Connections
A Newsletter for the Viterbo University Community
Vol. 16, No. 1 August 26, 2002
Former Senator Paul Simon to Speak at Viterbo Ethics Conference
Former Senator Paul Simon, a Democrat from Illinois, will share his thoughts on the current state of our criminal justice system in a talk set for Thursday, Sept. 5 in the FAC.
Simon’s 7:30 p.m. presentation, which is free and open to the public, will conclude the conference held on campus called, “Crime and Punishment on Trial: Community Values and the Criminal Justice System.”
As an influential member of Congress, Simon has spent over 40 years in public service and his opinions on a variety of topics were known and respected on both sides of the political aisle. Now retired from public office, he currently serves as director of the Public Policy Institute at Southern Illinois University.
Simon’s appearance will be the capstone event of a daylong, five-session conference at Viterbo intended to address issues confronting our overburdened criminal justice system. Many of the topics covered, such as: prevention, community safety, and intervention, were the major focus of the La Crosse County Criminal Justice Management Council.
The conference and Simon’s visit is sponsored by the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership with support from the La Crosse Tribune, the Wisconsin Public Defenders Office, UW-L’s School of Education, Western Wisconsin Technical Institute and the Viterbo University Department of Criminal Justice.
“We are very fortunate to have an individual of Simon’s stature on campus,” said Richard Kyte, director of the Reinhart Institute. “Our current system of justice is costly and overburdened and many professionals as well as the taxpayers, are asking, ‘What are the alternatives.’ The conference and Simon’s talk will allow us to bring attention to this very compelling issue.”
The cost of the program is $35 and includes materials, refreshments, continental breakfast, and lunch. Further details regarding the conference or Simon’s presentation, are available on the Web by connecting to the ethics institute site located on the www.viterbo.edu homepage or by contacting Kyte at ext. 3704 or emailing ethics@viterbo.edu.
Viterbo Enrollment Closed in Early August
It’s shaping up to be another record-breaking year for Viterbo University.
Enrollment for the fall semester closed in early August with university officials expecting enrollment figures to be near or at record levels and campus housing facilities at close to capacity.
Freshman enrollment of new and transfer students currently stands at 458. Last year’s confirmed was 444. This is the first instance since 1994 when housing space was at capacity. Historically, there will be some students who will not enroll and projections are that enrollment will be at or just above last year’s record.
According to Roland Nelson, vice president for admission, enrollment was closed for several reasons. “We expected enrollment to be strong and that has indeed occurred. Also, it wasn’t possible for us to add additional faculty or courses while maintaining the quality that everyone expects.”
Nelson attributed the strong fall enrollment, specifically, to a very strong demand in the area of nursing, and, generally, to concerns with the economy and employment which typically prompt individuals to look at further education as an option.
President’s University Forum
The President’s University Forum will be Tuesday, Sept. 10, 3:30 p.m. in the Brophy Nursing Center auditorium.
All academic and non-academic supervisors are expected to attend. A facilitator will conduct a workshop on “The Roles and Responsibilities of Supervisors.”
Viterbo Welcomes New International Students
By Beth Moore, Global Education
Six new international students are on campus as of Aug. 19. Five of the six come in as transfer students, the sixth is here for one semester as a freshman. The largest group this fall is from Belize (four). In addition, there are new students from Colombia and the United Arab Emirates. The students’ names and majors are as follows: (back row, l-r) Alex Goldson, integrated studies; Garth Parham, chemistry; (front row l-r) Tanika Skeen, social work; Adriana Correa, pre-law; Ranjini Charley, computer information systems. Not pictured Mehar Nimkhedkar, integrated studies. Please welcome these new students and extend a helping hand to support them.
You're Invited to a Groundbreaking
On Thursday, Sept. 5, Franciscan Skemp Healthcare will hold a groundbreaking for the new Center for Advanced Medicine and Surgery beginning at 5:15 p.m.
Following the brief, formal program at the construction site in front of Francisan Skemp Medical Center, food, activities, and door prizes will be available. “Diggin’ the Future” t-shirts will be given to the first 500 people attending.
