1995–99 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipients

1999 Award Winners

Service to the College Award  — Shelly Lamb-Vosen ’80

Shelly Lamb-Vosen's dedication and service to Viterbo College is evident in a number of areas, including the time she has spent in volunteer functions.

Shelly Lamb-Vosen
Shelly Lamb-Vosen

From her position as vice president of the Viterbo College Alumni Board, on which she served for six years, to her service as chairperson for the Emeritus Board, a position she still holds, Lamb-Vosen's service to Viterbo is invaluable. In addition to these positions, Lamb-Vosen also co-chaired the Fine Arts Center 25th Anniversary Committee and served on the Viterbo College Centennial Celebration committee.

A 1980 graduate, Lamb-Vosen studied theatre and English and worked in the development office.

Lamb-Vosen believes her volunteer stints at Viterbo are a "way of giving something back" to a college she is so loyal to.

"I feel that volunteering for (Viterbo) and other organizations is important because it gives you a well-rounded perspective on your own campaigns in your career and personal growth," Lamb-Vosen said of volunteering at Viterbo and serving as vice-president of the Western Wisconsin Regional Arts Board.

When not volunteering, Lamb-Vosen is vice president of development at Chileda Habilitation Institute in La Crosse, where she started right after graduation as a teacher's aide in the classroom. She was also the founding director of the Chileda Women's Board. Lamb-Vosen's philosophy runs throughout all of her involvement: "When you touch people's lives, it makes a difference."

For her devotion and loyalty to Viterbo College, Shelly Lamb-Vosen is this year's recipient of the Outstanding Alumni Award for Service to the College.

 

Professional Development Award — Theresa Richards ’73

Theresa Richards has worn many hats since she graduated from Viterbo College with a nursing degree in 1973.

Theresa Richards
Theresa Richards

From a staff nurse in the intensive care unit at St. Francis Hospital in La Crosse to her present position as executive vice president of Saint Joseph's Hospital in Marshfield, Richards's resume shows just how far she has come in nearly 26 years.

A review of Theresa's career also shows her tenacity when it comes to achieving the next level in a professional sense.

Upon graduation from Viterbo, Theresa spent a year at St. Francis before moving on to St. Joseph's, where she has been ever since.

From 1974 to 1975, Theresa was a staff nurse in the critical care unit at St. Joseph's before landing her first managerial position as nurse manager of the intensive care unit. She held that position for four years.

Then il was time to move onward and upward. She was named assistant director of nursing, a position she held from 1979 to 1980. And a year later, was named director of nursing .

She wasn't done yet. In 1991, Richards was named vice president of professional and support services at St. Joseph's. And a year later, she became executive vice [resident of the hospital, a position she still holds.

Along the way, Richards was able to earn her master's degree in public health from the University of Minnesota, where she attended from 1983 to 1988.

Richards also has held other volunteer positions during her career in the medical field. Among these are committee appointments and memberships in various organizations and societies. One notable position was that of preceptor of the University of Minnesota Independent Study Program.

For her many achievements, Theresa Richards is this year's recipient of the Outstanding Alumni Award for Professional Development.

 

Young Alumni Award — Michael Peplinski  '96

It's a long way from the Coulee Region to Nagano, Japan, but Mike Peplinski found himself there just two short years after graduating from Viterbo College with a Bachelor of Science degree in education.

Mike Peplinski
Mike Peplinski

Peplinski, who currently teaches seventh and eighth grade mathematics, geography and science in the Alma Area School District, wasn't there as a teacher of academics per se, but to educate the world about the sport of curling.

Peplinski was in Nagano representing Alma, Viterbo College, Wisconsin and the rest of America as a member of the 1998 U.S. Olympic Curling Team.

And while the first-ever Olympic Curling Team lost to Norway in the bronze medal game, it was still quite an accomplishment for Peplinski and the other members to make it so far in the first year of Olympic competition.

Peplinski 's accomplishments as an Olympic curler are well documented and certainly meet the requirements for the Young Alumni Award. But he also has accomplished a lot as a school teacher and volunteer, which are equally impressive.

While not teaching or practicing for the Olympic Games in Salt Lake City, Utah, in 2002, Peplinski makes a difference in a number of extracurricular and community activities, including varsity volleyball coach, faculty advisor for Alma High School's Drug and Alcohol Prevention Program, U.S. Curling Association contact person for the Wisconsin chapter of the National Kidney Foundation, and camp director/instructor at United States Curling Association Junior Camps.

