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Join the Vespers Choir

Vespers concert

Are you someone who:

  • Loves singing Christmas music in a choir?
  • Doesn’t have time to sign up for a whole season of involvement
  • Wants to join the company of musicians at Augsburg’s annual Advent Vespers services at Central Lutheran Church?

If so, then Vespers Choir is for you!

Commitment:

  • 3 consecutive Tuesday evening rehearsals starting on October 31.
  • 2 dress rehearsals at Central Lutheran Church: November 28 and 30.
  • 3 Services: December 1 at 7:00 p.m. and December 2 at 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Open to anyone in the Augsburg community (plus your friends and family).

For details contact Dr. Kristina Boerger at boerger@augsburg.edu

Join us for Homecoming

A photo of students waving their arms in the air outdoors. There is a banner that reads "Auggie Homecoming 2023" at the bottom of the photo.

We can’t wait to have students, alumni, family, and friends on campus for all of our Homecoming events between October 8-14, 2023!

Whether you have been coming back to Augsburg every year since you graduated, or it has been a while, we can’t wait to reminisce, celebrate, and gather together as Auggies. Our Homecoming weekend includes the Athletics Hall of Fame on Thursday, October 12, the Distinguished Alumni Award Celebration on Friday, October 13, the 50th Reunion Breakfast, Homecoming Chapel, Taste of Augsburg, tours of Augsburg’s campus, and the Homecoming Football Game on Saturday, October 14

There is nothing like returning to campus, and we hope that you will join us.

Join us for the events and tours listed above by RSVPing here: RSVP TODAY!

Great Returns: We’re All In – All School Reunion

Great Returns We're All in All-School Reunion October 6-8 2022 event co-chairs Jeff Nodland '77 and Becky Bjella-Nodland '79 Co-Chairs

Come back to Augsburg University for an event that has been years in the making, the first ever Great Returns: We’re All In – All School Reunion weekend starting Thursday, October 6th through Saturday, October 8th. 

Reminisce, reconnect, and reunite with your fellow Auggies during this in-person celebration. Enjoy festive foods and delicious drinks from Airlie Winery (Mary Olson ’74), Finnegans (Jacquie Berglund ’87), and Zevia. Experience music by Maryann Sullivan ’82 and The Money Makers, presented by Rock What You Got (Buffie Blesi ’90) – and that’s just Friday evening! 

And don’t forget to consider hosting an “Auggie Alcove” as a way for your special Auggie group to get together in a more personal way during Friday night’s festivities. 

“Auggie Alcoves” are rooms reserved within the Hagfors Center. There, your alumni network and Auggie friends can connect, celebrate the past, and create memories for the future. 

Space at this in-person event is limited. Please RSVP by Monday, October 3rd. RSVP TODAY!

Augsburg names Amy Alkire as Vice President of Institutional Advancement

Augsburg University is pleased to announce the appointment of Amy Alkire as vice president of Institutional Advancement, effective September 8.

Amy will lead the university into the public phase of Augsburg’s Great Returns Campaign, our largest campaign in history, as well as continue to grow our culture of philanthropy and engage our alumni, friends, faculty, and staff.

Amy started at Augsburg eight years ago as a gift officer and director of leadership gifts. In 2015, she was promoted to assistant vice president, a role she held until this past August when President Pribbenow asked her to move into the interim vice president role after Heather Riddle’s departure.

“The opportunity to promote Amy to serve as Augsburg’s vice president for institutional advancement was very meaningful to me,” says President Paul Pribbenow. “She has been a part of the advancement staff for several years and has illustrated through her outstanding work a passion for Augsburg’s mission and strong professional skills. I look forward to working with Amy and her colleagues as we continue to strengthen Augsburg’s philanthropic culture.”

When asked about her new role, Amy says she is excited for the challenge of it. She loves working with Augsburg’s alumni, donors, faculty, and staff and is passionate about Augsburg’s mission.

“Amy has provided amazing leadership working with our board and the Augsburg community over the years,” says Matt Entenza, Augsburg University’s Board of Regents chair. “I’m very excited to get to work with her because she embodies what it means to be an Auggie!”

Prior to her work at Augsburg, Amy was a development officer for two years at Children’s Hospital Minnesota and a major gift officer at Concordia University—St. Paul for three years. Amy was also a teacher for eight years, teaching English and literature, before she moved into a career in development.

