The Augsburg Podcast features voices of 海角社区 faculty and staff. We hope this is one way you can get to know the people who educate our students to be informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers, and responsible leaders.听
I am from Norway. I grew up there and spent my first 20 years of life in a country that many consider being the perfect place to live. Norway ranks the lists of countries that inhabit the happiest people. We are known for a wonderful supportive healthcare system, long and paid maternity/paternity leave, free dental care (first 18 years), sick leave and good pensions as well as at least 6 weeks of vacation each year.听
Not only is Norway good on the homefront, on the international stage, Norway has become increasingly known for its global peace efforts: both through the prestigious but also through peace processes outside and inside of its borders. Since 1993 Norway has made an active contribution to in Afghanistan, Colombia, Myanmar, Nepal, Israel/Palestine, The Philippines, Somalia, and Sri Lanka to name a few.听
Not easy to top, right?
As a native Norwegian, it鈥檚 hard to put into words how proud I am of these facts. And as an employee of Augsburg, it adds another dimension to my pride that I am so fortunate to work for a Norwegian founded institution that鈥攐n an ongoing basis鈥攈ighlights and celebrates Norway鈥檚 accomplishments through our 30-year history hosting the Nobel Peace Prize Forum; our long history of teaching the language and culture; hosting students from Norway; our new partnership development with the ; and through our collaboration with local and national Norwegian initiatives and programming through our very own Norway Hub.听
For most of you, the information above is common knowledge. You have lived and breathed the Augsburg air and you are an Auggie after all, right? But wouldn鈥檛 you want to experience this first hand? Like go to Norway and participated in a uniquely planned itinerary that will take you to places you normally wouldn鈥檛 go? I would.听
The May 2020 trip鈥擭orway Now鈥攑rovides amazing opportunities to experience our deeply rooted ties, history and contemporary connections with this unique country. You will indeed visit and experience where and how some of these peace efforts take place and see how deeply 海角社区 has been engaged and still is.听
In Oslo, you will have a chance to visit the 飞丑别谤别听
the Nobel Peace Prize Award Ceremony takes place each year and where the walls are covered (literally) in Edvard Munch鈥檚 murals. You will also have a chance to tour the where the each year picks a winner to receive one of the most prestigious prizes: the Nobel Peace Prize. The, down by the gorgeous Aker Brygge (harbor), will share with you several interesting exhibits including past Nobel Peace Prize winners, and the most current laureate (announced in October 2019) will be on display!
In Lillehammer, we will visit and experience the work of the Nansen Center for Peace and Dialogue a center that 鈥渉as become an international hub for dialogue work focused on interethnic dialogue, conflict transformation, reconciliation, inclusive communities, and democracy.鈥 Steinar Bryn, a longtime friend and supporter of Augsburg and a mentor to our will lead the way and provide us with a lecture about current work, pedagogy, and programs. Heck, we may even engage in a dialogue as we hike down the Olympic Ski Jump鈥檚 936 steps together (hint: one of Steinar鈥檚 tools)?聽
And wouldn鈥檛 you want to be able to answer the following questions upon your return?
Are Norwegians indeed happier than others?聽
Why is the Nobel Peace Prize given out in Norway?
Who is Bertha Von Suttner?
Why is Fritfjof Nansen considered a peacemaker?
What are some of the peace processes Norway uses?聽
Can you tell how excited I am to bring you to Norway to discover, discuss and see the actual sites where this important work takes place? I am.听
Join me in Oslo on May 10, 2020. I have ordered blue skies and about 20 degrees celsius.听
Vi sees i Norge!聽
鈥擝别迟迟颈苍别听
The Augsburg Podcast features voices of 海角社区 faculty and staff. We hope this is one way you can get to know the people who educate our students to be informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers, and responsible leaders.听
Editor鈥檚 note: The All-School Reunion has been canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (updated October 13, 2020)
We are so thankful for the 155 enthusiastic volunteers who have committed to helping us plan Augsburg鈥檚 first-ever All-School Reunion. Their involvement is crucial to our journey ahead. During our first volunteers meeting on May 20, it was exciting to witness old friendships and developing relationships among Auggies from the Classes of 1955 to 2020 — and that鈥檚 why reunions matter!
