophia, which was built in 537 A.D. as an Orthodox Christian church. Each year, Augsburg music ensembles tour and perform both domestically and internationally. Read the Augsburg Concert Band and Jazz Tour blog to learn about the full trip: augsburgmusic.blogspot.com. Honoring our retired faculty Marilyn Pearson Florian ’76, assistant professor of health, physical education, and exercise science, joined the College in 1980. She received a master’s from St. Cloud State University. Along with her classroom teaching, she served as chair of her department, head women’s volleyball coach, and, most recently, women’s athletic director. She has been a strong advocate for gender equity in athletics throughout her career. Garry W. Hesser, professor of sociology and metro-urban studies and Martin Olav Sabo Professor of Citizenship and Learning, started his career at Augsburg in 1977. He received a bachelor’s from Phillips University, a Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary, and a master’s and PhD from the University of Notre Dame. Hesser played a key role in the development of the College’s metrourban studies program and the intensive curriculum for the hybrid Master of Arts in Leadership (MAL) program. He is recognized nationally as a leader in the field of experiential education and urban education. His scholarship and accomplishments in these areas reflect the College’s mission as a “College of the city.” Kenneth S. Kaminsky, professor of mathematics, began his work at Augsburg in 1987. He received a bachelor’s in mathematics, a master’s in statistics, and a PhD in statistics from Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. Along with his classroom teaching, Kaminsky is an active scholar, having published books and articles in the areas of statistics and financial mathematics. Through a bi-weekly newsletter and by inviting alumni, industrial mathematicians, and local academics to speak in the mathematics colloquium series, Kaminsky keeps mathematics alumni and current students connected. Ned D. Kantar, assistant professor of music, joined the College in 1999. He received his bachelor’s and master’s from the University of Minnesota. Before joining Augsburg, Kantar taught music to students from elementary school age through college. Drawing upon his wide ranging professional experiences that included performance (jazz and classical), booking, and production, Kantar brought to Augsburg the music business degree, which has grown significantly in both numbers and innovation, and in which Kantar taught classes in improvisation, aural skills, and music business. Anne M. Kaufman, associate professor of education, began working at Augsburg in 1987. She received her bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD from the University of Minnesota. Kaufman has been a leader in secondary social studies teacher preparation at Augsburg College and for the State of Minnesota. She is the director of the Paideia Institute at Augsburg and has led teacher professional development workshops in this area for the past 20 years. Kaufman has been active in statewide efforts to set social studies standards and has been a member of the Minnesota Board of Teaching. Laura K. Lazar, assistant professor of business administration, has worked at the College since 2005. She received her bachelor’s from Valparaiso University, and her MBA and PhD from Indiana University. Lazar teaches all levels of accounting in both the undergraduate and graduate program. She is uniquely gifted to make this information accessible to students of all abilities. Along with her teaching responsibilities, Lazar has served as the coordinator for the accounting program and its faculty. Susan K. Nash, associate professor of nursing, began teaching at Augsburg in 1977, and in her full-time role in 1998. She received her bachelor’s, master’s, and EdD from the University of Minnesota. Nash received the Augsburg College Distinguished Contribution to Teaching and Learning award for Mentoring in 2009. She has been instrumental in developing a partnership and agreement with Rochester Community and Technical College that has introduced hundreds of students to Augsburg. Nash was one of the initial architects for the adult learner programs in nursing on the Minneapolis campus. Her scholarship has focused on complexity science in family nursing. Ronald W. Petrich, assistant professor of education, began his career at Augsburg in 1980. He received his bachelor’s from Augsburg College and his master’s from United Theological Seminary. Petrich returned to Augsburg as a member of the faculty following an extensive career in the Minneapolis Public School system, giving him a rich history of hands-on experience from which to teach his students. Petrich integrated these experiences in the undergraduate education program and also in the MAL program, where he examined the role of the school in modern society as well as the significance of mentoring relationships, models of leadership, and professional development. David G. Schwain, assistant professor of business administration, began teaching at Augsburg in 1995 and five years later started in his full-time role. He received his bachelor’s from the University of Cincinnati and his MBA from Harvard University. Prior to joining Augsburg, Schwain had a distinguished career in general management with more than 15 years in positions at the executive level. Schwain brought this extensive experience to bear as one of the architects of Augsburg’s MBA program. For the past several years, he has coordinated the Clair and Gladys Strommen Executive Speaker Series, while teaching marketing classes in the undergraduate and graduate business programs at Augsburg. COMPILED BY JUDI GREEN Summer 2013 5 quad around the CONVOCATION SERIES 2012-13 The Koryne Horbal Lecture in April featured Gloria Steinem, a prominent spokesperson for women’s issues. Steinem has traveled the globe speaking on the topic of women’s equality, has led awareness rallies, is author of six books, and has launched two magazines including Ms. She spoke to a packed Hoversten Chapel about the founding of the women’s movement, the gains made to find equity for all people, and areas in which improvement still must be realized. In addition to Steinem’s talk, recipients of the Women’s Resource Center’s Courageous Woman Award (CWA) were acknowledged at the lecture. Recipients included Kristina Monje ’14 and Bo Thao-Urabe, a long-time advocate for Hmong women, children, and refugee families. The CWA recognizes women who strive for social justice and peace on campus or in the community. Strommen Executive Speaker Series Augsburg College welcomed HealthPartners CEO Mary K. Brainerd, a national leader known for her business acumen and unwavering commitment to the community, as a featured presenter in the Clair and Gladys Strommen Executive Speaker Series in April. Brainerd, who spoke on the topic of health care reform, is the president and chief executive officer of Minnesota-based HealthPartners—the largest, consumer-governed, nonprofit health care organization in the United States. The Sverdrup Visiting Scientist Lecture in April featured Harvard University Professor David Weitz who talked about the everyday physics involved in cooking food. Weitz explored with attendees the manners in which foods change during cooking as a way to illustrate scientific processes. The annual Sverdrup Visiting Scientist lecture series brings renowned scientists to campus to share their expertise with the Augsburg community, the College’s aspiring scientists, and members of the larger scientific community. Augsburg welcomes new Provost/Chief Academic Officer In July, Augsburg College welcomed Karen L. Kaivola as provost and chief academic officer. Kaivola serves in a key leadership position as the second in command to Augsburg College President Paul C. Pribbenow. Kaivola has wide-ranging responsibilities, including working with faculty, administration, and the Board of Regents to implement the College’s strategic vision; providing oversight of the accreditation process, as well as planning, development, and administration of the academic program for graduate, undergraduate, and international programs; academic budgeting; and leadership of and advocacy for the faculty. She most recently served as the associate provost for faculty development and J. Ollie Edmunds Chair in English at Stetson University in DeLand, Fla. She holds a master’s and a PhD in English from the University of Washington and a bachelor’s degree in English from Georgetown University. 6 Augsburg Now cElEBraTIng student success Scholarships and fellowships Augsburg students earned a range of prestigious accolades during spring semester. Some of the awards include the following: Allison Zank ’14 Kayla Johnson ’13 • FULBRIGHT SCHOLARS: Kayla Johnson ’13 and Emily Jensen ’08 were awarded English teaching assistantships. Johnson, who graduated with degrees in biology and mathematics, will teach in Taiwan. She plans to attend medical school in the future. Jensen, who earned her bachelor’s in international relations and peace and global studies, will teach in the Czech Republic. Jensen has worked in the Minnesota State Senate and House of Representatives, most recently as a research director. She hopes to pursue a master’s in social work and public policy following her year as a Fulbright Scholar. In 2010-11, Augsburg was recognized as a top producer of Fulbright students by The Chronicle of Higher Education. • GILMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIPS: Four Auggies received Gilman International Scholarships from the U.S. State Department to study overseas this summer and fall. Celia Hernandez Payan ’13 traveled this summer to Amman, Jordan, while Mariam Ali ’15, Darius Sean Gray ’14, and Magaly Ortiz ’13 will study abroad this coming fall. Thirty Auggies have been awarded this prestigious scholarship since fall 2008. • GOLDWATER SCHOLARSHIP: Allison Zank ’14, who is studying chemistry, received a Barry Goldwater Scholarship. Ashley Waters ’14 This $7,500 award is given to students from throughout the United States who excel in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) disciplines and who plan to work in a STEM field upon graduation. Zank is Augsburg’s first female Goldwater Scholar and one of only eight students in Minnesota to receive the award. Augsburg’s Ashley Waters ’14 was recognized for her outstanding scholarship when she was named one of seven Minnesotans to receive an Honorable Mention in the Goldwater Scholarship competition. • KEMPER SCHOLARS PROGRAM: Keisha Barnard ’16, who is studying sociology and international relations, was named the College’s third Kemper Scholar. Students in the prestigious Kemper program receive academic scholarships and stipends to cover the costs of two summer internships in major nonprofit and for-profit organizations. Augsburg is one of only 16 U.S. liberal arts colleges with the Kemper Scholars Program distinction. • NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION GRADUATE RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP: Joe Buchman ’13, who graduated with majors in chemistry and biology, received a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship that will provide $40,500 each year for the first three years of his doctoral study in chemistry. The selection of these fellows is very competitive and is based on the viability of the student’s proposed research. Summer 2013 7 cElEBraTIng student success Student research awards and achievements STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN ZYZZOGETON 2013: More than 70 Auggies presented their research in the annual poster session, Zyzzogeton. The spring event is an opportunity to celebrate student research, creativity, and scholarship. The festival is sponsored by the McNair Scholars Program, the Office of Undergraduate Research and Graduate Opportunity, and the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation. POSTERS ON THE HILL: Three Augsburg College students were recognized for outstanding research at Posters on the Hill in Washington, D.C. This highly competitive annual celebration of student research, sponsored by the U.S. Council on Undergraduate Research, featured the work of only 60 students out of a pool of more than 800 applicants. Brianna Noland ’13, a mathematical economics major, was selected to present her research on college loans and firstyear retention in Washington, D.C., to members of Congress and congressional staff. She also met with U.S. Sens. Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar, both of Minnesota. Samantha Cantrall ’14, a communication studies major, received an Honorable Mention, ranking within the top 80 applicants, for her investigation of the influence of hip hop on the Arab Spring. Megan Rich ’13, a biology alumna and Master of Arts in Education student, also received an Honorable Mention. She studied ways to reduce the growth of soybean pathogens. Auggies conduct off-campus research At least a dozen Augsburg students are spending their summer doing off-campus research at locations throughout the United States as well as on the European and African continents. • Katherine Aleman ’14, psychology, research intern at Mayo Clinic • Elianna Bier ’14, physics, National Institute of Standards and Technology • Eric Bowman ’14, biology and chemistry, University of Nebraska • Emma Capman ’14, physics, University of Maryland Robotics Center Brianna Noland ’13 [at left] met with U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn. [center], when Noland was in Washington, D.C., to present her research at Posters on the Hill. Noland traveled with Stella K. Hofrenning [at right], associate professor of economics. 8 Augsburg Now • Haley Diem ’13, environmental studies, field research in Tanzania on sustainable agriculture • Kirubel Frew ’14, chemistry, Johns Hopkins University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology • Ben Grant ’14, physics, Colorado School of Mines National Renewable Energy Lab • Anna Herauf ’14, biology and chemistry, North Dakota State University’s program for research on prairies • Dan Kornbaum ’14, physics, Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic, and Geospace Sciences Research Experiences for Undergraduates at University of Michigan • Marie-Aimee Ntawkulityayo ’14, international relations, research in Belgium on ethnic identity and conflict in the Kivu Region of Eastern Congo • Promise Okeke ’15, biology, Johns Hopkins University Malaria Research Institute • Casey Powell ’15, biology, University of Minnesota Plant Pathology Lab • Emily Rutten ’14, biopsychology and psychology, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey • Rachel Shaheen ’15, biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health • Ryan Sullivan ’14, computational philosophy, Carnegie-Mellon University Summer Workshop on Cognitive Science and Epistemology my auggie experience Janice Murphy Gladden— an Auggie All-Star When it came time for Janice Murphy Gladden ’14 to think about returning to college, she found herself taking advice from her college-aged daughter. Several decades earlier, while studying at a junior college in Cupertino, Calif., she and Dan Gladden met. The two later would marry. She would leave school to focus on being a wife and mother, and also would work to support the family. She would put on hold the education her father urged her to pursue while her husband developed his baseball-playing career, going from an amateur free agent to a major league star. “It was one of those things where Dan had the opportunity,” she said. “Someone needed to work. It’s worked out really well, and we’ve been very fortunate.” Dan would become a champion left- and center-fielder for the Minnesota Twins, a core part of the dream teams that propelled the Twins to victory in two World Series. A couple of years ago, Gladden decided that the time was right for her to return to college to finish what she started some 30 years ago. She talked with and listened to one of her two daughters, Whitney Nicole Gladden ’12. “My daughter had such a great experience at Augsburg,” Gladden said, “so she encouraged me to visit.” Gladden met with an admissions counselor, and said she was hooked from the very beginning—even though the idea of again being in the classroom was daunting. Augsburg faculty and staff supported her and made easier her transition to life as a college student in communications studies, she said. “I thought I’d be on my own, navigating this journey,” Gladden said. “But there are so many ways to access services and help and to be connected. “I feel valued in class. My thoughts matter, my opinions matter,” she said. “As adult learners, we kick around our experiences, and I get to hear from people at Medtronic and Target and other places. I’m more well-rounded.” In addition to benefitting from the experiences shared by her peers, Gladden said her Augsburg education has helped her develop valuable workplace tools including stronger interpersonal and nonverbal communication skills that she is using in her career. For 18 years, she has worked for Target Corp. in the financial and retail services division. While Gladden chose on her own to return to college, she also said the decision was made easier because her company encourages employees to continue to develop and supports pursuit of education. But perhaps one of the biggest influences stretches back through the decades to her days as a child growing up in California. “My father would be so proud, so proud I stuck to it, no matter my age,” she said. “Education was the biggest deal to him. It’s what I remember him emphasizing when I was little: ‘Education. Education. Education.’” Gladden is less than a year away from finishing her undergraduate degree, and is thinking about what is next in her life. She said her positive experience at Augsburg has her pondering a graduate degree. “I love Augsburg. I love the vibe. I like the peer networks. I like that it is small enough that even after 30 years I could find a way to come back,” she said. “I’m thinking now about getting a master’s degree at Augsburg. I’d love to teach.” WENDI WHEELER ’06 AND STEPHANIE WEISS Summer 2013 9 Shaping our future “TO PREPARE AMERICANS FOR THE JOBS OF THE FUTURE… WE HAVE TO OUT-EDUCATE THE WORLD.” —WHITEHOUSE.GOV 10 Augsburg Now BY WENDI WHEELER ’06 AND REBECCA JOHN ’13 MBA The programs in Augsburg’s Education Department prepare teachers— at both the undergraduate and graduate levels—to meet our national education challenge. The U.S. government recognizes that “the strength of the American economy is inextricably linked to the strength of [our] education system,” which means “America’s ability to compete begins each day, in classrooms across the nation.” Auggie teachers and education alumni are leading these classrooms, improving education outcomes, and shaping our future. They are igniting student interest in math and science, educating an increasingly diverse youth population, bringing global perspectives and learning into the classroom, and leveraging new technologies and teaching practices to enhance learning. The following are just a few examples of the ways Auggie teachers and education alumni are leading the advancement of education in our schools. Cutting-edge science research for middle and high school students When Dan Forseth ’08 was a student at Augsburg, he spent many hours in the lab with associate professor of physics Ben Stottrup. It was Stottrup, he said, who helped him realize he wanted to be a teacher. “He taught me how to make things work with what you have,” Forseth said. Today Forseth uses that lesson in his own classroom to excite students about science and to inspire the next generation of teachers. He teaches biology, physical science, and robotics at St. Paul Preparatory School, an international college-preparation program in St. Paul. He said he enjoys teaching because he loves the transformation when students grasp a difficult concept after struggling with it. “When they get it, seeing that light bulb turn on for them is very exciting.” During the summer of 2012, Forseth was one of six teachers who participated in a research program at Augsburg funded by a grant from the Margaret A. Cargill Foundation. The program paired Augsburg undergraduate science education students studying to be secondary teachers with current science teachers. The teams conducted college-level research, which was supervised by Augsburg faculty, and developed curricula to adapt science projects for middle and secondary school classrooms. The Augsburg education students in the program learned about the practical realities of teaching from their interactions with current teachers, Forseth said. “And teachers like me were revitalized by the opportunity to work in new labs and develop new and different topics for our classes.” Along with engaging in scientific research, participants had opportunities to expand their scientific professional networks through conversations and workshops with scientists in the workplace and college science faculty, said Tracy Bibelnieks, Augsburg associate professor of mathematics and director of the Margaret A. Cargill Foundation grant. Summer 2013 11 “Feedback from last year’s participants was very positive.” she said. “We are looking forward to building on that experience to continue developing ways that cutting-edge research and engaging experiences can be integrated into 9th- through 12th-grade STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) classrooms.” Forseth will participate in the program again this summer, working with Augsburg faculty to create a website to share materials produced in the program with 9th- to 12th-grade STEM teachers across the state. “This program provides an opportunity for Augsburg students pursuing secondary STEM licensure to learn from experienced science teachers and helps current teachers integrate more research and authentic learning experiences into their classrooms,” he said. Teaching in a diverse world When Will Ruffin ’13 MAE moved from California to North Dakota to attend college, he left his little brother behind. “He struggled in school. I was the smart older brother who wasn’t there for him, and that always bothered me,” Ruffin said. It’s the memory of leaving his brother that today drives Ruffin to make a personal connection with each of his students. For Kassie Benjamin-Ficken ’12, it’s her ability to relate to the experiences of first-generation and minority-culture 12 Augsburg Now students that has strengthened her connections with her students. “As a first generation student, I think it’s easier for me to explain to my students why it’s important to get an education,” she said. Ruffin and Benjamin-Ficken are examples of Auggie teachers working in increasingly multicultural communities— where the ability to connect with students of diverse backgrounds is critical to student success. Despite his passion for teaching, Ruffin didn’t begin his career in education. He first completed a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in business and began working for a retail company in southern Minnesota. Then one of his customers— a teacher—asked if Ruffin would volunteer at his school because the teacher wanted a strong, black, male role model to work with his students. “There was just something about being with kids that hooked me,” Ruffin said, “and I fell in love with teaching.” Ruffin became a substitute teacher and eventually was teaching full time, so he decided to attend Augsburg to pursue a master’s degree in education. For the past five years, he has been teaching fifth grade at Riverside Central Elementary in Rochester, Minn. For many students, Ruffin is the first black teacher and the first male teacher they have had, so he takes seriously his responsibility to be a role model in a community that is increasingly more ethnically and culturally diverse. Judging by the drawings and awards posted by students on his classroom walls, and by the former students who often stop in at Riverside to visit, Ruffin is making a difference in students’ lives. As a student himself, Ruffin said, he was quiet and seldom participated in class discussions. As a teacher and leader, however, he’s learned that his voice is important. “I know I have a lot to share, and I can enrich others’ experiences through my own,” he said. “I can’t be a leader and be silent. I have a perspective that too often is lost or overlooked, and I need to share that.” Benjamin-Ficken, a member of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, also embraces the opportunity to bring her cultural perspective into the classroom. “My culture teaches that you are on this Earth to help others,” she said. “Education is how I can make a difference.” At Augsburg, Benjamin-Ficken double majored in elementary education and math. This July, she completed her first year at Tatanka Academy in Minneapolis, where 13 of her 14 first-grade students were Native American. In working with students from minority populations, Benjamin-Ficken strives to instill in them the belief that they can—and should—excel in school, especially in STEM fields where populations of color and females are significantly underrepresented. For example, this past spring, BenjaminFicken celebrated “Pi Day” (which falls on March 14, or 3/14, representing the first three digits in the mathematical constant, pi) with her students. A self-professed “math nerd,” Benjamin-Ficken believes that these types of classroom experiences will help her students see math as a subject they can succeed in and, potentially, choose to pursue in their lives. Augsburg’s focus on urban education and teaching in a multicultural classroom were an important part of her educational experience, Benjamin-Ficken said. “My education studies at Augsburg really taught me to reflect,” she said. “Taking time to ask what went well [in class], what didn’t, and whether you reached every student—that’s what makes you a better teacher.” NATIONAL RECOGNITION Since 2004, five Augsburg education graduates have received the prestigious Milken Award for Excellence in Teaching. This award provides public recognition and financial awards to elementary and secondary education professionals. Only 30 Milken Awards are given annually across the United States. Summer 2013 13 KATE WOOLEVER ’11 14 Augsburg Now Bringing global issues and perspectives into the classroom Teaching and traveling are more than passions for Kate Woolever ’11—they are vital to her own education as a citizen of the world. As a studio art and education major at Augsburg, Woolever combined her interests into a career that today allows her to continue her own education and to provide meaningful learning experiences for her students. Woolever’s mother, father, and brother are teachers, so it’s no surprise that she also chose to become a teacher. “Teaching is completely a part of my life,” she said. “For me it’s about service to others.” Woolever came to Augsburg because she wanted to teach in an inner city or international school, and she felt Augsburg’s program would best prepare her for that career. As a student, Woolever took advantage of opportunities to study abroad through the College’s Center for Global Education. She studied in Namibia, Thailand, and Ghana, where she completed her student teaching. She said she has always “traveled with a purpose,” using travel to learn about others by experiencing their lives firsthand. After she became an art teacher at St. Paul Preparatory School in the Twin Cities, Woolever had another opportunity to travel and teach abroad. She was one of five U.S. teachers selected to participate in a program through World Savvy and the U.S. State Department. With 30 U.S. high school students, she studied the environmental, social, economic, and political impacts of climate change in Bangladesh. The group spent one month living with host families while participating with Bangladeshi students in research and service projects. Woolever lived in the Rayer Bazar slum located on the edge of the capital city of Dhaka—the fastest growing city in the world. She interviewed and photographed climate refugees who had moved to the city from outlying areas because the flooded coastal lands are uninhabitable and the soil is too saline-contaminated to support crops. “These climate refugees now live in indescribable squalor,” Woolever said. “There are a thousand people per square kilometer living in Rayer Bazar; 100 people sharing three open gas flames for cooking and a single squat toilet.” This experience, Woolever said, made her more aware of the global effects of climate change and emphasized the importance of spreading the word. “The guilt I felt—coming from my bountiful country and witnessing these people’s atrocious living conditions—constantly tugged at me, and I needed to find a way to respond.” One way Woolever responded was to turn her photos and stories into a traveling exhibit, which she hopes to show at numerous venues across the state. This past March, her work was displayed in Augsburg’s student art gallery in Old Main; the exhibit then was shown in the Pelican Rapids (Minn.) Library during May and June. Because of her experiences in Rayer Bazar, Woolever also is committed to finding ways to incorporate real-world issues into her classroom. The Bangladeshi trip was a stark lesson in how much we consume and how wasteful we are as a culture, Woolever said. Education, at the very least, “is not something we should take for granted.” To see samples of the photos and stories from Woolever’s studies in Rayer Bazar, Bangladesh, go to augsburg.edu/now. Flipped classrooms: Creating studentfocused learning environments Most of the time, a noisy middle school classroom doesn’t seem like a productive learning environment. But, when the classroom is “flipped,” noise is a sign that students are engaged in the learning process and working constructively with each other. Tara Martinson ’09 MAE leads a lively seventh-grade INNOVATIVE EDUCATION PROGRAMS In 2009, the Margaret A. Cargill Foundation awarded Augsburg more than $400,000 in support of its teacher preparation programming. Augsburg was one of only four Minnesota colleges receiving these grant funds. Augsburg also participates in the Network for Excellence in Teaching (NExT) and is one of six private colleges in the Twin Cities working to improve teacher education through the Twin Cities Teacher Collaborative (TC2), made possible by major funding from the Bush Foundation. The College also gives education majors an opportunity to engage elementary school children in the sciences through Girls in Engineering, Math, and Science (GEMS) and Guys in Science and Engineering (GISE), two summer programs held on the campus. Spring 2013 15 pre-algebra class at Central Middle School in Eden Prairie, Minn. The reason for all the activity is that Martinson uses the flipped learning model of instruction. With this particular method, students listen to an online lecture at home and complete a “note sheet”—a structured note-taking guide—on the lesson. The next day in class, students spend the majority of their time in “hands-on” learning exercises, working out practice problems and completing small group activities. Students can ask each other for help and are required to check their work with Martinson. Martinson, who has taught middle school math for five years, flipped her classes in January 2012 after learning about the method at the 2011 Education Technology Conference hosted by TIES, the St. Paul-based education technology training organization. During the winter break, she recorded lectures and set up the resources for her classes and then introduced the model to her students at the start of the new term. With flipped learning, Martinson said her students are more engaged because the responsibility for learning the material rests with them. “Before [flipping the class format], I typically would lecture for 35 minutes, and the students would have the last 10 minutes of class to start their assignment,” Martinson said. “Then, if a student got lost, they would just shut down. Now there is a much higher level of engagement and retention.” Flipped learning changes education from a teachercentered classroom to a student-focused learning environment, said Kari Arfstrom ’89, executive director of the Flipped Learning Network, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing educators with the knowledge, skills, and resources With research support from George Mason University and sponsored by Pearson, the Flipped Learning Network this summer released the first comprehensive literature review on the flipped learning model. The full-length literature review, along with an executive summary and white paper, are available to download for free at flippedlearning.org/research. 16 Augsburg Now TARA MARTINSON ’09 MAE to successfully implement flipped learning. “When I went to school,” Arfstrom said, “it was the teacher who was imparting information to the student. Now the students are leading and determining what they need.” This model makes students more accountable because the teacher has an opportunity to talk with them every day, Arfstrom said. With flipped learning, teacher interaction with students increases dramatically, said Taylor Pettis ’03, ’09 MAE, senior manager of marketing communications at Minneapolis-based Sophia Learning, which has worked with thousands of teachers to create flipped classrooms. “One of the teachers we worked with said his feet hurt after class because he’s walking up and down the aisles so much more.” Teachers also have a greater opportunity to provide differentiated instruction to each student when they use a flipped learning model, Pettis said. This customized, student-centered attention leads to improved student learning. “Eightyfive percent of teachers we work with report improved grades in their flipped classes.” For Martinson, the benefits go beyond improved performance in class. In the flipped environment, she said, students learn social skills, relationship building, and selfadvocacy—abilities that will serve them well in high school, in college, and beyond. STATE FUNDING TO EXPAND THE DIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA’S TEACHER WORKFORCE In May, the State of Minnesota approved legislation granting Augsburg College nearly $400,000 over the next two years to launch the East African teacher preparation program. The new Augsburg EAST (East African Students to Teachers) initiative will provide scholarships, academic support, and service learning opportunities for East African students who are education majors at Augsburg’s Minneapolis and Rochester campuses. The number of East African students in K-12 public schools is growing in many communities throughout Minnesota. School systems are challenged to meet the needs of these students, many of whom are the first in their families to receive education in the United States. Augsburg’s strong relationships with the Somali and East African communities and its successful record of teaching East African education majors, in both Minneapolis and Rochester, make it uniquely qualified to lead this initiative. Every year , more than 600 Auggies are enrolled in education degree programs at Augsburg’s Minneapolis and Rochester campuses. About 250 of those students are undergraduates—of all ages—pursuing bachelor’s degrees in education. The remaining 350 are enrolled in the College’s Master of Arts in Education program, which provides training for professionals to begin a career in teaching or for current teachers to obtain additional licenses or endorsements. Every day, these Auggie educators—both in and outside of the classroom—are preparing our children to live and grow in our increasingly diverse, globally connected, and technologically sophisticated world. They are, literally, shaping our future potential. Summer 2013 17 THE CENTER FOR SCIENCE, BUSINESS, AND RELIGION Expanding undergraduate research THE CENTER FOR SCIENCE, BUSINESS, AND RELIGION at Augsburg College will bring together the study of global business, advanced science and technology, and religion and the search for meaning into a first-of-its-kind education center. The Center will house classrooms, labs, and key Augsburg initiatives, including programs that support our success in undergraduate research. It will enable Augsburg to accommodate a greater number and larger scope of year-round research projects across disciplines—the kind of long-term educational projects that help students gain 21st-century problem-solving skills. The tremendous impact of these research programs is evidenced by the growing number of students who leverage the robust, hands-on skills they learned in their on-campus experiences to obtain off-campus research positions and continue to graduate programs. Augsburg students are sought after by institutions such as the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Mayo Clinic, the University of Maryland Robotics Center, and many other organizations. (See more examples on page 8.) We know that Augsburg’s faculty-led research makes a profound difference in the educational experience of our students—and, through their work, will shape advancements in science, technology, and other fields across the globe. The Center for Science, Business, and Religion (CSBR) is a fitting manifestation of our commitment to the growth of this work. 18 Augsburg Now it takes an auggie Leading the way for others ALUMNI ENGAGE IN SUPPORT OF THE CENTER FOR SCIENCE, BUSINESS, AND RELIGION “We know what a difference the generosity of others made for us. Truly, it was the acts of strangers, other Augsburg leaders, whose gifts provided foundational support for the College, before our times here. It’s our turn.” So said Wayne Jorgenson ’71, as he and Christopher Ascher ’81 met recently on campus to help plan a series of Alumni Leadership Summits for their classmates from the decades of the ’70s and ’80s. “Those early gifts from alumni and friends of the College made it possible for each of us to experience a great Augsburg education,” Ascher said. “We are convinced. Now is our time to make the investment and help open doors for others.” Both Jorgenson and Ascher know some things about good investments through their accomplishments in the field of finance. Jorgenson has applied his business degree from Augsburg, now serving as senior vice president of investments at UBS Financial Services in Bloomington, Minn. Ascher, a finance major with a psychology minor, also played on the Augsburg soccer team. Ascher now leads and manages the wealth management office for Morgan Stanley, also in Bloomington, Minn. “We are convinced. Now is our time to make the investment and help open doors for others.” Both men chose to step up, inspired by the message of CSBR Campaign Chair Mike Good ’71 to “Believe.” By first making their own leadership gifts in support of the building, and then by chairing their respective Alumni Leadership Summits and $1 million class challenges, they are adding their enthusiasm and leadership to the cause. Their goal is to ensure the success of the effort to build a new Center for Science, Business, and Religion at the very heart of the Augsburg campus. “We both see this building as the essential next step in the College’s development. No other campus we know has created such an exciting intersection of disciplines—science, business, and religion—to serve students and forge a pathway to a better future for us all,” Jorgenson said. Watch for updates on the Alumni Leadership Summits in future alumni communications. CATHERINE REID DAY Wayne Jorgenson ’71 [left] and Christopher Ascher ’81 [right]. Summer 2013 19 INTRODUCING AUGSBURG’S NEWEST ALUMNI The graduating class of 2013 added more than 700 Auggies—from our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs—to the College’s alumni ranks. This brings the total number of alumni to more than 28,000 people living in all 50 states and 57 countries around the world. We Are Called | Auggies! INFORMED CITIZENS The 2013 Augsburg College Commencement theme— “informed citizens”—was inspired by the College’s mission statement. “To me, an informed citizen is someone—in any profession, living out any vocation—who seeks information, digests it, and vigorously participates in society by putting their knowledge to a good, collective use. It means that we are prepared to inform, encourage and uplift people to make a difference for themselves and for the world we live in.” — MARY GODI ’13, MAY COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER To see additional photos, read Commencement addresses, or watch ceremony videos from May and June, go to augsburg.edu/now. 20 Augsburg Now May 4, 2013 June 23, 2013 Summer 2013 21 auggies ARE ACHIEVERS Each year, Augsburg College mints hundreds of new graduates who go on to continued education in graduate schools and workplaces across the nation. Preparing students for success is a key part of an Augsburg education and central to the College’s mission of educating students to be informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers, and responsible leaders. Here’s a snapshot of facts and figures—and student stories—that show how recent Auggie graduates are having an impact early in their careers. SUCCESS AFTER COLLEGE COMPILED BY WENDI WHEELER ’06 Each year, more than 100 employers 60% visit campus to recruit students or to participate in career-related events More than OF AUGSBURG STUDENTS including Fairview Riverside Hospitals and Clinics, the federal government, KDV consulting, KPMG, Target Corp., Thrivent Financial for Lutherans™, and Twin Cities television and radio stations More than ENGAGE IN INTERNSHIPS and major-related work with business, non-profit, and government employers, gaining professional experience before graduation 90% OF AUGSBURG STUDENTS are fully employed or enrolled in graduate school within 18 months of graduation LAURIE BARGER ’13 Associate Analyst—Merchandising and Business Intelligence, Target Corporation At Augsburg: Mathematics and Spanish major, played on the women’s soccer team, studied abroad in Mexico and Cuba, tutored for the Mathematics Department, volunteered at a local social service agency doing taxes for low-income families, member of the Augsburg Business Association “From the moment I stepped on campus, I knew that Augsburg was going to give me the drive, motivation, and opportunities I would need to become successful. Through networking and community involvement, making strong relationships with my professors and peers, as well as being educated in a high-level, real-world environment, I was able to build a résumé that made me stand out from everyone else. With the help of the Strommen Center and my professors, I was able to confidently take what I had learned and comfortably transition from a full-time student and intern to a full-time employee.” 22 Augsburg Now The CLAIR AND GLADYS STROMMEN CENTER FOR MEANINGFUL WORK provides individualized assistance with choosing a major, finding an internship, writing résumés, developing interviewing skills, attending job fairs, and helping students find meaningful work after college JOHANNA FRYKMARK KITZMAN ’10 EDI implementation analyst, SPS Commerce JENS OLSON ’10 Medical student, University of Minnesota Medical School At Augsburg: Double major in international business and business management, Honors program, co-captain of women’s golf team, worked in the alumni relations office At Augsburg: Biology major, Honors program, did research related to asthma and presented at a national conference, first-year orientation leader, studied abroad in Vietnam, volunteered and worked at hospitals, was a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Vietnam “When I moved from Sweden to begin school at Augsburg, it was the first time I had set foot in the U.S. The international student staff, my golf coach, my team, and my professors all helped me get past my homesickness and establish friendships. Thanks to their support, I finished my degree and today I am happily married, am working in the city, and own my very own American house in the suburbs.” “Augsburg’s emphasis on service and openness to all members of our world community not only aligned with my beliefs but helped me develop and shape myself into who I am today. The experiences I had at Augsburg and the relationships I developed with staff and faculty helped me decide that I wanted to serve others as a doctor and then get into medical school—definitely an accomplishment I am proud of.” Graduates from the class of 2012 SECURED FULL-TIME EMPLOYMENT with organizations including: 3M, Advanced Medical Electronics, Air Force Research Labs, Ameriprise Financial, Cargill, Comcast, Dart Transitt Company, Com Delfi Technologies Inc., Delta Airlines, Hennepin County, t Marriott, the Mayo Clinic, the Minnesota Department of Revenue, Minnesota Twins, Piper Jaffray, Prudential, Regions Hospital, Robert Half Technology, Robotics Redefined Inc., Sherwin-Williams, Target Corp., Teach for America, Thomson Reuters, University of Minnesota, and Wells Fargo KATHLEEN WATSON ’12 Editorial assistant at a GLBT media company that produces a bi-monthly magazine, web content, international news, and podcasts/ entertainment At Augsburg: Double major in theater arts and English, Honors program, Honors house president, did research on dramaturgy, member of Feminist Collective “My experience at Augsburg College allowed me to not only create a successful and fulfilling career— it allowed me to embrace and love who I am and use my talents and skills to work for a community I believe in. My job truly feels like my vocation: I’m using my gifts to meet a need in a community I advocate for and support.” Spring 2013 23 LEARNING or Lisa Benjamin ’06, ’12, the possibility of going back to school was appealing, but finding time to spend in a classroom was challenging. In 2010, Benjamin sought a license to teach in Minnesota and to sharpen her skills in American Indian student instruction—a field she has been passionate about since her youth. But, like many of Augsburg’s non-traditional learners, Benjamin had the busy schedule and family responsibilities of a working adult. That’s why a unique Augsburg College program that takes advantage of the strengths of both classroom and web-based learning environments—called hybrid or blended learning—offered an ideal opportunity. Courses delivered in a hybrid format combine traditional face-to-face components and online learning activities to optimize student engagement. F 24 Augsburg Now BY LAURA SWANSON Students will earn degrees through combination of online and in-person instruction “I thought the Augsburg program was a perfect match for what I was working toward,” Benjamin said. “I liked the fact that a partially online course meant I didn’t have to go into school every weekend or every day. My son was 3 years old, and I didn’t want to be away from him all the time.” By taking advantage of the strengths of a hybrid program structure, Benjamin met her teaching licensure goal and joined a tight-knit community. “The other students were a remarkable, supportive group of people,” she said. “I got to learn from them and their experience.” THE EFFECTIVENESS OF HYBRID LEARNING Augsburg historically has offered only select hybrid classes. However, beginning this fall, the College will expand the num- ber of courses offered in a blended format. Augsburg will launch a hybrid instruction model for a significant number of graduate and adult undergraduate courses at its Minneapolis and Rochester campuses, shifting approximately half of students’ course contact time to a webbased format. Students in these blended courses will follow a schedule in which in-classroom meetings and online instruction alternate every other week. Augsburg already employs a variety of approaches to hybrid instruction, and the proportion of in-class versus online course contact time varies from program to program based on student demographics. For example, Augsburg’s Master of Arts in Leadership and Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing programs offer a low-residency schedule in which one- or multi-week intensive face-to-face sessions are paired with Summer 2013 25 “Many organizations are finding out that, where possible, combining face-to-face meetings with work in an online environment increases student satisfaction, student learning, and retention when compared to a course that’s offered solely online.” online coursework completed throughout the term. The new initiative to expand hybrid program offerings with an every-other-week format is based on recommendations made following multi-year studies through which faculty, staff, and administrators identified how the College could best further its tradition of delivering high-quality, face-to-face instruction; integrate technology into programs for non-traditional students; align with the changing demands of the adult education market; and satisfy federal education regulations. “Much of the inspiration for this work stems from the opportunity we identified as an institution to enhance the way we serve our students,” said Lori Peterson, assistant vice president and dean of graduate and professional studies. Peterson, who chaired a task force on academic program structure, said the College is taking a thoughtful approach to integrating online elements into teaching and learning. “Our faculty and curriculum committees have done tremendous work to ensure quality in our blended learning approach and to identify the ways in which we will achieve the highest level of learning outcomes,” she said. By shifting additional academic programs to a hybrid format, the College will meet the needs of current and future non-traditional learners. A 2010 U.S. Department of Education analysis of online-learning studies concluded that hybrid courses were at least as good if not marginally better and more engaging than a fully online model. 26 Augsburg Now “Many organizations are finding out that, where possible, combining face-to-face meetings with work in an online environment increases student satisfaction, student learning, and retention when compared to a course that’s offered solely online,” said Dan McGuire, an education and communication specialist who is working with the College as the project manager for a hybrid teaching and learning transition team. Nationally, 6.7 million higher education students took at least one online course in 2011, accounting for nearly onethird of all such students. These figures, released in the 2012 Survey of Online Learning, detail those classes in which at least 80 percent of the course content was delivered online, but schools offer online learning in varying degrees—including a web-facilitated instruction model with few online elements as well as the blended learning model Augsburg selected. Non-traditional students 21 and older constitute the majority of online learners. Frequently, adult students prefer to take courses online or to have some combination of an online and a face-to-face format because it affords greater flexibility as the students juggle full- or part-time employment, family commitments, and other obligations while attending school. By implementing a hybrid model for adult students, “Augsburg is retaining the power of its physical community—of a social, spiritual place that exists within a long, vibrant history—and is fusing the educational tradition of the College with an effective teaching and learning system,” McGuire said. A COLLEGE-WIDE ENDEAVOR Rolling out a new academic program structure is an effort that requires diligence, commitment, and coordination. In order to offer adult undergraduate programs in a hybrid format, Augsburg faculty and staff for almost a year have worked to re-conceptualize and redesign face-to-face classes so that content can be presented through online course management software. Often times, students in hybrid courses master more basic material online at their own pace so that the classroom becomes a place where the application of that knowledge can be refined through lab experiments and discussions with peers or the professor. The online component in Augsburg’s hybrid courses will be delivered through Moodle, a website in which educators create micro-sites for each unique course. Augsburg has used Moodle since 2005 and selected this learning management system because the platform is “grounded in sound teaching principles,” according to Scott Krajewski, director of information technology. Moodle is recognized for supporting activities common in a classroom, and it “provides an elegant structure to ask and answer questions, to present information, and to engage in an educational community in between meeting times,” McGuire said. “The beauty of Moodle is that it’s a very powerful tool— all of the different variations of interacting with students have been thought through.” According to Krajewski, Augsburg faculty and staff are working in collaboration to design the hybrid courses and to implement best practices for teaching online. Members of Augsburg’s information technology staff are certified in online course design and are experts at tailoring classes so that they “best match the institutional mission as well as the needs of distinctive academic departments, course sections, and students.” By the end of May, nearly 200 faculty members had begun the process of converting adult undergraduate courses for fall 2013 into a hybrid model, and their work continues this summer. Together, faculty and staff members will convert approximately 300 unique courses into a new format—tasks that McGuire said require a time commitment ranging from 10 to 40 hours per class. Developing high-quality hybrid courses requires sufficient time for planning, designing, developing, and testing. Moodle then allows professors to maximize the productivity of the inclass portion of their instruction and to use innovative, multimedia elements online. In contrast to an in-person course with minimal supplementary material, the instructor and students in a hybrid course interact with each other online—they engage in discussion, complete activities, and consume entirely new information in textual, visual, and auditory formats. Susan O’Connor, associate professor of education, has been teaching in a hybrid model for the past five years and served as a co-instructor for Benjamin’s teaching licensure program. O’Connor found that while she initially was hesitant to instruct online, she quickly realized the benefits of the new format. “It turned out to be one of the best teaching experiences of my career,” she said. “This teaching method calls students to take more ownership in their learning, it offers a lot more freedom of time around their schedules, and it sharpens the objectives that they need to fulfill during each class session.” Benjamin found that the blended learning model pushed her to be specific and clear in her written communication and to master course content by approaching assignments at her own pace. “I feel like the program helped me in my career and served the K-12 students I work with,” she said. “I was challenged, but at the same time it was possible for me to be a mom, to be a student, and to have a full-time job.” Summer 2013 27 alumni news FROM THE ALUMNI BOARD PRESIDENT Dear alumni and friends, a s a third-generation Auggie, I am thrilled to be serving as the new president for the Augsburg College Alumni Board. My grandparents, Rev. Waldemar and Thora (Torrick) Anderson, attended Augsburg in the 1930s, and my father, Dan Anderson, graduated in 1965 and is currently a member of the Board of Regents. I have fond memories of attending Augsburg basketball games with my dad as a little girl, and I’m proud to carry on the Augsburg legacy. Graduating from the Augsburg Weekend and Evening College program in 1995, I was immediately grateful for the flexibility of the program, which allowed me to work full time while pursuing my degree. Today I am an accomplished Realtor® in Minneapolis and its western suburbs, and I live in Woodland, Minn., with my husband, Scott, and our new baby boy, Finn. My first order of business as president is to inform you that the Auggie Alumni Directory and the Maroon Pages have joined forces to provide you with an all-encompassing resource to find professional and personal information about your classmates in one simple-to-use location. The new Auggie Maroon Pages will make it easier for you to stay connected with fellow Auggies and your alma mater. This fall you will be asked to complete an alumni survey. The personal and professional information collected in this survey will appear online in the re-launched Auggie Maroon Pages. As a business owner, I’m excited about the potential the Auggie Maroon Pages offer for connecting with other alumni, but the success of the new service depends on user participation—so log in now! To open the door to this network, go to augsburg.edu/alumni, click on “Maroon Pages,” create your own login name and password, and click again on the “Maroon Pages” box. The Alumni Board is committed to lifting up the accomplishments of our fellow Auggies. The new Auggie Maroon Pages is one more tool that will help us discover and share the many success stories of Augsburg graduates. Please consider sharing an update for class notes that will be featured in future issues of Augsburg Now and the NOW@Augsburg online newsletter. Help us share the difference an Augsburg education can make. Sincerely, TRACY SEVERSON ’95 ALUMNI BOARD PRESIDENT 28 Augsburg Now ALUMNI BOARD Front Row [L to R]: Jill Watson ’10 MBA, Holly Knutson ’03, ’07 MBA, Marie Odenbrett ’01, Kathy Amos ’87, Rachel Engebretson ’98; Back Row [L to R]: Chris Hallin ’88, Jerry Poland ’92, Jordan Moore ’12 MBA, Sarah Grans ’01, Tracy Severson ’95, Chris Ascher ’81, Brent Peroutka ’02, Rick Bonlender ’78 NEW MEMBERS “The College is doing tremendous work, and I want to be a part of this great team. I also will be a visible promoter of Augsburg College in my workplace, church, and community.” BRENT PEROUTKA ’02 FINANCIAL ADVISOR, COMPREHENSIVE WEALTH SOLUTIONS “I want to serve on the Augsburg College Alumni Board because I believe that building a strong network of current and former students—from both the Rochester and Minneapolis campuses— will enrich the experience had by all.” JORDAN MOORE ’12 MBA FINANCE MANAGER, IBM “It’s difficult to express what Augsburg College means to me. Augsburg has been a huge part of my life and has offered me opportunities to gain a great education, see the world, and discover that anything is possible.” NICK SWANSON ’09,’12 MBA HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATOR, ALLINA HOSPITALS & CLINICS “Simply put, my experience at Augsburg was much more than I had hoped for from any college. I enjoy the sense of community that came with being an Auggie.” RACHEL ENGEBRETSON ’98 ATTORNEY, BINSFELD & ENGEBRETSON, PA “I look forward to helping spread the word about the transformation taking place at Augsburg, to getting classmates reconnected and engaged with the College, and to improving the board’s ability to leverage connections to achieve larger goals.” RICK BONLENDER ’78 BUSINESS BANKER Leland B. Sateren’s 100TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION On October 13, 2013, Leland B. Sateren ’35 would have been 100 years old. Family and friends will commemorate Sateren’s legacy at a musical celebration at 4 p.m. on his birthday at Normandale Lutheran Church, 6100 Normandale Road, Edina, Minn. The event is open to the public. Sateren taught at Augsburg from 1946 through 1979, during which time he also was chair of the Music Department. His work includes more than 400 choral pieces that are sung in churches throughout the United States. Sateren’s accomplishments include premieres of works with the Minnesota Symphony Orchestra and a piece that was commissioned by the United Nations. Peter Hendrickson ’76, director of the Augsburg Choir, is the music advisor for the event. He is assembling a program of Sateren compositions in addition to a couple of pieces by good friends of Sateren. Each piece performed will be conducted by an Augsburg alum who was mentored by Sateren. The program also will include hymns and Sateren anecdotes. Nearly 160 alumni from the 1950s-80s plan to participate in the event by singing. A rehearsal—and reunion—is Saturday, October 12, at Normandale Lutheran Church. SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13 4 p.m., Normandale Lutheran Church Edina, Minn. Every effort was made to reach all music alumni who sang during Sateren’s career at Augsburg. If you would like to participate, email sateren100@gmail.com. Mike Walgren ’64 is chair of the planning team. Others working on the event include Hendrickson, David Clarke ’76, Jim Erlandson ’76, Tom Fischer ’72, Bill Halverson ’51, Sally (Hough Daniels) Herron ’79, Anne (Mollison) Klus ’76, and Naomi (Christensen) Staruch ’81. In addition, John Hanson ’76 and Paul Read ’77 were instrumental in the early stages of planning. Meet David ‘DJ’ Hamm ’08 The Augsburg College Alumni Association welcomes David “DJ” Hamm ’08 as the new volunteer and alumni engagement manager within the alumni and constituent relations office. David comes to Augsburg with a background in event planning, social media communication, and philanthropy. “Civic engagement and service learning are major parts of the Augsburg experience,” Hamm said. “As Auggies, ‘we are called’ to serve the community beyond Augsburg as I did in 2008 as an AmeriCorps VISTA member. I want to build upon the tradition of giving back by creating meaningful opportunities for alumni, current students, and local residents that instill pride and strengthen our collective community.” David lives in Minnetonka with his wife, Emily Crook ’07. He can be reached at 612-330-1329 or hammd@augsburg.edu. Follow David on twitter @DJHamm1. GIVE US YOUR FEEDBACK Later this year, Augsburg will invite alumni to participate in a magazine readership survey created by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). This web survey is designed to help colleges and universities evaluate how readers view their campus magazine and to benchmark the results. Email langemo@augsburg.edu to update your email address. A random sample of Augsburg Now readers will be emailed to participate in this survey. Summer 2013 29 alumni class notes John Luoma published an article in the book Religion: A Clinical Guide for Nurses 2012. 65 Tom Koplitz was named Director of the Minnesota Prevention Resource Center. He has managed several federal and state prevention projects during the past 22 years. He also manages the drug-free coalition, Partners for a Drug Free Chisago County. 74 Scott Seal released an online video that brings to life a scene from his 2011 novel Convergence: A Novel of Science Fiction. Doug Greseth, boy’s basketball coach at Wesley Chapel High School near Tampa, Fla., won his 400th career game in December. He has coached 26 people who have gone on to play college basketball or football, including three players in the NFL and one in the NBA. He was named the Sunshine Athletic Conference Coach of the Year in 2011-12 and 2012-13. 79 Terri Bocklund was chosen by jury as an Artist in Residence at Isle Royale National Park, located in the northwestern section of Lake Superior. 81 Kristine West Denton performed Beethoven’s “Emperor” piano concerto with the Erie (Pa.) Philharmonic Orchestra at Edinboro University on February 12. She is an associate professor of music at Edinboro University. 82 Jacquie Berglund, owner of FINNEGANS Inc. and the FINNEGANS Community Fund, was awarded the Social Impact Award for Best Social Entrepreneur from Minnesota Business Magazine. Berglund also received the Best Small Business Award from the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce in March. For the past four years, Berglund has been coached by Buffie Blesi ’90, ’97 MAL, owner of the KnowledgeSphere Group of AdviCoach. Blesi helps FINNEGANS grow its profits so that it can continue to purchase fresh produce for food banks in each of the markets where its beer is sold. 87 Heather Johnston was promoted to city manager of Burnsville, Minn. 92 Heather Cmiel, account director with Minneapolisbased public relations firm 02 Auggie Legacy Family The fourth of five children from the Schmit family graduated this past May from Augsburg College. This fall, the College will welcome to campus the fifth Auggie from the Schmit family. The Schmit children, shown holding their fingers up in their birth order, include [L to R]: Hannah Schmit ’18, Peter Schmit ’13, Caitlyn Schmit ’11, Michael Schmit ’09, Christianna “Christi” Lobermeier ’08. These Auggies are the children of Kathy and Dave Schmit of Tomahawk, Wis. Weber Shandwick, was named to the board of directors for the Minnesota chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). Mel Freitag completed her PhD in curriculum and instruction with minors in composition/rhetoric and educational psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She has accepted a position as a clinical assistant professor and director of diversity initiatives for ie augPg SHOTS SNA Allison (Cornell) and Matt Broughton ’06 welcomed their son Calvin Patrick Broughton on April 24. Calvin joined the family as the first grandchild for Randy and Pam Cornell and Cal and Alice Broughton, and the first nephew for Jeff Cornell ’15. 05 Iris Grace Terrell was born on February 25 to Lisa (Ritchie) Terrell and Chris Terrell. She joins big sisters Julia, age 9, and Cece, age 7. 94 30 Augsburg Now Tara (Cesaretti) McLeod and Chris McLeod ’00 welcomed daughter Maren on October 11. She joins big sister, Cora. 97 the University of Wisconsin School of Nursing. James Pope, instrumental music instructor at North Branch (Minn.) High School organized the North Suburban AllConference Honors Band program this past January with 10 high schools represented. Bob Stacke ’71, chair of the Augsburg College Music Department, directed the concert band’s performance. The festival also included a separate 03 CORRECTION: On page 25 of the Spring 2013 issue of Augsburg Now, Cristina M. Olson ’00 ’05 MSW was incorrectly listed as the assistant vice president for student affairs at Towson University. She is the assistant to the vice president for student affairs. HOMECOMING All-Conference jazz band under the direction of Dave Mitchell, director of the Minnesota Youth Jazz Ensembles. 2013 Elsa Maxwell and her husband, Rodrigo Bello, have relocated to Duluth, Minn., after residing in Santiago, Chile, for nine years. Elsa completed her master’s degree in Latin American Studies at the Universidad de Chile and is working on her doctorate in literature. 04 Kimberly A. Cruce was appointed to the University of Michigan Mott Children’s Hospital Nursing Governance Committee. Before joining Mott, Cruce was on staff at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. 08 Alissa Nollan started a new position in November as coordinator for the graduate business programs at Saint Mary’s University in Minneapolis. 09 Jenni (Pickford) Anderson married Thomas R. Anderson, Jr. on July 28, 2012, in Rosemount, Minn. They now live in DeKalb, Ill. where Jenni is working on her master’s degree in philosophy at Northern Illinois University, after which she hopes to pursue a doctoral program. Matthew Curtis joined The Principal Financial Group’s Minnesota Business Center. He serves as a financial advisor and financial representative. 10 Graduate programs Dan Dierfeldt ’94 MSW was elected to represent Minnesota as a delegate to the 2012 National Education Assembly in Washington, D.C. Kathy Thoreson ’96 MSW retired in January after serving as chief executive officer of Lutheran Services in Tennessee. Ed Frizell ’05 MAL was promoted during February to deputy chief of the Minneapolis Police Department. He previously served as the First Precinct inspector and has had a career with the Minneapolis Police Department since 1993. Dr. Amit K. Ghosh ’12 MBA earned the Certified Physician Executive (CPE) degree from the Certifying Commission in Medical Management. The CPE degree indicates that the physician has achieved superior levels of professional excellence and management experience while also demonstrating effective knowledge and leadership skills. SEPTEMBER 23-28 Come back to campus to enjoy Homecoming 2013 and Parent and Family Weekend with alumni, parents, and friends. New events along with traditional favorites make this one of the best times to visit campus all year. Visit augsburg.edu/homecoming for more information and to register. PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE: Friday, September 27 Saturday, September 28 Homecoming Convocation with Distinguished Alumni Awards Hoversten Chapel, Foss Center, 10 to 11:30 a.m. Recognizing the First Decade, Spirit of Augsburg, and Distinguished Alumni Award winners. Breakfast with the Provost Oren Gateway Center Atrium, 9:30 a.m. Current Auggies and their parents are invited to a breakfast to meet Karen Kaivola, the College’s new Provost and Chief Academic Officer. Homecoming Convocation Luncheon Dining Commons, 12 p.m. Enjoy a time for fellowship as we continue to recognize and celebrate our distinguished alumni award winners as well as the 50-Year Club inductees from the class of 1963. Faculty and Faculty Emeriti Meet and Greet Lindell Library, 4 p.m. Reconnect with faculty from your time at Augsburg College and take the opportunity to meet current faculty from a variety of departments. Refreshments will be served. Auggie Hours Republic, 6 to 9 p.m. Augsburg Young Alumni, 10th Reunion, and 25th Reunion will come together for an all-out Homecoming bash! Republic is located at 221 Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis. Augsburg Legacy Family Event Admissions Suite, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Augsburg legacy families—past, present, and future—will enjoy time together at this special reception. Taste of Augsburg Murphy Square, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event includes carnival-style booths operated by student groups, alumni, and local restaurants, as well as games, inflatable bounce houses, and fun for the entire family. Homecoming Football Game vs. Hamline Edor Nelson Field, 1 p.m. Cheer on the Auggie football team as they take on the Hamline Pipers! Auggie Block Party Parking Lot K, 3:30 to 6 p.m. Enjoy live music, barbecue fare, reunions, and more. Summer 2013 31 Augsburg College President Emeritus Charles S. Anderson dies at 83 Charles S. Anderson, respected reformation scholar, higher education leader, and president of Augsburg College from 1980 to 1997, passed away June 14. As the eighth president of Augsburg, Anderson led the College to expand diversity in enrollment and programs; to advance its curriculum to draw more fully on the resources of the city as an extension of the College’s campus and classrooms; and to strengthen its commitment to spiritual growth, freedom, and liberal arts education. During his tenure, Anderson said, “A liberal arts education answers what business leaders say they need: people who can communicate, people who can think, people equipped for change… people who understand history and the possibilities of the future,” and he led the College to be clear and focused in its mission while embracing opportunities for growth and progress. Anderson was a constant advocate for Augsburg and helped to establish the College’s public presence in the Twin Cities, said David Tiede, Augsburg College Regent and former Bernhard M. Christensen Professor of Religion and Vocation. Tiede, who studied under Anderson and served as his faculty colleague at Luther Seminary, said that Anderson “brought Augsburg into the public square of the city of Minneapolis in a way that it hadn’t been previously” and put the College on “a trajectory that has been taken effectively forward.” “Chuck Anderson was a careful steward of Augsburg’s distinctive legacy of liberal-professional-experiential education in the city,” said President Emeritus William V. Frame, who succeeded Anderson at Augsburg. “He took the view that the College was, in fact, the Church at 22nd and Riverside, and he made it profoundly hospitable to a daring array of diversity—not only religious and cultural, but of learning styles and varying physical capacities.” Anderson wears the Knight’s Cross, an honor presented in 1993 by His Majesty King Harald V of Norway to recognize Anderson’s work to strengthen ties between the U.S. and Norway. Anderson advanced the College vision he inherited from Oscar Anderson and, before him, Bernhard Christensen and passed on “an extraordinary College of the Church, which continues today along the path he and his predecessors laid out for it,” Frame said. Anderson was born in Madison, Wis., in 1930—the 400th anniversary year of the Augsburg Confession, the statement of faith for which the College was named. He earned a bachelor’s degree from St. Olaf College in 1951 and after graduation went on to serve as a Marine Corps officer. He later continued his studies, earning a master’s degree in English from the Anderson pictured during his tenure as a Luther Seminary professor. Anderson attends Augsburg College’s 1994 Commencement ceremony with his wife, Catherine. His Majesty King Olav V of Norway and Anderson meet in 1987. 32 26 Augsburg Now University of Wisconsin in 1954, a bachelor of theology degree from Luther Theological Seminary in 1957, and a doctor of philosophy degree from Union Theological Seminary in 1961. For 15 years Anderson taught church history at Luther Seminary in St. Paul, and for six years he also was director of graduate studies. He was a guest professor in 1968 at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, Mo., and for five years was a guest lecturer at St. Paul Diocesan Seminary. A frequent guest pastor and educator at Lutheran churches throughout the United States, his publications include four books: The Reformation, Then and Now; Augsburg Historical Atlas of Christianity in the Middle Ages and Reformation; Readings in Luther for Laymen; and Faith and Freedom: The Christian Faith According to the Lutheran Confessions. As a lifelong scholar, Anderson completed postdoctoral study in Strasbourg, France, and at Columbia University, the University of Minnesota, Harvard University, and Union Theological Seminary. Anderson came to Augsburg in 1976 as vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college—a role he served until his election as College president. During the 17 years of Anderson’s presidency, Augsburg instituted two graduate degree programs, launched the Weekend and Evening College program, and established the Center for Global Education. The College amplified its support of students of diverse backgrounds and abilities by creating the StepUP® program for young people in recovery and the CLASS office for differently abled students. Augsburg also celebrated the addition and improvement of numerous campus facilities such as the Foss, Lobeck, Miles Center for Worship, Drama, and Communication; the Oscar Anderson Residence Hall; and the James G. Lindell Family Library. At the time of Anderson’s retirement, then-Board of Regents Chair Barbara Gage described his legacy as one in which “leadership, energy, faith, and pursuit of new ideas... helped Augsburg fulfill her mission to create leaders in service.” Gage said Anderson epitomized the servant leader and left Augsburg strong, healthy, and ready to have a positive impact in the 21st century. Anderson, a respected leader in higher education service learning, was appointed chair of the Youth Works Commission by former Minnesota Gov. Arne Carlson. He received the Knight’s Cross, First Class of the Royal Order of Merit, from His Majesty King Harald V of Norway in 1993 for his work to preserve and strengthen ties between the two countries. Anderson was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Augsburg College in 2007. “Charles Anderson’s influence on the Augsburg community is deep and long-lived,” said Augsburg College President Paul C. Pribbenow. “The priorities Anderson outlined and championed during his tenure continue to shape how we live out our institutional mission and celebrate life and learning in the city each day.” Anderson is survived by his children, Eric and Kristin, Augsburg College professor of art history and archivist; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and his wife, Catherine, with whom he established the Charles and Catherine Anderson Diversity Scholarship in 1989 and with whom he was recognized by the June and Julian Foss family with the establishment of the Charles and Catherine Anderson Scholarship in 1997. The scholarship awards help the college fulfill its mission of being an intentionally diverse community and supporting students’ exceptional academic ability and Christian service. A memorial service was held at St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church on June 18. The Anderson family has requested that memorials be sent to St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church, Luther Seminary, or Augsburg College. Anderson greets American folk singer Peter Yarrow, the 1990 Augsburg College Commencement speaker. Anderson pictured in 1980, the year of his inauguration as Augsburg College President. To learn more about President Emeritus Anderson’s legacy, view archival images from his tenure at Augsburg, and read articles from the Star Tribune and Pioneer Press, go to augsburg.edu/now. Summer 2013 33 In memoriam Irene (Hagen) Kyllo ’39, Donovan A. Moe ’56, Canton, Bloomington, Minn., age 96, on January 26. Julia (Sletten) Benson ’42, Minneapolis, age 98, on January 18. Muriel (Quanbeck) Turrittin ’42, St. Peter, Minn., age 93, on March 10. Orloue N. Gisselquist ’43, Minneapolis, age 91, on March 16. Ruben N. Egeberg ’45, Rock Island, Ill., age 89, on March 2. Joyce K. (Opseth) Schwartz ’45, Minneapolis, age 88, on February 3. E. Milton Kleven ’46, Edina, Minn., age 90, on April 11. Gudrun (Vik) Kampen ’48, Plentywood, Mont., age 90, on October 27. Reynold “Ray” J. Skotte ’48, Long Beach, Calif., age 92, on January 28. Iris J. (Johnson) Brustad ’49, Eden Prairie, Minn., age 85, on November 4. Glenn C. Grahn ’49, Atwater, Minn., age 87, on April 6. James Cleatus Hodge ’49, Minneapolis, age 89, on April 22. Norman C. Hoium ’50, Coon Rapids, Minn., age 87, on May 3. Allen D. Hanson ’52, Knoxville, Tenn., age 82, on April 10. Elwood “Woody” H. Larson ’52, Roseville, Minn., age 83, on January 12. John R. Madsen ’52, Spring Park, Minn., age 85, on April 30. Arnold Paulson ’52, Woodbury, Minn., age 84, on March 6. Dean L. Lapham ’53, Bloomington, Minn., age 81, on March 29. Donald J. Reimer ’53, Mound, Minn., age 81, on March 31. Jeneane (Abrahamson) Stein ’53, Killen, Minn., age 82, on February 7. Ga., age 78, on December 29. Harlan C. Christianson ’57, Los Angeles, age 77, on December 15. Janice “Jan” M. (Bremseth) Larson ’55, Sparta, Minn., age 79, on April 23. 34 26 Augsburg Now Leona M. (Samuelson) Nelson ’57, Payson, Ariz., age 75, on March 14. Marvin S. Rodvik ’57, Franklin, Minn., age 85, on April 5. Genevieve T. (Trenne) Michelsen ’61, Charlotte, N.C., age 73, on April 7. Stephen “Gabe” Gabrielsen ’63, Minneapolis, age 73, on April 8. David S. Ziegler ’64, Crystal, Minn., age 71, on April 13. Francis W. Monseth ’65, Rogers, Minn., age 71, on March 29. Carolyn A. (Hanson) Schildgen ’68, Northbrook, Ill., age 66, on April 20. Timothy J. Wattman ’70, Minnetonka, Minn., age 66, on April 8. James “Jim” M. Genia ’87, Shoreview, Minn., age 48, on March 30. Scott E. Humphrey ’89, Plymouth, Minn., age 47, on January 17. Erika L. (Timm) Rodriguez ’96, Alexandria, Minn., age 39, on December 11. Kirsten (Kvamme) Salmi ’99, Golden Valley, Minn., age 38, on March 23. Allan T. Davey ’00, Maple Grove, Minn., age 50, on September 16. Juli Elisabeth Crees ’05, Plymouth, Minn., age 30, on March 3. Ana M. Strandemo ’12, Minneapolis, age 29, on January 26. President Emeritus Charles S. Anderson, St. Paul, age 83, June 14. CORRECTION: The name of Richard “Dick” Vevle ’57 name was misspelled in the Spring 2013 Augsburg Now. Send us your news and photos Please tell us about the news in your life, your new job, move, marriage, and births. Don’t forget to send photos! (Digital photos must be at least 300 dpi or a 1MB file.) For news of a death, printed notice is required, e.g., an obituary, funeral notice, or program from a memorial service. Send your news items, photos, or change of address by mail to: Augsburg Now Class Notes, Augsburg College, CB 146, 2211 Riverside Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55454, or email alumni@augsburg.edu. You can also submit news at augsburg.edu/alumni. ______________________________________________________ Full name ______________________________________________________ Maiden name ______________________________________________________ Class year or last year attended ______________________________________________________ Street address ______________________________________________________ City, State, ZIP code Is this a new address? ❑ Yes ❑ No ______________________________________________________ Home telephone ______________________________________________________ Email Okay to publish your email address? ❑ Yes ❑ No ______________________________________________________ Employer ______________________________________________________ Position ______________________________________________________ Work telephone Is spouse also a graduate of Augsburg College? ❑ Yes ❑ No If yes, class year__________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ Spouse’s name (include maiden name, if applicable) Your news: ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ❑ I know a student who is interested in attending Augsburg. In memoriam E. Milton Kleven E. Milton “Milt” Kleven ’46, active Augsburg alumnus, generous scholarship benefactor, teacher, businessman, Navy Reserve commander, and friend of Augsburg College, passed away April 11. Kleven, son of a Norwegian immigrant mother and a Norwegian-American father, grew up two blocks south of Augsburg College. He enrolled in the College in 1940, but his studies were interrupted by World War II. Kleven returned to Augsburg after the war and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a minor in physical education. He later earned a master’s degree in vocational education from the University of Minnesota. Kleven began his career teaching mathematics in the Minneapolis Public School District in 1946. He was an educator in Minneapolis for 34 years. In 1947, he founded Kleven Flooring Service, a hardwood flooring company that he led for more than 60 years. “The impact on Augsburg students—past, present, and future—of Milt’s incredible generosity will be felt for generations to come,” said Augsburg College President Paul C. Pribbenow. “Growing up and teaching in Minneapolis, Milt understood what a full scholarship could mean to students from low-income families. He loved getting to know the students his family supported, and he was a strong advocate among his peers for greater scholarship funding for even more students.” Kleven and his wife, Dorothy, who met at Augsburg in 1943, were generous supporters of the College and student scholarships for more than 50 years. In 2001, he established the Dorothy Lijsing Kleven Scholarship in Choral Music, the College’s first endowed President’s Scholarship, providing a full scholarship to students interested in choral music. Dorothy was interested in choral music throughout her life. In 2007, the Kleven family created two additional endowed President’s Scholarships: one in memory of Milt’s and Dorothy’s parents, Magnus and Kristofa Kleven, and David and Florence Lijsing; and a second in Milt’s name— the E. Milton Kleven Scholarship in Public Service. Kleven also helped to facilitate two other scholarships. The Margaret E. Andrews Scholarship was established by Kleven and his fellow trade and industry coordinators in the Minneapolis Public Schools to honor Andrews, who founded the district’s Cooperative Education Training program. The Reverend Donald C. Carlson Scholarship, through the Normandale Lutheran Church Foundation, is named for Normandale’s founding pastor, a 1942 Augsburg alumnus. This scholarship supports students from Normandale who attend Augsburg College. The Klevens also provided major support for the construction of the James G. Lindell Library. Kleven joined with Glen Person ’47 and Dick “Pork Chop” Thompson ’61 to provide funding to name the Jeroy C. Carlson ’48 A-Club Hospitality/Classroom in the Kennedy Center, in honor of Carlson, their longtime friend. “The impact on Augsburg students—past, present, and future—of Milt’s incredible generosity will be felt for generations to come.” AUGSBURG COLLEGE PRESIDENT PAUL C. PRIBBENOW Summer 2013 35 auggies on the field Lacrosse team maps new ground in women’s athletics Being first can be daunting. It’s intimidating because no one before you has done what you are trying to do. There’s no road map to keep you on track. But it’s also exhilarating to create the map for others and to leave an indelible mark on everything that follows. “I am excited to be at the forefront of Augsburg College’s varsity women’s lacrosse team,” said Coach Kathryn Knippenberg. “I’m looking forward to building a team that knows winning is as much about team chemistry and bonds as it is about the stick.” It’s not just that Knippenberg is Augsburg’s first women’s collegiate varsity lacrosse coach. It’s bigger than that. Knippenberg is the first women’s collegiate varsity lacrosse coach at any college in Minnesota, and at the one that launched in 1995 the first women’s collegiate varsity hockey team. “It’s an honor to help pioneer this great sport,” Knippenberg said. “Getting to lead at a place that believes in the value of women’s athletics is thrilling and challenging.” Knippenberg, who as a student at the University of Minnesota was captain and president of the school’s club lacrosse team, said the commitment that Augsburg is making to lacrosse has significant meaning for student athletes. “Auggie athletes won’t have to spend time like my college club team did on fundraising for equipment and travel. They won’t have to worry about budgets and scheduling practice and game time,” she said. “They just have to show up, practice, and play hard. My job is about having things in place so our student athletes can improve their skills on the field, and to help make sure they stay on track and are achieving in the classroom.” Jeff Swenson, athletic director for the College, said Knippenberg is accomplished in Minnesota’s fast-growing lacrosse community and that the players will benefit from her experience and leadership. “Coach Knippenberg will lead us in realizing our goal of expanding opportunities for women, and continuing to prepare them for success beyond Augsburg,” Swenson said. “These student athletes will develop their skills on the field, and carry into life and work valuable lessons about how to balance multiple priorities and to work as part of a diverse team.” Knippenberg said her primary work now is focused on recruiting and preparing for the first sanctioned and regulated games scheduled for spring 2014. 36 Augsburg Now “I hope the community comes out to watch our games. It’s fast paced and intense,” she said. “Whether the team wins or loses, one thing is sure: Everyone in the stands will be part of something bigger. We’ll all be making history as Augsburg continues to blaze a new trail for women’s varsity athletics in Minnesota.” Knippenberg has served as head lacrosse coach at Academy of Holy Angels since 2009, is cofounder and president of the North Central Women’s Lacrosse League, and works with Winning For Life, an organization that develops positive leadership and life skills through sports. STEPHANIE WEISS Reconnect with Augsburg through ALUMNI LEADERSHIP SUMMITS AUGGIES ARE ENGAGED. Each year, students dig into life at Augsburg by participating in City Service Day and working at community organizations in the neighborhood; build teamwork and leadership skills through athletics and student organizations; and develop and hone research and technical skills through on- and off-campus research programs. Each year, alumni shape the Augsburg community by mentoring students; engage with the College through volunteer work, including serving on the alumni board and Board of Regents; and celebrate life as an Auggie by returning to campus for signature events including Homecoming and Velkommen Jul. This year, we invite all of our alumni to reconnect with the College by attending an Alumni Leadership Summit. It’s your chance to learn, first-hand, about the Center for Science, Business, and Religion. It’s an opportunity to be part of the change that ensures Augsburg continues shaping and preparing students for lives of meaning. Visit augsburg.edu/alumni/events to learn more and to register for an Alumni Leadership Summit. 1-800-273-0617 augsburg.edu/giving Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Twin Cities, MN Permit No. 2031 2211 Riverside Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55454 Augsburg Sneak Peek First-year students got a chance to gear up for fall at the Sneak Peek event this past spring. Those attending had the opportunity to tour campus and residence halls, sample classes, and talk with current students, faculty, and staff. Jordan Tayor ’13 (pictured, left) was one of the students on hand to answer questions and meet and greet future Auggies. Alisha Olson ’15, Admissions Counselor Shonna Fulford ’09, and Admissions Counselor Jenna Obler [pictured L to R] greeted students at Sneak Peek registration.
