Connections
A Newsletter for the Viterbo University Community
Vol. 16, No. 5 September 23, 2002
Viterbo Announces Official Fall Enrollment Record
Viterbo Announces Official Fall Enrollment Record
Total fall enrollment at Viterbo University set a new high, up seven percent from last year’s record figure. Total enrollment stands at 2,331 students according to official statistics released by the registrar’s office.
In compiling record total enrollment, several other new marks were also set. Graduate level enrollment jumped 18 percent to set an all-time record of 557. Next summer, university officials expect to see 460 graduate level teachers attend proseminar classes on campus. The number of full-time undergraduate students (1,546) also broke the record set in 1997 (1,532).
Fr. John Heagle Talk is Tuesday
Is it possible to reconcile spirituality and sexuality, when there are conflicting messages among religious traditions, the media, and personal experience? Find out when author and international speaker Fr. John Heagle discusses “Tender Fires: The Spiritual Promise of Sexuality” at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 24 in the FAC Main Theatre.
Fr. Heagle’s talk is based on the new book by the same name, which he co-authored with Fran Ferder, PhD, FSPA. Tom Fox, publisher of The National Catholic Reporter said Tender Fires is “a book that accurately diagnoses a spiritual illness within the church . . . and moreover provides specific pathways for the healing required for Catholicism to return to its Gospel-based and sacramental-directed strengths.”
This presentation is sponsored by the Paula Ripple Comin Memorial Endowed Lectureship. A Viterbo graduate, former dean of students, and past president of the FSPA, Paula Ripple Comin died of cancer in 1998.
For more information on Fr. Heagle, the book, and his talk, visit the Viterbo Web site at: www.viterbo.edu/campnews/releases/ 09052002-1.html.
Viterbo Celebrates Feast of St. Francis, Oct. 4
St. Francis of Assisi (1182?1226) is often described as a lover of nature, of animals, of people. As the patron of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration and, therefore, one of Viterbo’s patrons, the university will honor St. Francis with a variety of events during the week of his Feast Day (Friday, Oct. 4). Activities include:
Bread Delivery, Sunday, Sept. 29, 11 a.m.?2 p.m.—members of the “Neighborhood Group,” consisting of Viterbo University, Aquinas, Chileda, the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, and Franciscan Skemp Healthcare will deliver bread to those living in their neighborhoods as a gesture of Franciscan hospitality.
The Ninth Annual Pet Blessing, Thursday, Oct. 3, 5 p.m., Viterbo’s Assisi Courtyard near the statue of “Dancing Francis.” Fr. Tom O’Neill, Viterbo campus ministry, will lead a prayer celebration. Guests do not need to have their pets present for the pets to be blessed. The event is sponsored by Viterbo University and Franciscan Skemp Healthcare.
“The Journey and the Dream,” Friday, Oct. 4, 9:15 a.m., Fine Arts Center Main Theatre -a talk by Julio Bird, a cardiologist at Gundersen Lutheran and the first La Crosse man and Puerto Rican to successfully climb Mt. Everest.
St. Francis Day Mass, Friday, Oct. 4, 11 a.m., Maria Angelorum Chapel, St. Rose Convent.
All-Campus Lunch, Friday, Oct. 4, following St. Francis Day Mass, Marian Hall Dining Room. Free lunch tickets for Viterbo students, staff, faculty, and administration will be available to be picked up at the MC Reception Desk beginning Wednesday, Sept. 25.
Prayer Book Pick-up, Friday, Oct. 4, 1-3 p.m., MC Reception Desk. All those who ordered the special edition Viterbo University Prayer Book can pick up their copies on the Feast Day. Anyone unable to pick up their copies that day can get them from communications and marketing, MC 228, beginning Monday, Oct. 7.
"Brother Earth: The Ethic of Franciscan Ecology," Monday, Oct. 7, 8 p.m. in the FAC Recital Hall-an ethics lecture by Fr. Richard Wood. Fr. Wood is associate professor of theology at Domincan University, River Forest, Ill. He will discuss people's ethical responsibility in protecting our environment.
All 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:10 p.m., and 1:10 p.m. classes will be canceled so students can participate in St. Francis Day events.
Volunteer to Deliver Cheer
Viterbo University volunteers are needed to deliver bread to our neighbors on Sunday, Sept. 29, from 11 a.m.? 2 p.m. Contact Marilyn Pedretti, campus ministry, at ext. 3829 or email mjpedretti@viterbo.edu by Wednesday, Sept. 25 to sign up.
Give to United Way
Did you know that a contribution to the United Way helps more than 50,000 people in the Coulee Region through 91 programs?
