Media Advisories Archives - News and Media

In ‘Hungry for Hope,’ Young Adults Address the Church

Posted on August 28, 2025

August 28 is publication day for a new book that shares the wisdom, dreams, and frustrations of young adults with the church. “Hungry for Hope: Letters to the Church From Young Adults,” a project of Augsburg University’s Riverside Innovation Hub, speaks to the most pressing issues of our time, from climate catastrophe to mental health, and calls faith communities to shape a more just future.

Young adult authors from across the U.S. were paired with a scholar or thought leader on each of eleven themes, which form the book’s chapters:

courageous curiosity
tokenism of young adults
destruction and re-creation
grief and lament
mental health
abuse of power
marginalization, inclusion, and liberation
sex, shame, and intimacy
community
beyond the walls
scarcity and abundance

Each chapter provides practical guidance for congregations, theological educators, church leaders, and student groups looking for fresh ways to connect faith and action in ways that matter deeply to young people.

“For those of us who care deeply about the future of our faith communities, Hungry for Hope is a remarkable gift,” said Augsburg President Paul Pribbenow. “With its chapters co-written by young adults and their mentors, these reflections invite all of us into a conversation about our most pressing challenges as people of faith committed to being God’s hands and feet in the world now and into the future. We must pay attention to these prophetic voices.”

“Hungry for Hope” was edited by Jeremy Myers, Bernhard M. Christensen professor of religion and vocation and executive director of the Christensen Center for Vocation, and Kristina Frugé, director of congregational and community initiatives at the Riverside Innovation Hub. Additional Augsburg contributors include JD Mechelke ’17, instructor in religion and philosophy; Amber Kalina ’15; and Madeline Burbank, current MSW student and graduate assistant in the Interfaith Institute.

Learn more or purchase a copy.

Augsburg University Corpse Flower Blooms

Posted on July 14, 2025July 16, 2025

Update as of June 16, 2025

The giant corpse flower is currently blooming. Free public viewing is available on Wednesday, July 16, until 9 p.m. in the Augsburg University Greenhouse.

The greenhouse is located on the fourth floor of the Hagfors Center (700 21st Ave S, Minneapolis). It is accessible via stairs or the elevator at the north end of the building.

For those who are unable to visit in person, a livestream is available.

The hot, sweaty weather of July has brought a truly extraordinary botanical curiosity out of dormancy. The giant corpse flower, or titan arum (Amorphophallus titanum), is famous for producing an enormous, sinister, powerfully malodorous, but thankfully short-lived bloom. At 94 inches tall as of July 14, Augsburg University’s very own corpse flower is getting ready to put on its first floral display.

The plant has tentatively been dubbed “Lady Gag-Ugh,” in reference to the formidably foul smell―reminiscent of roadkill―it produces once open. The corpse flower will unfurl its bloom and emit its foul stench for a mere 24–36 hours before rapidly collapsing back into dormancy.

Augsburg University obtained its specimen as a donation from the United States Botanic Garden in Washington, D.C. It forms part of an ongoing series of projects by biology professor Leon van Eck, curator of the Augsburg Greenhouse, to increase the diversity and conservation value of the permanent plant collection at Augsburg. “Lady Gag-Ugh” was grown from seed sown at USBG in February 2018, in D.C. The plant has been growing at Augsburg since July 2021, and is now flowering for the first time, at the age of seven.

Giant corpse flowers do not flower very often, and can hold out for almost a decade to do so. Every year or so, the plant sends up a single leaf―at 12 ft tall bigger than some small trees―to convert sunlight energy into sugars that get stockpiled in a large underground stem called a corm. Once the corm has enough energy stored up, the corpse flower will finally transition to reproductive mode and send up a flower stalk. “Lady Gag-Ugh” has now done exactly that.

