Alumni Board

The Mission of the Augsburg Alumni Board is to create inclusive and engaging experiences for the Augsburg Community by strengthening relationships in support of the University’s Mission and Vision.

The Augsburg Alumni Board is an opportunity for alumni from all programs and class years to build relationships with each other and the University today. Members connect with institution leaders, faculty, and students to better understand and support the mission. If you are interested in learning more about the Alumni Board please contact Amy Alkire, Vice President for Advancement, at alkirea@augsburg.edu.

 

Lauren (Grafelman) Lesser ’12, Alumni Board President

Lauren graduated in 2012 with a BA in Accounting and a minor in Spanish. While at Augsburg, she participated in the Augsburg University Band, Campus Ministries, and the Honors Program. She joined the YAC to stay connected with the university and to help others stay engaged and involved in the Augsburg community. Lauren currently works as a Finance Manager at Prime Therapeutics. Prior to working at Prime, she spent nearly 5 years with Thomson Reuters holding various financial analyst roles. Lauren graduated in 2015 from Hamline University with her Masters of Business Administration (MBA). Outside of work, Lauren enjoys traveling, running, reading, scrapbooking, and spending time with friends and family. Lauren, her husband, and their daughter currently reside in St Louis Park.

 

Margaret Albers ’21

Margaret Albers graduated from Augsburg University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and is currently a student in the MAL program at Augsburg. While an undergraduate student, she was also a music minor and was heavily involved with music ensembles around campus and within the music department. She was a Music Office student worker, as well as the Concert Band Manager during her senior year. She played flute in the Concert Band for all four years during undergrad, performed with the orchestra on several occasions, was in numerous chamber ensembles, and performed with the orchestra at Advent Vespers. Margaret is staying involved on campus as a graduate student by participating in Augsburg’s Flute Ensemble, attending various events around campus, and staying connected on social media.

Margaret is currently a middle school paraprofessional in St. Paul and has held various other positions including being a kitchen worker at Izzy’s Ice Cream, a Personal Care Assistant, a Direct Care Professional with ACR Homes, and a Rehearsal Assistant with the Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies (GTCYS). She also worked as a Guest Relations Associate during the 2021 Minnesota State Fair! Margaret currently lives in St. Paul with her family.

 

Berlynn Bitengo ’21

Berlynn Bitengo is a recent graduate of Augsburg University with a Bachelor of Arts in International Business and Marketing and is currently an MBA student at Augsburg. In her time as an undergraduate student, she was involved in several activities on campus, including the Honors Board, Pan Afrikan Student Union, The Echo, The Augsburg Business Organization, Campus Kitchen, Augsem, Orientation Leader, Student Government, and working at the Department of Public Safety. Berlynn is joining the council because she believes it is important to show future, current, and past students that the university not only cares about them when they are attending the University but even after they have finished. Berlynn is looking forward to working with the other council members in connecting Augsburg Alumni over the coming years.

 

​Evan Decker ’12 ’18 MBA

Evan graduated in 2012 with a double major in MIS and Management and in 2018 he earned his MBA with a concentration in Finance. In his time as an undergrad, 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 at Calabrio, a software company in Minneapolis. Evan has stayed involved at Augsburg since 2015, first serving on the Young Alumni Council and then moving to the Alumni Board in 2019. Evan lives downtown and in his free time enjoys exploring the city.

 

Charlotte Deegan ’12 and ’19

Charlotte graduated from Augsburg in 2012 with a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a focus in Pre-Primary. After she graduated she went on to teach in Brooklyn Park. She found that her passion was working closely with the children and their families. This led her to pursue her Master of Social Work starting in 2017 and graduating in 2019 from Augsburg. During 2020-2021 while schools were distance learning, Charlotte created a Distance Learning Center for Atomic Data in Downtown Minneapolis that allowed all the employees’ kids to come daily and receive in person instruction, while feeling they are having a school experience. Charlotte is now the After-School Director and Summer Programs Supervisor at a Minneapolis school.

