Connections
A Newsletter for the Viterbo University Community
Vol. 14 No. 33 May 7, 2001
Last Issue is May 14
Connections will bid farewell to the Viterbo community for another academic year with its last issue on Monday, May 14. Copy is due Thursday, May 10, before noon. Publication of Connections for the 2001-02 academic year will resume with the Monday, Aug. 27 issue with copy due before noon on Thursday, Aug. 23. Summer updates will be provided via all-campus mail when events or information warrants.
A Blessing for Mothers in Honor of Mother's Day--from Campus Ministry
We bless you and we praise you, God of our mothers! You are the God of Eve, mother of all the living. You are the God of Sarah, who laughed at childbearing in old age. You are the God of Rebekah, who favored her second-born, Jacob. You are the God of Leah, mother of tribes, and of Rachel, who mourned and wrestled and won. You are the God of Hannah, who strongly sang your praise for Samuel, and of Naomi, who faithfully walked with Ruth. You are the God of Elizabeth, who bore the Baptist, and of Ann, the grandmother of Jesus. You are the God of Mary, Spirit’s spouse and mother of our Savior, given by Christ on the cross to be the mother of us all. We thank you, God, for the gift of our mothers, for grandmothers and godmothers and mothers-in-law too. Send your Holy Spirit upon our mothers, at whose breasts we were fed, by whose hands we were cleaned and clothed, at times corrected, in whose laps we learned to sing and speak and play and pray, at whose side we hear your word and celebrate your mysteries. Heal their pains and disappointments. Forgive all that needs to be forgiven. Give to them the good that they have given others. Welcome to your bosom those who have died. Fill this world, O God, with a mother’s love! We ask this through your Son Jesus Christ, who gathers us together as a hen gathers her brood under her wings, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen.
Business Professor is Teacher of the Year
Although David Schulz has been on the Viterbo faculty for only one year as a full-time faculty member, his teaching style has struck a resounding chord with studentsso much so that he has been chosen as this year’s Viterbo University Teacher of the Year.
Students wrote in their nomination letters that he always has a welcoming smile, a joke, and a kind word. He encourages critical thinking, they said, and asks students how they learn best. Plus, he whistles as he walks.
“As a professor, Dave truly cares about his students,” wrote junior Emily Olson in her nomination letter. “The students know exactly what he expects of them at the beginning of the semester, and he sticks to his word throughout...Dave is also a very approachable man outside of class. If I ever wanted to know where I stood in class, or had a question on an assignment, he was always in his office ready to assist me.”
Senior Janelle Stach added, “I always go to him when I need advice, because I fully trust his judgment.”
Kindness and hospitality aren’t the only reasons students are singing his praises. Schulz has about 30 years of non-academic working experience and a passion for his subject that inspires students.
“I appreciate the way Mr. Schulz relates the business material learned in class to real-world situations. This makes it much easier to understand the concepts,” wrote senior Chris Cook.
“His knowledge of the material he presents is superior and he is exceptionally enthusiastic about it...His students can feel his love for the subject material, and it encourages them to embrace the concepts,” added junior Lacie Lyste.
Other students wrote that he shares his knowledge and has them apply the concepts and ideas. He never gives answers; instead, he challenges and leads students through a process that helps them think critically.
Schulz received his undergraduate and master’s degrees in business administration from Winona State University. In 1977, he was certified as a public housing manager. From 1971-89, he worked for the Housing and Redevelopment Authority of Winona, Minn. as the assistant director and, later, the executive director. In 1989, he joined Hawkins, Ash, Baptie, Inc. in La Crosse and served as a manager until 1993 when he took a job as business administrator for the Monroe County Department of Human Services. In 1996, he began serving as adjunct professor of economics at Lakeland College. He joined Viterbo’s adjunct staff in the Dahl School of Business during fall 1999. He was hired for full-time employment at Viterbo in fall 2000.
Awards Bestowed on Viterbo Leaders at Honors Convocation
At last Thursday’s Honors Convocation, the following Viterbo employees were recognized for their service and their work:
Fr. J. Thomas Finucan, a past president and current assistant to President William Medland for institutional advancement, has the unique distinction of receiving the very award named after him. The Finucan Exemplar of Mission Award is granted to an individual who has made exceptional contributions to furthering the mission of Viterbo University.
