ALUMnotes

1944 . 1951 . 1954 . 1956 . 1957 . 1958 . 1960 . 1963 . 1964 . 1965 . 1966 . 1967 . 1968 . 1969 . 1970 . 1971 . 1972 . 1973 . 1974 . 1976 . 1977 . 1978 . 1979 . 1980 . 1981 . 1982 . 1983 . 1984 . 1985 . 1986 . 1987 . 1988 . 1989 . 1990 . 1991 . 1992 . 1993 . 1994 . 1995 . 1996 . 1997 . 1998 . 1999 . 2000 . 2001 . 2002 . 2003 . 2004 . 2005 . 2006 . 2007 . 2008

1944

Irene (Tilton) Tetreault

of Valparaiso still meets with Alpha Phi Delta Bridge Club. She also serves as art chair at the Valparaiso Women's Club.

1951

Grace (Zanow) Ebersold Ulbricht

met Mel Ebersold at Valpo and they married in 1949. Mel died in 1999 and a town clock was built in York, S.C., in his memory. In 2003 Grace married Ernest Ulbricht, who was Mel's friend. They reside in Clover, S.C.

1954

Ione (Henning) Johnson

of LaCrosse, Wis., and her daughter, Robyn, spent a week at a cooking school in Tuscany, Italy, taught by Italian Chef Franco. Ione and Carol (Wachholz) Larson still get together.

1956

Janie (Kipp) Lichtfuss

is the mayor of Milliken, Colo. Janie is a former Valpo Guild executive director.

1957

Allen Scheich

and his wife Betty of Fairless Hills, Pa., celebrated 50 years of marriage on June 8, 2007.

Thomas Schutte

of Brooklyn, N.Y., is president of Pratt Institute. He has had a 30-year career in higher education as a teacher, administrator and executive.

1958

Albert Jabs

and his wife, Janet (Blume '61), have been invited to attend the U.S. Naval ceremony of their son, Captain Eric Jabs, as he assumes a new naval command at Norfolk, Va. (Captain Eric Jabs, is married to Commander Kathleen Jabs, graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. They have two children, Lydia and Nicholas.) Albert and Janet also have plans to attend their daughter's marriage in Istanbul, Turkey-Krista to Kerem Seral-with their VU classmate, Russell Steinke '56 and his wife, Roxyann.

1960

Mary (Fenske) Buestrin

of Mequon, Wis., has been appointed by President Bush to serve as a delegate to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.

1963

Rich Bimler

is co-author of "Till We Meet Again," a workbook for boards, committees, task forces and other groups that want to empower their meetings. Each chapter in the book includes a lesson and a brief activity. The book provides more than 10 strategies for effective meetings along with devotionals. Rich serves as the ambassador of health, hope and aging, after serving 15 years as president of Wheat Ridge Ministries. He is the author of 15 books and continues to serve as a consultant for various agencies and organizations throughout the world.

Dee (Bartels) Stritof

and her husband, Martin, live in Valparaiso. They have two children, Andy and Jenni. Dee retired in 2002 from Immanuel Lutheran School in Valpo with 32 years of service. She still volunteers in the library and is a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church where she sings in the choir and plays in the adult hand bell choir. Dee has been a member of the Valparaiso University Guild for 30 years and is completing a one-year term on the board of directors. She and Martin are avid VU basketball fans and attend both home and road games.

1964

Daniel Deutsch

has accepted the position of interim pastor of Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Traverse City, Mich. He was installed the weekend of May 17. Daniel received his Master of Divinity degree from Concordia Theological Seminary. He has served in Texas, Missouri, Ohio and, most recently, in the Alpena area.

Kenneth Farr

has retired from his work in international development for the federal government. He has worked in 65 countries helping to create new infrastructures for water, sanitation, roads and bridges. He has managed a $21 million portfolio of health, population, democracy and border programs. He and his wife, Maria Teresa Garcia, live in Quito, Ecuador, and have two grown children. Kenneth recently accepted a position with HealthCare Tourism International, a nonprofit organization. He is vice president for the South American region.

