Sandy Hotvedt faithfully served as the administrative assistant in the athletics department for 20 years (1989-2009). A mainstay in the department, Hotvedt was the glue that held everything together during the enormous growth and many changes that occurred within the department during her time.

"Sandy was a wonderful colleague," commented Women's Basketball Coach, Bobbi Vandenberg, who worked with her for 16 years. "Her flexibility and easy-going personality helped keep things stable even when there were multiple changes. She was a model of patience.What stood out to me the most was her eagerness to do something extra to make events more special than the norm. I feel so fortunate to have worked with Sandy."

A behind the scenes person, her job description read like a text book. Planning special events, coordinating mailings, managing databases, producing game contracts, coordinating team travel, assisting with eligibility, handling financial transactions, and overseeing work-study students were just a few of her duties.

While Sandy never got the headlines in the newspaper or the interviews on television, Viterbo staff members would be quick to point out that she was definitely one of the departments "most valuable players". Hotvedt's hard work and service was recognized in 1996-97 as she was awarded the prestigious Viterbo University Service Award.

"Sandy represented all that's great about Viterbo," commented Athletics Director, Barry Fried. "She was such a dedicated employee and epitomized the term servant leader. She was a joy to work with and made a huge impact on the success of Viterbo athletics."