Thank you for your exceptional support of Augsburg and its mission, despite the challenges we are all experiencing because of the COVID-19 pandemic. At times like these, support from the Augsburg Community is humbling and inspiring.
Things are tough for everyone. I remind myself of Martin Luther’s words: “Pray, and let God worry.” I try to focus on what I can personally influence: the health and safety of my family, teams at Mayo in the La Crosse region, and those I directly serve as a physician.
We want to assure you that as we navigate this uncharted territory, Augsburg is taking all possible and necessary steps to protect the health and safety of all our community members. While we transition to online classes this week, I hope that you will take a moment to reflect on what Augsburg’s faculty and staff have been able to accomplish so quickly, to ensure the continuity of our academic programs and university operations, and to help our students continue with their academic successes. We also acknowledge the many staff that support required services on our campuses. We will emerge from this challenging time as we always do – together!
I also believe we will learn a lot from this experience such as how Augsburg can and will adapt to meet the needs of students and our community. Augsburg has done this many times throughout its history and this unique nimbleness has resulted in some of our hallmark programs such as StepUP, the CLASS office, weekend college, and others.
As chair of Great Returns: Augsburg’s Sesquicentennial Campaign, I would also like to give you an update on our campaign. I am grateful for all of you, Augsburg’s generous benefactors! Because of you, we have reached a significant milestone in our campaign: as of February 29, we have raised over $54 million in gifts and pledges to support Augsburg’s endowment and other strategic priorities, including over $12 million directed to endowed scholarships and $4 million directed to endowed professorships.
Augsburg changes lives and saves lives, and it is my hope that Augsburg will remain one of your philanthropic priorities.
With my best wishes for you and the people close to you. Keep Augsburg in mind and please stay in touch.
Sincerely,
Paul S. Mueller, MD, ’84, Chair
Great Returns: Augsburg’s Sesquicentennial Campaign
“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand (Isaiah 41:10 ).”
Doctor Paul S. Mueller is the Regional Vice President for the Mayo Clinic Health System, Southwest Wisconsin. He is also a Professor of Medicine and a Professor of Biomedical Ethics in the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. Doctor Mueller’s research focus is biomedical ethics, especially ethical dilemmas associated with life-sustaining technologies such as implantable cardiac devices.
Doctor Mueller is a fellow of the American College of Physicians and the Hastings Center and is involved in numerous volunteer activities, including chairing the Great Returns Campaign at Augsburg University.