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Celebrating Lutheran Heritage in Germany and Prague

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October 27-November 6, 2016

Religion professors Mark Tranvik and Hans Wiersma host this journey through Germany and Prague celebrating Lutheran heritage in honor of the 500th anniversary of the Reformation.

Erfurt Merchants BridgeFirst, explore artistic and vibrant Berlin before continuing on to Wittenberg to attend the spirited Reformation Festival. Then, discover the culture of Erfurt, Leipzig, and Dresden before making your way to the beautiful and historic Prague.

This informative trip is filled with guided tours of museums, Holocaust memorials, churches, monasteries, and castles. You’ll meander cities, scenic bridges, and vibrant squares, and savor local cuisine and scenic landmarks.

This uniquely Augsburg travel opportunity truly is once in a lifetime. Curious to learn more? Contact Katie Koch with any questions at kochk@augsburg.edu or call 612-330-1178.

Find .

Hosts

Mark Tranvik

mark tranvikMark Tranvik is professor of religion and director of the Christensen Center for Vocation. He has written extensively on the Reformation and edited and introduced a book, The Freedom of a Christian, designed to introduce people to Luther’s life and theology. Tranvik is the author of an upcoming book, Martin Luther and the Called Life, due out later this year from Fortress Press鈥攖he book is on Luther’s understanding of vocation. He is a Lutheran pastor, having served at Cross of Glory Lutheran Church in Brooklyn Center, Minn., for 10 years.

Hans Wiersma

hans wiersmaHans Wiersma is associate professor of religion and co-director of Augsburg’s Youth and Family Ministry program. His courses at Augsburg include 鈥淭he Lutheran Heritage鈥 and 鈥淭he Life and Work of the Church.鈥 Wiersma received a PhD in the History of Christianity in 2005. He has contributed to a variety of scholarly and popular religion-themed articles, books, and curricula, including The Lutheran Handbook series. He is presently working on the Second Edition of James Kittelson’s Luther the Reformer: the Man and His Career. Wiersma is an active member of the Sixteenth Century Society and Conference, where he has presented a number of academic papers focused on the theological development of Luther and his earliest followers. In addition, he is a Lutheran pastor. Wiersma lives in St. Paul, Minn., with his wife and four children. They are members of St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church in St. Paul.

Katie Koch 鈥01

Katie-KochKatie Koch ’01, Director of Auggie Engagement, will serve as tour coordinator for the trip to Germany and Prague. Koch comes from a diverse background of performing arts management, having most recently worked at The O鈥橲haughnessy at St. Catherine University as an event and administrative manager. Katie worked for nearly five years at the Guthrie Theater as the assistant to former director Joe Dowling, where she supported the Guthrie Board of Directors and high-profile visiting artists. In her time at Augsburg,Koch was a member of The Augsburg Choir, Augsburg Concert Band, and Augsburg Jazz and Gospel Praise. She served as an admissions ambassador, a student coordinator for new student orientation in 1999 and 2000, and wrote for the Augsburg Echo.

Parent Update from Financial Services

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The 2016-2017 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) can be completed online at FAFSA.ed.gov two to three weeks after filing the student鈥檚 and parent(s) 2015 federal taxes. Remember to use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to directly import the tax information, and make sure to submit the FAFSA by signing with your FSA ID. The priority deadline for completing the聽financial聽aid application is May 1.

Registration for the summer/fall 2016 terms begin聽April 4. Students who have unpaid spring charges, or are not up-to-date on their payment plans, will be unable to register.

The last day to register for two monthly payments under Augsburg鈥檚 Online Payment Plan is March 26. Please see the new Parent Information tab at for instructions on making a payment, signing up for a payment plan, etc.

Students must complete the online form, Information Release in Records and Registration, to grant us permission to speak with anyone other than the student.

We 鈾 All Auggies

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We hear so many stories of lifelong partnerships found at Augsburg鈥攃ouples who met in their first year, in class, at the Chin Wag, or working on campus鈥攚e’re tempted to call Augsburg cupid. Or just lucky to play host to a lifetime of heart-enriching connections of all kinds鈥攍ifelong friendships, mentorships, and partnerships. We put a call out on social media to share a photo with Augsburg Alumni if you met your mate at Augsburg College. Thank you to all who shared your photos and stories. This Valentine’s Day, the Alumni Association sends love to Auggies everywhere!

