Connections
A Newsletter for the Viterbo University Community
Vol. 14 No. 14 December 4, 2000
Everyday Heroes: Sharing their Faith
Every Wednesday, after finishing classes, doing homework, and grabbing a quick bite for dinner, some students pick up their bibles and head off to various parishes to share their faith with area youth through Catholic religious education classes. These “Everyday Heroes” are Viterbo’s volunteer CCD instructors.
“They’re good role models,” said Sr. Sue Ernster, campus ministry, of the 14 students she knows teach Catholic religious education classes at area parishes. “They let the kids in CCD see that faith isn’t just something you have to do, it’s something you want to do. The kids also see that these university students want to be a part of their faith lives and that’s a very good thing.”
But it’s not just the young CCD students who benefit, said Viterbo junior Kristin Krocker. “It’s been a good experience interacting with young people, to see the way they think about faith and it’s been a good opportunity for me to share my faith,” she said.
Krocker, who started teaching CCD this year at Mary, Mother of the Church parish, is working weekly with more than 20 high school freshmen, whom she co-teaches with retiree Art Barbier. A religious studies and secondary education major, Krocker hopes to establish ties with her students and be their CCD teacher until they are confirmed during their junior year.
“I think maybe I’ve planted a seed. Maybe I won’t get to see what I’ve done right way, but maybe I’ve helped them and they’ll find that out down the road. That’s the faith I hold onto,” she said.
The following Viterbo students are CCD instructors:
Holy Trinity: Juniors Korinne Collier and Anne Wiekamp; sophomore Jenny Jahsman; freshmen Bridget Donlon, Geri Acker, Renae Sanders, Alex Kehl, and Jessie Resch.
Caledonia: Andy Bush, freshman.
St. Elizabeth, Holmen: Nathan Greene, senior.
Mary, Mother of the Church: Senior Christine Stram; juniors Kristin Krocker and Meghan Kinney; and sophomore Chrissy Taylor.
CCD and other volunteer opportunities are available. Contact Sr. Sue Ernster, campus ministry, at ext. 3709.
Speakers Share Views on Hope and End-of-Life Care at Tuesday Talks
When Our Hearts Hold Hope
Tuesday, Dec. 5, 7-8:30 p.m., San Damiano Chapel
Sr. Joyce Rupp
Advent is the 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?
Join Sr. Joyce Rupp as she reflects on the great gift of hope and pays tribute to a woman of hope?Paula Ripple Comin?during a presentation that is part of an annual Paula Ripple Comin Memorial Endowed Lectureship in the area of spirituality. Admission is free.
Rupp is the author of Praying Our Goodbyes, May I Have this Dance? and Dear Heart, Come Home. Both Sr. Rupp’s and Ripple Comin’s books will be for sale at the event. A booksigning by Sr. Rupp follows the presentation.
Getting Good Care at the End of Life: Personal and Political Agendas
Tuesday, Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m., FAC Recital Hall
Joanne Lynn, M.D.
Until recently, few people survived serious illnesses for any substantial period of time. Now, thanks to improved medical care and technology, people with chronic illnesses are surviving for longer periods of time. But how can we both personally and politically improve the quality of care at the end of life? Find out during this free presentation.
Partial funding was provided by: Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation and the Viterbo Pi Phi Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau, International Honor Society of Nursing.
Dr. Lynn is director of the Center to Improve Care of the Dying; president of Americans for Better Care of the Dying, and author of the Handbook for Mortals.
President’s Dinner
All Viterbo students are cordially invited to a special Viterbo holiday tradition?The President’s Dinner -- on Thursday, Dec. 14, anytime between 4:15-6 p.m. in the Marian Hall Dining Room.
Viterbo President William J. Medland will escort students to their seats where they will be served dinner by various members of the faculty and staff. All students, including those that are not on the campus meal plan, are invited. This meal is a thanks to students for their hard work and dedication to their studies. Reservations are not needed.
Faculty and staff wishing to volunteer to serve meals during the dinner should contact Sr. Jean Moore at ext. 3801 or by email at jmmoore.
