Gift Announcements Archives - Giving to 含羞草传媒

A SON鈥橲 LEGACY: LIGHTING THE WAY THROUGH LITERATURE

Posted on October 22, 2025

John 鈥�88 and Jill Benson were thrilled when their youngest child, Gabe, chose to attend Augsburg. When considering which school he would like to attend, his motivations echoed those of his father, who graduated from the same university with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry. 鈥淕rowing up in rural Minnesota,鈥� says John, 鈥淚 never felt out of place at Augsburg, despite it being in the big city.鈥澨�

John, like Gabe, saw something special about Augsburg. 鈥淕abe had three certainties,鈥� Jill shared. 鈥淗e wanted to live in Minneapolis, he wanted a diverse college environment, and lastly, he felt at home.鈥� Gabe continued to explore his lifelong passions of reading, writing, and connecting with others throughout his time at Augsburg, where he double majored in Communications and English, earning his degree in 2019. 鈥淎ugsburg totally shaped him and gave him the skills that allowed him to pivot drastically in his career trajectory,鈥� Jill said. Gabe took an interest in mortuary science during the pandemic and graduated with a degree in it from the University of Minnesota in 2022. Sadly, Gabe passed away shortly after starting his new career.

Equally crucial to the experiences he had were the meaningful relationships he built with his peers and English faculty mentor, Lindsay Starck. 鈥淟indsay and Gabe talked so much,鈥� Jill shared. 鈥淭hey would meet at cafes, enjoying the view of the river, talking about books and life.鈥� During his 2023 memorial, John recalled Lindsay’s eulogy about Gabe, in which she expressed her sentiment that 鈥淕abe was proof that you can do anything as an English major.鈥�

Gabe鈥檚 curiosity about life and his deep appreciation for the written word and authors were motivators for John and Jill鈥檚 gift. 鈥淲e met with Lindsay, and she helped shape the gift we wanted to give,鈥� John shared. 鈥淲e wanted to think about the activities Gabe loved and how we could pass on those experiences to students.鈥澨�

In 2025, they established the Gabe Benson 鈥�19 Endowed Literary, Creative, and Narrative Arts Fund, which will expand hosting opportunities at Augsburg for a range of literary events, including readings, lectures, and visits from writers and thinkers who inspire critical and creative engagement. They are also excited about the prospect of this fund supporting student participation in events that deepen academic exploration and vocational discernment.听

When reflecting on Gabe鈥檚 legacy and the passions he could impart to future Augsburg students, John shared, 鈥淒efinitely an appreciation for reading. Gabe was a voracious reader. If this gift can instill excitement about literature or writing, that would mean the world.鈥� 鈥淗e was also such a light,鈥� Jill added. 鈥淗e loved storytelling and embraced who he was. I hope that we can help other students live out those qualities.鈥�

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�

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

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 含羞草传媒 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 含羞草传媒.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

Leaving a Legacy of a Lifetime

Posted on August 4, 2023August 4, 2023

Fresh into retirement, Cyndi (Cynthia) Jones, Ph.D. 鈥�81 is as full of spirited youth as she must have been in her cheerleader days, when she launched a career of defying expectations and mastering challenges. Together with husband, Rick Jones, who matches her brainy enthusiasm and generosity, the pair are 鈥渁ll in,鈥� pledging their entire estate to Augsburg as part of its Great Returns campaign.

鈥淲e thought it would really make a difference to someone in their lives, as it did for me,鈥� says Cyndi, a nuclear engineer and Augsburg Regent. She earned other degrees from other schools鈥攁 Master鈥檚 in health physics from Georgia Tech and a Master鈥檚 and Ph.D. in nuclear engineering from the University of Maryland鈥攂ut those schools are already well-endowed, she points out, and it鈥檚 doubtful their students get the personal support and affirmation that Cyndi treasured at Augsburg. Besides, for many Augsburg students then and now, 鈥渆very cent counts.鈥�

As a high school student from Foley, Minnesota, Cyndi had no plans to become a nuclear physicist and eventual senior technical advisor for nuclear security at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. If she imagined she would someday monitor Japan鈥檚 nuclear crisis, travel the world to teach radiation safety, or enjoy four years living in Vienna, Austria, as the US nuclear safety attach茅 to the U.S. Ambassador, she didn鈥檛 let on. She was busy excelling on the clarinet, editing the school newspaper, and participating in band and theater. She also took physics and chemistry.

