Spring–Summer 2019 Archives - Augsburg Now

The new age of artisans

John Weirick — Mon, 22 Apr 2019 14:42:21 +0000

More than a decade ago, Americans plunged into the Great Recession. A wave of new and seasoned workers alike struggled to navigate the economic uncertainty of fewer jobs and growing debt in an ever-changing global landscape. But while the economy grew stagnant, the creative efforts of workers did not. An artisanal phenomenon gained momentum, which affects not only what people buy and the jobs they seek, but also shifts consumer expectations around the country. This is no new trend; it’s actually an old one.

The Artisan Economy

The modern artisan movement—craftspeople who focus on distinct, skillfully made goods produced in small quantities, often by hand—has deep roots in the past, before the relatively recent industrialization that revolutionized the global market by providing more affordable products to more people.

“The United States has had mass production of plentiful and relatively cheap goods for at least a century,” said Nancy Fischer, associate professor and chair of sociology at Augsburg University. “An appreciation for more traditional forms of making things—of craftsmanship—was a reaction to and coexisted with mass production.”

Fischer, who has researched vintage fashion and is writing a book on vintage clothing consumers, said artisans in the pre-industrial 1800s could make a living running shops that sold everyday items like furniture, candles, or shoes. However, artisan endeavors today form a niche market, often as side jobs for extra cash and personal fulfillment more than a stable income or employment benefits. The focus is not just on a product; the artisanal approach also focuses on the origin of the item, what it’s made of, and how it’s made.

You’ve seen the items: artisanal breads and cheeses, small-batch ice cream, hand-crafted chocolate and hot sauce. Many major metropolitan areas—and a number of smaller communities as well—boast independent coffee roasters, artisanal pizzerias, and craft butchers of locally raised livestock. Custom jeans and hand-tailored leatherworks are neighbors to yoga instructors, artisanal pickle producers, and specialty popcorn shops in tiny storefronts. Even international corporations and fast food franchises attempt to pique consumer interest using the terms “artisanal” and “hand-crafted,” much like they appropriated “gourmet” and “specialty.”

FINNEGANS taproom in downtown Minneapolis

What is an Artisan?

Artisans appear in three often-intertwined variations: 1. maker artisans who produce tangible products, 2. personal service artisans who offer curated experiences, and 3. knowledge artisans who bring together people and ideas to enhance social capital.

“Artisans can look a lot different than what most would expect,” said Brian Krohn ’08, co-founder of Mighty Axe Hops, which supplies Minnesota-grown hops to craft brewers around the state. After studying chemistry at Augsburg and finishing graduate school, he became a serial entrepreneur, launching a company that uses 3D printing to make flame-emitting wizard staffs and founding Soundly, a smartphone app designed to reduce snoring. “A woodworker would normally be considered an artisan, but I think an experienced engineer who uses CAD [computer-aided design] and a CNC [computer numerical control] to mill wood or aluminum can also be an artisan.”

To seek a simple explanation for the artisan economy’s proliferation would be to ignore the multifaceted appeal of such products and services, as well as the diverse array of people who sell and buy them.

Consumer boredom, dissatisfaction with mass-produced options, and the feeling of overall instability could play a psychological role in the appeal of artisan alternatives. “When you think about the current state of economic inequality, recessions, an affordable housing shortage, multiple wars, ever-changing technology, outsourcing of jobs, and terrorism, we live in a pretty uncertain world,” said Bridget Robinson-Riegler, cognitive psychologist and professor of psychology at Augsburg. “We value nostalgic products because they make us feel more secure. The new wave of such products is possibly indicative of a society in turmoil and people in angst searching for comfort.”

The search for comfort doesn’t stifle the curious desire for variety, though. “If it’s beer, consumers are looking for something that is different, not formulaic,” Fischer said. “With woodworking items, ceramics, or clothing, they are looking for something that will last, as well as something that is unique.”

Artisan Underdogs

FINNEGANS co-founder Jacquie Berglund ’87

Jacquie Berglund ’87 found a unique angle in a competitive market: craft beer with a cause. After graduating from Augsburg and studying in Paris, she returned to Minneapolis and co-founded FINNEGANS Brew Co., whose profits are donated to alleviate hunger in the markets that serve FINNEGANS beer. “When I started my beer company, there were a handful of breweries. There are now more than 150 in Minnesota. FINNEGANS needs to make high-quality beer, differentiate our brand as a social business with more than $1.3 million in impact, and connect with our consumers and supporters.”

The craft beer boom is representative of the growing artisan movement in many industries. Almost half of the 150 breweries in Minnesota have opened in the past eight years, including Boom Island Brewing in Minneapolis, another brewery with an Auggie connection. Qiuxia Welch ’99 studied music at Augsburg and became a professional French horn performer and teacher. Today, she is Boom Island’s marketing manager and runs the business with her husband, Kevin, its founder and head brewer.

“Most of Boom Island’s beers are brewed using traditional Belgian techniques,” Welch said. “This requires expensive ingredients, no preservatives, years of experience, and time. It’s difficult for the large breweries to do this.”

Artisan Case Study: Craft Beer

Craft beer sales have grown to nearly 13 percent market share, according to the Brewers Association, which offers “certified independent craft” labels for breweries not owned by the handful of multinational corporations that have maintained dominant market share following the repeal of Prohibition. Because consumers pay more for craft beer, these corporations seek higher profits through consolidation, buying craft breweries with national reputations, and creating “craft” sub brands to mass produce.

“Mass production is not able to work with the small, local suppliers of ingredients like artisans can,” said Berglund, whose FINNEGANS pale ale features Krohn’s Minnesota-grown Mighty Axe Hops. “We have made more than 100 different beers in our taproom in the past 11 months with five barrel-aged brews—mass production is not this nimble.”

Though craft beer brewing and buying demographics skew toward Gen X and Millennial white males, some signs point to a more diverse artisan future. “More women, and particularly women of color, are playing important roles,” Welch said. “They are opening breweries, making great beers, and changing how we market and drink craft beer.”

