Kristin Anderson, Augsburg College archivist and professor of art history, was mentioned in a St. Paul Pioneer Press article about an upcoming walking tour in the capital city’s historic Irvine Park neighborhood. Anderson will share history, stories, and insights during the walking tour. Visit the Pioneer Press website to learn more.
Minnesota Public Radio previews River Semester program
Augsburg College’s new River Semester program was featured on Minnesota Public Radio’s On Campus blog. Sixteen Augsburg students, two faculty members, and two river commercial expedition personnel will travel from St. Paul to New Orleans during the fall semester, oftentimes camping on the banks of the Mississippi River and engaging with people who live and work along its path. Students will carry out river-related projects and study subject areas in the arts and sciences.
Read “How Augsburg is going all Mark Twain” on the MPR website.
Visit the River Semester site to find additional program details and event announcements.
Harry Boyte discusses higher education’s role in expanding democracy
In his latest Huffington Post article, Harry Boyte, Augsburg’s Sabo Senior Fellow, discusses the ways in which higher education can help people develop the skills of a democratic way of life. Boyte’s article used examples from the Augsburg College community to show how programming can prepare students to serve as “citizen professionals” and change agents.
Visit The Huffington Post website to read, “Regrowing Democracy — The Role of Higher Education.”
Anderson and Grewe add to conversation on gender equity
Augsburg College staff members Margaret Anderson, program coordinator for the Center for Global Education and Experience, and Michael Grewe ’12 MSW, director of LGBTQIA support services, spoke with MinnPost media issues reporter Brian Lambert to discuss what Caitlyn Jenner’s Vanity Fair cover means for transgender people in Minnesota.
Grewe noted that media frenzy resulting from Jenner’s gender transition could provide “a way to talk about important issues like access to affordable health care, housing and equal employment” for all people.
Read the article, What does Caitlyn Jenner’s ‘Vanity Fair’ cover mean for the transgender kid in rural Minnesota? on the MinnPost website.
Mike Matson ’06 launches community meal initiative
Five days a week, Minneapolis community members convene at Bethany Lutheran Church to dine on gourmet fare prepared as part of the Soup for You Cafe — a program recognized by the Star Tribune for its ability to “redefine the soup kitchen.”
Augsburg College alumnus, Chaplain to Student Athletes, and linebacker coach Rev. Mike Matson ’06 is the pastor at Bethany Lutheran and the driver behind this community meal. Supported by volunteers and one talented chef, Soup for You is a chance for people of varying backgrounds to come together in an environment that focuses on dignity. In the article “Church program offers hot soup, warm welcome,” Matson underscored that the program focuses on bringing people together.
“Our model is mutuality, and what better way is there to show mutuality than to gather at the same table together?” he said.
Harry Boyte contends that universities should renew the democratic purpose of higher education
The question, “What are universities for?” elicited a number of responses in a recent article compiled by Zocalo Public Square and published by TIME. Harry Boyte, Augsburg’s Sabo Senior Fellow, argued that colleges and universities should renew their democratic purpose, thereby highlighting the important role these institutions play as public spaces for diverse interests and views to find common ground in a sharply divided society.
Visit the TIME website to learn more about Boyte’s perspective and those put forth by other leading scholars.
Augsburg hosts Native American powwow
Augsburg College was mentioned by the Twin Cities Daily Planet as a result of the traditional powwow held annually by the college.
The event, which was sponsored by the Augsburg American Indian Student Association and American Indian Student Services, featured traditional Native American dancers, drummers, singers, and food.
To learn more about Augsburg’s annual powwow, visit the Twin Cities Daily Planet news site.
Harry Boyte lends expertise to Forbes
Harry Boyte, senior scholar in Augsburg College’s Sabo Center for Democracy and Citizenship, was named in a Forbes article about the changing tides and criticisms of public higher education. Boyte was mentioned in the article due to his role as a long-time commentator on democracy and its relation to higher learning.
Read, “Troubling Attacks On Public Higher Education” on the Forbes website.
Augsburg wrestling’s record win draws media attention
In mid-March, Augsburg College won its 12th NCAA Division III wrestling championship and took home a number of awards from the National Wrestling Coaches Association.
Head coach Jim Moulsoff was named Division III National Coach of the Year and Division III Rookie Coach of the Year. Tony Valek ’12 was named Assistant Coach of the Year, and Mike Fuenffinger ’15 won his second national title and the Outstanding Wrestler honor. Eric Hensel ’16 won Most Falls in Least Time, and Donny Longendyke ’15 earned his first national title.
Media coverage of Augsburg’s NCAA Championship win includes the following:
- The Daily News – “Moulsoff puts Augsburg back on top”
- KSTP – “Augsburg wrestling wins D-III Championship”
- NCAA video recap – “Augsburg wins the 2015 DIII Wrestling Championship”
- Star Tribune – “NCAA wrestling: St. Cloud State, Augsburg win national titles”
- White Bear Press – “Longendyke pins down national title”
- Jordan Independent – “Valek named DIII assistant wrestling coach of the year”
Augsburg College recognized for Muslim student organization
Augsburg College was mentioned in the Minneapolis Star Tribune as part of an article about Muslim student associations that boast women in leadership roles.
Augsburg’s Muslim Student Association, led by Muna Mohamed ’16, aims to promote unity among Muslim students and to raise awareness within the Augsburg community about the culture, history, and language of the Muslim community.
To learn more about Augsburg’s Muslim Student Association and similar organizations at other campuses, visit the Star Tribune news site.