Feb. 14, 2012
Contact Rick Artman at
608-796-3001 or rbartman@viterbo.edu
KENT HANDEL NAMED CHAIR OF VITERBO UNIVERSITY BOARD
OF TRUSTEES
LA
CROSSE, Wis. – Kent Handel has been named
the new chair of the Viterbo University Board of Trustees. He will begin
his two-year term July 1 succeeding Mary Ann Gschwind, FSPA, who served as
chair for eight years, the maximum allowed in the bylaws.
Handel
became a trustee in 2009 and has served on the student development committee.
He also chairs the facilities committee and has been active in planning for the
construction of Clare Apartments and the recently completed School of Nursing
building.
“I am looking forward to working
with Kent in this very important role for the university,” said Rick Artman, president
of Viterbo University. “He succeeds a very effective chair in Sister Mary
Ann. I am confident the transition will be a smooth one. I am grateful to
Sister Mary Ann for her outstanding leadership and to Kent Handel for this
significant commitment of time and service.”
Handel
is president and CEO of Trust Point Inc., a trust company in La Crosse. He
received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Morningside
College in Sioux City, Iowa. He has been an active member of the community serving
on boards at Family and Children’s Center, Riverfront, Inc., Gundersen Lutheran
Medical Foundation, Chileda, La Crosse Symphony, and Riverland Girl Scout
Council.
He
and his wife Karen have three children: Erin, and Heather, and Ashley, who is a
recent Viterbo University graduate.
“Kent
is a hard working trustee who is incredibly student oriented. You can always
count on him placing a lot of emphasis on assuring that our students are well
served,” said Diane Brimmer, vice president of student development.
Outgoing
chair Sister Gschwind offered similar support. “I am happy Kent was elected next
Board Chair because of his commitment to Viterbo's mission and values. We all have great respect for Kent and recognize his leadership
qualities which will serve Viterbo well. It has been exciting for me to see all
of the changes that have taken place the past eight years. The university is in
excellent shape and, most importantly, the commitment to its Catholic,
Franciscan mission remains the focal point of its identity and purpose.”
Handel
agrees that the mission and purpose of Viterbo is what the trustees will focus
on during times of key decision making. “The fact that the Franciscan Sisters
are still very active and nearby, adds to a real sense of direction and
mission. Viterbo is a wonderful institution. The university is in excellent
financial shape and is blessed with strong leadership and trustee support.”
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