Polly Pappadopoulos is the assistant director of liturgical worship, ministries, and chapel programs for Viterbo University Campus Ministry and the director of the St. Francis Choir at the San Damiano Chapel.

Pappadopoulos graduated from Viterbo University in December 1999 with degrees in vocal performance, vocal pedagogy, and instrumental pedagogy. She began her work at Viterbo while still a student, teaching flute and voice in the Viterbo Preparatory School of Arts. After the Preparatory School closed in 2009, Pappadopoulos maintained a private studio at Viterbo to help inspire and recruit music students for the Viterbo music program.

Pappadopoulos was an inaugural member of the St. Francis Choir as a student in 1995, and she continued to sing and play with the choir after graduation. When longtime St. Francis Choir director, treasured friend, and mentor Earl Madary passed in 2007, Pappadopoulos took over as the director of the choir. The St. Francis Choir sings at all the liturgies held at the San Damiano Chapel, including Holy Days, Christmas and the Sacred Triduum. They also share their gift of song for other occasions and celebrations, baccalaureate masses and national anthems. The St. Francis Day pet blessing is a choir favorite.

In addition to directing the choir, Pappadopoulos leads prayer opportunities for Campus Ministry (Taize Prayer, Praise and Worship, Table of Plenty), works with choir students in private vocal lessons, organizes and plans all liturgies for the chapel, and plans and provides music for weddings and funerals. Pappadopoulos oversees chapel events, schedules volunteers, and cares for the chapel needs.

Outside of her “chapel” life, Pappadopoulos teaches private voice, piano and flute lessons to all ages. She is also an accompanist in the music department.

Her husband of 21 years, John, is the host of “The Sports Lead” on the local ESPN station. You can see him on campus as a basketball announcer for the V-Hawks, providing internships for sports management and marketing students, and even as a greeter at San Damiano.

Their daughter, Livi, is a senior at Viterbo, majoring in education with a special education minor. She is a behavior support specialist at Driftless Pass, a school coordinated by Catholic Charities, directs several area logrolling programs, and is a five-time Logrolling World Champion. The family spends their summers traveling the country (and Canada) on her logrolling tour circuit.

How (and/or why) did you come to be at Viterbo?

Viterbo has always been a part of my life. My sister attended Viterbo when I was a baby, and I grew up attending concerts and shows, and visiting St. Rose Convent. When it came time to choose a college, I knew I was meant to be at Viterbo, and eventually graduated with three music degrees.

I was hired to teach voice, flute, and piano in the Viterbo Preparatory School of Arts when I was a junior in college. I continued to teach in the Prep School after graduation, as well as taking over the directorship of the St. Francis Choir at the San Damiano Chapel. This job grew into my current position. I’ve been on campus for close to 30 years! I always joke that “they never let me leave,” but it is home and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.

What do you love most about working at Viterbo?

It is a gift to work with a wonderfully wide cross section of students. The St. Francis Choir welcomes singers and musicians of all majors and abilities. We have Broadway-bound singers alongside students trying their hand at singing for the very first time. We have future nurses, engineers, performers, and mathematicians.

Leading prayer through our music is an incredible experience, blending all these students together. It’s an honor to facilitate and witness the growth in their music and relationships.

Many St. Francis Choir members are Viterbo alums who continue to sing long after their college careers. I am blessed to carry on lifelong relationships with students who’ve moved on but have valued their experiences. It’s been such a joy to provide music for former students’ weddings and even their children’s baptisms!

I also am deeply grateful for our community at the San Damiano Chapel. Employees, administrators, La Crosse community members, alums with young families and students all come together for worship. With our Franciscan spirit of love, it is an honor to serve this chapel community and help lead worship and enhance their prayer lives.

It is a blessing to be able to work with so many wonderful people in so many different ways. It’s those people who make me love my work at Viterbo.

What inspires you?

My daughter inspires me. Her passion and drive are incredible. Her joy and kindness is infectious!

The Viterbo students who I work with are always inspiring. Witnessing their journey and observing them flourishing in their studies, their music, career development, and in their personal faith is truly inspiring.

What advice would you give to students regarding heading out into “the real world”?

Listen to your “call.” God has a plan for you. It can be difficult to have the patience to truly listen to what your calling is. It may be (and most likely is) a direction completely different than what you have planned. There are two important values to cling to — faith and hard-work. These things will blossom into a beautiful future. You will be a leader in your community by living the example of these values.

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

I have led the singing of the national anthem hundreds of times. Growing up, I was taught a love of country and true respect for our service members. I have sung for athletic events, shows, concerts and rallies. It is truly an honor each time, whether it’s for a small event or for a crowd of over 10,000.

I know how deeply meaningful it is for our veterans, and having the opportunity to lead the anthem is a small way for me to show gratitude. There are several times I have gotten choked up as I sing with veterans nearby and focusing on the true meaning. 

As it is meaningful to me, I also try to teach each one of my vocal students to sing the anthem with true reverence and respect — and the correct words! I encourage them to go out and lead the anthem in the community as well.

What do others say about you?

Peter Joseph Clark, 2020 graduate: "Polly is the ‘Viterb-mom.’ Like any ideal mother, she supports each of her students above and beyond the call of a teacher, relates to and understands them, and holds them to task with high but fair standards. She pushed me to be the best I possibly could, and still does even after I've graduated. On the laughably rare occasions she is wrong, she admits and gracefully accepts the fact when it's shown and incorporates the truth into teachings and lessons going forward. On the almost universal case that she's right she does not gloat, but instead explains and demonstrates in a respectful and informative way. She offers criticism as a means to push and improve, and recognizes and celebrates achievements big or small. She is Viterb-mom, and a 10/10 one at that."

Levi Magnuson, Viterbo senior: “Polly is a devoted employee at Viterbo. She gives her all to Viterbo students every day. She is constantly adapting and being flexible to ensure every event and campus activity she is part of runs as smoothly and with as much participation as possible. She is a gem, and I am very grateful for the work she puts in every day for Viterbo students.”

Gwendolyn Mahoney, Viterbo freshman: "When I first went to church on campus, I went up to Polly after Mass because I had an interest in joining the choir. I asked and she had such a bright smile on her face, I knew that I had found a space where I belonged on campus. Polly is always at choir with a smile on her face welcoming everyone no matter who they are or where they come from. Her smile and welcoming presence makes one feel at home. Whenever one is having a bad day, Polly is always willing to lend a listening ear and help you in any way that she is able. I also take voice lessons with Polly, and she has made learning positive for me. Sometimes going to lesson was intimidating for me because I felt judged, but she always builds you up while helping you improve your skills."

Jose Verde, Viterbo sophomore: "She promotes a very inclusive environment."