Show less

Title: Augsburg Now Summer 2012: Auggies Are Achievers
Collection: Alumni Magazine Collection
Search Result: The economics of education Auggies on the road Commencement 2012 Calculus and coffee Gage Center for Student Success Homecoming 2012 preview auggies ARE achievers SUMMER 2012 | VOL. 74, NO. 3 inside AUGSBURG NOW notes from President Pribbenow Vice President of Marketing and Communic...
Show more The economics of education Auggies on the road Commencement 2012 Calculus and coffee Gage Center for Student Success Homecoming 2012 preview auggies ARE achievers SUMMER 2012 | VOL. 74, NO. 3 inside AUGSBURG NOW notes from President Pribbenow 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 The Augsburg Promise Senior Creative Associate-Design A s I recently watched our almost 1,000 graduates of the Augsburg Class of 2012 walk across the stage to receive diplomas, I couldn’t help but be proud of their many accomplishments and successes as Augsburg students. Our remarkably diverse graduates—from various backgrounds, of various talents, on their way to various professions—are the most tangible signs of our strategic commitment to the success of all our students. And yet, the news media and popular opinion would have us believe that there are storm clouds rising in higher education. Some even call it a “tsunami.” Students unprepared for college, students who do not persist or graduate, students who will not get jobs (or, at least, not the jobs they want), students with too much debt. And conversely, colleges and universities that do not meet student needs, institutions that are too bureaucratic and expensive, colleges and universities stuck with an “old” model of teaching and learning. At Augsburg, we are deeply aware of these concerns. In fact, this issue of Augsburg Now includes an overview of the complex economics of higher education because we understand that topics such as this are too important to leave unaddressed. At the same time, we recognize that the markers of student success—graduation rates, academic achievement, or getting into graduate school or the workforce—also must be pursued. The story about our new Gage Center for Student Success shows just one way we are focused on ensuring that our students have the support they need to complete their Augsburg education. So, rather than allow various social and economic trends to define our reality, we are dedicated to planning for our future in ways that are both strategic, that is, focused on what is most essential and important to our mission as a college, and also studentcentered, that is, always mindful that we must do our best for all of our students. We articulate this commitment to student success in a concept we call the Augsburg Promise. It is the relationship we form with our students to ensure their success, and it has three key components. It is, first of all, centered in our commitment to helping our students discern and live their vocations (or “callings”). The concept of vocation—inherited from our Lutheran Christian theological tradition and embedded in the Augsburg curriculum—is not merely about selffulfillment. It is a deeply nuanced way of helping students explore their gifts and commitments, understand the arc of their lives, and embrace how their work in the world—whatever it may be—has significance. At the heart of the Augsburg Promise is the claim that our students will be better prepared for the world because of our work together in the classroom, in residence halls, on athletic fields, and in our neighborhood. The second component of the Augsburg Promise is our focus on academic growth and achievement in terms of both access—how our students are welcomed as part of our diverse community—and excellence—the standards we set and the support we offer to ensure that their education is of the highest order. Our students come to Augsburg with a variety of gifts and talents. Our promise to them is that this educational experience like no other will challenge them to grow as students and as citizens. So, yes, they will attain traditional academic success, and be recognized with honors and awards, but they also will experience the growth and achievement that is recognized in lives of meaning and significance in the world. Finally, the Augsburg Promise is about equipping our students for the lives they will lead in the world. Higher education—especially an education grounded in the liberal arts—must aim at ensuring that our students are educated across a wide range of disciplines and perspectives. At the same time, a college community like Augsburg must also consider how students are formed with certain skills and habits that will prepare them for citizenship and leadership. Whether in the classroom or community, in student organizations or residence halls, on playing fields or international travel, we must have an integrated sense of how our students are “educated to be informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers, and responsible leaders.” That is our mission—and that is our promise so that all Augsburg students might be successful. 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 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 augsburg now summer 2012 Features 12 19 30 28 6 10 12 17 The economics of education BY REBECCA JOHN Speaking of money BY REBECCA JOHN, STEPHANIE WEISS, AND WENDI WHEELER ’06 Commencement COMPILED BY STEPHEN GEFFRE AND STEPHANIE WEISS Faculty retirements COMPILED BY STEPHANIE WEISS 19 . GAGE CENTER FOR STUDENT SUCCESS BY WENDI WHEELER ’06 22 Nic Adducci ’15 contents 23 Rachel Hastings ’15 40 26 Andrena Murphy ’15 28 Calculus and coffee BY STEPHEN GEFFRE Departments inside front cover On the cover Four friends pose for the camera before lining up for the commencement procession. See more photos from the May and July commencement ceremonies at www.augsburg.edu/now. All photos by Stephen Geffre unless otherwise indicated. 2 27 30 31 32 37 40 Notes from President Pribbenow Around the Quad It takes an Auggie My Auggie experience Auggie voices Alumni news Alumni class notes Auggies on the ice quad around the Celebrating Student Success Scholarships and fellowships Augsburg students earned a range of prestigious accolades during spring semester. Some of the awards include the following: Fulbright Scholars: Adam Spanier ’12 and Rosalind “Rose” Sybrant ’12 were awarded English teaching assistantships. Spanier will teach in the Czech Republic during 2012-13, while Sybrant will teach in Venezuela. Augsburg College is recognized by The Chronicle of Higher Education as one of the nation’s top producers of Fulbright Scholars. Gilman International Scholarships: Seven Auggies received Gilman International Scholarships from the U.S. State Department to study overseas this summer and fall. Auggies will study in India, Jordan, South Africa, South Korea, and Thailand. Augsburg was awarded more Gilman Scholarships than any other Twin Cities college or university this academic year. Goldwater Scholarship: Joe Buchman ’13, who is studying chemistry, was awarded an honorable mention in the Goldwater Scholarship competition. He will spend the summer doing off-campus research at the University of Minnesota as a Student Summer Fellow for the Lupus Foundation of Minnesota. Kemper Scholars Program: Ibrahim Al-Hajiby ’14, an international relations/international business major, was named the College’s second Kemper Scholar. Students in the Kemper program get academic scholarships and stipends to cover the costs of two summer internships in major nonprofit and forprofit organizations. Augsburg is one of only 16 U.S. liberal arts colleges with the Kemper Scholars Program distinction. 2 Augsburg Now Student research awards and achievements Winner of international contest: Work by biology major Alex Sorum ’13 on a bacterium that affects about 80 percent of cystic fibrosis patients won an international American Association for the Advancement of Science Angela Bonfiglio ’13 was named a Newman Civic Fellow for 2013. This award, presented by Campus Compact, honors college student leaders who have demon(AAAS) poster competition strated their investment in finding solutions to the challenges that face our this spring. Sorum won communities. the student poster competition in the medicine and Newman Civic Fellow: Angela Bonfiglio ’13 public health category at the 2012 AAAS was named a Newman Civic Fellow by international meeting in Vancouver, B.C. Campus Compact. The award recognizes Sorum said that one of the rewards of inspiring college student leaders who work attending the conference was experiencing to find solutions for challenges facing their how going to a small liberal arts college communities. Bonfiglio has rebuilt has made him competitive with students Community Link, a campus service organiat large research universities. zation, doubling its membership while deepening its issue-based work. In North Minneapolis, she is researching community perceptions on the achievement gap and working to close that gap. She coordinates an afterschool program at Redeemer Lutheran Church to ensure that youth have homework help and an evening meal. She is dedicated to social justice, including environmental work, youth develAlex Sorum ’13 conducts research on Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium that opment, interfaith work, affects cystic fibrosis patients. and racial equality. Zyzzogeton celebrates work of 67 students: Augsburg celebrated the creativity and research of 67 underKirubel Gezehegn ’14, a physics and chemistry major from Zimbabwe, discusses his graduate students during research with physics professor Mark Engebretsen at the 2012 Zyzzogeton student research poster exhibition. mid-April at the annual Zyzzogeton poster session. Meeting of Nobel Laureates: Augsburg ColThe festival—which included work by stulege student Kirubel Gezehegn ’14 attended dents from 17 academic departments— the 2012 Lindau Meeting of Nobel Laurewas a chance for students to present their ates in Lindau, Germany. The meeting research to the Augsburg community and brings together 31 chemistry and physics practice public speaking. A “zyzzogeton” laureates and an equal number of invited is a green leaf-hopper as well as one of the students. Gezehegn also will study chemlast words in the Webster Collegiate Dicistry this summer at Johns Hopkins Univertionary, a fitting symbol to mark the end of sity in the labs operated by Nobel Laureate the academic year. Peter Agre ’70. Auggies are doing off-campus research across the United States at: • Argonne National Laboratory, Physics • Baylor University, Biology • Carleton College, Summer Mathematics Program for Women Undergraduates • Harvard University, National Science Foundation-Research Experiences for Undergraduates (NSF-REU), Bioengineering, Scientific Computing, Robotics and Materials Science and Engineering • Loyola University, Biology • Mayo Clinic, Neurobiology • National Institute of Standards and Technology, Cell Systems Science Group • Oakland University, NSF-REU, Mechanical Engineering • Rochester Institute of Technology, NSFREU, External Graph Theory and Dynamical Systems • Texas Christian University, Physics • University of Georgia, NSF-REU, Microbiology • University of Minnesota, Lillehei Heart Institute 11th time since 1998 that the team finished in the top 10. On the mat, the team placed second at the NCAA Division III National Championship. National Society of Black Engineers conference At the end of March, physics majors Gottlieb Uahengo ’13, Mohamed Sheikh-Mohamed ’14, Amir Rose ’14, and Fred Vedasto ’13 attended the National Society of Black Engineers conference in Pittsburgh, Pa. The conference included workshops and programming for grade school, collegiate, graduate, technical, professional, and international entities of the society. Uahengo said he was intrigued by his “ability to draw several parallels between [his] Augsburg education and some of the physics behind the technology of companies such as Boeing, Nearly 70 undergraduate students presented their research at the 2012 Zyzzogeton Lockheed Martin, and poster session. Zyzzogeton, held near the end of the spring semester, is the College’s annual festival of student creativity and scholarship. 3M, and to see the real-world applications of the many concepts studied in class.” Travel was funded through the NorthStar STEM The Augsburg College wrestling team during Alliance, a program intended to double the 2011-12 stood out in the classroom and on number of African-American, the mat. Auggies claimed the highest team Hispanic/Latino, Native American, Alaska grade-point average in the National Wrestling Native, and Pacific Islander students Coaches Association Division III Scholar Allreceiving bachelor degrees in science, America program, with an overall GPA of technology, engineering, and math (STEM). 3.73. This is the second time Augsburg has earned this top academic honor and the Scholar All-America Program Summer 2012 3 quad around the Celebrating Student Success (continued) Travelers EDGE Five Travelers EDGE (Empowering Dreams for Graduation and Employment) scholars from Augsburg will complete internships with Travelers this summer. Three Auggies—Simon Tekle ’13, Ger Lao ’13, and Dustina Granlund ’14—will work in Travelers’ information technology (IT) department. Mai Yang “Maya” Vue ’13 will intern as a cash control analyst, and Mee “Kanee” Lee ’14, will research diverse markets in the Twin Cities. Travelers EDGE seeks to increase the pipeline of underrepresented students to college, help them to graduate, and build awareness of careers in the insurance and financial services industry. This was Augsburg’s second year as a recipient of a Travelers EDGE grant. Thrivent Leadership Fellows Augsburg’s Thrivent Leadership Fellows, a group of students working to engage the Augsburg community in service, organized an annual multicultural dinner at the Brian Coyle Center during April. The event featured foods that represented the cultures in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis. Thrivent Leadership Fellows work to strengthen on- and off-campus communities through organized volunteer events and activities such as cooking classes for local shelters, food shelf drives, and tutoring sessions. The Thrivent Leadership Fellows: Front Row [L to R]: Christine Smith ’13, Janelle Holte ’13, Maya Keith ’13, Shana Strong ’13, Masha Shatonova ’13; Back Row [L to R]: Paul Hunt ’13, Jordan Skrove ’13, Billy Mzenga ’13 4 Augsburg Now Celebration of Philanthropy The 2011-12 fiscal year was one of the most successful fundraising years in Augsburg’s history with nearly $14 million raised to support programming, scholarships, buildings, and research. One of the ways the College celebrated this success was by welcoming more than 250 donors and volunteer leaders to campus for the annual Celebration of Philanthropy in June. W.K. Kellogg FOUNDATION The W.K. Kellogg Foundation during May funded a three-year, $1.2 million grant to support Sprockets, a St. Paul-based educational program operated in partnership with Augsburg College’s Center for Democracy and Citizenship. The W.K. Kellogg Foundation (WKKF) is among the largest philanthropic foundations in the United States. Guided by the belief that all children should have an equal opportunity to thrive, WKKF works with communities to create conditions for vulnerable children so they can realize their full potential in school, work, and life. WKKF is based in Battle Creek, Mich., and works throughout the United States and internationally, as well as with sovereign tribes. Special emphasis is paid to areas where there are high concentrations of poverty and where children face significant barriers to success. WKKF priority locations in the U.S. are in Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico, and New Orleans, and internationally in Mexico and Haiti. For more information, visit www.wkkf.org. National Science Foundation Grant Augsburg College Women’s Varsity Lacrosse Augsburg College announced this summer that it will launch the first collegiate women’s varsity lacrosse team in Minnesota. Lacrosse is one of the fastest growing high school girls’ sports in the state and is currently offered as a club sport at Augsburg. The College’s new varsity team will begin competing during spring 2014. A coach, who will join the staff this fall, will spend the first year recruiting and building the team. By offering women’s lacrosse, Augsburg will be able to expand the number of student-athletes who attend Augsburg for their post-secondary education and increase the total number of female student-athletes at the College. Augsburg was awarded a National Science Foundation grant of nearly $600,000 to support scholarships for undergraduates majoring in sciences or mathematics. The AugSTEM scholarships will provide as much as $7,500 per year to upper-division students. The grant brings to nearly $3 million the College’s total active awards from the NSF. Partial funding is provided by the National Science Foundation Scholarships in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (S-STEM) program under Award Number DUE-1154096. MANY VOICES BOLD VISIONS Convocation Series 2011-12 MusicEnsembles Augsburg College’s music ensembles performed regionally and nationally during the 2011-12 school year. Numerous performances were given around the metro area, including the U.S. premiere performance of John Ireland’s “Psalm 42” by the Masterworks Chorale and a rousing year-end performance by Augsburg Jazz Instrumental Vocal Ensemble at Famous Dave’s in Minneapolis. Each of the College’s three touring groups follow a fouryear travel rotation that includes national, international, and two regional tours. The Augsburg Symphony Orchestra and the Augsburg Choir went on national tours this year. The orchestra traveled to Florida during winter break, while the choir after commencement toured Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming. The Augsburg Concert Band performed throughout northern Minnesota and Wisconsin during spring break, and performed several joint concerts with local high-school and college bands. The concert band will travel to Turkey in May 2013. The Sverdrup Convocation, held April 17, created the opportunity for the community to learn about NASA’s Mercury Surface Space Environment Geochemistry and Ranging (MESSENGER) mission. Brian J. Anderson ’82, deputy project scientist with the mission and a physicist with the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, discussed the Mercury mission and whether there is a moral imperative for space exploration. The Rochester Convocation on May 15 was a chance for Auggies to learn about the work of Shanna Decker, a ninetime national award winner for her volunteer accomplishments. Decker’s presentation, “Love Wins,” provided insight into her “Hearts of Hope” project and her family’s co-founding of the nonprofit “Brighter Tomorrows” for families touched by childhood cancer. Decker also has mentored, supported, and visited nearly 1,000 people throughout the world who are amputees or cancer patients. To see photos from the convocation series, go to www.augsburg.edu/now. Summer 2012 5 { The ECONOMICS of EDUCATION BY REBECCA JOHN A bubble. An eruption. An explosion. These are just some of the words used in news reports this year to describe college costs and higher education loan debt. While these headlines may grab attention, they unfortunately are not very useful in helping people fully understand the multifaceted topic of college affordability. As Justin Draeger, president of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, said in a May 9 University Business article, a more accurate though admittedly less exciting headline might be: “A Complex Combination of Economic Factors Increases College Costs and Loan Debt for Certain Students.” As mundane as that headline seems, continued public dialogue is important and timely because many students and families today face real challenges in figuring out how to pay for college. This article provides a brief overview of four core areas related to the economics of higher education: the value of a postsecondary degree, key cost drivers in higher education, changes in government aid, and tuition and student loan debt trends. 6 Augsburg Now VALUE OF HIGHER EDUCATION { Ironically, if it weren’t for the significant benefits of a college education, the public debate about the cost of college likely would not be nearly as heated. If people didn’t desire the outcomes of and opportunities afforded by having a college education—if they merely thought the price was too high—they would just simply stop going to college. But that is not the case. Instead, the difference between having a college degree and not having one has become even more pronounced as more and more jobs require higher education. The Georgetown University Center on Education predicts that 63 percent of jobs in 2018 will require some form of postsecondary education. Already, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, high school graduates earn less than 70 percent of the income of bachelor’s degree holders. Moreover, as was evidenced in the recent recession, people with 63 percent of jobs in 2018 will require some form of postsecondary education. – THE GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY CENTER ON EDUCATION college degrees are much less likely to be unemployed than those with only high school diplomas. In 2011, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the unemployment rate for high school graduates was 9.4 percent, whereas people with bachelor’s degrees or higher were unemployed at only a 4.3 percent rate. So, while rising tuition costs and student debt may raise questions about erosion of the ROI (return on investment) of a given college degree, the larger, societal concern is that the required investment— and, therefore, the benefits—of higher education may be out of reach for a growing portion of our population, no matter how promising the return. COLLEGE COSTS An oft-cited book in the discussion of rising college costs is David Feldman’s and Robert Archibald’s Why Does College Cost So Much? (Oxford University Press, 2010). The Augsburg College Board of Regents dedicated a portion of its January 2012 board meeting to a discussion of this book to better understand the key cost drivers in higher education and how those costs affect students and tuition. Many factors affect college costs, but Feldman and Archibald, economics professors at the College of William & Mary, demonstrate that costs steadily have risen during the past 30 years in all personal-service industries that employ highly educated labor. Increasing costs have occurred not only in higher education but also in A one-on-one relationship between a faculty member and a student is critical for student comprehension and engagement. } – JEANNE BOEH, AUGSBURG COLLEGE ECONOMICS PROFESSOR AND CHAIR OF THE ECONOMICS DEPARTMENT dentistry, health care, and legal services. Significant productivity advancements in other industries—for example, automation and robotics in manufacturing—have increased the demand for, and therefore the price of, highly skilled labor. As a result, labor-cost increases have affected all personal-service industries, including colleges and universities, which employ some of the most highly educated people in our country as faculty, staff, and administration. This phenomenon is called “cost disease,” said Jeanne Boeh, Augsburg College professor of economics. Boeh, who served as president of the Augsburg Faculty Senate in 2011-12, participated in the College’s Board of Regents discussion of Feldman’s and Archibald’s book. She is a frequent commentator on economic trends for the Star Tribune, Minnesota Public Radio, and Twin Cities Public Television’s “Almanac.” “In higher education,” Boeh explained, “capital and labor have not been substitutes but complements.” For example, using course management software such as Moodle may enhance collaboration and streamline administrative activities, but it doesn’t reduce the labor involved in teaching or learning in the same way that manufacturing automation does. Online courses also have been affected, resulting in higher operating expenses than originally anticipated. “Augsburg offers several programs in a blended format—merging in-class time with online learning,” said Boeh, who has taught all types of classes at Augsburg. “And we will continue to evolve course formats to take advantage of online technologies where they are most effective.” But no matter the format, Boeh said, “a one-on-one relationship between a faculty member and a student is critical for student comprehension and engagement—not only for any class lectures but also for in-class assignments and projects as well as out-of-class work.” So, while online formats offer attractive benefits—including making lectures available to a broader set of learners and providing flexibility to working adults pursuing advanced degrees—they have not, to date, offered a “perfect” substitute for individual attention from highly qualified faculty. As a result, the trade-offs between cost and quality in higher education exist whether course delivery is in-class or online. Summer 2012 7 { By 2009, institutional grant aid [from Minnesota private colleges] was triple the state’s contribution. GOVERNMENT AID – MINNESOTA PRIVATE COLLEGE COUNCIL Share of Minnesota general fund spent on higher education 18% 17.3% 16% 14% 12% 10% 8% 6.9% 6% 4% Percent of General Fund Appropriated to Higher Education 2% Forecasted Percent of General Fund Appropriated to Higher Education 0% 1967 1975 1983 1991 1999 2007 2013 Chart 1: The percent of the State of Minnesota’s budget appropriated to higher education has declined steadily in the past 20 years. Financial aid trends for Minnesota undergraduates FIGURES IN MILLIONS $1,800 2009 borrowing by Minnesota undergraduates and their families surpassed $1.6 billion. $1,600 $1,400 $1,200 By 2009, grant aid from institutions was triple the state’s commitment. $1,000 By 2005, grant aid from institutions was double the state’s commitment. $800 $600 $400 In 1991, institutions and the state each provided about $80 million in grant aid to Minnesota undergraduates. $200 $1991 1995 State Grants (actual) 1999 Federal Grants (actual) 2001 2005 Institutional Grants (actual) 2007 2009 Total Loans (actual) Chart 2: Since 1991, grant aid from Minnesota private colleges grew to three times the amount provided by the state, while student loan debt increased eight-fold. 8 Augsburg Now Minnesota Private College Research Foundation analysis of Minnesota budget data 20% Minnesota Private College Research Foundation analysis of Minnesota Office of Higher Education biennial survey of aid awarded The financial aid that students receive from the state grant program is an important part of the resources they have to pay for their college education, said Jay Benanav, Augsburg’s director of government relations. “And, while the state has increased the overall dollar amount allocated to support higher education in the past 20 years, this aid has not kept pace with rising higher education costs,” he said. “So, today, state grant aid constitutes a much smaller portion of a student's overall resources for college.” The Minnesota Private College Council (MPCC)—an organization representing 17 private colleges in the state, including Augsburg—has been actively engaged with the Minnesota Legislature on the topic of higher education funding. Chart 1, compiled by the MPCC, shows the declining share of the state’s general fund that has been spent on higher education costs during the past several decades. Because state support covers a smaller proportion of college costs today, a larger portion is falling to students and their families. In fact, the proportion of college costs that families cover has gone up faster than the overall cost of college. To help offset the growing burden on families, Minnesota’s private colleges have increased the aid they provide to students through their endowments and operational budgets. Chart 2, again from the MPCC, shows the dollar amount of college costs covered by Minnesota state grants, federal grants, MPCC collegefunded grants, and student loans. The chart provides data from 1991 to 2009, a period during which student loan debt soared and grant aid from Minnesota private colleges grew to three times the amount provided by the state. NET TUITION AND STUDENT LOANS “Financial counseling is embedded in our admissions process,” As noted earlier, in addition to loans and government aid, many students also receive financial aid directly from their colleges or universi- Edstrom said, “and our financial aid staff work hard to make sure students and parents understand what they are taking on when they ties. This means that the out-of-pocket expenses (or “net tuition”) borrow.” that a given student pays will be less than the published tuition (or Even people with significant financial experience should (and do) sticker price) for that college or university. How much less varies from seek help navigating the financial aid process, said Paul Terrio, student to student based on multiple factors—including the family’s Augsburg’s director of student financial services. “Financing college financial situation, the student’s academic standing, and numerous is a substantial investment for families, and it’s an investment that other factors that enrollment offices take into consideration. has a major impact on one of the most important people in their This variation means that the net tuition one student pays will lives,” Terrio said. “So, naturally, people want to make sure they’re not be the same as another student, even at the same institution. As a result, it has become increasingly important for students and families to understand their specific financial aid package at each institution the student is considering before making a final choice, or before assuming that a certain college is financially out of reach. Even with financial support from colleges, how– JULIE EDSTROM ’90, ’04 MA, AUGSBURG VICE PRESIDENT OF ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT ever, borrowing has increasingly become a necessary part of how families of all socioeconomic doing the best they can. backgrounds pay for college. Average U.S. undergraduate student “But since college financing is something people do only a couloan debt for 2010 graduates was $25,250, according to the Projple times in their lives, most are not experts in the process,” he said. ect on Student Debt, an initiative of the nonprofit Institute for ColAs a result, every family, no matter their income level or financial lege Access & Success. The average debt of Augsburg graduates was $24,311 that year. sophistication, can benefit from working with a financial counselor In addition to being lower than the national average, Augsburg’s stu- who, according to Terrio, can “help them focus on their own scenario dent loan debt average compares favorably with the averages for rather than on averages and statistics reported in the news, which other higher education institutions in the state of Minnesota, said may have little to do with the specific family’s financial situation.” Julie Edstrom ’90, ’04 MA, Augsburg vice president for enrollment management. { Augsburg’s average student debt in 2010 was $24,311, which compares favorably with other higher education institutions in Minnesota. } } When one steps back from the headlines, it’s easier to see how college costs aren’t driven by one simple factor alone but, instead, are determined by a mix of state, federal, institutional, and individual factors. It’s easier to see, as well, how changing one factor invariably puts pressure on other factors. In the end, the challenge for Augsburg College—and every higher education institution—is to find a sustainable balance among these factors—state and federal government aid, institutional support, and student or family contributions—in a way that keeps higher education within reach for students of academic ability from all backgrounds. At Augsburg’s July 1 commencement, honorary degree recipient David Mathews, president and chief executive officer of the Kettering Foundation, focused his commencement address on the value—specifically the public value—of higher education. Mathews previously served as secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare under former President Gerald Ford and as president of the University of Alabama. Read his commencement address at www.augsburg.edu/now. Summer 2012 9 SPEAKING of MONEY BY REBECCA JOHN, STEPHANIE WEISS, AND WENDI WHEELER ’06 It’s scary. Students don’t like it. Parents don’t like it. But for any family with a student in college, money matters, and talking openly about finances is a critical part of figuring out if and how an individual can afford college. It’s a path toward determining whether the costs of college are a good investment for students, and often, their families. It’s also a path toward understanding individual and family philosophies connected to saving, spending, and philanthropy. Augsburg College is committed to talking with students and families about all these issues and sees these sometimes complex conversations as tools to build good decision-making as well as valuable investments in a family’s future. STUDENT FINANCIAL SERVICES It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan. – ELEANOR ROOSEVELT Paying for college is a significant undertaking for families, regardless of their family household income. To help plan for this investment, families need to start talking about their finances long before they’re actually facing tuition payments. “The place to start is by focusing on what the family values and how they make choices about what they buy and how they use the money they have,” said Carly Eichhorst, Augsburg College associate director of financial aid. “When we are working with families, we don’t start by talking about the mechanics of financial aid and student loans; we start by understanding their values.” It’s also beneficial to include both the student and the parent or parents in the conversation, added Paul Terrio, director of student financial services. “We see a difference between families who have had conversations about how they plan to pay for college and families where only some of the members—either the parents or the student—are 10 Augsburg Now involved in the financial discussion,” he said. “It’s a much more productive conversation if all of the family members are vested in the plan.” In order to help support and foster these important family conversations, Augsburg has embedded financial aid counseling into the undergraduate admission process. So, when a first-year undergraduate student receives her or his acceptance letter from Augsburg, the letter clearly states, “The next step is to schedule your first-year meeting,” and invites them to make an appointment with the College’s student financial services staff. Augsburg also has linked financial planning with academic planning in the adult undergraduate program to ensure that adult undergraduate students and their families have resources to help navigate the system of financing college. As a result of this intentional effort to invite families into the student finance discussion, as of June 1, nearly 45 percent of firstyear students who had made their initial fall deposit had also scheduled an appointment with Augsburg’s financial services staff. With sessions continuing through the summer, a majority of firstyear students and their families will have the opportunity to discuss their financial plans with the College before classes start in the fall. “Our goal in working with families is to help them develop a comprehensive plan for the entire college degree, not just to figure out how they can pay for the first semester,” Terrio said. A comprehensive plan includes outlining how much the student or family will need to pay and how long they will need to make payments on any student loans taken out to cover college costs. “Our role is not to prescribe financial solutions or provide a specific answer for how to pay for college,” Eichhorst said. “We are working to help families identify and understand their options.” By gaining a shared understanding of their options, families can enhance their financial literacy and equip themselves to plan for— not just wish for—the means to pursue a college degree. STUDENT PHILANTHROPY Someone’s sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago. – WARREN BUFFETT Auggies give. Every year. This simple instruction forms the basis of the goal for Augsburg’s Student Philanthropy Week, an annual program designed to make students aware of how donor support benefits them and to teach students, from the beginning of their college careers through their graduation, about the importance of giving back to their alma mater. The Office of Alumni and Constituent Relations and the staff of The Augsburg Fund sponsor several programs for students throughout the academic year. To coordinate these programs, staff work closely with the Augsburg Stewards, a group of current undergraduate students who support philanthropic efforts at the College. Each spring, Student Philanthropy Week includes a virtual “donor scavenger hunt” where students use daily clues, conduct library research, and visit donor-named locations on campus to guess the identity of one of the College’s major donors. The first student to accurately identify the donor wins a gift card. The annual Feed the Pig campaign and the senior class giving campaign encourage students to begin donating to Augsburg. To participate in Feed the Pig, students receive a piggy bank in the fall and, throughout the school year, collect spare change to fill up their banks. Classes compete to raise the most money and to engage the greatest number of student participants. The money raised funds a scholarship for a student in the winning class. These activities highlight the fact that, every year, Augsburg relies on thousands of alumni, parents, friends, and students to ensure that Auggies have access to an outstanding, affordable Augsburg education. MONEY MATTERS The highest use of capital is not to make more money, but to make money do more for the betterment of life. – HENRY FORD At Augsburg College, students and staff have turned inside out the federal mandate that all colleges and universities deliver financial literacy programs. Instead of delivering top-down programs of expert panelists or lectures, Augsburg involves students as key partners in creating and developing the school’s financial literacy program. A key goal of the program is to help students open the door on conversations that typically are difficult and sometimes uncomfortable—conversations about personal and family finances, budgeting, and the cost of college. “If you make public the stuff you usually hide, you can change individual behavior,” said Carly Eichhorst, associate director of financial aid. “But you have to start by being open with your own story.” Having students shape the conversation is critical to helping them learn how to make good financial decisions today and in the future. That’s because research shows that knowledge retention soars to 75 percent when learning is practiced by doing, compared with 20 percent retention when we learn by listening. “This is hard stuff to talk about,” Eichhorst said, “but when students see their friends sharing and grappling with tough ideas, it becomes easier and more acceptable to open up about their own stories.” The College’s annual Money Matters program runs for a week during the spring and includes a range of events and activities to help students and their families talk openly about financial topics. In addition to counseling sessions and opportunities to connect with financial experts, 2012 Money Matters activities included: • A student panel in which five Auggies from different socioeconomic, cultural, and faith backgrounds talked about how they make college work financially. Some student panelists also shared their stories with a Star Tribune reporter. Later in the spring, some of the students participated in a student loan and student finance roundtable with U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison. • My Money Secret, a participant-generated project in which students, staff, and faculty posted their money secrets in the skyways on campus. The secrets were hung on a line using clothespins—a display that was intentionally meant to invoke the feeling that participants were “airing their laundry,” Eichhorst said. Some students shared tips for saving, while other students disclosed habits of overspending. Because investing in a college education is such a significant undertaking, Augsburg is committed to helping families build financial literacy from the first oncampus encounter through a student’s full experience. By beginning the process of talking about money at the very start, students and their families not only learn important information about how to better manage their finances, but also have the chance to consider how they want to use their money—through saving, spending, and giving. Summer 2012 11 E Commencement May 5, 2012 A F D 12 Augsburg Now During the commencement processional, faculty line 7 ½ Street and applaud as graduating students walk from Christensen Center to Si Melby Hall. The tradition marks the transition from student to graduate and allows faculty to show respect for the students. The ceremony also is a bookend to the Auggie experience. Four years earlier—on their first day of class—faculty welcomed incoming students with applause during the opening convocation ceremony. A Faculty greet passing students with waves and handshakes and sometimes even give students a high-five or hug. B Members of ethnic student groups often wear sashes that denote their membership. Here, a group of students who are members of the PanAfrikan Student Union wear stoles made of Kente cloth that originates in Ghana, West Africa. C Students can be seen wearing bow ties, a fashion phenomenon that started to take hold in 2006 when Paul C. Pribbenow was installed as president of Augsburg College. Pribbenow has a reputation for his bow tie collection, and the bow tie often makes an appearance when students dress in formal wear. D Colored cords represent honors given by the College, academic departments, and the Honors program. Candidates for Latin honors—students graduating cum laude, magna cum laude, or summa cum laude—receive maroon and gray cords. Students who complete requirements of the Augsburg College Honors program wear gold cords. Other cords indicate departmental honors. E Students can line up in whatever order they choose. Because there is no formal order, being the last person in line—and, therefore, the last to cross the commencement stage—has become a coveted spot. Students will jockey for the position and stall during the procession, and the last person to cross the stage usually makes a grand statement of it. F Like many faculty members, Phil Adamo, associate professor and chair of the History Department, breaks from the reception line to congratulate a student in the procession. B C Summer 2012 13 In 2007, Augsburg started the tradition of holding two commencement ceremonies—the first in early May for the undergraduate day students and the Masters in Physician Assistant program graduates, and the second in late June for Weekend/Evening College, Rochester undergraduate, and the remaining master’s degree program graduates. A President Paul C. Pribbenow and Jodi Harpstead, chair of the Board of Regents, shake hands with every graduate who crosses the stage. For the July commencement ceremony, that was roughly 300 hands. B Tom Kelsey and Lori York of the Registrar’s office perform a well-choreographed dance to make sure the President always has a diploma holder in his hand the moment a graduate crosses the stage. C A large stack of diploma holders will be whittled down to almost nothing during the ceremony. In case you are wondering, the holders are empty. Diplomas are mailed to the graduates after their final grades are processed by the Registrar. D Master’s and doctoral degree candidates in business administration, education, leadership, nursing, and social work sit on the left side of the gym. E Graduates of the Weekend/Evening College and Rochester programs sit on the right side of the gym. F Handing out diplomas is like an assembly line: grab your name card, follow the faculty marshal to the front of the gym, hand over your name card, cross the stage as your name is called, shake hands with the Board chair, take diploma in your left hand while shaking hands with President Pribbenow and smile while your photo is taken, proceed down the ramp, smile for another photo and be sure that the front of the diploma holder is facing forward, return to your seat, breathe a sigh of relief. To view more commencement photos, go to www.augsburg.edu/now. 14 14 Augsburg Now Augsburg Now E A C Commencement July 1, 2012 D F B Summer 2012 15 Augsburg grad students mix philosophy of social work with drive for business Leading nonprofits increasingly want top-level leaders who understand complex financial issues, can implement strategic business practices, and are able to serve diverse local and global communities. Recognizing the changing expectations and requirements of nonprofits, Augsburg College in 2009 began offering a dual Master of Arts Degrees in Social Work (MSW) and Business Administration (MBA). The College’s first two MSW/MBA graduates completed their dual degrees this spring. “We chose to respond to changing dynamics. More and more, leaders of nonprofits, if they want to continue moving up the ladder, need the same business skills as their counterparts in the forprofit world,” said Steven Zitnick, who during June retired as director of the MBA program. Those with a Master of Arts in Social Work can, if they choose, progress to a different point in their career with formal business training, said Lois Bosch, director of Augsburg’s Master of Social Work program. “Larger social service agencies want business leaders for their business acumen,” Bosch said. “Increasingly, they also want people who are trained formally to understand the needs of their clients.” Jana Nicolaison ’12, one of Augsburg’s MSW/MBA dual degree graduates, said the program provided her the knowledge and tools to manage social service programs by understanding the business behind the programs. “I have the confidence to advocate for clients on the macro level because I under- stand all aspects of the services they receive,” Nicolaison said. The dual degree program isn’t just a good idea for those who want to lead social service agencies, though. “There’s an emerging trend of social entrepreneurship that opens another path for joint MSW/MBA students to pursue,” Zitnick said. “Through Augsburg’s combined curriculum, we can meet the vocational needs of this type of contemporary MSW student.” One such potential social entrepreneur is Miki Peterson ’12, who hopes to use her skills and insight to bring critical healthcare services to underserved markets. “We operate in a complex economic, societal, and political landscape. I now have the knowledge and diversity of skills to bring critical health care services to underserved markets,” Peterson said. “I have insights gleaned from both social services and business administration to allow me to accomplish this goal in any corporate, small business, or non-profit setting.” STEPHANIE WEISS To learn more about the dual MSW/MBA, go to www.augsburg.edu/msw or email mbainfo@augsburg.edu. “I have the knowledge and diversity of skills to bring critical health care services to underserved markets.” MIKI PETERSON ’12 MSW/MBA Miki Peterson ’12 MSW/MBA and Jana Nicolaison ’12 MSW/MBA 16 Augsburg Now HONORING our retired faculty Augsburg College celebrated the accomplishments and dedication of faculty during the spring Faculty Recognition Luncheon and formally thanked 10 faculty for their service. Below are brief biographies of those who finished their careers as Auggies. The group contributed more than 240 years of service to the College. Anthony Bibus III, professor of social work, joined Augsburg during 1992. He served the College as department chair, as faculty parliamentarian, and on key faculty committees. He received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in English from the University of St. Thomas and the University of Virginia, respectively, and a doctorate in social work from the University of Minnesota. Shelley Burkhardt, instructor of education, worked as the special education program director at Rochester and as an adjunct faculty member. She received a bachelor’s degree from Valparaiso and completed master’s-level studies at Winona State University, Minnesota State University Mankato, and the University of Minnesota. Prior to her work with Augsburg, Burkhardt served as the director of special education for the Rochester Public Schools, where she also was a special education teacher. C. Lee Clarke, assistant professor of business, started his career as a Lutheran parish pastor and then spent 20 years working in management information systems. He joined Augsburg during 2000 as a faculty member Front Row [L to R]: Glenda Dewberry Rooney, professor of social work; Norma Noonan, professor of political science; Lynn Lindow, associate professor of education; Grace Dyrud, professor of psychology; Steven Zitnick, director of the Master of Business Administration; Back Row [L to R]: President Paul C. Pribbenow; Bradley Holt ’63, professor of religion; Arlin Gyberg, professor of chemistry; Anthony Bibus III, professor of social work; C. Lee Clarke, assistant professor of business; Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the College Barbara Farley. Retiring faculty not pictured: Shelley Burkhardt, instructor of education in the Business Administration Department. Clarke co-taught with religion faculty and served as faculty adviser for Augsburg Seminar, a program to help first-year students learn about the Augsburg community and participate in neighborhood service programs. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Capital University, a Master of Divinity from Trinity Lutheran Seminary, and a Master of Business Administration from the University of St. Thomas. Arlin Gyberg, professor of chemistry, started his career at Augsburg during 1967. He taught general and analytical chemistry for science majors and chemistry courses for non-science major students. He is one of several co-founders of the Mcgyan process reactor, a continuous flow device that is used to produce biodiesel from plant material. He maintains close connections to alumni in local industry (at companies such as Aveda, General Mills, and SarTec, to name a few) over the years. He earned a doctorate in analytical chemistry from the University of Minnesota. Bradley Holt ’63, professor of religion, began his teaching career during 1978. His scholarly interests revolved around the history of Christian spirituality and Christianity in a global context, and he is the author of Thirsty for God: A Brief History of Christian Spirituality. Holt taught theology in Nigeria for 10 years. He graduated from Augsburg with bachelor’s degrees in English and philosophy and received a Bachelor of Divinity from Luther Theological Seminary, and a Master of Philosophy and doctorate from Yale University. Lynn Lindow, associate professor of education, joined the College during 1985 as a member of the Health and Physical Education Department. She subsequently took a position in the Department of Education and was a K-12 expert. For seven years, she served as chair of the Education Department. Lindow also helped with the department’s reaccreditation. She received a bachelor’s degree from Minnesota State University Mankato, a master’s degree from Summer 2012 17 North Dakota State University, and a doctorate from the University of Minnesota. Norma Noonan, professor of political science, 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 offering, 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. Noonan received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in political science from the University of Pennsylvania and Indiana University, respectively, and a doctorate in Russian and East European Studies from Indiana University. Glenda Dewberry Rooney, professor of social work, began working at Augsburg during 1992. An expert in direct social work practice, she served as department chair and taught in advanced clinical placement courses. Her research and teaching interests include child welfare, particularly where racial disparities exist. She is the author of one of social work’s most widely used texts. Rooney received bachelor’s degrees in psychology and sociology from the University of North Texas, a master’s in social work from the University of Illinois, and a doctorate in social work and industrial relations from the University of Minnesota. Maryann Syers, associate professor of social work, joined Augsburg during 1998. Her teaching experience was strengthened by her previous private clinical practice and ongoing research working with women of color, sexual minorities, and persons with physical disabilities. She was a leader in conceptualizing content for the Master of Social Work program’s multicultural clinical practice concentration. Syers also served on the Personnel Policies Committee and Faculty Senate. She received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Arizona State University and a master’s of social work and doctorate in social welfare from the University of Minnesota. Steven Zitnick, director of the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, joined Augsburg during 1999. Prior to that, he served as a military officer and held senior executive positions in human resources and organizational development in the private sector, including at H.B. Fuller. In 2008 Zitnick was named director of the Augsburg MBA program. He helped launch MBA study abroad programs in Argentina, Chile, Germany, and Russia and launched the Mini-MBA program with Luther Seminary. Zitnick received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Shimer College, a master’s degree in human resources management from the University of Utah, and is on track to complete a doctorate from Tilburg University in the Netherlands during retirement. On May 3, faculty gathered at the annual Faculty Recognition Luncheon to celebrate a successful academic year and to recognize their colleagues’ accomplishments. The program honored retiring faculty members, recipients of tenure and promotion, milestone years of service, and recipients of the Distinguished Contribution to Teaching and Learning awards. 18 Augsburg Now GAGE CENTER FOR STUDENT SUCCESS BY WENDI WHEELER ’06 Who comes to the Gage Center for Student Success and the Groves Technology Center? At one time or another, nearly every student at Augsburg does. I have to write a paper. I’m here to use the computer lab. I am a Weekend College student, and I'm planning to graduate next year. I'm here to plan out my degree progress with an academic adviser. I have ADHD and struggle with reading. I’m here to use the software program that helps me read my textbooks. I am visually impaired. I’m here to talk to an adviser about the services that can help me at Augsburg. I am having a tough time with one of my classes. I’m here to see a tutor. I’m the first person in my family to go to college. I am here because I heard you have a program to help people like me learn how to be successful in school. I’m a pretty good student, but I really have trouble with time management. I’m here to learn how to be better at that. Spring 2012 19 success INTEGRATING ACADEMIC SUPPORT tradition of bringing programs and services together to improve the student service experience. As in the case of the Enrollment Center—which first opened in 2000 and combined the offices of academic advising, the registrar, financial aid, and financial services—co-location benefits students because all services are in one convenient location. In addition, when staff work closely together, they often discover new ways of working that lead to new initiatives and better student service. The Gage Center staff is evaluating a caseload management software tool that will allow them to build connections for students and refer them to additional resources. Gort said the software will help to create a network of student support that extends beyond the Gage Center. “We’re at the start of a really cool project, and we have high hopes for what this is going to be,” she said. While staff and students are still learning how the Gage Center will function to best meet students’ needs, Gort said she has been pleased with the outcomes so far. GAGE CENTER FOR STUDENT SUCCESS At one time, academic support services at Augsburg were scattered across campus. One program was tucked around a few corners in a basement. A few others were in Science Hall. While seeking out and asking for help is already difficult for some students, having support staff in different locations made getting help even more complicated. To address this situation, Augsburg moved all of these academic support services to the new Gage Center for Student Success, which opened on the second floor of the Lindell Library in January. The center provides a one-stop shop for students to access academic advising, tutoring, academic accommodations, assistance with learning and physical disabilities, academic skills coaching, and other support services. “The Gage Center helps us see how students can benefit by having people and programs together,” said Amy Gort, dean of Arts and Sciences. Co-locating the offices in Lindell has made student support services more visible on campus and provides greater access for students. And with all support staff in proximity with one another, the center is the first step in creating a seamless experience of academic support for students. The Gage Center follows an Augsburg 20 Augsburg Now “What is great about this group of staff is that each program has a history of being innovative, constantly evaluating, and looking for opportunities for students to have an even better experience.” Nearly every graduate and undergraduate student at Augsburg comes into contact with the Gage Center staff or services at least once—and usually multiple times—in her or his college career. The center provides a one-stop shop for students to access academic advising, tutoring, academic accommodations, assistance with learning and physical disabilities, academic skills coaching, and other support services. GAGE CENTER FOR STUDENT SUCCESS Gifts from the Gage and Groves family foundations allowed Augsburg to create an integrated and highly visible academic support services center. The Gage Center for Student Success, which officially opened in January, includes the Groves Technology Center, the Groves Accommodations Lab, meeting rooms, testing rooms, and staff offices. DEPARTMENTS IN THE AUGGIES ARE ACHIEVERS GAGE CENTER FOR STUDENT SUCCESS ACADEMIC ADVISING supports students in achieving their educational and vocational goals. THE ACADEMIC SKILLS OFFICE provides coaching to help students develop skills and strategies for academic success, and also works with students in the Conditional Admit Program (CAP) and Augsburg Advantage St. Kate’s (AASK) program. THE CENTER FOR LEARNING AND ADAPTIVE STUDENT SERVICES (CLASS) provides services and accommodations for students with attentional, learning, and physical disabilities. THE GROVES TECHNOLOGY CENTER provides computer workstations for all students and adaptive software programs, such as speech recognition software and screen readers, for learners with special needs. TRiO/STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES, funded by the U.S. Department of Education, helps students overcome class, social, and cultural barriers to complete their college education. TUTORING AND SUPPLEMENTAL INSTRUCTION is available for most courses; the type of support offered depends on the course and student demand. ENSURING ACCESSIBILITY FOR STUDENTS Augsburg College is committed to ensuring all students have access to the campus resources and tools they need to succeed. To support this commitment, the College recently formed an accessibility committee of more than 50 staff and faculty from 16 departments. One of the committee’s primary responsibilities is ensuring the College meets the obligations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Recent revisions to the ADA as well as legal settlements at other colleges and universities make the committee’s work especially timely. One of the more high-profile lawsuits was a case brought against Penn State University by the National Federation of the Blind, which settled in 2010 for $150,000. The settlement cited inaccessible technology for blind and print-disabled students and is now serving as a guideline for institutions nationwide to review accessibility of technology and facilities. As part of its charge to ensure the College meets its obligations, the Augsburg accessibility committee is conducting an audit of campus facilities and technology, delivering training to faculty and staff, and working to identify a compliance officer. The work of the committee to identify and address accessibility issues helps mitigate risk for the College as it strives to live up to its commitment to student success. Summer 2012 21 A NEW approach to learning For most of his life, Nic Adducci ’15 was the kid who couldn’t read or write. The kid who had to go to the principal’s office to take his pill every day. The kid with a learn- said, when educators, students, and parents were just beginning to understand learning disabilities. “I was the only student in a small class with a learning disability. I was the kid who had emotional and behavior problems, and when I had a NIC ADDUCCI “I have to give credit to the CLASS office for giving me the support that I needed to really be successful, but I also have to credit the professors who really pushed me to see something more in myself than what I had been taught in the past 27 years of my life.” ing disability. Today, due in part to support he receives from Augsburg’s Center for Learning and Adaptive Student Services (CLASS), Adducci made the dean’s list with a 4.0 grade-point average. A double major in business management and psychology with minors in economics and political science, he has shed much of the stigma associated with having a learning disability and has found success at Augsburg. In the second or third grade, Adducci was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It was a time, he 22 Augsburg Now bad day, [the question] was, ‘Did you take your pill today?’” he said. “That was the foundation for my educational experience, and that followed me everywhere I went,” Adducci said. The labels and messages followed him to the workplace where he was a project manager for an educational testing company. “I thought that I couldn’t do a lot of things because I believed I couldn’t rely on myself.” In 2006, Adducci was told he needed to complete a bachelor’s degree as a requirement for his job. A co-worker who had gradu- ated from Augsburg through Weekend College recommended the program, and Adducci found himself back in the classroom. For several years, he took a class here and there while he continued to focus primarily on his work and personal life. Then in 2011, he realized he needed to make his education a top priority. He enrolled as a full-time student in the College’s day undergraduate program and moved onto campus. That’s when education changed for Adducci, and he discovered his passion for learning. “I approached my professors and the CLASS office right away,” he said. “They really didn’t accept the ‘I’m a bad writer’ excuse I used when I was younger, and they showed me that there was a different way for me to approach learning.” Adducci’s biggest learning-related challenge is reading. “It’s hard to concentrate and my retention is really low,” he said. The accommodations provided through CLASS include extra time to take exams, working with a notetaker in classes, and using the Kurzweil software program that reads his textbooks aloud for him. In two semesters as a full-time student, Adducci not only raised his grade-point average and made the dean’s list, he also landed a position as a residence life adviser for next year and made an impression on his classmates and instructors. “Nic made a marvelous contribution to the class,” said assistant professor of business administration John Cerrito, whose human resource management class Adducci took in the spring semester. “He was mature, serious, and a very positive student,” Cerrito said. “He is a real credit to Augsburg.” At Augsburg, Adducci said, he is able to attain a level of academic success that he hadn’t ever come close to in his life. “People saw something valuable in me in areas where I thought that I would never be able to accomplish anything,” he said, “and that gave me the motivation to actually put the effort in. Then I was successful.” Photo by Sally Ryan A TYPICAL college student In many ways, Rachel Hastings ’15 is a typical college student. She takes Spanish class, sings in a choir, eats in the cafeteria, and works out in the fitness center. But she is also atypical—a student who uses her ears and fingers to find her way through campus and through life. She’s training for a marathon, learning arias by ear, and spreading joy throughout the Augsburg campus. A sophomore from Maple Grove, Minn., Hastings has been legally blind since birth. Through the Gage Center for Student Success at Augsburg College, Hastings gets individualized support services and accommodations that help her succeed. The photos that follow show a typical day in the life of this atypical college student. Hastings checks to see if she is at the studio office for her voice lesson with vocal coach Susan Druck. RACHEL HASTINGS Laughing as they finish lunch, Hastings and a group of friends talk about their upcoming finals and what they need to do before school lets out for the summer. Summer 2012 23 1 2 3 independence 1 By touching her right hand to the treadmill every three or four steps, Hastings keeps her position on the machine during her daily workout. Hastings has completed two half marathons and is planning to run the Twin Cities Marathon in October. 2 “Hi Rachel, it’s Noah,” a student says as he meets Hastings. But Noah Sievert does not need to identify himself because Hastings recognizes his voice. To her, a voice is as distinct as a face is to a sighted person. 3 The complex nature of music theory means that Hastings needs accommodations for this course. Hastings took adapted music theory Pressing on her belly button to physically remind herself to breathe from her diaphragm, Hastings works on the piece “Mi Sueño” during her voice lesson with vocal coach Susan Druck. from assistant professor of music Doug Diamond as a summer independent study course. 4 Before she gets even two steps into a classroom, a classmate hops up and says, “Rachel, there is an open spot right over here.” One of the few times Hastings requires help is when she needs to navigate a full classroom with her cane. 5 Practicing on a baby grand piano is one of the perks of being a music therapy major whose main instrument is the piano. Since she does not read Braille music, Hastings learns music by ear, but she has perfect pitch, which makes learning easier. After a year of finding her way around the campus, Hastings has memorized almost every inch of the grounds. The only thing that will throw her off is an object that is left in an unpredictable place. 5 See more photos and hear Hastings talk about her experiences at www.augsburg.edu/now. Summer 2012 4 25 Augsburg’s TRiO/Student Support Services (SSS) program. Programs like AVID and TRiO/SSS help first-generation and lowincome students succeed in college. For students in high school, these programs provide Blue ribbons and gold medals. These are preparation for college entrance exams, what we normally associate with being assistance with college research and applica“first.” But for Andrena Murphy ’15, being tion, and information about the financial aid first—the first in her family to go to college— application process. On college campuses, meant making new connections, proactively these programs help students find resources seeking advice, and learning new skills. and support to complete their degree. During high school, Murphy said, her Murphy applied for and was accepted to mother encouraged her to do well but didn’t Augsburg’s TRiO/SSS program. She attended THE FIRST in her family share some of the lessons she has learned with the incoming TRiO students. During the past academic year, Murphy met regularly with her TRiO/SSS adviser to update her academic plan and to talk about the challenges of balancing school with family time, social life, volunteering, and her job. She said that her time management skills and even her eating habits improved in her first year of college. She also learned how to make connections with professors and to reach out to them for advice. “That’s something I never did in high school,” she said. ANDRENA MURPHY When Andrena Murphy ’15 saw her first initial in the flower garden outside Memorial Hall, she took it as a sign that Augsburg was the place for her. insist that she go to college. Though her mother had taken some community college courses, neither she nor Murphy’s two older sisters had obtained a college degree. And each of them had been able to find a good job without a college education. “Nobody in my family knew what college was like,” Murphy said, “so no one could help me figure out if it was right for me.” Murphy used her senior year of high school and the resources of her high school’s Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) college readiness program to help determine if college was the next step for her. Through AVID, Murphy discovered 26 Augsburg Now TRiO’s Summer Bridge program in July and August 2011 to begin her Augsburg career. Summer Bridge is a five-week residential program in which students take introductory religion and public speaking courses and attend academic support seminars, workshops, and other activities to help provide for a smooth transition to school in the fall. “It was fun to be in an atmosphere where I could keep learning through the summer,” Murphy said. She appreciated getting a head start on classes, learning what college was like, and meeting her classmates and professors. This summer, she will be a residential peer mentor for Summer Bridge and will Murphy also was involved with the Bonner Leader program during the school year. Through Bonner, she served as a youth development and enrichment coordinator at Kaleidoscope Place, an after-school program for elementary and junior high school students. Murphy officially will enter the Education Department this fall. She’s excited about her education classes and about becoming an elementary teacher one day. “When I look back, there were a few teachers who really made a difference for me, and I want to do that for someone.” it takes an Auggie Gift to future students allows son’s memory to live on at Augsburg “Nathan Schott’s life is an inspiration to me, and I’m humbled and honored to receive a scholarship in his name, a scholarship that is about future possibilities, not past liabilities.” These are the words of Alexandra Stoiaken ’13, recipient of the inaugural Nathan R. Schott Scholarship. Nathan Schott came to Augsburg as a first-year student in September 2009. His time at Augsburg was short, but significant. He touched the lives of faculty, staff, and students like Alexandra. He had a unique ability to make connections within the Augsburg community. Nathan was diagnosed with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy at the age of six. He passed away at the end of his first year of college. Yet Nathan continues to make a difference in the lives of Auggies, present and future. Teri and Chuck Schott, Nathan’s parents, established the Nathan R. Schott Scholarship to honor Nathan’s life and to give other students an educational opportunity in a supportive community. The scholarship provides support for students who, like Nathan, participate in the Center for Learning and Adaptive Student Services (CLASS) program. CLASS provides services and accommodations for students with attentional, learning, and physical disabilities. “Augsburg was the right place for Nathan,” Nathan’s father, Chuck, said. “He had a feeling of belonging, and this was a place where he could participate and contribute to the makeup of the community.” Teri Schott, Nathan’s mother, added, “The scholarship is a chance to see that the spirit of Nathan continues. It means he’s still a part of this place.” “[Nathan] always had a ready smile for me when we passed in the halls,” Stoiaken said. “There was real joy in his life, and he shared it easily.” Stoiaken, who manages life with cerebral palsy, said she was inspired by Nathan. “By receiving this scholarship, I will always endeavor to make Nathan and his family proud. Like Nathan, I will never allow my disease to define me. I will live life to its fullest, finding inspiration wherever I can.” DOUG SCOTT, DIRECTOR OF LEADERSHIP GIFTS If interested in supporting this or similar scholarship funds, contact Doug Scott at 612-330-1575 or scottd@augsburg.edu. “By receiving this scholarship, I will always endeavor to make Nathan and his family proud. Like Nathan, I will never allow my disease to define me. I will live life to its fullest, finding inspiration wherever I can.” ALEXANDRA STOIAKEN ’13 Nathan Schott in his senior year at Maple Grove High School. [L to R]: Teri Schott, Alexandra Stoiaken ’13, and Chuck Schott at the 2011 brunch for Augsburg scholarship donors and recipients. Courtesy ph oto Summer 2012 27 calculus AND BY STEPHEN GEFFRE Fog-covered mountains, roosters crowing at 4 a.m., dinner by candlelight, 60-foot waterfalls, and calculus. Strange components in a college class, maybe, but for seven students and two faculty members, this was reality during the 2012 spring break. In the course MAT 496: The Calculus of Sustainability, students spent the first eight weeks of the spring semester studying coffee plantations of Nicaragua. With this knowledge, they created projects ranging from calculating the carbon footprint of coffee production to building a largescale differential equation model that would be used while in Nicaragua. Once in-country, students were asked by the farm families with whom they stayed for feedback and advice on an ecotourism model the farmers were creating. The farmers, all members of the GARBO coffee cooperative in the Peñas Blancas region of Nicaragua near the Honduran border, were exploring diversifying their income by inviting tourists to learn about and stay on the plantation. So although they had prepared projects for months before arriving in Nicaragua, the students set them aside and put the needs of the farmers in the forefront. The class came up with ideas like creating a map of the cooperative and installing a water filtration system. They also suggested paving the roads and creating a store to sell convenience items to tourists as well as products grown on the plantation. When all was said and done, the students learned that when working in a place like Nicaragua, plans can change quickly. Adaptation and the willingness to think on your feet are great skills to have when trying to apply complex mathematics in a real-world situation. 