How We Are Funded

The MNUDL is a program of Augsburg University, assisted by an advisory board, and funded through individual donations, foundations and corporations, and the legal community. Select funders include:

Mayors Challenge Sponsors

Our annual event, the Mayors Challenge series, showcases the talents of four outstanding urban debaters who debate a relevant contemporary issue in front of an audience of Minnesota VIPs. The 2025 debate centers Arctic policy issues. The event is supported by generous individual and organizational sponsors, including:

  • Alex & Emily Thiele

  • Adam Garen

  • Jill Skogheim

  • Karon Garen

  • Mark Raderstorf & George Dow

  • Nicole Narotsky

  • Matt Little

  • Veena Iyer

  • Presenting Sponsor: The Minnesota Star Tribune

  • Hogen Adams: $7,500

  • Berger Montague: $5,000

  • Entenza Law Firm: $5,000

  • Lockridge Grindal Nauen: $5,000

  • Stifel: $5,000

  • Taft: $5,000

  • Zimmerman Reed: $5,000

  • Allianz: $2,500

  • Benson & Briol: $2,500

  • Dorsey: $2,500

  • First Bank & Trust: $2,500

  • Faegre Drinker: $2,500

  • Greene Espel: $2,500

  • Gustafson Gluek: $2,500

  • Lathrop GPM: $2,500

  • Macalester College: $2,500

  • Blaze Credit Union: $1,000

  • Nilan Johnson Lewis: $1,000

LEVERAGE YOUR RESOURCES!

To learn more about how you can get your workplace involved in supporting the Minnesota Urban Debate League, email Amy Cram Helwich, Executive Director: cramhe@augsburg.edu