Valpo, Concordia-New York form partnership

Tue, November 3, 2009 |

Valparaiso University and Concordia College-New York announce the launch of a strategic alliance to further enhance the educational quality of both institutions. This alliance will begin with the creation of a jointly-sponsored Center for Global and Professional Studies.

Under the auspices of the Center, collaborative programs will be developed and offered on both campuses in areas of high synergy where there appear to be exceptional opportunities for programmatic enrichment, capitalizing on the strengths and resources of both institutions. These include business, media/communications, law, nursing, social sciences and the humanities. In addition, the Center will facilitate international study and faculty development on both campuses.

The launch of the first joint programs is targeted for summer of 2010.

Valparaiso President Mark Heckler and Concordia President Viji George said the collaborative effort will benefit both institutions.

"Both Valparaiso University and Concordia College-New York recognize that global education, experiential learning and the integration of disciplines are essential to the long-term success of students in a rapidly changing world," Heckler said. "This partnership will strengthen the educational quality of both institutions by taking advantage of our shared values and extensive resources in those areas.

"An essential part of our educational mission is preparing students equipped to lead and make a difference in the world. By enriching the exceptional programs available at both of our institutions, this Center will help students discover their calling in life and develop the knowledge, values and skills needed today and in the decades to come."

George commented, "Valparaiso offers many established, highly-regarded programs which create new learning opportunities for Concordia students. Our college is blessed to be located in the village of Bronxville, a service-minded community only 30 minutes from the bustle of mid-town Manhattan. Our 'Rolodex' of contacts in this part of the world is enviable and we hope to draw upon this volunteer largesse to pursue further educational enrichment opportunities for our students studying here or visiting from Valpo."

George and Heckler noted that building partnerships between institutions of higher education is essential in a changing educational environment.

"In these challenging economic times, it is essential for college and universities to explore and develop strategic relationships that are mutually beneficial and academically enriching," George and Heckler said. "Partnerships such as this Center will ensure Concordia and Valpo continue to deliver the compelling educational experience students desire."

Mark Schwehn, provost and vice president for academic affairs at Valparaiso, and Sherry Fraser, dean of the college at Concordia, added that opportunities for collaboration between the institutions are clear.

"From our perspective, Concordia College-New York offers a fantastic location, just half an hour from Manhattan, the world's financial and media center," Schwehn said. "Valpo students preparing for careers in those fields and in others can benefit tremendously from new opportunities for internships, to hear lectures by executives in these fields, and from other learning experiences that will broaden their educational and vocational environment.

"This Center will allow us to explore numerous collaborative endeavors. Concordia students, for example, can explore more opportunities for global learning by participating in Valpo's overseas study programs at its residential centers in China, Mexico, Germany and England."

Fraser commented, "What gave impetus to this collaboration was a realization that both institutions have many shared values and a vision to prepare leaders who are well-versed in global issues, sensitive to customs and mores in other cultures, facile with the modern tools of technology, and who can think critically and communicate effectively. Both our institutions have a deep commitment to values-based education as we prepare our students for the future."

"Valpo brings some unique and amazing programs to the table which could enhance our students' experiential learning opportunities in communications, meteorology, and sustainability in addition to opportunities for seamless transition to graduate education in fields such as business, law, nursing and media."

For further information, please contact Dustin Wunderlich, senior director of public relations at Valparaiso University (219-464-6939 or dustin.wunderlich@valpo.edu) or Paul Grand Pré, vice president for institutional advancement at Concordia College (914-337-9300, ext. 2286 or paul.grandpre@concordia-ny.edu).