Start the holiday season with Viterbo University theatre and music theatre students as they present the charming romantic comedy Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley Friday, Nov. 15–Saturday, Nov. 16 and Friday, Nov. 22–Saturday, Nov. 23 at the Weber Center for the Performing Arts.

Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley is the imagined sequel to Jane Austen’s famed novel, Pride and Prejudice. Written by Lauren Gunderson and Margot Melcon, Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberley is the story of Bennet middle sister Mary, who receives only passing mention in the book. When the family gathers for Christmas at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Darcy, an unexpected guest sparks Mary’s hopes for independence and the chance to forge her own path in life. The very popular play, which was one of the most...

Paul Mueller, M.D., regional vice president for Mayo Clinic Health System, Southwest Wisconsin, will speak at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14 in the Fine Arts Center Main Theatre as part of the D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership’s fall lecture series.

Mueller, whose region includes Mayo Clinic Health System Franciscan Healthcare-La Crosse, will present “Technological and Treatment Imperatives, Life-sustaining Treatments and Associated Ethical Challenges.”

After joining the Mayo Clinic Rochester staff in 1995 as a physician in the Division of General Internal Medicine, he chaired the group from 2009–18. Today, Mueller is a professor of medicine and a professor of biomedical ethics in the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. He is also a fellow of the American...

A coalition is being formed directly related to the strategic plan initiatives related to employee and student well-being. This group will set the framework for what encompasses well-being at Viterbo.

The well-being of the campus community is not something owned by one department or a small collective of individuals. This group is to have broad representation from across campus.

The initial work is expected to begin before Thanksgiving with monthly meetings throughout the remainder of the academic year. If you are interested in participating, sign up by Nov. 13. Coalition membership will be finalized by Nov. 15.

Employees are invited to attend these professional development events in November.

Life after Death: Dealing with Grief at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12 in the School of Nursing Building 101. Presented by Martha Boehm, Viterbo digital marketing and media specialist, who will share her personal and inspirational journey to find joy after the loss of her parents. She explains what has helped her and describes ways to try to help people who are grieving.

FEI In-person Webinar: Effective Communication and Why You Want It at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20 in the School of Nursing Building 101. Attend for an engaging discussion on effective communication and walk away with tips and tools you’ll need to become a better communicator. 

QPR Training at 1–2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21 in the School...

Registration is now open for Viterbo Rings Service Saturday Dec. 7. Join fellow Viterbo community members at various Salvation Army kettle locations in and around the La Crosse community. 

This is a great way to raise money for the Salvation Army and to give back to the community. The kettles need to be attended from 10 a.m.–8 p.m. that day. Employees are asked to spread the word to students as well.

Sign up for a two-hour time slot. For more information about the day and registration, visit the Viterbo Rings website or the Service Saturdays website.  

Email Colin Burns-Gilbert or Ben Gibson with any questions.

Health services will host a flu shot clinic from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12 in the Student Union. 

Cost is $7 for students and $17 for employees. If you are unable to make the clinic, schedule an individual appointment at scdanielson@viterbo.edu or ext. 3806.

President Glena Temple, Sarah Bearbower, and Karen Hurtgen visited Sr. Loretta Penchi at St. Rose Convent and presented her with a plaque commemorating her retirement from Viterbo. Sr. Loretta worked at Viterbo for over 38 years.

The Viterbo community and the public are invited to attend a Veterans Day Remembrance Service at 11:30 a.m. Monday, Nov. 11 in San Damiano Chapel.

Brigadier General John C. Hanley, U.S. Army, retired, will give the Veterans Day address. Veterans are invited for a free lunch in Marian Hall Dining Room following the event.

Also on campus will be the presentation "Just Do Your Job" by Sergeant First Class Mike Mesmer, U.S. Army, retired at 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14 in San Damiano Chapel.

Click for a full list of activities happening in the La Crosse area during Coulee Region Veterans Week.