Christmas Party
Bring your Yuletide spirit to Viterbo’s Annual Employee Christmas Party on Dec. 15 at River Jack’s. The party will include a social hour, meal, and a chance to “cut the rug” on the dance floor. Dinner entree choices include roast pork loin with apple brandy sauce, baked orange roughy in cream sauce, chicken cordon bleu, or a chef’s choice vegetarian entree. The cost, per person, is $11. Registration and payment are due by Monday, Dec. 11.
Tickling the Ivories
Enjoy a free recital of music from a variety of periods and styles performed by the piano students of the Viterbo University Preparatory School of Arts, Sunday, Dec. 10, at 4 p.m. in the FAC Recital Hall. The performing musicians range in age from 4-18 and are students of Carol Rhodes. A reception in the Hospitality Suite will follow this free recital.
"Messiah" Performance Means Holidays are Upon Us
Celebrate the holidays with the Messiah, a timeless Christmas classic composed by George Frederick Handel and presented by the Viterbo University Music Department at the FAC Main Theatre on Saturday, Dec. 9, at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 10, at 2 p.m.
This awe-inspiring performance signals the beginning of the holiday season. Completed in just 24 days in 1741, Messiah was commissioned for a series of concerts to raise funds for a group of charities in Dublin. The first performance raised enough money to free 142 people from debtor’s prison. English historian Charles Burney described Handel’s work as one which “fed the hungry, clothed the naked, and fostered the orphan.” Although Messiah carried forth the Christian spirit in its charitable ways, it was not well accepted in its time. The presentation of parts of the New Testament within the context of a theatrical performance and by theater people was thought to be an act of heresy. Even as late as the mid-19th century, Messiah was thought inappropriate for performance in England’s Westminster Abbey. Today’s Messiah continues to be a powerfully inspiring work that infuses the holidays with joy and wonder.
Both performances of Messiah will feature the Viterbo University Concert Choir and Chorale conducted by Daniel Johnson-Wilmot. The Music Department will feature many of its ensembles and faculty and student soloists in the annual Christmas Lobby Party following this very special event.
Messiah is sponsored by WIZM AM 1410. Tickets are $13 and $10. For more information, contact the Box Office at ext. 3100 or explore the Bright Star Season web site at www.viterbo.edu/academic/ug/sfa/bss.htm.
Finals are Around the Corner
Thanksgiving is over. Christmas is fast approaching. But first comes final exam week, Monday, Dec. 18-Thursday, Dec. 21.
Below is the final exam schedule, which supercedes the previous one that was printed in the class schedule. All classes will meet in their regular classrooms during final exam periods. No student is required to take more than three regularly scheduled exams in one day.
Monday, Dec. 18
7:40-9:40 a.m.? NURS 345-01, NUTR 340-01, PSYC 289-01, SOC 149/249/349-01, THA 101-01, THA 113/313-01.
9:50-11:50 a.m.? All Tuesday 10 a.m. classes.
12:50-2:50 p.m.? All Monday 10 a.m. classes.
3-5 p.m.? All Monday 4:10 p.m. classes.
5:45-7:45 p.m.? All Monday 5:10-7 p.m. classes.
8-10 p.m.? All Monday 7:10-9 p.m. classes.
Tuesday, Dec. 19
7:40-9:40 a.m.? All Monday 9 a.m. classes.
9:50-11:50 a.m.? EDUC 325-01, ENG 127/227/327/427-01, CHEM 361-01, NUTR 250-01, NUTR 400-01, PSYC 249/349-01, RS 180-01, THA 115/ 315-01.
12:50-2:50 p.m.? All Tuesday 1 p.m. classes.
3-5 p.m.? All Monday 12:10 p.m. classes.
5:45-7:45 p.m.? All Tuesday 4:30-6 p.m. classes.
8-10 p.m.? All Tuesday 6:30-8 p.m. classes.
Wednesday, Dec. 20
7:40-9:40 a.m.? All Monday 3:10 p.m. classes.
9:50-11:50 a.m.? All Tuesday 2 p.m. classes.
12:50-2:50 p.m.? All Tuesday 8 a.m. classes.
