Since its beginning in 1967, when just one alum was honored, the Viterbo Alumni Awards have grown into a cherished tradition. This year, five alumni will be recognized for their outstanding contributions and achievements.
Professional Achievement Awards will be presented to alumni from the College of Engineering, Letters, and Sciences; the College of Nursing and Health; and the Conservatory for the Performing Arts. The Conservatory will also celebrate one alumna with the Rising Professional Award. In addition, the long-standing Spirit of Francis Award will once again honor an alum who embodies the values of service and Franciscan spirit.
Jesse Dreikosen ’02 — Professional Achievement, Conservatory for the Performing Arts
Jesse Dreikosen, a Viterbo BFA graduate, has built a distinguished career in scenic design, with work spanning national theatre festivals, international exhibitions, and award-winning productions. Now director of the MFA Scenic Design Program at Florida State University, he inspires students while continuing to design professionally, including returning to Viterbo for several productions. Deeply influenced by his Viterbo education, Dreikosen believes artists have the power to be a voice for change.
Stacey Scott, PhD ’03 — Professional Achievement, College of Engineering, Letters, and Sciences
Scott is a professor of social and health psychology and chair of the psychology department at Stony Brook University, where she studies stress, emotions, and health across the lifespan. A first-generation college student, she credits Viterbo’s supportive community and research opportunities with shaping her career and remains dedicated to mentoring the next generation of scholars.
Col. Chad Koenig ’95 — Professional Achievement, College of Nursing and Health
Colonel Chad Koenig served a distinguished 30-year career in the U.S. Army, becoming the first dietitian to command at four different levels and retiring as Deputy Chief of Staff for Force Health Protection with the Office of the Surgeon General and Army Medical Command. His work spanned global deployments, biomedical research, and leadership of thousands of service members, while his Viterbo education and early training in nutrition and health laid the foundation for a career dedicated to soldier readiness, performance, and well-being.
Dr. Aubrie Jacobson ’19 — Rising Professional, Conservatory for the Performing Arts
Aubrie Jacobson earned her Master’s and Doctorate in Collaborative Piano from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, including a doctoral minor in Arts Administration. She is music assistant at Madison Opera, house pianist at Suzuki Strings of Madison, and a freelance collaborative pianist, performing, coaching, and recording with students and professional musicians.
Nathan Hundt ’06 — Spirit of St. Francis
He embodies the Spirit of St. Francis through his dedication to serving others and fostering an inclusive community, currently serving as program operations director at Aptiv, Inc., a disability services provider in La Crosse. He has leveraged his experience in leadership, customer service, and advocacy to create programs that expand post-secondary opportunities for people with disabilities, while actively engaging in community service and board work.