Connections
A Newsletter for the Viterbo University Community
Vol. 14 No. 11 November, 6, 2000
Everyday Heroes: Club Members Keep it Clean
There’s a stretch of land along Highway 14/61 that’s a whole lot cleaner thanks to the efforts of the Viterbo University Biology and Chemistry Club.
In fact, club members have “adopted” that mile of land under the state’s Adopt-a-Highway program, an effort aimed at keeping our roadsides litter free.
Twice annually, for more than five years, club members have been donating their time to clean up that land, which begins just over the Cass Street Bridge on the pike between La Crosse and La Crescent.
“We’re trying to portray the Franciscan spirit of respect for our environment. This is one way to help students realize that a little thing like litter can really affect our environment if it’s allowed to accumulate,” said club advisor Kim Fredricks.
Typically, the group collects 10-12 large garbage bags full of trash on each outing. Along with the typical litter, the group has removed even more unusual items.
“We’ve found couch cushions, hubcaps, dirty diapers; one year someone even found a watch,” said Fredricks.
While some of the students use the volunteer work to count towards Viterbo’s community service hours, a number of them simply donate their time to the effort, or continue to volunteer for clean-up duty after their service requirements are filled.
“The students just want to do something for the environment,” said Fredricks. “They look forward to it. Usually we have a picnic after and we even make a game of seeing who can find the most unusual things.”
“It’s fun,” said Biology and Chemistry Club member and Viterbo senior Theresa Hoeger. “Plus it’s a way to do something good for the community.”
In September, 14 students and three faculty members participated in the clean up. Members of the Biology and Chemistry Club who assisted are: Stacy Leonard, Julia Havlovic, Luke Peterson, Mitch Weiland, Jim Hanson, Charlie Lauters, Majelle Lofthouse, Theresa Hoeger, Adam Schellinger, Margaret Elvekrog, Alison Harr, Jen Hebola, Joy Prokop, and Garey Davis.
Viterbo faculty members who participated are: Kim Fredricks, biology; Vaughn Rodgers, chemistry; and Anna Helwig, chemistry.
Everyday Heroes
You’ve seen them on campus. Perhaps you’ve had them in class or you’ve had classes with them. But did you know they’re heroes? Viterbo has a rich history of service and today’s campus community is no exception. We may have a community service requirement which students must fulfill, but we also have many students who do service outside or beyond those requirements. They set an example for the rest of us. They’re our everyday heroes.
If you know of a student who is an everyday hero, please contact Communications & Marketing at ext. 3042 or email us at connections.
Fr. McGarty Discusses Lutheran-Catholic Relations
Fr. Bernard McGarty, a visiting scholar in ecumenical studies in Viterbo’s Religious Studies Department, will discuss Lutheran and Catholic Relations from 1517-2000 in the Viterbo Fine Arts Center Main Theatre on Monday, Nov. 20, at 7:30 p.m.
The lecture, which is free and open to the public, features a slide show and dramatic readings of historic quotations by Viterbo Theatre Arts students. No ticket is required for this event.
News You'll Notice by Jan Eriksen, Extended Learning
New Programs: Two new programs in the School of Extended Learning, both through the Advance Program, began this semester: The Bachelor of Integrated Studies (BIS or “2+2 Program”) and the Management and Information Technology (MIT) major. Of the 22 new BIS majors, 68% previously attended WWTC. The BIS program allows students to design their own plan, in consultation with an academic advisor, using two concentration areas. The most popular are: Business, computer information systems, social sciences, and religion/philosophy.
Adult learners in MIT take the standard Advance Program curriculum for their first two semesters; their last semester consists of computer information systems courses. They also do a computer-focused research project for the duration of the program. A new MIT group began this fall with 12 students; three former students will joinin the second semester. John Benton is research coordinator for the group. The January 2001 MIT group currently has 16 applicants.
The adult learners in these programs, plus those in an OMGT group that began this fall, brings the Advance Office’s student number to 45 (166 including continuing OMGT students in La Crosse and Reedsburg). A January 2001 OMGT group is at maximum capacity of 20 enrollees.
New Site
The RN-to-BSN Program began a group at a new site this fallHudson. Hudson is a favorable location due to its proximity to the Twin Cities and their eastern suburbs. Other new groups started in the existing locations of Dodgeville and La Crosse. In addition, continuing groups are meeting in Dodgeville and La Crosse, plus Marshfield, New Richmond, Wausau, Janesville, Reedsburg, and Watertown. An advertising and recruitment campaign is currently underway for groups to begin in pring semester 2001.
