There are two Public Leader Scholars opportunities being offered this coming academic year: Christensen Scholars and Interfaith Scholars that students can apply for!

Christensen Scholars BENEFITS:

• Unique opportunities to explore Christian theology & vocation more deeply as a cohort
• Earn upper division credit (4 credits) in religion
• Seminar setting that is small and supportive
• $2,000 scholarship, $1,500 stipend
• Opportunities to develop skills related to theological reflection & vocational discernment

Interfaith Scholars BENEFITS:

• Unique opportunities to explore interfaith study and learn about diverse religious/spiritual/worldview identities as a cohort
• Earn upper division credit (4 credits) in religion
• Seminar setting that is small and supportive
• $2,000 scholarship
• Opportunities to formally develop interfaith leadership skills

If you will be a sophomore, junior, or senior in 2023-2024 you are eligible to apply.

Application are due: FRIDAY FEBRUARY 17TH

If you have questions about the Christensen Scholars program, email Jeremy: myers@augsburg.edu

If you have questions about the Interfaith Scholars program, email Jane: ulringj@augsburg.edu

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Introducing our 2022-23 Christensen Scholars!

Please check out the students’ bios below to learn more about their hopes for this world and their place in it.

Up to ten students are selected each academic year to participate in the Christensen Scholars Seminar.ÌýThis program provides a unique opportunity for students to discuss and explore theology, faith, and vocation in a small, supportive cohort. Each Christensen Scholars is also connected with a community-based learning experience designed to enhance this seminar experience. You can learn more about our Christensen Scholars programÌýhere.

Carson Vincent ‘24

Hometown: Amery, WI

Major: Biochemistry; Minor: Religion

My hope for the world is that I want to live in a world where loving your neighbor is not only preached but practiced. I want to find a career where I feel I am making a positive difference in the lives of others on a daily basis.Ìý

Why Augsburg: I attended Augsburg’s Youth Theology Institute as a high school student and fell in love with Augsburg as a school and as a community. I come from a small town so I wanted to attend a smaller school in a big city and Augsburg is exactly that.

One thing I love to do in my free time: Spend time with my cat.Ìý

Chaltu Bayisa ‘23

Hometown: Saint Paul, MN

Major: Social Work; Minor: Leadership Studies

My deepest hopes for the world we live in is to see just world. The role I want to play in helping that become a reality is to work as social worker.

Why Augsburg:ÌýI was looking for a school with Social Work, diverse, and inclusive. I applied to Augsburg University early and got admission within a few weeks. Since Augsburg was my first choice, I never finished applying to another school.

One thing I love to do in my free time: I love cooking or grab a coffee with friends

Lorpu Sumo ‘24

Hometown: New Hope, MN

Major: Communication Studies; Minor: Spanish

One of my deepest hopes is that that the world can be a kind place full of love and hope.ÌýI want to make a positive impact in people’s lives. Big or small.

Why Augsburg: I applied to Augsburg through the Act Six scholarship. I did not get the scholarship, but I ended up coming to Augsburg. I got lot of positive feedback from people that knew Augsburg. So far, Augsburg has been a great place to be.

One thing I love to do in my free time: Listen to music

Sarah Runck ‘24

Hometown: New Ulm, MNÌý

Major: Music Therapy

My hope for the world is for everyone to look at the good in the world and to live in the present because it is a gift. I want to be that positive influencer who motivates people and helps them to find the good.ÌýI hope for others to have a positive mindset as well.Ìý

Why Augsburg: I choose Augsburg because it was one of the only schools that had what I was looking for. I love music and love helping others. I am able to do those things through the many opportunities at Augsburg.

One thing I love to do in my free time: I like to be outside and do embroidery.

