Connections
A Newsletter for the Viterbo University Community
Vol. 14 No. 6 October 2, 2000
Open House for Health Resource Center in Salvation Army is Oct. 11
Caring, Inc., a medical partnership between the La Crosse County Health Department, the Salvation Army, and Viterbo University, will hold an open house for its new Health Resource Center on Wednesday, Oct. 11, from 4-7 p.m.
Located in the Salvation Army at 223 North Eighth Street, the Health Resource Center began providing health services to the medically underserved in our area in mid-September. Students and faculty from Viterbo are working with staff from the La Crosse County Health Department to provide services like blood pressure and cholesterol screenings, vision and hearing screenings, flu shots, and health education to those in need. The services currently offered by the Health Resource Center are based on needs identified through a community assessment conducted this summer by Caring, Inc. staff.
According to Stephanie Genz, the Caring, Inc. project coordinator, the response from clients and students has been positive. "Our clients have been actively involved with our programs and activities. And our students have found working with the clients to be a memorable learning experience because they’ve really been touched by some of the people they’ve met. So not only are our students positively affecting the health and lives of our clients, but our clients are positively impacting our students," said Genz.
She added, "The center provides a vital service to certain populations in our community and it’s unique because it allows the three organizations involved in Caring, Inc. to pool resources and manpower and do more for the medically underserved in our community together than we could apart."
The Health Resource Center is open every Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Short for "Caring, Assessment, Resources, and Intervention through Nursing Guidance," CARING, Inc. is designed to serve the community’s health and enhance student learning. The program’s goals are to: Provide access to health promotion activities through the Health Resource Center; strengthen nursing curriculum by providing nursing students with a significant public health nursing experience meeting the health needs of a medically underserved population; and to establish an ongoing academic-community partnership with potential for expansion to include students in other health professions and disciplines.
For more information on Caring, Inc., contact Stephanie Genz, project coordinator, at ext. 3693 or email her at srgenz.
Celebrate St. Francis Day, Oct. 4
Please plan to join us for the Jubilee Year Celebration of our patronal feast of St. Francis of Assisi on Wednesday, Oct. 4.
Prelude music with the Concert Choir, Women's Chorale, Ninth Street Singers, and Sr. Malinda on the harp begins at 10:30 a.m. in Maria Angelorum Chapel. Mass begins at 11 a.m. with lunch to follow in Marian Hall Dining Room.
All employees and students not on a meal plan may pick up a lunch ticket (compliments of SGA) from Marcia Brodt at the MC reception desk. A pet blessing will take place at 5 p.m. at the Dancing Francis, Assisi Courtyard.
Hospitality is Focus of First Ethics Conference
What is our obligation to welcome strangers into our lives—especially in times of danger, uncertainty, and deep disagreement?
Explore the nature of hospitality and examine its meaning, history, and implications in our society at Viterbo University’s 2001 Ethics Across the Disciplines Conference, April 20-21. The theme of this year’s conference is "Hospitality: Serving Strangers in Our Homes, Hospitals, Prisons, Schools, and Churches."
Presentations from across disciplines will address hospitality in terms of: Cultural, racial, and sexual diversity; crime and punishment; politics; war; medical practice; education; religion; and commerce.
Current speakers include:
• David Solomon, University of Notre Dame (tentative)
• Amy Oden, Oklahoma City University
• Elizabeth Newman, St. Mary’s College
• Scott Moore, Baylor University
"We would like this conference to become an annual event with a different central theme each year," said Richard Kyte, director of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership. "The conference is an occasion for inviting colleagues from other colleges and universities to come and join us in a conversation about issues that are important to us as a community."
Additional speakers are needed for the April event and the Viterbo community is encouraged to participate. Presentation proposals should be no more than one-page in length and include name, affiliation, address, and email address. Presentations will be limited to 20 minutes with ample time for discussion. Proposals for panel discussions and "works in progress" are encouraged.
The submission deadline is Jan. 30. Proposals should be submitted to Kyte. Contact him at ext. 3704 or by email at rlkyte if you have questions.
Casino is This Week’s Seventh Day Topic
What are you doing for lunch on Thursday? The Seventh Day lunch discussion group will meet at noon in MC 419C to discuss "Questions and Answers for the Casino Referendum for La Crosse," presented by William Boulware, Legislative Counsel for the Ho-Chunk Nation.
Upcoming Seventh Day topics include: Friday, Oct. 13: "Environmental Records of the Presidential Candidates," Mike Lauer, assistant professor of biology; Monday, Oct. 23: "Why Should/Should Not the Left Vote for Ralph Nader?" Dick Ruppel, associate professor of English.