“I’m laser focused on the strategies that will engage the Augsburg community and foster philanthropy to solidify Augsburg’s long-term financial stability,” says Amy. “We have a strong team and I am eager to continue to build upon their strengths. I am grateful to Kristen and Sarah for their partnership in leading Advancement efforts and look forward to great successes in the future.” 

Along with Amy’s promotion to vice president, Institutional Advancement has two other promotions. Sarah Erkkinen, assistant vice president for special projects, will be promoted to associate vice president, Institutional Advancement leading principal and major gifts and the campaign. Kristen Cooper, senior director of advancement, will be promoted to assistant vice president, Institutional Advancement Operations and Alumni/ae Engagement.

Outside of work, Amy serves on the Lake City Education Board of Directors and is a member of the City Council for Lake City.

Amy currently lives in Lake City, her hometown, with her husband, their two kids, and their three dogs.

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

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

Augsburg Facebook Live Events: 4/6 – 4/10

Facebook live speakers Leon van Eck, Ray Yip and campus pastorsThis week on the Augsburg Alumni Facebook page we have a terrific lineup of speakers for you. On Monday, April 6 at 3 p.m., you can take a tour with Leon Van Eck, assistant professor of biology of the amazing Hagfors Center Greenhouse. See the saved video here.

On Thursday, April 9 at 2 p.m., Dr. Ray Yip ‘72 will give a presentation hosted by President Paul Pribbenow on “COVID-19: What have we learned so far? And where do we go from here?” Dr. Yip is an international public health leader who has had a significant positive impact on global health. While in his retirement, he is advising numerous companies as well as state and local governments on the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Yip has held positions with UNICEF, the CDC, and most recently the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, focusing on public health efforts in China. Dr. Yip has made an impact on public health in the areas of HIV, TB, tobacco, and lowering child mortality rates in China. Ray is board certified in pediatrics and pediatric hematology and oncology.

You may submit any questions live during the broadcast or in advance by emailing Katie Code ‘01 at codek@augsburg.edu.

We end this week of Holy Week, by sharing with you the Good Friday daily chapel from Campus Ministry on Friday, April 10 at 10:40 am. You can find all daily chapel services on the Augsburg University Campus Ministry Facebook Page or on their YouTube Channel.

Last week, Renee Most, Director of the StepUP Program reminded us that even our virtual meetings and gatherings are important because they offer us some human connection and a glimpse into someone’s life.

I hope that you have found these Facebook live sessions helpful for your mind and soul. We enjoy creating them and wish you and your family peace and health during this time. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with your thoughts and ideas, we would love to hear from you.

-Katie Koch Code ‘01

A Sweetheart of a Sale – February 11 and 12

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, join the Augsburg Associates for a “Sweetheart of a Sale” on February 11th and 12th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Christensen Center. With vintage jewelry, Valentine-themed gifts, and more it will be a great opportunity to pick out unique and special treats for Valentine’s Day! Love is in the air… see you there!

Celebrating Donna McLean’s Retirement – December 12

Donna McLeanAfter 34 years, four positions, seven fundraising campaigns, 12 office moves and thousands of conversations with alumni, parents, and friends, Donna McLean has decided to retire from her work at Augsburg. Her last day will be December 20. Her time at Augsburg will be celebrated with a reception on December 12 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. (program at 4 p.m.) in the Arnold Atrium, Foss Center. All are welcome to attend.

“I have been extremely fortunate to participate in the exciting growth and development of this special place over the last 30 years,” Donna said. “It has truly been a privilege for me to serve Augsburg. I continue to be impressed by all that is Augsburg of today. I’ve had a most rewarding vocational journey here – the mission has always been my passion and the people my inspiration.”

Donna began her career at Augsburg as the assistant registrar in 1985. A year later she moved into the role of director of annual giving and held this position until 1990 when she became director of alumni and parent relations. She came back to fundraising in 1997 as the director of the Augsburg Fund and has held a number of positions in the advancement office since. Most recently, as a director of leadership gifts, Donna has had the opportunity to work with generous donors who wish to carry on the mission of the University through their philanthropy.

“In her 30+ year tenure at Augsburg, Donna McLean has had countless relationships with donors and alumni and has made a lasting impact through giving her time, talents and treasures to the University,” President Pribbenow said.

