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Alumni Class Notes

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1930-1960聽 触听 1960-1969听 触听 1970-1979听 触听 1980-1989聽 触听 1990-1999聽 触听 2000-2009听 触听 2010-2015听 触听 Graduate Programs聽聽| 聽Auggies Honored


1942

The French government posthumously awarded Chester Hendrickson 鈥42 the Jubilee of Liberty Medal for his service and work in Normandy during World War II.

1958

Headshot of Grace SulerudGrace (Kemmer) Sulerud 鈥58 received a Spirit of Augsburg Award at Homecoming for her faithful service to Augsburg across her time as a student, librarian, faculty member, and alumna. After graduating from Augsburg in 1958 with a degree in English, she became a junior high English teacher and an elementary librarian in U.S. Air Force Department of Defense Schools in Germany, Japan, and Libya. Sulerud earned master鈥檚 degrees in library science and English, served as the treasurer of the Augsburg Associates, and continues to stay involved at university events. She personifies Augsburg鈥檚 calling to humbly serve in a variety of ways.

1968

Headshot of David MelbyDavid J. Melby 鈥68, Ph.D., received a Distinguished Alumni Award at Homecoming and was recognized as a psychologist, executive leader, and advocate who embodies faithful service in true Auggie form. With a bachelor鈥檚 degree in psychology from Augsburg and master鈥檚 and doctoral degrees in counseling psychology, he has worked as a CEO and has served on the boards of organizations relating to behavioral health care, health practices, and housing. As a thoughtful steward and responsible leader, his work has created healthier, more fulfilling lives for many.

1970

Nikki Pajala holding her book "Treacherous Waters"Nikki Rajala 鈥70 published 鈥淭reacherous Waters,鈥 her second novel in the 鈥淐hronicles of an Unlikely Voyageur鈥 series. A career ESL teacher, Rajala retired from the St. Cloud School District in 2004 and lives in Rockville, Minnesota.

1971

The St. Michael-Albertville (Minnesota) Coaches Association Hall of Fame Committee selected Darrell Skogan 鈥71 as a Hall of Fame inductee. This fall marks Skogan鈥檚 51st season as statistician for the school district. He also has umpired, run clocks, and coached girls鈥 basketball and softball throughout his tenure with the district.

1972

John Sherman 鈥72 was honored with two awards for his work as a sports journalist. Sherman received the Outstanding Media Award from the Minnesota State High School League and the Spinnaker Award from Minnetonka School District. While at Augsburg, Sherman was the editor for the school newspaper and played baseball and soccer. Since graduating 46 years ago, he has served on the Sun Newspaper staff in Edina, Minnesota.

1973

Terry Lindstrom 鈥73 and Mark Johnson 鈥75 joined the 海角社区 Board of Regents. Learn more about the new Augsburg Board of Regents members.

1976

Jeff Mueller with the Norwegian AmbassadorJeff Mueller 鈥76 was honored by Norway鈥檚 King Harald V, who bestowed the rank of Knight First Class in the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit. Mueller, director of administration and finance at Norway House, Minneapolis, is a past president of the Norwegian American Chamber of Commerce and currently serves on its board of directors. He also has been active in the Syttende Mai Committee, the Norwegian Independence Day celebration, the annual troop exchange program with the Minnesota National Guard and the Norwegian Home Guard, and Torske Klubben. Mueller (right) is pictured with Norwegian Ambassador to the U.S. K氓re R. Aas, who presented the order of merit medal at Norway House.

1979

Augsburg Athletic Director Jeff Swenson 鈥79 explains how the university鈥檚 dome gives Auggies a competitive advantage.

1982

Head shot of Jeff AndersonAugsburg Athletic Hall of Fame inductee Jeff Andrews 鈥82 was a key defender on Auggie men鈥檚 hockey teams that won NAIA national titles in both 1980鈥81 and 1981鈥82, while winning MIAC titles and reaching the NAIA tournament all four years of his career. Andrews accumulated 29 goals and 60 assists for 89 points in his college career, and he earned All-MIAC honors in 1981鈥82 and All-MIAC Honorable Mention honors in 1980鈥81.

Headshot of Bran NelsonFormer basketball star Brad Nelson 鈥82 was inducted into the Augsburg Athletic Hall of Fame. An All-MIAC guard in 1981鈥82, Nelson was a three-year member of the Auggie men鈥檚 basketball team, averaging 12.0 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game in his career. He averaged 20.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game on Augsburg鈥檚 MIAC runner-up team in 1981鈥82, and averaged 7.8 points on the Auggies鈥 MIAC title (later forfeited for use of an ineligible player) and NAIA national tournament team in 1980鈥81.