3-5 p.m.? All Monday 11 a.m. classes.
5:45-7:45 p.m.? All Wednesday 5:10-7 p.m. classes.
8-10 p.m.? All Wednesday 7:10-9 p.m. classes.
Thursday, Dec. 21
7:40-9:40 a.m.? All Monday 1:10 p.m. classes.
9:50-11:50 a.m.? All Monday 8 a.m. classes.
12:50-2:50 p.m.? All Tuesday 11 a.m. classes.
3-5 p.m.? All Monday 2:10 p.m. classes.
5:45-7:45 p.m.? All Thursday 4:30-6 p.m. classes.
8-10 p.m.? All Thursday 6:30-8 p.m. classes.
Shop Viterbo and Save
Viterbo gear might just make the perfect Christmas gift this year…especially at a 20 percent discount!
To thank employees for their hard work, the Viterbo Bookstore is holding a Faculty & Staff Appreciation Event Friday, Dec. 8, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
An additional 10 percent, over and above the standard employee discount, will be given on all regular and sale-priced apparel, gifts, supplies, and all regularly priced general reading books. This offer excludes music CDs and videos.
Employees must bring their invitation in to receive the special discount. Invitations were distributed with the Nov. 21 paychecks.
Refreshments will be provided during this special event.
Broadway Star Returns to Alma Mater
Broadway star Linda Balgord ’82 returned to Viterbo’s Black Box Stage Nov. 17, not to act, but to share her experiences with theatre students.
The New Lisbon native, now 40, candidly discussed the difficulty of her challenging work—particularly the daily and weekly routine of Broadway. But many aspects of the job remain attractive to Balgord. “Theatre can be a great place to call home. The people who work in this profession can be much more fun and relaxed.”
At Viterbo, Balgord performed in a number of memorable plays including, The Importance of Being Earnest, Fiddler on the Roof, My Fair Lady, and Cat On a Hot Tin Roof. On Broadway, she starred in Cats, Sunset Boulevard and Aspects of Love.
Her thoughts about Viterbo? “It’s wonderful to be back. I learned so much here working in all departments. I gained an appreciation for all aspects of the job, including backstage, where on Broadway,” she said, “these workers are often treated poorly."
"How you treat people matters in this world,” she said. “You should treat people the way you want to be treated.”
Balgord and her husband now live in New York and she is exploring a variety of options regarding her career.
Nutcracker Ballet is Dec. 16
The La Crosse Dance Center presents the 11th Annual Nutcracker Ballet on Saturday, Dec. 16 at 2 p.m. and, again, at 7:30 p.m. in the FAC Main Theatre.
Back by popular demand is Anthony Neumann as the “Nutcracker Prince.” Neumann is a former member fo the Milwaukee Ballet and the Royal Winnipeg Ballet.
Directed by Kathy Gorman, Viterbo’s part-time dance instructor, the Nutcracker Ballet features Viterbo students Nick Rapacz, senior, as “Godfather Drosselmeyer” and “Mother Ginger,” and Andrew Cao, sophomore, as the “Arabian Dancer.” Other Viterbo students in the cast are: Jillian Palmer, junior; Maureen Jefferson, freshman; Luke Buholzer, junior; and Jason Roberts, senior.
Tickets are $13 for adults and $10 for children under 12. To order, contact the Box Office at ext. 3100.
SAB Events
• Blind Man’s Bluff Concert: Check out this a capella group from Chicago on Thursday, Dec. 7 at 8 p.m. in the Student Union.
• Annual Weenie Roast: Monday, Dec. 11, 7-9 p.m. in the Student Union. Come for a study break and hot dogs, and listen to Christmas Carols by the Ninth Street Singers. Free.
• Rivoli Movie Night: Students get into the Rivoli for free with their student ID on Wednesday, Dec. 13. Check movie listings for movies and times.
Help Women's Basketball Fill Some Baskets
Join the Viterbo women’s basketball team at its home opener and 2nd Annual Food Drive. The women face UW-River Falls on Tuesday, Dec. 5 at the R.W. Beggs, Sr. Gymnasium, tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.
