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Augsburg College to become ‘Augsburg University’ September 1

(MINNEAPOLIS)—Augsburg College will become Augsburg University effective September 1.

The change reflects the reality that Augsburg already offers nine graduate degree programs—including Minnesota’s first program for physician assistants—in addition to its more than 50 undergraduate degree programs.

“Becoming Augsburg University does not change our dedication to our liberal arts mission or our commitment to being small to our students and big for the world,” said Augsburg President Paul C. Pribbenow.

“As we lean into our reality as a university, we will continue our drive toward the intentional diversity for which we are known. We will ensure we are student-ready and can provide those of academic ability with opportunities for hands-on learning, undergraduate research, international study, and internships so that all Auggies are prepared to share their gifts and talents with the world.”

The name change decision was made after a thorough review that included conducting market research, studying the process and impact of name changes by other institutions, and holding open dialogue sessions with a broad set of stakeholders, including students, alumni, faculty, staff, and regents.

More information about the change is at augsburg.edu/university.

About Augsburg: Augsburg offers more than 50 undergraduate majors and nine graduate degrees to nearly 3,600 students of diverse backgrounds at its campus in the vibrant center of the Twin Cities and the Rochester site. 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.

Campus Photo: Download a photo of campus at https://web.augsburg.edu/marcomm/augsburg_minneapolis_skyline.jpg

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Augsburg creative writing mentor Neal Karlen describes connection to Prince in Star Tribune column

Minneapolis Star Tribune - logoNeal Karlen, a mentor in Augsburg College’s Master of Arts in Creative Writing program, described the unlikely friendship he developed with music icon Prince in a recent Star Tribune column. Karlen is among an elite group of writers granted in-depth interviews with Prince in the mid-1980s. Over time, discussions between the print writer and the songwriter developed into something akin to friendship, according Karlen.

“I always told Prince I knew he really didn’t consider me a friend, but as one of the few people in Minneapolis who was probably awake, like he always was, in the middle of the night, and was ‘Willing and Able,’ as my favorite song of his is titled, to talk about loneliness and death,” Karlen wrote.

“I even rubbed it in, in the opening of my second Rolling Stone cover story on Prince, published in 1990.

‘The phone rings at 4:48 in the morning,'”

WCCO-TV story features Augsburg Commencement ceremony

WCCOIn the WCCO-TV story “Augsburg College Celebrates Its Most Diverse Graduating Class In History,” Commencement participant Promise Okeke ’15 described his drive for an undergraduate degree and experiences at Augsburg.

The story also showed images of Augsburg’s traditional undergraduate Commencement event on May 2, noting that approximately 30 percent of the undergraduate Class of 2015 is comprised of students of color.

MPR features Augsburg’s Central Health Commons

MPRLogoKathleen Clark, Augsburg College instructor and director of the Central Health Commons, spoke with MPR News about her role at the drop-in health care center.

The Health Commons, which has been open for 22 years and is free to visitors, provides medical and nutritional consultations and services as well as connections to other health care resources.

The focus of care at the Health Commons is communication and hospitality, even though–unfortunately–this approach has become less common in traditional medical settings.

Central Health Commons is funded by Augsburg College, Central Lutheran Church, and other private donations.

To read the article and learn more about the Health Commons, visit the MPR News site.

The story also was picked up by the Associated Press and since has run in:

  • The News & Observer in Raleigh, N.C. — Augsburg College nurses put hospitality first
  • The State of Columbia, S.C. — Nurses at Augsburg College center put hospitality first

Bill Nye ticket presale for Augsburg community opens Nov. 24

Bill Nye Ticket InformationBill Nye “The Science Guy” will share his love for science when he speaks Feb. 14 at Augsburg College’s Scholarship Weekend in an address that is open to the general public. Nye, who will talk about “How Science Can Save the World,” will speak with academic depth and humor about planetary science, climate change, evolution, environmental awareness, and more.

“We’re excited to host Bill Nye during our Scholarship Weekend when bright students from across the United States visit campus to compete for our top academic scholarships,” said Augsburg College President Paul C. Pribbenow. “We want to give these scholarly, prospective Auggies the chance to grapple with some of the world’s deepest questions so they can experience what Auggies are called to do each and every day.”

During the 2014 Scholarship Weekend, nearly 100 students and the public had the opportunity to be challenged by questions of compassion and humanity posed in a talk by His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama.

Nye, a mechanical engineer and seven-time Emmy Award winner as host and head writer of “Bill Nye the Science Guy,” will speak from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Feb. 14, in Augsburg College’s Si Melby Gymnasium (715 23rd Ave. S., Minneapolis, MN 55454). Doors will open at 10 a.m. Continue reading “Bill Nye ticket presale for Augsburg community opens Nov. 24”

Augsburg named one of five finalists for national interfaith award

HigherEdHonorRollAugsburg College was one of five finalists named to the prestigious President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with Distinction in the interfaith and community service category.

This is the fifth time that the College has been named to the top tier of recognition—the honor roll with distinction—for this prominent national award. More than 500 schools vied for the 2014 award that celebrates outstanding achievements in and commitment to interfaith and community service work.

In 2010, Augsburg took top honors from among a field of 850 applicants. Read about this campus accomplishment in the story “Augsburg College earns Presidential Award for service learning and community service.”

Mason Jennings is featured musician March 8 at Peace Prize Forum

Mason JenningsWHO and WHAT: Mason Jennings will explore the intersections of creative expression and peace in a special presentation as the featured musician of the Nobel Peace Prize Forum.

WHEN: 7 p.m., Saturday, March 8

WHERE: Foss Center, Augsburg College, 625 22nd Ave. South, Minneapolis, MN 55454

TICKETS: $25. Available at peace.augsburg.edu

Continue reading “Mason Jennings is featured musician March 8 at Peace Prize Forum”

Women’s rights leader Gloria Steinem unites campus and community

Gloria Steinem speaks in Hoversten Chapel
Gloria Steinem speaks in Hoversten Chapel, Foss Center.

The 2013 Koryne Horbal Lecture with women’s rights icon Gloria Steinem was a “can’t miss” event for Augsburg College student Ali Smith ’15.

“Feminism is something I’m interested in,” Smith said. “It’s a way to bond with my professors and friends because we’re working toward the common goal of equity.”

Each year, the Anne Pederson Women’s Resource Center at Augsburg College hosts the Koryne Horbal Lecture to bring to campus speakers of national distinction who address issues that influence women. The event attracts Augsburg students, like Smith, as well as faculty and staff members, and—increasingly—members of the greater Twin Cities community. Continue reading “Women’s rights leader Gloria Steinem unites campus and community”