Connections
A Newsletter for the Viterbo University Community
Vol. 14 No. 21 February 5, 2001
Register Your Support
Thank you to everyone who stopped by last week’s J. A. Committee meeting at City Hall to register their support for the Center for Ethics, Science, and Technology. Another opportunity to say you’re in favor of the legislation that would make this new building a reality occurs at this Tuesday’s Committee of the Whole meeting at 7:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers on the first floor of City Hall. Register your support between 7 and 7:30 p.m.
V-Hawk Women Continue to Climb
The Viterbo women’s basketball team continues to climb the NAIA Division II Women’s Basketball poll.
The V-Hawks have climbed to the No. 4 spot in the latest poll. The women have recorded a 22-4 overall record and are leading the MCC with a 7-0 mark. They have also gone on a 12-game winning streak and have earned a win in 20 of their last 21 games.
The V-Hawks beat St. Ambrose Wednesday night 68-66, the first time the women have won at St. Ambrose since Bobbi Vandenberg started coaching the women’s basketball team at Viterbo.
Junior Kara Brandau leads the Midwest Classic Conference (MCC) in scoring at 22 points-per-game in league play.
Senior Heidi Behnke is fifth among MCC players with a 13.8 points-per-game average. Overall, Behnke is the top rebounder in the MCC with 8.7 boards per game.
The Viterbo men’s basketball team is currently 9-17 overall and 3-4 in league play after defeating St. Ambrose Wednesday night in overtime, 82-77. Junior Mike Brudos leads the squad and is ninth in the MCC, with a 12.8 scoring average in league play.
The Viterbo men faced Wisconsin Lutheran at home on Saturday, Feb. 3. The V-Hawk squads are at home again on this Wednesday against Grand View. Tip-off is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. for the women and 7:30 p.m. for the men.
Alumna's Wildlife Art on Display
View the intricate details of wildlife captured in delicately layered paintings of watercolor artist and Viterbo alumna Liz Wucherer ’97 through the month of February in the Todd Wehr Memorial Library gallery.
Wucherer, who grew up surrounded by the natural beauty of northern Wisconsin, has been recognized across the state for her wildlife images.
In 1997, she won the Wisconsin Great Lakes Salmon and Trout Stamp Contest. Her most famous paintings are original canine portraits and a watercolor tied-flies series.
Wucherer also uses wildlife photographs to create uniquely personal pieces for people who commission her work.
Wucherer’s paintings will also be on display Wednesday, Feb. 7 in the FAC lobby during Jim Posewitz’s 7:30 p.m. presentation, “The North American Hunting Ethic,” part of Viterbo’s Humanities Symposium “The Sporting Life: Gender, Race, and Ethics in American Sports,” Feb. 5-8.
Jackie Robinson Tickets
Free general seating tickets to the Mixed Blood Theatre’s Jackie Robinson performances on Thursday are still available at the MC Reception Desk. Show times are 9:30 a.m. and noon.
Seating is limited as the performances will be shared with area grade and high school students. Faculty who picked up tickets in batches for their students are encouraged to return any extras they have to the MC Reception Desk so others may have an opportunity to attend.
Don’t Miss It!
Viterbo University’s Humanities Symposium, “The Sporting Life: Gender, Race, and Ethics in American Sports” is this week! See the “Campus Calendar” on page two for event dates and times.
Nominate a Colleague or Teacher
It’s time to recognize the good work of folks at Viterbo. To formally nominate a worthy peer for an award only takes a moment. Here are the possibilities:
• Outstanding Teacher
• Alec Chiu
• Outstanding Academic Advisor
• Finucan Exemplar of Mission
• Sr. Helen Elsbernd
• Pax et Bonum
• Servant Leader
A full description of the award categories and nomination forms are available on the Viterbo web site (www.viterbo.edu) under “academics,” subcategory “awards.”
Copies are also available through the Office of the President (Sr. Elsbernd, Fr. Finucan, Pax et Bonum, Servant Leader) and the Academic Vice President (Teacher of the Year, Alec Chiu, Outstanding Advisor).
Deadline for submissions is March 16. Assembly presidents will select the recipients on April 12.
Awards will be conferred during this year’s Honors Convocation, Thursday, May 3.
Seventh Day Talks
What are you doing for lunch on Thursday, Feb. 15? The Seventh Day lunch discussion group will meet at noon in MC 419C to discuss “The Balkans: A History of Conflict, a Future of …?” presented by Milan Lukic, math.
Upcoming discussions include:
• Friday, Feb. 23, Mort Morehouse, psychology, will talk about “Multiple Intelligences: Facts and Fallacies.”
• Wednesday, March 14, join Ward Jones, biology, for a discussion about “Genetic Engineering: The Possibilities, the Implications.”
• Thursday, March 22, talk with Debra Daehn-Zellmer, sociology, social work, criminal justice, as she discusses “My Africa Experience.”
• Monday, April 2, Rolf Samuels, English, discusses “At Spring, Thoughts Turn to…Fantasy Baseball!”
