Valpomag

1994-2007 AlumNotes

1994

Lynda (Sloane) Bennett J.D. was selected for inclusion in the 25th anniversary edition of Best Lawyers in America. She is a member of the New Jersey Bar Association and chairs its Insurance Law Section.

She also is a member of the board of the New Jersey Women Lawyers Association. Lynda joined Robertson, Freilich, Bruno & Cohen LLC in 2006 as the first female partner.

Matthew Christian, wife Amy and their three children reside in Chicago. Matthew is the administrative director for the Center for Cognitive and Social Neuroscience at the University of Chicago.

Jeffrey Coto, a registered nurse, is the new director of emergency services for LaPorte (Ind.) Regional Health System. He is responsible for overseeing daily clinical operations of the emergency department of LaPorte Hospital. Jeffrey received his graduate degree from Purdue University and has been a member of the American Nurses Credentialing Center since 1997.

Jason Freitag J.D. is a senior law clerk for Illinois Supreme Court Justice Thomas Fitzgerald in Chicago.

William Roberts is the new principal of Bosse High School in Evansville, Ind., which has a student population of about 900 students. He is married and the father of four children. Prior positions include that of high school assistant principal in both Terre Haute, Ind., and Gary.

Cindy (Becker) Schmitt and her husband, Rob, have been married for 11 years. They have two children, Gary, 6, and Alannah, 4. Cindy teaches at Cross of Christ Christian School in Anthem, Ariz., and has been active with the Joubert Syndrome Foundation since the birth of their daughter who is affected by Joubert Syndrome.

Luke Stuckmeyer works for Comcast SportsNet as a reporter/anchor for “SportsNite” and “SportsRise,” and a field reporter for Cubs baseball coverage. Prior to this position he was the weekend sports anchor and reporter at KENS-TV, the CBS affiliate in San Antonio. Luke was an Associated Press award winner in 1999 and 2000 with KOLN-TV.

MARRIAGE

Michael Daenzer and Lisa Bortnick, May 14, 2007, Maui, Hawaii.

BIRTHS

To Michelle (Johansen) Bacon and husband Michael of Monee, Ill.: Makayla Hope, born August 2007; joins sister Marissa Kaitlyn, 4.

To Matthew Christian and wife Amy of Chicago: Linus Matthias, born in May 2007; joins twin sisters Zofie and Maeta, who were born in July 2004.

To Lynne (Neely) Franke and husband Alex of Chapel Hill, N.C.: Meredith Alexandra, born on Nov. 16, 2006; joins brother Jacob, 3.

To Jason Freitag J.D. and wife Alexis Kee of Des Plaines, Ill.: Ulysses Patrick, born on March 9, 2007; joins brother Augustus, 3.

To Ryan and Lori (Stauss ’95) Helm of Cedarburg, Wis.: Sarah Jane, born on Aug. 5, 2007; joins sister Abby, 4, and brother Jacob, 2.

To Jennifer (Dierking) Johnson and husband Michael of Lohman, Mo.: Jessica Kaylin, born July 23, 2007; joins brothers Luke, 4, and Adam, 2.

To Jeff Rousseau and wife Laura of O Fallon, Mo.: Grant Jeffrey, born in June 2007; joins sister Caroline, 2.

1995

David Hajek J.D., his wife, Deborah (Kuzman J.D.), and their two children live in Fishers, Ind. He is a partner at Clifton Gunderson. He also is a member of the American and Indianapolis bar associations, the Indiana CPA Society and the American Institute of Public Accountants. He is a member of Kiwanis International and The Hawthorns Country Club. He also coaches soccer for Fisher Sports.

Karen (Zima) Karpenko, husband Greg and their two sons, Andrew, 5, and Jonathan, 2, reside in Minneapolis. Greg is a shareholder at the law firm of Fredrikson & Byron, Karen stays at home with the children.

Kate (Wurster) Kilpatrick, husband Dan and their three children, Brianna, 14, Devin, 12, and Cameron, 9, reside in Bethlehem, Pa. Kate works as a production editor in West Chester, Pa. Dan is an independent computer consultant.

Jessie Lopez M.A. resides in Kingman, Ariz., with his wife, Tish, and their son, Quinten, 11. Jessie is the alternative dispute resolution administrator for the Mohave County Courts. He oversees child custody cases, budgeting and staffing.

Abigail (Manuwal) McIntire and husband Mark reside in Argos, Ind. They have four children: Juliana, 1; Jedediah, 7; Jack, 5; and Joel, 3. Abby earned her M.S.W. degree in 2001. She currently stays at home with the children. Mark works as a manager, owns a trucking business, and is a farmer.

Christine Meus and husband Jeffery Waugh live in Highland, Ind. She is the coordinator of clinical experiences at Purdue University Calumet. She works closely with area schools to find placements for education majors.

Hilary (MacDonald) Sopata and husband Chris live in Park Ridge, Ill. Hilary owns a design firm called Interior Visions Designs Inc. She is active on her church board and has been on a mission trip to Nigeria. She also is president-elect of the American Society of Interior Designers.

Charlie White J.D. serves as the assistant director-special counsel for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. He also is the chair of the Hamilton County Republican Party and was recently elected to a third term as a member of the Fishers Town Council. Charlie and his son, William, reside in Fishers, Ind.

Tamra Woodworth lives in Indianapolis. She is an assistant professor of emergency medicine and pediatrics at Indiana University School of Medicine. She has been a pediatrician in the Riley Hospital Children’s Emergency Room for the past three years.

MARRIAGE

Kate Wurster and Dan Kilpatrick, Aug. 26, 2007, Lansdale, Pa.

BIRTHS

To Missy (Willson) Diedrich and husband Dan of LaPorte, Ind.: Madeline Eva, born on May 22, 2007.

To Stacy (Hood) Kurdelak and husband Patrick of Wheatfield, Ind.: Norah Grace, born on Feb. 25, 2007.

