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Augsburg’s StepUP program receives media mention

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MinnPostScott Washburn, assistant director for Augsburg College’s StepUP program was mentioned on Minnpost.com.

The StepUP program, which aims to help students with histories of addiction thrive on campus, was mentioned as part of an article about P.E.A.S.E. Academy, which is a similar local program at the high school level.

Washburn, who is a licensed alcohol and drug counselor, said that the biggest threat for students dealing with addiction is being around their nearest and dearest on campus. “We know from research as well as experience that the No. 1 relapse trigger is the influence of peers,” Washburn said. 

Visit the MinnPost website to read the article. Learn more about StepUP on its program site.

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

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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” →

MinnPost features StepUP in story about collegiate recovery

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MinnPostAugsburg College’s StepUP program, a residential program for undergraduate students in recovery from addiction to drugs and alcohol, was featured in the MinnPost. Program Director Patrice Salmeri was interviewed about StepUP, orientation for students, and the role of StepUP in shaping collegiate recovery programs at other institutions. Read “Sober-living communities make college possible for students in recovery.”

Alex Peterson '16 interviewed for The Scientist

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The ScientistAlex Peterson ’16 was interviewed for the cover story in the February edition of The Scientist magazine for an article titled “Pain and Progress: Is it possible to make a nonaddictive opioid painkiller.” Peterson, a student in Augsburg’s successful StepUP program for students in addiction recovery, shared his story and perspective on opioids. Read the article here.

Women’s rights leader Gloria Steinem unites campus and community

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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” →

Going to any lengths for sobriety

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summitforsobrietyFor these young men, the story isn’t about getting sober, staying sober, or even about climbing a mountain. It’s about second chances and taking chances.

Tommy Chester and Andy Thomas [left to right] are both first-year students in Augsburg’s StepUP® Program. Both tried to go to college twice and failed miserably they say, and both were scared to go to treatment for their addiction. Today they’re using the second chance they’ve been given to help others, specifically by climbing to the summit of Mt. Rainier. Continue reading “Going to any lengths for sobriety” →

One step, one story, one journey

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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” →

StepUP program featured on higher education site

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step_upOn Dec. 18, Augsburg’s StepUP program was featured in a story on Inside Higher Ed, a daily online news site for higher education.

Interviews with StepUP student Anne Thompson and director Patrice Salmeri highlight how Augsburg’s 10-year-old program supports students in recovery from chemical addiction. Setting Augsburg’s program apart from recovery programs in other colleges are the successes of the residential program on campus; the extent of counselor and peer support; and the academic support services available, such as tutoring, that continually provide support to students. Continue reading “StepUP program featured on higher education site” →