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Advent Vespers keeps growing at 30 years

vespersIn 1980, Augsburg Choir director Larry Fleming’s vision for the first Advent Vespers was unlike any other. Among many holiday performances, Augsburg’s program would offer a spiritual experience—a service with both music and liturgy—and the focus would be on Advent, preparing and waiting for Christ’s presence.

From this first service, Advent Vespers grew to four services. Last year, more than 10,000 people attended, making this Augsburg’s largest event of the year.

This year, as Advent Vespers celebrates its 30th anniversary, a fifth service has been added, at 2 p.m. on Saturday, offering a daytime service to more easily accommodate larger groups of visitors. Continue reading “Advent Vespers keeps growing at 30 years”

Campus Kitchen wins youth philanthropy award

campus_kitchenAugsburg’s Campus Kitchen program was recently honored by the Association of Fundraising Professionals with the Outstanding Youth Award for 2009 at National Philanthropy Day in Minneapolis. Augsburg students were recognized that serves more than 1,700 meals each month to low-income and homeless persons and communities in need in the Cedar-Riverside and Phillips neighborhoods.

The Campus Kitchen at Augsburg College was established in October 2003 and is one of only 15 Campus Kitchen organizations around the country. The program, which is largely run by Augsburg students, brings together the college dining service, local community groups, and individuals to plan, prepare, deliver, and serve meals. Continue reading “Campus Kitchen wins youth philanthropy award”

Augsburg to offer first doctorate program

dnpAt its October meeting The Higher Learning Commission approved Augsburg College to offer the Doctor of Nursing Practice degree. Approved by the Augsburg Board of Regents last January, this approval is the culminating work of the Department of Nursing over the past two years.

The Doctor of Nursing Practice program was designed to respond to the rapidly changing environments in both nursing higher education and practice, requiring increased education for nursing practitioners. This professional practice doctorate will build on the strengths of the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and the Master of Arts in Nursing (MAN) program Continue reading “Augsburg to offer first doctorate program”

Theatre season opens with Chekhov's innovative drama

three_sistersLast weekend the Augsburg Theatre Department opened its 09-10 season with Anton Chekhov’s The Three Sisters, a drama that expresses Chekhov’s longing for Moscow (he was in Yalta at the time) and for his wife, Olga, who he left behind.

Here Kat Lutze [right], a sophomore majoring in arts administration with a specialization in theatre, discusses her experience playing Olga, the oldest of the three sisters. Lutze is joined by junior Shannon O’Brien [left] who plays Maria and sophomore Abbey Ehling [center] who plays Irina. Continue reading “Theatre season opens with Chekhov's innovative drama”

Líderes Latina/os: Hector Matascastillo is one of "25 on the Rise"

matascastilloArticle by Juventino Meza Rodriguez

I met Hector R. Matascastillo, a MSW student at Augsburg, over the summer. We had no idea either of us existed. I had been told I should meet with him, so I emailed him and asked to go for coffee, a random offer I thought. He responded saying randomness had been part of his life for some time now, so sure, we would have coffee some time.

After our first meeting, I understood to some degree what he meant by the “randomness” comment. He then told me about his experiences with the military, genocide, and not long ago with Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PSTD), the police, and the judicial system. Continue reading “Líderes Latina/os: Hector Matascastillo is one of "25 on the Rise"”

Using art to make a difference

finearts_keystoneWhat can fine arts majors learn about themselves and their disciplines by volunteering in the community? Come to the Fine Arts Keystone final presentation on Monday to find out.

This Fall, senior students in film, music, theatre, and studio arts worked with Centro, a multi-social service agency that serves the Chicano and Latino communities. Students volunteered in the food bank and worked with children in the Siembra preschool. They blogged about their experiences throughout the term and created art respective of their disciplines as a way to reflect on their engagement with Centro. The class will present a collaborative art piece on Monday, Nov. 9 at 6 p.m. in the lower level of Old Main. Continue reading “Using art to make a difference”

Augsburg establishes new Centers

centersThrough the dedication of our generous donors and the good work of many members of the Augsburg community over the past year, the College is beginning a new phase in the development of the Centers of Commitment that have been established to lift up Augsburg’s core values and live out our institutional vocation. It is with gratitude and great anticipation that we announce the creation of the Clair and Gladys Strommen Center for Meaningful Work and the expansion of the Martin Olav Sabo Center for Citizenship and Learning. The Strommen Center is the newest of the four Centers of Commitment that include the Augsburg Center for Faith and Learning, Center for Global Education, and Sabo Center. Continue reading “Augsburg establishes new Centers”

350 — the most important number in the world

Aug350There are three numbers you need to really understand global warming, 275, 390, and 350.

For all of human history until about 200 years ago, our atmosphere contained 275 parts per million of carbon dioxide. Parts per million is simply a way of measuring the concentration of different gases, and means the ratio of the number of carbon dioxide molecules per million other molecules in the atmosphere. 275 ppm CO2 is a useful amount without some CO2 and other greenhouse gases that trap heat in our atmosphere, our planet would be too cold for humans to inhabit. Continue reading “350 — the most important number in the world”