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“A Breath for George” – Augsburg University and Augsburg Women Engaged (AWE) Host Virtual Screening

Thursday, February 25, 2021
7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Free of charge 

To register: Event has passed

Photo by Regina Marie Williams

Join AWE, a council of alumnae, and other valued Augsburg and community partners for a virtual viewing of “A Breath for George”, a Twin Cities film honoring the life and death of George Floyd. A panel discussion will immediately follow the film screening. 

This online event will bring together Augsburg alumni, students, faculty, staff and the larger Twin Cities community to reflect on and remember the life and death of George Floyd, as well as explore the larger issues of police brutality, systemic racism, and anti-Black racism which continue to impact the Augsburg community, Minnesota, the nation, and the world. The film uplifts the voices of Minnesotan artists, scholars, and community members who have been historically and negatively impacted by these injustices, through a collection of interviews, music, and poetry. The film also acts as a form of resistance against the systematic oppression of Black, Indigenous, and other people of color

This past summer, “A Breath for George” premiered outdoors throughout the Twin Cities at venues such as the History Theater, the Guthrie, and Penumbra Theatre. This revised version runs approximately 75 minutes and is composed of three short features. The film is available only for viewing during this event. It will not be recorded. 

Post viewing, there will be a 30-minute discussion with the following esteemed guests:

Austene Van, the filmmaker and Artistic Director of New Dawn Theatre

Joanne K. Reeck, M.A., Augsburg Vice President for Equity and Inclusion

Dr.  Terrance Kwame-Ross, Augsburg Associate Professor & Chair of Education  

Dr.  Michael Lansing, Augsburg Associate Professor & Chair of History

Please take care when watching this film as there are explicit narratives and imagery put forward by the artists and scholars in their truths. This could be triggering or traumatic for some viewers. Also, this film has not yet been rated, and does have some explicit language. The language and scenes may be too intense for children or minors. Parental Discretion is Advised.

Event co-hosted by: 

Augsburg Pan-Afrikan Center

Augsburg Theater Arts Department

Augsburg Master of Arts in Leadership

Augsburg Alumni Board

Equity Innovation Center of Excellence/YMCA of the North

Growth & Justice  

OneMN.org 

Watch the 41st Augsburg University Advent Vespers

For more than four decades, Augsburg University has ushered in the Advent and Christmas seasons with Advent Vespers, a magnificent experience of music and liturgy, focusing on the theme of preparation and culminating in the joyful celebration of the Incarnation.

This year has changed how we celebrate Advent Vespers, but in November the Augsburg community found a way to safely create a a video that premiered on December 4 as the first Virtual Augsburg University Advent Vespers. The service was watched by more than 8,600 people.

These services (virtual or in-person) continue to be completely funded by generous individual contributions and your donation today will directly support this majestic tradition!

Support Advent Vespers

Q&A with Chris Stedman ’08 about life online and his new book

Chris Stedman headshotChris Stedman, an activist, community organizer, and writer, is the author of “IRL: Finding Realness, Meaning, and Belonging in Our Digital Lives” and “Faitheist: How an Atheist Found Common Ground with the Religious.” He has written for The Guardian, The Atlantic, Pitchfork, BuzzFeed, and VICE, and has appeared on CNN, MSNBC, and PBS. Formerly the founding executive director of the Yale Humanist Community, he also served as a humanist chaplain at Harvard University and is currently Adjunct Professor in the Department of Religion and Philosophy at Augsburg University in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Q: What is IRL about?

Stedman: For years we’ve heard again and again that life online is “fake,” or at least “less real” than the other parts of our lives. But how do we square that with that fact that so much of what we do is now online? And what does “real” even mean, anyway? IRL examines how moving really big parts of who we are and how we live to the internet is transforming our understanding of what it means to be human — to belong, to express ourselves, to find meaning in our lives. I was surprised by what I discovered over my several-year investigation into what it means to be human in a virtual age, and I hope readers will be surprised by what they find in the book, too.

Q: This book seems to speak to the moment society is in now, with work from home and friends and family seeing each other virtually. Was this intentional? How did you decide to write about life online?

Stedman: I think we’ve been moving in this direction for some time, but of course in this year of necessary social distancing we hit fast forward in a really big way. I never imagined that the questions I spent the last few years wrestling with would become some of the defining questions of this year, but I hope IRL can be a useful tool for anyone struggling with how to make life online feel meaningful and “real.” I write to figure out what I think about things, but I only publish if I hope that what I’ve written can be useful for others who are wrestling with similar questions. So if IRL can help make this difficult year a little easier to navigate for someone, I will feel very fulfilled.

