O.P. Kretzmann Award

recognizes alumni for long-time and exemplary service as a University employee.

Albert R. Trost ’62 earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in government from Valparaiso University.  He then received his Master of Arts in 1963 and his Ph.D. in 1971 from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.  Trost has been a faculty member at Valpo since 1963 and served as the dean of the college of arts and sciences from 1996 to 2006.  Throughout his lengthy career at Valpo, Trost served as the director of the Cambridge Center from 1975 to 1976, chair of the department of political science from 1970 to 1975 and 1980 to 1990.  He also served as the chair of the strategic planning committee from 1990 to1992.  During his career, he has been affiliated with the American Political Science Association, the American Committee on Irish Studies and the Lutheran Faculties Conference, having served one term as their president.  He retired from Valparaiso University in 2010.  He also is active in his community and is a member of the Board of Project Neighbors in Valparaiso. He and his wife, Ann (Field ’65) live in Valparaiso.