Augsburg is excited to announce our Tassel Challenge fundraising campaign. This online giving event is an opportunity to celebrate all of Augsburg’s 2018 graduates, and help support future Auggies by donating to the Sesquicentennial Scholarship fund.
A donor has generously offered to match any donation dollar for dollar, up to $10,000. Our goal is to fully utilize that matching gift and raise $10,000 for student scholarships!
The Tassel Challenge is a great way to recognize your favorite graduating Auggie, give back to Augsburg, and help make sure an Augsburg education is accessible to all. If you choose to donate in honor of a student, we will make sure they know they were recognized, and send you and the student an Augsburg tassel keychain as thanks. More information can be found and donations made on the Tassel Challenge Donation page. The Tassel Challenge will run from today through May 2nd. If you have any questions please contact bogen@augsburg.edu.
The 2018-2019 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) can be completed online at www.FAFSA.ed.gov using the student’s and parent(s) 2016 federal taxes. Remember to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to directly import the tax information, and make sure to submit the FAFSA by signing with your FSA ID. Students can go to http://www.augsburg.edu/studentfinancial/ and click on ‘Review Your Financial Aid’ to check the status of their financial aid or to see what documents are missing or incomplete.
Registration for the summer/fall 2018 term is now open. Students who have unpaid spring charges, or are not up-to-date on their payment plans, will be unable to register. Students can go to http://www.augsburg.edu/studentfinancial/ and click on “Review Your Student Account’ to see if they have an unpaid balance.
Tuition accounts must be paid-in-full for a diploma and/or transcript to be released; payments can be made online by going to http://www.augsburg.edu/studentfinancial/payments/. Please see the Parent Information tab at www.augsburg.edu/studentfinancial/ for instructions on making a payment and obtaining access to discuss your student’s financial information, etc. Please note that we will be unable to speak with any parent/guardian that has not been authorized by the student.
Join the AWEsome women of Augsburg Women Engaged (AWE) on a tour of the green spaces in Minneapolis.
Event: “Exploring Green Space in Minneapolis and Beyond Tour with Dr. Kristin Anderson”
Date: Saturday, May 5, 2018
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Starting in Murphy Square Park (on our campus), this guided bus tour (with Augsburg Professor Dr. Kristin Anderson) will take us around the green spaces in Minneapolis, and we will learn about the people and ideas that brought these green spaces into being.
One of the two presentations led by Fishbowl Solutions reps on April 5 (from left: Jake Ferm, Carmen Williams, Noah Bodner, and Amy Bowar Mellinger).
Student questions following presentations by reps from Fishbowl Solutions yielded some interesting conversation in Professor Larry Crockett’s computer science class, April 5. For example, “As a software consultant, how often do you feel the need to go online to find answers to your own software challenges?”
The answer from Fishbowl’s Jake Ferm ’12 may have been somewhat tongue-in-cheek, but then again, maybe not: “Every ten minutes.”
Fishbowl Solutions, a Twin Cities-based software company, creates packaged software and develops custom technology solutions using the latest Oracle, Google, Mindbreeze, and PTC technologies. The company of 40+ employees, founded in 1999, has offices in both the U.S. and the U.K., and serves an international clientele.
The Fishbowl reps, invited to visit two sections of Crockett’s CSC/PHI 385 class (Formal Logic and Theory of Computation), included Noah Bodner (Recruiting), and three Auggies: Amy Bowar Mellinger ’97 (Fishbowl’s Director of Services), Jake Ferm ’12 (Software Consultant), and Carmen (Crockett) Williams MBA ’12 (Account Executive, Sales).
After the Fishbowl guests described the nature of their company and work, as well as their take on various current trends in technology, students raised numerous questions. The resulting interaction provided good advice on many issues, such as these comments on interviewing from Williams: (1) Prepare wisely for an interview (always plan on a glitch; arrive ten minutes early); (2) Think ahead about what questions to ask the interviewer (remember, you’re interviewing the company as much as they’re interviewing you); and (3) Ask what further education and training the prospective employer is willing to provide.
(from left) Jake Ferm, Larry Crockett, Carmen Williams, Amy Bowar Mellinger
Mellinger stressed the importance of keeping an open mind when deciding on an employer, giving attention to the importance of matching one’s work-style with the anticipated projects. For example, she recalled working on one seven-year project at an earlier job, which, she said, may not have been as appealing to someone who enjoys working on a variety of projects or technologies.
