Connections
A Newsletter for the Viterbo University Community
Vol. 14 No. 5 September 25, 2000
Viterbo Receives $740,000 Estate Gift
Viterbo has received $740,000 from the estate of the late Loraine Dahl, a long-time friend and supporter of the university.
The bequest, which constitutes one of the largest estate gifts received by the university, will be used to fund initiatives identified in Viterbo’s Vision 2005 strategic plan.
Dahl was a noted pioneer in the area of audiology and served in a volunteer capacity on a number of boards. During her lifetime, she was president of the League of Women Voters, the St. Francis Auxiliary, and the La Crosse Chapter of the American Red Cross.
In 1992, Viterbo named its new School of Business in honor of Loraine and her late husband, Howard, a highly successful businessman, president, and CEO of WKBT television, and WIZM radio, formerly WKBH. Howard was one of the first two members of the Viterbo Board of Directors, having served from 1966-86.
"Loraine made it very clear that the estate gift represented the deep and lengthy commitment both she and Howard demonstrated in their involvement with Viterbo," said university President William J. Medland.
"As a couple, they provided tremendous leadership at a very critical time in the 60s and 70s. During that time, male students were admitted for the first time, an ambitious campus building plan was initiated, and enrollment more than doubled."
Let's Celebrate Our Franciscan Heritage on Oct. 4, St. Francis Day
"My God, give me happiness—not Nietzsche’s tragic and ferocious happiness, which I do admire, but St. Francis’ happiness, a radiating happiness worthy of adoration."
André Gide
Each year, on Oct. 4, the Viterbo community proudly celebrates its heritage on the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of its sponsors, the Franciscan Sisters of Adoration. This year is no exception. All 11 a.m. and noon classes are canceled so all members of the Viterbo community can join in celebration:
• Mass: Mass begins shortly after 11 a.m., but the festivities begin at 10:30 a.m. in the Maria Angelorum Chapel of St. Rose Convent. Viterbo University choirs will provide choral music as a prelude to mass. Bishop Burke will preside at the mass and deliver the homily.
• Lunch: Immediately following the mass, lunch will be served in the Marian Hall Dining Room for all members of the Viterbo community. Those who are not on the meal plan can pick up a free ticket at the MC reception desk. Bishop Burke will have lunch with several members of the student body.
• "Blessing of the Pets": Fr. Tom O’Neill and Earl Madary, campus ministry, will lead this annual tradition—a blessing of the animals with prayer and song. All members of the Viterbo community are invited to bring their pets for the blessing. Dogs and other larger animals must be on leashes.
In addition to the events held on St. Francis Day, a coalition of five groups Viterbo, Franciscan Skemp Healthcare, Chileda, the FSPA, and Aquinas Schools is sponsoring the annual "Bread Giveaway" to their neighbors in recognition of our Franciscan value of hospitality. Volunteers from all institutions will deliver bread on Saturday, Oct. 1 from 1-4 p.m. Sr. Jean Moore, Student Development Center, has been in charge of obtaining volunteers for Viterbo.
Students Sound-Off in VU Survey
Just what do our students think of the education they receive at Viterbo University? We surveyed graduating seniors and here are a few of the more interesting findings:
Would you recommend Viterbo to prospective students?
85% yes • 15% no
During my time at Viterbo, I have gained the skills and confidence to be successful in achieving my goals.
Strongly agree 39% • Agree 55% • Not sure 3% • Disagree 1% • Strongly Disagree 1%
Purchasing research papers over the internet is:
Acceptable in most cases 0% • depends on individual circumstances 15% • unacceptable in virtually all cases 85%.
Also of interest: 68% of our seniors own a computer, 71% were satisfied with the amount of access they had to the internet, and 70% were positive about the idea of paying a $1,000 annual fee which would provide an individual laptop for each student.
It seems our students also excel in other important ways outside the classroom. More than 83% indicated they performed volunteer work compared to 70% which is the national average for other Catholic colleges which participated in the national survey administered by UCLA.
Collectively, on a scale, our students rated themselves highest in self confidence (67%) and lowest in artistic ability (24%). One telling statistic: When asked to indicate the area where they achieved the most improvement from freshman to senior year, the highest ranking (75%) was associated with "ability to think critically."
Finally, we’re sure you’re dying to know the percentage indicating "none" for number of hours per typical week spent "reading for pleasure"—38%; similar percentage indicating "none" for time per week "watching TV”—3%!
For complete results of the 2000 Institutional Survey, contact the Office of Communications and Marketing, MC 228, ext. 3041.
Carry the Torch! Employee Campaign Kicks Off Thursday
You are invited to the "Opening Ceremonies" of the Viterbo Employee Campaign. The celebration will take place Thursday, Sept. 28, from 1-3 p.m. in the MC Lobby.
Last year, more than 80 percent of Viterbo employees "carried the torch" by participating in the campaign. In total, employees donated more than $30,000.
