Connections
A Newsletter for the Viterbo University Community
Vol. 16, No. 21 February 17, 2003
New Computer System to Launch Feb. 26
By Todd Ericson, Vice President
Viterbo University is about to launch a campus-wide, 18-month project to implement the new Datatel student/administrative information systems. The Datatel systems will replace the Campus America POISE system, which has been used since 1982, and the Blackbaud Raiser’s Edge system used by Institutional Advancement.
The Datatel systems will provide Viterbo University with the capacity to work more efficiently and effectively and to incorporate current information technology. Most importantly, Viterbo will be able to significantly improve, both quantitatively and qualitatively, the support and services it provides its students, employees, and community.
The official start of this project begins with a kickoff session on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at 3:15 p.m. in the FAC Lobby. Please join the campus community to hear President Bill Medland’s opening remarks and Datatel’s welcome, receive a copy of the summary implementation plan, and enjoy refreshments. This will also be an opportunity to recognize those members of the Viterbo community who will be actively involved in the implementation project.
Spring AED Training Sessions Scheduled
By Michael Ranscht, Fine Arts Center
Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) training sessions have been scheduled for spring semester. Trainers from the La Crosse Fire Department will conduct the four- hour sessions. CPR or first aid certification is not required. The sessions will be held in the FAC Hospitality Suite on:
Saturday, Feb. 22, 9 a.m.?1 p.m.
Saturday, March 22, 1?5 p.m.
Tuesday, April 22, 5?9 p.m.
Tuesday, May 13, 1?5 p.m.
These training sessions are free and open to all members of the Viterbo community. To register for the session, please call Ginny Brochhausen at ext. 3737 or email her at vbrochhausen@viterbo.edu
Space is limited for each session, so please register early. Faculty, staff, administration, and student leaders are encouraged to attend.
In 2001, AED devices were placed in the Fine Arts Center and the Student Activity Center. These units were donated by Franciscan Skemp and Gundersen Lutheran. To date, 34 campus employees and students have completed certification. Further questions should be directed to Michael Ranscht, ext. 3739, maranscht@viterbo.edu.
Viterbo University’s Natural Sciences Awarded $60,000 Merck Grant
It’s an exciting time to be part of the sciences at Viterbo University. With a new building, new equipment, and a unique merger of three separate departments into one, there is a lot going on—all of which recently caught the eye of Merck and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Recently, the Viterbo University natural sciences division was one of only 15 programs in the U.S. to receive a $60,000 three-year Undergraduate Science Research grant from the Merck/AAAS.
“The grant will greatly enhance our science program and strengthen our faculty-directed undergraduate research—providing more opportunities for student learning and more career opportunities for students upon graduation,” said Glena Temple, biology, who wrote the grant with visionary support from Mary Hassinger, dean of the School of Letters and Sciences, and involvement of the natural sciences faculty.
Viterbo University has offered strong programs in biology, chemistry, and physics for a number of years, with the chemistry major certified by the American Chemical Society since 1994. However, the traditional lines between the two departments have been disappearing as the science community has realized the best preparation for scientists involves interrelatedness of the fields. In response, Viterbo has developed a plan, which caught the attention of the AAAS, to bridge the gap between biology, chemistry, and physics through an interdisciplinary approach to undergraduate science education. The plan, which will be funded in part by the grant, includes:
• Reorganization of biology, chemistry, and physics departments into natural sciences division.
• Construction of the new Center for Ethics, Science, and Technology, which allows the science disciplines to intermingle in research, teaching, and faculty office space. The design fosters increased communication between faculty and students of different science majors.
• Development of an interdisciplinary curriculum.
• Development of an integrated senior capstone course.
• Strengthening the research component for student studies.
• Development of a certificate program in biotechnology.
In addition, the natural sciences division has plans to establish a seminar series to bring regional experts to campus; a journal club to foster student interest in published research material; and a student research symposium, which will allow students a forum to present their poster or oral presentations on summer research projects.
