Connections
A Newsletter for the Viterbo University Community
Vol. 16, No. 22 February 24, 2003
UW-L Professor to Speak at Viterbo About Education of Children under Nazi Germany
Using propaganda images from Nazi school curriculum and extensive research local expert Gregory Wegner offers insight into the significance of this chapter in the history of education during an ethics talk at Viterbo University on Thursday, March 6.
Nazi Germany, one of the most powerful racial states from the 20th century, fully legitimized the teaching of anti-Semitism in schools. This massive propaganda effort to advance anti-Semitic thinking with the full weight of the state was a feature unique to the Third Reich and it was the subject of Wegner’s recent book Anti-Semitism and Schooling under the Third Reich. A reception and booksigning follows his talk. This lecture, sponsored by the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership, is free and open to the public. It will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the FAC Recital Hall.Wegner, an education professor and administrator at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, received his bachelor's degree in broad field social studies in secondary education from UW-La Crosse in 1971. In 1975, he graduated from UW-Milwaukee with a master's degree in modern European history. And, in 1988, he received his doctorate in curriculum and instruction from UW-Madison. He is the author of numerous published articles, the most recent of which, "Mothers of the Race: The Elite Schooling of German Girls under the Nazi Dictatorship," will be published this April in the Journal of Curriculum and Supervision. He has taught, on several occasions in Germany and Poland. And, in 1976, he had the opportunity to interview Albert Speer, Hitler's former architect and armaments minister at Heidelberg, Germany.
For more information, contact Richard Kyte, director of the Ethics Institute, at
ext. 3704, email ethics@viterbo.edu.
A Special Invitation for April 2 Flavor of Sould
By Charlene Smith, FSPA, Thea House
Celebrate one of Viterbo’s most well known alums.
“Thea Bowman, FSPA (193790), was one of the great treasures of the American Catholic Church. As a Franciscan sister, she managed, in her manifold witness to the gospel, to integrate the resources of her Catholic faith with her identity as an African-American woman. Ablaze with the spirit of love . . .she impressed her many audiences not just with her message but with her nobility of spirit.” (Robert Ellsberg)
Let’s celebrate this remarkable Thea. We are pleased to invite you to the 3rd Annual Thea Bowman “Flavor of Soul” Commemora-tion on Wednesday, April 2. Flavorful aromas of the South will be in the air by noon in the Marian Hall Dining Room. You can savor a delectable Southern cuisine “Flavor of Soul” lunch served there from 11 a.m. 1:15 p.m. Enjoy pecan chicken, baked catfish, sweet potato fries, pecan pie, and much more. Tickets are $6.25 per person and must be purchased by March 28 at the MC Reception Desk, Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The lunch is free to students already on the meal plan.
That evening, at 7 p.m. in the FAC Main Theatre, "An Evening with Thea" will be presented. Famed Washington, D.C. author and Thea artist, Michael O'Neill McGrath, OSFS, will discuss how Thea influenced his life and his art, even though he never met her. McGrath will illustrate his talk with spectacular Thea prints.
Under the direction of Daniel Johnson-Wilmot, the Viterbo Concert Choir will provide a musical surround with spirited Gospel music--including "Give Me That Old Time Religion," "This Little Light of Mine," "Every Time I Feel the Spirit," "I'll Be Singing Up There," "Precious Lord Take My Hand," "Deep River," and "We Shall Overcome."
You will find this lively hand-clapping event entertaining, informative, inspirational.
All members of the Viterbo community and friends are invited to join us. A free will offering will be accepted at the door and will be applied to a Thea Bowman Scholarship fund at Viterbo University. An art- and book-signing session will follow in the FAC lobby.
Everyone is welcome and we look forward to seeing you there!
Datatel Kickoff is Wednesday: Don’t Miss It!
Celebrate the kickoff of Viterbo University’s new Datatel student/administrative information system this Wednesday, Feb. 26, at 3:15 p.m. in the FAC Lobby. Come hear President Bill Medland’s opening remarks and Datatel’s welcome, receive a copy of the summary implementation plan, and enjoy refreshments.
Thanks and Thanks
I wish to express my grateful appreciation to each member of the Program Review Task Force for a challenging exercise well done. I have accepted the report with all its recommendations.
I also wish to extend my sincere appreciation to each member of the Planning Council. You are to be commended for a task that usually is most difficult—assigning offices and classrooms.
Again, I thank both groups for their excellent service to Viterbo University.