Corporate Exodus

Minnesota Art Truck and founder Matt Swenson ’91

When you visit a Twin Cities craft brewery or farmers market, you also might see another kind of artisan: artist and curator Matt Swenson ’91, founder of the Minnesota Art Truck. Swenson displays local artists’ work in the truck to connect with people who don’t realize they can purchase original art at prices comparable to big-box stores while sustaining the local art community. “I don’t see art as just for the middle class or upper middle class or the wealthy. Art really is for everybody, and the more I get to interact with people, the more they see that themselves,” he said.

Before he started this “food truck for the soul,” Swenson studied communication and English at Augsburg and worked in sales and marketing management for 13 years. Today, he feels lucky and grateful that his wife supported his departure from corporate America in search of creatively fulfilling work: “We had to adjust how we live, but she knows that it’s something I’m passionate about, and I think it can be sustainable.”

Billy Mzenga ’13 is another Auggie who left the corporate world, turning his attention to graduate school and a new entrepreneurial initiative. The venture started when his wife, Megan, fine-tuned recipes of homemade almond butter, cashew butter, and peanut butter. In 2017, the couple launched these products into a small business: NutMeg’s Nut Butters. The Mzengas now live in Chicago and continue to develop new recipes. They distribute NutMeg’s products online and at farmers markets and Chicago-area grocery stores.

Courtesy photo—NutMeg’s co-founders Billy Mzenga ’13, left, and Megan Mzenga

Hand-Crafted With a Conscience

Like FINNEGANS, NutMeg’s is a social enterprise. NutMeg’s donates half of its earnings to humanitarian nonprofits in Kenya. Staying nimble and avoiding stockholder pressures are key factors for artisan entrepreneurs like the Mzengas. “We are accountable to our customers to make sure we are providing a good product, and to the charities we partner with, making sure we provide them with financial resources,” Billy said.

Billy believes his Augsburg University education equipped him to see how his purpose intersects with causes bigger than himself. “My experience there opened my eyes to the issues facing the world, Minnesota, and those who were on the front lines as problem-solvers,” he said.

Berglund, whose social impact model with FINNEGANS inspired the Mzengas, can relate. “I got a strong sense of ‘We are here to serve others’ by going to Augsburg,” she said. “It shaped my world perspective and the way I designed and run my business.”

Augsburg’s communal support was also obvious to Boom Island’s Welch when she arrived in the United States to study music. “I came from a very warm place in China,” she said. “I didn’t come to Minnesota prepared for the winter. Professor Roberta Kagin from the Department of Music sent out a campus email asking for donations of winter clothing. I don’t think I bought any clothes for two years after that.”

Welch wants the same qualities of Augsburg in her business today. “This is a very caring community with an appreciation for a well-balanced life. I like to think Boom Island Brewing is the same,” she said.

Courtesy Photo—Boom Island Brewing’s Qiuxia Welch ’99

The Complexity of Cost

What prevents the artisan niche from drawing more consumers away from mass-produced items? “The choice is between a $40 hand-crafted wood cutting board or a $7 one from Target,” Fischer said. “That kind of price differential for most Americans’ financial situation—which is more heavily weighted for folks with fewer resources—eliminates the choice, even if they would prefer the $40 cutting board.”

The higher price doesn’t necessarily mean artisan products are luxury items. In fact, artisan entrepreneurs often justify the higher cost of crafted goods in pragmatic terms. With some mass-produced products, Krohn is concerned that consumers will end up spending more money in the long run on subpar items that wear out rather than a quality item that lasts—“You get what you pay for,” as the adage goes.

From a sociological perspective, the benefits of less expensive production and more affordable mass-produced goods come with the risk of exploitation of workers and the environment in the supply chain and manufacturing processes. “Organizations and activists have encouraged us for decades to question the unsustainable model of buying more cheap goods shipped from overseas where the pay, working conditions, and factory harms to the environment are jaw-droppingly horrible,” Fischer said.

The relationship between quality, cost, and ethics is especially tangible in fashion. Zoë Foat Naselaris ’96 and twin sister Kaja Foat ’96 created FOAT, an environmentally conscious women’s fashion brand with a personal touch. Based in their Charleston, South Carolina, and northeast Minneapolis studios, they design, cut, and sew garments by hand rather than outsource the work.

“We are not interested in mass-producing our patterns and clothing overseas because it is important to us to produce our items ethically, locally, and with a lot of care,” Naselaris said. “When garments are mass-produced, they are designed with one body type in mind. Handmade garments are tweaked and tucked, pushed and pulled into a shape that is both comfortable and complementary to the customer’s body.”

Like FOAT, many artisans extend their care for customers and details to the overall industry and consumer expectations that influence business practices. “Most Americans are not accustomed to paying attention to, or even caring about, how their products are made,” Naselaris said. “There has to be a change of mindset.” FOAT encourages people to buy fewer well-made garments that last longer rather than many poorly made products that tend to fall apart more quickly.

Billy believes many consumers are ready for change: “People are speaking with their dollars and moving their business to more locally owned, locally made products.”

Courtesy photo—FOAT co-founders Zoë Foat Naselaris ’96, left, and Kaja Foat ’96

Stories for Sale

Will some consumers continue to lack the financial resources to choose more artisanal options? Will others grow weary of paying more for local, sustainable, quality products? Might this artisan movement form a robust economy of the future? It doesn’t show signs of slowing, perhaps because of the connection between crafters and those enjoying the craft.

Artisans offer alternate products as well as an alternate story, a different way to engage with the American tradition of consumerism. They invite others to see that more isn’t always better, that making something beautiful and enduring takes time. Many consumers are rethinking their economic relationships in society: how they engage with what they eat, what they buy, the issues they care about, and ultimately, how they engage each other.

