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Valparaiso University has appointed Peter Kanelos, PhD, as Dean of Christ College—The Honors College effective July 1, 2013. Most recently he has been a faculty member at Loyola University Chicago.

In his role as Dean, Kanelos will be responsible for the strategic leadership, coordination and guidance of Christ College. He has an accomplished record in higher education and brings a comprehensive vision for liberal arts education; an ability to collaborate with academic and administrative colleagues; and experience with a diverse student body, combined with commitment to supporting initiatives to expand diversity. Kanelos is deeply devoted to honors education and has a rooted enthusiasm for Christian higher education.

Continuing a commitment to educating global citizens who are prepared to lead and serve in church and society, Valparaiso University has partnered with Lumenus USA in the creation of The Lumenus USA Center for Global Leadership at Valparaiso University.

Enrolling nearly 4,000 students representing most states and more than 50 countries, Valparaiso University strives to create an interconnected global community that prepares students for successful careers in a global economy. The development of The Lumenus USA Center for Global Leadership at Valparaiso University serves as a crucial component to Valpo’s vision that it will be acclaimed for the vitality of its international programs, which empower both domestic and international students to lead and thrive in a global community. The mission of the Center is to provide international high-school graduates with a comprehensive transition program to prepare them for success in universities in the United States.

“We see this partnership as a natural evolution of Valparaiso University’s long-term commitment to creating a truly international campus,” said Michael Joseph, Vice President for Enrollment Management. “From our partnership with the Confucius Institute, to our relationship with Zhejiang University in Hangzhou, to our recent recognition as one of the 10 most innovative colleges in foreign-language studies, we are committed to an environment that not only supports but celebrates the value of global citizenship.”

Valparaiso University is proud to welcome Zoe Weil, co-founder and president of the Institute for Humane Education, as the keynote speaker for its annual Peace and Social Justice Symposium, held Feb. 16.

WHAT: YAWAna Eat? Educational Dinner, in support of Valparaiso University’s World Relief Campaign. Find out about The YAWA Project: Bettering a Nation Through Education, and learn about the Native American tribe Lakota, their tradition and culture, the importance of education on Native American reservations and the children on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.

The meal will include a bison dinner. Tickets are available at the Harre Union Welcome Desk and cost $8 for Valpo students, faculty, staff and alumni; $10 for adults; and $8 for children under 12. 

WHO: Sponsored by the Social Action Leadership Team (SALT), the social justice ministry of the Chapel of the Resurrection at Valparaiso University.

Speakers are the Rev. Barret Berry, adjunct instructor in the Graduate School and Law School at Valparaiso University, and Valparaiso University alumnus Matt Riley, who taught fifth grade on the Pine Ridge Reservation through Teach for America.

WHEN: Friday, Feb. 15, 6-8 p.m.

WHERE: Harre Union Ballroom A, Valparaiso University

CONTACT: Nicole Wilken, World Relief Campaign Chair, Nicole.Wilken@valpo.edu

A family of penguins, police uniforms, kilts, and fire fighters were just some of the costumes that filled the lawn — and a chilly pool — outside of the Valparaiso University Athletics-Recreation Center on Saturday, Feb. 9, for the third annual Polar Plunge.

WHAT: Valparaiso University will host a representative from Dalton Education to share information about the partnership between the two organizations and their non-credit certificate programs including a Master’s Certificate in Financial Planning, an Online Executive Certificate in Financial Planning and an Online Executive Certificate in Paralegal Studies.

Valparaiso University Continuing Education will also have information on their Retirement Planning Today workshop, a course on investments, retirement and estate planning. Pre-registration is required and cost is $65 per person. Those interested in attending may register with representatives sharing information on the non-credit certificates.

WHO: Valparaiso University Graduate School and Continuing Education, in partnership with Dalton Education

WHEN: Feb. 21 and Feb. 22, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

WHERE: Harre Union Chapel View Lounge, Valparaiso University

CONTACT: Nicole Niemi, Director of Media Relations, Valparaiso University

Valparaiso University’s Office of Multicultural Programs has been awarded $2,000 from the United States Institute of Peace to Support Public Education for Peacebuilding. USIP’s support will enable Valparaiso University to expand its annual Peace and Social Justice Symposium focus to include international affairs.

WHAT: Valparaiso University’s 33rd Annual World Banquet invites community members to experience cultures from more than 50 countries. More than 400 international students from across Valparaiso University’s campus will celebrate this year’s theme of “Building Bridges” by showcasing their culture through traditional food, dress and performances.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for senior citizens and $10 for children under 10 years.

WHO: Presented by Valparaiso University’s Office of International Programs and its Valparaiso International Student Association (VISA).

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 9, 6:15 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m.

WHERE: Harre Union Ballrooms, Valparaiso University

CONTACT: Nicole Niemi, Director of Media Relations at Valparaiso University, at Nicole.Niemi@valpo.edu or 219.464.6010.

WHAT: “A Concert of Epic Film Music” will feature music from films such as King of Kings, Ben-Hur, and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, as well as Hollywood blockbusters by James Horner including “Somewhere Out There” and “My Heart Will Go On.”

In remembrance of the recent tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, the concert will also feature a tribute performance of “An American Elegy,” which was composed by Frank Ticheli in memory of those who lost their lives at Columbine High School in 1999 and to honor the survivors.

WHO: Presented by Valparaiso University Department of Music and Valparaiso High School Department of Music. Featuring Valparaiso University Chamber Concert Band, conducted by Jeffrey Scott Doebler, and Valparaiso High School B Band, conducted by Miguel E. Rosario-Vega and Daniel R. Pritchett. Nick McIntyre, a senior music education major at Valparaiso University from Burbank, Ill., will be playing the alto saxophone. McIntyre is a winner of the 2012-13
Valparaiso University Concerto Competition.

WHEN: Saturday, Feb. 9, 7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Chapel of the Resurrection, Valparaiso University

CONTACT: Nicole Niemi, Valparaiso University Director of Media Relations, at Nicole.Niemi@valpo.edu or 219.464.6010.

Elderly and low-income taxpayers who need help preparing their tax returns will again be able to turn to the Valparaiso University Law School VITA program for assistance.

Valparaiso Law students participate in the Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteers in Tax Assistance (VITA) community service program which offers free federal and state tax preparation to eligible taxpayers. The program, which is every Saturday beginning, February 9 – April 6 (closed on March 9 and 16), will be held at Valparaiso University’s Law School (located at 656 Greenwich Street).

Generally, taxpayers with annual income of $49,000 or less are eligible for the free tax preparation help as long as they have not filed for bankruptcy, had a foreclosure, or received money from the sale of a business or home.