These precious rainforest divas are temperamental, and the exact moment of blooming is difficult to predict. As of July 14, van Eck estimates the blooming of “Lady Gag-Ugh” between July 15–18. Once unfurled, the bloom will rapidly burn energy to heat up its central spire and emit its putrid scent, aiming to attract carrion beetles and flesh flies as pollinators.

This tropical relative of the jack-in-the-pulpit is native to the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. In the wild, there are fewer than 1,000 mature individuals of this species remaining, and its continued survival is threatened by habitat loss to expanding oil palm plantations. Displays of these rare corpse flowers at botanic gardens and conservatories around the world attract thousands of visitors annually, and Augsburg is proud to continue the practice of preserving and exhibiting this rare and remarkable species.

The corpse flower is located in the greenhouse on the 4th floor of Hagfors Center at 700 21st Ave S in Minneapolis; arrangements are underway for free public viewing until 9 p.m. on the day it flowers. Follow @augsburg_greenhouse on Instagram for updates and more details.

Celebrating Augsburg’s Ties to Norway

Posted on May 23, 2025August 27, 2025

Paul Pribbenow and guests check in at an outdoor reception in Oslo, Norway. — Photo by Johannes Granseth

2025 marks two important milestones in the relationship between Norway and the United States—the 200th anniversary of the first organized emigration from Norway to North America and the celebration of 100 years of Norwegian-American educational cooperation. Here at Augsburg, it is also the 50th anniversary of the 1975 Augsburg Choir to Norway.

A Century of Educational Cooperation

At an event in Oslo on May 15, Augsburg University alumni joined President Paul Pribbenow and His Majesty King Harald V in recognition of the deep and enduring educational ties between the U.S. and Norway

The event, held at Fanehallen in Akershus Fortress and co-hosted by the Norway-America Association, brought together alumni from from six sister universities, all founded by Norwegian immigrants—institutions which for generations have been bridge-builders between Norway and the United States. With academics, diplomats, business leaders and guests from Norway and the United States, the evening served as a tribute to shared history, knowledge, and future cooperation. Former Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs and head of the Parliament’s Defence and Foreign Affairs Committee, Ine Eriksen Søreide, gave the keynote speech.

The six universities—Augsburg, Augustana University, Concordia College, Luther College, Pacific Lutheran University and St. Olaf College—were all founded by Norwegian immigrants. For over a hundred years, they have welcomed Norwegian students and maintained strong ties to Norway. At the event, Pribbenow delivered remarks about the importance of the long-term cross-Atlantic collaboration.

“At a time when transatlantic relations are being challenged, it is more important than ever to strengthen student exchanges. The relationship with the United States is about more than trade and defence—it is also about knowledge, understanding and common values,” said Hanne K. Aaberg, Secretary General of the Norway-America Association (NORAM).

NORAM works to promote mutual knowledge and understanding between Norway and North America. For over 100 years, NORAM has worked for transatlantic cooperation and helped more than 5,000 students with scholarships and advising.

Music and Memory

On May 17, members of the 1975 Augsburg Choir returned to campus to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their choir tour to Norway.

The October 1975 issue of Augsburg Now covered the tour: “In late spring of this year, the Augsburg Choir traveled to Norway as the cultural ambassadors for Minnesota to the first ceremonies in the National Theater in Oslo on Syttende Mai (Norwegian Independence Day – May 17). They traveled under an invitation from Nordmann’s Forbundet, who made all arrangements for them in the Scandinavian countries. Due to Nordmann’s Forbundet arrangements, the choir was well received in 19 cities throughout Norway and Sweden. The reviews were fantastic including, “Without a doubt they (the choir) rank among the ‘world’s elite’ as choirs …” Romesdals folkebald, Molde, Norway … The choir was the first group to be invited to Norway as part of the Sesquicentennial celebration.” Augsburg continued to be heavily involved in the year-long sesquicentennial celebration of the Norwegian immigration to the United States, culminating with a visit to campus by King Olav V in October 1975.

