Meet Your Orientation Leaders
Almae - O Leader 2024
Almae Regala 

(she/her/hers)
Senior

aregal75796@viterbo.edu

Orientation Group 4: VUSM100-003 - Ivy King

Hometown: Orlando, FL
Major: Nursing

Campus:

Favorite Viterbo Class: Theology of Justice and Peace w/ Sr. Laura

Favorite Einstein's menu item: Vanilla Cream Cold Brew

Favorite meal in the Caf: Tacos in the corner

Viterbo tradition: Courtyard Carni on the last day of class! 

Community:

Favorite La Crosse Activity: Walking downtown with friends and doing homework in one of the many coffee shops! Specifically Grounded and the Root Note.

Pettibone Beach or the Bluffs? Bluffs

Favorite La Crosse Restaurant: The Root Note

One piece of advice for new students: 

Don't be afraid to place yourself out there!  It may seem scary at first, but it’s honestly worth it in the end. All it takes is a small step and even a simple hi. So go take that course, talk to that stranger, or even go to that event!

 

Ashlyn - O Leader 2024
Ashlyn Cox 

(she/her/hers)
Junior

acox77694@viterbo.edu

Orientation Group 7: VUSM100-007 - Joshua Lichty

Hometown: Lakeville, MN
Major: BFA Music Theatre, Minors: Dance & Arts Admin

Campus:

Favorite Viterbo Class: Text Analysis w/ Benjamin Gonzales!

Favorite Einstein's menu item: Cheese Pizza Bagel w/ Strawberry Banana smoothie (with whip!)

Favorite meal in the Caf: Taco Tuesdays duh

Viterbo tradition: Courtyard Carni 

Community:

Favorite La Crosse Activity: Going to coffee shops downtown w/ friends and family

Pettibone Beach or the Bluffs? Bluffs!!

Favorite La Crosse Restaurant: Polito's

One piece of advice for new students: 

Authenticity is key.  Don't be afraid of being yourself and surround yourself with people that make you happy!

 

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Braeden Jackson

(he/him)

Sophomore

bjacks80905@viterbo.edu


Orientation Group 12: VUSM100-012 - Emily Dykman/Sheila Severson

Hometown: LeClaire, Iowa

Major: BFA Music Theatre, Minors: Dance & Marketing

Campus:

Favorite Viterbo Class: MUTH Lab with Brittany Bara or Tap with Emily Craver! 

Favorite Einstein's menu item: Pepperoni Pizza Bagel for sureeee

Favorite meal in the Caf: Taco Tuesdays!!

Viterbo tradition: Courtyard Carni

Community:

Favorite La Crosse Activity: Explore downtown and see a movie at the Rivoli!

Pettibone Beach or the Bluffs? Pettibone Beach

Favorite La Crosse Restaurant: Java Vino

One piece of advice for new students: 

Find the time to do the things you love to do! It can get busy during the school year so make sure you find time to relax, try something new, and do the things you love! 

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Bryce Ertman

(he/him)
Junior

bertma78363@viterbo.edu
Orientation Group 11: VUSM100-011 - Emilio Alvarez

Hometown: Vernon Center, MN
Major: Nursing

Campus:

Favorite Viterbo Class: Any Emily Dykman class!!

Favorite Einstein's menu item: Blueberry bagel and strawberry shmeer

Favorite meal in the Caf: Stir fry from the Corner

Viterbo tradition: Courtyard Carni in May

Community:

Favorite La Crosse Activity: Go to Jule's Coffee Shop and the library

Pettibone Beach or the Bluffs? Pettibone Beach

Favorite La Crosse Restaurant: Sushi Pirate

One piece of advice for new students: 

Just go to your professor's office hours. 

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Damian V. Morales

(he/him)
Sophomore

dmoral81447@viterbo.edu
Orientation Group 4: VUSM100-003 - Ivy King

Hometown: Toa Alta, PR
Major: Engineering

Campus:

Favorite Viterbo Class: Engineering design

Favorite Einstein's menu item: I don't go to Einstein's

Favorite meal in the Caf: Spaghetti with meatballs

Viterbo tradition: Orientation week

Community:

Favorite La Crosse Activity: Bowling on Sunday nights

Pettibone Beach or the Bluffs? Bluffs

Favorite La Crosse Restaurant: Pastissimo

One piece of advice for new students: 

Be open to failure and don’t give up to soon.  