The women are sponsoring their second food drive which will benefit the Salvation Army and the West Avenue Food Emergency Relief (WAFER) during the holiday season.
Heading the operation is Assistant Women’s Basketball Coach Dave Sarnowski who feels basketball is a tool used to make better people. The lessons taught on the court, teamwork for example, need to hold true in the community. Take for example the leading scorer in the conference. Regardless of the talent that athlete has, true success will not be experienced without teammates and teamwork.
“Athletics are a source of entertainment but they also play a role in education, the development of character in student athletes. I’m trying to use this opportunity to help the La Crosse community and develop the women’s basketball team into better individuals,” commented Sarnowski.
The women’s program sponsored a similar food drive last season but the event has grown this year due to the help of Rob Anderson, a complex director on the residence hall staff and everyone involved in residence life. The goal of the women’s basketball team and the residence hall staff is to make La Crosse, as a whole, a better place.
The project also supports and draws attention to women’s athletics at Viterbo.
What can you do to help? Bring any non-perishable food item or monetary donation to the game, receive a $1 off admission and a chance to win some great prizes!
In consideration of several other events taking place on campus that evening, donations can be placed in boxes in the MC lobby at the top of the stairs or can be taken to Dave Sarnowski or Sandy Hotvedt in the athletic office in the SAC.
Any monetary donation is tax-exempt and will be used directly for food. Those who bring a donation are eligible to win prizes at the game. Prizes include two three-disk CD stereos from Best Buy, a VCR, and a $50 gift certificate to Barnes and Noble.
Game time is 7 p.m. An early arrival is encouraged for those bringing donations. Please help us make this a happy holiday season for area families in need.
Peace on Earth; Goodwill to All
The spirit of goodwill abounds this time of year. If you’re still looking for ways to share your blessings, check out the following opportunities on campus:
• “Earn your wings” by giving a gift to a family or individual you select from the Angel Tree located in the MC lobby. Wrap your gift and leave it under the tree by noon Friday, Dec. 15. After you leave your gift, email viterbosife@yahoo.com and your name will be added to the MC lobby list of other “angels” who have earned their wings. This effort is sponsored by Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) and the Viterbo University Alumni Association.
• Sponsor a child in need by taking part in the Community Candles program sponsored by the Viterbo Residence Life apartment staff. For every $15 donated, a paper candle representing a child who will receive two gifts at Christmastime, will be displayed in a window of the Student Union. The sponsor’s name will be written on the candle. Send donations through campus mail to Community Candles by Wednesday, Dec. 13. Call Adrenne Appler at ext. 3840 for more information or email acappler.
• Nonperishable food items and household products always are welcome donations for WAFER, the AIDS pantry, and Place of Grace. Please label donated items appropriately and bring them to the entryway of San Damiano Chapel.
Red Cross Blood Drive By Marilyn Jaekel, Health Services
The Red Cross Blood Drive held on Nov. 16 in San Damiano Chapel was a success! A total of 76 units were donated and 24 were deferrals.
Congratulations to Viterbo senior Meredeith Zondag who obtained her one-gallon pin. And, special thanks to all who donated...your gift is invaluable.
Thank you to junior Meghan Kinney who served as chairperson and to seniors Jaci Carlson and Jessica Gosh, and juniors Jessie Rehder, and Sheila Reynolds who co-chaired the event and worked with the volunteers from the Viterbo University Student Nurses Association.
And a special thanks to Pizza Doctors, Pepsi, and Aramark for their donations.
Space for Campus Fundraisers & Special Events
The following locations are available to clubs, organizations and employees conducting Viterbo-sponsored fundraising, or for the purpose of setting up tables/displays for information dissemination, surveying, and other such purposes:
Location Contact Use/restrictions
MC Lobby Pat Kerrigan, ext. 3041 Limited space/
email: pgkerrigan no food or beverages
FAC Lobby, Atrium Michael Ranscht, ext. 3737 Subject to availability
email: maranscht
SAC Lobby Barry Fried, ext. 3811 Subject to availability
email: bjfried
Student Union & Sr. Jean Moore, ext. 3801 Subject to availability
Outdoor Space* email: jmmoore
San Damiano Fr. Tom O’Neill, ext. 3804 Subject to availability
Chapel email: tmoneill
Other locations are available on campus for use, or for rental by various groups, subject to restrictions.
