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The Passing of Evangeline “Vangie” Hagfors

Evangeline “Vangie” Hagfors passed away peacefully on October 4, 2022 at her home. Evangeline Hagfors smiles in front of flowers for the photo

Vangie’s deep connection to Augsburg began when her father, Elnar Gundale ’33, emigrated from Norway and attended Augsburg Seminary. Vangie attended classes on Augsburg’s campus from 1957-1959 as part of the Nurse’s Training Program through the Lutheran Deaconess Hospital. And three of Vangie’s siblings – John Gundale ’67, Stephen Gundale ’70, and Ruth Gundale ’73 – also attended Augsburg.

Vangie married Norm, a University of Minnesota graduate, and together they had two children, Mark and Rachel. Norm joined Augsburg’s Board of Regents in 1989 and both Norm and Vangie have faithfully served on Augsburg’s President’s Council since its inception in 2018. They embodied Christ’s teaching to love your neighbor, a core tenant of Augsburg’s mission.

Dr. Paul Mueller ’84 shared, “We are saddened by the passing of Mrs. Vangie Hagfors and extend our condolences to our friend, Norm, and the entire Hagfors family. Vangie understood the tremendous value of an Augsburg education rooted in our Lutheran faith. Over the years, the Hagfors have been leading benefactors of Augsburg University. Their lead gift in 2015 resulted in the construction of the campus’ signature building, the Hagfors Center for Science, Business and Religion, in which our students—and future leaders—learn about and explore the intersections of these three disciplines.”

The Hagfors Center for Science, Business, and Religion is a multi-discipline complex that opened in January of 2018 and serves more than 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students each year.

Norm and Vangie Hagfors visiting the construction site of the Hagfors Center for Science, Business, and Religion with President Paul Pribbenow and architect Bill Blanski.
Norm and Vangie Hagfors visiting the construction site of the Hagfors Center for Science, Business, and Religion with President Paul Pribbenow and architect Bill Blanski.
Vangie is pictured above ready to cut the ribbon and officially open the Hagfors Center for Science, Business, and Religion.
Vangie is pictured above ready to cut the ribbon and officially open the Hagfors Center for Science, Business, and Religion.

 


Vangie’s gentle and generous spirit will be missed dearly by the Augsburg community. She truly clothed herself in “compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” as we read about in Colossians 3:12.

Evangeline “Vangie” and Norm Hagfors pictured together in the Gundale Chapel in the Hagfors Center for Science, Business, and Religion on Augsburg’s campus.
Evangeline “Vangie” and Norm Hagfors pictured together in the Gundale Chapel in the Hagfors Center for Science, Business, and Religion on Augsburg’s campus.

President Paul Pribbenow shared that “It is a most sad day for all of us who have come to know and love Vangie. Her historic ties to Augsburg through her father, the Rev. Elnar Gundale ’33, are fittingly celebrated in the beautiful Gundale Chapel in the Hagfors Center for Science, Business, and Religion, and her deep faith was an inspiration to all of us. One of the greatest joys of my time at Augsburg has been to witness the remarkable vision and generosity of Norm and Vangie, whose legacy is forever secure in the remarkable Hagfors Center – a transformative academic building that still takes my breath away with both its architectural beauty and its impact on our students and faculty each day. Along with her family and friends, we grieve Vangie’s death and celebrate a life so faithfully led.”

The funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, October 24, at Saint Andrew’s Lutheran Church, 900 Stillwater Road, Mahtomedi. Visitation will be held from 3 PM to 6 PM on Sunday, October 23, at Bradshaw, 4600 Greenhaven Drive, White Bear Lake, and one hour prior to the service at church. Read Vangie’s official obituary.

Great Returns: We’re All In – All School Reunion

Great Returns We're All in All-School Reunion October 6-8 2022 event co-chairs Jeff Nodland '77 and Becky Bjella-Nodland '79 Co-Chairs

Come back to Augsburg University for an event that has been years in the making, the first ever Great Returns: We’re All In – All School Reunion weekend starting Thursday, October 6th through Saturday, October 8th. 

