Connections
A Newsletter for the Viterbo University Community
Vol. 16, No. 6 September 30, 2002
Feast of St. Francis is Friday - Here's the Schedule of Events
Thursday, Oct. 3: The Ninth Annual Pet Blessing, 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.
Friday, Oct. 4: All 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:10 p.m., and 1 p.m. classes are canceled so students can participate in St. Francis Day events:
“The Journey and the Dream,” 9:15 a.m., FAC 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. Also during this event, don’t miss the Viterbo Concert Choir singing “Give Me That Old Time Religion” and, along with Earl Madary, “Ain’t Got Time to Die”; the Women’s Chorale singing “Dancing”; the Ninth Street Singers performing “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and more.
St. Francis Day Mass, 11 a.m., Maria Angelorum Chapel, St. Rose Convent.
All-Campus Lunch, following St. Francis Day Mass, Marian Hall Dining Room. Free lunch tickets for Viterbo students, staff, faculty, and administration are available at the MC Reception Desk.
Prayer Book Pick-up, 13 p.m., MC Lobby. Anyone unable to pick up their pre-ordered copies this day can get them from communications and marketing, MC 228, beginning Monday, Oct. 7.
Monday, Oct. 7: “Brother Earth: The Ethic of Franciscan Ecology,” 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.
Viterbo Grad/Author to Discuss Chasing God at Library
A Viterbo English graduate and former Franciscan Sister of Perpetual Adoration, Shirley Cunningham ’67 is giving a book talk at the La Crosse Public Library on Monday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m. on her book, Chasing God.
A spiritual memoir that includes local events and people, Chasing God is Cunningham’s first book, based on 30 years of journaling and through “Catholic girlhood, entry and exit from the convent, marriage, motherhood, divorced ‘singledom’ at age fifty, annulment, remarriage, to breast cancer.” Sue Ann Thompson ’65, president of Wisconsin Women’s Health Foundation, who reviewed the book said, “Chasing God has the power to reach and teach anyone on a path of healing and spiritual growth. Shirley’s insights into the gifts inherent in disease will greatly contribute to any reader’s spiritual understanding of health and illness.”
Cunningham is a certified counselor in private practice in Scottsdale, Ariz. For more information, or to order the book, visit www.amoranita.com.
Afterschool Event Begins Tuesday
The art education department at Viterbo University is once again offering its popular Afterschool Art Workshop. Held Tuesdays Oct. 1 through Nov. 19 for children ages five to 12, all classes are taught by Viterbo art education students under the supervision of Lisa Schoenfielder, art, and held in the FAC.
Students registering for this workshop may choose one of the following classes: Making Books and Scrolls, Wild Things, Wearable Art, or Making Toys and Board Games. Enrollment is limited. Classes will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis and registration must be completed before classes begin. A fee of $35 per student, payable at registration, will be charged to cover the cost of materials. To register, please contact Judy Stafslien, Preparatory School of Arts, ext. 3767.
Don’t Miss Busted
Enjoy an evening out and support the St. Clare Health Mission by attending Busted on Wednesday, Oct. 16, at 7:30 p.m. in the FAC Recital Hall.
Written and performed by Nancy Heerens-Knudson, Busted is a one-woman play about the terror and hilarity of surviving breast cancer. The cost, a $10 donation with proceeds supporting the Mission, is payable at the door. For more information, call 784-0573.
Human Rights Talk
Explore human rights issues in Guatemala and Mexico by attending a 1 p.m. discussion today in MC 417. Marie Des Jarlais, FSPA, co-director of the Global Awareness Through Experience, will present. Sponsored by the foreign language department and the Spanish Club.
Milwaukee Alumni Cruise
The Alumni Office is sponsoring a cruise for Milwaukee-area alumni on Saturday, Oct. 5 at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner. Would you like to join us? Contact the Alumni Office at ext. 3072 or email alumni@viterbo.edu for details.
Nominations Needed
Do you know of an alumni who has accomplished wonderful things since graduating from Viterbo? It’s time to nominate your choice(s) for alumni recognition. The deadline for nominations is Tuesday, Oct. 15. The awards will be presented during Reunion Weekend, June 21, 2003. Alumni may be honored in the following categories: Young Alumni, Professional Development, Educational Achievement, Service to the University, and Community Service. Check out the Web for more information: www.viterbo.edu/ alumni/awards2002.htm.
