The post Summer 2009 Web Extras appeared first on Augsburg Now.

Betsy Norell ’10, Music therapy

As a first-year student at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn., Betsy Norell was majoring in communication studies and singing in the choir. But she had no idea what she wanted to do with her education.

Then her brother suggested she look into the field of music therapy. “I job-shadowed some music therapists here in the Twin Cities, and I fell in love with it.” So she transferred to Augsburg and jumped right into the music therapy program.

In her first year at Augsburg, Norell has worked on three research projects, including one with visiting professor, Dale Taylor. Taylor, a professor emeritus at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, is known in the field for his study of the biomedical theory of music therapy, which examines the physiological effects of music on the human body.

Together, Norell and Taylor are studying saliva. More specifically, they are studying the presence of salivary immunoglobulin A, or SIgA, an immune system indicator present in saliva. They are looking to see if the level changes after a music therapy session to show how music affects the immune system.

Norell appreciates the opportunity to work with an expert in the field and to explore where “music meets science,” she says. “It’s cool to step out of my comfort zone and into the lab.” Ralph Butkowski, an instructor in the biology department at Augsburg, has also been working with Norell on her summer research project and is helping her analyze the samples she collects.

The support and direction of all the faculty have been helpful to Norell, but she especially enjoys the hands-on experience of watching her professors work with clients in actual music therapy sessions. “It’s the best way to learn,” she says.

“To hear their miracle stories is amazing,” Norell adds. “They are an inspiration.”

The post My Auggie experience appeared first on Augsburg Now.

Reading about wars in history classes had instilled a deep sense of patriotism, and when 9/11 struck, Lewis decided to enlist in the Army. He had learned about language training that guaranteed a military intelligence job and other benefits, so he knew what to ask for in the recruiter’s office. A huge benefit was repayment of his college loans by the government.

In October 2001 Lewis began basic training and continued with language school in Monterey, Calif., to study Korean, his mother’s language. There he met and married his wife, Holly Downs, who was training to be an Arabic linguist, but left the Army to raise their family.

Lewis was assigned to the 101st Airborne Division in Ft. Campbell, Ky., and spent the next five years in signals intelligence— collecting signals and translating, locating, and analyzing them. He was responsible for training his own unit’s soldiers and developed the methods to gather and present intelligence, often while testing new equipment on the streets in Iraq.

By the end of Lewis’ second deployment to Iraq in 2005– 06, he had designed training courses and written manuals, tested new tools and equipment, and conducted over 200 tactical missions to help locate weapon caches and capture some of the most-targeted insurgents in eastern Baghdad.

To avoid further separations from his family, then with two children, Lewis accepted an Army teaching assignment in San Angelo, Texas. As a Korean cryptologic instructor, he taught soldiers to become subject-matter experts on North Korea, including classified signals intelligence.

“One of my favorite aspects of the military has been the ability to teach new soldiers, and now that will be my job every day,” Lewis wrote in June 2007.

Last November, after 15 months of teaching the Korean course, supervising a tactical signals intelligence course and developing a 10-week training course, Lewis was medically discharged because of knee injuries suffered in training.

He worked for several months as an intelligence analyst contractor for the Army, providing targeting support for operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. In June, he began a new job, using his knowledge as a Korean cryptologic linguist to provide military analysis about the Korean peninsula for a government agency near Washington, D.C.

Lewis and Holly now have three children—Benjamin, 5; Arianna, 4; and Gwendolyn, 1. They live near Charlottesville, Va.

Lewis also started his own web design company, Gumi Design. “Gumi” is the Korean word given by Lewis’ great-grandfather to his dad, which literally means “beautiful region,” but is also related to the Chinese character meaning “America.”

“This [web design venture] is relevant,” says Lewis, “because my very first web site was the Augsburg Athletics web site, in 1996.” He says he has gotten much better over the years.

Lewis can be contacted at lewis@nelsondowns.com.

The post Alumni profile—Lewis Nelson ’00 appeared first on Augsburg Now.

Since April, Augsburg students have been meeting one-on-one with alumni in Project IGNITE, a program funded by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans to reconnect Auggie alumni with the College. The students learn more about the role Augsburg has played in the alum’s life, both as a student and an alum. The students also talk about opportunities for volunteering, and alumni who are interested are contacted by Grans.

