Gift Announcements - Giving to 含羞草视频

Fostering Student Success Through Belonging

Posted on May 6, 2025

Paul 鈥�63 and LaVonne 鈥�63 Batalden鈥檚 experience as students at Augsburg continues to inspire their generosity. Over the years, they have supported initiatives such as the Norman and Evangeline Hagfors Center for Science, Business, and Religion; the Batalden Faculty Scholar Program in Applied Ethics; and, most recently, the establishment of the Batalden Assistant Dean of Student Success and Belonging.

Paul鈥檚 connection to Augsburg spans three generations. His grandfather served on a planning committee to develop a college for Lutheran immigrants, and his father, Abner, graduated from Augsburg College in 1935. 鈥淲hen it came time for college, there wasn鈥檛 much conversation about it,鈥� Paul joked. LaVonne, however, was initially set on Gustavus. After encouragement from her pastor, she decided to visit Augsburg. 鈥淢ark Johnson was an admissions counselor, and I was impressed with the personal attention I received, so I decided to go,鈥� LaVonne shared.听

Paul and LaVonne attribute their sense of belonging to their success at Augsburg. 鈥淏ecause the classes were so small, the faculty really knew you,鈥� LaVonne said. 鈥淵es, the faculty was key to my sense of belonging,鈥� added Paul. 鈥淭hey encouraged my curiosity and taught me to love ideas and how they can change the future.鈥� Paul graduated with a degree in chemistry, and LaVonne graduated with a degree in biology. They both had careers in academia, Paul at Dartmouth College and LaVonne at Colby-Sawyer College. Throughout her career, LaVonne always thought back to the advantage of her liberal arts education. 鈥淚t was my non-science courses that stuck with me over the years. They gave me a broader perspective than I might not have otherwise acquired.鈥�

Recognizing the powerful relationship between community, growth, and achievement, Paul and LaVonne established the Batalden Assistant Dean of Student Success and Belonging as part of the Promising Futures: Faithful and Relevant campaign. 鈥淭he college experience is rooted in connection,鈥� Paul reflected. 鈥淚n many ways, learning involves feeling like you belong鈥攂oth in your coursework and community. This role will facilitate student success by ensuring they can exercise their curiosity and creativity among peers from all walks of life. Belonging is key to advancing our future as a planet of people from different backgrounds.鈥�

The Bataldens share a deep excitement as they envision the future of Augsburg. 鈥淎ugsburg was founded by a community of Norwegian immigrants who shared a desire to equip themselves and their children with the knowledge they would need to be successful in this new country. In that spirit, they built a community that recognized how values were important to the learning process,鈥� LaVonne said. 鈥淰aluing belonging helps awaken the capabilities of generosity, creativity, and kindness,鈥� Paul added. 鈥淲e truly believe in Augsburg鈥檚 mission to prepare students to lead meaningful lives.鈥�

The Nielsens鈥� Commitment to Augsburg

Posted on December 18, 2024

Steve 鈥�64 and Becky 鈥�65 Nielsen chose to attend Augsburg for different reasons. Steve, raised on a sharecropping family farm in rural Minnesota, needed a school where he could work to cover his expenses and find a job. 鈥淲e were quite poor, and I knew my parents wouldn鈥檛 be able to help me,鈥� Steve said. 鈥淎ugsburg was a Lutheran institution in the heart of Minneapolis. Back then, many kids from rural communities would go to Minneapolis for college.鈥滲ecky was set on attending the University of Minnesota but was convinced by her family to give Augsburg a chance. 鈥淢y father was friends with Dr. Christensen, who said he would appreciate it if I came to Augsburg, even if it was just for one semester.鈥� Becky reflected, 鈥淚’m so glad I did!鈥�.听

In his sophomore year, Steve met Becky through a mutual friend on the football team. 鈥淥nce I met Steve, the party was over,鈥� Becky laughed. Becky attended Augsburg for two years, and Steve graduated in 1964 with a physical education degree and a minor in biology.

