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Engebretson presents at NASA meeting

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Engebretson_NASAThe work of Mark Engebretson, Augsburg College physics professor, will strengthen research conducted during the NASA Radiation Belt Storm Probes (RBSP) mission that launched Aug. 30 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

Engebretson on Aug. 21 presented at a pre-launch meeting for NASA officials and RBSP science team members near the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. He explained how his observations from National Science Foundation (NSF) grant-funded research at Augsburg College can serve the mission’s objectives. The RBSP project is budgeted at $686 million, a sum that incorporates the mission’s planning phase, construction, launch, satellite operation, and scientific analysis. Continue reading “Engebretson presents at NASA meeting” →

Revolution and rap: Augsburg student researches Arab Spring

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Cantrall_research“Music is more than organized sound; it can be a message from the heart of humanity,” according to Robert Stacke, Augsburg College associate professor of music. “Music can motivate a population in a manner that words alone cannot do. It is a powerful tool that can inspire political action and send its message to the world.”

Since 2010, political protests and revolts have erupted in more than a dozen Arab nations, and one of the American media’s most significant impacts on the demonstrations came from a medium that is, perhaps, least expected. Continue reading “Revolution and rap: Augsburg student researches Arab Spring” →

Harpstead elected Chair of Augsburg College Board of Regents

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Regent_HarpsteadJodi Harpstead, chief executive officer of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS), was elected chair of the Augsburg College Board of Regents at its May 2012 meeting and began her term on July 1.

As chair of the governing board of the College, Harpstead will play a key leadership role in Augsburg’s planning and fundraising initiatives. She will guide the Board’s oversight of the College’s strategic priorities, including:

– Helping define the plan to build a signature academic building, the Center for Science, Business and Religion;

– Ensuring the quality and relevance of the academic offerings; and

– Monitoring the development of a long-range enrollment plan for the college.

Harpstead has served on the Board of Regents since 2005. Continue reading “Harpstead elected Chair of Augsburg College Board of Regents” →

Augsburg student expands classroom knowledge through international travel

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Egypt_profile
Augsburg students and professors helped conserve the Egyptian marine ecology by collecting trash in the Red Sea. Their actions inspired locals to join in the effort. Photo courtesy of Joe Underhill.

For Mai Sia Yang ’12, learning through first-hand experience is the best way to expand her world view.

Yang enrolled in an Egypt study abroad course after serving on an Egyptian delegation that represented the Economic and Social Council at Model United Nations (Model UN). This year, Augsburg College offered a Model UN class, and its student delegates represented Egypt at the organization’s conference in New York City during May. Yang’s committee addressed the topic of sustainable development, and she expanded the knowledge she gained in the classroom by visiting the nation. Continue reading “Augsburg student expands classroom knowledge through international travel” →

Commissioner visits Health Commons at Dar Ul-Quba

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DHS Commissioner Lucinda Jesson (second from left) plays with Fadumo Aden, Abdullahi Hersi and Muhamed Hersi (left to right) at Health Commons in Minneapolis' Cedar-Riverside neighborhood while their mothers attend a nutrition class at the center.
DHS Commissioner Lucinda Jesson (second from left) plays with Fadumo Aden, Abdullahi Hersi and Muhamed Hersi (left to right) at Health Commons in Minneapolis’ Cedar-Riverside neighborhood while their mothers attend a nutrition class at the center.

Article and photo courtesy of Minnesota Department of Human Services

Not a lot is common about Health Commons. Colorful curtains, layered rugs, and comfortable seating fill the community health and wellness center where all programs are free. Partners behind the organization in Minneapolis’ Cedar-Riverside neighborhood hope the warm setting is a gateway to connect members of the Somali community and other visitors to primary health care and wellness resources.

Minnesota Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson toured Health Commons, located in the Dar Ul-Quba Cultural Center, June 29 to experience the unique community-based approach firsthand. Continue reading “Commissioner visits Health Commons at Dar Ul-Quba” →

Augsburg College students share research findings

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URGOconferenceNearly three dozen undergraduate students will present findings from their on-campus research during the URGO Summer Research Conference from July 25-26.

Augsburg College’s Office of Undergraduate Research and Graduate Opportunity (URGO) provides summer research grants for students interested in professional study. Students further classroom learning with critical thinking and thoughtful analysis through faculty-led research that complements their degree programs.

This year, students’ topics include how individuals use tattoos to reflect self identity; studies of the motion of Daphnia magna, a water flea; the influence of rap music in the Arab Spring revolutions; and the expression of gender nonconforming identities, among others. Continue reading “Augsburg College students share research findings” →

Alums bring Chekhov to rural Minnesota

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cherryorchard2012This summer, alumni Darcey Engen ’88 [left] and her husband, Luverne Siefert ’83, will bring a site-specific production of Anton Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard to the Minnesota communities of Blue Earth, Kenyon, Little Falls, Taylors Falls, and Worthington.

Engen and Siefert will share the stage—actually historic Minnesota homes and the surrounding grounds—with four performers known for their work with Minneapolis’ Guthrie Theater, Jungle Theater, and Theatre de la Jeune Leune. The production will also feature local actors and musicians in each community. Continue reading “Alums bring Chekhov to rural Minnesota” →

SOAR welcomes new Auggies and families

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soarFrom July 20-25, Augsburg College will welcome new Auggies and their families to campus for SOAR summer orientation. Members of the class of 2016 will attend this overnight experience to meet each other and learn (almost) everything they need to know before their first day of fall classes.

The student program includes a “town hall” meeting with the dean of the College, a session on academic success, time to connect with campus organizations and academic departments at the “showcase,” and an introduction to technology resources as well as public safety. SOAR also includes special sessions for parents and guardians. Continue reading “SOAR welcomes new Auggies and families” →

July commencement focuses on global peace

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july_commencementAugsburg’s commencement ceremonies this academic year are organized around the theme of global peace. Augsburg will welcome peacemakers and leaders to challenge and encourage graduates as they continue their lives beyond Augsburg.

The July 1 commencement honors undergraduate Weekend/Evening College students from the Minneapolis and Rochester campuses as well as graduate students in business, leadership, social work, nursing, and education. The Richard Thoni Award, recognizing a graduating student who has demonstrated a dedication to community service, will be presented. This year’s student speaker representing the Class of 2012 will be special education major Rebecca Hamlin. Continue reading “July commencement focuses on global peace” →