Karen Hurtgen doesn’t like waste. From printing two-sided whenever possible to making note pads from scrap paper as part of her job as the university’s Copy and Mail Center coordinator, she always strives to be a good steward of Viterbo’s resources.

Hurtgen shares that Franciscan value of stewardship and her love for the environment by serving as the advisor of the Student Sustainability Club (SSC). It is a role that traces back to her being appointed as a member of the employee Environmental Responsibilities Committee (ERC) in 2009.

“It’s very rewarding,” said Hurtgen about advising the club. “I recruit new members every year and we work together on a number of important projects and fundraisers.”

Some of those initiatives completed by the SSC and the ERC over the years include securing a city grant and building pollinator gardens on campus, planting trees, collecting and recycling Styrofoam, building insect and mason bee houses, the implementation of composting in the campus cafeteria, and a recent very successful Sunflowers for Ukraine fundraiser. During finals week, the SSC will host their second annual Free Cycle event in which Viterbo and La Crosse community members can take free gently-used items donated by students as they move out of the residence halls.

Hurtgen, who earned an associate’s degree in business from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, has worked at Viterbo since 1989. In her current role, she manages all 36 copiers on campus, the mail and packages for students and employees, the printing of posters and other pieces, and overseeing the department’s work-study students and occasional part-time employee.

“I get be creative and help people,” she said of liking her position. “Viterbo is a close community of nice people.”

In her free time, Hurtgen enjoys gardening, cheering on the Packers and Brewers, and spending time at her family’s cottage in northern Wisconsin.

“I’m already thinking about our next SSC fundraiser,” she said. “It will probably be in support of a local organization.”