Reminisce, reconnect, and reunite with your fellow Auggies during this in-person celebration. Enjoy festive foods and delicious drinks from Airlie Winery (Mary Olson ’74), Finnegans (Jacquie Berglund ’87), and Zevia. Experience music by Maryann Sullivan ’82 and The Money Makers, presented by Rock What You Got (Buffie Blesi ’90) – and that’s just Friday evening! 

And don’t forget to consider hosting an “Auggie Alcove” as a way for your special Auggie group to get together in a more personal way during Friday night’s festivities. 

“Auggie Alcoves” are rooms reserved within the Hagfors Center. There, your alumni network and Auggie friends can connect, celebrate the past, and create memories for the future. 

Space at this in-person event is limited. Please RSVP by Monday, October 3rd. RSVP TODAY!

Help Welcome the Class of 2024 by Sharing Your Community Service

Augsburg’s commitment to community service and engagement is long-standing and deeply held. Since 1992, day undergraduate students have participated in service projects on City Engagement Day, even before they’ve had their first class.

The COVID-19 pandemic requires us to press pause on City Engagement Day this year, but our commitment to community building is unwavering. Instead of sending hundreds of incoming students out to serve Minneapolis neighborhoods and organizations, we are encouraging students, faculty, and staff to engage with their local communities in ways that are meaningful to them personally.

You can help by sharing with Augsburg your community service work. Where to do you volunteer? What do you want today’s students to know about the place where you do your service?  Fill out this short online form where you can upload a photo to encourage others to build community through service. This form requires that you are logged into a google account so you can easily upload a photo.

For those looking for volunteer opportunities, the Sabo Center has compiled this list of local opportunities for community service. This list will be updated as we learn of new opportunities. The University has not vetted every one, so take care in considering COVID-19 safety practices, the organization’s capacity to host groups, and other key questions.

Make a Donation of Household Supplies on August 4 to Support the Cedar Riverside Community

The weight of the COVID-19 pandemic, amplified by high unemployment rates and the closing of local stores during the unrest following the killing of George Floyd, has left our Cedar Riverside neighbors in need of support now more than ever.  As media coverage and attention to the situation has slowed, donations to aid sites in South Minneapolis have dropped significantly.  As a result, many of our neighbors are struggling to meet their basic needs.  Augsburg has a special relationship with the nearby Brian Coyle Center so we would like to continue our support by collecting household supplies and personal care items to supplement food shelf distributions.  The generosity shown by the Augsburg community in early June was amazing and we plan to express our care for our neighbors by again hosting another successful effort on August 4th.

In partnership with M Health Fairview, Pillsbury United Communities, and the Brian Coyle Center, we invite you to join us for a Supply Drive for the Cedar Riverside Community.

When:

Tuesday, August 4 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Where:

Parking Lot L at the intersection of Riverside Avenue and 25th Ave S which is immediately east of the Edor Nelson Field and Dome; Augsburg University, 2211 Riverside Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55454.

Note – if you are not able to drop items at Augsburg on August 4th, M Health Fairview is collecting donations from August 3-14, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, at two locations: Smiley’s Clinic (2020 E. 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407) and their Midway Campus (1700 University Ave. W., St. Paul, MN 55104).

Donate:

We are collecting new, unopened household supplies and personal care items.  We encourage you to purchase items from locally owned businesses, if possible.  Donations will be transported to the Brian Coyle Center, one of the Pillsbury United Communities sites, for distribution.

These are the most needed supplies:

  • Diapers
  • Baby wipes
  • Paper towels
  • Trash bags
  • Toilet paper
  • Laundry soap
  • Dish Soap
  • Bar soap
  • Deodorant
  • Razors
  • Household cleaning supplies
  • Facemasks (homemade face coverings welcome)
  • Bottled water
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Tote bags and paper bags with handles

We reserve the right to decline donated items if they are not needed or if we are unable to distribute them. We will not be accepting donations of clothing, furniture, or food.

Thank you for considering a donation of items or an online donation to Pillsbury United Communities to help our neighbors in need get through this most challenging time. Augsburg’s Campus Kitchen program continues to deliver meals to the Brian Coyle Community Center, People’s Center, West Bank CDC, and the Ebenezer Tower Apartments. If you would like to support this critical meal deliver service please make an online donation here.

