Connections
A Newsletter for theViterbo University Community
Vol. 14, No. 7 October 9, 2000
Alumni Return in Bright Star Season's A Midsummer Night's Dream
Two Viterbo alumni and a Viterbo student on an internship are returning to the Fine Arts Center stage as part of a Bright Star Season production.
Jodi Jean Amble ’00, Kelly Behrens ’00, and Tony Courtwright, a senior, will return as part of the American Players Theatre (APT) production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream on Wednesday, Oct. 25, at 7:30 p.m. in the FAC Main Theatre.
The production is a favorite Shakespearean comedy that continues to delight audiences with a magical blend of confrontation, transformation, moonlit chases, and true love. Set in a fairy kingdom’s shady glen at the enchanted hour of Midsummer’s Eve, this classic tale features an irrepressible, mythical prankster whose magic potion causes the Queen to topple for a working man named Bottom. Join Titania and Oberon, the lovers, and Bottom with his crew, in a celebration of relationships, revelations, romance, and revelry.
Amble will portray a fairy in service to Titania, the Queen of the Fairies. Courtwright and Behrens will serve as stage hands/electricians. In addition, Peg Sannerud, the wife of Fine Arts Dean Paul Sannerud, will serve as the lighting supervisor.
Shakespeare is the heart and soul of the APT repertory. Located in Spring Green and nestled in a natural amphitheater, the APT was founded in 1979. The acting company of 28 members, along with a staff that reaches 120 during the heart of the season, produces five plays each season. Having grown in popularity, it is now the second most popular outdoor classical theatre in the country.
APT’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream is sponsored by WKTY AM 580 and is supported, in part, by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the state of Wisconsin.
Tickets are $25/$19 To order tickets, contact the Box Office at 608-796-3100. For information on other Bright Star events, see www.viterbo.edu/academic/ug/sfa/bss. htm.
APT Has Viterbo Ties
Four Viterbo University graduates and one Viterbo student have been members of the American Players Theatre (APT) company this season:
Jodi Jean Amble
Amble ’00 is working as an actress with the APT. While at Viterbo, she performed in a variety of roles, including Irina in Three Sisters, Shelby in Steel Magnolia, Clorinda in Rossini’s Cinderella, and Rosalind in As You Like It. Her summer stock credits include the role of Philia in the Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre’s production of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and Susie in Babes in Arms as the Huron Playhouse in Ohio. Amble is from Arena.
Kelly Behrens
Behrens ’00, an Eau Claire native, is a production assistant at the APT. While an undergraduate at Viterbo, she received national recognition through the 1999 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival for her work as a lighting designer on the 1998 Viterbo production of All My Sons. She was also selected as an honorary guest technician for the festival and assisted with the staging of full-length shows that appeared during the festival.
Tony Courtwright
A senior at Viterbo, Courtwright has taken the fall semester off to serve as an assistant electrician and lightboard operator for the APT. He plans to return to Viterbo to complete his Bachelor of Arts degree next spring. He is from Blaine, Minn.
Angela Finnes
Finnes ’00 is the costume design assistant for the APT production of The Winter’s Tale. She is from Pine Island, Minn.
Rebecca Kaasa
Kaasa, a sophomore in theatre with a performance focus, spent her summer working at the APT as a dresser of the company. The responsibilities of a dresser include coming in during the day to prepare and do any maintenance work needed on costumers and, during performances, assisting actors in dressing and quick costume changes. Kaasa commented on the fast-paced nature of the job and how "eye-opening it was to see how much work goes into every aspect of the production. This was," she said, "a definite learning experience about how hard everyone has to work in professional theatre." She is from Richland Center.
Get Registered to Vote!
The La Crosse City Clerk’s Office, in conjunction with SGA, is sponsoring a voter registration drive at Viterbo on Thursday, Oct. 12 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. in the MC Lobby.
