Connections
A Newsletter for the Viterbo University Community
Vol. 14, No. 23 February 19, 2001
Book Chats Focus on Works of YA Author Visiting in April
Space is available in two Breakfast Book Chats that discuss the works of young adult author and Coretta Scott King Award winner Jacqueline Woodson, who will visit the Viterbo campus in April.
Sign up for one of the following free book talks by emailing Grant Smith, English, at gtsmith, or by calling him at ext. 3485.
• Miracle’s Boys, the winner of the Coretta Scott King Award 2000, will be discussed Thursday, April 19, 7:30-8:30 a.m., MC 402A, and led by Phyllis Blackstone, English.
• I Hadn’t Meant to Tell You This, a Coretta Scott King Honor Book 1994, will be discussed Wednesday, April 18, 7:30-8:30 a.m., MC 402A, and led by Smith.
The books are both available in the Viterbo bookstore. Woodson will speak at Viterbo on Friday, April 27, at 7 p.m. in the FAC Recital Hall. Her talk will be followed by a booksigning.
Viterbo Grads Find Job Market to Their Liking
The Viterbo University 2000 Placement Report has just been released and the last year’s strong economy is reflected in the statistics for graduating classes of December 1999 and May and July 2000.
The overall placement rate for graduates was 98.5 percent. The total placement rate by schools is:
Business, 100 percent; Education, 100 percent; Fine Art, 96 percent; Letters and Sciences, 96 percent; Extended Learning, 98 percent; Total, 98.5 percent.
A further breakdown reveals the following about our graduates:
• 67 percent found jobs in Wisconsin.
• 30 percent of those people located work in La Crosse.
Women's Basketball Team Claims MCC Championship
The Viterbo women’s basketball team clinched its first MCC title Wednesday night with a one-point win over Mount Mercy. The women also tied the school record with their 25th victory and claimed a school record with 15 consecutive wins. The team has received a first round bye in the conference tournament but will play at home on Saturday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m.
For those who haven’t yet seen the V-Hawks play this season or who want to see them in action again, check out tonight’s game against Mount St. Clare College at 5:30 p.m. in the SAC. The V-Hawk men follow it up with a 7:30 p.m. game, also against Mount St. Clare.
The Viterbo Social Committee provided a coupon in employee mailboxes good for a free popcorn and beverage at tonight’s game for all Viterbo employees. Attending employees even have the potential to win a shot as guest coach.
Seventh Day Talks
What are you doing for lunch on Friday? The Seventh Day lunch discussion group will meet at noon in MC 419C to discuss “Multiple Intelligences: Facts and Fallacies,” presented by Mort Morehouse, psychology.
The next Seventh Day talk will be Wednesday, March 14, when Ward Jones, biology, will discuss “Genetic Engineering: The Possibilities, the Implications.”
Pressure Check
Get heart healthy this Wednesday with a free blood pressure screening in the MC conference room (MC 221) from noon-1:30 p.m. The service is brought to you by the Viterbo Employee Health Improvement Program (VEHIP).
Designer Pizza
Attention faculty, staff, and administration: At noon on Thursday, March 1, you are invited to “Designer Pizza.” Please join the Viterbo University Dietetics Interns in BNC 106 for tips on making pizza the healthy way. And while you’re there, sample some healthy appetizers, entrées, and dessert pizzas. Watch next week’s Connections and your mailbox for more information.
Budget Note by Todd Ericson, Business Office
The copy budget for Standing Committees is to be used only by those formal committees identified in the Personnel Policies and Regulations Handbook. Please take advantage of email for purposes of disseminating committee minutes and agenda. Thank you.
Three Added to V-Hawk Wall of Fame
Homecoming activities wouldn’t be the same without the Wall of Fame tribute to Viterbo athletes. Last Saturday, Viterbo honored Scott Arenz ’90, Gerald Baldner, and Damian Miller by inducting them into the Viterbo Wall of Fame.
The Wall of Fame celebrates the heritage of athletics at Viterbo and honors the student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and influential individuals who have made special contributions to that tradition, according to Barry Fried, athletics director. Established in 1992, the Wall includes the names of 32 inductees aside from Arenz, Baldner, and Miller.
Arenz played basketball and baseball for the V-Hawks from 1986-90. He was a well-rounded student-athlete who was involved in numerous campus leadership activities, including being a resident assistant. Arenz remains very supportive of Viterbo athletics.
Earning special honors because of his support and service to Viterbo athletics is Baldner who was instrumental in the building of the SAC. He has also served on the Athletics Advisory Council and the Wall of Fame Committee and has set up an annual scholarship to help a student-athlete with tuition needs.
Miller carved his place in the Viterbo history book through his talents as a baseball player. Miller played three years of baseball for the V-Hawks and earned a .312 batting average his first year, recorded a .409 average his sophomore year, and a school record .516 batting average his junior year. Miller was also named NAIA District Player of the Year in 1990 and he holds the school record for highest career batting average (.423), highest single season batting average (.516), and most RBIs in a season (46).