The goals of the Merck/AAAS Undergraduate Science Research program is to enhance undergraduate education through direct, interdisciplinary biology/chemistry research experience; encourage students to pursue graduate studies in the sciences; and foster undergraduate programs that bridge biology and chemistry departments. It is funded by The Merck Company Foundation and administered by AAAS.
Commencement Details Announced
By Deb Randall Anderson, Extended Learning
The Spring Commencement Ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, May 11 and the Commencement Committee is busy planning the ceremony details that include:
Saturday May 10
5:30 p.m.—Baccalaureate Mass-Maria Angelorum Chapel
Sunday May 11
9:45 a.m.—Faculty line-up hallway at La Crosse Center
10 a.m.—Ceremony, La Crosse Center
Regalia: Contact the bookstore (ext. 3848) by March 31 to order your cap and gown.
Other Apparel: Shoes and other articles of visible apparel worn by faculty and staff should be of dark colors that harmonize with the academic costume. Nothing else should be worn on the academic gown.
Additional Information: Students and faculty can find additional Commencement information on the Web site after March 1: http://www.viterbo.edu/alumni/Commencement.htm. Any other questions can be addressed to Amy Gleason, commecement chairperson, ext. 3182.
Guest Artist Demonstrates Skills
By Gerard Ferrari, Art
Viterbo University’s most recent guest artist, Marcy Neiditz, will demonstrate her creative process and discuss building and glazing techniques on Thursday, Feb. 20 in FAC 301 from 9:30 a.m.?noon.
She will also present her work in a slide demonstration at 1:30 p.m. the same day, in FAC 301. Neiditz’s ceramics work can be seen in the FAC Art Gallery through Feb. 21
Students Flock to the HERD!
By Barry Fried, Athletics
So what’s this “Bird Herd” thing all about anyway? There seems to be a “buzz” around campus. Attend a V-Hawk athletic event, and you’ll be sure to find out.
During the winter, the Birds keep warm by residing in the northwest corner of the R.W. Beggs, Sr. Gymnasium—otherwise referred to by the students as, “The Nest” or the “Bird Cage.” During the fall and spring, the Birds spread their wings and soar to the great outdoors. They can be seen at the V-Hawk Athletics Complex perching over a baseball, softball, or soccer game.
Whatever the season, whatever the reason the Bird Herd is catching on. The Birds are easy to recognize. They can often be spotted cheering enthusiastically, shaking their noisemakers, or waving pom pons at the games. And, yes, of course, wearing their official Bird Herd T-shirts
Herd memberships sell for just $8. Your membership includes an official Bird Herd T-shirt and a ticket for a free item in the concession stand for every V-Hawk game you attend and wear your shirt. Join the Herd today by calling Barry Fried at ext. 3812!
Leadership Skills
Want to become a more strategic leader? Then consider attending the Leadership Skills Development Workshop at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville on Friday, April 4, in the University Room of the Pioneer Student Center.
The Focus Workshop was developed by Pat Alea and is based on the book she co-authored with Patty Mullins, The Best Work of Your Life.
Held from 8:30 a.m.?4 p.m., the cost is $20, which includes materials, refreshment breaks, lunch, and parking. The conference is sponsored by Wisconsin Women in Higher Education Leadership (WWHEL) and the UW System Office for the Status of Women. For more information, visit http://www.uwplatt. edu/~pers/ WWHEL.htm.
from the library
By Galadriel Chilton
Check out a new kind of book at your library: “Book of Changing Images,” an exhibit of student work, is now up in the display cases by the library’s entrance. An assignment for Professor Gerard Ferrari’s Design II class, these handmade books have covers and bindings crafted from a variety of materials such as wood or cloth. On each page, an image is slowly transformed so that it becomes a vastly different shape by the book’s end. Students exhibiting are: Shaina Bolte, Anna Rodriguez, Jennifer Severson, Jason Skoog, and Erin Wyman. “Book of Changing Images” is on display through March 15.
Library Lingo: A few words to keep in mind when using the library:
Abstract: A concise paragraph describing an article’s content.
Boolean Terms: And, Or, Not—When using databases or search engines, AND, OR, and NOT are usually designated as search helpers.
