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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“We are extremely honored to be selected as a member of the FirstGen Forward Network,” said Vern Klobassa, Augsburg’s Batalden Assistant Dean for Student Success and Belonging. “More than half of Augsburg undergraduates are the first in their families to go to college. This recognition affirms what we already know—that first-gen students are welcome here, and we are committed to walking with them every step of the way.”

The FirstGen Forward Network provides a three-phase approach—Network Member, Network Leader, and Network Champion—to scaling holistic first-generation student success by engaging and empowering higher education institutions to transform the first-generation student experience, advance academic and co-curricular outcomes, and build more inclusive institutional structures. With the new class, the Network includes more than 500 institutions of higher education, including two statewide systems, representing 48 states and the District of Columbia.

“We are excited to welcome Augsburg to the FirstGen Forward Network,” said Martina A. Martin, vice president at FirstGen Forward. “Throughout the application process, Augsburg demonstrated a clear commitment to advancing success for first-generation students—backed by a willingness to align strategy, data, and campus-wide efforts for long-term impact. Their leadership reflects a meaningful investment in creating the conditions where first-generation students can thrive.”

In this first phase of the Network, selected institutions will participate in the FirstGen Forward Network Virtual Kick-off on August 20, 2026. As a Network Member, Augsburg’s interested faculty and staff will be afforded opportunities to engage with peer institutions that are also working to create environments that improve the experiences and success of first-generation students, and will participate in monthly calls, professional development, goal setting, blog development, annual reporting, and more.

After successful completion of the Network Member phase, institutions may progress to the second phase, FirstGen Forward Network Leader, in which institutions receive an evidence-based and research-supported framework of actionable priorities supported through monthly workshops; diagnostic tools providing critical institutional insight; robust data-sharing as part of the national Postsecondary Data Partnership; guidance of expert coaches along each step of the experience; and more. Ultimately, all Network institutions strive for national leadership as FirstGen Forward Network Champions.

“There is nothing quite like seeing a new generation of institutions step into this network with purpose and passion,” said Dr. Stephanie J. Bannister, President of FirstGen Forward. “FirstGen Forward exists because we believe institutions are strongest when they learn alongside one another—sharing evidence-based practices, working through challenges together, and advancing first-generation student success at scale. Augsburg is joining a community of practitioners doing exactly that, and the Class of 2026 represents a remarkable groundswell of energy and commitment. I know Augsburg will be a meaningful contributor to what we build together.”

To learn more about first-generation efforts at Augsburg, contact Vern Klobassa at klobassa@augsburg.edu. To learn more about FirstGen Forward, visit .

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“It’s wonderful that the mission-driven work we do here at Augsburg and its impact on the community is being recognized in this way,” said Clark, who serves as director of Augsburg’s Sabo Center for Democracy and Citizenship, executive director of the Augsburg Health Commons, and professor of nursing. “In particular, our work at the Health Commons is so unique in nursing education. I am thrilled to see it receive such meaningful recognition on a global scale.”��

Under Clark’s leadership, the Health Commons has expanded from a single drop-in center to five community-based locations serving individuals experiencing homelessness, social isolation, food insecurity, and interpersonal violence through various community-academic partnerships and a commitment to relationship-centered care. In addition to her work leading the Health Commons and the Sabo Center, Clark teaches graduate nursing courses focused on social justice, health inequities, and civic engagement. Her scholarship focuses on community-engaged pedagogy, structural inequities when seeking care, civic engagement, and accompaniment-based models of care.��

As previous chair of the Nursing Department and chief nursing administrator at Augsburg, Clark led curriculum revisions to reflect the department’s mission to advance health equity and inclusivity. She received the 2025 Barbara A. Holland Scholar-Administrator Award from the Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities, was named a 2025 Fellow of the American Association of Colleges of Nursing’s Elevating Leaders in Academic Nursing program, was selected by the Minnesota Association of Registered Nurses as their 2025 fellow to the National American Nurses’ Advocacy Institute, and received Augsburg’s Distinguished Service to the Community Award in 2021. Before returning to Augsburg as a faculty member, she worked for eight years as an in-patient nurse in oncology, hematology, and the medical intensive care unit.����

“Katie Clark is a true citizen-scholar and citizen-nurse,” said Augsburg President Paul Pribbenow. “Through her relentless commitment to engaging with community from a place of respect, belonging, and curiosity, she has changed the face of nursing education and shaped the practice of nursing itself. This tremendous honor from the American Academy of Nursing is well-deserved.”