Grans is also developing a program to track the time and work of current alumni volunteers so that their service can be recognized. She is contacting past volunteers and meeting with program directors who have strong volunteer groups already in place to help them track and recognize the service given to them by volunteers.

Volunteering is a great way to stay connected to Augsburg and former classmates. If you have questions or interest, contact Grans at volunteer@augsburg.edu or 612-330-1329.

The post Meet Pat Grans — Augsburg’s volunteer coordinator appeared first on Augsburg Now.

The Young Alumni Council focus is to provide dynamic social and learning opportunities for Auggies while keeping them engaged with their alma mater. This volunteer committee not only assists the alumni office in the planning and execution of events, but also takes responsibility for attendance and the engagement of their fellow alumni. Their first event on May 15 at the Corner Bar drew more than 100 alumni.

Are you interested in getting involved? The Young Alumni Council meets each month at Oren Gateway Center. Contact Amanda Storm at alumni@augsburg.edu or 612-330-1178 for information. Join our groups on and — Augsburg College Young Alumni & Recent Graduates—and on Twitter @acyoungalumni.

Upcoming young alumni events

August 6

Canterbury Park

5:30 p.m., free

September 9

Brit’s Pub

5:30-8:30 p.m., free

The post Young alumni—we are your voice! appeared first on Augsburg Now.

The second Eye-Opener Breakfast in July featured Augsburg professor Mark Tranvik, director of the Lilly Endowment Grant, Department of Religion, who spoke on the topic, “The Difference Between a Career and a Calling” to more than 70 Auggies.

The series provides networking opportunities with fellow Auggies in the work world. Due to the great success of the first two events, the series will continue on a quarterly basis. The next one will be held on Oct. 27. for information about future events.

The post Eye-Opener Breakfast series appeared first on Augsburg Now.

The 2009-2010 Alumni Board

(L to R) Bottom-row 1: Joyce Miller ’02, ’05 MAN; Daniel Hickle ’95, president; row 2: Nancy Nordlund ’91, ’07 MAL, secretary; Buffie Blesi ’90, ’97 MAL; John Stadler ’07 MAL, president-elect; row 3: Sharon Engelland ’87; Holly Ebnet-Knutson ’03, ’07 MBA; Misti Allen Binsfield ’93; row 4: Jennifer M. Carlson ’91; Chris Hallin ’88; Maggie Tatton ’01; row 5: Lee Anne Lack ’67; Michael Loney ’03. Not pictured: Rob Wagner ’02, treasurer; Calvin Hanson ’98; Julia Mensing ’00, ’07 MBA; Carolyn Spargo ’80.

July 2009 Greetings, alumni and friends,

I write this letter on a beautiful summer day, thinking about what the hundreds of graduates from the day undergraduate program, as well as the Augsburg for Adults undergraduate and graduate programs are doing now. Are you searching for employment, maybe traveling, or perhaps lucky enough to be working in a great job? Graduates, I hope that as you embark on your career path, you always remember your vocational calling.

The Latin root of the word vocation means voice. In the words of Parker Palmer, vocation should be looked at not as “a goal to be achieved, but as a gift to be received.” You received this gift through your educational experience at Augsburg.

Today you may not fully comprehend the true value of your education, but as your life unfolds, the true meaning of vocation will be revealed. So my advice to you is always to seek opportunities that develop, explore new ways of being, appreciate differences in others, develop connections, engage in meaningful work within your community, and find new ways of knowing to promote a purposeful life. Most of all, continue to be a lifelong learner.

With the close of the school year in June, my tenure as your president also came to an end. I am grateful for the opportunity to represent the alumni and have confirmed my belief about the College’s commitment to promise an education like no other. I turn this column over to a new leader, Daniel Hickle, who will represent you next year.

Good luck to you all and take care,

JOYCE P. MILLER ’02 (BSN-ROCHESTER), ’05 MAN

OUTGOING ALUMNI BOARD PRESIDENT

The post From the Alumni Board president … appeared first on Augsburg Now.

Cody Warren was introduced to Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s writing on vocation in the seminar taught by Professor Lori Brandt Hale (see page 29). He developed his research into a departmental honors project, “More Than the V-Word: Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Vocation at Augsburg College,” which he also presented at the Great Plains Undergraduate Theological Conference. Following are excerpts from his senior chapel homily on April 16, 2009.

