Anyone working for the same organization for more than three decades is bound to witness a great deal of growth and change. That’s especially true for Viterbo University’s Neil Rouse, whose profession is computer technology.

“When I started in 1994, we had a large mainframe and microcomputers weren’t really a thing yet,” said Rouse, the network administrator in the Instructional and Information Technology (IIT) department. “Our big initiative at the time was to ‘computerize’ campus.”

Today, Viterbo’s network for which Rouse is responsible consists of everything from the copper and fiberoptic cables that connect campus technology such as computers, printers, phones, fire alarms, and wireless antennas to the internet to servers and other critical hardware.

“I call it the cardiovascular system of campus,” Rouse said. “It connects everyone, allowing employees to do their jobs and students to get their education.”

Rouse earned a degree in computer science and information systems from Viterbo in 1993. After graduating, he worked for a local software company before being offered a job at his alma mater the next year.

“I always saw Viterbo as a place from which I could eventually retire,” said Rouse, a La Crosse French Island native and Logan High School graduate. “I like the challenge of keeping the technology up and running day to day, and we’ve always had a good team in IIT. I have learned a lot during my time here.”

In addition to his job duties, Rouse serves as the advisor to the Viterbo Esports club. He also enjoys keeping up with the latest technology, video games, spending time with his kids and helping them get started in their adult lives.

“I plan to rise to whatever challenges we have over the next decade and keep the lights on and people working,” he said. “On the toughest days, I can always look back at the number of people who have come through here and improved their lives through education. That’s very rewarding.”