Friday the 13th Unlucky?
Does Friday the 13th conjure up thoughts of gloom, doom, and bad luck? Well, change your luck and plan to participate in the October Sub Lunch sponsored by Viterbo's Social Committee. Back by popular demand, this is a chance to meet and greet fellow employees while enjoying sub sandwiches, chips, and soda in the SAC. The date is Friday, Oct 13 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. The cost is just $1 per person! Watch for a sign-up sheet with additional information to appear in your mailbox.
October Jeans Days
Wear jeans to work in support of local causes on the following days:
Oct. 6 Spirit Day
Oct. 13 Employee Day
Oct. 20 Food Pantry Day
Oct. 27 Tribune Jeans Day (Family Resources, Mississippi Valley Archaeology)
Art Gallery Features Works by Minnesota Artist
The Viterbo University Art Department Gallery will feature works by Minnesota artist Rod Massey from Wednesday, Oct. 4, through Friday, Nov. 3, with an opening reception on Wednesday, Oct. 4, from 7:30-9 p.m.
Massey, who views himself as an "urban realist," depicts urban subjects in his artwork with the sensitivity typically given to landscapes.
The reception is free and open to the public. There is no admission charge to the gallery, which is located on the third floor of the Viterbo FAC. The gallery is open during regular school hours or at other times by request.
Authors to Speak at Women's Fund Fall Event
Syndicated columnist Ellen Goodman and political novelist Patricia O’Brien will be the keynote speakers at the La Crosse Community Foundation Women’s Fund Fall Event, a luncheon on Wednesday, Oct. 18. The Women’s Fund also will introduce its 2000 grant recipients at the event.
Guest speakers Goodman and O’Brien recently published I Know Just What You Mean: The Power of Friendship in Women’s Lives. They will expand upon the theme of friendship in this book and draw upon their experiences in journalism, education, and politics to talk about "Positive Relationships: A Strength for Today’s Public Forum."
Reservations for the 11:30 a.m. luncheon in the La Crosse Center Ballroom are $30 each. To purchase tickets, make checks payable to the La Crosse Community Foundation, 319 Main St., Suite 300, La Crosse, WI 54601. The event will conclude with a booksigning and an apple pie and egg roll sale to benefit a multicultural group of women united against domestic violence. For more information, call 782-3223.
United Way Campaign
For the past 50 years, the United Way has worked with community agencies to find solutions to problems that affect citizens in the Coulee Region. Through the generosity of contributors, 87 cents of every dollar goes directly to local programs such as Big Brothers/Big Sisters, the Coulee Council on Alcohol, Mobile Meals, Family Resources, and the American Red Cross, to name a few. Today through Thursday, Oct. 12, Viterbo University will again participate in a campaign to help fund United Way local programs.
Please bring your pledge card and enjoy coffee, muffins, and a drawing in the MC lobby from 2-3 p.m. on the final day of the campaign. Return pledge cards by Oct. 10 to be eligible for the drawing. You can make a difference in the lives of those in need.
Quit and Win!
A smoking cessation program is beginning on campus Oct. 16.Watch for the posters announcing this event and the attached information/application sheets.
Similar to last spring’s contest, this event is taking place on all three post-secondary campuses in La Crosse: Viterbo, WWTC, and UWL. There are opportunities for prizes for those who persist in their smoking cessation and this time, there will be a winner on each of the three campuses of a wonderful travel voucher plus other prizes.
The contest is open to all students. If you are a smoker or know of someone who would like to quit, please bring this opportunity to their attention. Specifics are listed on the information posted around campus. For more information, contact Silvana Richardson ext. 3687, email sfrichardson, or Rose Kreutz ext. 3676, email rekruetz.
A Steinway is Saved...
Here's some good news: After a couple years of fundraising and months of careful restoration by local craftsman Joel Lidstrom, Viterbo's 19ll Steinway grand piano is even grander than before.
Guests at last week's third annual Save Our Steinways (SOS) progressive dinner were treated to performances by our wonderful music faculty as they showcased this irreplaceable treasure. The piano is absolutely magnificent in every way from the quality of its finish, to its pedals, to its tonal nuances.
Timothy Schorr, assistant professor of music, said that the instrument "elevates dramatically the quality and polish of both student and faculty performances, and will help attract a high caliber of guest artists to the campus."
The recital hall will be the home for this Viterbo treasure. We hope that everyone in the Viterbo community will have a chance to see and hear it in the months to come. Thanks to all who made this restoration possible? it was the combined effort of many Viterbo people as well as La Crosse area volunteers and donors.
