{"id":4237,"date":"2014-07-22T14:19:40","date_gmt":"2014-07-22T14:19:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.augsburg.edu\/now\/?p=4237"},"modified":"2016-02-24T22:32:39","modified_gmt":"2016-02-24T22:32:39","slug":"love-augsburg","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.augsburg.edu\/now\/2014\/07\/22\/love-augsburg\/","title":{"rendered":"We love Augsburg"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"We<\/span><\/h2>\n

This spring, hundreds of new alumni celebrated their graduation at Augsburg College Commencement ceremonies. While these events often are treated as a conclusion\u2014the grand finale at the end of years of study and hard work\u2014it\u2019s important to remember that commencement, in its very definition, marks a beginning or start.<\/p>\n

As Augsburg\u2019s newest graduates prepared to launch into new challenges and opportunities with an Augsburg degree in hand, we began to wonder, \u201cWhat was it about this campus\u2026this curriculum\u2026this College that they came to appreciate during their time as students?\u201d<\/p>\n

So, we asked.<\/p>\n

And the Class of 2014 answered.<\/p>\n

This list, in no particular order, includes a brief sample of the things Auggies love about Augsburg. While it cannot represent all of the College\u2019s valued traits, it does help depict just how unique the institution is. Our students, our alumni, our location, our heritage, and our mission help influence this place, just as the College\u2014in turn\u2014shapes many of these entities. Let\u2019s take a look at why there\u2019s so much to love about Augsburg College and why it\u2019s such a privilege that<\/p>\n

1. The Mission<\/h3>\n

Augsburg College educates students to be <\/span>informed citizens, <\/span>thoughtful stewards, <\/span>critical thinkers, and <\/span>responsible leaders.<\/span><\/p>\n

It says it all, doesn\u2019t it?<\/p>\n

\u201cI love Augsburg\u2019s commitment to being an institution that prepares students for life beyond academics.\u201d \u2014Kimberly Club \u201914<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Working to be “Green by 2019”<\/h3>\n

\u201cI love [Augsburg\u2019s] effort to make the world a better place through means such as eliminating the carbon footprint.\u201d \u2014Mitchell Fuchs \u201914 MSW<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Intentional diversity<\/h3>\n

\u201cI appreciate Augsburg\u2019s dedication not only to being a diverse community but also to giving students the opportunity to fully acknowledge this through various assignments and\u00a0campus activities.\u201d\u00a0\u2014Sierra Barger \u201914<\/span><\/p>\n

4. That small-college feel<\/h3>\n

\u201cAugsburg is big enough to fit your needs, and small enough that you\u2019ll be noticed.\u201d\u00a0\u2014Elizabeth Hendrikson \u201914 MSW<\/p>\n

5. The faculty<\/h3>\n

Professors, teachers, faculty members, instructors, mentors, and friends. The Class of 2014 used many names to describe the people at the head of the classroom and the backbone of their education. And, not surprisingly, these people were the most-cited aspect to love about Augsburg.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe faculty are top notch and some of the most caring and\u00a0conscientious people I have ever met.\u201d \u2014Holly Hanson \u201914 MAN<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cProfessors are understanding and accommodating of non-traditional students\u2019 individual circumstances.\u201d\u00a0\u2014Maya Sutton \u201914 MAE<\/p>\n

\u201cI love the close-knit community between students and professors.\u201d \u2014Andrew Dent \u201914<\/span><\/p>\n

6. Life in the city<\/h3>\n

Augsburg is the only college of the ELCA located in the heart of a large urban area, and students use the Twin Cities as a metropolitan classroom where they can engage with College neighbors, community partners, and companies large and small.<\/p>\n

\u201cI love Augsburg because of its strong commitment to its mission and its dedication to being a College of the city. I have never been anywhere that has a clearer sense of its identity or that has tried harder to be a \u2018good neighbor.\u2019\u201d\u00a0\u2014Martha Truax \u201914 MAL, director of annual giving<\/p>\n