For his efforts and hard work in achieving his "dream" of reaching the Olympics, and for reaching out to help others realize their dreams, Mike Peplinski is this year's recipient of Viterbo College's Young Alumni Award.


 

1998 Award Winners

Service to the College Award — Marlene Weisenbeck, FSPA ’67

Sister Marlene Weisenbeck's dedication and service to Viterbo College is evident in a number of areas, from her position on the Board of Directors to her stints as associate professor in the music department.

Marlene Weisenbeck, FSPA
Marlene Weisenbeck, FSPA

Sister Weisenbeck, a 1967 graduate with a bachelor's degree in music education , is a true voice of Viterbo College. From a conversation at the Diocese of La Crosse, to a phone call to a prospective donor or friend of the college, Sr. Weisenbeck is committed to telling the Viterbo College story any time she can.

In 1994, Sr. Weisenbeck was elected chair of the Viterbo College Board of Directors, a position she continues to hold . In that role, she spends countless hours on Viterbo College business. It's not unusual for Sr. Weisenbeck to spend many of her evenings and weekends poring over college-related information.

From 1982 to 1986, Sr. Weisenbeck served as a member of the Viterbo College Fine Arts Center Advisory Council. She also was a member and treasurer of the La Crosse Boychoir Board of Directors, which is affiliated with the college.

When Sr. Weisenbeck isn’t faithfully serving Viterbo Coll ege, she is working as chancellor and Defender of the Bond for the Diocese of La Crosse. She was the first woman to be appointed chancellor in the diocese's 130-year history.

From 1971 to 1977 and 1979 to 1989, Sr. Weisenbeck was an associate professor of music at Viterbo College.

For her devotion and loyalty to Viterbo College, Sr. Marlene Weisenbeck is this year's recipient of the Outstanding Alumni Award for Service to the College.

 

Professional Development Award — Kristine (Koetting) Campbell '74

Kristine Campbell has come a long way since graduating from Viterbo College in 1974 with a degree in nursing. She never dreamed that her commitment of serving three years in the military as part of the Army Student Nurse Program would turn into a career.

Kristine (Koetting) Campbell
Kristine (Koetting) Campbell

Kristine has spent more than 25 years in the Army Award—more than eight years on active duty, the rest in the reserves-and has achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel. What's even more impressive is where she has gone and what she has done.

In September, Campbell's Army Reserve medical unit in Vancouver, Wash., was called to active duty in support of the NATO peacekeeping mission in war-torn Bosnia. In October, Kristine, who now lives in Longview, Wash., and 68 of her charges shipped out to Tuzla.

Kristine herself made military history when the unit was activated as she became both the first nurse and the first woman to command a hospital unit in a combat zone. The Arcadia, Wis., native was put in charge of the 396th Combat Support Hospital and the medical workers who ran it with two objectives: keep the unit performing at peak level while in Bosnia and bring them back home safely after the eight-month mission. She achieved both. The reserve unit recently returned to Washington with high marks.

Bosnia wasn't the first hot spot for Campbell and her Army Reserve unit. During Operation Desert Storm, she and her unit were in the Mideast for four months in support of the 100-day war.

For her many achievements, Kristine (Koetting) Campbell is this year's recipient of the Outstanding Alumni Award for Professional Development.

 

Educational Achievement Award — Sue Schmitt ’69

In 1969, Sue Schmitt graduated from Viterbo College with a degree in English. Little did she know that her time at Viterbo was the springboard to her many years in higher education, both as a student and an educator.

Sue Schmitt
Sue Schmitt

Schmitt has now reached the pinnacle of her career in higher education. In August 1996, the Caledonia, Minn., native was named dean of the School of Education at Seattle University. Although Schmitt encountered many obstacles along the way, she has achieved one of her ultimate goals.

It was one of those obstacles that landed Schmitt at Viterbo in the first place. In 1966, while in her second year at Creighton University, a viral infection settled in Schmitt's spinal cord, eventually rendering her paralyzed. Viterbo College opened its doors to Sue when other colleges wouldn't and she was back on track.

Before landing the dean position at Seattle University , Schmitt held positions as associate vice president for academic affairs, dean and professor in the College for Human Resources Development and administrator of the Academic Media Center at the University of North Dakota. Before that, Schmitt held a number of positions at the University of Wisconsin-Stout.

In addition to her degree from Viterbo , Schmitt has earned a Master of Education in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Missouri and a doctorate in Counselor Education from Mississippi State University. She also completed the Harvard University Educational Management Program.