Dorothy (Choitz) Foster

was honored by the graduating class of the Master's Degree Program in Cosmetic and Fragrance Marketing and Management at the Fashion Institute of Technology with the Estee Lauder Faculty Leadership Award. Dorothy is an adjunct professor at the school; she teaches retail management. In addition, she is a journalist for three beauty trade magazines in Paris, London and New York, and has a consulting firm for the beauty industry, DCF International, Ltd.

1965

David Pilz,

Valparaiso's city engineer for the past 15 years, has plans to retire in the fall. During his career, he also served as Portage city engineer and worked as an engineer in the private sector before becoming Valparaiso's engineer.

Alfred Volkman

has received the Department of Defense's Distinguished Executive Award for exceptional long-term accomplishments. He has worked for the Department of Defense, first as a military intelligence officer in Vietnam, then for international positions with the Navy. In the 1980s he served on the NATO Air Command and Control Systems in Brussels. His present position is director of International Cooperation for the under secretary of defense. Prior to receiving this award, Alfred has received two meritorious executive awards.

1966

John Buszin

retired in 2004 from a career in investment research and portfolio management, having worked for The Bankers Trust Company in New York City for 18 years and The Northern Trust Company of Chicago in Sarasota, Fla., for 15 years. He and his wife, Gisele, split their time between their house in Sarasota and an apartment in New York City. They have two sons, Justin, 26, and Jared, 23.

Keith Schoppa

is a professor of Asian history at Loyola College in Maryland. From 1968 until 1998, he taught at Valpo and helped establish Valpo's Chinese and Japanese studies program. He returned to campus in April to present a lecture, "Battling Bubonic Plague: How Chinese Localities Dealt with Japanese Biological Weapon Attacks."

Doug Spaulding

and wife Patricia (Parlin) live in Minneapolis. Pat is a psychologist in private practice, and Doug is a managing partner in Nelson Energy, a hydroelectric development company.

1967

E. Louise Williams,

deaconess and executive director emerita, retired from the Lutheran Deaconess Association after serving 33 years. Under her leadership, the LDA underwent major revisions of its education and formation process, enabling non-traditional and distance-challenged students to complete the program. She also helped to establish an endowed scholarship fund to assist students with financial need. She was awarded a doctor of divinity, honoris causa, from Wartburg Seminary in Dubuque, Iowa, and received the Alumni Achievement Award from Valparaiso University.

David Wiseman

and wife Marjorie Wille '69 of Forest, Va., will celebrate 40 years of marriage in June 2008. They have two children and five grandchildren. Recently, Central Virginia Community College presented David with the first Outstanding Faculty Award ever bestowed in the 40-year history of the college. Marjorie plans to retire in May 2008, after 30 years of teaching science at Amherst County High School.

1968

Gene Koenig

and his wife, Jean Pierson Way, reside in Cromwell, Conn. They were married in August 2006. Gene is a software/systems engineer with Belcan Technical Services, and Jean is a retired teacher of Spanish at West Woods Christian Academy.

Paul and Nancy (Fish) Tilly

reside in Plymouth, Mich., during the summer, and in Fort Myers, Fla., during the winter. Paul retired from his position as training manager at Ford Motor Co. in 2002. Nancy also retired from her work as a manager of a contemporary art gallery.

1969

John Albrecht,

senior architect and director of sustainable design at Knight Engineering & Architecture, was co-presenter of a talk on "Sustainable Design Engineering" at Valpo last April. John is an expert in the design of environmentally friendly buildings and business activities and the benefits of "green" engineering.

Karl Walker

is a member of Building Solutions' team of advisers. Karl has more than 26 years of commercial property management experience, 14 years of which were spent in management as vice president for Regis Property Management where he supervised operations of office, retail and industrial centers.

1970

Robert Blauvelt

has been the manager of customer service for Denver Water for eight years. Prior career work included Utility Operator Certification program management for New Mexico and Virginia.

Jeffrey Daehn

served as organist and minister of music at Zumbro Lutheran Church in Rochester, Minn., for 20 years. He learned how to play the carillon from the late Dean Robinson, who had a 46-year career as Mayo Clinic's carillonneur. Jeffrey is the third carillonneur at Mayo Clinic. (The Mayo carillon is one of the most complete carillons in North America.)