To be eligible to vote, you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years of age on the day of the next election, have resided in the City of La Crosse at least 10 days, have not lost the right to vote, and are not currently registered in another location. To register, bring one form of I.D. that includes your name and your current address. Common forms of I.D. are: Driver’s license, utility/phone bill, checkbook, tuition bill.
If you’re already registered but have moved, call the City Clerk’s Office at 789-7510 to make address changes by phone. The last day to pre-register or make address changes so your name is printed on the poll list is Wednesday, Oct. 25.
Seventh Day Lunch Discussion
What are you doing for lunch on Friday? The Seventh Day lunch discussion group will meet at noon in MC 419 C to discuss "Environmental Records of the Presidential Candidates," presented by Mike Lauer, biology.
Upcoming Seventh Day topics include: Monday, Oct. 23: "Why Should/Should Not the Left Vote for Ralph Nader?" Dick Ruppel, English. Tuesday, Oct. 31: "Why I’m Voting for George W. Bush, and Why You Should Too," John Nebeck, business.
Benser/Schorr Recital
Jerry Benser, tenor, and Timothy Schorr, pianist, of the Viterbo University Music Department will present a Faculty Recital at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 22 in the FAC Recital Hall. They will be performing the monumental song cycles Dichterliebe by Robert Schumann and Chansons Villageoises by Francis Poulenc. Selections from Aaron Copland's Old American Songs will be presented in honor of the 100th anniversary of his birth. The extended song Adelaide by Beethoven will round out the program. The Steinway grand piano, which Joel Lidstrom rebuilt for use in the Recital Hall, will be used for this concert. The recital is free and open to the public with a reception to follow. Please join us for an evening of music.
Give to United Way
The 2000 United Way campaign is underway! Drop off your pledge card and join us for coffee and treats Thursday, Oct. 12, in the MC lobby, from 2-3 p.m. Then stay for the Viterbo shirt drawings at 3 p.m. Please have your pledge card in by Oct. 10 to be eligible for the drawing. Your donation makes a difference!
Monopoly Anyone?
Conquer Boardwalk and Park Place. Go to jail and buy your way out. It's all part of the fun that goes with the Third Annual Monopoly Game Tournament to be held at selected morning times on Saturday Oct. 14.
Individual entry fee is $10 and four-person teams can enter the fray for $40. Viterbo's Business Department has already entered and has issued a challenge for others to compete for many prizes. Those who pre enter receive a Tournament T-Shirt, refreshments and discounts on food items. All the fun is ultimately applied to a good cause—the Junior Achievement Programs of La Crosse. Time is short, so to enter, call Junior Achievement at 789-4777. More details are also available from Bob Dean, business, at ext. 3361.
Dancing Francis to Cross-Atlantic Celebration
President Medland and Board Chair Marlene Weisenbeck, FSPA, will be in Assisi, Italy this Thursday to attend a dedication ceremony celebrating the installation of Dancing Francis at the St. Anthony Guesthouse. The retreat house is operated by the Franciscan sisters of Atonement and overlooks the beautiful Umbrian Valley. The sculpture by Paul Granlund, which was a gift from Viterbo to the Sisters, was made possible because of a generous gift from a donor who wishes to remain anonymous. Already the word is that the sculpture is the subject of immense interest and according to the Sisters, the guesthouse, tourists and people of Assisi are "absolutely thrilled" to be the recipients of the Viterbo gift. As soon as pictures of the dedication ceremony are available, they will be posted on the web.
Employees Closing in on Gold
The Employee Campaign is running strong as 178 employees have made a pledge to Viterbo.
"We're just 13 participants short of the all-time record of 191," commented Barry Fried, the campaign coordinator. "I hope those who have not turned in their pledge card will consider doing so. Every pledge is important as we approach the finish line."
The campaign will conclude on Tuesday, Oct. 10.
The Steuter Story: A Tale of Two Sisters by Luis Holguin, Women's Soccer Coach
Sarah and Heidi Steuter don't need to look very far for family support.
