June 1, 2026
Contact Jayne Coster 608-796-3360 or jecoster@viterbo.ed
LA CROSSE, Wis. – For more than two decades, Viterbo University has been a national leader in advancing servant leadership through education, scholarship, and practice. Now in its 23rd year, its annual Conference on Servant Leadership will once again bring together leaders from across the country to explore how purpose-driven leadership can strengthen organizations and communities in times of challenge and change.
Held Thursday, June 25–Friday, June 26 at the Viterbo University Fine Arts Center, this year’s conference centers on the theme “Resilience and Revival,” highlighting how servant leaders can foster hope, renewal, and meaningful transformation within their organizations and communities.
Grounded in empathy, ethical stewardship, and service to others, servant leadership offers an approach that prioritizes human dignity, collaboration, and the growth of individuals and teams. The 2026 conference will explore how these principles help leaders navigate adversity, inspire resilience, and create cultures where people can flourish.
“This conference is about renewing our sense of purpose and reconnecting to the values that sustain meaningful leadership,” said Tom Thibodeau, distinguished professor of servant leadership at Viterbo University. “Resilience is not simply about enduring difficult times. It is about growing through them, supporting one another, and helping others rise with us.”
The two-day conference will feature nationally recognized speakers, scholars, and practitioners representing business, health care, education, nonprofit organizations, ministry, and government. Among the featured speakers is John O’Leary, highly sought-after keynote speaker, podcast host, and two-time #1 national bestselling author whose remarkable life story inspired the Netflix special Soul on Fire. At age nine, O’Leary suffered burns on 100% of his body following a gasoline explosion and was given little chance to survive. His extraordinary journey of resilience, hope, and purpose has since inspired audiences around the world.
“Each year, this conference creates space for meaningful connection, reflection, and growth,” said Nicole Van Ert, interim dean, College of Business, Leadership, and Ethics at Viterbo University. “This year’s theme of resilience and revival speaks directly to the challenges leaders and organizations are facing today.”
The conference is supported by many area businesses committed to servant leadership. Featured sponsors include: Mathy Construction, Aramark, The Insurance Center, Mayo Clinic, Organic Valley, Wisconsin Servant Leadership, Kwik Trip, Emplify Health, and Altra Federal Credit Union.
In addition to keynote presentations, attendees will participate in breakout sessions, interactive discussions, and networking opportunities designed to strengthen leadership capacity and foster collaboration across industries and communities.
Registration is open and group discounts are available. For more information and to register, visit Viterbo University Conference on Servant Leadership.
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