Save the Date: Wednesday, April 8, 2026
Location: Fine Arts Center Recital Hall
Time: 6:00–6:30 p.m. Mocktail Hour | Awards at 6:30 p.m.
All students and employees are warmly invited to attend The VICS: Student Recognition Awards, a celebration of student engagement, achievement, and impact. Join us for light appetizers from 6:00–6:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Center Recital Hall Lobby, followed by the awards presentation at 6:30 p.m. in the Recital Hall.
Nominations may be submitted by students or employees; however, self-nominations are not permitted. Eligible recipients are undergraduate students who have demonstrated a significant contribution to the common good through research, academic pursuits, and/or co-curricular involvement.
A strong emphasis is placed on student engagement—including active participation in campus life, collaboration with peers, leadership, service-learning, and meaningful involvement that fosters personal growth and community impact. Evaluations further consider community-identified needs, alignment with Viterbo’s core values, and the student’s demonstrated learning, reflection, and holistic growth throughout their time at Viterbo.
Nominations will be accepted from February 9 through March 15.
For questions about the awards or nomination process, please email Corey Stilwell.
Click Here To View Submission Form!
Award Descriptions:
Rising Star Award:
Recognizes a first-year student who has quickly made their mark by contributing to campus life through active involvement in campus activities, organizations, or other initiatives. This award celebrates their exceptional promise, enthusiasm, commitment, and strong start to life as V-Hawk!
Outstanding Student Leader Award:
Recognizes 3–5 seniors who have shown consistent exemplary leadership, served as role models, and demonstrated a strong commitment to campus life, community service, and/or charitable organizations.
Student Organization Member of the Year Award:
Celebrates a student who has gone above and beyond in their Student Organization, making meaningful contributions that advance its mission, support fellow members, and strengthen campus involvement.
Student Organization Project of the Year Award:
Honors a project or program led by a registered Viterbo student organization that has made a significant impact—strengthening campus life, boosting student engagement, or benefiting the broader community.
Servant Leadership Award:
Honors up to two students annually who exemplify servant-leader qualities through their relationships, academic work, and dedication to serving others. Recipients are recognized for going above and beyond in their efforts to support peers, contribute to campus life, and make a meaningful impact in the community. This award celebrates students whose commitment to service reflects Viterbo’s values and inspires those around them.
Spirit of St. Francis and St. Clare Award:
This award honors a student who embodies the Franciscan way of life through humility, compassion, and a deep commitment to living out their faith. Rooted in the examples of St. Francis and St. Clare, the recipient demonstrates a joyful spirit of service, genuine care for others, and devotion to building a community grounded in peace, simplicity, and love.
This student inspires others by integrating prayerful reflection with meaningful action, advocating for justice, supporting peers, caring for creation, and contributing to the well‑being of the campus and wider community. Their witness reflects the heart of the Franciscan charism and encourages all of us to see the world through the eyes of faith.
St. Catherine’s Medal:
Honors students who exemplify the highest ideals of a Catholic college education, demonstrating Viterbo University’s core values of contemplation, hospitality, integrity, stewardship, and service in their daily lives. Recipients are recognized for their commitment to personal growth, academic excellence, and meaningful contributions that positively impact the campus and wider community.
Heart of Viterbo:
Presented annually to a faculty or staff member who demonstrates outstanding commitment to students and the university through active participation in and support of Viterbo extracurricular activities. Recipients are recognized for exemplary service to student organizations, as well as for developing programs or coordinating events that enhance campus life.
Outstanding Student Employee Award:
Honors a student employee who demonstrates exceptional commitment, professionalism, and pride in their role at Viterbo University. This award recognizes students from any department or position who consistently go above and beyond their job responsibilities to support the university’s mission, contribute positively to the campus community, and create a welcoming, inclusive environment for others. Recipients exemplify reliability, initiative, teamwork, and a strong work ethic, making a meaningful impact through their dedication, service, and embodiment of Viterbo values.
Spirit of Vic Award:
Honors a student who embodies the vibrant spirit of Viterbo University through enthusiasm, commitment, and a strong demonstration of our core value of hospitality. This student actively shows school pride, fosters an inclusive and welcoming community, and consistently reflects the values that define Viterbo. Nominate a student who brings the heart and soul of Viterbo to life!
The VICS: 2025 Student Recognition Awards
The 2025 Student Recognition Ceremony was held on Tuesday, April 15, in the Fine Arts Center Recital Hall at Viterbo University. The event honored student leaders for their meaningful contributions to the Viterbo and La Crosse communities.
- St Catherine’s Medal: Grace Zinda
- Outstanding Student Leader Award: Emily McCurdy, Halle Utterback, & Sabrina Darden
- Student Service Award: Kael Larson
- Student Organization Member of the Year Award: Abbey Messing
- Student Organization Project of the Year Award: Student Sustainability Club: Plant Clippings Project
- Involved Employee Award: Matthew Bersagel Braley
- Spirit of Vic Award: Connor Martin & Jaime Kelly