First Decade Award

Adam Seed ’01 [top left]

Adam has been called a man of honor, compassion, and service who lives the mission of Augsburg. After graduating from the Augsburg StepUP® program, Adam completed his bachelor’s degree at Brown University. Over and over again, he has given back to the Augsburg community where he once worked on the grounds crew not just financially but also personally and professionally. He currently works alongside his father and brother in their family real estate investment business in Rhode Island. Adam is a servant leader, which was evident since he first set foot on campus. He dreams big and nurtures his dreams to fruition. Adam and his wife Allison are the proud parents of their daughters Avery and Annika and their son Ashton.

Spirit of Augsburg Award

Norma Noonan [bottom left]

Since arriving at Augsburg in 1966, Norma Noonan has earned a reputation as a supportive and dependable program leader, a conscientious and caring mentor, and a servant leader. She led the Master of Arts in Leadership program, building it to a well-regarded interdisciplinary graduate studies program. A professor of political science, Noonan has also directed the international relations major and explored special interests in Russia, Russian foreign policy, political leadership, and women in leadership. She has directed the Center for Leadership Studies and also initiated the Called to Lead interdisciplinary adventure in blending the spiritual with the practical lives we lead. A frequent Twin Cities speaker on foreign policy and Russia, Noonan has often served as a commentator on Minnesota Public Radio and has authored numerous articles. She recently published a book, Women in Russian Politics and Society, for which she was a major contributor and co-editor.

Arlin Gyberg [top right]

Since 1967, Arlin Gyberg has mentored chemistry students who have become physicians, research scientists, and university professors—as well as a Rhodes Scholar, a Nobel Prize recipient, and a biodiesel entrepreneur. Gyberg was given an Outstanding Educator in America award in 1973 and was selected twice by the graduating class as an honored faculty in the science and mathematics division. He has done consulting, research, and teaching for numerous organizations including 3M, NSP nuclear power plants, the Minnesota prison system, and several educational institutions.

Distinguished Alumni Award

Wayne Jorgenson ’71 [bottom right]

With a degree business administration, Wayne Jorgenson entered the world of finance and now serves as senior vice president of investments at UBS Financial Services. In 1973, Jorgenson was one of the founders of a Civil War re-enactment unit known as the 1st Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, dedicated to preserving the history of the men who actually served in that unit during the War. The re-enactment group has acted as extras in several Civil War productions, including Dances with Wolves, Glory, The North and the South, and The Blue and the Gray. Jorgenson is said to be 100% dedicated to helping his clients protect, manage, and grow their assets and is a perfect blend of highly professional and delightful. He truly loves what he does and it shows in his awards, respect from colleagues, and referrals from satisfied clients.

Gaylord “Corky” Hall ’71 [top center]

Corky Hall is known for his leadership skills. Active in numerous activities while at Augsburg, he especially enjoyed sports, where his leadership skills shined as captain of a football team. He was signed by the Boston Bruins professional hockey club. He later went on to become an extremely successful businessman and entrepreneur, using his skills and training as an executive with General Mills and Carlson Companies. He created and owned several U.S. companies, including U.S. Communications (the nation’s second-largest promotional marketing agency). Later, he was recruited to create a marketing communications agency for Gage Marketing Group, the largest marketing services company in the U.S., after which he founded Hall Batko, a business and brand consultancy. Currently, he is founder and CEO of Stellus Consulting, which guides leadership teams in creating a strategic vision and building relationships that achieve that vision. Hall created the Minnesota Wild brand and has represented George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, and Jim Henson, among others. He is said to be a man who shares his many gifts and who has lived out the Augsburg mission of “education for service.” He conducts himself with the highest integrity, shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others, and is an outstanding community citizen in every respect.

Judith Schaubach ’68 [bottom center]

Early in her career, Judy Schaubach discovered the importance of collective action in educational leadership. As president of the Minnesota Education Association (MEA), she was instrumental in forging an agreement with MEA’s long-time rival, the Minnesota Federation of Teachers. The new organization, Education Minnesota, was the first statewide merger in the nation recognized by both NEA and AFT, and as co-president, Schaubach modeled the spirit of new unionism. This involved organizing efforts for education support professionals, establishment of professional development activists who assess the quality of professional development in school districts, and building coalitions to bring together leaders from all levels of education. Championing the creation of the five-year Schools First! campaign, Schaubach traveled around the state to lead community forums to discuss challenges and opportunities for public schools in each community. She has shown a generation of young education advocates and union activists what can be accomplished with vision, passion, dedication, and commitment to a cause.

The post 2011 Homecoming Awards appeared first on News and Media.

First Decade Award

Nicolas Thomley, ’06 MBA

Passionate about making a difference in the lives of others, Nicolas Thomley founded Pinnacle Services in 1999 at the age of 19 to provide housing services to people with developmental disabilities. His remarkable energy, creativity, entrepreneurial instinct, and deep-seated desire to serve others have led to his recognition as an industry leader, with his companies serving more than 1,000 disabled individuals and seniors and employing more than 400 people.

