Connections
A Newsletter for the Viterbo University Community
Vol. 14 No. 13 November 20, 2000
Celebrate the Holidays--Viterbo Style
As always, Viterbo University has a number of events centered on the holiday seasonevents focused on community, celebration, and giving. Here are just a few:
Let's Gather to Celebrate the Magic of the Holidays...
Members of the Social Committee cordially invite you to attend the Annual Employee Christmas Party! This year, the festivities will be held Friday, Dec. 15, at River Jack's and will include a social hour, meal and a chance to "cut the rug" on the dance floor. The chef at River Jack's will be offering you a tasty choice of roast pork, baked orange roughy, chicken cordon bleu, and a vegetarian entree. Word has also been received that Santa will be leaving a stocking stuffed with some surprise gifts! The cost is $11 per person and we need your RSVP with payment by Dec. 11. Watch your mailbox for invitations and additional information. Save the date and plan to attend!
Light a Candle of Love this Season
The Viterbo University Residence Life Apartment Staff has paired up with Family Resources of La Crosse to sponsor "Community Candles," an opportunity for the community to reach out and help children in need.
For every $15 donation, a “candle is lit” in the Viterbo University Student Union. This signifies a child in need in our community will receive two gifts at Christmastime this yearone that the child needs (such as a jacket) and one that the child wants (such as a toy or game). Viterbo Residence Life Apartment Staff will purchase and wrap the gifts, and Family Resources will distribute them.
The unlit, paper “candles”will be displayed in the windows of the Student Union. The name of the sponsoring group or individual will be written on the candle.
Please place donations in the "Community Candles" box in the Student Union or return them via campus mail in a sealed envelope to the Student Union by Wednesday, Dec. 13 at 4 p.m. Indicate the name to appear on the candle and the dollar amount enclosed. Checks may be written to “Community Candles.”
If you need additional information, contact Adrienne Appler, residence life at ext. 3840 or by email at acappler.
For information on other holiday happenings, see page 4 of this issue.
Connections Goes on Holiday
There will be no Connections on Monday, Nov. 27, due to Thanksgiving. Connections resumes with its Dec. 4 issue. The deadline for submissions is noon on Thursday, Nov. 30. If you have information that needs to be distributed sooner, please submit it by email to connections. We will do an email update.
Get Ready to "Light Up" Christmas!
A sure sign of the approach of Christmas is Viterbo’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. Please join in this celebration of the season as the campus Christmas tree is lighted on Thursday, Nov. 30 at 3:30 p.m. the FAC Main Theatre lobby.
YWCA Event Honors Area and Viterbo Women
It hasn’t been all that long since women’s roles were limited in our society, said Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Ann Walsh Bradley during the YWCA Tribute to Outstanding Women banquet on Monday, Nov. 13.
One of the examples she cited was the experience of Sandra Day O’Connor. In 1952, O’Connor graduated at the top of her Stanford University class. Following graduation, she applied to every law firm in California and received only one job offer—to work as a legal secretary in one of the firms. O’Connor did not give up. Persistence paid off and she eventually found her way into the male dominated field and worked her way up to serve as a judge on the Arizona Court of Appeals. She made history when President Ronald Reagan appointed her, in 1981, to the U.S. Supreme Court. She was the first female ever appointed.
Comparably, said Bradley, the mistress of ceremonies for the Tribute event, of the judges in Wisconsin today only 12 percent are female. And three of the seven Wisconsin Supreme Court Judges are women.
Though women have come a long way, Bradley reinforces, "We must do all that we can. We must pass the torch to each other and to those that will follow. We cannot forget (the past) and we must keep the fire burning."
