Honorary Alumni Membership

granted to persons who are not alumni, but who exemplify the ideals of achievement and service in their association with the university.

Name: Debbi Miner
Location: Oconomowoc, Wis.

Debbi Miner attended Ventura Community College, receiving an associate of arts degree in liberal arts in 1987. The mother of Kyle Miner ’05, a biochemistry major now studying medicine at the University of Southern California, Miner got involved as a volunteer for Valparaiso University when her son was a student. Upon her son’s enrollment, Miner joined the VU Parents Council, the Valpo Club of Milwaukee, the VU Guild, and the Valpo Admission Network. While on the Parents Council, Miner served as co-chair alongside her husband, Craig, from 2003-2005. Since Kyle’s graduation from Valpo, Miner has remained committed to promoting Valparaiso University, hosting Summer Send-off events in her home for Milwaukee area Valpo students and families, coordinating bus trips to Valpo for prospective students, and helping to coordinate fundraising activities for the VU Guild. Recently, she served on the Guild’s national teller committee, which tallied the organization’s first vote-by-mail ballot, and co-chaired her local area Guild fundraiser, a basket luncheon. In 2004, her service earned her the first VU Guild Chapter Service Award. 

When asked for her thoughts on Valparaiso University and her selection for VU Alumni Association Honorary Alumni Membership, Miner says, “From the first Destination Valpo Day (overnight with a dorm host for Kyle), we knew this was a great place for our son to be. One thing led to another and, before I knew it, I had several ways to be involved but not in my son's way. I've enjoyed the fact I can help recruit new students, calm parents' fears, and support current students with the various groups I joined. My husband, Craig, has been a big part of my involvement, whether actively working with me or just being patient as I head off to another meeting. I was shocked to be selected for honorary alumni membership. I was just doing something I felt strongly about, this is icing on the cake. Thanks so much."