And just like that, summer is winding down and campus life is back in full swing!

Augsburg has been buzzing with energy as students return to campus. New Auggies are taking part in SOAR programming, residence halls are filling up, and student-athletes are back on the field and in the gym. Across campus, faculty and staff are also preparing to welcome students and begin a new academic year.

For alumni, the sights and sounds of this time of year may bring back memories of your own first days at Augsburg – moving into the residence halls, finding your way around campus, meeting new classmates and wondering what the years ahead might hold. A new class of Auggies is experiencing those moments for themselves this week.

The official kickoff for the 2026–27 academic year takes place Tuesday, September 1, with Opening Convocation. The Augsburg community will gather to welcome new students and mark the beginning of another year of learning, growth and connection.

Classes begin this week on Wednesday, September 2, but orientation programming has been underway in the days leading up to the first day of classes. Auggie Days, our first-year welcome week, welcomed new students to campus, while First-Year First Day gave students a chance to meet with their AugSem classes. Transfer SOAR also helped transfer students get oriented, meet their classmates and begin finding their place in the Augsburg community.

As another academic year begins, we’re excited to see campus come alive once again. There’s something special about this time of year at Augsburg – the familiar energy of a new semester and the excitement of all that’s still to come. A new class of Auggies is making memories of their own this week and, just as generations of students have done before them, beginning their Augsburg stories.

Welcome back to our Auggies, and here’s to a great year ahead!

As today’s Auggies move through the spring semester in Minneapolis, we invite Augsburg alumni, supporters, and friends to share a brief message of encouragement and support for our students. Your words can remind them that they are valued, that they belong, and that a caring Augsburg community stands with them.

Thank you for supporting Augsburg students and for being part of a community that cares deeply about access to education and the wellbeing of our neighbors.

Send a message of support here.

Augsburg is now welcoming applications for new Alumni Board members. This is a meaningful opportunity to support the university by strengthening connections among alumni, students, and the wider Augsburg community.

Alumni Board members help imagine new ways for Auggies to stay engaged, foster relationships between alumni and current students, and create spaces for the Augsburg community to come together.

New members will begin their terms this summer.

Fill out this application if you are interested.

To learn more, visit the Alumni Board page or reach out to alumni@augsburg.edu

At Augsburg, our students are constantly drawn into conversation with their neighbors, invited to explore across disciplines and perspectives, and engaged in the hands-on work of building a meaningful life together. In the midst of these last weeks on campus, our community has rallied together to support and care for each other.

The world needs more Auggies and Auggies need our unwavering support. We are committed to a college experience where every student has access to transformative opportunities and the support to navigate them with confidence.

Philanthropic funding is what makes this promise a reality. Will you make a gift to support the Augsburg Fund today? Your gift to the Augsburg Fund by December 31 makes it possible for us to continue supporting the students we are privileged to serve today, and those who will come in the future.

Thank you for a gift before the end of the year, and for your faithful partnership in this critical work.

Make a gift today!

We encourage donors to make credit card gifts through our secure website at augsburg.edu/giving. If you prefer to mail us your credit card information, it must arrive in our office no later than Tuesday, December 30. For check donations, please ensure they are postmarked by Wednesday, December 31. If you have any questions, feel free to call us at 612-330-1613.

Augsburg athletics legend Stanford ‘Stan’ Nelson ’43 passed away on November 20, 2025, at the incredible age of 105.

After growing up in Dawson, MN, Stan immersed himself in the Augsburg community, earning 12 varsity letters in football, basketball, baseball, and golf. Augsburg connections ran deep in the Nelson family—Stan’s brother, Edor Nelson ’38, would become the Auggies’ longtime football and baseball coach. Stan was inducted into the Augsburg Athletic Hall of Fame in 1977 and received the 2024 Legend of Augsburg Athletics Award. 

After the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor, Stan enlisted in the U.S. Navy as an officer (Lieutenant Junior Grade) during World War II, serving in the Normandy invasion and the Pacific theater. Following the war, he earned his master’s degree. He had an extensive career as a football coach at Anoka High School, leading the team to seven conference championships and the 1964 Minnesota state championship. He was named the MHSCA Coach of the Year in 1964 and was named to several Halls of Fame for his coaching accomplishments. He will be remembered as an Auggie whose dedication, leadership, and service made an enduring impact on his community. 

There will be a visitation on Tuesday, December 2, from 9–11 a.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Anoka, with a service to follow at 11 a.m.

