Who are you going to call when you’re having a technology challenged day? Chad Gilbeck, of course! Gilbeck has been Viterbo University’s go-to person for all technology needs for two decades.

As the associate director of instructional and information technology, Gilbeck and the help desk staff handle a wide variety of calls for a multitude of systems. Questions can range from email issues, residence hall support, WiFi help for every type of device you can imagine, all the way to Microsoft Office settings/features. Where is that fancy setting for Outlook letterhead anyway?

All technology calls route through the university help desk, which is staffed by a full-time tech 10 a.m.–7 p.m., as well as student workers to enhance early-morning and late-night availability. All told, Gilbeck has more than 30 years of IT experience, so he can help solve issues that stump even the savviest of techs.

Gilbeck is the embodiment of hospitality, one of Viterbo’s core values. He received Viterbo’s Servant Leader Award in 2007 and went on to receive the Employee of the Year Award in 2012. He has been the team chaplain/adviser for men’s soccer since 2009, helping and listening as needed, a role which he holds close to heart.

A Coon Valley native, Gilbeck graduated from Westby High School before earning a business administration degree from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. He’s an avid fan of Ford Mustangs and the Green Bay Packers and has a passion and talent for art. Drive by the farm on which he grew up and you’ll see some of his artistic handiwork, painted haybales for every occasion.

If you’re ever in Murphy Center, stop by Gilbeck’s office on the third floor — a candy-treat, a story, and a smile are waiting.

How many years have you worked at Viterbo?

I’ve been here 20 years as of Jan. 7. I started as help desk coordinator, then became help desk manager, and now I’m the help desk director. Really all the same “role.” Just title changes. It’s been 20 years of providing expertise, humor, and often a funny narrative to dispel any feelings of technology inadequacy on the part of those seeking help.

Areas of expertise?

Pretty much anything technology to more/less degrees. Microsoft Office and Microsoft Windows and all the ins/outs of those to a high degree. Working remotely and supporting those who work remotely. Endless amounts of patience!

What do you love most about working at Viterbo?

The people — employees and students. Especially being the men’s soccer adviser. Getting to know the guys as people, seeing them go through their journey at Viterbo, graduate, and become young adults. Just being there for that journey and hearing/helping as I can. The friendships with employees, many that transcend work, and continue outside of work.

What inspires you?

Students! My favorite parts of working at Viterbo are having the ability to hire work-study students and being the team chaplain for men’s soccer. I get the honor of getting to know people from such a wide variety of backgrounds and some truly amazing individuals. One of my current work-study just finished a 4.0 semester and it was no small feat with everything on his plate (sports and more than one job). That’s what inspires me, seeing the hard work that students go through, and how much it pays off in the end and how much they grow along the way!

Do you have a little-known fun fact about yourself that would surprise students and co-workers?

Remember line dancing? I sure do. Back when that was all the rage, I moonlighted as a line dance caller

What others say about you?

I’m often told that I have a knack for listening … and even more for talking! People tell me that I have a wide variety of funny stories for every type of situation, and that I have a tendency to make people laugh and smile. Did you break your computer somehow? Well, I probably know 50 stories of people who broke their computer in a worse way (and I’ll tell one), so don’t fret! I often tap into my farm-raised roots in how I interact with people, which is with respect, patience, and a kind nature. So, it comes back full circle with how I’m treated, and I hear quite often that people really appreciated how I helped them out with whatever issue they might have had, most importantly because I was patient, and that I didn’t make them “feel stupid.”