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Stacy Schmitt receives 2008 Thoni Award

thoni_awardAt Augsburg’s June commencement ceremony, Rochester graduate Stacy Schmitt received the Richard J. Thoni Award. The award is presented to a graduating student whose actions, commitments, and future aspirations most profoundly demonstrate a commitment to Augsburg’s motto of “Education for Service.”

Stacy, a mother of two, began her college career at Augsburg in 2006 and completed her program, graduating with highest honors, in just over 2 years. She not only moved through the degree program with unusual swiftness, she did so while maintaining the roles of full-time employee at Mayo Clinic, mother, wife, and community leader. Continue reading “Stacy Schmitt receives 2008 Thoni Award”

From the orchestra to the NRC

physicsSpotlight on Cynthia (Landowski) Jones, PhD ’81, Physics

It took a fractured wrist from a toga party at Augsburg and a J-term course in physics to persuade Cyndi Jones to enter the field of science. In the fall of 1977, this talented young woman came to Augsburg on a music scholarship to play the clarinet. She planned to pursue a career in classical clarinet and performance. However, in the January term between her first and second years, Cyndi took a Physics for the Life Sciences course from Mark Engebretson and explored the relationship between music, physics, and math. “I got a 4.0 in the class,” she said, “and the subject was fascinating and exciting.” Continue reading “From the orchestra to the NRC”

Following the winding path

labyrinth“Then it seemed like falling into a labyrinth: we thought we were at the finish, but our way bent round and we found ourselves as it were back at the beginning, and just as far from that which we were seeking at first.” This is how Plato used the image of a labyrinth to describe the quest to develop a logical argument.

From ancient to medieval to modern times, labyrinths have captivated the human imagination. Now, thanks to professor Phil Adamo and the students in his “History of Labyrinths” summer course, Auggies and passers-by can experience the same angst, or perhaps peace and tranquility, as Plato and his students may have in wandering a path or constructing an argument. Continue reading “Following the winding path”

GEMS and GISE robots roam campus

gems_giseThe Girls in Engineering, Mathematics and Science (GEMS) and the Guys in Science and Engineering (GISE) are back on the Augsburg campus again this summer. This yearly program, for students in grades 4-12, is designed to develop confidence in and a positive attitude toward math, science, and technology. The students come for the Minneapolis Public School District.

Augsburg students, as well as former GEMS students, serve as mentors. These opportunities not only give the younger students valuable opportunities, but the Augsburg students valuable teaching experience while building their own confidence and knowledge in math and science. Continue reading “GEMS and GISE robots roam campus”

Internships enhance the study abroad experience

CGE_InternshipsStudents who study abroad often return home and tell of profound, life-changing lessons. Through their programs, students come into contact with a wide range of people and circumstances, and many of these encounters lead students to explore careers or ways of life they had previously not considered. Augsburg’s Center for Global Education sums up this experience with a promise: “See the world through another’s eyes, and your world will never be the same.” Continue reading “Internships enhance the study abroad experience”

Change is afoot in the Commons

aviands If you travel up to the Commons in Christensen Center these days, it’s

hard to miss the sheets of plastic, rumblings of drills, and workers

in hard hats.

All of the construction is part of the changes that Augsburg’s new

dining services provider, A’viands, is working on this summer. Part of that work is a redesign of the main service area. The updates incorporate feedback received from the Augsburg community in the request-for-proposals process.

Most of the area will have a completely new look. The wall that

separated the service area and the seating area will be removed to

allow for better traffic flow and new cooking exhibition stations.

The space will get new tile and counter tops to help freshen up the

space. There also will be a new salad bar and condiment station. Continue reading “Change is afoot in the Commons”

Augsburg celebrates June 2008 graduates

june_commenceOn Sunday, June 29, Augsburg will hold its second commencement ceremony of the year, which will recognize bachelor’s and master’s degree candidates in the Augsburg for Adults undergraduate and graduate programs. Students in Weekend College, Rochester Program, United/Mercy/Unity Hospitals Program, Master of Arts in Education, Master of Arts in Leadership, Master in Business Administration, Master of Arts in Nursing, and Master of Social Work programs will be honored in the ceremony. For more information go to www.augsburg.edu/commencement.

The schedule for commencement activities follows: Continue reading “Augsburg celebrates June 2008 graduates”

All aboard the Auggie train

Auggie_trainIn the past week, you may have seen the Auggie eagle flying down the Hiawatha Light Rail line. It’s the new Augsburg train, ready to serve world travelers and city explorers alike.

Our train will be in service through December. A series of events are being planned to help Auggies explore our city on the Light Rail, beginning with a kick-off party at the Bedlam Theater on Thursday, July 24. Watch Inside Augsburg and the Daily A-Mail for details coming soon. Continue reading “All aboard the Auggie train”

Exploring our designed environments

designed_enviroWhat could be better than a summer school class with weekly field trips?

Art history professor Kristin Anderson’s Designed Environment course uses art and architecture to study the history of Minneapolis and St. Paul. On weekly outdoor excursions, students explore buildings, parks, churches, and museums to learn about architecture, landscape design, and urban design and their evolution throughout history. Anderson teaches the course because she wants students to experience some of the beauty and positivity of the Twin Cities. Continue reading “Exploring our designed environments”

MAL Colloquium features student research

mal_colloquiumThe Master of Arts in Leadership 2008 Spring Colloquium was held on Wednesday, June 4 in the Oren Gateway Center. Students presented overviews of their final project research to students, faculty, and guests.

At or near the completion of the course work for the Master of Arts in Leadership (MAL), students are required to develop and carry out an in-depth study of some aspect of leadership or a leadership-related topic. This study affords the student the opportunity to connect an issue or problem with what has been learned in the course work and course-related activities. Continue reading “MAL Colloquium features student research”