valpo

WHAT: A panel discussion on “Civility Matters: Civility in Politics, Media and Business.” The event is part of Indiana Humanities’ two-year Spirit of Competition theme, which includes a traveling exhibit that is currently on display at the Valparaiso University Center for the Arts.

WHO: Valparaiso University welcomes keynote speaker Congressman Lee Hamilton, who represented the State of Indiana in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1965 to 1999 and currently serves on the U.S. Homeland Security Advisory Council. Hamilton will be joined by a moderated panel discussion with Bill Masterson, publisher of The Times of Northwest Indiana, and Mark Maassel, president and CEO of Northwest Indiana Forum. Maassel also serves as chair of the Indiana Humanities board of directors.

Presented by the Porter County Community Foundation and Indiana Humanities in partnership with Valparaiso University.

WHEN: Monday, Feb. 4, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

WHERE: Valparaiso University Center for the Arts

CONTACT: Please RSVP to 219.465.0294 to register for this limited-seating event.

VALPARAISO, Ind. — Valparaiso University’s Dance Ensemble features choreographers and dancers representing nearly every college within the University, and its members all share one common interest – to dance and share their passion for dance with their community. This passion will come to the stage Feb. 7-8 at 8 p.m. and Feb. 9-10 at 2 p.m. in the University Theatre. Tickets for Valpo performances are $15 for adults and $10 for senior citizens and non-Valpo students. Admission is free for Valpo students, faculty, and staff with ID card.

Visit valpo.edu/TheArts or call 219.464.5162for more information and to purchase tickets.

Valparaiso University offered nearly 30 focus sessions during its Monday, Jan. 21, Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. The focus sessions took place

in two different time frames during the afternoon — from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m. and from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. — in various locations across campus.

Each focus session — small breakouts led by faculty, students, staff, and guests — built upon the theme for the weeklong celebration, Building Bridges: Dream. Dialogue. Service.

WHAT: A panel discussion on “Philanthropy and Competition.” The panel participants will engage in a thoughtful conversation about the ways that donors and nonprofit organizations navigate questions of collaboration, competition, and charitable decision-making, particularly in a difficult economic climate.

WHO: Martin Buinicki, Friedrich Professor of American Literature at Valparaiso University, will host a panel discussion bringing key members of the University and Porter County community together. The event features the Porter County Community Foundation in conjunction with Indiana Humanities “Spirit of Competition” traveling exhibit.

Featured panelists include Aaron Preston, chair of the Department of Philosophy at Valparaiso University; Lee Lane, attorney, chair of the Board of Directors at Opportunity Enterprises; Caroline Shook, executive director of Housing Opportunities; and Jeni Elkins, director of Discoveries Unlimited.

WHEN: Tuesday, Jan. 29, 4–5 p.m.

WHERE: Duesenberg Recital Hall, Valparaiso University Center for the Arts

CONTACT: R.S.V.P. by Jan. 24 to Porter County Community Foundation at kkilander@portercountyfoundation.org or 219.465.0294

Engaging in dialogue with others, realizing differences and finding commonalities, and joining in a common pursuit of truth are core values at Valparaiso University.

These values were further explored on Monday, Jan. 21, as Valpo celebrated its 24th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration. The Opening Convocation featured keynote speaker Eboo Patel, founder, president, and CEO of the Interfaith Youth Core, who discussed the similarities between the visions of Martin Luther King Jr. and Mahatma Gandhi, as well as King’s impact as an interfaith leader.

Allison Schuette, Liz Wuerffel, and Moninder “Holly” Singh have been selected as the 2013 Martin Luther King Jr. Award recipients.

The three were honored at Valparaiso University’s 24th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on Monday, Jan. 21, at the Chapel of the Resurrection. As part of Valparaiso University’s annual celebration of the life and work of Martin Luther King Jr., each year the MLK Award is presented to persons or organizations making significant and lasting contributions to continue to create an environment where diversity is honored and respected within the campus community.

For fans of Tolkien, this is a special time. The year 2012 marked the 75th anniversary of the publishing of The Hobbit and many devotees eagerly awaited the December premiere of the first of three Peter Jackson films all based on the renowned novel. To celebrate these occasions, along with all other works of J.R.R. Tolkien (1892-1973), Valparaiso University  will host “On Tolkien and His Works,” a scholarly conference to be held from March 1 to March 3. The weekend-long event will be highlighted by a 25th anniversary performance of Symphony #1 “The Lord of the Rings” by Johan de Meij, with the composer in attendance and conducting:

http://www.johandemeij.com/cd_profile_main.php?id=12&cat=9

VALPARAISO, Ind. - Teachers participating in the Museum of Science and Industry’s science teacher education courses now can receive graduate credit from Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, Ind.

The new partnership provides more options to teachers interested in furthering their own education. Teachers can apply graduate credit toward a Master of Education in Instructional Leadership at Valparaiso University. In order to earn graduate academic credit at Valparaiso University, teachers pay a special discounted tuition for fall, winter and summer courses that range from three to five credits.

MSI science teacher education courses aim to improve the science achievement of students by better preparing their teachers. Participating teachers typically have little background in science and teach in high-needs schools in the Chicago area, including northwest Indiana. Each year, these teachers impact the science potential and opportunity of more than 5,000 students.

Valparaiso University has appointed Eric Johnson as Dean of the College of Engineering.

In his role as dean, Johnson will be responsible for the leadership, coordination, and guidance for the College of Engineering. Primary responsibilities will include budget development and management, strategic planning, faculty development, student recruitment and advising, college advancement, and the continued enhancement of constituent relationships, especially alumni relations.

“Eric’s dedication to Valparaiso University is evident through his active involvement in developing international engineering programs, organizing workshops for faculty on engineering education research, and serving on various committees, including international affairs, Faculty Senate, and the Master Plan Task Force,” Valparaiso University Provost Mark Schwehn said. “His contributions and commitment to the University, as well as his distinguished record as both a teacher and a scholar, make Eric an ideal candidate to lead the College of Engineering.”

The Caterpillar Foundation has selected Valparaiso University as one of five universities nationwide to receive funding to support study abroad in China, as a partner in the United States Department of State’s 100,000 Strong Initiative.

Recognizing the importance of studying abroad to an increasingly globalized economy, the Caterpillar Foundation has designated funds to help those students who wish to study abroad in China but might not otherwise be able to have the opportunity. Study-abroad programs have a long history at Valparaiso University, with the first programs in Cambridge and Germany going back 45 years.

“Participating in a study-abroad program is one of the best opportunities for students to transform their education, develop skills for their future, and broaden their perspective in life,” said Julie Maddox, director of study-abroad programs at Valparaiso University. “The need for graduates with cross-cultural competencies and language skills is so essential that The Caterpillar Foundation is awarding scholarships specifically for study-abroad.”