 

Daxton - O Leader 2024
Daxton Marschall 

(he/him)
Junior

dmarsc79304@viterbo.edu

Orientation Group 10: VUSM100-010 - Andrew Hamilton

Hometown: Mustang, OK
Major: Engineering

Campus:

Favorite Viterbo Class: Physics

Favorite Einstein's menu item: All nighter

Favorite meal in the Caf: Steak fajitas

Viterbo tradition: Franny Fest

Community:

Favorite La Crosse Activity: Play sand volleyball with friends

Pettibone Beach or the Bluffs? Bluffs

Favorite La Crosse Restaurant: Crow

One piece of advice for new students: 

Be open to meeting new people.  Everyone arriving to college is in the same boat, wanting to find new friends and opportunities, so don't be afraid to talk to people!

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Drew Ilg

(he/him)
Sophomore

dilg78536@viterbo.edu

Orientation Group 7: VUSM100-007 - Joshua Lichty

Hometown: Portland, Oregon
Major: Marketing

Campus:

Favorite Viterbo Class: Servant Leadership with Tom Knothe

Favorite Einstein's menu item: All Nighter with an iced mocha

Favorite meal in the Caf: Chicken Tikka Masala

Viterbo tradition: Baseball/Dance Team Halftime Show

Community:

Favorite La Crosse Activity: Go to Dale's Clothing for Men and Women

Pettibone Beach or the Bluffs? Team Pettibone

Favorite La Crosse Restaurant: Love Child

One piece of advice for new students: 

Feel new experiences with an open mind. 

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Ella Sans Crainte 

(she/her/hers)
Senior

esansc75846@viterbo.edu

Orientation Officer: Co-coordinate orientation and support Orientation leaders

Hometown: La Crosse, WI
Majors: Nursing and Spanish

Campus:

Favorite Viterbo Class: Sociology or Pathophysiology

Favorite Einstein's menu item: All Nighter Bagel

Favorite meal in the Caf: Chicken Parm

Viterbo tradition: Late Night Breakfast before finals

Community:

Favorite La Crosse Activity: Hiking the bluffs or spending time in local coffee shops

Pettibone Beach or the Bluffs? Bluffs

Favorite La Crosse Restaurant: The Crow or Senor Villa

One piece of advice for new students: 

You are not meant to know everything, so take it as it comes! 

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Emily Newbauer

(she/her/hers)
Junior

enewba81199@viterbo.edu
Orientation Group 10: VUSM100-010 - Andrew Hamilton

Hometown: Albertville, MN
Major: Finance, Minor: Accounting

Campus:

Favorite Viterbo Class: Microeconomics

Favorite Einstein's menu item: Chocolate Chip Muffin

Favorite meal in the Caf: Pasta Bar

Viterbo tradition: the Welcome Back Bash

Community:

Favorite La Crosse Activity: Go up to the bluffs and ahng out with friends!

Pettibone Beach or the Bluffs? Bluffs

Favorite La Crosse Restaurant: Howie's

One piece of advice for new students: 

Try to get involved in extra-curricular activities because it's a good way to meet new people and make friends!

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Emma Schoen 

(she/her/hers)
Junior

eschoe77614@viterbo.edu

Orientation Officer: Co-coordinate orientation and support Orientation leaders

Hometown: Bear Valley, WI
Major: Biochemistry, Minor: Spanish

Campus:

Favorite Viterbo Class: Biology 250: Cellular and Molecular Biology with Dr. Gabe

Favorite Einstein's menu item: Honey whole wheat bagel and strawberry shmear

Favorite meal in the Caf: Tacos

Viterbo tradition: Orientation weekend

Community:

Favorite La Crosse Activity: Grab a coffee and walk along Riverside Park

Pettibone Beach or the Bluffs? Bluffs

Favorite La Crosse Restaurant: Pettibone Beach Club

One piece of advice for new students: 

Meet new people, try new things, listen, ask for help, tap into resources on Viterbo’s amazing campus, explore your interests more, and be as present as possible in every moment!!

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Eryn Benson

(she/her/hers)

Sophomore

ebenso80073@viterbo.edu

Orientation Group 2: VUSM100-001Honors - Matthew Bersagel Braley

Hometown: Baraboo, WI
Major: Nursing

Campus:

Favorite Viterbo Class: Biology 114 Lab with Minda Lemke

Favorite Einstein's menu item: The All-Nighter or Chocolate Chip Cookie

Favorite meal in the Caf: Lasagna with garlic bread

Viterbo tradition: Service Saturdays or Courtyard Carni

Community:

Favorite La Crosse Activity: Go hiking or explore downtown

Pettibone Beach or the Bluffs? The Bluffs

Favorite La Crosse Restaurant: Fathead Steve's

One piece of advice for new students: 

Put yourself out there and try going to different events on campus and explore what La Crosse has to offer. Also, time management is huge! Make sure you are prioritizing what you need done for class, but also finding time to relax or hangout with friends! 

