In this edition: Deb Murray retires; Amy Schmidt hired as CFO; Nyah Brooks dances into a bright future

May 2023

Celebrating the Class of 2023

Another school year came to a close May 13 with the spring commencement ceremony, at which 265 undergraduate degrees, 114 master's degrees, and 28 doctoral degrees were conferred upon Viterbo students.

In addition, Viterbo Master of Arts in Servant Leadership degree holder Sandra Brekke '19 (pictured) was presented with an honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters.

Check out Viterbo's Flickr account to see photos from the commencement ceremony as well as the Senior Soirée, Sending and Blessing Ceremony, and other spring campus events.

Debra Murray, Amy Schmidt, Nyah Brooks

Alumni in the Spotlight

TRAILBLAZER TAKES NEW PATH: Debra Murray '90, the driving force behind Viterbo's mental health counseling master's and doctoral degree programs, is retiring after nearly 30 years here, but she's not done helping those who most need it. READ MORE

TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS: When Amy Schmidt '11 returns to Viterbo as the new vice president for finance and administration, campus will feel very much like home. Her husband and fellow alumnus, Eric Schmidt, is a long-time employee. READ MORE

DANCING INTO A BRIGHT FUTURE: Nyah Brooks '23 doesn't do anything halfway. Chosen as NAIA Co-Dancer of the Year, the nursing major also notched two minors and completed three nursing internships and a research fellowship. READ MORE 

Viterbo Alumni Board two-term members

Alumni Board Honors Two-Term Members

Four members of the Viterbo Alumni Association Board of Directors were recently honored for completing six years of service on the board. Pictured above with Viterbo President Rick Trietley (center) are, from left, Terri Pedace '77, Jessica Himmer '06, Carrie Kirsch FSPA '70, and Scott Stene '16, '17.

Dillon McArdle '06 (left) and Ann Kiel '10

Alumni Honored at Rose Awards

The 2023 Rose Awards recipients include two alumni. Viterbo Fine Arts Center Director Dillon McArdle '06 (left) was honored with the Employee of the Year Award. Ann Kiel '10 was presented with the St. Francis Mission Award, which is given to someone who has demonstrated exemplary dedication to the mission of the university.

Biochemistry Professor Scott Gabriel was honored with the Teacher of the Year Award, and psychology Professor David Saunders-Scott was presented with the Alec Chiu Award for his exceptional work in fostering and developing scholarly opportunities for students and faculty.

Check out a complete list of award winners and see photos of the winners in our Flickr gallery.   

Gifts Pour in for Nancy Allen Fund

Nancy Allen

To honor the legacy of a beloved retiring music professor, the Nancy Allen '84 Angel Fund was established to provide emergency financial assistance to Conservatory for the Performing Arts students.

As of May 23, more than $21,000 had been donated, with 44 gifts coming through the online giving site.

The fund is closing in on the $25,000 mark, the amount needed to create an endowed fund that will always be there for students in need. 

First Thursday with the Loggers

There's still time to register for the First Thursday alumni social on June 1, which will be an evening at Loggers Field to watch the La Crosse Loggers take on the Waterloo Bucks.

Tickets are $30 ($10 for ages 4-12), which includes admission, exclusive access to the Coverra Insurance Cabin, food, soft drinks, and three beers or hard seltzers. Alumni family and friends are more than welcome.

Tickets, while they last, can be ordered online through the Loggers website. Ticket deadline is Saturday, May 27.

Alumni Franciscan Heritage Trip

There's still time to join the alumni and friends Franciscan heritage tour of Italy planned for Oct. 23–Nov. 1, but those who want to fly to Italy as a group must sign up by the end of May by calling 414-427-0570, ext. 246, or emailing the to​ur company.

Kathy Duerwachter

New Duties for Duerwachter

Kathy Duerwachter '10, Viterbo's director of alumni engagement, has been selected to fill a new position with expanded duties. Her new title is director of alumni engagement and affinity giving. She can still be reached at 608-796-3072 or by email

New Deans Named

Michael Alfieri has been selected as the dean for the College of Engineering, Letters, and Sciences, and Megan Smith was named dean for the College of Nursing and Health.

They both had served in those roles in an interim capacity and officially transitioned from interim status on May 16. 

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.


May 22: MBA/MASL Alumni Chapter meeting
May 24: SFSN Alumnae Chapter meeting
June 1:
First Thursday alumni social at La Crosse Loggers game
June 6: Bright Star Season announcement
June 19: All Bright Star Season tickets on sale
June 29–30: 
Conference on Servant Leadership
July 15: Kids from Wisconsin concert
Oct. 12–15: Viterbo Days alumni weekend
Oct. 23–Nov. 1: 
Franciscan heritage tour of Italy

KEEPING UP: 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. To keep up on the latest news, visit our webpages for Viterbo alumniFine Arts Center, and V-Hawks athletics. Also, our Viterbo in the News page is packed with media reports on alumni and happenings at the university.

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