I'm humbled to be following Dr. Hughes, who has been a devoted and visionary President. Under his leadership the Seminary has enjoyed a remarkable resurgence and historic growth. The Seminary opened a new facility, the Wiedemann Center, in the fall of 1998. The Center houses 66 residential apartments, a high-technology classroom and an Augsburg Fortress Bookstore. The new President compares the societal setting of today's church to that of the late antique world of the Second and Third centuries.
People have many choices about religion.
They see a secular government failing to deliver programs and institutions that society needs in order to be fully civil. Traditions that cling too rigidly to their traditions may actually lose them. He is a highly qualified, trusted colleague and a valued friend. The Seminary will really be in capable hands. The response of the entire community here at the Seminary was overwhelming.