Volunteers are the core this upcoming year, and our work is not only more fun but exponentially strengthened by their participation and input. Our volunteers help us with Homecoming 2020鈥檚 schedule, entertainment, venues, marketing and more. We look forward to diving into all of this over the next 15 months to make this Sesquicentennial year the most epic one at Augsburg to date.
If you are interested in joining the following group of volunteers, please contact Katie (Koch) Code 鈥01 at codek@augsburg.edu or call 612-330-1178.
We have plenty of work to do, and we look forward to hearing from you!
Annika Hegrenes 鈥20
Joseph 聽Amrhein 鈥19
Eli Baker 鈥19
Willie Giller 鈥19
Grace Lindgren 鈥19
Brandon Williams 鈥19
Gabriel Bergstrom 鈥18
Abe Johnson 鈥18
Kevin Tran 鈥18
John Boyd 鈥17
Megan Carrell 鈥17
Thomas Kukowski 鈥17
Chau Nguyen 鈥17
Jack Swift 鈥17
Lauren Hurley 鈥16
Jaquan Kline 鈥16
Atlese Robinson 鈥16
Reies Romero 鈥16
Nadine Ashby 鈥15
Kendall Christian 鈥15
Nikolas Linde 鈥15
Hassan Sankoh 鈥15
Felecia Zahner 鈥15
Lia Capaldini 鈥14
Jasmine Grika 鈥14
Gary 聽Mariscal 鈥14
Katie Nelson 鈥14
Zaurean Nickens 鈥14
Jakkee-Patricia Phillips 鈥14
Patrick DuSchane 鈥13
Alyssa Fichter 鈥13
Beau Hansen 鈥13
Kris Vick 鈥13, MAE
Helen Truax 鈥12, MBA
Evan Decker 鈥12
Fardosa Hassan 鈥12
Lauren Lesser 鈥12
Aldo Lopez 鈥12
Shane Pantila 鈥12
Katie Radford 鈥12
Marty Wyatt 鈥12
Alex Beeby 鈥11
Laura Lou DuSchane 鈥11
Lucreshia Grant 鈥11
Van Hong 鈥11
Seth Lienard 鈥11
Ted Nielsen 鈥11
Lani Roldan 鈥11
Quinton Stibbins 鈥11
Kennitra Terrell 鈥11
Stefani 聽Zappa 鈥11
Irene Abdullah 鈥10
Taylor Davis 鈥10
Joshua Holmgren 鈥10
Matthew McEnery 鈥10
Jill Watson 鈥10
Shonna Fulford 鈥09
Raymond Kidd 鈥09
Agnes Kigwana 鈥09
Caitlin Lienard 鈥09
Derek Francis 鈥08
Joshua Harris 鈥08
Bryan Ludwig 鈥08
Brian 聽Bambenek 鈥07
Erik Helgerson 鈥07
Maria Helgerson 鈥07
Charlie Scott 鈥07
Babette Chatman 鈥05
Hannah Dietrich 鈥05
Sheryl Wallace-Holman 鈥05
Mel Lee 鈥04
Mathew J. Shannon 鈥04
Jamie E. Smith 鈥04
Jarret Howard 鈥03
Nick Rathmann 鈥03
Brent Peroutka 鈥02
Nick B. Slack 鈥02
Erica Bryan-Wegner 鈥01
Erica Huls 鈥01
Jason 聽Beckendorf 鈥00
Kirsten Kelly 鈥00
Stephanie Lein Walseth 鈥00
Ross Murray 鈥00
Meg Schmidt Sawyer 鈥00
Brandon Hutchinson 鈥99
Guillaume Paek 鈥99
Terry Marquardt 鈥98
Jessica Wahto 鈥98
Amy Bowar Mellinger 鈥97
Nancy Holmblad 鈥95
Jay Lepper 鈥95
Liz Pushing 鈥93
Heather Johnston 鈥92
Kristen Hirsch Montag 鈥91
Greg Schnagl 鈥91
Drew Privette 鈥89
Tracy Sundstrom 鈥89
Jerry Dieffenbach 鈥88
Darcey Engen 鈥88
Jenni Lilledahl 鈥87
Lisa 聽Anderson 鈥86
Nancy Mueller 鈥85
Norm Okerstrom 鈥85
Lisa Kastler 鈥84
Jenny Kelley 鈥84
Karen Casanova 鈥83
Joan Evans 鈥83
Karsten Nelson 鈥83
Cinthia W. Sisson 鈥83
Lori Moline 鈥82
Eric Anderson 鈥79
Becky Bjella-Nodland 鈥79
Sally Daniels Herron 鈥79
Jeff Swenson 鈥79
James Bernstein 鈥78
Rick Bonlender 鈥78
Beverly Meyer 鈥78
Dennis Meyer 鈥78
Jeff Nodland 鈥77
Roselyn Nordaune 鈥77
Jeffrey Mueller 鈥76
