A Spring Break Well Spent

Students on the Spring Break service trip to Cincinnati served food to the hungry, painted, and stocked food shelves. Check out more photos from the trip.

Viterbo to Present Picnic March 14–17

Viterbo will present the Pulitzer Prize-winning play Picnic by iconic American playwright William Inge at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 14–Saturday, March 16 and at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 17 in the Fine Arts Center LaCroix Black Box Theatre.

Set in a small and quiet Kansas town on Labor Day in 1953, Picnic examines themes of loneliness, freedom, beauty, love, and gender roles in a seemingly idealistic time and place. When a handsome young drifter arrives in town, he begins to stir passions and introspection in both the town’s residents and himself.

Picnic is a character study in which the women are looking for a way to escape the boredom and loneliness of their lives and the men of the play are unsure of what they want, said Rick Walters, theatre and music theatre, and director of the production.

“The audience will identify with these people,” Walters said. “Everyone, in some aspect in their lives, is unfulfilled. We all have dreams, desires, and longings of some kind. We can see the characters as the human beings they are. The play invites us to think about who we want to be, in relation to social norms.”

Picnic stars Viterbo students Katie Carney, Lauren Della, Jonathan Dull, Rebecca Johnson, A.J. Porter, and Sierra Schermerhorn. Thomas Squires is the assistant director, Elissa Coady is the scenic designer, and Brenna Gustafson is the costume designer. Jim Nardulli and Andy Krage are the lighting designers and sound engineers. The play is presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., of New York.

“William Inge is one of American’s foremost playwrights, on par with Tennessee Williams and Arthur Miller,” Walters said. “He is famous for well-drawn and layered characters.”

Tickets are general admission seating. For more information or to order tickets, visit the box office.

Acclaimed Author and Professor Carol Gilligan to Present "Moral Injury and the Capacity to Love" Thursday

Acclaimed author, psychologist, and New York University Professor Carol Gilligan will present “Moral Injury and the Capacity to Love" at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 14 in the Fine Arts Center Main Theatre.

The event is part of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership Spring Lecture Series and is free and open to the public. Gilligan’s presentation is the keynote address of Viterbo’s Conference on the Theological Virtues being held on campus Thursday, March 14–Saturday, March 16.

Gilligan teaches in the New York University Law School, the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development, and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences. As a faculty member at Harvard University, she held the first chair in gender studies.

Time magazine has named Gilligan to its list of the 25 Most Influential Americans. She is the author of In a Different Voice, described by Harvard Press as “the little book that started a revolution,” Krya, Meeting at the Crossroads, and The Birth of Pleasure. National Public Radio has described her as “a psychologist who writes like a novelist.”

Her recent work includes The Deepening Darkness: Patriarchy, Resistance, and Democracy’s Future, co-authored with fellow New York University law professor David Richards and published by Cambridge University Press. Her latest book, Joining the Resistance, was published by Polity Press in 2011.

For a full schedule of Ethics Institute events, visit www.viterbo.edu/ethics.

"Election of a Pope: Papal Elections Yesterday and Today" March 18

Go behind the doors of a Papal conclave as Msgr. Bernard McGarty presents “Election of a Pope: Papal Elections Yesterday and Today” at 7 p.m. Monday, March 18 in the Fine Arts Center Main Theatre.

Msgr. McGarty will explain the process of selecting a pope. The lecture is especially timely, as the College of Cardinals is meeting to select the successor of Pope Benedict XVI. He will also take the audience through the 2,000-year history of the Papal elections.

The first pope, St. Peter, served during the persecution of Roman Emperor Nero. Pope Peter was bishop over communities of Christians who gathered in underground catacombs in Rome and the surrounding countryside and in secret houses in Rome, called house churches. He was martyred in 67 A.D. when he was crucified upside down on Vatican Hill.

At the time, the Bishop of Rome was automatically made pope. Peter was succeeded by Bishop Linus. The pope, meaning “father of the faithful” was later elected by baptized people, deacons, and priests of Rome.

