April 2021

The Value of Stewardship

Following the example set by St. Francis of Assisi, Viterbo University's five core values include stewardship, putting an emphasis on environmental sustainability, treading lightly on the earth. With Earth Day coming up, we share stories of Viterbo alumni putting that value into action.

A Champion of Wildlife

Initially on a path to becoming a medical researcher, taking environmental classes at Viterbo showed Maggie Triska '06 a different opportunity that fit with her love of the outdoors. She became a wildlife habitat researcher, with experiences all over the world, from Australia to far northern Canada to Botswana.

MAGGIE TRISKA'S STORY

Singing the River's Praises

After a music career that had Steven Marking '86 on the East Coast for two decades, he returned to his Midwestern roots. He's carved a niche that combines the musical skills he honed at Viterbo with his photography, filmmaking, and storytelling skills to put a focus on the Mississippi River.

STEVEN MARKING'S STORY

On an Earthly Mission

Many a Viterbo University student has gained a sense of environmental responsibility from lessons taught by Lucy Slinger, FSPA ’73, ’06. Her own green sensibility took root growing up as a Minnesota farm girl. “To me, God was the warmth of the sun shining on me,” she said.

LUCY SLINGER'S STORY

Prairie Preservationist

Andrew Sobkowiak '16 came to Viterbo University with an interest in environmental sustainability, but he graduated with a determination to have an impact. He now works at Prairie Moon Nursery in Winona, Minn., promoting biodiversity by helping clients in their quests to ensure native prairie plants thrive.

ANDREW SOBKOWIAK'S STORY

►Viterbo's Eco-Challenge team ranked fifth in points and second in size out of nearly 600 teams in early April. Join the Eco-Challenge before April 22 and lift Viterbo to No. 1.

A New Signature Destination

This year, Viterbo University celebrates two campus landmarks—Murphy Center and the Fine Arts Center—by creating a new destination for alumni, students, and friends to gather, a place that honors Viterbo’s history and celebrates the many people who love and support the university.

Discover how you can be a part of the

Alumni Plaza and History Walk project.

Countdown to Commencement

More than 200 seniors took part in a traditional step toward graduation—Countdown to Commencement—to prepare for their May graduation ceremonies. In-person commencement ceremonies celebrating new alumni from 2020 and 2021 are planned for May 16 at the Copeland Park baseball stadium.

Senior Showcase Virtual Concert

Check out the vocal talents of the soon-to-be-alumni of Viterbo's music and music theatre programs. Instead of a live concert this year, the Senior Showcase is presented on video.

Learn about Planned Giving

Ever wondered how charitable bequests work? Viterbo is hosting an estate planning seminar from 3:30–5 p.m. Thursday, April 29, in the Fine Arts Center FSPA Lobby that will cover bequests and much more.

In short, a charitable bequest is an easy way for you to support Viterbo and leave a legacy. Here are some of the benefits of bequest giving:

It costs you nothing today to make a bequest.
A bequest is not subject to federal estate tax.
Your bequest can be changed down the road.
You can still benefit your heirs with specific gifts.

Seminar seating is limited due to COVID-19 protocols, but the seminar will be recorded. Anybody who wants to register for the seminar, arrange to get a recording, or find out more about planned giving can email Eric Schmidt or call him at 608-796-3078. More information also is available on Viterbo’s planned giving webpage.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Check the calendar on the alumni home page for registration information and more details on alumni events. Details on campus events can be found on the events calendar.

April 22: Alumni Board meeting
April 21: All Student Show and Touchstone release art exhibit opens
April 22-23: Scholars Days
April 29: Estate Planning Seminar
May 9: Spring Choral Concert
May 16: Commencement ceremonies
May 19: SFSN Alumni Board meeting
May 19: MBA/MASL Alumni Chapter Board meeting
June 3: First Thursday at Pettibone Boat Club
June 24: Proseminar Commencement

Viterbo in the News

Our Viterbo in the News page is packed with media reports on alumni and happenings at the university. Email Randy Erickson if you have a media report about alumni you'd like to add.

Share Your Stories

Do you have a story to tell about your life since graduating from Viterbo or perspectives on how your time here shaped your life and set your course? Or maybe a story about the impact of scholarships?

We have a dedicated email account just for such stories, and we'd love to hear from you.

KEEPING UP: The Viterbo University alumni email newsletter is published eight times per year. To keep up on the latest news, visit websites for Viterbo alumni, Fine Arts Center, and V-Hawks athletics.

Make Your Annual Gift

GETTING IN TOUCH
Kathy Duerwachter '10

Director, alumni engagement
608-796-3072
kaduerwachter@viterbo.edu

Alumni Update Submissions

www.viterbo.edu/alumni