“And” marries two or more terms.
“Or” searches for all words entered (e.g. The search phrase “algebra OR geometry” will search for articles that have either “algebra” or “geometry”).
“Not” excludes terms from a search.
Peer Reviewed: “Peer-reviewed journals are publications that only include articles that have been reviewed and/or qualified by a selected panel of acknowledged experts in the field of study covered by the journal” (EBSCOhost).
Truncation: A means of searching for words that start with the same stem by using a symbol (e.g. “?” or “*”). For example, a search for “writ*” finds “writer,” “writing,” “write,” etc.
campus ministry
By Fr. Tom O'Niell
Lent 2003: Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, March 5th. We will have Mass and Distribution at 11:45 a.m. (classes end at 11:40 a.m. and resume at 12:20 p.m.) and 6 p.m. During the weeks of Lent our sacrifices will benefit people in developing countries through the campus-wide Ashes-to-Easter program. Watch for details.
We remember those who have died: Agnese Zerwas, FSPA and Dorothy Mulheron, FSPA, alumnae. May they rest in peace.
Prayer for Peace in Iraq and the Middle East:
At a time of war and rumors of war,
We come to you, God Creator.
You are the source of life and beauty and power. Your son Jesus is the way of faith and hope and love. Your Spirit is the fire of love, the fount of wisdom, the bond of unity. You call us at all times to be people of the beatitudes, Witnesses to the Gospel of peace and love and forgiveness.
You call us at this time, when war and rumors of war, weigh heavily on the peoples of Iraq and the Middle East. Their lives are already broken by suffering and violence.
We renew our acceptance of your call. We promise to work:
To bring the light of the Gospel to those living in darkness,
To bring the hope of the Gospel to those living in despair,
To bring the healing of the Gospel to the lonely, the disadvantaged, the marginalized, and to bring the peace of the Gospel to a divided world.
Amen.
(Source: CAFOD)
When Is War Justified?
(from Catholic Update’s condensation of “The Challenge of Peace: God’s Promise and Our Response,” the U.S. Bishops’ 1983 historic pastoral on war and peace.)
The moral theory of the “just-war” or “limited-war” doctrine begins with the presumption which binds all Christians: We should do no harm to our neighbors. Just-war teaching has evolved as an effort to prevent war. Only if war cannot be rationally avoided does the teaching then seek to restrict and reduce its horrors. It does this by establishing a set of rigorous conditions which must be met if the decision to go to war is to be morally permissible. Such a decision, especially today, requires extraordinarily strong reasons for overriding the presumption in favor of peace and against war. The conditions for a just war are as follows:
• Just cause. War is permissible only to confront “a real and certain danger,” i.e., to protect innocent life, to preserve conditions necessary for decent human existence and to secure basic human rights.
• Competent authority. War must be declared by those with responsibility for public order, not by private groups or individuals.
• Comparative justice. In essence: Which side is sufficiently “right” in a dispute, and are the values at stake critical enough to override the presumption against war? Do the rights and values involved justify killing? Given techniques of propaganda and the ease with which nations and individuals either assume or delude themselves into believing that God or right is clearly on their side, the test of comparative justice may be extremely difficult to apply.
• Right intention. War can be legitimately intended only for the reasons set forth above as a just cause.
• Last resort. For resort to war to be justified, all peaceful alternatives must have been exhausted.
• Probability of success. This is a difficult criterion to apply, but its purpose is to prevent irrational resort to force or hopeless resistance when the outcome of either will clearly be disproportionate or futile.
• Proportionality. This means that the damage to be inflicted and the costs incurred by war must be proportionate to the good expected by taking up arms.
Because of the destructive capability of modern technological warfare, the principle of proportionality (and that of discrimination) takes on special significance. Today, it becomes increasingly difficult to make a decision to use any kind of armed force, however limited initially in intention and in the destructive power of the weapons employed, without facing at least the possibility of escalation to broader, or even total, war and to the use of weapons of horrendous destructive potential.