Say Congrats to the Class of 2020 with a Video!

video screen capture Augsburg alumni, donors and friends,

Augsburg’s communications team would like to encourage you to record and share a video congratulating the Class of 2020 for finishing the academic year strong and to celebrate their accomplishments. Please use the hashtag #GoAuggies and tag Augsburg so we share these via Augsburg’s social media channels and feature them on Inside Augsburg as we approach commencement day. Commencement is Friday, May 29, so be sure to share your video before then!

You can create a group video with friends like this example from the chemistry department or an individual videos like this one from one of our regents.

Augsburg tags:
Facebook – Augsburg University
Twitter – @AugsburgU
Instagram – @AugsburgUniversity
#GoAuggies

Auggies Take Action: Urge Congress to continue support for college students and higher ed institutions

In March, more than 200 Auggies spoke up with their members of Congress on behalf of college students and institutions across the nation. Congress made an important first step at that time, passing the CARES Act legislation that provided critical funding for college students and their institutions, but more federal support for higher education is needed.

The national associations that represent higher education, including the National Association for Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU), have a new request for Congress as the body considers further action to support those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

NAICU and the Minnesota Private College Council have asked us to encourage individuals who are concerned about our students and institutions to reach out to your elected officials. Please consider making your voice heard with your representatives. Many of our faculty and staff have already written on behalf of our institution, as it’s especially powerful for members to also hear from their constituents individually.

You can find out more and take action here:

https://secure.everyaction.com/rJ227g0BL0CxxE212Sk2Gw2

Augsburg Facebook Live Events: 4/6 – 4/10

Facebook live speakers Leon van Eck, Ray Yip and campus pastorsThis week on the Augsburg Alumni Facebook page we have a terrific lineup of speakers for you. On Monday, April 6 at 3 p.m., you can take a tour with Leon Van Eck, assistant professor of biology of the amazing Hagfors Center Greenhouse. See the saved video here.

On Thursday, April 9 at 2 p.m., Dr. Ray Yip ‘72 will give a presentation hosted by President Paul Pribbenow on “COVID-19: What have we learned so far? And where do we go from here?” Dr. Yip is an international public health leader who has had a significant positive impact on global health. While in his retirement, he is advising numerous companies as well as state and local governments on the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Yip has held positions with UNICEF, the CDC, and most recently the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, focusing on public health efforts in China. Dr. Yip has made an impact on public health in the areas of HIV, TB, tobacco, and lowering child mortality rates in China. Ray is board certified in pediatrics and pediatric hematology and oncology.

You may submit any questions live during the broadcast or in advance by emailing Katie Code ‘01 at codek@augsburg.edu.

We end this week of Holy Week, by sharing with you the Good Friday daily chapel from Campus Ministry on Friday, April 10 at 10:40 am. You can find all daily chapel services on the Augsburg University Campus Ministry Facebook Page or on their YouTube Channel.

Last week, Renee Most, Director of the StepUP Program reminded us that even our virtual meetings and gatherings are important because they offer us some human connection and a glimpse into someone’s life.

I hope that you have found these Facebook live sessions helpful for your mind and soul. We enjoy creating them and wish you and your family peace and health during this time. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with your thoughts and ideas, we would love to hear from you.

-Katie Koch Code ‘01

Join the Augsburg Community Virtual Town Hall March 31 at 1 p.m.

Augsburg is hosting a series of virtual town halls on COVID-19 for the Augsburg community. All panels are open to the entire community, but a special panel geared toward answering questions from our alumni, friends, and donors is scheduled for Tuesday, March 31 at 1 p.m.

Panelists for this town hall include President Paul Pribbenow, Karen Kaivola (Provost and Chief Academic Officer), Alicia Quella (Associate Professor and Program Director for the Physician Assistant Program), Heather Riddle (Vice President of Advancement), and Rebecca John (Vice President and Chief Operating Officer).

Join the webinar at augsburg.zoom.us/j/931502799

Once you have joined the virtual zoom webinar, you will be able to send in your questions in the Q&A box and hear from our panelists.

The Forum on Workplace Inclusion: 32 Years of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Training

President Pribbenow speaking at The Forum conferenceOn March 11, Augsburg’s President Paul Pribbenow spoke at The Forum on Workplace Inclusion’s 32nd annual conference, “Facing Forward.” The session was called Hospitality is Not Enough: An Institutional Journey from Diversity to Inclusion to Equity.