Lorraine Wongbi ‘23

Hometown: Ramsey, MN

Major: Biopsychology

My hope is that the world recognize its fallen condition and need for a Savior, humbly turning itself to God through repentance and putting its faith in Christ. My hope is for godly love, compassion, restoration, and salvation. I am interested in ultimately becoming a traveling physician. My hope is to provide for people in ways beyond that of the medical and truly living a life of servitude of others through Christ.Ìý

Why Augsburg: Augsburg was interestingly the last school on my potential attendance list, but wound up being the school with the best financial package. I love the institution’s small size and that it is close, yet far enough away from my home as I have been able to experience personal growth and independence. I actually believe the Lord led me to this place.

One thing I love to do in my free time: From time to time, I enjoy expanding on my Spanish speaking skills.

Aaron Puent ‘23

Hometown: La Crosse, WI

Major: Religion with concentration in Global Religions and Interfaith Study

I hope that the world might choose to look at the things that make people similar rather than act negatively toward the things that make us different.ÌýI want to contribute to the theological side of this goal and help connect people of different traditions or denominations.

Why Augsburg: I wanted a smaller school, and I was looking to move away from home. I also wanted to experience a Lutheran perspective in my religion courses.

One thing I love to do in my free time: I enjoy reading in my free time.

Emma Scherrer ‘23

Hometown: Traer, Iowa

Major: Music Therapy; Minor: Psychology

My deepest hopes are that we take good better care of our planet and that people would be more genuinely kind to each other. I try my best each day to live in the moment and try not to think too hard about the harsh realities of the world. I focus on the good I can put into the world by being kind to the people around me in my life.

Why Augsburg: I wanted to go explore the world beyond my small town. I really enjoyed Minneapolis and wanted to try out life in a big city. Augsburg is one of few colleges with a good music therapy program.

One thing I love to do in my free time: I love to put on music and dance.

Mercy Zou Taithul ‘23

Hometown: Northeast, India

Major: Psychology; Minor: Health Education

One of my deepest hope for the world is better health care and love each other. I want to help make that a reality by building/giving a home to Senior and Orphans. Support them to go school and give them a proper care, it can be with medication as needed and/or share about the Gospel.Ìý

Why Augsburg: I got a scholarship from church through partnering with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). Out of 6 University that I applied, Augsburg is the first to accept my application. And according to the review, its a good, diverse community with friendly people. So, I ended choosing Augsburg.

One thing I love to do in my free time: Writing Bible with my hand, gym, walking, or cooking a chilling.

The post Christensen Scholars 2022-23 appeared first on Bernhard Christensen Center for Vocation.

Renee Christensen ‘23Ìý

Major: Theology and Public Leadership, Minor: Psychology

Hometown: Shafer, MN.

I joined Christensen Scholars because I was drawn to the common interest with those who want to talk about theology and embrace the questions and the “tough stuff” that comes along with theology. Throughout my time as a Christensen Scholar, I have learned SO much about my own faith and from the other participants. I am so glad that I decided to be a part of this great program.Ìý

Ed F. Loubaki ‘23Ìý

Major: Biology, Minor: ReligionÌý

Hometown: New Hope, MN.

I joined the Christensen Scholars program out of the belief that I was going to come out being more community-oriented and to know more about what others’ values are in their walk with God. While that was accomplished, I also learned more about my faith and vocation in a world that is ever-changing. Through Christensen scholars, I learned the values of taking care and loving of our neighbors as Christ would do. The world as we know needs so much love and community whether that is giving out hygiene kits, washing feet, taking blood pressure, or even just listening to individuals, I am proud and happiest to say that through Christensen Scholars I am able to be the change I wish to see.

Anaiya Martin ‘23

ÌýMajor(s): Pre-Law concentration in Political Science

Hometown: Brooklyn Park, MN.Ìý

I joined Christensen Scholars because I am interested in opportunities that come with learning about vocation and spirituality more in-depth. I feel learning about the evolution of religion helps me re-evaluate and grow spiritually within myself. I am grateful for the openness and expansion of free-thinking in this class both inside and outside of being present for Christen Scholars. Joining has been a beautiful way to connect with others in my community more intimately, and I feel this is molding me into the kind of person I am proud to say I am becoming. Intersectionality is critical to recognize and is respected and encouraged in each conversation I engage in, especially since becoming a Christensen Scholar. I am grateful for this opportunity, much more than I can sufficiently express. It has been an outstanding contribution to my life.