To earn the Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing credential, accomplished professionals must pass a highly selective review process demonstrating leadership in research, education, or advocacy. The 2026 class of fellows represents 39 states, the District of Columbia, and 17 countries and will be honored at the Academy’s annual Health Policy Conference, taking place on October 8–10, 2026, in Washington, DC.

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This collaboration will bring the 70-member National Lutheran Choir in residence to Augsburg for rehearsals and educational programming, offering opportunities for Augsburg students to gain exposure to the high-level music making of an award-winning performing ensemble. As part of its programmatic residency, the National Lutheran Choir anticipates offering internships for students that are related to choral music and nonprofit administration.

“We are thrilled to be able to deepen our relationship with the National Lutheran Choir at this exciting time for the arts at Augsburg,” said Augsburg President Paul Pribbenow. “This collaboration brings our historic connection full circle and opens up tremendous opportunities for students to grow through exposure to an extraordinary ensemble.”��

Now in its 41st year, the National Lutheran Choir celebrates, invigorates, and expands sacred choral music, bringing inspiration and meaning to people of diverse faiths and backgrounds. Artistic Director Jennaya Robison is committed to uplifting sacred choral music that comes from many traditions and draws from the sacred in everyday life. A recipient of the Margaret A. Hillis Award, the nation’s top honor for performance choirs, the National Lutheran Choir performs to thousands of audience members each year locally and on tour, has a discography of 36 albums, and is regularly broadcast on Minnesota Public Radio. More than 180 songs and a number of concert-length presentations are available on the choir’s YouTube channel.��

The National Lutheran Choir was founded in 1986 by the late Larry Fleming, a noted conductor and composer who succeeded Leland Sateren as Augsburg’s choir director from 1979–86. Augsburg alumnus David Cherwien ’79 subsequently served as the National Lutheran Choir’s second artistic director for more than 20 years.��

Robison joined the National Lutheran Choir as artistic director in 2023. A nationally-recognized conductor, composer, and vocalist, she has conducted choirs, workshops, and festivals across the United States, Europe, and southern Africa. Previously, she held faculty roles in choral studies at the University of Missouri–Kansas City Conservatory and Luther College. She holds a Master of Music in conducting and voice from the University of New Mexico and a Doctor of Musical Arts in choral conducting from the University of Arizona.

“The partnership between ���߲���Ƶ and the National Lutheran Choir exemplifies how higher education and non-profits can serve and support each other to create valuable opportunities for students and artists alike,” said Robison.����

The National Lutheran Choir’s programmatic activity on the Augsburg campus will include opportunities that are open to students and professionals from across the Twin Cities and around the country, including the newly launched Summer Intensive Choral Conducting Institute. Membership in the National Lutheran Choir is based on competitive audition and includes singers from virtually all of the region’s Lutheran colleges and more. Throughout its residency at Augsburg, the National Lutheran Choir will remain a wholly independent 501(c)(3) organization with corporate offices at Normandale Lutheran Church.

“Augsburg and the National Lutheran Choir share a special history,” said Tina Meckel, the choir’s executive director. “More importantly, our values for what sacred choral music can mean in a richly diverse world are wholly aligned.”��

Learn more about the and Augsburg’s music programs in the Schwartz School of the Arts.

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2025-26 Faculty Awards

Tenure and Promotion to Associate Professor

Seven faculty members were recognized for their achievement in receiving tenure and promotion to associate professor, effective Fall 2026.

• Mallory Alekna, music education
• Nimanthi Atukorala, computer science and data science
• Jacob Enger, business administration
• Abby Hughes-Scalise, clinical psychology
• Kao Nou Moua, social work
• Iva Patel, religion and philosophy
• Shayna Sheinfeld, religion and philosophy

Promotion to Full Professor

Four individuals were recognized for their promotions to full professor effective Fall 2026, in recognition of their exemplary practice and mastery in teaching, scholarship, and leadership.

• Matthew Beckman, biology
• Katie Clark, nursing
• Ben Denkinger, psychology
• Christopher Houltberg, visual art and design

Augsburg Day Student Government Excellence in Teaching Award

Nancy Fischer, sociology and urban studies

Faculty Innovation Award

Department of Nursing

Excellence in Teaching Award (Adjunct Faculty)

Erin Maurelli, visual art and design��

Early Career Teaching Award����

Alex Fink, social work

Excellence in Teaching Award (Full-Time Faculty)

Jennifer Bankers-Fulbright, biology

Distinguished Service to the Community Award

Amy Nelson, nursing

Excellence in Service to the University Award

Michelle Ullery, nursing

2025-26 Staff Awards

Department of the Year

Residence Life

Outstanding Newcomer

Zinnia Coy: Program Manager for Food Initiatives

Outstanding Staff

• Diane Syler, assistant director of student accounts
• Julie Frozlan Ferralez, director of academic advising
• Minasie Theophilos, custodian
• Marcus Carrigan: program associate, Strommen Center for Meaningful Work and Center for Global Education and Experience
• Ellie Olson, director of wellness and counseling

Congratulations to all the 2025–26 award recipients!