When she walked into the physics room that first day, the high school teacher thought she was lost. 鈥淭yping is down the hall,鈥� he said, pointing. Cyndi鈥攚hose Polish dad was a machinist and English mom sold men鈥檚 clothing and spent nine years managing a household without running water鈥攄id not flinch. Despite her instructor鈥檚 initial vociferous doubts, she flourished. Again and again. The first in her family to attend college, she rejected a full scholarship at St. Cloud State University to attend Augsburg, where she was personally welcomed by its 鈥渂rilliant band director鈥� and planned to major in music, working three jobs to supplement a partial scholarship.

This time fate would throw down the gauntlet. Climbing into the window of a renovated old house during a toga party, the vivacious Augsburg freshman collided with a bag of cement, breaking her left hand, which needed 13 weeks in an L-shaped cast to heal. Unable to play her clarinet, she spent J-term studying Physics for the Life Sciences with Professor Mark Engebretson, who recognized that she 鈥渉ad a knack.鈥� Physics, Chemistry, and Calculus followed.

鈥淢ath and music are closely related,鈥� Cyndi notes. 鈥淚 had fabulous professors.鈥� Dr. Ken Erickson encouraged her to forego some side jobs to focus on her grades; she became only the third woman to graduate in physics from Augsburg. 鈥淗e had a profound effect at a turning point in her career,鈥� Rick says. 鈥淗e gave her sound advice: to follow her passion.鈥�

Career rewards lagged, but Augsburg did offer her a $100/month stipend to teach the weekly Physics lab. And about a year after graduating, Cyndi, in her bathing suit, at her second job at the Fairview-St. Mary鈥檚 swimming pool, took a phone call: an offer to fly down to Oak Ridge, Tennessee, for an interview as a health physicist (Augsburg Professor Kermit Paulson had introduced Cyndi to health physics). She accepted and was offered the job on-site. 鈥淚 taught the instrumentation lab for 5- and 10-week health physics courses, and memorized the students鈥� names by the end of the first week,鈥� she recalls. One of them鈥擱ick鈥斺€渨as really cute.鈥�

Rick remembers thinking the same of her. 鈥淪he was something else鈥攐ne very smart lady, very motivated. I told her she was the one I wanted to marry, however long it took.鈥� (One year.) A California native, USC graduate and erstwhile dental hygienist, Rick served eight years in the Navy before transitioning to civil service in Washington, D.C., where he earned a Master鈥檚 in radiation biology at Georgetown and retired in 2005 as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Health at the U.S. Department of Energy. He has been instrumental in advocating for Augsburg, recognizing how much her experience there meant to his wife.

Cyndi also cites the stewardship of President Paul Pribbenow as key to their gifting decisions. 鈥淗e was genuinely interested in what Augsburg had done for me and has a vision for what he can do for students. He has a personal passion, a real understanding of what alumni have gone through and what kind of future Augsburg can provide for its students.鈥�

Cyndi and Rick have supported Augsburg in several ways, including funding the Professor Kenneth N. Erickson Physics Scholarship and, in 2017, commemorating the new physics lab, nicknamed Landow鈥檚 Photon Shop in honor of Cyndi鈥檚 dad (her maiden name was Landowski) and aptly subtitled Physics: The Maestro of Science!

鈥淎ugsburg was such a unique experience, and I think it鈥檚 still that way,鈥� says Cyndi, the white Minnesota girl who got to interact with people from all over the world, study religions unlike her own, and benefit from the small-town, personal-touch vibe in the big-city center. 鈥淭hey make sure they help you finish. They鈥檙e not just there to take your money. They know you鈥檙e there to learn,鈥� she says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 been a real honor and pleasure to be on the Board two different times.鈥�

And what about that high-school naysayer? Cyndi and Rick invited him to their wedding, where he owned up to his mistake and confessed how proud he was of her, a sentiment the Augsburg faculty and administration undoubtedly share.

听

Supporting the Needs of Students in STEM

Posted on July 5, 2023June 30, 2023

Dr. Keneeshia Williams, MD 鈥�03 knows that when a student encounters a bumpy college ride full of twists and turns and more downs than ups, helping hands are crucial. That is why she is donating $25,000 to support the Office of Undergraduate Research and Graduate Opportunity (URGO) and aid for STEM students.

Now a critical care surgeon at Wellstar Trauma Acute Care Surgery in Marietta, Georgia, Williams has impressive credentials, not only as a trauma surgeon but also as a director of medical student education and an activist for violence prevention. But her path was not always clear or easy.