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Grace Zinda 

(she/her/hers)
Junior

gzinda78564@viterbo.edu
Orientation Group 2: VUSM100-001Honors - Matthew Bersagel Braley

Hometown: Watertown, WI
Major: Marketing, Minors: Theology & Arts Admin

Campus:

Favorite Viterbo Class: Anything Economics taught by Taylor Hanson!

Favorite Einstein's menu item: Turkey, bacon, and avocado sandwich

Favorite meal in the Caf: Tacos!!!

Viterbo tradition: Table of Plenty

Community:

Favorite La Crosse Activity: Going downtown with family or friends.

Pettibone Beach or the Bluffs? The Bluffs

Favorite La Crosse Restaurant: Rudy's Drive-In

One piece of advice for new students: 

Make sure to be bold and embarrassing, college wouldn’t be the same without those moments. Create memories with the people you love, because those are the moments you will remember the most, and above all, call home more than twice a week.  

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Gwendolyn Mahoney

(she/her)
Sophomore

gmahon81042@viterbo.edu

Orientation Group 3: VUSM100-002 - Cari Mathwig Ramseier

Hometown: Mount Horeb, Wisconsin
Major: Neuroscience, Minors: Spanish & Psychology

Campus:

Favorite Viterbo Class: Chemistry and Choir

Favorite Einstein's menu item: Avocado Veg Out

Favorite meal in the Caf: Crispy Chicken and Roasted Veggies

Viterbo tradition: Welcome Back Bash and Courtyard Carni

Community:

Favorite La Crosse Activity: Go for a drive with friends and go on walks around town.

Pettibone Beach or the Bluffs? The Bluffs

Favorite La Crosse Restaurant: I do not go out to restaurants often, but when I do I like JavaVino. 

One piece of advice for new students: 

Do not be afraid to fail. It will happen and when it does, it is ok. As long as you make it a learning experience. Another tip is to form connections in your classes. This can be helpful when studying for exams and supporting each other in difficult content areas in the class.  

 

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Jaime Kelly 

(she/her/hers)
Senior

jkelly75470@viterbo.edu
Orientation Group 13: No Fall 2024 VUSM100, On-Campus Transfer, and International Students

Hometown: Eau Claire, WI
Major: Biology

Campus:

Favorite Viterbo Class: Biomechanics

Favorite Einstein's menu item: Avocado Toast on an everything bagel

Favorite meal in the Caf: Chicken Taco Bowl

Viterbo tradition: Late Night Breakfast before finals

Community:

Favorite La Crosse Activity: Walking through the friendship garden and other places downtown. 

Pettibone Beach or the Bluffs? The Bluffs

Favorite La Crosse Restaurant: Taqueria Pato Azul

One piece of advice for new students: 

Get involved! There are so many things to do on campus like joining a club, intramural sports, group fitness, and Weekends at VU to name a few. Being active in your Viterbo community is a great way to meet new friends, learn something new you may love, and create lots of memories.   

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Kael Larson 

(he/him/his)
Sophomore

klarso79999@viterbo.edu
Orientation Group 13: No Fall 2024 VUSM100, On-Campus Transfer, and International Students

Hometown: Reedsburg, WI
Major: Nursing

Campus:

Favorite Viterbo Class: Lifespan psychology with Dr. Hill

Favorite Einstein's menu item: Pepperoni pizza bagel and the caramel cold brew shake

Favorite meal in the Caf: Lasagna and garlic bread

Viterbo tradition: Orientation weekend, there are so many fun activities!

Community:

Favorite La Crosse Activity: Walk down by the river and through downtown.  Going bowling at Pla-Mor Lanes with friends. 

Pettibone Beach or the Bluffs? The bluffs because it is too cold to go to Pettibone Beach during most of the school year.

Favorite La Crosse Restaurant: The Crow or Pickerman's

One piece of advice for new students: 

Get involved, Viterbo does a great job of providing many activities and opportunities for all students. I recommend trying out a few clubs, activities, intramurals, ect. College is a lot of hard work, but it can also be a lot of fun! 

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Kennedy Carlson 

(she/her)
Junior

kcarls77747@viterbo.edu
Orientation Group 3: VUSM100-002 - Cari Mathwig Ramseier

Hometown: Lake City, MN
Major: Nursing

Campus:

Favorite Viterbo Class: Pharmacology or microbiology

Favorite Einstein's menu item: Egg sandwich with turkey sausage and plain cream cheese on a blueberry bagel...it's good, trust me

Favorite meal in the Caf: Chicken gyros or Thanksgiving

Viterbo tradition: Fall Orientation

Community:

Favorite La Crosse Activity: Watch the sunset on Grandad Bluff

Pettibone Beach or the Bluffs? Bluffs!