During her time at Augsburg, Charlotte kept herself busy. She enjoyed volunteering at local schools, while helping out organize school social events. Charlotte has always enjoyed the opportunities to work with others and find ways they can be engaged. Her interest in the Alumni Board was through her involvement as an Alumni representative / Student relations at her high school, Minnehaha Academy.

In her free time, Charlotte enjoys attending concerts, traveling, hanging out with family and friends, trying new restaurants and cheering on the Minnesota Vikings. She currently lives in Highland Park in Saint Paul.

Jacquelyn Fritz ’11

Jackie graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science in Biopsychology. During her time at Augsburg, she worked as a student athletic trainer with many of the sports teams. The connections she made while working with the Augsburg team physicians from Twin Cities Orthopedics (TCO), led to her employment with the company following graduation.

She began working at TCO in June 2011 and is still employed with there today. She works as a clinical and research assistant to a foot and ankle surgeon. She has been published as a co-author in multiple orthopedic foot and ankle journals for research pertaining to total ankle arthroplasties. In addition to her clinical role, she also works with the Regenerative Medicine team at TCO assisting in bone marrow aspirate procedures.

Jackie was previously a member of the Augsburg Young Alumni Council from 2015-2019. She has always enjoyed the opportunity to engage with current students, faculty, and alumni. She believes that the Alumni Board serves as a way to continue building relationships within Augsburg long after graduation.

In her free time, Jackie enjoys traveling, fishing and cheering on Minnesota sports teams. She currently lives in South Minneapolis.

 

Willie Giller ’19

Willie is a Sr. Treasury Analyst on the Capital and Liquidity Management team at Ameriprise Financial, a diversified financial services company that provides financial planning products and services. He began his career at Ameriprise by joining the Finance Leadership Development Program (FLDP) which is a two-year program that had him rotate through three different groups within corporate finance. Willie graduated from Augsburg in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in finance and was fortunate enough to study the European Union while studying abroad in Freiburg, Germany.

Willie kept himself busy while on campus where he was part of the Emerging Leaders Program, Kemper Scholars Program, Augsburg Student Activities Council, Student Government, and a student assistant for the Institutional Advancement office. During the ’20-’21 academic school year, Willie was the co-chair of the Augsburg Fund where he worked with Institutional Advancement to fundraise over $1m that was able to go into a general fund to support the overall student experience.

Willie joined the council in 2021 and is looking forward to what this group can accomplish over the coming years. Go Auggies! 

 

Janice Gladden ’14

Janice Gladden is a Manager in the Fulfillment – Recoveries Department at Target Corporation Northern Campus. In this role, Janice is responsible for leading her team to meet the needs of both our partners, guests, and 3^rd party law firms and collection agencies, who collect on Target’s behalf. Her role also involves being an ambassador for change and assisting the team members through the change process.

Janice came to Target Corporation in 1995 and has had many roles, always coming back to her passion for working with individuals on their development. In 2011, during her second year as an Augsburg Weekend College student, she captained the Continuing Education Network to help those navigating being a full-time team member and a full-time student. Janice received a B.A. degree in Communications from Augsburg College in 2014, graduating Magna Cum Laude, and continues to provide mentoring and inspiration to others in the pursuit of higher education.

Janice resides in Eden Prairie with her husband Dan and has 2 grown daughters, Ashley and Whitney, living nearby. She welcomed a granddaughter in October 2019. Whitney is a graduate of the Augsburg Class of 2012 with a B.A. in Communications. She is a proud grandmother of one with another on the way in October! She enjoys all sports, especially baseball and the Pittsburgh Steelers, and looks forward to bringing her passion for developing others to the Alumni Board.

 

Amanda Hanson ’14

Amanda graduated from Augsburg with Summa Cum Laude honors in 2014 with a BA in Finance. While
attending Augsburg weekend and night college, she also participated in Augsburg’s Step-Up program,
while gaining work experience in architecture design and banking. In 2019, Amanda obtained her MBA with emphasis in Business Analytics and Data Science from Hamline University, resulting in recruitment from Adobe’s MBA talent team.

