Fire Prevention Week

Commemorating a Conflagration
Fire Prevention Week was established to commemorate the Great Chicago Fire, the tragic 1871 conflagration that killed more than 250 people, left 100,000 homeless, destroyed more than 17,400 structures and burned more than 2,000 acres. The fire began on October 8, but continued into and did most of its damage on October 9, 1871.

According to popular legend, the fire broke out after a cow - belonging to Mrs. Catherine O'Leary - kicked over a lamp, setting first the barn, then the whole city on fire. Chances are you've heard some version of this story yourself; people have been blaming the Great Chicago Fire on the cow and Mrs. O'Leary, for more than 130 years. But recent research by Chicago historian Robert Cromie has helped to debunk this version of events.

The 'Moo' myth
Like any good story, the 'case of the cow' has some truth to it. The great fire almost certainly started near the barn where Mrs. O'Leary kept her five milking cows. But there is no proof that O'Leary was in the barn when the fire broke out - or that a jumpy cow sparked the blaze. Mrs. O'Leary herself swore that she'd been in bed early that night, and that the cows were also tucked in for the evening.

But if a cow wasn't to blame for the huge fire, what was? Over the years, journalists and historians have offered plenty of theories. Some blamed the blaze on a couple of neighborhood boys who were near the barn sneaking cigarettes. Others believed that a neighbor of the O'Leary's may have started the fire. Some people have speculated that a fiery meteorite may have fallen to earth on October 8, starting several fires that day - in Michigan and Wisconsin, as well as in Chicago.

The biggest blaze that week
While the Great Chicago Fire was the best-known blaze to start during this fiery two-day stretch, it wasn't the biggest. That distinction goes to the Peshtigo Fire, the most devastating forest fire in American history. The fire, which also occurred on October 8th, 1871, and roared through Northeast Wisconsin, burning down 16 towns, killing 1,152 people, and scorching 1.2 million acres before it ended.

Historical accounts of the fire say that the blaze began when several railroad workers clearing land for tracks unintentionally started a brush fire. Before long, the fast-moving flames were whipping through the area 'like a tornado,' some survivors said. It was the small town of Peshtigo, Wisconsin that suffered the worst damage. Within an hour, the entire town had been destroyed.

Eight decades of fire prevention
Those who survived the Chicago and Peshtigo fires never forgot what they'd been through; both blazes produced countless tales of bravery and heroism. But the fires also changed the way that firefighters and public officials thought about fire safety. On the 40th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire, the Fire Marshals Association of North America (today known as the International Fire Marshals Association), decided that the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire should henceforth be observed not with festivities, but in a way that would keep the public informed about the importance of fire prevention. The commemoration grew incrementally official over the years.

In 1920, President Woodrow Wilson issued the first National Fire Prevention Day proclamation, and since 1922, Fire Prevention Week has been observed on the Sunday through Saturday period in which October 9 falls. According to the National Archives and Records Administration's Library Information Center, Fire Prevention Week is the longest running public health and safety observance on record. The President of the United States has signed a proclamation proclaiming a national observance during that week every year since 1925.

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"Conquer the GMAT" Prep Course Begins Oct. 21

Typically, reputable MBA programs require a GMAT score to be submitted as part of the admissions process, including the Augsburg MBA.

You can sign up for the most affordable GMAT Prep Course in the Twin Cities!

When:
Tuesday, Oct. 21st (6-9 p.m.
(followed by four additional Tuesday nights from 6-9 p.m.)

Where:
Oren Gateway Center (classroom TBD)

Cost:
$300 (includes Princeton Review prep guide)

How do you sign up:
Contact Nate Gorr at gorr@augsburg.edu or 612-330-1390.

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David Greenlund in Vocatio Chapel Oct. 15

Augsburg College continues the Vocatio Chapel tradition on October 15 at 10:20 with pastor and potter, David Greenlund. David Greenlund is the pastor of Peace Lutheran Church in Lauderdale, MN. He has started an arts ministry at his congregation called the Artists Way.

The Artist's Way is a gathering of people from the neighborhood, the University and the church itself. Their desire is to support, challenge, and artistically work together for the sake of consciously catching glimpses of the Spirit for each other and those in our lives. The result has been seen and heard in the creation of Labyrinths, paintings, drawings, writing, storytelling, music and anyone can guess what next. It is an open group and attempts to meet weekly on Wednesdays at 7PM.