• Tuesday, April 17, Dick Ruppel, English, talks about “Plagiarism: Definitions, Links, Strategies.”
Volunteers Needed
Interested in volunteering but not sure where your help is needed? Then be sure to mark your calendars for the Viterbo University Volunteer Fair on Wednesday, Feb. 21.
Hosted by Campus Ministry, the fair, which runs from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in the FAC lobby, features booths from a variety of area agencies seeking volunteers.
Representatives from those groups will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about their organization and volunteer opportunities. For more information, please contact Sue Ernster, FSPA at ext. 3709 or email smernster.
From the Library
Children and adults can learn how to become safer cyber citizens with tips from Jennifer Croft’s Everything You Need to Know About Staying Safe in Cyberspace (Rosen Publishing, 1999). The Need-to-Know series provides students in the middle grades with useful information on a variety of interesting topics. The 64-page “how-to” sprinkles clear definitions (spamming, computer virus, netiquette, finger servers), with useful techniques for avoiding hassles, harassment, or worse while cyber-sailing. The black and white photos are unfortunate, and it might be a little preachy for the older teen, but Croft’s guide combines valuable information with real-life stories to underscore some of the dangers inherent when using the Internet.
Books written for younger audiences include Horse Heroes: True Stories of Amazing Horses, by Kate Petty (DK Publishing, 1999). Written for grades 2-4, it is one of the Eyewitness Readers series’ titles. Petty engages the reader with her storytelling, describing the lives and times of heroic horses and their lucky riders. In 1925, Aime Tschiffely, a Swiss teacher living in Argentina, set out on a perilous journey with two Criollo horses, Gato and Mancho. His goal was to travel 10,000 miles by horseback, from Buenos Aires to Washington, D.C. The adventure lasted two and a half years, and ended with a hero’s welcome at the White House. A shorter tale describes the changing fate of a milkman’s horse named Paddy. Born in the 1960s, Paddy was a draft horse with a high tolerance for noise. He was “discovered” by one of Queen Elizabeth’s Household Calvary, when a parade through Edinburgh, Scotland, blocked his milk route. Paddy (renamed Cicero) worked with a new trainer, Corporal of the Horse Barry McKie, to become a royal Drum Horse, retiring in 1979 after 10 years of service. Colored photographs and interesting historical background enrich these 48 pages.
A number of children’s books have been given to the library, with the stipulation that the library must provide the publisher with feedback about the book in the form of a short review.
The library has more than 90 books that are waiting to be reviewed. If you are interested in reading and reviewing some of these children’s books, contact the Tech Services staff ext. 3267.
Student Leader Recognition
The Viterbo University Alumni Emeritus Board will present several Viterbo students with second annual Student Leader Recognition Awards during the Alumni Awards Banquet on Friday, Feb. 16.
The awards were designed to recognize current student leaders based on their accomplishments within an on-campus organization.
Students are nominated by Viterbo Student Organization advisors based on how actively the student participates in the work of the organization, how well the student seeks to attain the goals of the organization and how well the student exhibits commitment to the mission of the university and organization. Nominations are due no later than Friday, Feb. 9.
During the banquet, four Outstanding Viterbo Alumni will also be honored: Christopher Parr ’89, Kay Larson ’56, Carole Plante ’66, and Marie Leon La Croix, FSPA ’45.
Prep School Recital
The Viterbo University Preparatory School of Arts will be holding two free concerts on Sunday, Feb 11 in the FAC Recital Hall, featuring music students from La Crosse and surrounding communities.
The first concert will be held at 2 p.m. and the second begins at 3:30 p.m. The students will perform a variety of classical music on piano and flute. Classical and Broadway repertoire will be presented by the vocalists. In addition, the Lugovier Quartet will also perform.
Many of the pianists and vocalists are preparing for their Wisconsin Music Teacher Association auditions, and for their area school’s Solo/ Ensemble competitions. Therefore, much of the music being presented will reflect these upcoming events.
For more information about the recitals, contact Judy Stafslien at ext. 3767 or email jatafslien.
News You'll Notice by Mark Franz, Computer Services
Now that the Title III grant is complete, student technology fees and other university funds are the only source of maintaining the technology needs of the campus. Working within the parameters of these new budgetary restrictions will further focus the efforts of the Computer Committee. The work of creating recommendations for technology fee expenditures is well underway for the following academic year. Here are a couple items of which you should be aware.
1. One of the initial recommendations that will come forward is that the current Mac Lab (MC 305) be converted to a PC-based facility. This move should help to address the needs of the increasing numbers of classes that need “hands-on” access to computers throughout the course of a semester.
2. The remaining wiring of the dormitory facilities (Marian Hall North, including the student union area; Treacy House; and McDonald Terrace) is scheduled to be completed this
summer. In the initial year following this process, the total number of computers (college plus student-owned) on the campus network is expected to increase by at least 33 percent. Under Title III, the core electronics of the network were sized to accommodate these future increases.