For her dedication to higher education, Sue Schmitt is this year's recipient of the Outstanding Alumni Award for Educational Achievement.


1997 Award Winners

Outstanding Young Alumnus Award Larry Winter ’88

Larry Winter graduated from Viterbo College with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1988. He then went on to receive an master’s degree in education (professional development) from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in 1991.

Larry Winter
Larry Winter

Winter's career theme seems to be helping others. He is currently a social worker with the Family and Children Services Unit of La Crosse County. Before that, he worked as a teaching assistant and a guidance counselor.

Basketball has been a big part of Winter's life, even after graduating from Viterbo . While working toward his master's degree, Winter was assistant men's basketball coach at Viterbo from 1989–91. Winter also was head boys basketball coach at Milwaukee Messmer High School.

On the court, Winter was recognized as one of the first stars of the V-Hawk era at Viterbo. Leading the V-Hawks to their first-ever NAIA post season appearance in 1988, Winter totaled 1,102 points for his career. He also broke school records for single-season and career free­-throw accuracy. For his achievements on the court, Winter was inducted to the Viterbo Athletic Wall of Fame in 1995.

Off the court, Winter has made his mark as well. He was recognized by the La Crosse County Board for outstanding service during 1995, and while attending Viterbo he was named National Catholic Basketball Tournament Academic All-American and NAIA Academic All­ American.

For his dedication to helping others, Larry Winter is this year's recipient of the Outstanding Young Alumnus Award.

 

Service to the College Award  Richard A. Deyo ’83

Richard A. Deyo graduated from Viterbo College with a bachelor’s degree in psychology in 1983. He then received a master’s degree in experimental psychology from Bowling Green State University in 1986 and a PhD in experimental psychology from the same school in 1987.

Richard Deyo
Richard Deyo

Deyo is an internationally known scholar and researcher who tirelessly encourages students to become involved in research.

He has been an essential member of the Viterbo Student Research Symposium, developed by Pam Maykut of the Viterbo College Psychology Department five years ago.

Deyo has assisted the department in making the symposium a success by encouraging students at Winona State University and Viterbo College to participate in the seminars and also by helping organize the symposiums.

This summer, Deyo is making available to Viterbo and Winona State students alike, a National Science Foundation-funded student research program. This program allows Viterbo students to extend their research skills and increase their resume for future employment or graduate school.

For his devotion to the annual psychology symposium and his encouragement to students in the research area, Richard Deyo is this year's recipient of the Outstanding Alumni Award for Service to the College.

 

Professional Development Award  Dr. Margaret Grenisen ’83

Dr. Margaret Grenisen graduated from Viterbo College with a bachelor’s degree in biology in 1983. She then went on to medical school, earning a degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee in 1984.

Margaret Grenisen
Margaret Grenisen

After medical school, Grenisen completed an internship at the University of Texas in San Antonio from July 1984 to 1985. She served her residency at the Eisenhower Army Medical Center in Augusta, Ga., from July 1987 to December 1989.

Grenisen is a family practitioner at Franciscan Skemp Medical Center and is currently medical director at the Center for Women's Health.

Known for her community involvement, Grenisen graciously serves on the Fresh Start board of directors and is chairman of the Fresh Start Mentoring Committee, a program through Western Wisconsin Technical College to mentor young single mothers.

Grenisen also serves as a volunteer for St. Clare Health Mission and is a professional mentor for Viterbo College pre-professional students. A Desert Storm veteran, Grenisen spent many years in the U.S. military, where she attained the rank of major in the Army Medical Corps. She also received the Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster and the Overseas Ribbon for her part in Desert Storm.

For her many achievements, Dr. Margaret Grenisen is this year's recipient of the Outstanding Alumni Award for Professional Development.

 

Service to the Community Award  Nola Jo Starling-Ratliff ’74

Nola Jo Starling-Ratliff graduated from Viterbo College in 1974 with a degree in K-12 music education. Her minor was voice. She then went on to receive a master’s degree in administrative leadership from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1982.

Nola Jo Starling-Ratliff
Nola Jo Starling-Ratliff

Starling-Ratliff has spent her entire life either in the pursuit of education or helping others in their pursuit. She is currently the principal of Horlick High School in Racine, Wis., where she started in 1993. Before that, she was principal of Hamilton High School in Sussex, Wis., from 1991–93.

Starling-Ratliff started her teaching career in the summer of 1976 at Fratt Elementary School in Racine, where she taught K-6 music fundamentals. Most of her teaching experience is in K-12, with the exception of a two-year stint when she taught at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wis.

