Jason Howard, associate professor of philosophy, was named Viterbo’s 2016 Teacher of the Year at the annual Rose Awards ceremony April 28.

“Jason is a pleasure to have as a professor,” wrote a student who nominated him for the award. “He truly cares about the subject and for our learning as students. I wish I could have taken more classes with him.”

Chris Valenti, coordinator of off-campus graduate programs in education, was named Employee of the Year.

“Chris exemplifies the mission and values of Viterbo University in everything she does,” wrote a person who nominated her for the award. “She is a woman of faith who lives the values of Viterbo in her daily life and work, which often extends beyond the typical workday and into evenings and weekends. She is the ‘face’ and the ‘voice’ of Viterbo for many prospective graduate education students across the state of Wisconsin.”

Others honored at the Rose Awards were:

• Deane Hatteberg, nursing, received the Sr. Helen Elsbernd Distinguished Service Award, which is presented to a person who has provided outstanding service to the university for more than 20 years, typically in more than one capacity.
• Annette Roter, business, was presented with the Alec Chiu Award, which is given for exceptional work in fostering and developing scholarly opportunities for both students and faculty.
• Polly Pappadopoulos, campus ministry, received the Father J. Thomas Finucan Exemplar of Mission Award. The award is given to a person who has demonstrated exemplary dedication to the mission of the university.
• The career services office (Beth Dolder-Zieke and Anne Ellefson) received the Pax et Bonum Award, which is given in recognition of demonstrating the Franciscan values of service, respect, hospitality, stewardship, and joy throughout the Viterbo community.
• Stephanie Thorson-Olesen, psychology, was presented with the Outstanding Undergraduate Academic Advisor Award for her work with students.
• Receiving Servant Leader Awards for outstanding leadership were Jennifer Anderson-Meger, social work, Emilio Alvarez, campus ministry, Mike Behan, business, Alyson Dahlquist, Fine Arts Center, and Wayne Hanson, physical plant.
• Receiving Outstanding Adjunct Professor Awards for their respective schools were Melissa Collum, Center for Adult Learning, Brian Meeter, College of Business and Leadership, Raúl Getino-Diez, College of Arts and Letters, Bob Ratigan, College of Education, Science, and Mathematics, and Barbara Reardon, College of Nursing, Health, and Human Behavior.