Bill Medland
President
Fun Friday
One of the many meanings of “cavalier” is nonchalant and carefree. What better way to greet a Fun Friday than by feeling a bit cavalier at the Cavalier? Celebrate the Valentine’s Day and the February birthdays of Viterbo University’s employees at La Crosse’s only smoke-free bar on Friday, Feb. 28. The fun starts at 4 p.m. Viterbo employees with a birthday in February will receive a free drink of their choice. Remember to bring your Downtown Businesses Club Card along for extra savings. Fun Fridays is sponsored by the Viterbo Social Committee.
Senior Artists’ Gallery Showing Wednesday
The Viterbo Art Gallery will be holding a Senior Art Show from Wednesday, Feb. 26 through Friday, March 21, with an opening reception on Wednesday, Feb. 26, from 7:309 p.m.
The drawings, paintings, sculpture, and ceramic work on exhibit are the works of Viterbo University seniors Thanh Gip of Rochester Minn.; Liz Yang of La Crosse; Liz Johnson of Onalaska; and Jennifer Gans of Mequon.
The reception is free and open to the public.
CREW Takes Flight
Did you know that there was a 308 percent increase in intramural participation rates from 199900 to 200102? And, that’s just the beginning as Viterbo University’s intramurals expands into CREW (Campus Recreation, Education, and Wellness). Find out more about how you can get involved in CREW during an all-day CREW party in the MC Lobby from 9 a.m.4 p.m. on Monday, March 3. Explore the CREW Web site, get freebies, sign up for prizes, and enjoy refreshments.
Downtown Mario’s to Feature Art of Prof, Alumna
The art work of Viterbo’s Art Professor Peter Fletcher will soon be gracing the walls of Downtown Mario’s Sub Shop. Currently, Downtown Mario’s features the artwork of Mary Solberg ’93, owner of the Odin Gallery. Fletcher’s work will be featured throughout the month of March. Downtown Mario’s is owned by Mario Youakim, who attended Viterbo from 199092.
happy birthday!
March
1 Susan Cosby
1 Linda Schams
3 Don Bosworth
3 Mary Hassinger
4 Tom Haas
4 Judy Thesing
5 Wendy Wegner
6 Amy J. Lane
7 Peggy A. Haggerty
7 Fr. Tom O Neill
7 Chris Sanger
8 Pamela Knudtson
11 Mary Christianson
11 Joe Fisher
11 Rick Kyte
13 Vickie Schaefer
14 Loretta Waughtal
15 Pat Zander
16 Carl Bargabos
16 Frances Clare Mezera, FSPA
17 Roxanne Prenatt
18 Maribel Bird
21 Sue Hauser
21 Marie Leon LaCroix, FSPA
21 Terry Norman
22 Gerard Ferrari
24 Lisa Schoenfielder
26 Kyle Backstrand
26 Linda Whitehead
27 Rochelle Potaracke, FSPA
29 Ron Amel
30 Darcie Brezany
31 Wayne Wagner
Title IX Talk is March 17
What are you doing for lunch on Monday, March 17? Bring your lunch and join Marlene Fisher for a Seventh Day Discussion on “Title IX: Have Women Achieved Equity in Sports at the Expense of Men’s Programs?” The talk will be from noon1 p.m. in MC 409 C.
The next Seventh Day talk will be on Wednesday, March 26, when Earl Madary, religious studies, discusses “Meditation: Healing the Body and the Soul” at noon in MC 419 C.
Fat Tuesday
Lent is just around the corner, which means so too is Fat Tuesday. Enjoy this day of indulgence with a special Mardi Gras lunch celebration on Tuesday, March 4, sponsored by the Viterbo Social Committee.
Enjoy chicken jambalaya, Tuscan salad, corn bread, King cake, iced tea, and water for just $3 in the SAC Lobby from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
You need a ticket to partake in this feast. Turn in your money to Marcia Brodt, MC Reception Desk no later than Feb. 28.
Donations Needed
The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life is coming up on March 1. To support this event, send your donations to any of the students involved—including those on the Student Athlete Advisory Council and students in the HEALTH theme house and the Band of Nursing Angels theme house.
To support Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Coulee Region during Bowl for Kids’ Sake, send your donations to the Marian Hall RAs who will bowl as a team during the event on March 1. Donation (payable to Big Brothers Big Sisters) can be sent to Rob Anderson, residence life.
Japanese Exchange Group Presents Viterbo with Welcoming Gift
Sr. Yurkio Takahira presents a welcoming gift—a tribute to the spring blossoms of Japan—to President Medland on behalf of Kagoshima Immaculate Heart University in Sendai Japan. Ten nursing students and two faculty are visiting campus for two weeks to learn about nursing education in the U.S.. In Japan, Sr. Takahira teaches psychiatric mental health nursing.