Here’s what they’re saying about Fr. Finucan:
“He was the kind of leader who convinced his colleagues of the wisdom of a value-centered approach and gained their support in realizing the Christian mission of the college. Today, the same is true. Fr. Finucan continues doing what he does best, encouraging the affluent to support the needs of othersespecially those most powerless in our society, so that they might gain the power of a good education and the humanity of a value-centered life.”Grace McDonald, FSPA, and Celesta Day, FSPA.
“It seems appropriate that on the 20th anniversary of the initiation of the Finucan Award for Mission, that Fr. Finucan be the recipient…He has promoted the mission of Viterbo as a Catholic, Franciscan university for over 30 years.”William J. Medland, Viterbo president.
The Learning Center, which provides academic support to Viterbo students, was named recipient of the Pax et Bonum Award in recognition of its skill in demonstrating the Franciscan values of quality, service, respect, hospitality, stewardship, and joy throughout the Viterbo community.
Here’s what they’re saying about the Learning Center:
“From the director to the secretary, all are efficient, warm, concerned, and hospitable professionals. Each, a specialist in her own area, effectively uses her specific talents to encourage and enable students to become all that they can be during their college years and throughout life.”Bernyne Stark, FSPA, professor emerita.
“The Learning Center is a welcoming place. Students often comment to me they know they can go there to study, or review or chat with the staff. I have often seen the staff make students smile and laugh and feel better about their day.”Kim Fredricks, biology professor.
Grant Smith, English professor, was named Outstanding Academic Advisor of the Year for his dedication and commitment to the academic advising of English education students. Here’s what they’re saying about Smith:
“He is always working not because he has to, because he certainly doesn’t. Everything he does for us, he does because he genuinely cares how we do in school, and after we graduate. Not only have I learned how to deal with problems with my degree audit due to transferring, used him as a resource for teaching, and received help on my thesis, but I have also learned how to care about my students. I consider everything that Dr. Smith has taught me directly and indirectly to be the most important things I have learned at Viterbo.” Susan Lundquist, senior.
“Guidance of this magnitude can only accompany wisdom, of which Grant has abundance, not only in his academic area, but also in life in general; he has lived the career his advisees now seek, which makes his advice invaluable. Finally, Grant extends the opportunities for his advisees to take part in a professional and personal relationship. We have been to his house for meals; we have played with his children; we have become our own ‘family’ within our department.”Anthony DePaolo ’00.
Servant Leader Awards were presented to the following for their leadership and service to others:
Mark Franz, director of computer services. What they’re saying about Franz:
“Mark has unlimited patience when it comes to dealing with co-workers. When computer problems are presented to him, he listens, corrects, and explains what happened in a professional manner.”Paul Mack, business office.
“Mark expects the best from those he works with. But, in expecting the best, he also gives his best to make sure others achieve.”Amy Gleason, registrar’s office.
Marilyn Jaekel, college nurse, student development. What they’re saying about Jaekel:
“Marilyn always goes above and beyond the call of duty in many ways. She is always thinking of others before thinking of herself…She is true and dedicated to the University, holding all the qualities of a true Franciscan. She is kind, caring, understanding, dedicated, loyal, supportive, diligent, and giving.”Rob Anderson, residence life.
“If Viterbo is an institution that puts students’ needs first, Marilyn exemplifies the university very well…She is a role model, giving her best to people. She is slow to judge, quick to empathize with another’s point of view. She is a listener, open to new people and ideas. She is a Christian, allowing the principles of her faith to guide her interactions with others and her personal actions. She also can give a flu shot without hurting you. No small thing.”Anne Ellefson, AODA counselor, student development.
Joseph Kawatski, retired biology professor who returned to campus during spring semester to teach the late Linda Malick’s courses.
“Joe came to us this past spring upon hearing of the death of Linda Malick. He was in the day after he heard of her death and immediately offered to teach her courses. He was not concerned with a salary nor was he looking for extra work…He wanted to teach as a way to give something back for the fond memories and friendship he shared with Linda and because he did not want the students to have to miss out on her class.”Kim Fredricks, biology professor.
“Yes, there are days when I don’t want to go to Dr. Kawatski’s class again, complain about how long labs take, and want to burn the 10-page book of essay questions he refers to as a simple test. But I am learning so much from Dr. Kawatski…I have the reassurance that I have a teacher I can go to after class to get a concept explained to me, even if he has reviewed it countless times in class. And I know that chances are, I will laugh more than once during my three hours a day with him.”Peggy Knetter, senior.
Neil Rouse, assistant director of computer services. What they’re saying about Rouse:
“Whenever he has assisted me with computer problems, he does so in an understanding manner. He is not patronizing, but patient. He answers my questions without tech talk, no matter how simple the question might be for someone versed in computer technology and applications.”Michael Smuksta, history professor.