Indeed, if the kind of weapons now stocked in the arsenals of the great powers were to be employed to the fullest, the result would be the almost complete reciprocal slaughter of one side by the other, not to speak of the widespread devastation that would follow in the world and the deadly after-effects resulting from the use of such weapons” (Pastoral Constitution, #80). To destroy civilization as we know it by waging such a “total war” as today it could be waged would be a monstrously disproportionate response to aggression on the part of any nation.
Just response to aggression must also be discriminate; it must be directed against unjust aggressors, not against
innocent people caught up in a war of their making. The Council therefore issued its memorable declaration: “Any act of war aimed indiscriminately at the destruction of entire cities or of extensive areas along with their population is a crime against God and man himself. It merits unequivocal and unhesitating condemnation.”
Side by side with the just-war theory throughout Christian history has been the tradition of nonviolence. One of the great nonviolent figures was St. Francis of Assisi.
While the just-war teaching has clearly been in possession for the past 1,500 years of Catholic thought, the “new moment” in which we find ourselves sees the just-war teaching and nonviolence as distinct but interdependent methods of evaluating warfare. They diverge on some specific conclusions, but they share a common presumption against the use of force as a means of settling disputes. Both find their roots in the Christian theological tradition; each contributes to the full moral vision we need in pursuit of a human peace. We believe the two perspectives support and complement one another, each preserving the other from distortion.
PowerPanther Teaches Kids About Nutrition
President Bill Medland, Carol Klitzke (dietetics), and several of her interns pose with Jefferson Elementary School children who are enjoying a visit with the PowerPanther. Klitzke and her students provide nutritional services to the children as part of a special afterschool program at Jefferson. The nutrition and dietetics department was lucky enough to receive, on loan from the Department of Agriculture, the PowerPanther costume as part of a presentation. By the way, beneath that suit resides a Viterbo University graduate who at this time, remains unnamed.
Prof's Art Featured in Pump House Exhibit
Don’t miss the opening reception for Viterbo Art Professor Gerard Ferrari’s show, “Gizmology,” at the Pump House Regional Arts Center on Friday, Feb. 21.
The reception runs from 6:30?9 p.m. and is free and open to the public. “Gizmology” runs from Feb. 20?March 29.
Homelessness Sleep Out is Tuesday
Viterbo University Religious Studies Professor Tom Thibodeau and his Homelessness Class are holding the 16th annual cardboard box sleep out in the Viterbo Assisi Courtyard on Tuesday, Feb. 18. From 5 p.m. on Feb. 18 to 7 a.m. on Feb. 19, students will sleep outside, living from a cardboard box, to confront the issue of homelessness and poverty with a driving force for awareness and education.
“The class’s goal is to help people see the homeless differently, not as ‘undesirables’ to be avoided or ignored, but as unique individuals with hopes and dreams just like everyone else. Each person is somebody’s parent, brother, sister, or child—deserving every opportunity to reach his or her full potential in life,” said Khris Kuck, a student in the class.
This is only the beginning of the students’ involvement in social learning. Throughout the semester each student fulfills 10 hours of volunteer service in the community and raises $50 to help fund a trip to Omaha, Neb. during which they participate in a service learning component—talking and working with those experiencing homelessness and poverty first hand. This year’s trip is March 5?7.
Fundraising may include the students requesting spare change, asking for dollar donations, or receiving pledges. This gives them the experience of relying on others for help. Every social interaction helps create awareness of the student’s project.
Franciscan Skemp Offers Information on Sexual Assault
Every two minutes someone in America is the victim of sexual assault, making it the most frequently committed crime in America. Franciscan Skemp Healthcare is holding a sexual assault awareness event on Thursday, March 6 at 7 p.m. The event features a 30-minute documentary. A social worker and nurse will be available for questions and discussion. Information will also be given on the upcoming support group for women who have experienced sexual assault. This event will be held in the Sally Olson Conference Room in the Franciscan Skemp Family Health Clinic 815 S. 10th St. in La Crosse. It is free of charge and open to the public.