Following Bradley’s speech, the YWCA recognized several La Crosse area women for their efforts and achievements in "keeping the fire burning." Outstanding Achievement Awards went to: Pam Maykut, Viterbo psychology professor, Education/Teacher; Sheila Garrity, executive director of the La Crosse Community Foundation and a member of the Franciscan Spirituality Center Board, Activist; Julie Bartels, Franciscan Skemp Healthcare administrator and a 1977 Viterbo graduate, Business/ Professions; Jeanne Hopson, founder of and teacher with the La Crosse Family Playhouse, Arts; Susan Wrobel, UWL Campus Child Center director, Education/ Administrator; Dianne Morrison, UWL business professor, Entrepreneur; Brenda Rooney, Gundersen Lutheran Department of Community and Preventive Care Services medical director, Health/Medical; Samantha Strong, Z93 disc jockey and program director, Media/ Communications; Mariel Carlisle, volunteer and founder of Tiny Tim Christmas Fantasy, Volunteer Services; and Michelle Shimek, Luther High School senior, Young Woman of Tomorrow.
In addition, 38 area women received YWCA Certificates of Recognition for their significant contribution to their companies. Members of the Viterbo community who were recognized are: Stephanie Genz, nursing; Rose Kreutz, nursing; Marilyn Jaekel, health services; Kenna Christians, institutional advancement; Erin Fargen, senior, criminal justice major; and Rose Reinert, senior, social work major.
La Crosse Community Thanksgiving Dinner
Experience a true sense of community and fellowship as you enjoy a great meal at the 19th annual La Crosse Community Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday, Nov. 23 at the La Crosse Center. The event is free and open to the public.
A Thanksgiving worship service will begin the event at 10:30 a.m., followed by the dinner from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. and activities for children and entertainment throughout the day.
Rides to and from the La Crosse Center and limited home delivery of meals to shut-ins can be arranged by calling 782-1411. (Reservations for delivery must be made by the end of the day today.)
Safety Reminder from Physical Plant by Jay McHenry, Physical Plant
Please remember that, for safety reasons, lit candles and “space heaters” are prohibited in most locations on campus. Physical Plant staff has been instructed to confiscate those candles and “space heaters” which have not been approved. Your cooperation and questions are appreciated and welcomed. Please contact Jay McHenry, physical plant, at ext. 3921 or by email at jdmchenry if you have questions.
V-Hawks on KQEG
For those who may not have time to attend upcoming Viterbo men’s and women’s basketball games butwould still like to see them, check this out:
KQEG the Eagle will tape three Viterbo basketball games this year. The first will be a men’s basketball game against Stevens Point on Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. It will be aired on Nov. 22 at 9 p.m. The second game will be the Alumni Cup against UW-La Crosse on Nov. 29 at 6 p.m., and will be aired on Nov. 30 at 9 p.m. The last game they will air is the women’s basketball game against River Falls on Dec. 5. This game will be aired Dec. 6 at 9 p.m.
December Bus Passes
If you felt the sting of winter’s chill this past week, fear not. Remember, you can travel around town inexpensively and in warm comfort on the MTU. Viterbo employees may purchase their $8 monthly, unlimited-use bus passes in Communications and Marketing, MC 228. For a December pass, please turn in your payment by Monday, Nov. 27.
Flu Shot Update
Health Services has received a few flu vaccines specifically for persons with medical problems like chronic illness, diabetes, or asthma.
Additional flu vaccines are expected the second week in December. However, due to the nationwide flu vaccine shortage, receipt of the additional vaccines is not guaranteed.
The cost of each flu shot is $6.50.
If you qualify for a flu vaccine due to medical need, or if you would like to add your name to a list of those who would like to receive the vaccine when they become available, please contact Health Services at ext. 3806.
Women's Basketball Team Hosts Clinic by Lynn Sirianni, Sports Information Coordinator
The Viterbo women's basketball squad held a Coulee Catholic Schools Fifth and Sixth Grade Girls' Basketball Clinic on Tuesday, Nov. 14 and Wednesday Nov. 15 at the R.W. Beggs, Sr. Gymnasium. The V-Hawks are committed to community service in the Coulee Region and held this clinic free of charge for area Coulee Catholic Schools' fifth and sixth grade girls. Thirty girls from the area participated in the clinic provided by the Viterbo women basketball players.