“Everyone on the faculty I have talked with about Neil has remarked on his friendly, informed, and patient approach to answering our questions and solving our problems.”Richard Ruppel, English professor.
Manuel Williams, custodian, physical plant. What they’re saying about Williams:
“As a freshman, a bit nervous about all of these strangers surrounding me, not sure of where I fit into my new community, Manuel was the first to truly welcome me. He always had a smile and word of greeting, followed by an inquiry as to how I was doing. He didn’t simply mouth the words, he meant them and showed it in his manner.”-Rae Myers, senior.
“Manuel’s attitude on life is just ‘outstanding.’ This word is used frequently in his description of how his day is going. I have never seen anyone who had a more positive outlook than Manuel.”Linda Whitehead, secretary, physical plant.
Housekeeping Staff Honored
“They are God’s partners,” said Tom Thibodeau, religious studies, of the Viterbo housekeeping staff. “They work hard to create an environment that is clean and hospitable for all of us,” he added. The housekeeping staff was honored with the Mission Effectiveness Award in an outdoor ceremony last week in Viterbo Court. Members of the staff each received a rose, a t-shirt that says “Join the Dance” and features a rendering of the Dancing Francis sculpture, and applause and recognition for their hard work.
News You'll Notice by Michael Ranscht, Fine Arts Center
The year is coming to an end, but the work is just beginning. Last week’s announcement of the 2001-02 Viterbo Bright Star Season marked the beginning of the season ticket campaign. Season tickets can be purchased through June 15. For further information, please check out the web site or contact the box office, ext. 3100. Season tickets represent more than 60% of the seats available for Bright Star performances, making the season campaign an important part of the marketing efforts.
The NexStar season enjoyed a successful inaugural season with attendance averaging 72%. While the 2001-02 NexStar season will be announced in the La Crosse Tribune later this week, here is a sneak peek. The season will open in October with the rock a capella group Rockapella. Other events in the season include the off-Broadway hit, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change, the Grammy Award-winning Riders in the Sky and BeauSoleil, one of the hottest Cajun bands around. Watch your campus mailboxes for further information later this week.
Viterbo was recently awarded more than $17,000 in support of fine arts programming from the Wisconsin Arts Board and the Heartland Arts Fund. The Arts Board Performing Arts Network grant program awarded Viterbo $12,467 to support performances in the Bright Star, NexStar, and Arts for Young America programs. The Heartland Arts Fund, a collaborative venture of the Mid-America Arts Alliance, Arts Midwest, their member state arts organizations with primary funding from the National Endowment for the Arts and support from private contributors awarded Viterbo $5,000 to support a three-day residency in La Crosse for the Dayton Contemporary Dance Company during May 2002.
The facility surcharge that is added to each ticket purchased for events in the FAC has created a fund of nearly $40,000 in the first year. While the Board of Directors has the final decision, it is likely that these funds will assist with FAC improvements. These might include handicap accessibility improvementselevator access to the balcony and additional areas for wheelchair seating, among other projects.
Campus Ministry by Fr. Tom O'Neill
Schedule Notes:
• Saturday, May 12Baccalaureate Mass, 5:30 p.m. in Maria Angelorum Chapel.
• Sunday, May 13no Mass at 11 a.m. or 6 p.m. in San Damiano Chapel
• Wednesday-Friday, May 16-18no noon Mass in Chapel
• Sunday, May 2011 a.m. Mass only (no 6 p.m. during the summer)
• Monday-Wednesday, May 21-23no noon Mass
• Monday, May 28, Memorial Dayno noon Mass
Congratulations to our graduates of 2001! May God bless and keep you and bless you with every grace.
Rest in Peace: Please remember those who have died and those who mourn their deaths: Joe Kotnour, the father of Deb Siebenaler; Helen Havertape, mother of Jack Havertape; alumnae Sisters Stella Marie Swoboda, Ruthanne Dayton, and Jeanne Keating; the niece of Dan Johnson Wilmot; and the grandmother of Rebecca Stebnitz. May they enjoy eternal rest.
Mission Effectiveness Committee Web Page: please visit our new web page via “Students,” “Campus Ministry,” “Mission Effectiveness” or at www.viterbo.edu/aboutvit/Ministry/misseff.htm.
Like to Walk? Sign Up!
Let’s walk to raise money for cancer research!
Viterbo University is forming a team for this year’s American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. The relay begins Friday, Aug. 3, at 5 p.m. and continues through Saturday, Aug. 4 at noon.
