News Archives - 1998

After 26 years at Augsburg, the last 16 as the director of the Center for Global Education at Augsburg College, Joel Mugge is resigning effective May 31 to pursue other personal and professional challenges.

Mugge, who founded the Center for Global Education in January 1982 and officially became its director six months later, has overseen the growth of the Center from a staff of two in 1982 to a staff of nearly 50 people in six countries today.

Since the Center's beginning in 1982, more than 7,000 people have traveled on over 600 seminars to 40 countries around the world. In addition, more than 700 students from over 180 colleges and universities have participated in the Center's study abroad programs in Mexico, Namibia, Switzerland and Central America.

Mugge, who will remain a consultant to the Center, will be replaced by the Center's current co-director, Dr. Jose Bourget-Tactuk. Bourget-Tactuk will assume full leadership responsibility for the Center after serving as co-director with Mugge since January 1, 1998.

Said Mugge on leaving his position: "It has been a privilege of a lifetime to serve as the director for Global Education these nearly 16 years. It is an honor to have been able to work with a staff of the caliber found at the Center. It is a rare gift to find true fulfillment in one's work. Augsburg College, and particularly the staff of the Center, have been the bearers of that gift to me."

The Center for Global Education facilitates cross-cultural learning experiences that prepare people to think more critically about global issues and to work toward a more just and sustainable world. The Center's international travel seminars, undergraduate semesters abroad, and faculty development programs explore a diversity of viewpoints and are grounded in the perspectives of those struggling for justice and human dignity.

Joel Mugge is originally from rural Iowa but has lived in Minnesota for nearly 30 years. After graduating from Valparaiso University (Ind.) in 1969, Mugge began work at Augsburg in September 1972 with a combined position in admissions and the center for student development. During this time he initiated the METROSPECT program, a weekend experience in the city for high school students.

Mugge earned a master's degree from the University of Minnesota in 1976 and became a member of the faculty in Augsburg's Speech, Theatre and Communications Department.