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Dear alumni and friends,

As you may recall, President Pribbenow in the fall 2013 issue of Augsburg Now shared that the Augsburg College Board of Regents launched a strategic planning initiative in January of that year. The outcome of that work is a strategic vision statement that looks out to 2019, Augsburg鈥檚 sesquicentennial year:

In 2019, Augsburg College will be a new kind of student-centered, urban university, small to our students and big for the world.

This vision statement calls for the College to build on its key strengths, which include experiential learning, academic excellence, and strong alumni networks. A core part of the College鈥檚 plan is being 鈥淎t the Table鈥� by providing opportunities that enable students to discover their gifts, discern their vocations, and open doors to careers. One of the College鈥檚 greatest resources鈥攚e, the alumni鈥攃ould be playing an even more crucial role in achieving the College鈥檚 commitment to increase internship opportunities available to students and graduates. Such hands-on roles are increasingly essential for amplifying the campus learning experience and competing successfully for jobs after graduation.

As alumni, we can provide students with opportunities and guidance that will prepare them for an important first step on their vocational journey. I had the pleasure of connecting with then-junior Gary Mariscal 鈥�14 two years ago at the Student and Alumni Networking Event. It was my pleasure to talk with him during his interview process with National Sports Center, which led to his selection as a sports administration and event management intern. I also was able to connect him with Auggie alumni who have supported him in the process of finding meaningful work.

More recently, I celebrated with Gary when he decided to accept a position as a baseball fellow at Augsburg College, a role that will allow him to pursue a graduate degree through the College鈥檚 Master of Arts in Leadership program, while gaining experience coaching and mentoring students. He is looking forward to the opportunity to continue to make a difference at Augsburg.

Recently, the College community mourned the loss of two Augsburg legends, Ed Saugestad 鈥�59 and Edor Nelson 鈥�38. As I have reflected during the past year on the influence these coaches and educators have had on the lives of hundreds of students, and the legacy they created at the College, I鈥檝e begun considering my own legacy and the influence I want to have as an alumni leader. I am not a legendary coach or a member of the faculty but I am a member of the Augsburg community and I, too, can make a difference.

As alumni, we all can make a difference at Augsburg by participating in a student and alumni networking event, speaking in a classroom, representing your company at an Auggies Connect with Employers event, or posting a job or internship opportunity with Augsburg鈥檚 Clair and Gladys Strommen Center for Meaningful Work.

Please join me in assisting current students on their vocational journey. It is one of the most important ways that alumni can ensure that Augsburg College and its students are 鈥淎t the Table.鈥�

Sincerely,

CHRIS HALLIN 鈥�88, ALUMNI BOARD PRESIDENT

P.S. Save the date for the next on Tuesday, February 10, 2015.