“The craft-brew taproom has become a vital part of the community like you find in Old World Europe,” said Welch, who co-leads Belgium brewery tours to stay tethered to a historic beer tradition. “Our typical customer wants to connect with the people who make and serve their beer. They want to know where their food and drinks come from, how they are made, and who made them. This is how we lived for centuries. Now artisans are back.”

[Top image]: Matt Swenson ’91 displays artisan creations on the Minnesota Art Truck.

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Learning across abilities

Kate H. Elliott — Mon, 22 Apr 2019 14:41:43 +0000

Since second grade, Maura Gunter ’19 relied on accommodations for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and a word processing disorder. So when she started college, Gunter knew the drill. But on her way to class that fall semester, Gunter’s vision blurred and a metallic taste coated her mouth. She lay in the snow for four hours before paramedics arrived. When she woke, doctors greeted the then 19-year-old with another diagnosis: epilepsy.

As her peers at Colorado State University prepped for finals, Gunter was pricked and scanned for two weeks. Catch up, you can do this. Seizure. Someone stuffs a wallet in her mouth. Doctors: “Episodes might pass or might not. Try this medicine—no, this one.” Catch up, you can do this. Seizure. Hospital stay, stares, and bruises. “You need to find a way to complete assignments, Maura.” Can I do this? Brain throbbing. More pills. Less sleep. No.

“When I started having seizures, I didn’t know [my illness] was considered a disability. Support services at my college at the time were fine but not personal. I didn’t have an advisor to help me navigate my college education with this invisible illness,” Gunter said. “So, nearly every time I had a seizure, I had to medically withdraw.”

“I felt like such a failure—lost and alone”

Without campus advocates and close teacher relationships, Gunter turned to doctor-prescribed opioids for support and became addicted. She found Augsburg University’s StepUP® Program—a residential recovery support community—and decided to transfer in 2015. Disability Specialist Anne Lynch was there to greet her, then walk the Georgia native through her rights and responsibilities, documentation forms, exam scheduling, and more. When Gunter made the dean’s list, Lynch was the first person she called.

“Anne has been my rock,” said Gunter, who plans to graduate in May with a degree in social work. “When people cautioned me against seeking departmental honors because they were worried ‘it’d be too much for me,’ Anne pushed me. She lets me determine and define my own limits. People don’t realize that it’s as equally stressful
and offensive to be coddled as it is to not be believed and supported. Anne took the time to know me, to listen, and to empower me with information and guidance.”

Sober since August 2014, Gunter thrived with newfound campus advocates and with caring professors at Augsburg’s tight-knit, affirming campus. Driving that advocacy and service is the university’s Center for Learning and Accessible Student Services, known as CLASS, where Lynch has worked for 20 years.

The center’s influence is woven throughout every aspect of Augsburg: CLASS informs administrative policies, advises on housing accommodations, monitors updates to the physical campus, and ensures students’ dietary requirements are met. They offer professional development across campus, introduce assistive technologies, and meet one-on-one with professors about universal course design.

Disability specialists connect with parents, meet regularly with students, and coordinate a range of accommodations—from exam and tutor scheduling to notetakers and sign language interpreters. The office serves those who need temporary accommodations, including injured student-athletes, and engages in community outreach and education. CLASS maintains a robust website with links to programs, software, and apps for anyone to access.

When Lynch started in the late ’90s, she worked with about 30 students. Now, that number is 100.

“It’s been amazing to see Augsburg embrace diversity and grow the reach and reputation of this critical office,” Lynch said. “CLASS empowers the students we serve, but our work also informs and inspires faculty, other students, and the communities in which we live and work. It’s a gift to see employers, faculty, parents, and even the students themselves shed misconceptions about disabilities after working with our office.”

Lynch calls herself a partner. She spends her days partnering intentionally with each student—to listen, to solve problems alongside them, and to empower them to better understand themselves and their abilities.

“‘Disability’ is not a bad word; it is tied to rights and protections,” she said. “I love when students get to a place where they can say, ‘Yes, I have a disability, but I am not a disability.’ Let’s move beyond the word and come up with solutions for making sure all students have the same opportunities afforded to others.”

“‘Disability’ is not a bad word”

Although her focus is on students, Lynch said the office invests a tremendous amount of time and energy in partnering with the campus community to ensure Augsburg meets its commitment to provide equal access to higher education and campus facilities. Among CLASS’s greatest collaborations is with Augsburg’s Center for Wellness and Counseling.

CWC Assistant Director Beth Carlson said that with the strong connection between mental health and academic success, CWC staff have found their work with CLASS invaluable in helping students thrive. CLASS is distinct, Carlson said, in its deep connections with students and collaborative, creative approaches to overcoming complex situations.

“Many students who are academically capable might not be able to graduate from Augsburg if they didn’t have the support of CLASS. In the past, a student with a significant mental health disability may not have been encouraged to go to college; now, our campus is much richer and more diverse because we’re embracing all of our students, supporting them as they gain a liberal arts education and contribute their wisdom to solving the problems of the world.”

A 2018 report from the American Collegiate Health Association indicated that in the past year, three out of five college students experienced “overwhelming anxiety,” and two out of five students were “too depressed to function.” With increased stressors and public services cutbacks, Carlson said, Augsburg has rallied to strengthen safety nets.

“We strongly believe in helping students put together teams of support so they can navigate college successfully. For students with a mental health or other disability, CLASS is part of that team,” Carlson said. “Augsburg is blessed with faculty who ‘get’ mental health issues and want to support their students and advisees. Together, we help students feel connected on campus, and that sense of connection can increase students’ likelihood of success.”

CLASS Director Kathy McGillivray said this focus on “together” is what distinguishes Augsburg and draws students to study and grow alongside the support of CLASS’s comprehensive services.

“Our focus is on each individual student,” McGillivray said. “But we are part of a larger mission to connect Augsburg students to academic support, resources, and services that will help them create and achieve their educational goals. Prospective students see that seamless student support, all housed within the Gage Center for Student Success.”

