As we reflect on the year that was, the Valparaiso University community has much to be thankful for and excited about. There is so much good news to go around that it is a challenge to select the best of the best, but here are 11 stories to remember and reflect upon as we close out 2011 and get ready to greet 2012:

	January: The Brauer Museum of Art's new Byron Lee and Josephine Luecke Ferguson Galleries are dedicated. The galleries increased the museum's gallery space by approximately 25 percent. The Ferguson Galleries contribute to the prominence of the Brauer Museum of Art's permanent collection of modern and contemporary works. The galleries were made possible through the support of longtime Brauer Museum donors Byron Lee Ferguson ’48 and Josephine Luecke Ferguson ’46. Video: Celebrating the dedication of the Ferguson Galleries.
	March: Trip to Germany celebrates historic ties to Valparaiso University. President Mark A. Heckler traveled to Germany to celebrate Valparaiso University's partners in the state of Baden-Wurttemberg and to honor Wolf Brixner and Olga Hellmich Brixner, who taught and provided other support for decades at Valpo's study center in Reutlingen. In 2012, the Valparaiso University Chorale and a group of alumni will visit Germany. Video: Student bloggers talk about the 2010 Chorale trip to Germany.
	March: Bach Collegium Japan performs on campus. Valparaiso University hosted the Bach Collegium Japan, renowned worldwide for its exceptional performances of Johann Sebastian Bach’s music, in a premier cultural event for the greater Chicago region. The concert, sponsored by the Bach Institute at Valparaiso University, showcased the enduring power of one of history’s greatest composers of sacred music in the Chapel of the Resurrection. Video: Bach Collegium Japan in concert.
	April: New Strategic Plan primes Valparaiso University for growth, innovation. Valparaiso University announced to the public a bold new Strategic Plan that calls for innovation, increased enrollment and financial sustainability. A two-year engagement process preceded the formation of the Strategic Plan, and involved faculty, staff, students, board members, alumni, and community members. The Strategic Plan was approved by the Board of Directors in October 2010, with three statements of purpose: Create competitive advantage Ensure financial sustainability Deepen commitment to Valparaiso University among faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the general community Video: State of the University address includes Strategic Plan insight.
	May: $15 million gift to help fund chapel improvements. One of the largest gifts in Valparaiso University history will ensure the preservation of the Chapel of the Resurrection and enable opportunities for significant enhancement to this enduring symbol of faith. The $15 million gift from the Rev. Mark and Kathy Helge will support the most critical preservation issues facing the chapel while adding programmatic space and technology to position the chapel for its future. The Helges have a history of giving to Valparaiso University, having also provided the lead gift for the construction of the Harre Union building. The chapel is where the Helges met as students at Valpo. This year also saw the appointing of a new Director of Campus Ministries, the Rev. Brian Johnson, and a new University Pastor, the Rev. Charlene Cox. Video: The Rev. James Wetzstein, university pastor, talks about the focus on students at the Chapel of the Resurrection.
	May: Bryce Drew named new men’s basketball coach. Valparaiso University director of athletics Mark LaBarbera announced that Bryce Drew has been hired as the 21st head coach in the history of the Crusader men’s basketball program. The announcement came after Valparaiso University President Mark A. Heckler announced that Homer Drew had retired as the Crusaders’ head coach. It was an exciting year for Valpo athletics that included the University’s first Horizon League championship, in men’s soccer, and a No. 1 national ranking for the women’s bowling team. Video: Historic day as Bryce Drew is named Crusader coach.
	August: Valpo women’s basketball team tours China. The Valpo women’s basketball team – along with head coach Keith Freeman, associate head coach Greg Kirby, and assistant coaches Kelly Komara and Steve Helm – embarked on a journey to the other side of the globe in August. The trip featured a number of special practices, and basketball games against Zhejiang University of Technology and Zhejiang Chouzhou, a professional team. “Basketball in China was a whole new game,” said senior Laura Richards of Connersville, Ind. “Even to understand what the other team was doing when they are communicating in a different language was all a new experience for us.” Video: The team experiences China.
	September: University purchases Porter Hospital property. Officials from Porter Hospital and Valparaiso University announced Monday, Sept. 12, the sale of the hospital property and its surrounding properties to the University during a joint press conference, hosted by University President Mark A. Heckler and Porter Health System CEO Jonathan Nalli. "The purchase of this property is a strategic investment for the University that is directly aligned to the Strategic Plan and supports its growth objectives," Heckler said. "The acquisition of this land will ensure that the physical environment of the campus supports the expansion goals of the University while creating even deeper connections between the University and the city of Valparaiso on the north side of campus." Video: Officials announce hospital purchase at press conference.
	September: President Heckler signs contract extension. The Valparaiso University Board of Directors announced the signing of a new six-year contract with President Mark A. Heckler. Under the new contract, he will continue to lead Valparaiso University through at least June 30, 2017. “As a board, we feel very fortunate to have a strong leader in Mark, who will continue to guide the implementation of the University's Strategic Plan,” said Frederick G. Kraegel, Chairman of the Valparaiso University Board of Directors. “The Board fully supports the Strategic Plan and we believe that Mark provides the vision and discipline to move the University forward.” Video: Valparaiso University president’s message to prospective students.
	November: Donald V. Fites Engineering Innovation Center dedicated. Leaders at Valparaiso University joined with community members to dedicate the $13 million Donald V. Fites Engineering Innovation Center, a state of the art addition to the current Gellersen Engineering and Mathematics Center. The new facility covers 13,470 square feet, and is made up primarily of laboratory and learning space for undergraduate engineering students. The project also includes a renovation of about 4,300 square feet of existing laboratory facilities. The Fites Center and the James S. Markiewicz Solar Energy Research Facility showcase the College of Engineering’s commitment to experiential learning for its students. The Fites Center is named after Donald V. Fites ‘56 CE, who is the retired Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Caterpillar Inc. and a member of the Valparaiso University Board of Directors. This year also saw the renovation and rededication of Heritage Hall at the Law School. The reconstructed building is home for the Lawyering Skills Center and Legal Clinic. Heritage Hall was built in 1875 and connects the University to its original campus Video: Scenes from the Fites Center dedication.
	December: Second annual Christmas tree lighting brings community together. Valparaiso University kicked off the holiday season with the second annual Christmas tree lighting, drawing hundreds of people from campus and beyond. Festivities included a sing-along and a fireworks show to cap off the night. Valpo’s 24 Days of Christmas website, valpo.edu/valpochristmas, features videos on musical performances, service projects, and other great holiday stories. Video: Christmas tree festivities draw a crowd.