Nadine Miller ‘22Ìý

Major(s): Communications and Political Science.

Hometown: Hancock, MN.

I joined the Christensen Scholars because I heard that it was a great opportunity to learn more about faith. I really enjoy the classes and learn a lot of interesting things and Lori Brandt is a great professor to have.

Yordi Adenew ‘22

Major(s): Management and Marketing with an International Business Minor

Hometown: Brooklyn Park, EthiopiaÌý

I joined the Christensen Scholars Seminar in hopes of having insightful discussions surrounding Christianity with individuals of different beliefs and perspectives. I was one of Augsburg’s Interfaith Scholars in 2020-2022 and I could not have benefited more from a program! I was able to discover and reflect on different faiths and was hoping the Christiansen Scholar’s Seminar would do the same for me; if not more. So far, I have learned so much about the origins of Christianity as well as getting to reflect on books surrounding the interpretation of the Bible. I wish to gain more out of this class from the wonderful discussions we had during our class led by the amazing professor Dr. Lori Brandt Hale!

Dagi Girma ‘23

Major: Computer science

Hometown: Addis Ababa

I am an international student from Ethiopia. I joined this diverse group of students because I wanted to share my experience as I was born and raised in a church that is totally different from the churches in the USA, and also, I wanted to learn more about other students’ journeys. I have also had an amazing volunteering experience as part of the scholarship!Ìý

Hope Mwalilino ‘23Ìý

Major: Biology

Hometown: Dar-es-salaam, Tanzania

I enjoyed Christensen’s scholars with the aim of exploring and learning about faith, vocation, and religion from different people with different backgrounds. I’m learning how to be engaged with the community and my fellow Christians and understand how to be open-minded and mindful towards people.Ìý

GraceÌýKochÌýMuchahary ’22

The post 2021-2022 Christensen Scholars appeared first on Bernhard Christensen Center for Vocation.

Branwen Jorenby ’23

Major: Biology, Minor: Psychology
Hometown: Prior Lake, MN

Being a Christensen Scholar is an amazing experience! As someone who is not religious but grew up in a Lutheran setting, participating in this program has challenged me to fully dive into questioning my own spiritual beliefs in multiple thought-provoking readings and conversations with my peers. Engaging in Augsburg Health Commons as a volunteer through this program has allowed me to see health and humanity in a new light that I will bring into the care plans of my future patients.

Tofunmi Oteju ’21

Major:ÌýBiology
Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria

I have always been fascinated with Interfaith work and how our various beliefs intersect, with the sole purpose of maintaining some sort or unity between our different faith and non-faith traditions. I was able to explore my curiosity by being part of the 2019-2020 Interfaith Cohort. There I explored the religious diversity at Augsburg and the wider Twin Cities but also put on events that explore this diversity as it relates to various facets of our everyday lives (e.g. Faith and Science, Faith and Death). A revelation I had being an Interfaith Scholar, was that there is still so much work that has to be done within our various faith traditions. Currently, there is still not enough unity and understanding between different Christian denominations. Being an international student from Nigeria, I was not as exposed to the various protestant denominations till I started school at Augsburg. I was not even aware we had a wide variety of denominations within Protestantism. I was only familiar with mainly Catholicism and Pentecostalism (which I practice). Coming to a school built on the values of Lutheranism forced me to explore more denominations.
Being in the Christensen Scholars program has been a great way to cumulate my learning of the various ways of being a Christian.

Erik Garcia Gonzaga

Major: Communication Studies
Hometown: Minneapolis, MN

My name is Erik Garcia Gonzaga, born in Morelos, Mexico and raised here in Minneapolis, Minnesota. I am a student at Augsburg University studying Communication Studies. What I want to do with that major is to be in places where I can inspire and motivate teens and young adults to follow their career and educational goals.