Within the Gage Center, CLASS includes the Groves Accommodations Lab, which provides assistive technology and testing accommodations for students with disabilities, and the Groves Technology Center, which is a fully equipped computer lab that is available to all students. Resources for students with disabilities are offered within a suite of services for all.

Augsburg’s team approach weaves a strong safety net

Matthew Glaven ’21 has built a team at Augsburg. The history major serves on the board of Augsburg’s chapter of Women for Political Change, manages the baseball team, and has traveled overseas with fellow Auggies. CLASS is a major player on “Team Glaven,” given that the Minnesota native is deaf/hard of hearing and has cerebral palsy, which makes it difficult for him to write and speak.

“One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned at Augsburg is that you need to have a team, no matter who you are, to get through life. As your life goes through different stages, your team of personal and professional supporters evolves with you,” said Glaven, who uses ASL interpreters, a microphone for his hearing aids, notetakers, and testing accommodations. “CLASS also taught me that advocacy is key to getting what you need to make your life better. If you don’t advocate for yourself, you won’t be as successful.”

That embrace of advocacy will serve him well as he plans to enter public office. The Queen fan and BBC-listening cat lover is driven to improve public health care, protect minorities, and continue to fight climate change, among other initiatives.

Faculty advocates embrace universal design

Glaven gained that passion for policy from instructors who were eager to make lectures and content accessible—educators like Rich Flint, assistant professor of mathematics, who teaches core math courses required of all students. In Spring 2009, Flint taught a pre-algebra course of 24 students, 10 of whom had documented disabilities.

“If I hadn’t known the CLASS staff before that semester, I got to know them all very well that spring,” Flint said. “We now give all of our students a Math Anxiety Bill of Rights, which includes statements like, ‘I have the right to need extra help,’ and ‘I have the right to not understand.’ Many of us [math professors] include statements about relaxation on our exams. In fact, yesterday I proctored a Calculus 2 exam for a colleague that stated: ‘Relax. You have done problems like this before.’ Without our work with CLASS, I don’t know if we would be so attuned to using straightforward strategies that benefit all test takers.”

Professor of Mathematics Suzanne Dorée said the department’s embrace of universal design is a habit that emerged from experience. Dorée has taught Auggies for 30 years. When she started, parents sometimes needed to attend classes to assist their children. Now, because of the resources and accommodations Augsburg has to offer, students are able to enjoy more independence, Dorée said.

“I love a good problem, and there’s an element of creativity required in adjusting my teaching style to reach all my students. Over time you realize that the new practices you adopt are good for all students. For instance, I had a student who was blind so I began narrating everything I was doing on the board. It slowed me down but I noticed that all my students were processing the information better,” she said. “The difference between a 50-minute test and a 70-minute test’s ability to assess student learning is not significant, so I always write a 50-minute test for my 70-minute classes. English learners, students who didn’t get much sleep the night before, and students with test
anxiety all appreciate the extra time to check their work.”

The paw-fect solution

That problem-solving can take many forms. During Gunter’s freshman year, it barked and was named Gus.

Gus was Gunter’s service dog. He was trained to sense when Gunter might have a seizure and assist her if and when she fell. His vest detailed her diagnosis, which was helpful since doctors previously missed her medical ID bracelet three times, Gunter said, while “Gus was tough to miss.”

“Was,” because Gunter hasn’t needed a service dog since identifying the proper blend of medicine, sleep, and support. The 24-year-old has been seizure-free for the past year, and Gus has enjoyed the time off to play with Gunter’s three other four-legged pals: Nelson, Susan, and Shana. Each of her pups, other than Gus, is a rescue with “some special needs,” Gunter adds, proudly.

Health and stability, Gunter said, means she can set her sights on the horizon— toward research and graduate school. Lars Christiansen, associate professor of sociology, is collaborating with Gunter on research about street equity, city planning, and movement. This semester, Gunter is focused on roadside memorial ghost bikes, which are white-painted bikes placed near streets not safe or accessible to cyclists. She received travel funds to present her findings at the Midwest Sociological Society’s annual meeting in Chicago.

“Augsburg gave me the tools and space to figure out my passion, understand my responsibilities, and advocate for my rights. A world that felt small years ago now seems open and exciting.”

Augsburg’s leading approach to disability services didn’t just happen. Paired with staff expertise and an inclusive campus culture, it took the vision and support of proud parents, alumni, and industry partners. Auggie mom and Regent Emerita Barbara Gage, who served on Augsburg’s Board of Regents for 12 years, led the charge to uplift Augsburg as a national leader in holistic student support services.

In the 1980s, Barbara and her husband, Skip Gage, along with the Carlson Family Foundation, donated and raised funds to support the program that ultimately became CLASS. In 2011, the Gage Family Foundation and the Carlson Family Foundation contributed $900,000 to create the Gage Center for Student Success.

This centralized, supportive learning space in the James G. Lindell Library provides resources for all students—regardless of learning style, preference, or need. It houses the Office of Advising and Academic Excellence, TRIO/Student Support Services, and CLASS.

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Auggie friendships: A photo essay

Laura Swanson Lindahl '15 MBA — Mon, 22 Apr 2019 14:40:36 +0000

Community is an undeniable fixture of the Augsburg experience, and nothing makes a campus feel small like the familiar faces of those who’ve become friends. Countless Auggies have forged lifelong connections—whether in an instant during their first days on campus or over time through shared classes, interests, residence halls, occupations, and stories. Here’s a taste of the many rich friendships that have grown at Augsburg and carried on across time and geography.

Anthony Villagrana, left, and Mallory Harris head off to class.

Anthony Villagrana ’21

Major: Communication Arts/Literature
and Secondary Education

Mallory Harris ’21

Majors: Film and Communication Studies

How they met:

They helped each other on move-in day
and became intramural soccer teammates.

Harris: “Anthony is one of the greatest students I know in the area of academics . . . my grandad always used to say, ‘If you want to get good at something, then surround yourself with people who are already outstanding in that area.’ So I see him in that. He inspires me.”