1984

Headshot of Marie Claire Olson PotterThe HGA firm hired Mary Claire Olson Potter 鈥84 as a health care business developer and senior associate.

Mayo Clinic Health System鈥 Franciscan Healthcare named Dr. Paul Mueller 鈥84 the vice president of its Southwest Wisconsin Region. As a regional leader, Mueller will manage operations out of La Crosse, Wisconsin. He completed his undergraduate degree at Augsburg and has spent the past nine years chairing Mayo Clinic鈥檚 Division of General Internal Medicine in Rochester, Minnesota.

1985

Nancy Mueller 鈥85 joined the 海角社区 Board of Regents. Learn more about the new Augsburg Board of Regents members.

1988

Darcey Engen 鈥88 employs perspectives both as a student and as a faculty member to plan Augsburg鈥檚 sesquicentennial celebrations.

1989

The U.S. Track and Field and Cross Country Coaches Association announced that Carolyn (Ross) Isaak 鈥89 was inducted into the NCAA Division III Track and Field Athlete Hall of Fame in May. Isaak set several records as an Augsburg athlete, including the 400-meter hurdles record that stood until 2014. Isaak, a five-time national champion and nine-time All-American, is Augsburg鈥檚 first athlete ever to be inducted into this Hall of Fame.

Literary scholar Devoney Looser 鈥89 was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship in 2018 and will complete a biography of forgotten sister novelists.

Headshot of Brynn WatsonBrynn Watson 鈥89 received a Distinguished Alumni Award at Homecoming. She is an award-winning leader in the aerospace industry for her technical experience, executive leadership, and tireless advocacy of STEM education for youth. She earned a mathematics degree from Augsburg and a master鈥檚 degree in applied mathematics before she gained several director- and vice-president-level positions in technology and engineering companies. She now serves as vice president for the Future Enterprise Program for Lockheed Martin. Watson鈥檚 spirit and accomplishments mirror the tenacity of Auggies around the world who ascend to prestigious positions among today鈥檚 leading companies.

1990

David Stevens pictured with Tim TebowIn June, former Augsburg football player David Stevens 鈥90 hosted a Disability Dream and Do Camp alongside the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, an American minor league baseball team based in Upstate New York. CBS affiliate WBNG covered Stevens鈥 story and time with the Rumble Ponies. Stevens, who led six other athletic camps this summer, was the only double amputee to play three seasons of football for the Auggies. He later played for the St. Paul Saints and tried out for the Minnesota Twins and Dallas Cowboys.

1995

Headshot of Randy EastmanWrestling star Randy Eastman 鈥95 was inducted into the Augsburg Athletic Hall of Fame. Eastman was a three-time NCAA Division III All-American in the 167-pound weight class, finishing second nationally in the 1994鈥95 campaign, third in 1993鈥94, and fifth in 1992鈥93. A transfer from Mankato State, he was a member of Augsburg teams that won the national titles in both 1992鈥93 and 1994鈥95, while聽finishing fourth in 1993鈥94. Eastman won two MIAC titles and was a conference runner-up in his Auggie career.

Headshot of Tom LayteAugsburg Athletic Hall of Fame inductee Tom Layte 鈥95 was a dominant wrestler for the Auggies in the mid-鈥90s. Layte competed at Augsburg in the 1994鈥95 season after transferring from Western New England College, and he made the most of his Auggie campaign, going 44-4, winning the NCAA Division III national title at 150 pounds, and earning Outstanding Wrestler honors at the national championships as the Auggies won the team national crown. He later served as an Augsburg assistant coach and was head coach at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Headshot of Carolyn TuohyAugsburg volleyball star Carolyn Tuohy 鈥95 was a dominant player in the mid-鈥90s, playing three seasons as a middle hitter, earning All-MIAC honors in 1994, and receiving All-MIAC Honorable Mention honors in 1992. Tuohy, who was inducted into the Augsburg Athletic Hall of Fame, was a team co-captain in 1994 and finished her career with 878 kills in 2,566 attack attempts. She was voted the team鈥檚 MVP in 1992.

