Shaped By History

Viterbo University is a Catholic, Franciscan institution of higher education located in La Crosse, Wis. For over 130 years, Viterbo has been shaped by the heritage of its founding Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, whose legacy of meeting community needs through education continues to shape the university's mission and vision, priorities, programs, and partnerships. 

1871

Early Academic Endeavors

The university had its beginnings in the early academic endeavors of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, who established St. Rose Convent in La Crosse in 1871. The FSPA subsequently founded St. Rose Normal School in 1890 to prepare sisters to teach in elementary schools. With the introduction of collegiate courses in 1923, the FSPA began to develop a four-year college curriculum. By 1931–1932, St. Rose Junior College had been formally established, with Sister Rose Kreibich as the first dean and the driving force toward the creation of a four-year educational institution. In 1937, as plans were being made for a new five-story campus building, the college's name was changed to Viterbo to reflect the birthplace of St. Rose of Viterbo, an early follower of St. Francis of Assisi.

1937

Viterbo College Name Is First Usedz

By 1939, Viterbo was approved as a four-year, degree-granting institution for the preparation of elementary school teachers. The inaugural Viterbo College commencement exercises were held in 1940, with the first two bachelor’s degrees awarded to Ellen Burger and Helen Kirscher, both members of the FSPA. In 1943, lay women were first admitted.

1960

Incorporated as a Not-for-profit Institution

1971

Expansion

The institution experienced a period of significant change in the 1970s: becoming coeducational, adding athletics, and growing enrollments. Viterbo awarded 1,292 degrees in the 1970s. That number rose to 1,643 in the 1980s, nearly 3,400 in the 1990s, and over 8,000 in the 2000s.

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