Mike and Karel Helgeson are the proud parents of Augsburg alumnus Erik Helgeson 鈥�05. Born and raised in St. Cloud/Sartell,聽 he looked forward to moving to a bigger city for college. 鈥淗e loved the urban environment of Augsburg,鈥� Karel said. For Mike and Karel, accessibility was a motivating factor. 鈥淓rik lived with muscular dystrophy,鈥� Mike shared. 鈥淲e liked that the campus was compact and easy to get around, though Erik rarely gave those details a second thought,鈥� he said.聽聽
Erik was determined never to let his limitations define his life. While earning his communications degree, he poured his energy into reviving the Augsburg radio station, KAUG. 鈥淗e worked to gain support from the administration to restart the radio station, moved operations to the student center and managed the students who staffed it 24 hours a day,鈥� Mike said.聽
Another meaningful experience for Erik was his time on the debate team, where he had the opportunity to travel for competition. 鈥淐ommunication professor Bob Groven and English professor Deb Redmond were really influential figures in Erik鈥檚 life,鈥� Karel said. 鈥淭hey were a great source of support and inspiration for Erik.鈥�
After graduation, Erik continued to pursue his creative curiosity. He聽 formed his own music production company, played guitar and managed a band with fellow Auggies and later was involved in film production. He carried this passion until his passing in 2022 at 39, leaving behind a legacy marked by perseverance, leadership, and heart.
In 2025, Mike and Karel made a gift of $500,000 to create an endowment in Erik’s name that will support Augsburg Family Scholars, a program that assists students who have spent time in the U.S. foster care system. 鈥淭his program made me recall a couple of books I read about children in the foster care system,鈥� Karel shared. 鈥淎fter learning about all the hardships these kids went through and hearing about Augsburg鈥檚 unique program, we thought it was a great opportunity to support students who are overcoming challenges and not letting their circumstances define the trajectory of their lives.鈥�
Mike and Karel amplified the impact of their gift through a match made possible by the generosity of the late Julian Foss 鈥�30.
鈥淲e also wanted to give back to the place that gave Erik so much opportunity,鈥� Mike added. Through their transformative gift, Erik鈥檚 unyielding determination and spirit continue to impact the Augsburg community by opening doors for students who are building their own successful lives.