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Loan Repayment Workshop Open to Alumni

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Do you feel overwhelmed or uncertain about your federal loan repayment options? We are here to help! Attend a loan repayment workshop hosted by Student Financial Services at Augsburg.

Date: Wednesday, April 13

Time: 5:30–6 p.m., Loan information presentation
6–7 p.m., Counselors available for personalized help
Location: Sverdrup 204
Visit: augsburg.edu/studentfinancial/loans/loanrepayment to learn more about your options or to register for the event.
We will show you how to determine how much you owe, federal loan repayment options, loan forgiveness options, and consolidation. This event is open to both alumni and current students. Bring your FSA ID and an estimate of your 2015 earnings.

Augsburg Alumni Unite to Volunteer and Celebrate Earth Day!

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day of service-1Are you looking for an opportunity to make a difference this Earth Day? Enjoy networking with Auggie alumni and some current students who need a study break! Want to learn more about gardening and don’t mind getting your hands a little dirty? With groundbreaking preparations afoot for a new building on campus, the community garden needs your help!

The community garden serves as a place to connect the campus and community through food. In order to continue to fulfill this mission there’s a lot of work to do – raised beds to beautify, pollinator gardens to rework, and all general love and care is appreciated. All of this will help gardeners start the season off right. Come ready to learn, dig, and “grow”!

What: Augsburg Community Garden Earth Day Volunteering and Celebration

Who: All Augsburg alumni are invited to assist a small group of student volunteers on this joint project

When: Earth Day, Friday, April 22, 6 – 7:30 p.m.

Where: Augsburg College Community Garden—Corner of South 7th St. & 20th Ave. South, near parking lot G

What to bring: wear clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting dirty. Gloves, tools, and gardening 101 education provided!

Proudly hosted by the Young Alumni Council

RSVP today!

Celebrating Community with St. Paul

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Rosanne-Bump-w-VulcansIf you were planning a pull-out-all-the-stops, 10-day, outdoor party in January for thousands of your friends, where would you hold it? The Caribbean? Arizona? Of course not! You’d plan it in St. Paul, Minnesota! And you’d call it the St. Paul Winter Carnival.

Rosanne2Planning events like the St. Paul Winter Carnival is what Rosanne Newville Bump ’92 does for a living as President and CEO of the Saint Paul Festival & Heritage Foundation—with support from the community, of course—and from plenty of volunteers, who work tirelessly behind the scenes. Honored to be part of the festival’s history, Bump loves brainstorming regularly about what “fun factors” to add to the next year’s event. For example, this year’s event included three parades, a half marathon, an ice- and snow-carving competition, the country’s largest jigsaw puzzle competition, and an outdoors Birthday Bash in Rice Park to celebrate the festival’s 130th birthday. As part of the fun, Bump partnered with Kemps Ice Cream to provide Birthday Cake Ice Cream samples for all attending. In addition, this year’s festival included a performance, also in Rice Park, by roots-rock band GB Leighton. Standing outdoors on a lovely winter evening with 1000+ others, singing along with the performers, near the ice castle and sparkling trees (all lit), was “magical,” says Bump.

StPaul Winter CarnivalBump has learned that, each year, about 20% of the carnival plans are unlikely to go as planned, primarily because of unpredictable weather, so she and her colleagues need to figure it out as they go, making for “some adrenaline-filled days.” Unusually warm weather leading up to this year’s event meant that, in order to build the ice palace (this year, a mini version), ice had to be purchased, instead of harvested from local Lake Phalen. Even so, the palace still included the king’s chair, a light show, and TV monitors. Continue reading “Celebrating Community with St. Paul” →

Throwing Weight Around

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Tom Dahlin holding trophy and American flag
All photos by Tom Dahlin/Getty Images.

As an Augsburg student, Jon Dahlin ’05 needed to find an event that would enable him to contribute to his track team’s success. His track coach, Dennis Barker, suggested the hammer throw would be a good fit—much better for him than the other throwing events. And Coach Barker was right-on. But neither of them likely suspected that years later, Dahlin would compete in various highland games, both nationally and internationally—and would rank 7th in the 2015 International Highland Games.

While at Augsburg, Dahlin not only set a hammer throw record; he shattered his own record by 14 feet in his senior year, achieving an NCAA Division III automatic qualifying standard in the men’s hammer throw. The new mark that he set—a 58.22-meter (191-foot, 0.0-inch) effort—was the second-longest hammer throw in the country, and his record still stands. He also holds the Augsburg record for the 35-pound weight throw, 16.48 meters (54 feet, 1.0 inches).

Tom Dahlin throwing

In 2007, as he viewed highland games on ESPN, Dahlin decided they looked like a lot of fun. He decided to compete. Scottish and Celtic in origin, highland games include heavy athletics (stone put, caber toss, weight throw, hammer throw, sheaf toss, weight over bar, etc.), as well as dancing, drumming, piping, and other types of Scottish entertainment. Weight over bar is Dahlin’s favorite, and he says the feeling of throwing a large weight more than ten feet above his height and watching it sail over a bar is “absolutely incredible.” At recent games in Arizona, hundreds of spectators stood within feet of him as he prepared to toss the weight, and he could feel the reverberations of their screams and cheers in the soles of his feet. He is convinced that helped him get the winning toss that day. Continue reading “Throwing Weight Around” →

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 begins April 4. Students who have unpaid spring charges, or are not up-to-date on their payment plans, will be unable to register.

Tuition accounts must be paid-in-full for a diploma and/or transcript to be released; please see the Parent Information tab at  augsburg.edu/studentfinancial for instructions on  making a payment.

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.