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Liberal arts tradition

Our Catholic, Franciscan Identity & Mission

At Viterbo, we commit to holistic formation: intellectual, spiritual, and social. Rooted in our Catholic and Franciscan heritage and the principles of Catholic social teaching, we pursue academic excellence while honoring human dignity, compassion, and care for others.

The Viterbo University community prepares students for faithful service and ethical leadership.

At a Glance Mission and Values
Viterbo Volleyball players

A place where the arts flourish

Discover Viterbo

Established in 1890 (by the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration), Viterbo is a Catholic, Franciscan, liberal arts university. Our campus is located in La Crosse, Wisconsin with a thriving student body of over 1900.

Viterbo is also a  proud member of the NAIA and recognized as an NAIA leader in college athletics, with V-Hawk Athletics known for its competitive success and its reputation for teaching life skills through character-based athletics.

Our Difference At a Glance Centers and Institutes History of the University Accreditations and Approvals Liberal Arts Education Contact Us

Mission and Ministry

Rooted in Faith, Called to Serve

Founded by the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, Viterbo is a Catholic, Franciscan university where faith, service and community shape everyday life. Whether you're joining us for Mass in San Damiano Chapel, taking part in a retreat, volunteering at the food pantry or exploring another faith tradition, there's a place for you here. All are welcome.

Mission, Identity, Values, and Vision Office of Mission and Ministry Catholic University Identity San Damiano Chapel Interfaith Mission Engagement St. Francis Week
More about Viterbo

A Place of Heart, Mind and Purpose

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Administrative Offices

Meet the offices that keep Viterbo running, from Advancement and Human Resources to IIT, Marketing and the Physical Plant.

Students with President Rick
President's Office

Get to know Viterbo's president, the university's strategic vision and the annual reports that track our progress.

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Consumer Information

Information for students and families, all in one place: costs, outcomes, safety and more.

Campus
Campus Map

Find your way around campus, with building locations, parking and an aerial view of Viterbo.

Center for Professional learning
Directory

Look up faculty, staff and offices to get in touch with the right person quickly.

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University Policies

Parking, inclement weather, refunds, emergency response and the other policies that guide campus life.

The Five Pillars of The Viterbo Effect

Each pillar captures a core component of The Viterbo Effect and serves as a foundation for marketing, recruitment, and engagement.

Campus
Students
Pillar One

A Community for the Whole Student

Viterbo is more than a campus–it’s a community where you are known, supported, and truly belong.

Why It Matters

The sense of belonging at Viterbo is special. Students are supported and encouraged to grow in a place where everyone is welcomed and included.

In Action A Catholic, Franciscan university boldly transforming students and our communities through service, collaboration, and leadership.

Students
Pillar Two

Academic Excellence Fueled Experiences

At Viterbo, your education and your experience are personal, purpose-driven, and supported by a community that prepares you for what’s next.

Why It Matters

Employers value a Viterbo degree. Graduates are ready to contribute—whether they lead, collaborate, or support.

In Action

Whether pursuing studies in education, health care, the sciences, the arts, or beyond, students engage in active, purpose-driven learning that prepares them to lead with knowledge, compassion, and integrity.

San Damiano Pillar 3
Students sitting on a couch at the Sr Thea Bowman Center on campus
Pillar Three

Purposeful Growth Shaped by Timeless Values

At Viterbo, our whole-person approach is grounded in the values of service, contemplation, and a genuine care for others.
 

Why It Matters

Founded by the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, Viterbo’s values—service, hospitality, integrity, contemplation, and stewardship—shape the campus experience. These values welcome all students, regardless of faith.

In Action

Viterbo students are more than academics, engaging as athletes, artists, leaders, volunteers, and community members while living out Franciscan values through service, leadership, inclusion, and whole-person growth.

STAR 2025 Student
Pillar Four

An Investment Worth Making

We make a Viterbo education accessible by offering generous scholarships, grants, and personalized support that ensures access to a values-driven experience that empowers you to reach your goals and give back to your community and the world.

Why It Matters

Founded by the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, Viterbo’s values—service, hospitality, integrity, contemplation, and stewardship—shape the campus experience. These values welcome all students, regardless of faith.

In Action

With 98% of students receiving financial aid, an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and nearly all graduates employed or continuing their education within six months, Viterbo combines affordability, personal mentorship, and career preparation.

Pillar Five

A Community Anchor for Connection and Impact

Viterbo is a nexus of relationships, resources, and mission-driven impact for you, the La Crosse region, and the wider world.

Why It Matters

Founded by the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, Viterbo’s values—service, hospitality, integrity, contemplation, and stewardship—shape the campus experience. These values welcome all students, regardless of faith.

In Action

Through partnerships with health care systems, schools, regional employers, and nonprofits, Viterbo helps drive progress throughout the region, with about half of our graduates staying in the area as an important source of local talent. The Fine Arts Center and Conservatory welcome more than 90,000 guests annually, while graduate programs and hands-on opportunities like Service Saturdays prepare students to lead through service, stewardship, and care for the community.

Beauty in meaning and purpose

What Makes Viterbo Different

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Student-Centered Community

Small class sizes, attentive faculty, and personalized advising ensure that you’re seen, heard, and challenged to grow.
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Transformative Curriculum

Our liberal arts foundation blends disciplinary learning with practical application, preparing students to think critically, solve real problems, and lead with empathy. 
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Rooted in Faith and Service

Our identity is more than symbolic. It’s dynamic. Through community engagement, ethical leadership, and spiritual reflection, students live their learning in service to others. 
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An Anchor for Crucial Conversations, Ethics, Art, and Leadership in Our Region

Viterbo is a cultural and intellectual hub for the region. It is a place where the arts flourish, ideas are exchanged, and important conversations happen. Through performances, lectures, and public dialogue rooted in faith and values, we invite the community to explore meaning, beauty, and purpose together. 
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News and Events

Around Viterbo

From student achievements and faculty research to performances, lectures and campus celebrations, there's always something happening at Viterbo. Catch up on the latest news, find an upcoming event, meet this year's award winners, or listen in on V-Hawk Talk, our podcast.

News Events Awards Social Media V-Hawk Talk
FAC Dancers

Be inspired through the arts

Fine Arts Center

  • Opened in 1971, the Fine Arts Center has served as a central hub for arts, culture, and education in the La Crosse, Wisconsin region for over 50 years.
  • It houses multiple performance venues and facilities, including the 1,100+ seat Main Theatre, the Nola Starling Recital Hall, the flexible LaCroix Black Box Theatre, dance studios, and an art gallery.
Fine Arts Center
Murphy
University campus tour

Are You Ready to Visit Viterbo?

Receive a warm greeting, find quiet reflection in our San Damiano Chapel, and experience Viterbo life grounded in community, purpose, and service.

Schedule Your Visit