Kathryn Wahl 鈥76
Norm Wahl 鈥76
Merilee Klemp 鈥75
Linda Holmen 鈥74
Bob Strommen 鈥74
Linda Andell 鈥72
Saul Stensvaag 鈥72
David Andell 鈥71
Wayne Jorgenson 鈥71
Bonnie Niles 鈥71
Bob Stacke 鈥71
Dennis King 鈥70
Richard King 鈥69
Peter Strommen 鈥69
Karolynn Lestrud 鈥68
Lennore Bevis 鈥66
Richard Mork 鈥66
Allen 聽Anderson 鈥65
Eunice Dietrich 鈥65
Joyce Pfaff 鈥65
Livi Smith 鈥64
Barbara Larson 鈥63
Dean Larson 鈥62
Lawrence Gallagher 鈥61
Winnie Nordlund Anderson 鈥61
Dale Hanka 鈥60
Robert Herman 鈥55
Michael Bloomberg – Staff
Frank Haege – Staff
Paul C. Pribbenow – President
Margaret Bostelmann – Friend
Lois Swenson – Friend
In 2019, Augsburg celebrates 150 years as a University. Our sesquicentennial will be a year-long opportunity to reflect on our past and present 鈥 to honor our leaders and legacies, and also to discover our roots.
As part of the Sesquicentennial celebration, Augsburg has commissioned several public art projects around campus lead by Kristin Anderson and Christopher Houltberg. The main installation is a participatory art project called 鈥淚nside Out鈥 that will cover 4 city blocks and showcase over 1,869 faces of people part of the Augsburg community.
Let鈥檚 celebrate the faces of current and historic members of the community with this ambitious public installation! Woven together, each black and white portrait will create a mesh of faces celebrating, recognizing and honoring the core of the institution: its people. This textile of woven portraits will be a unique opportunity to take part in .
Having the whole Augsburg community represented in this installation is very important to us. That includes Rochester campus, weekend university students, international students, faculty, staff, and alumni. So we want to invite YOU to participate by sending in your photo from wherever you are through . The deadline to send in these photos is Friday, May 24.
Let鈥檚 show who we are behind the walls of the institution and each of our roles within it for the past 150 years. Whether to pay tribute or simply pay attention, this project creates the opportunity to recognize how many shoulders it takes to create a strong and successful academic community in every single realm existing in a university.
Beyond getting your portrait taken or sending in a photo, this is about shared moments, pride, and seeing yourself appear side by side with around 3,000 other faces with the same pride and commitment to Augsburg.
The Augsburg Associates are hosting a lunch and Arboretum Tour for their spring event at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum on Wednesday, May 29. This event includes a lunch starting at 11:30 in the Tea Room at the Arboretum with featured speaker Dr.听Stan Hokanson a horticulture professor at the University of Minnesota during lunch. At 1:30, the Associates will be taking a tour of the Arboretum on the tram. The cost for this event is $35.
