In this edition, stories about Zach Johnson '11, Karla (Olson) Hein '10, Michael Quam '12, '19, Christmas on campus, and more
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These days there's widespread awareness that homelessness is a nationwide crisis, but the issue has been on the radar at Viterbo University for a long time. In 1987, a few years after he started teaching here, Distinguished Professor of Servant Leadership Tom Thibodeau began a tradition of teaching his students the experience of being homeless (and empathy for those living it) by spending an evening with them outside on Assisi Courtyard in mid-February. “One thing I really try to teach is eliminating the words ‘those people.’ We’re all human beings worthy of dignity and respect,” Thibodeau explained. And before Thibodeau, the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration followed the model of St. Francis of Assisi with a commitment to radical hospitality.
In this edition of the alumni newsletter, we share the stories of a few of the many Viterbo graduates whose chosen vocations put them on the front lines helping people struggling with homelessness. Alumni featured in this edition include (pictured here from left) Zach Johnson '11, Karla (Olson) Hein '10, and Michael Quam '12, '19.
►Living in Place of Grace as a Viterbo student and serving as its house coordinator put Zach Johnson on his life mission, a journey that has included serving multiple roles helping the homeless population in Minneapolis. He's served as program coordinator for Minnesota's largest homeless shelter, and he's worked one-on-one with people who have been unsheltered for years. READ MORE
►Karla Hein's struggle with alcoholism forced her to drop out of Viterbo, but she returned to finish her undergraduate education. Once more a Viterbo student (in the Master of Arts in Servant Leadership program), she is coordinator of La Crosse's Catholic Charities Warming Center. READ MORE
►After earning his MBA at Viterbo, Michael Quam worked in the banking industry, where he had a gift as a manager for improving the workplace culture. This year, he took on the task of leading fundraising efforts for the La Crosse Salvation Army, a job in which he feels like he can really make a difference in the lives of people who are struggling. READ MORE
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It's been looking a lot like Christmas on campus, with holiday traditions joined by a new event destined to become traditional.
About 200 people took part in the annual alumni Christmas party in the FSPA Lobby of the Fine Arts Center on Dec. 2. Danielle Rhodes (above) brought something new to the event, dressing up as Elsa from Frozen.
That same day, members of the Viterbo community, including Alumni Association board member Naomi (Hemeseth) Harm '99, rang bells at Salvation Army red kettle sites for the December Service Saturday.
Along with a new Christmas tree lighting ceremony, activities also included the annual President's Holiday Dinner at which faculty, staff, and administrators served a sit-down holiday feast for students in The Caf.
Photos from these events and more can be found on Viterbo's Flickr page.
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Viterbo Marks Crèche Milestone
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If you have a thing for Nativity scenes, you can thank St. Francis of Assisi. He wasn't the first to set up a live Nativity scene, but he did have a manger and a couple animals on hand when he said Mass in December 1223 in a cave chapel in Greccio, Italy, the popularity of the idea of portraying the nativity began to spread across Europe, thanks to accounts of it in his earliest biographies.
This holiday season, Viterbo University is marking the 800th anniversary with an exhibit of Nativity scenes, The Greccio Experience, in San Damiano Chapel. Viterbo's observance is one of a series of events planned in collaboration with the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, the Franciscan Spirituality Center, and Mayo Clinic Health System. Visit our Celebrating Christmas at Greccio page to get information on events and links to a collection of photos from the exhibit, a video of the opening prayer services, and a story about the multifaceted celebration.
Michael Krueger '10, '15, whose story was featured in the October alumni newsletter, volunteered to portray St. Francis at the Rotary Lights Franciscan Night on Dec. 10 in La Crosse's Riverside Park. Krueger is pictured above next to a newly constructed crèche in front of San Damiano Chapel.
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Alumni Children's Scholarship
Each year, in the name of Celestine Cepress, FSPA, the Viterbo Alumni Association Board awards one or more one-time scholarships of at least $1,000 to first-year or transfer students whose parents or legal guardians are Viterbo University graduates.
In addition, children of alumni who are incoming first-year students admitted prior to Jan. 15 may be eligible for a renewable $1,000 annual alumni scholarship.
Visit the scholarship page for more details.
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Don't Miss These Events
MARK YOUR CALENDAR: The Viterbo University Alumni Association has opportunities to enjoy the company of fellow V-Hawks. Watch for details and registration information.
►Feb. 1: First Thursdays alumni social at The Hatchery (catered by Apothik)
►Feb. 1: Alumni gathering in Washington, D.C.
►Feb. 3: Basketball alumni reunion and games
►March 24: Milwaukee Brewers vs. Arizona Diamondbacks preseason game, Phoenix, Ariz.
►April 4: First Thursdays alumni social
►June 6: First Thursdays alumni social at Pettibone Boat Club
►June 16: Milwaukee Brewers vs. Cincinnati Reds in Milwaukee
Awe-inspiring Generosity
Nearly 1,000 Viterbo supporters stepped up during this year's fifth annual Viterbo Day of Giving in October. This event has become a great tradition, and the jaw-dropping final numbers are beyond inspiring.
Viterbo has another giving tradition that goes back many, many years, one that doesn't have the hoopla of Day of Giving but is every bit as important. Every year, the university conducts an end-of-year appeal, asking alumni and other supporters to show their love for Viterbo and its mission.
Tuition alone doesn’t come close to covering the entire cost of a Viterbo experience. Our ability to provide what we do, both inside and outside the classroom, depends on people who believe in our mission supporting our scholarship funds and other programs.
Stop by Viterbo's giving page and discover how you can make a difference.
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COMING UP
Check the calendar on the alumni homepage for registration information and more details on alumni events. Details on campus events can be found on the events calendar.
Dec. 8–10: La Crosse Dance Centre’s Nutcracker Ballet
Dec. 10: Franciscan Night at Rotary Lights
Dec. 13: A Church Basement Ladies Christmas
Dec. 16: Commencement
Dec. 16: Advent Bowls: Sounds of Greccio
Dec. 17: Crèche's 800th: Honor the Divine at the Blessing of Baby Jesus
Dec. 18: Macy Gray and the California Jet Club
Jan. 7, 14, 21: The Complete Bartok String Quartets
Jan. 15: Martin Luther King Day of Service and Celebration
Jan. 20: Mallrats Presents MTV Unplugged
Feb. 1: First Thursdays alumni social at The Hatchery (catered by Apothik)
Feb. 2–4: Tar Beach
Feb. 3: Basketball alumni reunion and games
Feb. 3: Matt Vee and the Killer Vees Celebrate the Music of Neil Diamond
Feb. 10: Heart by Heart
Feb. 14: Dallas String Quartet: A Bridgerton-Inspired Show
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GETTING IN TOUCH
Director, alumni engagement
608-796-3072
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900 Viterbo Drive, La Crosse, WI 54601
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