In 1059, the cardinals became the exclusive electors of the pope. Over the centuries, popes of 12 different nationalities have been elected. The majority of the Popes have come from Italy, the nation with the most cardinals. Poland’s Pope John Paul II, elected in 1978, was the first non-Italian pope in 400 years.

The 115 Cardinals are meeting in the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican to select the next pope, or “Vicar of Christ,” who will oversee the world’s 1.1 billion Catholics.

The event is free and open to the public. Msgr. McGarty is Viterbo’s Visiting Scholar in Ecumenical Studies.

Professional Development Opportunity March 20–21

Viterbo employees are invited to participate in a professional development opportunity as dynamic speaker, author, and consultant Tracy Butz presents “Conquer the Chaos! Stress Less and Achieve More” Wednesday, March 20 from 2:30–4:30 p.m. in the Reinhart Center Board Room and Thursday, March 21 from 8–10 a.m. in the School of Nursing Building room 101.

Do you feel overworked and overly stressed? Is there ever enough time to achieve all that you want to do? Do you find it hard to balance all the demands of work and home life, let alone find time for yourself? Then you need to discover how to stress less and achieve more by conquering the chaos. Effectively managing time is essential for success. Rather than spend each day in a frenzy of activity reacting to crisis after crisis, learn skillful strategies to get more done. Discover how to achieve maximum results in minimum time—set clearly defined goals, plan and prioritize tasks, tackle procrastination, avoid unnecessary stress, organize your workspace, control interruptions, learn to say no, delegate without dumping, and so much more.

The event is sponsored by Viterbo’s Professional Development Committee. Register for one of the sessions with Sonya Ganther, human resources, at ext. 3930 or sdganther@viterbo.edu. 

Health Corner

By Jada Straub, student nurse

Acupuncture: An Alternative Treatment for Pain 

Acupuncture is a key component of traditional Chinese medicine, working to balance the flow of energy, also called “qi” or “chi.” This energy is believed to flow through pathways, or meridians, in the body. It involves inserting very thin needles through the skin at specific points on the body, which works to re-balance the energy flow in the body.

In Western medicine, which is much more common to Americans, acupuncture points are viewed as places to stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissue. This stimulation boosts the activity of the body’s natural painkillers and increases blood flow to certain parts of the body.

Sounds dangerous, doesn’t it? Actually, the risks associated with acupuncture are very low. Some possible side effects and complications include soreness, organ injury, and infections. After the session, you might experience some soreness and minor bleeding or bruising at the sites of needle entry. Organ injury is extremely rare, but could occur if the needles are pushed in too deeply. Likewise, infections are also rare, as licensed acupuncture practitioners are required to use sterile, disposable needles.

Why is acupuncture done? Typically, acupuncture is used as a method of pain relief. This pain can be associated with a number of different things, including headaches and migraines, cancer, low back pain, menstrual cramps, and arthritis.

No special preparation is necessary for acupuncture. A typical treatment plan for a single complaint involves 6–12 half hour treatments, scheduled over 2–3 months. During the treatment, you will experience needle insertion, manipulation, and removal. The needles are very thin, so insertion usually causes very little discomfort. However, a deep, aching sensation may be felt when a needle reaches the correct depth. Your practitioner may also move or twirl the needles after they have been placed, or he/she might apply heat to the needles. The needles usually remain in place for 10–20 minutes while you lie still and relax. Upon removal, you should not feel any sensation or discomfort. Feelings after treatment depend solely on the individual. Some people feel relaxed, others feel energized, and some do not respond to the treatment at all.

There are many opportunities for acupuncture in La Crosse. Although research shows mixed results, this treatment might be a good alternative to prescription pain pills. It can be relatively inexpensive and carries with it few side effects, so it is a good option to try to achieve pain relief.

From the Library

By Polly Scott

Want to read books instantly? Try out our expanded eBook collection available for students, staff and faculty. We have a large range of academic subjects as well as classic fiction titles. eBooks can be accessed from VitCat, our Ebsco eBook and eBrary links or downloaded to mobile devices.

