College alumnusand artistMaximino Garcia-Marin ’14 was featured in a year-end recap column by the Star Tribune’s Gail Rosenblum, who first met Garcia-Marin as a result of his senior art exhibition. Rosenblum noted that Garcia-Marin’ssenior project was “personal” and “powerful” featuring a wall of 4,900 stenciled blindfolded faces, each representing 3,000 undocumented immigrants. Read, “Rosenblum: Catching up with folks we met in 2014” to learn more.
Auggies in 2014 nab international, national, state media spotlight
Top 21 news stories featuring Augsburg faculty, staff, students, alumni
Members of the Augsburg College community were featured in more than 220international, national, and statewide media stories in 2014. Faculty, students, alumni, friends, and staff shared expertise on scholarship and pedagogy, experience as Auggies, and insight on current and special events.Here we take a look at a very small fraction of the many times Auggies made the newsduring the year. Thanks to all those who shared their time and stories and helped put Augsburg at the table on so many topics.
International Stories
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John Zobitz spoke with the International Business Times. John Zobitz talks toInternational Business Times:AssociateProfessor of Mathematics and environmental science researcher John Zobitzhelped to answer the question posed by many in the wake of a recent record-setting snowfall in the Buffalo, N.Y. area— Why is it so cold and snowy in November?The reason is global warming, according to Zobitz and other scientists studying the Earth’s climate.about how changes in the Earth’s temperature influence weather patterns on the International Business Times website.
- Auggies in the Augsburger Allegmeine: Three Auggies were featured in a story in the Augsburger Allegmeine’s series, “We are all Augsburger.” Natalya Brown’14, Kayla Feuchtmann’14, and Jens Pinther’14 shared photos of themselves on campus, their areas of study, and comments about Augsburg College’s namesake with the German newspaper’sNicole Prestle. See the story on the .Click on the photo in the story to go to a gallery of photos of the three students.
National Stories
- Katie Clark in Girls’ Life magazine: Nursing instructor and the director of the Health Commons, Katie Clark, spoke in July with Girls’ Life magazine to answer questions posed by the magazine’s readers. The publication, which has a readershipof more than 2 million girls ages 10-15, is sold at many major bookstores throughout the nation. Clark answered a range of questions for theAugust/September issue of the magazine.
- Stephan Eirik Clark all over the place:Augsburg Assistant Professor Stephan Eirik Clarkwas featured in media across the nation after hisdebut novel, Sweetness #9, received the “Colbert Bump”on The Colbert Report. In many instances, Augsburg Collegewasmentioned. See a range of thecoverage on the News and Media blog under the tag “.”
- Yemi Melka’15 featured in The Chronicle of Higher Education:Yemissrach “Yemi” Melka ’15, a chemistry and international relations student, recently spoke with Beckie Supiano ofThe Chronicle of Higher Educationabout Melka’s participation in the Model United Nations. Melka, a Peace Scholar, is interested in exploring how scientists can use their expertise to promote international peacemaking. Listen to “.”
- Alex Peterson ’16 talks with The Scientist: Augsburg College StepUP student Alex Peterson ’16 was interviewed for the cover story in the February editionof The Scientist magazine for an article titled “Pain and Progress: Is it possible to make a nonaddictive opioid painkiller.” Peterson, a student in Augsburg’s successful StepUP program for students in addiction recovery, shared his story and perspective on opioids. Read the article .
- Hans Wiersma in Christian Science Monitor:Hans Wiersma, associate professor of religion, spoke with theChristian Science Monitorabout whether a Baptist church in Kansas could continue after the passing of its charismatic founder. Read Wiersma’s comments in the article “.”
State Stories
- Janice Gladden’14 talks with WCCO:WCCO profiled the graduation from Augsburg College of Janice Gladden ’14, who left college 35 years earlier. Gladden put on hold the education her father urged her to pursue while her husband developed his baseball-playing career, going from an amateur free agent to major league star. Her husband would become a champion left- and center-fielder for the Minnesota Twins and go on to play in two World Series. She shares the story of returning to pursue her college education, of finishing what she started at the urging of her daughter (also an Auggie), and of her early years working to support her husband. Dan Gladden shares his pride in seeing his wife graduate. Watch the WCCO story, “.”
- Tenzin Yeshi Paichang ’16 talks with media:Auggie Tenzin Yeshi Paichang ’16 spoke at length with media in the days before the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize Forum about meeting His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama at several junctures throughout Paichang’s life. Read “,” by Maja Beckstrom, Pioneer Press.Paichang also shared his story with WCCO. Watch“,” by Susan-Elizabeth Littlefield, WCCO. Additional coverage of the NPPF — totaling more than 40 stories — is on the News and Media blog by searching for “.”