Generally speaking, classroom space is reserved through the registrar, FAC facilities through Michael Ranscht and the San Damiano Chapel availability can be checked with Fr. Tom O’Neill. Any general questions related to campus space can be directed to Pat Kerrigan at ext. 3041 or by email at pgkerrigan.
* Assisi Courtyard, Viterbo Court, and V-Hawk Court.
It's a Rockettes' Christmas
Join Viterbo University alumni on Sunday, Dec. 10 at 4:30 p.m. for the Rockettes’ Radio City Christmas Spectacular at the Rosemont Theatre in Rosemont, Ill., a suburb of Chicago.
Kyrst Hogan ’90 is a member of the cast and will be joining the Viterbo group for dinner after the show. Tickets are just $25 each and are available through the Alumni Office
You’ll be dazzled by the critically-acclaimed new scenes and can revel in traditional favorites such as “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” and “The Living Nativity.”
Call Rob Anderson at ext. 3842 if you are interested in carpooling.
Experience the Charm and Heritage of Mexico
Viterbo University Tours is heading "south of the border" to Mexico May 29-June 12. The itinerary includes visits to Mexico City, Oaxaca, Taxco, and Teotihuacan.
Marie Des Jarlais, FSPA, who has worked in Mexico for more than 10 years, will be the tour escort. The trip, organized by Bernyne Stark, FSPA, Viterbo travel coordinator, with Global Awareness through Education (GATE), costs $2,319 per person and includes:
• Round trip air transportation from Chicago to Mexico City;
• Superior hotel accommodations with private facilities based on twin/double occupancy. (Single supplement is an additional $249, subject to availability);
• Two meals daily;
• Ground transportation via private motorcoach;
• Sightseeing program with English-speaking guide, includes entry fees at the National Museum of Anthropology, Chapultepec Castle, Frida Kahlo Museum, Ex-Colegio San Ildefonso, Sto. Domingo, and at the archaeological sites of Teotihuacan, Cholula, Monte Alban, Malinalco, and the Templo Mayor;
• Catered lunch on board a gondola in the Floating Gardens of Xochimilco;
• Baggage handling at hotels, including tips to hotel staff;
• All service charges/lodging taxes.
The registration deadline is Jan. 15. A $100 down payment is required, along with a completed registration application. For those who register by Dec. 15, a discount of $100 will be deducted from the final payment. Deposits and payments are fully refundable through Feb. 21, 2001.
To sign up, contact Sr. Bernyne Stark at ext. 3190 or 782-2504 or email her at sbstark.
Poinsettia Sale Tuesday
The 11th Annual Poinsettia Sale is tomorrow, Dec. 5, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Franciscan Skemp Medical Center Lobby and Gundersen Lutheran Overholt Auditorium Foyer. All proceeds benefit various community projects including Viterbo University health-related scholarships. Walk-ins are welcome!
Deadline for Incompletes
The deadline for filing a request for a grade of Incomplete for the current semester is Thursday, Dec. 14. Forms are available through the Learning Center or Wayne Wojciechowski's office, MC 320. See page 38 of the 1999-01 catalog for guidelines on requesting a grade of Incomplete.
Explore Europe in June
Visit, explore, and have fun in Austria, Germany, Liechenstein, Czech Republic, Hungary, and Switzerland this summer. A tour is forming for June 19 - July 2. For a detailed itinerary and further information, contact Fr. Tom O’Neill at ext. 3804.
VEHIP Seeks Ideas
The Viterbo Employee Health Improvement Program (VEHIP) Committee is seeking your ideas and input! The group meets on a regular basis to discuss one-time activities and classes that could be offered here on campus for Viterbo employees. If you have suggestions, please send them to Sue Frauenkron via email at sdfrauenkron or call her at ext. 3678. Your suggestions may remain confidential if you wish.
