In this edition, stories about Frank Gosar, Jenny Hedrick-Erickson, Jason Skoog

January 2024

Zach Johnson, Karla Hein, Michael Quam

Alumni Serving their Alma Mater

In this edition of the alumni newsletter, we share the stories of just several of the many Viterbo graduates who have stayed connected to the Viterbo community. Alumni featured in this edition include (pictured here from left) Frank Gosar '81, Jenny Hedrick-Erickson '95, '23, and Jason Skoog '06

► Starting Jan. 31, Frank Gosar '81, will have an exhibition in the Fine Arts Center third-floor gallery. He created his first pottery work as a junior at Viterbo. His exhibit Desk and Table will also feature handmade books and paper art created by his wife, Denise. They will both be available for an artist reception on Feb. 2, from 4-5 p.m. READ MORE

► Jenny Hedrick-Erickson '95, '23 earned her BSN and most recently her DNP from Viterbo. She is a long-time nursing professor and is now the assistant dean of the College of Nursing and Health. She continues to grow her connection to Viterbo’s mission and values, including traveling with the annual employee pilgrimage to Assisi, Italy. “I had heard from so many peers what an incredible experience it was, and that is true. It’s hard to even find the words to describe it,” Jenny said. READ MORE

► Jason Skoog '06 started as a graphic design student but found his passion during his work study at the library. He went on to earn his master's degree in library and information studies. By Jan. 2012, he was back full-time at Viterbo and has been cataloging and digitizing documents from a variety of formats. “It’s like detective work. You look in one box and that leads you to another box,” he said. “I have learned over time where stuff is, and it’s in my head where to go.” During 2022, Viterbo went through its reaccreditation process, and he helped organized over 700 documents that were part of the university's report. READ MORE

 

Winter 2023 Commencement

Congratulations to the students who graduated on Dec. 11, 2023. The commencement ceremony took place in the Fine Arts Center. The full ceremony was live-streamed on YouTube and can be viewed here.

Photos from the event can be found on our Flickr.

Distinguished Alumni Award Nominations Open!

Each year, the alumni association recognizes graduates who demonstrate Viterbo's mission of faithful service and ethical leadership in their everyday lives. These alumni embody Viterbo's core values: contemplation, hospitality, integrity, stewardship, and service.

If you know someone deserving of this recognition, please let us know. Nominations for the 2024 awards will be accepted through March 1, 2024. 

Visit the alumni award page for more details

It's Phonathon season!

Starting Monday, Feb. 5 our students will be calling to connect about experiences, update record information, and offer an opportunity to support Viterbo programs.

Please pick up and engage with the callers, ask them questions, share fun memories, and encourage them on their journey at Viterbo. We appreciate your help!

If you want to beat the rush you can give now!

Health Service Q&A

Amber Weber '18, worked at Mayo Clinic for seven years before becoming the health services coordinator at Viterbo. She loved being a student in the nursing graduate program and jumped at the opportunity to come back. She loves the campus environment. The students are respectful and fun to be around.

Read the full article here.

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 before Feb. 1 may be eligible for a renewable $1,000 annual alumni scholarship.


Visit the scholarship page for more details.

Don't Miss These Alumni Events

MARK YOUR CALENDAR: The Viterbo University Alumni Association has opportunities to enjoy the company of fellow V-Hawks. Check our alumni events page for more information and registration.


Feb. 1: First Thursday alumni social at The Hatchery (catered by Apothik)
Feb. 1: Alumni gathering in Washington, D.C. at the Army and Navy Club
Feb. 3: Basketball alumni reunion and games
Feb. 19: MBA/MASL alumni chapter board meeting
Feb. 29: Alumni board meeting
►Marh 5: Alumni golf and social event in Minneapolis area at Topgolf
March 24: Milwaukee Brewers vs. Arizona Diamondbacks preseason game, Phoenix, Ariz.
April 4: First Thursday alumni social and Sr. Thea Bowman documentary at the Rivoli Theatre and Pizzeria
►April 18: Alumni social in Eau Claire at the Dive bar and lounge in the historic Lismore Hotel
►April 19: Alumni golf and mini-bowling event and social in Deforest/Madison at Pinseekers
June 6: First Thursday alumni social at Pettibone Boat Club
June 16: Milwaukee Brewers vs. Cincinnati Reds in Milwaukee

 Upcoming Campus Events

More details can be found on the campus events calendar.

Feb. 2: Gallery Exhibit Reception with Frank and Denise Gosar: Desk and Table
Feb. 2–4: Tar Beach
Feb. 3:
Matt Vee and the Killer Vees Celebrate the Music of Neil Diamond
Feb. 5: Leadership at Noon with Karla Hein and Zoe de Boer
Feb. 10: Heart by Heart
Feb. 14: Dallas String Quartet: A Bridgerton-Inspired Show

KEEPING UP: To keep up on the latest news, visit pages for Viterbo alumniFine Arts Center, and V-Hawks athletics.

Also, our Viterbo in the News page is packed with media reports on alumni and university happenings.

NEWSLETTER: The Viterbo University alumni email newsletter is published eight times per year. The Strides alumni magazine is printed and mailed twice a year (spring and fall), with a digital archive of editions going back to 2011.

GETTING IN TOUCH
Director, alumni engagement
608-796-3072
900 Viterbo Drive, La Crosse, WI 54601