Why give? Employee giving significantly enhances our ability to obtain grant funds and donor funds. A high rate of employee giving says a lot about how much Viterbo University means to its employees.
And, remember, you have the ability to restrict your gift to a specific area or program.
You should receive your pledge cards early this week. Be sure to return your card before or during the "Opening Ceremonies" and you’ll be entered into a drawing for several gifts and prizes. The drawing will occur at 2:30 p.m. sharp on Thursday! We’ll see you there!
If you have questions about the Employee Campaign, contact Barry Fried, the campaign’s official starter, at ext. 3811 or email him at bjfried.
Let the games begin!
Afterschool Art Workshop
Enroll your children, between the ages of 5 and 12, in the Afterschool Art Workshop offered by the Art Education Department. Classes will meet for eight Tuesdays beginning Oct. 17 (except Nov. 21) from 4:30-6 p.m. in FAC Room 317. Class topics include: Making Books and Scrolls; Creature Creations; Building Neighborhoods and Shopping Centers; and Weaving and Textiles. To cover the cost of materials, a $30 fee per student will be charged and is payable at registration. Please register the student’s name, age, parent name, address, phone number, and selected class with Judy Stafslien, Preparatory School of Arts, ext. 3767. Registration must be completed before classes begin and enrollment is limited, so call today!
Seventh Day Topics
What are you doing for lunch on Wednesday? The Seventh Day lunch discussion group will meet at noon in MC 419C to discuss "The Quality of Life After W2," led by Sociology Professor Deb Daehn-Zellmer.
Upcoming Seventh Day topics include: Thursday, Oct. 5: "Questions and Answers for the Casino Referendum for La Crosse," William Boulware, Legislative Counsel for the Ho-Chunk Nation; and Friday, Oct. 13: "Environmental Records of the Presidential Candidates," Mike Lauer, assistant professor of biology.
Hypnotist Visits Viterbo Tonight
Watch your friends and classmates do hysterical things during the Frederick Winters - Hypnotist show. Don’t miss this funny, SAB-sponsored event tonight at 8:30 p.m. in the FAC Recital Hall. Afterschool Art Workshop.
Speaker Reminds Us of Importance of Giving
"Everyone in here has at least a few talents that someone else could definitely benefit from—whether it’s hunger or some other cause," was the message shared by Wayne Kostroski to a gathering of students and community members last Tuesday.
The successful restaurateur and founder of the Taste of the NFL fundraiser was at Viterbo to kick off this year’s lecture series sponsored by the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership. Kostroski and his cohort of volunteers have raised nearly $3 million dollars for hunger relief in an annual event featuring food prepared by chefs from the 31 NFL cities and celebrity guests including NFL players, held in the Super Bowl city.
Directing many of his comments to students, Kostroski advised: "Use all of your senses to enjoy life and improve others. Set your goals and be happy that you are there and remember that the greatest thing in the world to do is to give. You in turn become a better person when you do that."
The next speaker in the lecture series is Dr. Grant Smith who will discuss the topic, "Who Cares? Teaching with an Ethic of Care in the Classroom."
The presentation is set for Thursday, Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m. in the FAC Recital Hall.
What’s Happenin’?
Spread the news about your Viterbo club, team, special event, or department meetings and activities by submitting information to the Connections weekly calendar. Please email the details, including date, time, location, cost (if any), and other necessary information to connections@viterbo.edu or send it through campus mail to Communications & Marketing, MC 228.
Flu Shot Update
As most people are aware, thanks to news released from the Center for Disease Control, there has been a national delay in shipment of the flu vaccine this year. As a result, flu shots won’t be given until November this year. Watch Connections for more information.
In the meantime, people who are in need of flu shots for medical reasons should contact Marilyn Jaekel, health services, to be put on a waiting list so they receive priority once the vaccines arrive. Contact Jaekel at ext. 3806.
Get Your Viterbo University Watch Today and Place of Grace Will Benefit
Celebrate our change in status from college to university with a unique Viterbo University watch. The watch features our new logo and name.
Purchase your choice of a men’s or women’s style watch high quality, three-hand quartz movement, black lizard band, high tensile alloy case—all in an individual gift box for only $15 (tax included).
Make your check payable to Viterbo University Watch Promotion and drop it off in the Marketing Communications Office, MC 228. Deadline for ordering is Nov. 1. Allow 4 weeks for delivery. Be sure to order your Viterbo University watch.
This offer is not available anywhere else!
Profits from the sale of these watches will be donated to Place of Grace.
News You'll Notice by Michael Ranscht, Director of Programs and Operations
The Fine Arts Center is busy this fall with more events than ever. In addition to the performances in the Bright Star and Family seasons and the productions from the Music and Theatre departments, the staff has initiated the NexStar series and expanded the offerings for school-day audiences. This means that the number of community guests that pass through the Fine Arts Center doors will increase.