When Michael Rivers graduates from Augsburg this spring, he plans to do some private investigative work for criminal lawyers, and then enroll in law school. His goal of becoming a criminal defense attorney with a private practice would seem like a natural progression, especially since that鈥檚 what his father has done since 1998. But his pathway to this decision was a long and painful one鈥攁nd never a given.
Rivers recalls that growing up in the southwest Minneapolis house once occupied by his great-grandparents, he sensed a strong bond between his parents (both Auggies who went on to earn doctorates), and he enjoyed many childhood pleasures鈥攕kiing, baseball, and biking the Minnehaha Parkway weekly to Lake Harriet. Life seemed simple then.
But he remembers a lot of fighting, too. When Rivers was five years old, his parents divorced. In the beginning, that wasn鈥檛 very troubling for a five-year-old鈥攊t meant two birthday celebrations, two Christmas gatherings, two homes, and several 鈥渄ouble events.鈥 But within the year, his mother died and鈥攅ven though the full impact of having her 鈥済one forever鈥 didn鈥檛 really sink in鈥攈e managed to continue with sports and many of his other activities, including regular attendance at his dad鈥檚 Sunday School class. He also participated in an 鈥渁mazing grief group鈥 at his elementary school, which helped him talk about death with peers and contributed greatly to healing and an understanding of death.
As Rivers was entering his teens, he was told the truth about how his mother had died. She had not been sick, as he had been led to believe. She had taken her own life鈥攋ust as his grandfather and uncle had done. This new information鈥攁nd the intentionality of those deaths鈥攆orced him to reconstruct everything on which he felt his life had been based.
He began drinking at age 13, becoming intoxicated regularly to calm the chatter in his brain. During his teen years (the 鈥渢rouble phase鈥), Rivers quit going to church. He no longer had any interest in academics, and his grades plummeted. He resented and disregarded authority and started lying to his father. Expelled from one high school for possessing a taser, he ended up attending three others. He was arrested four times. He ran away from home four times, once ending up in Omaha where he was arrested for shoplifting and being a runaway, another time in Colorado where the $6,000 he had stolen from his father funded a weeklong drug ride, and twice in Florida. He 鈥渨ent through a lot of friends鈥 and surrounded himself with people who had low expectations of him.
The fire that fueled the animosity he then felt toward the world was his understanding of his mother鈥檚 death. He felt betrayed and lied to. He was haunted by the image of his mother in her casket: the lifeless body that once held his life inside of her, and the burn marks on her lips from the gun she used鈥攁nd the images still inhabit his dreams today.
While in an after-care treatment program, Rivers learned there were school programs that could help him earn a GED鈥攁 fact that became enticing only when he discovered he could possibly get into Augsburg as well. Though his high school academic record held little promise, his optimism increased as he recalled nostalgically the stories from his parents about how much they had enjoyed Augsburg. He also learned more about the StepUP program, Augsburg鈥檚 residential collegiate recovery community.
When Rivers began his studies at Augsburg, he lived in the dorms. He ended his first year with a 2.1 GPA, a slight improvement from high school. But he knew he could do much better. In terms of the required sobriety in StepUP, he had relapsed the first time and had to join the program again. But soon he began to thrive and discovered that there was great value for him in the communal connection he found in the StepUP community, even with substantial staff turnover in the program and some gossiping that can come from living in close proximity.
Throughout his Augsburg years, he has gone through waves of emotions, thinking about his mother and the strong possibility that he has likely sat in the same classrooms as she did, interacting with some of the same professors (like Dr. Nancy Steblay, the psychology professor for whom his mother once wrote a meta-analysis).
And he has changed. His outlook on his mother鈥檚 death has gone from intense grief and resentment of her and the world to a fuller understanding and admiration of the person she was, and a respect for the world around him. Now, as he approaches graduation time, Rivers can taste victory. Of the last 15 classes he has taken, he has earned a 4.0 in 13 of them, putting him on the Dean鈥檚 List for four consecutive semesters and likely resulting in a 3.5 GPA when he graduates.
