As tribute to the 175th Anniversary of the FSPA, alumni reminisced about the well- respected and admired Sisters who had a large campus presence and an even larger impact outside of the classroom. The Sisters were teachers, mentors, role models, and friends to the Viterbo community. Sometimes funny, other times sassy or stern, but always with lifelong lessons to show up and work hard.

As Ethics, Culture, and Society Professor Matthew Bersagel Braley, Ph.D. plans the 2025 study abroad to South Africa, he reflected on the four previous trips over the past 10 years. The trips combine lessons in history, hands-on experiences, learning more about social movements, interacting with the people of South Africa, and touring the region.

A competitive, prestigious young artist program based in the medieval city of Urbino, Italy gave Alexandra Burch ’21 the first-hand experience to deepen her knowledge of the Italian language, culture, and opera. Just 16 emerging singing actors are accepted into the Musica nelle Marche program each year, making for an intensive, small group learning experience.

When high school classes start for Wesley McGough, Corbin Haar, and at least a dozen other area students, they’ll have something they acquired over the summer that few if any of their classmates got: college credit.

Artist Diane Crane’s drawings and paintings will be the featured gallery exhibit at Viterbo’s Fine Arts Center, Third Floor Gallery, 929 Jackson St., with a special viewing during Viterbo Days Alumni Weekend, Friday, Oct. 11 from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sat., Oct. 12 from 4-6 p.m., when there will be an artist’s reception. The exhibit will be displayed from Aug. 26-Oct. 30.

Spirit of Francis

Christine (Drahos) Newkirk ’03, ’06 is the Director of the Office of Ecclesial Ministries and Diocesan Consultation with the Diocese of Superior, a position she has held for the past 15 years of her 24-year career there.

Service to the University

Jessica Himmer ’06 enjoys life as an entrepreneur, a career choice she would not have any other way. “I grew up surrounded by entrepreneurs and have always admired them,” she explained. “They risk everything to bet on themselves while they dedicate their life to serving others.”

College of Engineering, Letters, and Sciences Rising Professional

Rehman Eon ’15 is a research engineer II at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in Rochester, NY, where he serves as the principal investigator (PI) on multiple projects in environmental remote sensing.

Professional Achievement, Conservatory for the Performing Arts

“This award means everything to me,” long-time music educator, director, and vocalist Bill Griffel ’92 said. “I value my Viterbo roots above all other experiences I’ve had as a musician.”

Professional Achievement, College of Engineering, Letters, and Science

Lisa (Foellmi) Adams ’85 earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, leading to a successful career within her field. “I am honored and humbled to receive this recognition,” Adams said. “It is a crowning award to a fulfilling career of finding medicines to improve people’s lives, and a continuing passion to protect the environment.”