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Alongside other Peace Scholars from our Lutheran sister sites (Concordia College, Luther College, Pacific Lutheran College and St. Olaf College), these two students will participate in the annual summer Peace Scholars program in Norway, designed to deepen students’ understanding of the central issues and theories regarding conflict, war, and peace.��

Aidan Wippich is an incoming senior, pursuing a double major in international relations and public policy with a minor in peace and global studies. His passion for global politics came at a young age during his time in competitive speech in high school. This passion has continued throughout his time in college, studying abroad for a semester program in South Korea his sophomore year and meeting with foreign members of parliament back home. Outside of class, Wippich is the current president for Augsburg’s Day Student Government, focusing on issues that include campus safety, communications, and commencement.��

Around campus, Wippich has worked for multiple branches of government, including an internship at the Minnesota House of Representatives and an internship with US Senator Amy Klobuchar’s home office. In both of these experiences, Wippich has learned first-hand how to communicate with people of differing backgrounds and beliefs in the realm of politics, and how to find common ground through those divisions.��

After college, Wippich plans to go to graduate school to get his masters in either international relations or public policy. He also plans to continue working in the public service sector to ensure that people’s concerns are heard and resolved. In his commitment to serving the people, Wippich looks forward to the opportunities that the Peace Scholar offers, which he hopes will leave him with more knowledge that will help him address the problems and concerns of the people back home.

Tommaso Maritan is a rising sophomore, majoring in business management. He is from Italy and is currently studying in the United States—an experience that has strengthened his interest in cultural exchange and international perspectives. Living and studying abroad has allowed him to engage with people from diverse backgrounds and gain a better understanding of the importance of dialogue and cooperation across cultures.

At Augsburg, Maritan serves as the president of the International Student Organization, where he works to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for students from around the world. Through organizing events and encouraging connections between students of different backgrounds, he hopes to strengthen community and cultural understanding on campus.

Maritan looks forward to the Peace Scholars program in Norway as an opportunity to further explore international perspectives on peace, cooperation, and dialogue. In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer, running, traveling, and discovering new cultures.

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1972
Augsburg men’s soccer alumnus Jim Agre ’72 was inducted into the College Sports Communicators Academic All-America Hall of Fame in June during the CSC Unite ’26 Convention in Las Vegas. He is now one of just 182 inductees into the prestigious group; only 23 NCAA Division III institutions are represented. Academic All-America is considered the most premier honor for collegiate student-athletes nationwide, celebrating academic and athletic excellence.

2000s

2000
Ross Murray ’00, ’09 MBA has published an article, in the February 2026 ELCA Youth Ministry Connect Journal.

2010s

2011
Ronald Juntilla ’11 published his book “Time Met Me Half Way: Discipline, Consistency, and Time: How I Rebuilt My Life at 56,” which reflects on his journey as a Minnesota adult learner, veteran, and Augsburg graduate. It is available on Kindle, Amazon, and Books-A-Million.

2020s

2022
Valerie DeCora Guimaraes ’22 DNP/TCN was invited to the . She is a patient experience ambassador at Mayo Clinic, an adjunct professor at the University of Minnesota Rochester nursing program, and is the founder of the Greater Rochester Area Dakota Supporters, which promotes healing and understanding through education and reconciliation.

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Students who wish to notify their hometown newspapers of their achievement can do so at their discretion using a .

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Watch via PBS News:

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The Violins of Hope touring collection highlights restored string instruments that survived the Holocaust to tell the stories of those who played, hid, carried, and saved them. Today, the instruments serve as powerful symbols of remembrance and resilience. CBS Saturday Morning about the Violins of Hope on May 9, including interviews with renowned violinist Itzhak Perlman and Mark Bergman, professor of music and artist in residence at Augsburg.��

June 23: Voices of Hope and Resilience

• 2–5 p.m. Symposium and Chamber Music Concert
• 5–6:30 p.m. Cocktail Hour and Dinner
• 6:45 p.m. Pre-Concert Lecture
• 7:30 p.m. Minnesota Sinfonia Concert

Location: Foss Center and Anderson Music Hall, ���߲���Ƶ

All events are free and open to the public, but space is limited. All are welcome. ��

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