Amanda is currently a Finance Leader at Adobe in San Francisco Bay area, holding numerous finance positions at Adobe ranging from cloud technology, corporate, and currently product. While at Adobe she has also facilitated a diversity and inclusion group and an MBA community group. Prior to Adobe, Amanda has held Finance positions at IHC Group, Virtual Radiologic, Cargill, and Eaton Hydraulics. Outside of work, Amanda is an amateur boxer, enjoys running, volunteers with underserved youth, and spends time with friends. She currently resides in San Jose, CA.

 

Ian Heseltine ’21

Ian graduated from Augsburg University in May of 2021 with a BA in Religion & Business Administration (Music Business). While at Augsburg, he participated in the Augsburg Choir, Campus Ministries, KAUG,  Emerging Leaders Program, the Senior Leadership Society, worked in the University’s Admissions Office, Music Department, and Christensen Center for Vocation. Ian currently serves at Mount Olivet Lutheran Church of Plymouth in Plymouth, MN as their Marketing & Communications Coordinator. He plans to start his Master of Arts degree in Diaconal Ministry at Wartburg Theological Seminary this fall. Ian is joining the Alumni Board because he believes in Augsburg as an intuition that truly lives into its mission to educate students to be informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers, and responsible leaders. He wants to be apart of the ongoing work of connecting future, current, and past students together. Outside of work, Ian enjoys traveling, being on or near water, spending time with family and friends, and singing whenever he can.

Collin Katainen ’14

Collin Katainen is the Director of General Studies at Yeshiva of Minneapolis; a private high school in St. Louis Park. As a school administrator, he oversees curriculum development, budgets, and staffing as well as teaching 12th-grade Economics and U.S. Government. Collin began his education career teaching middle and high school social studies; receiving his Secondary Social Studies License from Augsburg in 2010, and then his Master’s in Education in 2014. Collin is currently completing the Principal Licensure Program at Concordia University.

As an undergrad at Upper Iowa University; Collin’s focus was working with at-risk youth, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a minor in Sociology with an emphasis in conflict resolution and adjustment. He is a graduate of the Paideia Institute at Augsburg and the Kaplan Professional School for Real Estate. Collin continues to work in Real Estate as a licensed Realtor for REMAX Synergy. Collin lives in Vadnais Heights with his wife and two children Dylan and Hayden. His personal hobbies include downhill skiing, golf, and travel throughout the Caribbean.

 

Jay Lepper ’95

Jay graduated from Augsburg with a BA in History as well as completing the teacher licensure program in secondary social studies.  While a student at Augsburg Jay was a member of the football team, was involved in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, participated in the phone-a-thon, and worked on campus in the football office.  Jay also earned his MA in Education and completed the Principal Licensure Program at Saint Mary’s University. Jay has taught high school social studies, served as a dean of students, and coached football, hockey, and track and field in a 25-year career in secondary education. Jay is currently the Associate Principal at Burnsville High School. In his role, he serves as the administrator over activities, world language, social studies, career/technological education, and physical education/health as well as overseeing various other programmings, development and outside partnership areas.  

Jay joined the Alumni Board in 2017 because he wanted to promote the values, mission, and goals of Augsburg, a school that positively developed and prepared him for the life and leadership that he would come to experience. Jay’s goal as a member of the Alumni Board is to act as an ambassador of Augsburg, promoting and planning opportunities for alumni to become involved with each other and with current students through various on and off-campus programs and events throughout the year, fostering an important relationship between alumni and the university.

Jay lives in Savage with his wife Natasha and five children. They enjoy spending lake time at the cabin and following their children as they compete in their various activities.  

 

 

Carissa Miller ’13

Carissa Miller is a Consultant with Daugherty Business Solutions specializing in Agile Coaching. She has previously held positions in Technical Recruitment, Management, and Sales.

Carissa graduated from Augsburg in 2013 with a BA in International Business, she was on the Cross-Country Running team, co-captain of the Hockey team, and helped form Augsburg’s first women’s Lacrosse team. In her free time, Carissa volunteers weekly as a tutor with Reading Partners at Morris Park Academy. Her interests include Science Fiction, crafting with her Cricut, painting 3D prints, and loves attending video game and comic conventions. She lives in Oakdale with her fiancé Zach and spends her summer weekends at their cabin in Sturgeon Lake, MN.