New Board Members
Please join the Viterbo Alumni Association in welcoming seven new members to its Board: Elizabeth Ash ’01, Mike Hoeft ’95, Scott Arenz ’90, Colleen Walsh ’63, Sr. Kathleen Kenkel ’56, Diane Osterhaus Neefe ’81, and Tim Taylor ’98.
Last Call for Greek Class
If you’re interested in learning a little bit more about the Greek language, sign up for the informal, no cost Introduction to Biblical Greek class to be held in FAC 204A on Tuesdays, 1212:30 p.m. This Tuesday, Oct. 1, will be the second class, so don’t miss it.
The course is designed to teach Greek for reading and is particularly useful to students interested in pursuing seminary studies. There are eight people in the class but there is space available for more.
For more information, contact Bill Reese, religious studies, at ext. 3708 or email wjreese@viterbo.edu.
that’s our style!
The following is an excerpt from page 5 of the Viterbo University Style Guide:
“Alumnus, alumni, alumna, alumnae: Alumnus refers to a man who has attended a school; alumni is the plural version. Use alumna in reference to a woman who has attended a school (alumnae in the plural). Alumni is used when referring to a group of men and women who attended a particular school.”
Recently, the American Heritage Dictionary added “alum” to the list of appropriate titles. This is meant for use only in informal situations and is used to refer to either an alumnus or an alumna.
In August 2001, Viterbo University published a Style Guide, which serves as a tool to help all members of Viterbo strive for consistency in the printed materials that promote our institution. If you didn’t receive a copy and would like one, contact Beth Erickson, communications and marketing, at ext. 3042 or email bmerickson@viterbo.edu.
Free Depression Screenings Available
As a part of a nationwide effort for National Depression Screening Day, Thursday, Oct. 10, Franciscan Skemp Healthcare’s Behavioral Health Services is offering free depression screening sessions and presentations on depression. An appointment can be made by calling Behavioral Health Services in La Crosse at 791-9555 or in Holmen at 526-3351.
Depression screening can determine whether professional assistance would be beneficial for people struggling to process difficult emotions. If you have questions or want to talk with a professional about depression, please call the La Crosse or Holmen office.
New Group Forming on Campus
One in six college women were raped or were victims of attempted rape this past year and seven of 10 rape or sexual assault victims knew their attacker. A new group, aimed at prevention and raising awareness of the seriousness of sexual assault, is forming on campus. Those interested in joining Students Against Sexual Assault (SASA) should contact Katie at ext. 796-3211.
Belize Faculty to Visit
The flavor of Caribbean literature may soon be on the table in Viterbo English classrooms. Yvette Holland, currently on faculty at St. Johns’ College in Belize, Central America, is scheduled to be a visiting faculty member in the English department from Jan. 5May 15, 2003. Her visit is sponsored by the Global Education Office and stems from an agreement between Viterbo University and St. John’s College. This is the first faculty exchange resulting from that agreement.
Homecoming of Sorts for Fr. John Heagle
Laurian Pieterek, FSPA and Fr. John Heagle pose for the cameras (at right) after reminiscing about “life at Viterbo” years ago when they team taught several courses. Fr. Heagle also served as the director of campus ministry.
His return to campus was prompted by an invitation to speak on Tuesday, Sept. 24 on the topic of his new book, Tender Fires: The Spiritual Promise of Sexuality, which he co-authored with Fran Ferder, FSPA.
His presentation packed the FAC Recital Hall to overflowing as nearly 200 listened to the priest speak on the importance of integrating sexuality and spirituality in today’s world.
The talk was made possible by the Paula Ripple Comin Endowed Lectureship.
Also at the event, Amanda Blank, a senior ministry student from West Bend, was awarded a $1,000 scholarship to continue her studies at Viterbo.
What’s Up? October SAB Events
The Student Activities Board (SAB) is hosting a variety of events this month. Support the students by participating or volunteering your time to help. Contact Tiffany Grooms, SAB president, at ext. 3589 or tagrooms@viterbo.edu.
Friday, Oct 4: Project Pandemis, Student Union, 7 p.m.