New Student Services Coordinator
Tim Posey, former Viterbo Bookstore Manager, has joined the RN-to-BSN Program as full-time Student Services Coordinator. Tim earned an M.A. in history from Oklahoma State University. His new responsibilities include: Serving as a central contact for all new and current RN-to-BSN students, recruiting new students, conducting market research for new classes and site locations, performing college credit transfer evaluations, and managing databases.
PAWS Week
The Marian Hall RA Staff wants you to know that pets are important, too! That’s why they’re sponsoring PAWS Week (Pet Awareness Week) Nov. 13-17.
Many pets are abandoned by their owners and left to survive on their own, unless found by the Humane Society. Each year the Humane Society takes in abandoned pets and helps them find new homes and owners. However, the cost to feed and care for these pets until owners are found is high.
During PAWS Week, the Marian Hall RA Staff will sell PAWS to raise funds to help defer costs in caring for sheltered pets. The PAWS will be sold for $1each and the buyer’s name will be added to the PAW.
In the residence halls, there will be a PAW War, the floor with the most PAWS will receive a pizza party.
Faculty, staff, and administrators can purchase PAWs on Wednesday, Nov. 15, in the MC Lobby from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. and are encouraged to display them on their office door to show support. PAWS may also be purchased from Marian Hall RA staff or contact Rob Anderson at ext. 3842.
Monies raised will go to the Coulee Region Humane Society. In addition, the Marian Hall RA Staff will do a volunteer project with the Humane Society during November in support of National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week.
The Value of Hospitality by Fr. Tom O'Neill, Campus Ministry, and Wayne Wojciechowski, Learning 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 third in a series of articles summarizing those value findings. Today’s summary is on “hospitality” by Wayne Wojciechowski.
Hospitality
Have you ever had the experience where you came to appreciate or value something only after it was no longer available to you?
Well, about 10 years ago some of us from Viterbo attended a celebration at a Franciscan college on the east coast. From that experience we all came to realize that there was something missing at that institution that was present at Viterbo, but perhaps we took for granted a spirit of hospitality.
Hospitality is a way of being, a sense for a person’s true identity that leads to respect for all, and an acknowledgement of each one’s human dignity. Hospitality is experienced when we each see ourselves as host and treat everyone as a welcomed guestwhen we invite people to share our space.
Viterbo personnel at the Day-at-the-Lake generated a number of practical suggestions on the implementation of the value of “hospitality.” These include:
• Being available and approachable by students and other Viterbo personnel.
• Making students feel comfortable in a new learning situationto promote learning.
• Making our spaces warm, inviting and welcoming to community members and visitors.
• Being open to differencessharing the goodness of others.
• Modeling values of human dignity and respect among the university and entire community.
Senior Art Show
The Viterbo University Art Department Gallery will feature the artwork of two seniors, Jenny Sanwick and Jason Schrader, from Wednesday, Nov. 8 through Wednesday, Nov. 22 with an opening reception on Wednesday, Nov. 8 from 7:30-9 p.m.
Jenny Sanwick’s exhibition will feature self-portraits in oil, mixed media, ink wash, and woodcut prints. Sanwick will also be showing landscapes and work on the theme of birds in photogravure, etching, and ink. Jason Schrader will be showing drawings and plaster/ceramic sculptures, which relate to the human form.
The Nov. 8 reception is free and open to the public.
Inclement Weather
Though it still feels like early fall, Old Man Winter could be lurking right around the corner.
In cases of severe weather, a decision on whether or not to cancel classes will be made in consultation with President Medland or his designee. If classes are canceled, Communications and Marketing will notify the media. Those responsible for directing special events will determine whether or not to proceed with the event and will provide notification to participants. Individual class cancellations are handled as follows:
• For faculty providing information about specific class cancellations, call 796-3080 or 796-3190.
• For students wanting information on cancellations, call 796-3200.
Campus Ministry by Fr. Tom O'Neill
November liturgy: The final block of Sundays in Ordinary Time places Jesus in Jerusalem, where his teaching takes place in and around the Temple. The weeks between Nov. 1 and Advent mark a fading of God’s glory, reflecting the gradual “passover” from autumn’s abundant glory into winter’s harshness.
