Connections
A Newsletter for the Viterbo University Community
Vol. 14 No. 3 September 11, 2000
Health Science Center to Officially Open Friday, Sept. 15
The Viterbo Community is invited to attend the grand opening ceremony of the Health Science Center building which is set for Friday, Sept. 15, at 1:30 p.m.
Those who cannot be present for this event are strongly encouraged to pick a different time during that afternoon to participate in a tour. Tours are available until 5 p.m.
The building is a magnificent, state-of-the art facility comprised of 168,000 square feet located on six floors. The center is expected to serve 530 students in 13 graduate and undergraduate programs. It will also house the offices of 80 faculty and staff members.
The Health Science Center was developed by the La Crosse Medical Health Science Consortium. Partners in the consortium, in addition to Viterbo University, are: Gundersen-Lutheran, Franciscan Skemp Healthcare, UW-La Crosse and Western Wisconsin Technical College. The building is located at 1300 Badger Street.
Fletcher Featured in Mayo Today Magazine as 1,001st Transplant Recipient
The following excerpt from the article, “1,000 Gifts of Life,” by Judith Samson, was printed in the August 2000 issue of Mayo Today and features Art Professor Peter Fletcher. The exerpt is reprinted with permission from Mayo Today magazine.
On July 7, Mayo Clinic Rochester’s Blood and Marrow Transplant Program celebrated 1,000 transplants performed since 1982, and invited some of its patients to reflect on their transplant experience...
Peter Fletcher teaches art at Viterbo College in La Crosse, Wis. A quiet, reflective person, he creates artwork that explodes with vivid color and images that spur the imagination. Before he got sick, Fletcher spent summers traveling, studying and teaching at colleges in other parts of the world.
Initially diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, he came to Rochester for a second opinion. Dr. David Inwards diagnosed not pancreatic cancer, but B-cell diffuse large cell lymphoma, one of the two most common types of lymphoma.
Fletcher went through chemotherapy only to have the lymphoma return within three months. The aggressive return of the disease made him a candidate for a stem-cell transplant. A second course of chemotherapy brought his disease into remission, and his own cells were harvested for an autologous (from same individual) transplant. The blood stem-cell transplant took place on Feb. 1, 2000, and was the 1,001st transplant performed by the Blood and Marrow Transplant Program at Mayo Clinic Rochester.
"During my hospitalization I had severe heart problems," says Fletcher. "The doctor was so concerned that he moved me to the cardiac unit himself instead of waiting for an attendant." Fletcher was too ill to know the doctor’s name, but he’ll never forget that personal effort. Dr. Inwards says, "That’s the beauty of our program. It could have been any one of us. Every one of them truly cares about the patients."...
Recovery from blood and marrow transplant is a long and difficult road. In fact, if it weren’t for the certainty that they would not survive without their transplants, many patients might be tempted to say that the cure was worse than their initial disease. But the difficulties decrease over time, and life begins to return to normal.
Fletcher is painting on a large scale again and eagerly planning a trip to England to visit his parents.
Second City National Touring Company Brings Comic Act to Viterbo on Tuesday, Sept. 26
Hilarious, intelligent, irreverent, and thought provoking are just a few ways to describe the Second City National Touring Company which will perform at the FAC Main Theatre on Tuesday, Sept. 26, at 7:30 p.m. as the first show of the NexStar season.
Not only will an evening with Second City provide audiences with the chance to see comedy stars in the making, but they’ll also have the opportunity to see absolutely hilarious satire and cutting-edge improvisation.
The evening features a six-member ensemble performing some of the best sketches, songs, and improvisations from Second City’s more than 40-year history.
Founded in Chicago in 1959, Second City is known for nurturing the talent of some of the best comics and comic acts in circulation. Its alumni list reads like a who’s who of American comedy. It includes: Mike Nichols, Alan Arkin, Joan Rivers, Peter Boyle, Harold Ramis, John Belushi, Dan Akroyd, Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, George Wendt, Martin Short, John Candy, Shelley Long, Chris Farley, Mike Myers, and countless others.
This production is sponsored by the Courtyard Marriott and is supported, in part, by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin.
Tickets for Second City are $21 and $15. To order tickets, please contact the Box Office at ext. 3100.
For information on other NexStar events, check out the website at www.viterbo.edu/academic/ug/sfa/nxs.htm.
Alumni Night at the Theatre
Join Viterbo alumni for a reception and special performance of She Stoops to Conquer presented by the Theatre Arts Department on Saturday, Oct. 14 at 7:30 p.m. in the FAC.
A limited number of main floor tickets have been reserved for alumni and can be ordered from the Alumni Office at ext. 3071. A reception in the Hospitality Suite follows the performance.
