Since 2015, Feb. 11 has been recognized as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, by a United Nations resolution. The day was established to recognize the critical role women and girls play in science and technology. Viterbo University has long had a history of educating young women scientists, thanks to the emphasis put on science by the founding Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. In this edition of the alumni newsletter, we introduce a few of Viterbo's outstanding science alumni. |
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Exploring New Frontiers
What if a simple motor learning test could help diagnose cases of Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment in their early stages? Alexandra Watral ’14, a PhD student at Michigan Technological University, aims to find out if that’s possible. |
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On a Quest for Answers
Curiosity is a driving force for Sarah (Ramaker) Fauque ’10 and a big reason why she gravitated toward science. “Literally, all of science starts with the phrase, ‘That’s weird,’” said Fauque, an assistant professor at Kentucky's Lindsey Wilson College.
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Service and Science
Peace Corps service indirectly led Kathryn Korthauer ’11 to her career as a biologist at the Environmental Protection Agency, where she works to ensure antimicrobial pesticides don't harm people who use them. |
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Science Symposium Debuts, Thanks to Alumni Gift
Agnes W.H. Tan '63 launched her career in biochemistry research and education after coming to Viterbo from Hong Kong. One of the earliest winners of a Viterbo Distinguished Alumni Award, Tan had a great appreciation for her undergraduate education. After her death in 2018 at age 76, Viterbo received a gift from her estate to put on an annual science symposium. The event debuts this year, with a lecture by environmental activist Erin Brockovich leading into a day of learning about drinking water issues.
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►KNOW A BUDDING SCIENTIST?: If you know a high school student looking for a quality education in STEM fields, please consider filling out a Viterbo student referral form. |
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Celebrating Sister Thea
Viterbo will host a week of events March 27–April 1 to honor Thea Bowman, '65 FSPA, and mark the establishment of the Sister Thea Bowman Center and the renaming of the campus ministry building in her memory.
In 2018, Sister Thea was designated a Servant of God, the first of four steps in a journey toward sainthood. She taught at Viterbo from 1972–78 before moving on to become a nationally known evangelist for the Catholic Church and social justice
More details on Sister Thea Bowman Week, which will include a Mass, concerts, panel discussions, and more, can be found on the event webpage.
A President on the Move
With the Feb. 10 announcement of his appointment as Viterbo's 10th president, things have kicked into high gear for Rick Trietley.
Among the many things on his itinerary are an address to the Viterbo community on his vision for the institution on March 2, a trip to Arizona for a Phoenix open house to visit with area alumni on March 6, and his first President's Day of Service on April 9.
Check out the President's Office webpage to learn more about Trietley and view a video of the announcement event.
Award Nominations Due March 1
Distinguished Alumni Award nominations are sought for Rising Professional, Professional Achievement, Spirit of Francis, and Service to the University awards.
• Anyone may submit nominations.
• Nomination and criteria information and a submission form are on the alumni website.
• Nominations will be considered for up to three years.
• Nomination deadline is Tuesday, March 1.
Presentation of the alumni awards will take place next October during the Viterbo Days weekend.
Alumni and Friends Trip to Italy
The deadline is approaching to register to join Viterbo President Rick Trietley, university chaplain Fr. Conrad Targonski, OFM, and other alumni on a trip to Italy, with visits to Rome, Padre Pio in Puglia, and the Amalfi Coast. The trip runs Wednesday, May 25–Wednesday, June 1. Cost is $2,395 per person, not including airfare, and payment is due Feb. 24. Find more information on the Alumni Travel page.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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.
Feb. 19: MCT production of Red Riding Hood
Feb. 20: Artaria String Quartet (Beethoven)
Feb. 21: Alumni Board
Feb. 22: Canadian Brass
Feb. 23: Leadership at Noon (Vendi)
Feb. 25–26: A Night at the Opera
March 3: Ethics Lecture with Timothy R. Van Deelen
March 4–6: Carrie: The Musical
March 6: Arizona open house with President Rick Trietley
March 9–April 13: Recently Seen: The Photographs of John Chavers (FAC gallery)
March 10: The Great Gatsby (Aquila Theatre)
March 17: Church Basement Ladies
March 19: 7 Bridges: The Ultimate Eagles Experience
March 22: Jim Witter’s The Long and Winding Road
March 23: Leadership at Noon (Jaclyn Cardin)
March 24: Ethics Lecture Series with Erin Brockovich
March 25: Agnes W.H. Tan Science Symposium
March 27: Night Fever: The Bee Gees Tribute
March 27–April 1: Sister Thea Bowman Week
March 31: Holocaust lecture with Peter Feigl
April 1–3, 9–10: The Elephant Speaks Jazz
April 6: Recycled Percussion
April 7: First Thursday (Leo & Leona’s)
April 8: Dave Marck, Just My Imagination
April 11: Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo
Our Viterbo in the News page is packed with media reports on alumni and happenings at the university. Email Randy Erickson with media reports about alumni you'd like to add to this page.
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? We have a dedicated email just for such stories. We'd love to hear from you.
KEEPING UP: The Viterbo University alumni email newsletter is published eight times per year. For more frequent updates, visit websites for Viterbo alumni, Fine Arts Center, and V-Hawks athletics. |
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GETTING IN TOUCH
Kathy Duerwachter '10 |
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