Pizza, Pizza!
By Geri Acker, Education Club
Viterbo Education Club is selling Little Caesar Pizza kits till March 17 in an effort to raise funds for activities like Safe Trick-or-Treat and Read Across America. The kits include the pizza pie, sauce, cheese, and your choice of topping for the convenience of delivery-style pizza just they way you like it. Prices range from $13.50 for breadsticks to $18 for 96” personal pepperoni pizzas.
Check out choices and prices on the bulletin board outside MC 406. Contact Geri at ext. 3352 or gaacker@viterbo.edu to order your pizza fun today.
focus on...
By Megan Voeltz ’06
Name: Darlene Pofahl
Title: Writing Specialist
Dept: Learning Center
Family: Darlene’s husband, Darrell, is chair of the sociology, social work, and criminal justice department at Viterbo. Their daughter, Amy, works in advertising in New York City; their son, Ben, works in health care in St. Paul.
Hobbies/Interests/Enthusiasms: She enjoys cooking, dancing, walking, and gardening—the latter is an interest, but she claims it is definitely not a talent.
Adventures and Travels: Darlene and Darrell have traveled in the 48 contiguous states. They have been to Mexico five times; Canada too many times to count; Poland twice; Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Netherlands, Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, England, France, Belgium, Italy, and Iceland—and maybe a country or two that she can’t remember.
Future Hopes and Plans: She would like to spend more time with her family and be more organized.
Little Known Fact(s): She grew up less than a mile from Wrigley Field.
Musician Who Inspires Millions to Give Free Viterbo Concert
Musician Tony Melendez will be at Viterbo for a concert March 31 at 7:30 p.m. Viterbo’s SGA is, in part, sponsoring the concert, and free tickets will be available at the MC Reception Desk prior to being made available to the general public on March 10.
It was more than a decade ago, that Melendez, a Latino musician, born without arms, played guitar with his feet and sang for Pope John Paul II in Los Angeles during the Pontiff’s 1987 visit to the U.S. After singing a touching song, “Never Be The Same,” the Pope created an unforgettable moment for all who witnessed the event when he disregarded security to leave his platform to embrace Melendez saying, “Tony-you are truly a courageous man. You are giving hope to all of us. My wish to you is to continue giving this hope to all the people.”
And, since then, Melendez has been doing just that. He often visits schools and universities to give presentations to share his message interspersed with song. He is a powerful speaker on the subject of drug abuse and handicap awareness. Nicaraguan-born, he also shares a message of racial diversity. Melendez and his band perform a regular show in Branson, Mo.
He is also the recipient of a number of awards including the “Inspirational Hero Award” from the NFL Alumni Association, and special commendation from the State of California for his work with young people He has eight albums to his credit, has authored the book A Gift of Hope, and he has made numerous television appearances including on Good Morning America, The Today Show, and CBS This Morning.
Kick Up Your Heels with Traditional Irish Music on St. Paddy's Day
One of the foremost Irish traditional music groups in the world is making St. Patrick’s Day in La Crosse something special during a Bright Star Season performance by Cherish the Ladies at Viterbo University’s FAC Main Theatre on Monday, March 17.
Cherish the Ladies, named after an Irish jig, is an Irish music sensation and literally the most successful and sought after Irish-American group in Celtic music history. With their unique blend of virtuosi instrumental talents, beautiful vocals, captivating arrangements, and stunning step dancing, this powerhouse group combines all the facets of Irish traditional culture and presents it in an immensely humorous and entertaining package. Once the first and only all-women traditional Irish band, Cherish the Ladies has earned respect worldwide for their talents. Cherish the Ladies have recorded seven highly acclaimed albums and made numerous television and radio appearances. These award-winning ladies have shared the stage with such noted artists as James Taylor, Joan Baez, Emmy Lou Harris, The Clancy Brothers, and dozens of symphony orchestras.
Cherish the Ladies is sponsored by James G. Birnbaum and Ross A. Seymour, Attorneys-at-Law and is supported, in part, by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board with funds from the state of Wisconsin.
Show time is 7:30 p.m. This performance is sold out. For more information, contact the Viterbo Box Office at ext. 3100.
Daffodil Days: Order by Thursday
In 1990, cancer death rates started to decline for the first time in history. Although more people are developing cancer, more are surviving—thanks to research and funds raised, in part, by the American Cancer Society.
You can contribute to this great cause and celebrate life and the coming of spring through the American Cancer Society’s Daffodil Days.
