Alumni Achievement Award

honors alumni who have demonstrated outstanding achievementin their chosen career or area of professional life.  

Linda (Ivett ’78) Allen earned her bachelor of science degree in mechanical engineering from Valparaiso University before going on to receive an M.B.A. from Georgia State University in 1984.  She has spent her 28-year career with Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co. working her way through a variety of positions, including the leadership of international inspection teams and aircraft fleet support teams, as well as the management of major aeronautical proposal projects.  Currently, she directs the out-of-production modification and sustainment activities for the C-130B-J air lifter fleet, a widely international effort.  Allen also is highly dedicated to community service endeavors. During Atlanta’s 2006 Susan G. Komen 3-day walk for breast cancer research, Allen raised $15,000, three times her original goal and the third highest amount raised by an individual participant in the Atlanta event.  Allen has been a member of the VU Guild since 1979, and currently serves on the Valpo Admission Network and the College of Engineering National Council.

Of her Valpo experience, Allen says, “I have told many persons over the years, if I had it to do over, I would definitely go back to Valpo. My four years at Valpo truly helped to define me as a person and set me on a solid path into the future.  There are so many vivid memories of my Valpo years – trudging through cold and snow across the tundra to Gellersen, early morning engineering labs, the spiritual moments I experienced in the chapel, my years in Chi Sigma Xi sorority and the challenges of serving two years as sorority president, the constant support and encouragement from fantastic faculty members like professors Zoss, Steffen, Lehman, and Doria, the pressures of the EIT [Engineer-in-Training] exam – and the celebration afterward.  Although there are many other wonderful memories, one of the most enduring are the friendships – including Lorraine (Gaunt ’78) Dorough, my best friend since freshman registration – and the person I can thank for nominating me for this award.

When asked about her thoughts on receiving the VU Alumni Association Alumni Achievement Award, Allen says, “I am truly humbled and honored to be receiving this award.  Without a doubt, my professional accomplishments result largely from the solid educational and ethical foundation I received as a student at Valpo.  Fortunately, I have had the opportunities to maintain strong ties with Valparaiso University. 

Those ties have served as a constant reminder and motivator to challenge me to serve my profession, my family, my community and church to the best of my abilities.”