Of the 65 alumni who participated in the 1975 tour, 49 were present for the 2025 reunion, along with several partners and spouses. It was a meaningful day filled with reconnecting, reminiscing, and joining together in song and laughter. The reunion was a special opportunity to honor the lasting friendships, shared history, and enduring power of music that have united Auggies for decades. View photos from the reunion event.

Advisory: Augsburg Celebrates Class of 2025 at Commencement on May 9

Posted on April 16, 2025

Augsburg University will celebrate the class of 2025 at an in-person commencement ceremony at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Friday, May 9. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. and the ceremony begins at 6:00 p.m.

The ceremony recognizes candidates in Augsburg’s two doctoral, nine master’s, and three bachelor’s degree programs:

Doctor of Clinical Psychology
Doctor of Nursing Practice
Master of Arts in Education
Master of Arts in Teaching
Master of Arts in Leadership
Master of Arts in Nursing
Master of Business Administration
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
Master of Music Therapy
Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies
Master of Social Work
Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Music
Bachelor of Science

Augsburg’s commencement ceremony includes an address by a student speaker and the presentation of two student awards. the Richard J. Thoni Award is given to one member of the graduating class whose actions, commitments, and future aspirations represent commitments to community, hospitality, and innovation. The Marina Christensen Justice Award is given to one member of the senior class whose actions, commitments, and future aspirations most profoundly exemplify Augsburg’s motto: “Education for Service.” Flags displayed at commencement represent sovereign nations of American Indian students and countries of the international students graduating in the ceremony.

Tickets are required to attend in person, but the ceremony will also be livestreamed. Follow the celebration through the hashtag #AuggieGrad on all social media platforms, where students will be sharing images of the celebration.

For more information, including accessibility information, visit the commencement website.

Amy Cooper Named Augsburg University Athletic Director

Posted on April 9, 2025April 9, 2025

Amy Cooper

Amy Cooper has been named Augsburg University’s athletic director effective June 1, 2025.

“After a nationwide search for our next athletic director, we could not be more pleased to welcome Amy Cooper to the Auggie athletics family,” said Augsburg President Paul C. Pribbenow. “With experience as a student-athlete, coach, and administrator, Amy is a seasoned leader who has operated at every level of NCAA athletics. Most importantly, she grounds her expertise in a deep commitment to ensuring that every student-athlete, regardless of background, has the opportunity to succeed.”

Cooper currently serves as senior associate athletics director at the University of St. Thomas, where she has led the university’s transition to NCAA Division I. In her current role, she oversees compliance, financial operations, and gender equity, and holds sport administration responsibility for baseball, women’s basketball, women’s tennis, and volleyball. She previously served as associate athletic director of administration at Howard University, director of athletics at Trinity Washington University, and in coaching roles at South Carolina State University, Southwest Minnesota State University, and Prairie View A&M University.

“Returning to my Minneapolis roots in a leadership role at Augsburg is an opportunity to serve the community that shaped me,” said Cooper, who grew up in South Minneapolis and attended Washburn High School. A standout student-athlete and Athena Award winner at Washburn, she competed in soccer, track and field, basketball, and swimming and diving, earning all-metro, all-conference, and all-state honors in soccer. As an undergraduate, she played for Howard University, the only HBCU with a women’s soccer team at the time, and became the first female HBCU player to earn all-conference honors (All-Big South). She holds a Master of Education from Prairie View A&M University and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Howard University. Earlier this year, she received the Wilma Rudolph Courage Award from the Minnesota Coalition of Women in Athletic Leadership.

“Augsburg’s mission aligns deeply with my own commitments to access and student-centered learning,” Cooper said. “Throughout my career, I have championed spaces where all student-athletes feel valued and empowered. I believe athletics is a transformative vehicle, and I want to continue fostering that experience at Augsburg.”

