A commitment from Augsburg is one reason Summer Bridge has existed for over 20 years.

Kevin Cheatham ’07 MAL, director of TRIO/Student Support Services, and Xia Xiong-Vang ’05, assistant director, call the Summer Bridge program Augsburg’s best-kept secret. They said that while many colleges host federal TRIO programs, Augsburg uniquely integrates its TRIO/Student Support Services into the institution’s fabric. Peer TRIO programs across the country frequently praise the mere existence of Augsburg’s Summer Bridge program. Ultimately, extensive cross-departmental support and a strong financial commitment from Augsburg, along with additional funding from the Department of Education, allow it to thrive, making replication nearly impossible for other schools. 

“It was really scary coming to college,” said Ayriana Vue ’29, who participated in Summer Bridge in 2025 and returned this summer as a peer mentor. “I had never been on a campus before; I generally get lost easily; and I didn’t know what to expect. Everything felt so unknown after high school. But thanks to Summer Bridge, I felt more confident about coming to Augsburg. Being on campus in a smaller group and meeting other students helped me feel more comfortable when I started school in the fall. And I met two of my best friends at Summer Bridge.”

“I wasn’t the most outgoing person, so if it wasn’t for the Summer Bridge program, I wouldn’t have gotten to know as many people and resources,” Paw Htoo ’28, another peer mentor who was part of the 2024 Summer Bridge cohort, added. “It allowed me to explore—not just Augsburg, but the city and the community around it. We got early access to resources, and it opened my eyes to know and understand what is available to me as a student—like the Strommen Center and the Multicultural Life office. I may not have used the services right away, but I knew where to go when I needed them. It made being at Augsburg easier.”

The program introduces students to Augsburg and its resources while teaching them essential life skills, like riding the light rail and exploring the surrounding Cedar-Riverside neighborhood. Above all, Summer Bridge builds confidence. It empowers students to envision their own college potential, challenging them to reflect on their personal motivations, advocate for themselves, and seek out help when needed. Within four weeks, they truly become Auggies. 

Top Photo: Kevin Cheatham ’07 MAL, director of TRIO/Student Support Services

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Mohammed Bati ’26 was recently featured in The Minnesota Star Tribune for his success as a cross-country runner at ş¬Đ߲ÝĘÓƵ. This year, Bati became the first men’s athlete in MIAC history to while simultaneously , , and being named .

The article highlights Bati’s dedication and hard work. As a full-time student, he balances his class schedule with an overnight job and an intense running regimen, fitting in rest and sleep whenever possible.

Chip Scoggins of The Minnesota Star Tribune writes: “Bati works the overnight shift because he logs 150 miles running per week with the goal of becoming an Olympic marathoner. He would not have time in his day to train otherwise. He dreams of competing for the United States after earning his citizenship through naturalization two years ago.”

Read more about Bati’s story in in The Minnesota Star Tribune.

Top image: With no other runners in sight, Mohammed Bati ’26 comfortably secures first place at the 2024 St. Olaf Invitational. (Photo by Don Stoner)

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Stephen Nushann ’27 took his first tour of Augsburg through AVID, a college preparatory course offered through his high school. He had heard about Augsburg through family members and felt comfortable when he was on campus, noting the option for small classes while being in a big city. After discovering the Act Six scholarship, which provides full tuition, room, and board for up to seven incoming undergraduate students each year, he knew that applying to Augsburg was a no-brainer.

“I first met Stephen the summer after his high school senior year. He was a leader among his peers even then, going out of his way to engage and involve the other participants in the program he was attending,” says Jeremy Myers, Bernhard M. Christensen Professor of Religion and Vocation and director of the Christensen Center for Vocation (CCV). “And now, I see him stepping up and trying on new leadership roles as a junior in college, becoming the student body president with the continued intention of creating community and a sense of belonging for all of his peers. He is an incredibly selfless and self-aware leader.”

What made you decide to run for student body president?

