Alumni Service Award

recognizes alumni who have rendered outstanding service to the university.

Name: Robert Kirtland
Major: Political Science and History
Home: Alexandria, Louisiana
Employer: United States Department of Defense
Job Title: Outreach Counsel

ROBERT KIRTLAND ’91 received a bachelor of arts degree in political science and history from Valparaiso University, a master's degree in public administration from Ball State University in 1994, and a juris doctorate from DePaul University College of Law in 1997. From 1998 through 2004, Kirtland worked as an attorney for Hughes & Associates, PC in Flossmoor, Ill., after which he served on active duty as a Major with the United States Army, Office of the Staff Judge Advocate (2004 through 2008) at Camp Atterbury-JMTC, Ind., and then as a civilian attorney in the role of Outreach Counsel at Fort Polk, La. (2008 to present). Kirtland has served eighteen years in the United States Army Reserve, and has received the Army Commendation Medal (with Oak Leaf Cluster), Army Achievement Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. Kirtland has served Valparaiso University as the chair of the Valpo Club of Lake County, Ind., one of 15 regional clubs that serve alumni by hosting events and gatherings for VU graduates living in disparate parts of the country. Kirtland initiated and led planning meetings for the group and also organized Summer Send-offs for local students attending Valpo. In 2003, he began his service as a member of the Valparaiso University Alumni Association Board of Directors, a position that he held until the close of his term in 2008. During his last year on the board, Kirtland helped organize the university's highly successful 150th Anniversary Celebration in Indianapolis. Kirtland has three children, Aaron, Hannah and Sarah, and is married to Rebecca Marie (Kolb '91) Kirtland.