Amazing Alumnus

Chad Lindsey ’97, College of Arts and Sciences, Christ College

Current life role: Film and television actor, entrepreneur

How is this for a resume: modern dance company, assorted film and television roles, national TV commercials, furniture designer/builder, “green” entrepreneur. Since leaving Valpo, Chad Lindsey has been busy – coast-to-coast and overseas – proving that a great liberal arts degree lays the foundation for success in just about any field one could choose.

Chapters 1 and 2: Chicago to Milan

Lindsey’s odyssey began, post VU, in the Windy City. “I had a sincere desire to pursue a career in acting, so there I was in Chicago, armed with a seriously developed understanding of the Chinese novel "The Story of the Stone" and zero headshots,” he says with a laugh. Still, he landed a job with a modern dance company, did a bit of regional theatre, and even spent half a year in Milan, Italy, modeling.

Chapters 3 and 4: LA to NYC

When he got back stateside, Lindsey landed a role in an independent film that whetted his appetite for more. He moved his home base to Los Angeles (arriving with $500 and two suitcases) and has accumulated an impressive list of film and television credits including appearances on CBS's “How I Met Your Mother” and VH1's “So Notorious.”

Along the way Lindsey also apprenticed himself to a furniture designer, and recently finished four major original custom pieces.

But the stage bug hadn’t left him, so Lindsey decided to go bi-coastal, renting a place in New York, too. “I've been hopping from coast to coast since, doing theatre in New York, and screen in LA when jobs arise,” he says, “and ruminating on my good fortune!”

Chapter 5: Global Entrepreneur

Apparently Lindsay hasn’t spent too much time ruminating, because he recently launched a new business—Fresh Eggs. “I designed a line of T-shirts and canvas bags with themes of ‘green’ living and sustainable, aware existence.” Marketed solely via the Internet (www.fresheggshere.com) and word-of-mouth, Lindsey hopes his hip wearables – with heady messages – encourage people to positively alter their living habits. “I think we have a moral duty to live in concert with creation. I hope cool, constant, everyday reminders of ways to ‘live lightly’ will have an impact.”

I have always felt I can do whatever I put my mind to, and that confidence comes from the well-rounded solid education I got at Valpo.