The Viterbo community and the public are invited to attend the Wisconsin Conversation on Servant Leadership “Serving the Common for a Greater Good” from 7 a.m.–9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13 in the Fine Arts Center FSPA Lobby.

Presenters are Scott Rathgaber, M.D., CEO of Gundersen Health System; Shawn Kudron, Chief of the La Crosse Police Department, and Annette Roter, director of the Viterbo Master of Arts in Servant Leadership program.

The event is free and a continental breakfast will be served. Click for the complete schedule. Register here.

The Viterbo community is invited to attend the next Identities Project event, a Civil Dialogue on Immigration from 7–8:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7 in the School of Nursing Building Collins Auditorium room 196.

Immigration is a fiercely debated topic in this country. What does it mean to seek asylum? Is it true that “no human is illegal”? How do you become a citizen of the U.S., and why don't more people choose the legal route?

Join the panel as they explore what it means to be an immigrant, the impact immigration has on the U.S., and other immigration-related issues.

First-generation college students are recognized nationally this week, and at Viterbo the week is also dedicated to all Viterbo first-generation students and employees.

Viterbo received a TRIO/Student Support Services grant that provides support for 200 first- generation students. Throughout the week, students from the TRIO/SSS program will be looking for fliers outside offices of faculty and other employees who indicate they were first-generation college students. 

All employees are asked to wear a sticker showing support of first generation students. Stickers and fliers can be picked up in the Academic Resource Center or from administrative assistants in each academic building.

Viterbo's social work club collected more than 30 bags and boxes full of baby products, hygiene products, clothing, and food during their recent drive. The group will deliver the donations later this week to New Horizons, the La Crosse Warming Shelter, La Crosse County, and Sacred Grounds.

Jackie Herbers, left, and others share their work with colleagues at the Celebration of Faculty Scholarship in the Fine Arts Center FSPA Lobby Oct. 25.

Erik Stolhanske, a popular Hollywood comedian, actor, writer, and producer will share his poignant and often humorous story of overcoming obstacles and perseverance as part of the Viterbo University D.B. Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership’s fall lecture series at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8 in the School of Nursing Building Collins Auditorium room 196.

Stolhanske was born without a fibula. He overcame his disability to achieve a very successful career and even surprised many of his fans with his appearance in the popular exercise program P90X. He is now sharing his story with audiences across the country.

Perhaps best known for his role as Rabbit in the hit comedy Super Troopers, Stolhanske has also performed in The Onion Movie, The Sweetest Thing, and Watching the Detectives...

Area residents who have been diagnosed with mid-stage dementia are receiving help from two Viterbo University nursing students undertaking a number of initiatives as part of an independent study course on gerontology. One of these projects is the Brain and Body Fitness class offered through the Aging and Disability Resource Center of La Crosse County.

Leading the current class cohort are Viterbo students Hillary Covington and Emma Lamke. The class, which meets twice a week at the La Crosse Wellness Center, consists of an hour of light strength, balance, cardiovascular, and language components followed by a half hour of social time. It is designed to help participants build and maintain their cognitive reserve as long as possible. The 10-week course began in April of this year, and...

People enjoy themselves at the Education Club’s annual Safe Trick or Treat event Oct. 26.

The 2019 Distinguished Alumni Award recipients were honored at a ceremony during Viterbo Days Oct. 11. Read about them here. Click for more photos from the event.

Viterbo’s outstanding Platinum Edition show choir and special guests will present The British Invasion: Music from Across the Pond at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, in the Fine Arts Center Main Theatre.

The British Invasion: Music from Across the Pond will be a fun-filled evening of great singing and dancing featuring hit songs from British artists from the Beatles to contemporary pop icons.

“The show is awesome,” said Nancy Allen, music, the director of Platinum Edition. “It will feature great songs from the early invasion to the present day including hits from Adele, Ed Sheeran, Queen, the Bee Gees, and of course, Beatles fans won’t be disappointed.”