1996

MARRIAGE

Heather Goes and Timothy Laurent, Nov. 4, 2006, Chicago.

BIRTHS

To Jodi (Saville) Buoscio and husband Tony of Osceola, Ind.: Christopher Logan, born March 27, 2007; joins brother Dominic.

To Laura (Kostizen) and Michael Grichnik ’97 of Peoria, Ill.: Stephen Michael, born Feb. 1, 2007; joins sisters Elizabeth and Rebecca.

To Jennifer (Brown) Kuzdas and husband Lawrence of Rolling Prairie, Ind.: Kayla Rose, born May 24, 2007.

To Kim (Blecha) Pankiewicz and husband Craig of Plainfield, Ill.: Caleb Alexander, born Feb. 23, 2007; joins brother Carter, 3.

1997

Wendy (Wonning) Blank and husband Brian live in Sammamish, Wash., with their two children, AnneMarie and Jacob. Wendy stays at home with the children.

Kate (Dueringer) Goodman and husband Randy celebrated their 10th anniversary last August by having all Kate’s Valpo roommates and their families to their home in Centennial, Colo. Celebrating the occasion were: Erin (Core ’03 J.D.) Goffette, Heather (Swanson) and Rob Bernhard, Serena Westlund, and Eileen (Cotton) Evon. The five women lived in the green house in front of St. Teresa’s their senior year at Valpo and have remained close friends.

April (Minnick) Grunden J.D. has joined Baker & Daniels LLP as a partner in the trusts and estates practice group. Prior to joining the firm, she owned her own private practice for five years.

Robert Rayl and his wife, Jennifer live in Atlanta. Robert received his M.B.A. from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business. He is a regional business director for Ortho Biotech Oncology.

Scott Sanders of Madison, Wis., is an associate professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Wisconsin. His research has focused on the development of optical diagnostics for gas-sensing to improve the performance of combustion engines. He has earned four patents and received the Silver Combustion Medal at the International Symposium on Combustion in 2002. Last October, the VU Alumni Association awarded him its Outstanding Young Alumnus Award.

Ayesha (Qaiser) Sherdil and husband Mujahid reside in Lahore, Pakistan. Ayesha teaches English language and literature at a private high school for girls. Her e-mail address is nemoless@yahoo.com.

Pam Tulke is working at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. She is developing a program for new graduate nurses focusing on leadership, professionalism, critical thinking and education for new graduate nurses.

MARRIAGES

Robert Rayl II and Jennifer Albright, July 14, 2007, Atlanta.

Sage Rebuehr and Bill Adamsky, June 23, 2007, Denver.

BIRTHS

To Heather (Hall ’05 M.B.A.) Abbring and husband Steve of Valparaiso: Dana Michelle, born Dec. 5, 2006.

To Wendy (Wonning) Blank and husband Brian of Sammamish, Wash.: Rebecca Lynn, born on Sept. 11, 2007; joins siblings AnneMarie and Jacob.

To Amy (Cruth) Hout and husband Wesley of Suffolk, Va.: William Karl, born Aug. 22, 2007; joins sister Anna, 3.

To Laura (Verdun) Mund and husband Erick of Odell, Ill.: Seth Erick, born Dec. 26, 2006; joins sister Grace, 3.

To Suzanne (Afshar) Revis and husband Don of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.: Samuel Alexander, born on March 16, 2007; joins sister Sophia, 3.

To Kelley (Christopher) Schueler and husband Paul of Hinsdale, Ill.: Benjamin Gunsaulus, born on May 2, 2007; joins brother Henry, 2.

To Ayesha (Qaiser) Sherdil and husband Mujahid of Lahore, Pakistan: Asfandyar Khan, born July 19, 2005.

To Cheri (Hughes) Sutton and husband Keith of Naperville, Ill.: Kaylee Rose, born in February 2007; joins sister Alison Haley, born in February 2005.

To Cindi (Czulno) Van Luchene and husband Corey ’98 of Granger, Ind.: Katelyn Marie, born June 3, 2007; joins sister Emily, 3.

1998

Tessa (Firnhaber Burns and husband Casey live in Austin, Texas, with son Davis. Tessa earned her master’s degree in education from Texas State University in August 2006. Her e-mail address is tfburns6@austin.rr.com.

Harold Cord Nuoffer, wife Mari and their daughter, Katharine, 4, reside in South Pasadena, Calif. Cord is involved in business and litigation consulting, calculating business interruption loss and damages for his clients in the Forensic Accounting and Claims Services section in the Los Angeles office of Marsh Risk Consulting.

Jennifer (Weber) Reddington and husband Thomas reside in South Bend, Ind. In July 2007, Jennifer was promoted to manager of human resources at AJ Wright, a division of the TJX Companies.

BIRTHS

To Tessa (Firnhaber) Burns and husband Casey of Austin, Texas: Davis Meyer, born of Jan. 19, 2007.

To Katie (Perkins) Cruz and husband Mike of Cary, Ill.: Michael Fortunato, born on Nov. 8, 2006; joins sister Raina, 3.

To Wendy (Wesley) Lueders and husband Michael ’96 of Brecksville, Ohio: Andrew “Drew,” born on Jan. 24, 2006.

1999

Frank Dale ’03 M.A.L.S. works for an online marketing company and is enrolled in Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business.

Michael Fleming and wife Kendra (Morgan ’01) reside in Dunlap, Ill. Michael is in his ninth year as a financial planner with Thrivent Financial. Kendra is a busy stay-at-home mom and the alumni president of her local Gamma Phi Beta chapter at Bradley University.

Paul Jarzembowski and his wife, Sarah, reside in Plainfield, Ill. Paul is the diocesan director of College and Young Adult Ministry for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Joliet, Ill. He also is in his third year as acting executive director of the National Catholic Young Adult Ministry Association. Paul is a leading voice in Catholic young adult ministry and on the intersection of faith and film. He is writing his first book and is the author of the blog, www.spiritualpopcorn.blogspot.com, a regular review of popular movies from a Catholic perspective. Sarah is the director of Youth and College Ministry at St. Mary Catholic Parish in Mokena, Ill.