Team members, who are each asked to raise a minimum of $100, can sign up to walk in shifts during the relay, held at UW-La Crosse. A free t-shirt will be provided for the first 15 team members to sign up.
Interested in participating but will be out of town that weekend? You can still sign up for the team and raise the funds without walking the event. Contact Beth Erickson at ext. 3042 or email bmerickson to sign up for this excellent cause.
Students Sign Up for WalkAmerica
Each year, Viterbo students participate in the March of Dimes WalkAmerica to raise money to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects and infant mortality. On Saturday, May 5, the walk will take place, beginning at Myrick Park, with approximately 35 participants. An estimated $500 has been pledged for this cause as a result of the walk.
Sigma Pi Delta, the student alumni association on campus, is the coordinating organization of the Viterbo team each year. They wish to extend a special thanks to each of the walkers and to Communications & Marketing for donating the t-shirts given to participants who raised $25 or more.
Sigma Pi Delta member, Sara Bader, has chaired this event for three years. In addition to the walk, she has been responsible for recently securing a grant available to the Viterbo School of Nursing. This would make nursing modules available to our students.
Season to Remember Banquet
The Viterbo University athletics department will cap off “A Season to Remember” with a 2000-01 Women’s Basketball Banquet and awards ceremony on Friday, May 11, at 7 p.m. in the FAC Lobby. The cost is $12 per person and includes a buffet dinner. Please RSVP by calling 796-3813.
Psychology Professor's Daughter Authors Sci-Fi Novel
Described as a cross between science fiction and mystery, Archangel Protocol is the title of Lyda Morehouse’s debut novel.
The novel is set in the near future in a post-apocalyptic world where the lines between technology, politics, and religion are blurred. An ex-police officer, Deidre McMannus, is blamed for a crime she didn’t commit. Her punishment? She loses her job, is excommunicated from her religion, and, perhaps most significantly, loses her connection to LINK, an implanted, interactive computer. Deidre becomes a private investigator and begins working for a man named Michael. As payment, she is reconnected to the LINKa connection that becomes much more dangerous than she expected.
Lisa Dumon of the Sci-Fi Site said the novel is “a definite wow...an instant classic of sci-fi...one of the best novels in memory.” Archangel Protocol was also featured in the Barnes and Noble science-fiction newsletter.
On sale beginning May 8, the novel retails for $6.99. Although it will be available through the Viterbo University bookstore within the next two to three weeks, it is currently available online through www.amazon.com or www.bn.com.
Morehouse, the daughter of psychology professor Mort Morehouse, earned her undergraduate degrees in history and English from Augsburg College in the Twin Cities.
While still a senior in high school at Logan, she attended college-level courses at Viterbo University. Find out more information at www.lydamorehouse.com.
Golf Outing Moved to Fall
The Sr. Jean Golf Outing, typically held in spring, has been rescheduled to Friday, Sept. 7, beginning with a shotgun start at 4 p.m. at Valley High. Watch your mailboxes or Connections for registration information.
Calling All Staff Assembly Nominations
Nomination forms, which were distributed at the last Staff Assembly meeting and sent by in-house mail to those who could not attend, are due to Jackie Lee by Thursday, May 10.
Copy Center Message
If you are an instructor of a summer school course, remember to use the summer school budget number (1710)not your regular department budget numberfor copies.
Jeans Day
Don’t forget to wear jeans this Friday to support Viterbo University’s Employee Day. How? Wear jeans and pay $1 to Marcia Brodt at the MC reception desk or Tammy Edens in the admission office.
Out & About
• A Creativity, Madness, & Enlightenment Seminar will be held at the Log Cabin Retreat Center in Prairie du Chien on Friday evening, May 18, and Saturday, May 19. Topics include: Community & Creativity Gathering; Gut Feelings Revisited: What is Your EQ (Emotional Quotient)?; Garden Therapy & Mindfulness; Living on 1/3 of a Shoestring; Womansong; I’ll Have What She’s Havingor Not!; I Found my Twirling Baton in the Dumpster!; How to Eat a Loofah & Alaskan Bush Stories; Have I Told Myself Lately that “I Love You”?; plus more topics. Take care of yourself, the caregiver. For more information call Kay Rutherford at 608-452-3811 or kmrutherford@mail.com.
• Tune in to this year’s broadcast of the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Celebration on Sunday, June 3, from 7 a.m.-5 p.m. on WXOW TV-19. The event will be broadcast live from Gundersen Lutheran and hosted by Martha Koloski and Chris Stauffer. Learn the stories and triumphs of children in our region who are assisted by the work of the CMN. Call 791-6730 for more information.