28 Augsburg Now coffee See more photos, hear the students talk about their experiences, and watch video of the class at www.augsburg.edu/now. Summer 2012 29 Courtesy photo my Auggie experience Posts from the road Summer Travel 2012 The Augsburg Choir U.S. Tour The Augsburg Choir, under the direction of Peter Hendrickson ’76, toured the Midwest in May. With stops in Montana, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming, the choir performed nine concerts and had opportunities to connect with potential Auggies and their families as well as alumni and friends of the College. Teaching English in Thailand This was the fifth year that English professor Kathy Swanson and her husband, Jack, took students to teach English in Thailand as part of a short-term study abroad course through the Center for Global Education. In addition to teaching for 10 days in the village of Prachuap Khirikhan, the students learned about Thai culture and history, sailed on the Gulf of Siam, rode elephants, and tried to stay cool in the 120-degree heat. See photos from the 2012 Thailand course at www.flickr.com/photos/augthailand. International Management and Finance in Germany For four weeks in May and June, a group of German students and professors from Karlsruhe, Germany, paired with Augsburg students and assistant business professor Marc McIntosh to study international business practices. The group met for two weeks in Europe, visiting the European Parliament in Strasbourg and witnessing firsthand the financial crisis that was occurring in Europe at that time. They also went to the Frankfurt stock exchange and experienced the volatility in the financial market as a result of the crisis, McIntosh said. Then, back in the U.S., the students visited three companies with strong ties to Germany and gained insights into how to do business in overseas markets. Finally, the students participated in an intensive business simulation game with teams competing to maximize shareholder value through the launches of multiple product offerings. The Augsburg students teaching English in Thailand pose outside of the Wat Benchamabophit, a temple in Bangkok. study abroad program coordinated through Augsburg’s Center for Global Education. An excerpt from Underhill’s blog: Election day is notable for its calm. Everyone is voting and waiting; my sense is that people are still feeling that they are in a dream, not sure that this can really be happening, and wondering if they will wake up in the morning to find the military back in power, or in fact with a leader they have chosen. The city is quieter than usual, less traffic and crowds, with people staying home to vote. Read more of the Egypt 2012 blog for more about the elections, the extreme traffic in Cairo, and sharing a plane ride with former President Jimmy Carter at http://augsburgegypttrip2012.blogspot.com. Social Service in a Global Context: Namibia and the U.S. During July, a group of 25 Master of Social Work (MSW) students studied in Namibia and South Africa accompanied by Lois Bosch, professor and MSW program director, and Nancy Rodenborg, associate professor and chair of the Social Work Department. The group visited social service agencies, hospitals, schools, and other venues. Auggies abroad in 2012-13 • 30 Augsburg Now 28 students participated in summer programs in Austria, Ecuador, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Namibia, Norway, Jamaica, Jordan, Spain, and the United Kingdom • Political and Civic Engagement in Egypt Political science professor Joe Underhill and Mohamed Sallam, director of Pan-Afrikan student services at Augsburg, led students to Egypt in May to study youth movements and social change. The group visited cultural sites, villages, an ecotourism resort, and a Bedouin camp, observed the historic presidential election, and examined ongoing efforts to rebuild the country in the wake of the 2011 revolution. The combined political science and history course, Political and Civic Engagement in Egypt, was a faculty-led (including summer 2012) 41 students took part in summer short-term faculty-led programs including programs in Egypt, Germany, and Thailand • 27 students will study abroad in fall semester • 6 students will study abroad for the full 2012-13 academic year Read more posts from the road in the Augsburg Abroad blogs at www.augsburg.edu/augsburgabroad/blogs.html. WENDI WHEELER ’06 auggie voices In a room of her own In A Room of One’s Own, writer Virginia Woolf asserts that “a woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction.” This critical feminist essay, first published in 1929, examines the obstacles that women writers faced in a literary tradition that was, at the time, dominated by men. It was in a room of her own, a quiet space where she could remove herself from the distractions of college social life, that Erika Hammerschmidt ’04 began to write her first book while she was a student at Augsburg. A private room is beneficial for students with Asperger’s syndrome (AS), an autism spectrum disorder that affects a person’s ability to socialize and communicate with others. Students with AS are characterized by poor social skills and restricted interests, but they typically possess great knowledge in specific areas and have extensive vocabularies. Hammerschmidt was diagnosed with AS at the age of 11. “In some ways, having Asperger’s is a gift,” she said. “I have a good memory and a gift for logical thought. And I can get very focused.” As a student, however, Hammerschmidt said she was easily distracted and had trouble concentrating on schoolwork because of anxiety she felt about her social life. Augsburg’s Center for Learning and Adaptive Student Services (CLASS) program, one of the student support resources available in the Gage Center for Student Success, helped Hammerschmidt deal with the social aspects of college. “They helped me get a single room, a ‘room of my own’ as Virginia Woolf wrote. It helped me get started on a lot of projects and stay focused on them.” The ability to focus helped Hammerschmidt complete her book, Born on the Wrong Planet. First published in 2003, it is a collection of poems, short stories, and For Erica Hammerschmidt ’04, living with Asperger’s syndrome makes her feel as though she is an alien on Earth, and she taps into that alienation to create art. In her hands is a language she created. It's tactile, and is made up of disk and small sculptural objects that are put together to create words and sentences. Her tactile language offers others a chance to experience and feel how different she feels because the language is intuitive to her, and completely foreign to others. “[Augsburg’s CLASS program] helped me get a single dorm, a ‘room of my own’ as Virginia Woolf wrote. It helped me get started on a lot of projects and stay focused on them.” ’04 ERIKA HAMMERSCHMIDT essays using alternating voices to illustrate the complexities of Hammerschmidt’s life with Asperger’s. A revised edition was published in 2008 by the Autism Asperger Publishing Company. Since graduating from Augsburg, Hammerschmidt has continued writing in the Minneapolis apartment she shares with her husband, John Ricker, whom she met at Augsburg. In 2011, the couple co-authored Kea’s Flight, a science fiction novel that Hammerschmidt said is “like [George Orwell’s] 1984 for autistic people.” The couple also speaks about living with autism spectrum diagnoses to special education students, teachers, and parents of children with autism. In 2005, they were featured speakers at the Annual Autism Society of Minnesota Conference. To learn more about Hammerschmidt and her work, go to www.erikahammerschmidt.com. WENDI WHEELER ’06 Summer 2012 31 alumni news FROM THE ALUMNI BOARD PRESIDENT Dear alumni and friends, t hank you for the opportunity to serve as the Alumni Board president. We are welcoming five new Auggies to the board (see their biographies below) and are excited about the ideas and gifts they bring. This year, we will build on the work that has already been done by the Alumni Board and make an effort to reconnect even more alumni to Augsburg. My experiences as a member of the men’s soccer team keep me connected to Augsburg. We won the MIAC championship in 1980 and went undefeated that season. Many of my soccer teammates are still friends to this day. Several of my former teammates attended the student-alumni networking event held on campus this past February, and it was great to see them give back by sharing their experiences with current students. At the networking event, 60 students met with 50 alumni who hosted tables for students to ask about specific careers; my table was for those interested in financial services. I talked with several students for an hour, and I’ve since met with two of them to personally guide them on their career paths. You can stay connected to Augsburg by attending one of many events hosted by the Alumni Board this year, including Homecoming during the week of September 24 to 29. Read more about the activities scheduled for Homecoming on page 33. You’ll find information about more upcoming events on the following pages, and we will continue to update you in the monthly NOW@Augsburg e-newsletter. Be sure to read it when it comes to your inbox. I’d like to see you at an event this summer or at Homecoming. When we meet, I hope you’ll tell me your ideas for staying connected to Augsburg! CHRIS ASCHER ’81 ALUMNI BOARD PRESIDENT New Alumni Board Members Five Auggies were recently elected to three-year terms on the Augsburg Alumni Board. Frank Grazzini ’96 helps run TelemetryWeb, Inc., a software startup he co-founded. After earning his degree in accounting, he worked in finance and now is focused on general business management. Grazzini said he would like to see the alumni connection to Augsburg begin at commencement. After graduating, Marie (Eddy) Odenbrett ’01 served Augsburg in event and classroom services and in advancement services. Now that Odenbrett works in donor relations at Macalester College in St. Paul, her desire to stay connected with Augsburg led her to join the Alumni Board. Lisa K. Olson ’79 lives in Washington, D.C., and is president and owner of a business and clinical research consulting firm. Several in Olson’s family are Augsburg graduates, and her grandfather, Henry P. Opseth, was head of the Music Department and the first director of the Augsburg Choir. Nick Slack ’02 has a degree in business administration and is currently a manufacturers’ representative for sporting goods companies in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. While at Augsburg, Slack was active in student government and wrestling. After graduating, he served as an Augsburg wrestling coach for seven years. He is also a member of the Augsburg Young 32 Augsburg Now Front Row [L to R]: Holly Knutson ’03, ’07 MBA, Marie Odenbrett ’01, Jill Watson ’10 MBA; Middle Row [L to R]: Nick Slack ’02, Lisa K. Olson ’79, Kathy Amos ’87, Rob Wagner ’02, Chris Hallin ’88; Back Row [L to R]: Michael Loney ’03, Heather Cmiel ’02, Tracy Anderson ’95, Jerry Poland ’92, Chris Ascher ’81 Not pictured: Jennifer Carlson ’91, Sharon Engelland ’87, Sarah Grans ’01, Frank Grazzini ’96, Dan Hickle ’95, LeeAnn Lack ’67, Sharon Mercill ’05, Nancy Nordlund ’91, John Stadler ’07 MAL Alumni Council. Jill Watson ’10 MBA is a business analyst for Land O’Lakes. Watson said she wants to facilitate opportunities to increase alumni engagement and participation at Augsburg events as well as in the recruitment process. If you have ideas for alumni involvement, forward them to the Alumni Board at alumni@augsburg.edu. CHERYL D. CROCKETT ’89 Join Us for homecoming SEPTEMBER 24-29 Whether or not you are celebrating a reunion this year, Homecoming is a perfect reason to return to campus to reconnect with former classmates and enjoy the Augsburg spirit! Join Augsburg alumni, parents, students, and friends in a fun-filled week of Homecoming events and activities. This year marks many milestones for the College that will be recognized during Homecoming, including the 25th anniversary of the Master of Arts in Leadership program, which will be celebrated following the Sabo Symposium on Wednesday, September 26, and the 30th Anniversary of Weekend/Evening College (WEC), which will be celebrated at the WEC Alumni Reunion Breakfast on Saturday, September 29. New events have been added to this year’s Homecoming schedule, including a Faculty and Faculty Emeriti Meet and Greet Reception, an Augsburg Cabaret Reunion and sing-along on Friday, September 28, and a Latino/a Alumni Reunion Breakfast on Saturday, September 29. Homecoming Convocation will start the weekend off on Friday morning, September 28, when we will recognize the First Decade, Spirit of Augsburg, and Distinguished Alumni Award winners, as well as members of the class of 1962. Don’t miss the opportunity for fellowship and reminiscing at the Homecoming Convocation Luncheon that afternoon or at the 10-year, 25-year, and 30-year reunions at Republic (formerly Preston’s) Friday evening. Experience the Best of Augsburg on Saturday morning, September 29, when you can hear a brief lecture from two of Augsburg’s outstanding faculty members—Darcey Engen ’88, associate professor and chair of theater arts, and James Vela-McConnell, professor of sociology. Before the football game on Saturday, enjoy the Taste of Augsburg event with fun for the whole family, including carnival-style booths operated by student, parent, and alumni groups. That afternoon, cheer on the Auggies at the Homecoming Football Game as they take on Bethel College. The Auggie Block Party is back by popular demand! Following the football game, gather in the parking lot north of Si Melby Hall to enjoy food, entertainment, and camaraderie. It’s a wonderful way to conclude the Homecoming weekend. Homecoming has something for everyone. For more information and a complete schedule, visit www.augsburg.edu/homecoming. We look forward to seeing you in September! reunion classes 60th Reunion—1952 50th Reunion—1962 40th Reunion—1972 30th Reunion—1982 25th Reunion—1987 10th Reunion—2002 Summer 2012 33 alumni news Networking at Work In the past year, the Office of Alumni and Constituent Relations partnered with Career Services and the Alumni Board to host two student-alumni networking events. These events provide an opportunity for current Augsburg students to have one-on-one interactions with alumni from a variety of professions and also allow alumni to share their professional experience and insight. Several lasting connections were made at these events, including one between Janeece Oatman ’05 and Julie Bednark ’13, who met during Homecoming 2011. The two found they have a shared passion for high-energy, intense projects, and they connected immediately around their Augsburg experiences. Their conversation sparked a connection that led to a friendship and an internship opportunity for Bednark with the American Diabetes Association’s Tour de Cure annual bike ride, for which Oatman is the director. Oatman said she feels good about giving back to the College by offering a unique experience for a current Augsburg student. “Julie was so approachable, smart, worldly, and willing to work hard,” she said. Following her internship, Bednark plans to volunteer for the Tour de Cure to maintain her connection to Oatman and to the American Diabetes Association. Chris Ascher ’81 and Dennis Som ’12 met at a networking event, but their true connection began after Som invited Ascher to lunch and they discovered a mutual passion for the world of finance. Som was inspired by Ascher’s character, goal-setting structure, and willingness to be a resource for current Augsburg students. Now the two connect regularly via email to share personal and professional developments. Both agree that a long-term mentor/mentee relationship is in the cards. Oatman and Ascher agreed they would return to participate in future alumni and student networking events to recapture the sense of gratification and pride that comes from “Auggies supporting Auggies.” Make your own connection with a current Auggie at the next alumni and student networking event that will take place on Wednesday, February 13, 2013. SARA SCHLIPP-RIEDEL ’06 Julie Bednark ’13 and Janeece Oatman ’05 Dennis Som ’12 and Chris Ascher ’81 auggies supporting auggies 34 Augsburg Now s ‘Augsburg Start’ Mentor Program SHARE YOUR SUCCESS WITH A NEW AUGGIE! Do you remember your first days as a new Weekend/Evening College student? Navigating a new campus? Balancing work, life, and family? Learning about resources and success strategies? Now that you are an Augsburg WEC alum, you can give back to Augsburg and share your experience and success by becoming a mentor for a new Augsburg WEC student this fall. Augsburg Start is a mentor outreach program focused on pairing new Augsburg for Adults/Weekend College students with an alumna/us mentor who will support them in their first term. Once paired with a new student, you will be asked to connect with them in the first week and at least two other times in the term and be available as a resource for help and support in person, by phone, or by email. Each mentor/mentee relationship is different, but here are some ways to be an Augsburg Start mentor: • share your strategies for success as an adult student • encourage the student to connect with their faculty adviser so they will be ready to register for the next term • help the student reach out to student support programs • be sure the student knows how to use Moodle and Augnet • connect the student with the library and its resources For more information, visit www.augsburg.edu/alumni/getinvolved or contact Pat Grans in Alumni Relations at 612-330-1329 or gransp@augsburg.edu. BUILDING CONNECTIONS FROM THE ground up When Yemissrach (Yemi) Melka ’15 met Guy Wojtowicz ’81 in March, she had several questions in mind to help her learn about the personal and professional journey of the Augsburg grad. But she was in for a surprise—one that would bring a unique experience to the general chemistry students at Augsburg. During the visit, Wojtowicz told Melka about his family, many of whom are Auggies, including his son Zach who has completed his second year at Augsburg. He also talked about his professional career, describing some of the chemical and agricultural projects currently underway at the stucco and plastering company that he founded with his brother in 2006. The project that took Melka by surprise involves a compound that can be sprayed on depleted soil to significantly increase its fertility. Wojtowicz said the compound could also be instrumental in remediating contaminated soil without having to excavate and remove the soil to a toxic disposal site. As a chemistry major and an international student from Ethiopia, where agriculture is the mainstay of the economy and soil depletion has been an issue, Melka was excited about exploring the application of the technology in her home country. She couldn’t wait to tell [L to R]: Yemissrach Melka ‘15, Guy Wojtowicz ‘81, assistant professor of chemistry Vivian Feng her professor, Vivian Feng, about the chemistry lesson she received outside of class. Feng was impressed with the capabilities of the compound and brought it into a first-year general chemistry classroom for students to use in the environmental chemistry section of the course. Generally, Feng said, first-year students don’t work with commercial compounds used in the real world, so Melka’s discovery provided a rare, hands-on learning opportunity for her classmates. Melka met Wojtowicz through her involvement in IGNITE (Involving Graduates Now In Thoughtful Engagement), a program launched in 2009 with a grant from Thrivent Financial for Lutherans™. Students in IGNITE conduct face-to-face visits with alumni to learn more about their Augsburg experience and their interest in volunteer opportunities at Augsburg. If you have an interest in meeting with an IGNITE student representative, contact Pat Grans, volunteer coordinator, at 612-3301329 or gransp@augsburg.edu. CHERYL D. CROCKETT ‘89 Summer 2012 35 alumni news save the dates Saturday, October 13, 1-3 p.m. FALL FOLIAGE PHOTOGRAPHY AND BOAT TOUR auggie IS FLYING SOUTH THIS WINTER! Join President Paul C. Pribbenow and Augsburg alumni and friends in Arizona for the following events. To register or for more information call 612-330-1085 or email alumni@augsburg.edu. Saturday, February 16, 2 p.m. AUGSBURG RECEPTION At the home of Donald ’60 and Violet Anderson, Sun City The Anderson home is located two blocks northwest from the American Lutheran Church in Sun City. Taylors Falls, Minn. Augsburg’s resident photographer, Stephen Geffre, will provide insight into what makes for a successful photo and share stories and images from his “365 Project.” This unique event will be held on the St. Croix River aboard the Taylors Falls Queen excursion boat of Wild Mountain/Taylors Falls Recreation, owned by Amy Raedtke Frischmon ’92. Register at www.augsburg.edu/ alumnievents. Thursday, October 18, Noon CT AUGSBURG LIVE: STATE OF THE COLLEGE Hear first-hand from President Paul C. Pribbenow about the College’s priorities for this academic year on this hour-long webinar. See images of the campus, hear stories of student successes, and learn about how the College continues to live out its mission and promise to students and its community. To register, go to www.augsburg.edu/alumnievents. Saturday, February 16, 6 p.m. RECEPTION AT HEARD MUSEUM Heard Museum, 2301 N. Central Ave., Phoenix Featuring The Couriers quartet from the Augsburg Centennial Singers AUGSBURG CENTENNIAL SINGERS: ARIZONA TOUR Sunday, February 17 - American Lutheran Church, Sun City Sunday, February 17; 8, 9:15, and 10:45 a.m. Monday, February 18 - The Church at Litchfield Park, KING OF GLORY CHURCH SERVICES Litchfield Park King of Glory, 2085 East Southern Ave., Tempe Augsburg President Paul C. Pribbenow will be the guest preacher Tuesday, February 19 - Desert Hills Lutheran, Green Valley Sunday, February 17, 6 p.m. RECEPTION At the home of Lute ’56 and Kelly Olson, Tuscon Featuring The Couriers quartet from the Augsburg Centennial Singers Thursday, February 21 - Sun Lakes United Methodist Church, Sun Lakes Friday, February 22 - Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran, Fountain Hills Saturday, February 23 - Vista de la Montana Methodist Church, Tucson Sunday, February 24 - Gold Canyon United Methodist Church, Gold Canyon 36 Augsburg Now 62newly published book on sciKen Olson is the author of a alumni class notes 57lished two books: Daily Walks Rev. Neal Snider recently pub- with Saints and Sinners and Walking Together through the Bible. ence and religion, Lens to the Natural World: Reflections on Dinosaurs, Galaxies, and God. In addition to parish ministry, since 1988 Olson has been a research associate in paleontology for the Museum of the Rockies at Montana State University. Olson and his wife Rochelle (Jerve) Olson ‘63 live in Lewistown, Mont. head High School in Kalispell, Mont. Davis was an All-American wrestler at Augsburg College in 1973. 76called to serve as the senior Mary (Ronning) Gilthvedt was 70 In May, Jim Fischer was inducted into the Delaware Sports Hall of Fame. Fischer has been the track and cross country coach at University of Delaware since 1982. He joins the previous 293 inductees enshrined at the Delaware Sports Museum since 1976. 74gence, a story about “a smart Scott Seal published Conver- guy with a mediocre life” that takes the reader from the frozen snowbanks of Minneapolis to the icy halfpipe snowboard courses of Valles Marineras on Mars. Scot Davis, a two-time national coach of the year and the “All-Time National Wins Leader” in high school wrestling, according to Wrestling USA Magazine, has been named head wrestling coach at Flat- pastor at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in East Grand Forks, Minn. in July 2011. 83’88, and four other profes- Luverne Seifert, Darcey Engen sional performers will debut a new site-specific production of Anton Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard in five historical homes in July and August. The production, which will travel to Blue Earth, Kenyon, Little Falls, Taylors Falls, and Worthington, Minn., will also feature four local community actors and musicians from each community. 84a new position as an accountPamela (Schey) Durfee began ant with Mullinax Concrete Services in Buffalo, Wyo. AUGSBURG CELEBRATES 40 Years OF WOMEN’S ATHLETICS Courtesy photo Joyce Pfaff ’65 Lavonne Peterson ’50 auggie SNAPSHOTS In celebration of the 40th anniversary of women’s athletics at Augsburg, as well as the 40th anniversary of Title IX, the College will present two alumnae with the “One of Our Own” award. On Saturday, November 10, Joyce Pfaff ’65 and Lavonne (Mrs. Pete) Peterson ’50, will join Ernie Anderson ’37, Edor Nelson ’38, Lute Olson ’56, and Ed Saugestad ’59 as “One of Our Own” award recipients for their contributions to Augsburg College and the Athletic Department. In addition, female athletes from each decade will be chosen for the All-Decade Teams to honor and recognize some of Augsburg’s most outstanding athletes from the past 40 years. Save the Date: All athletic alumnae are invited to join in the celebration on Saturday, November 10! 04Krepela ’04 MAE and her Bethany (Bierman) 72promoted to the rank of Kristin L. Rajala was colonel, Dental Corps, in the Minnesota Army National Guard in a ceremony on April 14 at Camp Ripley, Little Falls, Minn. Rajala is currently assigned as the officer in charge of the Dental Section within the Medical Detachment, Joint Force Headquarters, Minnesota Army National Guard. Her civilian career is practicing dentistry in Brainerd and Willmar, Minn. husband, Jim, welcomed a daughter, Kaija Joyce, on August 19, 2011. Bethany worked at Augsburg from 1998 to 2007 in admissions and in marketing and communication. She currently works as a Twin Cities-based development officer for Luther College. 05Schornstein and Matt Megan (Ehresmann) Schornstein ’04 welcomed Elsie Mae on November 18. 05Nathan Saj welcomed Ellen (Kvitek) Saj and baby boy Benjamin James on March 14. Jim and Kelly Matthias welcomed baby Adeline Grace on February 7. Jim is a liaison for computing in the Information Technology department at Augsburg. 07recently received her Katherine Jane Gavin doctor of medicine degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin. Summer 2012 37 86Teacher of the Year at Trinity High 99celebration of the Girl Scouts Michael Johnson was named School in Trinity, N.C. Johnson teaches theater and is the director of dramatics at the school. 87vice president of Venture Bank. In January, at the centennial of Minnesota, Linda Stuart was honored as a “Woman of Promise” by the Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys. Brian Brakke was appointed senior 89 Devoney Looser, professor of English at the University of Missouri, published a video titled The Untidy History of Sisterhood about her research on Jane Austen, Jane Porter, women’s writings, old age, and roller derby. The video is available on the SyndicateMizzou website. Looser also directed a National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Seminar for College Teachers on “Jane Austen and Her Contemporaries” this summer. Charles Skemp (MAE licensure) received a 2012 Whitney & Elizabeth MacMillan (WEM) Foundation Outstanding Educator Award for Teacher Achievement in May. Skemp is a teacher at Henry Sibley High School in the West St. Paul-Mendota Heights-Eagan school district. 92coach and founder of Life Illumi- Jennifer Chou authored a chapter titled, “Wine Savvy—Business and Social Wine Smarts” in the book Socially Smart & Savvy, a book of experts’ secrets for success. 01tenant by the Minnesota State Robert Zak was promoted to lieu- Patrol. Zak is the director of fleet and asset management and is stationed in St. Paul. In May, Mary Grundhoefer (MAE licensure) received the Teacher of Excellence Award in the Cambridge-Isanti School District where she teaches English, writing, and media studies. 04ter’s degree in finance from the Hans Strommen received his mas- University of St. Thomas. He works for UnitedHealthcare as a senior financial analyst. Sharol Tyra, a professional certified nation Presentations and Coaching, was elected to the Minnesota Coaches Association board of directors. 05Stolle was named 2011 Educator In February, Bethany (Schneck) 93time All-American, Joe Hoialmen, of the Year by the Lutheran Association of Christian Educators. Stolle is a senior developer for youth resources for Sparkhouse, the ecumenical division of Augsburg Fortress publishers. was inducted into the National Wrestling Coaches Association Division III Hall of Fame in April. 08math teacher at St. Paul Prepara- Former Auggie wrestler and three- 95 In June, Hans Skulstad was named chair of the Hobey Baker Memorial Award Committee. Michael Gooding was hired as a medical assistant with Sun Life Family Health Center in Sun Lakes, Ariz. In May, Dan Forseth, science and tory School in St. Paul, was awarded the Science House High Flyer Award by the Science Museum of Minnesota Professional Development Group. 10year of graduate school at Alliant Leann Vice-Reshel finished her first e w a Augsburg Women Engaged Update AWE believes… • women have knowledge, experience, and wisdom to share with the Augsburg community. • a relationship with Augsburg enriches the lives of alumnae. • we can be the catalyst for tapping the potential of women to connect, learn, and give. In July 2011, AWE hosted its first Action Team gathering, presenting opportunities for women to connect, learn, give, and be actively involved in the Augsburg community. Since then, more than 150 Auggie women have engaged with Augsburg through AWE programs and events. The second AWE Action Team gathering is scheduled for August 1. Join us to find a project or team that fits your interests and availability. AWE is thrilled to thank the 26 women who have stepped forward to support the future Center for Science, Business, and Religion. Special thanks to Roz Nordaune ’77, one of the first women to join AWE, for her matching gift, which brings the group’s fundraising total to $50,000. In the second phase of this “AWE-Inspired” effort, AWE will invite 50 women to join them in raising $100,000 by December 31! Augsburg welcomes new participants to AWE. Contact Sherilyn Young at 612-330-1462 or youngs@augsburg.edu for more information. CONNECTING. LEARNING. GIVING. University in San Diego, Calif. She is pursuing a doctorate in clinical psychology. The Political History and Landmarks of Namibia and South Africa Join Augsburg alumni and friends in August 2013 on this 12-day African tour through Namibia and South Africa’s political past and the popular tourist attractions and landmarks this history has created. Learn firsthand about this region’s struggle against apartheid and discover how the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Namibia played a significant role in the Namibian independence struggle. Tour the former black and colored townships in Windhoek and Johannesburg, and hear from a cross-section of southern African society. 38 Augsburg Now This trip is offered in partnership between the Alumni Association and 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. 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 email 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 ____________________________________________________________ City, State, ZIP code Is this a new address? ❑ Yes ❑ No ____________________________________________________________ Home telephone ____________________________________________________________ Email Okay to publish your email address? ❑ Yes ❑ No In Memoriam ____________________________________________________________ Employer Dr. Donald F. Holm ’39, Edina, Minn., age 94, on March 9. ____________________________________________________________ Position Victor “Vic” E. Miller ’42, Edina, Minn., age 92, on December 1. Andrew “Andy” Balerud ’50, Visalia, Calif., age 84, on February 11. Jennings I. Thompson ’51, Bloomington, Minn., age 88, on January 18. ____________________________________________________________ Work telephone Gordon Odegaard ’52, Washington, D.C., age 81, on January 14. Is spouse also a graduate of Augsburg College? ❑ Yes ❑ No C. Arthur Shultz ’53, Rancho Cordova, Calif., age 80, on January 9. If yes, class year ________________________________________________ Rev. Leroy J. Iseminger ’54, Sioux Falls, S.D., age 80, on March 10. ____________________________________________________________ Spouse’s name Lawrence E. Nerheim ’56, Oak Park, Calif., age 76, on January 11. Conrad E. Fristedt ’58, Alexandria, Minn., age 81, on March 8. K. Benjamin Skurdal ’59, Williston, N.D., age 78, on March 14. Roger A. Bevis ’63, Bloomington, Minn., age 70, on January 29. Joanne Clare Koester ’75, Red Wing, Minn., age 58, on May 12. ____________________________________________________________ Maiden name Your news: ____________________________________________________________ Brenda L. (Salberg) Peterson ’75, Brooklyn Park, Minn., age 58, on April 1. ____________________________________________________________ Karen I. Quenroe ’76, Canby, Minn., age 56, on April 30, 2011. ____________________________________________________________ Audrey A. Banks ’89, Minneapolis, age 77, on October 19. ____________________________________________________________ David J. Holland, ’91, Berkeley, Calif., age 43, on January 24. Jennifer “Jen” M. DeGolier ’99, Minneapolis, age 36, on April 27. Jennifer “Jenni” L. Buth ’01, Bloomington, Minn., age 35, on March 30. ____________________________________________________________ ❑ I know a student who is interested in attending Augsburg. Brian Hartmann ’03, St. Louis Park, Minn., age 50, on May 4. Summer 2012 39 auggies on the ice Scoring in science and hockey Balancing academics and athletics can be demanding for college student-athletes. For Brandon Bukowski ’12, a double major in biology and chemistry with his sights set on medical school, managing academics and a hockey schedule was challenging. But Bukowski shone in the classroom and on the ice, graduating summa cum laude with honors in biology and leading his team as one of the top hockey defenders in the conference. Bukowski came to Augsburg after three years playing junior hockey with the Tri-City Storm in Kearney, Neb., and the Fargo-Moorhead Jets in North Dakota. Chris Brown, Augsburg’s men’s hockey coach, had been in contact with Bukowski since high school, but Bukowski was interested in playing for a Division I school. “I never thought Augsburg was for me, but I was impressed with the hockey team and the strong science program,” he said. Studying biology while playing hockey required support from his coaches and commitment to time management. “In hockey, science majors are not common,” Bukowski said. Some of his courses required 12 hours of lab work each week, but he said his coaches always found a way to make his schedule work. “At Augsburg, the coaches emphasize that we are students first and athletes second.” At Augsburg, students interested in pursuing graduate school are encouraged to participate in faculty-led research in order to prepare them for advanced study. For two summers, Bukowski conducted research with biology assistant professor Jennifer BankersFulbright through Augsburg’s office of Undergraduate Research and Graduate Opportunity (URGO), which funds 10 to 12 weeks of summer research for more than 30 students each year. Bukowski and Bankers-Fulbright studied a bacterium that is responsible for substantial mortality in patients with cystic fibrosis. 40 Augsburg Now Bankers-Fulbright said she appreciated Bukowski’s enthusiasm and dedication. “Brandon has a very strong work ethic and this, combined with his intellectual curiosity and drive, made him a valuable part of my lab,” she said. Bukowski also participated in Mayo Innovation Scholars, a program involving Mayo Clinic Ventures and the Minnesota Private College Council. As a member of a team including undergraduate science and business majors and an MBA student, Bukowski researched the efficacy of a potential product and conducted market analysis for the product. His academic skill earned Bukowski Auggie awards as the men’s student-athlete with the highest grade-point average in 2011 and 2012. On the ice, he was a fouryear letter winner, appearing in 85 career games with 14 assists and 15 points, and the team qualified for the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference postseason playoffs three times during his tenure. Bukowski plans to apply to medical school next year and wants to become an orthopedic surgeon. For the summer following graduation, he has applied to a Med Scribe program at Emergency Physicians Professional Association (EPPA) in which he would shadow a physician and learn about the medical field by documenting patient history and observing exams. WENDI WHEELER ’06 At the annual Auggie Awards, the Augsburg College athletic programs roll out the maroon carpet to celebrate team and individual successes. For the promotional posters, Augsburg College photographer Stephen Geffre shows student-athletes in formal wear participating in their sport. To see more of these striking action shots, go to www.augsburg.edu/now. augsburgLEGACY AN “Scholarships energize students! Providing scholarships energizes us!” PHILIP AND JEAN FORMO Phil and Jean Formo are always excited to meet a student who has received a scholarship from the Jerome and Winifred Formo Scholarship or the David J. Formo Scholarship. And soon, the Formos will be able to meet Augsburg students who will receive support from the Andreas Helland Scholarship. Phil comes from an Augsburg legacy family. His parents, Jerome and Winifred Formo, both graduated in 1937. His brother, David, graduated in 1964 and served in the U.S. Navy. And Phil’s grandfather, Andreas Helland, taught at Augsburg Seminary and College for 35 years. The Formo scholarships, started in memory of the family’s loved ones, create a family legacy while ensuring financial support for future Augsburg students. Jean and Phil have also provided for an estate gift that will continue to build these scholarships after their deaths. Meeting the students who receive scholarships from their family’s legacy is energizing to Phil and Jean. “Best of all for us,” Phil said, “these scholarships help us stay vitally connected to Augsburg College and to its students.” The Augsburg College development team has many creative ways to help accomplish your Augsburg philanthropic and legacy goals. To learn more, call 612-330-1575. www.augsburg.edu/giving 2211 Riverside Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55454 Commencement 2012 Rebecca Hamlin, the representative for the class of 2012, hugs her son Marlowe Lindberg before the July 1 commencement ceremony. In her speech to the graduates, Hamlin shared how students at Fridley Middle School taught her about peace when she taught them about civic engagement through the Public Achievement program. To read more about Public Achievement at Fridley Middle School, go to www.augsburg.edu/now. Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Twin Cities, MN Permit No. 2031
Show less

Title: Augsburg Now Summer 2011: Auggies Go Global
Collection: Alumni Magazine Collection
Search Result: AUGSBURG NOW SUMMER 2011 VOL. 73, NO. 3 inside auggies Augsburg Now The Magazine of Augsburg College 25Awesome Years of Life-Changing internships Commencement 2011 Ali Rapp ’11 Gage Center for Student Success Travel International Auggies Ask an Auggie expert page 20 Achievement in the ...
Show more AUGSBURG NOW SUMMER 2011 VOL. 73, NO. 3 inside auggies Augsburg Now The Magazine of Augsburg College 25Awesome Years of Life-Changing internships Commencement 2011 Ali Rapp ’11 Gage Center for Student Success Travel International Auggies Ask an Auggie expert page 20 Achievement in the classroom Nick Ward ’11 go global notes from President Pribbenow Assistant Vice President of Marketing and Communication Rebecca John rjohn@augsburg.edu Creative Associate-Editorial Wendi Wheeler ’06 wheelerw@augsburg.edu Creative Director Kathy Rumpza ’05 MAL rumpza@augsburg.edu Education off the main road Creative Associate-Design a s I write these words for the summer issue of the Augsburg Now—which includes stories illustrating Augsburg’s vision of educating global citizens—I am in Oslo, Norway, attending an international conference on the links between higher education and democracy, and also spending time with Augsburg students studying peace and conflict mediation at the University of Oslo. I am struck by how relevant Augsburg’s longstanding commitment to what I call an “education off the main road” is to preparing our students for life in the 21st century. A simple story illustrates my point. In a trip last fall to Augsburg’s Center for Global Education (CGE) campus in Windhoek, Namibia, I remember looking out at the sparkling lights as I was hosted at a dinner in an ultra-modern restaurant high above the city. All was well, it seemed, as I waited for my dinner companions to arrive. But the view from our perch above the city, nestled in an obviously affluent subdivision of the burgeoning city, belied my experiences earlier in the day. I had witnessed the remnants of an apartheid system. Formerly separate cemeteries for whites, colored, and blacks. Housing that was clearly demarcated by tribal class. Primary and secondary schools stratified by social class. A sprawling tin village—the so-called “informal settlements”—in which tens of thousands of Namibians lived in squalor, unable to find work after they arrived in the city and were left to their own devices to survive. Health clinics with waiting rooms full of women seeking both prenatal care and HIV tests. Non-governmental organizations struggling to serve the needs of indigenous people whose rights were neglected. The stark contrasts of the day were mindbending. My dinner companions arrived—a labor activist and a teacher working to improve education for indigenous people—and as I described our day in Windhoek, one of them commented that he was grateful I had witnessed these contrasts because too many outsiders come to Namibia and travel only “the main road,” from which all seems well. I had left that main road and experienced the real Namibia. My experience that day was a snapshot of what our CGE students encounter each semester in Namibia as they participate in intense experiences that open their eyes to the life-transforming dynamics of life in this developing country. Through extended homestays in both urban and rural areas, internships with organizations doing important social and educational work, classes that feature speakers who have firsthand experience of the tensions in Namibia’s life, and opportunities for significant interaction with Namibian people and culture, our students experience life off the main road in this remarkable country, just 22 years after it declared independence. And when these students return home to the U.S., we know they carry with them knowledge and experiences of this place and its good people that will shape the decisions they make about their own lives and what they might be called to do in the world. Some may return to Africa, perhaps as medical workers or teachers. But most will not, and, for them, we trust and know that their experiences off the main road in Namibia will help them understand their own privilege in an increasingly complex world—privilege that must be named and then put to responsible use in the search for equity and justice, both in their personal lives and in the systems they inhabit. Off the main road in Namibia, off the main road wherever Augsburg offers its distinctive education for global citizenship. I’m only beginning to understand how critical our work as a college is in transforming the lives of students and contributing to a different vision of our common future as global citizens. Jen Nagorski ’08 nagorski@augsburg.edu Photographer Stephen Geffre geffre@augsburg.edu Director of News and Media Services Stephanie Weiss weisss@augsburg.edu Webmaster/Now Online Bryan Barnes barnesb@augsburg.edu Sports Information Director Don Stoner stoner@augsburg.edu Director of Alumni and Constituent Relations Kim Stone stonek@augsburg.edu www.augsburg.edu Augsburg Now is published by Augsburg College 2211 Riverside Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55454 Opinions expressed in Augsburg Now do not necessarily reflect official College policy. ISSN 1058-1545 Send address corrections to: Advancement Services CB 142 Augsburg College 2211 Riverside Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55454 langemo@augsburg.edu E-mail: now@augsburg.edu PAUL C. PRIBBENOW, PRESIDENT summer 2011 Features 11 6 “Problem” students become problem solvers BY WENDI WHEELER ’06 14 21 Auggies are everywhere BY STEPHANIE WEISS . 16 Gloria Xinico Morales ’12 A girl of the world 17 Max Bregenzer ’12 Living life to the Max 17 Erica Lippitt ’12 Family teamwork creates a world of possibility 18 Jiahua (Holly) Huang ’12 Holly is a regular Minnesotan 8 14 18 Dat Nguyen ’11 contents Unlocking possibilities and potential at Augsburg 26 19 Faiza Abbas Mahamud ’11 A life that defies definition 20 Ibrahim Al-Hajiby ’14 Life in the United States: Different, but not weird 21 26 Real experience in the working world BY WENDI WHEELER ’06 Commencement 2011 BY WENDI WHEELER ’06 Departments On the cover International Auggies Gloria Xinico Morales, Alom Martínez, Zebokhon Tursunova, and Gottlieb Uahengo have fun at a Minneapolis landmark, Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen’s Spoonbridge and Cherry. All photos by Stephen Geffre unless otherwise indicated. augsburg now inside front cover 2 6 8 9 10 28 32 Notes from President Pribbenow Around the Quad My Auggie experience Auggies on the track It takes an Auggie Auggie voices Alumni news Class notes quad around the NEWSNOTES National fellowship and scholarship awards Fulbright Awards, 2011-12 • Katie Edelen ’11, majoring in chemistry, biology, and environmental studies, received a Fulbright Research Grant to Norway. She will study and carry out research at the Peace Research Institute of Oslo. (See story page 10.) Urban Debate League success at nationals Two teams from the Minnesota Urban Debate League (UDL), part of Augsburg’s Sabo Center for Citizenship and Learning, were among the top 10 teams in the country at the National Urban Debate League (NAUDL) tournament in New York in April. A student debater from each of the two teams—Washburn and South high schools—placed seventh and eighth respectively in individual speaker competition. Newberry Library Fellowship to Michael Lansing Michael Lansing, assistant professor of history, received the Lloyd Lewis Fellowship in American History for 2011–12. The fellowship will support the ongoing work of his book-length research project on the Nonpartisan League. Norma Noonan honored for long-term direction of the MAL program Norma Noonan was honored this spring after stepping down as director of the Master of Arts in Leadership (MAL) program. Throughout her 18 years of directing and teaching in the program, Noonan has been both a leader and a shaper of leaders. Since the mid-’90s, Noonan has had an exceptionally steady hand in leading the ongoing development of the MAL program and the Leadership Center. Students have appreciated her accessibility, encouragement, and clarity. Although she is leaving the director position, Noonan will continue to teach at Augsburg and support the College’s commitment to leadership. 2 Augsburg Now • Jennifer Oliver, a graduate student in education and former financial aid counselor in the Enrollment Center, received a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship in Germany. Goldwater Scholarship—Math major Austin Wagner ’12 received Honorable Mention for a Barry S. Goldwater Scholarship. Newman Civic Fellows—Claire Bergren ’12 was honored by Campus Compact for her community work around racial justice and social issues linked to poverty. Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship—Katie Edelen will pursue graduate study in environmental management in 2012–13. Udall Scholarship—Kathy DeKrey ’12, an environmental studies and political science pre-law double major, has been awarded a Udall Scholarship for 2011–12. Top green power purchaser Augsburg College has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the 2010-11 top green power purchaser in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC). Augsburg College purchased more than 13 million kilowatt-hours of green power, representing 100 percent of the school’s annual electricity usage on the Minneapolis campus. This is the equivalent to avoiding the carbon dioxide emissions from the electricity use of more than 1,000 average U.S. homes or nearly 2,000 cars annually. EXCELLENCE in research In April 2011, Jeremy Anthony, a senior Presidential Award for mathematics major, represented Augsburg College in the Council on Undergraduate Research Posters on Community Service the Hill event. This event, held each year in Washington, D.C., showcased Metropolitan Regional Arts Council Awards Augsburg College earned two $10,000 grants from the Metropolitan Regional Arts Council for programs recognized for providing “high-quality, age-appropriate arts education.” Medieval Minnesota: This one-week boarding camp for students ages 14 to17 reimagines life during the Middle Ages. Students study medieval history, the Crusades, castle design, and the history of labyrinths. They also learn to build a medieval costume, juggle, dance, fence, and entertain. The camp, in its fifth year, attracts students from across the United States and Canada. For more information, go to www.augsburg.edu/medievalminnesota. Centro Youth Workshop: This summer photography workshop provides 10 youths from metropolitan Latino/Chicano communities the opportunity to develop technical and artistic photography skills. The program, which is in its second year, is a partnership between the College and Centro, a Minneapolis-based social service nonprofit. Learn more at http://overexposuremedia.org/. the research of 75 undergraduate stu- Courtesy photo Augsburg is one of six higher education institutions in the nation to receive the 2010 Presidential Award for Community Service from the Corporation for National and Community Service. This is the highest award given that recognizes institutions for their commitment to and achievement in community service, and Augsburg is the only Minnesota school to receive this honor. In three previous years, the College has been named to the President’s Honor Roll with the additional designation of “With Distinction.” During the 2009-10 school year, Auggies contributed nearly 200,000 hours of community service to programs, including course-based servicelearning, Bonner Leaders, Campus Kitchen, community gardens, GEMS/GISE/STEM summer programs, Urban Scrubs Camp, and more. More than 1,700 students and 200 faculty and staff participated in service-learning last year. dents from colleges and universities across the country. L to R: Isanti mayor George Wimmer, Senator Al Franken, and Clayton McNeff ’91, vice president of research at SarTec Corporation. SENATOR FRANKEN visits Ever Cat Fuels On April 21, U.S. Senator Al Franken visited Ever Cat Fuels in Isanti, Minn., which can produce three million gallons of biodiesel each year using the Mcgyan Process. In 2008, the discovery of the Mcgyan Process began with student research by Brian Krohn ’08, along with chemistry professor Arlin Gyberg. The process received its first patent in March 2011. Augsburg receives second grant for Travelers EDGE Augsburg received a second gift from Travelers Insurance for their Empowering Dreams for Graduation and Employment (EDGE) program. This program focuses on college recruitment and retention of low-income and first-generation students. In Minnesota, the focus is specifically on students graduating from the St. Paul Public School district. The $100,000 grant will be used for Augsburg’s Travelers Pathways program for financial literacy training, which is open to all students. Current Augsburg juniors and seniors who graduated from a St. Paul public high school may be eligible to apply for a $5,000 annual scholarship, which brings with it opportunities for job shadowing, internships, and mentoring. Summer 2011 3 In Memoriam: Jessica Nathanson Jessica Nathanson, assistant professor and director of the women’s studies program and the Women’s Resource Center at Augsburg College, died April 5 of breast cancer. Nathanson’s passion for and knowledge of social justice and gender issues was instrumental in shaping the women’s studies community at Augsburg. Nathanson earned a BA from Wesleyan University and an MA and PhD from the State University of New York at Buffalo. She co-edited the book Mother Knows Best: Talking Back to the “Experts” and enjoyed a wide following as a blogger on feminist issues. The following is an excerpt of an original spoken word piece read by Lucreshia Grant ’11 at the multifaith service in Hoversten Chapel to remember and celebrate Nathanson’s life. An excerpt from There are so much things to say By Lucreshia Grant ’11 For Jessica Nathanson There are so much things to say right now There are so much things to say There are so much things to say right now There are so much things to say … Friends, let me tell you If we had the time to recall every moment where in which this woman made me feel like I could levitate, I swear it’d take all day… This is a piece about praise today because, if there was bad between us I just can’t remember it I never knew I could float with pride this way. I came in here rusty and naïve, too big for my own britches You saw a light in me and followed it My writing then, was sloppy, holey and dishonest There are times when writing for an audience is just plain perjury And every time I lifted my pen from this paper in disbelief Turned my palms up in discouragement You calmly, proclaimed that “That must be the oppression talking.” That day I thought my heart would beat right through my ribcage I never imagined that someone might get it Get me, get this I love you, for the tears you allowed me to cry, often and The beauty you believed me to write And I can’t help believing that we were meant to be in a space like SVERDRUP 207 warm and complicated in the differences between us 4 Augsburg Now age, race, class, time, distance there is love in that and we confronted it daily learning that oppression sometimes smells like privilege and power doesn’t always have to be dominance you are my best memory about this place and I know we’re not done Cuz you African dance through my dreams Reminding me of the freedom I already keep, on my tongue You’re in my windpipe Part of the cadence and confidence in my voice You’re the social justice in my strut I won’t lower my head in fear again Eyes forward ready to stand completely still with another You gave me grace, honored me with respect Not just a Black woman on a stage to you…clap me a round of “thanks and that was beautifuls” But she knew the truth. Knew I was a Queen, believed my words and told me. There are so much things to say I have so much to say, but I can say nothing fully at all. Thanks for all the books and Reminding me that I can do this Thanks for believing in feminism enough to teach it. Thanks for loving us as much as you did Thanks for loving me It’s not over, we’re not done You’ll see Because This place became a home for me because you were in it It is better because you graced it Because you believed it I am better Jessica, thank you! CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR RETIRING TENURED FACULTY Retiring faculty were honored at the Faculty Recognition Luncheon on May 5. Nora Braun, Business Administration Nora Braun has been described as a role model for successfully balancing the demands of professional and personal responsibilities with incredible patience, integrity, and humor during her 14 years at Augsburg. A few of her contributions include participating in the College’s accreditation program, chairing a keystone collaborative, helping to design the business keystone course, and being involved in the initial design process for the Augsburg Master of Business Administration program. Braun enjoys writing and is the author of a children’s book that explores the life of the middle child. Francine Chakolis, Social Work Bruce Reichenbach, Philosophy Francine Chakolis graduated from Augsburg in 1978. Since 1983, her dedication to her colleagues and students has taken many forms. Always a proud Auggie, Chakolis was a formidable leader and the first director of the Master of Social Work program in the 1990s. Her colleague Tony Bibus used these words to describe Chakolis, “…spouse, mother, family, and COMMUNITY, with capital letters. She is also a teacher, activist, fighter, administrator, leader, and social worker.” Bruce Reichenbach began his teaching career at Augsburg 43 years ago. Students have always been at the top of his priorities, and they received the very best of Reichenbach’s passion and deep commitment to learning. He organized and led the writing team for the Lilly Grant and then served on its advisory board. As a logical outgrowth of the Lilly Grant to explore vocation, he worked on the development of an extended orientation for first-year and second-year faculty. Reichenbach is a prolific scholar, having written a dozen books and many articles, and is regarded for his expertise in helping faculty understand how to teach critical thinking. Dan Hanson, Communication Studies A 1986 graduate of the Weekend College program, Dan Hanson began taking classes when he was a vice president at Land O’Lakes. A dedicated colleague and teacher for 23 years, Hanson developed several courses, including the communication studies keystone course and a course for the Master of Arts in Leadership program. He is the author of several books, including A Place to Shine and Room for J: A Family Struggles with Schizophrenia. Hanson has devoted his energy and years of experience and expertise to the development of his students in both undergraduate and graduate program classes. Lynne Lorenzen, Religion At a reception honoring Lynne Lorenzen’s 22-year career at Augsburg, Professor Bev Stratton referred to Lorenzen as a trailblazer. A tireless advocate for gender rights on campus and in broader communities, Lorenzens’s collaboration on the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America’s (ELCA) first sexuality task force 20 years ago laid the groundwork for the decision to recognize lesbian and gay clergy in committed, same-gender relationships. She played an important role in the design and development of the Augsburg/Associated Colleges of the Twin Cities (ACTC) women’s studies program. An active member and leader in the Lutheran church, Lorenzen’s classes at Augsburg also reflected her interests and focus on theology, church studies, and feminism. Charley Sheaffer, Computer Science Charley Sheaffer has been involved in several curricular development efforts in his department since he joined the College in 1997. He helped revise the computer science major to include the programming languages and compilers sequence. He was a co-creator of a three-credit cognitive science course, which was instrumental in increasing confidence among many students about their ability to handle college-level work. His colleague Larry Crockett said, “If the measure of a person is finally the ability to retain a gracious sense of humor in the face of all that life can present, then Charley is a remarkable person indeed.” Nan Skelton, Center for Democracy and Citizenship As co-director of the Center for Democracy and Citizenship (CDC) at Augsburg College, Nan Skelton led the center’s external public work in civic education, reclaiming neighborhoods, and the democratic renewal of education. She is a co-founder of the Jane Addams School for Democracy; and she has been an architect of the Neighborhood Learning Community and, more recently, Learning in Cities (also called Sprockets), pioneering new approaches to learning and education. Prior to joining the CDC in 1994, Skelton served as assistant commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Education and provided leadership with the National Governors Association. Summer 2011 5 my Auggie experience Floating on the social media bubble If you’re a friend of Ali Rapp ’11 and weren’t a frequent visitor to the communication and film studies office where she worked on campus, you maybe “saw” her on Facebook and Twitter. And if you didn’t attend a class or go to a local restaurant with her, you may have kept up with the goings-on of Ali Rapp’s life—and maybe still do—through her blog, “No, I am a Cat.” Rapp was the social media intern for Augsburg’s admissions office since 2007. In this position, she maintained her own blog and managed other student bloggers on Homemade, the College’s unobstructed window on student life. 6 Augsburg Now The student bloggers kept prospective and current students entertained and up-to-date with real-life posts about classes, favorite professors, internships, experiences abroad, papers and projects, social events, and general commentary on life as an Auggie. Homemade follows a national trend among college admissions offices to engage and recruit students using social media. A May 2009 article from The Chronicle of Higher Education cites data from the Center for Marketing Research at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth. It shows that in fall 2008, 61 percent of admissions offices were using social-networking sites and 41 percent had blogs, up from 29 percent and 33 percent, respectively, in 2007. Rapp thinks Homemade is an easy way to give new students a view of Augsburg that they might not get through visits with admissions staff. “Incoming students aren’t dumb,” she said. “They know that things go on that no one talks about. I think they appreciate our honesty.” Staying afloat in the social media bubble is more than writing and editing posts and reminding bloggers to blog. It’s also about using other social media tools such as Facebook and the microblog tool Twitter to raise awareness of the blogs. Throughout her internship, Rapp became more adept at promoting Homemade using unique accounts on those social media sites. Rapp said the key to staying on top of social media is to remember that it is always changing. “For me it’s a matter of realizing I can’t stop learning. If I stay off of Twitter and Facebook for too long, I will lose some of it.” To be sure, social media is growing in importance not only for recruiting new students but also for keeping current students, alumni, donors, faculty and staff, and the community engaged in the life of the College. Many campus departments including the Enrollment Center, Campus Kitchen, the bookstore, and the dining service rely on social media to keep students informed. Auggie Eagle is on Facebook, too. In the fall, Rapp will begin graduate studies at the University of Minnesota in communication studies with a focus on critical media studies. She hopes to continue research started as an undergraduate on computer-mediated communication and to explore the role of social media in the communication studies field. And just in case you’re wondering, “No, I am a Cat” has no meaning. At least none that Rapp can remember. She doesn’t have a cat at her Minneapolis home. She does, however, have a dog named Per. If you were following her social life through social media, you may have read about him on her blog, too. WENDI WHEELER ’06 Keeping up with social media @Augsburg College Throughout Augsburg College, many departments and programs are finding that one of the best ways to stay in touch with prospective and current students, alumni, and the community is through social media. BLOGS YOU MIGHT LIKE: Homemade—www.augsburg.edu/homemade President Pribbenow’s blog—follow at www.augsburg.edu/president FACEBOOK PAGES YOU SHOULD “LIKE:” Augsburg College—the official page of the College (2,879 followers) Augsburg College Alumni Association—all the alumni news you need, and a great way to connect with your Auggie friends (336 followers) Augsburg College Homemade—you guessed it (285 followers) Auggie Eagle—be Auggie’s friend (1,251 followers) FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: @AugsburgCollege (1,088 followers) @paulpribbenow (258 followers) @auggieshomemade (107 followers) Number of followers listed are as of July 2011. auggies on the track More than an all-around guy At Augsburg, Nick Ward ’11 worked hard to be an all-around student-athlete—one who was as dedicated to his studies as he was to setting records on the track. In his last year of college, he put in extra time to add one more accomplishment to his list: All-American athlete. A physics and mathematics major originally from Milwaukee, Wis., Ward says he had no intention of participating in college track and wanted instead to focus on academics. Then a couple of his first-year friends talked him into joining the track team. Augsburg track and field coach, Dennis Barker, says Ward was a very coachable athlete and a good listener. “He always tried to absorb and understand the concepts behind what I asked him to do,” Barker said. “I think that’s partly the way he thinks as a physics student.” Barker was impressed with Ward’s commitment. “I don’t know anyone who studies as much as he studies,” Barker said. He speculates that track offered a chance for Ward to let loose after spending long hours in the lab and the library. “I think track and field maybe comes more naturally to Nick than physics, but that never stopped him from excelling,” Barker said. Being a member of the Auggie track team turned out to be a good choice for Ward. One of the top men’s sprinters in school history, he earned his first trip to national competition this spring when he competed in the men’s 55-meter dash at the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) indoor championships in Columbus, Ohio. Ward’s qualifying time of 10.73 seconds in the men’s 100-meter dash was the 17th-fastest among the 22 entrants in the event. Last season, Ward won the conference titles in the men’s 55-meter dash and men’s long jump at the MIAC indoor championships, while finishing second in the men’s 100meter dash and winning a conference title as part of the 400-meter relay at the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) outdoor championships. In his first-ever appearance at the NCAA championships in May, Ward clocked a time of 11.07 seconds to record a 20th-place finish in the event. As one of the top sprinters in Augsburg school history, Ward will end his career having earned seven MIAC titles, 12 All-MIAC honors, and eight All-MIAC honorable-mention honors, to go along with eight school records. Off the track, Ward completed his studies with a 3.2 grade point average and conducted summer research in physics as a McNair Scholar and also through the North Star STEM Alliance program. He credits his academic success to faculty and staff who encouraged him, namely his physics adviser Ben Stottrup, Tina Tavera from the McNair Scholars program, and Rebekah Dupont who advises North Star STEM students at Augsburg. “They pushed me throughout my whole college career, making me apply for internships and for research opportunities off campus. I guess they motivated me to keep going,” he said. Ward applied to three graduate school programs and was accepted into the master’s program in electrical engineering at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro. “Nick has such a great attitude and is always so excited about the opportunities he has,” Barker said. “I think he feels very fortunate to be at Augsburg, studying in a stellar physics department and being on the track team. I think he’s enjoying life here.” After four outstanding seasons and a successful academic career, Ward’s goal for the end of the season was to be named an AllAmerican in the 100- and 200-meter dashes and in the long jump. Unfortunately his name was not on the NCAA Division III list, but that doesn’t change the fact that Nick Ward is an impressive student and athlete. For Ward, a somewhat shy young man, talking about his accomplishments is one thing that does not come easily. “I guess I’m just trying to be an all-around guy,” he said. WENDI WHEELER ’06 AND DON STONER 8 Augsburg Now it takes an Courtesy photo Auggie Visionary leadership in support of student success In 1984, Skip and Barbara Gage’s oldest son, Geoff, made an unexpected choice. Though he had been determined to attend school in California, the high school senior decided after a tour of the Augsburg campus that he preferred to become an Auggie. At parent orientation the following fall, Skip and Barbara joined the campus community for the first time. “We couldn’t have been more pleased with the nurturing and caring environment provided at Augsburg,” Skip said. While they remained proud Auggie parents (all four of their children attended classes at Augsburg, and two graduated from the College), it didn’t take long for Skip and Barbara to take a more active role in the community. Just two years later, Augsburg President Charles Anderson asked Barbara to join the board of regents, where she served for 12 years, including four years as chair of the board. During the early years of Barbara’s service, she and Skip approached President Anderson to discuss ways to expand student support. “We’ve had distinct experience with learning differences in our family,” Skip said, but at that time, little research had been done on learning differences at the college level. In fact, according to the Gages, Augsburg and the University of Colorado, Boulder, were Barbara and Skip Gage Skip and Barbara have supported other campus projects through the years, including the Scandinavian Center, Lindell Library, Anderson Plaza, and the Gage Family Art Gallery. And, with their newest gift, the Gages once again reveal their enthusiasm for student support and innovative programming. The Gage Family Foundation and the Carlson Foundation last spring announced that they will collectively contribute $900,000 toward the creation of the Gage Center for Student Success—a centralized place where all “We were so thankful that we had found a school that actually had ways to help students can go to enhance their learning and students with learning differences,” Barbara said. “We were excited to help achieve their academic goals. Construction for make the program larger and able to meet the needs of more students.” the center started this summer in Lindell Library. The center will be on the link level, the only two colleges they found that provided support services to creating space at the heart of the campus for the CLASS program as students with different learning abilities. well as numerous other academic success programs. Passionate about this cause, Skip and Barbara commissioned a Barbara noted the importance of having the learning center $30,000 study on programming to support learning differences. near the College’s technological resources and at a centralized loBased on this study’s findings, the Gages, together with the cation. Carlson Family Foundation, committed half a million dollars and “The center will be a part of the students’ daily lives,” she raised another half a million to institute a new program at said. “[The students who use the center] will become advocates of Augsburg, which evolved into the Center for Learning and Adaptive learning.” Student Services (CLASS). This program provides services to help The Gages believe that Augsburg’s leadership in student sucall students—regardless of learning style, preference, or need— cess is due in part to its mission for service. reach their full potential at Augsburg. “Augsburg has been wonderful in being inclusive in working “We were so thankful that we had found a school that actually with students of different needs,” Barbara said. “I’m so proud to had ways to help students with learning differences,” Barbara said. be a part of it.” “We were excited to help make the program larger and able to meet the needs of more students.” KAYLA SKARBAKKA ’09 Summer 2011 9 auggie voices Treating the system instead of the symptoms Katie Edelen ’11 wanted to be a doctor from the time she was five years old. She watched surgery on the Discovery Channel before naptime and begged her parents to let her be present at the birth of her two younger siblings. It wasn’t until she was in college and working with doctors in India that Edelen realized she did not actually want to be a doctor. Soon after she arrived at Augsburg, Edelen began looking for an opportunity to volunteer abroad to gain medical experience helping people in war-torn countries. She had been interested in Doctors Without Borders, so she contacted native health non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to find volunteer opportunities. In her junior year, Edelen landed in Chennai, India, where she shadowed doctors in government hospitals and another who brought internal medicine services to refugee camps, slums, and villages. “What really spoke to me were all the people who had been exposed to water-borne, preventable diseases because of unsafe sanitary conditions,” she recalled. Though she had been interested in environmental issues before traveling to India, there she began to see in a new way the consequences of peoples’ actions on the environment. She saw that issues related to health, education, poverty, and social justice were connected to environmental problems. “That is when I started to become interested in treatment of the systematic inequalities as opposed to putting a band-aid on the problem,” she said. This experience led Edelen to pursue other opportunities centered 10 Augsburg Now on water and its role in society. She took a course on environmental and river politics led by Augsburg political science professor Joe Underhill. She traveled to Uganda and worked with villagers on water access and conservation, even starting a “safe water and hygiene club” in the primary school. This summer, she will be in Norway on a Fulbright fellowship researching the correlation between armed conflict and water hazards and scarcity at the Peace Research Institute in Oslo. Following her time in Norway, Edelen will pursue graduate work in environmental studies on a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship. A triple major in chemistry, biology, and environmental studies, Edelen said her education and experiences abroad have solidified her desire to work in the area of policy analysis and research. “I really see my vocational work and my background bridging the different realms of sciences and the humanities together to address problems,” she said. “The nexus between science, policy, and society can be messy and convoluted, but that’s what really excites me about it.” Edelen said her parents instilled in her the importance of taking initiative, encouraging her interest in medicine even before she began grade school. “I’ve always had a desire to make a difference in the world somehow. That’s what really motivates me. I want to use my gifts as a way to help the world.” WENDI WHEELER ’06 To read more about Katie Edelen, go to www.augsburg.edu/now. “PROBLEM” STUDENTS BECOME PROBLEM SOLVERS BY WENDI WHEELER ’06 Visualize young people in our public schools making positive change in their communities. Who comes to mind? Probably not middle school students in the special education classroom—kids with emotional and behavioral disabilities who have difficulty paying attention and communicating with each other or their teachers. Typically, students in special education are labeled as troublemakers. They are marginalized, silenced, and given little choice in their daily school tasks. But a partnership between Augsburg College and Fridley Middle School hopes to change that. By giving students a voice in their education and allowing them to focus their time and energy on an issue they care about, this program has turned “problem” students into public problem solvers. Public Achievement in special education Piloted in the 2010-11 academic year, Augsburg’s program at Fridley Middle School (FMS) is a partnership involving Augsburg’s Center for Democracy and Citizenship (CDC), the Augsburg special education faculty and students in the Master of Arts in Education (MAE) program, and teachers and students from the school. The project began when Susan O’Connor, associate professor of special education at Augsburg, heard Dennis Donovan and Nan Skelton of the CDC speak about the Public Achievement model. This model for youth civic organizing was developed by the CDC’s Harry Boyte. In the classroom, Public Achievement serves as an empowerment tool that allows students to create change in an area that they select and take ownership of as a group. To O’Connor, Public Achievement seemed like a fit for special education classrooms. “It was like the self-advocacy tool we are always encouraging teachers to use with their students,” she said. “The kids with EBD (emotional/behavioral disabilities) are kids that typically don’t have a voice in their school work. They’re told what to do. They’re told how to act.” O’Connor and Donna Patterson from the Augsburg special education faculty learned how to implement Public Achievement in the classroom. They looked for a location to pilot the project and settled on FMS because two of the special educa- tion teachers—Michael Ricci ’07 and Alissa Blood ’07—are graduates of Augsburg’s teacher education program. Finally, they hand-picked five MAE students from the Critical Issues seminar course to work with the middle school students and then began weekly classes at Fridley in the fall term. A new way of teaching and learning The Public Achievement model identifies classroom teachers as coaches and places all responsibility for decision-making and action on the students. The middle school students identified two projects: one concerning alternative energy and another on homelessness. In each project, the students were responsible for designing every aspect. They created timelines, conducted research, contacted experts and members of the community to schedule speaking engagements or field trips, and communicated about their projects with faculty and students in their school. Cheryl McClellan, an Augsburg MAE student, worked with the “Solar Heroes” team on installing solar panels to light the school’s flag and a solar thermal to heat water for domestic uses at the school. “The idea is, the students decide who gets invited to be a part of the project. They find out how to contact people, send them an e-mail or call, and follow up with them,” McClellan said. At the end of the year, Solar Heroes had not been able to finalize the projects but pledged to con- Summer 2011 21 11 tinue working on fundraising initiatives for the solar panels. For many of the students, these were tasks they had never been entrusted to perform. In addition to learning about how it feels to be empowered, McClellan said students also came to understand that community organizing and advocacy is not always easy work. “You get a lot of ‘no’s,’ but they are learning the skills to move forward.” Kayla Krebs is one of the Augsburg MAE students working with “Team Making a Way,” the class focused on homelessness. Her students went to the State Capitol to speak with legislators and also made fleece blankets to donate to Families Moving Forward, a North Minneapolis shelter that provides services for families with children who are experiencing homelessness. Krebs saw her role in the classroom as a facilitator. “I learned how to be flexible and how to let the students’ voices shine.” For students with special needs, she says this is an important part of the learning process because “so many times, people tell them what to do.” Molly McInnis, an Augsburg MAE student, said the program has taught her a new way of teaching. “I have learned how to let the students make the decisions and drive their own project,” she said. “I can’t come in and be a teacher—I need to listen to them and let them lead.” Blood said the program was beneficial to her students because they struggle with taking responsibility. “This program has given them a sense of power and responsibility and taught them that what they think and do matters. They are much more committed and have a sense of pride in what they are doing.” By giving students the power to choose the issues they want to work on and the methods of solving problems, Donovan said the students have developed the capacity to become public problem solvers. That means they work to solve problems affecting the Augsburg-Fridley Public Achievement Team Back Row [L to R]: Dennis Donovan, Stephen Keeler, Cheryl McClennan, Alissa Blood, Steph Bloxham, Heidi Austin, *Barbara West Middle Row [L to R]: Michael Ricci, *Susan O’Connor, *Dee Vodicka, *Elizabeth Ankeny, *Donna Patterson Front Row [L to R]: Molly McInnis, Becki Hamlin, Kayla Krebs *Augsburg College Faculty 12 Augsburg Now “THIS PROGRAM HAS GIVEN THEM A SENSE OF POWER AND RESPONSIBILITY AND TAUGHT THEM THAT WHAT THEY THINK AND DO MATTERS. THEY ARE MUCH MORE COMMITTED AND HAVE A SENSE OF PRIDE IN WHAT THEY ARE DOING.” ALISSA BLOOD ’07 public and are doing it in a public way. The students created displays for cases outside their classroom, logos and posters for their projects, appeared on the FMS Friday radio broadcast, spoke at a luncheon at Augsburg, and held a public presentation at the school. “Kids that are marginalized really rise to the top when they are given power,” he said. “In education, we say it’s not an achievement gap—it’s an empowerment gap,” Donovan said. “We have to ask ourselves how we can empower teachers and students to learn about things that are meaningful to them and have a voice in their education.” Lessons for teachers One of the most important reasons for implementing this Public Achievement project was to drive institutional change, O’Connor said. “We want these students to be seen in a more positive light, not as trouble-makers.” She added that the Fridley students were noticed by their administrators and peers, recognized publicly for their work, and asked to contribute to future discussions. Another goal of the project was to bring lessons learned by the Augsburg students and faculty into the special education curriculum at Augsburg. The faculty are creating a three-year plan to integrate into the special education curriculum and hope to develop a Public Achievement coaching course that can be used in other departments. Donovan is excited to see how this project will affect Augsburg’s special education curriculum and students. “I think Augsburg students are going to be different teachers because of this experience,” he said. A former public school administrator, Donovan is passionate about working with teachers and helping them acquire new skills for the classroom. Helping the Fridley students find their voice and become more visible in their middle school community are outcomes that also had a strong impact on the Augsburg students who will one day lead their own classrooms. Heidi Austin, an Augsburg MAE student who worked with the Solar Heroes group, said that as a future teacher, this program makes her very hopeful. “It is so important to give kids an opportunity to see that they can make a difference,” she said. “I came in thinking there wasn’t going to be much progress with this project, but I’ve been totally blown away with what they’ve done.” Speaking to the Augsburg community at an event in May, McClennan said this project transformed the FMS culture, the students, and also transformed her personally in a way she hadn’t anticipated. “At my core I am a better parent, a better citizen, and a better teacher,” she said. She commented that the students have felt empowered by their accomplishments and the public recognition they received. “I have learned that these kids who are so often silenced have a strong voice.” To read more about the Fridley Middle School Public Achievement project, go to www.augsburg.edu/now. Summer 2011 13 ERICA LIPPITT ’12 Erica, a Weekend College student, studied abroad in Mexico to learn Spanish. a Cuernavaca, Mexico San Lucas Sacatepequez, Guatemala GLORIA XINICO MORALES ’12 ugsburg’s Office of International Programs (OIP) for more than 25 years has provided internationally recognized and award-winning programs to students who seek cross-cultural and hands-on learning abroad. The office also brings international students to campus. “Increasingly, a global perspective is critical to a liberal arts education,” said Orval Gingerich, assistant vice president for International Programs and director of the Center for Global Education. “Intercultural experiences—at home and abroad—are a way to bridge global and local issues.” During the 2009-10 school year, nearly 275 students studied abroad. At the same time, Augsburg’s Minneapolis campus was home to nearly 100 international students from about two dozen countries including Morocco, Nepal, Norway, Tanzania, Togo, and many more. In this edition of Augsburg Now, we present a snapshot of the stories of students with ties to Guatemala, Germany, Mexico, China, Vietnam, Kenya, and Yemen. Some traveled from Augsburg to other parts of the globe. Others came to Augsburg and the Twin Cities from far away home countries. Still others have graduated and are on to the next chapters of their stories. To learn more about OIP and its programs, go to www.augsburg.edu/oip. Gloria, an international student from Guatemala plans to study in Namibia this fall. auggies are ev 14 Augsburg Now MAX BREGENZER ’12 Max has traveled, studied, and lived in four countries, but was born and raised in Germany. Würzburg, Germany IBRAHIM AL-HAJIBY ’14 Guangzhon, China FAIZA ABBAS MAHAMUD ’11 Faiza went back to her home country of Kenya as an exchange student to help African women. Sana’a, Yemen Hue, Vietnam Holly, a student at United International College in China, came to the U.S. to study education at Augsburg. JIAHUA (HOLLY) HUANG ’12 Ibrahim hopes one day to return to his home in Yemen to start a non-governmental organization. Nairobi, Kenya DAT NGUYEN ’11 Windhoek, Namibia Dat, a recent graduate and international student, will be a graduate student at Dartmouth. verywhere BY STEPHANIE WEISS Summer 2011 15 GLORIA XINICO MORALES A girl of the world Gloria Xinico Morales has worked so hard at Augsburg since arriving during 2008 that she twice won outstanding student of the year awards—once during her sophomore year and again her junior year. The hard work that earned Xinico Morales these honors is fundamental to her personality. She doesn’t give up. She doesn’t quit. Xinico Morales was 18 when she first applied for—and was denied—a student visa. She wanted to study at Augsburg College, a school she has known of for her whole life because her father is director of the Center for Global Education in Guatemala. Xinico Morales wasn’t deterred by the denial. Top: A view of the mountains from Gloria Xinico Morales’ hometown of San Lucas Sacatepequez, Guatemala. Bottom: Xinico Morales, left, is the oldest of three children. Here she is shown with her brother, Manuel, and sister, Nickte. Courtesy photos 16 Augsburg Now She waited the three months before she again could apply, and this time was approved. But the whole process pushed her college plans back by a full year. And as if that wasn’t enough, her visa was delivered to the wrong city the day before she was to fly to the United States. She drove to the city to pick up her visa. “After waiting one year and one week, I had two days to get here, unpack, and settle in,” Xinico Morales said. “I’d never been outside of Guatemala before.” But she still didn’t get to start at Augsburg right away. She said that by working with admissions staff, they decided she should study English for three months before starting college. It was a good plan. “Going to Global Language Institute was very helpful,” she said. “When I did start at Augsburg, it seemed the teachers talked really fast. I wasn’t comfortable with English, homework took a lot longer.” She kept plugging away. She joined the Spanish club and quickly was an officer. She joined Allied Latino/a Augsburg Students, and finally the International Student Organization of which she now is president. That’s not even all of it, though, because Xinico Morales said she can’t say ‘no.’ Being a student from another country can be challenging and students sometimes grapple with living life in two cultures. Xinico Morales grew up in Guatemala and was raised Catholic. She looks for answers to questions about varied perspectives in part through self reflection. “My life is like a tree,” Xinico Morales said. “The roots are the morals my parents taught me. When things get messy, that’s where I go. The trunk is my immediate family that is there for me no matter what. Then there are the leaves. The leaves go away and come back as I grow and change.” Lately, people have been asking Xinico Morales what she plans to do with her degree in international relations and minor in political science. She doesn’t know the answer. “Minneapolis is my second home. My life is built here, but Guatemala is where I belong, all my roots are there and my heart is there,” she said. “But I’ve become a different person and don’t fit there.” She hopes that she’ll find the answer in Namibia, in southern Africa, where she’ll study in the fall as an exchange student. “Namibia is a neutral place, a different country, a different continent,” she said. “It will help me make a decision from far away. Or maybe I’m just a girl of the world and I’ll go other places.” MAX BREGENZER Living life to the Max Max Bregenzer has traveled, studied, and lived in four countries—Germany, Spain, Argentina, and the United States—and he might not yet be done. Bregenzer, 22, was born and raised in Germany and now works in his home country for a large grocery wholesaler. The company, called Edeka, also is sending him to school. He studies for three months, then applies what he’s learned for three months. He’ll do that for a total of three years and at the end will have a holistic perspective of the company. It was through this model that Bregenzer came to Augsburg. He researched schools in the U.S. and found that Augsburg offered the classes he wanted, including human resources and project management, problem-solving for business, and international business. He said he also was lured by the arts and outdoor activities. “I learned about theatre and was totally surprised that everyone is biking here in the winter,” he said. This isn’t the first time Bregenzer has studied or lived abroad. He spent a year of high school in Spain. Then he went to Argentina to work with street youths as part of his civil service. Bregenzer is the oldest of three boys, and his family since about 1869 has owned a group of bakeries and cafés within 40 miles of his home city. You can see all the tasty-looking treats his family makes at Maxl Bäck (http://maxlbaeck.de). He hasn’t shut the door on the idea that he might someday work in the family business, but for now he is focused on learning and practicing regional store management. ERICA LIPPITT Family teamwork creates a world of possibility for WEC student Some people buy home study courses to learn Spanish. Some enroll in Spanish classes. And some people, like Erica Lippitt, go all the way to Cuernavaca, Mexico, to live and study. “I definitely achieved what I wanted in only four months,” said Lippitt, a single working mother and Weekend College student. “My son’s family is from Cuba and they say that my Spanish is getting good. We can communicate, and I understand them.” Studying at the Center for Global Education’s Mexico location was possible because Lippitt’s family pulled together. Her parents offered to care for her son, and Lippitt’s brother helped, too. Her father, a Lutheran pastor, even got a night job so the family could afford daycare for Lippitt’s son. “My parents pushed me,” she said. “They showed me this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” Lippitt originally enrolled at Augsburg during 2001 for business administration. She said she left the school—also her mom’s alma mater—because Erica Lippitt visited the pyramids of Teotihuacan in Mexico City and the Xochicalco pyramids in Cuernavaca, Mexico, with friends she made on her travels. Courtesy photos she wasn’t focused. Lippitt moved to Florida to work and while there, met her son’s father. “I left Florida to escape an abusive relationship,” she said. “My dad is a pastor, and I wasn’t raised to live like that. I had to leave.” When Lippitt returned to Wayzata, she returned to Augsburg where she earned a 4.0 grade point average while working as many as 30 hours a week and raising her son. “It shows I am more focused, more determined. I am here because I want to learn, not because I have to be here.” Studying in Cuernavaca also opened new possibilities and ways of thinking. Erica now knows she wants to work in human resources for an international company. She’d also like to live and work in Mexico for a time so her son can experience living in a Spanish-speaking country. And finding ways to help other women is on her radar screen, too. “I’ve gained so much strength from my experience, that if there is something I can do to help other women, I’d like to,” she said. Summer 2011 17 JIAHUA (HOLLY) HUANG Holly is a regular Minnesotan In the 12 months Jiahua Huang was in the United States, she became a typical Minnesotan. Holly, as she prefers to be known in the U.S., liked the Minnesota State Fair and shopped at the Mall of America. And she got sick of snow. Huang, a student at United International College (UIC) in China, came to the U.S. to study education at Augsburg College. She learned about the college through an Auggie studying abroad at UIC. She wanted to learn about the United States’ culture and improve her English skills, and she was attracted to Augsburg because of its location. “It’s better for me to live in a city,” said Jiahua Huang was originally excited for snow, and her Huang, who comes friends were jealous that she was able to experience from a city of 1.6 milwinter. By April, though, she was ready for springtime. lion people. “Friends who went to [rural private colleges] said they were bored. But, when I got here, I asked where all the people were. I went to the State Fair, and I liked it a lot—all the people.” Huang was raised near Hong Kong. She has two older sisters and an older brother. Many families in China have only one child, but some are able to afford more children. “My parents wanted another boy, but got another girl,” she said. “Many friends would think from my name that I am a boy because my name means ‘handsome’.” Huang struggled with classes at first. “English is so hard,” she said. “I would listen to the professor, and I didn’t know what he was talking about. I would read the textbook, and I didn’t know what I was reading.” She also worked hard to become comfortable with cultural differences in the classroom. “In China, you raise your hand and stand up to participate,” she said. “Here, all the students talk. I wish I were more confident in class—I feel comfortable talking, but it also feels like I am being impolite.” Despite growing tired of the snow, Huang said she would like to return to Minnesota. She wants to go to graduate school at the University of Minnesota and teach Chinese while staying connected with her new friends in Minnesota. 