Planning for the unknown is one of the more challenging aspects in the career of a college safety and security director. Viterbo’s Aly Graef and her staff, however, are doing their best to prepare for whatever may come.

“We never know what will happen but we’re in a good place and well-trained for whatever is thrown at us,” said Graef, who began at Viterbo in 2022 as the assistant director and was later promoted to her current post. “We have monthly trainings on topics such as CPR, first aid, fire abatement, stalking, professional communication, and numerous other issues that can arise on a college campus so we’re as ready as possible.”

Having a capable staff is also important because Graef is on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Other parts of her intensive job include scheduling, emergency management, safety and prevention planning, working with local law enforcement and community partners, and serving as the university’s Clery Law compliance officer. It is a position with a tremendous amount of responsibility, but it is also very rewarding, she said.

“When I started working as a campus safety officer at the age of 18, I fell in love with helping students,” said Graef, who earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Western Technical College and a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership with an emphasis on emergency management from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. “Seeing how much students grow, hearing their stories, providing guidance, and helping them navigate difficult experiences on or off campus is the best part of the job.”       

Outside of work, Graef enjoys spending a lot of time with her five-year-old German Shepherd Turbo, hiking, going for walks, and hanging out with friends. On campus, she likes putting her problem solving and prevention skills to good use and seeing her officers grow in their skills and careers.

“It’s more than a job at Viterbo,” she said. “It’s a family.”