• The Pump House Regional Arts Center is offering a variety of art workshops for children, teens, and adults this summer. Classes are: Artistic Floral Arranging, for adults and teens, June 13, 6-9 p.m.; The Art of Theatre, for students entering grades 1-3, June 19-23, 1-3 p.m.; 3-D and Me, for students entering grades 4-6, July 10-14, 12-3 p.m.; Journal Journeys, for adults and teens, July 11, 18, 25, 6-8 p.m.; Experimental Clay and Sculpture, for students entering 7-8 grades, July 17-21, 1-4 p.m.; and Spontaneous Plaster Creations, for adults and teens, Aug. 8-9, 6-9 p.m. For more information, call 785-1434.
President's Breakfast is Tonight
Anxious about finals? Take a break from cramming and experience the annual President’s Breakfast from 9-10 p.m. today in the Marian Hall Dining Room. All meal plan and non-meal plan students are invited.
Nutrition & Dietetics Department Selects Interns
Nutrition & Dietetics Department Selects Interns
The nutrition & dietetics department evaluated over 30 applications for the dietetic internship for the 2001-02 academic year. The average undergraduate GPA of these students is 3.2. The eight new interns will begin July 30.
Cara Swanson
Bradley University
Nicole Coleman
UW-Stout
Monique Couturier
Central Michigan University
Amy Gunderson
UW-Stevens Point
Tami Hinkley
South Dakota State University
Kelley Holt
California State University at Fresno
Sarah Meister
Purdue University
Tonya Shipman
Purdue University
Please join the nutrition & dietetics faculty in welcoming these new interns to the Viterbo community!
Visiting Author Honored
Those who attended the delightful discussion with young adult literature author and Coretta Scott King Award winner Jacqueline Woodson last Friday will be pleased to know that she recently received additional honors. Woodson’s book Miracle’s Boys received the Los Angeles Times Book of the Year Award for young adult fiction on Saturday.
New Student Registration: Something New this Spring
On Saturday, April 28, 165 new freshmen registered; that was about 75 fewer than usually register in April. Yes, fewer, but the admission office says that’s just fine, since fewer were needed to meet the designed intent of this year’s new process.
The traditional April registration date was split into two sessions, one on April 28 and one on Friday, May 18. Each session anticipated an attendance of 150 students, so 165 was not a disappointment, provided 135 more attend in May.
The new registration was designed to produce results a year or two from this spring and focuses on advisement, rather than registration. The reason for the emphasis on advisement (not course selection) is to address attrition issues. Student persistence begins with solid advisement. The outcome of this process, which is more important than the numbers, will not be known until these freshmen become sophomores.
Viterbo’s advisors could review how they did at registration by responding to the following questions now, well in advance of the next session on May 18:
Did you:
• share a personal aspect of yourself?
• learn something personal about your advisee?
• explain your role as an advisor?
• explore the general expectations of your advisee?
• talk about career plans and how they were developed?
• assess the student’s commitment to your field?
• explain the role of general education?
• chat about what a liberal education means?
• review the value of the PCC class?
• chat about the role of leisure time in school?
• ask the student about how s/he is planning to participate in the community of the campus (extracurricular)?
• suggest the value of asking others for help, perhaps asking just that of a higher power!
The student should leave this advisement session/registration day in a reflective mood and be thinking about their discussions during the summer. Advisors should revisit the issues when school starts. Knowing the Viterbo colleagues who serve as advisors, it is safe to say that you all responded positively to the above questions. You deserve a hearty round of thanks for offering your time and commitment to the advising processon a Saturday no less.
Thanks, Neighbors!
La Crosse’s fifth annual Good Neighbor Day was a huge success and Viterbo University had its largest turnout ever of helpers.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the event on Saturday, April 28. You exude the Viterbo Spirit especially in volunteering to help others. The people who received help with yard work from our volunteers that day were very appreciative of the assistance.
Classifieds
For sale: Country getaway, 8 miles from La Crosse at W3809 Hwy 14-61. Three bedroom more-than-ranch home, 1.3+ acres, bay windows, huge pines, 1-1/2 baths, finished basement, 2-1/2 car garage, two outbuildings, oak hardwood floors, finished breezeway/porch with wood stove. A must see. $106,000. For sale by owner, Kay Rutherford 608-452-3811 or kmrutherford or kmrutherford@mail.com
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