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Augsburg College Media Experts: Halloween, Elections

Origins of Halloween: Phil Adamo, associate professor of Medieval History

Phil Adamo, an associate professor of Medieval History at Augsburg College, is available to address by phone and/or on camera the:

  • Origins of Halloween as a pagan harvest festival
  • Historic reasons people wore Halloween costumes and had bonfires
  • Myth-busting whether Halloween was/is Satanic, a belief held by some Christian groups at various times throughout history

Elections: Andy Aoki, professor of political science

Andy AokiAndy Aoki regularly provides commentary to members of print and broadcast media on issues related to elections. Aoki is available this election week to offer comment on stories that include perspective on minority politics including:

  • Asian-American politics
  • Inter-racial coalitions
  • Multiculturalism

Learn more about Aoki at http://www.augsburg.edu/faculty/aoki/

Interviews

To arrange interviews with Adamo or Aoki, please contact Stephanie Weiss, director of news and media services, at 612.330.1476 or by email at weisss@augsburg.edu.

About Augsburg College

Augsburg College is set in a vibrant neighborhood at the heart of the Twin Cities, and offers more than 50 undergraduate majors and nine graduate degrees to nearly 4,000 students of diverse backgrounds. Augsburg College educates students to be informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers, and responsible leaders. The Augsburg experience is supported by an engaged community committed to intentional diversity in its life and work. 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.

Minnesota Secretary of State candidates debate at Augsburg

One week before the general election, Augsburg College hosts the fall Sabo Symposium, a debate between the four candidates running for the Minnesota Secretary of State.

Bob Helland, Bob Odden, Dan Severson, and State Rep. Steve Simon will square off at 7 p.m., October 28, in Hoversten Chapel, Foss Center. The event is co-sponsored by the Minnesota League of Women Voters.

Several media outlets have mentioned Augsburg’s role as host of the Minnesota Secretary of State debate. Visit the following media websites to learn more:

MPR News

Twin Cities Daily Planet

  • “17 debates that could determine Minnesota’s future

Media Advisory: Change your brain chemistry to boost happiness

Leading neuropsychologist Rick Hanson speaks Oct. 16

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Each of us has the power to change the ways we think in manners that will increase our happiness, improve our resilience, and promote inner calm. Attendees of “Hardwiring Happiness: Turning Passing Experiences into Lasting Inner Strength and Peace” at Augsburg College will learn practical tips and proven methods from a leading, national neuropsychologist during a one-hour presentation that includes time for audience questions.

Who

Rick Hanson is a neuropsychologist and senior fellow of the Greater Good Science Center at University of California, Berkeley. He is an author of numerous books, including the 2013 New York Times bestseller, “Hardwiring Happiness: The New Brain Science of Contentment, Calm, and Confidence.”

When

11 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 16

Continue reading “Media Advisory: Change your brain chemistry to boost happiness”

White Bear Lake couple will be honored Oct. 24 for dedication to addiction recovery community

Kevin and Polly HartHarts to be recognized at StepUP® Program Gala

(MINNEAPOLIS) – Two leaders in the addiction recovery community will be recognized for their commitment and generosity to Augsburg College’s StepUP® program for students in addiction recovery. Kevin and Polly Hart of White Bear Lake, Minn., will receive the Toby Piper LaBelle Award at the Augsburg College StepUP Program Gala on Oct. 24 at the Hyatt Regency Minneapolis.

“Kevin and Polly have brought so much value to the StepUP program, the students in recovery we serve, and the recovery community as a whole,” said Augsburg College President Paul C. Pribbenow. “We are blessed to call this dedicated couple our friends and are proud to honor them with this award.”

The Harts have given significant time and resources to the College’s program, which is a leader and award-winning model for residential addiction recovery communities at campuses across the nation. Kevin serves on the advisory board for the StepUP Program where he helps guide and shape the program. He also is a board member of The Retreat, a recovery program in Wayzata, Minn. The Harts volunteer countless hours for these programs and also mentor youth in recovery.

Continue reading “White Bear Lake couple will be honored Oct. 24 for dedication to addiction recovery community”

FAQ: Student Organizations at Augsburg College

(Updated at 3:53 p.m., Oct. 3)

Augsburg CollegeAugsburg College is committed to fostering an environment where students of different backgrounds and perspectives can grapple with challenging topics. The College is committed to supporting students in determining their own decisions and actions relative to challenging topics.