Starling-Ratliff also has been "very active" in a variety of community and professional organizations in the Racine and Kenosha area. According to one colleague, Starling-Ratliff is constantly trying to improve the quality of life in the Racine area.

As a result of her multi-faceted background and experience in education, Starling-Ratliff has been associated with many civic organizations. Although the list is long, a few stand out: Racine Black Caucus, Racine Alliance of Black School Educators, Human Relations Committee for the Kenosha Unified School District, Greater Racine Chapter of the Links and a member of the Racine Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Committee. For her selfless devotion to her community through education, Nola Jo Starling-Ratliff is this year's recipient of the Outstanding Alumni Award for Service to the Community.

 

Educational Achievement Award  Rosalba Bueno-Osawa ’61

Rosalba Bueno-Osawa graduated from Viterbo College with a bachelor’s degree in sociology in 1961. She then received her master’s degree in social work from the University of Wisconsin in Madison and her PhD in psychology from Universidad lberoamericana in Mexico City.

Rosalba Bueno-Osawa
Rosalba Bueno-Osawa

Bueno-Osawa is currently the academic director for the system of Psychological Support by Telephone-Mexican Red Cross. She also has had a private practice since 1972. Bueno-Osawa got her start in the field as a supervisor of social work in the Saint Michael's Home for Disturbed Children in La Crosse from 1960-61.

Bueno-Osawa is respected in her field for countless hours in academia and in a pro fess ional setting. She has had teaching stints at the School of the Nacional Monte de Oiedad in Mexico City, Universidad lberoamericana in Mexico City and the Technological Institute of Monterrey–Mexico City campus to name a few. She was "among the best evaluated professors on the campus" at the Technological Institute of Monterrey.

In a professional setting, Bueno-Osawa has coordinated, chaired, or taken part in many activities. Her most recent endeavor was as the chair of the organizing committee of a conference: Meeting of the Americas: "From Exclusion to Psychosocial Rehabilitation-Community Networks" recently in Mexico City.

She also has been published a number of times and has taken part in many research projects. In 1996, Bueno-Osawa’s article, titled "Violence and Women in Mexico," was published in Psicologia lberoamericana Journal.

For dedication to her profession, Rosalba Bueno-Osawa is this year's Outstanding Alumni Award for Educational Achievement.


 

1996 Award Winners

Professional Development Award David Stoeffler ’81

David Stoeffler graduated from Viterbo College with a bachelor’s degree in English in 1981. He served as city editor of the Wisconsin State Journal prior to returning to La Crosse to become editor of the La Crosse Tribune in August 1995.

David Stoeffler
David Stoeffler

Stoeffler and the newspaper business go back a long way. In fact, in 1974 as a freshman in high school he began covering local high school sports for his local newspaper. By the summer after graduation he was working full-time as a reporter/photographer intern. During his years at Viterbo, Stoeffler worked as Lumen editor and reporter, as well as a part-time reporter for the La Crosse Tribune . Upon graduation from Viterbo, Stoeffler began his 12-year career at the Wisconsin State Journal, where he served as a reporter, assistant city editor, state editor, and city editor.

His 21 years of experience in journalism have brought Stoeffler substantial recognition. He has been honored for journalism excellence, investigative reporting, best series, and best story. His award-winning pieces include City of Hope, a series of stories focusing on urban ills in the Madison area and a series on Native American treaty rights disputes in Wisconsin.

Most recently, Stoeffler was recognized by Viterbo College at the annual Hesburgh lecture series honoring the volunteerism efforts of area students, for his "Good Kids" series in the La Crosse Tribune, which examines the positive side of today's youth.

Through the years Stoeffler has been incredibly active in his community. He coordinated the City of Hope project, a unique newspaper effort to involve key community leaders in solving social problems in the Madison area. He has served his former parish as a board member and as chair of the religious education committee. Along with his wife, Rose, he also served as a Girl Scout troop leader.

 

Educational Achievement Award Connie White Delaney ’75

Connie White Delaney graduated from Viterbo in 1975 with degrees in both nursing and mathematics. She then went on to the University of Iowa, where she received her master’s degree in nursing and adult health and her PhD in educational administration (computer applications).

Connie White Delaney
Connie White Delaney

White Delaney has since pursued postdoctoral study in nursing informatics.

