May 2022

Cheers to the Class of 2022

This spring, more than 500 Viterbo students had cause to celebrate, completing work on their degrees. Candidates for graduation received 303 bachelor's degrees, 212 master's degrees, and 35 doctoral degrees. Congratulations to Viterbo's newest alumni.

In this month's newsletter, we highlight a few members of the Class of 2022:

SWEETNESS AND LIGHT: Student commencement speaker Tony Welch reflects on how Viterbo developed his core of caring.

FINDING THE PATH: Engineering/math major Brygida Boryczka's education inspired her to pursue a career as an educator herself.

A CAREER IN CARING: Biology major Zach Schmit opts for a health care career that maximizes time for personal attention.

Tony Welch, Brygida Boryczka, and Zach Schmit

In a Class by Herself

In 1965, Helen Elsbernd, FSPA earned her first Viterbo degree, a bachelor's degree in chemistry. This spring, she received her second, an honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters.

After graduating from Viterbo, Sr. Elsbernd went on to earn master's and doctoral degrees in inorganic chemistry from the University of Illinois as well as completing an educational management program at Harvard University.

She taught chemistry at Viterbo until 1976, when she agreed to take on the role of academic dean, a post she served in until 1989. During that time she played a key role in establishing Viterbo's Master of Arts in Education degree program.

She continues to serve Viterbo as a member of the Board of Trustees.

Music in the Park with the President

Join Viterbo University President Rick Trietley and fellow alumni at the Moon Tunes season opener June 2, featuring three-time Grammy winner Bill Miller performing in La Crosse's Riverside Park.

Stop by the Viterbo tent on the west side of the park, and enjoy the music, good company, and sweet treats (while they last).

While you're there, put your name in the drawing for a three-pack of tickets for the 2022-23 Fine Arts Center season.

RSVP online, by email, or call 608-796-3076.

University Adds Ethical Leadership Doctorate

Viterbo recently announced a new ethical leadership doctoral degree program designed to help people across all professions become transformative and compassionate organizational leaders.

The Viterbo doctorate of ethical leadership, Viterbo's third doctoral degree, is a 48-credit program in which students will explore philosophies of leadership and ethical decision-making skills. A 51-credit superintendent-track version of the doctorate program also is offered for those who also want to obtain Wisconsin school superintendent licensure.

"I am so proud of the university's decades-long legacy of developing ethical servant leaders," said Tonya Wagner, dean of Viterbo's College of Business, Leadership, and Ethics. "I can't wait to see how our new doctorate of ethical leadership impacts the lives and organizations of those who embark on this journey.

Five online information sessions about the program are planned in June and July. More information can be found on the ethical leadership doctoral degree program page.

President Rick Trietley at Sr. Thea Bowman event

New Graduation Traditions

The 2021–22 school year was an eventful one, capped with the establishment of two new traditions honoring graduating seniors: the Senior Soiree with the President and the Sending and Blessing Ceremony. Let's take a look back at some of the major headlines in a newsy year:

Viterbo and Aquinas Announce New Educational Partnership (Sept. 13, 2021)

Viterbo Names First Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (Oct. 7, 2021)

Place of Grace Marks 25 Years (Dec. 22, 2021)

Rick Trietley Named 10th Viterbo University President (Feb. 10, 2022)

Viterbo Designated a Top 10 Gold Military Friendly School (March 8, 2022)

Viterbo Announces Establishment of Sr. Thea Bowman Center (March 22, 2022)

Erin Brockovich Lecture Kicks off Inaugural Science Symposium (March 24, 2022)

Viterbo University Launches Doctorate of Ethical Leadership Program (April 27, 2022)

Viterbo Establishes Articulation Agreements for BSN Completion Program (April 28, 2022)

Kirsten Gabriel Named Viterbo Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students (May 18, 2022)

Alumni Oral History Project

Starting in June, Publishing Concepts Inc. will be contacting Viterbo alumni seeking stories and memories for an oral history project and verifying your alumni information. Stories obtained through the oral history project will be compiled in digital audio and book form. Details can be found on the Viterbo oral history project page.

Upcoming Events

Check the calendar on the alumni home page for registration information and more details on alumni events. Information on campus events can be found on the university calendar.
June 2: First Thursday at Moon Tunes
June 8: MBA/MASL Alumni Chapter Board meeting
June 2: The Kingston Trio
June 30–July 1: Conference on Servant Leadership
July 24: Alumni Loggers game

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 with media reports about alumni you'd like to add to this page.

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

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

Alumni Update Submissions

www.viterbo.edu/alumni