Steve saw Augsburg鈥檚 Lutheran values in action throughout his four years on campus. 鈥淎t the start of our freshman year I received a semester鈥檚 worth of meal tickets, but I ran out of them halfway through the term,鈥� Steve shared. 鈥� When my football coach, Edor Nelson learned about my situation he stepped in to help. He set me up with a job at the United Parcel Service on Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis鈥�.听鈥淎nd later, I found work changing tires at a Goodyear tire store on Lake Street through my roommate’s father.鈥� Steve worked continuously through his college years at a variety of jobs, during both school terms and summers. His Augsburg community was always there by creating a network for employment. They supported me.鈥澨�

One of Steve鈥檚 most impactful courses was a philosophy class taught by Dr. Bill Halverson. 鈥淚 appreciate the critical thinking skills I developed in his class,鈥� Steve shared. 鈥淗e taught us not just facts and information but how to think. Analyzing issues and considering multiple perspectives are skills that have served me well in my career and life.鈥� 鈥淚 concur with that.鈥� Becky chimed in. 鈥淲henever there is a problem, Steve is always thinking about how to solve it.鈥�

Steve and Becky moved back to Minnesota following their retirement and have maintained their connection to Augsburg through philanthropy, a love of Auggie Athletics, and life-long college friends. Reflecting on their support, the Nielsens emphasized the importance of unrestricted giving.鈥淲hy would I feel I have a better idea of what is needed here at Augsburg than the administration? I have faith that leadership knows where the greatest needs are,鈥� Steve said. 鈥淚 give Augsburg a lot of credit for making it possible to work my way through school and earn a few bucks in life. It feels good to give back to the place that provided me with such a valuable education.鈥澨� Becky smiled, 鈥淚t is the right thing to do.鈥�

Make a lasting impact on Augsburg students before the year ends!

Posted on December 16, 2024

As we approach the close of the year, we invite you to make a donation that will make a meaningful difference on the lives of our students. By making a donation听to the Augsburg Fund, you are helping to reduce the costs for our students – and in turn, helping to create听a learning environment听that is not only accessible, but empowering听and transformative.

Your generous year-end gift will join with others that听will impact students now,听and for years to come. This is more than just听a donation – it’s an investment in the future. Thank you for including Augsburg in your year-end giving plans.

P.s. To make your gift, we encourage you to donate through our secure online portal at听augsburg.edu/giving. If you prefer to mail in your contribution,听please ensure your credit card information reaches听us by Monday, December 30, or your check is postmarked by Tuesday, December 31. For any questions, please call us at 612-330-1613.

Auggies Give to the Max in 2024!

Posted on November 4, 2024

On November 21, we invite all Augsburg alumni and friends to join us for Give to the Max Day, a celebration of generosity and community spirit! Between now and then, we need your support for our 38 fundraising initiatives that are seeking your generosity.

From the Augsburg Fund that supports scholarships for students, to targeted funding for departments, student organizations, and athletics, there’s a project for everyone to support!

Here’s how you can contribute to our Give to the Max efforts:

Make a gift:听Explore our list of projects and donate to the ones you want to support.
Gift of stock or IRA distribution: If you’re considering these options, please reach out to our advancement office at giving@augsburg.edu for more details.
Spread the word:听Share how 含羞草视频 has made a difference in your life. Whether through social media posts, emails to friends and family, or sharing our giving link, your voice can amplify our mission. We’d love to see your posts about Give to the Max Day 2024! Use the hashtag #AuggiesGive and tag @AugsburgUniversity and @AugsburgAlumni to connect with the larger Augsburg community.

Your support for Augsburg nurtures the exceptional education and community that sets us apart. Together, we can transform lives – your contribution to any of these projects fuels the very initiatives that are shaping the future of our students.

Empowering the Future of Students through Unrestricted Giving

Posted on October 28, 2024

The first family member of Phil Hoversten 鈥�71 to graduate from Augsburg was his uncle Knut Holversten in 1930. Since then, four generations and 40+ Hoversten family members have attended Augsburg, including Phil who graduated in 1971 with a degree in biology. 鈥淚 knew I wanted to go into pre-med and Augsburg gave me a generous financial aid package that first year,鈥� Phil said.

However, Phil鈥檚 path to graduation was not without its challenges.听 He experienced financial hardship after his first year, but with encouragement from his professor, John Holum, Phil decided to stay at Augsburg. 鈥淭he caliber of instruction, the smaller class sizes, and the individual attention I received helped me do well,鈥� he reflected. Phil鈥檚 experience at Augsburg prepared him for medical school at the University of Minnesota. He had a 24-year career at Allina Health as a Physician in Occupational Medicine until his retirement in 2020.