Linda (Noble) Lemond

and her husband, Michael, have two daughters: Melissa and Amanda, and a grandson, Hayden. She retired in 2004 from Portage (Ind.) Township Schools with 15 years of service.

Cynthia Stuen

is chair of the national board of directors of the American Society on Aging. She is senior vice president of policy and professional affairs at Lighthouse International in New York City, and has worked in the field of aging for more than 35 years. Cynthia also served as a delegate to the White House Conference on Aging. She is active in several professional organizations and has published extensively. She is a frequent speaker for both professional and consumer audiences. Cynthia earned her doctorate from Columbia University School of Social Work, and her master's degree from the School of Social Service Administration at the University of Chicago.

Douglas Watkins '82 M.A.L.S.

of Valparaiso, a financial consultant with Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, earned the chartered life underwriter designation. The designation is granted by The American College in Bryn Mawr, Pa., to insurance professionals who complete a comprehensive program.

1971

William Garrison

was named dean of the University of South Florida Libraries last February. He recently served as deputy university librarian and associate dean of libraries at Syracuse University.

Harold Mobley

of Virginia Beach, Va., has been named vice president of labor relations for Norfolk Southern Corp., with headquarters in Norfolk. He joined Norfolk Southern as a management trainee in 1971 and served in a number of positions in the engineering, transportation and labor relations departments and was named assistant vice president of labor relations in 2000.

1972

Frank Ferko's

"Merton Songs: Five Songs on Poems of Thomas Merton" received their world premiere in April by renowned baritone, Nathan Gunn, accompanied by pianist Julie Gunn, in New York's Carnegie Hall. The concert also included Frank's 1981 setting of Merton's "For My Brother: Reported Missing in Action, 1943." Also, in April, the Chicago-based chorus Bella Voce presented a series of concerts, and the programs included four of Frank Ferko's Hildegard Motets.

Paul Freeland M.A.L.S.

and his wife, Joanne, live in Schererville and have three children. Paul retired in 1996 from Gary, Ind., Public Schools with 34 years of service. He is a member of the board of directors of Campagna Academy in Schererville and an original member of the Campagna Charter School Council. He also served on the Lake Central School Board for 12 years as the Schererville trustee, and was chairman for Boy Scout Troop 529 in Schererville.

Thomas Habitz,

Novi, Mich., has been selected as the 2008 Lutheran Layman of the Year by the Lutheran Luncheon Club of Metro Detroit. He is the general manager of Glen Eden Memorial Park in Livonia, Mich., and Glen Eden East in Macomb Township, Mich. He has served in that capacity since 1998. He became a licensed funeral director 28 years ago. In 2004 he was honored by the International Cemetery and Funeral Association and received its prestigious Certified Cemetery Executive designation.

Wayne Miller

is director of sales for Rapid Micro Biosystems. He previously served as vice president of growth and business development at SP Industries, a manufacturer of equipment used in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

John Szostek

received the Mayor's Award for Distinction in the Arts in the Evanston, Ill., community. John is the founder and artistic director of the Piccolo Theatre, a professional theatre. He also is the director of the Custer's Last Stand Festival of the Arts. He became executive director of the fair in 1978, and today it attracts 70,000 people each year and features 450 arts and crafts exhibitors.

Thomas Wallace

was elected to a two-year term on the board of directors of Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic. He has more than 30 years experience in technology auditing and management, concentrating in the financial services sector. He and his wife, Debbie (Hedges), reside in Wading River, N.Y.

Thomas Wilkinson

of North East, Pa., is a member of Welch's Board of Directors. He owns and operates Thomas Wilkinson Farms and is president of Thomas Daniel Vineyards Inc. Prior to his current work, he was director of engineering for Welch's and also worked for Red Wing/Carriage House.

1973

Marlin Creasy M.Ed.

will retire from his post as superintendent of the Muncie (Ind.) Community Schools. He was hired as Muncie superintendent in 1998.