18 Augsburg Now Success in the sciences started for Dat Nguyen when his photographer father lectured him on the solar system. It was 1995 and the two were taking pictures of the total solar Dat Nguyen, right, performs with folksinger Peter Yarrow of Peter, eclipse in Vietnam. Nguyen was Paul, and Mary more interested in how the camera and solar system worked than in the photos. Nguyen, who is Buddhist, said that his success also can be traced to selling candy at his mother’s store, and performing improvisational theater with American students visiting Vietnam in 2004. It was through these experiences that Nguyen learned to break out of his comfort zone. “As a Buddhist, we aren’t real loud or active. You have to break out of your shell and contribute,” Nguyen said. The American students that Nguyen’s family hosted invited him in 2005 to an improvisational theater camp in Colorado. “I didn’t expect to be invited to America when we hosted the students,” he said. “But I’ve found that if you do something voluntarily, without expectation, something automatically will come back.” In Nguyen’s case, that “something” turned out to be lifechanging relationships that resulted from his theater performances in Colorado. He met Peter Yarrow—of Peter, Paul and Mary—and later sang backup with Yarrow when the singer was in Vietnam for a fundraiser. He also connected with a group of families who offered to sponsor his education by providing his tuition, health insurance, and a stipend. In the sciences, Nguyen credits his success to the strong advising, encouragement and opportunities provided by his Augsburg professors, all of whom encouraged him to explore his curiosities and broad-ranging scientific interests. He will continue to feed his unlimited curiosity this fall as a graduate student at Dartmouth, where he has earned a full scholarship. He said he is looking forward to continuing his studies in a setting similar to Augsburg College—one with a smaller department where he can connect and interact with many people. DAT NGUYEN Unlocking possibilities and potential at Augsburg FAIZA ABBAS MAHAMUD A life that defies definition Faiza Abbas Mahamud moved a lot when she was young. First her family moved from war-torn Somalia to Kenya. Then the family moved four times in Kenya, including living at one time in a refugee camp. All the moving meant Mahamud wasn’t able to have one set of friends with whom to spend time, connect, and grow up. But she did have one constant—a dictionary. “As a child, textbooks had to be purchased. We couldn’t buy books, but we always had a dictionary. I feel like this is a tradition in our home,” she said. The moving stopped in 2004 when Mahamud’s family came to Minnesota. “My aunt put her life on hold to help us,” Mahamud said. “Aside from God, if it weren’t for my mom’s youngest sister, it would be hard for us to have a stable life.” Mahamud graduated from Roosevelt High School in 2007, then enrolled at Augsburg College. She went back to Kenya during 2010 as an exchange student to work for a United Nations agency in a variety of roles, including as a premarital counselor. “When I went back to Kenya, I was a totally different person,” she said. “I wasn’t the girl who wanted to get away from this country. Where is home for me? When I was in America, I would say ‘I’m going home.’ When I was in Kenya, I kept calling Minnesota home.” Mahamud, now a U.S. citizen, graduated in spring 2011 with majors in English and women’s studies and with a minor in chemistry. She’s now exploring options for graduate school but isn’t ready to confine herself only to the United States. “I want to be in Africa to help women who don’t have that second helping hand like my aunt,” she said. “I want to be in a position to make a difference in the lives of women and children.” And she still needs to finish reading the dictionary. “I spent so much time reading and using the words I learned,” she said. “But there are so many words I haven’t gotten to.” During her trip to Kenya, Faiza Abbas Mahamud learned beadmaking from the women of Narok who sold their goods at Maasai Mara. Courtesy photos Summer 2011 19 IBRAHIM AL-HAJIBY Life in the United States: Different, but not weird Ibrahim Al-Hajiby’s time in America is a study in contrasts. He first came to the United States during 2007 as a high school exchange student. He crossed the globe from Yemen’s capital city of Sana’a to Cloquet, Minn.—in the dead of winter. “I always seem to come to Minnesota in the winter,” he said. “In Cloquet, I loved McDonald’s double cheeseburgers. I would eat one every day. Even in winter, I’d ride my bike and the wheels would just spin in the snow.” Volunteerism and politics are different, too. “I live in one of the most conservative countries in the Middle East, and we have a tribal culture,” said Al-Hajiby, 20. “In Yemen, our schools are focused on academics— there isn’t the focus on serving the community.” Al-Hajiby volunteered time since first arriving in the U.S. and next year will serve as an officer of the International Student Organization. Al-Hajiby said that a key to his success in America is to embrace wherever he is living, and to be open to new experiences and people. “One of my host moms and I have a slogan: ‘It’s not weird, it’s different’,” Al-Hajiby said. Al-Hajiby said he misses and worries about his parents and sister but is glad that his brother also is in Minnesota Al-Hajiby is shown wearing the traditional clothing worn by men in his home country of Yemen. Courtesy photo 20 Augsburg Now Ibrahim Al-Hajiby said two of his favorite foods in the United States are hot dogs from The Wienery and double cheeseburgers from McDonald’s. this year. His country is in turmoil with protests against the government, and some demonstrations turn deadly. “I know people who have been killed,” he said. “My parents’ last words on the phone are that they are glad my brother and I are here and that we are safe.” Al-Hajiby is an honors student in chemistry and recipient of Augsburg’s International President’s Scholarship. He hopes one day to return to Yemen to start a non-governmental organization. “I really want to go back at one point and make a change,” Al-Hajiby said. “I feel like God has chosen me to pursue such a fine education so I can go back and help.” REAL EXPERIENCE IN THE WORKING WORLD BY WENDI WHEELER ’06 INTERNSHIPS, ONCE A NECESSARY STOP ON THE CAREER PATH OF ASPIRING PHYSICIANS, ARE NOW COMMON FOR MANY COLLEGE STUDENTS. WE TALKED TO FOUR AUGGIE INTERNS ABOUT WHAT THEY ARE LEARNING OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM. INTERNSHIPS PROVIDE VALUABLE OPPORTUNITIES for college students to gain hands-on experience in their fields. In addition to practical training, internships can give students an inside view of a business or industry and help them broaden their professional networks. The internship experience often validates a student’s career choice, but it can also lead them to consider options they hadn’t before. Today an internship is part of many students’ college experience and perhaps a must for those hoping to be hired after college. According to a May 2011 Washington Post article, internships are common for 75 percent of U.S. college students. There are a number of reasons why students should and do take on internships, said Lois Olson, executive director of the Clair and Gladys Strommen Center for Meaningful Work at Augsburg. “Students get excited about what they are learning in the classroom and want to apply it in another setting.” Often, she said, students will tell her that an internship experience helps them better understand lessons from the classroom. “They say, ‘Now I understand why we needed to learn that.’ ” One of the most significant reasons for doing an internship relates to getting a job after college. “A prominent message from employers is that they want practical applied experience related to a student’s major on their résumé,” Olson said. “They want to know they are making a good hiring decision.” In fact, completing at least one internship during college can have great value beyond the learning experience. According to the 2010 Student Survey published by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, 42 percent of graduates with internships who applied for a job received an offer compared with only 30 percent for students who had no internship experience. In addition, students with internships tended to receive higher starting salary offers. As for internships leading to a job offer, Olson said technically a job cannot be promised in an internship situation. “Most students hope it will lead to a job,” she said. Olson added, “The reality is that many organizations will look to their interns to fill open positions should the opportunity arise.” The prominence of internships and the rise of importance in the hiring process means students should start thinking about an internship early. Olson said students who want to do an internship in their junior year should start the process of planning in their sophomore year. “The competition has really changed. It’s not as easy as making a phone call anymore,” she said. Because the process takes longer, Olson encourages students to dedicate as much time and attention to it as they would when applying for a job. Here we profile four students whose unique and challenging internships have given them insight into their chosen career fields and also helped them grow as future leaders. Summer 2011 21 What are you doing? I bring the children of major donors and long-time season ticket holders onto the field for batting practice so they can see what happens and meet the players. I also coordinate a few of the opening pitches. ’11 22 22 What have you learned? I have learned how much goes into the presentation of a professional sporting event. There is so much that you don’t see or hear about that’s behind the scenes to make a baseball game run. DAN BRANDT What is the value of your internship? Major: marketing Internship: Minnesota Twins public affairs office I have had a lot of unique experiences—meeting people, networking, and doing things out of the ordinary that most people don’t get to do. At some point I would like to have a career in this field, but it is very competitive. Augsburg Now Now Augsburg ’11 KRISTI VINKEMEIER Major: chemistry, biology minor Internship: Aveda Corporation/SarTec Corporation What are you doing? My internship is a joint project between Aveda and SarTec Corporation. We are using the Mcgyan reactor technology to synthesize new surfactant precursors from renewable resources. Surfactants are an important class of molecules and integral to the performance of shampoos, conditioners, and soaps. This new surfactant will be produced almost exclusively from renewable resources and is expected to be fully biodegradable. What have you learned? When you work in lab class, your professor says, “This is what you need to do, this is how you do it, and this is what you are going to get.” In industry, you don’t know what you are going to get. You have to keep strict notes. In lab you assume you’ll remember minor details, but in the real world you can’t remember from the first time to the fifth time. In industry, it’s not always clear as day what is going to happen. The learning curve is much greater. I’ve also learned about myself. Before this, I told everyone I didn’t like research. Now I love it. I need change, so research and development and the variety of tasks I’ve been able to do are a lot of fun. Originally I was strongly interested in becoming a physician assistant, but I have started to explore the idea of getting my master’s or PhD in chemistry. What is the value of your internship? I can’t explain how awesome an internship is. The companies are willing to work with a student who is learning. I wish everyone could have this opportunity. You learn so much about working with people in a real chemistry lab. If I went to a big school I don’t think I would have had the same opportunities as I have had here. Augsburg has great affiliations with companies. Here, the chemistry department [faculty] got to know me and know what I am interested in. Summer 2011 23 What are you doing? I have been researching the area around the proposed stops along University Avenue on the Central Corridor Light Rail line. I have looked at the cost of developing high-density housing units in the area. I have also looked at government policies that were changed, such as some zoning policies and parking regulations. I have had to look at the background information of the proposed stops and give their story. ’11 TOM THAO Major: sociology Internship: Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC) What have you learned? I am getting more into urban planning and learning about the policies involved in implementing a big project into a city. What is the value of your internship? I would like to have a career in urban planning, so it’s been beneficial to go into the field and get to know people. I hope I can build up my résumé these next few years and then get a master’s in urban regional planning. But right now it’s about building the connections. ’11 GEOFFREY GILL Major: youth and family ministry, psychology minor Internship: Seeds of Change at St. Paul Central High School What are you doing? Seeds of Change is an after-school program directed toward African American males. We try to give them the support they need in their education and in their personal lives. Our main goal is to get the families involved in the kids’ lives. A lot of their parents don’t go to conferences and don’t know about their kids’ grades. We are inviting the parents to a family night where they come and get involved in conversations. We are doing a small play to portray their experiences in school and life. It’s a chance for them to literally tell their parents what is going on in their lives. At the end we give the parents an opportunity to talk about what they saw. My goal is to be a support for the students. I first of all want to be a listening ear and hear where they are in life and be with them. They talk about how they moved around all their life and they never had a stable home. A lot of them don’t have fathers in their lives. They talk about how their relationship with their parents isn’t good and how they have seen their parents at their lowest points. They didn’t know how to handle it so they found a way to cope. You see kids who get into drugs because it’s the only way that makes them feel normal. Some of them don’t go home sometimes; they just ride the bus all night. What have you learned? It has helped me immensely. I’ve been put in a leadership position as the artistic coordinator. I’ve learned how to be a leader, how to make decisions, and how to lead a group. It’s different leading a group of people who are going out to do volunteer work or working with kids, but having your own employees and needing to delegate and make sure they stay on top of it is different. It’s been totally new for me. I’ve learned the importance of being consistent and organized and on time. If you’re slacking on something, it starts to show. What is the value of your internship? It has prepared me for the real world. When I walk into a new job situation, I am confident that I will be able to step in right away. I feel comfortable working with young people because through the youth and family ministry major we were taught to focus on what youth really want—not just from a religious perspective but on a human level. When I come into a situation I am able to understand what a person really wants. Summer 2011 25 2011 commencment Commencement by the numbers 3,655 150 faculty lined 7 ½ Street and applauded graduates as they processed tickets redeemed 2 drummers 314 steps Bob Stacke, professor of music, was unable to lead the procession in May due to an injury, so he enlisted the help of Andrew Myers ’10. 718 participating graduates (May and June) 18 FLAGS 8 Augsburg Now 210 5,200 minutes of music, speeches, recognition, and applause from Christensen Center to Si Melby front steps 3 number of volunteers Kwok Siu Tong, founder of United International College in Zhuhai, China The Reverend Kjell Magne Bondevik, former Prime Minister of Norway and founder and president of the Oslo Center for Peace and Human Rights The Reverend Ishmael Noko, general secretary (retired) of the Lutheran World Federation 70 Doctor of Nursing Practice graduates representing countries of international students graduating 26 sandwiches served at postcommencement receptions honorary degrees conferred 6 bows 1 bow on Colin Stanhill’s beard, photo featured in the May 8 Pioneer Press. on President Pribbenow’s neck (at each ceremony) dnp The first graduates of Augsburg’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program are prepared to bring new perspectives to the nursing practice. Back Row [L to R]: Kristin McHale '08 MAN; Susan Loushin '03 BSN, '06 MAN; Mary Ann Kinney '04 MAN; Kaija Freborg Sivongsay '08 MAN Front Row [L to R]: Joyce Miller '02 BSN, '05 MAN; Katherine Baumgartner '05 MAN; Jean Gunderson '03 MAN; Deb Schuhmacher '04 MAN At this year’s June commencement, Augsburg College graduated its first cohort of students in the Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program. The DNP program, which began in 2009, is the College’s first doctoral program. The DNP curriculum focuses on transcultural nursing in community life, and the program has given students new perspectives on treating people and illness. Katherine Baumgartner ’05 MAN has been a member of the nursing faculty since 2005. For her, the DNP program was a logical fit to expand her journey and practice and to strengthen and deepen her knowledge in transcultural nursing. An ongoing focus of her study and practice has been providing training and skill building for health promoters in indigenous communities in rural Guatemala. Baumgartner said the DNP program reminded her that her own experiences matter and encouraged her to go forward with her work in Guatemala. “I learned that the practical wisdom borne from my own experiences is not to be minimized,” she said. “That’s not a classic outcome but is so important to my work.” Joyce Miller ’02 BSN, ’05 MAN also has taught for the past five years in the Augsburg nursing program. Her career focus has always been on leadership, she said, and she felt the DNP program would add a different dimension of care to her practice. “This program has changed the way I look at the world and pa- 2011 tients and the way I envision health care,” Miller said. “I ask who isn’t being cared for and how we can make sure everyone is being cared for in the same way.” Miller said she has learned to value “metis,” a term that refers to collective wisdom, and to respect its role in the nursing practice. “There is tremendous wisdom that we can learn from indigenous healers,” she said. The nurses learned from the practices of healers in Mexico, Africa, and Native American traditions. “This program has given me the ability to stand back and respect everyone for who they are and what they bring,” Miller said. Jean Gunderson ’03 MAN was one of the first students to graduate from Augsburg’s nursing master’s degree program and is also one of the first doctoral graduates. A public health nurse for the majority of her career, Gunderson says she has dedicated her whole life to creating systems of care that resonate with cultural diversity. “This program has been lifelong learning for me,” Gunderson said. She added that the program has transformed her models of care and helped her recognize diverse ways of knowing. She also said she has been moved to honor and recognize indigenous wisdom and to work in partnership with healers. Both Miller and Gunderson said that being “pioneers” of the DNP program has been rewarding. “We jumped right in with huge faith and helped to co-create the program,” Gunderson said. “We felt like we were partners.” commencment Summer 2011 27 alumni news FROM THE ALUMNI BOARD PRESIDENT Dear fellow alumni, I t is with great honor and a humble acceptance that I will serve as your Augsburg Alumni Board president for the 2011-2012 academic year. Having been a part of the Alumni Board for three years, I am very fortunate to have been selected to lead our alma mater in connecting and engaging alumni. It is my goal to help create fun and efficient programs that will not only get you connected but will keep you engaged! I grew up playing golf, and I absolutely love the game! My favorite times are when I am heading off that first tee with either family or a group of buddies and we are reminiscing or razzing one another about past memories that bring a few laughs. It’s that type of bond that keeps us connected and eager to reunite. When I think of family, Augsburg is a place I keep close to my heart—the friends that I made and the new friends that continue to emerge. Over the past few years, the Young Alumni Council has helped reunite old and new friends with the Young Alumni Summer Series of events, attended by 1,500 alums. We have had a blast putting this program together and have enjoyed watching its success. Following Auggie Eagle on Facebook and Augsburg College on Twitter have been fantastic ways to stay in touch and relay information when groups are getting together. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the 2011 graduating class! I look forward to seeing you at the 2011 Young Alumni Summer Series. We have another engaging and entertaining set of events in store for you, including Canterbury Park on August 5 and a Minnetonka boat cruise on September 15! Register at www.augsburg.edu/alumnievents or 612-330-1085. Auggies are literally all over the world! With more than 25,000 alumni, Auggies can be found from New Zealand to Denmark, the United States to Japan, and Minneapolis to San Diego. We are everywhere doing good things for our communities! The Alumni Board is rolling out a networking program, Augsburg Builds Connections, which will enable alumni professionals to provide information, encouragement, and support to current students and recent graduates. This flexible volunteer program will allow alumni mentors to connect with students via e-mail, phone, or face-to-face meetings and assist them in navigating their career path and achieving their professional goals. Read more about this program on the next page. Now, assisting Auggies is as simple as ABC! With all of this, I can’t help but be excited for the future. I wish you well and look forward to getting connected this year. Sincerely, ROBERT WAGNER II ’02 ALUMNI BOARD PRESIDENT P.S. The Alumni Board would like to welcome our new members: Kathy Amos ’87, Heather Cmiel ’02, Kate Loyd ’05, and Jerry Poland ’92 Alumni Board of Directors 2011-12 Standing (L to R): John Stadler ’07 MAL (past president); Jennifer M. Carlson ’91; Sarah Grans ’01; Chad Darr ’04; Sharon Mercill ’09; Tracy Anderson ’95 (secretary); Julia Mensing ’00, ’07 MBA; Michael Loney ’03 (treasurer); Kate Loyd ’05; Chris Ascher ’81 (president elect); Kathy Amos ’87; Jerry Poland ’92; Dale Hanka ’60; Robert J. Wagner II ’02 (president); Misti Allen Binsfeld ’93; Daniel Hickle ’95 Seated (L to R): Holly Ebnet Knutson ’03, ’07 MBA; Sharon Engelland ’87; Chris Hallin ’88 Not Pictured: Heather Cmiel ’02; Lee Anne Lack ’67; Nancy Nordlund ’91, ’07 MAL; Carolyn Spargo ’80; Maggie Tatton ’01 28 Augsburg Now abc Augsburg Builds Connections CONNECTIONS HELP GRADUATES DISCOVER WHAT’S NEXT After college, many graduates ask, “What am I going to do now?” Since he graduated from Augsburg, Cory Allen ’07 has helped several Auggies answer this question and find ways to share their gifts and talents with the world. “Augsburg is great about helping you understand your vocation, but it’s difficult to go the rest of the way,” he said. “You have to push yourself to discover what is next.” Allen works with students and graduates to help them understand their strengths and their weaknesses, what they do well and where they can improve. He said that knowledge might help in a person’s career but will also be beneficial in other areas of their lives. One recent graduate who has benefitted from Allen’s mentorship is Joe Lichtscheidl ’11. Allen helped Lichtscheidl improve his résumé and also gave him an “in” with a local company. Lichtscheidl said having a mentoring relationship with an alumnus who has gone through the job search is extremely helpful. “I feel that it keeps me from stressing out about getting a job in this tough economy because I have someone who has gone through it to help.” Sama Sandy ’08 reconnected with Allen at a Young Alumni Summer Series event, and the two continued communicating after that e w a Alumni mentoring volunteer opportunities will begin this fall night. Sandy said mentorship is a mutually beneficial relationship because both parties learn from each other. He added, “Mentorships are a fantastic way of networking in every sense because you are able to learn more about a person, potentially provide advice or assistance during times of struggle, and also get to be a part during the times of triumph.” For Allen, mentoring and working with others is simply “organic.” He said, “I think it’s my responsibility to pass on my knowledge and experiences, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see students go from the start of their senior year to a successful career.” SUPPORTING FELLOW AUGGIES IS AS EASY AS ABC The Augsburg Builds Connections (ABC) program is one of the many volunteer opportunities available to Augsburg parents and alumni. Volunteers in the program meet or correspond with students or graduates who are in the process of applying for a job or are interested in a career in their industry. Augsburg alumni and parents who participate in the ABC program have the opportunity to help Augsburg students navigate their career path. To learn more about Augsburg Builds Connections, go to www.augsburg.edu/alumni/abc.html. Auggie alumnae seek to engage women through AWE In late 2009, a group of Auggie women gathered to respond to a challenge: how to effectively engage more women in the life of Augsburg College. They created AWE: Augsburg Women Engaged. In Spring 2010, Augsburg graduates convened to share their insights about meeting this challenge. These alumnae shared two key pieces of advice. First, alumnae desire to re-establish or strengthen meaningful connections with classmates, faculty, current students, and the College community. Second, women desire to make an impact in whatever they do. We invite all alumnae to be part of making strategic connections for the coming years for Auggie women. Participate in whatever way best suits your interests, circumstances, and availability. Contact any of the Advisory Council members or Donna McLean, director of development initiatives, mclean@augsburg.edu or 612-330-1556, to find out how you can be involved. AWE women gathered at Augsburg House on Wednesday, June 1. Pictured [L to R]: Lisa Zeller ’81, ’89 MAL; Donna McLean; Shelby Andress ’56; Buffie Blesi ’90, ’97 MAL; Cassidy Titcomb; Sherilyn Young; Kari Eklund Logan ’82 The AWE Advisory Council members are Shelby Gimse Andress ’56; Buffie Blesi ’90, ’97 MAL; Lisa Svac Hawks ’85; Kari Eklund Logan ’82; Jennifer Hipple ’09; Lori Moline ’82; Roz Nordaune ’77; Heidi Wisner Staloch ’93; and Lisa Zeller ’81, ’89 MAL. We thank them for accepting the challenge to engage more women in the life of Augsburg College. Summer 2011 29 alumni news YOUNG ALUMNI summer series To register for the Young Alumni events or to see the full calendar of events at Augsburg, go to www.augsburg.edu/alumni Friday, August 5, 5-7 p.m. AUGGIE NIGHT AT THE RACES Canterbury Park 1100 Canterbury Road, Shakopee Free admission, picnic buffet, and reserved seating Thursday, September 15, 6-8 p.m. BOAT CRUISE ON LAKE MINNETONKA Join other Young Alumni donors for a sunset boat cruise on Lake Minnetonka with complimentary appetizers and beverages. Not a donor? Don’t miss the boat! Become a donor today at augsburg.edu/giving. Thursday, October 20, 7-8:30 a.m. EYE-OPENER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT BREAKFAST sponsored by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans™ Town & Country Club 300 Mississippi River Blvd. N., Saint Paul $5 includes full breakfast buffet and networking Friday, October 21, 6-8 p.m. HOMECOMING 2011: AUGGIE HOURS Republic (formerly Preston’s) 221 Cedar Ave. S., Minneapolis Two complimentary beverages and appetizers provided 30 Augsburg Now 10% Auggie discount In an effort to attract Augsburg’s finest back to campus to continue their education, the Augsburg Master of Business Administration (MBA) is offering a 10% discount on MBA tuition to graduates of any of Augsburg’s undergraduate programs including Weekend College. The discount applies to students who begin the MBA program in September 2011 and will be applied to each course in the MBA program. Admission requirements and deadlines for the Augsburg MBA can be found at www.augsburg.edu/mba or by calling 612-330-1101. The Augsburg MBA is an accredited MBA that has recently become a formal candidate for global business accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP). Consider coming back to Augsburg for a two-year MBA program grounded in the liberal arts with a focus on local, national, and global business issues. Augsburg LIVE! webinar SEPTEMBER 21 Augsburg’s President Paul C. Pribbenow has traveled this year to ten cities and six states to engage the Augsburg community in discussions about the College’s mission, vision, and vocation, and to foster opportunities to advance the College’s key strategic initiatives. Alumni who have had the opportunity to hear from the president have left with a greater sense of pride in their alma mater and excitement for the future of the institution. The Augsburg LIVE! webinar is your chance to hear firsthand from President Pribbenow. Log in at www.augsburg.edu on Wednesday, September 21, at noon CT for a 30-minute conversation with President Pribbenow. See images of the campus master plan and hear stories of student success and excellence. Augsburg alumni experience the EMERALD ISLE Courtesy photo auggie involved in monitoring Japanese nuclear facility After the March earthquake and tsunami in Japan, Augsburg alumna Cynthia Jones ’81 was called upon to monitor nuclear safety of the affected Fukushima Daiichi nuclear site. Jones, a physics graduate and Augsburg College regent, is a senior staff member in the Office of Nuclear Security and Incident Response of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and worked as part of NRC’s 24-hour Operations Center team in the aftermath of the earthquake. During mid-May, the NRC transitioned this 24hour monitoring to a Japanese regulatory office. Since that time, Japanese officials have been managing the recovery process for the site. Because of Jones’ early involvement in the response, she now is presenting at scientific conferences. During late June, she chaired a special session at the national Health Physics Society meeting in Florida on the response to the events. For continuing information on NRC activities in response to this event, go to www.nrc.gov/japan/japan-info.html. Early in May, Auggie alumni and friends journeyed through Ireland on an alumni tour led by Phillip Adamo, director of the medieval studies program and history department chair. Highlights from the group’s travels include a Dublin cruise on the river Liffey and sites such as the Rock of Cashel and Holy Cross Abbey. Travelers experienced the majestic landscapes at the Cliffs of Moher and explored the ancient fort of Dun Aengus on the Aran Islands. Traditional Irish music was enjoyed in the village of Dingle and the bustling city of Galway. The travelers are pictured in front of Kylemore Abbey, a working Benedictine abbey in the countryside of the Connemara. Front Row [L to R]: Phil Adamo, Fritz and Linda Morlock, Marya (Christensen) Farrell ’63, Jessica Motschenbacher ’08, Jean Moucha, Sara Naegeli, Sandi Prince ’05, Ted Naegeli, Clodaugh Horner (Irish guide) Back Row [L to R]: Trace Regan, Mary Ellen Kelly, John Greenfield ’66, Mary Jo Greenfield, Bob Farrell, Jennifer Carlson ’91, Sue Tesmer ’74, Nancy and Richard Borstad, Amanda Storm Courtesy photo Journey to the Holy Land With Religion Professor Philip A. Quanbeck II JANUARY 3-14, 2012 Travel with a community of Augsburg alumni and friends under the leadership of religion professor Philip Quanbeck II and Dr. Ruth E. Johnson ’74. Discover the geography, places, and people of the Holy Land. Visit Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Caesarea, Capernaum, the Sea of Galilee, the Dead Sea, and much more. Woven into the itinerary are several opportunities to dialogue with local community leaders who give voice to the complex history and geopolitical issues of the region. Return home with a broader and deeper understanding of a land considered holy by the world’s three monotheistic religions. To register or request more information call 612-330-1525 or e-mail alumni@augsburg.edu Summer 2011 31 alumni class notes 57the 50th anniversary of his or- Rev. Alfred Kaupins celebrated dination on June 11. 72Come Join Their Song (pub- Mark Shepperd's choral piece, lished by Beckenhorst Press) won the 2010 VocalEssence & American Composers Forum Christmas Carol contest. The world premiere performance was given by VocalEssence at their Welcome Christmas concerts in December 2010 and will be rebroadcast in December 2011 on American Public Media. Mark has served as minister of music at Woodbury Lutheran Church in Woodbury, Minn., since 1990. 98master’s degrees at Hamline Beverly Bushyhead earned auggieSNAPSHOTS University in nonprofit management 32 and public administration. Bev hopes to do some research and policy work after her graduation. Ann Jenkins has accepted a position as an intake investigator with Allen County Children's Services in Lima, Ohio. Matt Butler licensed his invention, the ROLLORS® lawn game, to Maranda Enterprises. Matt conceived of the game while he was serving in the Air Force in Afghanistan. The game has sold more than 25,000 copies. Julie Johnson, with Doug Otto ’05 and Drew Druckrey, released The Banks of the Little Auplaine, an experimental roots album that mines historic Upper-Midwestern folk music. Julie Johnson & The No-Accounts trio performed the song collection at a CD release show at the Open Eye Theatre in Minneapolis in April. 99graduated in May 2010 with Kyran (Christianson) Cadmus her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Colorado State University. She finished her Master of Public Health degree in April 2011 through the University of Minnesota. Kyran lives in Fort Collins, Colorado with her husband, Pete. 00 Mauris DeSilva received recognition for a study on controlled delivery of antibiotics to wounds. His team of researchers received first place for their work at a poster competition. Meg (Schmidt) Sawyer married Jim Sawyer on October 9, 2010 in Shoreview, Minn. Meg works for Youth Encounter, a Christian nonprofit youth ministry organization, as the business communications executive. 04ated with an MFA in musical Deanne M. McDonald gradu- theatre from Minnesota State University Mankato. 07years as a bicycle courier in After serving for almost three New York City, Jenessa Stark moved to El Paso, Tex., to study midwifery at Maternidad La Luz midwife school. She was also featured in “Triple Rush,” a Travel Channel series about New York City bicycle messengers that aired this spring. 99Damion Spilman welcomed Sarah (Ginkel) Spilman and Elizabeth (Libby) Frances Spilman on December 6, 2010. She joins big brother Zane, 5. 00Nicki, welcomed son Foster Mac Gordon and his wife, 06Aaron Riedel ’07 wel- Sara Schlipp-Riedel and on March 9. 01welcomed their first child, Liam Carrie (Lind) Cabe and Chris Cabe comed son Aidan Theodore on February 22. Christopher, on March 20. 71-73together at Augsburg and have met Members of the Chi House lived annually since graduation. The group received mittens hand knit by Lennice Keefe. Making them was on her “bucket list.” Pictured [L to R] are Julie (Hagberg) Swaggert ’73, Marilyn (Moxness) Hall ’71, Carol (Pederson) Jorgenson ’72, Mary Lynn (Monson) Oglesbee ’72, Lennice “Sparkie” (Nordaune) Keefe ’72, Jill Steele ’72, and Mary (Boraas) Janotta ’73. Not pictured: Suzanne (Olson) Swanson ’73. Augsburg Now 09ried Tom Henry Fields III Emily (Tischer) Fields mar- 02Whaylen were married September 11, 2010 in Brooke (Stoeckel) Whaylen and Courtney Edina, Minn. Shelly Laugerman ’04 and Erica Champer ’04 were also in the wedding party. Brooke works as a hospitality sales director at an area convention and visitors bureau, and Courtney works in IT security software. on August 28, 2010 in Rochester, Minn. Other Auggies in the wedding party included Killa Martinez-Aleman ’08, Caris Warnock ’09, and Kasi (Clauson) Lange ’08. 08 Emma Stensvaag returned to the states in December 2010 after completing 27 months of service for the U.S. Peace Corps in Mozambique. 10program in clinical psychology at the California School of Leann Vice-Reshel has been accepted into the doctoral Professional Psychology in San Diego, Calif. She will begin the program in September 2011. Graduate Programs Timothy (Tim) Van Rooy ’89 MAL and Rob Wagner ’02 (new alumni board president) were chosen to help build a community with families in need through Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity in El Salvador. They helped build homes with families in need thanks to a multiyear, multimillion dollar partnership between Thrivent Financial for Lutherans™ and Habitat for Humanity International. Patrick Troska ’94 MAL was appointed executive director of the Jay and Rose Phillips Family Foundation. In addition to providing leadership for the organization’s overall strategy, Patrick will be the lead contact for the foundation’s grantmaking strategies related to housing and transit. Nicolas Thomley ’06 MBA has been named one of the 2011 Minnesotans on the Move by Finance & Commerce. The award honors professionals who are poised to make business history of their own during the coming years. Chris Wolf ’09 MAN recently published “A Head Injury Teaching Module for Pre-Hospital Assessment" in the February 2011 issue of Military Medicine Journal. Susan Nash, Augsburg College associate professor of nursing, was co-author. ENGAGING Homecoming October 16-22 2011 Join Augsburg alumni, parents, students, and friends in a fun-filled week of events and activities. New events have been added to this year’s schedule, including the Student and Alumni Networking Event following the Sabo Symposium on Wednesday, October 19, and the Alumni Art Exhibition on Friday, October 21. Homecoming Convocation will kick off the weekend’s events on Friday, October 21. At convocation, we will recognize the First Decade, Spirit of Augsburg, and Distinguished Alumni Award winners, as well as members of the class of 1961. Don’t miss opportunities for fellowship and reminiscing at the Homecoming Convocation Luncheon that afternoon or later that evening at Republic (formerly Preston’s). Experience the Best of Augsburg on Saturday, October 22, by attending a brief lecture from three of Augsburg’s outstanding faculty members: Garry Hesser (sociology, metro/urban studies), robert tom (studio art), and David Murr ’92 (physics). This year’s Taste of Augsburg pregame picnic on Saturday will include carnival-style booths operated by student, parent, and alumni groups. Following the picnic, cheer on the Auggies at the football game as they take on St Olaf. The Auggie Block Party is back by popular demand! Following the game, gather in the parking lot to the north of Si Melby Hall to enjoy food, entertainment, and camaraderie. The activities don’t end there— after the block party, attend the Hognander Music Scholars Reunion Concert at 6 p.m. in Hoversten Chapel. Homecoming weekend truly has something for everyone. For more information and to see a complete schedule, go to www.augsburg.edu/homecoming. We look forward to seeing you there! go auggies! WITH THE SCIENCES • Beer Brewing 101 with physics professor Ben Stottrup. Saturday, September 17, 2-4 p.m. Great Waters Brewing Co., 427 Saint Peter Street, Saint Paul • Stargazing and Minnesota Starwatch Class with WCCO Radio meteorologist Mike Lynch and astronomy professor Mark Bransford. Saturday, October 1, 7-9:30 p.m. Quarry Hill Nature Center, Savanna Room, 701 Silver Creek Road, Rochester For more information and to RSVP, go to www.augsburg.edu/engage or call 612-330-1085. Summer 2011 33 ’72 ASK AN AUGGIE EXPERT Greg Fitzloff Certified barbecue cook-off judge How did you become certified as a barbecue judge? Since I retired five years ago, I’ve been doing a lot of volunteer work. I met a gentleman who was a caterer but also cooked for a living. He would call me and I would go over when he was testing recipes, and he said I should become a judge. There are a couple of professional societies for barbecue cooks, and they have a certification class and process for judges. I found out more about it and said, “Why not?” If you will, it kind of ended up on my own personal bucket list. Why is a judge so important? As the contests become more popular, the key is to draw in top teams, and they want to be sure the judging is done correctly. In the last several years there have been more people involved, and the prize money has grown significantly in the professional circuit. A winner in a recent contest won $10,000. That’s why the judging is so important. After retiring five years ago from a career in teaching and economic development, Greg Fitzloff started checking items off his bucket list. Now he travels around the country tasting chicken, ribs, beef brisket, and pulled pork as a certified barbecue cook-off judge. We caught up with him at his cabin “up North” to find out more about this delicious-sounding job! What’s the key to a perfect barbecue? Two key words: low and slow. Cook it on low heat, 200 to 225 degrees, and slow. It takes time—anywhere from a couple of hours to 12 to 16 hours depending on the size and cut of meat. What are your favorite summer barbecue side dishes? I think the classics tend to go best. In the South and Southeast you see barbecue beans with a great variety of tastes. Further north and in the Midwest you see potato salad and cole slaw, of course. The other thing we’ve discovered over the years is that after you’ve been tasting barbecue all day, the thing that goes extraordinarily well is ice cream. I don’t know why. That nearest Dairy Queen generally gets a big hit after a contest. What criteria do you use in judging barbecue? It is fairly structured, but you are looking for three things. First is appearance—how the meat actually looks. Does it look like something you want to eat right away? Presentation is so important. The second is tenderness—is it cooked correctly? Each category has a slightly different process, but the questions are: Is it done? Is it cooked all the way through? Does the meat pull off the bone? And the final thing is the taste. Can you taste the meat? Does it taste good? We’re trying to judge to a certain standard, not based on what we like personally. Have you had any judging mishaps? Tasted an especially bad barbecue? Even though these are supposed to be really good cooks, they make mistakes. The most difficult category is beef brisket, and they usually make one of two mistakes. They overcook it to the point where it’s absolutely overdone, and once that happens, there’s nothing you can do about it. Or if they cut it with the grain, that meat is literally the consistency of shoe leather. We are supposed to taste it, but if you can’t get a bite out of it you can’t taste it. That’s always somewhat comical. 34 Augsburg Now Would you like us to feature you in a future issue? E-mail now@augsburg.edu and tell us about your area of expertise! Send us your news and photos Please tell us about the news in your life, your new job, move, marriage, and births. Don’t forget to send photos! (Digital photos must be at least 300 dpi or a 1MB file.) For news of a death, printed notice is required, e.g. an obituary, funeral notice, or program from a memorial service. Send your news items, photos, or change of address by mail to: Augsburg Now Class Notes, Augsburg College, CB 146, 2211 Riverside Ave., Minneapolis, MN 55454, or e-mail alumni@augsburg.edu. You can also submit news at www.augsburg.edu/alumni. ____________________________________________________________ Full name ____________________________________________________________ Maiden name ____________________________________________________________ Class year or last year attended In Memoriam Rev. Hamar Benson ’34, Auburn, Wash., age 100, on November 27. William A. Benson, Jr. ’42, Minnetonka, Minn., age 90, on April 11. ____________________________________________________________ Street address ____________________________________________________________ City, State, ZIP code Is this a new address? q Yes q No Dr. Henry Staub ’43, Minneapolis, age 91, on March 8. Maria E. (Sandness) Berryman ’47, Minneapolis, age 89, on February 26. ____________________________________________________________ Home telephone Melvin Haven ’47, Mesa, Ariz., age 88, on December 8. Gordon D. Ahlquist ’48, Robbinsdale, Minn., age 88, on February 24. Paul D. Arnold ’48, Milaca, Minn., age 85, on April 20. ____________________________________________________________ E-mail Okay to publish your e-mail address? q Yes q No Vincent S. Dahle ’49, Shoreview, Minn., age 83, on April 18. Donald H. Hegg ’49, Minneapolis, age 86, on March 10. Lillian L. Stadelman ’49, Pound, Wis., age 90, on April 27. Jeanette Jacobson Martinson ’49, Decorah, Iowa, age 85, on March 15. Quentin G. Quanbeck ’50, Sioux Falls, S.Dak., age 83, on February 18. Don L. Ortler ’51, Coon Rapids, Minn., age 82, on October 1. Donald R. Oscarson ’52, Northbrook, Ill., age 81, on April 23. Ralph Kirchoff ’53 on January 6, 2010. Edwin T. Johnson ’55, Walton, N.Y., age 91, on May 7. ____________________________________________________________ Employer ____________________________________________________________ Position ____________________________________________________________ Work telephone Is spouse also a graduate of Augsburg College? q Yes q No If yes, class year ________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ Spouse’s name Marshall D. Johnson ’57, Lake Havasu City, Ariz., age 75, on January 26. Jerry D. Carlson ’59, New Brighton, Minn., age 75, on December 20. ____________________________________________________________ Maiden name Harold W. Schilling ’59, Annandale, Minn., age 80, on May 8. Viola (Anderson) Aaseng ’69, Eau Claire, Wis., age 86, on August 20, 2010. Ronald A. Berg ’69, Arden Hills, Minn., age 64, on April 20. Your news: ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ Thomas P. O’Meara ’71, Minneapolis, age 63, on November 28. ____________________________________________________________ Terrance L. Blue ’72, Minneapolis, age 61, on February 15. Richard W. Kelley ’72, Minneapolis, age 64, on August 25, 2010. Nancy (Krusemark) Kruse ’76, Eden Prairie, Minn., age 56, on November 30. Janice O’Brien ’87, Burnsville, Minn., age 68, on June 21, 2010. ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ q I know a student who is interested in attending Augsburg. Lucas R. Johnson ’07, New Hope, Minn., age 27, on April 3. Summer 2011 35 ’67 gene hugoson Auggie tills a different field to success Gene Hugoson credits his success to a lifetime of farming and a liberal arts education. He said that his grounding in a range of topics—politics, communication, science, geography—allowed him to bridge diverse issues and backgrounds in each of the public service positions he’s held. “The idea of a liberal arts background was perfect for what I’ve done,” Hugoson said. “My knowledge is 15-miles wide and half an inch thick.” Hugoson, who earned a social sciences teaching degree from Augsburg College, recently was appointed a senior fellow for the University of Minnesota’s Global Initiative for Food Systems Leadership. He will collaborate with farmers and farm groups, state and federal government, and businesses to find improved ways to maintain food security. “The idea of a liberal arts background was perfect for what I’ve done,” Hugoson said. “My knowledge is 15-miles wide and half an inch thick.” One project on which he will focus is the development of a plan for the prevention, isolation, control, and economic recovery from foot-and-mouth disease in the domestic livestock herd. This project includes working with a multistate education consortium. “Part of my role is to use past contacts and experiences to tap into relationships at the federal level,” he said. “It will be a challenge and will test my mettle. But we need that broad base of information and understanding at the table.” Prior to his work at the University of Minnesota, Hugoson served as commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA). It’s a post he held for nearly 16 years and through three gubernatorial administrations. And again, he credits his education for this success. “Most of my colleagues in other states were agriculture school grads. Veterinarians,” he said. “Mine was social science and education—in reality, it was perfect. It is key for these kinds of roles.” Hugoson also credits his success to a lifetime of farming. He 36 Augsburg Now farmed while at MDA. He farmed before that, during the five terms he was a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives. Even in his new post, he still farms 600 acres of corn and soybeans located less than a mile from the East Chain, Minn., farm on which he was raised. “I kept farming out of necessity to keep my day job,” Hugoson said. “The governors said they wanted a real farmer. I think being a farmer turned out to be a huge plus. I have credibility with the farming community. I can stand up and talk about what it’s like to be in the combine all night because of threatening weather or at the elevator selling my beans.” As much as farming has helped Hugoson succeed in his public leadership roles, it also has other rewards. “Farming also is my relaxation,” Hugoson said. “In the tractor or combine, I can see what I accomplish right behind me. That’s not always the case at the office. It’s nice to see corn combined or tilled earth.” STEPHANIE WEISS a an augsburg legacy to sy p h o g k celebratin Harriett Kure hday. her 90th birt Harriett Kurek, a long-time member of Trinity Lutheran Congregation, generously included a gift of $250,000 to Augsburg College in her will. “She was a very giving, caring person to her family and to her community,” said her niece, Joyce Nyland. Senior Pastor Jane BuckleyFarlee said Kurek loved the way Trinity is involved the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood and appreciated how Augsburg shares that commitment with Trinity and welcomes the congregation on its campus. C o u rte Courtesy photo Harriett Kurek an augsburg legacy 1-800-273-0617 www.augsburg.edu/giving 2211 Riverside Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55454 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Twin Cities, MN Permit No. 2031 2010 Presidential Award for Community Service In the summer, Augsburg’s laboratories and classrooms come alive with the enthusiasm of our neighborhood youth. Aspiring scientists and future healthcare professionals learn through programs like Girls in Engineering, Mathematics, and Science (GEMS) and Guys in Science and Engineering (GISE), as well as the Urban Scrubs camp (pictured here). These are three of the programs for which Augsburg was recognized this year with the 2010 Presidential Award for Community Service. (See story on page 3).
Show less

Title: Augsburg Now Summer 2010: Auggies On Stage
Collection: Alumni Magazine Collection
Search Result: AUGSBURG NOW SUMMER 2010 VOL. 72, NO. 3 inside auggies Augsburg Now Magazine of Augsburg College 25The Years of Life-Changing StepUP program Environmental literature Travel 10 reasons to come back Coach Mark Matzek ® Commencement 2010 Exploring Our Gifts page 20 on Stage Editor Bets...
Show more AUGSBURG NOW SUMMER 2010 VOL. 72, NO. 3 inside auggies Augsburg Now Magazine of Augsburg College 25The Years of Life-Changing StepUP program Environmental literature Travel 10 reasons to come back Coach Mark Matzek ® Commencement 2010 Exploring Our Gifts page 20 on Stage Editor Betsey Norgard norgard@augsburg.edu notes from President Pribbenow Creative Director Kathy Rumpza ’05 MAL rumpza@augsburg.edu Creative Associate-Editorial Wendi Wheeler ’06 wheelerw@augsburg.edu Creative Associate-Design A new mission statement and Commission Augsburg Jen Nagorski ’08 nagorski@augsburg.edu Photographer o ver the past two years, the Augsburg community has been engaged in a lively and rich conversation about our character and identity. Augsburg last modified its mission statement nearly 20 years ago, and although much that defines Augsburg’s distinctive identity as a college of the church in the city has remained constant, there also have been some remarkable changes. The expansion of nontraditional undergraduate programs, several new graduate programs, campus sites in Rochester and Bloomington, significant work around the world, and continuing initiatives to meet the needs of diverse students have combined to make Augsburg a more complex and, I would argue in addition, a more innovative and faithful college. Given the reality of Augsburg’s current missionbased work, the College community explored together how we might state our mission in such a way as to affirm our abiding values and commitments, while also to articulate how the College’s circle of influence and impact has expanded. The result of those explorations is a wonderfully nuanced and meaningful new mission statement, enthusiastically adopted by the Board of Regents at its spring 2010 meeting. Augsburg College educates students to be informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers, and responsible leaders. The new mission statement begins with a bold claim of our aspirations for our students as we send them out to live their callings in the world. As citizens, stewards, thinkers, and leaders, Augsburg graduates bring their education and experience to bear in all aspects of their lives and work. The Augsburg experience is supported by an engaged community, committed to intentional diversity in its life and work. This important statement of our selfunderstanding is an explicit reference to our values as a participatory community—very much in line with our Lutheran Free Church heritage—dedicated to the common work of educating all of our students. At the same time, we reaffirm our abiding sense of the im- portance of intentional diversity—diversity of experience, background, and thought—that is supported by our theological, academic, and civic legacies. An Augsburg education is defined by excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies, guided by the faith and values of the Lutheran Church, and shaped by our urban and global settings. This closing sentence lifts up our core values: excellence across all academic programs, the particular gifts of our Lutheran faith, and the central role that our place in the world plays in the education we offer. The circle has been widened to reflect how Augsburg embraces its distinctive role in higher education. I could not be more pleased with the participation of the entire community in crafting this new mission statement. As we move into the next academic year, I am excited to announce an opportunity for all Augsburg alumni and friends to learn more about how our mission sets in place a clear map for our future. Beginning this fall, we will launch Commission Augsburg, a series of conversations that bring together those across the country who care about Augsburg to explore three strategic pathways for Augsburg’s work in the years ahead: Stephen Geffre geffre@augsburg.edu (1) We will create and sustain a culture of innovation and excellence. Opinions expressed in Augsburg Now do not necessarily reflect official College policy. (2) We will help all of our students to succeed. Webmaster/Now Online Bryan Barnes barnesb@augsburg.edu Director of News and Media Services Jeff Shelman shelman@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 (3) We will tell Augsburg’s story in word and deed. ISSN 1058-1545 Please watch for opportunities to gather and to learn more about the key initiatives the Augsburg community intends to pursue in order to live out its mission and to honor its distinctive saga as a college of the Lutheran Church. Your perspectives will help shape Augsburg’s future. Send address corrections to: 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 a summer 2010 7 12 16 Features 24 contents 20 27 augsburg now 7 12 16 20 24 27 Commencement 2010 A step in the right direction by Wendi Wheeler ’06 10 reasons to come back to campus by Jeff Shelman Learning from the environment by Wendi Wheeler ’06 Nine years on the mats by Jeff Shelman Making connections by Wendi Wheeler ’06 Departments inside front cover On the cover Tessa Flynn ’05, community engagement manager and teaching artist with the Children’s Theatre Company, is one of the theatre alums who talks about making connections and the importance of those connections to their life after Augsburg. All photos by Stephen Geffre unless otherwise indicated. 2 4 6 33 36 40 Notes from President Pribbenow Around the Quad Auggie voices It takes an Auggie Alumni news Class notes My Auggie experience around the quad A project of steel Not many senior projects require countless hours spent shaping steel with a hammer and finishing it with sandpaper and steel brushes. But Josh Davis’ project wasn’t like most. For more than two years, Davis spent the vast majority of his free time working to construct a full suit of armor. The project, which was on display during Zyzzogeton—Augsburg’s celebration of student research and creative activity—was featured both in the Star Tribune and The Chronicle of Higher Education. The suit is made out of sheet steel of varying thickness and includes 20 individual pieces, many of which are smaller pieces riveted together, that fit like a puzzle to form the complete armor. Each leg, for example, is 13 separate pieces of steel, some of which were placed on top of each other to increase strength. Building the suit required Davis to shape the steel with a hammer—pounding heated steel over or into a form to produce the required curves—while using a pattern specially developed to fit him. Davis also made each of the buckles and straps on the suit. To call it a labor-intensive process would be an understatement. After originally keeping track of the time on the project, Davis stopped when he reached 1,000 hours, the equivalent of 25 weeks of eight-hour workdays. “The hardest part is finishing it,” Davis said. “I can rough out a form in an hour or two, but fine-tuning it, sanding out the hammer marks, and making the Josh Davis’ suit of armor took two years and hinges and buckles took a long time.” painstaking work to construct. Dal Liddle receives NEH summer research stipend Dal Liddle, associate professor of English, received a National Endowment for the Humanities summer stipend for travel to London to test a hypothesis he’s been formulating. Liddle, whose research focuses on Victorian literature, is spending three weeks in England poring over the private archives of the London Times and the early Victorian holdings of the British Library. Using Austen’s Pride and Prejudice, editorial articles from British papers, and Brontë’s Jane Eyre, he will try to test whether current theories about the historical development of technology will also fit the way British literature developed between 1800 and 1850. What if literary history turns out to change in some of the same ways that technological history changes? Could the history of novels and poems show some of the same patterns as the history of steam engines, microchips, and jet airplanes? “I'm taking a big chance,” he says about his research question. “There’s a big disprovability factor here, but if I’m wrong I want to prove it.” NewsNotes The Nursing Department launched a three-year Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), Augsburg’s first doctoral degree, that prepares nurses for advanced practice and leadership in transcultural and community/public health nursing. The DNP is a cohort program that begins in the fall. David Tiede, retiring after five years as the Bernhard Christensen Professor of Religion and Vocation, has accepted the interim presidency of Wartburg Theological Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa. Two new summer camps are bringing young people to campus. Two week-long film camps in July bring high school students together to work with 16mm film, teaching them techniques for scripting, directing, and editing. The Minnesota Debate and Advocacy Workshop brings middle and high school students together with the state’s top coaches in a two- or three-week institute. The deaths of two retired faculty are noted. Robert Herforth, professor emeritus of biology, died on June 18. He is remembered as an extraordinary zoologist who remained very much engaged in current research throughout his life. Rosalie Clark, who taught in the Social Work Department from 1979 for more than a dozen years, died in January 2009. She brought perspectives on American Indian issues to faculty and students and encouraged social work graduates. AUGSBURG NEWS SERVICE 2 Augsburg Now Three faculty members retire from the classroom Julie Bolton—Theatre’s “artist-educator” Curt Paulsen—Social work professor, mentor Paul Grauer—Coach, mentor, teacher Thirty-five years ago, Julie Bolton, a professional actor, was hired part time to teach acting. She soon became full time, added courses, hired faculty, and began to build a theatre arts program, which she then chaired for 12 years, plus four more years when it became a new department. Building on her connections in Twin Cities theatre, Bolton both pushed students to get internships in the theatre community and helped them explore vocations in theatre. And, she brought theatre artists to campus to work with students. She hired faculty whose varied expertise helped create a comprehensive, professional theatre arts program within a liberal arts education. Bolton reflects with pride and gratitude on the collaboration in the mid-1980s that helped bring about Augsburg’s black box theater in Foss Center, with the support of President Charles Anderson, Dean Ryan LaHurd, and donors Barbara (Tjornhom) ’54 and Richard Nelson. Bolton considers herself an “artist-educator” and has used her theatre knowledge in the docent tours she gives at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. “If we are looking at Rembrandt’s Lucretia,” she says, “I introduce similar themes in Shakespeare’s epic poem Lucretia or Hamlet’s soliloquies.” In addition to expanding her role as a docent, Bolton also looks forward to spending time as grandmother to her five grandchildren. Social work professor Curt Paulsen often sang to himself on the way to his classrooms—just one indication of the joy he received every day in teaching. “Just as I have pushed my students,” he explains, “they have also pushed me, and I’m grateful for it.” He found continuing satisfaction in the “joint enterprise of reaching great understanding.” Paulsen taught both undergraduate and graduate students in the Social Work Department and, together with his wife, Cathy, taught a personality theory course to graduate students in the leadership program. He has also taught in the Religion Department and Honors program. Paulsen enjoyed most working with students who weren’t functioning to their ability. With respect, and in an atmosphere of intellectual rigor, he pushed them to their point of real reaction, with high expectations, helping them not only to learn, but to grow as people. It meant facilitating a process where students moved from answers to questions. Paulsen always considered liberal arts and crossing disciplines as “just the beginning of lifelong learning.” For him, “To gain a real understanding of human beings, one must go to the poets and to great literature.” Paulsen now anticipates more time for photography, reading, gardening, and for his family—Cathy, their two daughters and husbands, and four grandchildren. Paul Grauer says that even after 31 years, Augsburg has always been “exactly where I wanted to be.” He served long stints as coach, athletic director, and instructor, and he lists a whole series of strong relationships, high points, and changes that kept it interesting. A big change is the continual improvement of athletic facilities that has made it more likely that recruits will choose Augsburg—early in his tenure he recalls one hockey recruit who told him that Augsburg “had no curb appeal.” In addition, the continual development of the Health and Physical Education Department that now includes exercise science can prepare students for varied careers in teaching, fitness, and training. Grauer recalls 1997–98 as “a special, magical year,” when four Auggie teams— football, men’s basketball, men’s hockey, and wrestling—won conference championships and went to national playoffs, resulting in a wrestling championship and a hockey Frozen Four appearance. Among the high points was the celebration in 2007 of the 35th anniversary of Auggie varsity women’s sports, some of which pre-date the Title IX era. Grauer prepared and submitted early reports for Title IX that “showed we had to pay attention to equality,” and which spurred further expansion of women’s sports. Grauer will always remember the friendships, the colleagues, and the continual growth he’s seen both with the coaches and student-athletes in their training, resiliency, and good sportsmanship in a very competitive athletic conference. Grauer now looks forward to having more time to play his trumpet—especially at Augsburg in the brass ensemble. For Auggie sports news and schedules, go to www.augsburg.edu/athletics. BETSEY NORGARD Summer 2010 3 auggie voices Exploring Our Gifts— looking back over 8 years In 2002 Augsburg received a $2 million grant from the Lilly Endowment to integrate a theological understanding of vocation into the life of the College over a five-year period. In 2007 the grant was renewed for $1 million to cover an additional three years. As of summer 2010, the funding from the Lilly Endowment has ended. The College has now established the Augsburg Center for Faith and Learning in order to sustain a number of the programs of the Lilly Endowment grants and to support new initiatives on vocation. Mark Tranvik, associate professor of religion and chair of the Religion Department, was director of Exploring Our Gifts. He reflects about the impact of Exploring Our Gifts on Augsburg’s curriculum and experience. Q: Why did Augsburg apply for the Lilly Endowment grant? A: We should be clear that the Lilly Endowment grant didn’t introduce vocation to Augsburg College. Augsburg began as a seminary, and it had a sense of calling embedded into its DNA. Throughout much of its history, students, faculty, and staff came to the College out of a deep sense of calling. They saw their work here as an expression of what God wanted them to do with their gifts and talents. I think some of that sensibility was lost at a lot of our church colleges during the 1970s and ’80s, Augsburg included. But the idea of vocation never went away, and the Lilly Endowment money provided the school with an opportunity to bring new energy and imagination to the concept. In other words, it was natural for Augsburg to apply for the grant, given our heritage. Q: Why do you think the Lilly Endowment grant has been successful? A: The group who worked on the original application, led by Carol Forbes, Academic Affairs, and Bruce Reichenbach, Philosophy Department, did a wonderful job in making sure the proposal “fit” with the culture at Augsburg. Instead of “top-down” planning, they made sure to solicit proposals from a wide variety of groups on campus. They received more than 30 proposals for projects and were able to whittle that down to 16. When the money actually arrived to fund the projects, a campus-wide conversation had already been going on for some time. In my mind, the genius here is the way this is consistent with the ethos of the school. Augsburg is a college deeply rooted in the traditions of the Lutheran Free Church, and the egalitarian spirit of that church still pervades this community. 4 Augsburg Now Professor Mark Tranvik directed Exploring Our Gifts, Augsburg’s Lilly Endowment program to explore vocation. Q. Didn’t a lot of schools receive Lilly Endowment grants? What’s distinctive about Augsburg’s? A: The Lilly Endowment’s initiative on vocation was incredibly generous. More than 80 colleges and universities, many of them church-related, received grants. And to no one’s surprise, the grants seemed to work especially well at Lutheran schools. This is because the theology of vocation was developed in new ways by Martin Luther and the other reformers in the 16th century. Those places that trace their heritage back to the Reformation found it easier, in general, to talk about vocation on their campuses. One of the distinctive things about Augsburg is the way the College has been willing to integrate a theological understanding of vocation into its core curriculum. This has been one of the fruits of our discussion about vocation on campus. All Augsburg students are required to take two religion classes that have vocation at the center—Religion 100 and 200, Christian Vocation and the Search for Meaning I and II, respectively. Furthermore, all students are asked to think about vocation again in their senior seminars. So, you could say that vocation serves as the “bookends” for the Augsburg educational experience. And we also hope that students will be asked in other classes to think about their sense of calling. Of course this will happen, but it’s more dependent on the inclination of individual instructors. Q: What about the specific vocation of ministry? How has the grant helped students who are thinking about working in the church? A: One program of the grant that has worked well in this area is the Lilly Scholars. Every year, 10 juniors or seniors were chosen to take part in a fullcredit seminar dedicated to thinking theologically about vocation and receive a scholarship from the grant. The main prerequisite for the course is to be interested in studying about vocation in-depth. And some of these students do not sense a calling in the institutional church, which is fine. But over half of the participants (about 50 over the eight years) have decided to study theology after receiving their degrees at Augsburg. This is one important way the College continues its long tradition of developing leaders for the church. Q: It is especially important for colleges to document their successes. Is there evidence that the programs of the Lilly Endowment grant have actually made a difference? Purpose: To integrate a theological understanding of vocation into the life of Augsburg College Programs 2002–2010 Total participants Alumni mentoring Student vocation assessments 265 1,962 International exploration 263 Lilly Scholars 82 Church leader development 100 Lilly Interns 54 Youth Theology Institute ~125 Orientation, Augsburg Seminar 2,600 Forums 2,450 Till & Keep journal (copies) Vocatio Chapel 3,600 ~3,600 Interreligious dialogue 471 Courtesy photo A: Augsburg has been fortunate in that it was selected, along with Luther College and Augustana College of Rock Island (both of whom also had received Lilly Endowment grants), to participate in a study by the Wilder Foundation that assessed how effectively vocation had been integrated into these schools. The results were gratifying. They showed significant progress made in helping students view their lives through the lens of vocation. For example, students who had exposure to Lilly Endowment programs were more likely (50% to 23%) to see their life as a “calling,” with a sense of purpose, than those who were not exposed to the grant. Furthermore, 91% of the class of 2007 reported that their understanding of vocation deepened while at college. Go to www.augsburg.edu/cfl to read the full study. Exploring Our Gifts—Augsburg’s Lilly Endowment grant program Q: The Lilly Endowment grant on vocation seems to be strongly rooted in the Christian tradition. Yet Augsburg also stresses the importance of diversity and the acceptance of people from a wide variety of faiths and backgrounds. How do you answer those who suggest that this stress on vocation is done at the expense of diversity? A: That’s a great question and one that many of us have struggled with during the time of the grant. I think I would answer it on two different levels. First, the emphasis on vocation is a way in which we are trying to be faithful to our mission statement and its claim that Augsburg will be “guided by the faith and values of the Lutheran Church.” We are a college of the church, and that is nothing about which we should be ashamed. As one of the Lilly vocation seminars, students in the Religion and the Christian Faith course in 2005 Second—and this is the point that is often misundertraveled to El Salvador to study the legacy of Archbishop Oscar Romero and to explore the depth of stood—I would argue that our Christian faith and emphasis Christian vocation in daily life there. on vocation do not lead to exclusivity and the formation of a community of the like-minded. Jesus spent a good deal of his ministry breaking down walls and crossing so-called “forbidden” boundaries. In a similar vein, I would argue that an emphasis on diversity naturally flows from our Christian faith. We are not diverse in spite of being Christian. Rather, we are diverse because we are Christian. Now this can make life messy, especially for those who insist on nice boxes with neat straight lines. But as Christians we gladly welcome the “world” to our campus and the plurality of faiths and beliefs that come with it. We promise we won’t “coerce” anyone to be Christian (as if that would work!), but we do ask that a respectful and public discussion on faith occur. And we also insist that both sides be open to be challenged and changed. Summer 2010 5 it takes an Auggie StepUP® parents are grateful for support to students and families When Maureen and Harold Thompson realized their daughter Anne was not going to graduate from high school with her friends, they were devastated but not surprised. They knew that something was wrong and that their daughter needed help. Anne went into treatment for drug and alcohol addiction and then began attending daily recovery meetings. During this second phase of her recovery, she worked hard to complete her high school graduation requirements. Anne impressed her teachers and others with her hard work, and her parents thought the situation was under control. This sense of security and relief quickly faded when they discovered that Anne had relapsed. Anne returned to treatment, this time at the Hazelden Center for Youth and Families, where she learned about Augsburg College and the College’s StepUP program for students in recovery. Anne entered StepUP in 2004 and graduated from Augsburg in 2008. She is now a graduate student in higher education and student affairs at the University of Connecticut. “We feel that StepUP has allowed our daughter to attend college, continue with her recovery, and experience college life. Anne has learned to deal with the stresses of projects, schedules, papers, and exams while developing a safe and solid support network. She worked hard in class, and she has worked hard on her recovery. We don’t think this could have happened anywhere else.” Maureen and Harold remain thankful for all that Augsburg did for their daughter and continues to do for other students. That’s one of the reasons they consistently support the StepUP program, The Augsburg Fund, and more. “The StepUP program reinforces the belief that each program participant is accountable. They are accountable to themselves, to their peers, and to the StepUP staff. We believe that the program provided an environment that allowed Anne to blossom and grow, and allowed our family to heal.” “We believe that the program provided an environment that allowed Anne to blossom and grow, and allowed our family to heal.” “StepUP allowed me to go to college,” Anne says. “College is hard for students in general, but students in recovery have all the same challenges that others have and more. This program allowed me to have a ‘traditional’ college experience, which would otherwise be unavailable.” Maureen also noted, “It has been often said that someone with an addiction impacts at least four other people. We believe that StepUP not only helps the student, but it also helps the family, and for that we are eternally grateful.” WENDI WHEELER ’06 Courtesy photo Maureen and Harold Thompson are proud parents as their daughter, Anne, graduated from Augsburg and the StepUP program in 2008. 