Throughout the years, Phil has kept in touch with a few fellow students from his time in the choral club, but, Phil鈥檚 primary connection to Augsburg is rooted in his family鈥檚 enduring legacy. In the 1980s several Hoversten family members contributed to the construction of the Hoversten Chapel. 鈥淚鈥檓 fortunate that my family listened to what the college needed at the time,鈥� Phil shared as he reflected on the vision for a multi-purpose space. Today, the Hoversten Chapel is a central location for worship, music, and other community-building events.听

The belief in Augsburg as a unifying and dynamic community has been a cornerstone for Phil and his family for generations. Phil said he sees his unrestricted giving as his link to the Hoverstens鈥� commitment to supporting education centered on service and a connection to the gift his relatives established forty years ago

The concepts of experiential learning and meaningful engagement in local communities, introduced by Augsburg Department of Sociology founder Joel Torstenson have deeply resonated with Phil. 鈥淪chools have been faced with great difficulties recently. There was a [time I experienced ] tremendous need here and it motivated my听 desire to give back to the place that gave me my education, This is my way of supporting local efforts.鈥�

For Phil, unrestricted giving has the potential to lead to incredible change. 鈥淚 look at the beautiful buildings like the Hagfors Center that accommodate a modern education and all the programs that support our diverse student body鈥� I understand the difference it makes when universities have the means to be sure critical areas are funded,鈥� he shared. 鈥淚 encourage others to consider an unrestricted gift鈥�

Through his commitment to giving back, Phil continues to strengthen the legacy of his family at Augsburg, ensuring generations of Auggies have opportunities to thrive in a community that helped shape his life and many others.听

Introducing Augsburg鈥檚 Giving Societies

Posted on August 21, 2024August 21, 2024

To celebrate and recognize the generosity of our Augsburg Fund donors, 含羞草视频 has established giving societies. Annual gifts at any society or sustainer level secures a bright future for our students, but each society will be recognized distinctly according to their cumulative yearly (from June 1-May 31 each year) giving to the Augsburg Fund.

Ambassadors Society
$1,000 – $2,499.99

Leadership Society
$2,500 – $4,999.99

Directors Society
$5,000 – $9,999.99

Deans Society
$10,000 – $24,999.99

Presidents Society
$25,000 – $49,999.99

Founders Society
$50,000+

Other Giving Societies

Maroon and Silver Society
Gifts of $1,000 or more to support any fund or initiative at Augsburg.
*Note: If you make a gift of $1,000 or more to the Augsburg Fund, you will be a member of the Maroon and Silver Society and one of the above societies.

Augsburg Sustainers
Augsburg Sustainers make a monthly contribution to 含羞草视频

Sven Oftedahl Society
Sven Oftedahl Society members have committed a planned gift to 含羞草视频

For more information on Augsburg鈥檚 Giving Societies, visit our webpage. Thank you for investing in a bright future for our students!

A Gift to Endow a Professorship in Chemistry

Posted on May 8, 2024

Terry 鈥�73 and Janet Lindstrom have made an incredible commitment to establish the Terry 鈥�73 and Janet Lindstrom Endowed Professor of Chemistry in support of the new School of Natural Sciences. Terry and Jan have remained dedicated to enriching students鈥� education and enabling them to discover their love for science and research. 鈥淓veryone deserves a passionate career,鈥� Terry reflected in a past interview.

Terry found his deep appreciation for science while conducting research during his undergraduate years. He graduated from Augsburg in 1973 with degrees in biology and chemistry. After earning his Ph.D. in pharmacology and biochemistry from the University of Minnesota, he embarked on a decades-long career at Eli Lilly and Company, retiring from his position as Distinguished Lilly Research Fellow in 2010.听

Terry serves as a member of Augsburg鈥檚 board of regents, where he chairs the enrollment management committee. He also stays engaged through volunteering at events such as the annual Agre Symposium, and meeting students when the opportunity arises. “My Augsburg experience was transformational as a result of the faculty and administration’s commitment to rigorous learning, understanding, and critical thinking. This commitment was further emphasized through intense experiential learning opportunities which made the academic work directly applicable to real-world issues. I knew my professors were genuinely invested in my success. These attributes continue at 含羞草视频 today and it is my honor and privilege to support this outstanding institution,” Terry said.

Along with this most recent gift, he and Jan established the Endowed Lindstrom Research Fund which supports students鈥� participation in summer research.

