Viterbo University

Viterbo University
Type Private
Liberal arts university
Established 1890
Affiliation Roman Catholic (Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration)
Endowment $23.9 million[1]
Administrative staff
 1 staff to 14 students
Students 2,788[2]
Undergraduates 2,103
Postgraduates 685
Location La Crosse, Wisconsin, USA
Campus Urban
Athletics NAIA – MCC
Nickname V-Hawks
Affiliations AFCU
ACCU
NAICU
CIC
WAICU
Website www.viterbo.edu

Viterbo University is a private, Roman Catholic liberal arts university located in La Crosse, Wisconsin, United States. Founded in 1890, Viterbo offers 69 undergraduate degree programs, five graduate degrees, one doctoral degree, two associate degree programs, and multiple certification programs.[3]

In 2014 U.S. News & World Report ranked Viterbo in the top regional universities in the Midwest at #109 and the university's graduate nursing program nationally at #234.[4] With over 18,000 alumni, the university remains one of only 22 members in the Association of Franciscan Colleges and Universities located in the United States.[5]

History

In 1890, the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration founded St. Rose Normal School, a school to prepare religious sisters to teach in elementary schools. College courses were introduced in 1923. The school developed a four-year college program, and by the 1931-1932 school year became known as St. Rose Junior College. Lay women were admitted starting in 1934 and in 1937, the school was renamed Viterbo College. In 1939, it received approval as a four-year degree-granting institution and the college became co-ed in 1970 when men were allowed to enter. On September 4, 2000 the college was renamed Viterbo University.

Today, Viterbo is best known for its nursing and theater undergraduate programs, along with its master's program in education. In 2013, the university's first doctorate program was introduced offering a Doctor of Nursing Practice.[6]

Student Demographics

As of the fall 2012 semester 2,788 students were enrolled at Viterbo University. There were 2,103 undergraduate students and 685 graduate students. Viterbo has a student/faculty ratio of 12:1 and an average class size of 16.[7]

Growth

Viterbo University has experienced rapid growth since its inception as a co-educational establishment in 1970. In 1971, the school's Fine Arts Center was completed. In 1987, the school's athletic center was built. In 2004, the Reinhart Center for Ethics in Leadership (the sciences building) was completed, and in 2005 the Mathy Center expansion to the 1987 athletics building was completed. The Mathy Center is a collaboration between Viterbo University and the local Boys and Girls Club of LaCrosse—the first such effort in the country. A remodel of the Todd Wehr Memorial Library within the Murphy main academic Building was completed in 2006, and the school bookstore was remodeled in the summer of 2006. Between 2009 and 2011, the Student Union was remodeled at the expense of the Student Government Association, in collaboration with the Residence Hall Council. The Union remodel included upgrades to the security desk, flooring, computer area, television, and furniture. The new school of nursing building is to be completed and open for the Fall 2011 semester.

Athletics

Viterbo University teams, nicknamed athletically as the V-Hawks, are part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), primarily competing in the North Star Athletic Association. The V-Hawks had been a member of the Midwest Collegiate Conference (MCC) from 1989 until it disbanded in 2015. Men's sports include baseball, basketball, bowling, cross country, golf, soccer and track & field; while women's sports include basketball, bowling, cross country, golf, soccer, softball, track & field and volleyball.

Notable alumni

Notable faculty

See also

Images

References

  1. ↑ As of June 30, 2009. "U.S. and Canadian Institutions Listed by Fiscal Year 2009 Endowment Market Value and Percentage Change in Endowment Market Value from FY 2008 to FY 2009" (PDF). 2009 NACUBO-Commonfund Study of Endowments. National Association of College and University Business Officers. Retrieved February 10, 2010.
  2. ↑ http://www.viterbo.edu/QuickFacts.aspx
  3. ↑ http://www.viterbo.edu/facts/
  4. ↑ http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/viterbo-university-240107/overall-rankings
  5. ↑ http://www.viterbo.edu/academics/core_curriculum/VUSM_100_-_Franciscan_Values_and_Traditions.aspx
  6. ↑ http://www.viterbo.edu/academics/nursing/graduate_program_in_nursing/Graduate_Program_in_Nursing.aspx
  7. ↑ http://www3.viterbo.edu/facts/
  8. ↑ "SPEND AN "EVENING WITH THEA" ON APRIL 2". Viterbro University. Retrieved August 17, 2012.

External links

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