David is himself an accomplished potter, designer, and ceramic artist. Some of his work will be on display in the chapel while he is visiting.

Students, faculty, and staff are invited to join David Greenlund for lunch, following chapel at 11:00 in the Riverside Room. To RSVP, please email murray@augsburg.edu.

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New Additions to the CTL Library

The Center for Teaching and Learning has acquired new two additions for the CTL Library located in Lindell 202.

slide:ology The Art and Science of Creating Great Presentations by Nancy Duarte and
Faculty Guidebook: A Comprehensive Tool for Improving Faculty Performance by 4th Edition Project Directors, Stephen Beyerlein, Carol Holmes and Daniel K. Apple.

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Tickets on Sale for "Found"

Tickets are now on sale for Found, directed by Randy Reyes.
Available performance dates are Tuesday October 21, Wednesday October 22, and Thursday October 23 at 8:00 (please note that the performance time has changed from what was printed in our season brochure. Performances will begin at 8:00, not at 7:00 as was printed).

Tickets are on sale for
$5 for General Public
$4 for ACTC faculty and staff
$2 for Augsburg students and children under 12
All Augsburg students need to bring their student ID.

To make a reservation, please call 612-330-1257 with your name, phone number, the amount of tickets you would like and the type of tickets you would like. (If your call is received later than 3:00 p.m. the day of an evening performance, your reservation will not be taken.)

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Study Abroad Information Table Tomorrow

Stop by the IES Abroad Information Table

Tomorrow, Thursday, October 9 from 11:00-1:00 in the Christensen Center Lobby.

With more than 80 programs in 31 cities around the globe, IES Abroad is dedicated to broadening its global reach and continuing its commitment to offering students outstanding academic options coupled with every-day opportunities for cultural immersion. IES Abroad programs include fall, spring, academic year and summer options. Internships are available on many programs.

www.iesabroad.org

There's still time to apply to study abroad in Spring '09. Augsburg Abroad application deadline is October 15.

Don't forget, you must apply to both Augsburg Abroad and the program itself.

www.augsburg.edu/augsburgabroad/

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Thomson Reuters Open House -- Accounting/Finance

Come Explore Accounting and Finance Career Opportunities at Thomson
Reuters! Friday, October 17 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Thomson Reuters
610 Opperman Drive
Eagan, MN 55123
(just minutes outside of St. Paul)

Your day will include:

* Executive Presentations
* Opportunity to learn about Internship and Full Time
opportunities
* Tour of Eagan our facility (Thomson Reuters North American Legal
Headquarters)
* Lunch
* Prizes
* Networking
* Panel Discussion

RSVP by October 9 to Jenny Uglem at jenny.uglem@thomsonreuters.com

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Graduate School and Professional Day -- TODAY

The University of Minnesota will be having their annual Graduate and Professional School Day on Wednesday, October 8, 2008 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. The event will be held in Coffman Union, Great Hall, and is FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

Graduate and Professional School Day is a great way to connect with a large number of graduate schools without leaving campus! About 100 graduate/professional programs and 900 students participate. Take advantage of this opportunity to explore grad school options.

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Staff Senate Nominations Due Friday

Please go to http://www.augsburg.edu/staff_senate web page and click on the button to nominate yourself or another staff member for the open vacancy. Deadline for nominations is 4 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10th Questions, e-mail Sandy at tilton@augsburg.edu

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Questions About the Current U.S. Financial Crisis?

Do you have questions about the current U.S. financial crisis?

Thursday, October 9, 2008
4 - 5:30 p.m.
Marshall Room, Christensen Center

- How will this affect the future of our economy?
- What about my current investments (401K/403B)?
- Will I be able to get student loans?

Faculty, staff and students are invited to attend an open panel discussion on the current financial crisis facing the United States economy. Faculty members from the Department of Business Administration and the Department of Economics will be present to answer questions.