Q: You were an Augsburg First Decade Award recipient in 2018. What was the work you did after graduation?

Stedman: After graduating from Augsburg, I went on to get a master’s in religion, then spent the better part of a decade working with people who fall outside of religious categories — a group demographers typically refer to as the “religiously unaffiliated,” or people who, when asked what their religion is, say “none” — as they explored questions of meaning and purpose as a community builder and humanist chaplain at Harvard and Yale universities. But a few years ago I moved back to my home state of Minnesota to do a few things, including work on this book. During my years of supporting the religiously unaffiliated at Harvard and Yale, I noticed a lot of people were moving out of the institutions in which we’ve historically wrestled with questions about who we are, like churches, and shifting that work to digital space. Ultimately that’s a big part of why I became interested in this topic. I wanted to understand how this immense cultural shift out of traditional institutions and into this new, untested institution—the internet—is changing us.

Q: You are now back at Augsburg teaching in the Department of Religion and Philosophy. What is it like being back on campus in a new capacity and during a pandemic?

Stedman: I honestly never imagined I’d end up back at Augsburg! I’m just one semester into teaching, and of course it’s been a challenging semester in all kinds of ways, but being on the other end of things in the department that played such a big role in shaping the way I think about questions of meaning has felt so special. I teach Religion 200, a class I of course took as a student, which is on vocation and the search for meaning. Again, I never imagined while working on this book about what the search for meaning looks like in a digital age that it would end up being so helpful to me not just in navigating this pandemic year but also in teaching a class on the search for meaning. I feel really fortunate in that respect. And I feel even more fortunate to be teaching the students I am; I’ve learned so much from them, both as we’ve explored the themes of RLN 200 together, and also as we’ve navigated these really complex, virtual circumstances. I give them so much credit for all the work they’ve been putting in as we collectively try to figure out this new way of being and learning together. But, as I write about in IRL, I think having to live into these new, virtual ways of being human gives us all kinds of meaningful chances to stretch ourselves. I’ve definitely felt that this semester, and I’m really looking forward to teaching a couple sections of RLN 200 again next semester.

Q:What’s next for you? Do you have plans for another book?

Stedman: It took me eight years between my first book and this one, and while hopefully the next gap won’t be as long, I’m not actively working on a new book just yet. But I do have another big project I’ve been working on this year. I can’t say what it is just yet, but it’s something really different for me, and I think, or at least hope, people will really connect with it. If you want to find out more once I’m able to talk about it, my infrequent newsletter is probably the best place to get updates.

Q: Where can people buy your book?

Stedman: I always encourage people to shop local if they can—independent bookstores need our support now more than ever. Minnesota has so many amazing ones: Subtext, Moon Palace, and Magers & Quinn are just a few of my favorites. You can also go straight to the publisher. I really appreciate everyone who checks out the book and I’d love to hear what you think if you do!

Online Event: Augsburg Alumni and Heath Care Leaders on “Elevating Advanced Practice Providers: COVID & Beyond”

covid imageJoin us virtually on Tuesday, December 15 at 7 p.m. for an online panel discussion on “Elevating Advanced Practice Providers: COVID & Beyond” hosted by Capsule Pharmacy.

This special discussion with the Augsburg community features alumni and other health care leaders working on the front line of the pandemic. Hear about today’s most innovative strategies for managing COVID-19. Get first hand reports of how healthcare systems are responding and adapting to the challenges of the pandemic.

Panel:

  • Natalie Ikeman ’12, PA: Physician Assistant in the Family Medicine Department at Hennepin Healthcare. She earned her Bachelor’s degree at the University of Minnesota and her Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Augsburg University. She is the Lead Advanced Practice provider in Family Medicine, the program director of The Great Slim Down weight management program, and most recently the program director of the COVID 19 Home Monitoring Program.

  • Sonia Patel, PharmD: Chief Pharmacist at Capsule Pharmacy. She is one of the founders and helped launch Capsule in 2015 in New York

  • Ashley LaFontaine ’14, PA: Augsburg Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies

  • Travis Reddinger, APRN-CNP, CEN: Advanced Practice Registered Nurse, Certified Nurse Practitioner, and Certified Emergency Nurse in the Hospitalist group at Allina Health and Emergency Department at Regions. In his Hospitalist role with Allina, he has oversight at United Hospital and works as a Trauma/Charge Nurse for Regions Emergency Department.

