Distinguished Teaching Award

recognizes and encourages excellence in the art of teaching

Jeffrey Doebler ’87 Mus.M., associate professor of music, has been teaching at Valparaiso University since 1992 and is director of music education and bands. Doebler holds music education degrees from Luther College (B.A.), Valparaiso University (M.A.), and the University of Minnesota (Ph.D.).

Doebler frequently serves as a guest conductor, consultant, and clinician, and has been a community music conductor, church music director, and director of Royal Brass Ensembles for the Minnesota Renaissance Festival. He has prepared ensembles and conducted them in performances at such distinguished venues as Severance Hall in Cleveland, Chicago’s Orchestra Hall, Wrigley Field in Chicago, Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis, Ordway Music Theatre in St. Paul, EPCOT Center®, and Disneyland®, and for such events as the International Special Olympics and the NCAA National Gymnastics and Volleyball Championships.

An active member of the Indiana Music Educators Association, Doebler has served as president and chair of numerous committees and special projects. He also has held leadership positions with the Indiana Professional Standards Board. Other professional activities include the directorship of the All-Region Honor Band for the Indiana Bandmasters Association and roles with Lutheran Summer Music, including conductor of the concert band, handbell choir founder and conductor, summer programs director, and faculty affairs coordinator. Doebler also is the founder of Windiana, a professional-level concert band that debuted in 2001 at the Indiana Convention Center.

In 1999, Doebler was a recipient of a first annual Students’ Choice Teacher of the Year Award from Alpha Phi Omega and Mortar Board and, in 2001, received the Orpheus Award “for significant and lasting contributions to the cause of music in America” from the Valparaiso University chapter of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, the first time the Valpo chapter has bestowed the award in its 40-year history.

Faculty Development Award

offers faculty at Valpo the opportunity and support to pursue terminal degrees, advance post-graduate research, and continue their education by participating in conferences and seminar

Bryan Morrison, assistant professor of physical education, for pursuance of a doctor of exercise science degree.

Phillip Powell, lecturer in communication, for pursuance of a doctor of education technology research and assessment degree.

Lanie Steinwart '88, '91, instructor in communication, for pursuance of a doctor of management in organizational leadership degree.

David Weber, lecturer in theology, for travel to meet with an expert in his field of research and to attend a conference in Birmingham, England.

Andy White, assistant professor of theatre, to further his post-graduate research.