3. An initial review of summer projects indicates that, at a minimum, more than 125 computers will either be acquired or “recycled” to be used in other areas of campus. In order to provide a work area for this volume of computers, it will be necessary to close the MC 304 PC lab for the entire summer to be used as a setup/work area. I have informed the Registrar of this closure. Faculty who offer summer classes should ensure they have prearranged to use one of the other available PC labs.
4. New technology comes to campus! The first portable wireless access point has been acquired to test the feasibility of connecting to the campus network without network cabling. The initial unit will be moved from point-to-point on campus to test the capabilities across campus under different building conditions. Although the current unit is being used for testing purposes, it can be requested for use if an appropriate situation presents itself.
Updated Resident List By Jason Ramaker, Residence Life
Recently there have been a significant number of resident room changes for those students that are residing on campus.
An updated list of current residents, room number, phone number, and mailbox number is located in the Copy Center. Departments or individuals may make a copy using their department account number.
Campus Ministry by Fr. Tom O'Neill
The Busy Student Retreat is being held this week with 25 students and seven retreat directors. Thanks to all who support this experience.
February is Black History Month. We mark this month by reflecting on the rich heritage, the human dreams, and the histories of people of African heritage in the Western Hemisphere.
Lent 2001. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 28. Please note that classes end at 11:40 a.m. and resume at 12:25 p.m. Distribution of ashes will take place during Mass at 11:45 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Please remember those who have gone to their eternal reward, especially the grandmothers of Lisa Heim, Abigail Polzin, and Loretta Waughtal. May they rest in peace.
Dr. Scholl is Feb. 23
The 18th annual Dr. Scholl Scholarship Competition will take place at Viterbo University Friday, Feb. 23 from 8:30 a.m.- 5 p.m.
The competition is open to seniors in high school interested in a career in the health sciences. The winner, who must excel in testing and an interview, will receive a four-year scholarship to Viterbo.
Qualifying students and their parents will also learn about Viterbo through tours and presentations. The annual competition highlights Viterbo University’s biology, chemistry, nursing, and dietetics departments.
Ramen-flavored Chicken Soup for the RA's Soul by Jason Ramaker, Residence Life
Eight members of the Residence Life Staff recently attended a regional Resident Assistant (RA) Conference at the University of Northern Iowa. Three of Viterbo’s current Resident Assistants, Chris Cook, Amanda Wagner, and Becky Morphew presented the feel-good program, “Ramen-Flavored Chicken Soup for the RA’s Soul.”
This is the second year the Residence Life Staff has attended the RA Leadership Conference in Ceder Falls, Iowa.
Campus Preview is Saturday
Just a reminder that this Saturday Viterbo is hosting a Financial Aid Workshop/Campus Preview Day from 8:45 a.m. until 1:15 p.m.
While the majority of activities are centered around the FAC, these potential students and their families will be seen in many other areas of campus. Please extend your friendliness, helpfulness, and a hearty Viterbo welcome if you encounter these guests.
Kudos to...
David Schulz, business, who will present a paper entitled “A Faculty Development Approach to Implementing Course Management Software: The Plan, the Decision, the Process” at a conference sponsored by the Association for the Advancement of Computing and Education. The conference will take place March 10 in Orlando, Fla.
Human Resources
Congratulations to Sheryl Jacobsen, nursing, and her husband on the birth of a baby boy, Benjamin William, born Wednesday, Jan. 24 at 4:32 p.m. He weighed in at 8 lbs., 12 oz., and was 21-1/2” long.
Classifieds
For Sale: A great place for your books and videos! Two matching solid-oak book cases, with natural finish. Custom-made. Six shelves each. 84” high x 31.5” wide x 12” deep. Like new condition. $400 for the pair. Call ext. 3267 or 608-372-0644. Ask for Rita.
Hearts 'n' Hoops
Members of the Social Committee invite you to put your heart into supporting our V-Hawk hoopsters at the women’s and men’s basketball game on Monday, Feb. 19.
Show your school spirit by cheering-on our talented athletes, and vie for a chance to be a guest coach!
Watch for a flier and coupon in your mailbox that can be redeemed the night of the game for complimentary popcorn and beverage.
Game times are 5:30 p.m. (women) and 7:30 p.m. (men). Join fellow employees and students at this important gameit's a sure shot for a fun night!
Fat Tuesday Good Eats
Mark Tuesday, Feb. 27, and plan to jazz up your day with Viterbo’s gastronomical salute to Mardi Gras!
The Social Committee is planning an informal gathering from 3-4:30 p.m. in the FAC Hospitality Suite. Bring your favorite (or most decadent) snack treat to share and join the pre-Lenten revelry.
A beverage will be provided to “cool your pipes” while the food and fellowship warms your soul. All employees are welcome. Additional information including directions to RSVP your participation, will be appearing soon in your mailbox.
If you have Mardi Gras beads (or other festive paraphernalia), please wear or bring them along. Come celebrate with us!
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