Pribbenow shared the story of Augsburg’s journey with our many concrete implications for policy and practice, including efforts to make higher education more accessible to diverse students, internal work to build intercultural competencies, and governance strategies that position Augsburg as a thought and practice leader in the DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) space.

“Augsburg University is one of the most diverse private colleges in the Midwest and proud to partner with The Forum to help expand diversity, equity, and inclusion skills, so our students can fully participate and succeed in the workforce,” said Pribbenow. “We’re on the front edge of what education will look like in the 21st century.”

people speaking at the Augsburg booth during The ForumA record-setting 636 undergraduate first-year students started at Augsburg last fall. The Class of 2023 marks the third year in a row in which the majority are students of color. Augsburg now has 2,159 students in the traditional undergraduate program, which is also a record for our university.

“People were really impressed with Paul’s presentations at the opening general session and his Hospitality is Not Enough session. A lot of people came by Augsburg’s booth and talked about Paul’s presentations. They didn’t know about Augsburg, didn’t know about all of our impressive work,” said Lee George, Executive Director of the Strommen Center for Meaningful Work.

This year’s conference focused on equipping the workforce and workplaces with the diversity, equity, and inclusion skills needed to sustain businesses into a forward-facing future that is innovative on both local and global levels.

George, along with other Augsburg volunteers, talked with employers and Human Resource representatives about our recruitment practices over the last ten years. “Augsburg had to think through our recruitment and expand, now employers are looking at how to elaborate to reflect our global economy. Augsburg really resonated for employers,” said George.

the Augsburg booth during the forumForum participants were invited to engage with our 2023 student class picture, which had quotes from students about their hopes and fears for the future. Participants wrote responses to be shared with the students.

Hana Dinku, Augsburg’s Director for the Pan-Afrikan Center, hosted multiple sessions at The Forum. “I was pleasantly surprised at The Forum,” she said.

One session Dinku hosted stood out to her: Journey Beyond the Comfort Zone: Designing and Facilitating Transformative Learning Experiences for Leaders. “The session was about how to be aware of people’s stress levels when doing diversity training. It was interesting to look at this through an emotional lens, how to be effective and aware of people’s stress and stop them from shutting down,” said Dinku.

The conference featured more than 70 sessions, three general sessions, more than 180 presenters and speakers from around the world, along with the Marketplace of Ideas exhibitor space. The DEI Coaching Center was also available, where DEI professionals provided coaching for attendees to apply when returning to the workplace.

Steve Humerickhouse, Executive Director of the Forum on Workplace Inclusion, spoke with the Star Tribune about how the Twin Cities is becoming one of the largest hubs for workplace diversity and inclusion.

“Part of it comes from our belief in Minnesota exceptionalism. Maybe it’s in the water here. It’s something about commitment to issues of diversity and equity. This is why refugees come here, why international adoption began here. This is a place where people feel deeply about issues,” said Humerickhouse. “At the Forum, we’re about workplace inclusion, but there is nothing that happens in the workplace that isn’t affected by society at large. We talk about people who have committed felonies and what that means in terms of hiring when they get out of prison. We talk about unconscious bias. It’s easy to exclude people because we’re tribal. We are the way we are for a reason, but how do we overcome that?”

About The Forum

For 32 years, The Forum has served as a convening hub for those seeking to grow professional leadership and effectiveness skills in the field of diversity, equity, and inclusion by engaging people, advancing ideas, and igniting change. The annual conference is HRCI and SHRM Continuing Education Credit (CEU) eligible.

Augsburg University became the new home of The Forum on Workplace Inclusion in July of 2019. We have been on a journey during the past decade to become an institution that embraces diversity, works at inclusion, and seeks equity. It is a journey with lessons for other higher education institutions, as well as other organizations.

A Sweetheart of a Sale – February 11 and 12

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, join the Augsburg Associates for a “Sweetheart of a Sale” on February 11th and 12th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Christensen Center. With vintage jewelry, Valentine-themed gifts, and more it will be a great opportunity to pick out unique and special treats for Valentine’s Day! Love is in the air… see you there!