Saturday, Oct 5: Slamfest (a trophy softball game followed by a homerun derby), Assisi Courtyard, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct 8: Bowling Night, Pla-Mor Lanes, starting at 9:30 p.m., free with student ID.
Tuesday, Oct 22: Movie Night, Rivoli Theatre, free with student ID.
Thursday, Oct 31: Pumpkin Carving, Student Union, time is TBA; Halloween Dance, Marian Hall Dining Room, 9 p.m.
Fletcher Exhibit Opens Oct. 9
The Viterbo University Art Department is holding an exhibit of the works of Peter Fletcher, a Viterbo art professor, Wednesday, Oct. 9, through Friday, Oct. 25, with an opening reception on Wednesday, Oct. 9 from 7:309 p.m.
The exhibit includes paintings and drawings that focus on landscapes—both interior and exterior—and natural landscapes based on Fletcher’s travels.
“While it has always been such for me, art making has become more and more a therapeutic activity, a way to locate my feelings and my situation—to get a grasp on them. All the ups and downs of life, of course, go on as before, but art helps me figure them out a little more, get them into some kind of perspective and, thereby, gain a little control over them,” said Fletcher.
The reception is free and open to the public. There is no admission charge to the Gallery, which is located on the third floor of the Viterbo FAC.
campus ministry
Happy Feast of Saint Francis of Assisi to all members of the Viterbo Community. We celebrate our patronal feast this week, remembering the prayers of Francis for “peace and all good” to all of God's creation. A complete list of activities for the feast day is on page 1.
Mass Schedule change: There will be no noon Mass on Friday, Oct. 4 because of the St. Francis Day Mass at 11 a.m., Maria Angelorum Chapel.
Sunday, Oct. 6 is Respect Life Sunday. Let us embrace and live the Gospel of life, that the harvest God finds in this blessed nation at the end of time may be faithful and just!
Coming events to note:
• Annual Busy Student Retreat— informational meeting (30 minutes) on Sunday, Oct. 13, San Damiano Chapel, 6:30 p.m.
• Busy Student Retreat, Oct. 20-23.
New Horizons will hold a Candlelight Vigil in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month on Tuesday, Oct. 8 from 6:308:30 p.m., Riverside Park Amphitheater.
Hill Connections Web Site Ministry (http://hillconnections.org) reaches out to all people, inviting surfers to go inward and outward. It is a free-lance ministry and a Web ministry. It serves, networks, and collaborates with social justice groups, schools, churches, religious communities, and individuals. Its services include: social justice projects, computer assistance, prayer services/rituals, research, and organizing. Check it out.
St. Francis of Assisi Prayer Before the Crucifix:
“Most High glorious
God enlighten the darkness
of my heart.
Give me Lord,
a correct faith,
a certain hope,
a perfect charity,
sense and knowledge,
so that I may carry out
your holy and true
command.”
kudos to...
• Joe Fisher, admission, who is serving as president of the La Crosse Lions Club for the 200203 year and JoAnn Marson, business, who is vice president and will be president for the 200304 term.
out and about
• The Pump House is providing chamber music with a bang. The Bach Dancing & Dynamite Society is coming to La Crosse on Saturday, Oct. 5, at 8 p.m. The cost is $17 or $15 for members. For tickets call 785-1434.
• The La Crosse Area Mine-removal Project (LAMP) is hosting an Oct. 6 concert to raise funds toward sending a mine-removal team to Afghanistan. Holly Near, a folk singer, will perform at 4 p.m. at the UW-L Cartwright Center. Tickets are $10 in advance for students and $12 the day of the show. For others, tickets are $20 in advance or $25 the day of the show. For tickets contact UW-L at 785-8898 or John Hempstead, Viterbo library, at ext. 3265.
MC Bulletin Board
Space is at a premium on MC public bulletin boards as more and more events are happening on campus. To ease the congestion, the MC Bulletin Board Policy has been revised. All classified ads and off-campus events will be posted only on their appropriate sections on the public bulletin board by the MC Library.
The remainder of the public bulletin boards on each floor (with the exception of the board by the mailboxes, which will continue to feature faculty development news) will feature only Viterbo-related events.
All material for posting to the MC public bulletin boards must still be approved through communications and marketing. Please mail or drop your posters off to Gretchen Kinney in MC 228 for posting.
focus on...
