Elizabeth Henriksen enrolled at Viterbo because of the university’s excellent nutrition and dietetics program. While taking a course on anatomy, however, she discovered her true academic interest. “I enjoyed that anatomy class so much I decided to change my major to biology,” said Henriksen, who grew up in Nekoosa.

Sarah Prill has always been interested in foods and cooking, but it was cross-country running in high school that got her focused on nutrition.

“I was surprised by how much of what I ate affected my runs and how my body felt over the course of the season,” said Prill, a junior nutrition and dietetics major from Barron. “When I started learning more about the chemistry and physiology behind it, I knew I had figured out what I wanted to do.”

Viterbo University freshman Alison Coovert chose to attend Viterbo, “Because I was looking for a university with a Catholic identity, that offered my major, and has a strong sense of community. Viterbo checked all the boxes on my list.”

“I have really loved it here so far, Coovert said. “Everything has exceeded any expectations. “The Viterbo faculty is extremely helpful. Everyone at Viterbo wants you to do your best and succeed.”

Allison Stoeffler found the perfect academic major and athletic team for her at Viterbo University.

"I've always been passionate about living a healthy lifestyle and the preventative side of medicine," said Stoeffler, a senior nutrition and dietetics major and women's cross country team member from La Crescent, Minn. "Exercise is also very important, and I've always loved running. I can't sit still very long." 

Drake Dickson had two employment offers the weekend he graduated in May 2018 with a degree in finance from Viterbo University. He chose to accept a position as an accounting inventory associate with Organic Valley, a cooperative of more than 2,000 family farms with over $1 billion in annual sales. He certainly has no regrets.

“I absolutely love it at Organic Valley,” Dickson said. “I don’t have a single complaint.”

When Nathan Fleming was a sophomore in high school, he was hospitalized with a nasty bone infection in his finger. He received excellent care from the staff at the University of Wisconsin Children’s Hospital and went on to make a full recovery.

“After that, I knew nursing was the profession for me,” Fleming said. “I wanted to give back, plus there are great job opportunities in the field.”

When Nicole Broz of Waterford graduated from Viterbo University with a degree in biology, she was ready to attend dental school at Marquette University with the ultimate goal of owning her own practice. A college education and fulfilling her dream of becoming a dentist was made possible by financial aid.

Keith Purnell knew at a young age he wanted a career in the military. He had a strong sense of service to country since most of the men in his family were soldiers.

“It was just a part of who I was,” Purnell said.

Viterbo marketing student Curtis Petersen wanted to be able to help his fellow veterans, and he decided he needed a college degree to do it.

“I would like to own a marketing firm one day or at least have a career that allows me to contribute to local nonprofit veterans’ organizations,” said Petersen, 38, of his decision to enroll at Viterbo.