Sarah Dorr ’21

Major:ÌýTheology and Public Leadership and a Concentration in Youth Studies
Hometown:ÌýMahtomedi, Minnesota

Throughout my five semesters at Augsburg I have grown in so many ways. I have been able to challenge my beliefs, discern my vocational calling, connect with others who have a strong faith and learn through the many opportunities Augsburg has provided. Through my time at Augsburg I grew curious about my own faith and I questioned what I believed and why. Christensen Scholars was an opportunity for me to continue to discuss and share my faith and to also hear the faith of my peers.

Shevon Greene ’21

Major: Communication Studies, Minor: Religion and Leadership Studies
Hometown: Minneapolis, MN

I was interested in Christensen Scholars because I wanted to have meaningful conversations with peers about topics that especially interested me and I want to delve deeper into. I also believe this is a great opportunity to explore my spirituality in a nonconventional way. Through this program, I hope to come out with a better sense of my self and the world around me. When I graduate this semester, I hope to bring these skills and knowledge with me and apply it to my vocation in whatever way that might be.

Nelago Tulela Nashandi ’21

Major: Biology
Hometown:ÌýWindhoek, Namibia

When I think about my first year at Augsburg, I remember being fascinated by our school mission statement. “Augsburg University educates students to be informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers, and responsible leaders.” I had never thought of myself using any of those adjectives before. Augsburg has definitely taught me to question “the norm” and how society functions. I became a Christensen Scholar because I wanted to explore the church’s role in the community. Should the church be talking about social justice issues? (if you want to know my answer, it’s yes. ) I am passionate about leaving a space better than I found it, mostly for people who look and sound like me. If I can add insight that will make the next black/Afrikan person’s experience better I am achieving my vocation.Ìý

Isaac Tadé ’21

Major: Biology, Minor: Religion
Hometown: Windom, MN

My four years at Augsburg have brought numerous opportunities to grow in different areas of life. Among them, I’m proud of my spiritual growth through the Interfaith and Christensen Scholars Programs. Through Interfaith, I had the opportunity to challenge myself and my beliefs by learning from and engaging with people of different backgrounds and faiths. While in the Christensen Scholars program, I’ve come to appreciate the support of the Christian community at Augsburg. I’m very grateful for my Christensen Scholars internship at Augsburg Health Commons, which has allowed me to put my faith to work, and has helped prepare me to practice my values in my future health care career.

Grace Porter ’21

Major:ÌýTheology and Public Leadership with a concentration in Youth Studies, Minor: Music
Hometown:ÌýEden Prairie, MN

As someone who wants to work in the church, and change what that looks like (especially for youth), Augsburg was the no-brainer school to go to. I knew I could get an education that emphasized God’s love for everyone and God’s wish for God’s people to work for justice in the world! And now, as I am entering my fourth year, I know that is exactly what I have gotten. Through Christensen Scholars, the Augsburg Youth Theology Institute, Campus Ministries, and so much more, Augsburg has been a wonderful home and learning community for me.

The post 2020-2021 Christensen Scholars appeared first on Bernhard Christensen Center for Vocation.

Learn more about this year’s Christensen Scholars

Joaquin I. Delgado-Ortiz ‘20

Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Major: Psychology

Augsburg has shown me how to engage with my community in a way that is productive, engaging, and meaningful to its members. I choose to be a Christensen Scholar to explore my vocation through discussions revolving around academia, service, and the world.

Eh Soe Dwe ‘20

Hometown: Maplewood, Minnesota
Major: Psychology (Clinical)
Minors: Religion and Gender, Sexuality, Women’s Studies

Augsburg has challenged me to step out of my comfort zone by serving surrounding communities near Augsburg. Not only did I gain new leadership skills, but I’ve also built meaningful relationships that I can reflect on years from now. My connections with community members, students, faculty members, advisors, and staff members have taught me how to interact with people from all walks of life. Being a Christensen Scholar provides me with an opportunity to explore my faith and my vocation, two things that are constantly changing and growing.