6 Anne speaks to a campus group about her experiences at Augsburg and in the StepUP program. Augsburg Now t n e m e c n e comm NS THE TRADITIO MORTARBOARD TASSELS There is no official color for bachelor’s degree tassels. Thus, Augsburg chose maroon and gray, and all undergraduate students wear this tassel. Tassels for graduate students are different. In 1895, the Intercollegiate Commission was established to standardize academic dress and to prescribe specific colors to represent different fields of study. This was the last time academic dress has been updated. Augsburg has six fields of post-baccalaureate study, each with a different color: business—drab; nursing—apricot; social work—citron; leadership—white; physician assistant studies—green; and education—light blue. Augsburg graduate program students and faculty all wear the colors of their fields. ‰ ‰ DOCTORAL DRESS The academic dress worn today has its roots in the 12th and 13th centuries when most scholars were clerics in monastic orders. Today’s doctoral robe is based on monastic robes; the hood, originally a cowl, was used to keep the head warm before indoor heating. Robes were formerly all black, but now institutions choose their own colors, and all official doctoral robes have three velvet stripes along the bell-shaped sleeves. Today, professors wear either an Oxford cap (the square mortarboard) or a Cambridge cap (the decorative, beretlike caps). This robe belongs to Nathan J. Hallanger, special assistant to the vice president of academic affairs. The four-foot doctoral hood is scarlet with blue trim, signifying a PhD from the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley. ‰ DRUM In 1991, music professor Robert Stacke ’71, a professional drummer, began to lead the procession of graduates through Murphy Square to Melby Hall. In this now-beloved tradition, faculty line the street and congratulate their students as they walk by. In 19 years, Stacke has never missed Commencement and has only once dropped the drum. Summer 2010 7 THE TRADITIONS HONOR CORDS Though a variety of colored cords and stoles show up on students’ shoulders at Commencement, two cords are officially given by Augsburg to undergraduate students. Students who have earned a grade point average of 3.6 or higher are candidates for Latin honors, shown by their maroon and gray cords. All students who have completed the requirements of the Augsburg College Honors program wear gold cords. Other cords indicate that the student has completed a departmental honors project. THE CROSS In 1988, Professor Emeritus Norman Holen created the cross used in Chapel and carried in Augsburg ceremonies. ‰ ‰ ‰ ‰ 8 MACE The mace, like academic regalia, also originated in the Middle Ages. First used by medieval European bishops who were not allowed to carry swords into battle, the mace was useful as an armor-splitting weapon. By the 16th century, the mace was converted into a symbol of authority and was embraced by colleges and universities as a ceremonial icon. At Augsburg, the mace is carried into all official College ceremonies by the president of the Faculty Senate. Professor Emeritus Norman Holen created Augsburg’s mace in 1970, which, until 1988, was laid on a table during events. Holen was then commissioned to create a stand for it. MASTER’S HOODS Like tassels, the hoods given to master’s degree students have specific meaning. The main color of the 3.5-foot hoods is black, and they are lined with the colors of the college conferring the degree. The hood’s trimmings are three inches wide and correspond to the field of study. For example, the master’s hood shown here is given by Augsburg College (maroon and gray) in the field of nursing (apricot). commencement ‰ MAY 1, 2010 PRESIDENTIAL CHAIN OF OFFICE ‰ OTHER COLORS Augsburg College’s Chain of Office represents the president’s authority to head the university, and is worn by President Pribbenow at ceremonial functions such as Commencement. The chain is in fact not a chain but a maroon ribbon that suspends a medal imprinted with the College seal. The colorful stoles worn by African American students are made from a material called Kente cloth, which originates in Ghana, West Africa. The cloth was woven by the Asante people of Ghana and was exclusively made for Asante kings and queens. Now the stoles are given to members of the Pan-Afrikan Student Union (PASU) as a way to denote their fraternity and to connect them with their past. TEXT AND PHOTOS BY STEPHEN GEFFRE commencement JUNE 27, 2010 GRADUATES, FAMILIES, FACULTY, AND GUESTS CELEBRATE 2010 COMMENCEMENT MAY 1 COMMENCEMENT 416 undergraduate day students and physician assistant graduate students Speaker—Governor Tim Pawlenty Honorary degree—Father Fernando Cardenal, SJ, educator and activist, Nicaragua Marina Christensen Justice Award—Jessica Spanswick Jessica Spanswick graduated with a major in international relations and a minor in peace and global studies. She has been a Sabo Scholar in civic engagement, a Hoversten Peace Scholar, a Peace Prize Forum Peace Scholar, and a Lilly Scholar. Locally, she has worked with grass-roots organizations on environmental issues and has tutored Kenyan and Somali immigrants in a neighborhood program. Spanswick studied abroad in Namibia, and while there she worked on HIV/AIDS events and water rights issues. The Marina Christensen Justice Award honors a student who has demonstrated a dedication to community involvement as characterized by the personal and professional life of Marina Christensen Justice, who reached out to disadvantaged people and communities. JUNE 27 COMMENCEMENT 492 weekend/evening and Rochester undergraduate students, and graduate students in business, education, leadership, nursing, and social work Speaker—Congressman Keith Ellison Honorary degree—Peter Heegaard, founder of Urban Adventure Richard J. Thoni Award—Michele Roulet Michele Roulet graduated with a major in studio art and a minor in religion. In immersing herself in student life at Augsburg, Michele provided leadership, community spirit, hospitality, and innovation within the adult programs. She served as Weekend College Student Senate vice president and president and as a student commissioner in Campus Ministry. Her leadership created the First Word gatherings, an on-campus faith community for adult students. In the wider community, she has worked with programs to combat hunger. The Richard J. Thoni Award is given to a weekend student who exemplifies the spirit of community involvement demonstrated by Rick Thoni’s career at Augsburg. To view slide shows and a video of Governor Pawlenty’s commencement address, go to www.augsburg.edu and click on the YouTube icon. commencement IT’S ALL ABOUT FAMILY AT AUGSBURG Jeff and Suzi Burt and their daugher, Crystal Studer, graduated together, all receiving nursing degrees. Studer is a nurse at the hospital in Austin. “Augsburg’s been great,” she says. “It’s made me a more well-rounded nurse, and the faculty is phenomenal.” A little more than a year after Suzi and Crystal began, Jeff returned to the program. “Mayo is in the process of going bachelor’sonly for RNs,” Jeff says. “If you have an [associate’s degree in nursing], you'll be required to go back. I just thought it was the best thing to do.” All three say there are benefits to having family members in the program at the same time. Suzi and Crystal were frequently in the same class, and since they also live across the street from each other in Blooming Prairie, Minn., they were able to share textbooks. They have also encouraged and motivated each other as they worked to balance work, school, and family. “As a married couple, it’s nice to be in the same thing because you know what each other is going through,” Suzi says. While excited to finish, all three found the program both rewarding and beneficial. “It’s been better than I thought,” Crystal says. “In your first two years, you learn a lot of skills. In these two years [at Augsburg], you learn why we do what we do. The content has all been really useful, and it has inspired me.” JEFF AND SUZI BURT AND CRYSTAL STUDER CAROL DEMULLING, SARAH DEMULLING, AND HEATHER DEKOK Jeff Burt was the first member of his family to enroll in Augsburg’s nursing completion program. He was working at the Mayo Clinic when he began taking classes at Augsburg in 2000. He stopped about three-quarters of the way through the program to allow his wife, Suzi, to enroll in a two-year nursing program at Riverland Community College in Austin, Minn. In fall 2008, Suzi Burt and Crystal Studer, one of the couple’s daughters, enrolled at Augsburg, largely because of Jeff’s positive experience. Carol Demulling and her daughters Sarah Demulling and Heather Dekok all ended up in Augsburg’s business administration program for the same reason—they all knew the education they had wasn’t going to be enough. While all three have positions at Mayo Clinic and the two daughters have two-year degrees, they wanted more opportunities for advancement. “When I started work in the ’70s, you could have a high school education and work your way up,” Carol says. “To make moves Families have always been a big part of Augsburg—second- and third-generation Auggies, Auggies following the paths blazed by older siblings, and couples who met at Augsburg and inspired their children to attend. The June 27 Commencement, however, featured a new twist: two families of parents and children from Augsburg’s Rochester campus graduating together. The first is a mother, father, and daughter, all earning bachelor’s degrees in nursing. The second featured a mother and two daughters who studied business administration together. Carol Demulling (center) and her daughters Sarah Demulling (left) and Heather Dekok (right) graduated with business administration degrees. now, you need education.” Her daughter Heather was a little more blunt. “I graduated with a two-year degree in business in 2005,” she says. “And I realized that a two-year degree doesn’t do anything.” They all say their Augsburg education has been practical from the beginning. Dekok works in the international office at Mayo Clinic, and what she has learned about different cultures has been immediately applicable. “I work in an office full of women,” she says. “Some of the countries we deal with, they frown upon women in the workplace. You realize why you get some of the attitudes that you do at times.” Carol developed a complicated spreadsheet for a class project that is still being used by members of her office in the evaluation of grant proposals. As they finish at Augsburg, they’re happy to have experienced college together and appreciate the people they met through the process. “I didn’t really realize until the last two trimesters how many relationships we’ve built here,” Carol says. “People in the Mayo system, people at IBM. I’ve really enjoyed that and getting to know these people. We all have something in common.” JEFF SHELMAN Summer 2010 11 12 Augsburg Now step in the right direction A BY WENDI WHEELER ’06 Editor’s note—In order to be respectful of the students in the StepUP program, their last names are not used. StepUP students wear purple cords when they graduate from Augsburg. GOING TO COLLEGE was never a part of Emily A.’s future plans. She dropped out of high school and eventually got her GED. When she first heard about StepUP®, she was in her late twenties and living in a sober house in St. Paul. “I thought my time had passed,” Emily said. “College was one of the mountains I just wasn’t going to climb.” But she called Augsburg and made an appointment with Patrice Salmeri, StepUP program director. “All the time she was talking to me, I was saying, ‘Yeah, yeah. Sounds great,’ but I had no intention of applying.” Then she met Chris Belbeck ’06, an admissions counselor and a StepUP alumnus. “He asked me, ‘What are you waiting for?’ and he wasn’t taking no for an answer.” So before she left campus that day, she had started filling out an application. Four years later, Emily graduated with honors from Augsburg this spring. “I didn’t have any goals when I was using,” she says. “But StepUP has taught me that I have amazing drive and potential.” Without StepUP, Emily says she doubts she would have even tried going to college. Since 1997, the StepUP program has helped students in recovery from addiction to alcohol and other drugs learn similar lessons about themselves. To date, more than 400 students from across the nation have participated and have maintained an 85% abstinence rate while in the program. They are successful in sobriety and in the classroom, earning a collective 3.2 GPA at Augsburg. For many StepUP graduates, the thought of going to college was at one time unimaginable—never mind staying sober in school and getting good grades. But the StepUP community has given many students in recovery the opportunity to contribute to society in ways they never thought they would. (Photo at left) Emily A. ’10 and Tyler P. ’11 The community is the program Several colleges and universities sponsor 12-step meetings and provide academic support or counseling services for students in recovery. But StepUP goes further by offering chemical-free housing for students in what they refer to as a collegiate recovery community. “The community is a safe place where you feel supported,” says Scott Washburn, the program’s assistant director. The students guard and protect the safety of the community by holding each other accountable. While they are involved in StepUP, students meet individually with a StepUP counselor each week. They are required to attend two 12-step meetings per week and to maintain an active working relationship with a sponsor. Students also attend a weekly StepUP community meeting where they hear from outside speakers, discuss program business, share service opportunities, and celebrate even the smallest of victories. “Getting an A on a math test or just making it to the first day of class, those are chances for us to celebrate,” says Salmeri. “The little things really make a difference.” Achieving success—in sobriety, academically, and in the community—is part of the StepUP culture. “We build positive community norms that are geared toward succeeding, growing, and doing well,” Washburn says. “That’s why it’s different. That’s why it works.” The other component of StepUP that makes it stand out from traditional recovery programs is that the program is constantly shaped by student input. In particular, students serve on the leadership team, which meets regularly with staff to share what is happening in the community and to keep the program moving in the right direction. “The students really take initiative to make changes for the better in the community,” Salmeri says. This mature partnership, where staff and students work together, gives students the confidence to develop into leaders. Salmeri adds, “I can see the potential in them, and it is our role to help them realize it within themselves.” A perfect fit The idea for StepUP began when two students at Augsburg approached Don Warren, the former director of Augsburg’s Summer 2010 13 Center for Learning and Adaptive Student Services (CLASS), to ask for his help. The students shared with Warren how being in college was difficult for them. They struggled not only with the usual day-to-day challenges of college life but also with staying clean and sober. Warren turned to Dave Hadden, then the educational and vocational liaison at Hazelden, for his help. Washburn, who worked with Hadden at that time, said Hadden had developed an educational and vocational packet for patients coming out of treatment “to get them thinking about their direction in life,” Washburn says, but they didn’t have a college to recommend. In fact, Washburn says, “We would discourage young people from going to college straight out of treatment. We told them they needed a year of sobriety first and a really solid foundation.” Warren and Hadden’s idea for a residential program that would offer counseling and support proved to be just the foundation students needed to transition from treatment to college. In the fall of 1997, 23 students moved into Anderson Hall to begin college and the StepUP program. Thirteen years later, the program serves 72 students who live in Oren Gateway Center, a chemical-free facility that is also home to the StepUP staff offices. Washburn believes the StepUP program and its students have flourished at Augsburg due in part to the values shared by the program and the College. “Augsburg’s culture is about providing access and helping all kinds of students get the support they need to be successful,” he says. “That’s perfect for students like ours.” Also, as a private liberal arts college of the ELCA, Washburn says the Augsburg community is open to conversations about spirituality. In 12-step programs, students learn to rely on a higher power or a God of their understanding. “We work really hard with students to help them define their meaning and purpose …” Washburn adds. 14 Augsburg Now Students receive a medallion when they complete the StepUP program. Part of that purpose is being of service to others, another value in line with Augsburg’s mission. “We help students find a vision and see that no matter what they do, they can make a difference in the world,” Washburn says. Making a difference means being of service to the community—not just the StepUP community or the recovery community but at Augsburg, in the city, and throughout the world. Success through service Being a part of the StepUP community helps students maintain sobriety because it gives them a chance to help others. Being “of service” is an essential component of any 12-step recovery program, whether it is by sponsoring others, sharing in meetings, or even making coffee. Tyler P. has learned that success in college can come through helping others, not just from studying. After he faced serious consequences from his drug use, Tyler entered treatment at Hazelden. One of his friends from treatment, the only one he knew who had stayed sober, was in StepUP. Tyler saw that the young man was a good student and that he wasn’t getting high or drunk. For Tyler, that kind of life was hard to imagine. He enrolled at Augsburg in 2008 and now participates in the StepUP community, sharing his experience with other men as a sponsor. “I’ve earned more As through being of service to others than when I white-knuckled it for eight hours cramming for a test,” he says. In recovery, Tyler has seen students transform their lives. “I’ve seen guys go from not being able to sweep the floor when they first get sober to being able to run meetings, get on the dean’s list, and participate in life.” And Tyler’s life has also been transformed. “I was not an all-star student in high school, but I’ve found a lot of success here.” He’s been on the dean’s list for three semesters and has developed a network of sober friends. Most importantly, Tyler says being a part of the community has given him the chance to practice the principles he’s learned in his recovery program. A new way of living Salmeri says StepUP also helps students learn that they are leaders and role models, not only for other students in recovery but for all members of the Augsburg community. Students can serve in formal leadership positions in StepUP, in student government, as a member of residence life, or by participating in athletics. But many also become role models to their peers simply by becoming the people they were meant to be. When Julia G. first learned about the StepUP program, she had only been sober for a few weeks. As time passed and she neared the six-month mark of her sobriety, the minimum requirement for acceptance into StepUP, Julia realized that going back to college was possible for her. While in the program, students in StepUP are required to live on campus. This meant that Julia, who had been living in a sober house where she was the youngest resident, would now be the oldest woman in her residence hall. For the first month, Julia says she felt out of place because of the age difference. “I thought I was unique because I had more life experience,” she says. “I judged the other girls.” Eventually Julia began to realize she was more like the other students than she had thought. “We all had different experiences, but we also had something very important in common.” That sense of belonging helped Julia form “intense, involved relationships” with the other students. “For the first time in my life, I was a trustworthy person. It meant a lot to me that the other women looked up to me.” Today Julia has a degree, a career she calls “fantastic,” and a relationship with her nine-year-old son. And she’s stayed sober for seven years. “I really turned into myself at Augsburg,” Julia says. “StepUP showed me that anything is possible.” Moving in the right direction Over the years, StepUP has provided a safe, supportive community for hundreds of students. The program has allowed them to achieve the goal of college graduation while also staying clean and sober—a goal that was at one time overshadowed by their addiction. And the confidence students gain in StepUP keeps them going in the right direction after they move on from Augsburg. Witnessing this achievement is a great joy for Salmeri and the other StepUP staff. “The privilege of my position as director is to witness the growth of each student as they experience the transition into mature adults,” she says. For 10 years, Salmeri says her dream job was to work for Augsburg in the StepUP program. “After eight years of working here, I can still say it is my dream job. I feel honored and humbled to work with the students and their families.” “I am your biggest fan” Every year the StepUP program celebrates the accomplishments of its graduates— those who have completed their studies at Augsburg as well as those who have completed their residency with StepUP and will move off campus. The StepUP graduation ceremony is a special time set aside to recognize the outstanding achievements of the StepUP students and for the Augsburg community to hear their inspirational stories. The theme, chosen by the students on the StepUP leadership council, was “I am your biggest fan.” These are sentiments shared by Patrice Salmeri, StepUP program director, at this year’s ceremony: “… let this statement sink deep into your soul. Write it on a rock. Etch it on a tree. I am your biggest fan. I am rooting for you all the way. And it has been this way since your first contact with the StepUP program. Through the ups and downs, the difficulties and celebrations, life’s twists and turns—I am your biggest fan! Your legacy here at Augsburg and the StepUP program has already been left, and it is more than enough! Whether it was a kind word you said or being a consistent friend in another’s life, you may never know. But each of you has left their mark on this place and it is forever changed because of your presence.” A tradition at the StepUP graduation is for a student to read from “The Awakening,” an anonymous poem about recovery. This is an excerpt from the poem: You learn that, for the most part, in life you get what you believe you deserve … and that much of life truly is a self-fulfilling prophecy. You learn that anything worth achieving is worth working for and that wishing for something to happen is different from working toward making it happen. More importantly, you learn that in order to achieve success you need direction, discipline, and perseverance. You also learn that no one can do it all alone and that it’s OK to risk asking for help. Summer 2010 15 1 10 So try to jog your memory bank and answer this question: Just when was the last time you were on the Augsburg campus? And we’re talking about really being on campus. You know, park the car, get out, walk around, go into a building. Because giving a little wave when you see the sign atop Mort as you cruise down Interstate 94 doesn’t count. Has it been a year? Two? Five? That’s all right. We’re not going to judge. Everybody is busy, you don’t always get to Cedar-Riverside, we get that. But we also know that sometimes you just need a little inspiration. And that’s why you need to keep reading. Because while you only need one reason to come back to campus and remember the role that Augsburg played in shaping your life, we’re going to give you 10. So stop by, check the place out, see how much it has changed. And be an Auggie. 10 reasons to come back to campus BY JEFF SHELMAN 16 Augsburg Now 1 0 OREN GATEWAY CENTER If it has truly been a while since you’ve been on campus, well, this is Augsburg’s new front door. Located on Riverside Avenue, the Oren Gateway Center is the newest building on campus. The multipurpose building has classrooms, residences, offices, meeting rooms, and common spaces. And if you want to learn about alumni programming, our Alumni and Constituent Relations folks are located on the third floor. . 2 Campus model Yes, we know the Augsburg campus has a new look to it. But it isn’t a finished product either. In the lobby of Oren Gateway Center is a model that depicts what Augsburg’s campus master plan looks like. You can see where the planned Center for Science, Business, and Religion will go. Once that is built, Augsburg’s urban campus will have green space from 20th Avenue to Kennedy Center. 3 GET SOME GEAR Let’s be honest, that Augsburg sweatshirt in your closet is looking pretty grungy, isn’t it? We can fix that. The Augsburg bookstore in Oren Gateway Center has many ways for you to show off some Auggie pride. A hat for the golf course? Check. A sweatshirt for fall weekends? Yep. Cool workout gear for the gym? We’ve got that too. Gear Summer 2010 17 4 EAT The food available on campus is no longer how you remember it. It isn’t mass produced and boring. It actually has, you know, flavor. The folks at Nabo, in Oren, will make a fresh sandwich or salad right before your eyes. There’s also homemade soup and even sushi. At the A-Club Grille in the lower level of Christensen Center, the options range from burgers to chicken sandwiches to wings, and fresh fries are an option. Our choice? We love Nabo’s Buffalo Chicken Sandwich (left). You’ll just need a few extra napkins. 5 VELKOMMEN JUL On the topic of eating, who doesn’t need some sweets as you head into Advent? Stop by campus on Friday, Dec. 3, and take part in the Augsburg tradition that honors our Scandinavian heritage. And if anybody can make treats the way your mother and grandmother did, it is the Augsburg Associates, a group of volunteers who support the College. 6 Athletic events For each of the past two years, Augsburg has been the most improved athletic program in the MIAC, and teams are making the playoffs with much greater frequency than ever before. Why not load up the family and watch some of our student-athletes show their Auggie pride? Our defending national champion wrestling team takes on rival Wartburg in the Battle of the ’Burgs on January 18, 2011. There’s a home football game each Saturday in September. Other schedules can be found at www.augsburg.edu/athletics. 18 Augsburg Now 8 7 Christensen Center We know how you work. You have a meeting somewhere in Minneapolis, it ends, and you proceed directly to Starbucks or Caribou. Right? If you’re near campus, why don’t you stop by Christensen Center? It’s a little different than last time you were here. Cooper’s will brew you up some good java and you can get a wi-fi password at the info desk. And you might meet some current Auggies. Art on campus There’s the Gage Family Art Gallery in Oren Gateway Center. There’s the Christensen Center Art Gallery. And there’s also a student gallery on the main level of Christensen. Stop by, see some of the cool stuff from local and Augsburg artists in the galleries and across campus. Exhibit information can be found at www.augsburg.edu/galleries. 9 DAILY CHAPEL There are days when you just need a little reflection, a reminder of what is really important. At Augsburg, there is time set aside to do just that. On Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 10:20 a.m. and on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11:20 a.m., a 20-minute chapel service is held during the academic year. While daily chapel is considered a given by Auggies, it is very much a rarity for liberal arts colleges. Stop by and take a break from your busy day. 10 Homecoming If you are only going to make one trip to Augsburg in the next year, make it for Homecoming weekend, Oct. 15-16. Among the highlights is the expanded Taste of Augsburg prior to the football game against Concordia Moorhead. After the game with the Cobbers, stick around for the Auggie Block Party and see old friends and classmates. Summer 2010 19 E H T M O R F LEARNING t n e m n o r i v n E BY WENDI WHEELER ’06 College students who take a literature course expect to do a lot of reading. But few who register for a course titled “Environmental Literature” would imagine being asked to go camping, wear the same clothing for a week, or borrow someone’s book and not return it. A student wouldn’t expect this—unless he or she had taken a course from Colin Irvine, associate professor of English and environmental studies. In order to encourage his students to experience the literal and literary landscape more deeply, students in Irvine’s spring semester course found themselves taking on some creative challenges. In addition to reading books and taking exams, students were asked to observe a spot in nature and note its changes over time, learn to identify Minnesota’s birds, wear the same outfit for one week, spend 24 hours in the great outdoors, and go “off the grid” for an entire weekend. The point of these unusual assignments was to challenge students to move outside of their comfort zones. “I wanted, as Thoreau suggested at the outset of Walden, to wake them up to help them see their world—not the distant world connected with wilderness but the one they inhabit daily—as being connected to a dynamic, ultimately dangerous living, evolving world. I wanted them, in short, to feel challenged, unsettled, unsafe,” Irvine says. “It’s a risk when you put these kind of things in the syllabus, but I got away with it.” On the following pages, students share some of their blog and journal entries about Irvine’s challenges. “I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.” HENRY DAVID THOREAU, WALDEN 20 Augsburg Now BECOME A BUDDING phenologist (pun intended) Select a plot of land and visit two to three times a week. Spend time in your place observing, recording, and reflecting on what you find, hear, note, and think. SPRING IN THE CITY It seems as if my professor was right in his recommendation to visit our sites twice a week. If I had followed his advice, perhaps I would be able to better appreciate my hillside. Where I stand right now, I am unsure as to how much has changed and how drastically so. The snow is slowly receding into an indistinguishable brown mass of diamond dirt. Wildlife can be heard through the dripping trees as well; the chattering squirrels, the squawking crows, the cooing mourning doves. Something that strikes me as I stand here is the indescribable sense of movement I feel from my site. The water from the once frozen crack in the concrete dam is now a dull trickle on the hill. In the right moment, a flash of sun bounces off of the stream and hits my eye. This sharp glint always jars me awake from my hypnotized state; I feel a bit silly admitting this, but I often lose myself in the sight of the hillside. It’s as if all of the attempts of description are fruitless as my words hold no candle to the majestic power of nature. The subtle movement of the water almost gives the land a pulse. With each trickle of the stream, the surrounding leaves shift and rearrange. The grass sways above the mud’s restless state and the flow of the dirty water draws me in; it’s almost as if the pulse of the hillside is acting as a siren. The movement in the grounds suggests a voice; a voice that beckons me to join with the land. To see my plot of land move, so see it breathe, this is an experience I have never had before. DAVE MADSEN ’11 THISONE’SFOR the birds Learn to identify the birds of Minnesota by their physical characteristics and by their calls. MARCH 1, 2010 I’m so pleased that now I know what a cardinal sounds like—a great mystery of my life, solved! There are three of them—two males and a huge female—that frequent my mulberry bushes and the neighbor’s tree, but somehow I’ve never made the connection before that they’re the ones whose song I wake up early to on work days. I’ve been late more than once on my way to the coffee shop; I can’t help but pause and watch them hop and flutter from branch to branch, circling each other in some birdish dance that I suspect is carefully organized, though I can’t tell what they’re doing. The downside of my new bird watching discovery is that I can’t whistle. When my dad would take me hiking as a little kid, I was constantly fascinated by his ability not only to identify birds by their calls but also to repeat them, and I’ve tried my whole life but never learned how to do the same. When I was five, I remember writing a list of things I had to learn how to do: zip zippers, cartwheel, snap my fingers, raise one eyebrow, tie my own shoes, and whistle. The cartwheel and the whistle have never been checked off. DALEY KONCHAR FARR ’13 Summer 2010 21 GOINGOFF the grid Go off the grid for three days—a Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Though there are many reasons tied to this course that I am presenting you with this challenge, here are four of the most important: first, when we are plugged in, we are often tuned out to the natural sights and sounds specific and central to this course’s focus on landscape; second, when we are off the grid, we are more inclined to sync with those around us, an important consideration given the emphasis in this course on communities; third, unplugging means consuming less and thus preserving/conserving more; fourth (though not finally), much of today’s communications-based technology reinforces the idea that having instant access to information in small bits represents progress. Jessica was determined to go off the grid one weekend, but she was waiting for important news from her family. She received the call and then checked her e-mail to find a message from her graduate school program, which required her to log on and register for classes. She didn’t make it entirely off the grid—she didn’t call anyone and checked e-mail only twice a day. She wrote, “But I know, deep down, that this doesn’t count.” GOING OFF THE GRID: MISSION IMPOSSIBLE (EXCERPT) I have become entirely trapped in our mechanized society. The demands placed on me are not the be-all and end-all of the world, but it is easy to define them as such. This being said, I do not completely resent the technology I have allowed to enter my life. My family has always been very close, and even now, as a senior in college, my parents call me at least three times a week to check in. I do not resent their phone calls, but I relish the contact I have with my family, it helps me feel connected to them. In the same way, some close friends that do not go to school here talk to me via various types of communication. It helps to keep us together when we cannot be physically together. I think there is a danger in setting aside the people we are physically present with for those who are distances away, but there is also a danger in shunning people we could be communicating with for those that are closer. I don’t think technology is evil; it, like everything else, can be used poorly and abused. The key is to use it wisely. I would like to try to go off-grid some other time, because there is no way to understand how to truly utilize technology if we don’t know what life is like without it. JESSICA FANASELLE ’10 “Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountain is going home; that wildness is necessity; that mountain parks and reservations are useful not only as fountains of timber and irrigating rivers, but as fountains of life.” JOHN MUIR 22 Augsburg Now Bear Grylls HASGOT NOTHINGONYOU By the end of spring break, spend 24 uninterrupted hours in Minnesota’s great outdoors. 3/21 IT’S FREEZING!! We didn’t anticipate these temperatures. The night dragged on, freezing temperatures resulted in tossing and turning and shivering all night. I think we all learned a valuable lesson—it’s impossible to share a mummy bag. 24 hours later and the land seems unchanged except for the layer of frost that confirmed the freeze. It seemed like time froze along with the water in the bottle outside of the tent (note: always take the time to tuck the water bottle UNDER the tarp INSIDE the tent). It was hard to fully appreciate the hours without sun. No sleep, the shivers, numb toes, sounds like initiation criteria. It’s amazing how a few hours of pain and uncomfortable conditions can change how you feel about the outdoors, I’d been winter camping twice before but this was definitely more of a challenge. We may have underestimated the amount of preparation and anticipation that was needed but by morning it didn’t matter. MATIE MINASIE ’11 CAN I BORROW your book? Borrow Daniel Quinn’s Ishmael: An Adventure of the Mind and Spirit from someone—perhaps a stranger—and then convince that person to let you give the book away to someone else. I USED TO BELIEVE I used to believe, before coming to Augsburg, that ‘try’ was a useless word. I used to believe that if something couldn’t be accomplished fully, successfully, it wasn’t worth much. I used to believe that everything I did meant only what value could be found in final products. I think my journey away from this belief has taken place slowly over the last four years but it seems perfect and fitting to me that this Environmental Literature class, with its challenges, has come at the end of my Augsburg education. The challenges of this curriculum represent everything I was wrong about before coming here. Education, growth, things of beauty and worth are rarely born from end products. Trying to spend 24 hours outside, trying to spend a week not planning outfits each morning, trying to memorize Minnesota birds, trying to find a copy of Ishmael that someone would let me borrow then give away, trying to spend hours writing outdoors in the bitterness of February, these attempts taught me more about myself and the world around me than easily succeeding ever could have. Some of the challenges I completed, some I completed creatively, and some I failed but I don’t feel that any taught me less than another. Find all the Environmental Literature challenges at www.augsburg.edu/now One of the best examples of all this, I think, was the challenge to find a copy of Ishmael to borrow and give away. In my search, I learned who around me had read the book and wanted to talk about it when I’d finished (though none from that group still had the copy they’d read), who wanted to borrow it from me when I was done, and what it would mean for me to give up a book that had no intention of coming back to me in physical form. Now I understand, in a way I didn’t before, that a conversation with my father (who will receive Ishmael from me) about the book is worth more that the book’s long life on my shelf. When I couldn’t find a copy of Ishmael from anyone I knew, I ended up making a trade for the book at a used bookstore in St. Paul. “Ishmael?” the girl behind the counter said as she handed it over, “this book will change your life.” Having finished reading it, I know she was right but that she may not have understood entirely what she was saying. The book has changed my life, to be sure, but the journey to find it and the conversations that will come are life-changing things as well. We do not grow through successes, final products, and exams but through journeys, challenges, and trying things once, twice, or fifty times without fear of the result. MOLLY BUDKE ’10 Summer 2010 23 MARK MATZEK It was spring 2007 and Mark Matzek ’05 couldn’t sleep. He was 25 years old, had just finished his first full year of teaching mathematics at Apple Valley High School, and suddenly was faced with a significant life decision. Ever since deciding to become a high school teacher, Matzek’s goal was to return to his hometown of Ellsworth, Wis., coach his nephews on the wrestling mat, and teach math to his nieces. With only two coaches over the past 60 years, Ellsworth had become a wrestling power in Wisconsin, and continuing that interested Matzek. But Matzek was also an Auggie. The three-time All-American and two-time national champion had spent two years as a part-time assistant coach at his alma mater. So, three years ago Matzek had to make a choice. A math position opened in Ellsworth and plans would be made to make him the coach-in-waiting. At the same time, Jeff Swenson retired as Augsburg’s wrestling coach, the assistant coach was promoted, and Matzek was offered the full-time assistant coach position. “I kept waking up thinking Augsburg was the right choice,” Matzek says. Turns out it was. BACK ON TOP AT NO. 1 Fast forward three years and Matzek doesn’t have some of the worries that many 28-year-olds have. He doesn’t worry about whether that promotion is really going to happen. He doesn’t fret about that next job. And he isn’t in that wondering-what-is-next mode that seems to go along with that time of one’s life. 24 Augsburg Now Nine years on the mats BY JEFF SHELMAN Fresh off a Colorado vacation filled with mountain climbing, Matzek couldn’t be more comfortable with where he is. And for good reason. Sitting in his Kennedy Center office, Matzek has two pieces of serious hardware within arm’s reach. The first is for the NCAA Division III wrestling national championship that Augsburg won in March. The second is for Matzek being named Division III Coach of the Year. “There is no ‘what’s next’,” says Matzek, the youngest coach to ever win a Division III title. “This is where I want to be. It’s Augsburg. This is the premier small wrestling school in America. This is a dream job.” And this winter, the Augsburg wrestling program truly became Matzek’s program. With former coach/program architect/athletic director Jeff Swenson ’79 simply a spectator, Matzek led the Auggies to one of its most successful seasons in school history. The Auggies simply didn’t lose. A team with great balance, Augsburg was perfect in dual meets; it won every tournament it entered and the Auggies closed the season by winning their 11th national championship in the past 20 years. It was a season that included dual meet victories over the teams that finished both first and second in the Division II championship and a drama-free Division III national championship in which Augsburg clinched the title before the championship matches began. While there were certainly questions about whether Matzek would be able to keep the Augsburg wrestling program at the same level—the fact that he looks both younger than his age and younger than some of his wrestlers didn’t help—there is little question now. “I couldn’t be happier for Mark; they got the monkey off their back,” Swenson says. “You win one and then you don’t have to answer the question any longer. And I couldn’t be happier that I had nothing to do with it.” Matzek says he didn’t feel pressure to win that first title, but he also knows that there were people nationally who expected a misstep. “If Augsburg was ever going to falter, it was going to be the last two years,” he says. “And we finished second and first.” BUMPS ALONG THE WAY It was a little more than two years ago when Swenson walked into Matzek’s office and asked him to serve as the program’s interim coach. It was the end of July, the school year was less than six weeks from starting and Matzek was handed the keys. “Was I prepared as well as others in the nation? No,” Matzek says. “But I didn’t want it to go outside the Augsburg family. I didn’t really know what I had agreed to until I went home and told my wife.” The next eight months were a blur for Matzek, who at times was just trying to stay a step ahead of his wrestlers and make it to the next day. Because in addition to leading the Auggies, he was also part of the way through a graduate program at Concordia-St. Paul, a program that was much more manageable when he was an assistant coach. “I had three full-time jobs,” he joked. “I had Augsburg, I had my master’s program, and I had my wife. Our guys would study and I’d be there working on my homework at the same time.” Summer 2010 25 MARK MATZEK AT AUGSBURG 2001-05: Student-athlete Two individual national championships Three-time All-American The team won two national titles and had two runner-up finishes. 2005-2008: Assistant coach Augsburg won the 2007 national championship and finished third in both 2006 and 2008. 2008-09: Interim head coach Team rose to No. 1 in the national rankings and won the National Duals. 2009-10: Permanent head coach The Auggies completed a perfect season, winning every dual meet and tournament. Augsburg won its 11th Division III national championship in the past 20 years. Matzek was named Division III Coach of the Year. The Auggies finished second at the NCAA championships. While athletics may not be as cutthroat at the Division III level as it is, say, in the Big Ten, contests are still scored and it isn’t intramurals. “I didn’t want to just hold on and be a bridge from one coach to another,” Matzek says. “I wanted to win the title for those guys. It was a year of extreme highs and extreme lows for me. I was learning to manage all of the different guys, manage personalities and figure out that not all athletes were like me when I was in college.” Matzek was certainly more than just the guy to get Augsburg by. The Auggies defeated rival Wartburg, won the Division III National Duals, and entered the NCAA Championships ranked No. 1 in the country. “I knew we didn’t have as good of a tournament team as we did a dual meet team,” Matzek says. “We had a couple of injuries, and we had a couple of matches that didn’t go our way. After the first day I knew it was going to be tough.” The Auggies finished second, but Matzek did enough to ensure his future as Augsburg’s head coach. While the search 26 Augsburg Now committee did bring in two outside candidates to interview for the position, Matzek was hired. “Given the circumstances, he did a great job,” Swenson says. “We were a lowly-ranked team and he took us to the No. 1 ranking and a second-place finish. There was a real strong assumption with the committee that he had done a good enough job.” IN THE RIGHT PLACE NOW While Matzek has been a head coach for only two seasons—and only one season in which he knew the job was really his—he has impressed the guy who is both his boss and the architect of the Augsburg program. “I think Mark has become a quick expert at preparing his teams for competition,” Swenson says. “I think he gets it. I believe he has taken the Augsburg system and tweaked it to have Mark Matzek’s name on it. He’s done it by having a keen sense of what athletes need. “He’s a lot closer in age to his wrestlers. He knows how it feels to go through this. He’s really in tune to when the guys need to be pushed, need a day off, need rest.” Like anyone in a new job, the second year was easier for Matzek than the first. He had a better understanding of what the job entailed, there were fewer surprises, and he could learn from both high points and challenges of his first year. And when the Auggies reached the NCAA Championships, Matzek knew the work had been done. “I don’t want to sound cocky or arrogant, but we expected [the national championship], we expected to win it,” he says. “It wasn’t a real surprise.” While Swenson was happy for Matzek, Matzek was happy for his boss. “It was big for Augsburg wrestling to win it without Jeff in the wrestling room, it was a big relief for him and the search committee,” Matzek says. “They took a chance and it worked out.” And, as a result, Matzek is exactly where he wants to be. m c Making Connections making connections In theatre, as in life, finding success is often about who you know. But knowing the right people isn’t enough. In order to build the foundation for a thriving career in theatre, students need to form and maintain connections with the people and the places that make up the “theatre scene.” Perhaps this is one of the most important lessons that Augsburg theatre students learn. Through participation in AugSem, the Artist Series, internships, and by attending some of the hundreds of productions staged throughout the Twin Cities every year, stu- dents are challenged to go away from Augsburg, and sometimes outside of their comfort zones, in order to make connections in the BY WENDI WHEELER ’06 theatre community. Summer 2010 27 CONNECTING TO THE CITY From the beginning of her Augsburg education, Tessa Flynn ’05 says she was encouraged to get involved in the city. A theatre arts and mass communication major, she was particularly interested in the role of theatre in the public school system. She was fortunate to land an internship with the Children’s Theatre Company following her sophomore year, an opportunity that served as her introduction to critical literacy in the classroom. The Children’s Theatre’s Neighborhood Bridges program was started in 1997 by Jack Zipes, fairy tale scholar, and the Children’s Theatre Company artistic director, Peter Brosius. Using a variety of mediums such as theatre arts, storytelling, and creative writing, students work through issues in their lives and develop critical thinking and communication skills. “It’s like a little poison, this whole critical literacy thing,” Flynn says. “It gets in your system, and your teaching is forever changed.” Before Flynn’s last year of school, sociology professor Garry Hesser encouraged her to get involved with the Project for Pride in Living college house in the Phillips neighborhood. She lived there with other college students and tutored middle school students from the community. “I saw that my students needed to break a cycle of violence and poverty, and I became even more convinced that theatre could be an important part of that process,” Flynn says. “Being in the city, you get to have the Guthrie and so many other theatres as an extension of the classroom.” KATIE KOCH ’01/’05 Now Flynn is the community engagement manager and a teaching artist with the Bridges program at Children’s Theatre. She works with students in grades 3–8 and has 22 classrooms where she spends two hours a week. Flynn says the Bridges program engages multiple learning styles and allows students to recognize their individual skills. “When I see students shine in Bridges, who in other areas of the school day are thought of as low-achieving or who hide in the shadows, I am convinced that this is important work.” Flynn says she is grateful for the opportunities she had at Augsburg. “I don’t know if I would be where I am now if not for the encouragement of faculty to get involved in the city.” 28 Augsburg Now Katie Koch ’01/’05 also made many connections in the city that led her on a circuitous path—from campus to downtown Minneapolis to New York and back to Augsburg with a few more stops in between. Koch started out as a music major, but when her high school drama teacher took a position as stage manager at Hey City Theatre, longtime home of Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding, Koch was given an opportunity to assist him. She worked as the assistant stage Katie Koch ’01/’05 manager and as an actor in Tony n’ Tina’s Wedding at Hey City for three years while she was in school. “I would be in Augsburg Choir with my hair in pin curls,” Koch said, “because I literally had to go straight from rehearsal to the theater.” She says it was the advice of Sonja Thompson, a piano instructor and vocal coach at Augsburg, that finally convinced her she could leave the music department. “She said, ‘You’re doing all this work in theatre … you don’t have to be a music major,’” Koch says. Instead of declaring a new major, Koch left school to stage manage the next show at Hey City, Smokey Joe’s Cafe. She then became an assistant stage manager for the Minnesota Opera, went on to work with Glimmerglass Opera in Cooperstown, N.Y., and freelanced as a stage manager from Milwaukee to Miami. Eventually she came back to Augsburg and completed a degree in theatre. Koch, who was by then a theatre veteran, found herself in the classroom with younger students. “It was interesting to be tossed in with a group of young, eager students,” she says. But she formed relationships with students and even became a mentor to some. “It was exciting to watch such a talented group of artists learn and get ready to begin their careers.” After school, Koch worked at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts until a friend encouraged her to respond to a posting for the assistant to the director of the Guthrie. She went through several interviews including a very brief interview with Joe Dowling who, she says, asked her mostly about the professionals she’d worked with in her career. “I guess he’d already made the decision to hire me,” she says. She’s worked with Dowling now for three years. Koch maintains connections to Augsburg, sometimes serv- “I knew my experience at Augsburg wouldn’t end after graduation.” LEE FISHER ’06 Summer 2010 29 Justin Hooper ’07 (left) and Michael Kelley ’05 ing as a guest lecturer and hosting Augsburg student groups who visit the Guthrie. “A huge advantage for Augsburg and the theatre department is the city,” Koch says. “Being in the city, you get to have the Guthrie and so many other theaters as an extension of the classroom.” She adds that anytime she gets a chance to talk to Augsburg students, she tells them to take advantage of the opportunities to see high-quality performances in the city. “I say you need to sit in the seats and watch … this is your practicum.” GOING BEHIND THE SCENES Each year many aspiring actors come to Augsburg hoping to make a name for themselves onstage. And while many do just that, they also sometimes discover and develop their calling to work behind the scenes by getting involved backstage. This was the case for Lee Fisher ’06, Michael Kelley ’05, and Justin Hooper ’07. All three were very talented actors who performed in a variety of roles while at Augsburg, but each one also learned a lot about his craft while working on the technical side of shows. Fisher, who has taught English and directed the theatre program for five years at Robbinsdale Armstrong High School in Plymouth, says that being a stage manager was an important part of his education. “When I was behind the scenes, it wasn’t 30 Augsburg Now about me. As an educator that has been very helpful,” he says. “Success happens when the focus is on what the students need and how I can help them.” Today he directs two major productions a year and frequently draws on his connections with Augsburg theatre faculty for advice about organizing shows. He’s sought out professors Michael Burden ’85, Martha Johnson, and Darcey Engen ’88 for help on developing a curriculum and organizing a show, and he says he wouldn’t be able to do what he’s done without their help. Fisher also stays in touch with education and English faculty who were instrumental in his education because he values the professional connections. “I knew my experience at Augsburg wouldn’t end after graduation,” Fisher says. He adds that his Augsburg professors continue to be sources of guidance and friendship. “That commitment to bringing in outside artists puts Augsburg one step higher than other college programs.” JUSTIN HOOPER ’07 Kelley and Hooper also had eye-opening experiences working backstage at Augsburg. Kelley says he came to college wanting to be a professional actor but became interested in other career possibilities after working in Augsburg’s scene shop for four years. And Hooper says his experience was all-encompassing because he worked on- and offstage. “There was always a lot of good discussion,” he adds, noting that theatre majors tended to spend a lot of time together and to continue their classroom discussions outside of class. “You see that everything in theatre is so connected.” Hooper is grateful for the opportunities he had to work with and get to know guest artists while he was a student. “In theatre, it’s all about who you know,” Hooper says. In addition to meeting professionals through faculty connections, he and all theatre students work with actors, directors, and designers from the community on Augsburg productions. “That commitment to bringing in outside artists puts Augsburg one step higher than other college programs.” The connections they made while studying theatre at Augsburg have contributed to their busy and sometimes complicated professional careers. Since graduation, they have acted in and directed shows, painted and designed sets, and written original and adapted works. They’ve been from Winona, Minn., to Acadia, Maine, and back. And now, in addition to maintaining their day jobs, the two are putting their blood, sweat, and tears into managing 3AM Productions, a small local theatre company. At 3AM, Kelley says they draw on their connections with other artists in the community to create unique and multidimensional productions. “We want every show to be something people aren’t used to seeing,” he says. He adds that they strive to provide a well-rounded “big theatre” experience to the patrons who are supporting their small theatre. “I think it’s what we do well.” During and after college, Steen worked in the box office at the Ordway Center for the Performing Arts. An actor friend there suggested she become a dramaturg, and eventually she went to Columbia to pursue an MFA. “When students see other actors on the great stages of this city, they can read their bios and see their training, and that helps them see how to get from Augsburg’s stage to another.” CARLA STEEN ’91 Because she had very little experience in the “creative side” of theatre, Steen says her MFA was an immersion experience. “I said, ‘Oh, so this is how all this works.’” Today Steen says it is interesting to come back to Augsburg because as a student she wasn’t really involved with the theatre department. She has taught and been a guest lecturer at the College, and she tries to see at least one production a year. Steen says theatre students in the Twin Cities are fortunate because of the opportunities to meet and see high-quality actors, directors, and artists. “When students see other actors on the great FINDING YOUR STAGE It takes more than theatre majors and faculty and staff to stage a production. Often many non-majors get involved in theatre in college but don’t end up in “the business” until later in life. Carla Steen ’91 is one student whose path to professional theatre went through the English and history departments at Augsburg. As a first-year student, she ran the light board for Julie Bolton’s production of Macbeth—with a set designed by Burden (then a graduate student at the University of Minnesota) and starring Engen as Lady Macbeth. But that was the end of her participation in theatre at Augsburg as a student. Instead, Steen, who has worked at the Guthrie for 12 years as a dramaturg and publications manager, studied literary criticism with English professor Doug Green and worked on a senior honors project under his direction. She also researched Shakespearean history and sources for her history senior seminar taught by Richard Nelson, now professor emeritus. “In many ways, that was the beginning of me thinking that research for theatre was an interesting thing I could do,” Steen says. Carla Steen ’91 Summer 2010 31 “We hire people because they are active and are creating their own work, not waiting for someone … And they also have some other passions that aren’t about theatre.” JENNI LILLEDAHL ’87 Jenni Lilledahl ’87 stages of this city, they can read their bios and see their training, and that helps them see how to get from Augsburg’s stage to another.” Another student who played a minor role at Augsburg and went on to a thriving career in theatre is Jenni Lilledahl ’87. As a student, Lilledahl took courses with Ailene Cole, now professor emerita. “She seemed like she lived and breathed theatre and was completely consumed with passion for the forum,” Lilledahl says. “She influenced me as an artist, and I always admired her from a distance.” Though Lilledahl took courses to obtain a minor in theatre, she felt the need to study in a more lucrative field. “I remember hearing voices saying, ‘You have to pay the bills and have a reliable income.’” Lilledahl majored in communication and public relations. After graduating and working in corporate public relations, she decided to try the “comedy thing,” so she started taking improvisation classes and met her future husband, John Sweeney. Eventually she jumped off the corporate ladder so that she and Sweeney could pursue their dreams, and the couple moved to Chicago 32 Augsburg Now and worked at The Second City. Then in 1997, along with Mark Bergren, the couple bought the Brave New Workshop from its founder, Dudley Riggs. “John and I had three or so years of experience in theatre but had a lot more business experience,” Lilledahl says. “I guess we were sort of the oddballs of the theatre community, but Dudley appreciated that we could manage the business as well as the artistic side.” As the current co-owner of Brave New Workshop and executive director of the Brave New Institute, Lilledahl oversees the theatre’s school, which reaches more than 150 students a week, and she conducts improvisation workshops around the country. She is also on the board for Gilda’s Club Twin Cities, an organization that provides emotional and social support for families impacted by cancer. Lilledahl returns to Augsburg at least once a year to speak in chapel. Often her advice to students, which she says is based on years of seeing who gets work and who doesn’t, is to get as much stage time as they can—wherever, whenever, and however—and to have a life outside of the theatre. “We hire people because they are active and are creating their own work, not waiting for someone,” she says. “And they also have some other passions that aren’t about theatre.” Lilledahl adds that an actor’s experiences outside of theatre help them bring life to a script and creativity to the stage. And perhaps that is what makes all these alumni successful. At Augsburg students are trained as actors, directors, and technicians, but they also learn how to become involved in their community as artists and as informed citizens. They understand that making connections is important to their careers and to their personal lives as well. They’re encouraged to explore many aspects of theatre, to develop their craft, and to work and learn at Augsburg and in the city. More than blocking and movement or scene study and character analysis, these are the lessons that will stick with them as they make their mark on the world’s stage. auggie alumni news From the Alumni Board president … Dear fellow alumni, ummer is in full swing, and that means one thing— lots of activities to enjoy with our families. Nobody celebrates summer quite as well as Minnesotans, and at Augsburg we are no exception. The Alumni Board has a number of family-friendly events planned for 2010 and 2011, and we hope you’ll join us! The annual Auggie Day at the Races, held at Canterbury Park on August 5, usually attracts more than 700 Augsburg alumni. It’s a wonderful opportunity for the whole family to enjoy an evening together. If you didn’t get to it this year, we hope to see you at Canterbury next year. Another summer favorite is the Minnesota State Fair. When you attend the “Great Minnesota Get-Together” this year, be sure to visit the Augsburg booth in the Education Building and tell us what you’re up to these days. Believe it or not, Homecoming is just around the corner—October 10–16. This year’s events feature something for everyone, including continuing education classes, Auggie Author Book Signing, alumni concerts, 5K fun run, football game against the Concordia-Moorhead Cobbers, and much more. Don’t forget to stop by the Alumni Board booth at the Taste of Augsburg to learn how to get involved. This fun event has been expanded with more carnival-style booths for a great time for the whole family. The mission of the Alumni Board is to connect alumni with the College to enjoy the events, friendships, and company of fellow Auggies. Each year the board has a planning session to ensure that we support our mission to provide great, compelling programs that renew and sustain your interest in Augsburg. Some ideas for this year include an expansion of the Uniquely Augsburg series, similar to June’s Dead Sea Scrolls event at the Science Museum that featured Professor Phil Quanbeck II; networking events; volunteer opportunities; lectures featuring Augsburg’s beloved faculty; and more. Augsburg was a gateway to the future for us as students. Now, as alumni, we put the lessons we learned from Augsburg’s unequaled education into action every day. Thanks to the life-altering experiences we share because of our alma mater, those of us on the Alumni Board work hard to unite the alumni of Augsburg College. Enjoy the rest of the summer! I look forward to seeing you at the many alumni events. s Sincerely, Welcome, new Alumni Board members! At its June meeting, the Augsburg College Alumni Board welcomed four new members who will serve three-year terms. Tracy Anderson is a third generation Auggie. She graduated in 1995 with a major in communication and a minor in business administration. Tracy attended Augsburg as a post-secondary student, studied as a day student, and completed her degree in Weekend College. She is a realtor with Edina Realty in Edina, and looks forward to networking with alumni and becoming involved in the Augsburg community. Christopher Ascher, a 1981 graduate with a major in finance and minor in psychology, played on Augsburg’s soccer team and is an A-Club member. He is senior vice president and a branch manager for Morgan Stanley Smith Barney in Bloomington. He enjoyed meeting more than 80 alumni as host of the January alumni winetasting event. Sarah Grans is a youth and family ministry graduate from 2001, also with a minor in psychology. She is director of outreach and faith formation at St. Peder’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Minneapolis. As a student she was active in Campus Ministry and was co-commissioner during her senior year. She wants to give back to Augsburg and reconnect alumni in meaningful ways. Sharon Mercill graduated with a bachelor’s degree in nursing in 2009 in Rochester and is currently a student in the Master of Arts in Nursing program. When she attended an Alumni Board meeting for a study project and enjoyed connecting with other alumni, she decided to become more involved and join the board. She is the RN study coordinator of breast cancer research at Mayo Clinic in Rochester. JOHN STADLER ’07 MAL PRESIDENT OF THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION Summer 2010 33 auggie alumni news Eye-Opener Breakfasts and Speaker Series Are you looking for an opportunity to hear from Twin Cities business leaders? Are you interested in a chance to network with fellow Augsburg alums? Well, Augsburg— through a pair of programs—has opportunities for you. The Eye-Opener Breakfast Series is for Augsburg alumni who want to network and learn from either a business leader or an Augsburg professor. The Strommen Executive Leader Speaker Series provides opportunities for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends to hear from high-level business executives. Here’s a look at the first speakers of the next academic year for both programs with dates to mark on your calendar. President Pribbenow and members of the Alumni Board celebrated with graduating day program seniors at their reception in May. (L to R) Rob Wagner ’02, John Stadler ’07 MAL, Holly (Ebnet) Knutson ’03, ’07 MBA, President Pribbenow, Dale Hanka ’60, Dan Hickle ’95, and Jennifer Carlson ’91. Eye-Opener Breakfast Series: The first event of the 2010-11 academic year will be held on Thursday, Sept. 30. In addition to breakfast and networking, attendees will hear from Nate Garvis, former vice president of government affairs and senior public relations officer for Target Corporation. Garvis will present his thoughts on innovative ways to share the work of building prosperous communities. Other EyeOpener Breakfasts will be held in 2011 on January 25 and May 10. The Eye-Opener Breakfasts are held at Town and Country Club in St. Paul, from 7–9 a.m. The cost is $5 person, which includes breakfast. RSVP by September 27 at www.augsburg.edu/alumnievents. Strommen Executive Leader Speaker Series: Richard Davis, CEO of U.S. Bank, will be the featured speaker for the first event of the academic year on November 18, at 5 p.m., in Sateren Auditorium. Additional events will be held on February 3 and April 7, 2011. The speaker series is free and held on campus. 34 Augsburg Now 2010 Augsburg graduates were excited to join the Alumni Association as they celebrated their achievements at the Senior Reception. (L to R) Lisa Yankauskas, Rosine Johnson, Brenna McHugh, and Barbara Simmons. go es i g g u a Ruth A. Schmidt ’52—Distinguished alumna and educator Ruth Schmidt, the first female president of Agnes Scott College, benefactor to Augsburg’s Women’s Resource Center, and Distinguished Alumna, died on May 24 in Decatur, Ga. Schmidt graduated summa cum laude in 1952 with a major in English and minors in Spanish and library science. She continued to study Spanish, earning master’s and doctoral degrees, and taught Spanish at the high school and college levels, including at Wheaton College and the State University of New York at Albany. After her appointment as dean of humanities at SUNY Albany, she went on to become president of Agnes Scott College in Decatur, Ga., until her retirement in 1994. She remained active in retirement through travel, international development work, women’s social justice issues, and peace initiatives. Her legacy at Agnes Scott includes establishment of study abroad programs, and increased diversity among faculty and students. Professor Emerita Ruth Aaskov ’52 was a classmate of Schmidt’s, and they became lifelong friends. As students, both were close to Anne Pederson, their English professor and mentor. When Augsburg established the Women’s Resource Center in 2000, it was named in memory of Pederson and funded by a generous gift from Schmidt. 0 1 0 2 G N M O HOMEC e it! 2010 c n e i r e exp Block off your calendar for the weekend of October 15–16 and return to campus for Homecoming 2010’s fun-filled festivities. The Homecoming Convocation kicks off the weekend on Friday, Oct. 15, when First Decade, Spirit of Augsburg, and Distinguished Alumni Award winners will be recognized. Professor Emeritus Philip Quanbeck Sr. ’50 will provide the keynote remarks at the Homecoming Convocation Luncheon. A number of Augsburg Experience lifelong-learning sessions are scheduled for Friday afternoon. In addition, the Auggie Author Book Signing and reading will take place prior to the Welcome Back Banquet. If you come to Saturday’s football game against the Concordia Cobbers, plan to get to campus long before the 1 p.m. kickoff. The day begins at 9:30 a.m. with the Come back for Homecoming October 10–16 family-friendly Anderson Hall Homecoming 5K Fun Run, and campus tours are available from 10 a.m. until noon. Three hours prior to kickoff, the Taste of Augsburg in Murphy Square will feature carnival-style booths operated by student groups, alumni, and local restaurants. In addition to carnival-style food, there will be games, inflatable bounce houses, and fun for the whole family. Back by popular demand is the Auggie Block Party (in Parking Lot K, between Melby Hall and Riverside Ave.) following the football game. Join alumni, students, and friends for food, entertainment, and camaraderie. Join fellow Auggies and music lovers after the Block Party for a celebration concert in Hoversten Chapel honoring Professor Stephen “Gabe” Gabrielsen ’63. Go to www.augsburg.edu/homecoming for information. Summer 2010 35 alumni class notes Stan Nelson, Andover, Minn., Jerilyn (Bjugstad) Wibbens, 43was selected as one of the 67Mukilteo, Wash., founded the World War II veterans whose service would be honored by flying them to Washington, D.C., at no cost, to visit the World War II memorial. Stan is the last survivor of four Navy officers from a landing craft that participated in the D-Day invasion in June 1944; he still attends annual reunions. Northwest Nordic Ladies Chorus, based in Everett, Wash., to keep singing the Norwegian songs she learned in her family and to learn songs from the other Nordic countries. They regularly perform at Scandinavian events and senior centers. Vera (Peterson) Rachuy, West- Peter Agre was honored in 52brook, Minn., a retired 70June, along with four other teacher, discovered a love and talent for painting that began during a prolonged and severe winter when she started to sketch her and her daughter’s dogs. graduates of Norwegian Lutheran colleges, with the “Going Viking” Award by Norway House in Minneapolis. The award recognizes the contributions of Norwegian Americans to the region. Rev. Darryl Torrin, Cedar Falls, 66Iowa, retired on July 1 after serving for 39 years in active parish ministry. For the past 13 years, he has served at St. John Maxfield Evangelical Lutheran Church in rural Denver, Iowa, where a retirement celebration was held on June 6. Alvina Strand Skogen, Eppen, N.D., is serving a two-year term as president of Western North Dakota Synodical Women’s Organization (Women of the ELCA). David Siedlar received the “Model Worker Award” from the Communist 71Party, City of Huaian, Jiangsu Province, China, in April, which was published in the party newspaper. Michael Good, Raritan, N.J., 71president and CEO of Sotheby's International Realty Affiliates, LLC, and chair of the Augsburg College Board of Regents, was named to the Inman 100, a list of the top 100 most influential leaders in real estate for 2009 by Inman News. department at Lake Superior College in Duluth. She has a master’s degree in business administration from the University of St. Thomas, a master’s degree in education from College of St. Scholastica, and a graduate certificate in educational computing and technology from University of Minnesota-Duluth. Kathy (Langemo) Dugdale, Su- 72perior, Wis., was named director of the business services Annette (Olsen) Hustad, Glenwood, Minn., is “Lena” in the comedy singing duo, “Tina and Lena,” along with Susan “Tina” Edwards. For 25 years, they have entertained audiences in the Upper Midwest and farther with music, humor, and fun. With degrees in music therapy and music education, she taught K-12 music for 10 years. In April they performed at the Lifestyles Expo in Alexandria. Lois (Wennen) Larson, White 80Bear Lake, Minn., was named to a one-year appointment as interim financial aid director at Metropolitan State University in Minneapolis, effective Feb. 1. Joan (Maland) Mussa was re- 81cently named senior vice presiParticipants in the Master of Arts in Leadership study and cultural tour of Norway in June pause for a group photo in the mountain resort town of Geilo. Twenty-eight Augsburg faculty, alumni, students, and friends of the College took part in the customized MAL program done in conjunction with Diakonhjemmet University College in Oslo, Augsburg experts on Norway, and CrossingBorders travel company in the Twin Cities. Pictured are Ruth and Raymond Burgau; Paul ’65, Priscilla ’65, David, Karen, Andrew, Lynnsey, and Erika Fieldhammer; Professor Douglas Green; John Grafstrom and Carol Sime ’73; Pete and Glenda Holste ’05 MAL; Lucinda Hruska-Claeys ’10 MAL; Paul ’80 and Rebecca Kilgore; Professor Lynn Lindow; Roger and Linda Nielsen; Angeline and Jeanne Nelson ’09 MBA; Professor Norma Noonan; Patty ’02 MAL and Warren Park; Tawni Reller; Professor Linda Stevens; Professor Barbara West. Look for more about the MAL experiences in Norway at www.augsburg.edu/now 36 Augsburg Now dent for donor engagement, advocacy, and communications at the United States office of World Vision, one of the largest relief, development, and advocacy organizations in the world. Her responsibilities include overseeing the work of all private fund raising, government relations, advocacy, internet, publications, and additional communication functions. She and her husband, Mohammed, and their three children live near Seattle. Tessa Flynn, Minneapolis, ap- 05peared in the Frank Theatre Daniel Werner and Shayne 95Hamann, Little Canada, Minn., announce the birth of their daughter, Savannah, born on Feb. 20. Savannah joins her twin brothers, Drake and Dylan, age 3. Monica Fitzgerald, Washing- Ryan Carlson BA ’96 and BS ’02 and his wife, Lauren, St. Paul, an- 96nounce the births of identical twin daughters, Adelaine Elizabeth and Isadora Louise, on Feb. 14. Addy and Izzy join brother Quin, 4 1/2. The family lives in the Highland Park neighborhood of St. Paul. Ryan is an engineer for Seagate. Karen Reed, Atascadero, Calif., 82ton, D.C., is director of CIO 90was appointed program direc- University and the deputy director of the IT Accessibility and Workforce Division in the General Services Administration’s Office of Governmentwide Policy. In 2009 she was selected as a member of the Council for Excellence in the Fellow’s Program of the Partnership for Public Service, which focuses on servant leadership. tor in January at Coalinga State Hospital, the newest state mental health hospital in the California Department of Mental Health. She formerly served 18 years as a registered music therapist at Atascadero State Hospital. She continues to represent forensic psychiatric music therapy treatment at the national and regional music therapy conferences. Tim Asgrimson, Edina, Minn., Anthony Patton has published 83was recently named the chief 91his second novel, Unfaithfully financial officer of Kraus-Anderson Cos., where he has worked since 2007 as assistant chief financial officer. For 16 years prior to that he provided tax, auditing, and consulting services to the company. Yours, a love story in which he explores how hard-working couples can achieve happiness and success in the time it takes to watch a great movie. Sharon (Fairbanks) Romano, Minneapolis, has served as director of the Department of Indian Work of the St. Paul Area Council of Churches for the past year. 87 Kristin Eggerling, Hallock, 89Minn., is a freelance writer and has served on the board of Conservation Minnesota. A recent article on StarTribune.com featured her family’s outing to view the giant jack pine in Lake Bronson State Park. Nnamdi Okoronkwo, Minneapolis, an assistant city attorney with the City of Minneapolis, was appointed in April by Governor Tim Pawlenty to a four-year term on the Council on Black Minnesotans. Luann Roth, Columbia, Mo., has been appointed as education coordinator of the Mizzou Advantage, a collaboration of five programs of excellence at the University of Missouri. She will facilitate interdisciplinary curriculum and courses for these five areas. She has been an instructor in the English Department and is completing her doctorate in American film and folklore. Heidi (Wachholz) Boll, Minneapolis, was named vice president of sales for the Northeast Region of Allianz Life Insurance Company of North America. She joined the company in 2001 and has held several positions within it. 94 Lori (Langager) Higgins, Blaine, Minn., became president of the MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce in the Twin Cities in May. She has worked for the chamber since February 2009 and became its first female chief executive officer. Kari (Schroeder) Prescott, Minneapolis, took a new position as representative for Minnesota to the American Podiatric Medical Association in Washington, D.C., and will be kept busy with the current healthcare debate issues. Matthew Gooding, Sun Lakes, 95Ariz., graduated from a medical assistant program and is currently looking for and interviewing for jobs. Carye (Johnson) Bye, Portland company’s adaptation of Kafka’s Metamorphosis, which ran at the Open Eye Figure Theatre in Minneapolis during April. She is also on the board of the theatre. (Read more about her on p. 28). Jessica (Norman) and Eric 01Hafemeyer welcomed Kristen Marie on February 22. Kristen joins big sister, Lauren, 3. Christina (Boe) Anderson, 04Blaine, Minn., and her husband, Michael, welcomed their new daughter, Charlotte Marie, on Feb. 25. Chad Darr and his wife, Krista, welcomed a son, Hayden James, on May 5. Miranda Nelson, Chicago, 06began the clinical psychology PhD program at the University of Illinois at Chicago last fall. She plans on specializing in pediatric neuropsychology and will graduate with her doctoral degree in 2014. Dan Morlock, St. Paul, is site 97Ore., is owner of Red Bat 07leader of a before- and-after- Press, a print and design company. She wrote and illustrated a book, Hidden Portland: Museums & Collections, in 2010 with Bedouin Books. school child care program for the Roseville school district called Friendship Connection. Ted Schultz, Bloomington, 98Minn., started a new position as activities director at Minnetonka (Minn.) High School on July 1. He had served for six years in the same position at Bloomington Jefferson High School. Adam Erickson, Chanhassen, 00Minn., was appointed busi- ness banking officer at Anchor Bank in Eden Prairie. Prior to this he was a business relationship manager for Wells Fargo Bank. Maureen O’Shaughnessy was featured as a music therapist on WCCO-TV about her work with autistic children at Fraser Child and Family Center. Molly Shortall recently completed her master's degree at Manhattan School of Music. She has been in New York City for two years and works as a house musician at a large church in Brooklyn. This summer, she's singing the role of Second Lady in Die Zauberflöte. Summer 2010 37 Colonel Steven Charles ’76 receives Legion of Merit On May 1, Colonel Steven Charles ’76 received the Legion of Merit, the highest award not received for valor, which is awarded for “exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements.” While Charles’ 30-year military career began in 1977 as a navy pilot, he received the Legion of Merit for his work as program manager from 2001 to 2007 in the 87th Air Force Element, and air director of joint operations, Air Force Element, U.S. Army Forces Command, 87th Battle Command Training Division in Birmingham, Ala. The citation states, “In this key leadership position, Colonel Charles served as project officer for nine major exercises and 15 Command Post exercises preparing over 30,000 Army troops for Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom, and the Global War on Terrorism.” His duties included training the soldiers how to call in close air support. By teaching soldiers how to talk to Air Force support, how to call in for help, and what protocols and information they needed, they could quickly be rescued, saving their own lives and those of other ground forces. He also developed a successful Train the Trainers program that provided understanding of joint operations within the modern battlefield. During his military career, Charles served two cruises aboard the USS Constellation where he had more than 200 carrier landings. He was chosen to become a Navy A-4 adversary pilot and graduated from the Navy Fighter Weapons School. He Rikki Starich, Lexington, Ky., was recently appointed assistant director of annual giving at Transylvania University in Lexington. In May she completed her Master of Education in higher education administration/ institutional advancement. Andrew Sinko, Blaine, Minn., a teacher in Spring Lake Park, Minn., has been accepted to a University of London doctoral program. Zac Wooten, New York, received his master’s degree from New York University and continues to express appreciation for the support of faculty at Augsburg. A.J. Hau and his brother, Chris, 10from Fort Collins, Colo., were signed by the Colorado Eagles hockey team. They both advanced through the Northern Colorado Youth Hockey and Colorado State University hockey programs. Christopher Stedman gradu- 08ated with a master’s degree in theology from Meadville Lombard Theological School of Chicago. 38 Augsburg Now Jens Olsen and Heidi Le will spend the 2010–11 academic year in Vietnam on Fulbright English Teaching Awards. Courtesy photo alumni class notes Colonel Steven Charles ’76 (left) received the Legion of Merit, presented to him in Birmingham, Ala., on May 1, by Brigadier General David W. Puster. crossed to the Air Force and was an instructor in both the F-111 Aardvark and the F-117 Stealth Fighter. In 1990, he appeared on national television as one of the two pilots flying a Stealth Fighter during their unveiling. He left active duty in 1991 and joined the Air Force Reserves before joining the 87th Division. He retired from the military in 2007 and is now a Boeing 767 pilot for Delta Air Lines. BETSEY NORGARD Graduate Programs Sarah Resor ’06 MAL and Eric Johnson, both of Robbinsdale, Minn., were married Feb. 27 in Oak Ridge Conference Center. Mike Bilden ’07 MAL, St. Louis Park, Minn., is coordinator of the new Adult Degree Completion Program in the College of Business and Economics at University of WisconsinRiver Falls. He has served as director of continuing education at North Hennepin Community College and director of adult and graduate admissions at Augsburg. Larry McGraw ’10 MBA, Owatonna, Minn., has been appointed senior vice president and chief credit officer of Home Federal Savings Bank in Rochester. Previously he spent eight years at United Prairie Bank in Mankato, Minn. Hector Matascastillo ’10 MSW is using his own experience and gift of compassion to help veterans when they return from war. 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! 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 ____________________________________________________________ City, State, Zip code Is this a new address? q Yes q No ____________________________________________________________ Home telephone In Memoriam ____________________________________________________________ E-mail Olsen, W. Donald ’34, Sioux Falls, S.D., age 99, on Dec. 20. Nelson, Gordon A., ’54, Cloquet, Minn., age 77, on April 9. Okay to publish your e-mail address? q Yes q No Paulson, Dr. Eric ’38, Spokane, Wash., age 92, on March 6. Wolden, Gerhard ’56, Minneapolis, age 82, on April 5. ____________________________________________________________ Employer Shebeck, Ethel (Sinner) ’38, Richfield, Minn., age 93, on November 14. Welch, Robert ’58, Burlingame, Calif., age 73, on March 28. Ronholm, Olive ’47, Golden Valley, Minn., age 84, on March 9. Peterson, Robert ’49, New London, Minn., age 83, on April 8. Schmeltzer, George W. ’61, Minneapolis, age 70, on March 31. Faue, Jeffrey L. ’68, Belle Mead, N.J., age 64, on April 15. ____________________________________________________________ Position ____________________________________________________________ Work telephone Is spouse also a graduate of Augsburg College? q Yes q No Bolstad, Nan (Haraseth) ’69, Jefferson, Ore., age 63, on March 2. If yes, class year ________________________________________________ Metz, Rev. Richard G. ’74, Sisters, Ore., age 63, on May 13. ____________________________________________________________ Spouse’s name Arney, Claudia (Odegaard) ’78, Clarkdale, Iowa, age 74, on April 17. ____________________________________________________________ Maiden name Davis, Gerald ’51, Litchfield, Minn., age 82, on April 21. Haugan, Joan ’80, Spring Lake Park, Minn., age 80, on Feb. 14, 2009. Your news: ____________________________________________________________ Stenvig, Charles Selmer ’51, Sun City, Ariz., age 82, on February 22. Thayer, Nancybeth (Sedgwick) ’80, Hermantown, Minn., age 49, on June 30, 2006. Schmidt, Ruth A. ’52, Decatur, Ga., age 79, on May 24 (See story on p. 35) Reinhart, Laura Jane ’82, Livermore, Calif., age 49, on January 2. Hegland, Dagny (Quanbeck) ’50, Brandon, S.D., age 81, on March 17. Johnson, Esther ’50, Minneota, Minn., age 80, on April 15. Johnson, Rev. LeRoy ’50, Richland, Mich., on January 11, 2009. Kjos, Edwin ’54, Abbotsford, Wis., age 85, on March 31. Therres, Emmaline (Schlueter), Chaska, Minn., age 66, on April 2; former faculty member. ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ q I know a student who is interested in attending Augsburg. Summer 2010 39 my Auggie experience By all accounts—his own included—sophomore Gottlieb Uahengo had a difficult first semester at Augsburg College. Making the move to Minneapolis from his home in Namibia meant many changes. He missed his family and friends and got sick five times from the food. He was introduced to Mountain Dew and the effects of over-consumption. “I didn’t sleep for several days,” he says. And when he witnessed his first snowfall, a fellow student asked him, “Are you alright? You look disturbed.” Uahengo is a Legacy Scholarship student. His father graduated from the University of Minnesota and came to work in Augsburg’s Physics Department while his wife, Fredericka ’90, completed her degree in education. Gottlieb was actually born at Fairview Riverside Hospital but lived most of his life in Oshakati, Namibia, where his father is a pharmacist and his mother serves as the rector of Ongwediva Teachers College. When it came time to apply for college, Uahengo’s father said, “I’m sending you to Augsburg.” Because Uahengo wants to be an engineer, his father wanted him to study in a small school with a good physics department. “My father holds professors [Mark] Engebretson and [Jeff] Johnson in high esteem,” Uahengo says. “He told me I would get more out of my education at Augsburg than at a large, public university.” His father also told him to be prepared for the challenge of college life. “He said the best way to overcome adversity is to become part of the community, to take a leap of faith.” And that’s exactly what led to a better second semester and a successful first year at Augsburg for Uahengo. Greg Holker, Augsburg’s men’s soccer coach, said Uahengo looked frightened and overwhelmed when the two first met last summer. “I wasn’t sure he would amount to much as a soccer player because he seemed frail physically and psychologically,” Holker recalls. After a tentative start, Holker says the first-year player definitely made an impact on the team. “He scored a big goal against Buena Vista and took off in training from that point on,” says Holker. “He sought out improvement and soaked up as much information as he could. Rarely do I see a person that determined to learn and learn quickly.” Rebekah Dupont, whom Uahengo calls his mentor, says he displayed the same tenacity in his academics as on the soccer field. Dupont worked with him in Augsburg’s North Star STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) program. He participated in the calculus workshop, a class in which students work together on challenging problems. He also got involved in a research project, something not many first-year students take on. “Gottlieb has very high expectations for himself, and I think this made adapting to so many new things all at once a challenge,” Dupont says. “As he feels more comfortable and confident, those high expectations and strong work ethic will serve him very well.” In addition to conducting research during the school year, Uahengo is working on a summer project with another student and professor Ben Stottrup of the Physics Department. This fall he will be an officer with Augsburg’s International Student Organization and will continue to play soccer. He also hopes to compete on the track team as a sprinter in the spring term. “When I set my mind to something, it’s hard to sway me,” Uahengo says. “I am always looking for a way to be engaged.” WENDI WHEELER ’06 40 Augsburg Now an augsburg legacy Joyce Young “I value the impact of my Augsburg education on my life and career … That’s why I am giving back through naming Augsburg as owner of a life insurance policy. Augsburg’s gift planning team, along with my financial adviser, showed me the great benefits.” 1-800-273-0617 www.augsburg.edu/giving Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Minneapolis, MN Permit No. 2031 2211 Riverside Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55454 Courtesy photo Augsburg Choir tours China The Augsburg Choir and the choir from Guangxi Provincial Normal University in Guilin, China, pose for a giant group photo during the choir’s trip through China. For the choir’s China blog and photos, go to www.augsburg.edu/music.
