Alumni Service Award

recognizes alumni who have rendered outstanding service to the university.

Name:  Susan Dippold
Major: Nursing
Home: Huntersville, N.C.
Employer: Presbyterian Hospital Huntersville
Job Title: Admission/Discharge Facilitator and House Supervisor

Susan (Mellendorf ’80) Dippold has been a registered nurse for 27 years, with experience in adult orthopedics and nursing administration.  She earned her bachelor of nursing degree from Valparaiso University and now resides in Huntersville, N.C.  For nearly 20 years, Dippold has been an active member of the VU Guild, serving in roles as varied as chapter president, area director, and Christian Women’s Conference chair, before serving as national president in 2002.  After completing her first term, Dippold accepted an unprecedented second term and proceeded to lead the Guild through an organizational transition.  Dippold also has served on the Valparaiso University Board of Directors, and has been an active volunteer with the Valpo Admission Network.  In addition, she has planned alumni events during Valpo basketball games in North Carolina, and will soon become a member of the VU College of Nursing National Council.

When asked for her reaction to being selected for this award, Dippold says, “It is an honor to receive an Alumni Service Award.  Valparaiso is a unique place, and I consider it a privilege to serve our distinguished university.”

Of her relationship to Valparaiso University, Dippold says, “There are many wonderful memories of Valpo etched in my mind.  Meeting my husband, Jeff, remains a leading blessing in my life.   It has also been a delight to be a part of the VU Guild, and I treasure the friendships made through my association with this unique organization as they continue to enhance the student experience at Valpo.”

She also stated, “I’m proud to be a second generation VU [alumna] and Guild member.  My mother, Natalie (Brix ’55) Mellendorf, introduced me to Valpo.  I met Jeff at VU through his sister, Robin (Dippold ’77) Karaffa, who was my resident assistant in Lankenau.  My prayer is that our daughter, Emily, entering VU as a freshman this year, will be equally blessed by experiencing Valparaiso University.”