Join the Viterbo community in supporting the United Way campaign this year and helping out a variety of area agencies. The campaign began Friday, Sept. 20 and pledge cards are due back to human resources, MC 201B, by Tuesday, Oct. 1.
A drawing for a Viterbo sweatshirt, compliments of the Viterbo Bookstore, and a Viterbo University denim shirt, compliments of communications and marketing, will be held on Thursday, Oct. 3 for all those who participate. The drawing will be held in the MC Lobby between 8?9:30 a.m. and coffee and muffins will be available. Plus, Friday, Oct. 4, will be a special Jeans Day with proceeds supporting the United Way—simply wear jeans to work that day and pay $1 to Marcia Brodt, MC Reception Desk or Ginny Brochhausen, FAC 102.
For more information, contact Marsha Momoi Piehl, human resources, ext. 3930 or mmmomoipiehl@viterbo.edu.
Marian Hall RAs Gear Up for AIDS Walk 2002
Once again, the Marian Hall RA Staff will be participating as a team in the AIDS Walk Wisconsin on Sunday, Sept. 29 in Madison.
This year, the team will be made up of resident assistants (RAs); some residents from Marian Hall; Rob Anderson, Marian Hall Area Coordinator; as well as some Viterbo University faculty.
The Marian Hall RA Team is asking for your support by making a pledge to their team. Money raised during AIDS Walk Wisconsin goes to support Aids Resource Center of Wisconsin to fund AIDS prevention and education and to assist patients suffering from AIDS. All pledges collected stay in the state of Wisconsin. If you are interested in finding out more information about AIDS Walk Wisconsin, or you would like to make a pledge to the Marian Hall RA Team, contact Anderson at ext. 3842 or email rfanderson@viterbo.edu. Pledges must be turned in by Thursday, Sept. 26 and cash, check (payable to AIDS Walk Wisconsin), or credit card is accepted.
Book Sale!
The Franciscan Spirituality Center is holding a used book sale Wednesday?Friday, Sept. 25?27. Stop by to browse through this selection of spiritual and other books. Sale books will be priced at .50 cents each.
Soccer Scores Another Game
The Viterbo University men’s soccer team has just added another game to its schedule. On Sunday, Oct. 13, the V-Hawks will test their skills against the University of St. Thomas at the Viterbo Outdoor Athletic Complex at 3 p.m., following the women’s soccer match vs. RCTC.
To Send or Not to Send?
Connections, email, memos, letters, phone calls. There are so many ways to spread news and exchange information these days that it’s hard to know which vehicle is the best. That’s why Viterbo University developed an all-employee email policy in 2000. It clarifies the appropriate use of email to Viterbo faculty, staff, and administration so “our system is not cluttered with unnecessary or inappropriate messages that can better be distributed via some other method.” Here is the rest of this policy:
• “[Employee email] use is restricted to news and announcements regarding Viterbo business and activities that are applicable to all employees. It is not intended to be used to conduct personal business or to promote/publicize a personal opinion, cause, or ideal, or to serve as a discussion forum.
• “Only emails sent by employees from university-issued, employee email accounts are allowed.
• “Short messages are appreciated and news/announcements should appear only once.
• “Do not include any form of attachments. You may, as a part of your email, include a Web-based link to a Viterbo University Web page that contains more detailed information.
“At present, the system does not differentiate classes of employees (i.e. full-time/part-time, faculty/administration/staff). Your message will be distributed to all employees. In cases of extreme or urgent circumstances, a message can be distributed to the entire campus (students and employees). Please contact Pat Kerrigan at 608-796-3041 or pgkerrigan@viterbo.edu if you need to use the service or have any other question regarding the policies for sending email to all employees.
“A copy of these guidelines appears on the Viterbo Web site under ‘policies’ (www.viterbo.edu/campnews/campcpmh/cpmh.htm). To send your email message to all employees, please send your message to the following address: employees@viterbo.edu.”
The Courage to Teach
Explore the qualities it takes to be a good teacher and find out how to restore meaning and motivation for the job by participating in the Faculty Development/Ethics Institute book discussion on Parker Palmer’s book The Courage to Teach: Exploring the Inner Landscape of a Teacher’s Life.
The book group will meet in three sessions at the Franciscan Spirituality Center from 5?6:30 p.m. Wine, cheese, crackers, vegetables, and fruit will be served as refreshments. Book sessions are:
Tuesday, Oct. 22, chapters 1-3, led by Virginia Pharr, religious studies.
Tuesday, Nov. 5, chapters 4-5, led by Pam Maykut, psychology.