The conclusion of Ordinary Times is the Feast of Christ the King, Nov. 26. When Pius XI established this feast in 1925, the rise of totalitarianism must have made it seem that apocalyptic forces had been unleashed on the world. Bolshevism reigned in Russia, Fascism in Italy, the bloodshed of civil war flowed in many places, and from every quarter came forebodings of new dictatorships. So the pope proclaimed: Pax Christi in regno Christi: “The peace of Christ in the reign of Christ!”
The month of November is dedicated to the “harvesting” of gifts that are needed for food baskets for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Please remember our local food pantries canned goods and non-perishables may be left in the foyer of the San Damiano Chapel.
In your kindness please remember those who have died and those who mourn them: The father of Sister Rosemary Nkfunji and the grandmother of Brian Quarne. May they rest in peace.
Seventh Day Lunch Discussion
What are you doing for lunch on Wednesday? The Seventh Day lunch discussion group will meet at noon in MC 419C to discuss “It’s Not a Shame, It’s a Crime: Discussion of Domestic Violence in La Crosse,” presented by Alice Benson, English.
The Seventh Day Lunch Discussion next week is on Thursday, Nov. 16. Kate Rutherford, adjunct professor in psychology will discuss Sometimes I Didn’t Think, I Just Kept on Living about the novel she recently completed, Jerry’s Story. Rutherford will hold a booksigning before and after her Seventh Day Discussion in the MC Lobbyfrom 10 a.m.-noon and 1:30-3 p.m. She will sell and autograph her books Jerry’s Story, $12; And, I Don’t Mean Christmas, $5; and Sweet Stew: An Alaskan Tale, $8. Visit her website for more information on these books: www.folksites.com/speciallittlebooks.
Brats ‘n’ Beer
The Criminal Justice and Sociology Club is sponsoring its “Buy a Brat, Get a ‘Beer” fundraiser. From 11 a.m.-1 p.m., brats and rootbeer will be available in Assisi Courtyard directly behind MC. The cost is only $2 for a brat and rootbeer.
Harvest Ball 2000
The Viterbo University Enchanted Harvest Ball 2000 will be held Nov. 18 in the Marian Hall Dining Room and is sponsored by the Global Rhythms Club. Enjoy dancing, prizes, and free non-alcoholic beverages. Music will be provided by Music on Wheels. Advance tickets are $5. Tickets are $6 at the door or $5 at the door with a non-perishable food item.
The Three Who Would Not Let it Be
Three students serving as members of the Viterbo University Student Activities Board (SAB) personally revitalized a valuable event for students with the debut of Viterbo Improv Night on Thursday, Oct. 19.
Freshmen Katy Tyler, Amber Marquardt, and Sara Miller came across the event on Sunday, Oct. 15. It was an event the SAB had scheduled for Oct. 19 but was about to fall through the cracks due to lack of planning, minimal advertising, and lack of funding for prizes. Katy, Amber, and Sara did not want the student body to miss out on Improv Night—an opportunity that encourages a fun atmosphere for all students—so they motivated other SAB members to gather the needed information by talking to other students, asking ideas, and generating interest.
As a result of their efforts, Improv Night was a success! More than 50 students attended. During the event, students were pulled from the crowd to display their talents in acting and creativity. Other students attended to enjoy the entertainment and applaud their fellow students. Everyone enjoyed the munchies funded by the SGA and the prizes donated by the Orientation Staff. The event was so successful that it will be held again in the future.
The events on campus this year have all been the result of hard work by students, advisors, and faculty. But it is those who work above and beyond the call of duty who deserve special recognition. Thanks Katy, Amber, and Sara!
New Book Available in the Bookstore
Viterbo Friends and Colleagues: Remember me, Kent Koppelman? I’m the guy who presented the keynote for Viterbo’s in-service back in August. Remember how you were told that my book, Values in the Key of Life, would soon be available? Well guess what? After a trip back to the publisher to correct a printing error, the book is finally available at your bookstore! It is also available at Barnes and Noble across from Valley View Mall where I have been invited to do a booksigning on Saturday, Nov. 11, from 1-3 p.m. It would be wonderful to see you there, or if you can’t make it and wish to have me sign your book, Jan (Koppleman, Viterbo AMPS) has volunteered to act as courier. I have been using the book in the course I teach at UW-L (Understanding Human Differences) and my students have expressed great praise. I’m sure it has nothing to do with brown-nosing the professor. Thank you again for giving me the opportunity to share my ideas about ethics, values, and diversity with the Viterbo University community and thank you for being such a receptive audience.