With a BA in organizational management and communication from Concordia University and experience in the Marine Corps, Thomley completed Augsburg’s MBA program in less than two years. He was also accepted into “The Birthing of Giants,” a three-year executive entrepreneurship program at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

In 2006 Thomley was recognized by the Minneapolis/Saint Paul Business Journal in “Forty Under 40,” the top business leaders under the age of 40.

Morgan Davidsen ’00

Morgan Davidsen made a tremendous impact on the Augsburg community as a student, as an athlete, and in the theater. One of the top five goalkeepers in Augsburg soccer history, Davidsen’s passion for fostering teamwork helped make him a leader on and off the field. Benjy Kent, who served as Davidsen’s coach, praised his ability to support and motivate others to strive for greatness. Davidsen took that same passion to the stage as an actor and student director in the Theatre Arts Department.

Since graduation, Davidsen’s Augsburg experiences, as well as his strong Norwegian and Christian roots, have helped him pursue opportunities in the film industry in Los Angeles and in Norway. He has received numerous awards for his film work. He has been recognized at film festivals around the world and has been supported by a grant from the American Scandinavian Society in New York.

Spirit of Augsburg Award

Jack Osberg ’62

Jack Osberg has served Augsburg as a teacher, coach, and mentor. As a student, he was captain of the football team and went on to teach biology and coach in area schools after graduation. Forever an Auggie, he returned to campus and served as head coach for 14 seasons (1991–2004). His outstanding technical knowledge of the game, excellent people skills, and love for Augsburg helped him lead the team to an MIAC championship in 1997. They continued to the second round of NCAA playoffs and posted the best record (10-2) in the 84-year history of the football program. Colleagues Frank Haege and Paul Grauer note that Osberg is a leader by example and by word and has uncanny ability to rally those around him. He takes great pride in both his players’ academic and athletic achievements and their discovery of vocation, Osberg’s servant-leader coaching style has set a high standard for Augsburg coaches.

After retirement as head football coach, Osberg served as the Augsburg A-Club advancement manager until this year. He was inducted into Augsburg’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 1979.

Stephen “Gabe” Gabrielsen ’63

Stephen Gabrielsen, known to everyone as “Gabe,” transferred to Augsburg from Lutheran Bible Institute because he wanted to stay in Minneapolis. He graduated and returned to teach at Augsburg while still a graduate student, at the invitation of Music Department chair Leland Sateren. Now, after 47 years as a faculty member and College organist, Gabrielsen will retire this year.

Gabrielsen’s majors in music and religion became the foundation for his vocation, which found expression in both music and faith. He has played organ in daily chapel for his entire time at Augsburg and was organist for 28 of the 30 Advent Vespers services. But for the hundreds of students he has taught, he will always be remembered for the caring he offered each one in music classes and organ lessons.

Following his graduation from Augsburg, Gabrielsen received his master’s and doctoral degrees in music from the University of Minnesota. He is a fellow of the American Guild of Organists and has published organ and choral music. He studied music in Germany as a Lutheran World Federation Scholar and has toured and performed internationally.

Richard Spratt ’74

Richard Spratt, a native of Charlotte, North Carolina, graduated in 1974 with a bachelor’s degree in social work. After earning his MSW degree at the University of Minnesota, he embarked on a distinguished career with Hennepin County Human Services and Public Health Department. During his 30 years at Hennepin County, he has worked in a variety of programs and special initiatives, which include the African American Adoption Project and The Village—a community-based program in North Minneapolis. He has continued his long relationship with Augsburg College as a community faculty member in the Social Work Department and regularly serves on campus committees, including the Field Advisory Board.

Awarded the Augsburg Steen Award in 1998, he implemented a collaborative project with Minneapolis Public Schools to improve educational programs for children and promote family involvement and postsecondary education. In January 2010, Spratt received Augsburg’s Spirit of Martin Luther King Jr. Award.

Distinguished Alumni Award

Donald ’53 and Beverly (Halling) ’55 Oren

Through his innovative leadership, Don Oren transformed Dart Transit from a small family company with a handful of trucks into the nation’s 11th-largest truckload carrier in an industry with more than a quarter million companies. Dart has received numerous awards, including a 2009 Family Business Award from Minnesota Business magazine; Best Fleet in the Nation for Owner Operators; and Carrier of the Year from many of their Fortune 500 customers. Don is recognized as an innovator, continually pushing industry standards to serve his customers and committed to improving highway safety.

Bev Oren served Dart for 20 years, primarily as vice president of human resources. In that capacity, she not only had the uncanny ability to select and hire outstanding talent, but also to mentor their carrier advancement. Some of these individuals were Augsburg graduates and are now in leadership positions at the company.

The Orens served on Augsburg’s Board of Regents and have created a significant legacy to Augsburg, as their names grace the Oren Gateway Center.

Robert Hanson ’68

Robert Hanson graduated with a chemistry major and continued at University of California, Berkeley, where he received his PhD in organic chemistry. He pursued postdoctoral study in medicinal chemistry at the University of Minnesota and in nuclear medicine at Harvard Medical School. Currently he is professor of bioorganic and medicinal chemistry at Northeastern University in Boston and adjunct research scientist at Massachusetts General Hospital. His research in the area of estrogens and their derivatives in cancer research have without question advanced this field. In 2006 he was appointed the Matthews Distinguished University Professor in chemistry and chemical biology.

