Connections
A Newsletter for the Viterbo University Community
Vol. 14 No. 30 April 16, 2001
Health Care Forum April 30
The current- and future-projected shortage of health care workers will be the subject of a special Health Science Consortium (HSC) program to be held at Viterbo April 30 from 1-5 p.m. in the FAC lobby.
Diane Peters, vice president of Workforce Development for the Wisconsin Health and Hospital Association, will be the keynote speaker.
According to Silvana Richardson, Viterbo School of Nursing dean, “We need to make the public aware of the seriousness of this problem which is widespread. We need more trained nurses, nurse’s aides, pharmacists, and health care professionals from many of the other areas.” Viterbo representatives will be joined by those from Gundersen Lutheran, Franciscan Skemp Healthcare, WWTC, and UWL. “We are looking at comprehensive strategies ranging from education to the actual work environment while identifying regional health care issue and needs,” said Richardson.
Admission to the program is free. Registration is required and attendance is limited to the first 150 people. For more information or a brochure, contact Richardson at ext. 3687 or email sfrichardson.
President for a Day
Ever wonder what it would be like to be in Viterbo President William Medland’s shoes for a day? Well, junior Rebecca Morphew is going to find out.
On Tuesday, April 24, Morphew, from Crestwood, Ill., will be the Viterbo University “President for a Day.” She will assume Medland’s responsibilities as president by attending meetings with various department heads, reviewing case studies, checking mail, and responding to correspondence. Her schedule, though not as long as a typical day in the life of a university president, is from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
President Medland, in contrast, got off fairly easy. Morphew’s schedule for the day is light to date so he will only need to attend her Medical Microbiology lab from 9 a.m. to noon.
The day should prove interesting for both as their areas of study are different. Morphew is a Liberal Studies major with a minor in biology, while Medland has his Ph.D. in history. Morphew hopes Medland is up to the challenge the microbiology class might offer, along with her student manager job at the cafeteria, and resident assistant responsibilities.
However, Morphew does want to pursue a career that includes university administration. After graduating from Viterbo, she plans to get her master’s degree in student affairs and then seek an administrative job at a university. She believes her experience as “President for a Day” will give her a glimpse at what her future responsibilities could be.
“President for a Day” is an annual event sponsored by Viterbo’s Sigma Pi Delta.
Good News from the Board
Congratulations to those faculty who were recently approved for promotion: Keith Knutson, assistant professor, history; Karen Gibson, assistant professor, dietetics; William Reese, assistant professor, religious studies; Silvana Richardson, professor, nursing. These promotions were approved at last Monday’s meeting of the Board of Directors.
Directors also concluded a thorough board and presidential assessment, awarding Viterbo President William Medland a five-year extension.
In other action, the board approved two new members for four-year terms: Fran Ferder, FSPA and Dr. Mark Connelly. Sr. Ferder is co-director of Therapy and Renewal Associates, a ministerial counseling and consultation center in Seattle for priests, sisters, and other career ministers.
She also serves as adjunct faculty in the School of Theology and Ministry at Seattle University and is the author of several books and articles on spirituality, ministry, and human relationships. Dr. Mark Connelly also joins the board. He is the current chair of the Gundersen Lutheran (GL) Medical Foundation. He also serves on staff in the department of otolaryngology at GL and is co-chair of the department of plastic and reconstructive surgery.
Your Support is Needed
Peter Fletcher, art, was recently diagnosed with a recurrence of cancer, which was previously in remission. Despite this setback, he remains active on campus and in class and he welcomes your expressions of concern, goodwill, and most of all, your conversation. Fletcher’s office number is FAC 320 and he can be reached at ext. 3751
Social Work Club Food Drive
The Social Work Club is sponsoring a food drive for WAFER on Saturday, April 21. Interested participants will meet at the FAC atrium entrance at 9:30 a.m. and then go into the community to collect food until 1 p.m. The club is seeking more participants to help with this effort. For more information, contact Kerri Stafford at 784-8019.