Villagrana: “Likewise, from day one, Mallory has always been positive—the energy he gives is positivity. Always smiling, always talkative. He’s never gloomy, you know? He brings this energy to the room. I’m just glad I met Mallory this year because I was pretty quiet and kept to myself last year. He’s a transfer student, and he’s older than me. He introduced me to a lot of people, and I made a lot of friends. His character has inspired me to be more open and more social in this environment at Augsburg.”

Professor Bridget Robinson-Riegler, left, often stops into the office of Assistant Professor Ben Denkinger to talk about everything from their shared field of study to baseball.

Bridget Robinson-Riegler

Professor of Psychology

Ben Denkinger

Assistant Professor of Psychology

How they met:

They became colleagues at Augsburg
roughly a decade ago.

Robinson-Riegler: “We’re both cognitive psychologists, so we have a mutual interest, which was probably the initial thing that brought us together. Then once we got to know each other, we just realized how similar we are.”

Denkinger: “We’re excited about the same things in psychology, and maybe riled up about the same things in politics and culture.”

Meeting in the James G. Lindell Library, Joaquin Delgado-Ortiz, left, and Ann Sheely discuss a project she’s working on for her residence hall.

Joaquin Delgado-Ortiz ’20

Major: Psychology

Ann Sheely ’20

Majors: Life Sciences and Secondary Education

How they met:

After being assigned to the same lab group, they formed a friendship and ended up laughing their way through their final presentation for their course.

Sheely: “One thing I’ve noticed about people at Augsburg is that everybody is really open and accepting and willing to just be there to help you. They’ll actually return your smiles, generally. So that’s been really helpful for me—not being afraid to reach out to people even if I don’t know them really well yet, and then friendships can grow.”

Camryn Masse, left, and Jen Meinhardt study together, as they do at least twice a week, in Christensen Center.

Camryn Masse ’21

Major: Elementary Education

Jennifer Meinhardt ’19

Major: English (Creative Writing)

How they met:

“That’s a cool pen.” One seemingly simple statement made in a 12:30 p.m. religion class on the first day of the semester sparked a friendship.

Meinhardt: “We both transferred here from a different school— from the same school, in fact— but we didn’t know each other there. It’s been fun because we have the same perspective of someplace different—of going from a small community college to this school. The city is kind of different for us, and we didn’t know anybody else. For me, our friendship just gave me something more concrete and grounded at this school, which helped me transition better.

And it’s given me somebody to study with. She’s inspired me to hit the gym; she’s inspired me to work instead of goof off. She kind of just keeps everything rolling.”

Colleagues who once competed for the same job, Maggie Sotos, left, and Josh Owens, right, are now friends on staff in Augsburg’s Admissions Department and opponents on the racquetball court during their lunch hour.

Maggie Sotos

Enrollment Communications and Event Specialist

Josh Owens

Assistant Director of Admissions

How they met:

They first worked together at another college but both found a home at Augsburg.

Sotos: “Someone saw us playing racquetball here together one day and asked us if we were married. I said, ‘Well, we’re not married, but I did marry him!’ because my wife and I officiated his and his wife’s wedding. It’s always good to have a familiarity with how people work best and what their strengths are, so it’s nice working alongside a friend.”

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All in the family

Kate H. Elliott — Mon, 22 Apr 2019 14:39:28 +0000

It could have been worse. Their parents could have made them hold hands (or even smile). But after each game during last year’s Auggie football season, the parents of the team’s four sets of siblings lined the eight players up for a Kodak moment

“We loved the tradition, but there was a bit of that ‘Come on, mom’ feeling, especially when they made us take a photo before our last game,” said wide receiver Nick Heenie ’19, whose not-so-little brother, Frank Heenie ’23, protects the Auggie line. “We were all so in the zone that we look mean, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. It was such a special year and an honor to play with brothers.”

Rounding up the octet was easy, especially after home games, when those same parents—led by the Heenie family—prepared meals for 80 players and their families. Head Football Coach Frank Haege said the team traditionally shares food and fellowship after one home game each year, but the siblings’ parents united the Auggie football family in an unforgettable way during the 2018 season.

Courtesy Photo, [L to R] Front row: Tyler Hanson ’19, Christopher Lemke ’19, Nick Heenie ’19, Mustafa Adam ’18. Back row: Adam Hanson ’23, Paul Lemke ’23, Frank Heenie ’23, Shihab Adam ’22
“It was such a joy to coach four sets of siblings last year”—Head Football Coach Frank Haege

“It was such a joy to coach four sets of siblings last year, particularly since I have twin boys, and I played football with my brother,” said Haege, whose 9-year-old son, AJ, spends so much time with the team that he maintains an Auggie locker. “Our team always feels like family, but we were especially close last fall. It reinforced that Augsburg is where students learn to be part of something bigger than themselves.”

Coaching four sets of siblings at one time was unprecedented for Augsburg Athletics, but siblings are not uncommon. Haege estimates he has coached eight sets of siblings during his 15-year tenure. In addition to football, siblings have competed on several teams recently: The Wilson twins dominated the wrestling mat, the Everett sisters commanded the lacrosse field, and the O’Conner brothers scored big on the ice.

Relatives on the roster

The list of sibling alumni who have played together at Augsburg could ll a football roster, not to mention the generations of families with Auggie pride running through their veins. An example: Athletic Director Jeff Swenson ’79 wrestled and coached for 25 years at Augsburg. His sister, Marie (Swenson) Hechsel ’90, played volleyball. Her son, Matt Hechsel ’15, wrestled, and her daughter, Stephanie Hechsel ’19, played volleyball.

Augsburg women’s ice hockey’s Megan Johnson ’19 also is playing out a family legacy. Her grandfather, Bob “Badger” Johnson, attended Augsburg for a year before transferring to the University of Wisconsin—Madison, where he secured seven NCAA Men’s Ice Hockey Championships. Her father, Mark Johnson, was a member of the fabled “Miracle on Ice” 1980 U.S. Olympic team and coach of the 2010 U.S. Olympic women’s silver- medal hockey squad.