Auggie lovebirds include: Kari Aanestad 鈥08 and Brian Krohn 鈥08, with Sean Stanhill 鈥08, Krista Costin 鈥08, and Ryan Lisson 鈥08; Alissa Blood-Knafla 鈥07 and Patrick Knafla 鈥04; Anjie (Tonolli) 鈥93 and Tac 鈥91 Coplin; Carol (Pederson) 鈥72 and Wayne 鈥71 Jorgenson; Caitlin Hozeny 鈥09 and Seth Lienard 鈥11; Abby (Johnson) 鈥05 and Zac 鈥03 Schnedler; Alisha Esselstein 鈥15 and Tyler Dorn 鈥15; Simon茅 (Johnson) 鈥91 and Alex Gonzalez 鈥90; Shannon Connaughton 鈥13 and Erik Grindal 鈥13; Cherie (Elliott) 鈥03 and Brad Christ; Ross Murray 鈥00, MBA 鈥09 and Richard Garnett 鈥07, MBA 鈥09; Joanne (Varner) 鈥52 and Harvey 鈥52 Peterson; Heather Johnston 鈥92 and Jason Koch 鈥93; Lisbeth (Jorgensen) 鈥70 and Earl 鈥68 Sethre; Joan (Moline) 鈥83 and John Evans 鈥82; Hayley Thomas 鈥12 and Emerson Ball 鈥14; Becky (Bjella) 鈥79 and Jeff 鈥77 Nodland; Barbara (Beglinger) 鈥63 and Dean 鈥62 Larson; Laura Schmidt 鈥11 and Patrick DuSchane 鈥13; Pam (Hanson) 鈥79 and Mark 鈥79 Moksnes; Christine 鈥09 and Cody 鈥09 Tresselt-Warren with Noah; Denielle Johnson 鈥11 and Tim Stepka;聽Jennifer (Feine) 鈥94 and Erik Hellie 鈥93; Molly (Fochtman) 鈥92 and Greg Schnagl 鈥91;聽Bev (Ranum) 鈥78 and Dennis 鈥78 Meyer; Nancy (Mackey) 鈥85 and Paul 鈥84 Mueller; Emily Crook 鈥07, MAE 鈥15 and DJ Hamm 鈥08, and many hundreds more!

Young Alumni Council Elect Leadership

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The Young Alumni Council is proud to announce the first elected President, Rosine Johnson ’10, and Vice-President, Evan Decker ’12. These positions have been added in preparation for anticipated council growth in engagement opportunities for young alumni. We are currently looking for additional young alumni who are seeking advanced leadership and professional board development experience, while expanding the opportunities for alumni connections to Augsburg College and other alumni. For more information or to apply, please visit our site.

To qualify, you must be within the last ten years of graduation.

President: Rosine Johnson ’10
Rosine Mina Johnson graduated聽in 2010 with a BA in Political Science with a Public Policy Concentration and minored in International Relations. After graduation, she chose to attend Minnesota State University Mankato to receive a Master鈥檚 in Public Administration degree, and graduated with high honors in December of 2012. She currently holds a few public sector administrative positions with Hennepin County and local city governments such as the City of Edina and Richfield. Rosine gives back to her community by working with youth ministries at Christ the King Lutheran Church and serves on the church council as well. She also volunteers at local charities and organizations. She loves to be with people, laugh, travel, be silly, cook, garden, ski, read, keep up with current events and politics, and attend Zumba and dance classes.

Vice-President: Evan Decker


鈥婨van Decker graduated聽in 2012 with a double major in MIS and Management. While at Augsburg he participated in several activities on campus, including football, the Augsburg Business Organization, and working in the IT department. After graduation, he pursued a career in information systems because it combined two of his passions: business and technology. He currently works as an IT project manager and does consulting projects on the side. Evan joined the council in 2015 because he wants to give back to the college and further develop his聽leadership聽skills. Outside of work he enjoys anything away from screens鈥攍ifting weights, reading, DIY home improvement projects, hanging out with his cats, and riding his motorcycle.

Opening Doors and Paying It Forward

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This year’s Auggie Networking Event on February 9 is the perfect opportunity for graduates of all class years and majors to connect with fellow Auggies, support student success, and build your Auggie network. This event is open to all students and alumni, and features pop-up speakers, free headshots, refreshments, and more. Beyond expanding your own alumni network, the event offers the chance to open doors for current students.

When Nick Rathmann 鈥03 made his way to the Augsburg campus last February for the Auggie Networking Event, he encountered blizzard conditions. But the Blake High School athletic director鈥攏ot inclined toward defeat鈥攁rrived safely, only to find 250 others there as well. The popular annual event offers an evening full of connecting opportunities both for students seeking work and for alumni who can help, as well as for alumni seeking new positions.