Seventh Day Talks
What are you doing for lunch on Wednesday? Bring your lunch and join Jana Dahmen, criminal justice, as she explores “Capital Punishment” in MC 409 C from noon?1 p.m. The next Seventh Day Discussion is Monday, March 17 when Marlene Fisher, criminal justice, discusses “Title IX: Have Women Achieved Equity in Sports at the Expense of Men’s Programs?” in MC 409 C from noon?1 p.m.
Contact from Those Called Up
Heidi Benish, learning center, reports that Viterbo student Leigh Neville-Neil checked in last week and left her current address. She will be at Fort McCoy for at least a couple more weeks.
Specialist Neville-Neil, Leigh
79th NP Company
1654 S. 11th Ave.
Ft. McCoy, WI 54656-5125
Honor a Colleague: Deadline is March 7
Recognize the good work and dedication of faculty, staff, and administration members by nominating them for an award. Possibilities include:
• Alec Chiu Memorial—To recognize, foster and stimulate faculty members’ efforts to engage students in scholarly activities. Letters of support from students, peers, or alumni must be submitted to the Promotion and Tenure Committee in care of the Academic Vice President, MC.
• Outstanding Teacher—To recognize, foster, and stimulate teaching excellence. Nominations must include name of teacher you wish to nominate and a brief explanation of the reasons you believe the teacher deserves to be recognized. Nominations should be sent to the Promotion and Tenure Committee in care of the Academic Vice President’s Office, MC.
• Servant-Leader—To recognize demonstrable servant-leader qualities and characteristics in inter-personal relationships, performance, and achievement. To nominate the employee of your choice you must complete a nomination form and return it to the President’s Office.
• Pax et Bonum (Peace and All Good)—This award is given to a team, group, office, department, committee, or organization in recognition of demonstrating the Franciscan values of quality service, respect, hospitality, stewardship, and joy among the constituencies of Viterbo University. To nominate the group of your choice you must complete a nomination form and return it to the President’s Office.
• Finucan Exemplar of Mission— To recognize an individual who has demonstrated exemplary dedication to the mission of the university. To nominate the individual of your choice you must submit a nomination form and return it to the President’s Office.
• Sister Helen Elsbernd Distinguished Service—To recognize significant achievements and contributions to the development of the university in one or more roles or areas of the university over a period of at least 20 years. To nominate the individual of your choice you must complete a nomination form and return it to the President’s Office.
• Outstanding Academic Advisor— To recognize an individual who has demonstrated qualities associated with outstanding academic advising of students as reflected in the Mission Statement, Statement of Core Values and Advisor Responsibilities. Submit letters of nomination to the Academic Advising Committee in care of the Academic Vice President’s Office.
All nominations are due by March 7. For additional criteria for these awards or to download nomination forms, please visit the Viterbo Web site at http://www.viterbo.edu.
Free Talk Focuses on Waging Peace
“Blessed are the Peacemakers” is the title of a free evening event at the Viterbo University San Damiano Chapel on Thursday, Feb. 27, at 7:30 p.m. Earl Madary and Tom Thibodeau, religious studies professors at Viterbo University, will share this very special message during an evening filled with story, song, poetry, and prayer centered on keeping and waging peace. The talk is free and open to the public and is part of Viterbo’s St. Rose Lecture series.
kudos to...
• Marilyn Jaekel, health service, and the Viterbo nursing students for volunteering their time at the Valentine Day’s blood pressure screening in the MC conference room last Friday. The event was sponsored by the Viterbo Employee Health Improvement Program.
• Lyon Evans, English, faculty adviser of Lumen, and seven Lumen staff members (Renee Arndt, Matt Metzger, Chanel Banks, Kyle Kepulis, Chelsea Bassett, Kelly Doering, Seth Kesler) attended the Wisconsin Newspaper Association’s annual convention in Madison, Feb. 6 and 7.
• Math graduates Kara Brandau, December ’02; Nick Gilbertson, December ’02; Juan Jimenez, December ’01; and Stacy Schmidt, May ’01. Each were secondary math education majors who had jobs upon graduation. This year, both Brandau and Gilbertson were sought out as applicants for positions locally. Brandau is teaching at Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau and Gilbertson is at Holmen High School. There has been greater demand for secondary math majors and Viterbo’s math education department has had 100 percent placement with recent grads.