Share Your Ideas and Talents by Jason Ramaker, Residence Life
Residence Life invites interested faculty and staff to share their talents, special interests, hobbies, travels, and knowledge in our residence halls, apartments, and theme houses. In an effort to continue our living and learning mission at Viterbo, we’d like to develop a stronger relationship between academics and student life to "bridge the gap." We’re looking for short, informal, educationally-interesting topics of discussion or activities such as film reviews, demonstrations, storytelling, and community service involving students and staff. Many faculty and staff are already involved with student extracurriculars and perhaps this is an opportunity to bring it into the halls and incorporate class instruction in our living community. Contact Jason Ramaker at x3841 or email jwramaker if interested.
Free Time? Volunteer Opportunities Abound by Sr. Sue Ernster, Campus Ministry
Thank you to the 15 students who helped at the Habitat for Humanity House on St. Cloud St. on Saturday, Nov. 4. Different work opportunities included drywalling, carrying sheet rock, stapling plastic to the ceiling and walls to help insulate the house, hanging siding, and so on. The house is nearly finished and Habitat is starting another one, so, if you have some extra time and would like to help build a Habitat for Humanity House, please join Circle K on Saturday, Dec. 2 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. for the Habitat Day. Please know that for each volunteer hour that is given a donor is donating $10 to Habitat for Humanity. By volunteering on Saturday, Dec. 2 you can help Habitat in two ways. If interested or to sign up please contact Leah Morken at 793-1921.
Are you in the holiday spirit and would like to be one of Santa's little elves and help out at Rotary Lights? New Horizons Women's Shelter is looking for people to work one hour shifts on Monday, Nov. 27 from 4:30-10 p.m. at Riverside Park. They are in need of assistance with Santa's elves, collecting donations or greeting cars. For more information or to sign up to help, please contact Sharon Talley at 791-2607.
If you cannot make it on Nov. 27, Family Resources needs volunteers on Wednesday, Dec. 27. Contact Barbara at 784-2125.
Thursday is Thanksgiving and volunteers are still needed for the La Crosse Community Thanksgiving Dinner. Please call 782-1411 to volunteer.
Hospitality Conference Speakers Needed by Richard Kyte, D.B.Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership
The theme for the 2001 Ethics Across the Disciplines Conference is "Hospitality: Serving Strangers in our Homes, Hospitals, Prisons, Schools, and Churches."
The conference’s purpose is to provide an opportunity to discuss one of our university's core values and gain fresh insight from the perspective of guests from other institutions. Depending on the number of submissions, the conference will begin either Friday morning or afternoon on April 20 and conclude Saturday afternoon (April 21). There will be a Friday evening plenary session featuring David Solomon of Notre Dame in the Recital Hall. All of the other conference sessions will take place in the Franciscan Spirituality Center.
The theme is fairly broad so people from a wide spectrum of academic disciplines are encouraged to participate. Most sessions will be fairly relaxed with a workshop-like atmosphere rather than a highly structured setting.
Submissions for the conference do not need to be highly developed. They should include the type of presentationwhether it is a solo paper or a panel presentationand include a brief topic description and explanation of its relevance to the conference theme.
Deadline for submissions is Jan. 30. Contact Rick Kyte at ext 3704 or email rlkyte with questions.
Scholar Discusses Bethlehem at Time of Christ
A biblical scholar who has studied in the Holy Land will speak at a La Crosse church about Bethlehem at the time of Christ's birth.
Professor Richard Simon Hanson, who has taught for 37 years at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, will speak on "The Old Town of Bethlehem" at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, at English Lutheran Church, 1509 King St.
His presentation is part of the congregation's Bethlehem Event, a two-day re-enactment of the city at the time of Christ's birth. He will also speak during the church's Adult Forum earlier in the day at 9:15 a.m. Both presentations are free and open to the public. Hanson earned a doctorate at Harvard University under the direction of a Dead Sea Scroll scholar, and did work and research with the scrolls. He teaches the Bible, the Hebrew language, and the history of Judaism and Islam.
Hanson has made 11 trips to the Holy Land. His first visit to Bethlehem was in 1968, shortly after the Israelis conquered the West Bank territory and took over jurisdiction of the town.