Zoe Huebner ‘21

Hometown: Neenah, Wisconsin
Majors: Philosophy and Urban Studies
Minors: Religion and Sociology

The most important thing that I have learned at Augsburg is to put your heart into everything that you do. Not only will you get more enjoyment from the classes and activities you participate in, but so many more doors will also open to you. From doing this I have created so many connections outside of Augsburg and have surrounded myself with people with goals and aspirations that are like my own. I chose to be a Christensen Scholar because of the opportunity to discuss religious topics in a small group setting. In this setting, everyone is able to share their ideas and a true discussion can be had.

Kali Kadelbach ‘20

Hometown: Cloquet, Minnesota
Major: Theology and Public Leadership with a Concentration in Youth Studies

I’ve now been at Augsburg for three semesters and I’ve learned so much about myself, and about others.Ìý At Augsburg, I have learned what it means to live in a community. I’ve also learned so much about different cultures and their beliefs. It also has got me thinking more about my own culture, too. I chose to become a Christensen Scholar to learn how I can help be a leader on campus and be a good role model in my community. Another reason why I chose to become a Christensen Scholar is meeting other people that are also passionate about their faith too.

Christa Kelly ‘22

Hometown: South St. Paul, MN
Major: Technical Theater Major and Directing, Dramaturgy, and Playwriting Major

I have learned a great deal about the world around us at Augsburg. Some of the most fascinating things that I have learned are about religion. Augsburg has given me insight into the religious practices and beliefs of different groups of people. Having an informed understanding of the world and the people in it helps build relationships and communities. I wanted to participate in this program to keep learning and growing both in my faith and as a person. Faith has always been a large part of my life, but as an LGBT person, it’s also been something that I’ve struggled with. It took me years to come to terms with my identity both as a Christian and a lesbian. Even now I’m bombarded with messages from the media and even family members saying that I have to choose between identifying as one or the other. This hasn’t driven me away from Christianity but has instead furthered my resolve to learn more about my religion. The Christensen Scholars Program was an opportunity for me to continue doing this.

Paul McCoyer ‘22

Hometown: Washington, DC
Major: Music Performance (B.M.)

Augsburg has taught me to be a more independent and critical thinker. I chose to be a Christensen Scholar because I wanted to discuss social and ethical issues while expanding my understanding of the world through the lens of faith and vocation.

Michael Olderr ‘20

Hometown: Honolulu Hawai’i
Majors: Computer Science and Film Production
Minor: Religion

At Augsburg, I have learned to be a well-rounded scholar as well as an individual. It has been essential in my ever-changing journey to become a better person. I became a Christensen Scholar to challenge myself to not only become a better scholar but a better Christian. So that I can better serve and guide my community.

Matt Svestka ‘20

Hometown: Northfield, Minnesota
Major: Theology and Public Leadership with a concentration in Youth Studies

I have learned the importance of creating and executing ideas for change and ministry with many diverse people at Augsburg. I am a Christensen Scholar because it allows for a place of dynamic conversation regarding theology in literature, history, the arts, and really enhances the way that I perceive God in the context that Augsburg is in.

Sadie Werlein ‘20

Hometown: Cambridge, MN
Major: Social Work

I’ve learned a lot about myself and my place in this world while being at Augsburg. I chose to be a Christensen Scholar because I wanted to make some more meaningful connections on campus and having a small group of people to have serious conversations with was something I wanted to seek out.

Amanda William ‘20

Home country: Malaysia
Major: Psychology
Minor: Gender, sexuality and women’s studies

I have learned a lot throughout the years at Augsburg. I have become more aware of my values and goals as an individual, and with the experiences and skills I have developed I would like to bring that back to my community and my people back home in Malaysia. I have initially chosen to be a part of the Christensen Scholars because it was suggested by one of my closest friends. But as I was going through the application and getting more information about it, I realized that it is a great way for me to engage in my faith and spirituality and also being critical of the current issues that are going on around Christianity in a more global context.

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