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Inspiring Media for Thailand Travelers

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Considering a uniquely Augsburg trip to Thailand and Cambodia in January 2017? Get in the mood to travel with fellow Auggies with these books, movies, and resources recommended by your Thailand/Cambodia tour guide Kathy Swanson. Learn more about this tour especially planned for Augsburg alumni, parents, and friends with this complete itinerary.

Books

A History of Thailand, by Chris Baker, Pasuk Phongpaichit

King Bhumibol Adulyadej: A Life’s Work, by Nicholas Grossman

The Thai Amulet, by Lyn Hamilton

Lonely Planet writer Isabel Albiston recommends the following “nine of the best books worth cramming into your carry-on”:

Bangkok Days, by Lawrence Osborne (2009)

Fieldwork, by Mischa Berlinski (2008)

Sightseeing, by Rattawut Lapcharoensap (2005)

Thailand Confidential, by Jerry Hopkins (2005)

Bangkok 8, by John Burdett (2004)

The Beach, by Alex Garland (1998)

Jasmine Nights, by SP Somtow (1995)

Touch the Dragon, by Karen Connelly (1992)

Mai Pen Rai Means Never Mind, by Carol Hollinger (1965)

Lonely Planet Thailand — travel guide

Movies

James Bond – The Man with the Golden Gun

The Beach (starring Leonardo DiCaprio)

Television

Google: Amazing Race Thailand

Corporate Coach

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HawksHeadShotAs one of the first 30 employees at Rollerblade, Inc., Lisa Svac Hawks ’85 was tasked with producing some of the first competitive in-line skating events across the U.S. to showcase the “blades.” Though she had never run a race, her job was to put people on skates, help them get in shape, and encourage them to have fun. She was part of the team that drove in-line skating into the cultural forefront as one of the fastest-growing sports of the time. When she and some ex-Rollerblade execs later launched and marketed “snow skates” in the U.S., these Sled Dogs caught on and were featured in a Newsweek story. The exposure and marketing resulted in Hawks’ traveling to the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway, to work with the Norwegian Military Ski Team that would put on a dramatic display of the snow skates during Opening and Closing ceremonies.

This marketing success convinced Hawks that she had found her niche in marketing and communication, and that her decision to forego the field of broadcasting—even after an internship at the local ABC-TV station—was the right one for her. At each step in her career since then, new positions seemed to call out her desire to “build” something—whether in terms of products, experiences, relationships, a fine-tuned team, or an unusual market launch. She loved finding undiscovered opportunities, using good communication tools, and assembling a good team—and she still loves the challenge and fun of doing it.

She uncovered such an opportunity at Paper Direct, a high-end specialty paper company, where she was given 45 days to convince the leadership that her alternative idea to existing market launch plans could work. She did so, and the company followed her lead toward specialty retailing to small businesses, setting up distribution networks all across the country at outlets that sold computers and printers.

Hawks later landed at Musicland, where she led the full gamut of communications—investor relations, public relations, employee communications, earnings releases, annual reports, investor reports, etc. Soon after, when the company was acquired by Best Buy, she was invited to take a leadership role in Best Buy’s communications department. She enjoyed some “phenomenal” experiences over the 12 years she worked there, including launches that involved The Rolling Stones, Bill Gates, Usher, and other pop culture figures. Continue reading “Corporate Coach” →

Finding Art in Pooling Brokenness

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Barb MikelsonThree years ago at Valley of Peace Lutheran Church in Golden Valley, Minn., three parishioners responded to their pastor’s request to take on a Lenten art project, and create a mosaic for their church entry. Led by Barb Mikelson ’71, the committee also included Emilie Moravec ’07 and Jon Daniels ’88—all three Auggies.

