Partners in Service Award

honors individuals who have worked jointly to render significant service to the university, where at least one of the individuals is a Valparaiso alumnus/alumna.

Edward Tornberg ’55 received his Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from Valparaiso University and his Master of Science degree in engineering from the University of Michigan in 1961. Edward started his career with the Ford Motor Company engineering staff. He then worked as a development engineer with Chrysler Corporation in the missile division. Edward left Chrysler Corporation to begin work at TRW Inc. as a principal engineer. In 1969, he was a co-founder of Cyberex, Inc. and left in 1998 as the vice president of product engineering. He became self-employed as an engineering consultant until his retirement in 2003.

Hildred (Hirt ’59) Tornberg received her Bachelor of Music Education degree from Valparaiso University.  She then received her master of music degree from Cleveland State University in 1982. Hildred earned a Service Playing Certificate from the American Guild of Organists. She started her career as a music teacher in various schools and was the choir director and organist for Our Savior Lutheran Church in Mayfield Heights, Ohio, for 27 years. Hildred is currently the Director of Music Ministry at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Chesterland, Ohio.  

Together, Edward and Hildred have both been active volunteers at Valpo in various capacities. Edward served on the President’s Advisory Council from 1997 to 2000 and was a member of the Engineering National Council from 2002 to 2008. He also served on the engineering team of the “Our Valpo Campaign.” Hildred has been a member of her local Valpo Guild for many years and served a term as president. She also actively participated and attended meetings of the President’s Advisory Council with her husband. Edward and Hildred are also active volunteers at St. Mark Lutheran Church. The Tornberg’s have four children. Their son, Joel, is a 1998 Valpo graduate. They live in Novelty, Ohio.