1997

Headshot of Derrin LamkerDerrin Lamker 鈥97 was inducted into the Augsburg Athletic Hall of Fame in recognition of his successes on the football, basketball, and baseball teams. A quarterback in football, Lamker led the Auggies to the 1997 MIAC title and a spot in the NCAA Division III national quarterfinals. He earned All-MIAC honors in 1996 and 1997. He was the conference MVP in 1997, in addition to earning All-America honors and finalist honors for the Gagliardi Trophy (Division III Player of the Year).

Headshot of Joe LavinJoe Lavin 鈥97 had an outstanding pitching career on the Augsburg baseball team. An ace during the mid-鈥90s, Lavin earned All-MIAC and All-Midwest Region second-team honors in 1995, while earning conference Player of the Week honors multiple times. He had a 1.42 ERA in conference play with five complete games, a shutout, and 41 strikeouts against only 16 walks and 32 hits in 1995, while winning three games on the mound in 1994 and four in 1996.

Eric Rolland 鈥97, the Augsburg men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 golf head coach, teaches students a lifelong sport each spring in the campus dome.

2000

Jasha Johnston 鈥00 and Carrie (McCabe) Johnston 鈥02 opened their third restaurant, Mortimer鈥檚, in the Whittier neighborhood of Minneapolis. The new venue features live music, an updated menu, and a family-friendly atmosphere. In addition to their new venture, the Johnstons own Nightingale Restaurant and Tilt Pinball Bar.

2002

Headshot of Brenda MitshulisThree-sport athlete Brenda (Selander) Mitshulis 鈥02 was inducted into the Augsburg Athletic Hall of Fame. Mitshulis was an All-MIAC honoree in 2000 and All-MIAC Honorable Mention honoree in 1999 in soccer, where she finished her career with 15 goals and four assists for 34 career points. She led the Auggies in scoring in three seasons. In hockey, she was a member of the 1998鈥99 and 1999鈥2000 MIAC title squads and the 2000 national runner-up team. She also played two seasons of softball.

2003

Headshot of RachelDual sport athlete Rachel Ekholm 鈥03 was inducted into the Augsburg Athletic Hall of Fame. One of the best softball players in school history, Ekholm earned All-MIAC honors three times, while earning NFCA All-Region honors twice. As a pitcher, she won 39 career games聽with a 2.45 ERA and 347 strikeouts. She hit .389 and holds school records for home runs, triples, RBI, and slugging percentage. She also played in 60 career games in basketball, averaging 9.1 points and 2.3 rebounds per game.

2004

Softball Head Coach Melissa Lee 鈥04 said the Augsburg air structure helped save the team鈥檚 2018 season.

2006

Jim Gunderson speaking at a podiumThis year, Augsburg鈥檚 Excellence in Coaching Award recognized Jim Gunderson 鈥06.聽Gunderson is in his fourth season as football head coach at the Academy of Holy Angels in Richfield, Minnesota, after serving for 14 years as an assistant coach. He has also served as track and field head coach since 2012. In football, his team won the Minnesota Class AAAA state title in 2017, with Gunderson being named the Minnesota Football State Class AAAA Coach of the Year.

2008

Headshot of Joshua HarrisJoshua Harris 鈥08 received a First Decade Award at Homecoming. His life and work in the past 10 years embodies Augsburg鈥檚 pursuit of social justice, equity, and inclusion. Since graduating from Augsburg with a degree in communication studies, he has devoted his career to public leadership and making a difference in his community. He ran for mayor of Baltimore in 2016, becoming the youngest person ever to run for the office. He also sits on the boards of several Baltimore community initiatives and is the co-founder of a nonprofit fostering revitalization.

Headshot of Brian KrohnBrian Krohn 鈥08, Ph.D., received a First Decade Award at Homecoming. After earning a degree in chemistry, researching biofuel, and becoming Augsburg鈥檚 first Rhodes Scholar, Krohn founded companies Mighty Axe Hops and Magic Wizard Staff. He earned a doctorate from the University of Minnesota as an Environmental Protection Agency Fellow and master鈥檚 degrees from the University of Oxford in environmental change and science. He was an Innovation Fellow at the U of M鈥檚 Medical Devices Center and is CEO of Soundly, an app-based therapy to reduce snoring鈥攁n initiative funded by the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation.

Headshot of Killa MartiKilla Marti 鈥08, J.D., received a First Decade Award at Homecoming because she embodies Augsburg鈥檚 values through her thoughtful stewardship, critical thinking, and rigorous pursuit of justice and equity. After graduating from Augsburg with a major in international relations and a minor in economics, Marti earned a law degree so that she could serve immigrant communities. She has worked with the Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota and several law firms, has founded her own law practice in the Atlanta area, and has worked tirelessly for her law clients in districts and cases where the decks were stacked against them.

