There are many reasons to volunteer; you may want to develop new skills, meet new people, help others, or give back. As a Valparaiso University parent, there are many ways to volunteer your time and talents for your student’s school. For information on how you can serve Valpo through volunteerism, call 800.833.6792, ext. 23, or send an e-mail to parents@valpo.edu.

Opportunities for volunteer involvement include: Parents Council / Valpo Clubs and Regional Groups / Crusader Connection / Guild / Valparaiso Admission Network (VAN)

VU Parents Council

The mission of the Valparaiso University Parents Council is to serve an ambassadorial role promoting and supporting Valpo, and act as a liaison between parents, students and the university. The Parents Council does this by hosting various activities for parents, such as the Parents Council Welcome Center during Welcome Weekend, Family Weekend, and a booth and reception at FOCUS. The Parents Council also writes and sends the "Valpo Parent" newsletter to all incoming parents, and the parent e-newsletter to all parents of Valpo students. They meet twice a year on campus.

For more information: valpo.edu/parents or send an E-mail to parents@valpo.edu.

Valpo Clubs and Regional Groups

Valpo Clubs and regional groups throughout the country sponsored more than 100 events last year. Valpo Clubs are active in 14 areas: Arizona, Chicago, Denver, Fort Wayne, Houston, Indianapolis, Lake County, Ind., Milwaukee, Minnesota, New York and New Jersey, Porter County, Ind., Southeastern Michigan, St. Louis, and Washington, D.C. Groups of alumni not residing in Valpo Club communities are also welcome to plan events. Alumni events are a great way to give back to Valpo, to find other Crusaders living and working in your community, and find out the “inside scoop” about what’s happening on campus.

For more information: valpo.edu/alumni/valpoclubs

Crusader Connection

Crusader Connection Mentor Network is a student/alumni mentoring program. Made possible by a grant from the Lilly Endowment, the program matches VU students with alumni in an effort to provide advice and to assist in the development of students academically, professionally, and personally. The program also strives to provide an opportunity for alumni to remain connected and involved with VU. Professionals using criteria that include career goals, geographic location, shared interests, and a common academic background do the matching. Once matched, the student and the mentor establish contact. Call 800.833.6792, ext. 23, to obtain a brochure and enrollment form.

For more information: valpo.edu/crusaderconnection    

VU Guild

The VU Guild is a national volunteer network who provide support through monetary contributions to the Guild Endowment Fund and sharing time and talent. Members have a strong belief in the Christian higher education demonstrated at Valparaiso University. Members enhance the student experience by providing Guild Campus Gift grants and scholarships while caring about the students’ physical and spiritual welfare. Everyone is welcome to participate! For more information or to become involved, visit valpo.edu/guild.

For more information: www.valpo.edu/guild

Valparaiso Admission Network (VAN)

The VAN offers a variety of flexible volunteer opportunities to share VU facts and stories while assisting the admission counselors with their student recruitment programs. You control the time you invest in the VAN. Projects include representing Valpo at college fairs, “adopting” a local high school or church, or chatting with admitted students and their parents in your communities. You can even provide prospective Valpo students with an “alumni-endorsed” application to VU—with your signature, their $30 application fee is waived. Enroll with VAN to help spread the word about Valpo.

For more information: www.valpo.edu/van