John Hanak

of Munster, Ind., serves as director for the Purdue Research Park's four statewide technology centers: Purdue Technology Center of West Lafayette; the Purdue Technology Center of Northwest Indiana in Merrillville; the Purdue Technology Center of Southeast Indiana in New Albany; and the Purdue Technology Center of Indianapolis. John is director of the Merrillville Center.

1974

Mary Sue (Dehmlow) Dreier

is a member of the Luther Seminary faculty. She serves as associate professor of Congregational Mission and Leadership. Since her ordination in 1981, she has served as a pastor at several churches in southeastern Minnesota. She also served as an adjunct professor at Luther from 2004 to 2006.

Faythe (Haskell) Freese

performed work by Naji Hakim at the Fifth Annual Church Music Conference at The University of Alabama. Faythe is an associate professor of organ at UA and was the conference coordinator.

John Niems

had his eighth music CD, "Coming Out Swinging," released in May. For more information or to hear John's CDs, visit www (dot) johnniems (dot) com or http://smoothjazz (dot) com/newreleases. All John's music can be downloaded at any digital download site. He has been writing music for more than 35 years. John's MySpace address is: www (dot) myspace (dot) com/johnniems.

John Stratigos

is the owner of Barnaby's Restaurant in South Bend, Ind. The restaurant has regularly won the local Reader's Choice Award for the best pizza around. Prior to taking over the long-time family-owned restaurant, John had served at the Youth Services Bureau in South Bend for eight years, the South Bend school system for three years as a counselor, the Jamison Inn as an innkeeper for three years, and then seven years at Charter Hospital as a school liaison.

Barbara (Hemmann) Vahle,

assistant professor of nursing education at John Wood Community College, retired in May. She joined the college in June 1977 as an instructor in the Practical Nurse program. Before her retirement, she taught in that program as well as in the Associate Degree Nursing program.

1976

Jim Eckstaedt

has been named executive vice president, finance and chief financial officer of SM&A. He has more than 30 years experience in senior financial positions at leading technology companies that provide hardware, software and service solutions, including 12 years as a chief financial officer.

Martha Geissler

is a member of the Blue Ridge Chamber Players headquartered in Charlotte, N.C. Martha began her career as principal second violinist with the Savannah, Ga., Symphony. Since 1981 she has been a member of the violin section of the Charlotte Symphony. She also performs regularly as violinist/violist with the North Carolina Symphony, Asheville Symphony, and the South Carolina Philharmonic in Columbia.

Joseph Pomeroy J.D.

will retire this summer from Mercury Marine. He joined Mercury Marine in 1987 as a staff counsel after 11 years in private practice. He was appointed general counsel and vice president of law for Mercury in 1992.

Janet Volk

is one of 25 clergy selected from applicants across the United States and Canada to attend the Summer Collegium at Virginia Theological Seminary. She serves as pastor of Northlake Lutheran Church in Northlake, Ill. Son Andrew is a senior at Columbia College in Chicago, and daughter Elisabeth is a sophomore at The New School in New York City.

Dave Walker M.A.L.S.

and his wife, Joyce (Eshelman M.A.L.S.), reside in Hebron, Ind. They have two daughters, Julie and Jackie, and a grandson, Camden. Dave has been employed by MSD Boone Township Schools for 36 years. He teaches U.S. history and world history at Hebron High School.

1977

Mary Cardaras

has been a freelance correspondent for CNN since 2003. In addition to the Boston region, she has worked for CNN in Atlanta and London. Her two Emmy Awards are for excellence in spot news producing and feature producing. She continues to produce documentaries and recently established a new, nonprofit organization to support the work of independent cinematic artists, The South End Cinemas Foundation for the Arts. At the Institute of Art, Mary built the television and radio broadcasting department as well as developed a new bachelor's degree in digital cinema, e-journalism, and corporate and commercial video production.

Krista (Jutzi) Kotur

and husband Don '78 live in St. Louis. Don is an environmental engineer for the Air Pollution Control Program of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. He is the owner of a new Harley-Davidson Screamin' Eagle Softail Springer. Krista, a distribution system planner, celebrated 30 years of service with AmerenUE in June 2007. Daughter Kelsey graduated in 2007 from Parkway South High school and attends the University of Missouri-Columbia. Son Kevin is a high school sophomore and has completed his coursework at Truman State University's Joseph Baldwin Academy for Eminent Young Scholars.

