WC Wisconsin News

The Spanish program at Viterbo University is celebrating its 60th anniversary this fall. The university has invited the community to attend a celebration event on Saturday, Oct. 11 from 5–8 p.m. at the Brophy Center patio and room 123.

Spanish instruction began at Viterbo University in 1964 with Armando Alonso, a political exile from Cuba, as the first instructor. Alonso taught for over two decades and started the Spanish Club on campus. In 1995, under Sr. Jean Moore’s leadership, the university established a Spanish major. Since then, about 90 students have graduated with a major in Spanish and nearly 300 have completed minors.

The program has led several initiatives over the years, including international travel opportunities, language tutoring services, and the launch of El Sol—the only Spanish-language newspaper in the tristate area. It also sponsors events such as the Hispanic Heritage Month community reception.

Faculty and students in Viterbo’s Spanish program participate in local organizations like Centro Latino and are involved in efforts such as the Viterbo Interpreting Community Certificate program. They also contribute to volunteer work regionally, nationally, and internationally. Professors’ research within the program has been published in academic journals and recognized both on campus and internationally for its impact.

“Spanish courses started to be offered at Viterbo University in 1964 with instructor Armando Alonso, a political exile from Cuba, who taught for more than 22 years on campus, and who started the Spanish Club. The major was created in 1995 under the leadership of Sr. Jean Moore. Since 1997, Viterbo has graduated approximately 90 Spanish majors and 293 minors,” according to information provided by Viterbo University.

“The Spanish program has also sponsored initiatives such as international travel, language tutoring, the launch of El Sol, the only Spanish language newspaper in the tristate region, and the Hispanic Heritage Month community reception.”

“Students and faculty in the program are active participants in local initiatives in La Crosse such as Centro Latino, the Viterbo Interpreting Community Certificate program, and many regional, national, and international volunteer efforts. Research by professors in the program has been published in academic journals and has received campus and international recognition for meaningful contributions to their area of studies.”