Happy 125th Anniversary Viterbo!

On behalf of the cabinet and deans, I extend a warm Franciscan welcome to all new members of the Viterbo community as we begin celebrations for Viterbo’s 125th anniversary. We likewise welcome back those who have been away for the summer recess.

We welcome the new faces of more than 450 new undergraduate students and more than 20 new full-time faculty, administrators, and staff members. In the contingent of new students will be 20 undergraduate business students from China. Let’s extend a friendly hello – “ni-hao” (nee haOW).

Viterbo concluded a very successful 2013–14 academic and fiscal year. Annual highlights and accomplishments from 2013–14 have been compiled and distributed by electronic mail to all employees. These reports by the cabinet are a summary of achievements. They are not an exhaustive list but an excellent representation of the hard work, dedication, and support of our faculty, administration, staff, trustees, alumni, and benefactors over the past year.

All are encouraged to attend the university forum Tuesday, Aug. 19 beginning with a continental breakfast at 8:30 a.m. in the Fine Arts Center Lobby. At 9 a.m., we kick off the forum with introductions of new employees, followed by service awards for 68 employees. After a short break, I will provide the State of the University address. La Crosse Mayor Tim Kabat will present the university with a special proclamation, which will be followed by a wonderful 20-minute video prepared for the 125th anniversary that you won’t want to miss. At approximately 11:25 a.m., we will proceed to San Damiano Chapel for a special blessing and an early peek at the stunning new renovations of the chapel. A picnic lunch for all guests will follow, sponsored by the institutional advancement office.

We conclude the busy day with the annual community dinner, preceded by a cash bar reception at 5:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Center Lobby and dinner at 6:30 p.m. in the Mathy Center. Please RSVP for dinner to Sheila Severson if you have not yet done so.

A reminder that Viterbo is totally smoke free as of July 1. Also, remember that wearing your name badge is a demonstration of hospitality, especially to our new students and new employees.

Joan and I extend our best wishes to all for a great new academic and anniversary year.

Rick Artman

President