Fresh Brewed Taste
The Connect Club's Thursday evening coffeehouse is back! Each Thursday from 8-10 p.m., Connect members will be brewing cappuccino and tea, mixing iced coffees, and selling other beverages and treats in the Union.
Seventh Day Topic
What are you doing for lunch today? The Seventh Day lunch discussion group will meet at noon in MC 419C to discuss “Joseph Lieberman and the Emphasis Upon Religioius Values: A Threat to the First Amendment?” The discussion will be led by Keith Knutson, history.
Next week’s Seventh Day Discussion will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 19 at noon in MC 419C. The topic is “Lyon’s Great China Adventure.” English Professor Lyon Evans will discuss his experiences as an American teaching and living in China during his semester last sabbatical.
The San Damiano Cross by Celesta Day, FSPA
As Viterbo becomes a university, it is fitting to assess the use of our symbols. One such symbol is the mace that has been used in recent years to lead ceremonial processions and academic rituals. The dictionary says that a mace is a heavy, medieval war club often used in processions as a symbol of authority. This would be the appropriate moment to exchange this instrument of battle for a Catholic, Franciscan symbol that better identifies Viterbo’s purpose, origin, and mission. The suggested replacement symbol is a San Damiano Processional Cross to be used in leading all future campus and academic processional events.
The cross is a unique sign of Christianity. It represents Jesus of Nazareth as the Christ who is God’s story or parable of human existence in the world. From Jesus’ suffering and overcoming of death comes the message of and foundation for all Christian hope. The San Damiano cross is a rendition of the crucifixion that emphasizes the resurrection, the event that most closely connects with human hope.
The San Damiano Cross is the sacred symbol before which Francis of Assisi prayed and heard in his soul the commission to "rebuild God’s church." This icon was painted sometime shortly after the first millennium, at a time when the authentic humanity of Jesus was becoming more appreciated in the faith life of the people. In the early centuries of the Christian communities, the divinity and royal priesthood of Jesus was emphasized. The San Damiano Cross pictures the luminous figure of the resurrected Christ radiating out from a dark and deathlike background. He presides over an all-inclusive cloud of witnesses: companions and friends, souls who have gone before him, and heavenly spirits. All of these figures have the hand of God pictured over them in a blessing. The crucifix is a distinctive art piece used by those who practice a Franciscan spirituality.
The San Damiano Cross is a symbol of the Franciscan heritage and identity of Viterbo. The depiction shows a sense of the radical openness of the human spirit to the figure. It attempts to stress the promise by God of salus or “wholeness” in a future that will respond to human hope. This hope is not merely a psychic state but is the link and source of a significantly different vision of reality. It affirms the continuity between the exercise of human freedom in this world and the final state of things. It draws all into the reality of God’s life. And it bestows a new dimension of ultimacy and seriousness on human existence and the exercise of human freedom. Human persons contribute to the material of the reign of God. Human persons are absolutely valuable; human history and ingenuity have positive roles in God’s plan of salvation.
The San Damiano Cross offers a true and contemporary symbol for higher education. Viterbo is a university where the Christian leaders of the future can learn hope and every form of knowledge. That hope is needed for the reign of God in our world.
Campus Ministry by Fr. Tom O'Neill
As we begin a new school year we look forward to involving the entire Viterbo community in our Campus Ministry programs and activities. It is time to sign-up for various ministries and programs, which are beginning or will begin soon. If you need a sign-up sheet, please contact Earl Madary, Sr. Sue Ernster or Fr. Tom O’Neill. Return completed forms as soon as possible.
A reminder that our food pantries continue to need your help. We have a Pantry in the FAC containing food and toiletry items. Local food pantries include the Place of Grace and WAFER. AIDS hospice also needs personal items. There is a table located in the entryway of the San Damiano Chapel if you want to designate the pantry, please write the name on the bag. All items will be delivered for you. Thanks for your generosity.
As was just mentioned, the University Church has been renamed the San Damiano Chapel. Please refer to the article on the left "The San Damiano Cross.”
Mark your calendars: Sept. 27, the Brothers of Taize in France will lead Taize Prayer in the San Damiano Chapel. We will celebrate our patronal Feast of St. Francis of Assisi on Oct. 4, beginning with Mass in Maria Angelorum Chapel at 11 a.m.
Nursing Students Honored with Scholarships
The Nutrition and Dietetics Department is proud to announce that Angelica Wendt has received the Dorothy Macrae Hyman Memorial Scholarship and Meredith Zondag has been awarded the ECOLAB Corporate Scholarship.
Both of these scholarships are made possible by donations to the ADA Foundation (American Dietetic Association Foundation) and it is quite rare and an honor for two students from the same university to receive these scholarships.