The event is sponsored by Franciscan Skemp Healthcare, the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, and Mayo Clinic.
Friendship Families
Become a “friendship family” for an international student attending college at either Viterbo, UWL, or WWTC through La Crosse Friends of International Students. A friendship family introduces a student to the La Crosse area and helps the student learn about and adjust to American culture.
Please email Burton Altman at altman3131@aol.com if you would like to become involved. There is a picnic Thursday, Aug. 29, so please RSVP as soon as possible. If you have questions call Janet McLean at 787-1801 or email her at jemclean@viterbo.edu.
Stretch, Twist, & Strengthen
Make time to get fit this fall by signing up for noon yoga and/or strength training classes. Yoga, with trainers from the Yoga Place, will be offered at noon on Fridays in the FAC Dance Studio and is $45 for 12 classes. Strength training is at noon Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays at noon in the basement of Rose Terrace and is $45 for 39 classes. Payroll deduction is an option. Sign up in the Business Office, MC 205. Brought to you by the Viterbo Employee Health Improvement Program.
from the library
By Lisa Autio
We welcome new faculty and students to use library resources. Link to many new databases, search engines, and the online catalog from your office, or home. The library homepage has been updated, with Quick Links at the top for sites most often visited: http://www.viterbo.edu/ academic/as/library/.
Use of library resources has increased significantly in the past year, especially databases accessed off campus. Explore what is now offered at the library home page: http://www.viterbo.edu/library/database_descriptions.htm.
Visit the Big Apple
Are you ready for Broadway? Join Susan Rush, theatre, and Fr. Tom O’Neill, campus ministry, for a spring theatre tour to New York City, May 14?19.
The tour includes:
• Round-trip airfare from La Crosse.
• Hotel accommodations at Hotel Edison, centrally located in Times Square.
• Three theatre performances —best orchestra seats—for The Producers; Mama Mia!; and Hairspray.
• Miscellaneous: Baggage handling at check in and out, motorcoach transfers to/from airport and hotel, trip planning services prior to departure and after arrival in New York.
The package price, based on double occupancy, is $995 per person. A deposit of $250 per person is required to secure a reservation by Monday, Sept. 23. Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure. No refunds will be given after that date. All prices are subject to change until confirmation after deposit. Interested persons may obtain an application form by contacting Rush at ext. 3766, email strush@viterbo.edu or Fr. O’Neill at ext. 3804, email tmoneill@viterbo.edu.
Thanks O’Leaders!
By Anne Ellefson, Student Development
Thirty-two students participated in orienation training last spring, returned to campus late this summer, and worked 12-hour days during the three-day new student orientation.
O’ Leaders carried boxes, led tours, facilitated discussions, arranged volleyball games, led icebreakers, made announcements, and organized walks throughout the neighborhood. They were the first contacts for incoming students and their families.
Faculty, administrators, and staff are encouraged to let the following students know that their efforts as O’ Leaders for 2002 are appreciated: Tim Boehnen, Kayla Brion, Amy Brown, Mark Conroy, Lori Doney, Anne Elder, Jane Foreman, Nicole Ghelf, Tiffany Grooms, Blanca Hudson, Stephanie Kleppe, Amy Klubertanz, Bethany LaFontaine, Trapper McLean, Matthew Metzger, Amanda Martin, Justin Mattie, Amanda Martin, Vicky Morphew, Molly Nesbitt, Tracy Palmer, Jessica Pelot, Abbie Polzin, James Poole, Becky Raatz, Andrew Ramsden, Katie Trelstad, Katy Tyler, Leah Vettrus, Sam Wahl, Becky Weinzatl, Erin Whorrall, and Rhoda Winsky.
Be an Usher for the Fine Arts Center!
The School of Fine Arts is looking for volunteer ushers for the Bright Star, NexStar, and Arts for Young America performing arts series. Whether you have ushered here in the past, or have never ushered in your life, your help is needed.
All interested volunteers will go through an usher orientation and training session. The session lasts only two hours, and there are several sessions designed to fit your schedule. Sessions are:
• Tuesday, Aug. 27—6:30 p.m.? 8:30 p.m.