We have raised half of the funds to do the next Steinway?the first piano cost approxiately $20,000? and the next one will be similiar. In other words, stay tuned for a sequel on this and many more SOS dinners to come.
Employees on Record-Setting Pace
The Opening Ceremonies of the Viterbo University Employee Campaign was very successful, with 168 pledge cards received.
The quest for gold is within reach as the all-time record for employee participation at Viterbo is 191. Those who have not returned their pledge card are encouraged to do so as the campaign will run until Tuesday, Oct. 10.
“The goal is 100% participation.....but we can't do this without your help. Let’s go for the gold!” said Barry Fried, official starter for the Viterbo Employee Campaign.
Special congratulations to Deb Daehn Zellmer, sociology, who won the grand prize of a $500 travel voucher on Northwest Airlines during the opening ceremonies.
A special thanks to Carlson Wagonlit Travel of La Crosse for donating the grand prize.
Don't Forget to Buy a VU Watch
Purchase your choice of a Viterbo University 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 Communications and Marketing Office, MC 228. Deadline for ordering is Nov. 1. Allow 4 weeks for delivery. Be sure to order your Viterbo University watch.
Profits from the sale of these watches will be donated to Place of Grace.
New Career Connections for Students, Alumni
College students face many decisions related to their careers. The Career Planning and Placement Center (CPP) at Viterbo, now located in the Learning Center (MC 312), and its staff are dedicated to working with students and alumni toward the development and realization of career plans consistent with their skills, interests, personality, and values.
The CPP helps many undeclared students choose a major; assess career interests, values, and skills; investigate internship opportunities; network with organizations and employers; create and revise resumes; prepare for interviews; and plan for their professional careers or graduate school education.
Career planning is a process that begins with freshman and involves a lifetime of developing knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for success in the workforce.
This year, one of the main objectives of the Viterbo CPP Center, is to meet with faculty and assess the needs of the different schools at Viterbo. The CPP plans on developing "major-specific" career brochures to assist students and faculty with career decision making and exploration. There is also a course, Career Planning SPST 110, designed to assist undecided students with career decision making. This course begins Oct. 23, and meets M-W, from 12:10-1 p.m. Students can add this course to their schedule anytime prior to the first day of class.
Meet the staff:
• Amy Lane, director of Career Planning and Placement, moved to La Crosse this fall from Watertown. She has worked in the area of career counseling for 11 years, having worked in higher education, a non-profit organization, and a federally funded program.
• Roxanne Hefti, career specialist, is a lifetime resident of La Crosse and a ’95 Viterbo graduate. She worked extensively in the area of victim advocacy in the La Crosse area prior to joining Viterbo.
Both Lane and Hefti are available to meet with students individually. Students may walk in or sign-up for an appointment at the main desk of MC 312. Lane and Hefti are also available to give presentations to classes or student organizations. Give them a call at ext. 3827, email them at ajlane or rlhefti, or stop by MC 312 for a visit.
New Adult Degree Programs Off to Strong Start by Deb Randall Anderson, Advance
Two new degree programs that began this fall are off to a healthy start with strong enrollment. The Management Information Technology program has 30 students, while the Bachelor of Integrated Studies courses have an enrollment of 21. In addition, the ADVANCE Program is proud to announce that the number of Organizational Management majors has risen to 105.
To date, the ADVANCE Program has had 240 students begin the 19-month sequence of Organizational Management courses. 121 students have completed the program, and 89 have graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Management.
Study Abroad
General information on study abroad options and how to prepare for them will be covered in open meetings on Oct. 4 at 5:30 p.m. and Oct. 5 at 3.30 p.m. in the Global Education Office (MC402-A). Students who are interested, but unable to attend should contact Beth Moore, global education, at ext. 3172 to set up an appointment.
Heartfelt Thanks by Chris Sanger, Institutional Advancement
The Viterbo walking team (which consisted of approximately 33 students, employees, and family members) would like to thank everyone who helped in supporting the American Heart Association Walk either through pledges, purchasing a heart, and/or supporting Jeans Day on Sept. 8. Collectively, Viterbo supported this year's heart walk by raising approximately $1,500, which exceeded our goal of $1,000.
The Copy Center is Having a Sale!!!
When Viterbo transitioned from college to university, our letterhead and envelopes transitioned along with the change. Unfortunately, there was still a large number of “Viterbo College” 9x12 envelopes in stock. Too large a number to even think about recycling.