“At any Augsburg event, Donna probably knows half the guests and has made family connections with the other half,” said Martha Truax, director of leadership gifts. “Thanks to her incredible ability to build relationships and her genuine, contagious enthusiasm for Augsburg’s mission, she has helped donors create meaningful gifts that have transformed this campus.”

In 2011, she led a team of Auggie women who created AWE – Augsburg Women Engaged. This initiative serves as a catalyst for tapping the potential of Auggie women to connect, learn and give. This impressive group of women has generously supported several of Augsburg’s fundraising campaigns and most recently created the AWE Scholarship Endowed Fund that currently supports two AWE scholars.

One of her most rewarding experiences while working at Augsburg has been raising funds to support the StepUP Program, for students in recovery.  Donna wished to provide a legacy of support to the work of StepUP and in 2016, she established an endowed scholarship named the Donna Demler McLean Endowed Fund, in honor and memory of her son, Matthew, to provide financial support and encouragement to Augsburg students participating in the StepUP Program.

A meaningful way to thank Donna for her years of service to Augsburg would be a special gift to her scholarship fund.

We are collecting photos of Donna and her Auggie friends over the years for a slideshow at her retirement gathering. Please email any photos you would like to share to Martha Truax at truaxm@augsburg.edu by Monday, December 2.

Auggies, Together We can Give to the Max

link to give to the max day videoGive to the Max Day is set for November 14, but this year there will be 14 days of giving starting on November 1.

In 2019, Augsburg marks 150 years since its founding. Our sesquicentennial is a year-long opportunity to reflect on our past and present – to honor our leaders and legacies, and also to discover our roots. This Give to the Max Day (November 1 – November 14), we have a special goal, engaging 1,869 donors throughout all of our projects, to celebrate Augsburg’s founding in 1869.

Give to the Max!

See all 38 campus fundraising projects for Give to the Max Day below. From athletics to academics to campus and community programs, there’s an Augsburg University Give to the Max Day project for you!

  1. A-Club – Athletic Facilities led by Jeff Swenson ’79
  2. Augsburg Associates Endowed Scholarship led by Jessica Wahto ’98
  3. Augsburg Historic Film Digitization led by Bruce Nelson ’71
  4. Augsburg Women Engaged Endowed Scholarship led by Lisa Zeller ’81 (and ’89)
  5. Baseball led by Nick Rathmann ’03
  6. Biology Student Scholarship led by Lisa Raetz
  7. Campus Kitchen Program led by Natalie Jacobson
  8. Center for Global Education and Experience led by LaJune Lange ’75
  9. Chemistry Student Scholarship led by Michael Wentzel
  10. Cross Country led by Meghan Peyton
  11. Echo led by Chris Dykstra ’85
  12. English Speaker and Event Fund led by Doug Green
  13. Golf led by Eric Rolland
  14. Health Commons led by Katie Clark
  15. Lacrosse led by Delaney Everett ’18
  16. Latinx Student Services led by Ruby Murillo
  17. Mary Wilson Flute Scholarship led by Merilee Klemp
  18. Masters of Arts in Leadership led by Alan Tuchtenhagen
  19. Men’s Basketball led by Aaron Griess
  20. Men’s Hockey led by Mario Mjelleli
  21. Men’s Soccer led by Darcy Debbing ’77
  22. MFA – Howling Bird Press led by Amanda Symes ’09 (and ’16)
  23. Music Therapy led by Annie Heiderscheit
  24. Pan-Asian Spring Trip led by Mai Xee Vang
  25. Physics led by Ben Stottrup
  26. Religion Department led by Mike Matson ’06
  27. Sesquicentennial Endowed Scholarship led by Brandon Williams ’19
  28. Softball led by Melissa Lee ’04
  29. StepUP Program led by Toby Piper LaBelle ’96
  30. Strommen Center led by Lee George
  31. Undergraduate Research and Graduate Opportunities (URGO) Program led by Dean Sundquist ’81
  32. Undocumented Student Support led by Paul ’63 and LaVonne ’63 Batalden
  33. Urban Debate League Program led by Meg Luger-Nikolai
  34. Volleyball led by Jane Becker
  35. Women’s Basketball led by Aaron Griess
  36. Women’s Hockey led by Ashley Holmes
  37. Women’s Soccer led by Ashley Waalen ’17
  38. Wrestling led by Nick Slack ’02