Introduction
Located in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Viterbo University is a private Catholic institution of higher education. Founded in 1890 by the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, Viterbo has grown to become one of the top universities in the state, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. With its rich history and vibrant campus life, Viterbo University is an exciting place to learn and grow. In this blog post, we will explore some fun facts about Viterbo University.
Campus Life at Viterbo University
Viterbo University offers a vibrant campus life, with a wide range of activities and events for students to enjoy. The campus boasts a beautiful and serene environment, with green spaces and scenic views of the Mississippi River. The university has a diverse student body, with students from all over the world studying together in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
One of the unique features of Viterbo University is its commitment to sustainability. The university has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint, including the use of geothermal heating and cooling systems, solar panels, and a campus-wide recycling program. Viterbo also has a community garden on campus, which provides fresh produce for the dining hall and helps to promote sustainable food practices.
Academics at Viterbo University
Viterbo University offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including business, education, healthcare, and the arts. The university is known for its strong nursing program, which has been recognized as one of the best in the state. Viterbo also offers a number of unique programs, such as its Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre and its Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling.
One of the standout features of Viterbo’s academic program is its commitment to experiential learning. Students are encouraged to participate in internships, service learning, and study abroad programs to gain real-world experience and broaden their horizons. The university also offers a number of undergraduate research opportunities, allowing students to work closely with faculty members on research projects in their field of interest.
Athletics at Viterbo University
Viterbo University is home to a number of competitive sports teams, including men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, golf, soccer, and track and field. The university also has a strong volleyball program, which has won multiple conference championships in recent years.
In addition to its competitive sports teams, Viterbo also offers a number of intramural sports and fitness classes for students to participate in. The university has a state-of-the-art fitness center on campus, which includes cardio and weight training equipment, an indoor track, and group exercise classes.
Campus Traditions at Viterbo University
Viterbo University has a number of campus traditions that help to create a strong sense of community among students, faculty, and staff. One of the most popular traditions is the annual “Blessing of the Hands” ceremony, which takes place at the beginning of each academic year. During this ceremony, members of the Viterbo community come together to receive a blessing for the work that they will do in the coming year.
Another popular tradition is the annual Christmas at Viterbo celebration, which includes a tree lighting ceremony, holiday music, and a visit from Santa Claus. The university also hosts an annual V-Hawk Palooza event, which features food, music, and activities for students to enjoy.
Alumni Success Stories from Viterbo University
Viterbo University has a strong network of alumni who have gone on to achieve great success in their careers and in their communities. One notable alumna is Sister Thea Bowman, who was a civil rights activist and a trailblazer in the Catholic Church. Another notable alum from Viterbo University is Sister Marlene Weisenbeck, who is a social justice advocate and has been recognized for her work on behalf of marginalized communities. She served as the president of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious and was instrumental in advocating for social justice issues, including immigration reform and healthcare reform. Her work has been recognized by multiple organizations, including the National Catholic Reporter and the National Organization for Women.
One notable alum from Viterbo University is Tom Thibodeau, who is a well-known figure in the NBA. Thibodeau is a head coach for the New York Knicks and has previously coached for other teams, including the Chicago Bulls and the Minnesota Timberwolves. He is known for his defensive-minded coaching style and has won multiple awards for his coaching success.
Other successful alumni from Viterbo University include Tim Gruenke, who is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and anchor for WEAU-TV in Wisconsin; Sister Gail Worcelo, who is a theologian and co-founder of the Green Mountain Monastery in Vermont; and Tom Thibodeau’s brother, Dave Thibodeau, who is a successful entrepreneur and co-founder of Ska Brewing Company in Colorado.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Viterbo University is a dynamic and exciting institution with a rich history and a vibrant campus community. From its commitment to sustainability and experiential learning to its strong athletic program and unique campus traditions, Viterbo offers a wealth of opportunities for students to grow and thrive. And with its impressive network of successful alumni, Viterbo is truly a place where dreams can become a reality.