Show less

Title: Augsburg Now Spring-Summer 2017: Augsburg Now Spring-Summer 2017
Collection: Alumni Magazine Collection
Search Result: AUGSBURG NOW AUGSBURG UNIVERSITY SPRING–SUMMER 2017 | VOL. 79, NO. 2 COMING SEPTEMBER 2017 PHOTO BY STEPHEN GEFFRE Vice President of Marketing and Communication Rebecca John ’13 MBA rjohn@augsburg.edu NOTES FROM PRESIDENT PRIBBENOW On the power of both/and I am writing these notes on c...
Show more AUGSBURG NOW AUGSBURG UNIVERSITY SPRING–SUMMER 2017 | VOL. 79, NO. 2 COMING SEPTEMBER 2017 PHOTO BY STEPHEN GEFFRE Vice President of Marketing and Communication Rebecca John ’13 MBA rjohn@augsburg.edu NOTES FROM PRESIDENT PRIBBENOW On the power of both/and I am writing these notes on commencement weekend when we have just sent the final graduates of Augsburg College into the world, full of promise and aspiration—as has been the case for almost 150 years. As you will read in this issue of Augsburg Now, the change of our name to Augsburg University will become official in September, and we will welcome the incoming class on Labor Day weekend. We are busy preparing for this exciting new era for Augsburg! For some, the name change may reflect a break with Augsburg’s past. For others, perhaps this is a welcome acceptance of the need to embrace the future. For the Augsburg community, however, the change is a remarkable opportunity to re-present Augsburg to the world—to tell a story that is about an abiding mission and identity shaped by faith, and academic and civic values, and at the same time to point to innovative and urgently needed responses to our dynamic environment. In other words, this change is about the pivot from “either/or” to “both/and.” This is about embracing the best of past, present, and future. This is about Augsburg University. The almost 1,000 Auggies who commenced into the world this spring reflect in their achievements and aspirations the foundation for embracing this change. Across undergraduate and graduate programs, the Class of 2017 achieved academic excellence of the highest order, excellence that defines a university: national and international honors for scholarship and service; exemplary undergraduate research that equips students for graduate work and professional opportunities; innovative community building that strengthens democratic engagement; and a commitment to equity in education that promises to change the world. At the same time, our newest graduates reflect the diversity that we expect in a university—diversity of ethnicity, thinking, life experience, identity, and ability—diversity not for its own sake but for the promise of a more robust, healthy, and just world. As I watched our diverse graduates cross the stage, I could not help but be filled with hope in our future leaders who already have learned to navigate difference in ways that unite rather than divide. In a final way, these newest Augsburg graduates offer a perhaps countercultural lesson about what makes for a great university. Though some imagine a university as big and bureaucratic and faceless, Augsburg has a vision to be a new kind of student-centered, urban university—small to our students and big for the world. The sense of community was palpable in our commencement ceremonies as graduates cheered each other and celebrated the relationships they have forged at Augsburg, lifelong relationships that engendered achievement and success. And propelled by those relationships, our graduates will indeed be “big for the world,” as they live Augsburg’s mission as “informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers, and responsible leaders.” Here’s to the power of “both/and” and the promise of Augsburg University! Director of News and Media Services Stephanie Weiss weisss@augsburg.edu Director of Marketing Communication Stephen Jendraszak jendra@augsburg.edu Communication Copywriter and Editorial Coordinator Laura Swanson Lindahl ’15 MBA swansonl@augsburg.edu Senior Creative Associate, Design Denielle Johnson ’11 johnsod@augsburg.edu Production Manager Mark Chamberlain chamberm@augsburg.edu Marketing Copywriter Jessica Mueller muellerj@augsburg.edu Contributing Writers Kate H. Elliott Jen Lowman Day augsburg.edu Augsburg Now is published by Augsburg College 2211 Riverside Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55454 Opinions expressed in Augsburg Now do not necessarily reflect official College policy. ISSN 1058-1545 Faithfully yours, Send address corrections to: alumniupdate@augsburg.edu. Send comments to: now@augsburg.edu PAUL C. PRIBBENOW, PRESIDENT AUGSBURG NOW Spring–Summer 2017 02 Around the quad 08 Preserving Norway’s treasures 12 Augsburg University name change 18 Winning the long game 24 Auggies connect 28 Class notes 33 In memoriam PHOTO BY COURTNEY PERRY On the cover Augsburg College will become Augsburg University effective September 1. Learn more about this historic transition on page 12. An Auggie passes by the first art installation in the Norman and Evangeline Hagfors Center for Science, Business, and Religion. This new academic building, which will open in January 2018, celebrates Augsburg’s commitment to learning at the intersection of disciplines. Glass fritting on the lobby curtainwall depicts the pattern of Martin Luther’s handwritten score of “A Mighty Fortress is Our God” overlaid with the cell structure of elm wood. “Knowing that light will pour through the tall glass of the Hagfors Center, and that people will pass through the reflected shape of the notes of this stirring hymn, ties the whole idea of the building together for me. Science, business, and religion, drawn together in space, time, and rhythm of the ages,” said Augsburg President Paul C. Pribbenow, who, with his wife, Abigail Crampton Pribbenow, sponsored the artwork. AROUND THE QUAD HONORING PHOTO BY COURTNEY PERRY Retiring Faculty RALPH BUTKOWSKI MAGDA PALECZNY-ZAPP Assistant Professor, Department of Biology—with the College since 2001 Associate Professor, Department of Business Administration—with the College since 1986 CASS DALGLISH NOEL PETIT Professor, Department of English— with the College since 1986 Professor, Department of Computer Science—with the College since 1984 PETER HENDRICKSON ’76 Associate Professor, Department of Music—with the College since 1994 BOYD KOEHLER Associate Professor, Library—with the College since 1967 SANDRA OLMSTED ’69 Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry—with the College since 1978 DEBORAH REDMOND Assistant Professor, Department of Communication Studies—with the College since 1981 STUART STOLLER Professor, Department of Business Administration—with the College since 1986 TARA SWEENEY Associate Professor, Department of Art—with the College since 1990 Auggies advocate at STATE CAPITOL The Augsburg community celebrated the Class of 2017 on Saturday, April 29. In a morning ceremony, 503 traditional undergraduate students were conferred their degrees. In the afternoon, the school recognized 469 adult undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students—50 of whom studied at Augsburg’s Rochester site. [Pictured]: Fatimah Kinaphone ’15, ’17 MBA receives her master’s degree hood. 2 AUGSBURG NOW PHOTO BY STEPHEN GEFFRE COMMENCEMENT Augsburg College students recently visited the Minnesota State Capitol to participate in advocacy events hosted by the Minnesota Private College Council. First, in February, two of Augsburg’s TRIO McNair Scholars took part in a Private College Scholars at the Capitol event that promoted the role undergraduate research plays in students’ educational and professional development. Then, in April, Auggies met with Minnesota representatives and senators for Day at the Capitol. These students advocated for several programs, including Minnesota State Grants, that help undergraduates afford higher education. [L to R]: Professor of Sociology Diane Pike advised McNair Scholar Devin Wiggs ’17, who was invited to present his undergraduate research project at Scholars at the Capitol. AROUND THE QUAD TICKETS ON SALE: NOBEL PEACE PRIZE FORUM Visit nobelpeaceprizeforum.org to find ticket, presenter, and schedule information. PHOTO BY RICKY TAYLOR ’17 COURTESY PHOTO September 15-16 Each year, the Nobel Peace Prize Forum offers opportunities to learn from the world’s most celebrated, innovative, and dedicated peacemakers. Hosted and presented by Augsburg, the Forum invites attendees to turn abstract ideas into the skills our world needs for fostering better relationships and for building peace. In September, international guests from leading organizations will explore the theme “Dialogue in Divided Societies” and honor the work of the Tunisian National Dialogue Quartet, the 2015 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, for its decisive contribution to building a pluralistic democracy in Tunisia after the Jasmine Revolution of 2011. Electronics lab is electrifying!! Building the circuits of tomorrow, today. #MaroonMilestone @AugsburgCollege FUEL FINISH THERE IS, PERHAPS, NO GREATER CURE FOR STRESS than taking a moment to acknowledge the good. As Augsburg students soldiered through the last week of classes this spring—turning in final papers and finishing projects—they also made time to reflect on their achievements in 2016-17. Students posted, tweeted, and shared #MaroonMilestones on social media, and soon a powerful collective story came together. Whether it was winning athletic championships, landing job interviews, or beating cancer, Auggies finished strong. FOR THE CELEBRATING STUDENT SUCCESS FUEL E FOR TH FINISH For those who posted #MaroonMilestones, Augsburg partnered with its food service provider, A’viands, to provide handdelivered treats and cheerful notes that offered additional fuel for the end of the term, though physics students kept their beverages safely stationed outside the lab (pictured above)! Read about the scope of prestigious academic achievements, awards, and honors earned by Auggies during the 2016-17 year at augsburg.edu/now. SPRING–SUMMER 2017 3 PHOTO BY RICKY TAYLOR ’17 AROUND THE QUAD After a morning practice, goaltender Jordyn Kaufer ’17 and members of the Augsburg men’s hockey team presented Minasie Theophilos with a check for $5,000. In comments aired on KARE 11 news, Kaufer told Theophilos the sum was, “A token to give you thanks for your selflessness, your service, your care to the rink and the guys.” Honoring Luther’s legacy To mark the 500th anniversary of the Reformation, Augsburg is hosting a series of events this fall. Visit augsburg.edu/ccv/events for dates and details. 4 AUGSBURG NOW A SEASON OF REFORMATION CELEBRATIONS! In September, Augsburg will welcome the fourth presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, the Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, as an honored speaker for the Bernhard M. Christensen Symposium. To mark Augsburg College Heritage Day in October, Associate Professor of Religion Mary Lowe will lead a discussion on the revolutionary life of Martin Luther. In November, award-winning musical group The Rose Ensemble will present “Welcome the People: The Musical Legacy of the Reformation.” To kick off the holiday season in December, Augsburg will host Advent Vespers with the theme “Welcome, Noble Guest,” inspired by Martin Luther’s hymn “From Heaven Above.” AROUND THE QUAD MINASIE THEOPHILOS has cared for Augsburg’s athletic facilities—most notably the ice arena— during his more than 25 years of service on the College’s custodial staff. Theophilos and the men’s hockey team developed a life-changing relationship that was shared by media outlets across the United States and around the globe. When members of the team learned that Theophilos’ mother had died in Ethiopia—a home Theophilos hasn’t seen for nearly 35 years—and that Theophilos missed her funeral because he didn’t have the money to visit, the team created a fundraiser. In less than 48 hours, the players and Auggies worldwide raised thousands of dollars for Theophilos to use to visit his family. Today, Theophilos and his wife are planning a trip to see his father and their families, thanks to a special friendship with the Augsburg athletes he has supported for decades. PHOTO BY RICKY TAYLOR ’17 FRIENDSHIP ON ICE … AND OFF right,’ ou raised ’em ‘y of y or g te ca “In the y team.” Augsburg hocke e th of s d ki e we give you th —Bob Collins, Minnesota Public Radio News Cut COURTESY PHOTO Who’s on first? Auggies are! This spring, the Augsburg baseball team kicked off its season at U.S. Bank Stadium, competing in four nonconference doubleheaders. The new Minnesota Vikings venue is only a stone’s throw (or a really strong pitch) from Augsburg’s campus. SPRING–SUMMER 2017 5 PHOTO BY STEPHEN GEFFRE ON THE SPOT IT’S SIMPLE MATH: Fewer people are entering the teaching profession, more are leaving it, and many educators lack the qualifications required to teach Minnesota’s increasingly diverse student body. These factors have prompted teacher preparation programs—including those at Augsburg—to adapt in support of more inclusive, flexible learning environments that accommodate a spectrum of needs and abilities. As the director of education programs at Augsburg’s Rochester location, Kaycee Rogers is working alongside colleagues and legislators to better support and retain teachers and to inspire a more diverse workforce. She is driven to ensure the next generation of Minnesotans experience a meaningful education through hands-on, relevant learning. Q: How does educating, training, and employing K-12 teachers with specialty backgrounds improve our schools? A: The demographics of our student population have changed given the influx of new populations into our welcoming state and education’s shift to incorporate students with special needs into the general classroom. Because of this, teachers with specialty licenses are in demand, and these positions are often tough to fill. Augsburg is leading the charge to offer broader licensures, which prepare teachers to succeed in today’s classrooms and qualify them for a wide range of teaching positions. Exposure to more teaching strategies and more specializations helps teacher 6 AUGSBURG NOW candidates adapt and innovate so they can offer students multiple access points for understanding. Q: A: What’s an example of an innovative teaching strategy? Students learn best when they’re engaged in experiences that matter to them. We’ve been incorporating real-world, student-led experiences into the classroom, and the results are impressive. Augsburg teacher candidates, for instance, are helping fourth- and fifth-graders write grants, speak to community groups, navigate teamwork, and participate in democracy. It’s been amazing to watch our teachers transition to more of a coaching role, while students PHOTO BY BRENDAN BUSH Education expert Kaycee Rogers describes how an inclusive, agile K-12 model can help Minnesota classrooms make the grade take the lead to apply classroom learning to issues and situations of meaning to them. Q: A: How do teachers recognize students’ home cultures and diverse experiences? Although “English as a Second Language” is a widely used term, we say, “English learners,” because it’s more accurate given that some students learn English as a third or fourth language. We also celebrate home culture and language rather than asking students to check their heritage at the door. In special education, we try to be more inclusive. It used to be that educators relied on what was called a medical model of diagnosis and treatment. Today, AROUND THE QUAD Outstanding EDUCATORS Share your ideas for Each year, Augsburg recognizes individuals who have made exemplary contributions to creating an engaging academic learning environment. The 2017 recipients of the Distinguished Contributions to Teaching and Learning awards are: AUGSBURG’S 150TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION 1869-2019 Visit augsburg.edu/150 to submit your suggestions. Alumni, parents, friends, faculty, and staff are invited to celebrate Augsburg’s 150th anniversary in 2019. What aspect of your Augsburg experience would you like to highlight during the sesquicentennial year? Were you connected to a team, an organization, or a department that made a difference? Would you like to see a reunion for your favorite activity—whether it was campus ministry, KAUG radio, student government, or a music ensemble? Let us know how to best honor Augsburg’s past, present, and future. Teaching Full-time faculty Joyce Miller ’02, ’05 MAN, ’11 DNP, assistant professor and Nursing Department chair Part-time faculty Alyssa Hanson ’01, mathematics and statistics instructor Scholarship William Green, professor of history Service Q: A: David Crowe, associate professor of biology How do we inspire a workforce that is more reflective of diverse classrooms? It’s well documented that students retain more information and have a positive view of education when they relate to teachers. We want to reach out to people who look like our students and come from the same backgrounds, particularly those already working as teacher aides or in other supporting roles. Growing teachers from within each community’s diverse population will beget more teachers of color and inspire some to remain in their community to make a lasting difference. Stella Hofrenning, associate professor of economics Dixie Shafer, director of Undergraduate Research and Graduate Opportunity PHOTO BY BOB STACKE ’71 we recognize that our role isn’t as much about changing someone as it is about using an approach that welcomes learners of different styles, that encourages support networks to address, adapt to, and respond to each young person. We seek to accept, listen, and innovate as we help students gain as much as possible to prepare them for a fulfilling life. Both approaches fall under an umbrella of universal design that can be applied to all students, regardless of ability. If our goal is understanding, then we must create multiple access points for students. We urge teacher candidates to get to know students, their families, and the community to appreciate the backgrounds coming together in each classroom. [L to R]: Stella Hofrenning, Dixie Shafer, William Green, Joyce Miller, David Crowe, and Alyssa Hanson. SPRING–SUMMER 2017 7 PHOTO BY ANNAR BJØRGLI 8 AUGSBURG NOW Juliane Derry ’00 works on an artifact from Norway’s national collection. As an objects conservator, she studies and preserves historical materials. BY LAURA SWANSON LINDAHL ’15 MBA “As you can see, I’m not in my office,” says Juliane Derry ’00 answering a video call and gazing toward the cell phone resting in her outstretched palm. “It’s kind of a little crisis.” Behind her, a warehouse complex comes into focus. It looks tidy—for the most part—but there’s chaos emerging in what otherwise would be a meticulously organized space. Derry is standing in one of the storage facilities for Norway’s Nasjonalmuseet, the National Museum of Art, Architecture and Design, and she is responding to an immediate, all-hands-on-deck plea to mitigate an unnerving discovery in the archive: water. “Oxygen, light, and variations in humidity are the things that cause damage,” Derry said, hours later, offering a primer on the fundamental culprits in the degradation of historical materials. As a conservator for the national museum in Oslo, she plays a multifaceted role in the institution’s efforts to hold, preserve, exhibit, and promote public knowledge about Norway’s most extensive collections. Vestbanen – Downtown Oslo Future home of the Nasjonalmuseet Norway’s new national museum will open in 2020. Juliane Derry ’00 is working to prepare hundreds of objects for public display. Oslo, Norway SPRING–SUMMER 2017 9 PHOTO BY ANNAR BJØRGLI During her career, Derry has restored furniture, objects, frames, and gilded surfaces. 10 AUGSBURG NOW “There are so many different materials in our collection that we have textile, paintings, paper, and book conservators,” said Derry, who is an objects conservator specializing in furniture, frames, and gilded surfaces. She has studied restoration on three continents and has become an expert in both preserving national treasures and making new creations shine. Derry is someone who excels at finding connections between seemingly disparate areas. Her conservation work blends science with artistry, research with intuition, and the practical with the theoretical. Derry’s personal life has been filled with complementary relationships as well. She was born in Norway, and she lived there until age 15 when she, her sister, and her American mother moved from the tiny alpine town of Ål to the densely populated Twin Cities lying on the edge of Minnesota’s prairie. Later, as an Augsburg student, she focused on women’s studies, international relations, religion, and studio arts. “I took classes based on what interested me,” Derry said, shrugging her shoulders. “When you get out into the real world and meet new people you begin to realize that [some of them] followed a very narrow path. I’m not looking down on that in any way, but I appreciate the fact that I was able to experience so many different things.” As her former faculty advisor, History Professor and Director of General Education Jacqueline deVries acknowledges that Derry is the type of person who thrives in interdisciplinary programs like women’s studies. Now known as “gender, sexuality, and women’s studies,” the major includes courses in biology, English, history, political science, sociology, and other disciplines. And it seems Derry’s inclination toward diverse opportunities only increases with time. “Juliane’s path is fantastic. She totally wandered,” said deVries, who now counts Derry among her friends. “I think she’d laugh that I said that, but along the way she discovered a true passion.” Derry’s career in restoration and conservation began because misdirected mail literally came across her desk. Shortly after graduating from Augsburg, Derry worked as an assistant to buyers at Dayton’s, Minneapolis’ storied hometown department store chain. Even though she didn’t support staff in the furniture division, she received heaps of catalogs for that area. Eventually, a thoughtful colleague noticed her growing interest in woodworking and encouraged her to pursue her calling. After some networking and introspection, Derry signed up for a wood finishing program at a technical college—an experience that ultimately led to her launching a small business, obtaining an advanced degree, and developing industry contacts around the world. One of those connections is Don Williams, an author, educator, scholar, and furniture conservator who retired after serving the Smithsonian Institution for 29 years. Williams was a guest lecturer who instructed Derry during her Minnesotabased finishing program, and he became a mentor as she took her education and career to new levels. Williams has taught hundreds of students, and he’s noticed that those who succeed often have similar predispositions. “How many people do you know who are both scientists and artists?” he asked. “That’s what we are. If you are not consumed by creativity, this is going to be a miserable path for you. People need not only creativity but also curiosity.” For Derry, an eagerness to experiment and to learn has triggered some of her most defining life events. After working a handful of day jobs and operating an independent business in the U.S. for three years, Derry enrolled in an immersive, full-time restoration program near Florence, Italy. There she gained studio experience and new skillsets, including the ability to speak Italian through a crash course lasting a single month. After completing the restoration program, Derry moved with her wife, Jody Scholz ’97, to Norway. Derry was armed with a portfolio of recent work and ambition to relaunch her business in the Land of the Midnight Sun. “I ended up making a CD full of pictures of various restoration projects, and I made the rounds in town,” she said. “I looked up people in the yellow pages and then handed out my pictures. In the beginning I worked a little bit at a frame shop, and then I got a job in a gallery where I restored frames.” During the years since, Derry’s workload has grown to match her expertise, and sometimes her expertise has grown due to Derry prepares an Oslo city model from the 1930s for display in an architectural exhibit. PHOTO BY ANNAR BJØRGLI the requirements of her work. She earned a master’s degree at the University of Oslo’s Institute of Archeology, Conservation, and History by completing a project-based thesis that examined shellac, a sealant created using a resin secreted by insects. For this project, Derry conducted fieldwork in the rural Jharkhand region of India where villagers harvest stick lac—the key ingredient that becomes shellac and its by-products—and she analyzed the chemical characteristics of several samples at the Smithsonian’s Museum Conservation Institute where Williams served as her internship sponsor. “Investigative problem-solving” is one of the aspects Derry said she most enjoys about her field, and her liberal arts experience at Augsburg informs the way she approaches her assignments. She uses traditional techniques and materials in her conservation projects whenever possible, and her ability to think critically is paramount. While employed at a furniture restoration company, she was tasked with repairing beloved pieces used by the Oscarshall Summer Palace, the Office of the Prime Minister, and private clients. She also has served Fortidsminneforeningen, a nonprofit that preserves and protects monuments, including 40 of the stave churches located throughout Norway. “Ashes to ashes and dust to dust is not only a homily, it is an inexorable law of the universe,” said Williams, describing the vital role individuals like Derry play in preserving cultural heritage for future generations. “Everything is going back to dust. As conservators, it is our job—to the extent that is rational—to slow that process down and concurrently enjoy and extract the most utility from an artifact on its path.” Today Derry’s workdays primarily are devoted to making internationally important materials accessible to the general public. At the national museum, she has completed assignments that range from applying gold leaf on the frames of masterworks to cleaning a plaster-of-Paris city model measuring more than 100 square feet. And still, her current undertaking is the largest one yet. The Norwegian government is building a joint “all-arts” museum, which is slated to open in Oslo in 2020. Intended to be a dynamic arena for people to interact with the visual arts, the space requires new exhibits so curators and conservators are working hand-in-hand to select and prepare pieces for display. Derry is in the midst of locating, evaluating, cataloguing, and potentially repairing 400 pieces of furniture for the museum. It’s a process that requires passion and persistence—two words that also perfectly describe the manner in which Derry has shaped her career. She’s prepared to address new challenges if issues arise in a workshop, at a laboratory bench, or during the process of managing complex projects. Even in a soggy situation at a storage venue, Derry sees the annoyance of rewrapping objects impacted by a minor cooling system leak as an opportunity to formulate a plan for the future should staff ever need to address a true disaster. “She can pursue something with intelligence and diligence and still with a smile on her face,” Williams said. “That’s an unusual gift.” SPRING–SUMMER 2017 11 AUGSBURG UNIVERSITY: SMALL TO OUR STUDENTS AND BIG FOR THE WORLD BY REBECCA JOHN ’13 MBA O n September 1, “Augsburg College” officially will become “Augsburg University”—a change approved by both the Board of Regents and the Augsburg Corporation. For generations of Augsburg alumni and friends, it may seem like the place always has been called “Augsburg College.” That’s been the formal name of the school for the past 54 years. Over the course of the school’s history, nearly 24,000 people have completed degrees at Augsburg. With so many Auggie alumni accustomed to thinking of Augsburg as a college, why change the name? In short, the term “university” illustrates the breadth of Augsburg’s current reality and goals for the future. And, “while our name is changing,” said Augsburg President Paul C. Pribbenow, “the essence of who we are is not.” As the first seminary created by Norwegian Lutherans in America, the name Augsburg—chosen by the school’s founders in 1869 to honor the Augsburg Confession—always has defined the ethos of this institution and its mission to support those called to service in the world. Since its founding, Augsburg has been known by at least four different names. The name has shifted as the school has grown, but our commitment to an accessible, quality education has never wavered. Likewise, our dedication to the Lutheran principles of hospitality, service to the neighbor, and social justice is as steadfast today as ever. 12 AUGSBURG NOW In announcing the name change, Pribbenow affirmed that becoming Augsburg University “does not alter our dedication to integrating the liberal arts and professional studies or our commitment to being small to our students and big for the world.” Rather than moving Augsburg away from its roots, the name change helps Augsburg remain both faithful to its heritage and relevant to the educational needs of students in the 21st century. Ever evolving, always Augsburg: Growth in graduate programs From its early years, Augsburg stressed that a good education is practical and focused on educating ministerial candidates and theological students as well as farmers, workers, and businesspeople. So, it’s no surprise that Augsburg today offers a number of professional master’s and doctoral degrees — a mix of programs that makes Augsburg already more like a university than a college. While there is no fixed definition outlining the distinction between a “college” and a “university,” offering post-baccalaureate degrees commonly is associated with institutions named as universities. Augsburg’s first advanced degree program, the Master of Arts in Leadership, launched 30 years ago. Since then, 3,700 people have earned master’s or doctoral degrees from Augsburg. This past fall, Augsburg’s graduate enrollment reached a record high — representing 28 percent of total enrollment — and continued growth in Augsburg graduate programs is anticipated in the coming years. An international perspective Today, Auggies live and work all over the world. In many countries and cultures, the word “college” is associated with a high school-level education. Alumni who work in international settings have noted that they already refer to their alma mater as “Augsburg University” in order to avoid confusion. For the same reason, the name change also will help Augsburg be more attractive as a destination for international students, which represents a potential growth area for Augsburg. A view from the outside in With nearly 150 years of history, it’s no surprise that Augsburg is well known in the region—even among people who haven’t (or haven’t yet) studied here. What impact would a name change have on their perceptions of Augsburg? We asked the following groups to share their thoughts: • high school students, • parents of high school students, • high school counselors, • people considering getting an advanced degree, and • people who didn’t finish an undergraduate degree right after high school and are thinking about going back to school to earn a bachelor’s. These conversations generated several important insights, but the core takeaway is that Augsburg’s reality, reputation, and promise are aligned with the name change. Our reality and reputation. Conversations with members of the general community demonstrated that people associate the word “university” with a number of attributes that clearly apply to Augsburg. Specifically, people view universities as having high academic standards, a commitment to research, strong international programs, and diverse student populations. Augsburg has robust programs for scholarly research and global study, and is recognized nationally for its leadership in inclusion and equity. In many ways, Augsburg already embodies much of what people expect of a university. The promise of a student-centered university. We also learned from these conversations that Augsburg has a strong reputation for direct student-faculty engagement. We already know how important this is to our alumni, students, faculty, and staff, but it was gratifying to hear that members of the broader community also value Augsburg as a student-centered organization. This is something Augsburg needs to ensure does not change. Augsburg University will not become an institution marked by big campuses or large studentto-faculty ratios. Instead, as is articulated in our Augsburg2019 strategic vision, Augsburg will be a new kind of student-centered university, and just as we have done for decades, Augsburg will remain committed to educating students for lives of purpose in a vibrant, engaged learning community. Learn about the visual identity of Augsburg University on the following pages. Learn more about the Augsburg2019 strategic vision, the name change, and the logo update at augsburg.edu/now. SPRING–SUMMER 2017 13 AUGSBURG NAME CHANGE HISTORY 1869 1872 1892 1942 AUGSBURG SEMINARIUM THE NORWEGIAN DANISH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN AUGSBURG SEMINARY AUGSBURG SEMINARY AUGSBURG COLLEGE AND THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY EMBRACING OUR LEGACY AND OUR FUTURE When Samuel Gross ’03 was a student at Augsburg, he designed the original Auggie eagle-head symbol as an assignment for one of his graphic design courses. The design was so good, Augsburg ended up buying the rights to the image and has used the eagle symbol for campus life, student organizations, and athletics for the past 15 years. During that time, Gross became an award-winning designer and creative director who founded his own graphic design firm, 144design, with a specialty in developing logos for clients. So, when Augsburg needed to update its logo as part of the transition to the Augsburg University name, it was a perfect opportunity to re-engage with Gross to envision and design the next-generation Augsburg logo. “Early on, our conversation about the logo confirmed that this project should be an evolution of the Augsburg brand, not a revolution,“ Gross said. “We wanted to preserve the strong recognition that has been built for Augsburg over time. “Our goal was to preserve and respect the historic nature of Augsburg’s logo — especially since it already has strong 14 AUGSBURG NOW [Top Left]: The Augsburg “A” shape is reimagined. [Top Right]: Samuel Gross ’03 works on Augsburg University’s visual identity in April 2017. [Left]: Gross shows off merchandise displaying the first eagle-head symbol shortly after he created it for Augsburg in 2003. energy and good familiarity — while at the same time creating a treatment that also embraces the future,” he said. The results, including the updated Augsburg logo, “A” icon, and eagle-head symbol are shown on the next page. Separately, the Augsburg seal — which is used on transcripts, diplomas, and other official documents — was updated by Augsburg staff Mark Chamberlain and Denielle Johnson ’11 and is shown on pages 16-17. 1963 2017 AUGSBURG COLLEGE AUGSBURG UNIVERSITY UNIVERSITY COLLEGE Augsburg marks: honoring the legacy Augsburg logo Augsburg “A” icon Eagle-head symbol The Augsburg University logo is designed to feel familiar to people who are already acquainted with the College logo, connecting the new design with Augsburg’s legacy. In the new logo, the word “Augsburg” is more bold than the word “University.” This approach was informed by research suggesting that people’s strong associations are with the name, “Augsburg,” whether or not it is followed by “College” or “University.” The font selected for “Augsburg” conveys an established, academic feel, while the font for “University” provides a sleek, contemporary balance. The contrast of the two words creates a dynamic energy. By strengthening the design of the “A” icon — broadening its base and making the vertical strokes bolder — Augsburg will be able to use the “A” icon as a standalone graphic element much more frequently and effectively going forward. For example, current plans call for the “A” icon to be installed on the shorter ends of the sign on top of Mortensen Hall. This is one of the most visible signs in the region and will be updated this summer as part of the transition to “Augsburg University.” The eagle-head symbol is stronger and bolder with this evolution. Whereas the original design lost detail and contrast when translated to black-and-white treatments, the updated design is much more effective across a broader range of uses. Currently, designs using the updated eagle-head symbol are under development for an array of installations—from the Si Melby gym floor and the Edor Nelson athletic field scoreboard to the Christensen Center student lounge and merchandise sold in the Augsburg bookstore. SPRING–SUMMER 2017 15 AUGSBURG UNIVERSITY SEAL: HISTORY AND MEANING Past seals T he seal conservation process began as Augsburg College explored the steps involved in changing its institutional name to Augsburg University. The seal enhances an original centennial symbol design and aligns with the institution’s current reality, reputation, and promise. THE AUGSBURG COLLEGE SEAL WAS BASED ON A CENTENNIAL SYMBOL CREATED BY PAUL KONSTERLIE ’50. THE LION REPRESENTS AUGSBURG’S NORWEGIAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE. AUGSBURG’S CENTENNIAL SYMBOL, CREATED BY KONSTERLIE. THE LAMP OF LEARNING DEPICTS SOUND SCHOLARSHIP. THE FONT WAS INSPIRED BY THE CENTENNIAL SYMBOL. THE SEAL FOR AUGSBURG COLLEGE AND THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY FEATURED MARTIN LUTHER. 16 AUGSBURG NOW AUGSBURG WAS FOUNDED IN 1869 IN MARSHALL, WISCONSIN, AND MOVED TO MINNEAPOLIS IN 1872. THE CROSS DEPICTS THE SIGNIFICANT RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE CHURCH AND HIGHER EDUCATION. THE SILHOUETTE OF THE MINNEAPOLIS SKYLINE EMPHASIZES AUGSBURG’S METROPOLITAN RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES. THE DEEPLY THEOLOGICAL STATEMENT, “THROUGH TRUTH TO FREEDOM,” SUMMARIZES THE BELIEF THAT THE TRUTH SETS US FREE TO BE EDUCATED AND TO SERVE. THE EAGLE REPRESENTS U.S. DEMOCRACY. THE FOSHAY TOWER RETURNS TO THE CENTER OF THE SEAL AS A NOD TO AUGSBURG’S CENTENNIAL SYMBOL. SPRING–SUMMER 2017 17 PHOTO BY DON STONER PHOTO BY COURTNEY PERRY [L to R]: At an Auggie Compass event, panelists Mike Gallagher ’12, Katie Jacobson ’11, and Dan Brandt ’11 spoke to students about the journey from college to their careers. PHOTO BY COURTNEY PERRY [Left]: This fall, student-athletes engaged in team-building exercises led by U.S. Marines. 18 AUGSBURG NOW [Above]: Student-athletes kicked off evening workshops by dining together. WINNING THE LONG GAME BY KATE H. ELLIOTT Meaningful, relevant workshops equip students to excel in the classroom, competition, and their careers S tudent-athletes file past tables, stacking breadsticks on mounds of pasta, but this crew isn’t carb-loading for the next matchup. The nearly 550 students from Augsburg’s 19 sports teams are preparing to tackle Auggie Compass—a series of workshops and team-building exercises designed to inspire personal and professional success. After piloting the program in 2014-15, Augsburg Athletics recruited this year’s lineup of on- and off-campus partners to engage each class in issues relevant to each stage of their undergraduate lives. Associate Athletic Director Kelly Anderson Diercks said the biannual series starts a conversation with studentathletes, then builds upon those themes each year as Auggies develop the confidence, expertise, and support networks they need to navigate known and unknown challenges during college and after graduation. For instance, first-year students discussed study skills, time management, and wellness, while seniors learned about financial planning, living their values, and networking techniques. “When I moved into my first house, I didn’t know furnaces had filters, and that’s just one example of the many things I should’ve known—but didn’t—before graduation,” said Anderson Diercks, who spearheaded the program. “We developed Auggie Compass from the best aspects of similar programs and from conversations with our coaches, student-athletes, and alumni. Our students seem more aware of campus and community resources and better prepared to excel in the real world.” Panel of alumni shares lessons from ‘professional lumps’ Among the spring event’s most popular sessions was a student-athlete alumni panel, “Not Where They Thought They’d Be,” which—as the title suggests—invited alumni to share lessons from their not-so-straight-orsmooth paths to personal and professional fulfillment. Mike Gallagher ’12 was among the four panelists asked “not to sugar coat” their transitions to the workforce. “My first paid job out of college lasted 21 months before I was laid off with 25 SPRING–SUMMER 2017 19 PHOTO BY COURTNEY PERRY PHOTO BY COURTNEY PERRY PHOTO BY COURTNEY PERRY Auggie Compass workshops target needs and issues specific to the phases in student-athletes’ academic and personal journeys. Each session builds upon the previous event, equipping Auggies with a deeper understanding of their values, career preparation, and wellness practices. percent of the company’s workforce, and that’s just one example of the professional lumps we shared,” said Gallagher, an academic advisor at Walden University and the on-air host/ producer of Gopher Sports Update and MIAC Weekly. “Our stories reinforced that new graduates likely will have to do things they don’t enjoy as they work toward goals. But we encouraged them to channel the persistence and dedication they gained as athletes toward new challenges and to say ‘yes’ to any opportunity to better themselves or gain new skills.” Gallagher, also a freelance sports broadcaster and emcee, talked openly about his path, which is a fairly common one: going to college with hopes of playing professional baseball, then realizing he wasn’t any better than his teammates. Then, struggling to find balance within the fun, demanding routine of workouts, competitions, classes, and life until he walked across the commencement stage and into a 9-to-5 job without the sport, the people, and the routine he’d always known. “It is, indeed, a huge wakeup call,” he said. Women’s golfer Wendy Anderson ’17 was among the seniors who rotated through the panel discussion. The double major in music business and accounting said she valued sessions about financial planning and interviews, but the alumni 20 AUGSBURG NOW panel resonated with her the most. “I’m a type-A, perfectionist planner. Hearing their stories reassured me that I may not end up where I thought I might, but because of these types of sessions and my Augsburg experience, I’ll survive and hopefully have a fulfilling career,” she said. “I’m glad I attended sessions about fiscal responsibility, but workshops that encouraged us to consider our values and worth and to step outside our comfort zones were the most rewarding. Guidance from Auggie Compass sessions paired with the entirety of our experiences prepares us to achieve.” Athletic Director Jeff Swenson ’79 is glad to hear student-athletes position Auggie Compass within the greater framework of their Augsburg education and athletic experience. The lessons and skills are interconnected, he said, strengthening one another. “Our athletes learn to win and lose with class, to embrace leadership, and to play their role—whatever that may be—to achieve a shared goal,” said Swenson, who has been a member of the Augsburg community for more than 30 years as a student, coach, and administrator. “These are all great lessons for life after sports, and Auggie Compass builds upon what teams and coaches are already instilling. At our core, we are about community and supporting these fine student-athletes on their journey. Auggie Compass prepares them to carry that legacy out to the world.” Building skills to navigate a complex environment Mike Matson ’07 knows all about Augsburg’s core principles. They guided him through his time as one of the College’s top linebackers, then through seminary, and now in his role as an assistant director of leadership gifts at the College. Matson said Augsburg’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and community outfits students with empathy and poise to respectfully engage in meaningful conversations and authentic relationships. He talked with juniors about how to lead difficult conversations. “We live in a complicated world with complex people and issues, and those who are able to have difficult conversations in a respectful manner advance progress and understanding,” said Matson, who also serves in the Navy Reserves and as chaplain for the Minneapolis Police Department. “Instead of talking at the students, we challenged them to work through case studies. I can’t say I was all that surprised at how well they handled themselves, but I was impressed with how willing they were to share PHOTO BY DON STONER PHOTO BY COURTNEY PERRY This spring, members of the junior class headed to the gym for basketball and bean bag competitions with Special Olympics athletes, and in September, first-year students learned techniques to manage stress and practice mindfulness. vulnerabilities, speak about biases, and view situations through alternate perspectives. It was amazing to watch ‘community’ happen.” Unified tournament puts principles to practice Student-athletes didn’t only talk about ideals, they practiced them. Juniors headed to the Si Melby gymnasium to compete alongside 40 Special Olympics athletes in basketball and bean bag toss competitions. Jennifer Jacobs, who organized the volunteer effort, said the tournament underscored Augsburg’s commitment to service and inclusion. “We added [the unified competition] because civic engagement is one of the college’s co-curricular learning outcomes,” said Jacobs, then-assistant athletic director and assistant volleyball coach. “We decided to collaborate with Special Olympics because of an NCAA Division III partnership with the organization and because our ongoing involvement with the area chapter continually inspires our students.” Student-athlete Cody Pirkl ’18 had never interacted with Special Olympics athletes before the Auggie Compass event this spring. Initially, the baseball player had not been excited about the obligation on what otherwise would have been a free night. But as he said goodbye to Special Olympics teammates, the social work major said it felt like parting with dear friends. “We, as college athletes, become so focused on our own goals and everyday lives that we forget how rewarding it is to give back to others,” Pirkl said. “Our involvement with Special Olympics shines Augsburg’s positive light on our broader community, but it also gives us meaningful perspective. Watching the Special Olympics athletes’ pure love of the game reminded me how lucky I am and how much I love to play.” Pirkl said he and his teammates took a lot away from the mix of formats and engaging activities. That active structure was intentional, Anderson Diercks explained, as presenters played to student-athletes’ competitive nature. “For years, we had brought wonderful, inspiring speakers to campus once or twice a year to talk with students about hot topics or enduring life-aftercollege lessons,” Anderson Diercks said. “Although these experts offered great perspective and information, the format was a challenge, and we were never able to cover as many of the topics as we would have liked. The new Auggie Compass format allows us to engage each class in specific topics to prepare them for the next year and beyond. We can more easily adjust based on student feedback, and it’s a nice way to highlight our alumni and campus experts as well as celebrate community partnerships and resources.” Celebrating mindfulness and meditation One such resource is Jermaine Nelson, a meditation and mindfulness coach and yoga instructor. The former athlete urged students to seek mind-body connections as they strive to be more present. He also reminded them to give themselves grace during transitions and various phases of life. “It’s so easy for student-athletes to continue to eat and sleep how they did in college without the same level of activity, and then they look up one day and realize they are out of shape and out of sync,” Nelson said. “It’s important to anticipate, on the field and in life, so that you avoid injury and prepare for the next phase of your life.” Nelson wasn’t expecting to, but looking out at the dozens of student-athletes reminded him of his nephew, and Nelson got personal. His nephew was a promising college recruit, with plans to play in the NBA, but he broke down from all the pressure. “I wish he would have had a program like this when he was in school,” Nelson said. “Imagine all the heartache and recovery he would have avoided had he been offered the tools to cope and achieve without grinding himself into the ground. I worked with him, and he’s on a good path now, but it took a while. If Auggies can practice these techniques now, they’ll succeed.” SPRING–SUMMER 2017 21 Nelson’s talk reinforced some of the themes presented by Augsburg’s Center for Wellness and Counseling. For example, counselor Jon Vaughan-Fier and Beth Carlson, the center’s assistant director, co-facilitated “Becoming Resilient to Stress,” which challenged student-athletes to assess what drains them and to identify ways to recharge. In addition to discussing the importance of sleep, nutrition, and meaningful relationships—among other topics—students engaged in yoga, mindful breathing, and relaxation strategies. As a senior, Chuckie Smith ’17 took part in Auggie Compass workshops on financial planning, job search strategies, living authentically, and a variety of other topics. During the Compass program’s pilot year, the entire CWC staff also presented on a range of topics related to wellbeing, including body image, depression, healthy choices, and stress management, which Vaughan-Fier said is critically important for today’s overly busy student-athletes. “To emphasize the connection to sports and improved performance, we showed testimonials from Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russel Wilson about his ‘one play at a time’ mindset and New York Knicks President Phil Jackson’s philosophy of ‘one breath, one mind,’” Vaughan-Fier said. “We hope these tools help student-athletes as they strive to incorporate self-care practices into daily life.” According to a 2015 health survey, the top stressors among Augsburg students are: a death or serious illness of someone close, conflicts with roommates, parental conflict, and the end of a personal relationship. Director of the counseling center, Nancy Guilbeault, said the opportunity to interact with student-athletes about these and other topics is a proactive way to introduce the center’s role and resources. “Mental health and GPA are linked, and they affect your performance,” she said. “We want to make sure these studentathletes are working on their physical, mental, and spiritual health and wellbeing. These sessions provide an overview and tips, but we also encourage them to follow up with one-on-one or group support.” 22 AUGSBURG NOW Financial stressors, professional communications among top concerns A key barrier to wellness, Guilbeault said, is stress related to finances—a worry that plagues many students, particularly studentathletes who might not have the time to hold a job or internship. To build upon the counseling center’s session, Auggie Compass introduced a practical question-and-answer session with Tommy Redae ’09 MBA, a treasury management sales consultant and vice president of Middle Market Banking for Wells Fargo in Minneapolis. “Talking with upper-class students, I focused on the importance of budgeting and managing credit for a healthy financial future,” Redae said. “I shared several of the many online tools and apps to help them stick to a budget and monitor credit for suspicious or fraudulent activities.” Also in the category of practical and purposeful guidance, Auggie Compass enlisted faculty mentors Carol Enke and Shana Watters to offer best practices for professional communications. The pair broke student-athletes into groups to review and assess emails students sent professors, many of them lacking clarity, starting with an informal “hey,” or displaying accusatory language. “Research shows that people read emails more negatively than intended, and therefore, communicating effectively in this medium reduces ambiguity and negative perceptions,” Watters said. “The students did a great job of improving the emails, and we hope they will apply the guidance we shared to communicate with professionals now and in the future.” Program reinforces Augsburg’s mission, commitment to students The blend of practical knowledge and conceptual, creative exploration reflects Augsburg’s care for and commitment to student-athletes, and it supports community-building across teams and among coaches, said Swenson. This year, the program added a track for coaches that focused on situational leadership, social media training, and a DiSC® behavioral assessment inventory. “We’re not offering Auggie Compass to check off the ‘personal development box,’” Swenson said. “The program was developed by former collegiate players, thinking about what they wished they would have known, so that our student-athletes can have more tools to reach for as they strive for success.” The creation and evolution of Auggie Compass embodies some of the innovation, self-reflection, and grit the program aims to instill. Anderson Diercks said organizers continue to have conversations with student-athletes, alumni, and experts to align sessions with players’ needs and to reflect the latest trends and topics. As a former athlete turned furnace-filter-changing adult, she knows greatness doesn’t come from perfection but from the drive to keep playing until you get it right. HOMECOMING THOUSANDS OF AUGGIES. ONE AUGSBURG. Celebrate the first Augsburg University Homecoming NEW NAME. SAME SCHOOL SPIRIT. Gather among friends to celebrate the memories and milestones that define your Augsburg experience. Whether it’s to participate in a reunion, see campus updates firsthand, or cheer on a favorite team, it’s time to register for this year’s historic Homecoming—the first as Augsburg University. Interested in organizing your reunion? October 13-14 Call the Office of Alumni and Constituent Relations at 612-330-1085 or email alumni@augsburg.edu. Find accommodation information, the event schedule, and more at: augsburg.edu/homecoming FROM THE ALUMNI BOARD PRESIDENT Dear alumni and friends, s my second year as Alumni Board President comes to a close, I look back on the past several months with gratitude for what the Alumni Board has accomplished. We hope you have enjoyed recent alumni events, both on campus and off. At the start of my tenure, when I challenged the Alumni Board to change, not a little, but a lot, everyone stepped up to the plate and went to work. Today the board maintains more committees with fewer people on each, operates with clearly defined goals for each committee, and sustains a high level of engagement. We’ve also partnered with staff throughout the College to increase the board’s effectiveness and relevance. The Alumni Board continues to seek new pathways to connect with students, whether through mentoring, visiting classrooms, or simply sharing tips on LinkedIn. Students have said they enjoyed taking part in a Homecoming lunch last fall where they had the chance to share a table with distinguished alumni who pursued similar fields of study. We also held another successful Auggie Networking Experience in February, and if you couldn’t make it to campus, you’ll find some tips for reluctant networkers on page 27. In June, we transition board leadership. I’d like to welcome Nick Rathmann ’03 as Alumni Board President for the 2017-19 term. He is full of energy, has a passion for Augsburg, and is a dynamic leader with innovative ideas to take the Alumni Board even further. He is the athletic director at The Blake School, a longtime supporter of Augsburg as a member of the A-Club, and an all-around amazing volunteer. The Alumni Board is in great hands under his leadership. I’d also like to recognize Greg Schnagl ’91, who has led our Networking Committee for the past two years. His passion for creating meaningful connections between students and alumni has helped make the Auggie Networking Experience event bigger and better. I recently moved away from the Twin Cities for work, and I am so pleased to see alumni events scheduled across the U.S. more often. In the past two years, alumni gatherings have occurred in Denver, Las Vegas, Raleigh, Washington, D.C., and other cities. If you’re in the Minneapolis area, we hope to see you at some of this summer’s exciting alumni events! JILL WATSON ’10 MBA, ALUMNI BOARD PRESIDENT SUMMER ALUMNI EVENTS Minnesota United Soccer Night June 21 | 7 p.m. Republic 420 SE 23rd Ave., Minneapolis Meet for an alumni reception at Republic from 4:30–6:30 p.m. before taking the light rail to TCF Bank Stadium for a game. 7 People. 7 Passions. 7 Minutes. July 7 | 7–9 p.m. Sisyphus Brewing 712 Ontario Ave. W., Minneapolis Hear idea-stirring talks from seven passionate Auggies. $10 covers your first beverage and light appetizers. Auggie Night at Canterbury Park July 21 | 5:30–7 p.m. 1100 Canterbury Road, Shakopee, MN $5 reservation covers a buffet meal, $5 of Canterbury Currency, and reserved seating. Happy Hour Squared URBAN ARBORETUM Join the Alumni Board to sponsor a tree You can help transform Augsburg into an urban arboretum that serves as an educational and community resource in harmony with the environment. Join the Alumni Board’s effort to sponsor a tree in the urban arboretum planned for Augsburg’s campus. The trees selected for this plan will surround the Hagfors Center for Science, Business, and Religion and include species native to Minnesota. All gift levels are welcome. The total cost to sponsor a tree is $25,000, which includes long-term care and maintenance. Help us reach this goal by December 2018! Visit augsburg.edu/giving for more information or contact Amanda Scherer, assistant director of leadership gifts, at scherera@augsburg.edu or 612-330-1720. 24 AUGSBURG NOW September 5 | 5–7 p.m. Brave New Workshop 824 Hennepin Ave., Minneapolis Join alumnae business owners Jenni Lilledahl ’87 and Jacquie Berglund ’87 for a happy hour with a purpose. Make sandwiches for a good cause and enjoy a FINNEGANS® as part of Augsburg’s annual City Service Day. For more information and registration, visit augsburg.edu/alumni. COURTESY PHOTOS AUGGIES CONNECT [Top]: Travelers pose at Wat Chedi Luang Temple in Chiang Mai, Thailand. TRAVELING WITH [Far Left–L to R]: Hans Wiersma and Lori Brandt Hale, Department of Religion faculty members and trip leaders, pose with Katie (Koch) Code ’01, director of alumni and constituent relations. AUGGIES This winter, 15 Auggies traveled to Thailand and Cambodia with Augsburg College Professor of English Kathy Swanson and her husband, Jack, as their hosts. “The trip was beyond amazing,” said traveler and Alumni Board President Jill Watson ’10 MBA. “Our hosts, Jack and Kathy Swanson, have a passion for the people and culture of Thailand that was contagious throughout the trip. They were always willing to share insights, recommend food (such as sticky rice and mango at a floating market) and go out of their way to help others and ensure everyone was having a great trip. “Memories that stand out include the elephant camp in Chiang Mai, Thai cooking school, Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Light for Kids orphanage, and the food ... all the foods! “Traveling with fellow Auggies meant I [Near Right]: Travelers stand in front of the Castle Church in Germany where Martin Luther nailed the 95 Theses to the door. had at least one thing in common with so many people I had never met before. By the end of the trip, I had developed new friendships, and I will be keeping in touch.” Celebrating Lutheran heritage in Germany and the Czech Republic Last fall, another group of Auggies traveled to the land of Luther to mark the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. Religion Department faculty members Hans Wiersma and Lori Brandt Hale led a group of 30 Augsburg alumni and friends on a multi-city tour that included Dresden, Prague, and Wittenberg—the long-time home of Reformation catalyst Martin Luther. One of the highlights for Augsburg Alumni Director Katie (Koch) Code ’01 was the opportunity to be in Wittenberg on Reformation Day. The town marked the occasion with a festival, and the Augsburg group visited Castle Church where Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door. “At worship that morning we sang, ‘A Mighty Fortress is our God,’ which took me back to my Augsburg days enrolled in the Luther and the Reformers class with Religion Professor Mark Tranvik,” Code said. Minneapolis Star Tribune reporter Jean Hopfensperger and photographer Jerry Holt accompanied the group to chronicle how Minnesotans observed the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. In a story published after the group’s return home, Augsburg alumnae Carol Pfleiderer ’64 and Kathleen Johnson ’72 described how the trip itinerary offered participants opportunities to build and reflect on their faith. To view trip photos, visit augsburg.edu/now. SPRING–SUMMER 2017 25 A GIFT FOR AUGSBURG IN ROCHESTER Louise and Regent Emeritus Leland “Lee” Sundet will help Augsburg’s Rochester site grow thanks to a generous $1.5 million gift. The Rochester location attracts more than 350 working professionals to undergraduate and graduate programs in business, education, health care, and nursing. As longtime supporters of Augsburg, including the Weekend College and Youth and Family Ministry programs, the Sundets have used their frugality to benefit others and to raise the profile of Augsburg. Several years ago, in an effort to better communicate Augsburg’s identity locally, Sundet helped form a marketing committee and was instrumental in choosing a new logo with a cross embedded in the “A.” He remains steadfast in his commitment to religion and religious freedom as essential to education. In his 88 years, Lee has never lost sight of the basics: thrift, generosity, and faith. “I also believe in old-fashioned discipline—‘don’t spend it till you’ve earned it,’” he said. Lee learned these principles early, growing up in Spring Grove, Minnesota, where most Norwegian-American community members attended the big Lutheran church. “My father died when I was six months old, and my mother PHOTO BY BRENDAN BUSH PHOTO BY BRENDAN BUSH AUGGIES CONNECT was quite ill so she had to sell everything she had to pay the bills. She got $7.43 a month, and of that, 74 cents went to the church,” said Lee, who has embraced tithing ever since. A retired industrialist and manufacturer, Lee owned several companies, including Century Manufacturing, Goodall Manufacturing, Britt Manufacturing, and Fountain Industries. His business acumen earned him such honors as Minnesota’s Small Business Man of the Year and the University of Minnesota’s Outstanding Achievement Award. The couple has sponsored a business scholarship at Augsburg since 1992. Overall, the Sundets are impressed by the potential of Augsburg’s programs in Rochester and by the work of another community anchor, Mayo Clinic, which the couple believes shares their values. “Augsburg has come a long way, and I would love to see it grow in Rochester.” 26 AUGSBURG NOW “I have met people at Mayo who have gone through the Augsburg program, and I’ve seen what it’s done for them. It’s a wonderful thing,” Lee said. “It wasn’t easy to get it started, but it’s fun to look back on. Augsburg has come a long way, and I would love to see it grow in Rochester.” tips for the reluctant networker Augsburg College alumna Jenni Lilledahl ’87 was a featured speaker at the Auggie Networking Experience in February. As co-owner of the sketch and improvisational comedy theater Brave New Workshop in Minneapolis, Lilledahl brought insight from the improv world to the crowd of nearly 300 alumni and students meeting to exchange career advice. No matter their personality or career, Lilledahl said, all people have anxiety about jumping into new conversations or taking new career paths. Here she shares tips for individuals to jump-start meaningful conversations and say “yes” to new experiences. 1. We all get uncomfortable, yet we cannot let this feeling control us. Instead, we must face our fears and immerse ourselves in new experiences. 2. Sometimes saying “yes” is easier than we think. Don’t rattle off 20 excuses; jump in with an open mind. 3. PHOTOS BY RICKY TAYLOR ’17 Stop yourself from using the word “but.” Instead, use the reframing mindset of “yesand” to add something positive to each situation you are in. Don’t use excuses to squash new ideas, possibilities, or adventures. Rather, embrace them. 4. Be intentional about your communication. Don’t just be there. Be awake, aware, and connected to the other people in the room. 5. Have gratitude for the chance to develop relationships, share ideas, and try new things. People who create authentic connections with others are often more successful than those who possess only technical skills. Augsburg alumni and students participated in short improvisational exercises at the event. with the Young Alumni Council Auggies who have graduated from any Augsburg degree program in the past 10 years are invited to join the Young Alumni Council and help plan year-round activities for recent alumni. In the past, the Young Alumni Council has organized a Twins game outing, a financial planning talk and social hour at Summit Brewery, and an afternoon of ice skating at The Depot in Minneapolis. For Young Alumni Council Vice President Evan Decker ’12, taking part in the group provides opportunities to practice valuable life and business skills that he doesn’t necessarily hone in his day- to-day work, such as planning meetings and events, communicating with fellow alumni, speaking to groups, and networking. Serving the council also is a way to stay engaged with the College. “Some people feel there aren’t resources for them after graduation, and that couldn’t be further from the truth,” Decker said. “This group is here to help bridge that gap.” To join the Young Alumni Council, visit augsburg.edu/alumni. SPRING–SUMMER 2017 27 ALUMNI CLASS NOTES 1961 Last year, First Lutheran Church in Red Wing, Minnesota, recognized Arlan Johnson ’61 for 50 years of service to its choir as a singer and director. While a student at Augsburg, Johnson played in the band for four years and sang in the choir for two years. He enjoyed tours with the band and choir in the Pacific Northwest, and in 1960 he participated in an extended Alaskan band trip to the Anchorage Music Festival. After graduating from Augsburg, he completed his education requirements, student taught at Braham (Minnesota) Area High School with Herman Aune ’50, and finished a second major in biology. Johnson taught band and vocal music in Stewart, Minnesota, and elementary, junior high, and middle school band in Red Wing until his retirement. He and his wife, Phyllis, continue to live in Red Wing. 1967 5 0-Y E AR RE UNI ON HOMECOMING 2017 Associate Professor of Chemistry Sandra Olmsted ’69 retires after serving Augsburg since 1978. See page 2. 1971 Darrell Skogen ’71 retired after teaching for 46 years. He spent the past 41 years at St. MichaelAlbertville High School in Minnesota. Skogen is the longest-tenured employee in the history of the school district. He taught classes such as AP World History and AP U.S. History. Skogen continues to instruct part-time at the high school and records stats for its football program. He says that the school’s Class 5A football state championship victory in 2015 was the first in his 50 years walking the sidelines. 1974 Dr. Subhashchandra “Pat” Patel ’74 and Annette (Hanson) Patel ’73 donated their dental clinics in Clarkfield and Cottonwood, Minnesota, to Open Door Health Center of Mankato. Open Door will run satellite dental clinics in the towns. Pat retired in June 2016. Associate Professor of Music Peter Hendrickson ’76 retires after teaching at Augsburg for more than two decades. See page 2. 1977 40- YE A R R E U N I O N HOMECOMING 2017 In August, Neil Paulson ’77 was elected state committeeman for the Republican Party in Orange County, Florida. for Advanced Science and Technology. 1979 1990 Walter Ohrbom ’79 earned a doctorate in chemistry from North Dakota State University after graduating from Augsburg. He retired from BASF as a senior research associate with more than 120 U.S. patents. Over the years, he and his wife, Patricia, have traveled around the world to backpack, bike, canoe, and scuba dive. Athletic Director Jeff Swenson ’79 draws connections between student athletes’ time on campus and leadership roles after graduation. See page 18. 1988 Kiel Christianson ’88 was promoted to full professor in the Department of Educational Psychology at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, where he conducts research on language processing, reading, and bilingualism. He is associate chair of the department, as well as leader of the Educational Psychology Psycholinguistics Lab and co-chair of the Illinois Language and Literacy Initiative, both in the Beckman Institute In July, Karen Jean Reed ’90, a music therapy major, was honored with the President’s Award at the Southern California First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction Church Of God in Christ 50th State Women’s Convention, held in Palm Desert, California. She also was nominated for the 50 Women of Excellence honor for her exemplary service and outstanding achievement in music and administrative service in local, church, district, regional, and state positions. Reed has excelled in music as a gospel saxophonist and in women’s ministry. She was recognized for exemplary service by Barbara McCoo Lewis, the assistant general supervisor of the Church of God in Christ International. Reed serves as the assistant regional missionary for the Santa Barbara region and also works with youth. Professionally, she is a program director at the Department of State HospitalsCoalinga, overseeing the treatment of sexually violent predators. She is the author of “Music is the Master Key.” AUGGIES NEAR AND FAR [L to R]: Sociology Professor Tim Pippert and Torstenson Scholars Ellen Sachs ’17, Emily Campbell ’17, and Jen Kochaver ’19 meet with Mark Johnson ’75 on campus. [Not pictured]: Torstenson Scholar Mark Daniels ’17. 28 AUGSBURG NOW Last fall, metro-urban studies alumnus Mark Johnson ’75 invited Sociology Professor Tim Pippert to the remote country of Vanuatu in the South Pacific. The pair distributed solar lights donated by Johnson to villages on the island of Tanna, which in 2015 suffered widespread destruction due to Hurricane Pam. For Pippert, the trip was an adventure of a lifetime and an opportunity to observe the relationships Johnson has developed with local people over the course of several previous trips. The connection between Johnson and Pippert was built, in part, through their involvement with Augsburg’s Torstenson Community Scholars program that supports undergraduate research. Since 2015, Johnson has funded research opportunities for Auggies engaged in the program, which is named in memory of Professor Joel Torstenson ’38, a founder of Augsburg’s Department of Sociology. This February, four Torstenson Scholars traveled with Pippert to North Dakota’s Bakken oilfield region to assess how residents have been impacted by oil exploration. From the Auggie Connections blog. Visit augsburg.edu/alumni/blog to read more. 1992 2 5-Y EA R RE UNI ON HOMECOMING 2017 Scott Peterson ’92 has accepted a call to be the pastor at Lutheran Church in the Foothills in La Cañada, California. After living in Canada for more than 17 years, Peterson has returned to the U.S. to continue ministry within the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. 1993 Chad Shilson ’93 is the Minnesota women’s wrestling director for USA Wrestling. He has completed his 100th marathon and qualified for his fourth Boston Marathon. Marathon running has taken him to 36 states, including 29 states in the past two years. A dedicated daily runner, Shilson has run at least one mile per day for more than six years. 1996 Stephanie Harms ’96 and Kristin (Young) Miller ’91 are helping change the nation’s response to vulnerable individuals and families through their work in the supportive housing movement. Both Auggies work at CSH, a national nonprofit organization that connects housing with services for vulnerable populations. Based in New York City, Miller leads a successful CSH program that assists communities throughout New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Harms serves as chief operating officer and leads CSH’s communications, administrative, talent, and human resource efforts. CSH has ended veteran homelessness in several communities throughout the U.S., created more than 100,000 homes for individuals and families, and changed public systems to address the root conditions that create turmoil in the lives of vulnerable individuals and families. ’05 ’03 1999 Peter Durow ’99 has been commissioned by the American Choral Directors Association of Minnesota for the 2018 ACDA-MN State 4-5-6 Girls’ Honor Choir. ACDA-MN has been committed to commissioning new choral works for all-state and honor choirs from Minnesota composers each year since 1975. Durow serves as visiting director of choral activities at St. Cloud State University. ’67 Juliane Derry ’00 blends science with artistry and research with intuition as a historic materials conservator. See page 8. AUGGIE SNAPSHOTS Andrea (Carlson) Conway ’05 and Riley Conway ’05 welcomed a son, Soren Jon, in December. Soren is the grandson of Jon Carlson ’79 and great-grandson of Jeroy Carlson ’48. Golf Association and president of Women in the Golf Industry. She also wrote an e-book titled, “Hit It, Alice! A Woman’s Golf Guide to Everything But the Swing.” Barb (Walen) Hanson ’67 became president of the Minnesota Golf Association at its annual meeting in November. She is the first woman to serve in this role. Since retiring from her teaching career, Hanson has been actively involved in the golf world, having served as president of the Minnesota Women’s Paul Putt ’03, ’15 MAE and his wife, Katie, celebrated the birth of a son, Theodore Howard, in October. ’05 ’67 ’03 Pete Pfeffer ’87, who holds a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, and his daughter, Maggie, served on a chiropractic and medical ’87 ’87 mission team in Kimana, Kenya. The team provided care and education to hundreds of Maasai villagers living in bomas and orphanages in an underserved area. Pete and his brother, Mike Pfeffer ’92, jointly own and serve as chiropractors for a HealthSource Chiropractic and Progressive Rehabilitation Clinic in Alexandria, Minnesota. In addition to private practice, Pete has taken on a national role with the HealthSource Corporation to provide training in technique and rehabilitation procedures for new franchises. SPRING–SUMMER 2017 29 ALUMNI CLASS NOTES Mathematics and Statistics Instructor Alyssa Hanson ’01 is honored with a Distinguished Contributions to Teaching and Learning award. See page 7. 2002 JCI Minnesota (formerly Minnesota Jaycees) selected Katie Lindenfelser ’02, founder of Crescent Cove, as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotans for 2016. The mission of Crescent Cove is to offer care and support to young people with a shortened life expectancy and their families. The vision of Crescent Cove is to build and operate the first residential children’s hospice and respite care home in the Midwest. Started in 1950, the Ten Outstanding Young Minnesotans honor is Minnesota’s only statewide recognition program for outstanding young leaders ages 18-40 who have devoted themselves to improving their communities. The program acknowledges the efforts and accomplishments of young adults who contribute to Minnesota through their service, thought and influence, community involvement, or entrepreneurship. 2003 Reginaldo HaslettMarroquin ’03 published “In the Shadow of Green Man.” The book, published by Acres USA, chronicles Haslett-Marroquin’s upbringing in revolution-torn Guatemala and how he built his vision to develop a regenerative farming model that uplifts individuals and communities. Throughout the book, he shares the fable of the Green Man, a tiny and wise Guatemalan folk character whose stories teach the importance of respecting the natural world. HaslettMarroquin is chief strategy officer for Main Street Project, based in Northfield, Minnesota. Haslett-Marroquin has served as a consultant for the United Nations Development Program’s Bureau for Latin America and as an advisor to the World Council of Indigenous People. He was a founding member of the Fair Trade Federation, and was Director of the Fair Trade Program for the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy from 1995 to 1998. He also led the creation, strategic positioning, startup, and launch of Peace Coffee, a Minnesota-based fair-trade coffee company. Samuel Gross ’03 designs new university logo. See page 12. 2007 10-YEAR REUNION HOMECOMING 2017 Mike Matson ’07 helps teach student-athletes how to engage in difficult conversations. See page 18. Jenessa Payano Stark ’07 began a Master of Science in Nursing program at Yale University this past fall. She is studying in Yale’s Nurse-Midwifery/Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner program. She received a prestigious National Health Service Corps Scholarship that pays her tuition and fees, and defrays her living expenses for three years in exchange for future service in an area with a shortage of health professionals. 2011 Dan Skaarup ’11 and Casey (Ernst) Skaarup ’11 welcomed a daughter, Eowyn River, to the world in December. Laura Schmidt ’11 and Sarah Witte ’12 launched a nonprofit, spiritually based community called Intertwine Northeast. The group’s mission is to be “made and moved by story, convinced by compassion, always in process, and about questions, not answers.” Mike Gallagher ’12 shares life lessons with current students. See page 18. 2014 Composer and percussionist Zack Baltich ’14 was featured in the 2017 Cedar Commissions. Baltich’s piece “ingress/passage” used contact microphones and uncommon performance techniques on marimba, glass bottles, and other found objects. The Cedar Commissions (formerly the 416 Commissions) is a flagship program for emerging artists made possible with a grant from the Jerome Foundation and has showcased new work by more than 30 emerging composers and musicians. Catherine Colsrud ’14 was one of 25 leaders who participated in the eighth cohort of the Native Nation Rebuilders Program sponsored by the Native Governance Center and the Bush Foundation. Representatives from 12 Native nations from Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota were selected for the Rebuilders AUGGIE SNAPSHOTS Kathleen (Watson) Bradbury ’12 and Krissy Bradbury ’12 welcomed Peter Gene to their family. ’12 Beckie Jackson ’10 received a Fulbright Distinguished Award in Teaching and is one of approximately 45 U.S. citizens traveling abroad through the program in 2016-17. In January, she headed to Botswana to spend five months conducting educational research. Recipients of Fulbright grants are selected ’10 30 AUGSBURG NOW on the basis of academic and professional achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential. Jackson teaches at Moose Lake High School in Moose Lake, Minnesota. Nick Rathmann ’03 and wife, Shannon, welcomed a daughter, Finley Grace, in November. ’03 ’11 Several Augsburg College alumni serve as tutors and coaches with Minnesota Reading Corps and Minnesota Math Corps. Tutors pledge one year of service in schools to help children become proficient readers by the end of third grade and proficient in math by the end of eighth grade. [L to R]: Charmaine Bell ’11, Kathleen Abel ’76, Joaquin Vences ’16, Kacie Carlsted ’15, Christine Fankhanel ’02, Amy Riebs ’18 MAE, and Alicia (Oppelt) Musselman ’14. ’91 Nancy Palmer ’91 joined the Minnesota Reading Corps September Program as a leadership component of a larger initiative to support tribes as they strengthen their governing capabilities. Colsrud serves the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe as the commissioner of administration, chief of staff, and acting commissioner of natural resources. Native Governance Center and Bush Foundation Rebuilders convened for four structured sessions during which they developed action plans to share knowledge with peers and their respective tribal governments. ’12 ’10 GRADUATE PROGRAMS Nursing Department Chair Joyce Miller ’02, ’05 MAN, ’11 DNP earns a Distinguished Contributions to Teaching and Learning award. See page 7. Tommy Redae ’09 MBA helps Auggies prepare for a healthy financial future. See page 18. Rochelle Fischer ’14 MSW became a hospital administrator at Anoka-Metro Regional Treatment Center in January. For the past four years, she has been an assistant program director at the Minnesota Security Hospital in St. Peter, Minnesota, providing day-to-day operational and administrative leadership for persons with complex behavioral health symptoms. ’03 ’11 Dan Klein ’15 MBA and Kaitlin (Astleford) Klein were married February 25 in Hollywood, Florida. Nicole (Egly) Olson ’15 MBA and Mark Olson were married February 24 in Playa del Carmen, Mexico. Institute and tutors students in kindergarten through third grade. ’91 Chris Stedman ’08, an interfaith activist and author, is joining Augsburg this spring as a fellow serving the Sabo Center for Democracy and Citizenship where he will facilitate and build new community partnerships for non-religious and interfaith civic engagement. Stedman also will consult on the development of interfaith engagement programs at Augsburg. ’08 ’08 31 HEALING WATERS ’68 Jason Kusiak ’08 spends late winter and early spring long-lining for cod and haddock, and most of the year catching lobster. Fishing in long-established seaports near Gloucester, Massachusetts, gives Kusiak an appreciation for the area’s rich history and a healthy respect for those who made a living fishing the Atlantic in earlier times. “With fishing,” he said, “you can see the direct result of your work ethic.” Today Kusiak recognizes that his entrepreneurial inclination was shaped by Assistant Professor of Business John Cerrito and former staff member Peggy Cerrito, and that his drive for continual personal growth was influenced by his involvement in StepUP®, the College’s residential collegiate recovery community. While at Augsburg, Kusiak found that the College’s commitment to building strong community connections and emphasis on learning through experience resonated with him. He now seeks out opportunities to interact with new people, to give back, and to offer hope to individuals and families who struggle with substance abuse. He’s driven to invest in the future of his business and his community. ’78 From the Auggie Connections blog. Visit augsburg.edu/alumni/blog to read more. AUGGIE SNAPSHOTS ’83 [L to R]: This fall, Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service President Linda Hartke met with former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and the Rev. Mark Hanson ’68, former presiding bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, at the LIRS Walk of Courage Award Gala. Albright and Hanson were honored at the event for their commitments to furthering equity for all people. ’68 ’71 Actor and performing arts educator Luverne Seifert ’83 won a $25,000 fellowship from the William and Eva Fox Foundation. He is part of a national cohort of artists supported by the foundation, which underwrites training and career development for performers. The support will enable Seifert to deeply explore his art and travel to France and Switzerland. In the past 25 years, he has acted at theaters in the Twin Cities and across the U.S. ’83 ’05 [L to R]: Margaret Marx ’78, Margo Casey ’78, and Cathy (Kaiser) Bloomquist ’78, all members of the original second step Bachelor of Science in Nursing program at ’78 ’06 32 AUGSBURG NOW Augsburg, continue their friendship today. The women gathered in Scandia, Minnesota, in September, and they share this photo as a reminder of the second step program’s impact on the nursing profession in Minnesota. Bob Stacke ’71 received an award from the Somali Museum of Minnesota on the occasion of the museum’s third anniversary last October. Stacke has provided music and photography services to the museum since its inception. ’71 Janeece (Adams) Oatman ’05, an Augsburg Alumni Board member, and Jim Gross, associate provost for academic innovation and strategic initiatives, were part of the Auggie team at the Rochester, Minnesota, Tour de Cure in October. ’05 Missy (Gaulke) Wilson ’06 completed her first Ragnar trail race and ’06 her third Ragnar overall race in September. She ran 15.2 miles on the Ragnar Trail Northwoods - WI in the Ragnar relay. Helen M. (Anderson) Johnson ’40, Hallock, Minnesota, age 96, on September 4. Eleanor C. (Christenson) Kline ’44, Minneapolis, age 93, on May 31. Marvin W. Johnson ’45, Rochester, Minnesota, age 93, on November 28. Olav Overold ’45, Cando, North Dakota, age 103, on January 23. Bonnie J. (Sorem) Anderson ’46, Cedar Falls, Iowa, age 92, on December 7. Delpha M. (Randklev) Berg ’47, Grand Forks, North Dakota, age 91, on September 12. Ray E. Gerlinger ’49, Overland Park, Minnesota, age 93, on December 4. Theodore C. Nystuen ’49, Altoona, Wisconsin, age 94, on January 19. Lorraine G. V. (Lundh) Qual ’49, Lisbon, North Dakota, age 93, on October 4. Joan L. (Sears) Ryden ’49, Cedar Hill, Texas, age 91, on October 18. Phebe D. (Dale) Hanson ’50, Minneapolis, age 88, on December 16. Evelyn I. (Shelstad) Kriesel ’50, Alamo, Texas, age 88, on September 21. Rhonda M. (Hektner) Lybeck ’50, Fargo, North Dakota, age 88, on January 29. Daniel Nelson ’50, Spicer, Minnesota, age 90, on February 14. Melvin E. Vigen ’50, Irving, Texas, age 88, on September 26. Arvild T. Jacobson ’51, Sun City, Arizona, age 93, on November 26. Donald H. Olson ’51, Henderson, Nevada, age 87, on December 19. Robert “Bob” R. Hage ’52, Hector, Minnesota, age 88, on December 16. William “Bill” J. Kuross ’52, Hopkins, Minnesota, age 87, on January 31. Charlotte M. (Kleven) Rimmereid ’52, St. Paul, age 86, on December 29. Roger V. Anderson ’53, Ottawa, Ontario, age 86, on February 11. Joan J. (Johnson) Kuder ’53, Williams Bay, Wisconsin, age 86, on December 19. Harry E. Olson ’53, Apopka, Florida, age 84, on October 7. Nola E. (Bengtson) Studer ’53, Bemidji, Minnesota, age 85, on September 5. Donna R. (Osland) Gaines ’54, Laguna Hills, California, age 84, on September 17. Ruth M. (Pousi) Ollila ’54, Minneapolis, age 84, on February 14. Betty J. (Dyrud) Oudal ’54, Rochester, Minnesota, age 85, on December 31. Arlene V. (Tollefson) Paulson ’54, Lake Oswego, Oregon, age 89, on September 20. Gary R. Rust ’54, Burnsville, Minnesota, age 85, on October 12. Robert “Bob” E. Twiton ’54, Brainerd, Minnesota, age 84, on February 26. Theodore “Ted” S. Berkas ’56, Minneapolis, age 88, on January 15. Robert A. Fundingsland ’65, St. Louis Park, Minnesota, age 73, on September 19. Sanford E. Egesdal ’56, Minneapolis, age 82, on October 3. Marie D. (Hafie) MacNally ’65, Minneapolis, on November 7. Robert A. Roos ’56, Robbinsdale, Minnesota, age 86, on September 3. Dale H. Peterson ’69, Sapulpa, Oklahoma, age 69, on November 27. Merlin J. White ’56, Fridley, Minnesota, age 86, on September 8. Anita M. (Lindquist) King ’70, Pella, Iowa, age 68, on September 1. Raymond Seaver ’57, Fergus Falls, Minnesota, age 82, on December 5. Chuck S. Marsh ’73, Puyallup, Washington, age 65, on November 14. Robert H. Gustafson ’59, Cambridge, Minnesota, age 84, on January 28. Colleen M. (Brown) Olson ’74, Shakopee, Minnesota, age 63, on August 20. John P. Martisen ’59, Minneapolis, age 81, on August 30. Sheila M. (Conway) Kortuem ’84, St. Peter, Minnesota, age 76, on August 26. Lloyd H. Reichstadt ’59, Flagstaff, Arizona, age 84, on November 21. Paul C. Casperson ’60, Dallas, Texas, age 77, on January 31. Wayne R. Juntunen ’60, Esko, Minnesota, age 83, on December 5. Karen O. (Egesdal) Trelstad ’61, Red Wing, Minnesota, age 79, on November 30. Coralyn J. (Lunsted) Bryan ’62, Minneapolis, age 77, on October 25. Joshua B. Lerman ’08, Louisville, Kentucky, age 33, on November 18. Angel G. Rodriguez ’15, Minneapolis, age 25, on January 3. Tyler G. Kotewa ’17, Fairmont, Minnesota, age 25, on December 7. Mark A. DiCastri ’18, Minneapolis, age 29, on February 27. Clair A. Johannsen ’62, Hagerstown, Maryland, age 79, on February 10. Paul W. Anderson ’63, Moorhead, Minnesota, age 77, on January 31. Gaylen K. Heggen ’63, Cottage Grove, Minnesota, age 75, on October 26. The “In memoriam” listings in this publication include notifications received before March 15. SPRING–SUMMER 2017 33 PHOTO BY RICKY TAYLOR ’17 IN MEMORIAM PHOTOS BY COURTNEY PERRY 2211 Riverside Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55454 Steve Wozniak inspires Auggies to ‘Learn Different’ Apple, Inc. co-founder Steve Wozniak engaged the Augsburg community in a conversation that emphasized the importance of creativity, education, and innovation in an increasingly connected world. Wozniak launched Apple with Steve Jobs in 1976, revolutionizing the personal computer industry. Wozniak’s visit took place this winter during Scholarship Weekend, an opportunity for prospective students to compete for Fine Arts and Honors scholarships. Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Twin Cities, MN Permit No. 2031
Show less

Title: Augsburg Now Spring 2016: High-Impact Learning
Collection: Alumni Magazine Collection
Search Result: Navigating uncharted waters Playing it forward An exploration of faith HIGH-IMPACT LEARNING SPRING 2016 | VOL. 78, NO. 2 INSIDE AUGSBURG NOW Vice President of Marketing and Communication Rebecca John ’13 MBA rjohn@augsburg.edu Director of News and Media Services Stephanie Weiss weis...
