Thursday, April 24 and Friday, April 25 was a celebration of Scholars Days 2025 at Viterbo University showcasing the culmination of a year’s worth of hard work, research, and passion. Students across disciplines presented their senior capstone projects, proposals for environmental initiatives, and various class presentations, all reflecting Viterbo’s core values of stewardship, leadership, and service.
Senior capstones represented the heart of academic achievement: a full year of research and writing culminating in comprehensive essays and dynamic presentations. These projects offered students the opportunity to demonstrate the depth of their knowledge, the breadth of their passion, and the refinement of their expertise. “It’s not just about completing an assignment—it’s about contributing meaningful work to the broader academic community,” said Associate Professor of Psychology Michael Parker, who emphasized the growth students experience through the rigors of scholarly research and public presentation.
Viterbo students were not the only ones presenting; high school students under the tutelage of Professor Michelle Pinzl presented as well. This initiative allowed juniors and seniors to experience life on campus and prepare for future academic careers, while simultaneously working with the community on social justice projects. “The goal is to plant seeds,” Professor Pinzl said. “I hope these students look back and realize the importance of connecting to their communities through justice and service.”
One research project focused on the intersection of climate action and immigrant rights. Students highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change on Spanish-speaking immigrant communities, particularly those working in agriculture and construction.
Student Daniella Altamirano-Cruz, who worked on creating affordable pollinator gardens along the Sparta Elroy Trail and near the Norwalk Library, reflected on the project’s impact: “It was both fun and stressful, but it really helped me feel more connected to my community and gave me a taste of what college life will be like.” Altamirano-Cruz’s advice for future participants was simple but profound: “Relax, speak to the best of your knowledge, and trust that others will help build on your ideas.”
Environmental stewardship also took center stage through the Viterbo Climate Action Proposals. Students competed with innovative proposals to enhance the campus and student experience. Associate Professor of Nursing Cameron Kiersch, a leader in the Climate Action Proposal initiative, emphasized, “These proposals are a commitment to the work we all need to prioritize for our planet. It’s not just about climate change; it’s about planetary health.”
Kiersch also highlighted the connection to Viterbo’s Franciscan identity, saying, “Pope Francis was intentional in his call to care for creation. As a Franciscan institution, Viterbo has the opportunity to boldly live out that call through climate action initiatives.”
Parker added another perspective, noting how scholarship itself strengthens critical thinking and resilience. “There’s no such thing as a perfect study,” he remarked. “Students learn that firsthand, and that deepens their appreciation for the complexity of the world. It builds confidence whether they move into the workforce or continue to graduate school.”
This year’s presentations also included deeply personal topics. Joe Nelan’s exploration of athlete burnout offered “an opportunity for reflection for adults to recognize their own faults” and insights on “how to treat children in the future.”
Nathaniel Powell shared research on the psychological impacts of childhood cancer on families and caregivers, emphasizing empathy and small acts of community support. “It’s about sharing knowledge and creating space for others to act with understanding and compassion,” Powell said.
Throughout the day, there was a clear sense that Scholars Days is not just about showcasing research—it’s about celebrating growth, academics, and community. As Parker put it, “While nothing is ever perfect, the hard work, dedication, and courage these students have shown deserve to be celebrated.”
For future presenters, Kiersch offered a final piece of advice: “Practice your presentation multiple times. Trust yourself. Nobody knows your work better than you do.”
Scholars Days 2025 stands as a vivid testament to the values Viterbo holds dear, leaving participants, faculty, and guests inspired for the future.