President's Forum
Please attend the President’s Forum, Tuesday, April 17, at 3:30 p.m. in the BNC auditorium.
Seniors Hit Goal; Then Some
The seniors have really done it this year. Students set to graduate in 2001 set a senior class gift goal of $25,000 and at Connections’ deadline, the amount pledged reached $26,145 and was expected to climb. This year’s gifts will be used to name a room in the new Ethics, Science, & Technology Building. The drive is led by senior Brian Konkol and 73 students have pledged so far.
The idea of a senior class gift started in 1989 when 20 students pledged $790, which was used to place benches in the vicinity of Dancing Francis.
More Neighbors Needed!
Want to show a little Viterbo spirit, have some fun, and help others?
Consider helping people in the La Crosse community who need help with their yard work during the 5th annual La Crosse Good Neighbor Day on Saturday, April 28. Volunteers from throughout the community will gather for pre-registration that day from 8-9 a.m. and will work together in the community from 9 a.m.-noon.
For more information or to sign up please contact Sue Ernster, FSPA at ext. 3709 or email smernster by Friday, April 20.
The Viterbo Campus is the Place to be this Weekend
Friday, April 20
• Join David Solomon as he discusses “Hospitality to the Dying and Disabled” at 7:30 p.m. in the FAC Recital Hall. Solomon, the keynote speaker for the Ethics Across the Disciplines Conference, has been director of the Notre Dame Center for Ethics and Culture since 1997. The lecture is free and open to the public.
Saturday, April 21
• “Hospitality: Serving Strangers in our Homes, Hospitals, Prisons, Schools, and Churches” is a free ethics conference that features sessions by higher education instructors from Viterbo and throughout the country. Members of the Viterbo community are invited to stop by the Franciscan Spirituality Center if they would like to attend a few of the sessions. For session information, contact Richard Kyte at ext. 3704 or email rlkyte or pick up a brochure by the MC front desk or mailboxes.
• The School of Nursing is having a 30th Anniversary Reunion beginning at 9 a.m. The reunion features time for professional education, shared memories, and fun. For more information contact Sally Emerson at ext. 3072 or email sbemerson.
• “Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, Preparing for the Future,” the First Biennial Conference on the Laity is from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. This pastoral education program is a combined undertaking of the La Crosse Diocese and Viterbo. To sign up, send $12, which includes registration fees and lunch, to Tom Thibodeau, religious studies.
• Platinum Edition is getting ready to “Raise the Roof” in the FAC Main Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $11 for adults and $7 for students and are available at the Box Office.
Seventh Day Talks
What are you doing for lunch Tuesday? Join Dick Ruppel, English, as he discusses “Plagiarism: Definitions, Links, Strategies” as part of the Seventh Day Lunch Discussions in MC 406 from 12-1 p.m.
Miller Hits it Big
Baseball card collectors, look out! The card for Arizona Diamondbacks Catcher Damian Miller is now available in collector’s packs everywhere.
Marsha Momoi Piehl’s son found this card in his most recent collector’s pack. Piehl is the human resources director at Viterbo.
Miller attended Viterbo for three years until he was drafted by the Minnesota Twins prior to his senior year. He holds the school record for highest career batting average (.423), highest single season batting average (.516), and most RBIs in a season (46). Miller was named to the Viterbo Wall of Fame this year.
Career Fair Results by Amy Lane, Career Planning and Placement
Career Planning and Placement coordinated two career fairs in March. The Nursing Career Fair was held March 22 with thanks going to the Student Nursing Association for helping at the registration table and welcoming more than 200 students who attended.