Genni Knight and husband Richard Maupin reside in Fishers, Ind. Genni attained her Fellow of the Society of Actuaries designation in May 2007. She works at Conseco Insurance Group in Carmel, Ind., where she recently was promoted to senior actuary. Richard is a math instructor at the University of Indianapolis.

Melissa (Bledsoe) and Scott Nietzel reside in Newport, R.I., where Scott is stationed with the U.S. Navy as a surface warfare officer. Melissa is a director with the transaction services practice of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP in the Boston, Mass., office.

Mollie Schmelzer has been working as the teen advocate for Freedom House in Princeton, Ill. Serving five rural Illinois counties, she counsels and provides legal and medical advocacy to teen victims of domestic and sexual violence. She also works in prevention education programming for junior and senior high schools.

Jonathan Schultz and wife Ingrid (Dannenberg) reside in West Bend, Wis., with their two children: Emma, 4, and Andrew, who was born in August 2007.

Ayesha (Qaiser) Sherdil teaches English language and literature to ninth- and 10th-grade students in Lahore, Pakistan. Her son, Asfandyar, 2, will start pre-school in January 2008. Ayesha would love to hear from old friends.

Naomi Strom-Avila and husband John Paul ’00 reside in Fircrest, Wash., with daughter Evangelina. Naomi is the cultural arts specialist with the city of Tacoma, and John Paul ’00 is chair of the art department and assistant professor of graphic design at Pacific Lutheran University.

Lisa (Kaczor) Wettstaedt, husband Jason and their son, Parker, live in Woodridge, Ill. Lisa took a promotion as an associate director of direct marketing with the Alzheimer’s Association in Chicago. Jason is the Midwest regional sales manager for FLSmidth Advanced Filtration Technologies.

Mark Williams and his wife, Colleen, reside in Mount Prospect, Ill. Valpo alumni who took part in their Oct. 7 wedding are: Preston Theilig ’00 and Chad Lohrentz ’98. For the last eight years, Mark has worked as a middle school social studies teacher. He recently took a position as the youth coordinator for the Village of Niles and director of the Niles Teen Center. Colleen earned her bachelor’s degree from Concordia River Forest in 2002 and her M.B.A. from Dominican University in 2005. She works as a commercial loan officer with American Chartered Bank in Mount Prospect.

MARRIAGES

Melissa Bledsoe and Scott Nietzel, Dec. 30, 2007, Davis, Calif.

Frank Dale ’03 M.A.L.S. and Beth Garrison ’05 J.D., July 7, 2007, Lake of the Ozarks, Mo.

Genni Knight and Richard Maupin, Sept. 15, 2007, Carmel, Ind.

Vanessa Puglisi and Bryon Jacob, June 16, 2007, Austin, Texas.

Mark Williams and Colleen Thesen, Oct. 7, 2007, East Dundee, Ill.

BIRTHS

To Carrie (Moyer) Egan and husband David of Chicago: Connor Patrick, born May 14, 2007.

To Michael and Kendra (Morgan ’01) Fleming of Dunlap, Ill.: Avery Joy, born on July 6, 2006.

To Aaron and Sarah (Hamlin) Gin of Albuquerque, N.M.: daughter Maya, born on May 16, 2007.

To Sarah (Burow) May and husband Charles “Chip” of Arcadia, Mich.: Kate Candace.

To Angela (Schmitt) Mazurek and husband Derek of Nunica, Mich.: Alana Kay, born April 15, 2007.

To Jonathan Schulz and wife Ingrid (Dannenberg) of West Bend, Wis.: Andrew Jonathan, born on Aug. 14, 2007; joins sister Emma, 4.

To Naomi Strom-Avila and husband John Paul ’00 of Fircrest, Wash.: Evangelina Albertina, born Oct. 3, 2007.

To Julie (Poshak) VanRossum and husband Bill of Glen Ellyn, Ill.: twins, Kyle Edward and Elizabeth Grace, born on July 14, 2006.

To Lisa (Kaczor) Wettstaedt and husband Jason of Woodridge, Ill.: Parker Allen, born Jan. 15, 2007.

2000

Kelli (Baumgarn) Elser and husband Matthew ’98 reside in Brownsburg, Ind., with their two sons, Caleb and Nolan. Matthew works as an annuity trainer for Conseco Services, and Kelli works as assistant director of admissions for Brebeuf Jesuit Preparatory School, a private high school in Indianapolis.

Erica and Adam Gibson-Even reside in Prevessin, France, with son Daniel. In 2004 Erica completed a M.Div. degree from Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary and the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. After her ordination as a pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, she served as pastor at St. Andrew Lutheran Church in Glenwood, Ill., until late 2006. Adam completed his Ph.D. in experimental particle physics from the University of California at Berkeley. His doctoral research focused on a method to more precisely measure the mass of the top quark. Adam is pursuing postdoctoral research at the new CERN particle collider.

Stephanie (McDade) Hooper, husband Ryan and their son, Nolan, reside in Toulon, Ill. Stephanie is engineering student pipeline coordinator at Caterpillar Inc. in Peoria, Ill. Ryan is a professor of physics at Bradley University.

Sarah (Sleziak) Johnson and husband Eric reside in Coldwater, Mich. They have two children: Sophia, born in May 2004; and Ezekiel, who was born in March 2007. Sarah stays at home with the children. She also is a substitute teacher, looking for a full-time teaching position.

David Novak J.D. was appointed to the board of directors of the Merrillville (Ind.) Chamber of Commerce for a three-year term. He is an attorney with the law firm of Schlyer & Associates PC in Merrillville, and focuses on representing injured persons, business law matters and bankruptcy. He also teaches two U.S. history classes for Purdue University. David is a member of the Pastoral Council at Our Lady of Consolation Parish in Merrillville.