Growing up in Chicago, Williams was 14 when she witnessed the gunshot murder of a neighbor and determined that her brother, then in prison, was probably safer than she was. A student at Kenwood Academy on the south side, she was plagued by nightmares, depression, and anger. She needed a change and found a sympathetic ear in the Augsburg recruiter who had stayed in touch since her sophomore year.

鈥淲hen they put me in touch with the basketball coach, I thought it would be a nice possibility for me. I liked playing basketball, and I really did not want to stay in Illinois at all,鈥� she says. She was already familiar with the Twin Cities, having visited with her high school choir.

But academic goals? She wasn鈥檛 sure. She had enjoyed being part of a citywide creative writing program so thought English and/or history might work. 鈥淧ediatric surgeon鈥� was the goal she鈥檇 noted in her high school yearbook, in light of a friend who鈥檇 had open heart surgery, so she put 鈥減remed鈥� on her application but thought it unrealistic. Her parents had college degrees in theater arts, but her father鈥檚 vocation as a hotel bellman and her mother鈥檚 as a model turned hairdresser promised limited means.

Augsburg offered her a chemistry scholarship. 鈥淚 loved school, but chemistry was my least favorite subject,鈥� Williams recalls. She accepted anyway.

鈥淪ometimes it is all about confidence,鈥� she adds. 鈥淚f you ever needed help, you could go find a professor. There were only three of us in our analytical chemistry class, and the quality was superb. Professor (emerita) Arlin Gyberg even made me like chemistry after all those years.鈥�

Biology proved a better fit, however, and her summer research program studying the coral reef aquarium with associate professor Bill Capman proved pivotal.

鈥淚t pushed me more toward medicine. I couldn鈥檛 imagine a career in research,鈥� though the experience became key in later medical school interviews, she pointed out, and definitely 鈥渕ade a difference.鈥� Capman鈥檚 enthusiasm for his subject matter was infectious, and she loved how he taught and encouraged her to play with ideas, to explore and make them her own.

Capman was only one example of the support Williams discovered in Augsburg friends and faculty. She cites the contributions of now URGO director and former McNair Scholars director Dixie Shafer as well as English professor emerita Cass Dalglish, whose kindness and special attention helped Williams not only improve her writing but also tackle mental health challenges. The campus was much less diverse then, and she often felt isolated. In retrospect, however, she recognizes the positive aspects of such a defining period in her life.

鈥淪omething about it makes me want others to experience it,鈥� she says. When her first medical school entrance scores fell short and she could not afford to test again, a benefactor stepped in to pay. She hopes her gift will encourage STEM students and ensure that their essential needs are met.

Williams did eventually return home, dedicated to preventing the violence she鈥檇 witnessed and treating its victims. She earned her MD at University of Illinois College of Medicine in Peoria, intending to specialize in pediatrics or family medicine until a surgery rotation sparked her passion. After her general surgery residency at Mount Sinai Hospital, she pursued trauma and burn research training at Loyola University Medical Center and a surgery critical care fellowship at Banner-University Medical Center in Tucson before spending five years with the Emory University Department of Surgery in Atlanta.

As keynote speaker at the Agre Symposium, Williams returned again this year to Augsburg, where she enjoys sharing her wisdom and experience with future students. With her help, they, too, will be able to flourish in their chosen careers.

Supporting the Next Generation of Artists

Posted on July 5, 2023June 25, 2024

Sheryl Shark鈥檚 ’82 affection for Augsburg is stronger than ever after four decades, as she recently demonstrated by designating a $1 million estate plan gift to her alma mater as part of its Great Returns: We鈥檙e All In campaign. The musician and actress has long been committed to giving back, and the establishment of the new Schwartz School of the Arts has only fueled that passion. Her previously unrestricted gift will go there instead, ready to help the next generation of artists pursue their dreams.

鈥淚鈥檓 just so excited for it. It also gives me a place to direct my gift that I didn鈥檛 have previously,鈥� says Shark, who graduated with a music degree in 1982 and fully understands that 鈥減eople in the arts are always in need.鈥�

Shark鈥檚 love affair with Augsburg began in the 鈥�70s when she was still a student at Dassel-Cokato High School. Already a music and dance class veteran in her teens, she participated in the annual Minnesota Music Teachers Association contest, held on campus. She recalls playing piano in the old music building, then rumored to be haunted. That is where she met the late Professor Emeritus James D. Johnson, who was not only her contest advisor but also an example of the music guidance Augsburg could provide. She liked his comments and support so much that her college choice became obvious.

