An Open Letter To The Students From Glena Temple

Dear Viterbo Students:

As little as six weeks ago, Viterbo University, and the world, were very different places. COVID-19 (Coronavirus) was a distant concern to most people in the U.S., and the vibrant Viterbo campus was filled with life as you went about your educational pursuits. Very few could have imagined phrases and policies such as social distancing, self-quarantine, and Safer at Home orders would be a regular part of our vernacular and daily life.

March was quite a month.

While like everyone I have experienced the gamut of emotions in reaction to our current circumstances, the one I feel most strongly is pride. I am exceedingly proud of you and the entire Viterbo community for the resiliency and understanding demonstrated in meeting the challenge of the quick adaptation of traditional classroom to online instruction. The high quality education you continue to receive would not be possible without the effort and cooperation of students, faculty, and other employees alike, and for this you have my sincere gratitude.

While I know this adjustment has not been easy or without difficulties, I would like to commend the extra efforts extended to make the best of a difficult situation. For example, many faculty members have produced outstanding videos to foster a sense of community and to hopefully brighten the day of their students with a some fun and humor. It’s the little things like this that are so important is seeing us through this trying time.

I hope you have found the Virtual V-Hawks Connect Newsletter, videos, and other similar communications to be both useful and enjoyable. My thanks to the outstanding communications department and individuals from across campus involved in the efforts to keep us all informed, including providing help to prepare this letter. A reminder that the vast majority of employees are working remotely, but all campus departments remain in full operation. A complete list of university resources is available at https://www.viterbo.edu/covid-19/covid-19-coronavirus. The Viterbo Cares student and family response phone line and email address for questions or concerns remains open from 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Monday–Friday. Call 608-796-3211 or email viterbocares@viterbo.edu for assistance.

A popular question from seniors and families is the ultimate fate of spring commencement. The event has been postponed, but we still plan to have a traditional “walk-across-the-stage” graduation ceremony this summer or sometime in the future in keeping with state and national health directives. We plan to informally mark the occasion in May in some way. Degrees will also be conferred at that time. Plans are being discussed by the members of Viterbo’s commencement committee and will be shared when finalized. I know how hard you have worked to earn your degree, and we at Viterbo University will do our very best to honor you in way befitting your tremendous achievements.

While the timeline of the pandemic and many other things remain unknown at this time, I can promise you we will get through this together as a community. I hope you had a wonderful Easter, and I pray you all stay happy and healthy. I can’t wait to see campus filled with smiling students again. God bless you and your families.

Sincerely,

Glena Temple

Viterbo University President