This show will include more medleys than previous years, allowing for more solos, duets, and ensemble performances. Guest...

Faculty are invited to attend the Celebration of Faculty Scholarship Friday, Oct. 25 from 3:30–5 p.m. in the Fine Arts Center FSPA Lobby. 

If you performed, presented, or published in the last year, sign up to share your work via poster or round-table discussion at the annual event that honors faculty scholarship at Viterbo. Click to register to present or attend.

By Tessa Davis, fitness/wellness intern

Employees are asked to share some Viterbo wellness programming opportunities with students. Email wellness@viterbo.edu for respective promotional pieces.

Pause for Paws

• A chance to unwind and de-stress with a friendly visit from our favorite four-legged friends from the Coulee Region Humane Society. All dogs are registered therapy animals. The event is free.
  • Time: 3:30–5 p.m.
  • Dates:
    • Tuesday, Nov. 12 on the Brophy Center Patio (or lobby in case of inclement weather)
    • Monday, Dec. 2 in the School of Nursing Building Lobby

Self Defense Lessons

• Hosted by Donald from H&H Karate. Learn the basics of self-defense such as disarming, blocking, kicking, punching, escaping an attack, and more in order to protect yourself...

Sr. Mary Ann Gschwind, Sr. Georgia Christensen, and Sr. Helen Elsbernd unveil the plaque in the newly named Fine Arts Center Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration Lobby at a ceremony and reception Oct. 7.

Eduardo Chavez, grandson of the famous labor leader and founder of the United Farm Workers Cesar Chavez, will lead a screening of his documentary Hailing Cesar at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16 in the Viterbo University Fine Arts Center Main Theatre.

“Hailing Cesar is a film about my journey to understand the legacy and struggle of my grandfather,” Eduardo Chavez said. “My goal is to share his message with a new generation. This film is my first step in honoring his legacy.”

The screening of the film will be followed by a question and answer session with the filmmaker.

The event is free and open to the public. It is one of several being held in recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month. For more information about the film and filmmaker, and to view the trailer, visit ht...

By Polly Scott

From documentaries to live performances to nursing and counseling demonstrations, our new Academic Video Onlinecollection offers multi-disciplinary streaming content to view and share.

Faculty and students can find content to meet learning, teaching, and research interests including art and architecture, business and economics, counseling and therapy, dance, education, ethnic studies, ethnography, LGBT studies, health, history, humanities, law and public safety, literature, opera, philosophy, political science, psychology, religion, science, theatre, and women’s studies.

Learn how to view and navigate video content including citing videos and viewing video transcripts. All of the content has been indexed and is discoverable through the library...

Students work during the Viterbo Day of Giving Oct. 10. The event was a big success, raising more than $56,000 for the university.

Viterbo theatre and music theatre will present the Tony Award®-winning musical Into the Woods Friday, Oct. 11–Sunday, Oct. 13 in the Viterbo University Fine Arts Center Main Theatre.

“Be careful what you wish for…” Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s whimsical musical follows the path of unlikely characters as they journey deep into the woods and search for their path out of darkness. Into the Woods is a widely popular musical about sacrifice, consequences, and the actions that can haunt us. The musical intertwines the plots of several fairy tales, exploring the consequences of the characters’ wishes and quests.

“Into the Woods is a crafted masterpiece of monumental proportion and a giant part of the American musical theatre cannon,” said Matt Campbell, the Viterbo faculty member...

Shelly Mayer, executive director of Professional Dairy Producers, will open the 2019–20 Leadership at Noon series from noon–1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 9 in the Fine Arts Center Main Theatre Lobby.

Professional Dairy Producers is the largest dairy producer-led, educational-based organization in the country. The organization has led the national effort to define dairy animal well-being and maintain the confidence of customers that the industry embraces the moral obligation to take good care of their animals and produce safe and abundant dairy and meat products.

Mayer grew up on a dairy farm in southwestern Wisconsin. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural journalism and dairy science. Mayer’s work has helped dairy farm families...