鈥淎ugsburg was the only place I applied,鈥� she said.

As a freshman in 1978, Shark attended classes in the old music building for only about a month before moving to the new one, as the ghosts from the old place began making peace with the football field that would replace it. By the end of her sophomore year, Shark was not only happily taking classes but also beginning to register the benefits of a liberal arts education.

鈥淎ll of a sudden everything was connected鈥攈istory to biology to music to physics, even the religion courses鈥攖hey all started tying together. I was not pushed or prodded. I felt like the universe was putting everything together for me. It was the most astounding experience,鈥� she says. 鈥淭hose four years at Augsburg were the best years of my life.鈥�

Not that more recent years have been less than great, she is quick to point out. She began playing piano and teaching in Montana, then spent most of her career in southern California, where she discovered that performing for nonprofit fundraisers in famous venues such as the Peninsula Beverly Hills hotel was the most enjoyable as well as financially advantageous way to use her talents. She had always intended to return home to Minnesota, however, and recently moved to Wayzata, where she enjoys the walkability, the restaurants and coffee shops, and the chance to take acting classes and participate in the many artistic events available here.

Shark visited campus in April, noting that it seemed twice as large as it used to be. It has moved west, and the old, rundown houses have been replaced by beautiful new buildings, she says. Soon the Schwartz School of the Arts will house a dozen undergraduate majors in the performing and visual arts, as well as a master鈥檚 program in music therapy.

听鈥淚 used to go to Broadway and look at the playbill, which always included at least one actor from a famous liberal arts college on the East Coast. 鈥業 should have gone there,鈥� I used to think,鈥� she says. 鈥淣ow I鈥檓 thrilled to know that Augsburg is going to have that kind of program. I hope it brings in another group of students who don鈥檛 have to look at Julliard, who can be based in the Midwest. So many wonderful places are here鈥攖he Guthrie, the Chanhassen, Mixed Blood, etc.鈥攁nd for the size of our cities, that鈥檚 rare.鈥�

Learn more about Augsburg鈥檚听Great Returns听campaign.

Continuing the Legacy Her Husband Left at Augsburg

Posted on June 9, 2023June 25, 2024

Pastor Dave, as he was known throughout his three decades at Augsburg, was a larger-than-life presence whose legacy will continue to nurture and support future students through the Pastor Dave & Cathy Wold Endowed Scholarship.

Although he retired in 2013 and died unexpectedly in 2018 at age 72, the former campus pastor is still fondly remembered by many. He was famous for the jokes and puns he inserted into conversations and the enthusiasm he brought to his various campus pursuits, from presiding over daily chapel and weekly Eucharist services to coordinating Advent Vespers and announcing athletic events such as football, men鈥檚 basketball, and wrestling. He founded the Holy Hoops basketball league and led the 鈥淲orld Famous Bunch of Guys Chorus鈥� in their performances around campus. Along with providing spiritual guidance, he built and cherished relationships with everyone he met, meanwhile developing a special connection with Augsburg itself.

鈥淗e was an encourager,鈥� says his widow, Cathy, who has designated a $100,000 planned gift to establish the scholarship. 鈥淗e believed in Augsburg so much. He was the campus pastor, but he immersed himself in everything there as much as possible. He tried to get to know every student鈥攖heir name, something about them.鈥�

Neither Dave nor Cathy were alumni. The two were childhood family friends who reconnected at Concordia College, where Cathy was earning her education degree and Dave was visiting with student groups as part of his ministry. A St. Olaf graduate, he had been ordained at Luther Seminary and was serving Calvary Lutheran Church in Golden Valley when they married in 1974. He became director of the Youth Ministries Division of the American Lutheran Church, but his national and international responsibilities required such extensive travel that the young family yearned for an opportunity closer to home.听

Dave was named Director of Campus Ministries at Augsburg in 1983. 鈥淗e was elated. He just loved it,鈥� Cathy recalls. Their three children also spent much of their time on campus as they were growing up. 鈥淓verybody loved Augsburg, and we still love it.鈥�

As a teacher and specialist in early childhood family education for 16 years, Cathy shared Dave鈥檚 respect for and devotion to higher education. 鈥淗e was a big believer in liberal arts, and this is a pretty special place. It鈥檚 unique, it鈥檚 in the city, and it offers programs that not every college has, such as those for students with special needs. It also draws a really diverse population of students who don鈥檛 necessarily have the means to go to college,鈥� she says.

