A Minnesotan opinador

Writing about current and important things.

Friday, February 25, 2011

One of the Greats Leaves Augsburg

Carrie Carroll is one of those people who make you feel comfortable to be you the first time you meet her. At least that's how I felt when I met Carrie at a college fair years ago.

Carrie first helped me navigate the system to enter Augsburg and excel once there. Carrie has also been my confident, a great friend. Carrie has been there whenever I needed someone to talk to and always with a smile (and often times with a pretty good joke).
Carrie has been at Augsburg probably since the College was founded in 1869 and has seen the many changes the school has gone through. I believe Augsburg is moving towards breaking ground because of its mission and its commitment to all students. Now, President Pribbenow has been key to making this place even better. However, like with every other big change (and how we purposefully and thoughtfully respond to it), a vision of a place like Augsburg cannot be moved forward with out the commitment of other key players.

While the President really is the one who envisions (and he has done it with the rest of the college), Carrie is one of those people whose work and commitment have moved the college to where it is today. The student body has changed because Carrie has been adamant in attracting a whole spectrum of students. Carrie has been challenging racist notions coming from staff and faculty (yes, faculty too) about our new student body. Carrie has greatly helped debunk stereotypes about all students and has been proactive in ensuring that the college is ready to serve well all of its students. Carrie has in many senses made Augsburg what it is today.

It is sad to know she is leaving Augsburg. I am sad she is leaving. I know that I am going to cry to see her leave. My last months of my undergrad are going to be different. But I so wish Carrie the best at her new job at Luther College in St. Paul. I know I have a friend in her and certainly see each other. And I don't think I can get rid of her if I wanted anyways (at least that's the b-day card message I got this year).

Carrie, there is nothing else I can say, but thank you from the bottom of my heart.