Paul ’63 and LaVonne ’63 Batalden’s experience as students at Augsburg continues to inspire their generosity. Over the years, they have supported initiatives such as the Norman and Evangeline Hagfors Center for Science, Business, and Religion; the Batalden Faculty Scholar Program in Applied Ethics; and, most recently, the establishment of the Batalden Assistant Dean of Student Success and Belonging.

Paul’s connection to Augsburg spans three generations. His grandfather served on a planning committee to develop a college for Lutheran immigrants, and his father, Abner, graduated from Augsburg College in 1935. “When it came time for college, there wasn’t much conversation about it,” Paul joked. LaVonne, however, was initially set on Gustavus. After encouragement from her pastor, she decided to visit Augsburg. “Mark Johnson was an admissions counselor, and I was impressed with the personal attention I received, so I decided to go,” LaVonne shared. 

Paul and LaVonne attribute their sense of belonging to their success at Augsburg. “Because the classes were so small, the faculty really knew you,” LaVonne said. “Yes, the faculty was key to my sense of belonging,” added Paul. “They encouraged my curiosity and taught me to love ideas and how they can change the future.” Paul graduated with a degree in chemistry, and LaVonne graduated with a degree in biology. They both had careers in academia, Paul at Dartmouth College and LaVonne at Colby-Sawyer College. Throughout her career, LaVonne always thought back to the advantage of her liberal arts education. “It was my non-science courses that stuck with me over the years. They gave me a broader perspective than I might not have otherwise acquired.”

Recognizing the powerful relationship between community, growth, and achievement, Paul and LaVonne established the Batalden Assistant Dean of Student Success and Belonging as part of the Promising Futures: Faithful and Relevant campaign. “The college experience is rooted in connection,” Paul reflected. “In many ways, learning involves feeling like you belong—both in your coursework and community. This role will facilitate student success by ensuring they can exercise their curiosity and creativity among peers from all walks of life. Belonging is key to advancing our future as a planet of people from different backgrounds.”

The Bataldens share a deep excitement as they envision the future of Augsburg. “Augsburg was founded by a community of Norwegian immigrants who shared a desire to equip themselves and their children with the knowledge they would need to be successful in this new country. In that spirit, they built a community that recognized how values were important to the learning process,” LaVonne said. “Valuing belonging helps awaken the capabilities of generosity, creativity, and kindness,” Paul added. “We truly believe in Augsburg’s mission to prepare students to lead meaningful lives.”