Commencements in the COVID-19 era may not have the pomp and circumstance of traditional graduations, but Viterbo University and Western Technical College made their Saturday ceremonies as significant as possible on a virtual platform, celebrating winter 2020 graduates on screen.
Viterbo University
Viterbo University commemorated 170 students Dec. 19, with “Marking the Milestone Celebrations” for graduates of the College of Business, Performing Arts, and Leadership and the College of Education, Engineering, Letters, and Sciences at 9:30 a.m. followed by graduates of the College of Nursing, Health, and Human Behavior at 11 a.m. The event extended into a BSN pinning ceremony, with a graduate slideshow, alumni congratulatory messages and cap decorating contest posted online at www.viterbo.edu/commencement/watch-commencement.
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An in-person event for spring 2020 and fall 2020 graduates will be held when deemed safe to do so.
Graduates and faculty share a screen during Viterbo's virtual commencement ceremony.
Here are excerpts of remarks from the Viterbo graduation ceremony:
Glena Temple, president
“Viterbo graduates go on to embrace many new paths and professions. ... On your own personal journey you will no doubt take many different steps. Remember your strengths as a servant leader, remember your commitment to the common good.
“It is through you we carry forth the legacy of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration. Our impact is through your actions. Be faithful to your calling as you take these next steps. Be open to the unique opportunities that might come for you and have confidence you can make a difference.”
Dr. Sarah Cook, interim assistant provost and dean of the college of College of Education, Engineering, Letters and Sciences
“No doubt about it, this is a big day and a strange time. Your time at Viterbo culminated in a year that served as a wake up call to all of us. Thank goodness you’re the ones stepping up to serve and lead. At a time when people say, ‘I’m not sure what to do,’ you know.
“In my lifetime there has never been a more critical need for your values. For our values. For hospitality even when its hard. For contemplation instead of busyness. For a true commitment to the common good. For resisting the war of divisiveness ... by lifting up our faces to the world and focusing on the real relationships that actually move it.”
Frank Ludwig, interim dean for the College of Business, Performing Arts and Leadership
“I would like to affirm the belief that you will prosper through the inhabitability of unexpected events and through the march of constant change. ... No matter what the future brings it will also be an advantage to you and an advantage to our communities that you live out the values that brought the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration to found this institution in the first place.
“We believe in you.”
Keegan Steinlage, business administration major
“The difference we have made in the lives of others ... defines who we are.
“Today marks the end of an era in your life, and the beginning of something new.
“Class of 2020, as you leave Viterbo build resilience. Build resilience in yourselves. When tragedy strikes, know that you have the ability to get through absolutely anything.”
Jessica Olson, Master of Arts in servant leadership
“At some point in your life, you will face uncertainty, adversity or injustice. Some of you will have more pages than others with which to write out your life’s destiny Only the divine knows how many blank pages are in your future. The story of your life is now yours to curate and craft and it is up to you what you accomplish with the pages you are given.
“COVID is forever part of our shared story and we will overcome COVID just as generations before us have persevered through the challenges that defined their generation.”
Maryann Abendroth, chief nursing academic officer, co-interim dean, School of Nursing, Health and Human Behavior
“You’ve all shared so many experiences. You are family. ... Your family, friends, your Viterbo family and community have now empowered you to go forward. You are here to enrich the world and share your talents.”
Western Technical College
Western Technical College honored 214 graduates during its fall commencement, a ceremony held specially this year due to potential COVID restrictions in the spring, when a mass graduation is generally held.
Addresses from five individuals were shared online beginning at 10 a.m., along with a videotaped musical performance by Paul Molling. Graduates were invited to contribute to a virtual album, viewable at https://www.westerntc.edu/fall-2020-graduates
Here, excerpts of remarks from Western’s posted speeches:
Roger Stanford, president
“We’re in the midst of a true pandemic. Congratulations on making it through one of the most challenging terms in the history of academics. I believe going through this experience is going to to help you in the real world. You are more prepared than ever to tackle life’s challenges and we are so proud of you and I am so proud of you. This wasn’t easy but you did it.
“Today I hope you feel excitement even though graduation is, well, it’s weird this year. And I hope you can get a sense of how momentous this graduation is.
“My congratulations to all of you.”
Chad Wehrs, 1997 graduate, 2020 distinguished alumni award recipient, owner of Wehrs Machine and Racing
“To anyone looking to start a business, be prepared. Starting a business is a battle like no other and it takes an incredible desire and will to achieve it...it’s a ‘never give up attitude’ that has been my attitude through my whole career from the beginning.
“It’s an honor to receive this award.
“Graduates, go out and work for it. You only get what you work for.”
