Augsburg College - Augsburgian Yearbook (Minneapolis, MN)

Page 26 text:

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Dr. T. (). Burnlvcdt. Mr. II. My lire, Rev. I). V. Lvngdal. Mr. G. Michaelsen. Rev. K. G. I.arson. Rev. C. J. Carlson. Dr. Bernhard Christensen, Mr. Even Osc. Rev. C. G. Olson. Rev. 0. Rogue. ot pictured: Mr. L. . Henninger. Mr. Ivor Iverson. Our minds are filled with memories as we turn the pages of this record of a year that is past. But as we relive it. may we also dream a dream and pray a prayer about a future in which we may. each one. play a heroic and a generous part! Dr. Martin Quanbeck 22

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Christ Above All In both education and religion there is a tempta- tion to substitute words for reality. Words themselves are, it is true, a kind of reality, if they are the expres- sion of clear thinking, sincere conviction, purposeful decision. But they may also be an escape from reality, a shortcut seeking to avoid the difficult climb over the rugged mountains of experience. The motto of the 1953 Augsburgian “Christ Above All” challenges all of us to. ask ourselves whether that motto is to us but beautiful words or a life-controlling reality. And to face this challenge earnestly is to be in the authentic line of Augsburg’s life and spirit. Reality in religion has been a major Augsburg em- phasis down through the years. In searching our hearts as to this central issue in our personal programs of Christian education we need to raise pointedly questions such as these: Dare I and do I put Christ above all in the for- mulation of my life-goals and purposes? Dare I and do I test my thinking in the light of His clear teaching? Dare I and do I measure my life, both outward and inward, against His matchless standards and holy example? Much that goes under the name of Christianity is salt without savor, wind without rain. There is need for a new “Christian existentialism,” stressing not words but life, not only profession of faith but self- losing love. There are signs of such a Christian existentialism on the American horizon today. Is it being seriously fostered on our campus and in our lives? The Christian colleges can probably never again be the chief centers of scholarship in America, though they must make their worthy contribution also in these fields of rigorous thought and painstaking research. They should, however, be places where words are matched with life, where idealism issues in commit- ment, where duty is transfigured because seen in eter- nal perspective. Are we in the Augsburg Community — students, faculty and staff — consistently stirred and moti- vated by this vision of Christian education? Or is the seeping miasma of secularism choking it to death among us, while we go serenely on repeating lovely Bible-garnered phrases? Even the publication of our yearbook, seeking to reflect the many-sided life of our college and seminary, should Ik an occasion of heart-searching. Are our professions deep-rooted in dedicated living? The Kingdom of God and the kingdom of Chris- tian higher education consists not in word but in power. Bernhard Christensen 21

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K. BERNER DAHLEN. .M.. Dean of Students and ss«. date Professor of English: A.B., Augsburg College. 1031: .M.. I niversity of Minnesota. 1940. Xdditional study: Minnesota. Teaching: High School. 1931-39; Crosby - Iron- ton Junior College. 1940-41. I . S. Xrmy Air Forces. 1942- 45. At Augsburg since 1941. MILDRED V. JOEL. A.M.. Registrar and Assistant Pro- lessor: A.B.. Augsburg College. 1910: . I.. I niversity of Minnesota. 1947. Xdditional study: Saskatchewan. Minne- sota. Teaching: High School. 1941-46. At Augsburg since 1947. CERDA MORTENSEN. Dean of Women and Professor: B.S.. I niversity of Minnesota. 1923: A.XL. Columbia I ni- versity. 1920. Additional study: Minnesota. Teaching: Jun- ior High School. 1917-1921: Hankow Private School. Han- kow. China. 1934-35. At Augsburg since 1923. BlIRTON P. FOSSE, B.B.A.. B.M.E.. Business Manager. B.B.A.. and B.M.E.. I niversity of Minnesota. 1949. I . S. Army. 1943-46. Industrial Engineering Work, 1949-53. At Augsburg since 1953. 23