I hadn’t participated in student government before, so my immediate thought was “no.” Then I talked to my grandma—I really love and respect my grandma—about this opportunity. She really encouraged me to do it. My biggest fear was that I might not know enough and would make mistakes. She told me, “You’ll be great,” and reassured me that it’s fine to make mistakes as long as I learn from them. That was all I needed to tell myself that I could do this and make a change on campus.

What are some of your goals as president this year?

I want to make sure that student government is seen on campus. As a freshman and sophomore, I didn’t always know about student government and what they did. So I want the students to know us and know that we are here to represent them. We meet on Wednesday nights, and I want to encourage students to come to meetings. I want students to see me around campus and feel comfortable asking me questions.

I want to think more intentionally about dining options around campus. It’s such an important part of the student experience, and I think there are ways to improve the food and the experience for students. I’d like to see more ethnic food on the menu, but even better if we can partner with community members to bring their recipes to campus.

What would you like other students to know about student government?

We are a group of students for students. We represent the student body. If or when students want to make a change on campus, we are here to listen to them.

What are you most excited about this year, both as president and as a student?

As a student, I’m most excited about getting involved with student government, Campus Ministry, Auggie Cup, and other activities around campus. I’m excited about these experiences, the people I’ll meet, and the things I will learn.

As president, I look forward to seeing results. Last year, student government supported the Environmental Stewardship Committee to give us the [the grounds crew’s new electric utility cart named for former environmental student leader Leah Tift ’25]. It took a lot of work to make that happen. I’m excited to see more ideas and plans come to life.

How has Augsburg helped you to become the leader you are today?

I have a really, really good support system here at Augsburg, whether that’s Campus Ministry, Act Six Scholars, Eve [Christensen] in Campus Life, and the CCV. I have people who are rooting for me to succeed and people who I can go to with questions and concerns. That support system has encouraged me to become the leader I am today.

What would you like the public to know about your experience here at Augsburg?

My Augsburg experience has been absolutely amazing. I could not imagine myself anywhere else. I have found my community here. Augsburg has been so welcoming, and I’ve experienced so much learning and growth. The person I was two years ago when I came here to the person I am now is completely different. The people I’ve encountered, the lessons I’ve learned, the classes and professors—it’s all changed me to be a better person.

Quick Facts About Stephen

• Favorite people on campus: Pastor John [Rohde Schwehn], Pastor Babette [Chatman ’06], Jeremy Myers, Eve Christensen
• Favorite campus event: Friendsgiving, Back to School Block Party, Taste of Augsburg
• Favorite food at The Commons: Sushi, spaghetti, and the cultural cuisines
• Favorite class: All of my religion classes and my class with Jeffrey Clement

Top image: Stephen Nushann ’27 wears many hats at Augsburg, including his active role within Campus Ministry. (Photo by Courtney Perry)

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Augsburg’s school song could be heard overseas this past December as the women’s hockey team traveled from Helsinki, Finland, to Stockholm, Sweden, to play three exhibition games against international teams.

“We are grateful and excited to continue the tradition of an international trip,” said head coach Michelle McAteer. “Players often say it’s one of their best experiences to travel and compete overseas. It is the ultimate road trip!”

This was the fifth international trip for Augsburg women’s hockey. The team traveled with a group of more than 70 people including coaches, staff, and family members.

The Auggies played games against HIFK and Hollola from Helsinki and Hammarby from Stockholm.

Winning two of the three games was great, but the real highlight of the trip was interacting with players and coaches from other countries. After every game, the Auggies joined the host teams with a shared meal to connect about hockey and life.

Additionally, they toured the cities, visiting local and famous sites like the Nobel Prize Museum and Stockholm City Hall. At the Vasa Museum, they saw a preserved warship from 1628 and learned about its history.

“International travel broadens our perspective as we navigate different cultures, languages, and experiences. Doing it together creates lifelong memories and strengthens our bond as a team,” McAteer said.

Top image: The Augsburg women’s hockey team at Stockholm City Hall, Sweden (Courtesy photo)

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