Connections
A Newsletter for the Viterbo College Community
Vol. 12 No 36 May 17, 1999
Pedestrian mall construction begins
Beginning TODAY the front entrance to Murphy Center may be inaccessible due to the major landscaping project which will create a block-long pedestrian mall. Construction will begin with the demolition of the street, sidewalk, present barricades, east boulevard grass and removal of the two dying Chinese Elms.
New sidewalks leading to Murphy Center and new concrete curb and gutter along the east side of the street will be installed, including ramps to facilitate easy access into the mall area.
A red/mahogany blend of brick will be laid the length of the road. Designed to look like an older street, it will feature a different color border and be similar to some recent city of La Crosse brick paving projects. A large Viterbo College seal will be a major feature in a gathering area, which will be located between the entryways of MC and the SAC.
Three new trees will be planted, along with new sod and several planting beds. The entire project will be irrigated with special "emitters" in the planting beds ensuring proper irrigation for the shrubs and perennials.
Eight period post lights will enhance after hour security. These lights will be installed so that an extra power circuit is available to accommodate electrical needs of any functions which may be held in this area. Other site amenities include six turn of the century styled benches. Several planting beds will feature native prairie grasses and flowers selected with assistance from the biology department.
The project is financed with combined physical plant funds and gifts to projects associated with the college’s Vision 2005 initiatives, which have included a new outdoor athletic complex, the Rose Terrace apartments, the fine arts center atrium and additions to student scholarship and endowment accounts.
Weather permitting, the anticipated completion is mid June.
Regarding purchase orders…
The final date for purchase orders was April 23, 1999, as indicated in my memo dated April 5. After review of the April 30 financial statements, there were several departments that either had deficit budget lines, or had no funds available in budget lines.
Because of the existence, or possibility, of budget deficits, I asked Tim Posey to limit bookstore purchases to those individuals who have received authorization from me to make a purchase.
We are at a point in the year where few purchases should be made.
However, I recognize that several departments need certain supplies or services to operate through the months remaining in this fiscal year, and there are instances when an emergency purchase may need to made. If you need to make any bookstore purchases, please contact me at your earliest convenience, and I will attempt to accommodate your needs, either at the bookstore or via purchase order to an appropriate vendor.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
—Todd Ericson,
Vice President, Finance
Memos only
To: Viterbo College Community
From: Jay McHenry, Director of Physical Plant
RE: On-Campus parking
In order to better manage our parking resources, there will be a completely new on-campus parking program in effect at the beginning of August. Virtually all facets of the present program will be changed, including a new fee structure and parking identification tags. Watch for information detailing these changes.
For more information contact the Physical Plant office after August 2.
Bits and pieces
Please note: Beginning today the chair of the Theatre Arts department is Susan Rush, x3766.
Casual Dress Friday, May 21 Food Pantry Day. Please pay your $1 at MC Reception Desk if you are participating in Casual Dress Day.
24 hour security: call x3911.
Employee Assistance Center (EAC) is for all Viterbo employees and their families. Contact Franciscan-Skemp (608) 791-9530., (800) 493-3960.
Class cancellations: Teacher class cancellation line: 796-3080 or 796-3190. Students call for class cancellations: 796-3200.
This is the final weekly issue of Connections for the academic year. The newsletter is published monthly during the summer. The next issue will be published on Monday, June 7 with a copy deadline of noon Thursday, June 3. Send your announcements via campus mail to the public relations office, MC228, E-mail by sakluess@ mail.viterbo.edu.
An edited version of each issue of Connections can be found on the Web at www.viterbo.edu at Campus News
Thank you
Thank you to all faculty and staff who worked so diligently in efforts to fit Helen Prejean’s scheduled presentation into Wednesday’s itinerary. As you know, flight delays, exacerbated by bad weather in the Chicago area, caused the unavoidable cancellation. Although the opportunity to hear an important and compelling message from Sister Prejean was lost, the effort by the campus community to get behind this and to generate what would have been an excellent turnout, is an outstanding example of our collective commitment to Viterbo. There is always a "next time," but for now a simple expression of appreciation for your work and a regret for the inconvenience, seems to be the most honest response.
Lighting project approved for Fine Arts
Plans are set to install a $370,000 state of the art lighting system in FAC Main Theatre and La Croix Black Box Theatre. Virtually all stage and house lighting systems will be replaced in time for the start of fall semester and in advance of the Bright Star Season.
The computer controlled lighting system will replace the original equipment which was installed more than 25 years ago when the FAC was constructed.
Over half the cost of the project is covered by donations to a Viterbo fine arts endowment. "This is a very exciting project and the time is definitely right," said Jack Havertape, Viterbo academic vice president. "Although it is a significant expenditure, the fine arts are a major part of Viterbo’s heritage and if you are going to operate a premier performance facility, you have to maintain the high quality students and patrons expect. Fortunately, the community has also been very generous in supporting the arts and this magnificent building."
Havertape indicated that students desiring the technical theatre degree, which Viterbo has offered for three years, require the more technically advanced equipment the new lighting project will provide. Last year, Viterbo spent $150,000 replacing the sound system in the main theatre.
Performers and those in the audience will also notice a difference, Michael Ranscht, program coordinator said. "The new lighting project will allow us to computer control multiple lights which will change at different intervals and intensity. Floor and stage lighting will also be increased with individual lights going from 75 to 200 watts."
Arts & Entertainment
The Viterbo College Preparatory Music Department is presenting a recital by the cello and violin students of Sister Marcella Steffes at 6:30 p.m., on Sat., May 22, in the FAC Recital Hall. A special feature in the program will be three pieces performed by the cello choir, a group of nine cello students.
You are invited to an exhibit of "Art, An FSPA Tradition" from June 3 through June 30 at the Pump House. From 4 to 8 p.m. on Thurs., June 3, there will be a reception, music, and an opportunity to meet the artists.
The exhibit features works from living FSPA members, accomplished artists trained by FSPA and pieces by children now being educated by sisters and their former students.
Kudos to…
The ADVANCE office would like to congratulate these students on their new promotions:
Bob Monroe '98 recently accepted a new position as the Network Support Administrator at First Logic.
LeAnn Haack (Group I) was promoted at Altec to the position of Senior Human Resource and Benefits Administrator.
Have news about your department or students’ accomplishments? Share your achievements with the campus community by sending us a note via "Connections."
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