There were 39 recruiters representing 25 health care organizations from Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa. All of the employers expressed interest in returning for next year’s Nursing Career Fair. Thanks to each of them: Aurora Health Care, Milwaukee; Bethany Lutheran Homes, Inc.; Bethel Home and Services, Viroqua; Black River Memorial Hospital, Black River Falls; Children’s Hospitals and Clinics, Minneapolis; Columbia St. Mary’s, Milwaukee; Fairview Health Services, Minneapolis; Franciscan Skemp Health care; Gundersen Lutheran; Marshfield Clinic; Mayo Clinic; Meriter Health Services, Madison; Olmsted Medical Center, Rochester; Regions Hospital, St. Paul; St. Joseph’s Hospital, Marshfield; St. Michael’s Hospital, Stevens Point; Samaritan Bethany, Inc., Rochester; St. Joseph’s Community Health Services, Hillsboro; St. Luke’s Hospital, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; University of Wisconsin Hospital/Clinic; U.S. Army, Madison; U.S. Navy, Minneapolis; and Winona Health.
The Students in Free Enterprise helped at the Business Career Fair on March 27. Fifteen employers from the local area attended with more than 80 students stopping by. Thanks to admissions, physical plant, David Empey (School of Fine Arts), and the Student Government Association for their support of these events. Thanks to the employers attending: Ashley Furniture, Arcadia; Catholic Family Life Insurance, Madison; CenturyTel; Company Store; Dairyland Power Cooperative; EnPower Services; First Federal; Franciscan Skemp Healthcare; Getcha!; Gundersen Lutheran; Isola Laminate Systems; Menards; Olsten Staffing Services; and Tradehome Shoes.
"Four-Hand Frenzy" Returns
The piano students of Timothy Schorr, assistant professor of music, will present “Four-Hand Frenzy: The Sequel” on Tuesday, April 24, at noon in the FAC Recital Hall. Back by popular demand, this concert features piano duets by Schubert, Debussy, Dello Joio, Handel, Weber, Bizet, Amy Beach, and Moszkowski. The program is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Schorr at tbschorr or ext. 3769.
News You'll Notice by Todd Ericson, Business Office
Viterbo University has completed its annual budget preparation process for 2001-02. A summary of the process follows:
The resource pool available for funding controllable budget requests was limited to $240,000. However, controllable budget requests totaling more than $600,000 were made by departments. Included in those requests was funding to accommodate a 67% increase in steam/heating rates, which has an approximate $140,000 impact on the University operating budget. Due to the limited resources available, the Finance Committee met weekly during February and March, prioritizing controllable budget requests. Factors they considered were:
• Existing departmental budget resource utilization
• Contractual obligations
• Non-discretionary expenditures
• Perceived need for budget request
• Safety/security issues
The President’s Cabinet reviewed the recommendations of the Finance Committee on March 22. Those recommendations were incorporated into the 2001-02 budget, which was then presented to, and approved by, the Board of Directors at its April 9 meeting. Each department that made a controllable budget request has received notification from the business office regarding whether or not those requests were approved.
Jay McHenry and I reviewed all physical plant improvement requests and prioritized physical plant improvement projects for funding in 2001-02. These recommendations were also reviewed by the President’s Cabinet at its March 22 meeting, and incorporated, with any modifications, into the 2001-02 budget.
The University Computer Committee has received all computerization requests, and has begun to prioritize all such requests. Recommendations from that committee will be forwarded to the President’s Cabinet this spring, and projects will proceed once recommendations have been approved. Finally, academic and non-academic equipment requests have been provided to Jack Havertape and me for consideration. Departments which have had physical plant improvement, computer equipment, or other equipment requests approved will be notified when any expenditures are scheduled for completion.
Housekeeping Staff to be Honored
The Mission Effectiveness Committee will confer the Mission Effectiveness Award on the Viterbo Housekeeping Staff in a public ceremony on Tuesday, May 1, at 3:30 p.m. in Viterbo Court (rain site?SAC Lobby). At the conclusion of the ceremony, SGA will provide ice cream bars for all in attendance. Please mark your calendars and plan to attend this tribute to the housekeeping staff for the many ways they incorporate the mission in their work throughout the university.