Show more Navigating uncharted waters Playing it forward An exploration of faith HIGH-IMPACT LEARNING SPRING 2016 | VOL. 78, NO. 2 INSIDE AUGSBURG NOW Vice President of Marketing and Communication Rebecca John ’13 MBA rjohn@augsburg.edu Director of News and Media Services Stephanie Weiss weisss@augsburg.edu NOTES FROM PRESIDENT PRIBBENOW On serendipity in education I vividly recall the moment in 1977 when a conversation with a religion professor at Luther College, my alma mater, offered me a way of thinking about my vocational journey that has changed my life. When I admitted my doubts about following my dad’s path to the ministry, the professor shared his own journey to divinity school and the study of theology, the sort of study I had begun to explore in his class. The rest is history, as they say. I went on to study ethics and theology in divinity school and to pursue my own calling for leadership in higher education. A moment of serendipity that changed my life—unexpected, unplanned, and so very meaningful—made possible by a teaching and learning community and a teacher that created the opportunity for such moments. Such serendipity in education is a hallmark of the educational experience at Augsburg. I’m sure you have your own stories of the faculty or staff member, maybe the fellow student, or perhaps the community member who offered you the insight, the experience, the counsel, or the challenge that shaped your path. This issue of Augsburg Now reminds us of the people and experiences that continue to offer Augsburg students the promise of serendipity in their education. From award-winning teachers and researchers like Phil Adamo of the History Department and Henry Yoon of the Psychology Department to inspiring guest speakers like LeVar Burton (yes, the “Star Trek” and “Reading Rainbow” star) and Dr. Donald Warne (an American Indian medical doctor challenging us to pay attention to public health issues on reservations). From nationally recognized efforts like our StepUP® program for students recovering from addiction to the Nobel Peace Prize Forum that inspires all of us to be peacemakers in our communities. Serendipity in education happens for all of us because of these people and programs, and because of this College’s deep commitment to such experiences. One particular moment from last fall stands out for me. Our groundbreaking River Semester gave 12 students the educational experience of a lifetime as they spent the entire semester on the Mississippi River (see page 16). When I went to St. Louis to meet with the River Semester students and faculty halfway through the semester, I heard tale after tale of serendipitous experiences along the river. But then one student took me aside and said that for Associate Professor Joe Underhill, who organized the class, this was the trip he had always dreamed about, given his passion for the river. And, the student continued, Joe could have done the trip with his family or friends—surely an easier way to spend nearly four months on the river? Instead, the student said, he chose to do it with us, his students. He chose to do it with his students. That, my friends, is the “stuff” of serendipity in education. Teachers who choose to create the space for serendipity to happen—in the classroom, in the cafeteria, on the playing fields or performance stage, even on the Mighty Mississippi. May it always be so. Faithfully yours, Director of Marketing Communication Stephen Jendraszak jendra@augsburg.edu Communication Copywriter and Editorial Coordinator Laura Swanson ’15 MBA swansonl@augsburg.edu Creative Associate Denielle Johnson ’11 johnsod@augsburg.edu Marketing Copywriter Christina Haller haller@augsburg.edu Production Manager Mark Chamberlain chamberm@augsburg.edu Photographer Stephen Geffre geffre@augsburg.edu Advancement Communication Specialist Jen Lowman Day dayj@augsburg.edu Contributor Kate H. Elliott augsburg.edu Augsburg Now is published by Augsburg College 2211 Riverside Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55454 Opinions expressed in Augsburg Now do not necessarily reflect official College policy. ISSN 1058-1545 PAUL C. PRIBBENOW, PRESIDENT Send address corrections to: alumniupdate@augsburg.edu. Email: now@augsburg.edu AUGSBURG NOW Spring 2016 02 Around the quad 08 Playing it forward 14 An exploration of faith 16 Navigating uncharted waters 24 Auggies connect 27 Class notes 32 In memoriam On the cover: Auggies paddle past the Gateway Arch in St. Louis as part of a semester-long journey following the Mississippi River from St. Paul to New Orleans. See page 16. Photo by Whitney Curtis. Correction: In the Fall 2015 issue of Augsburg Now, the story “From Riverside Ave. to Riverside, CA” omitted that Matthew Dunn ’08 was among several recent Augsburg College graduates to pursue an advanced degree at the University of California-Riverside. All photos by Stephen Geffre unless otherwise indicated. Augsburg College students walk through Lindell Library—a building that will connect to the future Norman and Evangeline Hagfors Center for Science, Business, and Religion. Learn more about the Hagfors Center on page 3. AROUND THE QUAD IGNITING PASSION, FINDING HARMONY Convocation Series sparks conversation 2 Augsburg Now The Augsburg College Convocation Series each year offers the community a chance to hear from leaders and visionaries who spark important discussion and educate about the challenges and opportunities of today’s generation. The first event in 2016 was the Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation in January, featuring Chuck D, leader and co-founder of the legendary rap group Public Enemy, and his presentation, “Race, Rap, and Reality: Supporting Our Youth in the Spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as They Face the Unique Challenges of Today.” The Batalden Seminar in Applied Ethics in February welcomed Dr. Donald Warne—professor and chair of the Department of Public Health in the College of Health Professions at North Dakota State University, and senior policy advisor to the Great Plains Tribal Chairmen’s Health Board—whose presentation was “Traditional Lakota Approaches to Health Disparities: Connecting People and the Environment.” The Koryne Horbal Lecture in March featured Nekima Levy-Pounds, attorney, law professor, and president of the Minneapolis chapter of the NAACP. Courtesy Photos Hip-hop pioneer and best-selling author Chuck D addresses hundreds of attendees at the 2016 Martin Luther King Jr. Convocation. AROUND THE QUAD Exterior rendering of the Hagfors Center E L A S N O TICKETS CONSTRUCTION STARTS In May, Augsburg College will begin the construction of its newest and largest academic building, the Norman and Evangeline Hagfors Center for Science, Business, and Religion. The interdisciplinary Hagfors Center embodies Augsburg’s commitment to student learning, urban placemaking, and thoughtful stewardship. The building design features classrooms and labs that are configurable to support experiential learning as well as other teaching and learning formats. These spaces will be constructed on a modular framework that allows for flexibility to meet the College’s long-term needs. The building will anchor the west side of campus and welcome the College’s neighborhood with an “open arms” design facing the adjacent residential community and embracing the on-campus community gardens. The Hagfors Center also will be the most environmentally friendly building on campus, seeking a LEED Silver certification for its Mock-up offices sustainable design. As part of the building planning process, Augsburg constructed life-size models of two proposed configurations for faculty and staff offices. The office concepts were on display in Lindell Library so community members could stop by to check out the look and feel of the spaces. Students (and even some faculty members) made themselves at home in the offices by taking time to study, check email, and read, all the while bringing new meaning to the phrase, “open-door policy.” Children’s rights advocate to keynote peace-building event Augsburg College will host the 28th annual Nobel Peace Prize Forum June 6–8, inviting global leaders and the general public to explore pressing peacemaking issues faced by people across the globe. This year’s forum will honor and feature a keynote address by Kailash Satyarthi, joint winner of the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize. For decades, Satyarthi has been tireless in his advocacy for child rights, education, and child labor reform in India. While in Minneapolis, Satyarthi will join other peace-building experts to explore human rights and democracy, disarmament, sustainability, and inclusivity. Courtesy Photo THIS SPRING College moves forward on new academic building Get tickets and learn more at nobelpeaceprizeforum.org. The first classes will be held in the Hagfors Center in January 2018. Go to augsburg.edu/hagforscenter to keep track of project developments. Spring 2016 3 Historyapolis project wins ALICE SMITH PRIZE Twin Cities middle schoolers participate in a Somali debate initiative led by the Minnesota Urban Debate League. [Top to bottom]: Kirsten Delegard, who serves as a scholar-in-residence in the Augsburg College History Department, and Michael Lansing, associate professor of history, were presented the Alice Smith Prize for best public history project completed in the previous calendar year by the Midwestern History Association. The Historyapolis Project was created when Delegard realized that the citizens of her hometown of Minneapolis craved complex stories about the city’s past that would help them understand how it became the wonderful and intricate place that it is today. Augsburg students are deeply involved with the project, which aims to make the city’s history accessible and helps instigate community dialogue around challenging aspects of local history. Visit historyapolis.com for more information. Signature urban debate program REACHES MILESTONE Augsburg College’s Minnesota Urban Debate League program provides services, support, and materials to more than 750 students engaged in competitive academic debate at 40 high schools and middle schools across the Twin Cities metro area. This year marked the first time that the state debate championship featured two teams from the Minnesota Urban Debate League: St. Paul’s Highland Park and Minneapolis’ Washburn high schools. Led by Executive Director Amy Cram Helwich and Faculty Adviser Robert Groven, an Augsburg communication studies professor, the program helps increase school engagement and connectedness, which boosts young people’s confidence in their academic abilities. The program’s impact is shown through a 100 percent on-time high school graduation rate and a 99 percent college acceptance rate for debaters. “No other out-of-school program accomplishes such significant gains,” according to Groven. 4 Augsburg Now Photo courtesy of Lisa Lynch Minnesota Urban Debate League participants dominate 2016 state championship The Historyapolis Project invites Augsburg College students and community members to conduct research to help interpret the history of Minneapolis. [L to R]: Citizen-researcher Rita Yeads and Anna Romskog ’15 view city planning photographs from the 1930s in the Minneapolis City Archives at City Hall. AROUND THE QUAD Professor Phillip Adamo peers out of his office in Memorial Hall. Phillip Adamo named 2015 Minnesota Augsburg College was named No. 6 on Best Value Schools’ 2015 list of 20 Best Value Colleges or Universities in Minnesota. eetable Rankings are based on graduation rate, net price, acceptance rate, #AuggieP and 20-year net return on investment. e rid Augsburg College’s Phillip Adamo, professor of history and director of the Honors Program, was named the 2015 Minnesota Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). Adamo was recognized for his accomplishment in a proclamation by Minneapolis Mayor Betsy Hodges who declared November 19, 2015, “Dr. Phillip C. Adamo Day in the City of Minneapolis.” Adamo is the second Augsburg College faculty member to be honored by Carnegie/CASE. In 2004, Professor Emeritus of Sociology Garry Hesser earned the prestigious award. Tw PROFESSOR OF THE YEAR Augsburg deemed a ‘best value’ college Spring 2016 5 ON THE SPOT Henry Yoon examines addiction risk Augsburg College Associate Professor Henry Yoon oversees the biopsychology major and leads the Augsburg Biopsychology Lab. One area of his research involves studying disorders related to the inability to inhibit socially inappropriate or even illegal behaviors such as the use of illicit substances that can lead to addiction. Yoon uses neurophysiological techniques including EEG to capture and analyze the brain’s electrical activity to identify telltale signs of biological or genetic risk for substance dependence. Yoon works collaboratively with the StepUP® Program, Augsburg’s residential recovery community, and the University of Minnesota’s Department of Psychology. Ultimately, Yoon’s research may help refine the biological tools used in the diagnosis of substance addiction. Q: A: What prompted your interest in studying addiction? Substance use disorders are both common and costly—many of us have personal issues with substance use or know someone who does, including our family members. Plus, addiction is often connected to other major psychiatric disorders in systematic ways. It is important to understand the core factors underlying addiction for intervention and treatment purposes. Q: One of the brainwaves you focus on— the P3—has been studied in relation to childhood disruptive disorders such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, adolescent substance dependence, and adult antisocial behaviors. What’s the link among these areas? A: Collectively, these disorders reflect a tendency toward behavioral disinhibition, which may be expressed in various ways over development through childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Evidence shows that this tendency is highly heritable—in other words, influenced by genes. The P3 brain measure is significant because it may signify who is at risk for these disorders. For instance, my colleagues and I showed that P3 is itself highly heritable and can be used to predict who will develop these types of disorders over a 12-year span. So, we reason that the P3 can serve as a red flag. 6 Augsburg Now Q: Despite recognition of the biological and genetic nature of substance use disorders, social stigmas persist. Could improved scientific literacy play a role in reducing these stigmas? A: I think a cautionary tale from my field’s history can help address this question. In the 1940s-70s, the concept of the “schizophrenogenic mother” was popular in the psychiatric literature. This term implied that mothers who interacted with their children in a cold, rejecting, and aloof manner caused schizophrenia in those children. Another version of this, in relation to autism, was the “refrigerator mother,” which carried a similar implication. Later scientific research rejected these incorrect and harmful notions and instead showed that such disorders largely involve genetic/biological factors. The same trend can be observed with regard to addiction. For instance, it is now known that substance use disorders are influenced by genetic background to a degree comparable to other complex medical conditions such as diabetes or coronary heart disease. Of course environmental factors are also important, but overall this shows that combating addiction is not a matter of willpower or flawed character. Go to augsburg.edu/now to learn more about Yoon’s research. This colorful graph shows a representation of the P3 brainwave activity that Henry Yoon has been investigating in relation to behavioral disinhibition. Abnormalities in the P3 wave have been shown to correlate with addictive behaviors. AROUND THE QUAD StepUP Gala ® Research, study, and offer your two cents breaks fundraising record In March 2015, Melissa Motl, circulation coordinator in Augsburg’s Lindell Library, started posing questions to students on a whiteboard as a way to gain more information about how students use and view the library. She asked questions like, “What can you get at the library that you can’t get anywhere else?” and “What would you like to see the library do differently?” It garnered such great feedback that she decided to continue asking questions as a fun and interesting way to find out more about Auggies. Each year, Augsburg College’s StepUP Program supports dozens of students as they achieve academic success and sustain lives of recovery from substance use disorders. Augsburg is home to the largest collegiate recovery community in the United States, and its work receives generous support from numerous corporations, foundations, individuals, and families. The program received a noteworthy boost this year when its philanthropic gala raised $419,000 from ticket sales, sponsorships, and individual gifts—a sum that nearly doubled the amount raised the previous year. Former WCCO TV anchor Don Shelby was the master of ceremonies and the featured keynote speech was by Anne Thompson Heller ’08, a StepUP alumna who has founded [L to R]: Broadcaster Don Shelby joins and championed recovery U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar and Augsburg organizations at collegiate, College President Paul Pribbenow state, and national levels. at the StepUP Gala. Who ever came up with this question is EVIL!! You can’t make me choose! :( wars “We have some really creative and thoughtful students here at Augsburg, and I think that’s why we always get great responses. Some are thoughtful, and some are silly or witty,” said Motl. Who ever came up this question “Your lackwithof is EVIL!! You can’t make me choose! :( faith disturbs me!” -Darth Vader wa wars SPIRITSH Star Trek Voyager! make me choose! :( wars both Who ever came up with this question is EVIL!! You can’t forever! make me choose! :( rever! foELEVATES Who ever came up with this question Who ever came so upfar One of Motl’sYou favorite questions is EVIL!! can’t with this question has been,me “Star Wars or:(Star Trek?” make choose! is EVIL!! You can’t “Your lack of faith disturbs me!” -Darth Vader r a t s Sports Extravaganza rssets record,star Amanda Koltes ’17 MAE works with Sports Extravaganza participants. wars Star Trek Voyager! Who ever came up with this question "Yourlack lackofof “Your is EVIL!! You can’ “Your me lack faith " of faith disturbs me!” ars disturbs w make me choose! faith disturbs me!” -Darth Vader -Darth Vader -Darth Vader P H P both b s tarrs swtaarrs Star Trek both Voyager! wa s tarrs wa forever! Star s ta Trek wa Voyager! fore both H P “Your faith -Darth H wars H P forever! forever! Whoever came up At the 15th annual Sports Extravaganza, Augsburg College physical with this question education and exercise science students used knowledge gained in the is of EVIL!! You can’t “Your lack rs wa classroom to deliver smiles to a record 307 grade-school and middle-school makeme!” me choose! :( faith disturbs children with physical, cognitive, and learning disabilities. For the event, -Darth Vader Auggies created activity stations in the Augsburg athletics dome and assisted children as they played. The Star Tribune published several Sports Extravaganza photos and described participants’ enthusiasm as “Flying high without leaving the ground.” Visit augsburg.edu/now. V Spring 2016 7 PLAYING IT FORWARD AUGGIE COACHES CREATE CYCLE OF GIVING BACK BY CHRISTINA HALLER Division III athletics is the sweet spot for student-athletes—they compete on teams and nurture deep, meaningful relationships with their coaches and peers, and at the same time have the freedom and time to explore other activities and passions while having a strong focus on academics. These reasons, among others—the competition, camaraderie, discipline, and love of the game—are why more than 500 Augsburg students participate in varsity and intramural sports every year. The welcoming and supportive Augsburg College Athletics Department has had a profound impact on many student-athletes, which in return has sparked a desire in many former players to give back to youth as leaders, mentors, and friends. Here is a glimpse into the lasting influence of Auggie athletics on alumni through the decades. 8 Augsburg Now Whitney Restemayer ’10 is the first woman in the state of Minnesota to coach a team to a hockey state title, the 2015 Minnesota State High School Girls’ Hockey Tournament Class A Championship. I’ve always enjoyed working with kids, teaching the game, and mentoring players off the field. Being a student-athlete at Augsburg taught me many valuable lessons and allowed me to strengthen my leadership skills. Many people from my athletic upbringing have influenced the way I teach young men about soccer and life. I must admit, Auggie soccer coaches Greg Holker, Jonathan Schaefer, and Nate Hitch had a profound influence on me during college. The most gratifying thing about coaching is seeing my boys grow into young men and become contributing members of the community. I was a kid who was influenced in so many positive ways by several people in my athletic path. For me to have the opportunity to give back a fraction of my time is the most gratifying thing in the world. VAN HONG ’11 Enterprise risk analytics consultant at Deloitte & Touche LLP in Minneapolis; youth soccer coach at Park Valley United and co-founder of Spam F.C. College Scholarship Foundation in St. Louis Park, Minnesota SUE (MEIER) ZIEGLER ’80 Physical education and health and wellness teacher and head volleyball and track coach at Lincoln Lutheran Middle/ Senior High School in Lincoln, Nebraska Photos by Matt Ryerson I was involved with basketball and track as an Auggie. I would credit the whole Augsburg Health–Physical Education Department and coaches for supporting me—people like longtime athletic director and men’s basketball coach Ernie Anderson ’37 were always looking out for athletes’ best interests. I believe I received a quality education in a Christian environment, and feel blessed to be in a similar situation now. I hope I have had an impact on helping shape young people’s lives through education and athletics, too. Students teach me life lessons every day. The impact that they have had on my life has been invaluable—on relationships, commitment, and learning. I love seeing where my former students and athletes go on in the next step of their lives— from college to starting their families to excelling in their careers. Spring 2016 11 Everything I got from sports as a player— the love of the game, the friendships, the teamwork, the cohesion—sparked a desire in me to coach. I started playing sports at a young age and experienced coaches who I really clicked with, and I knew that I wanted to be able to give back to athletes in the same way. I had a great experience at Augsburg. Playing two sports, being a health and physical education major, and working within the Athletics Department allowed me to meet many people who had a great influence on my life. I have been very lucky to achieve a lot of success in my short coaching career. Being able to be a part of something so great on ice allowed me to also be a part of something great off the ice. The relationships that I have developed with many of the girls I have coached is second to none. WHITNEY RESTEMAYER ’10 Physical education teacher at Challenger Elementary School and assistant girls’ softball coach and head girls’ hockey coach at Lincoln High School in Thief River Falls, Minnesota JAMELL TIDWELL ’05 Assistant administrator, athletic director, and middle school football and track coach at Valley Middle School of STEM, and high school wrestling coach at Apple Valley High School in Apple Valley, Minnesota I feel like God put athletics in my life to keep me out of trouble so that I could get to where I am today. If I didn’t have wrestling in my life, there’s no way I’d currently be working toward my doctorate. I didn’t have a dad growing up, so when I was a studentathlete at Augsburg, Auggie wrestling coaches Jeff Swenson ’79, Sam Barber, and Donny Wichmann ’89 took me under their wings and taught me how to be a student, how to be an athlete, how to be a man, and how to be successful. I hope that by being a coach, I can show kids that, through athletics and working hard in school, you can achieve anything. I always tell my players, you have to be a student first and an athlete second. AN EXPLORATION OF FAITH PRESTIGIOUS $467,000 GRANT FOSTERS STUDENTS’ ENGAGEMENT IN YOUTH THEOLOGY INSTITUTE BY STEPHANIE WEISS “J esus is in the generosity business,” said Amber Kalina ’15 when she quoted from Walter Brueggeman’s theology of abundance at an Augsburg College chapel service. “That means being constantly alert to any mismatch between the generosity of God and the needs of people.” Certainly, Augsburg was given a great and generous gift this winter when the College was awarded a prestigious three-year Lilly Endowment Inc. grant of $467,000 for the Youth Theology Institute. This residential summer camp program explores deep and meaningful questions of faith and vocation through classes, service work, and reflection. The competitive grant ensures that this program will continue the work of helping young people discern their vocations. Kalina’s homily was part of a visit to her home state of Minnesota to pursue the next step in her vocational journey: Attending seminary to become ordained as a minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. The journey of this youth and family ministry graduate, however, started in the the summer of 2010 14 Augsburg Now when she was a junior in high school in Perham, Minnesota. It was then that she attended Augsburg’s Youth Theology Institute at the encouragement of her youth pastor. “I would grill my youth director about everything. He had heard about the Augsburg College Youth Theology Institute, and he encouraged me to attend because I just couldn’t stop asking questions,” Kalina said. “At the Institute, I was challenged and pushed to think about and explain what I actually think about faith.” DIVERSE EXPERIENCES IN A DIVERSE ZIP CODE The 13-year-old Youth Theology Institute engages young people in grades 10-12 in deep theological questions and vocational discernment through community-based and classroom learning, worship, reflection, and solitude. The program, which has touched more than 200 young people since its inception, is an example of how Augsburg College lives out its vision to educate people for lives of purpose across disciplines and beyond the classroom. “This grant supports Augsburg’s continued commitment to intentional diversity and to modeling what it means to be a Lutheran college of the 21st century, located in the heart of one of the nation’s most diverse ZIP codes. It equips young people with theological and vocational skills and helps them learn what it means to practice their faith, with its commitments to education, radical hospitality, and serving your neighbor,” said Augsburg College President Paul Pribbenow. LEARN, PRAY, AND PLAY TOGETHER Since its inception in 2004, the Youth Theology Institute—a program of Augsburg’s Bernhard M. Christensen Center for Vocation—has explored themes germane not only to the College, but also to current events. Augsburg’s emphasis on interdisciplinary learning shaped the 2015 program, which explored interfaith action, a deeply compelling topic for participants and the College, particularly given Augsburg’s setting in the midst of a neighborhood with a growing Muslim population. The Lilly grant will allow the Augsburg College Youth Theology Institute to expand upon its history of success while increasing programmatic goals, including: • Development of a cohort of youth ministers from regional churches, synods, and multicultural and ethnic-specific congregations, interested in enhancing vocational discernment and theological reflection among youth. Photo by Mark Chamberlain Amber Kalina ’15 serves Abundant Life Together, a ministry of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. This Alt Year program in Toledo, Ohio, provides young adults a chance to explore in community subjects including vocation through reflection, leadership, relationships, and service. • Growth in the number of participants from 20 in 2016 to 40 by 2019 while also strengthening relationships with attendees, their families, their pastors, and their churches. • The creation of a mentor program to allow college-age students to help high school students develop practices and skills for theological reflection. • An increase in connections to the four synods of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America that form Augsburg’s governing structure—Minneapolis, St. Paul, Southeastern Minnesota, and Northwest Wisconsin. • Continuation of scholarships for Youth Theology Institute alumni to attend Augsburg College. “We learn together, pray together, play together, explore the city together, and discern God’s work in our world together.” − Jeremy Myers Youth Theology Institute program director and associate professor of religion Participants in the program are respectfully challenged in every activity to dig deep into their perspectives and biases to uncover their beliefs. “We learn together, pray together, play together, explore the city together, and discern God’s work in our world together,” said Associate Professor of Religion Jeremy Myers, the Youth Theology Institute program director. For her part, Kalina hopes the grant prompts others like her to find their paths. “Young people are so eager to learn,” Kalina said. “But if there is nothing at home to welcome their questioning or to guide them, it is difficult. Home church congregations have to be involved. Participation from our churches provides a chance for all of us to show young people that abundance exists in Christian community and that abundance is meant to be shared with everyone.” Augsburg College will welcome the 2016 class of Youth Theology Institute students to campus from June 19–24. Participants from across the country will explore meaningful questions related to social and environmental justice, the role of the congregation in these questions, and how one can both love and be frustrated by community. To learn more, visit augsburg.edu/acyti. Spring 2016 15 Navigating uncharted waters First-ever River Semester pushes boundaries of experiential learning By Kate H. Elliott The River Semester was billed as an experiential learning opportunity: engage in a full load of political, environmental, and physical education courses—reinforced by a research project—while canoeing down the Mississippi River from its headwaters in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. But for the 12 Augsburg College students, two faculty members, teaching assistant, and two guides who completed the first-of-its-kind trek from August to December, it was so much more. For it was on those waters that the crew learned to appreciate the quiet, to be curious about the world around them, and to seek knowledge. They learned to be prepared, to make friendship a fine art, and most importantly to enjoy the 8 Augsburg Now moment. And they didn’t just learn about the river so much as become enamored of it, so much so that many of them feel unsteady back on solid ground. The Mississippi became their muse, teacher, personal trainer, and confidante. They dreamt alongside its calming waters and paddled through its more turbulent channels. Soon, its problems became their problems: urban stormwater runoff, the economic decay of river towns, and invasive flying carp smacked them—literally—in the face. And so, what started as an interesting, immersive experience has become a sobering call to restore and protect one of the United States’ most iconic natural wonders. Spring 2016 17 Ricky Taylor ’17, a film and graphic design major, captured the crew’s three-month journey and many of the social, economic, political, and cultural forces gripping the river as he gathered footage for a feature-length documentary. He plans to premiere “Learning to Listen: Our Semester on the River” this summer. “We learned by living, meeting the people, and witnessing the issues that illustrate the complexities plaguing the river,” Taylor said. “We met Carl, a shrimper who once walked on land that is now six feet beneath water, and we paddled past sediment that was filling in the river’s largest lake (Lake Pepin near Red Wing, Minnesota). We read about levees being ‘big bad wolves’ but then saw them protect families just trying to make their way through life. A portion of Louisiana is being swallowed up by the ocean, a culture disappearing into the Gulf of Mexico, largely due to agricultural practices that help feed our nation. “Somewhere along the way, I slipped out of the boat and into the Big Muddy. Every day I think about the river—about the paddling, the friends, the food, the learning—longing to be back there. Mud runs through my veins, and the only word I can find to describe the experience is ‘love,’ and that’s not a word I take lightly.” A gripping odyssey The trip had all the elements of any good adventure story: There was a steadfast leader, Joe Underhill, who has been engaged in environmental politics for 30 years and had been dreaming about this trip for almost as long; an epic journey paddling nearly 700 miles in 24-foot handmade cedar-strip voyager canoes; and a compelling cast of characters, including the student who’d never camped, the chipper morning person, and a student about to drop out who found his calling en route. There were unexpected moments, including an emergency appendectomy outside Mark Twain’s hometown, an open mic night harmonizing with the locals of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, and a visit to the Michael Brown memorial in Ferguson, Missouri. And finally, there were lots of emotions—all of them, really. Underhill knew the trip would be an odyssey in every sense of the word. The professor of political science, environmental studies, and international relations had been planning “ Mud runs through my veins —Ricky Taylor ’17 and networking for 15 years to realize the River Semester. He tested the waters in 2001 by organizing a three-day field trip from St. Cloud, Minnesota, to St. Paul. Five-day and 10-day excursions followed before he proposed the semester experience in 2012. “This is where Augsburg stands out from other institutions,” said Underhill, who has organized interdisciplinary trips throughout the world. “Augsburg values experiential learning, place-based pedagogy, and innovative approaches so much that it wasn’t a matter of ‘if’ we can make this happen but ‘how.’ Yes, we had three years of sorting out logistics, but the College continues to empower and support faculty to engage in this type of work, and you only have to talk with one of these students to grasp the impact.” Once logistics were in place, Underhill’s years of contacts at organizations such as the National Park Service rushed in to participate— offering guest lectures, exclusive tours of historic sites, hot meals, and lodging. Wilderness Inquiry, a Minneapolis-based outfitter that has partnered with Augsburg for years, provided logistical expertise and risk management planning as well as guides, food, and equipment. Erik Ophaug, a Wilderness Inquiry program manager, said the outfitter is proud to be at the forefront in creative endeavors that increase students’ access to and connection with the natural world. “This was the longest expedition we have run, in terms of number of days on the river, in our 40-year history of supporting educational and expeditionary outdoor adventures,” Ophaug said. “It was inspiring to watch these students truly soak up and process all of the little moments that make up the culture, politics, ecosystem, and history of the Mississippi River watershed.” Guide Emily Knudson ’15 had paddled with Underhill on a 10-day canoe trip as part of a River Politics course her senior year. When she learned the semester-long excursion wouldn’t materialize until after she would graduate, the determined triple major in environmental studies, English literature, and Spanish secured a job with Wilderness Inquiry in hopes of gaining a staff position on the trip, which she did. Charged with almost every logistical task, from planning mileage and booking campsites to grocery shopping and monitoring weather conditions, Knudson also served as a supplemental instructor and intern for Augsburg. She led study sessions and presented lectures in their outdoor classrooms (or the nearest city’s laundromat or public library in bad weather). “Educational experiences like this are important because they make you think so much more deeply about the course content. Instead of memorizing facts about the lock and dam system for a test, we were paddling through the pools the dams created, hearing stories from locals, and camping on the islands built to replace those flooded out decades earlier. In a couple years, I will forget almost everything I memorized, but I will never forget my learning in action,” said Knudson.  Guitar  Headlamp  Rain gear  French press  Rubber boots Visit augsburg.edu/now to learn which items the River Semester crew couldn’t live without. Self-discovery on the riverbanks Glen Gardner ’17 was considering taking a year off from school when he saw the River Semester publicized in the cafeteria. He signed up, and somewhere along the pilgrimage, the Montana native realized he wants to teach art. Gardner is back at Augsburg this semester, majoring in studio art and art education. “Having the time to unplug and reflect about my life helped me realize my passion for art education. I have always been interested in the arts, but I hadn’t really thought about teaching until I discovered that I loved spreading the feelings I find in art to other people as much as I enjoy making art,” Gardner said. “I want to extend my knowledge and passion beyond myself and use art to promote living in a way that is not wasteful to the world.” Spring 2016 19 Hearing this, Underhill is proud. Provoking self-exploration was not his motivation for organizing the trip, but the sense of vocation students found down river is certainly the journey’s most fulfilling outcome. Admittedly, he took a leap of faith selecting the crew. He didn’t pick a team of students with similar interests, backgrounds, maturity levels, and outdoor experience. He picked a team that reflects Augsburg’s commitment to nurturing a diverse community of resilient, driven, and faith-filled citizens. As you can imagine, the initial weeks included some whining and a few cold stares, but before long, this dynamic group evolved into a harmonious tribe. Forging lasting bonds Taylor was nervous about the trip, not because of the physical demands or the elements (he was an Eagle Scout and grew up a “river kid” in north-central Wisconsin). As the crew’s videographer and documentarian, Taylor was most concerned about getting his new Nikon, Sony video camera, and two GoPros wet. But even more so, he was terrified of the quiet—for those moments when people would start sharing information about their lives. He was finishing up his second semester at Augsburg in the College’s StepUP® Program, the nation’s largest residential collegiate recovery community. Now sober for two years, Taylor said he burned bridges between himself and others before he entered recovery. “My peers on the River Semester were some of my first friends in a long time. It was truly a fresh start,” he said. “On the trip, I heard things that were strange to my ears: ‘Ricky, you’re a good person,’ ‘You’re kind,’ and ‘I’m amazed by you.’ I always looked around, thinking, ‘Are you sure you’re talking to me?’ It was the first time in years that I felt good, felt worth, and felt confidence. People trusting and caring for me is more precious to me than anything, and I developed everlasting bonds with this crew.” Brian Arvold ’80 witnessed that closeness when he welcomed home his daughter, Hannah, who was one of the first two students to sign up for the trip. When the crew stepped off the train at a welcome home rally in midDecember, Arvold said, the students ran into their families’ arms, and then they all ran back—to each other. 8 Augsburg Now “It was touching for all of us to see,” said Arvold, who was waving a canoe paddle painted with “River Semester” as the train slowed to a halt. “You may want a lot for your child, but lifelong friendships are at the top of the list. Knowing that these students will be there for each other through life’s ups and downs is comforting. “We’d talk to Hannah along the trip, and we could hear her growing more socially and culturally aware, but we also detected a real sense of confidence. Paddling that entire river empowered our daughter as she was placed in settings where she had to stand up for herself, push through, and create solutions. Augsburg is truly on the forefront—a small college doing great things. It’s neat to see them embrace learning without four walls.” Wading through analysis, navigating partnerships Hannah Arvold ’18 was able to channel her professional pursuits into a research project focused on nutrition and the environmental impacts of farming. On the first leg of their trip, she calculated the caloric intake and expenditure of her peers, noting which foods provided the best sources of energy. Near the end of their voyage, she recorded the agriculture industry’s negative impacts on the river, including gasoline and pesticides seeping into groundwater. “Caring about the health of your body,” Arvold said, “is just as important as the health of the land it is grown on. “I created an ‘I  the Mississippi’ bumper sticker and gave it out to people along our trip for freewill donations,” Arvold said. “We donated $500 of the money raised to purchase science equipment for the International School of Louisiana where we presented many of our research findings to more than 160 fourth- and sixth-graders.” Each student conducted a research project, and many of them involved collaborations with external partners throughout the United States. Noah Cameron ’17 worked with Minnesota artist Monica Haller, known for the “Veterans Book Project,” which captures interviews and data from dozens of soldiers, refugees, and journalists affected by wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Cameron used a hydrophone to record underwater noises while on the river and then paired them with social and cultural recordings, which he plans to use for future collaborations with Haller. “It seems that intense, mindful listening is a difficult task nowadays, and some people have no reason to listen. I was given a reason, and I learned much about the nature of sound, silence, noise, and listening,” the political science major said. “My project acknowledges that the river has something to say, which it certainly does. One thing the river told me was that it is polarized; its waters are either filled with the sounds of mechanical engineering or with quiet ecological or hydrologic characteristics. “Similarly to how I thoughtfully listen to the systems of the river, I realized that we—as a society—should thoughtfully listen, which is not the same as agreeing, to our government and each other. I viewed the river like our government—this massive, daunting entity that we seem to have little effect on. However, as we moved down that river and as we took classes about both the nature of the river and the nature of democracy, we learned that we do affect that river, and we do affect our government.” Blair Stewig ’18 connected with the river on a molecular level, studying how the concentrations of various chemicals influence ecosystems. Throughout the trip, she collected water quality data like that of the National Park Service’s “State of the River Report.” She also collaborated with Reuben Heine, a geology professor at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, to gather sonar data about subaqueous dunes, or sediment bed forms at the bottom of the river. “My main focus was on the accumulation of nitrates in the Mississippi and its effect on the Gulf of Mexico. The molecule, commonly found in fertilizers, seeps into the river system from agricultural and urban runoff, feedlots, sewage treatment plants, and more. This excess results in a ‘Dead Zone’ in the Northern Gulf of Mexico each late spring and summer,” said Stewig, who is majoring in biology and chemistry. “What does that mean? An influx of nutrients results in an algae bloom. When these algae die, they sink to the bottom of the ocean, where they are consumed by bacteria, which depletes the area of oxygen. Some marine life sense the lack of oxygen and leave, but others die as a result. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Dead Zone costs the U.S. seafood and tourism industry $82 million per year.” Lark Weller, who collaborated with Stewig on behalf of the National Park Service, said Stewig’s data will inform brochures and fact sheets about excess nitrates in a river system that provides water for upwards of 15 million people. The research these students conducted is compelling, Weller said, but their connection to the river is even more impressive. “I suppose it’s possible to complete a college degree without really ever understanding the broader context of the world around you—but not for River Semester students. It is clear the experience dramatically changed the lives of every single student who accepted the challenge. They have returned with a new and expansive sense of self, place, and world,” said Weller. Memories keep rollin’ along The next leg of this journey: The documentary. Taylor produced several short videos chronicling the trip, which are at augsburg.edu/river, and he’s looking forward to sharing the experience through his forthcoming feature-length film. For now, the River Semester crew continues to process the issues they know and to reflect upon their moments together: rows of sleeping bags dotting the shore as they looked up at an ebony sky studded with millions of heavenly diamonds; waking at 3 a.m. to paddle from darkness to dawn; and swaying in hammocks tied to the tall willow trees of remote river islands. So, if you see members of this motley crew sleeping outside, don’t judge. They’re just longing to be back on the water, where they grew stronger and a bit wiser, having realized that the issues gripping the Mississippi River are as sophisticated as its ecosystems. That enlightenment has influenced the way they now see the world, with varying shades of compromise and understanding. They reenter their lives with renewed purpose, fueled by an empowering sense of community, the ability to adapt, and the ache for life’s next adventure. “ It feels good to say, ‘I know the Mississippi.’ But, of course, you don’t—what you know better is yourself and the Mississippi has helped. —River Semester student journal entry From trickling headwaters to the WIDE AND MIGHTY OCEAN River Semester participants share memorable events along the river Beginning in 2003, Augsburg College Associate Professor Joe Underhill began incorporating short Mississippi River trips—three-, five-, and 10-day excursions—into his environmental politics curriculum. He first presented the idea of a semester-long trip to College leadership in 2012, and then three years of logistical discussions and planning followed. This past fall, Underhill and biology instructor Thorpe Halloran shoved off from St. Paul with 12 students, two guides, and a teaching assistant. Here are a few highlights from their journey. AUG. 28-30: Held an orientation at the Mississippi River headwaters to introduce courses, review canoeing and water safety basics, and discuss topics such as American Indians’ perspectives on the environment and sustainability. 1 SEPT. 1: Chris Coleman, mayor of St. Paul, joined nearly 100 Auggies, family members, and high school students at the launch of the nation’s first-ever River Semester. Dozens of attendees paddled in a flotilla of 24-foot voyageur canoes to South St. Paul. 2 SEPT. 5-7: Studied the water quality and impact of farming, including increased sediment load on the river. Sampled water alongside fisheries biologists with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. 3 “Without a current and with a brutal head wind, paddling Lake Pepin was probably one of our most challenging days.” —Lily Moloney ’15 SEPT. 12-17: Joined faculty and students from Winona State University for stream ecology labs and discussion on the impact of the lock and dam system. 4 OCT. 3: A rough paddle through the pool above Lock and Dam No. 13, one of the widest pools on the upper river. The crew struggled through fierce winds to avoid submerged tree stumps left over 5 from before the dam was built. One of the canoes sustained a bad crack, which the crew repaired at camp. OCT. 7-10: Met with local farmers and a nonprofit environmental group that organizes river cleanups, tree plantings, and other conservation efforts. The crew also engaged a field lab with Reuben Heine, geography professor at Augustana College in Illinois. 6 OCT. 20-21: When the crew paddled into author Mark Twain’s hometown, Izzie Smith ’18 began to suffer from stomach pain. By midnight, she had been diagnosed with appendicitis, and the next morning she had surgery. Two weeks later, Smith rejoined the group in Memphis. Even with all the excitement, the team still engaged in a lively discussion about Huck Finn and literary figures born along the Mississippi. 7 OCT. 29: The last morning of their journey on the upper river, the crew woke up at 3 a.m. to paddle for a few hours in the dark to catch the sun rise over the river. They ended their sunrise paddle on the Mississippi’s banks north of St. Louis, from which vans shuttled the crew past the Chain of Rocks, an exposure of bedrock in the Cuivre River. 8 9 NOV. 2: As part of Underhill’s course, Democracy in the American Heartland, students traveled to the Michael Brown Memorial—the site of the August 2014 shooting death of a black teenager by a white policeman, which prompted national commentary on racial discrimination and gun control. President Paul Pribbenow joined the group for a tour through the city and discussions with residents. “Standing at that memorial in the middle of the road was a deeply unsettling experience— there was no way it could or should have been otherwise.” —President Paul Pribbenow NOV. 16: The team paddled past expansive sandbars and islands full of wildlife at the confluence of the Mississippi and Arkansas rivers. Waters in this area can rise and fall as much as 70 feet and swirl around canoes. 10 NOV. 26: Thanksgiving in New Orleans: The crew enjoyed an abundance of fried turkey and comforting side dishes at their hostel as they visited with fellow travelers from more than a dozen countries. 11 12 DEC. 11: Travel by train to Chicago. “The train back to Chicago was spent doing a lot of work on our finals, but it was also a time to reflect on everything we experienced on the trip.” —Blair Stewig ’18 1 ITASCA STATE PARK, MN HARRIET ISLAND, ST. PAUL 2 LAKE PEPIN 3 4 WINONA, MN CLINTON, IA HANNIBAL, MO 5 6 CHICAGO, IL 12 QUAD CITIES 7 LOUISIANA, MO 8 FERGUSON, MO 9 10 CHOCTAW ISLAND, TN DEC. 14-15 The crew traveled by train from Chicago to the Twin Cities and joined in a “good-bye” hug upon arrival at Union Depot in St. Paul. As part of the River Semester welcome back celebration, Augsburg graphic design and typography students created an interactive gallery exhibit chronicling the voyage. Learn more at augsburg.edu/now. NEW ORLEANS, LA 11 Spring 2016 23 AUGGIES CONNECT FROM THE ALUMNI BOARD PRESIDENT Dear alumni and friends, JILL WATSON ’10 MBA, ALUMNI BOARD PRESIDENT 24 Augsburg Now Courtesy Photo T oday’s Augsburg College students seek to make a difference, and it’s been a privilege to interact with them as they gather to meet alumni, discuss vocation, and pick up targeted professional advice at recent events. Last fall, the Clair and Gladys Strommen Center for Meaningful Work hosted a Career and Internship Fair and welcomed young Auggies who sought to make connections with employers and internship hosts. Shortly after the event, nearly two dozen Augsburg alumni returned to campus to join panel discussions about their academic and career stories across a range of disciplines and professions. These events were part of a five-week major and career exploration series that provided nearly 175 students the opportunity to explore a wide variety of degrees and occupations. This series was made successful thanks, in part, to the Augsburg College alumni who served as panelists. Thank you to all Auggies who shared your vocation and insight with students! Most recently, I was humbled by the talent, drive, and thoughtfulness I saw all around me at the annual Alumni-Student Networking event in February, where hundreds of alumni mingled with current students and faculty, received free professional profile photos, and listened as alumni addressed the importance of informational interviewing, mentoring, and using social media to connect. Regardless of where we are in our professional lives, I think we all have something to offer to or gain from such events. Events like these make me proud to be an Auggie. If you shared your experiences with students in the past year, you helped to inspire Auggie pride. Whether you’re connecting with students, networking with graduates of all class years, contributing to The Augsburg Fund View videos that illustrate the to support College initiatives, or planning a impact of student internships gift to fund an endowed scholarship, we are so at augsburg.edu/now. grateful. As Augsburg moves into the future, alumni can help the College live out its vision—to educate students for lives of purpose—across the disciplines, beyond the classroom, and around the world. You can engage your employer in identifying Auggies as candidates for employment, internships, or mentorships by posting opportunities at your company on the AugPost job board found at augsburg.edu/alumni. I joined the alumni board because I wanted to see Auggies help other Auggies and make a difference. Each time I attend an Augsburg event, I learn more about what current students are up to, and I want to do everything I can to help them succeed. Won’t you join me? UNIQUELY AUGSBURG TRAVEL IN THAILAND AND CAMBODIA JANUARY 3-15, 2017 In January, English Professor Kathy Swanson and her husband, Jack, will lead an educational trip through Thailand and Cambodia. After arriving in Bangkok, travelers will tour the Grand Palace, visit the temple at Wat Po (the Reclining Buddha), shop for tropical produce, and sample local cuisine cooked on boats at a floating market. From there they will continue to Chiang Mai to ride elephants, perfect their culinary skills with a cooking class, and volunteer at an orphanage. The trip will conclude in Siem Reap, Cambodia, at Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world. This thought-provoking tour has been customized specifically for Augsburg alumni, parents, and friends, and there’s still time to learn more and participate. Contact Katie Koch ’01, director of Auggie Engagement, at kochk@augsburg.edu or 612-330-1178 if you are interested in learning more about Augsburg’s travel opportunities. To learn more, go to augsburg.edu/alumni/travel. AUGGIES CONNECT ALUMNA COMBINES CREATIVITY AND CHEMISTRY through career at 3M Capstone dinner celebrates SUCCESSFUL BUILDING CAMPAIGN This winter, as part of the annual Advent Vespers festivities, Augsburg College held a dinner to celebrate the successful completion of the largest capital campaign in the institution’s history and to recognize the generosity of all who made the Campaign for the Norman and Evangeline Hagfors Center for Science, Business, and Religion possible. More than 200 donors attended, including members of the Board of Regents and many alumni supporters. President Paul Pribbenow offered his sincere thanks to Norman and Evangeline Hagfors and all donors to the new building. Chair of the Board of Regents Dr. Paul Mueller ’84 shared his gratitude and recognized the incredible leadership and commitment of Mike Good ’71 [pictured above], who served as national chair for the campaign that exceeded its $50 million goal. After becoming involved with the 3M STEP program as a high school student, Audrey Sherman ’97 [pictured] became an inventor at age 20. Now a scientist with 3M, Sherman is credited with nearly 80 patents, some created with other Augsburg alumni working at the Minnesota-based company. Sherman’s most recent patent is for a versatile material with the potential to improve cosmetics, insulation wrapping, and electronics. Two of her favorite patents involve using pressure-sensitive adhesives to transport light and making a solvent-free duct tape. She also helped discover a new solution for restickable diaper tape. Sherman feels that her Augsburg minor in art has been an important factor in pursuing her inventions, enabling her to blend creativity with her skills in chemistry. Today she mentors St. Paul high school students interested in science and gives talks to juniorhigh and middle-school students about careers in science and technology. Share your ideas for AUGSBURG’S 150TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION SESQUICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION years Augsburg alumni, parents, friends, faculty, and staff are invited to help celebrate the College’s 150th anniversary in 2019. What aspect of your Augsburg history would you like to celebrate during the sesquicentennial year? Were you connected to a team, a club, or a department that made a difference? Would you like to see a reunion for your favorite activity—whether it was the Echo newspaper staff, a sport, Lutheran Youth Encounter, the Augsburg Choir, or theater? How best would you like to honor Augsburg’s past, present, and future? Visit augsburg.edu/150 to submit your ideas and find monthly updates on planning already underway for the sesquicentennial celebration. Spring 2016 25 AUGGIES CONNECT ALUMNI ASSIST STUDENTS on their path to physician assistant career [L to R]: Augsburg College alumnus Tom Towle ’14 MPA leads thenstudents Scott Harder ’15 MPA and Christina Pekoske ’15 MPA through the steps of starting an IV. 32 26 Augsburg Now I n the classroom and in the field, Augsburg College alumni help today’s physician assistant students gain a glimpse into the professional world they’re preparing to enter. Through clinical work and course instruction, alumni share their experience in a high-demand field. Augsburg’s Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies program was the first of its kind in Minnesota and admitted its inaugural class in 1995. The full-time graduate program educates generalist physician assistants oriented toward service to underserved populations in rural and urban settings. The physician assistant (PA) concept has evolved over time but continues to increase in relevance. In alignment with health care industry demand, the PA’s role continues to expand. The Augsburg PA program’s long history in Minnesota is advantageous, according to Jenny Kluznik ’13 MPA, assistant professor of physician assistant studies. PA students spend approximately half of their graduate program in a didactic—or classroom—phase. The latter half of the program is spent in the community where students complete clinical rotations that change every five weeks. Augsburg’s PA alumni serve as educators and lecturers for a course series in clinical medicine and also serve as hosts for the hands-on field work. Meredith Wold ’07 MPA is a guest lecturer for the program and an adjunct faculty member. She works as a hospitalist PA with an internal medicine team at Regions Hospital in St. Paul. As an undergraduate, Wold was focused almost exclusively on medical school, but during her final year in college she was struck by the teamwork she witnessed between a doctor and a PA in surgery. Now, after nearly a decade in her profession, Wold values the team-based work of taking care of hospitalized patients. She weaves clinical episodes from her career into her lectures, which serve to remind students of the whole patient—not just the upcoming exam. Melissa Oeding ’10 MPA, another guest lecturer, agrees. “As a recent graduate, I can relate to the student experience, understand how students learn, and provide real-world insight and advice regarding what to expect as a practicing PA,” said Oeding, who works at Minneapolis’ Hennepin County Medical Center. She’s stimulated by the chance to sit on the other side of the lectern. “It renews an excitement for my work and career and reminds me just why I started out in the program,” she said. “I feel extraordinarily blessed to have been trained and trained well at Augsburg.” Guest lecturer Olga Trouskova ’13 MPA sought out Augsburg’s PA program in part because of its emphasis on serving the underserved. “I went into medicine to provide answers and to heal,” Trouskova said. “Now I understand that great medicine cannot happen without building relationships and trust with my patients.” She also is a hospitalist PA at Regions and, during her weeks off, serves as a family practice PA at Westside Community Health Services/La Clinica, a community clinic. Trouskova makes a point of including real patient stories in her presentations to remind students that PAs treat patients, not diseases. For students, there’s no match for hearing these types of lessons from alumni, according to Wold. “It shows a level of alumni commitment toward the program and the next generation of Augsburg PAs,” she said. “Early on after graduation I felt a duty, a professional responsibility really, to give that back.” And teaching is its own kind of gift, according to Trouskova. “By teaching others, I have learned as well,” she said. ALUMNI CLASS NOTES 1960 Lowell “Zeke” Ziemann ’60 continues to write. His newest book, “Gunslingers and Baseball,” is a collection of Western historical fiction, essays, and baseball stories. It is available on Amazon. 1965 From his time at Augsburg, Allen Anderson ’65 fondly remembers his music professor Leland Sateren ’35, the Burgundy Singers, dorm life, and choir tours. Today, Anderson is still involved with choral music and enjoys golf, woodworking, activities in his community and at his church, travel, and participation in Lutheran Men in Mission. He and wife, Joyce, have two children who graduated from Augsburg. They travel to New Zealand on occasion to visit their son and his family. Gary Blosberg ’65 says that his current position is “reclined.” He is retired after 26 years as a finance manager at General Electric and 23 years in the U.S. Navy. He thanks chemistry professor Courtland Agre for sharing his wisdom when he said: “You don’t need to know everything; you just need to know where to find the answers.” Blosberg still sings with the Centennial Singers, the Masterworks Chorale, and other groups. He is proud to be a father and grandfather. Connie (Ekeren) Cameron ’65 teaches at Honors Mentor Connection, is on the Fringe Festival Board, sings in the St. Joan of Arc Choir, and is involved in politics, travel, and the League of Women Voters. Her fondest memories of Augsburg include the Kappa House girls, professor Anne Pederson’s literature wonderful teachers and role models. Among Dietrich’s most treasured Augsburg memories are the excellent convocation speakers and the great friendships she made. Today, she and husband, Franklin, enjoy their grandsons, their involvement at Central Lutheran Church, and traveling. She also volunteers with literature; and professor of history Carl Chrislock ’37 for his effective use of anecdote to enliven history. Dyrud spends his time reading, golfing, and traveling. He and wife, Marilyn, have three children who are all involved with theater, and they enjoy seeing their children’s work. In October, Janis “Matty” Mathison ’69 was honored by the American Planning Association’s Wisconsin Chapter as its Citizen of the Year for her leadership in working with local residents and planners to promote healthy living and active lifestyles in eastern Wisconsin’s Shawano County. Last year was the third year of Bike the Barn Quilts, an area bike tour that she spearheaded. From the NOW@Augsburg blog. Visit augsburg.edu/alumni/blog to read more. classes, and her roommate of four years Carol (Welch) Langness ’65. Cameron thanks the team behind the Christmas smorgasbords; Ailene Cole, speech professor; Orvald Haugsby, math professor; Leland Sateren ’35, music department head; and Phil Quanbeck Sr. ’50. She and husband, Bill, have three sons and one grandchild. Eunice (Bergman) Dietrich ’65 thanks home economics faculty Ruth Segolson, Ruth Sonsteng, and Katherine Peterson for being daughter, Kari, at Dakota City, the 1900s village in Farmington, Minnesota. The Dietrichs also have a son, Hans. The faculty members who most influenced David Dyrud ’65 as a student were philosophy professor Paul Sonnack ’42 for his intensity; New Testament Greek and Latin professor Mario Colacci for his flamboyance; professor of English Gerald Thorson ’43 for his Hush Puppies (Dyrud’s favorite shoes); professor of English Anne Pederson, for her affection for Mark Gjerde ’65 retired in 2004 from 3M. He enjoys traveling with wife, Jan (Lunas) Gjerde ’68, and spending time with their grandchildren at a lake home. He remembers Gerald “Jerry” Pryd ’66 and Paul Dahlen ’66, his friends who died in a plane crash while they were Augsburg students. Gjerde was influenced by professor of math George Soberg ’26 and professor of philosophy Paul Sonnack ’42. The Gjerdes lived in Brussels from 1995-97 while Mark worked for 3M. They have two sons and four grandchildren. AUGGIE SNAPSHOTS 1960 This group of alumni were friends during college but had little contact since graduating. They were reunited at the 2015 Homecoming celebration and barely scratched the surface in terms of catching up. Now retired, the five Auggies plan to get together again soon. [L to R]: The men and their previous careers: Arden Flaten ’60 (science teacher), Myron Carlson ’60 (pastor), Don Gilberg ’60 (band teacher, piano tuner), Iver Christopherson ’60 (high school principal), and Neuman Berger ’60 (attorney). 1974 The National Tile Contractors Association recently honored Janet (Durkee) Hohn ’74 with its Tile Person of the Year award. Hohn was the third woman to receive this honor in the six decades it has been presented. For more than 20 years, Hohn has operated a one-person, high-end residential tile and stone installation company. She has served as president of the Twin Cities Local Tile Contractors Association, as a board member and technical methods and standards committee member for NTCA, and most recently as chairperson of the NTCA training and education committee. Spring 2014 2016 Fall 2014 17 27 37 ALUMNI CLASS NOTES One Augsburg College memory treasured by Glenn Hamberg ’65 is the teaching style and effectiveness of W. LaMarr Kopp in German class. Other faculty members who influenced Hamberg as a student were Mario Colacci from the department of New Testament Greek and Latin, Courtland Agre from chemistry, Gerald Thorson ’43 from English, and Paul Sonnack ’42. Hamberg’s present interests include crossword puzzles, computers, movies, Jeopardy, volunteering, travel, and spending time with his grandchildren and wife, Sandra (Edstrom) Hamberg ’66. Jerry Hamlin ’65 works part time. He likes to volunteer and to travel in his free time. He treasures his memories of Augsburg basketball games, the convocation with Nobel Prize winner Linus Pauling, and feeling like every day was a good day. He was most influenced by Donald Gustafson and Carl Chrislock ’37 in history, and Sheldon Fardig in education. Hamlin and wife, Jari, have four children and 10 grandchildren. James Harbo ’65 has a full-time dental practice in New York. He enjoys visiting his two grandchildren in Pennsylvania, doing church work, reading theology, participating in a book club, and aging well! He fondly remembers his dorm friendships, baseball, Augsburg Choir concerts, and soaking up the culture of Minneapolis. The past 50 years have heightened his appreciation of his years at Augsburg where, he says, there was “much goodness and inspiration.” Harbo and wife, Amy, have three children. Today you can find Peter Jacobson ’65 woodworking, volunteering, or traveling. He and wife, Lynne, have two children and two grandchildren. His fondest memories of Augsburg include dorm life all four years, Augsburg basketball, being a resident assistant, and spending afternoons in the physics lab. He was most influenced by physics professor Theodore “Ted” Hanwick. 28 Julie (Gudmestad) Laudicina ’65 and husband, Joe, love to travel and recently celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary with a cruise on the Danube River. She also enjoys gardening, reading, leading a book club, and living in New York City. She has been a civil wedding officiant for 10 years and has married more than 300 couples from around the world. Some For 12 years, David Raether ’78 wrote for TV comedy sitcoms, including “Roseanne.” After building his career, he took a break to focus on his family and found the job market had changed completely when he attempted to return to the field. After struggling and becoming homeless, he says, he discovered that he was far more resourceful and resilient than he had ever dreamed. Raether delivered a TEDxAmherst talk and wrote a book about his experiences titled, “Tell Me Something, She Said.” From the NOW@Augsburg blog. Visit augsburg.edu/alumni/blog to read more. of her memories of Augsburg include listening to choir practice, freezing at football games, enjoying her many friends, and participating in student government and chapel. She was most influenced by faculty members Phil Quanbeck Sr. ’50, professor of religion; Anne Pederson, professor of English; and Philip Thompson, professor of art. She also remembers Dean of Students Glen Johnson and Dean of Women Fern Martinson. Laudicina would most like to thank her parents, both Augsburg alumni, for encouraging her to live and learn with a strong set of values. Sharon (Dittbenner) Klabunde ’65 plays in a mountain dulcimer band, and loves to travel and garden. She remembers chapel time from her days at Augsburg and also living in a house as a freshman where, she says, there were three women to a room who shared one dinky closet. She enjoyed working in the cafeteria. Bette (Bodin) Leeney ’65 and husband, Jack, love their home in Florida. They have a pool and use it a lot. She likes to garden and to welcome the family, mostly in the winter! Her treasured memories of Augsburg focus on the good values she learned and kept with her. She remembers the assassination of President John F. Kennedy and how difficult that was. She admired Dean of Students Peter Armacost, who supported her when her father passed away. Her psychology and social work professors inspired her to get her master’s degree in social work. She and Marie (Bergh) Sandbo ’65 met freshman year and have remained friends for 50 years. They share the same birthday. Carol (Welch) Langness ’65 and husband, Gary, spend every January to April in the East African city of Iringa, Tanzania, along with their synod partners in the Iringa Diocese. They have two children and three grandchildren. As a student, John Luoma ’65 was influenced by Mario Colacci, professor of classical languages; Carl Chrislock ’37, professor of history; and William “Bill” Halverson ’51, professor of religion. He treasures memories Augsburg Now of chapel, serving as student body president, and Augsburg’s emphasis on vocation, service, and faith active in love. Luoma is a minister of education at Hope Lutheran, The Villages. He is a Via de Cristo coordinator, a Diaconate teacher, and likes to travel and bowl. He and wife, Gracia (Nydahl) Luoma ’66, have two sons. Their oldest son, Aaron, passed away in January 2015. LeRoy Martinson ’65 retired in June 1998 after 33 years of teaching math and coaching skiing. Now he stays active with tennis, volleyball, and five grandchildren. He lives with wife, Micki, in Cross Lake, Minnesota. His memories of Augsburg are of his math teachers, his coaches, and student teaching with Ms. Anderson. He was influenced by professor of math George Soberg ’26, professor of physical education Howard “Howie” Pearson ’53, and Coach Edor Nelson ’38. Martinson is a member of the Minnesota State High School Coaches Hall of Fame. Dan and Mary (Tildahl) Meyers ’65 met during their freshman year at Augsburg. The couple celebrated their 50th anniversary, Dan has worked for AdvisorNet Financial for 50 years, and it’s been 50 years since he graduated from Augsburg. Dan remembers playing basketball and baseball, and he was influenced most by Ernie Anderson ’37 and Edor Nelson ’38. He would thank Milt Kleven ’46, if he could, for funding his scholarship. Dan keeps busy with work, golf, reading, and basketball. Mary enjoys walking, reading, caring for a grandson, and traveling. She treasures the friendships she made at Augsburg and meeting Dan there. Carl Chrislock ’37 and her world history class helped her realize she wasn’t a history major. Mary says that Augsburg has been an influence in their lives for 50 years. Whether they return for athletic games, homecoming or concerts, it always feels like coming home. The Meyers have two children and three grandchildren. Larry Nelson ’65 thanks Theodore “Ted” Hanwick, of the Physics Department, for his challenging and thorough classes. Nelson’s Augsburg education provided a solid foundation for his career in science education. He enjoyed teaching various areas of biology, in addition to wilderness-based experiential education. His fondest Augsburg memories are of morning chapel, convocations, studying in the library, concerts, sporting events, and social activities. Nelson says Augsburg also prepared him for continued spiritual growth. Today, he likes to travel, read, garden, volunteer, do house maintenance, and spend time with his family. He and wife, Marilyn, have two daughters and five grandchildren. Becky (Walhood) Nielsen ’65 remembers her good friends from Miriam House. She and husband, Steve Nielsen ’64, have three daughters, 10 grandchildren, and a great-grandchild. Their granddaughter, Morgan Kenny ’17, attends Augsburg. Lois Peterson ’65 would thank Mimi Kingsley, professor of Spanish, for telling her that she had “a gift for language.” Peterson is fluent in Spanish, and she visited Mimi in Chile prior to her death. Today, Peterson enjoys traveling and has been to Costa Rica, Mexico, Norway, and Spain. She remembers being in a class Bill Halverson ’51 taught in Old Main when the news came of President John F. Kennedy’s death, and watching the Beatles for the first time while in The Grill. She loves life in Denver, where her children live nearby. Leland Sateren ’35 most influenced Sharon (Bjugstad) Ronning ’65, and she has spent her life involved in music. She sings in the Masterworks Chorale, directs a church choir, and teaches piano. Other activities include knitting, spending time at her cabin, and enjoying her four children and eight grandchildren. She met husband, Don Ronning ’66, in the Augsburg Choir. Don passed away in 2000. Marie (Bergh) Sandbo ’65 and husband, Hans Sandbo ’63, will celebrate 50 years of marriage this year. Marie likes to travel, spend time with grandchildren, and serve on the Heritage Committee at church, all while continuing to run a small business from home. Her treasured memories of Augsburg include the friendships made and her studies in library science. Don Gustafson, Martha Mattson ’28, Ruth Aaskov ’53, Dick Husfloen ’60, and Pat Parker are the faculty and staff who most influenced Marie. Two of the Sandbos’ three children graduated from Augsburg. 1991 On October 13, 2015, David Johnson ’91 was promoted to Colonel in the North Dakota Army National Guard. He is a senior Army chaplain for the state. Johnson also is an ELCA pastor serving as a full-time chaplain for the North Dakota Army National Guard. He has been serving in this call for the past 12 years. Previous to this role, he served parishes in central and eastern North Dakota. Terry Simonson ’65 and wife, Patricia, live in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, where he serves as a half-time chaplain at a residence for seniors. Three generations share their home, and his three granddaughters are the joy of his life. The memories of Augsburg that he treasures are good times spent with roommates and learning Greek and Latin (his major). Erwin Mickelberg ’54 was influential in Simonson’s decision to attend Augsburg. These days, he is interested in quantum physics and continues to explore the subject. 2006 Heather (Nystrom) Finholm ’06 and husband, Jeffrey, announce the adoption of their twin sons, Joseph and Matthew, born April 30, 2015, and adopted on July 27, 2015. 2007 Lázaro G. Payano Stark was welcomed into this world at home with the help of his midwives on April 3, 2015. He is the son of Jenessa Payano Stark ’07 and Geomar Payano Stark. The family resides in south Minneapolis. This fall, seven Auggies served on the varsity football coaching staff at Osseo (Minnesota) High School and helped lead the team to its first Class 6A state championship. The group of Augsburg alumni included Jack Osberg ’62, Derrin Lamker ’97, Mark Joseph ’01, Andy Johnson ’04, Jordan Berg ’09, Royce Winford ’09, and David Tilton ’12. From the NOW@Augsburg blog. Visit augsburg.edu/alumni/blog to read more. Spring 2014 Fall 2014 Spring 2016 17 37 29 ALUMNI CLASS NOTES Win Stiefel ’65 taught school in Alaska and now lives with wife, Gracia (Olson) Stiefel ’66, in Glennallen, Alaska. He spent 10 years teaching at a Bible college and 10 years in Russia helping Evangelical churches. These days he drives a school bus, enjoys 10 grandchildren and a great grandchild, cuts firewood, and volunteers at missions. He remembers traveling with the wrestling team, canoeing on the Mississippi River, and listening to the Basin Streeters. If he could thank someone, it would be the old man outside Cedar Ave. Mission who asked him and others whether or not they were saved. Steve Strommen ’65 likes to spend his days playing “Old Timer” softball, bird hunting, appreciating winters in San Diego and summers at a Minnesota cabin, performing home renovations, and enjoying his family and grandchildren. He has many memories from athletics at Augsburg, including three championship basketball teams and a championship in baseball. The most influential people during his time at Augsburg were Carl Chrislock ’37 and coaches Ernie Anderson ’37 and Edor Nelson ’38. He and wife, Chynne, have two children and five grandchildren. Sharon (Topte) Taeger ’65 and David Taeger ’65 recently moved to Camrose—a city in Alberta, Canada—after living for 19 years in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory. Sharon likes to read, paint, and socialize. David likes to listen, watch, and marvel at the growth and development of children, especially their four grandchildren. He also enjoys reading and being with friends. David received his M.Div. from Northwestern Theological Seminary. He was most influenced by Mario Collacci and Carl Chrislock ’37 while at Augsburg. Sharon and David have two children. Virg Vagle ’65 would thank Ernie Anderson ’37, Edor Nelson ’38, and Ed Saugestad ’59 for being influential during his time at Augsburg. Vagle enjoys golfing, traveling, and being with his grandchildren. He and wife, Pat, have seven children and 12 grandchildren. Lyndy West ’65 fondly remembers playing in the concert band and in the Basin Streeters, a group that performed for Augsburg basketball games. He entered Luther Seminary after graduating from Augsburg and served parishes in Los Angeles, inner-city Chicago, and Minnesota. He officially retired in 2012. He says the smartest thing he ever did was to marry Diane Haas in 1969. They have four children and four grandchildren. They like to bike, travel, read, participate in music at their church, and lead polka services. He thanks his parents for encouraging him and his siblings to attend Augsburg. 1967 John Schwartz ’67 is in his sixth season with the acclaimed Apollo Chorus of Chicago, which was formed in 1872. Schwartz serves as vice president of its board. Auggie singers in the Chicago area can audition to join this 130-member chorus. Details can be found at Apollochorus.org. 1975 Glen Teske ’75 is enjoying the adjustment to retirement after working for 40 years in the IT department at Hennepin County. Among his treasured memories as a student at Augsburg are business administration classes, tutoring other students, and the friendships he made. He also remembers playing four years of basketball and winning the MIAC conference title in 1975. He thanks professor of history Khin Khin Jensen, adviser and professor of business Keishiro Matsumoto, mentor Jeroy Carlson ’48, and coaches Butch Raymond ’63 and Erv Inniger for their impact on his life. 1979 Laura (Rolfe) Matuska ’79 has been selected as WeCAB’s part-time community outreach fundraiser. WeCAB provides door-to-door supplemental transportation in the Westonka and eastern Carver County service areas for people who are unable to drive to medical appointments, church, social events, the grocery store, or the food shelf. Matuska has significant experience working with seniors and clients, providing case management to support transitions through all levels of senior living. She has launched volunteer programs, developed a hospital-based domestic abuse intervention program, and is a successful grant writer. Matuska also has worked with many volunteers in a variety of positions. 1980 The new Bill Simenson Quintet recently debuted at The Nicollet. Leader Bill Simenson ’80 (trumpet) has been performing professionally in the Twin Cities for nearly 30 years. After earning his degree in music and political science at Augsburg, he attended the University of Trondheim in Norway where he studied music at the graduate level. Catch the Bill Simenson Orchestra, a larger ensemble, once a month at Jazz Central in Minneapolis. 1981 Rob Hubbard ’81 tells the story of the hilarity, irreverence, and imagination of the Brave New Workshop in his new book, “Brave New Workshop: Promiscuous Hostility and Laughs in the Land of Loons.” The book, from The History Press, celebrates the marvelous, unexpected, and absurd history of this one-of-a-kind comedy institution. The owners of Brave New Workshop are John Sweeney and Jenni Lilledahl ’87. 1987 Tammy Jo Rider ’87 received a 2015 Leadership Award from the 2015 2013 Amanda Rowan ’13 and Jordan Lakanen ’14 married August 8, 2015. Auggies in the wedding party included: Eric Lakanen ’02, Stephanie Nelson ’13, Rachel Rixen ’13, and Ashley (Carney) Wolke ’13. 30 Augsburg Now Top row [L to R]: Tyler Dorn ’15 and Alisha Esselstein ’15 were married on June 20, 2015, at Sugarland Barn in Arena, Wisconsin. Many Auggies participated in and attended the wedding. Bottom row [L to R]: Best man Alex Obanor, Augsburg Department of Public Safety officer; Dustin Parks ’16; Keisha Barnard ’16; bridesmaid Alia Thorpe ’15; bridesmaid Lily Moloney ’15; maid of honor Rachel Shaheen ’15; ceremony musician Becky Shaheen ’11; and officiant Rev. Mike Matson ’06. ALUMNI CLASS NOTES After graduation, Joshua Harris ’08 moved to Baltimore drawn to the service opportunity of working with Alpha Phi Alpha, the oldest inter-collegiate communityservice-oriented fraternity founded by African-Americans. Harris serves as managing editor of APA’s journal, “The Sphinx.” He works with other community leaders in Baltimore on many initiatives, including one to build a network of individuals, businesses, and organizations that can provide internships, scholarships, and mentorship opportunities for high school students. He returned to Minneapolis in fall 2015 to speak on a panel at the Augsburg Young Alumni Council’s networking event at Surly Brewing Co. Harris is running for mayor of Baltimore. Learn about his campaign at harrisforbaltimore.com. From the NOW@Augsburg blog. Visit augsburg.edu/alumni/blog to read more. Southeast Minnesota affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. 1991 Bill Koschak ’91 was hired as the chief financial officer at YA, which is an industry market leader in delivering omni-channel marketing promotions for the nation’s most respected brands. Before joining YA, Koschak was vice president of finance and CFO for the convenience and foodservice business at General Mills. 2000 Lewis Nelson ’00 joined the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business MBA for Executives. He blogs about the experience at wanderingveteran.com. 2007 Barrozo is studying the development of novel gene therapy treatments for human diseases caused by persistent viral infections and mutations of the genome. The goal of his research is to develop safe and effective strategies for treating these diseases. He also has worked as a Post-Baccalaureate Research Program Scholar at the University of Georgia. 2015 Hannah Frey ’15 has an AmeriCorps position in the Community Technology Empowerment Project, which helps bridge the “digital divide” for new immigrants and low-income communities in Minneapolis and St. Paul. She serves at Roseville (Minnesota) Library as a digital literacy coordinator for adult technology programming and outreach. Kati (Tweeten) Bergey ’07 married Brandon Bergey on October 18, 2014. Kati teaches sixth grade for MabelCanton Public Schools in Mabel, Minnesota. Heidi Heller ’15 has accepted a job as a historian and researcher with Hess Roise Historical Consultants. 2012 GRADUATE Lauren Grafelman ’12 graduated with her MBA from Hamline University in August 2015. William “Billy” Hamilton ’12 graduated from the University of Minnesota Law School in May and received news that he passed the Minnesota Bar Exam in July. He began work as a public defender in training at the Hennepin County Public Defender’s Office. He has found his vocation! 2014 Enrico Barrozo ’14 is pursuing a doctorate in genetics and genomics at the University of Florida, supported by the McKnight Doctoral, UF Graduate School, and Top-Up fellowships. Ava Beilke ’14 MBA formed her own social media consulting business, Paragon Social (paragonsocialco.com or @paragonsocialco on Twitter), with the desire to help individuals and small businesses excel in social media. Beilke studied communications in undergrad and pursued her MBA to round out her business expertise. She now fuses her creative skills with her business savvy to create the most effective social media efforts. Katie Koch ’01 is the new Director of Auggie Engagement at Augsburg College. Koch comes from a diverse background of performing arts management, having most recently worked at The O’Shaughnessy Auditorium at St. Catherine University as an event and administrative manager. Koch worked for nearly five years at the Guthrie Theater as an assistant to former director Joe Dowling, where she supported the Guthrie Board of Directors and highprofile visiting artists. During her time at Augsburg, Koch was a member of The Augsburg Choir, Augsburg Concert Band, and Augsburg Jazz and Gospel Praise. She served as an admissions ambassador, a student coordinator for new student orientation in 1999 and 2000, and wrote for the Augsburg Echo. Spring 2016 31 In memoriam Dwight E. Elving ’37, Mercer Harvard E. Larson ’50, Island, Washington, age 99, on September 17. Greeley, Colorado, age 86, on September 14. James K. Horn ’59, Lino Lakes, Minnesota, age 83, on November 26. Isabella “Bella” (Frazier) Sanders ’73, Park Rapids, Evelyn B. (Wibeto) Stone ’41, Alexandria, Minnesota, age 98, on November 26. Wesley N. Paulson ’51, Eugene “Pete” S. Peterson ’59, Gregory J. Semanko ’73, Altoona, Wisconsin, age 88, on December 2. Jackson, Minnesota, age 78, on October 17. Dassel, Minnesota, age 64, on September 16. J. Maurice “Maury” Erickson ’42, Vermillion, South Dakota, age 95, on September 10. Walter L. Dilley ’52, Paynesville, Minnesota, age 88, on October 14. Peter M. Locke ’60, South St. Paul, Minnesota, age 82, on November 30. Brent M. Amundson ’78, Colorado Springs, Colorado, age 61, on December 3. Helen L. (Fevold) Nelson ’43, Woodrow W. Wilson ’53, Gayle J. Arvidson ’61, Newburgh, Minneapolis, age 94, June 4. Lincoln, Nebraska, age 97, on September 11. Indiana, age 84, on December 25. David C. Eitrheim ’79, Menomonie, Wisconsin, age 58, on January 1. Chester E. Hoversten ’44, Northfield, Minnesota, age 93, on November 16. Joyce E. (Gronseth) Limburg ’44, Erling B. Huglen ’54, Roseau, Minnesota, age 83, on December 19. Harvey L. Jackson ’61, Park River, North Dakota, age 78, on September 28. Morgan S. Grant ’82, Willmar, Kelly M. Williams ’92, Edina, Minnesota, age 45, on August 25. River, North Dakota, age 51, on October 13. Apple Valley, Minnesota, age 93, on October 10. Allan J. Kohls ’54, Minneapolis, age 87, on October 4. John D. Sorenson ’62, Hickory, North Carolina, age 75, on November 2. Elise H. (Hoplin) Anderson ’45, Marvin S. Undseth ’54, Salem, Lee E. Keller ’63, San Edina, Minnesota, age 96, on October 13. Oregon, age 90, on October 12. Bernardino, California, age 80, on August 27. Edgar A. Emerson ’46, Minnesota, age 81, on September 30. Perham, Minnesota, age 90, on December 3. Guilford “Guy” L. Parsons ’47, Minneapolis, age 94, on September 17. Ruth E. (Thompson) Larson ’48, Clearbrook, Minnesota, age 92, on December 26. Rolf Heng ’55, Fergus Falls, Elmer Karlstad ’55, Warroad, Minnesota, age 91, on November 14. Alfred E. Kaupins ’57, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, age 88, on November 25. Joyce (Hanson) Holbrook ’65, Lincoln, California, age 72, on December 27. Edythe “Edie” (Berg) Johnson ’65, Stillwater, Minnesota, age 72, on October 1. Marilyn J. Larson ’65, Estes Park, Colorado, age 73, on November 3. Lawrence “Larry” C. Pratt Jr. ’57, Joyce A. (Schuchart) Hagerty ’66, Minnesota, age 88, on October 16. St. Anthony, Minnesota, age 81, on July 12. Oneida, Illinois, age 72, on December 4. Paul I. Roth ’49, White Bear Eldri R. (Johanson) Salter ’57, Lake, Minnesota, age 90, on November 21. Pocatello, Idaho, age 80, on September 8. Philip “Phil” A. Walen ’70, Stillwater, Minnesota, age 67, on September 9. Arne Simengaard ’49, Dennis F. Gibson ’59, Edina, Russell “Jeff” J. Quanbeck ’71, Fridley, Minnesota, age 88, on November 28. Minnesota, age 83, on September 5. Bloomington, Minnesota, age 67, on December 1. Allen J. Moe ’48, Dawson, Minnesota, age 85, on October 1. Minnesota, age 55, on August 28. Thomas D. Orstad ’93, Park Earl R. Kinley III ’94, Eagan, Minnesota, age 55, on December 18. Christine L. (Quandt) Edinger ’99, Madison, Wisconsin, age 49, on December 19. Judith A. (Gretz) Roy ’99, Minneapolis, age 68, on September 24. Traci M. Singher ’12, ’15 MSW, Minnetonka, Minnesota, age 44, on December 1. Dustyn B. Hessie ’13, Minneapolis, age 27, on June 15. Augsburg College Women’s Basketball Head Coach William “Bill” L. McKee, New Brighton, Minnesota, age 62, on August 27. The “In memoriam” listings in this publication include notifications received before January 10. 32 Augsburg Now EXPERIENCE AUGSBURG NOW ONLINE Fresh look, more interaction Enjoy several new features on the Augsburg Now magazine’s companion website. Thanks to a site upgrade, it’s possible to: • Manage your magazine subscription and delivery method • Read articles on mobile devices with ease • Share favorite stories and photos on social media • View exclusive slideshows and videos • “Go green” by opting for digital content instead of print • Submit class notes and share good news AUGSBURG.EDU/NOW 2211 Riverside Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55454 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Twin Cities, MN Permit No. 2031 LeVar Burton encourages the next generation Actor, director, writer, producer, and educator LeVar Burton—best known for his roles in “Roots,” “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” and “Reading Rainbow”—inspired prospective students to make positive change in the world. Burton’s presentation took place this winter during Scholarship Weekend, an annual event where prospective students compete for the President’s and Fine Arts scholarships.
