A very unique moment changed the course of my life.
One moment seemed pretty mundane at the time, but had an incredible impact on me - it ultimately led me to Viterbo University, which led to me living in and starting my professional career in La Crosse. And it also led me to meeting my wife.
I was 17 and wondering where I was going to go to college.
In thinking about choosing a college I really only wanted 3 things. Did they have a decent school of business? Was I being recruited to play basketball there? And did I feel comfortable?
My three seemed pretty simple, but as a 17 year old nothing is all that simple.
It was my first official visit to Viterbo and my mom joined me for the tour.
They took both of us all over campus and one of the stops was to the Library.
The tour guide wanted to show off the new "Cyber Cafe" with about 25 desktop computers (I am aging myself here as to how big of a deal this cyber cafe was!)
When we arrived at the Cyber Cafe we stopped outside of a glass door and peered in because there was a meeting happening in the middle of the room. About 16 people sat there, all dressed in suits. It seemed important!
One of the men sitting around the table, noticed us. He instantly smiled and waved us in.
We walked in, shook hands, and he said "Welcome to Viterbo. I am Rick Artman, President of Viterbo University!"
We made it through introductions and then he said the meeting was being held to finalize the naming of the cyber cafe.
He asked, "Do you think you could help us name the cafe?"
I said yes.
They were down to two choices. I cannot even remember what the first choice was, but the second one was 'Frannies.' I told him I liked the name Frannies - it made sense because the university was Franciscan.
He said "Done Deal. We are are naming it Frannies!"
Now, I am not sure if I truly had any influence on the name or not. But he made it seem like I did!
The rest of the day visiting was a blur. We met with some professors, basketball coaches, other student athletes, etc.
I liked Viterbo, but I was still unsure.
Three days after visiting, I received a letter in the mail.
It was a handwritten note from President Rick Artman.
That note blew me away.
THE President took the time to write directly to me.
After receiving that letter. No other school compared.
I figured if the President of the university would take the time to do that for 1 undecided student, then there must be plenty of others who would also be that welcoming. There had to be many more people that would be there for me.
I was NOT wrong.
There were plenty.
It was no longer just about basketball, or the school of business, or feeling comfortable.
The experience, and the note, made me feel like I belonged.
A small moment in time. A seemingly small conversation. Mere minutes to write a note.
One moment, but incredible impact.
Week 24 of 52
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