As of fall 2025, news and media updates have been integrated with the Augsburg Now alumni publication. This site archives news stories from before September 16, 2025. Please visit augsburg.edu/now or select "Augsburg Now" from the left navigation for current news.
As part of Augsburg’s Campus Space and Master Plan commitment to make the best use of our existing space, several construction projects were completed during the spring and summer. The 20-year plan, which was established in 2010, is shaped by the College’s urban location and footprint and recognizes that space use is critical to enhancing student service, stewarding resources, and maintaining college affordability.
In support of these goals, the Gage Center for Student Success opened last spring on the link level of Lindell Library, co-locating numerous student services office in a central and highly visible location. Continue reading “Auggies are on the move”→
The 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”→
“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.”
Jodi 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.
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”→
During the trip, students spoke with Egyptians about politics and daily life. Photo courtesy of Joe Underhill
A group of students from Augsburg College traveled this year to Egypt to explore the impact of grassroots civic engagement and the challenges modern Egypt faces in the wake of its largely youth-led 2011 revolution.
The trip, led by Joe Underhill, associate professor and chair of political science, and Mohamed Sallam, director of Pan-Afrikan Student Services, was the first opportunity for some students to travel outside the United States. The cultural differences between the U.S. and Egypt were especially pronounced for these individuals, who during post-trip presentations discussed Egyptians’ impressive hospitality while also recalling the humor of trying to learn a barter system only after purchasing over-priced merchandise. Continue reading “Augsburg students examine political and civil engagement in Egypt”→
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.
Nearly 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”→
This 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”→
From 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”→
As part of Augsburg’s Campus Space and Master Plan commitment to make the best use of our existing space, several construction projects were completed during the spring and summer. The 20-year plan, which was established in 2010, is shaped by the College’s urban location and footprint and recognizes that space use is critical to enhancing student service, stewarding resources, and maintaining college affordability.
The 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.
“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.”
Jodi Harpstead, chief executive officer of 
Nearly three dozen undergraduate students will present findings from their on-campus research during the 
This 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.
From 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.