Academic counselor and assistant director of the Academic Resource Center (ARC) Melissa Growt received a Christmas card last year congratulating her on being named Viterbo Advisor of the Year. The note was from a former student whom Growt helped succeed academically throughout that person’s time at the university.

Today that former student is an executive with Mary Kay Cosmetics, just one of countless students whom Growt has assisted in some way in her 29 years at Viterbo.

“I like our students, and they have been wonderful to work with over the years,” said Growt of what has kept her at Viterbo for nearly three decades. “I never get bored, and whenever I might start to feel unchallenged, something always comes up.”

Whether it be academic advising, helping students navigate higher education and the expectations that come with it, or some other gentle push in the right direction, Growt personally counseled 100 students during the last academic year. In 2019–20, 89% of all undergraduate students availed themselves of a service offered by the ARC. Many of these programs are made possible through a U.S. Department of Education TRIO grant Viterbo has received for many years.

Growt earned bachelor’s degrees in Spanish and sociology and a Master of Education in College Student  Personnel from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse.

She has strong and interesting family ties to Viterbo as well. Her mother, Audrey (Hundt) Growt ’63, and aunt Jeanne (Hundt) Keyser ’87, are alumnae and her grandfather worked as an assistant plumber during the construction of Murphy Center.

Outside of Viterbo, Growt enjoys walking, biking, the outdoors, and especially traveling. She has been to five continents so far. Her travels will continue next month to Italy as a participant in Viterbo’s Franciscan Pilgrim-age program.

“I want to progress in my understanding of Viterbo’s Franciscan heritage and apply it to my work at the university,” she said.