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.

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 2026 debate centers healthcare issues. Last year’s event was 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