From the Alumni Board president's desk...

The work of our Augsburg Alumni Association is like a jigsaw puzzle—it has many parts, and with diligent work and a bit of luck, will come together to portray a memorable picture. Oftentimes, when working a jigsaw puzzle, you will pick up a piece and try it in several locations before you find the right place. Also, you never throw away a puzzle piece, as you will need it to complete the puzzle. If you can't find the exact spot where the piece fits, just set it aside for a while and work on another piece.

So it is with the efforts of our Alumni Board. We are always working on the puzzle. We've tried quite a few pieces this past year, including:

Alumni gatherings outside of the Twin Cities

The association organized and sponsored numerous gatherings of Augsburg alums in sites near and far: Florida, Arizona, California, Illinois, Wisconsin, and greater Minnesota. The intent was to test the waters for the development of actual alumni chapters in those areas. Many colleges have such chapters and it's a good time for Augsburg to do likewise. Out of those various efforts, key contacts have been identified in six locations to continue work on this concept. In addition, an employer-based alumni chapter is in the works at the 3M Company, thanks to the interest of several alums who work for that company. This project will take several years to nurture and develop, but we're convinced that it holds an important place in the puzzle.

Alumni job fair

We sponsored a job fair on the Augsburg campus this spring with 25 companies represented who have Augsburg alumni in key positions for hiring new grads. Job fairs are not new, but having alumni staff the booths gave it an extra spark, and students were most appreciative of the chance to talk with those present. The alumni also enjoyed meeting each other and being back on campus.

Augsburg Day at Como Park

An alumni event geared toward families took place on May 5 when we gathered at Como Park in St. Paul with a hearty group of Augsburg fans. Students were on hand to provide musical entertainment and a one-act play. Parents had a chance to bring their small children/future Auggies to a College-sponsored event. Next year we plan to expand upon this particular "piece."

All these pieces look like they fit into our puzzle and are going to stay. The picture we are working to complete is one of a strong and vibrant Augsburg College that enjoys broad support from its Alumni Association. This support can take many forms: financial, interest, and connections. The picture is not yet complete. How do you fit into this puzzle? Think about it.

Thanks to our Alumni/Parent Relations staff, Nancy (Carlson) Toedt ’94, Jeff Krengel ’93, and Laura Cichocke for a great year. Also, thanks to the Alumni Board that served diligently and creatively this past year. June starts a new board year. Jackie Kniefel Lind (’69, MAL ’94) is slated to become the next president of the association, and Andy Morrison (’73) is president-elect. Seven new board members have been elected to join our "puzzle party.¾"

Keeping you in touch, in the know, and in the spirit of Augsburg College—you'll be surprised at what we can do together!

Paul Mikelson ’70
President, Alumni Board

Alumni Profiles:

Rev. Harris Lee ’57

Marlene (Chan) Hui ’74

Jon Leverentz ’79

Miriam Jacobson ’69

Homecoming 2001 to include new events and a visit from Maya Angelou

This fall, Homecoming will feature a talk by Dr. Maya Angelou, who is hailed as one of the great voices of contemporary literature. As poet, educator, historian, best-selling author, actress, playwright, civil rights activist, producer, and director, Angelou travels the world, captivating audiences through her words and lyrics.

Her program, "An Evening with Maya Angelou," is described as a patchwork quilt of her life and work. She will appear October 8 at 7:30 p.m.; more details will be available later this summer in the Homecoming brochure and on the Augsburg Web site.

This year's theme for Homecoming and Family Week 2001 is "Augsburg on Parade," and several exciting changes are planned. In addition to Angelou's visit, Homecoming will now be a full week of activities for alumni, students, families, faculty, and staff. Some of the new events this year include a 5K run/walk for fun or charity along the Mississippi River; an alumni art show; a parade around Murphy Park; faculty and faculty emeriti collaborations/presentations; a student variety show and coronation; Urness Hall floor reunions (hosted by current student residents); and much more.

Alumna named Aquatennial Senior Queen

Augsburg alumna Eunice (Kyllo) Roberts ’62 was named this year's Senior Queen for the Minneapolis Aquatennial, the 10-day official civic celebration of the City of Minneapolis (July 13-22). As Senior Queen, she will travel to festivals and functions throughout the state and region representing the Minneapolis Aquatennial.

Roberts was nominated by representatives of Fairview-University Medical Center in Minneapolis, in recognition of the more than 1,300 hours of time she has donated to Child and Family Life Services as a Watchful Companion. She also serves as a member of the center's Volunteer Services Advisory Committee.

Last year, Roberts was nominated for the Friends of Nursing Award by the nursing staff on the children¼s unit at Fairview-University.

Since retiring from Augsburg Fortress Publishers, Roberts has dedicated her time to volunteer work, and is committed to providing friendship and understanding to help improve health and welfare in the community.

"We applaud Eunice for her loyalty and dedication and, especially, her stamina," says Alex Thwaites, Fairview-University volunteer coordinator. "Her energy, enthusiasm, and dedication are wonderful motivators for all of us."

Roberts stays connected to the College by singing with the Masterworks Chorale. She and her husband, Warren, a retired University of Minnesota psychology professor, live in Fridley, Minn. They have two sons.

Martin Hlinka ’99 signs second contract with the NHL's Washington Capitals
by Don Stoner

For the second year in a row, Augsburg alumnus Martin Hlinka was signed to a one-year National Hockey League contract by the Washington Capitals, the team announced in May.

The signing was another step on an incredible progression in professional hockey for Hlinka.

This season, Hlinka started the campaign as the lone training camp invitee on the opening-day roster for the Capitals' top minor-league team, the Portland (Maine) Pirates of the American Hockey League. He originally was signed by Portland to a 25-game professional try-out agreement, but soon after inked a standard AHL deal that lasted the duration of the season. In November, Hlinka signed to a one-year contract with the Capitals, and he was assigned to the Pirates roster.

Hlinka played briefly with the United Hockey League's Quad City (Moline, Ill.) Mallards in November, but returned to finish the season in Portland. He was the club's top centerman down the stretch, used often on crucial face-offs by Pirates' head coach Glen Hanlon, and was the club's top scorer in the postseason.

A native of Bratislava, Slovakia, Hlinka played both football and men's hockey at Augsburg from 1995-99. Hlinka came to America from Slovakia in 1994, staying with a host family in Farmington, Minn., and graduating in 1995 from Farmington High School. He stayed with the host family all four summers while at Augsburg, and graduated with a B.A. in business administration.

Don Stoner is sports information coordinator.