Greta and Vickie (Bjork) Mousel |
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Caitlin and Quinn Hause |
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For Some, Viterbo Runs in the Family |
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Because of its core values and traditions, Viterbo University has a built-in family feel to it. For some students, that familial connection goes deeper. Sons and daughters of Viterbo alumni often choose to study at their parents’ alma mater, for a variety of reasons. In this edition of the alumni newsletter, we feature the stories of three of those legacy families:
► Greta Mousel ’19 followed in the footsteps of her mother, Vickie (Bjork) Mousel ’78, getting her nursing degree at Viterbo and then going into the same specialty her mother has worked in for 40 years, obstetrics. “We talk shop several times a week,” Greta said. “The bond we have is the most meaningful I have ever experienced.” (READ MORE)
► Tina Janzen ’96 calls getting her master’s degree in education at Viterbo one of the best things she ever did for herself, both as a teacher and a person. Now, her twins are both juniors at Viterbo. Nathan is going for a double major—music and finance—with possible careers as an opera singer or financial advisor. Jessica plans to become a pediatric oncologist and is majoring in biology, with two minors related to health care. (READ MORE)
► Growing up in a small town, Quinn Hause ’98 was attracted to Viterbo’s small size and personal touch. “I absolutely loved everything about Viterbo, the small class sizes, professors who knew who you were,” said the longtime social worker. “You weren’t just a number. They actually wanted to see you succeed.” Her daughter, Caitlin, grew up in that same small town and will start her freshman year as a biochemistry major at Viterbo in the fall, drawn to the university for many of the same reasons that attracted her mother. (READ MORE)
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Tina, Nathan, and Jessica Janzen
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Work was completed on Murphy Center window replacement on the north and south sides of the building about a month ahead of schedule.
Murphy Windows, COVID Updates Top Summer Projects on Campus
The 2020 summer break was going to be a busy one for Gene McCurdy, director of physical plant, and his staff, but the COVID-19 pandemic made it even busier. Adapting classrooms, residences, and common spaces became a priority, in addition to working on the new FSPA Prayer Garden, an expanded strength training facility at the Varsity Athletic Center, and replacement of exterior windows on the north and south faces of Murphy Center.
Diane and Greg Lind
New Lind Scholarship Aims
to Promote Diversity in Nursing
With the country immersed in a national conversation about race and social justice, Greg Lind ’76 was moved to start a new Viterbo scholarship fund to help increase the number of people of color in the nursing field. “It is not just George Floyd’s awful and needless death,” said Lind, who launched his distinguished medical career with a nursing degree from Viterbo. “It is the accumulation of undeniable evidence that bias, inequity, and racism pollute every aspect of our society—from the justice system to health care and economic opportunity to education.”
Celebrating New MAED Graduates
with Creativity in the COVID-19 Era
With traditional in-person commencements not possible because of health concerns, the newest Viterbo University alumni were sent off with a virtual salute.
On Friday, July 17, Viterbo recognized and celebrated 119 Master of Arts in Education degree candidates with a virtual Marking the Milestone event.
Rick Trietley, interim provost and vice president of student affairs, was the emcee for the event, which opened with a prayer from Fr. Conrad Targonski, OFM, the university's chaplain. The prayer was followed by President Glena Temple and Distinguished Professor of Servant Leadership Tom Thibodeau with congratulatory remarks for candidates and their families.
Student speakers at the event included Carter Semb, Rachel Arendt, Allison Martin, and Sophie Schleis, followed by faculty congratulatory "shout outs." More than 200 people participated virtually in the event via Zoom and a Live Stream link.
Videos of the 2020 MAED Marking the Milestone ceremony as well as the virtual spring commencement celebrations can be found on the Marking the Milestone videos page.
Viterbo in the News It's hard to keep up with all the good things Viterbo alumni are doing, but you can relax. We'll do it so you don't have to. Our Viterbo in the News page is packed with media reports on alumni as well as reports on things happening at the university.
Here are a few samples from the regularly updated page:
► Jody Stoker '19 Hired as Black River Falls Fire Chief
► Ryan Rieber '01 Hired as West Salem Superintendent
► Tami Bagsted '12 Lands Elementary Principal Position
► Viterbo Announces Plans for Reopening in the Fall
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Alumni Events Going Virtual
After careful consideration, all fall alumni events will be held virtually. We’ll offer traditional events with a virtual twist, along with a new chance to connect through an online alumni book club. We are anticipating more opportunities for alumni to connect, with a special virtual event for alumni living in the Green Bay area.
First Thursday gatherings will continue in an online format every other month with a featured Viterbo community member joining in. The MBA/MASL alumni chapter is sponsoring the first event on Sept. 3, featuring Distinguished Professor of Servant Leadership Tom Thibodeau and his words of wisdom.
The new virtual book club kicks off with two books that will feature webinars with the authors hosted by the D.B Reinhart Institute for Ethics in Leadership in advance of the alumni discussion sessions, which are moderated by Viterbo faculty members.
► The book for September is When the Emperor Was Divine, and a webinar with author Julie Otsuka is planned for 7 p.m. Sept. 22. The alumni book club discussion starts at 6 p.m. Sept. 24, with host Apryl Denny, professor of English and world languages.
► October’s book is Life Is in the Transitions by Bruce Feiler, who will take part in a webinar at 7 p.m. Oct. 13. Book club discussion starts at 6 p.m. Oct. 20, hosted by Rick Kyte, Reinhart Institute director.
► How to Be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi is November’s book, with discussion hosted by David Saunders-Scott, associate professor of psychology.
Registration information for these events and more can be found in the calendar on the lower right section of the alumni home page.
Jessica Himmer
Meet the New Alumni Board
The Viterbo Alumni Association board of directors has new members and new leadership.
Jessica Himmer ’06 will serve as board president for the next two years, replacing Sarah Havens, who will continue on the board as past president.
EmmaLee Eckhardt '14 is the new secretary, stepping in for Cassandra Walters '96, who served the past four years.
► New board members: Julia Day ’09, ’19; Andrew Kaiser ’01; Mary Kay Krupa ’10, ’11; Christopher Nelson ’19; Cassie Schultz ’18; Marjorie Stieve ’18
► Board members who served six years with emeritus status: Juan Jimenez ’01, ’06; Leah Misch ’08; Cassandra Walters ’96; Neal Zygarlicke ’11,’12
► Board member leaving after six years: Dimitar Dzikov ‘07
► Board members leaving after three years: Jason Lepke ’12; Royce Nash ’96; Amy Jo Preisler ’98 |
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Share Your Stories with Us
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? Maybe you've received a great honor, achieved a lifelong goal, or had an experience people should know about. 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. |
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UPCOMING EVENTS All events will be virtual, taking place through online platforms. Check the calendar on the alumni home page for registration information and more details.
Aug. 5: St. Francis School of Nursing alumnae reunion
Aug. 19: MBA/MASL Alumni Chapter meeting
Aug. 27: Alumni board meeting
Sept. 3: First Thursday
Sept. 16: MBA/MASL Alumni Chapter meeting
TBD: Alumni soccer games |
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GETTING IN TOUCH
Kathy Duerwachter |
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