“In these volatile times in higher education, we are blessed to have Paul Pribbenow as our president,” said Paul S. Mueller, M.D., ’84 and chair of the Board of Regents. “We agree with the comprehensive review that shows that Paul brings exceptional intelligence, commitment, energy, and integrity to his work, and he continues to grow in effectiveness.”

In a letter to the Augsburg College community, Mueller also said that Pribbenow’s renewal was based upon multiple factors, including a comprehensive review that included input from more than 120 faculty, staff, administrators, alumni, partners, and community leaders, as well as Pribbenow’s response to the review and his accomplishments over the past several years.

Since joining Augsburg in 2006, Pribbenow has enhanced the College’s role as an active community partner in its urban setting. In that time, the College has achieved national recognition for its excellence in service learning, experiential education, and interfaith service. Pribbenow also has become a leader among the 26 colleges and universities of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), helping to articulate the gifts shaping and supporting Lutheran higher education in the 21st century. Pribbenow has led Augsburg College in the development of new mission and strategic vision statements that anchor the institution’s priorities and initiatives, shaping the College’s strategic plan, Augsburg 2019. He has advanced the College’s top priority—a state-of-the-art education center housing academic programs in science, business, and religion, among others—and has played key roles in cultivating donor relationships and in attaining the largest philanthropic gift in Augsburg College history.

The contract between the Augsburg College and Pribbenow runs through 2021. Pribbenow is the 10th president of Augsburg College, a private liberal arts college associated with the ELCA and located in Minneapolis, and is recognized as one of the country’s most engaging commentators and teachers on ethics, philanthropy, and American public life. .

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Jolly, who serves on the College’s Board of Regents, will discuss the need for educating and equipping students to succeed in a workplace that is increasingly competitive and diverse in order to ensure national economic prosperity. To learn more about Jolly’s presentation and the concepts of “Engagement, Capacity and Continuity: A Trilogy of Student Success,” .

The original idea for the Creating an Inclusive Campus program grew out of the College’s mission, which affirms a commitment to intentional diversity in life and work. Velma Lashbrook, director of the Center for Teaching and Learning and an assistant professor of leadership studies, said that since the beginning, the conference has had a focus on issues related to racism. This year’s program, ‘Reimagining Augsburg: Learning, Retention, and Success,’ will dig into campus and classroom strategies for fostering and building upon inclusiveness.

“The first conference focused on racism and white privilege,” she said. “Since then, we’ve broadened the topics covered. Racism always has a role in the programming, but we’ve also explored LGBTQIA issues, poverty and classism, and this year we have a number of sessions addressing accessibility, and adapting to students with learning disabilities, and mental health issues.”

in A-mail.

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Augsburg College is honored to announce that it has received an unrestricted $10 million philanthropic gift from a 1965 alumnus.

The donor’s generous contribution will support a new academic building that will house a number of the College’s academic programs including biology, business, chemistry, computer science, math, physics, psychology, and religion.

“This tremendous gift will make possible our continued commitment to academic excellence, to the hands-on learning that is one of the hallmarks of the College, and to the continued best-use of our 23-acre campus,” said Augsburg College President Paul C. Pribbenow. “Augsburg is a 143-year-old anchor institution in the heart of Minneapolis’ Cedar-Riverside neighborhood. This gift puts Augsburg on the path of being a college for the 21st century, and one that continues to deliver academic excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies.”

“Augsburg College has found many ways to innovate and evolve since I was a student—while at the same time maintaining the core values that were so appealing to me,” said Augsburg College Regent Steve Wehrenberg ’78, chief executive officer of Campbell Mithun. “This gift will ensure the College remains a caring, inspiring, and delightful place for students of all kinds to learn and grow.”

New building fund exceeds $23 million

The $10 million gift brings to more than $23 million the total funds for the new building. The Augsburg College Board of Regents will continue to monitor progress on the campaign and the College’s cash position and debt capacity to determine when to set a date for groundbreaking on the first stage of the building. The total cost of the building is estimated at more than $60 million.

“In May 2012, the Regents set calendar year 2014 as a target for beginning construction, a goal they believe is feasible, especially given the excitement this lead gift will engender with other prospective donors,” Pribbenow said.

The donor, who asked to remain anonymous, is a long-time supporter of the College and graduated with bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and business administration.

