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Augsburg College McNair Scholars Program grant renewed

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McNair_renewedThe U.S. Department of Education recently renewed grant funding for the Augsburg College McNair Scholars Program; the College from 2012 to 2017 will receive $220,000 on an annual basis, for a total award of $1.1 million.

The TRIO Ronald E. McNair Post-baccalaureate Achievement Program—or McNair Scholars Program—is a federal grant-funded graduate school preparatory program with a mission to prepare first-generation, low income, and underrepresented students for doctoral study. The program provides opportunities for participants to develop the advanced academic skills necessary for graduate school admission and successful graduate study. Continue reading “Augsburg College McNair Scholars Program grant renewed” →

Auggies are on the move

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campus_movesAs part of Augsburg’s Campus Space and Master Plan commitment to make the best use of our existing space, several construction projects were completed during the spring and summer. The 20-year plan, which was established in 2010, is shaped by the College’s urban location and footprint and recognizes that space use is critical to enhancing student service, stewarding resources, and maintaining college affordability.

In support of these goals, the Gage Center for Student Success opened last spring on the link level of Lindell Library, co-locating numerous student services office in a central and highly visible location. Continue reading “Auggies are on the move” →

Engebretson presents at NASA meeting

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Engebretson_NASAThe work of Mark Engebretson, Augsburg College physics professor, will strengthen research conducted during the NASA Radiation Belt Storm Probes (RBSP) mission that launched Aug. 30 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

Engebretson on Aug. 21 presented at a pre-launch meeting for NASA officials and RBSP science team members near the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. He explained how his observations from National Science Foundation (NSF) grant-funded research at Augsburg College can serve the mission’s objectives. The RBSP project is budgeted at $686 million, a sum that incorporates the mission’s planning phase, construction, launch, satellite operation, and scientific analysis. Continue reading “Engebretson presents at NASA meeting” →

Revolution and rap: Augsburg student researches Arab Spring

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Cantrall_research“Music is more than organized sound; it can be a message from the heart of humanity,” according to Robert Stacke, Augsburg College associate professor of music. “Music can motivate a population in a manner that words alone cannot do. It is a powerful tool that can inspire political action and send its message to the world.”

Since 2010, political protests and revolts have erupted in more than a dozen Arab nations, and one of the American media’s most significant impacts on the demonstrations came from a medium that is, perhaps, least expected. Continue reading “Revolution and rap: Augsburg student researches Arab Spring” →

Harpstead elected Chair of Augsburg College Board of Regents

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Regent_HarpsteadJodi Harpstead, chief executive officer of Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota (LSS), was elected chair of the Augsburg College Board of Regents at its May 2012 meeting and began her term on July 1.

As chair of the governing board of the College, Harpstead will play a key leadership role in Augsburg’s planning and fundraising initiatives. She will guide the Board’s oversight of the College’s strategic priorities, including:

– Helping define the plan to build a signature academic building, the Center for Science, Business and Religion;

– Ensuring the quality and relevance of the academic offerings; and

– Monitoring the development of a long-range enrollment plan for the college.

Harpstead has served on the Board of Regents since 2005. Continue reading “Harpstead elected Chair of Augsburg College Board of Regents” →

Augsburg student expands classroom knowledge through international travel

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Egypt_profile
Augsburg students and professors helped conserve the Egyptian marine ecology by collecting trash in the Red Sea. Their actions inspired locals to join in the effort. Photo courtesy of Joe Underhill.

For Mai Sia Yang ’12, learning through first-hand experience is the best way to expand her world view.

Yang enrolled in an Egypt study abroad course after serving on an Egyptian delegation that represented the Economic and Social Council at Model United Nations (Model UN). This year, Augsburg College offered a Model UN class, and its student delegates represented Egypt at the organization’s conference in New York City during May. Yang’s committee addressed the topic of sustainable development, and she expanded the knowledge she gained in the classroom by visiting the nation. Continue reading “Augsburg student expands classroom knowledge through international travel” →

Commissioner visits Health Commons at Dar Ul-Quba

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DHS Commissioner Lucinda Jesson (second from left) plays with Fadumo Aden, Abdullahi Hersi and Muhamed Hersi (left to right) at Health Commons in Minneapolis' Cedar-Riverside neighborhood while their mothers attend a nutrition class at the center.
DHS Commissioner Lucinda Jesson (second from left) plays with Fadumo Aden, Abdullahi Hersi and Muhamed Hersi (left to right) at Health Commons in Minneapolis’ Cedar-Riverside neighborhood while their mothers attend a nutrition class at the center.

Article and photo courtesy of Minnesota Department of Human Services

Not a lot is common about Health Commons. Colorful curtains, layered rugs, and comfortable seating fill the community health and wellness center where all programs are free. Partners behind the organization in Minneapolis’ Cedar-Riverside neighborhood hope the warm setting is a gateway to connect members of the Somali community and other visitors to primary health care and wellness resources.

Minnesota Human Services Commissioner Lucinda Jesson toured Health Commons, located in the Dar Ul-Quba Cultural Center, June 29 to experience the unique community-based approach firsthand. Continue reading “Commissioner visits Health Commons at Dar Ul-Quba” →

Augsburg College students share research findings

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URGOconferenceNearly three dozen undergraduate students will present findings from their on-campus research during the URGO Summer Research Conference from July 25-26.

Augsburg College’s Office of Undergraduate Research and Graduate Opportunity (URGO) provides summer research grants for students interested in professional study. Students further classroom learning with critical thinking and thoughtful analysis through faculty-led research that complements their degree programs.

This year, students’ topics include how individuals use tattoos to reflect self identity; studies of the motion of Daphnia magna, a water flea; the influence of rap music in the Arab Spring revolutions; and the expression of gender nonconforming identities, among others. Continue reading “Augsburg College students share research findings” →

Alums bring Chekhov to rural Minnesota

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cherryorchard2012This summer, alumni Darcey Engen ’88 [left] and her husband, Luverne Siefert ’83, will bring a site-specific production of Anton Chekhov’s The Cherry Orchard to the Minnesota communities of Blue Earth, Kenyon, Little Falls, Taylors Falls, and Worthington.

Engen and Siefert will share the stage—actually historic Minnesota homes and the surrounding grounds—with four performers known for their work with Minneapolis’ Guthrie Theater, Jungle Theater, and Theatre de la Jeune Leune. The production will also feature local actors and musicians in each community. Continue reading “Alums bring Chekhov to rural Minnesota” →