Scott Paukner of Muskego, Wis., was hired last summer by the Lutheran High School Association of Greater Milwaukee to serve as the band teacher for students in grades 5-8, at four Lutheran grade schools in the western suburbs of Milwaukee. He was a part of the 2007 Windiana Concert Band trip to China in June and also chairs the Valpo Club of Milwaukee.

Chris Sparks is an assistant coach for men’s basketball at Valpo.

BIRTHS

To Megan (Modjeski) and Scott Adams of West Lafayette, Ind.: Molly Charlotte, born on June 13, 2007; joins brother Simon, 3.

To Shannon (Quade) Allen and husband Randy of Island Lake, Ill.: Mackenzie Taylor, born on July 31, 2007.

To Susie (Weirman) and Jake Balgeman ’99 of Bartlett, Ill.: Benjamin Jakob, born May 1, 2007.

To Kellie (Baumgarn) and Matthew Elser ’98 of Brownsburg, Ind.: Caleb Finn, born on Sept. 10, 2007; joins brother Nolan, 2.

To Erica and Adam Gibson-Even of Prevessin, France: Daniel Luther, born Oct. 25, 2006.

To Gretchen (Demuth) and Jeff Hansen ’01 of Kimberly, Wis.: Henry Robert, born May 13, 2007; joins siblings John and Grace.

To Stephanie (McDade) Hooper and husband Ryan of Toulon, Ill.: Nolan Ryan, March 15, 2007.

To Beth (Kunz) and David Kamano of Carol Stream, Ill.: Ella Grace, born April 13, 2007.

To Rachel (Breault) Kyncl and husband Dustin of Stevensville, Mich.: Twins, Olivia Grace and Avery Zane, born March 22, 2007; join sister Madeline.

To Steven Peterson and wife Christina of LaOtto, Ind.: Alexander, born Jan. 22, 2007.

To Rich Weiss and wife Becky of Katy, Texas: Elizabeth, born on April 6, 2007.

To Andrea (Brehmer) West and husband Daniel or Lindenhurst, Ill.: Madeline Danielle, born July 2, 2007; joins sister Kaitlyn.

To Karla (Huppe) Yung and husband Daniel of Columbia, Mo.: Aidan Timothy, born Oct. 20, 2006.

2001

Mohammed Mundhir Al-Said is a 1st lieutenant in the Royal Oman Police in Oman. He mentions in a recent note that he will always be grateful to VU and to his adviser, Professor Peter Venturelli, and Professor John Ruff and Dr. Hugh McGuigan.

Daniel Biank and wife Erin (Henderson ’03) celebrated the birth of their first daughter, Abigail. Daniel is leading regulatory affairs for GE Healthcare’s MRI coils business. He is a licensed professional engineer and recently became regulatory affairs certified by the Regulatory Affairs Professional Society. He is in his third part-time year of law school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Erin is a voice instructor at Pius XI High School, while continuing to perform professionally with the Milwaukee Choral Artists.

Kimberly Brayboy of Joliet, Ill., is a marketing representative in the office of Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias.

Joe Charlevoix is the morning meteorologist for NBC affiliate WPBN/WTOM-TV, based in Traverse City, Mich., where he has worked since 2002. It covers Eastern Upper Michigan, along with Northern/Central Lower Michigan.

Matthew Couser, wife Katie and their son, Ryan, reside in Lansing, Mich. Matthew is in his fourth year at Our Savior Lutheran School. He teaches fourth grade, coaches middle school basketball, and leads adult Bible class. Matthew also is pursuing his master’s degree in education leadership and administration at Central Michigan University. He and Katie volunteer a week each summer at Camp Arcadia as counselor and nurse during the eighth-grade confirmation week.

Doug Eakins and wife Amanda reside in St. Charles, Ill. Doug is a licensed electrical engineer working at Patrick Engineering in Lisle, Ill.

Tamilla Eldridge and husband Alston Mason were married after she received her master’s degree from Pace University. She has been teaching elementary students for the past five years.

Jennifer (Lech) Gazda, husband Michael and their daughter, Katelynn, 3, reside in Plainfield, Ill. Last year, Katelynn was diagnosed with autism. Jennifer encourages other alumni with special needs children to contact her at jennifergazda@hotmail.com. Jennifer is enrolled in the MSW program at the University of St. Francis in Joliet, as well as working at Aunt Martha’s Youth Service Center.

Erik Kessler, formerly of PricewaterhouseCoopers, has joined Alvarez & Marsal Transaction Advisory Group as a senior associate. Erik specializes in accounting and financial analysis. He is a certified public accountant licensed in Illinois and Indiana. He also is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Indiana CPA Society.

Thaddeus Meyer and wife Lauren reside in Columbia, Md. Their December 2006 bridal party included Valpo alumni Gay (Gilbert ’67) Meyer, Heidi (Meyer ’93, ’96 J.D.) Abegg, Jill (Meyer ’97) Seaver, Christopher Meyer ’95, and Matthew Landmeier ’02. Lauren works for DiamondRock Hospitality in Bethesda, and Thaddeus works for the federal government.

Lee Ann Machosky Pomrenke and husband Stefan reside in Fredericksburg, Va. Lee Ann is a pastor at Bethel Lutheran Church in Manassas, Va. Valpo friends who attended their May 2007 wedding include: Holly Blunk ’01, Sharin Schroeder ’01, Marla Wood ’01, Mary (Metcalf ’01) Hirsch and husband Bob, Alida Pask ’01, and Emily Steinwehe ’01. The couple will reside in Fredericksburg for the year, as Stefan completes his medical degree and Lee Ann continues her first call.

Kimberly Smith earned her master’s degree in public service administration. She serves as the head swim coach of the USA Swim Club team, Greater Evansville Aquatics Club, as well as the assistant to the director of compliance with the Department of Athletics at the University of Evansville.