Learn about Stan’s incredible life in these articles: 

• Stan Nelson, WWII veteran and Anoka icon, dies at 105 (Anoka County Union Herald, November 2025)
• In Minnesota football circles, the life story of Stan Nelson, nearly 103, is impossible to beat (Minnesota Star Tribune, September 2023)

Please join us in keeping Stan’s family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.

Ross Murray ’00, ’09, and his husband, Richard Garnett ’07, ’09, share a unique bond as both double alumni of Augsburg University. Ross graduated with a degree in Youth and Family Ministry, while Richard graduated with a degree in computer science. Together, they completed their MBA in 2009. “We decided that going to graduate school would be a good couples-building activity,” Ross joked. Today, that shared Augsburg foundation continues to shape their lives in meaningful ways—evident in Ross’s recognition as one of Augsburg’s 2025 Distinguished Alumni.

His impressive career centers on faith and advocacy, as he is both an ordained deacon and Vice President of the GLAAD Media Institute. When reflecting on what this recognition means to him, Ross shared, “It’s a huge honor to be in the company of others who have built these social enterprises that are supporting their community. It’s truly amazing.” His national leadership and reputation can be traced back to his formative years at Augsburg. 

While attending community college, Ross was part of an honor society that helped students gain admission to four-year institutions, and Augsburg seemed like a good fit. “Augsburg was really good with how they treated transfer students and accepted credits from other places,” Ross shared. Experiences with Campus Ministry and service learning opportunities began shaping his pathway of faith and advocacy. “Working with people in the community allowed me to put myself in scenarios where I’m connecting with people from all walks of life,” he reflected. Attending Augsburg also gave Ross the chance to embrace himself. “I used my move to Minneapolis and Augsburg as a way to begin showing up authentically,” he shared. Reconciling his Christian faith and gay identity empowered him to pursue a vocation grounded in integrity and service. 

The values Ross cultivated at Augsburg not only informed his career choices, but also inform philanthropic causes he and his husband choose to support. “Richard and I ask ourselves what institutions can help society build a better future and be a leader in that effort—and this is where Augsburg becomes especially important,” Ross shared as he reflected on the state of higher education. “It’s in a unique position to have a sincere religious conviction while also ensuring outreach is as inclusive as possible.” He noted the growing Somali population and programs like StepUP, which help students in recovery, and Augsburg Family Scholars, which provides support for students who have experienced the foster care system. “This is why unrestricted giving is so beneficial,” Richard added. “We trust the university to deploy our gifts to the areas of greatest need. Augsburg has done a lot to help elevate people who might need a little extra support.” 

Ross and Richard continue to see the unlimited potential of current and future Auggies. “Augsburg has always been a place that has fostered connection and dialogue as a way to confront challenges and build bridges,” Ross said. “If we could provide one message to students, it would be to be the advocates and leaders they wish to see in the world,” Richard added. Just as Augsburg shaped their journeys, Ross and Richard now model what it means to live out a life of authenticity, advocacy, and service. 

Join Ross, Richard, and others in making a gift for Give to the Max Day between now and November 20 to help advance Augsburg’s mission and continue their legacy of giving back. Generosity helps unlock the potential of current and future Auggies! 

Ingrid Shelby (Gimse) Andress ’56 passed away peacefully on November 1, 2025.

Shelby’s impact on Augsburg cannot be quantified. As a student, Shelby majored in English and became the first female student body president in Augsburg’s history. In 1956, Shelby married fellow Auggie Jim Andress ’51. The two committed to supporting Augsburg through volunteering and philanthropic support for the rest of their lives. 

As an alumna, Shelby was deeply involved with Augsburg Women Engaged, supported students through mentorship, started the Jim and Shelby Andress Education Scholarship to support current students who have a passion for teaching, and visited campus often to stay connected to the work that was happening at Augsburg. In 1992, Shelby received the Distinguished Alumni Award. She also named Augsburg as a beneficiary of her estate, ensuring her support for the university would continue.

Shelby’s career sent her around the country to study and consult on effective youth development while working at Search Institute. During her time as a consultant, she worked with over 350 communities in over 35 states. Shelby has authored or co-authored 16 research-based publications, and spoke at local, state, and national levels.

In reflecting upon why she felt so deeply committed to staying connected to Augsburg, Shelby shared that, “Augsburg gives students a vision for their lives that they never dreamed they could even have.”

