Keeping students on track
Scholarships that honor faculty
Augsburg faculty support students in many ways. In addition to sharing their knowledge and experience in the classroom, they advise students, help them connect with alumni and others outside the College, and often establish lasting friendships with their students.
One very significant way faculty support Augsburg students is through faculty-named scholarships. At present, 10% of Augsburg’s scholarship donors are current and former members of the faculty, and last year those scholarships provided nearly $60,000 in financial aid directly to students.
Here are stories of four students who received scholarships created by or in honor of Augsburg faculty. In addition to the financial support from scholarships, these students have been aided along their paths by faculty who have enriched their experiences at Augsburg.
Raymond Kidd ’09 transferred to Augsburg
to study music business. As a student, he always felt supported and challenged
by the Augsburg faculty and staff. He said Brenda Hemmingsen, office manager
in admissions, literally took him by the hand and led him to his classes on
his first day. “All relationships here are like that,” Kidd said. “My professors
lifted me up … they challenged me to ask questions and to explore.”
John and Peggy Cerrito, faculty members in business administration, played a major role in bringing Kidd to Augsburg. “Peggy helped me get here, advised me what to do and where to go, and kept me on track,” Kidd says. The Cerritos also started the Amin E. Kader Business Scholarship, which Kidd received this year.
“An extra dollar goes a long way for a [college] student,” Kidd says. “It meant I could live more comfortably and take care of everyday needs so I could focus on being a good student.”
After graduation, Kidd plans to work and save money for graduate school.