Murphy Library Borrowing Privileges Updates:

• The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is no longer issuing new faculty/staff borrower accounts for Viterbo or WTC folks.
• Any Viterbo person can request a UW-La Crosse item through our ILLiad service. The university prefers to help us this way.
• If faculty still have a valid UW-La Crosse borrowing card, they may use it.
• Students and faculty can still use UW-La Crosse materials, in Murphy Library, free of charge.

The next installment of the Library Learning and Fellowship Session Thursday, March 21 from noon–1 p.m. in the Murphy Center Learning Commons (248). "Finding the Flip: Where to Find Open Source Materials to Help You Flip Your Classroom" will focus on finding open source content so instructors don’t have to reinvent the wheel in terms on content. This frees up classroom time to focus on instruction and promote active learning through collaborative, project-based learning using simple sharing tools.

University Forum Tomorrow

President Rick Artman will host a university forum Tuesday, March 12 from 3:30–4:30 p.m. in the School of Nursing Building Collins Auditorium. The topic of the forum is the 2013–14 operating budget.

The forum will cover the major budget guidelines approved by the Board of Trustees on Jan. 28. The information will include tuition and fee rates, enhancements planned for meal plans and dining services, enrollment goals, parameters for compensation increases, physical plant projects, and other elements of financial planning for the next fiscal year.

Outstanding Student Leader Award Nominations Open

Students, staff, and faculty members are invited to submit nominations for the Outstanding Student Leader Award, which will be presented to three to five senior students at the Leadership Recognition Dinner. 

Written nominations must provide the name of a senior student and a minimum of three paragraphs showing evidence that the senior student nominee has exhibited exemplary student leadership; served as a well-respected role model, and; demonstrated an ongoing, active and visible commitment to campus life, community service and/or charitable organizations.

Written nominations will be accepted by Denise Homstad, student development, until Monday, March 18 at 4 p.m.

Register for Scholars' Day

A student shares her work at the 2012 Scholars' Day.

Scholars’ Day online registration is now open. Scheduled for Friday, April 26, Scholars’ Day is an event designed to recognize and celebrate the academic achievements of Viterbo students.


Viterbo students from across the academic spectrum will present the results of their research, scholarship, and creative efforts. The event will feature multiple concurrent sessions modeled on an academic conference format, including an open, multidisciplinary poster session and an open, multidisciplinary oral presentation session. Presentations will include oral presentations, research posters, artistic displays, performances, and research-based class projects.

Click for complete details and registration information. Note the registration deadline is Friday, March 22. Those planning on attending Scholars’ Day presentations do not need to register. Faculty are also asked to encourage students to participate in this event, which contributes to advancing their academic portfolios.

Technology Tidbits

By Sarah Bearbower, IIT

Windows 8 or Not? 

Some have been wondering if we are going to install Windows 8 on university owned computers this summer. The short answer is “not yet.” IIT has plans to put Windows 7 and Office 2010 on all new computers purchased this summer, as well as any existing computers that might require a new installation. While consumer computers continue to be sold with Windows 8, businesses and educational institutions are typically waiting.

We feel that Windows 8 and Office 2013 are too new and have a number of unknowns regarding compatibility with existing printers and software to change to these new programs. IIT will continue to test Windows 8 internally to determine software compatibility, hardware compatibility and learn best practices for campus wide configuration and deployment. This fall, we hope to have a few computers in various public computing locations with Windows 8. When they are installed, we would encourage faculty, staff, and students to give them a try and see what Windows 8 is all about. Students coming to campus with Windows 8 on personal devices will be able to get assistance in connecting to our student network.

Design Work Wanted

Do you know of any non-profit organization or other worthy causes that are in need of some Web design work? If so, contact Jeff Nyseth, communication studies, at ext. 3165 or jcnyseth@viterbo.edu. The work will be entirely free, but it will require the client to come to campus to meet with his Web Design class 3–4 times throughout the semester.

Hospitality Committee Lunch March 19

The hospitality committee will host a loaded baked potato lunch Tuesday, March 19 from 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m. in the Fine Arts Center Hospitality Suite.

The lunch will include a baked potato with a variety of topping options, lemon bars, lemonade, and water.

The cost of the lunch is $5. RSVP and send the $5 via campus mail to Sonya Ganther, human resources, by Friday, March 15.