The roots of the nativity scene tradition go back 800 years to 1223, when St. Francis of Assisi delivered Mass in a cave chapel in Greccio, Italy. This holiday season Viterbo University joins forces with the FSPA, Franciscan Spirituality Center, and Mayo Clinic Health System to celebrate the octocentenary milestone.

Michael Quam worked in the banking industry, where he had a gift as a manager for improving the workplace culture. This year, he took on the task of leading fundraising efforts for the La Crosse Salvation Army, a job in which he feels like he can really make a difference in the lives of people who are struggling.

Living in Place of Grace as a Viterbo student and serving as its house coordinator put Zach Johnson on his life mission, a journey that has included serving multiple roles helping the homeless population in Minneapolis. He's served as program coordinator for Minnesota's largest homeless shelter, and he's worked one-on-one with people who have been unsheltered for years.

Karla Hein's struggle with alcoholism forced her to drop out of Viterbo her first time here, but she returned to finish her undergraduate education. Once more a Viterbo student (in the Master of Arts in Servant Leadership program), she is making a difference in the community as coordinator of La Crosse's Catholic Charities Warming Center.

The Macy Gray and The California Jet Club "The Reset Tour" will come to the Viterbo University Fine Arts Center Main Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18. This is their only tour stop in Wisconsin.

One hundred undergraduate and 26 graduate students will be candidates for graduation at Viterbo University’s winter commencement ceremony at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 16 in the Fine Arts Center Main Theatre.

The winners of this year's Library Scavenger Hunt (for the second year in a row!) are Gabby Ramsey and Megan Wheelock! Click through to see the answers to all of the questions.

Laugh your way into the holiday spirit with the musical comedy "Away in a Basement: A Church Basement Ladies Christmas" at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13 in the Viterbo University Fine Arts Center Main Theatre.

Join the outstanding singers of the Viterbo University choirs as they present "A Viterbo Christmas: The Holly and The Ivy" at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3 in the Fine Arts Center Main Theatre.