Former Augsburg cheerleader Cassandra Roschen 鈥08 returned to Fairmont High School to coach the cheerleading squad. Roschen, a former Fairmont cheerleader, taught current students sideline cheers and routines. She also extended her service to include team building and community outreach with the squad.

Headshot of Chris StedmanChris Stedman 鈥08 received a First Decade Award at Homecoming for his robust intellectual engagement as an informed citizen and critical thinker. A religion major with minors in English and social welfare, he earned a master鈥檚 degree in religion from Meadville Lombard Theological School at the University of Chicago. He was the founding executive director of the Humanist Center of Minnesota, founded the Yale Humanist Community, and was a humanist chaplain at Harvard. Stedman is the author of 鈥淔aitheist: How an Atheist Found Common Ground with the Religious鈥 (Beacon Press, 2012).

2009

Groups photo at the Lienard weddingCaitlin (Hozeny) Lienard 鈥09, 鈥17 MSW and Seth Lienard 鈥11, 鈥16 MBA were married on September 23, 2017, in Stillwater, Minnesota. There were several Auggies in attendance. Pictured are [front, L to R]: Seth Lienard, Caitlin (Hozeny) Lienard, Morgan (Bray) Thompson 鈥09, Amanda (Chmiel) Spence 鈥09 [back, L to R]: Wade Wojick 鈥11, Ryan Wilsey 鈥12, Erika Osterbur 鈥11, Aren Olsen 鈥11, Luke Lienard 鈥16, Aaron Rosell, Stefan Swanson, Sheridan Lienard, Lindsey Graff 鈥11, and Ben Krouse-Gagne 鈥11.

2010

Group photo at the Chriastek weddingJonathan Chrastek 鈥10 and Katie Pendo 鈥10 were married on July 7 in Leesburg, Virginia. Several Augsburg alumni joined the couple as they celebrated their wedding, which was officiated by Sylvia Bull 鈥10 and Emily Wiles 鈥10.聽Augsburg alumni Alissa Nolan 鈥09,聽Nick Blixt 鈥10,听补苍诲 Cait Kortum 鈥10 were in the wedding party, and Kate Edelen 鈥11 was in attendance.

2011

Laura (Schmidt) DuSchane 鈥11 and Seth Lienard 鈥11, 鈥16 MBA opened a new business venture called Fretless Marketing that provides social media and event marketing services for small businesses. Their company website is fretlessmarketing.com.

Ted Nielsen 鈥11 started a new job at Edward Jones as a financial advisor. Nielsen assists individuals and families with long-term investing. Nielsen previously worked with Thrivent and graduated from Augsburg with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in English.

2012

Nelson baby in a Augsburg onesJanelle (Christensen) Nelson 鈥12 welcomed a daughter, Kennedy Elaine, in April. Nelson majored in art history. Her grandfather also attended Augsburg.

Kimberly Simmonds 鈥12 was promoted to a program assistant with the City of Minneapolis. Simmonds majored in history at Augsburg before receiving her master鈥檚 in public administration in 2014.

Rick, Ashley, and baby Wolke photographed togetherRick Wolke 鈥12 and Ashley (Carney) Wolke 鈥13 welcomed Aurora Jo Wolke on聽January 8. Rick and Ashley both majored in business administration/economics.

2013

Alexandra Buffalohead 鈥13 started a new role as manager of art and cultural engagement with the Native American Community Development Institute. Buffalohead earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in studio arts at Augsburg. She has since served as a graphic designer for the American Indian Cancer Foundation and as a communications officer for the Indian Land Tenure Foundation.

Headshot of Scott CooperAugsburg alumnus Scott Cooper 鈥13 returned to the university this August as a full-time staff member serving as an alumni engagement manager. Cooper started his undergraduate degree at Martin Luther College in New Ulm, Minnesota, before transferring to Augsburg in 2011 where he completed a bachelor鈥檚 degree in communication. Cooper was a member of the Augsburg Choir and the 2012 and 2013 Auggie football teams. Prior to joining Augsburg鈥檚 Alumni and Constituent Relations staff, Cooper served in Minneapolis Public Schools鈥 high school special education programs. In his free time, Cooper has enjoyed public speaking engagements in which he has discussed his experiences as an Auggie football player.