More than 400 Augsburg student-athletes compete across 22 varsity sports at the NCAA Division III level. Reporting directly to the university president, the athletic director is responsible for the leadership, strategic planning, management, and administration of the athletic program. In this role, Cooper will oversee budgets, personnel, planning, fundraising, marketing, media contract negotiations, and the student-athlete experience. She succeeds Jeff Swenson ’79, who will transition to a special assistant role in the Office of the President at the end of May.

Augsburg Launches Minnesota’s First Doctor of Medical Science Program

Posted on February 3, 2025June 11, 2025

In fall 2025, Augsburg University will welcome the initial students to a first-of-its-kind doctoral program in Minnesota. The Doctor of Medical Science program offers physician assistants/associates (PAs) a pathway to career advancement in health care leadership and administration, research, public policy, academia, and specialized clinical practice.

“Augsburg has a proud history of innovation, from establishing Minnesota’s first PA program in 1994 to now launching the state’s first PA-doctorate program,” said Associate Professor Vanessa Bester, director of Augsburg’s School of at Health. “The Doctor of Medical Science program continues this tradition of excellence, equipping PAs to excel as leaders, educators, scholars, entrepreneurs, and administrators.”

The DMSc degree is an applied doctorate that emphasizes practical, real-world skill development in health care leadership and scholarship. Delivered in a fully asynchronous online format, Augsburg’s DMSc is a four-semester, 16-month program designed for working PAs seeking professional advancement. To be eligible for admission, students must hold a master’s degree in PA studies (MPAS, MSPAS, or equivalent) or a bachelor’s degree plus a minimum of five years practicing as a licensed physician assistant.

“Augsburg’s DMSc program is unique in its whole-person approach,” said DMSc Program Director Diana Soran. “The curriculum prepares students to develop critical leadership, research, and management skills while also aligning their coursework to support career growth. This intentional design prepares graduates for long-term success and fulfillment both professionally and personally.”

Career possibilities for DMSc graduates include director of clinical operations, graduate faculty member, principal investigator, health policy advisor, health startup development, and advanced practice provider in complex or specialized care settings.

“PAs bring a unique and indispensable perspective to health care, bridging gaps in care and fostering collaboration across medical teams,” said Bester. “By integrating health equity, inclusion, and innovation into real-world application, this transformative pathway empowers PAs to drive meaningful change in health care and in our communities.”

In addition to the DMSc, Augsburg offers doctoral degrees in nursing and clinical psychology.

To learn more, visit the DMSc program website.

Revolutionary Love: Augsburg University Interfaith Symposium to Feature Valarie Kaur

Posted on January 15, 2025

Valarie Kaur is wearing a black top with red and white patterns. She has black wavy hair and is standing in front of a wall with a mirror and framed pictures. — Photo by Jiro Schneider

Augsburg University will offer its third annual Interfaith Symposium at 11 a.m. on Thursday, February 27, 2025, featuring visionary civil rights leader Valarie Kaur. The Interfaith Symposium is an annual invitation to students and community members to learn about religious, spiritual, and worldview diversity and connect with exceptional interfaith leaders. This event is free and open to the public.

Kaur’s keynote address, “Revolutionary Love Is the Call of Our Times,” will draw on her work to inspire and equip people to build beloved community through the Revolutionary Love Project she founded. Rooted in the belief that an ethic of love is essential to birthing a healthy, multi-racial democracy and a sustainable planet, the Revolutionary Love Project produces educational tools, training courses, artwork, films, music, and mass mobilizations to empower citizens from all walks of life to harness love as a force for justice.

As a civil rights leader, lawyer, award-winning filmmaker, and educator, Kaur has led visionary campaigns to tell untold stories and change policy on issues ranging from hate crimes to digital freedom. A daughter of Punjabi Sikh farmers in California, she lifts up her vision for America in her acclaimed TED Talk and #1 LA Times bestseller, “See No Stranger: A Memoir and Manifesto of Revolutionary Love.” She is also the author of “Sage Warrior” and a children’s book, “World of Wonder.”