Augsburg College is set in a vibrant neighborhood at the heart of the Twin Cities, and offers more than 50 undergraduate majors and nine graduate degrees to nearly 4,000 students of diverse backgrounds. Augsburg College educates students to be informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers, and responsible leaders. The Augsburg experience is supported by an engaged community that is committed to intentional diversity in its life and work. An Augsburg education is defined by excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies, guided by the faith and values of the Lutheran church, and shaped by its urban and global settings.

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Wehrenberg ’78 holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Augsburg College and is a 30-year veteran of the advertising industry. He became Campbell Mithun’s CEO in 2007 and since has provided expert leadership for many of the company’s most successful and award-winning campaigns.

“I am excited to reconnect with the Augsburg community,” Wehrenberg said. “The institution has grown and evolved since I was a student. It’s a surprising and delightful place for students of all kinds to learn and grow.”

Wehrenberg recently was a distinguished presenter for Augsburg College’s Strommen Executive Speaker Series. He teaches a strategic communications graduate course at the University of Minnesota, and he has co-written a new edition of “The Successful Marketing Plan.” As a Board of Regents member, Wehrenberg will serve on the finance and the enrollment management and marketing committees.

“Steve brings to Augsburg’s governance invaluable talents and experience from his work at Campbell Mithun,” said Augsburg College President Paul C. Pribbenow. “He will engage our College community in strategic conversation around enrollment planning and market position. And, Augsburg is fortunate to have a high-caliber professional like Steve sharing our College vision and mission in circles that reach far beyond campus.”

Wehrenberg’s volunteer work includes serving on the board of the Greater Twin Cities United Way. He is a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Apple Valley, Minn.

In addition to Wehrenberg’s appointment, the Augsburg Corporation this year elected three other individuals to four-year terms on the . They include:

– Jennie Carlson, executive vice president of human resources for U.S. Bancorp;

– Pam Moksnes ’79, management consultant; and

– Curt Sampson, chairman and director of Canterbury Park Holding Corporation.

Jodi Harpstead, CEO of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, was elected chair of the Augsburg College Board of Regents at its May 2012 meeting and began her term on July 1.

Augsburg College is set in the vibrant Cedar-Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis, and offers more than 50 undergraduate majors and nine graduate degrees to more than 4,000 students of diverse backgrounds. The trademark of an Augsburg education is its emphasis on direct, personal experience. Guided by the faith and values of the Lutheran church, Augsburg educates students to be informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers, and responsible leaders.

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Moksnes ’79 holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Augsburg College and formerly was a partner at Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

“Augsburg has made a tremendous impact on me personally and professionally,” Moksnes said. “Connecting an excellent education to leadership, service, and stewardship is a hallmark of Augsburg, which makes a top education relevant in our world. Serving on the Augsburg Board of Regents is an honor as we work together to carry out this legacy.”

As a volunteer at Augsburg, Moksnes has demonstrated passion for financial literacy and leadership for women. She was instrumental in several Women’s Connections events at the College and currently is involved with the Augsburg Women Engaged initiative.

She—along with her husband, Mark Moksnes, an executive vice president at Delta Dental—has been among the College’s most engaged alumni, with generous gifts to support athletics, campus ministry, the Lindell Library, Oren Gateway Center, and the Maroon & Silver Society.

As a Board of Regents member, Moksnes will serve on the enrollment management and marketing committee. “Pam is a true friend of the College,” said Augsburg College President Paul C. Pribbenow. “Our Augsburg community is blessed by her abundance of talent and passion and commitment. We are truly fortunate to have her leadership as we fulfill our mission to prepare students for lives of purpose.”

Moksnes, a Certified Financial Planner, has served on the Fellowship of Christian Athletes state board and is currently vice chair of the Lutheran Church Extension Fund National Board of Directors. She served for six years on the board of directors for the Lupus Foundation of Minnesota, including serving three as chair. Moksnes attends Cross View Lutheran Church in Edina, Minn.

In addition to Moksnes’ appointment, the Augsburg Corporation this year elected three other individuals to four-year terms on the . They include:

– Jennie Carlson, executive vice president of human resources for U.S. Bancorp;

– Curt Sampson, chairman and director of Canterbury Park Holding Corporation; and

– Steve Wehrenberg, chief executive officer of Campbell Mithun.

Jodi Harpstead, CEO of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, was elected chair of the Augsburg College Board of Regents at its May 2012 meeting and began her term on July 1.

