The annual Staff Appreciation Awards Ceremony took place on March 26th when we celebrated all of the staff’s contributions to the Augsburg community with food, fun, and good company! We announced the winners of the Outstanding Staff and Newcomer awards, the winner of the outstanding team/department award, and gave away prizes to attendees. Thank you to all staff for your hard work and accomplishments this year! Winners are noted in bold lettering below.

Download Pictures from the Event here.

Outstanding Team/Department Award:

University Events: Shannon Obey, Ryan Marcy-Strelow, Brittney Brown, Kitty Osborn

Outstanding Staff Award: 

• Chris Palahniuk – Biology Laboratory Manager
• Christine Oliver – Counselor, Center for Wellness and Counseling (CWC)
• Colleen Hagerman – Nursing Program Coordinator
• Gina Musto – Career Services Manager
• Ilse Rolf – Senior Systems and Stewardship Specialist
• Jenean Gilmer – Program Manager of Community-Engaged Learning
• Kristina Fruge – Director of Congregational and Community Initiatives
• Minasie Theophilos – Custodian
• Rachel Farris – Director of Public Relations and Internal Communications
• Sydney Fredericks – Benefits and Payroll Specialist

Newcomer Award:

• Elijah Owens – Community Director, Residence Life
• Izzy Rankin – Human Resources Generalist
• Jennifer Butler – Director of Student Initiatives 
• Marcus Carrigan – Program Associate for Career Services and Off-Campus Study
• Melizza Rodriguez – Program Assistant, TRIO/SSS
• Morgan Knutzen – Director of Career Services
• Sarah Morgan – Program Associate for Off-Campus Study

Celebrating Staff Members for their Years of Service at Augsburg!

5 Years

• Derrin Lamker – Head Football Coach
• Babette Chatman – Director of Ministry / University Pastor
• Mohamado Ibrahim – Building Operator
• Sherrie Luetgers – Program Manager of Masters in Physician Assistant Studies 
• Cruz Rodriguez – Assistant Director of McNair Scholars Program
• Jon Stentz – Alcohol and Drug Counselor, StepUP
• Nicholas Brundy – Head Strength and Conditioning Coach
• Tyler LeClear Vachta – Associate Director of Human Resources
• Chris Dixon – Assistant Athletic Director / Director of Athletic Diversity & Inclusion / Head Track and Field Coach
• Wendy Assal – Associate Director of International Admissions

 10 Years

• Kristine Kammueller – Technical Services Coordinator, Lindell Library
• Ric Rutten – Painter
• Sir Yang – Building Operator II
• Lisa Stobb – Senior Accountant
• Lucy Hardaker – Associate Director of Marketing and Recruitment, Center for Global Education and Experience (CGEE)
• Tony Valek – Head Men’s Wrestling Coach
• Kathy McGillivray – Director of the Center for Learning and Accessible Student Services (CLASS)
• Eric Rolland – Head Golf Coach
• Nathan Tenut – Offensive Football Coordinator

15 Years

• Rebecca John – Vice President and Chief Operating Officer
• Jenny Wheatley – Gallery Director
• Bruce Nelson – A-Club Advancement Manager
• Katie Bishop – Special Assistant to the President
• Amy Cram Helwich – Executive Director of the Minnesota Urban Debate League
• Laura Simms – Physics Research Associate

20 Years

• Erin Voss – Programmer Analyst

25 Years

• Beth Carlson – Assistant Director of the Center for Wellness and Counseling (CWC)

30 Years

• Kristen Connell – Athletic Facilities Manager