- President Paul Pribbenow talks to MPR:Minnesota Public Radio’s higher education reporter,Alex Friedrich,visited Augsburg College’s campus to experience a day in the life of an Auggie. Friedrich blogged throughout the dayabout his experiences and found that Augsburg College has a wide variety of traditions and experiences to offerto its students, faculty, staff and alumni, andalso to its neighboring communities, as well. During the visit, he met with Augsburg College President Paul Pribbenow to discuss Pribbenow’s vision for the College, his commitment to Augsburg students, and his passion for bow ties. Read“.” More stories from the MPR visit are featured in “.”
- Jennifer Simon talks with KSTP 5:Jennifer Simon, director of Augsburg College’s American Indian Student Services, talked to KSTP TV about the College’s 6th Traditional Powwow. Simon shared highlights of the powwow, including recognition of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community for a gift of $250,000 for endowed scholarships to support American Indian students.
Stories Featuring Faculty
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Phil Adamo on set with Diana Pierce at KARE 11. Phil Adamo on KARE 11: Associate professor of history and director of Medieval Studies at Augsburg College, Phil Adamo,was a guest on KARE 11 on Halloween to talk about the origins of the holiday. Adamo shared with Diana Pierce and viewers how Halloween started as a Celtic festival that celebrated the final harvest and eventually was incorporated into Christian traditions to lure non-Christians into the Church. He also discussed the origins of the bonfire, jack-o-lanterns, and Halloween candy. Watch the segment “Halloween History 101”on KARE.
- Andy Aoki onKARE 11:Political Science Prof. Andy Aoki spoke with KARE 11 about the importance of creating diverse police departments in the citiesof Minneapolis and St. Paul. The story, which took a look at local police departments, was being explored in light of recent clashes between the public and policein Ferguson, Missouri. Watch the interview on “Ferguson fallout: Looking at local police diversity.”
- Joseph Erickson in the Pioneer Press:Professor of education and former member of the Minneapolis school boardJoseph Ericksonspoke with the paper for perspective on contract talks between the St. Paul Public Schools and the St. Paul Federation of Teachers. Erickson told reporter Mila Koumpilova that the agreement, which averted a strike, represents a “creative mix of contract changes, addendums to the contract and board resolutions.” on the Pioneer Presswebsite.
- Jenny Kluznik’13 in Mpls. St. Paul Magazine: Assistant ProfessorJenny Kluznik ’13 MPA, who teaches in thephysician’s assistant program, spoke with Mpls. St. Paul Magazine about her decision to return to college so she could join the fast-growing PA field. Kluznik sharedher decision to become a PA, why she picked Augsburg College, and shared advice for those considering going back to school. The profile of Kluznik was part of a longer story that explored education needs behind some of Minnesota’s fastest-growing careers. Read “.”
- Joyce P. Miller in OR Today: Joyce Miller,an assistant professor of nursing, was profiled in OR Today about her nearly 40-year career as a nurse, transition to the classroom, and work in diverse communities through the Health Commons projects. Miller, DNP, RN, shares in the story her perspective on transcultural nursing, actively listening to the needs of patients, the complexity of healthcare, and the importance of establishing rapport and trust with patients. Read “” in the online edition of OR Today.
- Michael Wentzel on KSTP 5:Mike Wentzel, assistant professor of chemistry at Augsburg College, spoke with KSTP TV about a new study that foundmarinating meat in dark beer reduces the cancer-causing carcinogens that form when grilling. Wentzel said that a chemical in beer is shown to lessen the formation of harmful molecules during the grilling process and, therefore, can help lower the harm to people who eat grilled meats. Watch the KSTP story “Augsburg chemist: Marinating meat in beer reduces cancer-causing chemicals.”
For more facultyfeatured in the news, search the category on the News and Media blog.
Stories Featuring Alumni and Friends
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Edor Nelson ’38 was presented a special jersey in honor of his 100th birthday. StepUP supporters speak with MinnPost: Kevinand Polly Hart, mentors for Augsburg’s StepUP Program,were honoredat the annual StepUP Gala for their avid support of the program. The Harts, who have volunteered with StepUP for several years and are in recovery from addiction, were presented theToby Piper LaBelle Award for their dedication to serving students in recovery. Kevin Hart spoke about the honor and his work with the recovery community in “.”
- Edor Nelson ’38 earns statewide attention: Legendary Auggie coach, athlete and instructor Edor Nelson ’38 died August 27 at the age of 100. Nelson, who led the Auggie football and baseball teams for nearly four decades, died only nine days after a centennial birthday celebration at Augsburg where hundreds of friends and Auggiesturned out tohonorhim. Nelson’s birthday celebration and his death garneredan outpouring of attention thanks to the hard work of staff in the Athletics Departments. See the coverage in “.”