Favorite La Crosse Restaurant: Pickerman's

One piece of advice for new students: 

Go to events! It is one of the best ways to make friends and stay connected to campus.  

 

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Lauren Mensink

(she/her)
Junior

lmensi78066@viterbo.edu
Orientation Group 6: VUSM100-006 - Jackie Herbers

Hometown: Preston, MN
Major: Nursing

Campus:

Favorite Viterbo Class: Pathophysiology

Favorite Einstein's menu item: Pizza bagel

Favorite meal in the Caf: Gyros

Viterbo tradition: President's Holiday Dinner in December

Community:

Favorite La Crosse Activity: I enjoy going for walks in the bluffs.

Pettibone Beach or the Bluffs? Bluffs

Favorite La Crosse Restaurant: Howie's

One piece of advice for new students: 

Try new things and be ok with making mistakes.  

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Linsdey Krachey 

(she/her/hers)
Senior

lkrach75472@viterbo.edu
Orientation Group 9: VUSM100-009 - Carol Hines

Hometown: Wauzeka, WI
Major: Nursing; Minor: Family Studies

Campus:

Favorite Viterbo Class: Living in a Diverse World with Lin Rauch

Favorite Einstein's menu item: Caramel Cold Brew Shake

Favorite meal in the Caf: Tacos at the corner station

Viterbo tradition: Welcome Back Bahs and Courtyard Carni!!

Community:

Favorite La Crosse Activity: Going to coffee shops with friends and going to Riverside Park

Pettibone Beach or the Bluffs? The Bluffs

Favorite La Crosse Restaurant: Senor Villa

One piece of advice for new students: Don’t forget to enjoy where you are in the present because before you know it, graduation will be around the corner. Take advantage of all the amazing opportunities that Viterbo offers!  

 

 

Madee - O Leader 2024
Madee Benda 

(she/her/hers)
Senior

mbenda75617@viterbo.edu
Orientation Group 12: VUSM100-012 - Emily Dykman/Sheila Severson

Hometown: Goodhue, MN
Major: Nursing, Minor: American Sign Language

Campus:

Favorite Viterbo Class: Maternity

Favorite Einstein's menu item: Vanilla blended shake

Favorite meal in the Caf: Wraps

Viterbo tradition: Welcome Back Bash

Community:

Favorite La Crosse Activity: Walk downtown

Pettibone Beach or the Bluffs? Bluffs!

Favorite La Crosse Restaurant: Buzzard Billy's

One piece of advice for new students: Be open.  You never know where you'll go or who'll be the closest to you!

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Madelyn Schwartz 

(she/her/hers)
Senior

mschwa76255@viterbo.edu

Orientation Group 11: VUSM100-011 - Emilio Alvarez

Hometown: Oshkosh, WI
Major: Elementary Education, Minor: Special Education

Campus:

Favorite Viterbo Class: Adolescent Psychology

Favorite Einstein's menu item: Caramel Cold Brew Shake

Favorite meal in the Caf: Chicken Nuggets

Viterbo tradition: Safe Trick-or-Treat

Community:

Favorite La Crosse Activity: Go to the bluffs at night

Pettibone Beach or the Bluffs? Bluffs

Favorite La Crosse Restaurant: The Crow

One piece of advice for new students:  Have FUN! I know college can be intimidating but go to events, put yourself out there to make the most of the college experience, because it flies by.

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Mason Barsness 

(he/him)
Junior

mbarsn79570@viterbo.edu
Orientation Group 6: VUSM100-006 - Jackie Herbers

Hometown: Sauk Prairie, WI
Major: Psychology

Campus:

Favorite Viterbo Class: Psych 210: Human Sexuality

Favorite Einstein's menu item: Spicy Chicken Sandwich

Favorite meal in the Caf: Chili con Carne or Chicken Noodle Soup

Viterbo tradition: Courtyard Carni

Community:

Favorite La Crosse Activity: Hang out with friends

Pettibone Beach or the Bluffs? Pettibone Beach

Favorite La Crosse Restaurant: Pickerman's

One piece of advice for new students: Build a strong relationship with your professors. None of them want to see you fail. Especially if you are working hard and have a close relationship with them, they will help you find a way.