1978

Ron Chapman

has written his second book, "Seeing True: Ninety Contemplations in Ninety Days." He plans to relocate his business, Magnetic North LLC, to Greenville, S.C., after 17 years in Albuquerque, N.M. Ron also is chairman of the board of Holistic Management International, a non-profit organization that is restoring land and water cycles around the world. A television documentary on the work is to air nationwide in December. Daughters, Natalie and Brianne, are thriving in Minneapolis and Los Angeles, respectively. (See "Alumni Ink," Page 9.)

Steven King J.D.

, LaPorte County, Superior Court 2 judge, is not seeking re-election this year after serving as judge since 1991. However, he will remain available to serve for occasional cases as senior judge. Steven took the Master Gardener course and has plans to spend more time gardening. In April he received the annual Child Abuse Intervention Award from the Dunebrook Exchange Club.

1979

Anne (Czernobil) Ogle

has worked for Cummins Inc. for 28 years in various technical positions and is currently in corporate technical planning. She also is a member of the Indiana State Board of Nurses. She resides in Columbus, Ind., with husband, Ted. They have two children, Eric and Nadia.

Barbara (Busch) Sutherland J.D.

is senior vice president of claims for Argo Group. Prior to joining Argo Group, Barbara worked with the PMA Insurance Group as its senior vice president and secretary general counsel for six years. She also has held legal and management positions with the Northland Insurance Companies, where she served as its vice president and secretary general counsel for more than 18 years.

1980

Kristen Jahns

teaches in the cardiac technology program at Harper College in Palatine, Ill. She has completed her fifth medical mission trip to Honduras and will be traveling to Juarez, Mexico, to build houses with her family and church youth group.

Durwin Long

has been named an assistant dean at the University of St. Thomas. In his new role, he is responsible for executive education programs offered by the Opus College of Business.

Thomas Wright

and wife Diana (Aho '81) live in Sartell, Minn. Tom graduated from Valpo on May 18, 1980, which was also his 22nd birthday…and the day Mount St. Helens erupted. Twenty-eight years later, son David graduated from Valpo on May 18, which also was Tom's 50th birthday.

1981

Joyce (Nowak) Azzaline

earned her doctorate in health science from Nova Southeastern University in March. She continues her work as an assistant professor of nursing at Trinity Christian College in Palos Heights, Ill. Her son, Michael, joined her as a first-year student in business at Trinity.

Luke Curtis

received his M.D. and has passed all four medical licensure exams. He is currently looking for a residency in occupational, family or internal medicine. Luke has published more than 50 medical papers, including recent papers on hospital infection control, clinical nutrition, anemia, autism, attention deficit, skin cancer and neurotoxicity. Luke welcomes leads for a medical residency position. He can be reached at LukeTCurtis (at) aol (dot) com.

Timothy Dost

and his wife, Nanette (Howard '82), reside in St. Louis. His latest book is "Renaissance Humanism in Support of the Gospel in Luther's Early Correspondence: Taking All Things Captive." Timothy teaches historical theology at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis.

Bruce Glaser

has accepted a position with the Colorado Division of Insurance as an administrative hearing officer for property and casualty consumer complaints and protests. Bruce earned his master's degree in business administration from Colorado State University in 1984 and has been working in the insurance industry for the past 20 years for an independent agency. He lives in fort Collins, Colo., with his two sons, Darrell, 9, and Luke, 6.

Linda Loepker

was appointed Executive Director of the Indiana Supreme Court's Board of Law Examiners in September 2007. Prior to this position she worked for the Indiana Supreme Court's Division of State Court Administration. She served first as a staff attorney and then as director of Office and Employment Law Services.

Kent Scheiwe

and his wife, Susan, have four children and reside in Indianapolis. Kent and Susan are lifelong Lutherans and met at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Geist, Ind. Kent is a member of the church staff and helps people discover how to better worship, pray, and serve.

