{"id":13992,"date":"2025-10-07T17:48:15","date_gmt":"2025-10-07T17:48:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.augsburg.edu\/now\/?p=13992"},"modified":"2025-10-09T15:25:25","modified_gmt":"2025-10-09T15:25:25","slug":"a-place-to-call-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.augsburg.edu\/now\/2025\/10\/07\/a-place-to-call-home\/","title":{"rendered":"A place to call home"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Homecoming royalty was crowned during Saturday’s festivities. (Photo by Courtney Perry)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Every year, Auggies near and far are invited to be a part of Augsburg\u2019s vibrant spirit by attending Homecoming, celebrating the community that shaped them, reliving treasured traditions, sharing stories, and making new memories.<\/p>\n

Nate Berkas<\/strong>, director of alumni relations and annual giving, says there\u2019s more to Homecoming than simply being back on campus. It\u2019s about reconnecting.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy favorite part of Homecoming is when we welcome back alumni and they talk about how grateful they are for coming back because it filled them up,\u201d Berkas explains. \u201cThe magic of Homecoming is having people remember that there is great joy in being an Auggie, and that they are just as much an Auggie today as they were when they graduated.\u201d<\/p>\n

This year\u2019s three-day event series kicked off Thursday with the Athletic Hall of Fame Ceremony and Reception<\/a>, honoring the selection of nine former student athletes into the 52nd class of the Athletic Hall of Fame. Inductees included Jess Bakalyar \u201998<\/strong>, Felicia (Faison) Krick \u201909<\/strong>, Whitney (Holman) Mead \u201910<\/strong>, Mike Kennedy \u201979<\/strong>, Larry Lamparske \u201969<\/strong>, Mike LeDuc \u201997<\/strong>, Ryan McIntosh \u201901<\/strong>, John Pena \u201998<\/strong>, and Shanna (Reed) Reineke \u201910<\/strong>. In addition, James See \u201909<\/strong> received the Augsburg Excellence in Coaching Award, while Jeff Swenson \u201979<\/strong> accepted the Legend of Augsburg Athletics Award for his legacy as a former athlete, coach, and athletic director.<\/p>\n

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The Athletic Hall of Fame’s nine new inductees bring the total number of Athletic Hall of Fame members to 372, along with one team. (Photo by Kevin Healy)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On Friday, members of the Class of 1975 gathered on campus to reconnect for their 50th Reunion, enjoying student-led tours of campus, performances from alumni and current students, and a special program in Hoversten Chapel.<\/p>\n

Alumni Award recipients<\/a> were celebrated with a ceremony and lunch, with six alumni honored in 2025. Selected Distinguished Alumni Awardees included Susan Allen \u201992<\/strong>, Michele Boyer \u201989<\/strong>, and Deacon Ross R. Murray \u201900, \u201909<\/strong>; the First Decade Award was given to Cristian Baca Perez \u201916<\/strong> and Muna Mohamed \u201916<\/strong>; and Mark S. Johnson \u201975<\/strong> received the Spirit of Augsburg Award.<\/p>\n

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Deacon Ross R. Murray ’00, ’09<\/b> serves as vice president at the GLAAD Media Institute, providing activist, spokesperson, and media engagement training and education for LGBTQ and allies. (Photo by Kevin Healy)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A full final day of celebration, Saturday served as an occasion of community gathering for both current students and alumni alike. Early risers were welcomed to Homecoming Chapel, while a lunchtime crowd gathered in the Quad for Taste of Augsburg. Featuring live music from the Augsburg Pep Band and over 35 student groups offering food and beverages, current students look forward to leading this segment of Homecoming each year. Alumni and students filled the Edor Nelson Field stands as Augsburg Football secured a comfortable 44\u201313 victory over St. Olaf. The weekend\u2019s festivities ended with an evening Homecoming music showcase and dessert reception, with the audience observing performances from various students in the Music Department.<\/p>\n

Alumni Board President Kristen Opalinski \u201903<\/strong> says it\u2019s never been more important for alumni to celebrate on campus with students, faculty, and staff.<\/p>\n

“As alumni, we play an essential role in sustaining Augsburg\u2019s mission,\u201d Opalinski states. \u201cWhen we gather in community, we not only honor our shared past but also stand together to support Augsburg\u2019s future. Your presence makes a difference.”[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”nivo” interval=”3″ images=”13995,13996,13997,13998,13999,14000,14001,14002,14003,14004,14005,14006,14007,14008,14009,14010,14011,14012,14013,14014,14015,14016,14017,14018,14019,14020,14021,14022,14023,14024,14025,14026,14027,14028,14029,14030,14031,14032,14033,14034,14035″ img_size=”full” onclick=””][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Don\u2019t miss these upcoming events hosted by Augsburg University:<\/p>\n