Viterbo University Campus and Facilities
Located in the heart of the Midtown district in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Viterbo University offers a compact and vibrant urban campus. Spanning 21 acres within the Washburn neighborhood, the university is situated just minutes from the city's downtown area. While the primary campus is landlocked in La Crosse, Viterbo also maintains a satellite campus in Des Moines, Iowa, extending its reach beyond the Wisconsin border.
Campus History and Evolution
The campus is centered around the historic St. Rose of Viterbo Convent. Originally constructed in 1871 and rebuilt in 1923 following a fire, this landmark serves as the heart of the university's grounds.
The university's academic growth began in earnest in January 1942, when the first building to bear the Viterbo name opened its doors for classes. In 1972, this facility was renamed the Murphy Center to honor W. Leo Murphy, a dedicated supporter of the institution and the first chair of the Board of Advisors. The Murphy Center also houses the Todd Wehr Memorial Library, which underwent a comprehensive remodeling in 2006, alongside the school bookstore.
Academic and Specialized Facilities
Viterbo has consistently expanded its infrastructure to support diverse fields of study. The Fine Arts Center was completed in 1971 to foster creative expression.
In 2004, the university opened the D.B. and Marge Reinhart Center for Ethics, Science, and Technology, integrating critical interdisciplinary studies. More recently, the School of Nursing Building opened in 2011, featuring advanced simulation labs. These labs are specifically dedicated to maternal newborn care, child health care, nutrition and dietetics, medical/surgical, and critical care.
The newest addition to the university's portfolio is the Weber Center for the Performing Arts. Opened in 2013, this 30,000-square-foot facility is located in downtown La Crosse and provides a professional space for the arts.
Student Life and Athletics
Student wellness and community engagement are central to the campus experience. The Varsity Athletic Center was established in 1987, followed by the 2005 expansion of the Amie L. Mathy Center. This center represents a pioneering national effort, serving as a collaboration between Viterbo and the local Boys and Girls Clubs of La Crosse.
The Student Union serves as a hub for campus activity. Between 2009 and 2011, the facility was remodeled through a partnership between the Residence Hall Council and the Student Government Association. These upgrades improved the furniture, flooring, computer areas, television facilities, and the security desk.
Key Facts
- Campus Size: 21 acres in the Midtown district of La Crosse, WI.
- Total Buildings: 18 buildings on the main urban campus.
- Nursing Specialization: Dedicated simulation labs for critical care, maternal, child, and surgical health.
- Unique Partnerships: The Amie L. Mathy Center is the first collaboration of its kind between a university and the Boys and Girls Clubs.
- Regional Reach: Includes a satellite campus in Des Moines, Iowa.
Campus Facilities Overview
The following table provides a chronological look at the operational facilities at Viterbo University.
| Facility Name | Year Established/Opened | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| San Damiano Chapel | 1914 | Formerly St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church |
| Sister Thea Bowman Center | 1926 | Formerly St. Wenceslaus rectory; campus ministry |
| Murphy Center | 1941 | Main academic building |
| Brophy Center | 1954 | Formerly St. Wenceslaus School |
| Marian Hall | 1957 | - |
| Bonaventure Hall | 1965 | - |
| Fine Arts Center | 1970 | - |
| Treacy House / McDonald Terrace | 1975 | - |
| Varsity Athletics Center | 1987 | - |
| Rose Terrace | 1997 | - |
| Outdoor Athletics Complex | 1998 | - |
| Physical Plant Building | 2001 | - |
| Reinhart Center | 2003 | Ethics, Science, and Technology |
| Amie L. Mathy Center | 2005 | Recreation and Education |
| School of Nursing Building | 2011 | Includes simulation labs |
| Clare Apartments | 2012 | - |
| Weber Center | 2013 | Performing Arts (Downtown) |
Transportation and Accessibility
Viterbo is well-integrated into the La Crosse transit network. Students benefit from fare-free service provided by the La Crosse MTU transit system. Route 1 specifically encircles the campus, with stops on Market Street, 11th Street, and Jackson Street.
For those traveling further, SMRT buses stop on 11th Street, offering regional connections to destinations such as Tomah, Viroqua, and Prairie du Chien. Additionally, the university is accessible via DriftCycle, a bikeshare system with a station conveniently located between Viterbo and the Mayo Clinic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Viterbo University located?
The main campus is located on 21 acres in the Midtown district of La Crosse, Wisconsin, within the Washburn neighborhood. There is also a satellite campus in Des Moines, Iowa.
What specialized facilities are available for nursing students?
The School of Nursing Building, opened in 2011, features simulation labs dedicated to child health care, maternal newborn care, medical/surgical, critical care, and nutrition and dietetics.
How do students get around La Crosse?
Students have access to fare-free transit via the La Crosse MTU system (Route 1). Regional travel is available via SMRT buses on 11th Street, and local biking is supported by the DriftCycle bikeshare station.
What is the Weber Center for the Performing Arts?
The Weber Center is a 30,000-square-foot facility located in downtown La Crosse. Opened in 2013, it is the newest university facility and is shared by Viterbo.
What is unique about the Amie L. Mathy Center?
The Amie L. Mathy Center is the first collaboration in the United States between a university and the local Boys and Girls Clubs.