By Gretchen Kinney, Communications and Marketing
Name: David McConaghy
Title: Groundskeeper
Department: Physical Plant
Family: David has three sisters: Lynette, Jolene, and Nicole. He also has two nephews.
Education: David received a biology degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. His emphasis was in botany with a horticultural background.
Hobbies/Interests/Enthusiasms: David enjoys the woods; he is an avid hiker, fisherman, and hunter. David is a service-oriented individual, which means you can usually find him volunteering during his free time.
Adventures and Travels: David was a U.S. Naval Reserve Seabee for eight years which took him to numerous states. He got the opportunity to go on the road with his uncle, a truck driver, and they traveled through 17 states. He has also been to Canada on a fishing expedition.
Future Hopes and Plans: David is working toward getting a turf management degree, and he is also interested in the campus ministry program at Viterbo. One day, he would like to return to Kentucky to work again with the Glen Mary Farm Mission.
Little Known Facts: As a naval reservist, David assisted the Secret Service when former President Clinton visited La Crosse. David said the Secret Service were very professional and at their highest alert. He heard they even welded down the manhole covers in the surrounding area. The Secret Service also brought its “bomb dogs,” whom no one could go near, much less pet.
CPP Offers Hot Topics This Month
Career Planning and Placement is offering a variety of services this month to help students understand and navigate the future. Here’s the schedule:
Feeling Lost? Converting a major into a career, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 3:30 p.m., MC 305.
Is Graduate School for You? Tuesday, Oct. 8, 68 p.m., FAC Lobby.
Job Seeker Secrets: Making the Internet Work for You (discussing internships, employment, resumes, online databases, job boards, career sites), Tuesday, Oct. 15, 3:30 p.m., MC 305.
Interviews for Success (panel experiences and mock interviews), Tuesday, Oct. 22, 3:305 p.m., MC 312. To register for this, call ext. 3827.
Social Events
Fun, camaraderie, and parties are ahead for Viterbo employees as the Viterbo Social Committee continues its activities throughout the semester. Mark your calendar for these upcoming events and watch future Connections for more information:
Fun Friday, Oct. 17, Happy Hour at Big Muddy Bistro beginning at 4 p.m.
Mall of America Bus Trip, Saturday, Nov. 9.
Viterbo University Christmas Celebration, Friday, Dec. 13, watch for some changes this year, including a visit from the Apple Annies and the return of karaoke with Tammy Jo Graf ’94.
Correction
Please note that the extension for Kelly Aspen, athletics, is 3823. It was incorrectly printed in the 2002-03 Student & Staff Directory.
Pledge Cards Oct. 1
Did you know that giving $1 per week for one year is enough to provide an entire year of learning for five youths at the Technology Center of the Boys and Girls Club?
Return your United Way pledge cards 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 89:30 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. For more information, contact Marsha Momoi Piehl, human resources, ext. 3930 or mmmomoipiehl@viterbo.edu.
Minnesota Dance Theatre's Rumblings is Blues Ballet Masterpiece
Edgy, sensuous, powerful, and emotional are just a few words to describe the artistic blues ballet, Rumblings, which kicks off the Viterbo University NexStar Season on Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 7:30 p.m. in the FAC Main Theatre.
A dynamic mix of live music and contemporary ballet, the Minnesota Dance Theatre’s Rumblings gives its audience a sense of physical reality and raw emotion. With amazing endurance, grace, and artistry, the dancers entangle bodies and voices in this deeply textured and moving performance.
Drawing national attention for beauty, energy, and daring aesthetics since its debut in 1962, the Minnesota Dance Theatre and School has created a vast repertoire that includes classical ballet and its own contemporary works. The company is currently under the artistic leadership of Lise Houlton, an acclaimed dancer and former member of the American Ballet Theatre and Stuttgart Ballet. Houlton has worked with ballet legends like Mikhail Baryshnikov, Natalia Makarova, and Rudolf Nureyev.
Located in the Twin Cities and dedicated to fostering talent through classical and contemporary training, the Minnesota Dance Theatre and School trains pre-school students through adults in the technical and artistic demands of professional dance.
Minnesota Dance Theatre—Rumblings is sponsored by Target and supported, in part, by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the State of Wisconsin. Tickets are $23/$17. To order, contact the Box Office at ext. 3100.
Return to Viterbo University Home Page