The Sciences at Augsburg

Doctors, research psychologists, space physicists, mathematicians, teachers, and a Nobel laureate—Augsburg enjoys a long tradition of excellence in the sciences. I am delighted to welcome you to this special issue of Augsburg Now focusing on our programs in the natural and behavioral sciences and mathematics.

Based in the liberal arts and sciences, an Augsburg education equips our diverse student body to meet the needs of the highly technological 21st century. All of our students gain skills that help them understand contemporary issues, evaluate evidence, and make informed decisions. The new Augsburg Core Curriculum encourages interdisciplinary teaching and coursework. It also guides students to become thoughtful, effective leaders, mindful of their gifts and talents, in whatever field they enter.

Augsburg science majors, the focus of this issue, receive a solid foundation for advanced work. Our science programs provide many hands-on experiences such as research with faculty, internships, and service-learning. For example, our quarter-century partnership with NASA has provided research opportunities for students far beyond what is available at many other small private colleges. Our community partnerships provide internships and other off-campus learning experiences.

We eagerly anticipate the upcoming campaign for a new science facility. For 50 years, our Science Hall has served students well, producing remarkable achievements in its laboratories and classrooms. Our new center for the natural and behavioral sciences and mathematics will offer a state-of-the-art environment for teaching and research, as well as a welcoming place for the community.

In these pages, I invite you to meet our engaged faculty, read about students succeeding beyond their expectations, and catch up with some of your fellow classmates and friends who have chosen many different paths in the sciences.

—Christopher W. Kimball
Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs
and Dean of the College


Letters to the editor

Mystery Auggie runner from 1960s photo comes forth
I started my freshman year in 1960 and participated and lettered in track and field. I held the school record for the high hurdles for a while and ran some sprint races and pole vaulted as well.

Seeing the picture of Kofi Annan on the track with two other runners [see Summer 2003, Class Notes] concerns me. Without knowing, I may have been in the presence of one of the greatest minds of our time. How often does that happen?

When my wife saw the mystery picture she immediately said, "The person in this picture looks just like you." I got out the magnifying glass and, sure enough, that looks like me all right. I had bony legs and always had a pained look on my face during a race. Furthermore, I hardly ever placed first as the picture shows. I eventually graduated in 1965, moved to Michigan, taught school for 30 years, and am now still living in West Bloomfield, Mich. I suppose there is a chance that this is me in the photo. I would like to know who it is if it isn't me.

Satisfied with 15 minutes,
Gary Ellis ’65


Miigwetch from Bonnie Wallace
It is with great humility and appreciation for the wonderful celebration held June 16 [sic] for the 25-year anniversary of the American Indian Student Services Program [that I write this letter].

After all these years of public speaking I found myself almost speechless, for it was a very emotional time for me. In all the excitement I am sure I inadvertently forgot to thank specific people and in retrospect wish I could have been a more eloquent guest. I am hoping this letter will make up for what I failed to share during my time at the podium.

First and foremost I want the Augsburg and local American Indian communities to know that the success of the program depended on literally hundreds of people—from Presidents Oscar and Charles Anderson, the generous tribal scholarship offices, the state Indian Scholarship Office, all private and corporate foundations who contributed annually, the private individuals like Louie Anderson, and to all members of the Indian community who not only attended and graduated from Augsburg but to those Indian educators and spiritual practitioners who guided and supported our efforts.

Augsburg continues to be blessed with the best and brightest native students and even those who attempted but did not complete their programs—they were all given a positive educational experience and now we see many of them returning for completion.

Former President Charles Anderson stood by me all those years I served as director of the program and I am sure there were times he truly questioned my motives and always questioned my seemingly lack of budgetary limits, BUT—I hold him in high regard for his genuine belief in our work and his understanding and acceptance of tribal identity being different from any other population. He supported the program's autonomy and that is evident today.

And to Cindy Peterson, my successor—"Carry On!" You have done and are doing an excellent job even though we are aware the program always needs more staff and more money! It is my hope that the college diligently continues in their fundraising efforts for this program and do all they can to increase the endowments and scholarship funds. I will help in any way I can.

And lastly, the sheer numbers of graduates who attended and so proudly stood to identify themselves and share their success. So many have gone on to graduate degrees and/or hold professional positions. They did not succeed without struggle and I am so very proud of them all.

Twenty-five years—that's longevity! I would safely state that Augsburg might very well be the only private college in the country with this kind of history I am so very pleased to be a part of the history of this excellent program.

Miigwetch (thank you in the Ojibwe language) to the Creator and all of you that made this possible.

In friendship,
Bonnie Wallace
Scholarship Director Fond du Lac Reservation
Cloquet, Minn.