Moderator:

  • Nick Swanson ’09, ’12 (MBA), Partnerships Manager for Capsule Pharmacy in the Twin Cities.

We will send the zoom link to all registrants prior to the start of the event.


Your Gift will be Matched for the Student-Driven Scholarship Campaign

student led scholarship video, linked

Exciting news, Auggies! A dollar for dollar matching donation has been made by an anonymous donor for the student-led fundraiser for the Pan-Afrikan Center and future scholarships for the newly announced Critical Race and Ethnic Studies department. Make a difference for Auggies right now with double your donation.

About the Student Driven Scholarship Campaign

“What side of history do you want to be on?” 

Dear friends:

Our names are Zakariya Abdullahi and Mallory Ferguson – seniors at Minnesota’s first university where the majority of students are people of color. Augsburg University serves our community and we are proud to be a part of this student-led fundraising effort.

Why are we excited to do this?

Like many of you, we’ve experienced firsthand the challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our administration, faculty, and staff are working to offer some semblance of normalcy, but campus life is peculiar right now.

Like many of you, we’ve experienced the social unrest following the death of George Floyd. Our campus is minutes away from the destruction the world witnessed during the unrest in Minneapolis. Many of our fellow students, their families, and their friends call the Twin Cities home and are facing difficulties due to violence, lost jobs, and disrupted communities.

Like many of you, we believe that it’s vital right now to do our part in creating immediate and systemic change.

Building upon the critical work of Augsburg alumni involved with “One Day in May” following the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we invite you to join our efforts to raise funding for scholarships for students involved with the Pan-Afrikan Center and future scholarships for the newly announced Critical Race and Ethnic Studies department.

Your support will have an impact on students to help shape a diverse university that honors, respects, and advocates for the lives, histories, and traditions of all.

In solidarity,

Zakariya Abdullahi ’21 & Mallory Ferguson ’21

Augsburg Women Engaged Sponsors a Campus Cupboard Drive

With no safe housing alternatives for many Augsburg students during COVID-19, they remain on campus this summer. It’s also anticipated that many students will have similar issues in the fall as they return to school. Currently, many nearby stores are temporarily closed and transportation outside of the area isn’t always reliable. As a result, Augsburg Women Engaged (AWE) is sponsoring a drive for the Campus Cupboard and ShareShop to support these students now as well as in the future.

Items can be dropped off June 25 from 3 to 6 p.m., in Lot D at Augsburg. You can also make an online donation which Augsburg will use to purchase small appliances, household items, tools, food in bulk, and gift cards to local businesses such as Seward Coop so our students can be supported with the goods and services they need. Please use the designation: Other and in the “Other” field, enter Campus Cupboard.

A recommended list of items to donate is below.

Campus Cupboard Donation List:

Non-perishable food such as

  • Mac & cheese
  • Ramen
  • Canned tuna/chicken
  • Canned soup (Preferred: more complex soups, i.e., not ‘cream of’ or tomato )
  • Rice
  • Protein supplements (chia, flax, veg protein, whey)
  • High quality granola bars
  • Canned beans

Hygiene and cleaning supplies such as

  • Toothbrush
  • Toothpaste
  • Menstrual products
  • Shampoo/ Conditioner
  • Band-Aids
  • Laundry Detergent (Preferred brands: Seventh Generation, Meyers, Method, Biokleen)
  • Dish Soap (Preferred brands: Seventh Generation, Ecover, Method, Dr Bronner’s)

ShareShop Donation List:

  • Empty spray bottles for homemade non-toxic cleaning solutions
  • Tea Kettles/water heaters
  • Sewing machine – Fully functional, up to 2 machines total – we will turn away donations if necessary
  • Power strips
  • School supplies (bulk packages are welcome):
    • Notebooks (look for recycled paper and companies with sustainability/ethical/fair trade commitments if possible)
    • Folders
    • Pens
    • Pencils
    • Highlighters
  • Scissors
  • Baking sheets
    • Multiple sizes, including smaller sizes
    • Prefer naturally non-stick like Nordic Ware® brand rather than Teflon™-coated
  • New Twin XL bedding
  • Reusable water bottles – durable and clean (can be used)
  • Thermos (portable coffee containers) – durable and clean (can be used)
  • Small fans for dorm rooms

Thank you for considering a donation!