In 1978, White Delaney began her teaching career at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. Her 18 years in education brought her to major colleges and universities in three states, where she also worked in administrative positions. She has also worked as an ICU charge nurse, a clinical consultant in nursing informatics, a manuscript reviewer for major nursing journals, and a grant reviewer. White Delaney was instrumental in funding 15 medical research grants, and she has authored 49 books, articles and reviews and has conducted over 35 research presentations.

Since her college years, White Delaney has continually remained active in various professional organizations. She has been involved in the American Nurses Association, the National League for Nursing, the Iowa Academy of Science, the International Association for Human Caring, and the American Medical Informatics Association.

During the course of her career, White Delaney was the recipient of numerous prestigious awards, including most recently the 1992 HealthQuest and HBO & Company Scholar, the Iowa Association of Nursing Students Most Outstanding Faculty Support, and the 1995 MNRS Honor a Researcher Award.

White Delaney's history of civic activities include serving on an ethics committee at St. Francis Medical Center, La Crosse; president and secretary, board of directors, Northeast Iowa Developmental Center; National Association for Retarded Citizens; and Lutheran Campus Ministry Council, at the University of Iowa.

 

Service to the College Award Joyce Bantle, FSPA ’59

Sister Joyce Bantle graduated from Viterbo College in 1959 and went on to Indiana State University, where she earned her master's degree in nursing service administration in 1967.

Sister Joyce Bantle
Sister Joyce Bantle

Aside from working as an instructor at the St. Francis School of Nursing, Sr. Bantle played many other roles in the field of nursing. Her work experience includes pediatric head nurse, head nurse in emergency, director of clinical nursing practice, and assistant administrator for patient care.

Sister Bantle's extensive list of committee work includes: chairperson of the American Society of Nursing Service Administrators of the American Hospital Association, the Catholic Hospital Association of Wisconsin Committee on Nursing, chairperson of the Health Care Advisory Council, vice president of Mission Effectiveness for the Franciscan Health System, and president of La Crosse Senior Citizens Multiple Services. She has also served on the board of a multitude of organizations, including: the Communications Department at St. Rose Convent, the Committee on Aging, St. Joseph's Villa, and the Franciscan Skemp-Mayo Community Board.

Sister Bantle's great involvement has not gone unrecognized by her community. In 1983, she was nominated for the YWCA’s Tribute to Outstanding Woman award for leadership in the La Crosse community. She received the Spheres of Influence Award in 1985, and in 1989 she was honored with the Wisconsin Association of Homes Services for the Aging Distinguished Service Award. Most recently, Sr. Bantle received the 1993 lverson-Freking Award.

The Viterbo community has greatly benefitted from Sr. Bantle's commitment as well. She served on the Viterbo College Alumni Association Board as a member of the service committee from 1986–91, has been an active and effective part of Viterbo's annual phonathon efforts, and has worked as a faculty member in the nursing department.

 

Community Service Award Theresa Myers-McHenry ’55

Theresa Myers-McHenry graduated from Viterbo College in 1955 with a bachelor’s degree in music education. Her major was voice.

Theresa Myers-McHenry
Theresa Myers-McHenry

After teaching for three years in Illinois, Myers-McHenry returned to La Crosse, where she stayed home with her three children until the youngest started school. Myers-McHenry is now the proud grandmother of three.

After 30 years of teaching in the La Crosse School District, Myers-McHenry retired in 1992. She is currently active in helping AIDS victims in the La Crosse area through the Life Care Program. Since she became a "Buddy'' in 1988, Myers-McHenry has supported 10 AlDS patients. She shares meals with them, washes their clothes, helps with cleaning, and, most importantly, provides them with companionship. She has also worked in AIDS education in schools throughout the city of La Crosse

Myers-McHenry has been active in other aspects of the community as well. She has served as president of the Viterbo Alumni Association, organized junior high choral festivals and acted as teacher and camp director for the La Crosse Boychoir. She also has volunteered to play piano at local nursing homes and worked as a music volunteer for the mentally disabled. In 1995, Myers-McHenry received a YWCA Tribute to Outstanding Woman award.

Throughout her life, Myers-McHenry's goal has been to make a difference. She is guided by the words of St. Francis: "Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace."


 

1995 Award Winners

Young Alumni Award — Monica Dixon ’85

Monica Dixon
Monica Dixon

Monica Dixon graduated from Viterbo College with a bachelor’s degree in community medical dietetics in 1985. She received her master’s degree in counselor education and professional development from Winona State University in 1990. She is currently completing her studies for a doctorate in human science from the Saybrook Institute, San Francisco, Calif., and is expected to graduate in 1996.

