Please help us celebrate the history of the Department of Nursing at Augsburg University! The department has a long history of commitment to social justice, human rights, and care for marginalized communities in both local and global settings since its inception.

In preparation for the University’s Sesquicentennial, the Nursing Department wanted to capture what they do in a narrative history that would reveal their unique vision, identity, and philosophy. Over the last few years, oral histories were recorded from current and retired nursing faculty, directors of the Health Commons, and key informants from the community.

Enjoy watching this video that captures our exploration of themes: The People, The History, and The Practice. This project was not only valuable, but insightful and inspiring for those who continue with this work. We had hoped to share this video at a celebration luncheon in April, which had to be cancelled due to the pandemic.

See the oral histories of the Nursing Department: https://archives.augsburg.edu/islandora/object/AUGrepository%3Aaugsburg_oral_history_faculty_projects

Darcey Engen interviews Christopher Houltberg and Kristin Anderson about the Inside Out project and what was behind all the pictures on the outside of buildings.

The Augsburg University Music Department had a unique opportunity to produce and now perform “Tienda,” a new chamber opera by Augsburg faculty member Reinaldo Moya and Caitlin Vincent, which premieres February 21 and 22 at 7 p.m. in the Hoversten Chapel.

Hear from co-creator of “Tienda,” Reinaldo Moya:

This performance, presented as a part of Augsburg’s sesquicentennial celebration, features a partially staged opera in Foss Center’s Hoversten Chapel and includes a cast of student singers, the Augsburg Choir, and the Augsburg Orchestra. The opera tells the story of Luis Garzón, a Mexican musician who immigrated to Minneapolis in 1886 and opened a small Mexican grocery store, or tienda, in St. Paul in the 1920s. While Luis had married an American woman and was fully integrated into Minnesotan society, his store served as a community hub for the newest arrivals from Mexico, many of whom had fled the Mexican Revolution and now toiled on the sugar beet farms of rural Minnesota. “Tienda” explores the immigrant experience: what must be left behind—and what cannot be forgotten—on the journey to a new home.

Support for this chamber opera is due in large part to the generosity of regent Diane Jacobson. Hear more from Diane about her involvement with “Tienda”:

Performances:

February 21 and 22, 2020 – 7 p.m.
Hoversten Chapel, Foss Center, Augsburg University
Ticket reservations available by December 1 on University Tickets

Led by Erik Steinmetz, a group at Augsburg recently created an app that allows users to learn about Augsburg’s history and location. Stand in the quad and see the history of Augsburg buildings on your iPhone or iPad via augmented reality. You can see historic and current Augsburg buildings projected in their locations on your screen as you move around and hear about their history. Check out the Augmented Augsburg app.

From January 13 through February 18, Gage Family Art Gallery and Christensen Center Gallery will display works by Augsburg art faculty, dating back to the origin of the department in the 1950s. The exhibit will include works by early faculty like Ivan Doseff and Hans Berg. We will also highlight art by longtime department stalwarts Phil Thompson and Norm Holen, along with featured art by our current art professors Robert Tom, Lyz Wendland, Chris Houltberg, and Dan Ibarra, among others. See more about the project here.