Human Resources
In addition to new students, there are many new faces among the faculty and staff here on campus. Please extend a warm Viterbo University welcome to the following new employee: Marlon Stout,Physical Plant
Kudos to...
Stephanie Genz, nursing, who presented at the Annual Public Health Nursing Statewide Conference on Tuesday, Aug. 29 in Wausau. The topic was "Evidence-based Practice: Incorporating Best Practices of Public Health Nursing.”
Wayne Wojciechowski, Learning Center, who will present "Academic Advising Revisited—Re-energized," at the Wisconsin Academic Advising Association Fall Conference in Manitowoc on Sept. 14-15.
Carol Klitzke, nutrition and dietetics, who presented a session called "Training That Works!" at the Annual National Conference of the American School Food Service Association in St. Louis in July. Klitzke was also elected to a three-year term as Regional Director for the Wisconsin School Food Service Association and will work with three local chapters located in the Western Wisconsin region.
Fr. Bernard McGarty, who authored two chapters of the newly published book, Spirit of La Crosse: An American River City Remembers and Looks Ahead. Both chapters focus on religion in La Crosse. One focuses on 19th Century churches and religious life while the other discusses the history of 20th Century churches.
Brought to You by the SGA by Fr. Tom O'Neill, Campus Ministry
The annual SGA/SAB Club Activity Fair will be held Wednesday, Sept. 13 from 11 a.m. 2 p.m. at Viterbo Court (Rain site: Student Union). Clubs will have information and sign-up sheets. Enjoy entertainment, pop, popcorn, and lots of prizes.
SGA/SAB freshman student elections will be held Sept. 14 and 15. Pick up an application form at the Club Fair or in the SGA Office.
Temporary student phone books were distributed to the RAs for residence hall rooms. Commuters may pick up a directory from the SGA Office. Faculty and staff may order them from the Copy Center.
Student Planner & Handbooks are still available from the SGA Office for students who have yet to get one.
Breathe Easier
A free Respiratory Care Health Fair is offered today from 2-4 p.m. in the Marycrest Auditorium at Franciscan Skemp Medical Center. At 2:30 p.m. Dr. Willam Buchta will give a presentation on how people can protect their lungs from hazards at home or work.
Along with materials, displays, and giveaways, free lung function screening tests will be offered. Call 785-0940, ext. 6267 for information. The health fair is free and open to the public.
Changing Chairs
Please note the following changes in chairpersons.
• Diane Foust is now chair of hte Music Department.
• Lisa Schoenfielder is chair of the Art Department.
• Sue Hauser now works for the faculty of all three areas in the School of Fine Arts. Her office has moved to FAC 102.
News You'll Notice by Lynn Sirianni, Sports Information Coordinator
V-Hawk athletics are back to work, preparing for a successful 2000-01 season.
Getting back in the swing of things, we held the Viterbo University Athletics Golf Scramble on Aug. 21. The scramble provided 144 area golfers an enjoyable day of golf, a chance to meet the Viterbo athletes, a good meal, and a drawing for wonderful prizes. The day proved to be a success for the Viterbo Athletic Department.
The fall sports teams have been hard at work and are excited about the upcoming seasons. Michael Rahn and the men's soccer team, defending conference champions and regional semi-finalists, are looking to a solid core of returning players and some promising recruits to continue the success. Rahn is joined by four new assistant coaches: Jon McCue, Sasha Djokic, Eric Zimmerman, and Eric Snyder. The men play Saturday, Sept. 16 at 3 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 17 at 1 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 23 at noon at the Viterbo Outdoor Athletics Complex.
Luis Holguin and the V-Hawk women's soccer squad are beginning their fifth season and it looks to be an encouraging one. The women have a solid foundation and a good recruiting class. This could be an exciting year for the women's program. Holguin has named two new assistants; Eric Haase and Sonny Vang. You can catch a game on Saturday, Sept. 23 at 2 p.m., and Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 2 p.m. at the VAC.
The Viterbo volleyball team is under new guidance this season. First year Head Coach Lynn Sirianni who recently completed her days on the playing court at Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa looks to bring the the Viterbo volleyball program to a new level. With a new system intact, the 2000 season looks to be a rebuilding year. UW-La Crosse graduate student Jacquie Vinje will be assisting Sirianni with the program. The women play Wednesday, Sept. 13 at 7 p.m., Monday, Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. and Wednesday Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. at the R.W. Beggs, Sr. Gymnasium.
Connections or Employees@viterbo.edu?
No one can argue that technology is a great thing. But along with it comes certain complications. With so many information vehicles at our fingertips, it’s hard to know which one to use in any given situation.
For example, when should material be published in Connections vs. sent in an email to all employees? The following guidelines were created to make that decision a little easier. The rationale is to reduce redundancy of material and ensure email accounts remain of manageable size.
