Colin Irvine, associate professor of English, will be leaving Augsburg College at the end of the听2014-15 academic year to join Carroll College in Helena, Mont., as its next vice president of academic affairs and dean of the college. Irvine’s new role was announced by KTVH-TV in a story that discussed his work at Augsburg College and areas of expertise.
MPR features Midnimo program’s Aar Maanta residency
听and several other Minneapolis organizations hosted popular London-based Somali singer Aar Maanta in early April as part of the Midnimo series, a two-year partnership with Augsburg College to build cross-cultural awareness, knowledge, and understanding of Somali culture through music.
The听Minnesota Public Radio story听“” discussed the ways in which Aar Maanta’s music resonates with Minnesotans and rejuvenates the Somali music scene.
Mike Matson ’06 launches community meal initiative
Five days a week, Minneapolis community members convene at Bethany Lutheran Church to dine on gourmet fare听prepared as part of the Soup for You Cafe — a program recognized by the Star Tribune听for its ability to “redefine the soup kitchen.”
Augsburg College alumnus, Chaplain to Student Athletes, and linebacker coach Rev.听Mike Matson ’06听is the pastor at Bethany Lutheran and the driver behind this community meal. Supported by volunteers and one talented chef, Soup for You is a chance for people of varying backgrounds to come together in an environment that focuses on dignity. In the article “Church program offers hot soup, warm welcome,” Matson underscored that the program focuses on bringing people together.
鈥淥ur model is mutuality, and what better way is there to show mutuality than to gather at the same table together?鈥� he said.
Harry Boyte contends that universities should renew the democratic purpose of higher education
The question, “What are universities for?” elicited a number of responses in a recent article compiled by Zocalo Public Square and听published by TIME. Harry Boyte, Augsburg鈥檚 Sabo Senior Fellow, argued that colleges and universities听should renew their democratic purpose, thereby highlighting听the important role听these institutions play听as public spaces for diverse interests and views to find common ground in a sharply divided society.
to learn more about Boyte’s perspective and those put forth by other leading scholars.
Kristin Anderson discusses new St. Paul ballpark in Star Tribune
Kristin Anderson — a听sports architecture expert, Augsburg College archivist, and art history professor — was quoted in a Star Tribune article on the architecture of the new CHS Field set to open in the Lowertown district of downtown St. Paul this spring.听CHS Field is the future home of the St. Paul Saints minor league team, and its architecture features听a sleek low-slung design comprised听of black concrete and steel. The article presented听a number of individuals’听opinions of the design, noting that the structure is a standout amongst its adjacent听buildings.
鈥淭he immediate expectation was that it had to match the things around it 鈥� ye old ballpark 鈥� and I don鈥檛 think that鈥檚 necessary 鈥� The subtlety of the exterior allows the action of the place to shine,鈥� Anderson said.
Read, “St. Paul Saints: Not your grandfather’s ballpark” on the Star Tribune website to learn more.
Augsburg hosts Native American powwow
Augsburg College听was mentioned by the Twin Cities Daily Planet as a result of听the听traditional powwow held annually by the college.
The event, which was sponsored by the听Augsburg American Indian Student Association and American Indian Student Services, featured traditional Native American dancers, drummers, singers, and food.
To learn more about听Augsburg’s annual powwow, visit the Twin Cities Daily Planet news site.
Augsburg professor Matthew Beckman mentors gifted student
Matthew Beckman, assistant professor of biology at Augsburg College, was mentioned in an Indian Country Today article about a student whom he advises, Grant Two Bulls.
Two Bulls is a high school senior at Breck School and has been听conducting scientific research in the Lake Calhoun area – the previous location of the Mdewakanton Dakota village –听to learn more about his Native American heritage. The endeavor, Beckman says,听has been nothing short of remarkable.
“Here鈥檚 a high school senior doing pretty high-level research and then taking that data and speaking to national audiences about it in a really impressive way,” Beckman said in an interview.
Todd Lange ’92 named teacher of the year
Todd Lange ’92听was mentioned in the Albert Lea Tribune as a result of听receiving the Albert Lea High School 2015 Teacher of the Year Award.
Lange, who听has taught听English in the southern-Minnesota听school district for 18 years, also听heads the English department at Riverland Community College.
Lange holds a master’s degree in teaching from Minnesota State University, Mankato, a bachelor’s degree from St. Olaf College, and a teaching license from Augsburg College and the University of Minnesota.
To , visit the Albert Lea Tribune news site.
Music therapist Sandi Holten ’82 tells MPR how music helps Parkinson’s patients
Augsburg College alumna and music therapist Sandi Holten ’82听was featured on MPR News in a听special piece for Minnesota Sounds & Voices. As a kid, Holten dropped out of piano lessons believing听that music wasn’t going to play a large part in her life, but today she uses music to strengthen muscles and spirits for many people living with Parkinson’s in the Twin Cities.
to learn more about Holten’s work in the story, “Music helps keep Parkinson’s patients going.”
Augsburg wrestling’s record win draws media attention
In mid-March, Augsburg College听won听its 12th听NCAA Division III wrestling championship听and took home a number of awards from the National Wrestling Coaches Association.
Head coach听Jim Moulsoff听was named Division III National Coach of the Year and Division III Rookie Coach of the Year. Tony Valek 鈥�12听was named Assistant Coach of the Year, and听Mike Fuenffinger 鈥�15听won his second national title and the Outstanding Wrestler honor. Eric Hensel 鈥�16 won Most Falls in Least Time, and Donny Longendyke 鈥�15 earned听his first national title.
Media coverage of Augsburg’s NCAA Championship win includes the following:
- The Daily News – “Moulsoff puts Augsburg back on top”
- KSTP – “Augsburg wrestling wins D-III Championship”
- NCAA video recap – “Augsburg wins the 2015 DIII Wrestling Championship”
- Star Tribune – “NCAA wrestling: St. Cloud State, Augsburg win national titles”
- White Bear Press – “Longendyke pins down national title”
- Jordan Independent –听“Valek named DIII assistant wrestling coach of the year”