Carissa is currently pursuing a Master of Professional Studies in Organizational Development and Change at Penn State University.  Her interest in the Alumni Board was through involvement in Alumni/Student relations events like Auggie Take Out and Alumni/Student Networking Events. She credits fellow board member Jay Howard for encouraging her to apply and is very excited to give back to the school that gave her so many opportunities in life.

Guillaume is new to the Alumni Board and is excited to serve.  His interest in the Alumni Board was piqued after attending a social between current Augsburg students and Alumni.  The event impacted him and allowed him to recognize the positive impact Alumni could have on the university and its students. Guillaume currently lives in Brooklyn Park with his wife Vicki, and two boys, Colton & Oliver.

Katelyn Rakotoarivelo ’12

Mathew Shannon ’04 

Mr. Mathew Shannon is an established human resource professional and currently works at Medtronic as the Senior Diversity Talent Acquisition Specialist. While growing up in Minneapolis, MN, Mathew realized that one of the keys to successful communities is the presence of positive leadership. Having a few key mentors in his life during transitional times was helpful in making important decisions. Mathew led by example as an All-State and All-American student-athlete in track and field throughout his high school and college careers. Mr. Shannon has his BA degree in Business and Communication Arts from Augsburg University located in Minneapolis, MN.

Mr. Shannon’s professional investments are currently centered on diversity and inclusion, project management, and talent acquisition. Mathew has a successful background in insurance sales, program management, and leadership/professional development. His sincere passion for making a difference in the lives of other people is a driving force that creates a positive synergy that Mathew shares with his colleagues and the communities he serves.

Mathew also serves on the alumni board at Augsburg University and facilitates professional development workshops to help others make their greatest contribution to society. Wellness is an important part of life and Mathew enjoys fitness challenges, photography, and music.

 

Dave Stevens ’90

Dave Stevens, born without legs in the late 1960s, was put up for adoption and was raised by two loving and supportive parents who instilled core values that helped make him the man he is today. In the years before adaptive sports, Dave played able-bodied sports and became a pioneer in his home state of Arizona.

Dave played basketball, floor hockey, volleyball, softball before becoming a three-sport varsity athlete at Wickenburg High School in Arizona. He was awarded a scholarship to Augsburg University in Minnesota. It was there he became the only legless player in college football history. His success eventually led to a tryout with the Dallas Cowboys and representing Team USA playing football in New Zealand, Australia, and Ireland.

Off the field, Dave enjoyed 30+ years in sports broadcasting, with duties ranging from reporter to video editor, to producer. He spent 20+ years working at ESPN, where he earned seven national sports Emmys. He has covered Super Bowls, World Series, Final Fours, and anything in-between.

Dave is a sought-after motivational speaker for corporations, schools, sports, and civic organizations and is a reporter for The Disability Channel. In his spare time, he volunteers as a board member for NubAbility Athletics, which puts on sports camps for “Limb-Different” Athletes. He also co-hosts the Celebrity Amputee Golf Classic in Florida and is an Ambassador Athlete for the Dave Clark Foundation, putting on free clinics with Minor League baseball teams for differently-abled children.  In 2021 Dave became a professional in residence at Quinnipiac University and oversees the new Ability Media initiative at the college to teach media and production to disabled students and create job opportunities and careers. Dave is a father of 3 teen boys and resides in Bristol CT.

 

Schuyler Tilson-Doheny ’10

Schuyler is an Associate Attorney at Berg Myers Law Offices in Hopkins, Minnesota. The practice areas she specializes in are probate, estate planning, guardianships, and Native American law. Schuyler previously worked for two and a half years as a Staff Attorney for the Ho-Chunk Nation, a Native American tribe in Wisconsin. Schuyler grew up in Northfield, Minnesota, where she attended a Spanish-immersion school. Schuyler received her undergraduate degree from Augsburg University in 2010 with focuses in History, American Indian Studies, and Spanish. She earned her law degree from William Mitchell College of Law in St. Paul (now Mitchell-Hamline) in 2016. Skye, as her family calls her, lives in St. Louis Park with her husband and son.