Connections
A Newsletter for theViterbo University Community
Vol. 14 No. 9 October 23, 2000
Joyce Rupp Here Dec. 5 to Inaugurate Endowed Lectureship
Topic: When Our Hearts Hold Hope
Presenter: Joyce Rupp
Date: Dec. 5, 7-8:30 p.m.
Location: San Damiano Chapel, Viterbo University Campus
Admission: Free
Advent is a season to let hope wrap around our hearts again.
How can we give birth to hope in a world that is filled with chaos, ceaseless activity, endless pain, insistent struggle, and continuous warfare? Where do we look for hope? How can we welcome this gift of the soul into our midst?
Sr. Joyce Rupp will reflect on the great gift of hope as she pays tribute to a woman of hopePaula Ripple Comin.
This presentation is part of an annual Paula Ripple Comin Memorial Endowed Lectureship in the area of spirituality. Paula Ripple Comin, was a former Viterbo graduate and dean of students. She was also a former FSPA and past president of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. She died March 23, 1999 of cancer.
The Paula Ripple Comin Memorial Endowed Lectureship was endowed by the late Paula Ripple Comin’s husband, Dr. Donald Comin.
Sr. Rupp is internationally well-known for her work as a writer, spiritual “midwife,” and retreat and conference speaker. A member of the Servite (Servants of Mary) community, she has led retreats throughout North America, as well as in Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Rupp is the author of many articles and six books, including: Praying our Goodbyes, May I Have this Dance? and Dear Heart, Come Home.
Both Sr. Rupp’s and Comin’s books will be for sale at the event. A book signing will follow Sr. Rupp’s presentation.
“Sr. Joyce Rupp is a leader in our church in the area of prayer and spirituality,” said Tom Thibodeau, religious studies, who made the arrangements for the visit. “She skillfully helps people connect their own experiences with God, the church, and the continued presence of the Holy Spirit in our world.”
“It's also a wonderful opportunity for our university to recognize the contributions of Paula Ripple Comin and to be able to offer a scholarship yearly for students who choose to serve in the church as ministers and teachers.”
In addition, Paula’s notes, books and tapes will be archived in the Viterbo library for use by the students in their independent studies.
Mark Your Calendars!
What? University Forum
When? Tuesday, Oct. 31, 3:30-4:15 p.m.
Where? FAC Lobby
Please plan to attend this event.
Kudos to...
...Larry Krajewski, math, and Mike Klassen and Alison Stugelmayer, both education students, who conducted a Family Math Night for fifth grade students and their parents at Evergreen Elementary School in Holmen on Sept. 28 and Oct. 12. In addition, Krajewski and education student Amy Halama conducted a Family Math night for fifth graders and their parents at Bangor Elementary School on Oct. 10 and 17.
...The following Viterbo employees who participated in media interviews during the past two weeks:
• Keith Knutson, history, who appeared on WXOW TV 19 live as their political analyst for the George W. Bush visit to La Crosse last Wednesday.
• Wayne Wojciechowski, assistant academic vice president; Todd Ericson, vice president of finance; and Amy Lane, Career Planning and Placement, who spoke with WIZM radio on a series of topics.
MTU Bus Passes
Save wear and tear on your car, the environment, and your pocketbook by purchasing Viterbo employee, unlimited-use, monthly bus passes in Communications and Marketing, MC 228. November payments are due by Thursday, Oct. 26. The cost is only $8.
Now there are two more reasons to use La Crosse MTU: expanded routes and increased hours of service.
MTU now serves French Island and the La Crosse Municipal Airport and Industrial Park weekdays from 6 a.m.-6 p.m. The new extended hours of service to the Hwy 16 retail corridor are 7 a.m.-7 p.m. weekdays, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturdays, and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays. For general local transit information, call 789-7350.
Seventh Day Lunch Discussion
What are you doing for lunch today? The Seventh Day lunch discussion group will meet at noon in MC 419C to discuss “Why Should/Should Not the Left Vote for Ralph Nader?” presented by Dick Ruppel, English.
Upcoming Seventh Day Discussions include: Tuesday, Oct. 31: “Why I’m Voting for George W. Bush, and Why You Should Too,” John Nebeck, business; Wednesday, Nov. 8: “It’s Not a Shame, It’s a Crime: Discussion of Domestic Violence in La Crosse,” Alice Benson, English.
Safe Trick-or-Treat
Ghosts, goblins, witches, and ghouls. Halloween is upon us and the Education Club is again prepared with its Safe Trick-or-Treat event which will be held Sunday, Oct. 29, from 6:30-8 p.m. in Marian Hall. The event provides an opportunity for young children (elementary age and younger) to trick-or-treat in a safe environment and enjoy fun games and activities. Last year, nearly 300 children attended.
Need a Halloween Costume?
Want a great costume for Halloween this year but don’t want to pay an arm and a leg? Come to the costume sale on Thursday, Oct. 26 and Monday, Oct. 30, from 1-4:30 p.m. in FAC B27. The Viterbo Costume Department has many costumes for sale at frighteningly cheap prices.