Attn: Cooks—Recipes Needed
By Carol Klitzke, Nutrition and Dietetics
The Student Dietetics Association is putting together a Viterbo University cookbook. It will include the favorite recipes of members of the Viterbo University community. Be on the lookout for the memo and recipe form in your mailbox.
Recipes can be dropped off to Pam Fuchsteiner in BNC 104.
Global Warming—Fact or Fiction?
Global warming has definitely begun to exert its influence on our planet. That’s the assessment of Dr. David Lodge, Professor of biology at Notre Dame, who was on campus last Tuesday to give a talk sponsored by the La Crosse Area Notre Dame Club.
Lodge told his audience comprised of many Viterbo science students, that people often get ambiguous messages about the reality of global warming but that there is no doubt in the scientific community. “The public often gets conflicting messages and headlines seem to contradict themselves. However, the strong consensus exists with scientist and ecologists that global warming has begun.”
Lodge indicated that fossil fuel consumption is one of several leading causes prompting temperature and climate changes, which for example, has led to more severe hurricane seasons and other catastrophic weather conditions.
focus on...
By Megan Voeltz ’06
Name: Marilyn Jaekel
Title: Campus Health Nurse
Dept: Health Services
Family: Marilyn has a husband, Bill; seven children (one of whom is Beth Erickson from communications and marketing); and 16 grandchildren.
Education: She received her registered nurse degree from St. Francis School of Nursing.
Hobbies/Interests/Enthusiasms: Her favorite thing to do is to bake and cook—rumor has it she makes wonderful cheesecakes. She also enjoys reading, traveling, and other “fun” things.
Adventures and Travels: She went to New Orleans last summer with her daughter Beth. She has traveled mainly within the U.S. including states like Florida, Colorado, California, Nevada. And, she and her husband lived in Kentucky for five years early in their marriage.
Future Hopes and Plans: She would like to do more traveling to warmer climates during the winter months. In the summer months, she looks forward to fishing with her husband. She also enjoys getting together with her family. Marilyn is confident she “will never run out of things to do.”
Little Known Fact(s): Marilyn had her tonsils out the last day of WWII.
human resources
Please welcome Viterbo University’s new employee, Dawn Lipker. Lipker will be the new admission counselor. She began work on Monday, Feb. 10. You can reach her at ext. 3013 or by email at dlipker@viterbo.edu.
Explore Folklore and Dance During African Tales of Earth and Sky
African Tales of Earth and Sky will be presented by the Dallas Children’s Theatre (DCT) on Sunday, March 9, at 3 p.m. in the FAC Main Theatre as part of the Arts for Young America Series.
Since the beginning of time, ancient peoples have created folklore and mythology to explain the forces of nature and to understand their place in the universe—revealing creative answers to questions like, “Why do lightening and thunder live in the sky?” and “Why do mosquitoes buzz in human’s ears?” As in other traditional folk stories, the many animals in African Tales of Earth and Sky exhibit human characteristics, such as courage, friendship, and pride. Originating from the campfires of Ghana, African Tales of Earth and Sky is a magical blend of vibrant costumes, pulsating rhythms, storytelling, and dance.
The DCT annually produces a professional season of 10 plays with more than 450 performances touring nationally. DCT also provides classes, workshops, and residencies for students and teachers; a year-round curriculum of professional acting classes for children; and extensive literacy promotion outreach.
African Tales of earth and Sky is sponsored by Ronald McDonald House Charities of Western Wisconsin, Inc. and is supported, in part, by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the state of Wisconsin.
Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children under 12. For information contact the box office ext. 3100.
connections
connections is published every Monday of each academic year.
Copy deadline is noon, Thursday.
Email copy to: connections@viterbo.edu or send interoffice to the Communications & Marketing Department, MC 228.
Visit us on the web at: www.viterbo.edu/ campnews/camppub/connections/.
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