A competitive, prestigious young artist program based in the medieval city of Urbino, Italy gave Alexandra Burch ’21 the first-hand experience to deepen her knowledge of the Italian language, culture, and opera. Just 16 emerging singing actors are accepted into the Musica nelle Marche program each year, making for an intensive, small group learning experience.

When high school classes start for Wesley McGough, Corbin Haar, and at least a dozen other area students, they’ll have something they acquired over the summer that few if any of their classmates got: college credit.

Artist Diane Crane’s drawings and paintings will be the featured gallery exhibit at Viterbo’s Fine Arts Center, Third Floor Gallery, 929 Jackson St., with a special viewing during Viterbo Days Alumni Weekend, Friday, Oct. 11 from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. and Sat., Oct. 12 from 4-6 p.m., when there will be an artist’s reception. The exhibit will be displayed from Aug. 26-Oct. 30.

Spirit of Francis

Christine (Drahos) Newkirk ’03, ’06 is the Director of the Office of Ecclesial Ministries and Diocesan Consultation with the Diocese of Superior, a position she has held for the past 15 years of her 24-year career there.

Service to the University

Jessica Himmer ’06 enjoys life as an entrepreneur, a career choice she would not have any other way. “I grew up surrounded by entrepreneurs and have always admired them,” she explained. “They risk everything to bet on themselves while they dedicate their life to serving others.”

College of Engineering, Letters, and Sciences Rising Professional

Rehman Eon ’15 is a research engineer II at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) in Rochester, NY, where he serves as the principal investigator (PI) on multiple projects in environmental remote sensing.

Professional Achievement, Conservatory for the Performing Arts

“This award means everything to me,” long-time music educator, director, and vocalist Bill Griffel ’92 said. “I value my Viterbo roots above all other experiences I’ve had as a musician.”

Professional Achievement, College of Engineering, Letters, and Science

Lisa (Foellmi) Adams ’85 earned her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, leading to a successful career within her field. “I am honored and humbled to receive this recognition,” Adams said. “It is a crowning award to a fulfilling career of finding medicines to improve people’s lives, and a continuing passion to protect the environment.”

Professional Achievement, School of Education

When Matt Wenthe ’95, ’01 started his teaching career as a high school English teacher with the Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau School District (G-E-T) in Western Wisconsin, he thought he might stay for one year before moving on. One year turned into a robust 27-year career.

Professional Achievement, College of Nursing and Health

Eric Mutchie ’04 is currently the chief nursing officer and deputy commander for nursing at Keller Army Community Hospital, in West Point, NY. He himself was surprised by his career path at times, because Mutchie once thought he would complete his four-year commitment with the U.S. Army and then work in a hospital emergency room somewhere in Wisconsin closer to his family.