Because Dave spent thirty years getting to know students, providing programs to help them, and watching as they graduated and established successful lives, Cathy thinks he would be pleased with the family鈥檚 decision to create an endowed scholarship as part of Augsburg鈥檚 Great Returns campaign. It will support students who demonstrate financial need and, preferably, intend to live out their Christian vocations through serving others and building community. During this campaign, more than 150 benefactors have either started a new endowed scholarship or made a gift of $25,000 or more to an existing one.

鈥淒ave positively impacted so many students, and I know that because so many of them have written letters to him over the years,鈥� Cathy says. 鈥淚 want to be able to have his memory live on at Augsburg in some way, and I believe this is the best way to do that.鈥�

Learn more about Augsburg鈥檚 Great Returns campaign.

AUGSBURG UNIVERSITY ANNOUNCES JOHN N. SCHWARTZ 鈥�67 SCHOOL OF THE ARTS

Posted on April 13, 2023

Repost from the News and Media page

含羞草传媒 announced today the creation of the John N. Schwartz 鈥�67 School of the Arts, a destination arts hub for music, theater, and art and design. An estate gift from Augsburg alumnus John N. Schwartz 鈥�67 will establish the school.

鈥淲ith their power to connect, illuminate, break boundaries, and build relationships, the arts have been a vital part of Augsburg鈥檚 mission and community life for more than 150 years,鈥� said University President Paul C. Pribbenow. 鈥淎t a time when support for the arts in public life and education has become contingent and vulnerable, Augsburg is tremendously grateful for John Schwartz鈥檚 visionary leadership in establishing an institutional home for music, theater, and art for many future generations of students.鈥�

The Schwartz School of the Arts will house Augsburg鈥檚 12 undergraduate majors in the performing and visual arts, as well as the master of music therapy program. Students and faculty in the departments of theater, music, and art and design will have new and greater opportunities for interdisciplinary, collaborative work across disciplines, including with other areas of the university.

鈥淲e believe that a standalone arts school at a place like Augsburg鈥攁 university with deep commitments to access and equity, and one of the most diverse institutions in the upper Midwest鈥攚ill send a strong message to potential students that the arts are for everyone. Your gifts are valued here,鈥� said Paula O鈥橪oughlin, provost and senior vice president for academic and student affairs.

The performing and visual arts at Augsburg have long reflected the university鈥檚 mission in the commitments to artistic excellence, intentional diversity, civic engagement, and social justice embodied in each discipline. The new school is a refinement to the university鈥檚 institutional structure following the change from Augsburg College to 含羞草传媒 in 2017. It also aligns with Augsburg鈥檚 role as an anchor institution in the Cedar-Riverside community of Minneapolis.

鈥淭he Schwartz School of the Arts will be a key venue for Augsburg to explore with our neighbors and our students how to build and expand access to cultural assets,鈥� said Pribbenow.

As an undergraduate, John Schwartz sang baritone in the Augsburg choir, igniting a love of choral music that persisted throughout his 40-year career as a healthcare executive in Milwaukee, Oregon, Montana, and Chicago.

鈥淢y experiences at Augsburg are a perfect example of how a well-rounded liberal arts education provides a pathway not just to a career but to a full and meaningful life,鈥� said Schwartz. 鈥淲hether singing in a choral ensemble, performing in a theater production, or sculpting in the studio, the arts provide opportunities to grow and connect that don鈥檛 exist anywhere else. With this new school, Augsburg is clearly stating that the performing and visual arts are central to our mission.鈥�

A current member of Augsburg鈥檚 Board of Regents, Schwartz has long supported Augsburg music students. His previous gifts to the university established the Leland B. Sateren 鈥�35 professorship and chair of music, the John N. Schwartz professor of choral leadership and conducting, and the John N. Schwartz and James A. Mosley scholarship.

The Schwartz School of the Arts is one of a number of transformational outcomes of Augsburg鈥檚 ongoing听Great Returns: We鈥檙e All In听comprehensive fundraising campaign. With a goal to raise $125 million, it is the largest such campaign in Augsburg history.

About Augsburg

含羞草传媒 offers more than 50 undergraduate majors and 11 graduate degrees to approximately 3,200 students of diverse backgrounds at its campus in the vibrant center of the Twin Cities and nearby Rochester, Minnesota, location. Augsburg educates students to be informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers, and responsible leaders. An Augsburg education is defined by excellence in the liberal arts and professional studies, guided by the faith and values of the Lutheran church, and shaped by its urban and global settings. To learn more, visit听.