7. Athletics<\/h3>\n

Augsburg teammates develop bonds akin to a \u201csecond family.\u201d From hockey to swimming and from basketball to lacrosse, approximately 450 students participate in varsity athletics at the College each year. It\u2019s a good thing maroon is always in style.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe bond that was built over the years of workouts, practices, games, wins, losses, and just hanging out was one of the biggest benefits to me throughout my college career.\u201d\u00a0 \u2014Gary Mariscal \u201914 <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

8. The dress code<\/h3>\n

Okay, okay. Wearing Norwegian sweaters to Velkommen Jul and bowties with formalwear isn\u2019t actually required. But, it\u2019s fun!<\/p>\n

9. <\/span>Experiential education<\/h3>\n

Augsburg was the first Minnesota college or university to receive the Presidential Award for Community Service. Each fall, incoming first-year and transfer students participate in City Service Day\u2014a day on which the students volunteer at organizations matched to their degree programs and learn in the neighborhoods that surround Augsburg\u2019s Minneapolis campus. Undergraduate students begin their experiential education on
\nDay 1, and it\u2019s a priority that extends throughout each of Augsburg\u2019s degree programs.<\/p>\n

\u201cI learned how to be a \u2018citizen professional,\u2019 and work collaboratively with others to solve problems.\u201d\u00a0\u2014Judy Schlaefer \u201914 DNP\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

10. Cohorts<\/h3>\n

Some of Augsburg\u2019s programs follow a cohort model that allows students to travel together from course to course, fostering strong relationships between classmates and outlining a clear path toward a degree.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe cohort model for the MBA program allows for great camaraderie!\u201d \u2014Ava Beilke \u201914 MBA<\/span><\/p>\n

11. <\/span>Global learning opportunities<\/h3>\n

Augsburg undergraduate and graduate students take courses around the world. Whether studying business in Germany, nursing in Namibia, or psychology in Slovenia, Auggies find that learning and living in a foreign culture catalyze academic, intercultural, and personal leadership skills and responsible global citizenship.<\/p>\n

12. Dining together in Rochester<\/h3>\n

\u201cMeals for the Rochester students kept [our] energy up for long evening classes.\u201d\u00a0\u2014Heidi Ochtrup-Dekeyrel \u201914<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>13. Small class sizes<\/h3>\n

Augsburg\u2019s undergraduate classes average 13 to 17 students, which allows Auggies to learn from\u2014and with\u2014their professors and classmates.<\/p>\n

14. <\/span>Nearby restaurants<\/h3>\n

When it comes to dining out, the Cedar-Riverside neighborhood has something for everyone.<\/p>\n

\u201cI love that I can get a gyro, chicken curry, or Chicago-style hot dog all within a couple blocks of my dorm.\u201d\u00a0\u2014Samantha Cantrall \u201914<\/p>\n

Tracy\u2019s (just across I-94 on Franklin Avenue) serves up the \u201cAugsburger,\u201d which features two beef patties, sharp cheddar cheese, barbecue sauce, bacon, lettuce, tomato, mayo, and a side of school spirit. Yum, yum.<\/p>\n

\u201cTracy\u2019s is amazing and within walking distance!\u201d \u2014Emma Winegar \u201914<\/span><\/p>\n

15. Auggie Days<\/h3>\n

Leading up to the start of the fall semester, this on-campus orientation for incoming first-year students is so memorable that people think of it as a highlight of their Augsburg experience\u2014even four years later. Part of the fun includes a Neighborhood Challenge relay in Murphy Square.<\/p>\n

16. Peers (of course)<\/h3>\n

\u201cThe people\u2014friendly, genuine, and approachable.\u201d\u00a0\u2014Denise Herrera \u201914 MAL,\u00a0senior admissions counselor<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI love the ability to build life-long relationships with people from many different backgrounds and from many different places around the world.\u201d\u00a0\u2014Matthew Schirber \u201914<\/p>\n