AWE

Upcoming Facebook Live Events: Author Chris Stedman ’08, Musician Dua Saleh ’17, and a Panel for Augsburg Parents

Over the next two weeks, Augsburg will be featuring two alumni and a panel of Augsburg staff in Facebook live events.

On Tuesday, May 19, author and alumnus Chris Stedman ’08 will be joining us at 3 p.m. for a conversation about his new book “IRL: Finding Realness, Meaning, and Belonging in Our Digital Lives.” Then on Tuesday, May 26 at 5 p.m., recording artist Dua Saleh ’17 will be sharing some music from their new EP, ROSETTA. Both of these live events will be streamed on the Augsburg University Alumni Association page.

For parents of future and current Auggies, there will be a special Facebook live event on the Augsburg University Facebook page Wednesday, May 27 at 5 p.m. to answer questions about the fall semester and the new Augsburg Bold plan. Panelist include Director of Campus Life Mike Grewe, Director of the Center for Wellness & Counseling Nancy Guilbeault, and Financial Aid Counselor Uriah Ward.

 

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

Alumni Spotlight: Bethany Johnson ’19 Lives Out Augsburg’s Mission with Augsburg Central Health Commons

Bethany loading water bottles into vanDuring class the last week of April, Auggie Bethany Johnson, a current DNP-FNP student, wondered how she could help her local community during the COVID-19 pandemic. She wanted to volunteer her time at Augsburg Central Health Commons, a common practice for Augsburg nursing students. However, due to safety precautions, students cannot be on-site right now. Bethany asked Katie Clark, her professor and Director of Augsburg Central Health Commons, how the community is doing.

“Katie said they need water. I thought that seems so elementary,” says Bethany. “But everything is closed, none of the regular bathrooms or shops where a marginalized person can fill up water are open. My husband’s coffee shop has slow business right now so I called him and asked how much water he had.”

Bethany’s husband, David, owns UP Coffee Roaster and told her he’d order a pallet of water.

One week later, Bethany loaded up her daughter, her husband, and 1800 bottles of water in the UP Coffee Roaster’s delivery van and headed to the Health Commons.

“I think everyone in the community is shocked to hear people need water because we don’t think of things like this. It’s a basic, basic need,” says Bethany.

The COVID-19 outbreak has affected everyone, but it has particularly affected the marginalized communities in the Twin Cities.

“Encampments are being torn down and individuals coming to the Health Commons are saying they have no water,” says Dr. Joyce Miller, Chair of Augsburg’s Nursing Department.

Bethany finished her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Augsburg in 2019 and is now part of the Doctor in Nursing Practice program.

“Their mission is what brought me to Augsburg,” says Bethany. “To reach out and be so inclusive in their neighborhood and the greater community. Augsburg felt like my people. Felt like home.”

It’s no surprise to her professors, then, that Bethany jumped at the chance to help.

“Bethany’s generous donation to the Augsburg Central Health Commons was truly moving. Not only is Bethany working on the frontlines, but she is caring for those who are marginalized. Healthcare for the Homeless, St. Stephens Outreach, and AICDC also took portions of our water donation to distribute to the unsheltered population,” says Katie Clark.

“I have two kids in college, plus I’m in college, and Augsburg is the only one not closing everyone out. Not everyone has a safe home to go home to, so Augsburg is staying open to take care of people. It blows me away, I love it,” says Bethany. “They walk the walk and talk the talk.”

While she waits for approval to volunteer at the Health Commons, Bethany and her family are already planning to donate more water. They have also generously offered to help others donate water to the Health Commons.

If you would like to donate, please contact Bethany directly at johns173@augsburg.edu.

 

Augsburg’s Health Commons

The Augsburg Central Health Commons is a nursing-led drop-in center that is dedicated to building relationships based on mutual benefit and understanding with those who utilize our space. Nursing faculty members and students from Augsburg University lead, organize, and participate at the Augsburg Central Health Commons in hopes to create changes in our healthcare system to honor the wisdom of all people as they seek to reduce bias, increase compassionate based care, and discover what it means to be a citizen nurse.

The Augsburg Central Health Commons was founded in 1992 (previously called the Nursing Center). It has provided an opportunity for faculty and students from the Nursing Department at Augsburg to become involved in independent practice. Through the years, Augsburg nurses have met community members who have welcomed their service. In the relationships that have developed, nurses continue to experience the mutuality of health–when someone grows stronger, that strength helps everyone in the community.

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