Hanson will also speak to the cast and crew of the Bethlehem Event. The event aims to re-enact what was happening in the city the day Christ was born. Much of the church's education building becomes the set of Bethlehem and includes life-sized buildings, enhanced by a realistic mural. Census takers are present, baskets are being weaved, and the blacksmiths are at work. Re-enactors portray more than 35 trades of an ancient village. Animals are herded and, of course, a special child has been born. There is even a museum with actual, ancient artifacts.
The Bethlehem Event has become a tradition at the church since 1980 and has been held every three to four years. During the most recent event, in 1996, more than 700 people worked as the cast and crew. And, the two-day event was attended by around 6,000 people. The event runs from noon-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 16 and 17. Admission is free; a free-will offering is accepted. For more information, visit: http://www.centuryinter.net/englishlutheran/. A virtual preview of the set can be viewed after Dec. 1 at www.lacrossetribune.com.
Vienna Choir Boys Bring Harmony to Viterbo Stage
The Vienna Choir Boys will grace the Viterbo FAC Main Theatre stage on Saturday, Dec. 2, at 7:30 p.m.
Founded in 1498 by Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I, the Vienna Choir Boys began with 12 boys chosen to sing weekly liturgical mass in the Imperial Chapel at Hofburg Palace in Vienna. Known for their delightful, melodic, and almost angelic tones, the Vienna Choir Boys continue singing each Sunday at mass in the Imperial Chapel—a tradition that is more than 500 years old.
Throughout its history, the choir has performed with musicians such as Mozart, Antonio Salieri, Heinrich Isaac, and many more.
Choir members enter the Augartenpalais (the choirboy’s school) as kindergartners and receive a full education and special training in the bel canto style of singing. The members can sing in 20 different languages. Today’s group consists of four choirs who tour or sing Sunday mass in the Imperial Chapel. Program highlights include works by Franz Joseph Haydn, Schubert (himself a Choir Boy) and Johann Straussand their signature Viennese folk songs and short operettas.
The Vienna Boys Choir appearance is part of the Bright Star Season and is sponsored by Dayton’s. It is supported, in part, by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin.
A limited number of tickets are available for $28. For more information, contact the Box Office at ext. 3100.
News You'll Notice by Todd Ericson, Business Office
The annual budget preparation process for 2001-02 is underway. Controllable budget requests approximate $360,000, non-computer equipment requests approximate $159,000, and computer and related-equipment requests approximate $130,000 (excluding cyclical replacement expenditures and Computer Center recommendations). There are also several financial challenges for Viterbo University, including:
1. Healthcare costs, including prescription drug costs, are expected to increase by 10-20% in the next year, which will continue to put pressure on, and impact, the cost of our health insurance plan.
2. As we consider the concept of a laptop campus and other means of addressing the computer needs of our students and faculty, we are increasingly aware of significant costs in terms of personnel, computer hardware, and institutional financial aid.
3. After about 16 years, the administrative software package is beginning to be phased out by the vendor. A new system is expected to cost approximately $300,000-600,000, exclusive of transitional costs.
4. The existing telephone/voice system is nearing its limitations, forcing the consideration of replacement or upgrade which could cost $150,000-500,000.
In the last several weeks, I prepared an initial draft of the 2001-21 Budget Preparation Guidelines. These guidelines provide parameters for tuition and room/board increases, project enrollments and revenues, indicate plans for new programs or personnel, and provide for available resources for controllable expenditure increases and salary/benefit increases. Each of the factors must be balanced (i.e. increases in tuition/room/board affect the college’s ability to recruit/retain students; increases in tuition/room/board and level enrollments are the primary means to provide additional resources for expenditures; resources used for controllable expenditures reduce the monies available for salaries/equipment). A guidelines draft will be presented to the Board of Directors for discussion/approval at its Dec. 11 meeting.
The guidelines approved by the Board of Directors will provide the basis for budget deliberations during January, February, and March. The University Finance Committee will prioritize controllable budget requests. The Computer Committee will prioritize all computer hardware/software requests, in addition to those priorities that address long-term campus computerization. Academic and non-academic equipment requests will be provided to the Academic Vice President and the Vice President of Finance, respectively, for prioritization. Finally, the Director of Physical Plant and Vice President of Finance will recommend physical plant improvement projects, which the President’s Cabinet prioritizes.