We may certainly rejoice today! Tax Day has officially come and gone. … Many of us find taxes burdensome, confusing, and just plain annoying. But, I love them. I simply cannot get enough of tax season … .

A renewed fascination with the tax code began when I volunteered with AccountAbility Minnesota, a nonprofit that prepares tax returns for low-income individuals at no cost. I was amazed at the impact a simple tax return could have on a family. Many of the people I assisted received a refund of almost one-third of their annual income. This is much needed money to pay for housing, health care, and food. … This started a desire to learn more and continue to assist others.

… My first semester at Augsburg I was presented with the “v-word”—vocation. Not only was I planning for fun [in college], I was planning for my vocation. When I first came to Augsburg, I was 110% sure that my call, my vocation, was to be a pastor.

So, fast forward to AccountAbility Minnesota and enter crisis mode for Cody Warren. Could it be? Could my vocation actually change? Am I really called to be a pastor? Or maybe a tax accountant? I was lost, confused, and disheartened. Luckily, I was introduced to the works of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and now I am saved. I am exaggerating, a little.

For the past year I have been reading, writing, and at times it feels like breathing Bonhoeffer. Through my research I have come to appreciate a broader, more dynamic understanding of vocation that Bonhoeffer speaks to in his manuscripts. Bonhoeffer writes about vocation as the place of responsibility in the world. As Christians we have the responsibility to serve our earthly roles, like career and family. But we also have an ethical responsibility to serve our neighbor and take up the cross of Christ. When these responsibilities meet, liberated by grace, we find our vocation. And this, for me, this new understanding was life changing. Not only can my vocation be expressed as a tax accountant, my understanding is now expanded to know that this could change many more times in my life. My original understanding of vocation was too limited—it did not take into account the dynamic nature of faith or vocation. Maybe one day I will be a pastor, or a professor, or even a dad. Vocation is not about creating Excel spreadsheets, it is about faith.

Vocation is lived in the fullest through responsibilities but also through an act of faith—faith in the sense that we are called by grace to the responsibilities of Christ and the world. Our vocations may by dynamic, forever changing, and forever shaped by the call of Christ to serve.

So, as I acknowledge my love of tax, and wave my nerd flag, I also throw myself completely into the arms of God, knowing that through faith, my vocation is in the here and now, not two steps into the future and not solely expressed in one form. It is thus, with great joy, I proclaim: Here I am, Lord.

The post An accountant or a pastor? appeared first on Augsburg Now.

by Wendi Wheeler ’06

It could be said that Joyce Pfaff ’65 loves many things, like biking and running all over the country, sailing in the Caribbean, or hiking in Colorado. But none of these activities brings her as much joy as teaching.

Her love for teaching, though long lasting, was not immediate. As a student from 1961 to 1965, Pfaff majored in health and physical education; she and a group of high school friends had planned to get their degrees and then work together in the same school. When it came time for her student teaching experience, however, Pfaff discovered that the classroom was not for her.

She “ran away” to Europe following graduation in order to escape her parents’ insistence that she find a teaching job. How she got back to Augsburg, she says, was “totally an accident.”

When she returned to the states in late August 1966, she believed she’d stayed away long enough to avoid getting a teaching job in a public school. But Pfaff was desperate for work, and Ernie Anderson, the health and physical education department chair, was desperate for a swimming and gymnastics instructor. He called Pfaff, and she agreed to take the position—but only for one semester.

Just a few weeks into the term, she was back in Anderson’s office asking what she needed to do to keep teaching at Augsburg forever. It was her students, she said, who caused Pfaff’s change of heart.

This spring, Pfaff retired after 43 years of teaching at Augsburg College. At her May retirement celebration, she thanked her former students for making her teaching dream come true. “You were not the high school girls who would come to class wearing their nylons under their shorts, trying to avoid getting their hair messed up or ruining their makeup with sweat,” she said. “You actually enjoyed sweating and working out.”

This enthusiasm extended beyond the classroom to the volleyball court, gymnastics mat, basketball court, and softball diamond. As students, Pfaff and others had been involved with the Augsburg Women’s Recreation Association, a pre-Title IX opportunity for women to be involved in organized athletic activities. Augsburg had also had a women’s basketball team, the Auggiettes, started by LaVonne Peterson ’50. Because there was not an organized intercollegiate women’s athletics program, the Auggiettes played in the Minneapolis park leagues and eventually played other college teams in the area. In the 18 years Peterson coached the team, they won 154 games and lost only 6.