Experience a Taste of Viterbo
Aramark, RSB, and Global Rhythms will be hosting an Ethnic Night Dinner in the Marian Hall Dining Room on Nov. 8, from 4:30-6 p.m. The dinner is open to all Viterbo faculty, staff, and students. The event will involve a “taste” of culture from other countries. Viterbo international students have submitted recipes that will be prepared by Aramark and then served in a buffet extravaganza. The countries of Malawi, Japan, Belize, Columbia, Jamaica, and Zimbabwe will be featured along with displays and music from around the world. All are welcome!
Tyler is Student of the Month
Congratulations to first-year student Katy Tyler for being awarded the September/October Students Excelling in Activities & Leadership (SEAL) Student of the Month Award. Katy is a member of Student Activities Board (SAB) and was nominated for her, “extraordinary motivation…in planning a successful SAB event.” Her nomination also said, “In addition to motivating students, Katy assisted in planning an event never done before and managed a success rate far greater than expected.”
SEAL is sponsored by the SDC to recognize outstanding efforts in the area of student life, work study, student organizations, community service, involvement and leadership. The SEAL committee would like to thank those that nominated students for September and October. November/December written nominations highlighting the students’ accomplishments can be emailed to jwramaker or sent interoffice to the Residence Life Center.
Nominations are due by Tuesday, Dec. 5.
Faculty Development Committee Announces New FD Grant Procedures
The Faculty Development Committee has reviewed and revised the guidelines for the Faculty Development (FD) grant and its application process. The changes are intended to extend FD monies to more faculty and for a greater variety of proposals.
The FD Committee has changed the levels of funding from two to three. Faculty are still eligible for an award of up to $500 for scholarly research and artistic, curricular, and instructional projects and activities which contribute to excellence in teaching and further professional development. Faculty who receive a $500 grant are eligible for any level of funding the following year.
Grants of more than $500 and up to $1000 will also be granted for professional development. Recipients of a $1000 grant will now be eligible for only a $500 award the following year. This is a change in policy. The policy previously stated that a recipient of a $1000 grant would not be eligible for any monies the following year.
Because of the number of faculty who participate in international conferences and workshops, and because of the expense of attending those, the committee has created a third level of funding. Four FD grants of up to $2000 will be available for scholarly activities outside of the continental U.S. These International Grant awards will be for a two-year period. Faculty who receive a $2000 grant during one year, will not be eligible for any grant monies the following year. Applicants must articulate in the application how the project will meet the desired outcomes of Viterbo’s cross-cultural and exchange program.
To clarify eligibility, and what types of projects generally are not funded through the FD grants, the committee has included under the category of professional activities not eligible for funding (1) support for professional licensure or recertification of professional licensure, (2) professional development that is initiated or mandated by the university, school, or department administration, and (3) support to students or to Viterbo employees who have exclusive Staff or Administration status. The FD Committee has also added to the category of projects and activities that are eligible for funding: Professional excursions to museums, exhibits, historical centers, historical sites, and theatre productions.
The following faculty recently received FD grants:
• Maribel Bird, foreign language, $1000 to attend the ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview Tester Training Workshop Nov. 13-16 at Brandeis University in Waltham, Mass.
• Karen Gibson, dietetics, $408.50 to attend the Nutrition and Exercise Conference sponsored by the Sports Nutrition Workshop Dec. 1-2 in Minneapolis.
• Carol Rhodes, music, $500 to participate in the Blue Lake Fine Arts International Exchange Program as an accompanist to the choir and to attend workshops and seminars related to the tour.
• Larry Harwood, philosophy, $500 to present a paper “C.S. Lewis on God and the Beautiful, the Devil, and Puritanism” at the Art and Soul 2001 Conference at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, Feb. 22-23.
• Pat Wessels, nursing, $500 to attend the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Dec. 7-9.
Faculty Development Lunches
Dr. Larry Harwood will lead a discussion on “The True, the Good, the Beautiful, and Parameters?” at a FD lunch Nov. 14. That lunch discussion is filled.
Eric Manchester will lead a discussion on “Controversy and Catholicism in the Classroom: Academic Freedom and Ex Corde Ecclesiae” at a FD lunch Dec. 6. Look for the flyer announcing this event.
Viterbo Celebrates Copland Centennial with Concert
The Viterbo University Music Department will observe the centennial of the birth of American composer Aaron Copland with a concert on Sunday, Nov. 12 at 2 p.m. in the FAC Main Theatre.