Tyler Heaps 鈥13 is a manager of analytics and research at the United States Soccer Federation. SportTechie, an online resource devoted to covering topics at the intersection of sports and technology, interviewed Heaps regarding his work within the federation tracking players and opponents using innovative technologies. Heaps is working to standardize analysis and support across all soccer levels and teams to ensure the federation can effectively track players within the system.

The Chicago Tribune wrote about Dustin Ritchea 鈥13, who returned to live and work in his hometown of Chesterton, Indiana. Ritchea serves as a promotions director for Indiana Dunes Tourism and also works as an actor, producer, songwriter, and writer.

2015

Nikki (Ludwig) Darst 鈥15 started a new job with Black Line Group as a research and development tax manager. She graduated from Augsburg with a degree in accounting management.

2016

Fekireselassie Beyene 鈥16 participated in undergraduate research that contributed to success after graduation.

Brid skydivingThe Twin Cities Arts Reader interviewed Brid Henry 鈥16 regarding her work in the Minneapolis theater scene. Henry has performed in the Minnesota Fringe Festival and has directed and co-produced the first year of the Minneapolis branch of the Future Is Female Festival. Henry chose to study theater at Augsburg because the university鈥檚 program was ranked among the top opportunities outside of New York.

2017

Jack Swift 鈥17 recently started a new role with In The Groove Music as a publishing assistant. As an Augsburg student, Swift majored in business administration with an emphasis on music business.

Vision Bagonza 鈥17 conducted research through the Office of Undergraduate Research and Graduate Opportunity. Read more about the Banner Year in Student Success.

2018

The NBC Nightly News featured Neil King 鈥18 in a story about his success at Augsburg in the StepUP庐 Program. After graduating from Augsburg and StepUP, King started a master鈥檚 degree in integrated behavioral health at the University of Minnesota. Read more about the NBC Nightly News feature.

Chung Eang Lip 鈥18 started a new role as a graduate school teaching assistant at Columbia University in New York City. Lip is working on a Master of Public Health degree with a concentration in infectious disease epidemiology.

St. Olaf College hired Gregory Mitchell 鈥18 as a wide receivers coach for the 2018 season. Mitchell was a receiver on the Augsburg football team. He previously coached receivers at Centennial High School and Southwest High School.

Blair Stewig 鈥18 and Abigail Tetzlaff 鈥18 delved into student research with the Office of Undergraduate Research and Graduate Opportunity.

Graduate Programs

Matthew Halley 鈥97 MSW serves as executive director for Cookie Cart, a nonprofit youth program that equips young people with employment and life skills. Halley was interviewed by the St. Paul Pioneer Press for an article highlighting the program鈥檚 continuing success since its founding in 1988. Halley is focused on expanding the program by adding more youth workers.

This spring, Education Minnesota named Kelly (Sheehan) Holstine 鈥12 MAE the 2018 Teacher of the Year. An English teacher at Tokata Learning Center, an alternative high school in Shakopee, Holstine created a new English curriculum and developed policies that the school has implemented. Lavender Magazine featured Holstine鈥檚 accolades and focus on diversity in education. As Teacher of the Year, Holstine is an ambassador for 86,000 teachers in Minnesota.

Lindahl family portraitLaura (Swanson) Lindahl 鈥15 MBA and her husband, David, welcomed a son, Lawson Robert, on April 26.

Auggies Honored

Headshot of Orville HognanderOrville 鈥淛oe鈥 Hognander Jr. received a Spirit of Augsburg Award at Homecoming for his thoughtful stewardship and responsible leadership. Although he was not a student at Augsburg, he is a noteworthy Auggie through and through. His grandfather was an Augsburg graduate more than 100 years ago, his parents were highly involved in the music program, and his ties to alumni and faculty run deep. A retired naval officer and private investor now living in Edina, Minnesota, Hognander鈥檚 longstanding involvement with Augsburg speaks to a family history of commitment and engagement, particularly in the continued support of Augsburg鈥檚 Department of Music.
Headshot of John HolumProfessor Emeritus John Holum, Ph.D., received a Spirit of Augsburg Award at Homecoming. A beloved retired professor whose legacy spans more than 30 years, Holum is a prolific writer who has published dozens of scientific textbooks and peer-reviewed papers. He came to Augsburg with a doctorate in organic chemistry and taught chemistry until his retirement in 1993. Holum, who lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, has demonstrated a lifelong passion for academic excellence and support for students on their educational journeys.
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