In the mid-1960s and into the ’70s, Pfaff’s students demanded to play. Nancy (Soli) Mollner ’75 and Marilyn (Pearson) Florian ’76 came to Pfaff’s office and asked when volleyball practice would start. “I said ‘Tuesday’ because I didn’t have the heart to tell them we didn’t have a team,” Pfaff said. So the team began practice the following Tuesday.

Pfaff knew nothing about coaching volleyball, but she led the team to the Minnesota state tournament. “They were great, and they just kept winning.” At the end of the season, Pfaff said she wanted to get the team a “real” coach. She hired Mary Timm, who would go on to coach many teams, including the most successful women’s softball team in Augsburg history. “We paid her a pittance,” recalls Pfaff, “but she didn’t care.”

Though Title IX had been enacted by that time, women’s athletic teams faced opposition from athletic directors who felt women’s teams competed for funding and resources. Pfaff said the female athletes had to beg for practice time in the College’s facilities and were sometimes kicked out by the men. Female coaches and athletes made or supplied their own uniforms and sold concessions at men’s games to help pay their expenses.

Mollner was unable to attend Pfaff’s retirement party but shared her thoughts in a letter read at the reception. Mollner thanked Pfaff for providing opportunities for women to participate in athletics. “You made it possible for the athlete in me to emerge,” Mollner wrote. She noted how Pfaff coached when there wasn’t a coach, found uniforms when there were none, and how she charged ahead when Augsburg women needed a champion in court. She added, “Augsburg women’s athletics is your legacy.”

Several of Pfaff’s colleagues and former student-athletes spoke at her retirement celebration, sharing lessons they had learned from Pfaff. Joyce (Engstrom) Spector ’70 said she learned that she, as a little person, would not be exempt from physical education courses, despite a note from her doctor. Pfaff simply would not take “no” for an answer.

Taking her first HPE course was not only fun for Spector, it was “the beginning of developing more self-confidence.” She went on to join the Women’s Recreation Association at Augsburg and to participate in canoeing and camping trips. As did other students, Spector stayed in touch with Pfaff after graduation.

Jane Helmke ’83 learned from Pfaff that there are no barriers, only challenges. “Joyce cared that her students got it right,” she says. She cared so much about Helmke passing her life-saving test that Helmke jokingly said Pfaff intentionally tried to drown her. “Teaching was not something she did. It is a part of who she is.”

In her 43 years at Augsburg, Pfaff served as an instructor, department chair, director of women’s athletics, and a coach. When the College was reevaluating its liberal arts program, Pfaff helped ensure that health and physical education courses had a place in the program. She developed the Fitness for Life and Foundations of Fitness courses and taught a popular intermediate cycling course that explored the many biking trails of the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area.

Pfaff also designed and taught, with her husband, Doug, an interim sailing course in the Virgin Islands. She taught an exercise class for Somali women in the Cedar-Riverside community. And in the fall of 2008, she and Doug went to the United International College in Zhuhai, China to teach and develop a fitness center for faculty, staff, and students.

At her retirement reception, after she and several friends had completed a 43-mile bike ride, Pfaff shared joyful memories of teaching and a reminder of the challenges she and other women faced in Augsburg’s history. “I am hopeful that our current coaches and athletes know they are standing on the shoulders of Augsburg women athletes and their coaches from the past who struggled and fought so very hard for the privilege to participate on an intercollegiate athletic team.”

Though she is officially retired, Pfaff says she will stay close to Augsburg and will perhaps come back to teach. Those who know her well know that it would be nearly impossible for Pfaff to stay away from a place she loves so dearly.

The post Joyce Pfaff ’65 appeared first on Augsburg Now.

Augsburg faculty support students in many ways. In addition to sharing their knowledge and experience in the classroom, they advise students, help them connect with alumni and others outside the College, and often establish lasting friendships with their students.

One very significant way faculty support Augsburg students is through faculty-named scholarships. At present, 10% of Augsburg’s scholarship donors are current and former members of the faculty, and last year those scholarships provided nearly $60,000 in financial aid directly to students.

Here are stories of four students who received scholarships created by or in honor of Augsburg faculty. In addition to the financial support from scholarships, these students have been aided along their paths by faculty who have enriched their experiences at Augsburg.