Joe Wurzburger and wife Laura reside in Chicago. Alumni who were part of their October 2007 wedding were: Dave Wurzburger ’03, Larry Mowry ’00, and Dana (Timm) Wurzburger ’04. Photos can be viewed at www.laurajoewedding.com. Joe works for Bankers Life and Casualty Co. in Chicago as an actuary. He attained his Associate in the Society of Actuaries credential. Friends may contact him at: j.wurzburger@banklife.com.

MARRIAGES

Doug Eakins and Amanda Arnold, May 27, 2007, Geneva, Ill.

Lee Ann Machosky and Stefan Pomrenke, May 25, 2007, Manassas, Va.

Thaddeus Meyer and Lauren Bachmann, Dec. 29, 2006, (Old Town) Alexandra, Va.

Joe Wurzburger and Laura Burke, Oct. 6, 2007, Chicago.

BIRTHS

To Matthew Couser and wife Katie of Lansing, Mich.: Ryan Christian, born on July 1, 2007.

To Melissa (Golden) DeVantier and husband John of Appleton, Wis.: Ella Rae, born on July 14, 2007.

To Dana (Tauber) Foley and husband Tim of Arlington Heights, Ill.: Kate Elizabeth, born March 8, 2007.

To Sara (Colba) and Matt Mischnick of Madison, Wis.: Anna Elizabeth, born on June 27, 2007.

To Renee (Dysert) Peggs-Monnier and husband Bart of Grand Rapids, Mich.: Patrick Daniel, born March 7, 2007.

2002

Timothy Birner and his wife, Laura, currently reside in Moscow, Russia.

Angela (Root) Butlett and husband Anthony reside in DeKalb, Ill. Angela served the Lutheran Volunteer Corps in Chicago for a year.

Becky Ditchfield took a job in Denver as the morning meteorologist for KUSA “9 News.”

Kristin (Nissen) Flora, husband Mark ’03 and their son, Riley, reside in Franklin, Ind. Kristin is an assistant professor of psychology at Franklin College.

Robert Harris graduated last May from Pace Law School in White Plains, N.Y. He passed the July 2007 Colorado bar exam. While he was in law school, Rob worked with various New York City waterkeeper organizations, the Connecticut Fund for the Environment, and the Environmental Protection Agency. He is job hunting in the Denver and Washington, D.C., metro areas.

Gregory Lubeck recently returned home from an eight-month deployment to the Middle East aboard the USS John C. Stennis. His squadron, VS-31, belongs to Carrier Air Wing Nine, and they are based at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla.

Maryn Olson interned in the Division for Global Mission, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and came to work for that organization. Her long-term placement has been with the ELCA in Namibia in their Aids Action group. For the past three years, Maryn has serve with HIV/AIDS programs of Lutheran churches in southern Africa and participated in the establishment of an HIV counseling and testing center.

Paul Oren began his third year as an adjunct instructor of communication at Valpo. He also is a sports reporter for the Northwest Indiana Times newspaper, and is pursuing his master’s degree in sports administration.

Jonathan Pasky ’95 J.D. of Oak Park, Ill., is a patent attorney with the law firm of McCracken & Frank LLP in Chicago. He specializes in all areas of intellectual property law, including patents, trademarks and portfolio management. He is licensed to practice law in Indiana and before the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Jessica (Hinsch) Raba and husband Douglas reside in Manhattan, where Jessica teaches sixth grade English and social studies at New Heights Academy Charter School, and Doug teaches English at St. John’s Preparatory High School. Alumnae in their July 2007 wedding party included Nicole Genthe ’02 and Lauren (Urbanczyk ’02) Pearson.

Corey Schuler, wife Sheree and their son, Zachary, reside in Owatonna, Minn. He owns and operates the Dynamic Healing Center Owatonna, a medicine practice that focuses on patients with chronic metabolic and musculoskeletal conditions. He also will complete a degree in naturopathic medicine in late 2008. His e-mail address is bschulerdc@gmail.com.

Lyn Stevens is an advanced practice nurse at Saint Anthony Memorial in Michigan City, Ind.

Chris Tomer of Lakewood, Colo., is a weekend meteorologist at KDVR-TV (Fox) Denver.

Rebecca Wazny has attended the University of Louisville since 2005. She has plans to apply for admission to medical school in fall 2008.

MARRIAGES

Timothy Birner and Laura Schmidt, Oct. 20, 2007, St. Louis, Mo.

Jennifer Grupe and Kent Rosenbaum Jr., June 23, 2007, Valparaiso.

Jessica Hinsch and Douglas Raba, July 21, 2007, Blakeslee, Pa.

Angela Root and Anthony Butlett, June 9, 2007, DeKalb, Ill.

BIRTHS

To Tiffany (Schweikert ’04 M.Ed.) and Ryan Burrow of Northfield, Ill.: Trinity Mae, born on Sept. 8, 2007.

To Kimiko (Bacon) Crestetto and husband Jeremy of North Kingstown, R.I.: Jared William, born April 3, 2007.

To Lauren Holder and husband Josh McCormack of Schereville, Ind.: Ian Asher, born on June 4, 2007.

2003

David Beagley now resides in Ames, Iowa, where he is an assistant pastor at Memorial Lutheran Church and Student Center. He graduated from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis in May 2007.

Andrea (Thien) Bolitho and her husband, Jonathan, reside in Colorado during the summer months. Andrea is in her first year as an interpretive park ranger for the National Park Service in Colorado. During winter months, they reside in Maricopa, Ariz., where Jonathan is an elementary school teacher.

Jennifer (Bonner) Campbell ’06 J.D. of Valparaiso serves on the Board of Directors of the Valparaiso University Guild. She joined the Guild in 2003 and has served as a member of the Guild Advisory Team. Jennifer is an attorney with the law offices of Garry A. Weiss PC in Merrillville, Ind.

Jason Hawkins is the new boys’ basketball coach at Michigan City Marquette High School. He also is pursuing his master’s degree at Valpo.