A bunch of 10 freshly cut daffodils is just $7. Or, inspire a cancer patient with a “Gift of Hope,” an anonymous bouquet in a beautiful vase for just $15 (the patients receiving the gifts are chosen by the American Cancer Society).
Orders must be placed and paid for by Thursday, Feb. 27. Orders will be delivered the week of March 17 (the week after Spring Break). Contact Beth Erickson at ext. 3042 or bmerickson@viterbo.edu. Checks must be made payable to the American Cancer Society.
Get on the Train
It’s college night at the Night Train on Friday, April 4, and Viterbo University is getting on board. Thanks to the Resident Student Board, residence life, and athletics, a block of tickets has been purchased for Viterbo community members. These tickets are available at no cost on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the tickets are gone, individual tickets can be purchased at a half-price rate ($5 each). Viterbo sponsors are hoping for a strong showing. Among the university competition present will be students from UW-La Crosse, WWTC, St. Mary’s, and Winona State. To sign up, contact Jason Ramaker, residence life, at ext. 3841 or email jwramaker@viterbo.edu.
campus ministry
By Fr. Tom O'Neill
Faithful Citizenship: Catholics at the Capitol is a day of education and advocacy for Wisconsin Catholics who are interested in learning about Catholic Social Teaching and the call to advocate for peace. The day will be held at the Monona Terrace Convention Center, Tuesday, April 29, from 9:30 a.m.3 p.m. Featured speakers are: Most Reverend Timothy M. Dolan, archbishop of Milwaukee, Rev. J. Bryan Hehir, president Catholic Charities. Cost: $10 students; $25/person (includes lunch). For a complete agenda for the breakout sessions and registration form, please contact Fr. Tom O’Neill. If enough people plan to attend, we will hire a coach bus.
Lent 2003: Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, March 5. 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. More in the next issue.
Creating a Place for Peace: Being a Christian is a challenge. Jesus said we must forgive our enemies and do good to those who hate us. If we forgive terrorists, are we unpatriotic? If we don’t, are we un-Christian? The large task of peacemaking needs a beginning in the places we create for peace in our own lives. Let’s make this Lent a journey in that direction. Please see the “Creating a Place for Peace” link on the campus ministry home page. Each day of Lent will have a scripture reference and short daily reflection.
An evening with Arun Gandhi, is Wednesday, April 2, at 7:30 p.m., Valhalla, Cartwright Center. Grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, Arun embraces the same principles of peace that his grandfather practiced. He speaks on how to cope with terrorism by developing a continual practice of nonviolence. Tickets may be purchased from the Cartwright Center Ticket Office.
We remember those who have died: the grandfathers of Mark Brandenburgh and Denise Pippo and the grandmother of Kim Halama. May they rest in peace.
Red Cross Blood Drive Nets 55 Units
By Marilyn Jaekel, Health Services
Thank you to all who donated blood on Thursday, Feb. 13, at the Red Cross blood drive in the FAC Lobby. Fifty five units were collected; 64 people were willing donors but nine were deferred. Even though we did not meet our goal, the Red Cross nurses said they were very happy to have obtained what they did and praised our beautiful facility. Also, a big thank you to Rebecca Raatz, Jessica Upton, and Angie Fladten, the student nurses responsible for coordinating the drive; to the FAC staff; and to all the student volunteers responsible for making the day go smoothly. Finally, we want to acknowledge Pizza Doctors, Aramark Food Service, Pepsi, and Quillin’s for providing pizza, cookies, soda, and supplies for our donors.
from the library
By Galadriel Chilton
Unite and Read 1 Book: During March and April, the La Crosse Public Library and the City of La Crosse are hosting a community read of Montana 1948 by Wisconsin author Larry Watson. A “tale of love and courage, of power abused, and of the terrible choice between family loyalty and justice,” Kirkus Reviews describes Montana 1948 as “a literary page-turner, morally complex and satisfying in its careful accumulation of detail, and in its use of landscape to reveal character.” The La Crosse Public Library has about 200 paperback copies of Montana 1948 as well as audio versions available for checkout. Additionally, several local bookstores are offering discounts for purchase of this book.
Read 1 Book events include book discussion groups, a panel discussion, and an author reception. For a complete schedule and event locations go to: www.lacrosselibrary.org/r1b/.
If your department would like to host a book discussion group, please call La Crosse Public Library’s Mary Dunn at 789-7145 to request a resources packet.
Read 1 Book is sponsored by grants from the Wisconsin Humanities Council and Friends of the La Crosse Public Library.
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/.
Return to Viterbo University Home Page