Sometime that February evening, Rathmann was introduced to Kendall Christian 鈥15, an Exercise Science major who was about to graduate. He discovered that she had played hockey all four years, as well as club lacrosse for two. Impressed with her professionalism and polish, as well as the description of her journey through hockey, he saw in her an ability to understand the value of the process. Her passion for sports and development was obvious to him, and he could sense she had learned some incredible life lessons, and possessed remarkable leadership skills. As Rathmann says, 鈥淐redit to Augsburg, both teachers and coaches, for her preparation. Credit to her for her motivation and focus on professional development.鈥

Rathmann mentioned a girls lacrosse coaching position opening up in the spring, so Christian followed up with an email, and was soon invited to the school for further discussion. Soon after, she was offered the position at Blake School, where she found amazing support for athletes and students among coaches and teachers鈥斺減rofessional and personable.鈥

Christian says, 鈥淚t can be intimidating to market yourself, but Augsburg alumni are invested in helping students.鈥 She hopes all students will use this extensive network to their full advantage.

Rathmann believes Augsburg students are inherently competitive and motivated鈥攃ompetitive just to get into the school, and motivated by the best traits of other students, teammates, faculty, and coaches. Those traits 鈥渞ub off on you,鈥 and you take them with you.

From the point of view of a professional alum, Rathmann says, 鈥淲e have all been helped and mentored. It鈥檚 important to pay it forward when we can. A cup of coffee and a 30-minute conversation can go a long way. Augsburg grads are everywhere鈥攁nd that is a great thing!鈥

See Kendall Christian at this year’s on February 9. As one of the evening’s pop-up speakers, she’ll share more about her story and experience as a young alumna.

鈥攂y Cheryl Crockett 鈥89

 

6 Quick Questions with the New Director of Auggie Engagement

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Katie Koch ’01 joined the Alumni Relations team as Director of Auggie Engagement in January. We’re so excited to welcome this wonderful Auggie on board. She’s here to listen to you, plan alumni events, and find more ways for alumni to stay involved in the life of the College. Why not hear it straight from Katie?

What does it mean to be the Director of Auggie Engagement?
In this position I have the opportunity to connect with alumni, parents and friends of Augsburg. It鈥檚 my hope that we can continue to connect Auggies to the college, to their classmates and to fellow Auggies. As an Auggie you are important to the College, and we want to find ways to engage you, help to continue your learning, grow your network and use your talents to the benefit of Auggies.

What’s your favorite memory from your time at Augsburg?
I was involved in The Augsburg Choir, Augsburg Band and Jazz Band. I have some strong memories of times that we spent together on various tours. One that stands out to me is our joint band and choir tour to Arizona where we were snowed in in Flagstaff.

I loved being a part of Advent Vespers, especially standing all around Central Lutheran holding our candles and singing Silent Night. It still stirs up quite a bit of emotion in me.
Continue reading “6 Quick Questions with the New Director of Auggie Engagement” →

Parent Update: Financial Services

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All spring tuition and fee charges were due January 5; any remaining balance after that date is subject to finance charges. Students will have reminders sent to their Augsburg email account during the first week of each month reminding them to view their online monthly bill; all students are encouraged to give parents/guardians access to view these statements. The last day to register for three monthly payments under Augsburg鈥檚 Online Payment Plan is聽February 26. Please see the new Parent Information tab at聽 for instructions on obtaining access, making a payment, signing up for a payment plan, etc.

Students will be notified by the end of January when their 1098-T is available for their 2015 tax preparation. Students can view the form by logging on to AugNet Records and Registration and clicking on Make Payment/Account Activity. The 1098-T tax form can be found on the bottom right-hand side of this page. Billing statements provide a record of tuition billed during 2015.

Students must complete the online form, Information Release in Records and Registration, to grant us permission to speak with anyone other than the student.