Abdul Cole, student ambassador, speaks at Western Technical College's virtual fall commencement ceremony Saturday.
Abdul Cole, student ambassador
“I know this year is very different and seniors are facing a lot of disappointment because of COVID 19. There isn’t a lot I can say to make it better ... but even though a lot of celebrations and ceremonies have been cancelled or postponed it is important to remember nothing can take away all that you have accomplished in the past year.
“I’m encouraging all of you to be disappointed about all you are missing but I am still encouraging you to be grateful about what you do have right now. I also encourage you to focus on what you can control right now and to be excited about the great things ahead of you. Think about your future.
“Take care of yourself. My heart goes out to all of you. I know there are many wonderful events and experiences and ceremonies you have missed out on. Take one day at a time ... you need to nourish your mind and your soul. Be kind. Be patient.
“It’s the accomplishments, not the celebrations that matter...while it’s so hard, health and safety are most important things to ensure you have many happy milestones later in life.
“Class of 2020, congratulations. You did it.”
UW-La Crosse
UW-La Crosse will host a “Couch Commencement” Sunday, with a live link to be posted in the morning at https://www.uwlax.edu/commencement/. Around 700 students are expected to graduate.
Graduate photos and words of encouragement and thanks will be viewable on the website.
IN PHOTOS: Local community members wear face masks
Jim Falls, Wis.
My granddaughter Johana and I - Getting through COVID-19 pandemic - "We can do it!"
La Crescent, MInn.
This is my 3 year old son Julian. I like to get my kids their favorite color and/or character to make it a little more fun to wear.
Working at the Tomah VA serving our Veterans during this pandemic!
In My Family We all Wear Our Masks Cindy And Baby V
mask made by fellow West Salem High School chemistry teacher
La Crosse punk
"My band had some masks printed to add to our merchandise line-up! Zammek - La Crosse Punk"
Lace for a lady
Caring for the community
A retired state social worker and her daughter who is a public school teacher say, “wearing masks when out and about is a simple and loving thing to do for your community.”
A mask with bling
Fancy that - a mask with bling!
Dinner guests
Having dinner guests together at home. Left to right, Don Smith, Mary Rohrer, and Nancy Korn Smith. We asked our readers to show off their masks for all to see. Use a form at https://go.lacrossetribune.com/Photos and send photos our way. We’ll put them in galleries that we will share on social media, and we’ll publish some of them in our papers.
A Friendly smile
"I intended this to my likeness and a friendly everyday mask. I was disappointed when i received it. Frankly, it's ridiculous...so I'll give readers a good laugh."
October 6: GIrls WIAA Division 2 sectional golf
Aquinas’ Alexis Smith hits an approach shot at the WIAA Division 2 girls golf sectional at Drugan’s Castle Mound in Holmen.
October 2: Edgar vs Onalaska
The Onalaska dance team performs at halftime.
October 2: Edgar vs Onalaska
Masked spectators watch the game.
September 22: Aquinas vs Onalaska
JB Weiser makes a save for Aquinas.
September 17: Westby vs Aquinas
Aquinas’ Lauren Kelsey, left, and Victoria Nolte attempt a block on Westby’s Macy Stellner.
September 17: Westby vs Aquinas
Aquinas’ Victoria Nolte serves.
September 17: Westby vs Aquinas
The Westby tem celebrates a point won.
Holmen school lunches
Heather Mathwig, right, and Analise Smith with the Holmen School District Nutrition Department bag individual pizzas at Holmen Middle School.
Noodles & Company
Menche Evans cooks in the kitchen at the new Noodles & Company in Onalaska.
September 10: Dover-Eyota vs. La Crescent-Hokah
La Crescent-Hokah girls soccer head coach Jake Smith talks with player Olivia Meyer.
Onalaska Football
Onalaska head coach Tom Yashinsky runs football practice.
College during COVID
Western Technical College student Emery Thompson has his temperature taken by human resources department employee Jackie Kettner before entering the bookstore.
College during COVID
Face mask wearing students walk to and from classes on the first day of the fall semester on the UW-La Crosse campus.
Vice President Pence at Dairyland
Attendees give applause during the "A Stronger America Workforce" event at Dairyland Power Cooperative.
Vice President Pence at Dairyland
A woman in attendance for the "A Stronger America Workforce" event at Dairyland Power Cooperative with Vice President Mike Pence wears a patriotic facemask.
Scooping up smiles
Marty Diersen with the Sweet Shop hands a cone to Joy Benson, a member of Logan High School’s class of 1969, dressed as the children’s book character Raggedy Ann.
Emily Pyrek can be reached at emily.pyrek@lee.net.
Emily Pyrek
Community health reporter
Emily Pyrek covers health and human interest stories for the La Crosse Tribune.
