Newsletter
August 2024
Dear Fellow Alumni and Friends,
It is hard to believe that the end of summer is near and that we will be welcoming our students and our newest Beacons back to campus in a few short weeks! This is always a special time as we see the campus come alive with fresh energy and enthusiasm. As alumni, you are an integral part of our story and legacy, as your experiences and achievements inspire our current and future students. You are the bridge connecting the past with the present. We invite you back to campus for Homecoming and Family Weekend, October 4-6, 2024. We have some new events planned this year! We are excited to welcome you back to campus to reunite with friends and faculty and meet our current students.
Lori Miltenberger ’92, ’95 M.A.
Director | Career and Alumni Network
Follow the Beacon
Discovering Joy in Every Role
Andrew benson ‘21
Andrew Benson ’21, couldn’t pass up the opportunity to come to Valpo. He was admitted directly into the physician assistant program and knew the value of a Valpo education in healthcare. Andrew says, “The physician assistant program nationwide is one of the toughest programs to get into post undergrad. Being directly admitted to the program, I knew I couldn’t turn it down.” He continues, “Ultimately, I did not stay in the PA program, but I knew how great the healthcare programs at Valpo were and that I had the flexibility to declare a different major if I wanted to.”
Student Spotlight
A Balanced Life Leading to Bright Outcomes
Nadia Paul’s ’25 DNP, MSN, ACNP-BC, FHM, journey to Valparaiso University’s doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program began unexpectedly. “I was interviewing a candidate for a nurse practitioner position, and I noticed she had graduated from Valpo’s bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) to DNP program. She was very prepared both clinically and professionally,” Nadia recalls. This serendipitous encounter sparked Nadia’s interest in Valpo, leading her to explore our offerings further.
Read Nadia’s Story Here
VanArragon Becomes First Two-Time First Team Academic All-American in Valpo Athletics History
For the second consecutive year, Valparaiso University men’s golfer Caleb VanArragon (Blaine, Minn. / Blaine) is a First Team Academic All-American. This marks the 16th time a Valpo student-athlete in any sport has earned First Team Academic All-American honors and the first time a Valpo student-athlete in any sport has earned First Team Academic All-American status in two different seasons.
Campus Connection
Results of the Program Discontinuance Review Process
The discontinuance process that was initiated in the spring 2024 semester has now been completed. This thorough review included extensive evaluations and insightful input from various campus constituencies and governing bodies, leading to a carefully considered outcome and exemplifying our dedication to continuous improvement. While 98% of our current student body will remain unaffected by these decisions, students in the impacted programs will be able to complete their degrees without interruption.
Theology will remain a mandatory component for all students through our general education curriculum, reflecting its integral role in our educational framework and identity, and the curriculum for the program will be reimagined to meet the needs of our students. Additionally, the BA Music, Bachelor of Music Education majors, and music ensembles are not impacted by the discontinuance of the Bachelor of Music program.
Valparaiso University remains committed to preparing students for leadership and service in both church and society. Although final decisions have been made for this process, the ongoing practices of review, reflection, and continuous improvement are vital to our mission and will remain a priority. We will continue to explore new opportunities that will further enhance the educational experiences we offer our students.
Valpo Alum Awarded 2024
Dr. Carlos Messerli Service Award
Brought together by music and hymnody years ago, Kathleen Koepp '71 Helge and Rev. Mark Helge '71 understand the impact Lutheran Summer Music (LSM) has on student-musicians across the country. Their unwavering support to the program has allowed LSM’s values of faith, music, and community to thrive – earning them this year’s prestigious Dr. Carlos Messerli Service Award.
Words of Encouragement
For the incoming class
Send well wishes and advice to the incoming class of Valpo students, parents, and loved ones! Whether you were a student-athlete, participated in Fraternity/Sorority Life, held other leadership roles on campus, participated in the arts, or just loved your time at Valpo - sharing your thoughts with others following in your footsteps will make them feel right at home. We'll share your words of wisdom with the incoming class in the fall!
VIEWS
From Valpo
Participants showcase their hard work at the 2024 College of Engineering Summer Camp!
Delia '09 and Michael '07 met on the Valpo campus during Delia's freshman year at the student group fair. Delia says, "My friends and I went to check out the student groups fair looking for the Latinos In Valparaiso for Excellence booth. Michael was there and greeted us with jokes and a big smile.”
Click here to Uncover Michael & Delia’s Full Love Story!
Your tale of love may have begun on our picturesque campus, or perhaps you reconnected after graduation – no matter how your journey began, we want to hear about it!
Upcoming Events
Cross Country / Track and Field Alumni 5K
August 30, 2024
Alumni and friends, join us at the 2nd annual Valparaiso University Cross Country/Track and Field Alumni 5K! The Alumni 5K will take place before the collegiate races and will be run on Valpo's home cross-country course at Sunset Hill Farm County Park. After your run, be sure to stick around and watch the collegiate races!
Valpo in Napa
September 22-24, 2024
Join fellow Valpo alumni and friends on a destination trip to Napa Valley, California! You'll enjoy a spectacular wine tour of three picturesque wineries and have the opportunity to enjoy a special evening with President José D. Padilla, J.D. You won't want to miss out on this unique opportunity to connect with members of the Valpo family in scenic Napa Valley!
Community Town Hall
October 2, 2024
We invite you to join us for the next Valparaiso University Community Town Hall on Wednesday, October 2, 2024 at 8:30 a.m. You'll hear updates on Valpo's future initiatives and be able to ask your questions of the University leadership.
october 4-6, 2024
Registration is now open for Homecoming and Family Weekend! We hope you can join us on campus Friday, October 4, through Sunday, October 6!
No registration fee!
Events to look forward to:
Kickoff and Fireworks
Sing with the 500-Voice Choir!
Imagine the Chapel of the Resurrection filled with alumni and friends of Valparaiso University singing hymns together with the leadership of a 500-voice choir, band, orchestra, and organ with reflections by members of the Valparaiso University community. This event will be remembered for years to come. We hope you will participate!
50 Class
Reunion
th
Historic Bus Tours
Beacon Tailgate and Valpo Football Game vs. Drake
Valpo’s Lutheran Centennial Hymn Festival
Class Notes
Jeffrey Smalldon '75
On August 6, 2024, Black Lyon Publishing will be publishing Dr. Jeffrey Smalldon's memoir, That Beast Was Not Me. It chronicles five decades during which Smalldon not only consulted on close to 300 death penalty cases in both state and federal court but tangled, in letters and in person, with the likes of Charles Manson, Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme, Ted Bundy, Donald Harvey, and John Wayne Gacy. At the suggestion of his professor for a course in abnormal psychology, he began his long correspondence with Manson and other members of the so-called Manson Family during his senior year at Valpo, during the spring of 1975.
Quick Links
Valparaiso University Career & Alumni Network
1509 Chapel Drive | Valparaiso, IN 46383 United States
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