From 1869 to today
Augsburg’s sesquicentennial celebration will feature diverse opportunities that uplift the university’s founding principles, honor its history, and look toward its future.
Augsburg will:
- Showcase academic excellence
- Present historical elements
- Tell its institutional story through art and design
- Host high-impact experiences
- Bring together thousands of alumni and friends from all generations
Sesquicentennial events calendar
Augsburg’s community-wide events will include a gala, reunions, convocations, art shows, concerts, book readings, theater performances, and lectures. Follow the sesquicentennial calendar today for easy access to event details, possible weather-related changes, and parking information. Here’s a glimpse at some of the signature events so you can start planning for this historic year.
HOMECOMING 2019
September 23–28, 2019
New events along with traditional favorites make Homecoming one of the most festive times on campus all year. The majority of this year’s events will occur Saturday, September 28, and special reunions will honor the classes of 2009, 1979, and 1969.
SESQUICENTENNIAL GALA
September 27, 2019
Kick off Augsburg’s sesquicentennial at this once-in-a-lifetime event in downtown Minneapolis. This gala will acknowledge Augsburg’s history of pursuing the call to serve the community, and it will rally energetic support for the next 150 years of Augsburg University.
INAUGURAL ALL-SCHOOL REUNION
September 25–26, 2020
This all-inclusive gathering is for Auggies from every class, every degree program, and every decade—Augsburg athletes, musicians, artists, scientists, student leaders, and everyone in between. Learn how to coordinate a reunion for a specific area of interest or identity by emailing Katie (Koch) Code ’01 at codek@augsburg.edu.
Sesquicentennial book
Augsburg is publishing an institutional history book as part of its sesquicentennial celebration. “Hold Fast to What is Good,” by History Professor Phillip Adamo, uses 10 objects from the university archives to tell stories from Augsburg’s first 150 years. Signed, limited edition, hardcover copies of this book are available for preorder until May 1, 2019.
Register for Homecoming, purchase Sesquicentennial Gala tickets, learn more about the All-School Reunion, and order your commemorative book at augsburg.edu/150.
International travel opportunities
Augsburg will host four alumni trips to locations in Germany and Norway that are central in the university’s history. Find details for each trip at augsburg.edu/alumni under “Travel.”
NORWAY ARTS AND CULTURE
Tentative dates May 8–18, 2020
The tour will include theater productions, concerts, and historical landmarks, and it will focus on the rich and vibrant arts and culture of Norway. Explore Norway alongside Augsburg Theater Program alumni, co-leaders Darcey Engen ’88, Augsburg University professor of theater, and her husband, Luverne Seifert ’83, Minneapolis actor and instructor at the University of Minnesota.
NORWAY NOW: EXPLORING PEACEMAKING, THE ENVIRONMENT, AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Tentative dates May 9–19, 2020
This tour will explore Norway’s peace work, government, and environmental agencies. This tour is co-led by Bettine Hoff Hermanson, managing director of the Human Rights Forum at Augsburg as well as the Norway Hub, and Joe Underhill, associate professor of political science, director of environmental studies, and director of the Human Rights Forum.
GERMANY AND AUSTRIA FEATURING THE OBERAMMERGAU PASSION PLAY
Tentative dates July 15–26, 2020
This tour will focus on Bavaria, with stops in Nuremberg, Salzberg, and additional nearby locations. The hottest ticket in Europe every 10 years is to attend the centuries-old Oberammergau Passion Play. This trip includes prime seats for this once-in-a-decade experience. As members of the university’s Department of Religion, associate professors Lori Brandt Hale and Hans Wiersma have teamed up to share their expertise and offer a uniquely Augsburg experience.
NIDAROS PILGRIMAGE IN NORWAY
Tentative dates in July 2020
Hike to the Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, Norway—a pilgrimage made by travelers for more than 1,000 years. Augsburg University Pastor and Director of Ministries Rev. Sonja Hagander will lead the trek in which adventurous Auggies will learn about history and culture, and they will experience firsthand some of the most beautiful natural sights in the world. This trip is intended for experienced mountain hikers.
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