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Olivia Stark 

(she/her)
Junior

ostark77608@viterbo.edu
Orientation Group 5: VUSM100-005 - Meredith Mihm

Hometown: Batavia, IL
Major: Nursing

Campus:

Favorite Viterbo Class: Honors VUSM 100 or Ethics in Medicine, both taught by Matthew Bersagel-Braley  

Favorite Einstein's menu item: I always get a cheesy hashbrown bagel with onion and chive shmear (it tastes like a loaded baked potato).  

Favorite meal in the Caf: My favorite meal is the build-your-own pasta, which they do on Wednesdays, with mushrooms, spinach, mozzarella, and bacon in pesto sauce.  

Viterbo tradition: My favorite events are either Franny Fest or the President's Dinner for the Holidays.  

Community:

Favorite La Crosse Activity:  Going to watch the sunset at the bluffs or by the riverside downtown. Or playing volleyball in the courtyard when the weather is nice.  

Pettibone Beach or the Bluffs? Though I like the beach, I prefer the bluffs, especially the lookout on granddad's bluff during sunset! The beach can only be seasonally enjoyed while the bluffs are there year-round.  

Favorite La Crosse Restaurant: Howie's on La Crosse  

One piece of advice for new students: I recommend that you get involved in any activity or event you can and put yourself out there. Build your community, those are the people that will be there with you through all the rough patches of freshman year. When in doubt reach out to us, to Colin, to your professors, or to the advising staff, we are all here to help and want to see you succeed. 

 
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Seth Bailey 

(He/Him)
Sophomore

sbaile80713@viterbo.edu
Orientation Group 5: VUSM100-005 - Meredith Mihm

Hometown: Chilton, WI
Major: Psychology, Minor: Marketing

Campus:

Favorite Viterbo Class: Interpersonal Communication Skills 

Favorite Einstein's menu item: Spicy Chicken Sandwich 

Favorite meal in the Caf: Pasta Display Cooking 

Viterbo tradition: Courtyard Carni

Community:

Favorite La Crosse Activity:  Be with friends

Pettibone Beach or the Bluffs? Bluffs

Favorite La Crosse Restaurant: Buzzard Billy’s 

One piece of advice for new students: Talk to people outside of your classes/sports 

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Tomi Daly

(She/Her/Hers)
Junior

tdaly77885@viterbo.edu
Orientation Group 1: VUSM100-001Honors - Matthew Bersagel Braley

Hometown: Darlington, WI
Major: Nursing

Campus:

Favorite Viterbo Class: Any class with Lin Rauch 

Favorite Einstein's menu item: Egg and bacon bagel sandwich 

Favorite meal in the Caf: Any pasta dish

Viterbo tradition: Courtyard Carni

Community:

Favorite La Crosse Activity:  Studying at coffee shops downtown

Pettibone Beach or the Bluffs? Pettibone beach

Favorite La Crosse Restaurant: La Verna 306

One piece of advice for new students: Get out of your comfort zone and try new things. You will have the most amazing time and meet the best and most unexpected people by getting out of your comfort zone. 

 

 

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Warner Ryan

(She/Her)
Sophomore

mryan78611@viterbo.edu
Orientation Group 1: VUSM100-001Honors - Matthew Bersagel Braley

Hometown: La Crosse, WI
Major: Ethics, Culture, & Society; Minor: Sociology

Campus:

Favorite Viterbo Class: Theology  

Favorite Einstein's menu item: Cinnamon sugar bagel with strawberry cream cheese! 

Favorite meal in the Caf: Cheerios 

Viterbo tradition: I love seeing all of our theater productions! 

Community:

Favorite La Crosse Activity:  Ice cream at The Pearl, then walk along the river at Riverside park

Pettibone Beach or the Bluffs? Bluffs all the way 

Favorite La Crosse Restaurant: Super Street Tacos 

One piece of advice for new students: Write things down!! You will forget things otherwise, I promise you.  

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Xavier Carnicorn

(He/him)
Sophomore

xcarni81592@viterbo.edu
Orientation Group 9: VUSM100-009 - Carol Hines

Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
Major: Musical Theatre & Music/Dance

Campus:

Favorite Viterbo Class: Musical Theatre Laboratory  

Favorite Einstein's menu item: Caramel cold brew  

Favorite meal in the Caf: Taco Tuesday Bowl!! 

Viterbo tradition: Welcome Back Bash  

Community:

Favorite La Crosse Activity:  Thrifting at Goodwill.

Pettibone Beach or the Bluffs? Bluffs 

Favorite La Crosse Restaurant: Cabin coffee 

One piece of advice for new students: Do not be afraid to be yourself, college is that time to discover who you want to be: make mistakes, go to class!!! and of course have fun.