For several summers, Hanson and his wife, Distinguished Alumna Annette (Hoversten) ’68 have hosted Augsburg chemistry professor Sandra Olmsted, enabling her to collaborate in research at Northeastern and to bring back research opportunities for her students.

Jean Taylor ’85

Since graduating with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and earning an MBA from the Carlson School of Management, Jean Taylor has enjoyed a career of distinguished leadership in the corporate sector, serving until recently as CEO and president of Taylor Corporation, one of the nation’s largest private companies. During her tenure, Taylor Corporation evolved from a successful, niche print business to an innovative, global communications, marketing, and interactive solutions provider.

For 12 years, Taylor also provided leadership to Augsburg as a member of the Augsburg Board of Regents. For two of those years, she served as chair of the board, leading the regents through a major capital campaign, Access for Excellence, while simultaneously co-chairing the Campaign Cabinet. Taylor is actively involved at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church and lives in Eagan with her husband, Roger Griffith ’84, and their daughters, Emma and Abby.

The post 2010 alumni awardees appeared first on News and Media.

First Decade Award – Brenda Talarico

The First Decade Award is presented to Augsburg graduates of the past 10 years who have made significant progress in their professional achievements and contributions to the community, and in so doing exemplify the mission of the College: to prepare future leaders in service to the world. Graduates from the day, weekend, and graduate programs are eligible.

Brenda has always had a strong connection to Augsburg with four family members and a husband who claim Augsburg as their alma mater. After receiving her Physician Assistant certificate in 1999 from Augsburg, she received a master’s in physician assistant studies from the University of Nebraska and worked as a PA for four years before returning to Augsburg to teach full time. Here, Brenda has developed a program that introduces diverse high school students to the physician assistant profession and provides hands-on learning experiences about health and wellness.

Spirit of Augsburg Award – Jim Haglund

The Spirit of Augsburg Award honors alumni and friends of the College who have given exceptional service that contributes substantially to the well being of Augsburg by furthering its purposes and programs.

Jim Haglund has been involved with Augsburg College as a member of the Board of Regents, as a donor and long-time supporter of the College and its students, including his own daughter, Dawn, who is a 1997 graduate of Augsburg. He is the president and owner of Minneapolis-based Central Container Corporation and is co-owner of Spectrum Screen Printing. He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota and St. Thomas.

Distinguished Alumni Awards

The Augsburg College Board of Regents and the Augsburg Alumni Association bestow the Distinguished Alumni Award in recognition of significant achievement in vocation, for outstanding contribution to church and community, and for a life that exemplifies the ideals and mission of Augsburg College.

Tove Dahl ’84 and Curt Rice ’84 [pictured above]

Despite living and working in Norway, Tove Dahl and Curt Rice have remained closely connected to and involved in the life of Augsburg College since their graduation. In addition to serving as an associate professor of psychology at the University of Troms, and as the dean of Skogfjorden, the Norwegian village of Concordia’s International Villages, Tove also sits on the board of Norway’s Centre for Peace Studies.

Curt chaired the English department at the University of Tromsø before becoming the Director of the Center for Advanced Study in Theoretical Linguistics (CASTL), which was the first Center of Excellence at the University. Curt is also the co-editor of Linguistic Inquiry and serves on the editorial boards of several linguistics journals. In January 2009 Curt became the Pro-Rector for Research and Development at the University of Tromsø.

Phebe Hanson ’50

A founding member of The Loft Literary Center, Phebe Hanson is a highly respected figure who has used her gifts as a poet and journal keeper, teacher, mentor, and innovator and generator of excellence in Minnesota’s arts community. After graduating from Augsburg in 1950, Phebe taught high school English for two years in rural Minnesota. She married John Hanson ’48 in 1953 and spent the next 12 years raising their three children and a series of foster children, teaching Sunday school, and participating in civil rights and peace organizations.

Richard Thorud ’54

Richard “Dick” Thorud, who attended Augsburg from 1952 to 1954, has achieved excellence in a variety of fields including technology, writing, and the fine arts. He was an engineer in Research and Development at Toro Co. where he conceived or developed 52 patents. Dick has been published in the technical and non-technical fields, and his photography has been exhibited at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, Walker Art Center, and at the Minnesota State Fair. In 1995, Dick received a personal commendation from Gov. Arne Carlson for his contributions “to the economy and welfare of the State of Minnesota.”

Joyce Pfaff ’65

A teacher, coach, athlete, mentor, advocate, and friend to many, Joyce Pfaff has been a driving force for women’ s athletics at Augsburg her entire career. After graduating from Augsburg in 1965 with an education degree, Joyce accepted a teaching position which led to a 43-year career with the College. She was a pioneer in developing opportunities for women to participate in intercollegiate athletics, starting the first volleyball, gymnastics, tennis, softball, and track and field teams for women and re-establishing the women’s basketball team at Augsburg.

The post Augsburg honors alumni appeared first on News and Media.