Nuruddin Farah, award-winning Somalian author and peace advocate, will visit Augsburg College on Wednesday, Oct. 15. He will read from his latest novel, “Knots” at 6 p.m. in Hoversten Chapel, Foss Center. The reading will be followed by a discussion, reception, and book signing.
The event, titled “The Power of Words,” will focus on how Farah advocates for social justice through his writings. According to Lynn Ellingson, Augsburg graduate recruiter who has helped bring Farah to campus, “He is able to document the horrific violence of his homeland, but yet his books are very hopeful.”
Farah’s book “Maps” won the Neustatdt International Prize for Literature in 1998, a biennial award that is considered by some to be second only to the Nobel Prize. All of Farah’s novels are set in Somalia and include the micro-politics of the family, focusing on those whose ideas and lives are often marginalized. Continue reading “Author Nuruddin Farah at Augsburg”
Though the $700 billion bailout package became law last week in the U.S., financial markets across the world are in turmoil. Augsburg College as an institution has been fortunate so far and avoided most of the damage. However, faculty, staff, and students are in the same economic peril as our fellow citizens.
John Dau, one of the “lost boys of Sudan” and founder of the John Dau Sudan Foundation, will speak at Augsburg College on Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. in the Hoversten Chapel, Foss Center. This event is free and open to the public. Sponsored by the ASAC Diversity Committee.
Growing up, Nou Chang never imagined she would spend three months studying in another country. As a Hmong woman, studying abroad was not culturally accepted, nor was it financially feasible for her family. Despite these obstacles, Nou is “in a dream” in Seoul, South Korea where she is studying for a semester at Yonsei University on a Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) program. She applied for and was awarded the Gilman International Scholarship Program, which offers grants for undergraduate students of limited financial means to pursue academic studies abroad. 
The Art has always been a part of personal faith lives. From religious icons, to hymns of praise, worshippers have used art as a tool to pray and praise. Songs and hymns give praise to God. Paintings and sculptures depict stories from scripture to let the worshipper understand the story in a new way. Dramas have brought sacred stories to life.
For the past 28 years, Augsburg’s Center for Global Education (CGE) has offered Women’s Studies courses in Mexico as a way to internationalize class curriculum by crossing international borders and expanding learning experiences. This past July, CGE offered a faculty development program in Cuernavaca, Mexico for women’s studies faculty who were interested in globalizing their courses. During the seminar, professors from several disciplines had the opportunity to meet with many Mexican women who have had significant influences in the Mexican academic world. 
Mark A. Eustis is president and CEO of Fairview Health Services. He has previously held administrative positions in health care in St. Louis and taught healthcare administration at Washington University.
Alexander J. Gonzalez ’90 is a senior financial advisor at Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and is a member of the Stonebridge Group, a values-based team with a non-commissioned structure. He has received several awards in the financial industry for his service and expertise.
Since they came to campus this summer, Augsburg’s new dining service provider has made a few changes. Walls were removed, countertops were replaced, and spaces were renamed. But the changes have been more than cosmetic. A’viands is working closely with the College to reduce its environmental footprint through a composting program, the “Trayless Tuesday” initiative, and the replacement of dishware with environmentally friendly products.
Augsburg honored several alumni during last week’s Homecoming festivities including the men’s soccer MIAC championship team from 1973 (pictured with current men’s soccer coach Greg Holker, athletic director Jeff Swenson, and President Pribbenow), nine new inductees into the Athletic Hall of Fame, two first decade awardees, and two distinguished alumni. Congratulations to all!
What power can an individual have in a world of 6.5 billion people? Augsburg College encourages us all to consider the power of vision in a world of tension. The 2008-2009 convocation series offers an opportunity to hear today’s outstanding leaders and visionaries who engage us in conversations that contribute to making the world a safer place for future generations.