Now, you and your department can benefit from this surplus by purchasing these envelopes for $20 per ream. That’s a savings of $20 off of the regular price of 9x12" envelopes.
But can you mail them? You bet! We’ve placed a sticker on each envelope that notifies the receiver of our name change.
Contact Karen Hurtgen in the Copy Center, ext. 3055, to order these envelopes and start saving money.
News You'll Notice by Jack Havertape, Academic Vice President
A great deal of change and growth is occurring in the academic areas of the university. The library has an entirely new cataloging system that will make library services more reliable with expanded services. The staff has spent a great deal of time and effort to learn the new system while serving hundreds of graduate students and gearing up for the fall. Their enthusiasm about the improved features and abilities is obvious to all whom they meet.
The faculty has welcomed new and excellent members to its team. Those new members are: Denise Bloom, accounting; Jana Dahmen, sociology; Maribell Bird and Vicente Guillot, Spanish; Sr. Kathleen Johnson, elementary education; Scott Paetzold, computer information systems; Dorie Beres, nursing; Bill Stobb, writing specialist in English; and Lisa Newkirk-Reimler, theatre. Each is an exciting addition to our already excellent and talented faculty.
Our faculty, thanks to Title III and their own dedication and enthusiasm, may well be among the most technologically involved anywhere. Viterbo adopted the Blackboard software program last spring. Blackboard is an integrated system of teaching tools that allows faculty to integrate many new learning tools into the classroom and even permits them to put an entire course on the Web. This would allow Viterbo to offer off-campus students access to asynchronous courses to place-bound students by way of distance learning.
When the learning opportunity arose to become familiar with Blackboard, 58 members of the faculty took part. Those faculty are already using Blackboard in 159 courses this semester. Most faculty have their own web page and additional faculty have requested an additional training session be held.
During the in-service week, in addition to the terrific presentation by Kent Koppelman, the faculty took part in a program on using rubrics to assist students to better understand expectations and to be able to better evaluate their own performance. Many faculty have also integrated these ideas into their classes as well. I am grateful for faculty to be open to new ideas and techniques to improve the learning opportunities for students at Viterbo University. Students are fortunate to have access to a faculty excited about learning. The staff in all academic areas are truly involved in making Viterbo University a "student-centered, learning-focused" institution which strives to live out its mission and vision.
Taize Brothers Visit Viterbo
Last Wednesday, the Viterbo community experienced a special prayer opportunity when the brothers from Taize, France led Taize Prayer in the San Damiano Chapel.
Earl Madary, campus ministry, and a group of students provided the music for the various Taize services the brothers led in southwest Wisconsin.
Campus Ministry by Fr. Tom O'Neill
• Will you help stamp out hunger and walk with us in the CROP Walk? There is still time to sign up to help raise funds and walk in the Annual CROP Walk on Sunday, Oct. 8, starting at 12:45 p.m. at Myrick Park in the Main Shelter. The CROP Walk is a six-mile walk through La Crosse. Funds raised help alleviate worldwide hunger in connection with Church World Services, with one-fourth of funds remaining here in the La Crosse area supporting Hmong Mutual Assistance, WIC, WAFER, and Onalaska Food Bank. We will leave the San Damiano Chapel parking lot between 12:20-12:30 p.m. to get to Myrick Park in time. To sign up or to make a donation, please contact Sr. Sue Ernster.
• In your kindness please remember those who have died and those who mourn them: The grandfather of Lisa Rogstad. May he rest in peace.
Faithful citizenship
"The economy must serve people, not the other way around. Work is more than a way to make a living, it is a form of continuing participation in God's act of creation. Work is a way of fulfilling part of our human potential given to us by God. If the dignity of work is to be protected, then the basic rights of workers, owners, and managers must be respectedthe right to productive work, to decent and fair wages, to organize and join unions, to economic initiative, and to ownership and private property."
U.S. Catholic Bishops'
Administrative Board
Out and About
Looking for something to do off campus? Check out these events:
• Candidate School: Participate in the Chamber of Commerce Third Annual Candidate School to learn more about what’s involved in running for public office. This free program is held at 7 p.m. on Wednesdays, Oct. 11, 18, 25, and Nov. 1 at WWTC. To pre-register, call 784-4880.
• Pump House Soiree, "An Evening with the Arts": An evening of fine and performing arts and fine dining will be held Saturday, Oct. 14, 6-10 p.m. Patrons can view local artwork and make bids on art for a silent auction. Chocolate and champagne will be a part of the evening. Celtic harpist Kim Robertson will perform at 8 p.m. For more information, contact the Pump House at 785-1434.