Augsburg College is set in the vibrant Cedar-Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis, and offers more than 50 undergraduate majors and nine graduate degrees to more than 4,000 students of diverse backgrounds. The trademark of an Augsburg education is its emphasis on direct, personal experience. Guided by the faith and values of the Lutheran church, Augsburg educates students to be informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers, and responsible leaders.

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In addition to new member appointments, this year the Board of Regents welcomed , chief executive officer of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota, as its new chair. Harpstead was named chair after serving on the Board of Regents since 2005. She will play a key leadership role in Augsburg’s planning and fundraising initiatives.

Jennie Carlson

Jennie Carlson, executive vice president of human resources at U.S. Bancorp, is a 20-year veteran of the banking industry. She previously served as Executive Vice President, Deputy General Counsel and Corporate Secretary of U.S. Bancorp since the merger of Firstar Corporation and U.S. Bancorp in February 2001. From 1995 until the merger, she was General Counsel and Secretary of Firstar Corporation and Star Banc Corporation.

Carlson holds a juris doctorate from the Vanderbilt University School of Law and was the managing editor for the Vanderbilt Law Review. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Centre College of Kentucky and graduated Phi Beta Kappa. Carlson currently is on the Board of the Greater Twin Cities United Way and the Midwest Affiliate of the American Heart Association.

Pam Moksnes ’79

Pam Moksnes is an independent management consultant. She—along with her husband, Mark Moknes ’79, an executive vice president at Delta Dental—has been among the College’s most engaged alumni, with generous gifts to support athletics, campus ministry, the Lindell Library, Oren Gateway Center, and the Maroon & Silver Society.

As a volunteer at Augsburg, Moksnes has demonstrated passion for financial literacy and leadership for women. She was instrumental in several Women’s Connections events at the College and currently is involved with the Augsburg Women Engaged initiative. Moksnes, a Certified Financial Planner, has served on the Fellowship of Christian Athletes state board and is currently vice chair of the Lutheran Church Extension Fund National Board of Directors. She served for six years on the board of directors for the Lupus Foundation of Minnesota, including serving three as chair. Moksnes attends Cross View Lutheran Church in Edina, Minn.

Curt Sampson

Curt Sampson, a 50-year telecom industry veteran, was the founder, chairman, and CEO of Hector Communications Corporation and president of its nine telephone subsidiaries in Minnesota and Wisconsin. He is the Chairman and Director of Communications Systems, Inc.

In 1994, Sampson purchased Canterbury Downs racetrack in Shakopee, Minn., and serves as Chairman and Director of Canterbury Park Holding Corporation. He previously served on the Augsburg Board of Regents from 1989 to 2001 and has remained an active and generous friend of the College, with major contributions to Lindell Library, the Music department and the Augsburg Fund. He hosts the annual Auggie Night at the Races at Canterbury Downs, which has become one of Augsburg’s most successful alumni events. Sampson is an active Lutheran who has several Augsburg alumni in his family. He is a 1955 graduate of the University of Minnesota.

Steve Wehrenberg ’78

Steve Wehrenberg, chief executive officer of Campbell Mithun, is a 30-year veteran of the advertising industry. Wehrenberg holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Augsburg College, where he played on the football team. Since becoming Campbell Mithun’s CEO in 2006, he has provided expert leadership for many of the company’s most successful and award-winning campaigns.

Wehrenberg recently was a distinguished presenter for Augsburg College’s Strommen Executive Speaker Series. He teaches a strategic communications graduate course at the University of Minnesota, and he has co-written a new edition of “The Successful Marketing Plan.” Wehrenberg’s volunteer work includes serving on the board of the Greater Twin Cities United Way. He is a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Apple Valley, Minn.

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As chair of the governing board of the College, Harpstead will play a key leadership role in Augsburg’s planning and fundraising initiatives. She will guide the Board’s oversight of the College’s strategic priorities, including:

– Helping define the plan to build a signature academic building, the Center for Science, Business and Religion;

– Ensuring the quality and relevance of the academic offerings; and

– Monitoring the development of a long-range enrollment plan for the college.

Harpstead has served on the Board of Regents since 2005.

“Jodi brings diverse talents and experience from her work as an executive with LSS and previously at Medtronic, and has outstanding leadership, planning, and fundraising skills. She will be a strong partner with me and the faculty in guiding the college,” said Augsburg College President Paul C. Pribbenow. “Outgoing Regent Chair Mike Good ’71 provided four years of outstanding stewardship and leadership for Augsburg, and now is turning the reins over to a capable and skilled colleague.”