In the years ahead, Rivers sees himself working on hard criminal cases, owning property, working at both passive incomes and vacation destinations, and traveling the world with the one he loves. Given his skills in photography, he may even start a film production company. But as he pursues law school and a career, his work in Augsburg鈥檚 student government will likely be useful, as will advice and encouragement from his lawyer father, Bruce 鈥91, who is especially pleased about his son鈥檚 progress. Bruce says, 鈥淚t is only through hard work and perseverance that this fine young man has achieved all that he has.鈥 He must be especially gratified that Michael has chosen to pursue the same career path as he did.
–by Cheryl Crockett 鈥89
Throughout the month of April, we will be featuring images that are core to the history of Augsburg. These images are featured in “Hold Fast to What is Good” by Professor Phillip Adamo – a book to commemorate Augsburg’s Sesquicentennial looking back from 1869 to today.
We are accepting preorders of聽one or more hardcover, limited edition, boxed copies of this book through May 1, 2019.
Price: $162.04 (this price includes tax)
Select the 鈥淗old Fast to What is Good鈥 Book Event to order online today.
Attendees at the聽Sesquicentennial Gala聽will be able to pick up their books that evening. Other orders will be delivered by mail in October 2019.
Enjoy a piece of Augsburg history in your home! Institutional Advancement is hosting an auction for classic Augsburg A presidential dinnerware sets on eBay. All proceeds from this charity auction will go to the Sesquicentennial Scholarship. This scholarship will help eliminate financial barriers and launch the next generation of leaders at Augsburg.
This elegant china was once used for dinner parties and events hosted by the president at the Augsburg House – it has since been retired due to our name-change and rebranding, which changed the look of the “A” icon that appears on most of the dinnerware.听Each item has been professionally packaged and can be shipped or picked up from campus once the auction ends at midnight on March 1.
Please contact Hannah Walsh if you have any questions at walsh@augsburg.edu or 612-330-1098.
Update:聽This event has been moved to Hagfors 150.
If you’re a regular reader of the Augsburg Now magazine, you may recognize leading literary scholar, Austen expert, and roller derby devotee Devoney Looser ’89 from the featured article “.” She is the author or editor of seven books on literature by women. Looser will be visiting Augsburg’s campus on February 5 at 7 p.m. to read from her most recent book “” in Hagfors 150. Books will be available for purchase at this event and Looser will stick around to visit with guests and sign their copies after the reading.
Just how did Jane Austen become the celebrity author and the inspiration for generations of loyal fans she is today? Devoney Looser鈥檚聽The Making of Jane Austen聽turns to the people, performances, activism, and images that fostered Austen鈥檚 early fame, laying the groundwork for the beloved author we think we know.
Here are the Austen influencers, including her first English illustrator, the eccentric Ferdinand Pickering, whose sensational gothic images may be better understood through his brushes with bullying, bigamy, and an attempted matricide. The daring director-actress Rosina Filippi shaped Austen鈥檚 reputation with her pioneering dramatizations, leading thousands of young women to ventriloquize Elizabeth Bennet鈥檚 audacious lines before drawing room audiences. Even the supposedly staid history of Austen scholarship has its bizarre stories. The author of the first Jane Austen dissertation, student George Pellew, tragically died young, but he was believed by many, including his professor-mentor, to have come back from the dead.
Looser shows how these figures and their Austen-inspired work transformed Austen鈥檚 reputation, just as she profoundly shaped theirs. Through them, Looser describes the factors and influences that radically altered Austen鈥檚 evolving image. Drawing from unexplored material, Looser examines how echoes of that work reverberate in our explanations of Austen鈥檚 literary and cultural power. Whether you鈥檙e a devoted Janeite or simply Jane-curious,聽The Making of Jane Austen聽will have you thinking about how a literary icon is made, transformed, and handed down from generation to generation.