Although their hometown is about four hours north of here, they will both be attending Viterbo throughout the 2000-01 school year. Sarah is a senior nursing student and is determined to maintain her outstanding academic standing during these last few months of her college career.
Joining her as a freshman on campus is Heidi, her "baby" sister, majoring in pre-law. Heidi has been enthusiastically carrying out several roles for the soccer team. Her aggressive work and passing ability on the midfield are her strongest attributes to the team.
What do these two have to say about college life together? "It's bitter-sweet, really", says Heidi, "since this is both the first time and last time that we'll play together at this level.
Home Games
Mon., Oct. 9, 4 p.m. vs. UW-Stout
Wed., Oct. 25, 3 p.m. vs. Northwestern (St. Paul)
Half-Time Events
Mon., Oct. 18, Senior Day (Men's only)
Support your soccer programs. Giveaways and prizes during half-time events.
Get Social with Subs
Join your friends and colleagues for a sub sandwich lunch this Friday, Oct. 13 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the SAC Lobby. The menu includes Subway subs, chips, soda and a dessert. Please return your gold sign-up slip and $1 to Marcia Brodt by Wednesday, Oct. 11. This gathering is sponsored by the Viterbo University Social Committee.
Casino - Yes or No?
Campus Ministry is hosting an informational session regarding the Casino vote on the November ballot, this Thursday, Oct. 12, at 7 p.m. in the Marian Hall Dining Room. All are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Nikki Brill, ext. 3403.
Art Department Hosts Visiting Clay Artists This Week
The Viterbo Art Department will feature two visiting artists this week.
Tim Crane, a Viterbo Professor Emeritus, will be a visiting on Tuesday, Oct. 10, from 12:30-3:20 p.m. in the ceramics studio, FAC 301. Crane will give a slide lecture and demonstrate clay, slab-building techniques.
Crane is one of the founding members of the Viterbo Art Department who began teaching at Viterbo in 1964 and taught for 35 years. He is a well-recognized figure in the ceramics world for his slab-constructed studio pottery. The work he makes is commonly referred to as "Mingei-sota" a play on words which refers to Asian-influenced pottery made in Minnesota, thus "Mingei-sota."
Paul Wandless will be a visiting artist for the Art Department Thursday, Oct. 12, from 12:30-3:20 p.m. in the ceramics studio FAC 301. He will give a slide lecture and technical demonstration.
Wandless is a visiting assistant professor of art at the Herron School of Art in Indianapolis, Ind. He received his Master of Fine Arts from Arizona State University in 1999 and his Master of Arts from Minnesota State University, Mankato in 1997. He has exhibited throughout the U.S. and has conducted numerous workshops and artist lectures. Last year, in Denver, Colo., he presented a panel discussion at the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts entitled "Minorities in Clay and Higher Education."
Space is limited, but anyone wishing to attend either artist’s workshop is welcome (FAC 301).
School of Nursing Accreditation is Oct. 9-11
The Viterbo University School of Nursing on-site accreditation visit is scheduled for this week, Oct. 9-11.
Four evaluators from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE) are on campus for three days to validate the self-study report submitted by the School of Nursing this past summer. The four visitors are: Dr. Judith Balcerski, dean, Barry University; Dr. Phyllis Reeder, professor, Olivet Nazarene University; Dr. Laurel Talabere, associate dean/professor, Capital University; Theresa Know, MPH, community health nurse, Grand Forks Public Health Department.
Please extend the Viterbo spirit of hospitality to them during this time.
Remembering St. Francis Day
The feast day of St. Francis of Assisi was on Wednesday, Oct. 4. The Viterbo community celebrated the occasion with song and mass held in the Maria Angelorum (Mary of the Angels) chapel at St. Rose Convent. Bishop Raymond Burke, the bishop of the Diocese of La Crosse, celebrated mass. A lunch for the entire campus community followed in Marian Hall Dining Room. St. Francis is the patron saint of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, the sponsors of Viterbo University.