Campus Ministry By Fr. Tom O’Neill
• Advent 2000: The season of Advent, which began yesterday, resets the clocks and calendars of the Christian year. Advent summons us to the beginning. The lavishness of God’s compassion and mercy frame yet another year for us. With the arrival of Advent, we attend to this mystery one more time. Clearly, we are a people whose origins and destiny make us curious yet apprehensive about the day of the Lord’s coming. Our tradition proclaims this as both an event already accomplished in human history and an event moving toward fulfillment in the future?our future. Our worship, fashioned of word and sacrament, insists that our encounter with the day of the Lord occurs concretely in the struggles and tensions, choices, and decisions of human living.
• Dec. 6, Feast of St. Nicholas: St. Nick, a bishop and wonderworker from around the fourth century was a person of legendary compassion and kindness.
• The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary: On Friday, Dec. 8, we celebrate Mary as firstfruits of Christ’s redeeming harvest, preserved from sin from the moment of her conception, a holy day. Masses will be celebrated at 11:45 a.m. (classes end at 11:40 a.m. and resume at 12:35 p.m.) and 6 p.m.
• Sacrament of Reconciliation: The Sacrament of Reconciliation (Penance) will be celebrated on Monday, Dec. 18 at 6 p.m. in San Damiano Chapel.
• Rest In Peace: We commend to the compassion and mercy of God the cousin of Ikenna Martin, the grandfather of Lisa Penge, and the brother-in-law of Betty Voigt. May they rest in peace.
Calendar Corrections
The Viterbo calendar for first semester 2001-02 through second semester 2003-04 that was recently distributed has two corrections. Please make them on your copy:
• First semester 2002-03: Thanksgiving vacation should be Nov. 27-Dec. 1.
• First semester 2003-04: Thanksgiving vacation should be Nov. 26-30.
Out and About
The La Crosse Symphony Orchestra presents a "Silver Bells" concert Dec. 22 and 23 in the Viterbo FAC Main Theatre. The works performed will be Debussy’s La Mer, Tchaikowsky’s Nutcracker Suite, Finnegan’s Christmas Sing-along, and J. Strauss Sr.’s Radetzky March. Tickets are $12/$23. To order call 783-2121.
Kudos to...
• Larry Krajewski, math, who, on Nov. 8, with the assistance of senior education students Trisha Callies, and Michelle Ecklor, conducted a Family Math Night for fourth and fifth graders and their parents at Cashton Elementary School.
• Sarah J. Rahn, a human resource development major in the School of Business who received an offer of acceptance for fall 2001 at the Thomas Jefferson Law School in San Diego.
• Stephanie Genz, nursing, who received national certification as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Community Health.
• The Viterbo women’s volleyball team members who are volunteering at the Children’s Museum on Saturday, Dec. 9.
Give Death a Holiday
The Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT) has reported that traffic deaths are up nearly 13% over last year at this time. The primary causes continue to be excessive speed, not wearing safety belts, and alcohol use. As you travel this holiday season or run errands in preparation for those holiday gatherings, remember to be safe and ask yourself:
• Am I driving too fast for the conditions or traffic level?
• Is everyone’s seat belt buckled?
• Do I remain calm in reacting to others’ driving behaviors?
• Am I paying full attention to my driving and that of others?
• Have I taken anything that could impair my driving?
• What are my children learning from me?
These tips are provided by the WisDOT as part of its “Give Death a Holiday” campaign.
Classifieds
For Sale: KING console wood stove. Air-tight combustion chamber design with thermostatic damper control. 32 x 32 x 21. 6” flue. Great for family room or garage. $200 OBO. 507-895-8868.
For Sale: Anderson twin double-hung window, 67 1/4 wide x 48 3/4 high rough-in. Vinyl track, medium-colored stain on the inside wood frame. White outside trim. With screens. $200 OBO. 507-895-8868.
For Sale: HP Pavilion 4445 computer. 366 MHz Celeron processor, 64 MB, 32x CD-Rom drive, 5 gigabyte hard drive, with fax/data modem, 15" monitor. MS Works, Quicken, MS Money, Encarta, and more. $600 OBO. Ext. 3042 or email bmerickson.
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