Tuesday, Nov. 19, chapters 6-7, led by Larry Harwood, philosophy.
Copies of the book are available at the Viterbo Bookstore or online.
For more information, or to register, contact Grant Smith at ext. 3485 or gtsmith@viterbo.edu or Rick Kyte at ext. 3704 or rlkyte@viterbo.edu.
Learning to Be Mindful
Come, sit on the floor or in a chair, and practice developing a calm alertness and awareness by participating in Viterbo University’s new Mindfulness Meditation sessions every Wednesday from 12:30?1 p.m. in San Damiano Chapel.
The meditations are open to all staff, faculty, and students. Come to any or all.
For more information, contact Earl Madary, religious studies, at ext. 3707 or ejmadary@viterbo.edu or Pam Maykut, psychology, at ext. 3712 or psmaykut@viterbo.edu.
From the library
By Lisa Autio
To see new titles in videos, compact disks, recreational reading, faculty development, reference, and children’s literature titles, go to: http://library.viterbo.edu/ftlist/ or go to the Viterbo Web site, click on “Library,” “ Viterbo Catalog,” “Title,” and then “Featured Lists.” A few new books are:
Narration as Knowledge: Tales of the Teaching Life, edited by Joseph Trimmer.
In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex, by Nathaniel Philbrick.
Last Call for Denim
The first wave of “Viterbo University” denim shirts have arrived and you will soon see faculty/staff in the hallways making their fashion statements.
This notice constitutes the “last call” for additional orders. Contact Gretchen Kinney, communications and marketing, MC 228, with your $23.25 to place your order. Deadline is this Friday, Sept. 27.
campus ministry
Mass schedule change: There will be no noon Mass on Tuesday, Sept. 24 because of the Diocesan Convocation.
Coming events to note: St. Francis Day—see schedule of events on p. 1.
Ecumenical Oktoberfest worship: The ecumenical Oktoberfest worship service will be held at Trinity Lutheran Church on Sunday, Sept. 29 at 11 a.m. The special music will be provided by “The Mississippi Mudcats,” a special procession led by local Scottish bagpipers, and a call to worship by the Community Bell Choir.
Condolences to Ashley Meyer whose infant child died this past week, to Dana Burt on the loss of her sister-in-law, and to Judy Thesing on the loss of her brother-in-law. Rest in Peace.
The Simple Life Web sites:
www.simpleliving.net
www.countingthecost.com
It Could be All Greek to You
Want to know what “I am the Alpha and Omega” really means? Then sign up for the informal, no cost Introduction to Biblical Greek class to be held in FAC 204A on Tuesdays, 12?12:30 p.m., beginning this Tuesday, Sept. 24.
The course is designed to teach Greek for reading and is particularly useful to students interested in pursuing seminary studies. At present, there are almost 10 people signed up for the class, taught by Bill Reese, religious studies, but there is space available for more. Students should bring a lined tablet to class to practice writing the Greek alphabet.
For more information, contact Reese at ext. 3708 or email wjreese@viterbo.edu.
correction
Fr. Tom O’Neill’s name and email address were incorrectly spelled in an article about space reservations in last week’s issue of Connections. The correct spellings are: Fr. Tom O’Neill and email tmoneill@viterbo.edu.
kudos to…
• Congratulations to Kyle Backstrand, chemistry, and Jenny, his wife, on the birth of their son, Martin.
out and about
Raise money for the Hixon Forest Nature Center and have fun during The Great Pumpkin Chase, Saturday, Oct. 19 beginning at 9 a.m. Sign up for this 5-K run/walk through Hixon Forest by Oct. 5. Pre-registration is $15 and includes a t-shirt. Registration after Oct. 5 is $18 and $20 the day of the event. For more information, call 784-0322, explore www.bigfoot.com/~hfnc, or email hfnc@bigfoot.com.
Learning a New Culture
It was like opening up a whole new world to Viterbo students when Rishi Iraula (left) and Renu Nepal Niraula (center) visited Maribel Bird’s Spanish Conversation and Grammars class.
The husband and wife from Nepal fielded many questions about Nepalese life and discussed the benefits and success of arranged marriages (like theirs), the low divorce rate, the disciplined education style, and more.
Rishi and Renu were in La Crosse for Renu to receive a heart valve transplant courtesy of Gundersen Lutheran. The surgery was arranged for by Dr. Julio Bird, a cardiologist and husband of Maribel. Dr. Bird met Rishi and Renu years ago while he was planning a trip to climb Mt. Everest. Rishi facilitated that climb, which occurred successfully last spring. Dr. Bird was the first La Crosse man and Puerto Rican to scale the peak. He will speak about his experience in a talk called “The Journey and the Dream” on Friday, Oct. 4 at 9:15 a.m. in the FAC Main Theatre.
focus on...