Show less

Title: Augsburg Now Spring 2015: Auggies Are Peace Builders
Collection: Alumni Magazine Collection
Search Result: SPRING 2015 | VOL. 77, NO. 2 Everyday work advice for Auggies Magazine survey results A tale of two Auggies Nobel Peace Prize Forum AUGSBURG COLLEGE RECEIVES $10 MILLION CASH GIFT to name Center for Science, Business, and Religion This winter, Augsburg College was honored with a $10 mil...
Show more SPRING 2015 | VOL. 77, NO. 2 Everyday work advice for Auggies Magazine survey results A tale of two Auggies Nobel Peace Prize Forum AUGSBURG COLLEGE RECEIVES $10 MILLION CASH GIFT to name Center for Science, Business, and Religion This winter, Augsburg College was honored with a $10 million philanthropic gift that will support a new signature academic building housing the College’s science, business, and religion programs. Visit augsburg.edu/csbr to learn about the celebration to announce the building’s name and the capital campaign’s progress toward its IN THIS ISSUE $50 million fundraising goal. Features On the cover 2 Magazine survey results | COMPILED BY REBECCA JOHN ’13 MBA 10 Everyday work advice for Auggies | BY STEPHANIE WEISS 16 A tale of two Auggies | BY STEPHANIE WEISS 24 Nobel Peace Prize Forum | BY STEPHEN GEFFRE AND LAURA SWANSON Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and former U.S. President Jimmy Carter addressed middle school and high school students during a Youth Forum event in Augsburg’s Si Melby Hall as part of the 2015 Nobel Peace Prize Forum, held March 6-8 in Departments Minneapolis. Carter spoke in front of 4 Around the Quad | 13 It takes an Auggie exhibition about past Nobel Peace Prize Augsburg student artwork created for an 14 My Auggie experience | 20 Auggie voices winners that opened at the American 22 Auggies on the court | 27 Alumni news Swedish Institute in February. Learn more 31 Alumni class notes | 36 In memoriam All photos by Stephen Geffre unless otherwise indicated. on pages 8 and 24. Vice President of Marketing and Communication Rebecca John ’13 MBA rjohn@augsburg.edu Director of News and Media Services NOTES FROM PRESIDENT PRIBBENOW Abundance at Augsburg 2015 is off to a remarkable start at Augsburg! The announcement on the facing page about the $10 million gift to name the Center for Science, Business, and Religion certainly ranks as our most exciting news. The momentum to break ground on this signature academic building is now palpable on campus and beyond as we imagine its transformational impact on our community for generations to come. And this issue of Augsburg Now is full of many other examples of the good news of this academic year. News of national recognition for community engagement and interfaith initiatives. News of special events featuring Bill Nye the Science Guy (a fellow bow tie lover!) and Nobel Peace Prize Laureates U.S. President Jimmy Carter and The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. News of more than 100 Augsburg students and faculty from five academic departments collaborating to create an interactive exhibit to engage people in the topic of peace. News of student and faculty achievements on and off campus. News of generous alumni and friends supporting the mission-based work of the Augsburg community—including more than 1,300 donors who, for the second year in a row, helped Augsburg surpass every other Minnesota college or university in fundraising on Give to the Max Day. And much, much more to celebrate. For me, all of this good news points to a core value at the heart of Augsburg’s identity and character—we are a community of abundance in a world of scarcity. What do I mean by abundance? It is a way of life that calls our community to live and work together with a focus on our common wisdom, experience, and aspirations. It is an ethic that challenges us to believe that we can do more and Stephanie Weiss weisss@augsburg.edu Communication Copywriter and Editorial Coordinator Laura Swanson swansonl@augsburg.edu better together than on our own. It is a vision that says we are small to our students and big for the world. As I near the end of my ninth year as Augsburg’s 10th president, I am more and more struck by the abundance of our lives together, the many ways in which the students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends of our community aspire to embody a way of life that links faith, learning, and service to the neighbor. I also am struck by the abundance of our place, the remarkable work of Augsburg as an institution and community in this neighborhood, city, and world, and our firm resolve to send our students out into the world as educated and faithful citizens, to be good stewards of our environment, and to embrace hospitality and generosity for our fellow humans. Finally, I am struck by the abundance of the promise we make each and every day to each other as we dedicate ourselves to collaboration, to doing things differently, and to working together to meet the needs of students and neighbors. Where others say there is not enough, we say there is more than plenty if we believe and bring resolve, courage, and imagination to our efforts to educate, to feed the hungry, to clothe the poor, and to meet the needs of strangers. What a deep privilege it is to be a partner in this work of abundance at Augsburg College. Thanks to all of you for your abiding support and passion for this good and faithful work. Creative Associate Denielle Johnson ’11 johnsod@augsburg.edu Marketing Copywriter Christina Haller haller@augsburg.edu Photographer Stephen Geffre geffre@augsburg.edu Production Manager Mark Chamberlain chamberm@augsburg.edu Advancement Communication Specialist Jen Lowman Day dayj@augsburg.edu augsburg.edu Augsburg Now is published by Augsburg College 2211 Riverside Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55454 Opinions expressed in Augsburg Now do not necessarily reflect official College policy. ISSN 1058-1545 Yours in Augsburg, Send address corrections to: Advancement Services CB 142 Augsburg College 2211 Riverside Ave. Minneapolis, MN 55454 langemo@augsburg.edu PAUL C. PRIBBENOW, PRESIDENT Email: now@augsburg.edu 600 Took the survey TURNING A NEW PAGE 35-49 HIGHLIGHTS OF THE RESULTS: 34 & under Who took the survey COMPILED BY REBECCA JOHN ’13 MBA More than 600 people responded to the Augsburg survey, with 541 completing the entire questionnaire. Augsburg Now magazine survey: What you told us NATIONAL This past summer, Augsburg College participated in a national higher education magazine survey developed by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education. This survey has been used by more than 350 college and university magazines across the United States, allowing Augsburg to compare its results with national benchmarks. AUGSBURG 30 percent of the Augsburg Now survey respondents were 65 years of age or older, nearly 10 percentage points above the national response rate. Top ways the magazine helps keep Auggies connected* Augsburg’s results National results Auggies are connected 87% 80% 53% As a reminder of your college experience 46% 46% Keeping you in touch with your graduating class 39% Encouraging financial support for the College and current students Survey respondents confirmed that Augsburg Now strengthens their connection with the College. In fact, 80 percent of respondents older than age 35 agreed with this notion, and 70 percent of respondents under age 35 agreed as well. SO, WHAT DOES ALL OF THIS MEAN? Readership, connection, and format Topics of interest The magazine will build on its strengths in order to maintain high readership levels and the strong connection that the magazine helps Auggies feel with the College. Augsburg will continue publishing the magazine in both print and online versions, but those who prefer a digital format are encouraged to let us know their preference for receiving notifications instead of printed editions. The topics of greatest interest across all age groups align well with the College’s Augsburg2019 strategic vision, which states that, in 2019, Augsburg will be a new kind of student-centered, urban university that is small to our students and big for the world. Stories about student achievements, alumni in their professions, and campus facilities and growth illustrate our commitment to educating for lives of purpose, being “at the table” with our partners and neighbors, and building a vital and sustainable institution. In addition to those topics, the magazine will continue to include events, speakers, obituaries, and class notes given that these topics garnered strong response rates, especially among readers over 35 years of age. See augsburg.edu/Augsburg2019 for information about the strategic plan. Go to augsburg.edu/now for more information about changing your Augsburg Now delivery format. 2 Augsburg Now ended event ade a nation 64% h These categories were ranked substantially higher than the national averages. prefer print Agreement with these statements among people age 35 years or older was 10 or more percentage points higher than for respondents under age 35. * 12% prefer online Magazine readership 23% Ages represented: 65+ 50 to 64 35 to 49 34 and under 11 percent of Augsburg’s respondents were under age 35, which is only half of the percentage in that age category nationally. Attended an event Recommended Top actions taken as a Augsburg Recommended result of reading Augsburg Now Augsburg Augsburg’s results National results Made a donation Recommended Augsburg Most respondents indicated that Augsburg Now was the No. 1 way they get information about the College, and 82 percent said they read all orprefer mostboth of each issue. Most respondents said they prefer to read the printed version of Augsburg Now, although some favor digital formats. It is exciting to learn that 1/3 of respondents indicated that the magazine Made a donation prompted them to recommend Augsburg to others. One of the primary objectives of the magazine is to equip Auggies to act as advocates of the College, so this result was of particular significance in measuring the impact of the magazine. Renaming the magazine Although the name of the magazine was not specifically addressed in the survey questions, the time has come to rethink the name of the publication. “Augsburg Now” served well for decades, but in an age of digital communication, a publication that comes out three times per year cannot reasonably include information about what’s happening at the moment. As a result, the plan is to announce a new name for the magazine in the summer 2015 issue and officially change the masthead in the fall. Look in the summer issue for more information about these future plans for the Augsburg College magazine! 82% read all or most of 64% prefer print 13% prefer online 23% prefer both Topics of interest When asked what topics readers preferred to see in the magazine, the following categories rose to the top. 1. Cultural events and performances 68.1% * 2. Alumni in their professions 67.5% 3. Class notes 67.4% * h 4. Institutional history and traditions 66.5% * h 5. Obituaries 65.8% * h 6. Campus facilities and growth 62.5% 7. Student achievements 61.2% h 8. Visiting speakers 60.3% * h Subscribe to NOW@Augsburg For the past few years, Augsburg’s alumni relations staff has published a monthly email newsletter and blog called “NOW@Augsburg,” which features stories about Augsburg alumni, upcoming events, fundraising milestones, and College accolades. Visit augsburg.edu/alumni/blog for past newsletter content, or email langemo@augsburg.edu to sign up for the monthly email newsletter if you are not already receiving it. Spring 2015 3 Jamar Esaw ’05 directs members of Triad:4Christ, a gospel choral ensemble, during the 2015 Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation. MANY VOICES, BOLD VISIONS 2014-15 Convocation Series sparks critical thinking, meaningful conversation The Augsburg College Convocation Series each year offers the community a chance to hear from outstanding leaders and visionaries who ignite important conversations and contribute to making the world a safer place for future generations. The first event held during the spring semester was the Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation in January, featuring collaboration among on-campus student groups and ARTS-Us, a St. Paul-based arts education organization; Dare 2 Be Real, a Twin Cities-based interracial student leadership program; and Triad:4Christ, a renowned gospel choir led by Jamar Esaw ’05. The Batalden Seminar in Applied Ethics in February welcomed Rami Nashashibi, executive director of the Inner-City Muslim Action Network and a visiting professor at the Chicago Theological Seminary. Nashashibi spoke on “The Sociology of Seerah: Reclaiming Prophetic Tradition for Our Time and Place.” The Koryne Horbal Lecture in March featured Janell Hobson, associate professor of Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at the University at Albany. Hobson’s presentation was titled “Historical Consciousness and Black Feminist Imagination.” 4 Augsburg Now AROUND THE QUAD FROM SCREEN TO SCRIPT: Auggies win big at film festival Augsburg students were recognized for their excellent work at the fourth annual Student Film Festival hosted by the Associated Colleges of the Twin Cities. Delegates from Wells Fargo’s Diversity Council Leadership Team visit with Augsburg student leaders, faculty, and staff. WELLS FARGO MAKES $100,000 GIFT to the Center for Science, Business, and Religion In recognition of Augsburg College’s leadership in closing the higher education disparity gap for students of color in Minnesota, Wells Fargo made a $100,000 gift to the campaign to build the Center for Science, Business, and Religion. Wells Fargo joined several other corporations—including 3M and General Mills— in supporting the CSBR. Dave Kvamme, CEO of Wells Fargo Minnesota, in a statement expressed admiration for Augsburg’s commitment to partnering with college access programs Wells Fargo also supports a to help recruit, support, and retain first-generation and scholarship program through low-income students. the Minnesota Private College “We support Augsburg College’s commitment to Fund. The fund, started in 1976, provide opportunities for a college education for those provides scholarships at each of students who may face life challenges to attain it,” the 17 Minnesota Private Colleges, Kvamme said. “We know our donation will help Augsburg including Augsburg. be successful in developing Minnesota’s future business and community leaders.” DID YOU KNOW? U.S. BANK SUPPORTS STUDENT VETERANS and Center for Science, Business, and Religion with $125,000 gift Augsburg College and U.S. Bank celebrated the opening of the new U.S. Bank Veterans’ Lounge on campus with a dedication ceremony this fall. U.S. Bank recently pledged $125,000 toward the building of the Center for Science, Business, and Religion at Augsburg, and the College recognized the contribution to the campaign by granting naming rights to the Veterans’ Lounge. The renovated space, located in Oren Gateway Center, honors the contributions student veterans have made to their country. U.S. Bank and Augsburg College are nationally recognized as top supporters of veterans and military families. Augsburg was named a 2015 Military Friendly® School for its ongoing efforts to provide transitioning veterans the best possible experience in higher education. • Thomas VandenDolder ’15 won Best Experimental Film for “Oblivious.” • Rebecca Schroeder ’18 won the Best Music Video award for “We Are The Art.” This year’s ACTC festival included a new screenplay contest. Students who have participated in courses in the Augsburg Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program took home top awards in all three categories. • Michelle Herrin ’15 MFA won the Overall Excellence award for “Side Effects.” • Amanda Symes ’15 MFA received an Honorable Mention, FeatureLength Narrative for “Celia.” • Mark Woodley ’14 received the Best Short Screenplay award for “Missing.” The festival included work submitted by students from Augsburg College, Hamline University, and the University of St. Thomas. More than 100 people attended the film festival screenings this year, and all films were created during the 2013-14 academic year. Spring 2015 5 Augsburg earns dual national COMMUNITY SERVICE HONORS Augsburg was the only Minnesota college or university named a finalist on the Corporation for National and Community Service’s 2014 Interfaith Community Service Honor Roll as well as on the Corporation’s General Community Service Honor Roll with Distinction. Augsburg is one of only four colleges out of hundreds of applicants nationwide to be named a finalist in the interfaith category, an honor recognizing institutions that support exemplary community service programs, promote greater interfaith cooperation, and raise the visibility of effective practices in campus-community partnerships. Augsburg receives Carnegie Foundation’s Community ENGAGEMENT CLASSIFICATION Augsburg College has earned its second Community Engagement Classification from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Institutions are recognized based on evidence of their collaboration with the larger community, which: • enriches scholarship, research, and creative activity; • enhances curriculum, teaching, and learning; • prepares educated, engaged citizens; • strengthens democratic values and civic responsibility; • addresses critical societal issues; and • contributes to the public good. Augsburg was one of only eight Minnesota colleges or universities recognized in 2015. The College previously received the Community Engagement Classification in 2008. 6 Augsburg Now Bush Foundation grant supports DIVERSITY IN TEACHING Augsburg College’s Department of Education was awarded a $150,000 grant from the Bush Foundation through its Teacher Effectiveness Initiative. The award will be used to fund a project that builds the College’s capacity to recruit and support students of color as they work toward a degree in teaching. Augsburg was one of only five higher education institutions selected to receive this one-time award. Augsburg’s Department of Education Chair and Associate Professor Margaret Finders will lead the project in partnership with Minneapolis Public Schools, Minneapolis Community and Technical College, and St. Paul Public Schools. This team will create a coordinated, sustainable infrastructure that will recruit high-quality teacher candidates and reduce attrition. This infrastructure will help the partner institutions engage in proactive recruitment of teacher candidates of color from multiple entry points, improve experiences for teacher candidates of color, and foster smooth transitions into teaching. AROUND THE QUAD This winter, AUGSBURG COLLEGE PRESIDENT PAUL C. PRIBBENOW joined other private college leaders in testifying before the Minnesota State Senate Higher Education Committee. Pribbenow thanked senators for their support and discussed the ways in which Augsburg works to best educate the state’s future leaders. DAY AT THE CAPITOL During the 2013-14 academic year, more than 34 percent of all Augsburg undergraduates—1,054 students—received Minnesota State Grants totaling more than $3.4 million. This February, Augsburg College students and members of the larger Twin Cities community met at the Capitol with their respective representatives and advocated for the Minnesota State Grant program. Augsburg’s StepUP® program, the EAST (East African Student to Teacher) program, Student Financial Services, Multicultural Students Services, and Athletics partnered to recruit and train students before the event. The students’ agenda included a policy and lobbying briefing with comments from House and Senate members representing Augsburg and a breakfast with alumni legislators followed by a meeting with representatives. Spring 2015 7 AROUND THE QUAD 128 AUGGIES exhibit at the American Swedish Institute Led by Assistant Professor of Art Christopher Houltberg, 128 students and six Augsburg faculty members contributed to a collaborative exhibition, Shaping Peace, at the American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis. The project is a collaboration involving the disciplines of art and design, English, music, political science, and religion. Shaping Peace, a visual exploration of the past 128 Nobel Peace Prize laureates, is on display from February 28 through May 24 and aims to broaden the awareness of the Nobel Peace Prize. The interactive installation encourages viewers to actively participate in exploring the history of the prize by contributing their own ideas surrounding the concept of peace. AUGSBURG YEARBOOKS AVAILABLE ONLINE SOON The Augsburg College student yearbook, the Augsburgian, is being digitized for online viewing. Issues are being scanned from newest to oldest, and all editions dating back to the early 1900s will be available online soon. Check for your yearbook at augsburg.edu/now. 8 Augsburg Now Archival Photo PRESIDENTIAL SCULPTURES undergo restoration public monuments, sculpted busts of Augsburg College Presidents Sven Oftedal and Georg Sverdrup. For many years, the sculptures were housed in the College’s original Main building and Old Main before being relocated to the Marshall Room in Christensen Center. As time passed, the sculptures had become dirty, scratched, and damaged. In fact, the bust of Sven Oftedal had even fallen off its pedestal, which resulted in a broken nose. In 2014, the sculptures were properly restored for the first time in 125 years. They are now on display in all their glory in Lindell Library. All of this work has been supported by the Nydahl Family fund, which was created in 2006 to celebrate the history of Augsburg and the Lutheran Free Church on campus. THE CENTER FOR COUNSELING AND HEALTH PROMOTION gets new name and location The Center for Counseling and Health Promotion recently became the Center for Wellness and Counseling to better capture the mission of the department, which is to support students to “stay healthy in body, mind, and relationships.” The services of the center— to offer free counseling, low-cost medical services at a neighborhood clinic, and selfhelp information—will remain the same. The name change comes at the same time the center moves from a house on the corner of 7th Street and 21st Avenue, to a remodeled first floor of Augsburg’s Anderson Residence Hall. The new location will allow students easier access as well as add a dedicated relaxation space. The house that the center staff once occupied will be razed this spring as part of the preparation of the area where the new Center for Science, Business, and Religion will be built. explores reputation management During spring semester, Augsburg College invited leaders with experience in the for-profit and nonprofit sectors of the Twin Cities business community to share their expertise as part of the annual Clair and Gladys Strommen Executive Speaker Series. In February, Lynn Casey, CEO at PadillaCRT, spoke on building and protecting reputations in real time. Casey also discussed her work at the Minneapolis-based headquarters of PadillaCRT—the largest employeeowned agency in the United States. Courtesy Photo FROM 1888 TO 1890, Jacob Fjelde, a Norwegian portraitist and creator of SPEAKER SERIES The College welcomes MayKao Hang, president and CEO of the Amherst H. Wilder Foundation, in April. Hang leads the foundation as it works to live out its mission to promote the social welfare of persons resident or located in the greater St. Paul metropolitan area. Courtesy Photo ABOVE: Augsburg’s historic presidents sculptures were first housed in the College’s original Main building. RIGHT: The sculptures are transported to a professional restorer. Courtesy Photo STROMMEN EXECUTIVE “When we’re talking about building and protecting reputations, high standards, good character, and good operating principles up-and-down [an organization] are really essential ingredients.” –Lynn Casey Spring 2015 9 Meet Dave Conrad Dave Conrad has honed his knowledge through decades of work as an independent business consultant, his experience in sales and marketing for public and private companies in a range of industries, and his positions in higher education. He’s author of “Ask Dave,” a column for the Rochester Post-Bulletin. His first book, which shares the same name as his column, is available for purchase at the Augsburg College bookstore. Ask Dave EVERYDAY WORK ADVICE FOR E I G G U A Y R E V E Business professor Dave Conrad shares workplace guidance with 100,000 readers through weekly newspaper column BY STEPHANIE WEISS T he majority of American workers report being unhappy in their jobs. One of the biggest factors for this dissatisfaction is poor workplace communication, according to The Conference Board’s annual survey of 5,000 U.S. households. Other top factors that contribute to workplace dissatisfaction include issues related to compensation, recognition, and career development. None of this is surprising to Dave Conrad, assistant director of the Augsburg College Master of Business Administration program at Rochester and associate professor in Rochester and Minneapolis. Each week for the past eight years, Conrad has shared straightforward business and workplace guidance with 100,000 readers of his column, “Dear Dave,” published in the Rochester Post-Bulletin since 2006. Conrad said that while he fields plenty of questions on workplace communication issues, he also responds to queries on everything from conflicts among coworkers to issues of company culture, managing change, and problem solving. There’s probably no question that has been left unasked of Conrad. And his advice is so popular that he published a book based upon his column and has another one in the works. Conrad dispenses usable guidance that blends management processes with leadership thinking so that readers can gain insight into the worlds of their coworkers. “My readers tend to be everyday, hard-working staff employees or mid-level managers who need everyday advice,” he said. Spring 2015 11 Clear counseling cleans up clumsy communication Conrad doesn’t really need to be told by a national survey that communication problems vex employees at all levels. He knows it because, time and again, he receives questions from readers struggling to give voice to their opinions or to share information about the direction an organization is heading. “People are bursting at the seams with ideas, input, and feedback, but there often is no one listening,” he said. When one reader in 2013 asked Conrad why it seems that managers don’t interact with employees—not even to ask how the employees are coping—Conrad delivered his trademark guidance, mixing simple steps with insight: “Organizations thrive on communication and dialogue. It is crucial that managers simply interact with employees ... and ask if they can help the employees in any way,” Conrad wrote. “Managers should pass along information about the company that will help employees understand the mission, vision, goals, and objectives pertaining to where the company is heading.” Conrad said that the reason this type of communication is critical is because it creates what he calls “we-ness,” a shared purpose among employees that can inspire everyone to work toward shared goals. Conrad also offers practical guidance for how managers should communicate with employees: share honestly, strive to promote dialogue, ensure every voice is heard, and welcome ideas and input without chastising the messenger. When a manager asked Conrad how to more effectively guide change after learning that her employees felt she didn’t connect well with those employees who most needed information, Conrad first shared insight on the organizational need to develop 12 Augsburg Now “Keep things fresh, engaging, and constructive—dare I say ‘positive.’” Read Dave Conrad’s weekly column in the local business section found at postbulletin.com. a change-management communication plan. The creation of such a plan is an important step in ensuring that the manager delivers the right information to the right people at the right time. He followed up with the types of information to include in the plan so all his readers could understand steps toward shaping and managing change. “Communication gaps and weaknesses must be discovered, and a systematic means of providing instructions, information, and feedback must be created and implemented,” he responded via the 2014 column. “To get and keep people on board: Explain the ‘why’ of the change. Clearly communicate the vision, mission, and the objectives of the change management initiative. Have and articulate ideal outcomes. Get people interacting and sharing ideas and perspectives.” Insight for Auggies Conrad’s approach was no different when we asked him what insight he has for Augsburg College alumni just starting out in the work world and those who want to grow their careers. Conrad said that it’s likely Auggies who are beginning their careers will need to perform unglamorous — and possibly, humbling — work for a while. But that’s normal. “I love the saying: If you do what you love, you will never work a day the rest of your life,” Conrad said. “The problem is, when you’re just out of college, it’s easy to get confused about what you can do in the workplace, or even what you want to do.” Just as Auggies are sorting through what they might want to do, employers will be watching. Conrad encourages Auggies to stay positive, maintain enthusiasm, and take on tasks they never thought they would have to perform. Early in their careers, he said, Auggies should show off their work ethic no matter the task assigned. Conrad’s tips for young employees include taking on the assignments nobody wants, asking managers for feedback on their work, and seeking guidance for how to earn promotions. “Not only is this a way to demonstrate drive and ethic, but it also offers a way to practice the communication skills that make a workplace more rewarding,” he said. For Auggies further along in their career, Conrad offers similarly upbeat advice. “Keep things fresh, engaging, and constructive—dare I say ‘positive,’” he said. “Volunteer for small and big projects, mentor budding managers, be there for people in need, learn new things, and do anything that shows care about the productivity and wellbeing of the organization, others, and especially yourself.” Employers are attracted to employees who understand the importance of their work on their team, department, and organization. Through the reflective practices and hands-on learning built into an Augsburg College education, Auggies leave campus knowing how their work makes a difference in the world, and they are ready to lead in organizations ranging from nonprofits to Fortune 500 businesses. And, they are ready to do it well. IT TAKES AN AUGGIE IMPACT Augsburg’s day of record-breaking fundraising supports new opportunities More than 1,300 donors gave Augsburg College more than $430,000 on Give to the Max Day 2014. For the second year in a row, Augsburg surpassed every other Minnesota college or university in this annual online fundraising event. The achievement reflects the work of alumni, faculty, and staff who championed nearly three dozen unique projects. A new drone copter for student filmmakers. IN THE CLASSROOM $1,605 was raised to help students purchase essential — but sometimes pricey — textbooks for class. The College launched its first student-run publishing organization, Howling Bird, which is part of the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program. The Communication Studies Department purchased a drone camera that takes student filmmakers’ work to new heights. (above right) ON-CAMPUS RESEARCH Biology students will benefit from the opportunity to fund additional DNA sequencing critical to their research. Faculty in the Department of History will further their research on topics ranging from the deathbed conversions of medieval knights to Minnesota after the Civil War to women’s medicine in the Victorian era. LEARN ABOUT THE OTHER PROJECTS AUGGIES ON THE MOVE The Augsburg College women’s hockey team traveled to four European countries, playing games against international opponents, and touring historic and cultural sites. Gifts from Give to the Max Day helped to fund student learning and success through 34 projects. Find the full list at augsburg.edu/now. Spring 2015 13 AUGGIES HAVE AND FOOD COOKING DOWN TO A SCIENCE Unique course makes science approachable for all students Ceviche is a South and Central American favorite that’s also been popularized in the United States. It’s a bright and flavorful seafood dish that’s not raw, but it’s not exactly cooked either. In fact, it’s never exposed to heat. Although it’s not cooked in the traditional sense, the raw fish in ceviche goes through a chemical process that rearranges or “denatures” its proteins, much like what happens when meat or other protein is cooked with heat. The acid in citrus juice cures the raw fish, which makes it safer to eat. This is just one of the fascinating processes students learn in one of Augsburg College’s popular physics courses: The Science of Food and Cooking, taught by Associate Professor Ben Stottrup. Among other concepts, students in the course learn the fundamental physics and chemistry of materials science through hands-on preparation, like the phase change that occurs when spinning cotton candy and the Maillard reaction caused by searing a steak. They are taught the mechanical properties of ricotta cheese and the states of matter in a root beer float. And the students love experimenting with various cuisine. SPECIAL THANKS to chefs Erick * Harcey of Victory 44, Landon Schoenefeld of Haute Dish, and Karyn Tomlinson of Borough for lending their expertise to the course. 14 Augsburg Now “My biggest takeaway from this class is that science is, in fact, present in everything in our daily lives,” said Cynthia Del Villar ’15, business administration and economics major. “Even eating is a daily reminder that food undergoes its own scientific transformation through cooking or even combining certain ingredients, like oil and vinegar.” Del Villar took much away from the class—from learning how to prevent freezer burn to emulsifying a mayonnaise to gaining an understanding of heat transfer through a molten chocolate cake. But she also made a personal contribution to the course— her Mexican family’s traditional shrimp ceviche recipe for experimentation in the lab. (See recipe on the next page.) Restaurant reviews, cook-offs, and potlucks But it’s not just the food that gets students engaged—Stottrup also introduces competition and community involvement. For example, while baking cupcakes, some groups are allowed the use of measuring devices while others are not. Or some use measurements based upon volume versus weight. This, of course, determines the outcome of each recipe. At the end of each lab, guest judges from “ This is a traditional family recipe from my parents’ home state of Nayarit, on Mexico’s west coast. - Cynthia Del Villar ’15 MY AUGGIE EXPERIENCE SHRIMP CEVICHE FOR A CROWD Serves 20 INGREDIENTS: • 4 pounds headless shrimp • 10 medium limes • 10 medium tomatoes • 4 large cucumbers • 1 purple onion • 8 small green serrano chili peppers • 2 tablespoons salt • Tortilla chips PREPARATION: 1. Cleanse shrimp in water, peel completely, and chop into half-inch pieces. Place in large bowl and set aside. 2. In a blender, combine lime juice and serrano chili peppers and blend until smooth. Pour over shrimp. 3. Add 2 tablespoons of salt to mixture and stir. various departments on campus decide whose dish was most successful. The competition and participation of the wider campus community “creates an educational, memorable, and interactive experience,” Stottrup said. Members of the greater Twin Cities restaurant scene also play an important role in the class. One requirement of the course is that students dine at one of three well-known Minneapolis restaurants and then write a restaurant review describing the materials science on their plate. Afterward, one chef from each restaurant comes to campus to participate in a panel discussion on the creativity and lifestyle of being a chef.* Community members participate in these panel discussions each term, which range from local cooks revealing the process of handcrafting the perfect scoop of natural, organic ice cream to urban planners explaining 4. Cut onion into thin slices and add to shrimp. Allow mixture to sit for 20 minutes. 5. In the meantime, dice tomatoes and cucumbers into small cubes and add to shrimp. 6. Mix all ingredients well and salt to taste. 7. Serve with chips or tostadas. sustainable food systems to entrepreneurs from the craft beer industry talking about the chemistry of brewing. To wrap up the semester, the class participates in a “Minnesota potluck,” where each student makes a dish to share and describes the science behind it to their peers. These engaging, communal activities make science “fun and accessible to all students, not just science majors,” Stottrup said. He hopes the class helps students gain a new appreciation for science, as well as “for growing, preparing, cooking, and simply enjoying food.” BY CHRISTINA HALLER Spring 2015 15 A TALE OF TWO AUGGIES ST. PAUL COLLEGE EXPERIENCES SHAPE WORK BY ALUMNI IN THE MINNESOTA CAPITAL AND ON THE NORTH SHORE BY STEPHANIE WEISS As a young man growing up on Minnesota’s far western prairies during the 1960s, Allan Torstenson ’75 felt the lure of big cities tugging at him when he was deciding where to go to college. He considered leaving his hometown of Dawson, Minn., for campuses on the coasts in Berkeley, Calif., or New York City, but it was the beehive of activity in Minneapolis and near the Augsburg College campus that drew him in. 16 Augsburg Now “I was watching the anti-war movement unfold on television. People in a counter culture were fighting construction of HUD-planned communities, including Cedar Square West,” he said. “It was all happening on the West Bank of Minneapolis. I wanted to be there to watch it.” At the same time that Torstenson was responding to the pull of Augsburg and all that its location in the heart of Minneapolis offered students, Mark Johnson ’75 found himself similarly drawn to Augsburg from his hometown of Two Harbors, Minn., on the scenic north shores of Lake Superior. When the two young men arrived at Augsburg, they began to explore life in the city. They were among the first to enroll in what was a brand new interdisciplinary major, metro urban studies. Allan Torstenson ’75 St. Paul city planner Mark Johnson ’75 Two Harbors city planner, retired Courtesy Photos TWO HARBORS This new program would prove to build a solid foundation for the careers of both men, equipping them to navigate constantly changing landscapes in their careers. Torstenson’s Augsburg College education provided the skills and knowledge to begin work as an intern in 1981 for the City of St. Paul— where he continues to work today as principal city planner with responsibility for planning and zoning. Johnson’s education allowed him to successfully return to Two Harbors where he took a detour from city planning for more than 20 years to run the family business before becoming the city planner from 1999 until his retirement in 2001. Industry changes reshape Minnesota cities Two Harbors is the birthplace of Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing (3M) and was long shaped by the railroad and an ore shipping port. St. Paul is the state capital and has been home to breweries such as Hamm’s and Schmidt’s, manufacturing such as Whirlpool and the Ford Assembly Plant, and more. When the dominant industries in the cities served by Torstenson and Johnson inevitably shifted over time, the two planners needed to interpret what those changes meant for their communities. Spring 2015 17 Courtesy Photo In Two Harbors, the changes meant an opportunity to reclaim what once were private railroad beds and begin converting rails to trails. It also meant the opportunity to create greater public access to the waterfront. In St. Paul, Torstenson was faced with answering questions about how to respond to a changing economy that has resulted in the shuttering of multiple large businesses. “Our big building and manufacturing companies—Ford in Highland Park, Whirlpool on the East Side, [and] the breweries are all gone,” Torstenson said. “Our challenge was to begin to address the economic, structural, and job training issues left in the wake of these closings.” One of the problems faced by Torstenson is that the underpinnings of earlier city planning—as it was practiced in the United States after World War II—wasn’t flexible or resilient, two concepts now at the forefront of civic design. From the 1950s through the early 1980s, city planning primarily relied upon a single-use approach that identified different areas—or zones—for different uses. Single-family housing was clustered in one area, and apartments and condominiums in another area. Businesses were situated somewhere else, and industrial areas were planned in yet another spot. This type of planning, possible largely because of the automobile, created what we now understand to be an expensive form of spread-out development often called “sprawl.” This type of segregated development can make responding to changing markets and demands difficult. “Cities need to think about the social and market needs of the people who live there,” Torstenson said. “Cities also need to be resilient in their design so that they can be sustainable while evolving to meet changing needs.” The more compact, high-density design used in Oslo, Norway, after World War II (and studied by both Torstenson and Johnson during their undergraduate study-abroad trip to Scandinavia in 1973) now is shaping the work Torstenson does for St. Paul. Multi-use design allows buildings to be placed closer together and to be used in multiple ways all at 18 Augsburg Now once. Business and light industry can be placed at street level with housing above. It means residents of a building have a greater likelihood of being able to walk to work and shop close to home. In addition, these environments typically include sidewalks, bike lanes, and public transit—whether in the form of light rail, trains, or streetcars. “Many people want to live and work in a close, compact area,” Torstenson said. “Mixed-use and shared-use planning can create ways for us to change to meet the demands of a new and creative, diverse, and collaborative economy.” Today, Torstenson continues to work to shape a city code that will guide “The question always has been: higher-density development and How can we manage change for redevelopment the good of all?” –Mark Johnson that also fosters efficient, flexible, and mixed-form uses with multi-modal transportation corridors—all things that are sought-after by the Millennial Generation as well as today’s teenagers who are putting off learning to drive in favor of public transit. While Torstenson was working in St. Paul, Johnson was grappling in Two Harbors with a community that at first didn’t have a history of proactive engagement, which meant that change had the potential to be seen as negative and foster greater outcry. “The question always has been: How can we manage change for the good of all?” Johnson said. “There are always unintended consequences of change. At the core, we have to respect the values of the community we work with, and we have to reflect those qualities in the work.” Community-classroom connection MAKES REAL-WORLD IMPACT Shawn Thompson Photography Two Harbors railroad depot near Lake Superior For instance, when Two Harbors in the 1990s began the work of creating greater public access to the waterfront by converting old railroad beds to trails, the community wasn’t happy. “It seems that, in a smaller community, there can be a lot of pushback on any type of change,” Johnson said. “North Shore people are tough, independent. It’s just innate. We’ve spent our lives battling Lake Superior.” But civic engagement is one tool that local governments such as cities and counties, no matter their location, can use to help learn about and understand the desires of a community. “Community involvement is important,” Johnson said. “My job was a chance to encourage people to reach out beyond themselves and to seek ways to be a bridge builder of relationships.” Although Johnson retired from city work more than a decade ago, he remains involved in Two Harbors through a community fund that he helped establish and that is used to support new projects in response to emerging and changing needs. Johnson said that his days as an Augsburg student continue to influence him today and have played a role in creating a rewarding path for someone who has been driven to serve. “I never saw my work at the family business or as city planner as separate paths,” he said. “My work as an employer, as a city planner, and as someone with an interest in community service gave me ways to make Two Harbors a better place.” Community engagement is an essential part of city planning, but how that takes shape beyond town hall meetings and open forums varies. City planners meet with community members, government entities, and local and federal agencies to gather perspective, priorities, and input from groups before projects are undertaken. But getting community participation that represents the diversity of viewpoints and priorities of any community is challenging. The Friendly Streets Initiative in St. Paul is an emerging model of community engagement that aims to identify the shared needs and wants of people directly impacted by proposed change. It’s a model being forged by Lars Christiansen, lead organizer of FSI and associate professor of Augsburg’s interdisciplinary metro-urban studies program. Christiansen, who also is chair of the Augsburg College Sociology Department, is known DARIUS GRAY ’15 for his teaching and scholarship focused on urban resilience and sustainability, and public engagement. Because of this community-classroom connection, metro-urban studies majors such as Darius Gray ’15 have augmented classroom experiences with hands-on learning. “We engage [people] to give input on how they want their street to be designed,” said Gray, who has worked as an FSI intern for the past three years. “Basically we throw block parties and ask questions like: What if this was on your street? How would you feel?” FSI staff facilitates community organizing, gathers and examines information, and helps citizens understand how local government operates. “The model of engagement used by the Friendly Streets Initiative invites in those who feel left out of planning processes or who believe their input is sought for projects that are already a fait accompli,” Christiansen said in his article, “The Friendly Streets Initiative: Bringing Community Voices into the Planning Process.” Christiansen writes that this groundbreaking work has unearthed lessons for successful community engagement, including bringing multiple voices into the mix before formal planning is underway; creating community engagement events that are fun, family-friendly, and easy to access; helping neighbors navigate formal city processes; and using multiple methods to garner input. Through their work in the classroom and out in the community, a new generation of Augsburg College students is prepared to leave its mark on American cities and to steward the world’s resources well into the future. Learn more about the Friendly Streets Initiative and model used at friendlystreetsinitiative.org. Spring 2015 19 USING MUSIC’S POWER TO SOOTHE AND INSPIRE COMPILED BY REBECCA JOHN ’13 MBA In addition to regularly composing music for Twin Cities companies including Theater Latté Da, Stages Theater Company, and Wonderlust, Aaron Gabriel ’99 serves as resident composer for Interact Theater. Interact is a radically inclusive theater company that creates new musical theater for performers with and without disabilities, and Gabriel is committed to ensuring that each production is shaped by and for the performers. This winter, he took his expertise on the road—spending a month in Chiang Mai collaborating with Interact Thailand and the children it serves. “We’ve created many new scenes and many new songs for The Love Show—a show about all the different ways we find love in life … We decided to write The Love Show because one of our performances falls on Valentine’s Day (a very popular holiday in Thailand). The songs and stories will all deal with different kinds of love: romantic love, love of friends and family, love of singing, love of disabilities, love of food.” Thematically, the show resonates with nearly all audiences, but the cast and crew greatly anticipate one special attendee. In July, the children will perform an excerpt of the show for Her Majesty the Princess of Thailand, who will be visiting the hospital that houses Interact Thailand for its grand opening, “so it’s important,” Gabriel said, “that the songs and scenes really showcase the stories and talents of these unique performers.” Comments are from Gabriel’s blog chronicling his work with the Rajanagarindra Institute of Child Development in Chiang Mai, Thailand, the hospital that houses Interact Thailand. aarongabrielcomposer.com 20 Augsburg Now Photo courtesy of amyandersonphotography.com AUGGIE VOICES #MLKConvocation @AugsburgCollege. Lovely! Thank you @JamarEsaw for fillin’ my spirit. And … wow, #AmaniWard is only 15! Lordy. -Tweeted by community member Noreen Bulmann after the Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation MUSIC MOVES US. It makes us smile, dance, cry, remember. Like Augsburg alumnus Jamar Esaw ’05, whose choral ensemble, Triad:4Christ, performed at the College this past Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Auggies are sharing their musical gifts with their communities and the world. Conie Borchardt ’98 founded Grace Notes hospice choir, a group that sings to people in hospice care at Twin Cities nursing homes, and co-created the Arts Responding to Foreclosure (ARF) project, which, she says, creates a community for people experiencing foreclosure—turning an isolating experience into a supportive one. Music, Borchardt says, transforms us and changes us from the inside out. She has witnessed music’s power to unite and soothe—both performers and audiences—during times of financial challenge and even in a person’s final hours. “We have been blessed with so many meaningful moments … We sang for a gentleman who seemed at peace, though his breathing was labored. We sang to him about journeys. Later we would find out that he completed his earthly journey about 24-hours later. “And then there are the stories we could tell you about other second-hand listeners! … Some non-hospice residents spontaneously decide to join our band of singers on rounds to the amusement of the nursing staff. Oh, and the staff smiles we see. Some are coy and some are gratefully enlightened for the service we provide. It is like watching the sunrise change your mood!” “There are times in life when I am absolutely certain, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that music, singing, movement, and dancing are how we heal ourselves,” said Nicole Warner ’01, an Augsburg College alumna whose major in music performance prepared her for life as an independent artist and professional ensemble singer. In 2011, Warner had the opportunity to sing the Mozart Requiem in a United We Stand concert marking the 10-year anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Opportunities like this one remind Warner why the joy she feels while singing is only a small part of the performance’s real impact. It’s the audience, she says, who are truly benefiting. “Most of the time, I think of the beauty of the people sitting in front of me, and I wonder at their ability to take in the music, to restore their souls, to be filled by and to fill up with the music,” she explained. “Time gets lost, and we all get lost in the music together.” Comments are from the 2011 “To Sing is to Heal” blog post regarding Warner’s participation in the 2011 United We Stand concert. nicolewarner.com/blog Photo courtesy of Karen Nichols Photography, knicholsphoto.com Quotations are from the Points of Light Music blog written by Borchardt. pointsoflightmusic.blogspot.com Photo courtesy of Intermedia Arts To learn more about Auggies at the intersection of career and composition, go to augsburg.edu/now. Spring 2015 21 PA S S I N G O N A Augsburg College volleyball finds success on 40th anniversary of historic season This fall, the Augsburg College women’s volleyball team qualified for the NCAA Division III National Tournament for the second straight year, an achievement that marked its reemergence as a regional powerhouse. Recent team successes—which include back-to-back co-conference championship seasons and several All-American honors—hearken back to the achievements of Augsburg’s earliest volleyball teams. THE FIRST FEW YEARS Archival Photos Augsburg launched its varsity volleyball program in 1972 when students Nancy Soli Mollner ’75, Marilyn Pearson Florian ’76, and Cindy Schendel ’76 walked into the office of Athletic Director Joyce Anderson Pfaff ’65 to ask about joining Augsburg’s volleyball team. Anderson Pfaff didn’t have the heart to tell The Augsburg College women’s volleyball team during the 1974-75 season. 22 Augsburg Now Photos b y John N icholso n AUGGIES ON THE COURT The Augsburg College women’s volleyball team earned Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference regular-season co-champion honors during the 2013 and 2014 seasons. the passionate students that there was no team at the time, so she created one on the spot. Augsburg’s first volleyball players proved their sport was to become a staple in Auggie athletics, and in 1973 the College hired star coach Mary Timm. The next year, the volleyball team earned a perfect 8-0 record at home. While there were 14 women on the roster during the 1974 season, six Auggies played nearly every minute of the regular season and did, in fact, play every minute of the postseason. The Auggies completed the regular season with a 15-4 record, which earned them a spot in the Minnesota Association of Intercollegiate Athletics for Women State Tournament, where teams competed against one another regardless of their schools’ sizes or types. After beating Concordia-St. Paul, Bemidji State, and the University of Minnesota-Duluth, the Auggies faced the No. 1 seeded University of Minnesota in the finals. Soli—a setter and team captain—dislocated her thumb in the first game, but adrenaline allowed her to continue to play, ensuring that the Auggies could maintain the offensive strategy they had in place all season. Augsburg didn’t win the tournament, but its secondplace finish secured a bid to participate in the Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women Region 6 Tournament at the University of Nebraska. However, there was one more obstacle to overcome: the team was ineligible to participate because of an issue with its AIAW membership. Anderson Pfaff was determined to remedy the issue, so she and Soli filed a complaint with the District of Minnesota fourth court. After the Auggies successfully argued their case, United States District Judge Miles Lord allowed Augsburg to participate in the regional tournament, but his ruling was made just one day before the tournament was set to begin. When they got the news, the Auggie crew jumped in vans and drove all night, arriving in Lincoln, Neb., at 3 a.m. only to find that there was no place to stay due to a Nebraska-Oklahoma football game that weekend. At the regional competition, the underdog Auggies ended up playing 10 matches in only three days and earned a fourth-place finish—the best finish for an Auggie volleyball team until its NCAA tournament appearances in 1982, 2013, and 2014. TODAY’S PLAYERS Augsburg College volleyball alumnae from across the past four decades continue to support the talented students who take to the court in Si Melby gymnasium each fall. Alumnae involvement ranges from cheering in the stands to encouraging the young women as they venture out into their careers and callings after college. Current Head Coach Jane Becker, a two-time MIAC and Region Coach of the Year, sees firsthand the ways that those from the College’s past help uplift its future. “Being a part of rebuilding the Auggie volleyball program has truly been a remarkable experience,” Becker said. “I am so blessed to work with such a talented group of studentathletes and to be so supported by an amazing group of Auggie alumnae.” BY KELLY ANDERSON DIERCKS Spring 2015 23 U.S. President Jimmy Carter, the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, spoke to a sold-out crowd at the 2015 Nobel Peace Prize Forum. He discussed the need to protect the rights of women and girls, setting the stage for further discussion on the last day of the Forum, which was International Women’s Day. NOBEL PURSUITS BY STEPHEN GEFFRE AND LAURA SWANSON 2015 Nobel Peace Prize Forum This spring, the 27th annual Nobel Peace Prize Forum embraced a new, interactive approach in fulfilling its charge to inspire peacemaking. Even before opening its doors to audiences from March 6-8 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Minneapolis, the Nobel Peace Prize Forum encouraged Augsburg College community members— and citizens across the globe—to share the ways they promote peace in their daily lives. In 1989, the Nobel Peace Prize Forum was founded by five Norwegian-American colleges under the auspices of the Norwegian Nobel Institute to inspire peacemaking by exploring the work of Nobel Laureates and international peace builders. According to Gina Torry, executive director of the Nobel Peace Prize Forum, the event also has the power to change the dialogue around peace by uplifting the important roles all people play in fostering a more just, amiable, and nonviolent world. Using a common theme, #peaceitforward, individuals spanning generations and continents shared in social media how their actions positively shape the present and the future. The “#peaceitforward [campaign] was not just about the prevention of conflict but the promulgation of good,” Torry said. The campaign uplifted “the idea that you can be an ordinary person and still do something extraordinary, which is a powerful message that the Laureates send.” This year’s Forum concentrated on the work of 2013 Nobel Laureate The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons and also featured former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, the 2002 Nobel Laureate who presented, “A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence, and Power.” The Forum welcomed more than 1,000 attendees, known as delegates, during its three days and invited these individuals to join in the important work of peacemaking—a task that aligns with Augsburg’s own identity and role in educating students to be informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers, and responsible leaders. View #peaceitforward images, read comments, see additional event photos, watch featured presentations, or learn more about the Forum at augsburg.edu/now. 24 Augsburg Now INSPIRING PEACE 1 Former Prime Minister of Norway Gro Harlem Brundtland [at left] stops to chat with Nobel Peace Prize Forum delegates after her speech on human rights and democracy. 1 2 Director-General Ahmet Üzümcü [at right], a representative of the 2013 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, speaks with Minnesota Public Radio host Tom Crann about demilitarization and the destruction of chemical weapons. 4 3 An ensemble of Native American women sings on International Women’s Day to honor and raise awareness of those Native American women who are victims of violence. 4 The closing presenter at the Forum, Sanam Naraghi-Anderlini, co-founder of the International Civil Society Action Network, calls for greater participation by women in global conflict management and peace building. 2 Arvol Looking Horse, who is the 19th Generation Keeper of the Sacred White Buffalo Calf Pipe and a spiritual leader of the Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota nations, offers closing comments on the second day of the Nobel Peace Prize Forum. Rev. Mark Hanson ’68, Imam Muhammad Ashafa, and Pastor James Movel Wuye [L to R] share a laugh during their panel discussion at the Forum. Ashafa and Wuye are featured in a 2006 film, “The Imam and the Pastor,” which is a story about forgiveness and grass roots peace initiatives. Augsburg College President Paul C. Pribbenow [at right] participates in the dearworld.me portrait project by having words of peace written on his arms. Robert X. Fogarty, founder of dearworld.me, brought his internationally renowned project to the Forum to help participants share their messages of hope and peace. HOST SPONSOR LEAD ACADEMIC PARTNERS DIALOGUE SPONSORS PEACE BUILDERS DELEGATE SPONSORS THANK YOU SPONSORS ALUMNI NEWS FROM THE ALUMNI BOARD PRESIDENT Dear alumni and friends, I was connected to Augsburg as a student working in the admissions office, as a resident assistant, and even after college. But there’s something that comes with age, time, and distance that really makes me appreciate the Augsburg that I continue to be involved with today. When I began to connect with fellow Auggies and eventually the Alumni Board, my connections to the College were enriched, and they continue to grow. Augsburg has grown, too. It’s exciting to see the ways in which the College has become larger—not only with new buildings and faculty, but through an energetic and engaged commitment to the city and the community—in both programs and leadership. Augsburg is thriving, and this growth makes me so proud to call myself an Auggie. In honor of Augsburg’s sesquicentennial in 2019, the College is embracing a vision for its future that is both bold and rooted in values that are uniquely Augsburg. Focusing on where the College wants to be in 2019, the Augsburg Board of Regents and President Paul C. Pribbenow engaged the College community in creating a strategic vision statement that includes three aspirational dimensions: the College will educate for lives of purpose, be at the table with our neighbors and partners, and be built for the future. I believe my education at Augsburg prepared me for the future. When I see what