Megan’s brother, Chris Johnson ’10, ’14 MAL, slapped the puck around for Augsburg and later served as men’s ice hockey assistant coach for seven seasons. It was during that time Megan picked Augsburg over the University of Wisconsin, where her grandfather, father, and two other siblings played. Although the colors of their jerseys differed, every member of the Johnson family has donned No. 10.

Women’s Ice Hockey Head Coach said that although Megan no longer has a sibling at Augsburg, members of the team are like family. Third- and fourth- year student-athletes have begun to mentor newcomers, calling each other big and little sisters, respectively.

“These mentor relationships are lasting, and it’s an intentional effort players established to support each other on and off the ice,” McAteer said. “As a two-time team captain, Megan has been integral in helping us foster that sense of togetherness.”

Family legacies are part of the game

To Haege and others, the influx of legacy families and sibling teammates is no coincidence. Augsburg draws families, he said, because the campus feels like a family and students know they will gain a solid education and passionate sense of vocation. Older siblings often make recruiting easy, Haege said, by “talking up the program naturally,” as they share their good experiences with siblings.

Mustafa Adam ’18 said having his younger brother, Shihab Adam ’22, on the football roster was “a dream come true.” But he doesn’t have one brother on the team. “I have 80,” said Mustafa, a two-time team captain and nominee for Mayo Clinic’s 2018 Comeback Player of the Year Award, which honors college football players who have returned to the field of play after overcoming major life challenges.

Mustafa sat out his first year at Augsburg when the cancer he beat in high school returned just prior to signing on at Augsburg. He played the entire 2016 and 2017 seasons, but the disease returned at the conclusion of his second season, in which he finished second in tackles (93) in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.

He underwent chemotherapy and had to have his right ear amputated to prevent the cancer from spreading. In Fall 2018, he returned to the eld and played in all 10 games.

“I know it pained Shihab and all my teammates to see me go through this disease, but having a little brother only further motivated me to keep my head up and stand strong throughout this whole process,” said the linebacker from Wisconsin. “Envisioning the football field was truly the driving force behind my will to fight. I was willing to persevere through anything to accomplish my dream to play college ball, and my willingness to fight inspired many of my teammates to look inside themselves to find their ‘why.’ Going through this—together—has created lifelong bonds and friendships.”

“Augsburg—even beyond the field—is a tight-knit community, where everyone looks out for one another. Teachers care about your education and are always willing to provide you with extra academic support. At Augsburg, they truly care about you as an individual, and they will do whatever they can to ensure that you succeed inside and outside of the classroom.”
— Linebacker Mustafa Adam ’18, a three-time cancer survivor who studied business and economics and plans to go to medical school

Siblings and teammates keep each other on track

Nick Heenie ’19 said growing close to dozens of teammates from different states, cultures, and life experiences has broadened players’ worldview. The football team’s inclusive culture, Nick said, has inspired him to explore and appreciate Augsburg’s setting in one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the Twin Cities.

The Heenies room with brothers linebacker Xavier Hanson ’23 and defensive lineman Christopher Hanson ’19. “So our moms always know where to get ahold of us,” Frank added. Wrestling twins Aaron Wilson ’21 and Alex Wilson ’20 also share a residence, not to mention a major—biology. The two are rarely apart.

“I started wrestling in kindergarten. Alex started a year later, and we both dreamed about wrestling at Augsburg as kids,” said Aaron, whose proudest moment was being ranked nationally alongside his brother. “We knew it would make us the best versions of ourselves on and off the mat. Augsburg’s small class sizes have allowed me to make meaningful relationships with my professors and pursue research of my own.”

Demey Everett ’20, left, and her sister Delaney Everett ’18

Lacrosse player Delaney Everett ’18 is equally ambitious, with plans to own an accounting rm. Having sister, Demey Everett ’20, by her side has pushed the mid elder to achieve in competition and in the classroom. Head Lacrosse Coach Kathryn Knippenberg has had a front row seat to the dynamic duo’s inspiring support.

“The two are in sync on the field, and their intuitive play challenges the rest of the team to follow suit,” said Knippenberg, who is in her sixth season at Augsburg. “Their majors are different—biology and accounting—but Augsburg’s impressive academic programs were able to support both their interests. Not many schools in the area offer lacrosse along with such diverse academic options.”

Here’s to quadruplets in 2021’

The Kordah brothers are a few years beyond graduation, and these stories of campus life and sibling bonds call up fond memories for the former Augsburg soccer players. Lekpea Kordah ’15 is raising two kids while working as a high school administrator and as a certified tax professional. Barinedum Kordah ’17 works in health care administration in the Twin Cities.

Adulthood keeps them from kicking the ball around together, but they do find time to talk about the “good old days as Auggies,” while they watch professional soccer, Barinedum said. Campus, he added, became home to them after their nine-member family migrated from Nigeria.

“I learned some of my greatest lessons at Augsburg. On the field, my brother taught me to never give up and to work with intensity,” said Barinedum, a defender who majored in exercise science and minored in psychology. “Coach taught us to consider details, which was tough because I wanted to just get out there and play. That study of each opponent and the game itself helped us outsmart our opponents and waste less energy than if we were always trying to beat them athletically.”

Haege knows the Kordah brothers, as most coaches and players do. That’s how it works at Augsburg, he said. Players— siblings or not—don’t only support their team, they are among the loudest fans at all Auggie contests.

Whether that sense of support stems from family connections or not, Haege doesn’t make that call. He does, however, predict the trend will continue. “Here’s to looking at quadruplets in 2021,” he joked.

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A year of celebration to honor 150

Laura Swanson Lindahl '15 MBA — Mon, 22 Apr 2019 14:39:10 +0000

Archive photos

From 1869 to today

Augsburg’s sesquicentennial celebration will feature diverse opportunities that uplift the university’s founding principles, honor its history, and look toward its future.