Panelists include:

Business Administration-
Ashok Kapoor
Rosanne Malevich
Marc McIntosh

Economics-
Jeanne Boeh
Kevin Bowman
Keith Gilsdorf

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2009 Insurance Benefits Renewal

The next benefit plan year will begin January 1, 2009. October 10-November 30, 2008 is our annual enrollment period and certain changes in your benefits may only be made during this time. Please plan to attend one of the following meetings and/or read this memo carefully for information regarding benefits and changes.

Friday, October 10, 2008 from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. in Gateway Room 100
Tuesday, October 21, 2008 from 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. in Gateway Room 100
Thursday, October 23, 2008 from – 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. in Gateway Room 100
Wednesday, October 29, 2008 from – 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. in. Gateway Room 100
Wednesday, October 29, 2008 from – 8:15 – 9:15 p.m. in. Gateway Room 100
Tuesday November 4, 2008 from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. in Gateway Room 100

IMPORTANT: Forms and Deadlines:

http://web.augsburg.edu/hr/2009_Benefits/2009BenefitsRe-EnrollmentDetails.pdf

Enrollment forms, election forms, and change forms are
due on or before November 30, 2008.

Employees who turn in their completed forms early by November 11, 2008
will have their names placed in a drawing for a $25 gift certificate. FOUR LUCKY WINNERS will be selected! Please send or drop off completed forms to:

Human Resources
Memorial Hall, Room 19
Campus Box 79

Contact Human Resources, at x1058 with any questions regarding benefits coverage, enrollment, changes, and forms.

We hope to see you at one of the sessions!

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All Staff/Faculty Gathering Oct. 22

Please mark your calendars for the Fall All Staff/Faculty Gathering on Wednesday, Oct. 22, from 3:30-4 p.m. in the East Commons. We will be serving yummy pies and beverages! Door prizes and a chance to meet new staff members. sponsored by: Staff Senate Questions e-mail staffsenate@augsburg.edu

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Staff Senate Meeting -- Open Forum this Thursday

Staff Senate Open Forum
Open Forum for staff to express concerns to Staff Senate at the monthly meeting 3:30pm to 4:00pm, Sverdrup 102

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Government Job/Internship Fair

Government Job/Internship Fair
Friday, October 24, 2008
10:00-3:00 p.m.
U of M, Coffman Union
Allows candidates to pursue professional opportunities and internships in all levels of government. We would like you to register with CSWL at tilton@augsburg.edu. This event is free and open to all.

Questions, email tilton@augsburg.edu

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MN Indian Women's Resource Center Needs Assistance

The Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center (MIWRC) is having their Fall Feast on Friday, Oct. 10 and desperately need volunteers to help serve food between 10:30-1:30pm. The Center is located 7 blocks from campus at 2300-15th Avenue South. The MIWRC contact person is Nancy Smith, 612-817-0890.

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Depression and Anxiety Screening Day Tomorrow

Worried? Stressed? Sad? You’re not alone. Get help at the Center for Counseling and Health Promotion’s Depression and Anxiety Screening Day. Drop by the CCHP house on Thursday, October 9 between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. and complete a free 10-minute mental health screening. No appointments necessary. You will meet face-to-face with a counselor to discuss the results and receive information about resources on- and off-campus to help address your concerns. Contact CCHP at x1707 with any questions. Depression and anxiety are treatable. Get help today!

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Nuruddin Farah: "The Power of Words"

On October 15th, Augsburg College will host the award-winning Somali writer, Nuruddin Farah. The event, “The Power of Words,” will include Farah’s reading from his latest novel, _Knots_, as well as time for discussion and book-signing.

Date: Wednesday, October 15th, 2008
Times:
6:00 – 7:30 p.m. - Reading and discussion
7:30 – 8:30 p.m. - Reception and book signing
Location:
Augsburg College
Hoversten Chapel in the Foss Center
625 22nd Avenue So., Minneapolis (corner of Riverside & 22nd Ave)

Mr. Farah is the author of ten novels, including _Knots_. His novels have been translated into more than twenty languages and have won numerous awards. Mr. Farah has been noted for his unique representation of the postcolonial experience in Africa; he depicts the vicissitudes of family life in the face of the withering effects of patriarchy, colonization, and state-sanctioned terror. His approach closes an important gap in the dominant anti-colonial discourse inspired by Frantz Fanon’s theories, which glossed over the hegemonic devastations of traditional African patriarchy.

