Kate Wurster

Home: Eagleville, PA

Family: Mom (Guild member); sister (Valpo alum)

Valpo Connection: 1995 graduate

Member of Guild since: 1997

While living in Rochester, NY, Kate served as treasurer for several years and helped to plan event.  She stays in touch with Rochester members - even attending a few evernts each year - though she has moved to Pennsylvania.

As for the new structure in the Guild, Kate says, "I am very excited about the mission statement, and I believe that if one is truly living by a worthy mission statement, that God will bless the work and generate growth."  Kate was recently chosen by the Guild's nominating committee as a candidate for the 2008 Board of Directors. 

She is familiar with both marketing and technology, claiming that she is "often the first one in my office to suggest trying new advances."  Serving Valparaiso University through the Guild provides Kate with an opportunity to provide Valpo students with experiences to grow and succeed.

Liz DeMik

Home: Arlington, VA

Family: Husband; four children (all Valpo grads; three of them married grads)

Valpo Connection: 1969 graduate

Member of Guild since: 1973

“The reason I joined the Guild was because I loved Valpo so much and I wanted to give back and I could not afford to give big bucks. The Guild was my way to give back.”

So says long-time Guild member Liz DeMik, a proud grandmother and newly consecrated deaconess who has enjoyed being part of what she calls “the strongest Christian organization I have been involved in.”

“I see the Guild as a group of loving, dedicated Christian women who really want to support Christian education and especially Valparaiso University. I don’t know that the outside world has noticed enough of what the Guild has done.”

Liz considers herself part of the “old school” Guild as she vividly recalls the days when ladies came to campus wearing hats and gloves and stayed in Scheele Hall when they visited. Things are a little different now, and Liz feels a bit of nostalgia for the past.

“I am the first to admit that we’re dealing with a different generation,” she said, “but I will truly miss the traditional way we have done things. It’s the forging of friendships that have meant so much. I don’t see that continuing with the different structure.”

Although times have now changed and Liz will miss the old days, she is trusting in God to lead the Guild in the right direction.

“The Guild has been just a tremendous gift in my life; I’m going to really miss it. But I also understand we’re living in a different age now. All volunteer organizations are struggling - it’s just a real struggle. People are so busy; it’s just so hard to find people to be as focused and dedicated as they once were. It’s just a product of the times. I will continue to pray for the Guild. I just hope they are able to find ways to embrace the gifts and talents of women so those connections will still continue.”