Endowed professorships like the Lindstrom Endowed Professor of Chemistry play a vital role in supporting faculty, promoting academic excellence, and ensuring the long-term success of students. 鈥淭his transformative gift affirms Augsburg鈥檚 longstanding commitment to excellence in the natural sciences,鈥� said President Paul Pribbenow. 鈥淚n a time when scientific knowledge has itself become contested, we are incredibly grateful to the Lindstroms for this investment to strengthen the critical leadership of our faculty.鈥澨�

鈥淲e are thrilled about the creation of this endowed professorship. This position, the first to be embedded within the School of Natural Sciences, will encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and prepare generations of future Auggies to be scientific leaders in their communities,鈥� added Paula O鈥橪oughlin, provost and senior vice president for academic and student affairs.

We extend our deepest gratitude to Terry and Jan for their unwavering dedication and investment in the future of our students.

Generosity Across Cultures: Fostering Interfaith Relationships Through Listening

Posted on May 6, 2024May 7, 2024

Supporting Generosity and the Harmony of Acceptance

An early life experience encountering the kindness of strangers continues to guide the generosity of Dilnaz Waraich, President of the WF Fund, who has recently made a major gift to 含羞草视频.听

Dilnaz was just 2 years old in 1972 when her family left Hyderabad, a city in Central India, to come to Chicago. Dilnaz had contracted chicken pox on the plane and was running a high fever. Her mom spoke little English, and she was struggling to manage two toddlers and an unfamiliar place. Her father was waiting for their arrival.

The TWA flight attendant noticed her mother and how sick Dilnaz was. She said, 鈥淗old on! I am going to help you.鈥� They were ushered straight to the immigration desk where again, they saw her mother鈥檚 distress. The agents said, 鈥淵ou should go straight to the hospital.鈥� They did a cursory check of their documents and sent them through.听

Dilnaz thinks about the difference between then and now and wonders what if she were arriving in 2022 instead of 1972, an immigrant Muslim woman traveling with her children. Would she even be here? She believes they would very likely have been sent back to India.听

Born out of generations

The WF Fund was born out of two generations of family generosity; a generosity defined by openness and a non-judgmental approach to deep relationships. This spirit continues to guide the WF Fund in uplifting and empowering communities across the country through strategic philanthropy to support religious pluralism, civic engagement, and human services.听

WF Fund president, Dilnaz Waraich, shared that the fund鈥檚 work is rooted in the practice of generous listening, something she experienced in her own life during the pandemic. Away at college, one of her sons shared his feelings of isolation, loneliness, and mental health. While Dilnaz was able to connect her son to the necessary resources, the experience inspired the Fund to explore ways to help students navigate the challenges of college life by creating access to Muslim chaplains on campus. The Fund went on to support Muslim chaplains at The Ohio State University, Butler University, and the University of Illinois Chicago.听

鈥淲e wanted to make sure Muslim students are supported by chaplains and we also know that these chaplains are there to support everyone.鈥� Dilnaz went on to say that it鈥檚 noticing in relationships that often drive giving.听听

鈥淚t was when we spoke with Najeeba Syeed, the El-Hibri Endowed Chair and Executive Director of the Interfaith Institute at Augsburg, that we decided to come see the campus for ourselves. Augsburg fosters a connection between leadership, faculty, students, and the broader community. That relational centering is important to us.鈥澨�

Supporting Acceptance Across Cultures

Last December the WF Fund made a gift of $100,000 to help build relationships and foster generosity among Muslim-led non-profits, family philanthropy, and institutional philanthropy.听

“Funding from the WF Fund will support the Interfaith Institute to strengthen interfaith relationships on campus and in the greater Twin Cities community. We are delighted and grateful to have this opportunity to foster multifaith, multisector, and multigenerational connections based on increased understanding and empathy,鈥� Najeeba expressed.

