Our events are designed to educate, inspire, and bring our community together. All are welcome to attend. We believe every voice adds value, every story enriches our campus, and every person has a place here. Join us. Learn with us. Grow with us.
Upcoming Events
Hispanic Heritage Month
Dine and Learn: Race, Sex, and Science
Dr. Melina Packer
Thursday, September 18 | 5:30-7:00 pm | NRC 101
Attendees will learn what it means to be a scientist feminist, do feminist science, and why it matters as Dr. Packer share her scholarship in the field of "critical feminist science studies." Dr. Melina Packer is Assistant Professor of Race, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at the University of Wisconsin, La Crosse.
Dr. Packer received her PhD in Society and Environment, with a Designated Emphasis in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies, from the University of California, Berkeley, on Ohlone land. She is author of Toxic Sexual Politics: Toxicology, Environmental Poisons, and Queer Feminist Futures (NYU Press, 2025) and co-author of Feminism in the Wild: How Human Biases Shape Our Understanding of Animal Behavior (MIT Press, 2025).
Registration required. Viterbo students can register for FREE courtesy of the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Co-sponsored by the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and the Greater La Crosse Area Diversity Council.
Sr. Thea Bowman Series: Everyone Has Constitutional Rights: Know Yours!
Dr. Michelle Pinzl
Wednesday, September 24 | 5:15-7:00 pm | NRC 195
Join us for a practical and empowering session to learn about your constitutional rights and how they protect you in everyday situations. This workshop will cover key rights, real-life examples, and resources to help you confidently navigate encounters with law enforcement, public institutions, and more. Whether you’re new to this topic or just need a refresher, you’ll leave with valuable information to protect yourself and your community.
Dr. Michelle Pinzl (she/her/ella) is an Associate Professor at Viterbo University, where she directs the Community Interpreting Certificate program and teaches Spanish, French, and Interpreting Studies. She holds a PhD in Translation and Intercultural Communication and an MA in Foreign Languages and Intercultural Management. A certified Spanish–English court and healthcare interpreter, Michelle brings over 20 years of interpreting and training experience across healthcare, education, social services, and business in both rural and urban Wisconsin.
Sponsored by the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
¡Vamos a Bailar! Salsa Night at Viterbo
Instructor: Eliseo (Cheo) Hernandez Salinas
Saturday, September 27 | 4:00-7:00 pm | FAC 129
This is a beginner-friendly salsa night open to everyone. The salsa dance class is taught by Eliseo "Cheo" Hernandez Salinas. Cheo is originally from Mexico and trained in Cuba in Son Cubano, a foundational Cuban music and dance style often called the father of salsa. He will help you hear the conga, the hand drum that anchors the salsa beat, and feel the rhythm so you can move with confidence. No dance experience is needed.
Schedule
4:00 pm –5:00 pm: Salsa basics (learn core steps and timing)
5:00 pm –7:00 pm: Social dancing and practice
The event is free and open to all students, staff, and the wider community. Come solo or with friends, no partner needed. Please bring comfortable shoes and a water bottle, and get ready to sweat and have fun!
Co-sponsored by the Division of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, CREW, and WAVU.
Lapiztola Master Artists from Oaxaca, Mexico
Lapiztola is a Oaxacan street art collective whose name combines lápiz (pencil) and pistola (pistol), symbolizing the power of art as a weapon for change. Formed in the aftermath of the 2006 social movement in Oaxaca, their work blends stencil, screen printing, and mural techniques to deliver bold, graphic images with strong social and political messages. Their art often features striking silhouettes, symbolic figures, and everyday objects transformed into calls for justice, memory, and resistance.
Master Artists Workshop and Lecture
Monday, September 29 | 10:30-12:30 pm | The Pump House Regional Arts Center
Registration required. Email mdelacruzguzman@viterbo.edu for more information
Artist Meet and Greet
Monday, September 29 | 2:00-3:30 pm | NRC Lobby
Come see some of Lapiztola's artwork on display and connect with the artists in a casual atmosphere. Refreshments will be provide.
Co-sponsored by the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the Pump House Regional Arts Center, and LOUD.
Hispanic Heritage Month Community Networking and Mariachi Celebration
Wednesday, October 1 | 5:00-7:00 pm | FSPA Lobby
Featuring Mariachi San José, an award-winning flagship mariachi ensemble from San José State University.
5:00-5:30 pm: Food and Networking
5:30 pm: Welcome and Raffle
6:50-7:00 pm: Mariachi San José
Join us for an evening of community, connection, and celebration! Our Hispanic Heritage Month gathering will bring people together through vibrant mariachi music, delicious food, and community spirit.
30 Years of Spanish Program Celebration
Saturday, October 11, 2025 | 5:00 pm | Brophy 123
Dr. Jesús Jambrina
Join us as we honor 30 years of the Spanish program at Viterbo University and 60 years of Spanish classes on campus. Share stories and reflections from students, alumni, and faculty that highlight the history and impact of Spanish at Viterbo. Free taco bar will be provided by Las Margaritas.
Let us know you're coming by registering here.
Co-Sponsored by the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the English & World Languages department, El Sol, and the Spanish Club.
Colombian Cumbia Cachaca: Music and Dancing
Saturday, October 11, 2025 | 6:00 pm | Brophy Patio
Keep the celebration going after the Spanish program anniversary with energizing music from Cumbia Cachaca. This duo fuses traditional rhythms from Colombia’s Caribbean coast with modern influences, creating a vibrant mix that will have you up and dancing. Come enjoy an evening of music, movement, and cultural celebration.
Co-Sponsored by the Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the English & World Languages department, El Sol, and the Spanish Club.
Clay Stories: Miniature Dioramas of Home and Place in the Hispanic Tradition
Workshop led by Professor Sherri Lisota
Session I: Creating the clay diorama
Wednesday, October 15, 2025 | 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm | Fine Arts Center, Room FAC 301
Session II: Painting the diorama
Wednesday, October 29, 2025 | 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm | Fine Arts Center, Room FAC 301
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with a hands-on, two-part workshop exploring storytelling through clay. Inspired by traditional Hispanic folk art like retablos and nichos, you will create miniature dioramas that reflect personal memories, places, and meaningful spaces. The first session focuses on forming your diorama, and the second on painting it. No experience needed, just bring your imagination and ideas! All are welcome!
Co-Sponsored by Division of Diversity, Equity and the Fine Arts Department.