Elizabeth (Kinneer) Laba ’04 M.Ed. and husband Tim reside in Hobart, Ind. Elizabeth teaches chemistry and coaches cross country and track at Crown Point High School.

Michelle (Maruszak) Lata and husband Justin reside in Chicago. Their Oct. 28, 2006, wedding party consisted of 2003 Valpo alumni Sarah Barnes, Brian Niec, and Kyle Nelson.

Heather (Hall) Lewis and husband Chris bought their first home in Portland, Ore. Heather earned her master’s degree in student affairs and higher education.

Chance Lindsley M.Ed. is employed by Portage (Ind.) Township Schools; he teaches fifth grade at Aylesworth Elementary School. Chance has received an A+ for Energy grant from BP for his greenhouse project, which will involve all students and include the entire curriculum.

Steve Luhmann plays the piano at the Big Bang Dueling Piano Bar in St. Louis. As an entertainer, his playlist has grown to about 1,000 from 50 songs.

Karl and Jenna (Zimmerman) Nelson reside in Ballwin, Mo., with daughter Layna. Karl works for Thrivent Financial as a launch manager, and Jenna continues to work as a Lutheran elementary school counselor. Jenna received her clinical license in July 2007.

Jane Optie graduated from the Graduate School of Library and Information Science at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in May 2007 with a Master of Science degree. She will complete her K-12 school librarianship certification in December 2007. Jane recently was selected to give a presentation at the American Library Association annual conference in Washington, D.C.

Collette Ptacek of Downers Grove has accepted a teaching position with Wood Dale School District.

Abigail (Honaker) Rathmann and husband Robert reside in Antioch, Ill. Their son, Roderick, was baptized at St. Mark Lutheran Church on May 5. Roderick’s godfather is his uncle Martin Rathmann ’03.

Nolan Reagan of Lakeland, Fla., was promoted to the Brokerage Department with T. Rowe Price in Tampa, Fla.

Sarah (Wickert) Schindler, husband Chad and their son, Jack, reside in Shawano, Wis. Sarah stays at home with their son, and Chad is a realtor with Coldwell Banker.

Laura Seng J.D., an associate with Barnes & Thornburg LLP, was honored with the Indiana Lawyers “Up-and-Coming Lawyer Award” and the Junior Achievement of Michiana’s Best and Brightest 2007 in the law and accounting category.

Jeremiah Streck accepted a position with the Oklahoma Attorney General’s Office in May 2007. He now serves as an assistant attorney general in the Consumer Protection Unit prosecuting consumer fraud cases.

Kathleen Williams earned her master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering from Illinois Institute of Technology in May 2007. Her major area of study was in power and control systems. She works for Exelon in the IT Real-Time Systems Department and specializes in power systems security analysis, power systems modeling, and data maintenance of the transmission and substation system in Northern Illinois.

Amber (Nelson) Zielinski ’06 J.D. and husband Joseph ’06 J.D. reside in LaPorte, Ind. She is employed as an attorney for George C. Patrick & Associates, Crown Point, Ind. He is an attorney for Voltz-Miller and Associates.

MARRIAGES

Jennifer Drier and Leo Matoush, June 30, 2007, Rochester, Minn.

Kara Good ’04 M.S.N. and Christopher Painton, Aug. 18, 2007, Charleston, Ill.

Elizabeth Kinneer ’04 M.Ed. and Tim Laba, July 14, 2007, Crown Point, Ind.

Michelle Maruszak and Justin Lata, Oct. 28, 2006, St. Charles, Ill.

Anna Sattler and Andrew Stachel, July 14, 2007, Indianapolis.

BIRTHS

To Beth (Boss) Behringer and husband Dusty of Minooka, Ill.: Charles Braden “Brady,” born July 18, 2007.

To Stuart Card J.D. and wife Joanie of Chicago: Broderick Lachlan, born June 7, 2007.

To Karl and Jenna (Zimmerman) Nelson of Ballwin, Mo.: Layna Michelle, born on May 17, 2007.

To Jessica Pleuss and husband Andrew Nelson of St. Paul, Minn.: Simon Jacob, born Dec. 30, 2007.

To Abigail (Honaker) Rathmann and husband Robert of Antioch, Ill.: Roderick August, born on April 19, 2007.

To Sarah (Wickert) Schindler and husband Chad of Shawano, Wis.: Jack Alan, born on Aug. 30, 2007.

2004

Christopher Bauman and a small group of other music lovers have launched the upstart Web site FanFound.com. Christopher says he hopes the site, www.FanFound.com, will help revolutionize the music industry. (Read more about Christopher at www.valpo.edu/alumni/cba/newsletter/2007winter/bauman.php.)

Bradford Brown graduated with honors from the University of Montana School of Law in spring 2007 and gained admission to the Montana state bar. He works for the Bozeman, Mont., law firm of Crowley, Haughey, Hanson, Toole and Dietrich PLLP in the firm’s litigation department. He specializes in construction law. His e-mail address is: bradford.brown@gmail.com.

Mary Bull was promoted to director of recruitment at Youth Encounter in St. Paul, Minn., in May 2007. She traveled with an international Youth Encounter team from 2004 to 2005, after she graduated from Valpo, and has served on staff since October 2006.

Steven Eheart and wife Lilia (Vassileva ’05) reside in Bloomington, Ind. Both are studying at Indiana University. Lilia is in her second year as a M.F.A. acting student, and Steven is in his first year of studying for a master’s in arts administration.

Natalie Ford starred as Laurey Williams in Light Opera Works’ “Oklahoma” in December. Natalie earned her Master of Music in Voice and Opera from Indiana University.

Jonn Kusch graduated with his M.B.A. in international business from the University of Texas at San Antonio, summa cum laude, in December 2007.

Lisa (Thomas) Mathews and husband Justin reside in Mount Pleasant, Wis. Taking part in their August 2007 wedding were the following Valpo alumni from the Class of 2004: Andrea Conner, Erin Wicklund, Gina Mabbott, Jayceen (Gee) Ensrude, Corey Ensrude, Meredith Paull, Julie Legeret, Jill Sifuentes, and Libby Berg.