“Valarie’s message of revolutionary love is critically important at this time,” said Najeeba Syeed, El-Hibri Endowed Chair and executive director of Interfaith at Augsburg. “In particular, I look forward to the ideas she will offer our students to address social justice issues that impact their daily lives through coalition building strategies that she has used throughout her own career as a human rights lawyer and activist.”

Following the keynote address, a luncheon and panel discussion will take place at 12 p.m., featuring conversation with Ted Chen, vice president for equity, culture, and learning, Margaret A. Cargill Philanthropies; Tamara Gray, founder and chief spirituality officer, Rabata; and Anantanand Rambachan, professor emeritus of religion, St. Olaf College. A limited number of seats will be available for $35. Sign up for the luncheon waiting list through the event registration link.

About Interfaith at Augsburg

Situated in a neighborhood home to numerous immigrant communities and with an increasingly diverse student body, Augsburg University is uniquely positioned to facilitate building bridges in a polarized world. Augsburg’s commitment to interfaith engagement is central to its mission, identified as a key outcome of its strategic plan, and rooted in its Lutheran theological heritage. Through interfaith education and intentional opportunities to strengthen interreligious communication, understanding, and relationships, Augsburg’s Interfaith Institute advances peacebuilding on campus, in the community, and beyond. Learn more at augsburg.edu/interfaith.

Augsburg Charts Future Course With Five-School Model

Posted on January 7, 2025

Augsburg University has transitioned to a new academic structure to prepare students for successful careers, meaningful lives, and active citizenship in an integrated, constantly evolving world.

As of the 2024–25 school year, Augsburg’s academic programs are organized into five schools focused on the arts, business, health, humanities and social sciences, and natural sciences. Each school is led by a faculty director. Previously, the academic programs were grouped into two large divisions focused on professional studies and liberal arts and sciences.

“This is an exciting new chapter in Augsburg’s long tradition of academic excellence and our evolution as a student-centered university,” said Augsburg President Paul C. Pribbenow. “The five-school model leverages our unique strengths while creating new ways for students, faculty, and staff to collaborate and build community.”

The move to a schools-based model is designed to foster collaboration, encourage innovation, and facilitate interdisciplinary exchange. It does not change the curriculum, the admissions process, or degrees granted by Augsburg, nor does it involve any changes to campus facilities at this time.

“Ultimately, a schools-based model better aligns Augsburg’s organizational structure with who we are, how we work today, and how we want to work in the future,” said Paula O’Loughlin, provost and senior vice president for academic and student affairs. “The schools serve as smaller academic neighborhoods where students have closer ties with peers and mentors, greater support for career exploration, and a deeper sense of belonging—all of which empowers them to succeed in their professional lives and as leaders in their communities.”

John N. Schwartz ’67 School of the Arts

The John N. Schwartz ’67 School of the Arts (Christopher Houltberg, director) houses the narrative, performing, and visual arts at Augsburg. Drawing together Augsburg’s strength across the arts, the Schwartz School is home to 10 undergraduate majors, two graduate programs, five performing ensembles, three art galleries, multiple annual theater productions, and the Design & Agency trans-disciplinary design studio. With linkages throughout the vibrant Twin Cities arts community and an intentional focus on building collaborative skills, Schwartz School students graduate with ready-made professional networks and enhanced job opportunities across diverse creative fields.

School of Business

The School of Business (Jeanne Boeh, director) cultivates experiential learning, innovation, and entrepreneurship to equip students for successful careers. Close ties with the corporate community provide a wealth of practical expertise and career opportunities for students at the undergraduate and graduate level. The school offers 12 undergraduate majors, two graduate programs, and signature hands-on learning experiences like the Augsburg Entrepreneurship Cup and the Innovation Scholars program.