On Oct. 2, Augsburg College President Paul C. Pribbenow underscored via email to faculty and staff the College’s commitment to creating an open community that welcomes an intentionally diverse mix of people, calls for civility and fairness on all sides of the discussion, and aims toward increased clarity and understanding, even if it does not lead to agreement. Continue reading “FAQ: Student Organizations at Augsburg College”

Katie Clark answers readers’ questions for Girls Life magazine

Katie Clark, nursing faculty, talked with Girls Life magazine.Augsburg College’s Katie Clark, a member of the nursing department faculty, spoke in July with Girls’ Life magazine to answer questions posed by the magazine’s readers. The publication, which has a readership of more than 2 million girls ages 10-15, is sold at many major bookstores throughout the nation. Clark, who answered a range of questions, was a featured resource in the August/September 2014 issue of the magazine.

 

 

Cedar Cultural Center, Augsburg kick off Midnimo on Sept. 15

MidnimoThe Cedar Cultural Center, in partnership with Augsburg College, on Sept. 15 kicks off “Midnimo: Music for Unity, Campus and Community,” a two-year project to build cross-cultural awareness, knowledge, and understanding of Somali culture through music.

Midnimo during this academic year will bring six artists or groups to Minnesota for week-long residency programs that include classroom activities and culminate with a public concert. The schedule includes:

Media Photo Opp: Auggies donate $25,000 in service work Sept. 2 

Minneapolis-based nonprofits will receive $25,647 worth of service work on Sept. 2 from more than 420 Augsburg College students. The students, in partnership with faculty and alumni, will donate 1,055 hours of work to more than 25 organizations as part of the 17th annual Augsburg College City Service Day.

When

  • 12:30 p.m.: Students depart Augsburg College campus to travel by light rail, bus, and foot to site locations
  • 1:15 p.m.: Students arrive at sites
  • 1:30-3:30 p.m.: Students perform volunteer work at sites ranging from making honey, urban farming, and lake clean up to helping teachers prepare their classrooms, conduct recreational activities with youths, and clean and/or move offices and facilities.

Photo Opportunities

Several locations this year are new and offer rich photo opportunities, including:

  • The Beez Kneez, 2204 Minnehaha Ave.: Honey making, clean up (Augsburg College President Paul Pribbenow working at this site)
  • Stones Throw Urban Farm, 2820 15th Ave. S.: Farming projects
  • Powderhorn Park (2 groups), 3400 15th Ave. S.: Lake and park clean up
  • Matthew’s Center (2 groups), 2318 29th Ave. S.: Youth recreation activities

(Full list available upon request)

Facts

  • According to Independent Sector, the value of an average hour of volunteer work in Minnesota in 2013 was $24.31. (independentsector.org)
  • City Service Day is in its 17th year and is an annual kick-off of the academic year designed to connect incoming students with one another and within their areas of study, familiarize students with the Cedar-Riverside and neighboring communities, and ask students to live out the College mission.

Augsburg College is set in a vibrant neighborhood at the heart of the Twin Cities, and offers more than 50 undergraduate majors and nine graduate degrees to nearly 4,000 students of diverse backgrounds. Augsburg College educates students to be informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers, and responsible leaders. The Augsburg experience is supported by an engaged community that is committed to intentional diversity in its life and work. 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.

Legendary coach Edor Nelson ’38 honored by community, media

Edor Nelson '38 was presented a special jersey in honor of his 100th birthday.
Edor Nelson ’38 was presented a special jersey in honor of his 100th birthday.

Legendary Auggie coach, athlete and instructor Edor Nelson ’38 died August 27 at the age of 100. Nelson, who led the Auggie football and baseball teams for nearly four decades, died only nine days after a centennial birthday celebration at Augsburg where hundreds of friends and Auggies turned out to honor him. Nelson’s birthday celebration and his death have garnered strong media attention. Coverage of Nelson’s birthday party and incredible life include:

Augsburg named among most LGBT-friendly colleges in U.S.

indexAugsburg College was named to Campus Pride’s 2014 list of the Top 50 LGBT-Friendly Colleges. Campus Pride, a nonprofit organization aimed at creating more LGBT-friendly colleges, compiled the list from schools that achieved the highest ratings in categories such as LGBT academic life, LGBT student life, LGBT housing, and more. The accolade was featured by The Washington Blade, The Huffington Post, and Advocate.

In 2013, Campus Pride awarded Augsburg College a perfect score of 5 out of 5 stars on its LGBT-Friendly Campus Climate Index.