Elliot Hilden, managing editor

After many years of service to the department, beloved theater faculty Michael Burden and Karen Mulhausen are retiring. The pair have worked side-by-side on many projects over the past 18 years, making the technical side of the Augsburg Theater Department a well-oiled machine. Their retirement comes as a disappointment to many students, due to the relationship they have fostered with the student body while working here. 

“My favorite part by far has been the relationship with the students,” Burden said in an interview with the Echo. “I am proud that I have always been their advocate above all else. I went into this to teach and mentor while also being able to create designs for plays to live in.” He spoke about his belief that “scenery could be so much more than a realistic slice of life.” This sentiment could be seen throughout his work, evident in shows like “The Arsonists” and “Titanic Orchestra,” which Burden has said are favorites of his. 

The pair’s impact on students is nothing short of amazing. While I didn’t get very much time to work with them, I have experienced the infectious positivity and mentorship that made them so admired in the department. Senior Alondra Alamilla Benítez, who worked very closely with both Burden and Mulhausen in the scene shop, had much to say about their departure. “I am proud of Karen and Michael for all the hard work they’ve done and the legacy they’ve left at Augsburg,” she said in a quote to the Echo, “Their constant support motivated me, and they made working so much fun.”

When asked about how Augsburg will change after their retirement, Alondra felt that “their departure will be deeply felt in the theater department. I feel lucky to be graduating the same year that they’re retiring, because I don’t know how I’d be able to continue without them.” When asked their perspective, junior Abi Hilden said in an interview with the Echo, “I think Augsburg Theater specifically is losing two pillars in the department. I don’t think it will necessarily change for the worse, but I also think the department will be feeling the loss for some time.” 

When asked about plans for retirement, Burden talked about how he intends to “travel, spend time in the woods, kayak the big lake or paddle [his] canoe, and catch up on house projects and gardening.” He speaks very fondly on his time at Augsburg, and explains that this academic year is “a great ending to [his] journey here… Leaving alongside Alondra, Amanda, Lauren and Cody who graduate this year and retiring alongside Karen is a nice way to go. It was a great last year.”

In regards to Augsburg as a whole, Michael had nothing but good things to say about his 34 years in the department. “Thank you Augsburg for being such an integral part of my life,” he said. “I stepped on campus in 1981 as a student and will depart this month feeling happy with my work here. I will think back fondly.” 

Thank you Michael and Karen for your work here, we too will think back fondly on the legacy you have left.