Viterbo University: A Legacy of Notable Alumni
Viterbo University, a private Catholic university in La Crosse, Wisconsin, boasts a rich history and a strong tradition of producing accomplished graduates. Founded in 1890 by the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration as St. Rose Normal School, the institution has evolved from a teacher-training school to a comprehensive university with a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. With over 23,000 alumni, Viterbo has made a significant impact on various fields, from the arts and education to healthcare and business. This article explores the stories of some of Viterbo's most notable alumni, highlighting their achievements and contributions to their respective communities.
A Foundation of Franciscan Values
Viterbo University's identity is deeply rooted in the Franciscan tradition. The institution is one of 23 Franciscan colleges and universities in the United States, and its values are reflected in the dedication to service, ethical leadership, and a commitment to the common good demonstrated by its alumni. As Sr. Mary Ann Gschwind, FSPA, stated, "Viterbo was very special. I have fond memories." This sentiment encapsulates the positive and transformative experience that many alumni associate with their time at Viterbo.
Distinguished Alumni Across Disciplines
Viterbo University's alumni have achieved success in many different fields. The university recognizes these accomplishments through its Distinguished Alumni Awards, which have been presented annually since 1967. In recent years, a new tradition has emerged, with each of the university's three colleges honoring two alumni: one for professional development and one as a rising professional.
Arts and Culture
Viterbo's Fine Arts Center, completed in 1971, has been instrumental in fostering a vibrant arts community. The university's theatre and musical theatre programs have produced graduates who are working in major theatre markets across the country, including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Minneapolis.
Linda Balgord: A Broadway star known for her roles in "Cats," "Phantom of the Opera," and other productions.
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Arbender J. Robinson: Hailed by the Washington Post as "extraordinarily charismatic," Robinson has performed at the New York Festival of Song, the Chicago, and St. Louis Symphony.
Samantha Pauly: A 2012 graduate with a degree in theatre and a minor in dance, Pauly starred as Katherine Howard in "Six," a musical about the wives of King Henry VIII that made the jump to Broadway in 2020. Before Broadway, Pauly relocated to Chicago and had a steady string of starring roles in regional and touring productions. In the summer of 2019, Pauly took a break from Six to star as Eva Peron in a West End revival of Evita in London.
Julianne Brienza: A 1999 theatre graduate, Brienza is the founding director and president of Capital Fringe, an organization that puts on the annual Capital Fringe Festival in Washington, D.C.
Education
Many Viterbo alumni have dedicated their lives to education, serving as teachers, administrators, and leaders in various educational settings.
Sue Schmitt: A 1969 English graduate, Schmitt served as dean of the School of Education at Seattle University. She previously held positions as associate vice president for academic affairs, dean and professor in the College for Human Resources Development and administrator of the Academic Media Center at the University of North Dakota.
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Nola Jo Starling-Ratliff: A 1974 graduate with a degree in K-12 music education, Starling-Ratliff is the principal of Horlick High School in Racine, Wis.
Naomi (Hemesath) Harm: Majoring in elementary education, with a minor in early childhood education, Harm is an internationally known and respected educational technology innovator and expert who has amassed a long list of accomplishments and honors. Harm is giving educational keynotes across the country and in places around the globe, including Canada, Denmark, Dubai, France, and South Africa.
Healthcare
Viterbo's nursing and healthcare programs have produced numerous alumni who have made significant contributions to the healthcare field. The School of Nursing Building, which opened in 2011, features simulation labs dedicated to various aspects of patient care.
Kristine (Koetting) Campbell: A 1974 nursing graduate, Campbell achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel in the Army Reserve. In September, Campbell's Army Reserve medical unit in Vancouver, Wash., was called to active duty in support of the NATO peacekeeping mission in war-torn Bosnia. Kristine herself made military history when the unit was activated as she became both the first nurse and the first woman to command a hospital unit in a combat zone.
Connie White Delaney: A 1975 graduate with degrees in nursing and mathematics, White Delaney has worked as an ICU charge nurse, a clinical consultant in nursing informatics, a manuscript reviewer for major nursing journals, and a grant reviewer.
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Lisa Skemp: A 1977 nursing graduate, Skemp is a professor and chair of the Department of Health Systems, Leadership, and Policy at Loyola University in Chicago.
Angela Mensink: Earning her undergraduate degree in psychology before earning her master’s degree in mental health counseling. A licensed professional clinical counselor, Mensink works for Woods Psychological Services, seeing patients in Minnesota across the spectrum, from infants and young children to adults and families. She also is a board-approved clinical supervisor, overseeing practicum and internship students as well as post-master’s counselors.
Joseph Kotnour: Graduated from Viterbo College in 1975 with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and went on to Marquette University School of Dentistry, where he received his doctorate in dental surgery in 1979. Kotnour has been especially active in providing much needed dental services for the area's elderly and has become recognized as a leading authority on dental health care for seniors.
Business and Leadership
Viterbo alumni have also excelled in the business world, demonstrating leadership and innovation in various industries.
- Mark Skogen: As president and CEO of Festival Foods, Skogen has grown the company into one of the Upper Midwest's most successful grocers. Mark Skogen is the third generation of Skogen grocers and carries on traditions that began with his grandfather Paul in the La Crosse area in 1946.
Service and Community Engagement
A strong commitment to service and community engagement is a hallmark of Viterbo alumni.
Sr. Mary Ann Gschwind, FSPA: Has an extensive background in education, serving as a junior high school and high school English teacher, a high school principal, and the diocesan superintendent of schools in Omaha, Neb., and Stockton, Calif.
Shelly Lamb-Vosen: From her position as vice president of the Viterbo College Alumni Board, on which she served for six years, to her service as chairperson for the Emeritus Board, a position she still holds, Lamb-Vosen's service to Viterbo is invaluable.
Theresa Myers-McHenry: After teaching for three years in Illinois, Myers-McHenry returned to La Crosse, where she stayed home with her three children until the youngest started school. After 30 years of teaching in the La Crosse School District, Myers-McHenry retired in 1992. She is currently active in helping AIDS victims in the La Crosse area through the Life Care Program.
Amanda Vetsch: Vetsch also works in the Christensen Center for Vocation at Augsburg University as coordinator of the Riverside Innovation Hub, a program that works with faith communities as they “wonder, discern, and experiment with what it means to be a public church,” Vetsch said.
Sciences
- Dr. Margaret Grenisen: Grenisen also serves as a volunteer for St. Clare Health Mission and is a professional mentor for Viterbo College pre-professional students.
The Enduring Impact of Viterbo University
Viterbo University's notable alumni have made a significant impact on their communities and the world. Their achievements in the arts, education, healthcare, business, and service demonstrate the transformative power of a Viterbo education. Rooted in Franciscan values, Viterbo University continues to inspire its students to pursue their passions, serve others, and make a difference in the world. The stories of these alumni serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of Viterbo University and its commitment to excellence.
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