By Gretchen Kinney, Communications and Marketing
Name: Kelly Aspen
Title: Head Women’s Volleyball Coach
Department: Athletics
Family: Kelly has been married to her husband, Brian, for 10 years and they have two children: Riley, who is 7, and Aubrey, who will be 6 next month.
Education: Kelly received both a business and English degree with an emphasis in marketing and writing from Bemidji State, Bemidji, Minn. She has been involved in coaching volleyball since she was 20.
Hobbies/Interests/Enthusiasms: Besides her love for volleyball, Kelly enjoys knitting, crocheting, and reading—preferably mysteries. One of her many jobs was as a waterfront director, which is why you can find her camping, hiking, fishing, or even canoeing during her spare time.
Adventures and Travels: Both having a mother who was a travel agent and Kelly’s participation in sports gave Kelly the opportunity to travel throughout the U.S. Her favorite city to date is San Francisco. Kelly said, “I love the hills, the bridge, and the biking.”
Future Hopes and Plans: Besides wanting to visit Ireland and Scotland, Kelly’s dream is to take her kids to all 50 states. She would also like to continue what Bobbi Vandenberg has started by building a strong volleyball program at Viterbo University.
Little Known Facts: Kelly’s wide variety of jobs has included being a lifeguard at a public beach, which is where she had to perform the worst task ever. She had to fish “waste” out of the swimming area with a coffee can on an unfortunately windy day.
Ethics Lecture Focuses on Franciscan Environmentalism
Pollution. Rapid urbanization. Global warming. Deforestation. These are among the most critical environmental issues facing us today. As a society, not only are we responsible for creating these problems, but we have a responsibility before God to care for His gift of Creation. How can we find a way to protect the environment for future generations?
Join Richard Woods, a professor of theology at Dominican University, as he explores “Brother Earth: The Ethic of Franciscan Ecology,” a free lecture from the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership on Monday, Oct. 7 in the Viterbo FAC Recital Hall at 8 p.m.
This is a special talk in celebration of the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi. Fr. Woods will explore our ecological responsibility by examining the ethical approach developed by late Catholic economist E.F. Schumacher, in light of the Franciscan traditions of personal relatedness and intimate kinship.
Fr. Woods is a Dominican priest and associate professor of theology at Dominican University in River Forest, Ill. He is currently the president of the Board of Directors with the Center for Religion and Society and serves as the Center’s director of research. He has a doctorate in philosophy from Loyola University of Chicago and a master’s in theology and in philosophy from the Aquinas Institute of Philosophy. He is the author of The Spirituality of Celtic Saints (2000), Mysticism and Prophecy: The Dominican Tradition (1998), and Christian Spirituality: God’s Presence through the Ages (1989).
For more information, contact Richard Kyte, ethics, at ext. 3704, email ethics@viterbo.edu.
* Please note, there has been a time change with this lecture. The correct time is 8 p.m.
It's a Grand Night for Singing Oct. 11-14 at Viterbo
The Viterbo University theatre and music departments will relive a century of musical classics with Rodgers & Hammerstein’s A Grand Night for Singing, Friday-Sunday, Oct. 11?13 in the FAC Main Theatre.
Great taste and imagination abound in this fresh take on the Rodgers & Hammerstein canon as conceived by Tony Award-winner Walter Bobbie. With innovative song and dance arrangements, including a sultry Andrews Sisters-esque “I’m Gonna Wash That Man Right Out-a My Hair,” a swingin’ rendition of “Honeybun” worthy of the Modernaires, and a jazzy “Kansas City,” which leaves no question about how terrifically timeless the remarkable work of Rodgers & Hammerstein remains. A number of students will be featured in the production, including: Seniors David Adamick, Nolan Dresden, Katie Butler, Luke Kritzeck, Sarah Melchior, Emily Mark, Jenny Roberdeau, Kristi Rood, Jackie Whitesett, Shelly Gorr, Austin Bartsch, Alyssa Bruemmer, Brit Borcher, and Ken Schelper; Juniors Steph Urban, Jill Giudice, David Warren, Justin Thomas, Amanda Davis, Jason Bielke, and Kyle Kepulis; Sophomores Elisabeth Bruzek and Amanda Zeitler; and Freshman Andy Waffenschmidt.
A Grand Night for Singing is sponsored by US Bank and supported, in part, by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin. Show times are 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 11 and Saturday, Oct. 12 and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 13. Tickets are $14/$11. To order, contact the box office at ext. 3100.
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