Viterbo University Alumni Magazine  June 2000

Almni Now

Graduate Appointed to Iowa Board at Governor’s Request
Barbara Winters was appointed to a four-year term on the Iowa Substance Abuse Commission the week before her graduation from Viterbo last December. The nine-person board is responsible for reviewing drivers license applications, renewals, denials, suspensions, and revocations and making policy recommendations to Iowa Governor Thomas J. Vilsack and the State General Assembly concerning substance abuse treatment, education, intervention, and prevention programs.

Governor Vilsack learned of Winters’ substance abuse prevention work during a visit to Waukon less than a year ago. Winters serves as the coordinator for the substance abuse prevention programs in Allamakee County and the Allamakee school district, a position she began a year-and-a-half before receiving her degree.

According to Winters, the governor was particularly impressed with the First Offenders Class, an education program for teens who have been arrested for underage drinking, and the county-wide youth group, a partnership with area schools, churches, and other organizations in offering alcohol-free activities for teens.

Homecoming Alumni Game
This year’s Homecoming Alumni Game was a real “barn-burner,” as they say. The gray team, (grads from odd-numbered years) scored 103 with the red team (even-numbered years) scoring 107. MVPs were Troy Wagner ’95 and Monte Gardner ’96.

Cat Nap
“Cats: The Musical” will end its 18-year run on Broadway this month, which means Viterbo grad Linda Balgord ’82 will be hanging up her cat suit.
Balgord, a New Lisbon native, starred in the musical as the glamorous Grizabella. Her role included singing the smash hit “Memory.” Before “Cats,” she played the part of Norma Desmond in the touring show of “Sunset Boulevard.” Following “Cats,” Balgord plans to take a “well-needed rest,” but be sure to watch for more from this rising star.

Get Your Master’s in Nursing
Today’s healthcare environment is extremely competitive and nurses need to do everything they can to maintain and strengthen their abilities in order to remain a strong force in the delivery system.

The Viterbo Graduate Program in Nursing helps nurses prepare for the newly defined roles and expectations being set for today’s nurses. Designed with flexibility and convenience in mind, the program can be tailored to meet each person’s educational needs so what students learn in the classroom can be applied directly to their career. It’s also designed to accommodate busy schedules by arranging clinical experiences close to home and maintaining class times during daytime hours one day a week.

The program offers two tracks: Midlife and Older Adult or Family and Community Health. Recent changes in the program allow a student to prepare for a role as a nurse educator by choosing either track and/or a role as nurse practitioner via the Midlife and Older Adult Track.

“This program has just completed its second year in existence and the feedback we’re receiving from our graduate nursing students is fantastic,” said Bonnie Nesbitt, assistant dean, Graduate Studies in Nursing. “They appreciate the quality of the education they’re receiving and are enthused that they can participate in the program and still have a life outside of school and work.”

Applications for admission to the Graduate Studies in Nursing program are currently being accepted. For more information about the program and about scholarships and financial aid opportunities, please contact Bonnie Nesbitt at 608-796-3688.