Amber Weber started as Viterbo University’s health services coordinator in May 2023. Before coming to work at Viterbo, she was a registered nurse at Mayo Clinic for seven years. She grew up on a farm in a small town in Iowa not too far from La Crosse and still lives in that small town today. She commutes to work from Iowa daily and enjoys the beautiful scenic drive.
How (and/or why) did you come to be at Viterbo?
I was looking for a change in my nursing career. I am a Viterbo nursing program graduate, and when I saw there was an opening for a nurse, I wanted to apply right away. I enjoyed being a student here so the thought of working here was very exciting to me.
What do you love most about working at Viterbo?
The people, the environment, the work-life balance, and the students. Honestly, all of that makes working here great. Everyone I have had the pleasure of working with has been great, the environment is positive, and the students make it enjoyable. They are so respectful and fun to be around. It’s been fun to teach them but I also learn from them.
What inspires you?
My coworkers. They have all been great from the beginning. I can go to any one of them and ask for help if I need it. They are all hard-working individuals who are here to get the job done and help each other out and ensure that students succeed.
What advice would you give to students regarding heading out into “the real world”?
Do your best and be happy, but remember that no one is perfect. If at first you don’t succeed, try again. Take one day at a time. Tomorrow is a new day.
Do you have a little-known fun fact about yourself that would surprise students and co-workers?
I love to travel! I have traveled outside of the United States seven times. I hope to continue to travel, and I think it’s such a great experience for everyone to do as they are able to.
What do others say about you?
I’ve been told I’m very caring and have a “motherly” nature about me. I like to take care of people at work and outside of work. Sometimes I don’t even realize the nurse side of me is coming out in my personal life until someone points it out. For as long as I can remember, I’ve liked to take care of people, since I was very young.
Staff Focus: Q&A with Justin McKnight
When Justin McKnight graduated in 2000 from Pennsylvania's Bucknell University, he was the first in his family to get a college degree, thanks to athletic scholarships he earned for his skills in an unusual sport. McKnight went on to earn a master’s degree in mental health counseling in 2016 from Viterbo University, where he taught as an adjunct professor before taking on the position of Viterbo’s director of counseling services.
Staff Focus: Q&A with Marcia Taddy
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Staff Focus: Q&A with Matt Jurvelin
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Staff Focus: Q&A with Alyssa Gostonczik
As Viterbo University’s intern and employer relations coordinator, Alyssa Gostonczik played a vital role in connecting students to internship and other work experience opportunities that can pave the way for post-college careers for Viterbo’s students. She is currently director of advising and career development.