full-mosaicInspired by a mosaic being produced by St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, they did their homework, learning how to break and cut ceramics and tile, use a tile nipper, and manage grout. They discussed methods, materials, timing, and logistics—and worked on theme and design, eventually deciding to focus on 2 Corinthians 4:7, “But we have this treasure in clay jars, so that it may be made clear that this extraordinary power belongs to God and does not come from us.” The design, primarily Mikelson’s work, echoed the stained glass window design in the sanctuary, created by an Augsburg professor, the late August Molder, and incorporating the rainbow colors symbolic of a parish that identifies as a Reconciling in Christ congregation. Continue reading “Finding Art in Pooling Brokenness” →

Uniquely Augsburg Travel in Thailand and Cambodia

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January 3-15, 2017Bangkok

English Professor Kathy Swanson and her husband, Jack, will lead this educational trip through Thailand and Cambodia.

You’ll land in Bangkok, Thailand, and tour the Grand Palace, visit the temple at Wat Po (the Reclining Buddha), and shop for tropical produce and sample local cuisine cooked on boats at a floating market. From there you’ll continue to Chiang Mai to ride elephants, perfect your culinary skills with a cooking class, and make a difference in children’s lives volunteering at a local orphanage. This exotic trip will conclude in Siem Reap, Cambodia, where you’ll be awestruck by Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world.

Don’t miss this thoughtful and educational tour customized specifically for Augsburg alumni, parents, and friends! For more information, contact Katie Koch at kochk@augsburg.edu.

Find a full itinerary and more details about the Thailand/Cambodia trip here.

Host

Kathy Swanson

Augsburg English Professor Kathy Swanson and her husband, Jack, are excited to share the  Kathy and Jack Swansonbeauty and culture of Thailand with Augsburg alumni and friends! Both Kathy and Jack are former Peace Corps volunteers who taught English to Thai students in a rural fishing village many, many years ago. Since then, they have led five trips to Thailand with Augsburg students, and have returned a few additional times with family. Kathy and Jack both speak Thai, are very familiar with the country, and are comfortable navigating this beautiful and exotic place. Jack is a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a BA in art history and MFA in studio art. Kathy has a BA, MA, and PhD in English and has just finished her thirtieth year of teaching at Augsburg.

 

Celebrating Lutheran Heritage in Germany and Prague

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October 27-November 6, 2016

Religion professors Mark Tranvik and Hans Wiersma host this journey through Germany and Prague celebrating Lutheran heritage in honor of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.

Erfurt Merchants BridgeFirst, explore artistic and vibrant Berlin before continuing on to Wittenberg to attend the spirited Reformation Festival. Then, discover the culture of Erfurt, Leipzig, and Dresden before making your way to the beautiful and historic Prague.

This informative trip is filled with guided tours of museums, Holocaust memorials, churches, monasteries, and castles. You’ll meander cities, scenic bridges, and vibrant squares, and savor local cuisine and scenic landmarks.

This uniquely Augsburg travel opportunity truly is once in a lifetime. Curious to learn more? Contact Katie Koch with any questions at kochk@augsburg.edu or call 612-330-1178.

Find cost information, registration details, and a full itinerary here.

Hosts

Mark Tranvik

mark tranvikMark Tranvik is professor of religion and director of the Christensen Center for Vocation. He has written extensively on the Reformation and edited and introduced a book, The Freedom of a Christian, designed to introduce people to Luther’s life and theology. Tranvik is the author of an upcoming book, Martin Luther and the Called Life, due out later this year from Fortress Press—the book is on Luther’s understanding of vocation. He is a Lutheran pastor, having served at Cross of Glory Lutheran Church in Brooklyn Center, Minn., for 10 years.

Hans Wiersma

hans wiersmaHans Wiersma is associate professor of religion and co-director of Augsburg’s Youth and Family Ministry program. His courses at Augsburg include “The Lutheran Heritage” and “The Life and Work of the Church.” Wiersma received a PhD in the History of Christianity in 2005. He has contributed to a variety of scholarly and popular religion-themed articles, books, and curricula, including The Lutheran Handbook series. He is presently working on the Second Edition of James Kittelson’s Luther the Reformer: the Man and His Career. Wiersma is an active member of the Sixteenth Century Society and Conference, where he has presented a number of academic papers focused on the theological development of Luther and his earliest followers. In addition, he is a Lutheran pastor. Wiersma lives in St. Paul, Minn., with his wife and four children. They are members of St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church in St. Paul.