Augsburg will:

Showcase academic excellence
Present historical elements
Tell its institutional story through art and design
Host high-impact experiences
Bring together thousands of alumni and friends from all generations

Sesquicentennial events calendar

Augsburg’s community-wide events will include a gala, reunions, convocations, art shows, concerts, book readings, theater performances, and lectures. Follow the sesquicentennial calendar today for easy access to event details, possible weather-related changes, and parking information. Here’s a glimpse at some of the signature events so you can start planning for this historic year.

HOMECOMING 2019

September 23–28, 2019

New events along with traditional favorites make Homecoming one of the most festive times on campus all year. The majority of this year’s events will occur Saturday, September 28, and special reunions will honor the classes of 2009, 1979, and 1969.

SESQUICENTENNIAL GALA

September 27, 2019

Kick off Augsburg’s sesquicentennial at this once-in-a-lifetime event in downtown Minneapolis. This gala will acknowledge Augsburg’s history of pursuing the call to serve the community, and it will rally energetic support for the next 150 years of Augsburg University.

INAUGURAL ALL-SCHOOL REUNION

September 25–26, 2020

This all-inclusive gathering is for Auggies from every class, every degree program, and every decade—Augsburg athletes, musicians, artists, scientists, student leaders, and everyone in between. Learn how to coordinate a reunion for a specific area of interest or identity by emailing Katie (Koch) Code ’01 at codek@augsburg.edu.

Sesquicentennial book

Augsburg is publishing an institutional history book as part of its sesquicentennial celebration. “Hold Fast to What is Good,” by History Professor Phillip Adamo, uses 10 objects from the university archives to tell stories from Augsburg’s first 150 years. Signed, limited edition, hardcover copies of this book are available for preorder until May 1, 2019.

Register for Homecoming, purchase Sesquicentennial Gala tickets, learn more about the All-School Reunion, and order your commemorative book at augsburg.edu/150.

International travel opportunities

Augsburg will host four alumni trips to locations in Germany and Norway that are central in the university’s history. Find details for each trip at augsburg.edu/alumni under “Travel.”

NORWAY ARTS AND CULTURE

Tentative dates May 8–18, 2020

The tour will include theater productions, concerts, and historical landmarks, and it will focus on the rich and vibrant arts and culture of Norway. Explore Norway alongside Augsburg Theater Program alumni, co-leaders Darcey Engen ’88, Augsburg University professor of theater, and her husband, Luverne Seifert ’83, Minneapolis actor and instructor at the University of Minnesota.

NORWAY NOW: EXPLORING PEACEMAKING, THE ENVIRONMENT, AND CLIMATE CHANGE

Tentative dates May 9–19, 2020

This tour will explore Norway’s peace work, government, and environmental agencies. This tour is co-led by Bettine Hoff Hermanson, managing director of the Human Rights Forum at Augsburg as well as the Norway Hub, and Joe Underhill, associate professor of political science, director of environmental studies, and director of the Human Rights Forum.

Courtesy photo, [L to R]: Hans Wiersma, Lori Brandt Hale, and Katie Code

GERMANY AND AUSTRIA FEATURING THE OBERAMMERGAU PASSION PLAY

Tentative dates July 15–26, 2020

This tour will focus on Bavaria, with stops in Nuremberg, Salzberg, and additional nearby locations. The hottest ticket in Europe every 10 years is to attend the centuries-old Oberammergau Passion Play. This trip includes prime seats for this once-in-a-decade experience. As members of the university’s Department of Religion, associate professors Lori Brandt Hale and Hans Wiersma have teamed up to share their expertise and offer a uniquely Augsburg experience.

NIDAROS PILGRIMAGE IN NORWAY

Tentative dates in July 2020

Hike to the Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim, Norway—a pilgrimage made by travelers for more than 1,000 years. Augsburg University Pastor and Director of Ministries Rev. Sonja Hagander will lead the trek in which adventurous Auggies will learn about history and culture, and they will experience firsthand some of the most beautiful natural sights in the world. This trip is intended for experienced mountain hikers.

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Commencement 2019

Laura Swanson Lindahl '15 MBA — Mon, 22 Apr 2019 14:37:56 +0000

Augsburg University will host this year’s commencement ceremony May 10 at U.S. Bank Stadium in downtown Minneapolis. This is the first time Augsburg will use the multi-purpose facility that’s home to the Minnesota Vikings as the site for commencement events.

In making this change, Augsburg is responding to consistent concerns raised by graduating students regarding the limited number of tickets available for their guests to attend on-campus ceremonies which were held most recently in Si Melby Hall’s gymnasium. Augsburg will use a portion of U.S. Bank Stadium, and the change in venue and dramatic increase in total available seats will enable all graduates, their families, their friends, and members of the Augsburg community to celebrate together.

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Notes from President Pribbenow

Paul C. Pribbenow — Mon, 22 Apr 2019 14:37:27 +0000

It is indeed remarkable for any of us today to stand in the shadows of an institution that has existed for 150 years. Institutions such as Augsburg University—no matter their meaningful legacy and inspiring mission—are viewed with some skepticism by a citizenry more and more committed to going it alone.

I am privileged to lead Augsburg on the occasion of its 150th anniversary and dedicated to ensuring that our academic mission and democratic engagement remain firm for the next 150 years. In that way, the history of Augsburg is in service of going forward together.

There are four themes that I believe are at the heart of this university’s identity. The themes are abundance, generosity, engagement, and service. Throughout Augsburg’s 150 years, there is ample evidence that the interplay of those themes has helped to shape what Burton Clark has called “the saga” of Augsburg. A saga is more than a story or a parable. It is an unfolding narrative anchored in mission, values, rituals, and objects.

This issue of Augsburg Now offers us a glimpse of the ways in which our saga continues to unfold in rich and meaningful ways. From the yearlong celebration of our sesquicentennial, to urgent interfaith and human rights initiatives, to new academic programs, to the remarkable accomplishments of the many alumni, faculty, and students featured in these pages—we are reminded again and again of how Augsburg is both faithful to its historic values and relevant to the needs of the world today.