The Wall of Fame is dedicated to the memories of Herbert Popp and the Rev. Robert Nelson. Herbert Popp was the father of former Viterbo men’s basketball coach Rod Popp and grandfather of the current men’s assistant basketball coach, Nels Popp. Nelson was Rod Popp’s father-in-law. Both Herbert Popp and Nelson died within a month’s time of each other in the winter of 1991. Money from their memorial funds helped establish the Wall of Fame.
Campus Ministry by Fr. Tom O’Neill
Lent Countdown: Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 28, (classes end at 11:40 a.m. and resume at 12:25 p.m. with distribution of ashes during Mass at 11:45 a.m. and 6 p.m.).
What Am I About for Lent this Year?
Lent is a time for renewal. Even before Ash Wednesday, lay your plans for renewal by beginning with a better understanding of yourself. Choose a day and a place where you can put yourself in God’s presence. Quiet your spirit and do a self-assessment.
Where Am I this year in regard to my…..health, family and friends, God, faith community, life mission, work, finances, education, environment, overall happiness, other. When you complete your assessments look them over to see how they both affirm and challenge you.
• Plan to visit the FAC Theatre Lobby on Feb. 21 beginning at 11 a.m. for the Volunteer Fair. Discover ways to help others in the Coulee Region.
• We ask God’s blessings on those in need of our prayers, especially for the continued recovery of Arita Dopkins, FSPA and improved health of Annarose Glum, FSPA.
• Please remember those who have gone to their eternal reward, especially Charlotte Cournoyer, FSPA, alumna and the grandmother of Kim Porter. May they rest in peace.
"Living with Nature" Writing Contest
It’s not hard to live with nature when you’re sandwiched between the beauty of the bluffs and the marsh and the majesty of the Mississippi. But have you ever thought about writing or drawing your feelings about “Living with Nature?” The La Crosse River Marsh Coalition is holding a contest for Coulee Region residents of all ages.
During a community forum on Earth Day, Sunday, April 22, at 1:30 p.m. at Pearl Street Books, 323 Pearl Street, some of the participants will have the opportunity to share their submissions. The Marsh Coalition will also publish a collection of representative writings and drawings.
Written entries may be in any format: fiction, nonfiction, essay, narrative, anecdote, letter, poem, etc. There is no length requirement. Drawings (black pencil, ink, charcoal) should have titles or captions and be a size that is easily reproducible. Previously published work is acceptable. Entries should contain the date and place of original publication and secure permission for publication if needed. School-aged children can include their age and teacher’s name. Send entries, with author/artist’s signature, address, and phone number by March 31 to: The La Crosse River Marsh Coalition, P.O. Box 2703, La Crosse, WI 54602-2703.
For more information, call Karen Acker at 782-5463, email Kacker@centurytel.net, or Chuck Lee at 785-2205, email Speakbobo@aol.com.
Volunteer Fair this Wednesday by Sue Ernster, FSPA, Campus Ministry
Are you looking for some volunteer ideas or know someone who is? Do you have some volunteer requirements to fulfill and do not know where to go to volunteer?
We have just the place for you. Please come to the first Viterbo Volunteer Fair, sponsored by Campus Ministry, on Wednesday, Feb. 21 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in the FAC Lobby. There will be more than 15 different volunteer agencies from around town to answer any questions you may have about their organizations.
Any questions? Please feel free to contact Sue Ernster, FSPA at ext. 3709 or email smernster.
News You'll Notice by Lynn Sirianni, Sports Information Coordinator
New & Improved Weight Room
Safer, better-designed weight equipment, upgraded cardiovascular machines, four wall-mounted fans to improve air flow and circulation, and windows in the doors for safety and security are just a few of the most noticeable improvements and renovations to the fitness room in the SAC.
Athletics Director Barry Fried, who has spearheaded these efforts, believes the changes were long overdue. “We have worked very hard over the last two years to make this happen. In fact, it’s been a priority of mine since I took the job as A.D. two years ago.”
Fried also believes physical exercise is a critical piece of the human wellness puzzle. “When you talk about leading a well-balanced lifestyle, I believe exercise and fitness ranks right up there,” commented Fried. “It’s such a great way to reduce stress, stay in shape, and meet others.”
Since the fitness room renovations, there has been a reported “doubling or tripling” of the use. Students have apparently taken advantage of the improvements as they are coming in masses to work out regularly, which is also causing some crowding of the room. “People have to realize that when our fitness facility was built in ’87, our enrollment was half of what it is today,” commented Fried. “Additionally, exercise and fitness wasn’t emphasized quite like it is today. That’s why our fitness room may appear a little small. We’ve simply outgrown the room.”
Finally, Fried wanted to thank those who have helped make these improvements happen. “Together, with the help of student-athletes’ fundraising, SBA contributions, and labor from our physical plant, we’ve been able to make a lot of progress. So far, we’ve invested nearly $20,000 in that room,” stated Fried. “Although we’ll have to fundraise one more year to finish off the renovations and equipment purchases, I’m really happy with where we’re at.”