Read Shelby’s obituary here 

Join the Augsburg Community for Give to the Max 2025

On November 20, Augsburg alumni, parents, students, and friends will come together for Give to the Max Day 2025 – a celebration of generosity, community spirit, and Auggie pride. Early giving begins on November 1! 

This year, 32 Augsburg fundraising initiatives are raising funds to support students. Whether you give to one project or several, every gift – no matter the size – makes a lasting impact.

Ways to Participate

Make a Gift:
Explore our list of projects and give to the areas that mean the most to you.

Gift of stock or IRA distribution:
If you’re considering these options, please reach out to our advancement office at giving@augsburg.edu for more details.

Spread the Word:
You can make a big impact by helping us share about Augsburg during these days of giving:

• Share your favorite Augsburg projects on social media. Use the hashtag #AuggiesGive and tag @AugsburgUniversity and @AugsburgAlumni to join the online celebration.
• Send messages to friends, fellow Auggies, and family about how Augsburg University has made a difference in your life!

Every Act of Generosity Matters

Our Augsburg community knows how to make a difference. Together, we can raise funds for the programs and projects that empower and inspire our students to thrive – on campus, in the community, and out in the world.

Join us this November for Give to the Max 2025!

What a wonderful Homecoming weekend! The energy on campus was truly unmatched as alumni, students, families, friends, faculty, and staff came together to celebrate all things Augsburg. 

From reconnecting with classmates (including the Class of 1975 celebrating their 50th reunion!) and cheering on Auggie athletes and musicians, to honoring our outstanding alumni at the Distinguished Alumni Awards and Athletic Hall of Fame, and supporting students at Taste of Augsburg and the Music Showcase – the weekend was filled with connection, community, and Auggie pride.

We’re so grateful to everyone who joined in throughout the weekend. Your presence helps make the Augsburg community as special as it is.

We can’t wait to gather again soon – be sure to stay tuned for more opportunities to visit campus and get involved.

More Homecoming photos will be coming soon! Go Auggies!

Meet Ellie Schwartz ’20. Ellie is the founder and creative director of OF THE NORTH, a digital marketing and social media agency based on the North Shore of O‘ahu but serving clients nationwide.

What keeps you busy these days? What are you doing for work and for play?

Becoming a business owner definitely keeps me busy—I like to joke that I traded in my 9-to-5 for a 24/7. I live full-time in Hawai‘i, and in 2024 I founded Of the North (OTN), a digital marketing and social media agency based on the North Shore of O‘ahu but serving clients nationwide. My work blends deep brand research with creative execution—taking the time to truly understand a brand, then bringing that strategy to life across websites, social media, and digital campaigns. We work with an incredible range of clients in industries like hospitality, beauty, wellness, fitness, food and beverage, and CPG. Outside of work (though I consider much of what I do to be a form of play), you can usually find me surfing, free diving, hiking, or staying active at my local workout studios.

What is a piece of advice that you would give to a current Auggie or young alumni?

Make the most of every opportunity Augsburg offers—there are countless resources, grants, and people eager to support you. During my sophomore year, I received Augsburg’s environmental stewardship grant, which allowed me to travel to Hawai‘i for the first time to live and work on an organic coffee and fruit farm. I was able to turn that experience into an independent study, gaining hands-on knowledge and building connections that shaped my post-college career. Opportunities don’t always look like their final form at the start—sometimes they plant seeds that will grow into something you can’t yet imagine. Stay curious, stay open, and take advantage of the people and programs around you.

Who is an Auggie (alumni, faculty/staff, friend, etc.) that inspires you or that has impacted you and why?

My dad. He coached Augsburg’s Men’s Hockey team and has been one of my greatest influences, both personally and professionally. His lessons went far beyond the ice—about preparation, resilience, teamwork, and leadership. Now, as a business owner, I find myself drawing on those same principles daily. There are so many parallels between sports and entrepreneurship, and I’m grateful to have had a lifelong mentor who modeled what relationship-building, dedication and integrity look like in action.

What is a fun or favorite memory of your time at Augsburg?

My Augsburg memories start long before college. Growing up, my siblings and I basically lived on campus—Si Melby was our playground. One minute we’d be shooting hoops in the gym, the next we’d be playing racquetball, tumbling on the mats in the wrestling room, or running laps under the dome. Augsburg always felt like a second home, so attending as a student was a full-circle moment for me.

Thank you, Ellie!