Expanding enrollment could affect campus culture

Many of the stories you've read in the Lumen over the past months were focused in one way or another on the expansion of Viterbo's enrollment. This expansion will necessitate the growth of the campus itself, as well as the possibility of adding new programs, more faculty, and new sports.

With all the planned growth, the question I have is this: how will Viterbo's identity change if the growth continues as planned? The athletic department is already looking at the feasibility of adding new sports like track, and there are even rumors of a football program several years down the road. Would these additions, along with all the others that would occur along with them, change the type of student that Viterbo attracts?

Viterbo has always been a school known for its nursing and fine arts programs, as well as its intimate, friendly campus environment. In fact, I think many would say that the close-knit Viterbo community may be one of the greatest benefits of being a Viterbo student. 

Just to be clear, I have nothing against Viterbo expanding. In fact, I would consider myself a supporter of increasing enrollment. All I'm saying is that over-expansion could take away from the feeling of closeness that attracts many students to Viterbo in the first place (and keeps them here).