• Mad Scientist Laboratory: The Museum of Modern Technology is presenting free programs for kids ages 7-12 at 10 a.m. on Saturdays. Upcoming programs are: Slime Science, Oct. 7; Staying Alive, Oct. 14; The Global Soundscape, Oct. 28; Whodunit?, Oct. 28; and Lights, Camera, Action, Nov. 4. Programs are free to museum members. To register, call 785-2340.
• Shapiro & Smith Dance: Shapiro & Smith Dance performs tales of absurdity, anger, and beauty with athleticism, wit, and psychological insight. The performance is Saturday, Oct. 7, at 7:30 p.m. in the Page Theatre at Winona State University. The cost is $16. To order, tickets call 507-457-1715.
• La Crosse Symphony Orchestra (LSO): The LSO kicks off its season on Oct. 20 and 21. A concert preview will be at 6:45 p.m. in Room 122 in the FAC. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. in the Main Theatre and is followed by a reception in the lobby. The program includes works by Mozart, Dougherty, and Mussorgsky. Tickets are $23/$23. To order tickets, call 783-2121.
Wisconsin Education Fair is Thursday
A Wisconsin Education Fair for high school students, parents, and prospective adult students will be held at the La Crosse Center along with the School-to-Work Expo on Thursday, Oct. 5, from 9:35 a.m. to 1:35 p.m. Information will be available on the programs of 110 different post secondary schools.
Representatives from community colleges, universities and colleges, vocational schools, trade schools, and the military will be on hand to talk about the many educational opportunities that are available. Plus, financial aid counselors from some of the participating institutions will be making periodic presentations. There is no admission charge for the fair. For more information, contact the Wisconsin Education Fair’s local coordinator Alisa Rapp, admission, ext. 3013 or by email at agrapp.
TechEd Chicago
Education and corporate leaders from around the country will meet in Chicago at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers on Oct. 19-20 for the TechEd Chicago conference. The conference is an opportunity for education leaders and practitioners from secondary schools, community colleges, and universities to meet and share ideas about technology in education. Find out about current technology trends and solutions that are shaping education’s future. For more information, visit the website at www.techedevents.org.
Art Workshop
Enroll your children, ages 5-12, in the Afterschool Art Workshop from the Art Education Department. Classes meet for eight Tuesdays beginning Oct. 17 (except Nov. 21), from 4:30-6 p.m. in FAC Room 317. Topics are: Making Books and Scrolls; Creature Creations; Building Neighborhoods and Shopping Centers; and Weaving and Textiles. To cover material costs, a $30 fee per student is payable at registration. Register the student’s name, age, parent name, address, phone number, and selected class with Judy Stafslien, ext. 3767. Registration must be completed before classes begin. Enrollment is limited.
She Stoops to Conquer Brings Laughter to Viterbo Main Stage
The Viterbo Theatre Arts Department brings mischief and comedy to the Fine Arts Center Main Theatre through the play She Stoops to Conquer Oct. 13-15.
Written by Oliver Goldsmith and directed by Dean Yohnk, associate professor of theatre arts at Viterbo, She Stoops to Conquer or Mistakes of the Night is one of the funniest "laughing comedies" ever written. In this late 18th century masterpiece, the story unfolds as young Charles Marlow, bashful with women of his own social class but uninhibited with women of lower social standing, travels to meet Kate Hardcastle, his prospective wife thanks to an arrangement made between their fathers. Meanwhile, Charles’ traveling companion, Hastings, is in love with Constance Neville, the niece and charge of Kate’s mother. After a day of traveling, Charles and Hastings stop at a tavern and seek directions. There they encounter Tony Lumpkin, Mrs. Hardcastle’s son, whose mischief sends the two for a night’s lodging at the Hardcastle home, which Charles and Hastings believe to be an inn where they can spend the night for a modest sum before continuing their travels. Upon arrival, the two proceed to make a poor impression on Mr. Hardcastle and family, whom they treat as servants at an inn. Remaining unaware that he is in the presence of his prospective in-laws, Marlow acts with arrogance and raises the ire of the Hardcastles.
Hastings soon discovers Tony’s trickery when he spies Constance but they decide not to set the record straight so their plans for marriage won’t be spoiled. Thus the stage is set for Charles to pursue Kate, whom he thinks is a servant and for Kate to really begin to "stoop" in order to "conquer."
She Stoops to Conquer is sponsored by U.S. Bank. Tickets are $13 and $10. To order tickets, please contact the Box Office at 608-796-3100.
Return to Viterbo University Home Page