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Kuoth Wiel ’13 played a role in The Good Lie featuring Reese Witherspoon. Amineh Safi’14 in Star Tribune:Star Tribune columnist Gail Rosenblum featured Augsburg College studentAmineh Safi’14 in a recent story examining news coverage of Muslims. In the column, Safi described findings from her research on the portrayal of Muslims in the media and her experiences with diversity in college. Safi’s research opportunity was offered through the McNair Scholars program at Augsburg and conducted under the mentorship of Diane Pike, sociology professor, who also was quoted in the column. Read “Time to look at news coverage of Muslims” on the Star Tribune website.
- Kuoth Wiel ’13 in national media: Social psychology majorKuoth Wiel ’13, a star in the feature film “The Good Lie,” has garnereda plethora of media coverage. The film, which was releasedin Minnesota Oct. 17,has been well received and is generatingOscar buzz. Augsburg has received several media mentions thanks to Wiel, both prior to her graduation when the College sought to place her story with media, and since the film’s release. Check out the most recent coverage in “.”
Christine Dawson ’13 MSW shines as coordinator for HeroCare
Christine Dawson ’13 MSWwas featured on the cover of the Regions Hospital Foundation Newsletter for her outstanding work with the HeroCare Program for veterans at Regions Hospital. Dawson, who is herself a veteran, coordinates services and advocates for patients in Regions Hospital’s mental health programs. on the Regions Hospital website.
Learn more about Dawson’s experiences as an Augsburg student by reading “,” an article from the fall 2013 Augsburg Now alumni magazine.
Augsburg-connected startup highlighted by MinnPost
MinnPostnews featuredstudents and staff from Augsburg College and other local universities who collaborated ona startup organization, the Sisterhood of the Traveling Scarf, which opened a women’s clothing and accessory store.
The store —aptly named Sisterhood Boutique — is nestled in the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood of Minneapolis and featuresdonated fashions at affordable prices.
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Scarf received funding for their startup venture from several Twin Cities organizations includingFairview Health Services and the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota, as well as support from Augsburg.
To , visit the MinnPost news site.
Recovery Campus magazine interviews StepUP’s Patrice Salmeri
Patrice Salmeri, director of Augsburg College’s StepUP program, was featured in Recovery Campus magazine to discuss her role asincoming president of the Association of Recovery in Higher Education.
Salmeri, who has overseenthe StepUP program since 2002, began her tenure as president of ARHE in June 2014. Taking on the new role while continuing as director of StepUP has her exactly where she wants to be in life.
“This work is my calling; I have no doubt about it,” she said. “It has been confirmed over and over again. I am exactly where I need to be right now.”
Read Salmeri’s story on the Recovery Campus website.
Olivia Muyres ’15 named Player of the Year
Olivia Muyres ’15was named the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Women’s Soccer Player of the Year.
Muyres, who helped Augsburg win its first MIAC championship, was featured in the Rochester Post-Bulletin for her accomplishments in the Nov. 22 NCAA Division III Tournament. Muyres scoredthe winning goal in overtime during the first game.
To, visit the Post-Bulletin news site.
Delissa Hernandez ’14 discusses student debt with MPCC

Delissa Hernandez ’14 was profiled in the Minnesota Private College Council newsletter in November.
Hernandez, who was the first of her family to enroll in college,was interviewed about the pros and cons associated withpaying for a college education.
Although she received financial aid as a first generation student, she will have student debt after graduation. Hernandez said she isn’t worriedabout the debt as she believes the benefits ofgaining a college educationfar outweigh the costs. “I already see how worth it this investment truly is,” shesaid.
Visit the site to read the article.
Veterans’ Lounge receives MPCC nod
Augsburg’s new Veterans’ Lounge wasfeatured in the Minnesota Private College Council newsletter in November.
The lounge, which opened recentlyas agathering place for veterans on campus, has become a sanctuary–of sorts–for some student vets and offers a place to escape, relax, talk, and study.
To , visit the Minnesota Private College Council site.
Learn more about the dedication of the lounge, which was made possible through contributions from U.S. Bank, on the Corporate, Foundation, and Government Relations blog.
Augsburg named one of five finalists for national interfaith award
Augsburg College was one of five finalists named to the prestigious President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with Distinction in the interfaith and community service category.
This is the fifth time that the College has been named to the top tier of recognition—the honor roll with distinction—for this prominent national award. More than 500 schools vied for the 2014 award that celebrates outstanding achievements in and commitment to interfaith and community service work.
In 2010, Augsburg took top honors from among a field of 850 applicants. Read about this campus accomplishment in the story “.”
Star Tribune features Midnimo partnership
will host a free concert by Taleex Band on October 31 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 Star Tribune recently promoted the show and Midnimo programming in the article, “Twin Cities band Taleex raises voices for Somali pride.” As noted in the article, the Taleex performancealso will include sets by non-Somali groups. Bob’s Band,a brass jazz group led by long-time Augsburg College Music Department faculty member Bob Stacke ’71 and comprised of several Augsburgalumni and current students, will augment Taleex Band’s sets.