Distinguished Alumni Award

the highest distinction the alumni association can bestow, this award honors alumni who have enhanced the prestige of the university by virtue of their character, integrity, and nationally recognized personal accomplishments.

Name:  Stephen Furbacher '70
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Home: The Woodlands, Texas
Employer: Retired from Dynergy, Inc. December 31, 2007

Stephen Furbacher '70 earned his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Valparaiso University. For more than 34 years, he worked for Chevron Corp. and Dynegy Inc. in a broad range of positions, including as president of Chevron’s Warren Petroleum Co. and Dynegy’s president and chief operating officer. During that time, Furbacher served two years as chair of the steering committee for the Natural Gas Supplier Association and in various capacities for the Gas Processors Association, including a term as president. Furbacher has devoted significant energies to volunteerism, serving as the guest lecturer at Valparaiso University’s Master in Engineering Management program, the University of Houston's Bauer College of Business in the executive M.B.A. program and the University of Missouri’s Trulaske College of Business. In addition, he has built homes for Habitat for Humanity and held leadership positions at Junior Achievement of Southeast Texas, Living Work Lutheran Church, and Concordia Lutheran High School. Furbacher also has served on Valpo’s College of Engineering National Council and is a member of the university’s board of directors. He also is a member of the Board of Directors of CF Industries. Furburger’s wife, Ellen (Kowert ’71), and their son, Stephen ’07, also are Valparaiso University alumni.