News You'll Notice by Wayne Wojciechowski, Assistant Academic Vice President
Two academic resources on campus may be of special interest to students the Learning Center and Career Planning and Placement Center.
The Learning Center has been quite busy this semester. Tutoring requests have increased 25% compared to last year. There are also scheduled workshops (listed below):
GRE Prep - Oct 10, 3:30 p.m. Test Taking Tips Oct 19, 3:30 p.m. Oct 25, 10 a.m.
Time Mgmt. Nov. 7, 1 p.m
Nov. 9, 3:30 p.m.
How To Study Nov. 14, 3:30 p.m.
Nov. 30, 10 a.m.
A free, eight-session class on speed-reading begins the week of Oct. 16 with a deadline to register of Thursday, Oct. 12.
The Learning Center can make the difference whether or not a student succeeds academically. Last academic year, 67% of Viterbo’s students enrolled used one or more of the services offered by the Learning Center. Interestingly, none of the students who were academically dismissed used any of the services provided by the Center.
As you are aware, Career Planning and Placement is now located in MC 312. Amy Lane and Roxanne Hefti have been busy meeting individually with students, making class presentations, and meeting with academic departments to see how they can help departments and students. For undeclared majors and others, including upper classmen, who have become unsure or doubtful about their major since the beginning of the semester, Career Planning and Placement is offering a one credit course entitled Career Planning (SPST 101) which begins Oct. 23 and meets Mondays and Wednesdays from 12:10 to 1 p.m. Students may add this course anytime before the first day of class using the drop/add form and obtaining the necessary signatures.
Students who are planning to do an internship next semester should meet with Amy or Roxanne now. An internship gives students professional work experience with college credit, which can enhance the opportunities for professional employment. Amy and Roxanne have also developed a Resume Review and Mock Interview program. Students can schedule a practice interview session using a realistic interview scenario and receive feedback from the staff.
The Learning Center and the Career Planning and Placement Center are both housed in MC 312 and are eagerly ready to serve students.
Campus Ministry by Fr. Tom O'Neill
• Thank you...sincerest thanks to all who helped make our annual patronal feast of St. Francis of Assisi such a prayerful and joyous celebration: Earl Madary and the St. Francis Choir and Cantors; Dan Johnson-Wilmot and the Concert Choir; Jean Saladino and the Women's Chorale; Diane Foust and the 9th Street Singers; Sr. Sue Ernster, and greeters, ushers, lectors, and eucharistic ministers; Sr. Georgia; Luis Holguin and the women's soccer team; the servers; and the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration.
Thanks also to those who participated in the CROP Walk yesterday as walkers and sponsors. We simply try to alleviate hunger "one mile at a time.”
• Catholic Student Coalition of Wisconsin (CS-COW) is hosting a Catholic student retreat on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 4-5 in Whitewater. Any students interested in more information, please contact one of the campus ministers
• In your kindness, please remember those who have died and those who mourn them: The uncle of Jan Linderbaum; the grandfather of Jessica Allen; the friend, Max Winters, of many students; the grandfather of Beth Schmidt; and, a close friend of Shannon Crivits. May they rest in peace.
Faithful citizenship
“The lack of safe, affordable housing is a national crisis. We support a recommitment to the national pledge of ‘safe and affordable housing’ for all and effective policies that will increase the supply of quality housing and preserve, maintain, and improve existing housing.”
U.S. Catholic Bishops'
Administrative Board
Kudos to...
• Joan Keller Maresh, nursing, who made a presentation titled "Mind, Body, Spirit: a Holistic Relationship" to the 3rd Annual Wisconsin Women's Health Conference held in Wausau on April 15. She also made a "Complimentary Therapies" presentation at Health Summit 2000, the annual conference of the Wisconsin Public Health Association on June 15 in Madison.
