Jessica Spanswick’s ’10 path to a life of service didn’t begin in one place, but it took clearer shape during her high school years in Perham, Minnesota. Influenced by her father—who grew up on a farm and later saw the world through his time in the Navy—she carried an early awareness that there was more beyond what she could immediately see. That awareness took on new meaning when she arrived at Augsburg.

“At Augsburg, learning wasn’t just something you studied—it was something you lived,” she said.

Through experiences in Cedar-Riverside and across the globe, Jessica began to understand how people, cultures, and systems are deeply connected—and how her own life might fit within that larger picture.

At Augsburg, that understanding was grounded in the idea of vocation. Jessica found language for something she had always felt but never quite defined: that her life and work could be part of something bigger than herself.

“I didn’t have a concept of vocation before Augsburg,” she said. “It helped me see that my path could be about contributing to something beyond just myself.”

At the same time, her Lutheran faith deepened in meaningful ways. In theology courses, she was challenged to think more critically about belief, context, and history, while her relationships in the community—especially tutoring immigrant students and adults—brought those questions into real, human connection.

“There was a lot of growth for me,” she reflected. “I was learning about other faiths and cultures, and also really thinking about what I believe. I started to see how many shared values there are across communities.”

Her semester in Namibia and South Africa during her sophomore year became a turning point. Living with host families and studying the histories of colonialism and apartheid offered a new way of seeing the world.

“It was completely eye-opening,” she said. “I started to understand how history and systems shape people’s lives—not just there, but here in the United States too.”

That way of thinking stayed with her.

“Once you start asking those questions—about history, about systems—you carry that lens with you wherever you go.”

Jessica carried that perspective into the years that followed, continuing to seek out opportunities to learn and serve. Her work took her to communities in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean—whether supporting students in rural South Africa, serving in the Peace Corps in the Dominican Republic, or studying migration and human rights during graduate school.

“Service can look like a lot of different things,” she said. “But for me, it was always about working alongside communities—learning first, and contributing where I could.”

Over time, that path led her back home. Jessica realized she wanted to bring what she had learned into her own community, where those same questions about systems, equity, and opportunity are just as present.

“I realized I could make the biggest impact in my own community,” she said.

Today, she works in Hennepin County in climate and resilience, focusing on the ways environmental challenges intersect with the lives of the most vulnerable residents.

“All of these issues are connected—climate, housing, migration,” she said. “And the same communities are often carrying the greatest impact.”

Jessica speaks about her work with clarity and conviction. She sees it not simply as a career, but as a continuation of her vocation—a way of contributing to something meaningful, alongside others.

“It’s a privilege to do work where you feel like you’re contributing to something bigger,” she said.

That sense of purpose, she says, began at Augsburg—where she was encouraged to engage deeply, to ask hard questions, and to see her life as part of a larger story of service. Jessica lives in St. Paul with her husband and son.

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MayKaoĚýY. Hang is the President and CEO of theĚýWilder Foundation, and has extensive experience serving low income and disadvantaged populations in both public and nonprofit sectors.

As a young leader, Dr. Hang saw a need for increased support for Hmong women and co-led an effort in 1998 to initiate a Twin Cities-based nonprofit and catalyst for lasting cultural, institutional, and social change to improve the lives of Hmong women. Dr. Hang continues to be actively engaged in the metro area as a community leader. She serves as a Trustee of Minnesota Philanthropy Partners, Deputy Chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis (9th District), and on the Women’sĚýEconomic Roundtable.

Dr. Hang will speak for thirty minutes, and take questions for the second half hour. Immediately following her presentation, she will meet with 20 students from Augsburg’s Pan-Asian student group.

Augsburg is deeply connected to the Wilder Foundation. Wilder staff have worked closely with Augsburg’s Center for Counseling and Health Promotion, now called the . In addition, the FoundationĚýhas hosted a number of student interns and hired dozens of Auggies. We are excited to extend our partnership in a new way by hosting Dr. Hang as a distinguished Strommen Executive Speaker.

The topic for Dr. Hang’sĚýpresentation is Journey of 1,000 Miles. SheĚýwill discuss her vocation and the connection to her education, career, and what lessons and advice she would share to her younger self about the right pathway to choose. She will also share her personal leadership journey from anĚýimmigrant and first generation college student to a successful career.

The Clair & Gladys Strommen Executive Speaker Series hosts three presentations per year, and is in its fifth year. The series is an opportunity to invite key regional leaders to share their vocation and expertise with Augsburg College students, alumni, staff, faculty and the greater community. All areĚýwarmly invited to join us.

¶Ů˛ąłŮ±đ:Ěý April 9, 2015

°Őľ±łľ±đ:Ěý 5 p.m.

ł˘´Çł¦˛ąłŮľ±´Ç˛Ô:Ěý Sateren Auditorium at Augsburg College

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Alumni are a critical way that students can connect with internships, learn about employment opportunities and how to navigate the hiring process. Ultimately, the Strommen Center works to help students find their own meaningful work. Be sure to check out the upcoming event’s on the , or contact programming coordinator Sandy Tilton (612-330-1472; tilton@augsburg.edu) or DJ Hamm (612-330-1329; hammd@augsburg.edu) to find out more.

As an Augsburg alum, how can I help?

1. Mentor a studentĚý

2. Speak in a classroomĚý

3. Serve on a career panel

Upcoming employer panels will take place on February 8 and April 12. We are currently recruiting alumni toĚýparticipate.

4. Participate in an Auggies Connect with Employers event

Upcoming connect with employer events are:

• STEM onĚýOctober 30
• Business/Marketing/Communication on November 20
• Health Sciences on February 26
• Social Sciences on April 9

5. Mock interviews

There are several mock interview days coming up organized by major or industry. Upcoming mock interview events are:

• Accounting and Finance on October 15
• STEM onĚýNovember 19
• Business/Marketing/Communication on December 10
• Health Sciences on March 25
• Social Sciences on April 15

6. Networking

Join us for a student and alumni networking event on February 10.

7. Host a site visit

Students benefit from visiting workplaces and experiencing different corporate cultures. Alumni can host individual students or classes, when appropriate.

8. Post a job or internship on Augpost

If you’re interested in participating in any of these upcoming opportunities, or have interest in mentoring a current student, please contact:

Sandy Tilton
Marketing & Programming Coordinator
612-330-1472
tilton@augsburg.edu

David “DJ” Hamm ’08

Volunteer & Alumni Engagement Manager

612-330-1329

hammd@augsburg.edu

Ěý

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