The 2001-02 budget, which incorporates the aforementioned priorities, will be presented to the Board of Directors at its April meeting for consideration. Upon approval, and prior to June 30, the Vice President of Finance will notify campus departments of the budget process results and will include a summary of the factors which the University Finance Committee used to prioritize budget requests, as well as an indication of any department controllable budget modifications.
Campus Ministry by Fr. Tom O’Neill
• A Happy and Blessed Thanksgiving to all of you from all of us in Campus Ministry.
• Liturgy schedule note: There will be no noon Mass in San Damiano Chapel on Nov. 22, 23, or 24. The Feast of Christ the King will be celebrated on Sunday, Nov. 26 with Mass at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.
• We commend to God's mercy the soul of Doris McLean, mother of Janet McLean, and also the father, Thomas Yinkfu, of Sr. Rosemary. May they rest in peace.
A Thanksgiving Prayer
O God, source and giver of all things,
you manifest your infinite majesty,
power and goodness
in the earth about us;
we give you honor and glory.
For the sun and the rain,
for the fruits of our fields,
for the increase of our herds and flocks,
we thank you.
For the enrichment of our souls with your grace,
we are grateful.
Supreme Lord of the harvest,
graciously accept us and the fruits
of our toil,
in union with Jesus, your Son,
whose death, burial and resurrection
have brought atonement for our sins.
In your love foster the growth of your people,
Grant peace in our homes and salvation for all the world.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.
Twelve Viterbo Students Place at NATS Competition
Congratulations to these students who were among the 86 finalists at the statewide National Association of Teachers of Singing competition Nov. 2-4 at UWOshkosh (name, place, division, teacher): Jill Giudice, third place, Freshmen Women, Diane Foust; Heidi Freund, second place, Freshmen Women, Dan Johnson-Wilmot; Suzanne Flater, first place, Freshmen Women, Dan Johnson-Wilmot; Jason Bielke, finalist, Freshmen Men, Jerry Benser; Francine Peroutka, finalist, Sophomore Women, Jean Saladino; Austin Bartsch, second place, Sophomore Men, Jean Saladino; Alyssa Bruemmer, finalist, Junior Women, Dan Johnson-Wilmot; Kristen Husby, finalist, Junior Women; Jean Saladino; Brenda Cetera, first place, Junior Women, Jean Saladino; Kathryn Williams, finalist, Senior Women, Diane Foust; Mark Josephsen, finalist, Senior Men, Dan Johnson-Wilmot; and Hans Laping, first place, adult, Jerry Benser.
Kudos to...
Wayne Wagner, head men’s basketball coach, who was a panel member for the Mississippi Valley High School Conference Sportsmanship Workshop Tuesday, Nov. 14. The workshop, at the Onalaska American Legion, was a forum on various aspects of sportsmanship as related to high school athletes, parents, officials, coaches, administrators, fans, and the media. Terry Erickson, executive director, La Crosse Boy’s and Girl’s Club, moderated. “The purpose of the workshop,” said Erickson, “was to discuss guidelines and ways to maintain a high level of sportsmanship. I believe this workshop will increase the awareness and need for appropriate sportsmanship throughout our conference.”
Carol Klitzke, nutrition and dietetics, who had an abstract about her students’ work, with the School District of La Crosse School Nutrition Program “Partnerships with Schools Create Enthusiasm for Foodservice Careers,” published in the proceedings of the “2000 Summit: Best Practices in Dietetics Education,” sponsored by the American Dietetic Association at its annual meeting in Denver in October.
Rick Kyte, ethics insitute, who was the featured guest from 7-8 a.m. this morning for a one-hour talk show on Wisconsin Public Radio's Ideas Network. Interviewed by Tom Clark, Rick discussed the ethical dilemmas related to the presidential election impass particularly as it pertains to the prospects of a Florida recount. The segment will be re-broadcast on WLSU today from 8-9 p.m.