• The following professors at Viterbo University who were awarded grants from the Faculty Development Committee on Sept. 21:
Lisa Newkirk-Reimler, theatre arts $1000 for two presentations at the Association for Theatre of Higher Education (ATHE) and as chair of two panels at the ATHE in Chicago, Aug. 2-5.
John Nebeck, business $500 to attend the Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) Conference Sept. 22.
Ward Jones, biology $420 to attend the American Society for Microbiology Oct. 6.
Richard Ruppel, English $841 to present a paper, "'Girl? What! Did I Mention a Girl?' The Economy of Desire in Heart of Darkness," at the International Conference on the Works of Joseph Conrad Aug. 9-12.
Dan Johnson-Wilmot, music $646 to bring to Viterbo University, as a consultant and instructor, Ilona Kombrink.
Kim Fredricks, biology - $432 to consult with and learn from Dr. Gail Robertson in Madison, Oct. 26-27.
Debra Daehn Zellmer, sociology $500 to attend a two-week Study Seminar in East Africa, Nov. 3-18.
FSC Offers Journey
The Franciscan Spirituality Center’s Journey Program begins its fifth year of providing spiritual enrichment. The four, scheduled workshops focus on reading about and reflecting on materials and meeting with a spiritual guide. The program this year includes:
• "Celtic Spirituality: Everywhere a Blessing," Therese Elias, OSB, Oct. 27-29
• "Creativity: Renewing the Spirit Within Us," Carl Koch, Jan. 26-28
• "Discernment: Shaping Our Lives," Janet Mallek, SSND, March 30- April 1
• "Keys to Serenity: Forgiveness and Healing," Vince Hatt, July 20-22
Tuition for all four workshops, including materials and meals, is $440. The registration fee is $30. Rooms are available for $30 per workshop. Other expenses include the cost of books, CEUs through Viterbo University (optional), and spiritual guidance (optional). For more information or to register, contact the Franciscan Spirituality Center at 791-5295 or email them at SCenter@fspa.org.
Out and About
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.
New Music Recital: St. Mary’s University Department of Music faculty John Paulson, Patrick O’Shea, and A. Eric Heukeshoven will present a recital on Tuesday, Oct. 24, at 7:30 p.m. in the Figliulo Recital Hall at St. Mary’s University. Individual tickets cost $7. Call 507-457-1715 to order tickets.
Viterbo's Grant Smith is Next Ethics Speaker
Bullying. Split families. Cultural issues. Drugs. Teen pregnancy. Attention Deficit Disorder. School violence.
Being a student has never been more challenging. Neither has being a teacher. With increasingly difficult social, cultural, and generational issues we’re faced with some serious questions. What is happening in our schools? And are we producing competent, caring children with strong moral and ethical fiber?
Join English Professor Grant Smith on Thursday, Nov. 2, at 7:30 p.m. in the FAC Recital Hall as he looks more closely at the challenges of teaching in today’s world. Through his talk, "Who Cares? Teaching With an Ethic of Care in the Classroom," he’ll explore why a teacher’s first priority is not teaching math, science, English, or any other subject in which they specialize. Instead, it is in shaping the character development of students and helping produce ethical, moral, competent, and loving young people.
Smith weaves real life examples from his 13 years of experience teaching at the middle and high school levels into his message and clearly shows why using an ethic of care in the classroom makes a world of difference and creates lasting blessings for teachers and students.
The presentation, sponsored by the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership, is free and open to the public. A reception in the Hospitality Suite will immediately follow the talk.
In addition to his public lecture, Smith will be presenting a workshop for education majors only on Wednesday, Nov. 1, from 5-6 p.m. in MC 402. The workshop will explore ethics in the classroom in the context of moral philosophy from the ancient Greek to 20th century philosophers.
For more information, contact Richard Kyte, director of the Ethics Insitute, at ext. 3704, email rlkyte, or contact Smith at ext. 3485 or email gtsmith.
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