Aaron Copland (1900-1990): A Centennial Tribute will feature performances of Copland’s instrumental and vocal works by faculty members of the Viterbo music department and Preparatory School of Arts, the Viterbo Women’s Chorale, and the La Crosse Boy Choir.
Susan Rush, associate professor of music theatre, will provide a narrative on the life and music of this distinguished American composer, conductor, pianist, and author.
The concert is free and open to the public.
Out & About
• Amazing Girl Scientists: Do girls have an equal chance in science? Come and find out at the Museum of Modern Technology on Nov. 11. There will be two workshops presented by Ann Haley MacKenzie, a professor from Miami University of Ohio. The Workshop for Girls in Grades 4-8 from 9:30 a.m. to noon provides girls first-hand experience in exploring the wonders of science. Participants will meet 20 girls who grew up to become scientists. The Workshop for Teachers of Science runs from 2-4 p.m. and explores the gender equity problem and whether or not encouraging girls in science will affect boys. The workshops are free but pre-registration is required by Nov. 7. Call 785-2340 to register.
• Here are two events that are going to be taking place in November at the Pump House Regional Arts Center:
Slop Brand Art presents Supermarket, an art exhibit with work from 69 artists from around the nation that explores the relationship between art and the consumer. The opening reception is Nov. 16 from 6-8 p.m. The show runs through Dec. 23.
• Music and Humor of Wisconsin by Lou and Peter Berryman, will be held Friday, Nov. 17, at 7:30 p.m., in the Pump House Dayton Theater.
For more information about Pump House events, call 785-1434
• The La Crosse Symphony Orchestra presents Keys to Treasure with guest artist Edward Newman on Nov. 17 and 18 in the Viterbo FAC Main Theatre. The symphony will perform Von Suppe’s Poet and Peasant Overture, Hoch’s World Premiere (commissioned for the La Crosse Symphony Orchestra), and Tchaikowsky’s Piano Concerto #1. Tickets are $12/$23. To order or for more information call 783-2121.
Upcoming Events
• The Red Cross Blood Drive will be held at Viterbo University on Thursday, Nov. 16 from 1:15-6 p.m. in the San Damiano Chapel. Appointments are encouraged. Please call Marilyn Jaekel, health services, at ext. 3806 or Judy Thesing, student development, ext. 3825, to schedule your appointment.
• Plan now for a trip to Mexico City and surrounding sights May 29-June 12. The itinerary includes museums, the restored Chapultepec Castle, the Pyramids of Teotihuacan, open markets, and the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe in Mexico City. Viterbo University and Global Awareness Through Education (GATE) are coordinating the tour. If interested, contact Sr. Bernyne Stark for more information at ext. 3190 or email her at sbstark.
Time is Running Out
The Viterbo watch sale has been extended through this Wednesday. Samples of these beautiful watches are located in the President’s glass case on the second floor of MC. Take advantage of this one-time offer. Cost per watch is $15 with any profits going to Place of Grace.
Extra phone books
Need another campus directory for your office or home. A limited number are available from Communications and Marketing, MC 228.
Speakers Bureau
Viterbo Speaker’s Bureau brochures have been put in all employee mailboxes. Please pass along this handy reference. Extra copies can be obtained from Communications and Marketing. Thanks to all who volunteered to be a part of this project.
SoVoSo's Rhythmic Stylings Come to the Fine Arts Center
The highly visual and imaginative a cappella group SoVoSo will be performing at the Viterbo FAC Main Theatre on Saturday, Nov. 11 at 7:30 p.m.
SoVoSo, which means from the soul to the voice to the song, is a creative a cappella sextet that sings a compelling mix of jazz, R&B, gospel, pop, and improvisational music. The group’s trademark is an exceptional ability to transform themselves into a broad-ranging vocal orchestra, highlighting their repertoire with improvisational music, storytelling, and on-stage character work.
SoVoSo recently won first prize at the National Harmony Sweepstakes A Cappella Festival. The group was originally assembled in 1986 by renowned vocalist Bobby McFerrin. Members of SoVoSo performed with McFerrin in his a cappella group Voicestra until 1993.
In 1997, their album SoVoSo: World Jazz A Cappella was named Best Studio Album by the Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards.
SoVoSo’s performance is part of the Viterbo NexStar Season and is sponsored by TCI: Architects, Engineers, and Contractors. It is supported, in part, by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin.
Tickets for SoVoSo 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.
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