Lent is a period of contemplation. As winter ends, we reflect on some of most difficult aspects of the human condition—rejection, disease, and death. Yet, as the days get longer and warmer, we know spring is near along with the joy associated with the meaning of Easter—the gospel fulfilled—when we exclaim, “He is risen!”
In the spirit of a long-anticipated celebration, Augsburg University recently welcomed about 1,000 people to campus for the grand opening of the Hagfors Center for Science, Business and Religion. For some Auggies, this was their first return to campus in years. Indeed, the celebration was a Great Return. As I reunited with friends and watched the delight on the faces of fellow Auggies, I felt a sense of closure on one amazing endeavor, the Believe campaign for the Hagfors Center, and momentum for the next, the Great Returns campaign.
As a Great Returns insider, I want you to know the Augsburg University Board of Regents, at their recent meeting, unanimously passed a resolution in support of leading the Great Returns campaign as the most ambitious fundraising endeavor in Augsburg’s history. The Board recognizes the value of growing Augsburg’s endowment in order to support student success through scholarships, innovative learning programs, professorships and strategic priorities.
Since I began writing these letters last June, Augsburg has received more than 510 early campaign gift commitments, five of which are at the 7-figure level. I continue to be moved by the generosity of Auggies!
Today, I want to announce a series of small group dinners beginning this spring called “Four Courses with Augsburg.” Over four food and beverage pairings, Augsburg faculty will explore four elements of the curriculum that comprise the core of the Augsburg experience. I invite you to attend one of these dinners. Please see the enclosure for event details and RSVP information.
As you reflect on this season of promise, please keep Augsburg University and its students, faculty and staff in your thoughts and prayers. If you would like to have a gift conversation or have any questions about the campaign, please reach out to me (muellerp@augsburg.edu) or Vice President for Advancement Heather Riddle (riddle@augsburg.edu).
Warmly,
Paul S. Mueller, M.D. ’84
Chair of Great Returns: Augsburg’s Sesquicentennial Campaign