Mission to Mexico
Sigma Pi Delta and the Lioness Club of Stoddard are collecting shampoo, lotions, toothpaste, and other toiletries for a girls' orphanage in Mexico. Please bring donations to the Alumni Office (MC 214) by Monday, Nov. 27.
“Watch” This!
Thanks to those who purchased a Viterbo University watch. A profit of $177.85 was realized and these proceeds will be turned over to Place of Grace. Watch delivery is set for the first week in December.
December Jeans Days
Take part in Jeans Days in December by contributing your dollar at the MC Reception Desk or the Admission Office and wearing jeans to work on the following days:
Dec. 1 Spirit Day
Dec. 8 Jeans Day (proceeds support the Coulee Region Humane Society)
Dec. 15 Employee Day
Dec. 22 Food Pantry
Dec. 29 La Crosse Tribune Jeans Day (Catholic Charities and the Coulee Council on Alcohol and Ohter Chemical Abuse)
Want to Exercise?
The Viterbo School of Nursing needs volunteers age 60 and older who are interested in improving their health and fitness through an Adult Health and Development Program (AHDP). This free program pairs Viterbo nursing students with participants to provide guidance, encouragement, and support through health-promoting activities.
The AHDP program will be held at two sites in the La Crosse area. The sessions are:
Mondays, Jan. 22-Feb. 26: 1-4 p.m., Naval Reserve Center, 2226 Green Bay St.
Mondays, March 19-April 30: 1-4 p.m., Naval Reserve Center, 2226 Green Bay St.
Fridays, Jan. 26-March 2: 8-11 a.m., Viterbo University, Student Activity Center (on 9th Street between Winnebago and Mississippi).
Fridays, March 23-May 4: 8-11 a.m., Viterbo University, Student Activity Center (on 9th Street between Winnebago and Mississippi).
Those interested should call Joyce Heil at ext. 3695 or e-mail jaheil.
Computer Classes
The Academic Technology Center is offering these courses Nov. 27-Dec.1:
Multimedia Classroom Podium Training
Nov. 27, 9-9:30 a.m., BNC 203
Nov. 30, 3:30-4 p.m., BNC 206
Network Orientation
Nov. 27, 2-3 p.m., MC 202
Using Adobe Acrobat
Nov. 29, 9-10:30 a.m., MC 202
Intro to Microsoft Powerpoint
Nov. 29, 2-4 p.m., MC 312
Netscape Mail
Nov. 30, 9:20-11 a.m., MC 304
Intro to Microsoft Access
Dec. 1, 8-10 a.m., MC 304
Please contact Jeff Nyseth at ext. 3285 or by email at jcnyseth with questions or to sign up.
Poinsettia Sale
The La Crosse County Medical Society Alliance is holding its 11th Annual Poinsettia Sale on Tuesday, Dec. 5 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Gundersen Lutheran Overholt Auditorium Foyer and in the Franciscan Skemp Hospital Lobby.
The sale includes poinsettias of various sizes and prices. All proceeds benefit a variety of community health projects, including Viterbo health-related scholarships. Pre-order and walk-in sales are available at both sites. Pre-order deadline is Nov. 29. For more information or to order, contact Louise Shurtleff, Gundersen Lutheran chairperson, at 788-8751, or Jonella Rademacher, Franciscan Skemp chairperson, at ext. 3464 or at 787-8512.
Senior Art Show
The Viterbo Art Department Gallery will feature the artwork of two seniors, Jennifer Olson and Jenny Sawle from Wednesday, Nov. 29, through Friday, Dec. 15. The opening reception will be Wednesday, Nov. 8, from 7:30-9 p.m. All are welcome.
Classifieds
• Giveaway: Cat needs good home. Neutered, declawed, litter-trained male cat needs a good home where he can be indoors. He is black with white paws and very friendly. Please call Jennifer at 796-3043 (mornings) or 796-0885 (afternoons/evenings).
• For Sale: Two sets of bunk bed frames (four beds total). Dark pine. One set still assembled. $45/set. Also, one matching pallet and one mattress, $10 each/OBO. Please contact Francine at ext. 3490 or at home, 788-7410.
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