Inclement Weather Notice
Please take the time to familiarize yourself with the following policy, which clarifies the language used to differentiate class cancellations from university closings due to weather and other urgent or emergency situations.
“In the rare case when emergency conditions prevail and the entire university is declared officially closed (as contrasted to classes canceled), employees need not make up the lost time. Essential employees who are required to work during this time will be granted paid time off commensurate with an equivalent number of hours.”
Note: This paragraph should be added to your Personnel Policies and Regulations Handbook at the end of page 451, and at the end of page 470, Item H.
Out & About
• Upcoming events at the Pump House Regional Arts Center include exhibits by Angela Foley, ceramics, and Geri Schrab, paintings, March 6-April 14. The artists’ reception will be held on Friday, March 23 from 7-9 p.m.
Upcoming performances include “Art” by Yasmina Reza, Friday-Sunday, March 2-4, 7:30 p.m., and “Suicra,” a Celtic trio, Saturday, March 24, 7:30 p.m. For more information or ticket reservations, call the Pump House at 785-1434.
• The Guthrie Theater presents Molly Sweeney, a play by Brian Friel, at St. Mary’s University in Winona on Saturday, Feb. 24 at 7:30 p.m. in the Page Theatre. Based on a true story, the play traces the downfall of a blind woman whose sight is restored. Tickets are $16. Call 507-457-1715 to order.
Human Resources
Please welcome new custodian John Syhlman. He’ll be working the second shift in the FAC.
Kudos to...
Milan Lukic, mathematics, who had his manuscript, “Stochastic processes with sample paths in reproducing kernel Hilbert spaces,” accepted for publication by the journal Transactions of the American Mathematical Society. Milan submitted the research jointly with his doctoral advisor Jay Beder.
Blast from the Past
All-girls’ Football at First Homecoming
There was no basketball game at the first Viterbo Homecoming in 1968. Football was the name of the game for this then all-girls’ school. Viterbo students competed against the “Greeks” from UWL, then La Crosse State, in a touch-football game that tied at 12-12. More than 600 people attended the event, the first girl collegiate football game in La Crosse. Linda Price and Joe Pavela coached the Viterbo team. Other highlights included a demonstration of throws by the judo team, cheerleading routines from both colleges, and music from the Holy Cross Seminary and the Aquinas Pep Bands. According to the Oct. 22, 1968 issue of the Lumen, “The long-awaited First Homecoming Weekend has come and gone but its effects are still visible: casualties from football practices and the game are still limping across the campus and there is enthusiastic talk about ‘next year.’”
UWL Series Kicks Off with Lecture Tonight
Programs for this year’s Phenomenology Conference at UWL are free and open to the public:
• “Trans Now and Trans Lator,” with Terry Tafoya, tonight, 7:30 p.m., Port O’Call, Cartwright Center. Tafoya is a Native American of the Taos Pueblo and Warm Springs Nation, a clinical psychologist, and storyteller. He will discuss the role of language in love, relationships, and healing circles.
• “Queering the Mogan David,” Miriam Yarfitz, Thursday, Feb. 22, 7:30 p.m., 247 Main Hall. Yarfitz is a radical Jewish activist who will discuss building a radical, aesthetic, spiritual, political movement.
• “The Poetry of Peace,” with Ingrid Stefanovic, Thursday, March 29, 7:30 p.m., 337 Cartwright. Stefanovic, professor of philosophy at the University of Toronto will look at architecture and reading architecture, for an understanding of the sense of place.
Call Sibbie, UW-L philosophy, at 785-8424 for more information.
Musical Farce "Crazy for You" Shines in Bright Start Season
Viterbo University Bright Star Season presents Crazy for You, the new Gershwin musical, on Friday, March 2, at 7:30 p.m. in the FAC Main Theatre.
"Crazy for You" is pure magic. This 1930’s style, Tony Award-winning musical comedy, is filled with a great collection of unforgettable songs from George and Ira Gershwin including, “Embraceable You,” “But Not for Me,” and “I Got Rhythm.”
The story centers on Bobby Child, a playboy banker who is smitten with show business and yearns to perform in Zangler’s Follies on Broadway. To cure him of this unhealthy desire and to get him to marry his fiancée, Irene, he is sent by his no-nonsense mother to foreclose on an old vaudeville theatre in Deadrock, Nev. There, Bobby falls for the theatre owner’s daughter, Polly Baker, the only girl in town. To win her affection, he tells her he knows Zangler personally and can convince the show biz legend to put on a show to save the theatre. Bobby ends up impersonating Zangler and importing chorus girls to put on the show he promised. When Irene and then Zangler himself show up complications ensue.
Filled with a treasure-trove of Gershwin gems and featuring the dazzling choreography of the period, "Crazy for You" is a visual treat filled with timeless music, phenomenal dancing, and sparkling showmanship.
"Crazy for You" is sponsored by Gundersen Lutheran. Second balcony tickets are $28. To order tickets, please contact the Box Office at ext. 3100. For information on other Bright Star events, check out the website at www.viterbo.edu/academic/ ug/sfa/bss.htm.
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