Jon Nelson is in his final year of the M.Div. program at Wartburg Theological Seminary and will graduate in May 2008. He and wife Christina (Davito) reside in Dubuque, Iowa.

Karen (Wallace) and Michael Ottenweller have been living in Anchorage, Alaska, the last three years while Mike was stationed at Elemendorf AFB. They had plans to move into their new home in Fort Campbell, Ky., at the end of August 2007.

Jill Sifuentes lives in Chicago and works at the Illinois Institute of Technology as the associate director of student enrollment. She also is pursuing her master’s degree in marketing and communications at IIT.

Alice (Steiner) Springer J.D. is a member of the litigation department of Barnes & Thornburg LLP.

Brandi Timmerman ’07 M.B.A. moved to Indianapolis to accept a position with Frito Lay. She is learning to be a district sales leader.

Sarah Vance received her Master of Arts degree in management from Columbia College Chicago in May 2007. She works as the orchestra manager for the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra in Indianapolis.

Kurt Westendorp of Dowagiac, Mich., is the women’s golf coach and assistant women’s basketball coach for Albion College.

Nora Witbrodt received a master’s degree in sports administration from Ball State University. Nora now resides in Potosi, Mo., where she is the lead program director for the YMCA Trout Lodge and Camp Lakewood.

MARRIAGES

Andrea Gamret and Steve Jackman ’04, Jan. 6, 2007, Pittsburgh.

Erich Keller and Susan Gavin ’05, Sept. 22, 2007, Naperville, Ill.

Kristen Mrozinski and Aaron Freitag, April 14, 2007, South Bend, Ind.

Lisa Thomas and Justin Mathews, Aug. 11, 2007, Lake Geneva, Wis.

Karen Wallace and Michael Ottenweller, July 22, 2007, Cincinnati.

BIRTH

To Andrew and Kristin (Chibe ’03) Davis of Chicago, Wesley, born on June 13, 2006.

2005

Brandon Aylward was awarded a Friends of the Life Span Institute Graduate Research Assistant Award from the University of Kansas.

Andrew and Melissa (Rice) Bangert live in St. Louis. Valpo alumni who attended their July 2007 wedding are: Tom Schmidt ’05, Bryan Rynders ’05, Monica Zinsser ’05, Marlee (Steele ’05) Kalvaitis. Andrew is pursuing a Ph.D. degree in historical theology at St. Louis University, and Melissa is a nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St. John’s Mercy Medical Center.

Brian Bucher and his wife, Dana, reside in South Bend, Ind. Brian is in the second year of a Ph.D. program in physics at the University of Notre Dame. His area of concentration is nuclear physics.

Beth Garrison J.D. is an associate in a law firm in downtown Indianapolis.

Carrie Gross received her master’s degree in social work from Temple University in 2007. She is a licensed social worker at Catholic Charities.

Ron Howard was selected in the NBA Developmental League draft by the Fort Wayne Mad Ants. He currently plays in Mexico.

Valerie (Lefever) and Adam Hughes reside in Chapel Hill, N.C. Valerie serves as cantor at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and Lutheran Campus Ministry in Chapel Hill. Adam is on staff as an accompanist at Duke University.

Lindsie Jung works at Children’s Memorial Hospital in Chicago as a registered nurse on the hematology/

oncology/stem cell transplant unit. She has plans to apply to several nurse practitioner programs for the fall of 2008. She also had planned to run in the Chicago Marathon last October.

Katie (Chelap) Keller and husband Brian reside in West Dundee, Ill. Taking part in their Sept. 1 wedding were alumni Matt Chelap ’02, Stephen Smith ’04, Aaron Bobb ’05, Brad Haan ’06, Tim Walsh ’07, Shaun Hautly ’07, Kimmie (Clauss ’05) Collins, and Megan (Schroeder ’05) Potter.

Kelsey (Peterson) Midthun and husband Joe, who is a 2004 alumnus of St. Olaf, reside in St. Paul, Minn. Kelsey works for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans in Minneapolis, doing publicity for the Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity alliance. Joe is a student at Luther Seminary.

Natalie Muskin-Press and husband Nathan reside in Crown Point, Ind. Natalie has completed her master’s degree in forensic psychology, and Nathan is finishing up his M.B.A. degree.

MARRIAGES

Andrew Bangert and Melissa Rice, July 27, 2007, New Lenox, Ill.

Kristal Carlile and Adam Dellay, June 30, 2007, Evansville, Ind.

Katie Chelap and Brian Keller, Sept. 1, 2007, Crown Point, Ind.

Megan Hayman and Matthew Wagner, Dec. 29, 2007, New Orleans.

Valerie Lefever and Adam Hughes, June 2, 2007, Lancaster, Pa.

Natalie Muskin and Nathan Press, Crown Point, Ind., Aug. 11, 2007.

Kelsey Peterson and Joe Midthun, Oct. 6, 2007, St. Paul, Minn.

Amy Sample and Max Ward, Sept. 1, 2007, Newberg, Ore.

2006

Ali Berdiel was selected in the NBA Developmental League draft by the Albuquerque Thunderbirds. He competed in the NBA Summer League with the New York Knicks and currently plays in Puerto Rico.

Kristen (Rabeler) and Chad Chenowith live in Fort Wayne, Ind. Chad is in his second year as a Latin and English teacher at Bishop Dwenger High School. Kristen is in her third year as an insurance premium auditor with Traveler’s Insurance.

Robert Couch is a real estate agent with Main Street Realty in Indianapolis. Wife Teresa is a registered nurse employed at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Indianapolis.

Jason Hallman has been selected to receive one of four national $10,000 Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine research grants. Applicants were selected based on the overall quality and scientific merit of their research topic and timeliness to present their research findings at the 2009 AAAM annual scientific conference.