During last season, we had more than 30,000 people attend college-sponsored performances. In addition, nearly 17,000 people attended performances by the La Crosse Symphony, Youth Symphony, Boy Choir and other community organizations held within the Fine Arts Center. This does not account for the free recitals and other events presented by and for our students.
The Fine Arts at Viterbo represent a real connection to the surrounding community. The arts serve, in many cases, as the first contact with the community. Many times, participation in the arts at Viterbo represents the first such experience that children have. For example, last year, more than 15,000 children attended school-day performances that were part of the Arts for Young America series. This year that number could climb as high as 20,000. The Fine Arts staff appreciates your understanding and consideration when the long lines of school buses appear on 9th Street.
It seems odd. This season hasn’t even begun officially, and plans are already underway for the 2001-02 season. We welcome suggestions for artists and performances you would like to see included next season. Please send me your suggestions via campus mail or e-mail at maranscht.
Campus Ministry by Fr. Tom O'Neill
The Milwaukee AIDS Walk will be held on Sunday, Oct. 1. There is a bus leaving from La Crosse at 6 a.m. from the AIDS Resource Center Grandview Parking Lot (Main St.) and returning about 8-8:30 p.m. Breakfast will be provided. For more information, contact Sr. Sue Ernster.
Will you help us stamp out hunger during the CROP Walk? There’s still time to sign up to help raise funds and walk in the Annual CROP Walk on Sunday, Oct. 8, at 12:45 p.m. at Myrick Park beginning at the Main Shelter. The CROP Walk is a six-mile walk through La Crosse. In connection with Church World Services, funds raised help alleviate worldwide hunger. One-fourth of funds remain here in the La Crosse area supporting Hmong Mutual Assistance, WIC, WAFER, and the Onalaska Food Bank. We’ll leave the San Damiano Chapel parking lot between 12:20-12:30 p.m. to get to Myrick Park in time. If interested and would like a sign up sheet or to make a donation, please contact Sr. Sue Ernster.
Please plan to join us for the Jubilee Year Celebration of our patronal feast of St. Francis of Assisi on Wednesday, Oct. 4. See the accompanying article on page 6 for more information.
In your kindness please remember those who have died and those who mourn them: the uncle of Janet Linderbaum, the uncle of Barry Fried, and the grandfather of Jami O'Brien. May they rest in peace.
Faithful citizenship
"The education of children is a fundamental parental responsibility….All parents--the first, most important educators--should have the opportunity to exercise their fundamental right to choose the education best suited to the needs of their children, including private and religious schools. Families of modest means especially should not be denied this choice because of their economic status."
US Catholic Bishops' Administrative Board
Don’t Forget Intramurals!
Free fall intramural offerings are available for all Viterbo students and faculty and include fitness classes, sports leagues, and other activities. For more information contact Intramural Director Michael Rahn at ext. 3822.
Classifieds
For Sale: Fall means Oktoberfest! Amy Gleason, MC 212, has Oktoberfest buttons for sale until Thursday, Sept. 28. Buttons are $2.50 each. Check out this year's Oktoberfest events at www.oktoberfestusa.com.
Taize Brothers to Visit
A unique ecumenical prayer opportunity: Brothers from Taize in France will lead our Taize Prayer on Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 6 p.m. in the San Damiano Chapel.
The Brothers are stopping in several Wisconsin cities, with one stop in La Crosse. Earl Madary and a group of students will provide the music for the various Taize Prayer services along with ours, the only service the Brothers will hold in southwest Wisconsin. All are welcome to attend. According to Sr. Grace McDonald, the last time a Brother from the Taize Community visited Viterbo was in 1968.
Kudos to...
On Sept. 12, Stephanie Genz, nursing department, and Sarah Peterson ‘95, public health nurse at the La Crosse County Health Department, organized, facilitated, and participated in a video shoot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Minnesota Division of Public Health Nursing will use the footage in a National Public Health Satellite training series to begin in this fall. The purpose was to gain insight into the Wisconsin Well-Woman Program and a model of coalition-building that was initiated and implemented by Genz and Peterson.
Erin Schockmel, junior, who was selected as Miss Oktoberfest during the Saturday, Sept. 16 competition. She assumed the crown from Alyssa Bruemmer, junior.
Stephanie Jones, sophomore, who was named Miss Holmen in August.
Andreea Parsons ‘00, who was recently cast in St. Paul’s Ordway Theatre production of Into the Woods which opens this December.
Don't Pass on this Deal!
Monthly, unlimited-use MTU bus passes for employees are available in MC 228. To purchase a bus pass for October, turn in your $8 by Monday, Sept. 25.
Corrections
• The Student Handbook incorrectly lists the date of the next blood drive. The date should be Nov. 16, in the San Damiano Chapel, from 1-6 p.m.
• The Student Union number in the temporary Viterbo phone directory you received is wrong. It is ext. 3065.
United Way
The Viterbo United Way campaign runs through Oct. 12. This worthwhile effort benefits organizations like Family Resources, Boys and Girls Club, Wafer, and other local groups. Please be generous.
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