Education

Viterbo honors Bishop Callahan, Pham, Dr. Kotnour with John XXIII awards

Published

8 months ago

September 6, 2023

Ahn Pham receives the John XXIII medal from Viterbo president Rick Trietley

La Crosse’s Catholic bishop, an immigrant from Vietnam and a local dentist were given one of Viterbo University’s highest honors in La Crosse on Wednesday.

Bishop William Callahan was among three people honored with the John XXIII award

Bishop William Callahan, community volunteer Anh Pham, and dentist Dr. Joe Kotnour received the Saint John XXIII medals during the annual award banquet at the Fine Arts Center.

Callahan has served as bishop of the La Crosse Diocese for 13 years. He told the audience that there is growth in the Catholic Church and that it is not a museum just to be guarded.

Joe Kotnour attended Viterbo decades ago.

Kotnour is a Viterbo graduate, who is recognized for offering free- or low-cost dental care to members of the community.

Pham and her family came to the U.S. from Vietnam in the 1970s, with her husband The and their children. She and The have been custodians for the diocese and for Mid-West Family in La Crosse.

Viterbo’s award, named for Pope John XXIII, recognizes people, including celebrities on occasion, who have made contributions in areas such as religious life, business or peace and justice.

Anh Pham receives the John XXIII medal from Viterbo president Rick Trietley

Brad Williams

A native of Prairie du Chien, Brad graduated from UW - La Crosse and has worked in radio news for more than 30 years, mostly in the La Crosse area. He regularly covers local courts and city and county government. Brad produces the features "Yesterday in La Crosse" and "What's Buried on Brad's Desk." He also writes the website "Triviazoids," which finds odd connections between events that happen on a certain date, and he writes and performs with the local comedy group Heart of La Crosse. Brad been featured on several national TV programs because of his memory skills.