News Archives - 2009

Augsburg Day at the Capitol

Every year, students, staff, and faculty from Minnesota's private colleges visit the state Capitol to advocate for increases in financial aid, specifically the Minnesota State Grant program. This year the Minnesota Private Colleges have introduced the College Opportunity Agenda which includes a proposal to add $75 million per year to this program.

Thursday, April 2 is Augsburg Day at the Capitol, a chance to support the College Opportunity Agenda. All students, especially those who receive the Minnesota State Grant, are encouraged to attend to tell legislators why this program is so important to Minnesota college students.

Max Cody, a sophomore from Faribault, Minn. will be attending Augsburg Day at the Capitol.

Cody wanted to study in Minnesota to stay close to family. He was considering other colleges but came to Augsburg because of the help and encouragement of the Augsburg admissions staff. "I decided on Augsburg after working with Carola [Thorson]. She was amazingly helpful."

Because Cody has special circumstances related to applying for financial aid, the process can be difficult. He noted that Thorson helped with the application and personally called him to read his financial aid award.

"When Carola called and told me how much aid I could get, my Grandma got all choked up," Cody said. "If I didn't have financial aid, I wouldn't be able to go here."

Being an Auggie means a lot to Cody. A political science major with minors in peace and global studies and international relations, Cody is also involved in student government, is starting a pre-law society, volunteers at People Serving People, and has traveled with the Coalition for Student Activism to protest at the School of the Americas.

"Augsburg College has shaped my personality and who I am," he says. "I'm much more knowledgeable about what's going on in the world, more involved in the community. I feel like I have really grown."

Cody wasn't able to attend Augsburg Day at the Capitol last year but will this time. He believes it is his duty as a student help ensure that others can get a higher education without worrying about money.

"Money shouldn't stop you from learning and engaging yourself. I wouldn't be able to go to college without it, and I wouldn't want anyone else not to have that opportunity."

This week, members of student government will table in Christensen Center with information about Augsburg Day at the Capitol. Students can find more information and registration at the Minnesota Private Colleges website or email cody@augsburg.edu.