School of Health

The School of Health (Vanessa Bester, director) unites the strengths of Augsburg’s nationally accredited nursing, physician assistant, clinical psychology, and social work programs to develop graduates who meet the diverse health and wellness needs of local and global communities. Students prepare to practice in a range of professional environments through community-based experiential learning with an emphasis on social justice, clinical excellence, and inter-professional collaboration. With two undergraduate majors and seven graduate programs, the School of Health builds on Augsburg’s strength as a regional leader in healthcare education and workforce development.

School of Humanities and Social Sciences

The School of Humanities and Social Sciences (Lori Brandt Hale, director) advances Augsburg’s rich tradition of liberal arts education to equip students for full participation in a diverse and complex world. The School of Humanities and Social Sciences carries the heart of Augsburg’s mission-based commitments to cultural awareness and engagement with community into the curriculum through 36 undergraduate majors, two graduate programs, and a host of experiential learning opportunities on campus, in the neighborhood, and around the world. Graduates pursue careers in law, primary and secondary education, higher education, government, non-profit agencies, public policy, religious leadership, publishing, and more.

School of Natural Sciences

The School of Natural Sciences (Ben Stottrup, director) prepares students to excel in STEM-related fields and graduate education. State-of-the-art classrooms, equipment, and labs in the Hagfors Center for Science, Business, and Religion facilitate interdisciplinary learning in 14 undergraduate majors and across the curriculum. The School of Natural Sciences is a hub for student research through programs like PRISM Scholars, TRIO McNair Scholars, and Zyzzogeton, Augsburg’s annual student research symposium. Working closely with natural sciences faculty, students develop a growth mindset and explore professional opportunities, preparing for careers that exist today and those that will be created in the future.

Federal Grant Expands Mental Health Supports at Augsburg

Posted on September 24, 2024

Like many colleges, Augsburg University has seen a rise in demand for mental health services in recent years. But despite the growing need, students who are BIPOC, low-income, or first-generation often experience unique barriers to seeking help with mental health or substance use issues.

“Two of the gifts of our community—our diverse student body and our location in the heart of Minneapolis—mean that a ‘one-size fits all’ approach to mental health doesn’t work here at Augsburg,” said Michael Grewe, dean of students. “Many of our students come from immigrant communities that have experienced multiple forms of oppression and trauma, and our campus sits just a few miles from where George Floyd was murdered in 2020. This translates to a significant need not only for trauma-informed mental health services but also for a trauma-informed campus community.”

Augsburg recently received a grant of nearly $300,000 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to improve students’ ability to access culturally relevant mental health and substance use prevention and intervention services. The grant will support the Auggie Well-Being project, an initiative to promote help-seeking and reduce stigma among underrepresented and under-resourced students.

Systemic barriers to seeking help can stem from cultural stigma, fear of discrimination, past experiences of discrimination or criminalization, lack of comfort with Western mental health care systems, or lack of awareness about mental health challenges that could benefit from counseling or other interventions. The Auggie Well-being project calls for outreach, training, and community programming to address these barriers. Over the three years of the grant, Augsburg will:

Educate students about mental health concepts and services through campus-wide and targeted promotion initiatives in multiple languages, including Spanish, Hmong, and Somali.
Implement required training for faculty, staff, and student leaders on evidence-based strategies to identify and respond to mental health or substance use-related issues.
Promote help-seeking behavior and reduce stigma through programming on culturally relevant mental health and wellness frameworks and resources.

“Our goal is ultimately to normalize and make it easier to ask for help, especially for our students with complex challenges,” said Grewe.

Augsburg is one of 30 institutions nationally to receive a grant in 2024 through SAMHSA’s GLS Campus Suicide Prevention Grant Program. The program aims to support a comprehensive public health and evidence-based approach that enhances behavioral health services for all college students, including those at risk for suicide, depression, serious mental illness/serious emotional disturbances, and/or substance use disorders that can lead to school failure; prevents and reduces suicide and mental and substance use disorders; promotes help-seeking behavior and reduces stigma; and improves the identification and treatment of at-risk college students so they can successfully complete their studies. SAMHSA, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, leads public health efforts to advance behavioral health.