Katie Koch ’01

Katie-KochKatie Koch ’01, Director of Auggie Engagement, will serve as tour coordinator for the trip to Germany and Prague. Koch comes from a diverse background of performing arts management, having most recently worked at The O’Shaughnessy at St. Catherine University as an event and administrative manager. Katie worked for nearly five years at the Guthrie Theater as the assistant to former director Joe Dowling, where she supported the Guthrie Board of Directors and high-profile visiting artists. In her time at Augsburg,Koch was a member of The Augsburg Choir, Augsburg Concert Band, and Augsburg Jazz and Gospel Praise. She served as an admissions ambassador, a student coordinator for new student orientation in 1999 and 2000, and wrote for the Augsburg Echo.

Parent Update from Financial Services

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The 2016-2017 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) can be completed online at FAFSA.ed.gov two to three weeks after filing the student’s and parent(s) 2015 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. The priority deadline for completing the financial aid application is May 1.

Registration for the summer/fall 2016 terms begin April 4. Students who have unpaid spring charges, or are not up-to-date on their payment plans, will be unable to register.

The last day to register for two monthly payments under Augsburg’s Online Payment Plan is March 26. Please see the new Parent Information tab at augsburg.edu/studentfinancial for instructions on making a payment, signing up for a payment plan, etc.

Students must complete the online form, Information Release in Records and Registration, to grant us permission to speak with anyone other than the student.

We ♥ All Auggies

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We hear so many stories of lifelong partnerships found at Augsburg—couples who met in their first year, in class, at the Chin Wag, or working on campus—we’re tempted to call Augsburg cupid. Or just lucky to play host to a lifetime of heart-enriching connections of all kinds—lifelong friendships, mentorships, and partnerships. We put a call out on social media to share a photo with Augsburg Alumni if you met your mate at Augsburg College. Thank you to all who shared your photos and stories. This Valentine’s Day, the Alumni Association sends love to Auggies everywhere!

lovebird-collage2016Auggie lovebirds include: Kari Aanestad ’08 and Brian Krohn ’08, with Sean Stanhill ’08, Krista Costin ’08, and Ryan Lisson ’08; Alissa Blood-Knafla ’07 and Patrick Knafla ’04; Anjie (Tonolli) ’93 and Tac ’91 Coplin; Carol (Pederson) ’72 and Wayne ’71 Jorgenson; Caitlin Hozeny ’09 and Seth Lienard ’11; Abby (Johnson) ’05 and Zac ’03 Schnedler; Alisha Esselstein ’15 and Tyler Dorn ’15; Simoné (Johnson) ’91 and Alex Gonzalez ’90; Shannon Connaughton ’13 and Erik Grindal ’13; Cherie (Elliott) ’03 and Brad Christ; Ross Murray ’00, MBA ’09 and Richard Garnett ’07, MBA ’09; Joanne (Varner) ’52 and Harvey ’52 Peterson; Heather Johnston ’92 and Jason Koch ’93; Lisbeth (Jorgensen) ’70 and Earl ’68 Sethre; Joan (Moline) ’83 and John Evans ’82; Hayley Thomas ’12 and Emerson Ball ’14; Becky (Bjella) ’79 and Jeff ’77 Nodland; Barbara (Beglinger) ’63 and Dean ’62 Larson; Laura Schmidt ’11 and Patrick DuSchane ’13; Pam (Hanson) ’79 and Mark ’79 Moksnes; Christine ’09 and Cody ’09 Tresselt-Warren with Noah; Denielle Johnson ’11 and Tim Stepka; Jennifer (Feine) ’94 and Erik Hellie ’93; Molly (Fochtman) ’92 and Greg Schnagl ’91; Bev (Ranum) ’78 and Dennis ’78 Meyer; Nancy (Mackey) ’85 and Paul ’84 Mueller; Emily Crook ’07, MAE ’15 and DJ Hamm ’08, and many hundreds more!