Dixon also is owner and president of Women Empowerment, a national training firm that designs and delivers seminars, facilitates retreats, and presents motivational and keynote addresses for conventions and business meetings across the country.

Her specialty is understanding the psychological motives individuals use in making lifestyle choices. She is a nationally recognized speaker and author on the subject of food and body image in women. She has appeared on media talk shows discussing the role of food and body image in women’s lives. In addition, her latest book on the subject will be published this year by Putnam Publishing Group, New York.

She is also the author of Fun-Tastic Nutrition Education and Fuel for Fitness, both of which are resource guides for health educators. She has also written an interactive workbook for women titled, Love the Body You Were Born With: 12 Steps to a Healthy, More Fulfilled You.

Dixon is currently involved in studies with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, exploring psychological factors involved in problem eating and body image.

 

Educational Achievement Award — Kristine Larson Clark ’78

Kristine Larson Clark
Kristine Larson Clark

Kristine Clark graduated from Viterbo College in 1978 with a bachelor’s degree in nutrition. She went on to earn her master’s degree in health education from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and received her doctorate in nutrition science from Pennsylvania State University in 1991.

Clark has the distinction of being the first full-time sports nutritionist hired by a major university in the United States. As the director of sports nutrition and assistant professor of nutrition at Pennsylvania State University, she counsels more than 1,300 varsity athletes from 29 sports teams.

Clark also is past chair of the American Dietetic Association's Practice Group of Sports and Cardiovascular Nutritionists, the second largest group of practicing dietitians in the country, and received this group's 1995 award for outstanding academic achievement.

In 1994, Clark served as nutrition education specialist for the World Cup Soccer Consensus Conference, Zurich, Switzerland. This year, she was selected to serve as one of eight panel members for the National Academy of Sciences discussion on the epidemic of eating disorders among American youth. Her research on sports nutrition education has been published in many professional journals, including The Journal of the American Dietetic Association. She is also the clinical editor for the International Journal of Sports Nutrition.

A three-time marathon finisher, she is also a contributing author to many fitness and health publications and is a frequent lecturer on the subject of nutrition, fitness exercise, and cardiovascular health at professional meetings.

 

Professional Achievement and Community Service Award — Joseph Kotnour ’75

Joe Kotnour
Joe Kotnour

Joseph Kotnour graduated from Viterbo College in 1975 with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and went on to Marquette University School of Dentistry, where he received his doctorate in dental surgery in 1979. He established a private practice in general dentistry in La Crosse that same year.

Kotnour has been especially active in providing much needed dental services for the area's elderly and has become recognized as a leading authority on dental health care for seniors. He was instrumental in establishing dental offices so elderly patients can receive on-site dental care at Hillview Health Care Center, St. Francis Home, Villa St. Joseph, and St. Joseph's Nursing Home. Although he receives some compensation for his professional services to residents, he also donates a good deal of his time and expertise as well.

He has also conducted research on dental health treatment for older adults and debilitated patients that will soon be published in the Wisconsin Dental Association Journal.

In recognition of his achievements in this area, Kotnour received the Wisconsin Dental Association 1994 Care of Older Patients Award. In 1991, The Wisconsin Dental Association also appointed him chairman of the Dental Care for Older Persons Committee.

He also is chairman of the La Crosse District Dental Society.

 

Honorary Alumna Award — Bernyne Stark, FSPA

Bernyne Stark, FSPA
Bernyne Stark, FSPA

Sister Bernyne Stark, FSPA, has been a lifelong part of the Viterbo College community. She attended Viterbo in the early 1940s when Murphy Center was built and was among the young sisters who helped with moving and early housekeeping chores. She returned to Viterbo off and on for study through the years and held many positions on campus.

At one time or another, Sister Bernyne has been dean of students, a residence hall moderator, alumni director, foreign student advisor as well as a member of the faculty.

After receiving her bachelor's degree in French from St. Louis University and her master's degree in French from the Universite Laval in Quebec, Canada, she joined the foreign language department faculty and taught French to generations of Viterbo students.

She served as both chair of the French Department and the Foreign Languages Department.

She is equally well known as a traveler and guide for Viterbo College tours. Through the years she has organized, directed, and escorted over 20 educational tours to Alaska, Canada, Europe, Africa, and as of this December, Australia and New Zealand.

Sister Bernyne has also given distinguished service as a host, directing Viterbo College Elderhostel program, which welcomes more than 60 students to campus each summer.

Although she retired this past spring, she continues to be an enthusiastic member of the campus community.