Augsburg alumni David Cherwien ’79 and Gracia Grindal ’65 painted with music and words this saga of faith, educational aspirations, and public service in a hymn commissioned for my inauguration in 2006. The final stanza of the hymn proclaims:

Send, oh God your Holy Spirit,
Give us wisdom, love, and faith.

Faith enough to move a mountain,
Love that died to conquer death.

Wisdom crowned with healing leaves,
Truth made flesh to set us free.

Let your glory bear rich fruit,
Growing from your sturdy roots.

Alleluia, Alleluia!

And so we join with the company of saints and witnesses who have lived in the shadows of our beloved Augsburg to renew our vow to hold fast to all that is good.

Faithfully yours,

, President

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Auggies win 13th national wrestling title

Briana Alamilla '17 — Mon, 22 Apr 2019 14:37:05 +0000

In March, the Augsburg University wrestling team claimed its 13th NCAA Division III national championship, winning all four of its individual national title bouts. Seven Auggies earned All-American honors in the Finals of the national tournament.

[Web extra]:

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On the spot

Gita Sitaramiah — Mon, 22 Apr 2019 14:36:25 +0000

“I sometimes walk right past people or don’t turn around when someone says it because I just don’t hear it like I hear ‘Gwen,’” said Walz, whose husband, Tim, became Minnesota’s governor in January.

While Walz may not be used to being called first lady, she’s jumping into the role. She’s the first Minnesota first lady to have an office at the state Capitol and plans to focus on education and corrections as policy issues. Walz also recently joined Augsburg University as an independent contractor serving in two roles: as special assistant to the president for strategic partnerships and as a fellow in the Sabo Center for Democracy and Citizenship. Here is a glimpse into her connection to Augsburg and new life.

Q: President Paul Pribbenow has described you as a friend of Augsburg. How have you worked with Augsburg in the past?
A: President Pribbenow and I met in Rochester when Tim (then U.S. representative for Minnesota’s 1st congressional district) asked us to facilitate a series of community-wide conversations on education. Through this partnership,
I knew that I shared Augsburg’s deep commitment to equity.

Q: You are the first Minnesota First Lady to have an office at the state Capitol. Why was that presence important to you?
A: Tim and I work closely together. We do our work differently at times, though, so having our own spaces is important. I also work with the staff very closely, so it is more convenient for them if I have an office near them. I am still learning how to best use this space to do meaningful work and build meaningful relationships.

Q: Your mother, Linnea Wacker ’60, is an Auggie. What did she say when you told her about coming to work at Augsburg?
A: She told me that I had better bring my “A” game. My mom told me that Augsburg is a very important place, and
I must make sure I am prepared to bring focus and energy to the task. The mission of Augsburg University is very important to her, and she wants to make sure I help advance it! My mother was a teacher and first-generation college graduate. She and my father, a long-time educator, are committed to providing opportunities in education for everyone.

Q: You started your career as an elementary school teacher. How does your passion for teaching and learning suit your roles at Augsburg and the Capitol?
A: On the campaign trail, Tim and I both used the phrase that teaching was not just how we paid our bills; it’s how we live our lives. I have never been able to separate things in my life; I have a pretty holistic approach to who I am and what I bring to something. I have a lot to learn from Augsburg and the people here. All of that informs how I am thinking about how I might best serve all of the people of Minnesota.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do in your free time now that you’ve moved to the Twin Cities?
A: Each Sunday evening, I invite my three sisters and their families to have dinner. Everyone who can come does, and it is lovely to have a moment to pause as one week ends and another begins—we all sit a little longer at the table. We even have dessert on Sunday evenings!

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Media coverage worth mentioning

Laura Swanson Lindahl '15 MBA — Mon, 22 Apr 2019 14:35:52 +0000

A NEIGHBORLY GESTURE

Augsburg University students distributed jackets, blankets, children’s toys, and meals to families in need at a homeless encampment near Franklin Avenue in Minneapolis in November. “It’s basically in [Augsburg’s] backyard, and helping the community is a really big thing for me,” student Tyler Johnson ’22 told Fox 9 reporter Christina Palladino. This day of service was the brainchild of Augsburg student Inam Al-Hammouri ’20, and other students quickly joined.

“Cooking a hot lunch and serving it to hungry families out in the cold is not something most college kids would do on a Saturday, but these youth at Augsburg University are not just your average students,” the Fox 9 reporter said. “The students believe it is their responsibility to take action and empower their generation to build bridges to those less fortunate.”

A NOTEWORTHY LINEUP

Minnesota Spokesman-Recorder journalist Charles Hallman wrote about this year’s Augsburg University women’s basketball team when its starting lineup included five African-American students—a moment believed to be a first in Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference play.

Augsburg University students Arianna Jones ’20, Camille McCoy ’20, Tamara McLenore ’20, Camryn Speese ’20, and Kaezha Wubben ’20 made history at the November 19 game against the University of Wisconsin— Superior, the story said.

AN ARTFUL COLLABORATION

The artwork in Augsburg’s Norman and Evangeline Hagfors Center for Science, Business, and Religion always captivates eyes. Recently, the collection also attracted the ears of Minnesota Public Radio listeners. That’s because MPR highlighted the successful partnership between Augsburg and Forecast Public Art, which helped guide the university’s effort to commission original art for the campus’ newest academic building. Now in its 40th year, Forecast Public Art is regarded as one of the nation’s leading nonprofits committed to community- engaged design and placemaking. Augsburg benefitted from the organization’s expertise as the university worked to acquire art to reflect the diverse communities that make up the Augsburg student body and to knit together the various academic disciplines housed in the Hagfors Center. Today, the facility has more than 25 art pieces on its walls and six works of art built into its structure.

[Web extra]: Go to augsburg.edu/news to learn more about the university’s media buzz.

[Top image]:The three-story mural “Emergence” adorns the Hagfors Center’s west stairwell.

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