Employees@viterbo.edu
This email account is useful for sending relevant mail to the entire faculty and staff (Listservs can be created for more specific information for smaller groups. Contact Mark Franz, computer services, ext. 3860, or email mlfranz.). Remember, this email account does not distribute information to students. Regardless, the question remains, what is relevant mail? The following guidelines should clarify that question:
• Use is restricted to news and announcements that cannot be disseminated through Connections or other Viterbo University information vehicles due to timeliness.
• News and announcements should only appear once.
• Only emails sent by employees from university-issued employee email accounts are allowed.
• Do not include attachments unless it is a web-based link to a Viterbo site.
Connections
Connections is a quick way to get news to the Viterbo community. It’s also a way to document happenings on campus for archival purposes. But to keep Connections interesting and pertinent to the entire campus, material should be as fresh as possible. For that reason, and in most cases, we will not print information that has already appeared in all employee emails. To submit information to Connections, please email it to connections or send it to Communications & Marketing, MC 228. The deadline is Thursday noon for the following Monday’s publication.
Connect Club Seeks New Members by Anne Ellefson, AODA Counselor
The Connect Club is looking for a few good students to assist with campus alcohol and other substance abuse prevention activities. First semester Connect Club applications may be picked up at the SDC or will be mailed to students who call ext. 3807. Interested students should return completed applications to the SDC by the Wednesday, Sept. 20 deadline.
Because the personal touch is crucial to effective recruitment efforts, Connect is requesting that faculty and staff encourage individual students to apply. Connect Club requires a variety of student skills, and the club offers opportunities for enhancing diverse student talents in prevention leadership and service roles. Connect members may be found delivering stress management sessions in residence halls, working with youth groups in the community, organizing Club projects, developing public awareness materials for campus, serving on campus and community committees, organizing surveys, or sharing information with peers in informal settings.
Connect Club activities work to address the following alcohol/drug abuse prevention goals:
• Create an environment where abstinence is always an accepted and respected choice.
• Create an environment where low-risk chemical choices are perceived and practiced as norms by those who choose to drink.
• Create an environment where the majority of students recognize high-risk chemical choices and have the information/skills necessary to effectively help a peer making such a choice.
Grant Process by Natalie McGarry, Institutional Advancement Office
The Office of Institutional Advancement does provide support for faculty and staff seeking grant funding for Viterbo-related programs and projects.
Since many grant makers have timing restrictions on the application process and most will consider only one application from an institution at a time, please contact Viterbo's Grants Development Director, Natalie McGarry, before approaching any potential funder.
A Grant Initiation Form must be filled out by Viterbo employees wishing to use the grant assistance services of the Institutional Advancement Office.
Those forms are online at the Viterbo Grants Information web site at http://www.viterbo.edu/aboutvit/ advancement/grants/ or are available by contacting McGarry at ext. 3073, or email njmcgarry.
Thank You, O'Leaders by Anne Ellefson, AODA Counselor, Student Development Center
Fall orientation activities were possible largely because of the assistance, creativity, and energy of 22 student volunteers, called O' Leaders.
During their four days of planning and leading orientation activities,. O' Leaders worked 12-hour days during the orientation program participating in training sessions, helping new students move in, facilitating educational sessions, and leading recreational activities. Please let them know their efforts are appreciated when you have contact with the following students who served as Viterbo's first ambassadors to incoming students:
• Chris Ahles
• Darrick Bloom
• Kate Bohn
• Melissa Brabender
• Amy Brown
• Renae Budd
• Jessica Buetow
• Molly Cowden
• Jamie Donndelinger
• Megan Glann
• ReNae Hills
• Jennifer Holtz
• Jen Jahsman
• Nick Johnson
• Jim Kilbourn
• Kerry Kramer
• Melissa Martell
• Greta Raatz
• Haley Roe
• Stacey Scott
• Kelcie Sime
• Theresa Tran
Classifieds
Wanted: Two tickets to American Repertory Ballet on Thursday, Sept. 28 in the FAC. Call Lesley Stugelmayer at ext. 3808.
Wanted: FSPA-connected person needs foster setting for 1-3 cats for up to two years. All food, litter and vet trips will be paid for. Pet sitter built in. Call 608-452-3042. This is for a woman coming into the FSPA and living in a home with someone who is allergic to cats.
Garage Sale: Big two-Viterbo-family garage sale, two years in the making, Saturday, Sept. 16, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m., 3503 Crown Blvd., off Cliffside Dr., south La Crosse. Phone: 787-5946. Items for sale include adults’ and children's clothing, small appliances, kitchen items, furniture, rugs, lamps, luggage, hardware, set of dishes, and many other bargains. Wear your "Razing the Bar" t-shirt and get a 20% discount!
Return to Viterbo University Home Page