Fishbowl reps emphasized how valuable a liberal arts education is in their work, since the broad scope of the classes they took continues to provide flexibility and greater opportunity in their work, and in the marketplace in general.
The Fishbowl visit to Augsburg was an excellent opportunity for students who are eagerly seeking internships or employment to connect with a company that is just as eager to find talented interns and employees. As Bodner explained, given the current Twin Cities unemployment rate in the area of computer science (less than 1%), students are in a strong position to find several appealing opportunities, and their thoughtful preparation for interviews can make an offer much more likely. A look at the website for Fishbowl Solutions says, “We’re looking for innovators with a passion for technology and learning to fill a variety of technical and non-technical roles.”
Mellinger, who worked for many years as a consultant prior to taking on her leadership role at Fishbowl Solutions, was surprised to discover recently that her colleague at Fishbowl, Williams, is the daughter of Crockett, who had taught two of her classes at Augsburg.
Larry Crockett with former student Amy Bowar Mellinger
In the April 5 forum, about 50 students had a chance to interact with former students to compare and contrast pre-graduation education with in-field work experience, and to consider how one’s education must continue in the workplace. Ferm stressed that, especially as a software consultant, he is learning new things daily—online and in person—as he encounters new challenges that push him to continue educating himself. And when new interns come on board, they learn from the staff’s collective experience, and staff pick up new things from the interns. Nothing like a win-win situation!
The April 5 event was also an opportunity for three Auggie alums to take in the new Hagfors CSBR facility; they left deeply impressed.
Stewart Van Cleve is a librarian and digital archivist at Augsburg University’s Lindell Library, where he is responsible for Augsburg’s Digital Archives (library.augsburg.edu/archives). His passion for archiving began while studying toward a degree in Urban Studies at the University of Minnesota when he had a student position working with the renowned Tretter Collection in GLBT Studies. The Tretter Collection is a vast collection of books, photographs, films, and other historical artifacts that Van Cleve calls “one of the most comprehensive accounts of international queer history in the world.” After receiving his master’s in urban studies from Portland State University, Van Cleve decided to pursue a master’s degree in library and information science at St. Catherine University, in St. Paul.
In 2012, Van Cleve published his book, Land of 10,000 Loves: A History of Queer Minnesota, a wide-ranging illustrated history of queer life in Minnesota. The book contains more than 120 historical essays exploring the earliest evidence of queer life in Minnesota before the Second World War—from Oscar Wilde’s visit to Minnesota, riverfront vice districts, protest and parade sites, bars, 1970s collectives, institutions, public spaces, and private homes. This rich history is illustrated in more than 130 examples, including images of annual “pride guides,” a number of archival photographs, and advertisements from local queer bars.
Having worked at Augsburg for nearly a year, Van Cleve says he loves the “student-centric” nature of the University. On Thursday, April 5, he will be joining the Augsburg Alumni office at its Auggies in the City: Kinky Boots, pre-theater event to discuss his book, and to provide more details on the history of queer life in Minnesota.
Amanda Stramer ‘12 was named recently to the Florida High Tech Corridor’s 2018 “Faces of Technology,” which represents more than 252,000 scientists and technologists. Stramer earned this distinction through her innovative work in the development and commercialization of cancer immunotherapies.
For three years, Stramer has worked at Iovance Biotherapeutics in Tampa, FL. Currently a process development associate scientist, she works to develop immuno-oncology therapies, called tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), to fight aggressive cancers.
Stramer says she chose to study at Augsburg because it was the most diverse private school in Minnesota*, and was small enough to provide for enhanced learning that can result from significant relationships with professors and classmates alike. Stramer graduated with a BS in Biology and Philosophy and was a lead volunteer at the Campus Kitchen. She has found that she can thrive in a small and intimate work environment, such as the one at Iovance Biotherapeutics, thanks to the study habits she developed at Augsburg.
Within a week of graduating from Augsburg, Stramer was offered a job. She immediately moved to Florida, where she started her career as a microbiologist at a small biotech company in Sarasota.
When asked if she could offer any advice to current Auggies, Stramer said, “Although there is always talk about academic careers following STEM programs, the science industry is so huge and versatile; Auggies should never fear to branch out.”
Stramer is a fantastic example of an Auggie making a difference, and Augsburg can take pride in its diverse alumni base, which includes a wide range of professions and accolades.