Farah was named the 1998 laureate of the Neustadt International Prize for Literature, “widely regarded as the most prestigious award after the Nobel” (_The New York Times_). Born in Baidoa, Somalia, Mr. Farah has lived in exile in many African countries, including Ethiopia, Gambia, Sudan, Uganda, and Nigeria. He now lives in Cape Town, South Africa.

According to Michele Levy in _World Literature Today_ (Sept/Oct 2007), through the “quest” of its remarkable heroine Cambara, Farah’s _Knots_ “explores the impact of diaspora and globalization on Somalis at home and abroad, portrays how civil war brands psyches and cities, and expands our distant vision of Mogadishu.”

This event is sponsored by the following Augsburg departments and organizations: Work Culture @ Augsburg, International Student Organization, Pan-Afrikan Center, English Department, Office of International Programs, Center for Service, Work and Learning, and World Visions Book Group.

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Free Wheel Bike Shop Mural Dedication

This Friday, October 10th at 3:45pm, Augsburg student coordinators, University of Minnesota students, and Trinity Lutheran Church (Change 4 Peace) will be unveiling their summer Public Achievement project. This collaboration was directed and produced by talented, young leaders in the Cedar-Riverside Neighborhood. After repeatedly noticing gang tags, blatant symbols of hatred and violence, 4th, 5th, 6th, and 7th grade youth painted a vibrant, colorful statement to commemorate victims of hatred. Come and listen to their stories, share food and support.

If you have any questions or comments and want to get INVOLVED, contact Peter (miller9@augsburg.edu) or Tiffany (cobb@augsburg.edu)

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Augsburg College Democrats

If anyone thinks they may be interested in joining the upstart Augsburg College Democrats Club, or if you just want more information, let me know.

Meetings will start next week.


madland@augsburg.edu

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Memorial Blood Center Fall Blood Drive TODAY

Memorial Blood Center will be on campus today in East Commons from 10 - 4 p.m. for blood donations. Thank you to the many students, faculty and staff that pre-registered for a donation time. Please remember to eat good meals and drink a lot of fluids if you are donating today.

While most of the time slots were filled (thanks!) walk-ins are always welcome because sometimes things change for donors and they may be deferred, they are sick or whatever. So even if you did not sign-up to donate feel free to drop in over at East Commons -- a donation slot may just be open for you!

Any questions, please call the Counseling & Health Promotion Office at 612-330-1707.

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Auggie Athletics Update

Auggie Athletics Update (click on link for story/stats):

Tuesday, October 7:
Women's Soccer -- Augsburg 2, Gustavus 1
http://www.augsburg.edu/athletics/wsoccer/0809statistics/100708gustavus.html

Volleyball -- Concordia-Moorhead 3, Augsburg 0 (25-19, 25-17, 25-20)
http://www.augsburg.edu/athletics/volleyball/0809statistics/100708concordia.html


Upcoming Events:
http://www.augsburg.edu/athletics/

Wednesday, October 8:
Men's Soccer vs. Gustavus, Edor Nelson Field, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, October 10:
Volleyball at Wisconsin-River Falls Tournament -- vs. Viterbo (Wis.), 3 p.m.; vs. Loras (Iowa), 5 p.m.
Women's Soccer vs. Loras (Iowa), Edor Nelson Field, 7 p.m.

Saturday, October 11:
Volleyball at Wisconsin-River Falls Tournament -- vs. Wisconsin-River Falls, 10 a.m.; vs. Macalester, 2 p.m.
Football at Carleton, 1 p.m. -- LIVE AUDIO: http://www.augsburg.edu/athletics/liveaudio/
Men's Soccer at Carleton, 1 p.m.
Women's Soccer Alumnae Game (EXHIBITION), Edor Nelson Field, 3:30 p.m.

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Lost Keys in Wednesday Morning Yoga

Help! If anyone finds a set of 8 keys with a black keyless entry ring, please call the CCHP office at 612-330-1707 as soon as possible. The set of keys was last seen in the Marshall Room of Christensen Center during today's morning yoga class between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m.

Thank you very much. If you have found them and turned them in, please call the CCHP office to let us know where they were turned in.

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