The Auggie Alumni Board Wants You

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alumni-board
Back Row [L to R]: Adrienne (Kuchler) Eldridge 鈥02, Sarah Grans 鈥01, Howie Smith 鈥80, Jay Howard 鈥03, Rick Bonlender 鈥78, Greg Schnagl 鈥91, Nick Swanson 鈥09, Patricia Jesperson 鈥95 Front Row [L to R]: Marie (Eddy) Odenbrett 鈥01, Hannah Dietrich 鈥05, Jill Watson 鈥10 MBA, Meg (Schmidt) Sawyer 鈥00, Melissa (Daudt) Hoepner 鈥92, Chris Hallin 鈥88, Adriana Matzke 鈥13, Rachel (Olson) Engebretson 鈥98, Chau 鈥淭ina鈥 Nguyen 鈥08, Mary Prevost 鈥12 MBA Not Pictured: Cyrus Batheja 鈥08, 鈥10 MBA; Sharon Mercill 鈥09; Jordan Moore 鈥12 MBA; Brent Peroutka 鈥02; Nick Rathmann 鈥03; Tracy (Anderson) Severson 鈥95.
The Augsburg Alumni Association is looking for volunteers to serve on the board of directors. All alumni are welcomed and encouraged to apply. The Alumni Board is a governing body of the Alumni Association. The board exists to guide the Office of Alumni and Constituent Relations of Augsburg College in serving the valued alumni, parents and friends by providing resources and opportunities to engage alumni with the College and each other through consistent communication, inclusive programming, and intentional relationship building. To apply or find out more, contact Katie Koch 鈥01, Director of Auggie Engagement, at kochk@augsburg.edu.

Parent Update: Financial Services

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The spring 2016 billing statements were electronically sent to all registered students on December 10 with a due date of聽January 5, 2016; any remaining balance after that date is subject to聽finance聽charges.聽 Students will have reminders sent to their Augsburg email account during the first week of each month reminding them to view their online monthly bill.

All students are encouraged to give聽parents/guardians access to view these statements. Students must log in to聽and select 鈥楳ake a Payment/Account Activity鈥 on the right hand menu. Click 鈥榁iew your online student account鈥 and follow the instructions under 鈥楶arent/Third Party Access Instructions 鈥 Make a Payment鈥.

Students can view their statements by logging into聽 and selecting Records & Registration. Click on Make a Payment/Account Activity/Statement History and then view or download Augsburg Bill. To view a student鈥檚 transaction history, follow all previous steps except select Click here to view transaction history; this is a more comprehensive and detailed view of a student鈥檚 account.

Students are also encouraged to give聽parents/guardians access to view their billing statements.聽 Students must log in to 聽and select Make a Payment/Account Activity on the right hand menu. Click 鈥榁iew your online student account鈥 and follow the instructions under Parent/Third Party Access Instructions 鈥 Make a Payment.

All students are still eligible to enroll in Augsburg鈥檚 Online Payment Plan; however, the payments will be divided into four monthly payments if the application was not completed by December 26. Students must log in to聽聽and select Make a Payment/Account Activity on the right hand menu. Click Payment Plans and Discounts and follow the instructions under Augsburg Online Payment Plan. To ensure 4 monthly payments, the application聽must聽be completed by聽January 26, 2016.

To comply with FERPA regulations, students聽must complete the online 鈥業nformation Release鈥 form in order for our office to communicate with anyone besides themselves. The student must log into their or and click on Records and Registration. Under Information Release they need to Add an Authorization. They will enter the full name and email address of the party/parties being granted permission for communication. Next, select Financial聽Aid/Finances Release and then click Save.聽聽Please note that we will be unable to speak with any聽parent/guardian that has not been authorized by the student.

 

Designing Sustainability

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When Stephanie Glover 鈥04 was only five, her mother gave her a copy of Shel Silverstein鈥檚 The Giving Tree鈥攊n French鈥攁nother of many attempts by her parents to expose her to other cultures and encourage her to try new things. Throughout her childhood, many of her friends came from different backgrounds, and diversity of experience became a given.

That way of life was reinforced at Augsburg, where she discovered that the wide cultural swath of her classmates鈥 backgrounds was a significant enhancement to her education in International Relations, as was her study abroad, in Aix en Provence, France.

Later, after a four-year stint of teaching in France and South Korea, Glover decided to volunteer in the Republic of Georgia鈥攁n experience that she now views as life-changing. Armed with very little knowledge about the country, she spent about a week in foreign language training, then made her way to the home of her host family, high in the Borjomi Mountains. They spoke little English, and Glover鈥檚 Georgian was shaky at best, so early days were challenging. But transformation lay ahead.

Trips down the mountain took about an hour, and consequently were infrequent. The host family owned cows, chickens, and pigs鈥攁nd they grew some crops, so the food Glover ate during that year was primarily homemade and natural. She came to an appreciation for an organic lifestyle, and felt a growing concern for the impact that eating and buying habits have on the environment. Her experience in the Borjomi Mountains would eventually inform her career choice.

Continue reading “Designing Sustainability” →