Do you know a great Auggie who should be in the spotlight? Let us know by emailing alumni@augsburg.edu.
*Augsburg University was the most diverse private school in Minnesota at the time of Stramer’s application.
Many special moments took place at the Grand Opening of the Hagfors Center for Science, Business, and Religion. Thanks to more than 1,200 donors and alumni, Augsburg is providing today’s students with new laboratories, study rooms, flexible classrooms for hands-on learning, and open places for dialogue and debate.
Please enjoy these photos of the new spaces in the Hagfors Center where Auggies will develop into scientists, business people, and believers who make a positive impact on our community and in our world. You will sense a deep connection to Augsburg’s foundation and core identity of deep traditions: durable faith, inclusion, and experiential learning.
Augsburg has always been a college sustained by people like you, who care deeply about this place, and who generously ensure it can embody its mission. Please consider continuing that tradition and getting involved in Augsburg’s next campaign.
All financial aid documents for the 2017-2018 academic year (including private loan applications) must be completed and/or returned to the Enrollment Center by April 6th in order to receive financial aid for the spring term. Any documents received after that date cannot be guaranteed to be processed.
Students can go to http://www.augsburg.edu/studentfinancial/ and click on ‘Review Your Financial Aid’ to check the status of their financial aid or to see what documents are missing or incomplete.
Registration for the summer/fall 2018 terms begins April 2nd. Students who have unpaid spring charges, or are not up-to-date on their payment plans, will be unable to register. Students can go to http://www.augsburg.edu/studentfinancial/and click on “Review Your Student Account’ to see if they have an unpaid balance.
Tuition accounts must be paid-in-full for a diploma and/or transcript to be released; payments can be made online by going to http://www.augsburg.edu/studentfinancial/payments/. Please see the Parent Information tab at www.augsburg.edu/studentfinancial/ for instructions on making a payment and obtaining access to discuss your student’s financial information, etc. Please note that we will be unable to speak with any parent/guardian that has not been authorized by the student.
The 2018-2019 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) can be completed online at www.FAFSA.ed.gov using the student’s and parent(s) 2016 federal taxes. Remember to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to directly import the tax information, and make sure to submit the FAFSA by signing with your FSA ID.
Join Auggie friends on Saturday, June 9 and watch the St. Paul Saints take on the Sioux Falls Canaries at CHS Field.
Included in your $10 ticket is a seat in section 112 (Infield Reserved Seating) and a pre-game picnic and ticket pick up starting at 5:30 p.m. on the Minnesoyta Lawn. The game begins at 7:05 p.m.
Tickets will be distributed at the pre-game reception, and please alert the Alumni office if you wish to be seated with a group outside of those in your ticket order.
For further information and to purchase tickets please click here.
Questions? Email Becky Waggoner, Alumni Program Assistant at waggoner@augsburg.edu.
All students who attended Augsburg during the 2017 year have been notified that their 1098-T is available for their 2017 tax preparation. Students can view the form by logging on to AugNet Records and Registration and clicking on Make Payment/Account Activity. The 1098-T tax form can be found on the bottom right-hand side of this page.
The 1098 –T is a statement of qualifying education expenses that colleges and universities are required to issue for the purpose of determining a student’s or families eligibility for the Hope and Lifetime Learning education tax credits. Please note that Augsburg only calculates tuition and related expenses for purposes of the 1098-T by Amounts Billed, not payments received. You will find Amounts Billed in box 2. No information will be provided in box 1 for payments received.
All students wanting to apply for 2018-2019 year financial aid must submit a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) using their 2016 federal taxes (not their 2017 taxes). Students can complete the FAFSA online at www.FAFSA.ed.gov. Remember to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to directly import the tax information, and make sure to submit the FAFSA by signing with your FSA ID. The priority deadline for completing the financial aid application is May 1st.
Registration for the summer/fall 2018 terms begin April 2nd. Students who have unpaid spring charges, or are not up-to-date on their payment plans, will be unable to register.
Students can make payments online by going to http://www.augsburg.edu/studentfinancial/payments/. Please see the Parent Information tab at www.augsburg.edu/studentfinancial/ for instructions on making a payment, signing up for a payment plan, and obtaining access to discuss your student’s financial information, etc. Please note that we will be unable to speak with any parent/guardian that has not been authorized by the student.