Young Alumni Council Elect Leadership

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The Young Alumni Council is proud to announce the first elected President, Rosine Johnson ’10, and Vice-President, Evan Decker ’12. These positions have been added in preparation for anticipated council growth in engagement opportunities for young alumni. We are currently looking for additional young alumni who are seeking advanced leadership and professional board development experience, while expanding the opportunities for alumni connections to Augsburg College and other alumni. For more information or to apply, please visit our site.

To qualify, you must be within the last ten years of graduation.

President: Rosine Johnson ’10
Rosine Mina Johnson graduated in 2010 with a BA in Political Science with a Public Policy Concentration and minored in International Relations. After graduation, she chose to attend Minnesota State University Mankato to receive a Master’s in Public Administration degree, and graduated with high honors in December of 2012. She currently holds a few public sector administrative positions with Hennepin County and local city governments such as the City of Edina and Richfield. Rosine gives back to her community by working with youth ministries at Christ the King Lutheran Church and serves on the church council as well. She also volunteers at local charities and organizations. She loves to be with people, laugh, travel, be silly, cook, garden, ski, read, keep up with current events and politics, and attend Zumba and dance classes.

Vice-President: Evan Decker


​Evan Decker graduated in 2012 with a double major in MIS and Management. While at Augsburg he participated in several activities on campus, including football, the Augsburg Business Organization, and working in the IT department. After graduation, he pursued a career in information systems because it combined two of his passions: business and technology. He currently works as an IT project manager and does consulting projects on the side. Evan joined the council in 2015 because he wants to give back to the college and further develop his leadership skills. Outside of work he enjoys anything away from screens—lifting weights, reading, DIY home improvement projects, hanging out with his cats, and riding his motorcycle.

6 Quick Questions with the New Director of Auggie Engagement

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Katie-KochKatie Koch ’01 joined the Alumni Relations team as Director of Auggie Engagement in January. We’re so excited to welcome this wonderful Auggie on board. She’s here to listen to you, plan alumni events, and find more ways for alumni to stay involved in the life of the College. Why not hear it straight from Katie?

What does it mean to be the Director of Auggie Engagement?
In this position I have the opportunity to connect with alumni, parents and friends of Augsburg. It’s my hope that we can continue to connect Auggies to the college, to their classmates and to fellow Auggies. As an Auggie you are important to the College, and we want to find ways to engage you, help to continue your learning, grow your network and use your talents to the benefit of Auggies.

What’s your favorite memory from your time at Augsburg?
I was involved in The Augsburg Choir, Augsburg Band and Jazz Band. I have some strong memories of times that we spent together on various tours. One that stands out to me is our joint band and choir tour to Arizona where we were snowed in in Flagstaff.

I loved being a part of Advent Vespers, especially standing all around Central Lutheran holding our candles and singing Silent Night. It still stirs up quite a bit of emotion in me.
Continue reading “6 Quick Questions with the New Director of Auggie Engagement” →

Parent Update: Financial Services

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All spring tuition and fee charges were due January 5; any remaining balance after that date is subject to finance charges. Students will have reminders sent to their Augsburg email account during the first week of each month reminding them to view their online monthly bill; all students are encouraged to give parents/guardians access to view these statements. The last day to register for three monthly payments under Augsburg’s Online Payment Plan is February 26. Please see the new Parent Information tab at  augsburg.edu/studentfinancial for instructions on obtaining access, making a payment, signing up for a payment plan, etc.

Students will be notified by the end of January when their 1098-T is available for their 2015 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. Billing statements provide a record of tuition billed during 2015.

Students must complete the online form, Information Release in Records and Registration, to grant us permission to speak with anyone other than the student.