鈥�We want to promote a harmony of acceptance of different cultures and faith backgrounds,鈥� Dilnaz said. 鈥淲e appreciated seeing this on the Augsburg campus and in how the Interfaith Institute connects with the surrounding community.鈥澨�

The gift aligns with a new initiative at the WF Fund to foster connections between Muslim Americans and the philanthropic sector by showcasing stories of generosity. is inviting Muslim Americans to share their stories of generosity through artistic expression. These stories will be curated into a national showcase opening in Atlanta this September. The Fund believes that we can break down relational barriers and disrupt blind spots by amplifying these stories of generosity, told by Muslims themselves.听

As Dilnaz noted, stories about the Muslim community are often told by those outside of the community, which can lead to misunderstanding the generosity of this diverse group.听

Dilnaz notes that 鈥渋t鈥檚 not often that we hear stories of generosity from our community. And when we do, who is telling those stories?鈥�

“This gift demonstrates the spirit of collaboration that the WF Fund embodies. Augsburg deeply values the WF Fund’s partnership in our joint work to empower and uplift communities through sharing values and amplifying voices.” Paul Pribbenow

You can learn more about the WF Fund鈥檚 inspired generosity project by watching their short video (link 听

Celebrate Commencement with a gift to the Augsburg Fund!

Posted on April 29, 2024July 10, 2024

Graduate in cap and gown celebrates while holding a diploma cover on stage at a graduation ceremony. This is an exciting time of the year as we head into the final stretch of our 2023鈥�24 school year and look forward to commencement.

Did you know that nearly all of our incoming first-year students receive a scholarship from Augsburg? This achievement is made possible thanks to the generosity of our donors, and it鈥檚 crucial for us to maintain this momentum and continue opening doors for students of all backgrounds.

Will you make an impact by contributing a donation before the end of our fiscal year to support our students? More specifically, will you help us to raise $50,000 before the end of May?

Thank you for considering Augsburg in your giving plans.

Remembering John N. Schwartz ’67

Posted on March 1, 2024March 11, 2024

It is with a heavy heart that we share the news that Regent John Schwartz 鈥�67 passed away on February 29 surrounded by loved ones.

John was an invaluable member of the 含羞草视频 community from the time he enrolled as a student. He had transformative experiences singing in the choir, including getting the opportunity to tour Norway, Denmark, and Germany during his sophomore year. John graduated with a degree in business administration and went on to earn a degree in hospital administration from the University of Minnesota. He had a thriving career as a healthcare executive for 40 years in Milwaukee, Oregon, Montana, and Chicago until his retirement in 2010.

John鈥檚 passion for choral music and Augsburg鈥檚 impact stayed with him throughout his life. He continued to sing after retirement, including with the Apollo Chorus of Chicago. Always thinking of others, John gave back in extraordinary ways. He showed support for Augsburg music students through his incredible generosity and philanthropy. His most significant gifts were made during the Great Returns: We鈥檙e All In campaign, which included the Leland B. Sateren 鈥�35 professorship and chair of music and the John N. Schwartz professorship of choral leadership and conducting. His latest gift established the John N. Schwartz School of the Arts. In addition to those endeavors, he and his husband James Mosley created the John N. Schwartz and James A. Mosley scholarship.

“It was one of the joys of my presidency to know John Schwartz, who was a remarkable human being,鈥� Augsburg President Paul C. Pribbenow remarked. 鈥淎s an Augsburg graduate, John exemplified our mission in his professional and personal lives. When we sat together in 2023 to establish the Schwartz School of the Arts, I was moved and inspired by John鈥檚 humble generosity. We have lost a good friend.鈥�

In 2019, John joined the Board of Regents and served on the advancement, finance, and audit committees. He also was part of Augsburg鈥檚 Music Advisory Council. 鈥淛ohn brought his years of leadership and business expertise to the Board of Regents as well as his love for Augsburg and its music tradition,鈥� shared Board Chair Dennis Meyer 鈥�78.

鈥淛ohn鈥檚 passion, vision and generosity in creating the Schwartz School of the Arts ensures that the arts will be accessible for all and continue to transform students’ lives at Augsburg,鈥� said Paula O鈥橪oughlin, provost and senior vice president for academic and student affairs. 鈥淚 am grateful to have known such an amazing man. He will be deeply missed.鈥澨�

John firmly believed in the power of a liberal arts education and its ability to set up students for a successful career and a meaningful life. His legacy at Augsburg will be remembered for generations.

Funeral services will be held in Chicago on Saturday, April 27, at 10:30 a.m. at Alice Millar Chapel, Northwestern University, 1870 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL and in Minneapolis on Saturday, May 4, at 2:00 p.m. at 含羞草视频, Hoversten Chapel, 2211 Riverside Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55454.

Read John’s full .听