Keeping students on track

Raymond Kidd ’09 transferred to Augsburg to study music business. As a student, he always felt supported and challenged by the Augsburg faculty and staff. He said Brenda Hemmingsen, office manager in admissions, literally took him by the hand and led him to his classes on his first day. “All relationships here are like that,” Kidd said. “My professors lifted me up … they challenged me to ask questions and to explore.”

John and Peggy Cerrito, faculty members in business administration, played a major role in bringing Kidd to Augsburg. “Peggy helped me get here, advised me what to do and where to go, and kept me on track,” Kidd says. The Cerritos also started the Amin E. Kader Business Scholarship, which Kidd received this year.

“An extra dollar goes a long way for a [college] student,” Kidd says. “It meant I could live more comfortably and take care of everyday needs so I could focus on being a good student.”

After graduation, Kidd plans to work and save money for graduate school.

Fostering student development

For Kathleen Herling ’09,a music therapy major from Onalaska, Wis. and recipient of the Robert Karlén Scholarship, studying at Augsburg allowed her to identify and explore her passion for helping others with music.

Herling wanted to study music but was not interested in teaching or performing. Her high school piano teacher suggested music therapy, a career she hadn’t considered. “It sounded like a good fit,” Herling said.

As a student, Herling played clarinet in the Augsburg band and orchestra. She’s enjoyed performing and working with the music department faculty. “They are always there to help.”

Herling met Robert Karlén, professor emeritus of music at Augsburg, at the brunch for donors and scholarship recipients held each spring. She invited Karlén and his family to her senior clarinet recital. “I was happy to share my hard work with him.”

To complete her degree requirements, Herling is participating in an internship at a geriatric facility in Dayton, Ohio, this summer. She was introduced to geriatric therapy through her practica experiences at Augsburg and likes the field because of the slower pace. “I get more time with clients,” she said. “I can hear their stories and really get to know them as people.”

The Robert Karlén Scholarship was created by merging smaller music scholarships to honor Robert Karlén’s distinguished career, with the leadership of Robert Karlén and Merilee Klemp.

Defining the student experience

Sarah Black ’09, an economics major from Cottage Grove, Minn., received the Professor Jeanne Boeh and Mr. Bernhard Fleming Economics Scholarship. This scholarship was established in 2005 to encourage students seeking an economics degree. Boeh has been a faculty member at Augsburg since 1990.

Though Boeh was not Black’s official faculty adviser, the two did talk often about Black’s education and career goals. “Dr. Boeh doesn’t give general advising,” Black said. “It’s personalized. She really got to know me and worked with me to define my experience.” Black also appreciated the relevant, real world examples Boeh brought to the classroom.

Black received the scholarship prior to her semester abroad in Ecuador. As a middle-income student, she didn’t qualify for need-based financial aid but needed additional funding for her study abroad. Black is grateful for the “phenomenal experience” she had in Ecuador and for the opportunity to learn about non-traditional economic development in another country.

In addition to her semester in Ecuador, Black participated in a short-term study abroad program in the Czech Republic and Poland with Stuart Stoller, associate professor of accounting. She was also an orientation leader, served on student government, and worked in a variety of offices on campus.

Black hopes to attend graduate school to study applied economics or public policy.

Helping student succeed

The Augsburg faculty did more than teach Shonna Fulford ’09, a political science major from Perham, Minn. They helped her achieve her dreams. “They are truly there to teach you what they know, to let you discover things you may never have otherwise, and to help you succeed in everything you want to do.”

Fulford said she never felt like a burden to her professors and believed they were always glad to assist her. “They have helped me by just being there, ready and waiting, to help each and every student that walks through their door.” At Augsburg, Fulford was the welcome desk supervisor in Christensen Center, was involved in student government, served as an orientation leader, and was elected Homecoming queen.

“It means so much to me that there are people and organizations out there that give to students and encourage us to finish our schooling,” said Fulford. She received the Myles Stenshoel Scholarship, established by professors Norma Noonan and Myles Stenshoel for upper-class students pursuing careers in political science.

After graduation, Fulford plans to attend graduate school. She said her dream job would be to return to Augsburg as the dean of students or vice president of student affairs.

The post It takes an Auggie appeared first on Augsburg Now.