Auggie Pride Award – Page 3

Griesse, Geffre awarded Auggie Pride for October

Congratulations to our September Auggie Pride Award Winners: Stephen Geffre and Sarah Griesse!

Stephen Geffre serves as the campus photographer in the Office of Marketing and Communication. Here is what Stephen’s colleagues who nominated him had to say:

“He works crazy hours, and on weekends, often — but this past week (homecoming) he worked tirelessly day-and-night on behalf of the College. Not only was he running around campus taking photos and video of the various events happening, he was also taking photos for an Augsburg Now story called “24 hours at Augsburg.” This required him — literally — to be on campus for 24 hours.”

Sarah Griesse serves as Dean of Students in Student Affairs. Here’s what Sarah’s colleagues, who nominated her, had to say:

“I am writing to nominate Sarah Griesse, Dean of Students. The reason she is an awesome Auggie is that she is a champion for students who have experienced sexual assault or sexual harassment. She does this by showing great care and great skill in helping students, including re-writing our policy and procedures, ensuring training for students, faculty, and staff, and coordinating support for resources for students. In particular, she led the college’s efforts to ensure compliance with recent legislation the Sexual Violence Elimination Act (SaVE).”

Auggie Pride is a monthly award that recognizes staff who go above and beyond in their duties at Augsburg. The award is presented monthly based on nominations received and chosen by Staff Senate. To nominate a colleague, email staff senate@augsburg.edu. Please include a short description of why your nominee deserves the award.

Congratulations to September Auggie Pride Award Winners

Congratulations to September Auggie Pride Award Winners: Jeff Swenson ’79 and Ana Eliason!

Jeff Swenson Auggie Pride

Jeff Swenson ’79 has been a part of the Augsburg College community since 1975 and currently serves as Athletic Director.

Here is what Jeff’s colleagues who nominated him had to say:

“Jeff has been working tirelessly this summer to raise funds for the new scoreboard to recognize Edor Nelson ’38 and put on a major 100th birthday event for Edor in August. He has also been instrumental in securing fellowships for the athletic department which has led to the back-to-back largest recruiting classes in the history of the Augsburg athletic department.”

Ana Eliason joined Augsburg in 2011 and serves as the Career and Internship Specialist in the Strommen Center.

Here’s what Jeff and Ana’s colleagues who nominated them had to say:

“Since coming to Augsburg three years ago, Ana has spent hours reviewing the internship process and working with faculty and various departments to see that the process is smooth and easy to follow. Her care, dedication, and commitment to serving students, faculty, and off-campus partners is incredible and it is so often highlighted in her work with internships at Augsburg. Ana plays a big role in designing those “wow” moments when our site supervisors also have a great experience hiring an Auggie.

Lane, Lee, and Trelstad Porter receive Auggie Pride award for November

Please join the Staff Senate in congratulating the three recipients of the Auggie Pride Award for the month of November.

Melodie Lane, athletics administrative assistant

Nomination: “Her enthusiasm to collect valuable data stems from her desire for 100 percent accurate reporting. She is bringing a new level of fiscal understanding to her division.”

Melissa Lee, assistant athletic director/assistant softball coach

Nomination: “Mel is an asst. softball coach here along with running the women’s locker-room equipment cage for years, coordinating all the women’s teams laundry and uniform care, plus she chairs the athletic academic support department. This fall Mel stepped into a new role as an assistant athletic director and took on many more duties while still helping with the transition of her previous duties. There are many days where many of us in the athletics department essentially “got to Mel” when we need something done right away, or need help with something we don’t know. She woks tirelessly for us and definitely is worthy of recognition for how much she does. She goes far above and beyond what is required of her and we owe her our sanity! Please consider recognizing Mel as she is truly a class act and makes me proud to work in this department!”

James Trelstad Porter, director of International Student and Scholar Services

Nomination: “I work with and see Jim on a daily basis. He is an individual who Augsburg is very fortunate to have. He strives to make Augsburg College the best place it possibly can be for both international and domestic students. In transition and challenging times, he continues to be the positive energy, having faith that all will work out.”

The Auggie Pride Incentive Program comes out of Staff Senate’s desire to recognize outstanding staff on a more regular basis (monthly), and tap the collective mind power for great ideas. If you would like to nominate someone or have a suggestion, please go to Auggie Pride submission form or email staffsenate@augsburg.edu.

Matson, Rumpza and Nagorski receive Pride award for October

Please join the Staff Senate in congratulating the three recipients of the Auggie Pride Award for the month of October.

Mike Matson, football assistant coach/Athletic Department chaplain/volunteer strength & conditioning coach

Nomination: “Pr. Mike Matson oozes Auggie-ness. All the way down to his Augsburg tattoo on his calf! He is the linebacker coach on the football team, the strength coach for five Augsburg teams, and on staff with campus ministry. The guy is ga-ga for Augsburg…and it is infectious for other staff members and the student body.”

Kathy Rumpza, director of marketing communication (left), and Jennifer Nagorski, senior creative associate – design

Nomination: “Jen and Kathy consistently go above and beyond the expected. They deliver amazing, quality results and they think about marketing in creative and unexpected ways. They are always thinking of helpful ways to improve our work and they are patient, flexible, and willing to help meet deadlines or work on last-minute projects. It is a pleasure to be able to work with them!”

Mann receives Auggie Pride Award for September

Joe Mann, web manager in the Office of Marketing and Communication, has been awarded the Auggie Pride Award for the month of September. Mann was nominated for his efforts in re-launching the College website after a redesign of the site. He worked particularly hard to make the site compatible with mobile devices. Please join the Staff Senate in congratulating Joe.