Harpstead said she looks forward to leading the Regents at a time of change for all higher education institutions, and to ushering new projects at Augsburg.

“This a very exciting time for Augsburg College as higher education experiences dramatic change, and we continue to educate leaders in service to the world,” Harpstead said. “I am especially excited about the potential of our innovative new Center for Science, Business, and Religion and what it can teach all of us about the questions at the intersections of these and other disciplines.”

Other Regents elected to serve as officers include:

– Vice Chair Paul Mueller, M.D. Mueller ’84, leads the Internal Medicine department of Mayo Clinic in Rochester. He joined the Board of Regents during 2005.

– Treasurer Dan W. Anderson ’65, is retired as chairman of AdvisorNet Financial in Minneapolis. He joined the Board of Regents during 2003.

– Secretary David L. Tiede, elected to the Board in 2010, served for many years as president of Luther Seminary and then as the Bernhard M. Christensen Professor of Religion and Vocation at Augsburg.

In September 2011, Harpstead was named Chief Executive Officer of LSS, Minnesota’s oldest and largest human service nonprofit with a mission to express the love of Christ through service that inspires hope, changes lives and builds community. Prior to her position with LSS, Harpstead worked for 23 years at Medtronic Inc., including as president of global marketing and U.S. sales in the Cardiac Rhythm Management Division. She served on boards including Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and Delta Dental Plan of Minnesota. She holds a Master of Business Administration in Finance from Michigan State University.

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Mark A. Eustis is president and CEO of Fairview Health Services. He has previously held administrative positions in health care in St. Louis and taught healthcare administration at Washington University.

Eustis has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in healthcare administration from the University of Minnesota. He is active in national and local healthcare-related organizations and community non-profits.

Alexander J. Gonzalez ’90 is a senior financial advisor at Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and is a member of the Stonebridge Group, a values-based team with a non-commissioned structure. He has received several awards in the financial industry for his service and expertise.

Gonzalez graduated from Augsburg in 1990 with a bachelor’s degree in business administration–marketing/economics. He currently is president of the board at La Oportunidad.

Eric J. Jolly has been president of the Science Museum of Minnesota since 2004, and led the museum through its centennial year in 2007. He is recognized nationally for his commitment to improving the achievement gap and education in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

Jolly earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology, with a minor in physics, from the University of Rhode Island. He has both master’s and doctoral degrees in psychology from the University of Oklahoma.

Gloria C. Lewis has been president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities since 2005, following more than 25 years of experience in public and non-profit administration, most recently as director of the Minnesota Department of Health’s Office of Minority and Multicultural Health.

Lewis has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Hampton University and a master’s degree from Boston University.

Marshall S. Stanton, MD, is vice president for clinical research and general manager of the cardiac rhythm disease management business of Medtronic, Inc. His prior experience includes serving on the faculty at Mayo Graduate School of Medicine.

Stanton earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and his medical degree at the Medical College of Virginia. He was a fellow in cardiology and electrophysiology at Indiana University and a Mayo Scholar.

In addition, Anthony L. Genia Jr., MD ’85, was re-elected to a second four-year term on the board.

Appointed to three-year terms on the board, ex officio, are Bishop Craig E. Johnson (left), Minneapolis Area Synod of the ELCA, and Bishop Duane C. Pederson (right), Northwest Synod of Wisconsin, ELCA.

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Both professors have been lauded for their mentoring and support to students that has characterized their teaching careers. This year, Erickson was honored with the 2008 Distinguished Contributions to Teaching and Learning award for mentoring and advising.

Erickson, who graduated from Augsburg in 1962, returned to Augsburg full time in 1999, and for 25 years he held a shared professorship with the University of Minnesota, working with physics and astronomy faculty in grant-funded research. At both institutions he involved many of his students in grant-funded research. He also has served as both department chair and chair of what was then the Division of Natural Sciences and Mathematics.Sutherland, who has taught at Augsburg since 1999, has served as principal investigator for several National Science Foundation (NSF) grants, developing courses in robotics and virtual reality as well as providing research projects for her students. With a recent grant, she introduced dog robots into her Introduction to Computer Science course to provide engaging activities for first-year and sophomore students to learn basic programming. This NSF-funded grant aims to attract students, especially women and minority students, into the field of computer science.

Sutherland also has served as principal investigator for NSF grants that provide scholarships for students majoring in computer science or mathematics. An annual series of lectures she developed brings leaders in these fields to campus, giving students opportunities to learn from them in small groups.

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