Tara (Harrison) and Kirk Heavner live in Charlotte, N.C. Kirk works as a network operations center technician for Global Linking Solutions. Tara is a lab technician at Duke Energy.

Helen Huggins has been awarded the Institute for German Studies Ph.D. scholarship at the University of Birmingham, England. She has finished a master’s in Russian and East European studies with a dissertation on Polish-German relations from the Polish perspective. For her Ph.D., she will be researching comparative immigration policy in France and Germany.

Nathan Hyde now lives in Indianapolis. He is a mechanical engineer in training at Fanning/Howey Associates. Nathan also coaches youth soccer teams.

Nicole Karamitos M.S. of Chicago sends greetings and well-wishes to Valpo alumni.

Ken LaVicka currently resides in West Palm Beach, Fla., and works for ESPN Radio after spending a year at Madison‘s Sports Radio in Madison, Wis. In Florida, Ken covers the NBA, NFL, NHL, and MLB, as well as the University of Florida. He also is a show host, update anchor, and part-time voice of Florida Atlantic University men’s basketball.

Sarah (Severson) Long lives in Carbondale, Ill., with husband Terry. She is pursuing her Ph.D. degree in clinical child psychology at Southern Illinois University Carbondale and has plans to graduate in 2011.

Benjamin and Julie (Bolgert) Pulley reside in Peoria. Julie is employed by Saint Francis Medical Center, and Benjamin is employed by Caterpillar.

Shelly Steiner J.D. is an associate in the Chicago office of Barnes & Thornburg LLP. Before graduating from Valpo’s School of Law, Shelly taught mathematics at Portage High School in Portage, Ind., and at Senn High School in Chicago. She is admitted to practice in Illinois and is a member of the Chicago and Illinois state and American bar associations. She lives with her husband and twin daughters in Chicago.

Niki (Stone) Wood and husband Cory reside in Mount Prospect, Ill. Niki attends Argosy University, pursuing her doctorate in clinical psychology, and Cory attends Northwestern University, and is pursuing his master’s degree in secondary education/biology and chemistry.

MARRIAGES

Julie Bolgert and Benjamin Pulley, July 21, 2007, Sheboygan, Wis.

Scarlet Carney and Ryan Spain, July 24, 2007, Valparaiso.

Robert Couch and Teresa VanHoozer, Aug. 11, 2007, South Bend, Ind.

Carrie DeMunck and Tristan Mills, May 26, 2007, London.

Adam Eich and Laura Rosenwinkel ’07, Sept. 28, 2007, Valparaiso.

Tara Harrison and Kirk Heavner, Jan. 6, 2007, Lincolnton, N.C.

Katelin Johnson and Warren Jones ’05, June 9, 2007, Gurnee, Ill.

Lauren Moulton and Billy Marshall, Oct. 21, 2007, Elgin, Ill.

Amber Nelson ’06 J.D. and Joseph Zielinski ’06 J.D., April 28, 2007, South Bend, Ind.

Sarah Severson and Terry Long, May 26, 2007, Warren, Ill.

Niki Stone and Cory Wood, Aug. 5, 2007, Palatine, Ill.

2007

Keith Anderko of Schererville, Ind., has accepted a position on staff with former Sen. John Edwards and worked on the campaign in Iowa.

Ashley Blankenbaker of Valparaiso has accepted a position at University of Chicago Hospital on a multi-specialty surgical floor.

Mary Caskey J.D. is a member of the law firm of Haynsworth Sinkler Boyd. She is part of the firm’s Columbia commercial litigation team and focuses on financial products and services, creditors’ rights and remedies and bankruptcy proceedings.

Philip D’onofrio has accepted a position with Providence health System at St. Vincent Hospital on their cardiology/telemetry floor.

Jessie Fox has accepted the head coaching position in volleyball at Portage (Ind.) High School. She will teach fourth grade at Myers Elementary School in addition to her coaching duties.

Nicholas Gonzales M.B.A., J.D. has been sworn in as deputy attorney general for Indiana’s Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. He took his oath of office at Valpo Law in the Stride Court Room.

Amanda Henricks passed the NCLEX examination and is working as a nurse in the Emergency Department at Longmont United Hospital in Longmont, Colo.

Daniel Jarratt and his wife, Andrea Cook, reside in Reutlingen, Germany, working with the Valparaiso University Cooperative Exchange Program at Reutlingen University.

Megan Jesperson has been accepted into Teach for America, a highly competitive corps of college graduates who pledge to teach in under-resourced public schools for two years. She will teach English at a high school in a low-income area near Brownsville, Texas.

Kara (Felde) Koschmann received a letter of acceptance from St. Louis University’s Master’s in Nursing Program.

Debbi Miner (honorary) resides in Oconomowoc, Wis. She has been an active volunteer on behalf of the university since her son, Kyle ’05, became a student. She has been a member of the VU Parents Council, Valpo Club of Milwaukee, Guild and Valpo Admission Network. Debbi also has hosted Summer Send-off events for Valpo students and families, coordinated prospective student bus trips to campus and has also helped to coordinate fundraising activities for the Guild. Debbi was granted honorary membership in the VU Alumni Association for exemplifying the university’s ideals.

Katherine (Liss) Saffle and husband Kirk reside in Oklahoma City, Okla. Katherine is an assistant store manager at Abercrombie and Fitch in Oklahoma City. She has plans to attend graduate school in the fall of 2008.

Rick Soria J.D. was appointed the program chair for Ivy Tech Community College’s East Chicago Campus mortuary science program in 2002. He oversees all aspects of the college’s mortuary science program. He has plans to go into private practice on a part-time basis, specializing in elder law, corporate law and real estate law while working with the college.

Ashley Wagner works in Seattle at Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center.

MARRIAGES

Daniel Jarratt and Andrea Cook, Aug. 18, 2007, Grafton, Wis.

Katherine Liss and Kirk Saffle, July 23, 2007, (Disney World), Orlando, Fla.