• Sunday, Sept. 8—2 p.m.?4 p.m.
• Sunday, Sept. 8—6 p.m.?8 p.m.
Each session meets in the FAC Hospitality Suite. Anyone interested in ushering this year should email Angela Otto, house manager, at ushers@viterbo.edu. Please indicate the training session that you would like to attend.
If you are interested in attending, but cannot make any of the sessions listed, please contact Otto as sessions may be added as needed.
Enjoy Sun, Fun, and Food
Start celebrating the wonders of a new season at the Social Work Club Fall Picnic on Sunday, Sept. 8, from 3?7 pm. at Red Cloud Park on La Crosse’s North Side.
The entire campus community is invited. Those attending are asked to bring a dish to pass. Hot dogs and beverages will be provided.
Red Cloud Park is found by traveling north on West Avenue and continuing on West Avenue as it becomes the causeway at the La Crosse Street intersection. Once across the Marsh, pass Menards and Quillins and turn right on St. Andrew Street. Follow the signs to Red Cloud Park.
campus ministry
By Fr. Tom O'Neill
The business of learning has begun again. Welcome to all new students, faculty and staff and welcome back to all others. Hopefully yours was a relaxing and peaceful summer. We’ve been praying, and will continue to do so, that our 2002?03 academic year will be a blessed one.
All are invited to stop in and see the changes made in San Damiano Chapel. The schedule of liturgies and Taize prayer remain the same. Daily liturgy is at noon; the Lord’s Day is celebrated at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.; Taize ecumenical prayer is Wednesday night at 10 p.m. We invite all to participate as worshippers and ministers. Please sign up with a campus minister as soon as possible so we might get our schedules prepared.
Calendar items:
• We will commemorate the tragedy of Sept. 11 with a Service of Prayer for Peace on Sept. 11 at noon—around the Peace Pole (near the FAC entrance). All are invited to attend. There will be no noon Mass that day.
• The Volunteer Fair will be held on Tuesday Sept 17 from 11 a.m.? 3 p.m. Marilyn Pedretti invites all students to attend. She provides assistance to students and staff in locating volunteer opportunities.
A Back to School Prayer
“Spirit of God, fill our hearts with a desire to seek truth and rejoice in beauty. Help us to know what is pleasing to you and to understand what is right and good in your sight. Give us the spirit of learning that we may please you by our thoughts and love you in your creation. Give all teachers your constant encouragement and guide them in their good work.
“Spirit of God, make us effective witnesses of your truth to all whose lives we touch. We ask this in the name of Jesus the Lord. Amen.”
News You'll Notice
By Jane Eddy, Learning Center
The Learning Center has a new staff member. Please stop by and welcome Andy Moore, our Reading/Writing Specialist and Academic Counselor. He received his BA in English from Iowa State and his MFA in Creative Writing from the University of New Orleans. He most recently taught in Meraux, La. Karen Birkby and husband moved to Kansas City to be closer to their daughters and families.
Note the name change of our Math specialist: Heidi Erickson. Heidi married Joe Erickson, a Franciscan Skemp physician, on July 26. Congratulations and best wishes to the newlyweds.
We had a busy past year serving students:
• The Learning Center served 83 percent of full-time students in some capacity.
• 599 students received tutoring during first semester, and 519 received tutoring during second semester.
• 102 students served as peer tutors (40 percent of the peer tutors also received tutoring).
• 70 workshops were offered and attended by 333 students.
• 795 students were accommodated for testing 1,459 times.
• 134 students were taught in developmental classes by our staff: Math 001, English 001, Learning Strategies, and Accelerated Reading.
• 70 workshops were offered and attended by 333 students.
• 33 students with a diagnosed disability were accommodated with extra testing time, recorded books, note-taking support, having tests read aloud by the reading machine or an individual, and with brailled text.
• While I am aware that many variables impact student success, it is noteworthy that 95% of those students receiving tutoring passed the course for which they received help.
Our policy is to arrange tutoring for any student who requests it. Tutors are required to attend training sessions at the start of the semester. Part of the tutor responsibility is to communicate with the instructors of courses the students tutor. If you ever have concerns or questions about the tutoring program, please contact Jane Eddy at ext. 3194 or email jleddy@viterbo.edu.
