Sociology at Augsburg University

05/14/2026

A big shout out to sociology alum Mya Bishop who has been admitted to the MSW program at Arizona State University! Wow! Congratulations! And best wishes as you start up the new program! We’re so proud of you!

04/24/2026

Among the many sociology students being honored at the Honors Convocation here at Augsburg University university yesterday were Jessica Agudo and Jaimie Sinche Sinchi. Congratulations on all your many accomplishments! We’re so proud!

04/15/2026

You’re invited to participate in a study on the mental health impact of Operation Metro Surge. Please see the attached flyer. The study is open to everyone who lives and/or works in the Twin Cities metro and who is 18 years of age or older. And spread the word!

04/02/2026

Students in Research Methods (SOC 363) with Prof. Vela-McConnell visited Wilder Research in St. Paul today to learn about doing research in the community and what it’s like to work as a researcher. They’re doing amazing work and had many words of wisdom’s to share about the value of and challenges of conducting research.
Augsburg University
Amherst H. Wilder Foundation

03/23/2026

Students visited the North Dakota State Penitentiary, known for its rehabilitative approach. They spent time visiting its Prison Industry Unit called “Rough Riders,” its state of the art infirmary (by prison standards), and talked to the residents/inmates, staff, and administrators, including the warden of the new women’s prison. We are extremely grateful to Augsburg University Alumni Mark Johnson for his ongoing support of the Torstenson Fund that makes such an educational trip possible for our students. Thank you! Augsburg University

03/13/2026

Professors Erickson and Pippert traveled with 12 sociology students to North Dakota to tour the main Corrections and Rehabilitation center in Bismarck. We also stopped at the Hjemkomst Center in Moorhead, MN to learn about Norwegian immigration. The students were fantastic!
Augsburg University

03/07/2026

This week we hosted our annual Career Night event featuring seven sociology and urban studies alumni who shared their wisdom with our students. Thank you to our panelists: Edmond, Liz, Melissa, Tori, Ashley, Elliot, and Ahlam!

Augsburg University
Augsburg University Alumni

02/26/2026

Yesterday, sociology senior Jaimie Sinche represented Augsburg University at the annual Scholars at the Capitol event, presenting her McNair Scholars research focusing on the experiences of first-generation college students from immigrant Latino families. Congratulations on a job well done! And way to represent Augsburg!

01/26/2026

Prof. Tim Pippert is in Norway right now along with sociology alum Mark Johnson and CGEE staff Pat and Bettine. They are being hosted by two professors from Ostfold University of Applied Sciences. Tim notes that everyone greets them with sympathy when they find out they're from Minneapolis, Minnesota.

12/20/2025

Students in Social Psychology (SOC 375) are excited to have finished the semester after presenting the findings from their field research projects. Great job everybody! And enjoy your break!

11/29/2025

Over the holiday weekend, Prof. James Vela-McConnell made a guest appearance on the ABC Radio (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) program Nightlife in a segment titled “Unlikely Friendships.” While it’s bit of a puff piece, he managed to squeeze some sociology in there! Enjoy!
https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/nightlife/unlikely-friends/106080864
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Can you become great friends with someone who is totally different to you?