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 Nathan Berkas, Director, Alumni Relations and Annual Giving, at berkasn@augsburg.edu.

 

Matthew Arthur-Gray ’17

Matthew Arthur-Gray is a distinguished leader with a career spanning strategic leadership positions in countries that include the United States, Vietnam, Nicaragua, and South Africa. He is renowned for his expertise in enhancing customer engagement across diverse retail and digital environments, where he currently serves in senior leadership at Zwilling, a globally recognized brand synonymous with culinary excellence. His professional journey has seen significant roles at top-tier organizations such as Malin+Goetz, Target, and AT&T, evidencing a steadfast commitment to excellence.

Matthew holds a Doctorate in Education from Vanderbilt University, a Master’s in Organizational Leadership from Augsburg University, and a Bachelor’s in Science from the University of Wisconsin-Superior.

Beyond his professional pursuits, he passionately advocates for educational equity and LGBTQ+ rights. His contributions include serving on the Board of Trustees for Brooklyn Laboratory Charter School, the Board of Directors for Cotlands (South Africa), and establishing Raising Queer Voices, a nonprofit organization dedicated to amplifying LGBTQ+ people and perspectives. Through his professional achievements and philanthropic activities, Matthew demonstrates an unwavering dedication to fostering inclusive communities and advancing the welfare of individuals and society.

 

Berlynn Bitengo ’21, President

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 as a Salesforce consultant. Evan has stayed involved at Augsburg since 2015, first serving on the Young Alumni Council and then moving to the Alumni Board in 2019.

 

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 Director of After School, Enrichment and Summer Programs at Minnehaha Academy. This past year, Charlotte and a friend started a non-profit called 4:13 Athletics, a faith-based, sports driven youth organization that exists to provide enrichment opportunities to Twin Cities youth by using athletics as a platform to provide educational resources, mentorship, and community service throughout the greater metro area.

During her time at Augsburg, Charlotte kept herself busy. She enjoyed volunteering at local schools, while helping organize school social events. Charlotte loved being social with her friends and attending all of Augsburg’s events, especially sporting 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, photography, 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.

 

Stacy Frost ’99

Bio coming soon

 

 

 

 

Ian Heseltine ’21, Vice President

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. 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 completed the Ed.S. 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 Coldwell Banker. 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, Secretary

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.  

 

Karen Levinson ’73

Karen is an Albert Lea MN native, born in 1951, graduated high school in 1969, then graduated from Augsburg with a bachelors degree in Medical Technology in 1973. She worked in various hospital clinical laboratories including Metropolitan Medical Center in Minneapolis, Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Fairbanks Memorial in Fairbanks AK, Albany Medical Center in Albany NY, Marshfield Clinic in Marshfield WI, and St. Joseph’s in St. Paul. She ended her 45 year career with an 11 year stint as a technical support specialist for Diagnostica Stago, Inc., an in-vitro diagnostic instrumentation company.

Karen is a mother, and a grandmother. Now in retirement, she volunteers at her church office and also for Dakota County, especially in the Wetland Health program. She is an avid reader averaging around 15 books a month. She knits hats, scarves, afghans and sweaters. Her golden doodle keeps her on her toes and they walk between 4-5 miles each day.

 

Lewis Nelson ’00

Lewis graduated in 2000 (B.A., History). During his time at Augsburg, Lewis was a member of the football team (including the 1997 MIAC championship squad) and track & field team and also served as an orientation leader, campus tour guide, resident advisor (RA) in Urness Tower, and student activities council member (on-campus music events). Additionally, he was a member of the Pan Asian American Student club and completed a global study abroad program.

After graduation, Lewis enlisted in the U.S. Army the day following the 9/11 attacks. He served seven years active duty, including two combat tours to Iraq with the 101st Airborne Division. He later served another eight years in federal service as a federal intelligence officer for multiple three-letter government agencies. He later earned an MBA from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business and currently serves as a commercial executive at Enerpac Tool Group, Milwaukee, WI. He is also a December 2024 Master of Public Administration and Policy (MPAP) candidate at American University, Washington, D.C.

Lewis lives in Charlottesville, VA, with his partner Jocelyn and has three children (American University 2026, Old Dominion University 2027, and a high school senior).

 

Kristen Opalinski ’03

Kristen serves as the Manager for Ecumenical and Inter-Religious Relations on the staff of the Office of the Presiding Bishop for the Evangelical Lutheran church in America (ELCA). Her role centers around shepherding new and existing ecumenical and inter-religious partnerships, communicating their work, and assisting in the development of resources for engagement and formation of ELCA members in the work of ecumenical and inter-religious relations.

 

From 2010-2014, Kristen served as regional communications officer for the Lutheran Communion in Southern Africa (LUCSA). During her tenure with LUCSA, Kristen was an interfaith delegate at COP17 (UN climate conference in Durban) and served as the communications director for the Interfaith Action for Peace in Africa’s (IFAPA) 2012 summit in Johannesburg. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for OMNIA Institute for Contextual Leadership, a global interfaith peacemaking organization based in Chicago, and as a North American advisor for the South Africa-based NGO, Sonke Gender Justice.

Kristen graduated from Augsburg in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art. She is a 2016 graduate of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Philadelphia (now United Lutheran Seminary), where she earned a Master of Arts in Religion with specializations in public leadership and conflict transformation. In addition, Kristen has been a part of the Summer Peacebuilding Institute at Eastern Mennonite University and the Summer Institute for Reconciliation at Duke Divinity School. Kristen is an artist, photographer, graphic designer, writer, composer and equity and human rights advocate. Her work has been featured by the Lutheran World Federation, the Product (RED) Campaign, CNN, the United Nations, The Desmond Tutu Peace Foundation, and Westminster John Knox Press.

 

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.

 

Chase Webber ’20

Chase studied computer science and mathematics at Augsburg and attended law school at the University of Minnesota. He now practices civil litigation at the Minneapolis City Attorney’s Office. Chase is a graduate of Augsburg’s StepUP program and has worked and volunteered extensively in the local recovery community, most recently with Lawyers Concerned for Lawyers to help provide support and address stigma for law students and legal professionals recovering from substance use and mental illness. On the Alumni Board, he is eager to help facilitate student-alumni connections for mentorship and mutual growth. Chase lives in Northeast Minneapolis with his wife, their two dogs, and countless houseplants. He prefers black coffee and handwritten notes.

 

Pang Dao Xiong ’24

Pang Dao graduated with her marketing degree currently works full time with Travelers as an Operations Specialist. During her time at Augsburg, she was heavily involved on campus. She was the Chair of Finance for Hmong Women Together 22-23 and the PASS Intern for the Pan Asian Student Services office 23-24. On top of that, she was active in other student organizations as well.