Have students complained they cannot get in to meet with a writing specialist? We have added six peer tutors to assist in the writing process. With the continued help of Bernyne Stark, FSPA and Darlene Pofahl, in addition to these writing tutors, there shouldn’t be any student who cannot receive assistance. However, it’s always necessary for students to plan ahead and sign up early.
The Learning Center staff welcomes your comments and input. Just give me a call. Thanks to all for your continued support of our department.
kudos to...
• Phyllis Blackstone, education, who spent the week of July 31-Aug. 7 in Bogotá, Colombia. She was there at the invitation of the Colegio Santa Francisca Romana to present three days of literacy inservice to the Colombian English teachers. The Colombian teachers appreciated professional development opportunities and would like more help. Three students from the school will be at Viterbo during this fall semester.
• Marie Leon LaCroix, FSPA, theatre (retired), who was gratefully acknowledged for her impact as a mentor on Mark Frank ’89 in his letter of acceptance as this year’s Outstanding Academic Advisor from the National Academic Advising Association. Frank, who currently teaches at Coffeyville Community College in Kansas and will receive the award in September in Salt Lake City, said, “...if it hadn’t been for one Sr. Marie Leon LaCroix, I wouldn’t be where I am today. She was my advisor in college and today, I teach what she taught me, and the love and care she gave to me as a student, I now give to my students. I hope my students will pass it on to their students of the future.”
• Bonnie Nesbitt, nursing, who presented “Top Ten Hints for Using Blackboard in a Partially Online MSN Program” at the International Nursing Computer and Technology Conference, sponsored by Rutger’s University, in New York City in July.
• Bobbi Vandenberg who was the keynote speaker at the La Crescent School District’s Teacher Appreciation Night on May 21.
• Keith Knudson, history, who was in Europe for six weeks teaching several history classes to 16 students who were enrolled in the European Cultural History Tour. Knudson taught in Britain, France, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic, and Italy.
• The following faculty who were in Belize June 10-20: Earl Madary, religious studies; Paul Sannerud, Fine Arts Center; Phyllis Blackstone, education; Glena Temple, biology; Jan Janiszewski, business; Deb Murray, psychology; Rose Kreutz, nursing (retired); and Rolf Samuels, English. Each was checking on furthering educational linkages between Viterbo and the education system in Belize. The trip was organized by Beth Moore, global education.
• Bill Medland who is beginning his 12th year at Viterbo, earning him the distinction of being the longest-serving president of Viterbo University. Robert Gibbons served 11 years and Grace McDonald, FSPA and Fr. J. Thomas Finucan each served 10.
• Pat Kerrigan, who was named a Paul Harris Fellow by the La Crescent Rotary Club. The club donated $1,000 in his name to the Rotary International Foundation.
Have you been missed? There’s a good chance. So, help us be “in the know,” and send your news to connections@viterbo.edu.
focus on...
Name: Gretchen Kinney
Title: Administrative Assistant
Department: Communications and Marketing
Family: Gretchen is married to Raven Kinney. They have a son Devon, 2, and another baby on the way.
Education: She earned an associate degree in marketing and accounting from WWTC.
Hobbies/Interests/Enthusiasms: Gretchen loves to read, especially mystery novels; she enjoys cooking, but admits she struggles with it; and is also an avid sports fan. Her favorite activity is going on long walks with her son.
Adventures and Travels: A native of La Crosse, Gretchen hasn’t traveled as much as she would like. However, the Kinneys recently enjoyed a trip to the Black Hills and Mt. Rushmore when they visited Raven’s family out West. This summer, they celebrated Devon’s birthday with a trip to the Milwaukee Zoo.
Future Hopes and Plans: Gretchen hopes to earn a four-year degree from Viterbo by taking some classes part-time. She and her husband are also looking forward to having a healthy and happy baby this January.
Little Known Facts: When it comes to cars, Gretchen has had an unusual amount of bad luck. Her first car lasted only 14 days. And, believe it or not, out of the eight cars she has owned, one was stolen twice.
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