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Augsburg to host ACTC Women's Studies Conference

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wconfOn Friday, March 7, Augsburg College will host the second annual ACTC Women’s Studies Student Conference. This event will allow participants to explore issues such as the real messages in Disney movies, the application of transgender theory to “Cymbeline,” sexual assault education and policy at Augsburg, African-American feminist philosophy, and much more. The conference gives students a forum to share their research and activism around gender and sexuality.

This free conference runs from 3:30 – 8 p.m., and it is not necessary to register in advance to participate. Sessions will be running at various times throughout the conference: Continue reading “Augsburg to host ACTC Women's Studies Conference” →

Mr. Krohn goes to Washington

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brian_krohn2Senior chemistry major Brian Krohn is one of approximately 70 students in the country who will travel to Washington, D.C., on April 30 to present their research to members of Congress. Accepted to the 2008 Posters on the Hill program, sponsored by the Council on Undergraduate Research, he will travel to Washington with his research adviser, Arlin Gyberg, professor of chemistry.

Krohn’s poster is titled “Fuel of the Future: Biodiesel. A Novel Method and Catalyst for the Production of Biodiesel.” He became interested in biodiesel fuels and received a grant from Augsburg’s Undergraduate Research and Graduate Opportunity Office (URGO) in summer 2006 to work with Gyberg. His goal was to experiment with alternate catalysts that could create a more efficient and environmentally friendly biodiesel. This research, done in collaboration with Augsburg alumnus Clayton McNeff ’91, vice president of SarTec Corporation, was successful and spurred the discovery of a new process to produce biodiesel. Continue reading “Mr. Krohn goes to Washington” →

Creation: the common story

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dialogOn March 3-4, Augsburg College will host an Inter-Religious Dialog, a series of conversations that brings Jewish, Muslim, and Christian theologians together to discuss an annual topic. This year’s theme, “Creation: The Common Story,” will be examined to promote a deeper understanding of the commonalities and nuances of the Abrahamic religions Continue reading “Creation: the common story” →

Students play in WITNESS to Duke Ellington

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witnessFor the past week, the Augsburg Jazz Ensemble has stretched themselves musically in an in-depth exploration of the music of Duke Ellington. In partnership with the VocalEssence choral ensemble, Augsburg once again participated in their WITNESS program, which celebrates the music of African-Americans.

Music Department Chair Bob Stacke recruited a “big band”-style orchestra that included high school, Augsburg, and professional players. For the “High School All Star Jazz Band,” he worked with music teachers in five Minneapolis public high schools and the Walker West Music Academy in Saint Paul to put together a band of talented players. They were joined by Jazz Ensemble members and professionals Larry Sims (trumpet) and David Wright III (saxophone/clarinet), who served as mentors to the students and played with them in the orchestra. The High School All Star Jazz Band was featured in “C Jam Blues.” Continue reading “Students play in WITNESS to Duke Ellington” →

Augsburg creates Environmental Studies major

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enviroThis spring, Augsburg introduces its newest creation — the Environmental Studies major. This interdisciplinary program combines biology, chemistry, political science, history, literature, economics, math, communications, and social work to teach students how to conserve the world around them.

Through each discipline, students learn about real-world issues like global warming, energy use, and pollution. Then, they apply this knowledge to develop and produce solutions, such as the three water gardens designed and built by the Environmental Connections course earlier this academic year. Continue reading “Augsburg creates Environmental Studies major” →

Register for 'Day at the Capitol'

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capitolAt Augsburg College, more than one out of four students receive money from the Minnesota State Grant Program. This represents more than $2.2 million of aid that helps make a college education at Augsburg a reality for students.

On March 12, students will have the opportunity through the “Day at the Capitol” event to have their voices heard by the legislators who make the decisions to fund these grants. At this event, students can let legislators know about the importance of this funding while gaining an insider’s view of the legislative process. All students are welcome and encouraged to attend the Day at the Capitol.

Participants will receive a policy and lobbying briefing, including comments from House and Senate members who represent their campus. Then, they will meet with legislators and attend a question-and-answer session. The Minnesota Private College Council (MPCC), the sponsor of the event, provides training and materials and makes legislative appointments for participants to meet with their local representatives. Continue reading “Register for 'Day at the Capitol'” →

One step, one story, one journey

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stepupThe Augsburg College StepUP program will celebrate its first decade as a collegiate recovery community with a dinner gala and silent auction on Thursday, Feb. 28 at 5:30 p.m. Andrew Zimmern, Twin Cities chef and host of the Travel Channel’s hit series “Bizarre Foods” will be the emcee, and the keynote address will be given by producer and director Peter Bisanz. The program will also include stories of experience, strength, and hope from current StepUP students and alumni.

StepUP is a nationally known and respected program that supports students in recovery from addiction to alcohol and other drugs. In its first 10 years, StepUP experienced an 84% abstinence rate, and currently students maintain a 2.9 mean cumulative grade-point average. The program has grown from 23 students in 1997 to 64 students in this current year. Continue reading “One step, one story, one journey” →

Make peace with your body

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bodyThe week of Feb. 25 is Eating Disorders Awareness Week, and there will be several events at Augsburg to get people thinking about how society’s notions of body image can open the door to unhealthy behaviors.

To kick off the week, two Augsburg alumni, Tessa Flynn and Tim McVean, will present “Wrapped in Plastic” on Monday, Feb. 25 from 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. in the East Commons. This encore presentation from the Minnesota Fringe Festival makes an honest and surreal exploration of body image. The show follows Drea, a 17 year old who thinks everyone is looking at her when a Faustian “image consultant” tempts Drea with pop-culture gloss. A question and answer session will run after the show from 8:30 – 9 p.m. Continue reading “Make peace with your body” →

Scholarship Weekend attracts top recruits

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scholarshipMore than 200 potential new Augsburg students and their families will come to campus for Scholarship Weekend Feb. 22 and 23.

Approximately 100 students will compete for President’s Scholarship and 100 for Fine Arts Scholarships, with several students competing for both. Several students will do phone interviews for the President’s Scholarship while others will send in audition tapes/portfolios for the Fine Arts Scholarship.

“During the weekend, not only will students complete their audition, but they’ll also attend sessions with their parents designed introduce them to Augsburg, including study abroad options, research opportunities and more,” says Janet Bertok, Senior Admissions Counselor and Fine Arts Scholarship Coordinator. Continue reading “Scholarship Weekend attracts top recruits” →

Explore the universe from the East Commons

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planetariumJoel Halvorson of the Minnesota Planetarium Society will be on campus Tuesday, Feb. 19 demonstrating the ExploraDome — an 18′-diameter, 13′-tall portable dome featuring high quality, interactive, visual programs for the sciences and science education.

The ExploraDome will be set up in the East Commons of the Christensen Center and available for viewing on Feb. 19 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. Students, faculty, and staff are invited to drop by and see how the dome can help promote science education as well as enjoy exciting imagery of the cosmos. The dome can accommodate 25-30 students at any one time.

The Minnesota Planetarium Society is dedicated to improving math and science education, and is constructing the Minnesota Planetarium and Space Discovery Center on top of the new Minneapolis Central Library.