Dancing Francis Dedicated in Italy
In a ceremony last Thursday in Assisi, Italy, the Dancing Francis statue donated by Viterbo University to the Franciscan Sisters of Atonement was dedicated. The statue has been installed at the St. Anthony Guesthouse, a retreat house in Assisi that is operated by the sisters.
Cardinal Edward I. Cassidy, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, presided at the dedication and blessing. Others attending included the Vicar General Monsignor Orlando Gori of Assisi, and the Mayor of Assisi.
In the photo at the top, several members of the pilgrimage from La Crosse, including Viterbo Sociology Professor Darrell Pofahl (holding plaque), to his right Viterbo President William Medland, and to Pofahl’s left Sr. Marlene Weisenbeck, President of the Viterbo Board of Directors. The plaque reads in English and Italian: “‘All praise be yours my Lord, through Brother Sun,...through Sister Moon and Stars,...through Brothers Wind and Air,...’ St. Francis, 1182-1226. Dancing Francis, created by American sculptor Paul T. Granlund, is a gift in the year 2000 to the Franciscan Sisters of Atonement from Viterbo University, La Crosse, Wisconsin, United States of America.The disc that Francis holds high represents the sun with flaming solar flares. Cut out of the sun disc is the Christ figure, which illuminates Francis. The hands of Francis touch the wounded hands of Christ, marking him with the stigmata. The crescent on which he dances is the moon. ‘Dancing Francis’ invites all creation to dance with joy, in faith.”
In the middle: Viterbo President William J. Medland offers a Viterbo University pennant to Sister Allessandra of the Franciscan Sisters of Atonement.
In the bottom photo: Viterbo President William J. Medland holds the bronze plaque dedicating the Dancing Francis statue while Viterbo Board of Directors President Sr. Marlene Weisenbeck holds a gift from the Franciscan Sisters of Atonement.
Life-size Puppets Grace the Stage during Peter and the Wolf
The Arts for Young America series kicks off its 2000-01 Family Series on Sunday, Oct. 29, at 3 p.m. in the Viterbo FAC Main Theatre with the puppetry adventure Peter and the Wolf, performed by New York’s Das Puppenspiel.
Serving as both an introduction to the instruments of the orchestra and an enchanting story of whimsy and drama, Sergei Prokofiev’s classic is brought to life with the beautifully crafted, life-size “bunraku” style puppets. Told through both narration and musical themes, Peter and the Wolf is about the adventures of young Peter, who wanders off into the meadow where he encounters a variety of colorful characters, including a cat, bird, duck, and, of course, the dangerous Wolf. Through his ingenuity, Peter saves the day in his capture of the Wolf.
Founded in 1974, Das Puppenspiel is an ensemble of diversely talented visual and performing artists who create and perform quality theatre for children and adults. The company’s works have received many national and international awards and numerous accolades for providing programs of enchantment and substance through the magic of high quality puppetry. Das Puppenspiel is one of only a handful of puppet theatres in the U.S. to receive recognition and support from the Theater Program of the National Endowment of the Arts.
Peter and the Wolf is part of Viterbo’s Arts for Young America program and is sponsored by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Western Wisconsin.
Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $8 for children 12 and under. For more information, contact the Box Office at ext. 3100.
Got Deep Thoughts? Share Them on Tuesdays
Do you like to reflect more deeply on spiritual or philosophical issues? Then the Deep Thoughts discussion group is for you.
Every Tuesday at 6 p.m. in San Damiano Chapel, the Viterbo Deep Thoughts discussion group meets to discuss issues facing our society.
“We send the article for discussion online to members of the group the week before and bring hard copies along for any ‘new folks’ to read that particular night,” said Earl Madary, campus minister who leads the group.
“We read an assortment of material not being read in class and experience spirituality and philosophical ideas for the joy of it,” he added.
Upcoming Deep Thoughts Topics include the following (all on Tuesdays):
Oct. 24: Cosmology
Oct. 31: Good and Evil
Nov. 7: Ethics: Life on the Edges of Death
Nov. 14: Ethics: Medical Ethics
Nov. 21: North American Religions
Nov. 28: Nature vs. Nurture
Dec. 5: Thoreau
Dec. 12: Poetry
Top Students Sought
Several years ago, a Viterbo student received recognition as one of our nation’s “Best and Brightest,” in a program sponsored by USA Today. The student was nominated by Mary Hassinger, chemistry. Entries for this year are due Nov. 30 and the top 20 students will receive a $2,500 cash award in addition to national recognition. Take the time to recognize a student you feel qualifies. Details and entry forms are available from Communications and Marketing, MC 228.
Build Your Resume
Career Planning and Placement will conduct a “Build Your Resume” Workshop on Monday, Oct. 23 at 6 p.m. in the Student Union near the mailboxes. All students are invited to attend to learn more about the purpose, types, and layout of resumes. Cover letters and interviewing skills will also be highlighted. It’s never too early to start building your resume! For more information email rlhefti or call ext. 3827.