Women's Clothing Drive
A clothing drive to benefit The Women’s Clothes Closet at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church will be held by the Social Work Club Tuesday, April 17-Friday, April 20. Donations may be dropped off any time at the tables and racks in the MC Lobby. Clothing should be work-appropriate, clean, and on hangers. Especially needed are sizes 16+, sizes 2-8, and maternity clothing. Hangers also are needed.
Campus Ministry by Fr. Tom O'Neill
EASTER 2001: Alleluia! “The Lord of life who died reigns glorified,” walks in our midst, and makes himself known in the scriptures we read, the bread we break, and the companions with whom we share the journey.
Easter Octave: An Eight-day Solemnity. The church feasts on the community’s finest stories of discipleship, the apostles’ witness, and our experience of the risen Lord?the heart of the Easter mystery. From the octave to the Fortieth day, Christian life then is remembered, even as that memory becomes lived experience now. The church’s experience of the risen Christ compels believers to witness, which brings about development and expansion. It is a time of ministry and shepherding, of becoming an inclusive community that serves in mutual, self-sacrificing love. A Happy Easter time to all from campus ministry!
Thanks to all who participated in Operation Rice Bowl. If you have not returned your “gift” for this effort, please do so at your earliest convenience to MC 319.
Class Presents Final Recital May 1
The Piano Accompanying Class (MUS 286) of Timothy Schorr, assistant professor of music, will present a final class recital on Tuesday, May 1, at noon in the FAC Recital Hall. The program includes both vocal and instrumental works that class members have been preparing this semester and features performances by students from the Viterbo Music Department and Preparatory School of Arts. The concert is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Schorr at tbschorr or ext. 3769.
Out & About
• Enjoy artwork by young artists from seven surrounding counties at the Pump House Regional Arts Center’s 1st Annual Regional High School Student Show. The exhibit opens Friday, April 20 and runs through Saturday, May 5. A public reception will be held on Saturday, April 21, from 1-3 p.m.
• Hauser Guitar Duo, featuring brothers Michael and Anthony Hauser performing flamenco and classical styles, will perform at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 21 at the Pump House. Call 785-1434 for tickets or more information.
• Special Tuesdays, weekly health and wellness programs held at noon at Gundersen Lutheran’s Rasmus Center, are free and open to the public. Upcoming topics include:
April 17: “Ditch the Itch,” identification of plants that can cause skin inflammation and ways to treat and avoid encounters with poisonous plants, by Karl R. Noll, M.D., Gundersen Lutheran Dermatology.
April 24: “Chronic Swelling: What Can be Done?” a presentation on the various causes and remedies for lymphedema, by Paula Betlach and Sue Sivill, Gundersen Lutheran Outpatient Occupational Therapy.
"Orthodox-Roman Catholic Relations" Lecture April 30
“Orthodox-Roman Catholic Relations” will be the subject of a lecture by Fr. Bernard McGarty, Monday, April 30, at 7:30 p.m. at Viterbo’s FAC Main Theatre.
The presentation is free and open to the public. The discussion will be accompanied by an artistic representation of Orthodox worship and piety with respect to the Eastern tradition.
Fr. McGarty is Viterbo’s visiting scholar for ecumenical studies. His two previous presentations?Jewish-Catholic Relations and Lutheran-Catholic Relations?have been popularly received by capacity crowds.
The Orthodox Church has strong membership in Greece, Russia, Bulgaria, Romania, Egypt, Syria, and many other regions primarily in the East. The Orthodox also has a presence in North and South America and other parts of the world outside of the Middle East.
Fr. McGarty earned his doctorate in theology from The Angelicum University in Rome.
Classifieds
For Sale: Bring your kids, cars, and critters! We’ve got room for all. 2.3 acre hobby farm features 3-4 bedrooms, large kitchen, three baths, deck, walkout basement, central air, 3.5 car heated garage. Barn with loft. Stream. Motivated! $147,000. Call Prudential at 608-779-2122 (Janine Andrle) or get more details from Drew in physical plant.
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