At the beginning of June, I had the pleasure of participating in the final meeting of Augsburg’s Campaign Calibration Task Force, which, as you know, was created by the Board of Regents to explore the potential for a new fundraising campaign. As we approach our sesquicentennial, our goal is to strengthen Augsburg’s ability to educate students to be informed citizens, thoughtful stewards, critical thinkers, and responsible leaders.

The Calibration Task Force has worked this year to determine carefully the scope and possible priorities for a new fundraising campaign. I’m inspired by all who participated in this work including the Advancement staff, our outside counsel Jim Daniel from Bentz Whaley Flessner, Wayne Jorgenson ’71 and Dennis Meyer ’78 who lead a separate task force on scholarships, and to all members of the Calibration Task Force: Matt and Jeannie Entenza, Mike ’71 and Ann Good, Mark Johnson ’75, Dean ’75 and Terry Kennedy, Karolynn Lestrud ’68, Dennis ’78 and Bev Meyer ’78, my college sweetheart & wife Nancy Mueller ’85, Jeff ’77 and Becky ’79 Nodland, Paul and Abigail Pribbenow, Mike Sime, Dean ’81 and Amy Sundquist, David and Muffy Tiede, and Bob and Jill Thomas. I’m also grateful to the more than 50 individuals from across the nation who were interviewed as part of our work. Thank you!

We are happy to share that Augsburg’s Campaign Calibration Task Force is optimistic about our future. We believe we have a strong case for support, terrific leadership at the College and on the Board, an outstanding pool of potential donors, an Advancement team ready to initiate a campaign, and a healthy economy in which to work. This coming October we will be presenting to the Board of Regents our recommendations for moving into the most ambitious fundraising campaign in Augsburg’s history.

As we move forward, we need your counsel, generosity, prayers, and all other forms of support. I will communicate regularly with you, the people who hold Augsburg most dear and who support it most generously.

Warmly,

Paul S. Mueller, M.D. ’84
Chair of Great Returns: Augsburg’s Sesquicentennial Campaign