The Value of Stewardship by Fr. Tom O'Neill, campus ministry, and Ginny Brochhausen, Fine Arts Center
On the banks of Lake Neshonoc, under the big top on Aug. 28, Viterbo staff, faculty, and administration gathered for the annual “Day-at-the-Lake” where we considered the four values of contemplation, service, hospitality, and stewardship. During small group discussion of these values, many points of view about each were expressed and suggestions made regarding implementation.
Below is the second in a series of articles summarizing those value findings. Today’s summary on “stewardship” is by Ginny Brochhausen.
Stewardship
Stewardship is viewed as preserving values and the earth’s resources, prioritizing time and energy, and using financial resources wisely.
We need to realize that stewardship is reflective of all resources and that we are stewards of our time, treasure, abilities, and talents.
It is important for us to remember that each of us represents Viterbo University and each person that we meet is a potential student, parent, or donor. To celebrate life, we have two choices: to do so with a positive outlook and a smiling face or a negative outlook and a sad face. When we make good choices, we are good stewards of our emotions and energies.
Maintaining and preserving the Viterbo University environment is also part of our responsibility as employees. We must continue to use our resources wisely.
Some of the suggestions from faculty, staff, and administration at the annual Day-at-the-Lake retreat centered on how we can be better stewards of our resources. These include:
• Recycling paper
• Using computers instead of paper
• Using and re-using resources
• Turning off lights when leaving a classroom
• Assisting with the food pantry
• Preparing an educational plan to assist with program budgeting
• Adding new green spaces to neighborhoods
Campus Ministry by Fr. Tom O'Neill
• Please note that there will be no noon Mass on Friday, Oct. 27, because of fall break. The schedule for Sunday, Oct. 29, remains the same.
• Nov. 1 is the Feast of All Saints, a holy day of obligation. The Mass schedule is as follows: 11:45 a.m. (classes stop at 11:40 a.m. and resume at 12:35 p.m.) and 6 p.m.
• Nov. 2 is the Feast of All Souls. Besides remembering all of our dead, we will especially remember, at noon mass, those whose names have been sent through the Alumni Office and those in our Viterbo family who have died since Nov. 2, 1999. The “Book of Remembrance” will be available in the San Damiano Chapel beginning today for those who wish to include the names of those who have died. The book and the returned prayer forms will remain near the altar for the month of November.
• Tiny Tim Gala Evening will be held Saturday, Nov. 11 at the new La Crosse Center Ballroom. The evening’s entertainment includes a bountiful buffet of gourmet selections, a phenomenal silent and live auction of unique items, and live music by Deja Vu. Funds raised will go to St. Clare Health Mission, Hamilton Elementary School Strings Program, and Coulee Children’s Center. For more information, call 791-9766.
• In your kindness please remember those who have died and those who mourn them: The grandfather of Andrea Wise; the grandmother of Victor Owens; the grandfather of Kelcie Sime; the father and the mother-in-law of former employee Dave Roellig. May they rest in peace.
Out and About
• The Pump House is hosting a Regional Art Educators Exhibition Oct. 24-Nov. 10. An opening reception will be from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 24.
• A Taste of Home Cooking School session will be held at 7 p.m. in the FAC Main Theatre on Friday, Oct. 27. Tickets, $6 for balcony seats or $8 for main floor, are available from Quillins, Wettstein’s, and WIZM. Call 796-2565 or visit www.tasteofhomeschools.com for more information.
• See Chris Bucheit perform at the Backyard Patio Café in Galesville on Oct. 28 at 8 p.m. Admission is $8. The show also features Tim Mullally and Josh Shively. For reservations call (608) 582-2007.
Book Fair at Barnes & Noble
Get your holiday shopping off to an early start and, at the same time, benefit the Viterbo Preparatory School of Arts Scholarship Fund.
Shop on Sunday, Nov. 5, from 1-4 p.m. at Barnes and Noble Bookstore and a percentage of your proceeds will benefit the fund. Students of the Preparatory School will perform throughout the afternoon. Leithold Music has provided a piano for the event. Watch for special vouchers in your mailbox to present at checkout during the hours of the fair. Your support is appreciated. The Preparatory School of Arts Scholarship Fund helps students in financial need study at the school. For more information, contact Judy Stafslien at ext. 3767 or email her at jastafslien.
The Place to Be
The Student Union wishes to invite all campus organizations to use this facility. To do so, just call the Student Union Front Desk at ext. 3065 or stop by and make a reservation.
Thanks from Longfellow Middle School
Special thanks are extended to members of the Viterbo University men’s and women’s basketball teams who served up hot lunch and visited with students during National School Lunch Week last week. The theme of the event was “Sports and Nutrition.”
Thanks also to Gena Van Kirk, a Viterbo student doing her dietetics internship at Longfellow, who arranged the visit, and to the Viterbo Athletics Department for donating six Viterbo basketball game tickets for a drawing held that week for Longfellow students as part of the festivities.
Bake Sale
Craving some goodies? Then don’t miss out on the Psychology Club’s bake sale this Wednesday in the FAC from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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