17. The campus<\/h3>\n

Not every school is so lucky as to have a\u00a07 \u00bd Street on campus.<\/p>\n

\u201cI love that you can walk anywhere on campus in less than 10 minutes.\u201d\u00a0\u2014Mollie King \u201914<\/p>\n

18. StepUP<\/h3>\n

Augsburg\u2019s StepUP Program helps students champion lives of recovery, achieve academic success, and thrive in a community of accountability and support. StepUP annually serves more than 100 students and is the largest residential collegiate recovery program in the United States.<\/p>\n

19. The skyline<\/h3>\n

The Minneapolis campus has an eagle-eye view of downtown that\u2019s perfectly fitting for the Auggie mascot. (We\u2019ll let you know how things are coming on the new Vikings stadium).<\/p>\n

\u201cThere\u2019s a stellar view of the city from the top of Mortensen.\u201d \u2014Joe Vokracka \u201914<\/p>\n

20. <\/span>On-campus art galleries, pop-up exhibits\u2026<\/h3>\n

\u2026guest speakers, music ensemble performances, and research festivals. It isn\u2019t an exaggeration to say that there\u2019s always something happening at Augsburg. Each spring, Zyzzogeton celebrates the creativity and scholarship of undergraduate students. It\u2019s fun to say\u2014and to attend. The College also hosts scholars and professionals at the leading edge in students\u2019 academic disciplines and showcases artwork by visiting artists and Auggies. The exhibition spaces around campus transform multiple times each year in order to present an array of innovative and inspirational pieces.<\/p>\n

\u201cI love the changing art exhibits.\u201d \u2014Whitney Worley \u201914 MPA<\/span><\/p>\n

21. The staff<\/h3>\n

You name it; they do it. In many ways, Augsburg locations are like small cities unto themselves where students eat, sleep, shop, socialize, learn, and live. Augsburg staff members foster an exceptional student experience at locations in Minnesota and around the world.<\/p>\n

\u201cI love the super helpful and nice financial aid advisers, and the well-organized Registrar\u2019s Office staff.\u201d \u2014Holly Reddy \u201914<\/span><\/p>\n

22. The changing seasons<\/h3>\n

Winter sometimes can last a tad too long, but Minnesota\u2019s seasons certainly add variety to Augsburg\u2019s academic calendar. Each year the Quad features fall colors, spring blooms, summer picnics, and winter snow angels, which means the weather outside helps to emphasize the timeliness of the College\u2019s in-house traditions.<\/p>\n

23. <\/span>Nearby sidewalks, trails, and bike lanes<\/h3>\n

Home of the Greenway and the Chain of Lakes, Minneapolis has 92 miles of on-street bikeways and 85 miles of off-street paths, not to mention an abundance of pedestrian-only zones.<\/p>\n

\u201cI love running and walking on the River Road.\u201d\u00a0\u2014Lauren Rice \u201914<\/p>\n

24. <\/span>Arts and culture<\/h3>\n

Minneapolis has world-class museums, a vibrant dance scene, and more theater seats per capita than any U.S. city outside New York. It\u2019s no wonder Minneapolis was named one of America\u2019s most creative cities, and it\u2019s no surprise that Auggies take advantage of the visual and performing arts in their midst.<\/p>\n

\u201cI love seeing new work at the Playwright Center just down the road.\u201d \u2014Hannah Youngquist \u201914<\/span><\/p>\n

25. Its influence<\/h3>\n

A snapshot of graduation<\/p>\n

The graduating class of 2014 added more than 750 Auggies\u2014from our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs\u2014to the College\u2019s alumni ranks.<\/p>\n

Commencement ceremonies held May 3-4\u00a0featured the theme \u201cThoughtful Stewards,\u201d which was inspired by the College\u2019s mission statement and reflected the Augsburg community\u2019s passion for social justice and sustainability.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAugsburg changed how I think.\u201d \u2014Peter Moore \u201914 MAL<\/span><\/p>\n

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