Everyone is invited to attend the next Viterbo Identities Project event “Hunger and Homelessness in College Students” from 7–8:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8 in the School of Nursing Building room 196.

In a 2017 survey, 20% of college students reported being hungry, and 13% reported being homeless. Learn about food deserts, housing inequality, and other problems, both nationally and locally, as well as the resources available to help, and what everyone can do to make a positive difference.

By Zachariah Scott, Viterbo student nurse

Flu season has arrived early this year with confirmed cases of Influenza A in surrounding communities. Viterbo health services has already begun holding clinics for flu vaccination. Stop in to one of these clinics to receive your immunization: Tuesday, Oct. 8 from 2–4 p.m. in the Student Development Center, and Tuesday, Oct. 15 from 4–6 p.m. in the Student Union. People can also schedule an appointment on the health services website. Flu shots are $7 for students and $17 for employees.

Flu symptoms include fever or feeling feverish/chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue. Some people may also experience vomiting and diarrhea, but this is more common in children than adults (CDC, 2019)...

Congratulations to Viterbo science faculty members Ted Wilson and Michael Alfieri for being recognized as “River Champions” from the River Alliance of Wisconsin at the organization’s annual River Bash. They received the award for their “sustained, exemplary efforts to protect Wisconsin’s waters.” Senior Viterbo students Elaine Remus (next to Wilson) and Alissa Griswold (next to Alfieri) also attended the event. Griswold was a paid intern at the River Alliance of Wisconsin this past summer. Click for more information about the award.

Viterbo music students will perform the one-act opera The Bewitched Child (L'enfant et les Sortilèges) by famed 20th century French composer Maurice Ravel at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5 and 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6 in the Fine Arts Center LaCroix Black Box Theatre.

The Bewitched Child is the story of a rude child who, after being scolded by his mother, throws a tantrum, destroying his room and harming the animals nearby. He is then surprised to find that the unhappy objects in his room come to life. The furniture and decorations begin to talk; even his homework takes shape as it becomes an old man and a chorus of numbers. They all sing out the pain and misery that the child inflicts on them, leading him to an understanding of compassion.

“It is a unique show featuring a great...

Viterbo University will host the 17th annual Seven Rivers Undergraduate Research Symposium Friday, Nov. 15. Most, if not all, of the events and sessions will be in the Fine Arts Center and the School Nursing Building. Oral presentations are scheduled from noon–2 p.m. and the poster session will be from 2–4 p.m.

Faculty and staff volunteers are needed to help in three main roles:

1. Oral Presentation Room Facilitator: This person keeps the oral presentations on track with the schedule for the space they are assigned. They introduce the presenter(s) and inform the audience/judges of any updates or reminders. They also help tabulate evaluations after the oral presentations to determine overall winners in the three general discipline categories (natural sciences, social sciences...

Viterbo health services and student nurses provided Viterbo community members with flu shots, flu care bags (containing tissues, tea, thermometers, etc.), and other services the afternoon of Sept. 26. They gave 60 shots, 15 hemoglobin checks, seven blood pressure readings, and five blood sugar screenings. Health services will offer flu shots this week on Tuesday, Oct. 1 from 2–5 p.m. in the Student Development Center and Wednesday, Oct. 2 from 4–6 p.m. in the Student Union. The cost is $17 for employees and $7 for students.

By Jason Skoog

Viterbo’s archives preserves university materials of historical value and serves as an educational resource for scholarly and administrative research. The archives is located in room 132 of the library. Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members are welcome to visit. We’ve also recently upgraded our digital collections with a new look and improved navigation.

If you have questions, would like a tour, or would like to discuss ways the archives can help your department, contact Jason Skoog, archives and systems librarian, at jaskoog@viterbo.edu or 608-796-3262.

The following are examples of topics people have researched in the archives:

Students:

• How the nursing department formed
• School photos for a theatre set design
• How Viterbo was...