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We are excited to introduce the selected Peace Scholars for the 2026-27 academic school year. Through a vigorous application and interview process, Aidan Wippich ’27 and Tommaso Maritan ’29 have shown that they are the strongest candidates to this program, and we are proud to know they will be representing Â̲èÖ±²¥ while in Norway.

Alongside other Peace Scholars from our Lutheran sister sites (Concordia College, Luther College, Pacific Lutheran College and St. Olaf College), these two students will participate in the annual summer Peace Scholars program in Norway, designed to deepen students’ understanding of the central issues and theories regarding conflict, war, and peace. 

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Aidan Wippich is an incoming senior, pursuing a double major in international relations and public policy with a minor in peace and global studies. His passion for global politics came at a young age during his time in competitive speech in high school. This passion has continued throughout his time in college, studying abroad for a semester program in South Korea his sophomore year and meeting with foreign members of parliament back home. Outside of class, Wippich is the current president for Augsburg’s Day Student Government, focusing on issues that include campus safety, communications, and commencement. 

Around campus, Wippich has worked for multiple branches of government, including an internship at the Minnesota House of Representatives and an internship with US Senator Amy Klobuchar’s home office. In both of these experiences, Wippich has learned first-hand how to communicate with people of differing backgrounds and beliefs in the realm of politics, and how to find common ground through those divisions. 

After college, Wippich plans to go to graduate school to get his masters in either international relations or public policy. He also plans to continue working in the public service sector to ensure that people’s concerns are heard and resolved. In his commitment to serving the people, Wippich looks forward to the opportunities that the Peace Scholar offers, which he hopes will leave him with more knowledge that will help him address the problems and concerns of the people back home.

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Tommaso Maritan is a rising sophomore, majoring in business management. He is from Italy and is currently studying in the United States—an experience that has strengthened his interest in cultural exchange and international perspectives. Living and studying abroad has allowed him to engage with people from diverse backgrounds and gain a better understanding of the importance of dialogue and cooperation across cultures.

At Augsburg, Maritan serves as the president of the International Student Organization, where he works to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for students from around the world. Through organizing events and encouraging connections between students of different backgrounds, he hopes to strengthen community and cultural understanding on campus.

Maritan looks forward to the Peace Scholars program in Norway as an opportunity to further explore international perspectives on peace, cooperation, and dialogue. In his free time, he enjoys playing soccer, running, traveling, and discovering new cultures.