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This section of the News and Media Services department site tracks stories in print and broadcast media that feature Auggie faculty, students, and staff. The area also is home to material developed for University-related programs, events, and more.

Students play in WITNESS to Duke Ellington

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

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'

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

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

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

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

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.

Dr. Robin Lovin to speak in Convocation, seminars

lovinDr. Robin Lovin will present “Reinhold Niebuhr for the 21st Century: Christian

Realism and the New Realities” at the annual Batalden Seminar in Applied Ethics. The series of events, to be held, Feb. 28 – March 1, is part of the 2007-2008  Convocation Series “Many Voices Bold Vision.”

Dr. Robin Lovin is a Cary Maguire University professor of Ethics at Southern Methodist University. He joined the SMU faculty in July 1994 and served as dean of Perkins School of Theology from 1994-2002. From 1991-1994, Lovin was dean at the Theological School of Drew University in Madison, New Jersey. His teaching career includes service as an instructor at Candler School of Theology of Emory University and 13 years as a faculty member at the Divinity School of the University of Chicago. He is a graduate of Northwestern University (B.A.) and Harvard University (B.D. and Ph.D). He is an ordained minister of The United Methodist Church. Continue reading “Dr. Robin Lovin to speak in Convocation, seminars”

Dr. Ruth Johnson speaks at Vocatio Chapel

rj_vocatioRuth E. Johnson, MD ’74 will speak in Vocatio Chapel on Wednesday, Feb. 20, at 10:20 a.m. in the “Science as Vocation” series, as part of Exploring Our Gifts: The Augsburg College Lilly Grant.

Johnson is a consultant in the Department of Internal Medicine at Mayo Clinic and assistant professor of medicine at Mayo Medical School. Her major interests are medical education, medical ethics and women’s health. She founded the Mayo Breast Clinic in 1993 and continues in patient care, education and research for women with benign and malignant breast disease, and women at high risk for breast cancer.

Majoring in chemistry and biology at Augsburg, Johnson earned her bachelor’s degree summa cum laude, graduated from Mayo Medical School and completed her residency at Mayo Graduate School of Medicine. In 1996 Johnson was named a Distinguished Alumna; in 2007 she rejoined Augsburg’s Board of Regents. She is married to Phil Quanbeck II, chair of Augsburg’s Department of Religion.

A luncheon at 11 a.m. follows the chapel service. To RSVP for the luncheon or for more information, e-mail Ross Murray at murray@augsburg.edu or call x1151.

Augsburg named to President's Honor Roll for community service

honors_listFor the second year in a row, Augsburg was named to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with Distinction. This Honor Roll recognizes institutions of higher education that support innovative, effective and exemplary community service programs.

Factors considered include the scope and innovation of service projects, the percentage of student who participate and the extent to which service-learning courses are offered.

Of the 528 colleges named, Augsburg was among 127 that were specially honored “with distinction.” In addition, nine colleges received special awards for extraordinary service and special achievement.

At Augsburg, for example, even before starting classes, all first-year students participate in City Service Projects Day. In September, more than 400 students volunteered 1,340 hours at varied locations in the College’s neighborhood and in the city on that day. Continue reading “Augsburg named to President's Honor Roll for community service”