“Coach” Gwen Walz Lifts Up Student Debaters at 2024 Mayors Challenge

Posted on September 19, 2024September 19, 2024

It’s not every day that Twin Cities high schoolers get to flex their skills in front of Coach Walz.

Coach Gwen Walz, that is.

Just a few weeks into the school year, four high school debaters faced off tonight in front of state and local leaders, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter. Minnesota First Lady Gwen Walz opened the program at the Minnesota Urban Debate League’s 12th annual Mayors Challenge event, held at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.

“What educators and coaches work at and dream of is the possibility of transformation—for students to find their voices, to articulate their ideas, and to challenge, most of all, themselves,” said Walz, a member of MNUDL’s board. While Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is known for his time as a football coach, Gwen Walz started and coached the debate program at Mankato West High School, where both Walzes taught prior to their time in public office.

On Wednesday night in Minneapolis, Ani McQuillen of Roosevelt High School, Minneapolis, and Max Ulven of Central High School, Saint Paul, argued the affirmative on issues related to AI. They debated Laura Afriyie of Tartan High School, Oakdale, and Sai Yang of Johnson High School, Saint Paul, arguing the negative. All are members of their schools’ debate teams, hosted by MNUDL.

“Debate is more than an extracurricular program: It’s a leadership pipeline for our young people,” said Amy Cram-Helwich, MNUDL’s executive director. “Students gain crucial skills in debate that set them up for success in the classroom and in life. Our vision is that these benefits should be available to every Minnesota student.”

Following the debate, the students interviewed Frey and Carter onstage, asking questions about climate change, education, city parks, and the process to change policy. Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon, also a former speech and debate competitor, delivered a fireside chat on AI and election integrity. Minnesota Representative Cedrick Frazier received the 2024 Champion of Change award for his work in education, criminal justice reform, and workforce development. MNUDL gives out the award annually to a changemaker who models courageous leadership.

Since 2012, the Mayors Challenge event has brought together education advocates from across the Twin Cities to watch an empowering, informative showcase debate and invest in the future of urban debate. Debate has been shown to positively impact literacy, self-esteem, critical thinking, attendance, and test scores. Students who participate in debate develop the capacity to engage in civil disagreement and civil discourse, skills that are essential for citizenship in a multicultural democracy.

“If ever there was a time to lift up the idea of finding respectful ways to disagree with one another, it is now,” said Walz. “If ever there was a time to research, and discuss, and engage one another in issues of great importance, it is now. We come together around the most important of ideas: of enhancing education for the good of our students, of making schools better with discourse that is not all of one mind but is diverse and varied and rich in its contemplation—and in hopes that our democracy might look much more like a debate team.”

About MNUDL

The Minnesota Urban Debate League is a program of Augsburg University that provides resources and programming to support competitive academic debate in Twin Cities high schools and middle schools. The mission of MNUDL is to empower students through competitive academic debate to become engaged learners, critical thinkers, and active global citizens who are effective advocates for themselves and their communities. Currently, MNUDL serves more than 1,300 students at 40+ partner schools and has seen sustained growth in student participation since its inception in 2004, in programs including national topic policy debate, middle school debate, Spanish Debate League, East African Debate, Financial Literacy Leadership Debates, and MDAW Summer Speech & Debate Camp.

About Augsburg University

Augsburg University offers more than 50 undergraduate majors and 11 graduate degrees to more than 3,200 students of diverse backgrounds at its campus in the vibrant center of the Twin Cities. In 2023, U.S. News & World Report identified Augsburg as the most ethnically diverse regional university in the Midwest. Augsburg educates students to be informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers, and responsible leaders. An Augsburg education is defined by excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies, guided by the faith and values of the Lutheran church, and shaped by its urban and global settings.

Media contact: Rachel Farris, farrisr@augsburg.edu