Chuck Williams

is dean of the College of Business Administration at Butler University. Prior to his position, he was dean of Eberhardt School of Business at the University of the Pacific. Chuck has written three management textbooks and has received teaching awards at TCU, Oklahoma Sate University, and the Society of Human Resources Youder-Heneman Research Award.

1982

Teresa (Strimbu) Gray

works for the Indiana Department of Transportation, Greenfield District, Planning and Programming Section. She is a traffic engineer, after spending 23 years in bridge and small structure design and consultant review. Her husband, Carlos, is a computer coordinator at S. Hancock Community Schools. They have two sons, Jon, 14, and George, 11.

Karen (Erks) Spillers,

principal, CorpCommStrategies, was awarded the Message of the Year Award by the Township Officials of Illinois for the public relations program she directs for New Trier Township. She was also awarded top honors for the news release program she directs. In addition to serving as a communications consultant to public and private sector clients, Karen is an elected official of the Village of Wilmette.

1983

Carol (Colby) Kaesebier J.D.,

vice president and general counsel of the University of Notre Dame, will retire on Oct. 1, 2008. She is responsible for all university legal matters, including those related to human resources and employment policies, faculty, student policies and discipline, business negotiations and contracts, intellectual property, immigration, litigation and risk management. Carol and her husband, Dean, plan to relocate to Fairhope, Ala., to be closer to children and grandchildren. Carol joined the Notre Dame staff in June 1988 as assistant general counsel. She was promoted to associate general counsel in July 1991 and to associate vice president and counsel a year later.

1984

Susan Haeseler

lives in Arlington, Va. She works for Raytheon and recently received the Chief Executive Officer award, which is given annually to 10 employees, out of 73,000. Susan often travels for work and fun and is looking forward to a family gathering this summer in Switzerland. Valpo friends are always welcome for a "D.C. tour."

Bart Klettke

is district office manager for the Buffalo, N.Y., office of GZA GeoEnvironmental, an environmental and geotechnical consulting firm.

Debra (Mikkelson) Long

and husband Frank reside in Homer Glen, Ill. They have two children, Kyle and Kaitlyn. Debra continues to work part time at Evanston Northwestern Healthcare in the Cardiac Catheterization Lab.

Mark Lutze M.A.L.S.

was named principal of Hebron (Ind.) High School. Mark has been principal at Hobart Middle School for two years and was assistant principal for nine years previously.

Craig Morford J.D.

has been appointed Cardinal Health's chief compliance officer. Craig has had a distinguished career of more than 20 years in public service with the Department of Justice, including serving as U.S. attorney in Detroit and Nashville. In 2007, he was appointed by President Bush as acting deputy attorney general in the Department of Justice. In his new position at Cardinal, he is responsible for ensuring compliance with internal policies and external regulations that govern the company's products, services and operations.

Anthony Oliva

is the chief medical officer for Guthrie Healthcare System. He also is a member of the American College of Physician Executives and the American Academy of Family Practice, and is board certified in family practice.

Tom Vale

has been named chief operating officer of Exopack. He is responsible for working with Exopack's business unit leaders to drive and attain operational excellence across the company. Prior to this assignment, he was chief executive officer of DeLuxe Media Services, a manufacturer and distributor of entertainment products for the Hollywood studios.

1985

Dan Lohrmann

is chief information security officer with the state of Michigan. He is the recipient of SC Magazine's CSO of the Year Award. He has a new book coming out this fall titled "Virtual Integrity: Faithfully Navigating the Brave New Web." The book discusses the importance of cyber ethics, both at the office and at home.

Peter Panozzo

has been teaching Spanish at Marian Catholic High School in Chicago Heights, Ill., for the past 22 years. Peter notes that Howard and Judith Peters and Mirtha Toledo were significant influences while he was at Valpo. He visits campus every chance he gets. He says it has changed a great deal from the 1980s but it still evokes great memories. He and wife Judith reside in Portage, Ind.

Chris Teagle J.D.

was appointed judge of Delaware Circuit Court 5, by Gov. Mitch Daniels. Chris has practiced law in Muncie, Ind., for 23 years and also has worked as a public defender.

1986

Paul Eichelman

and wife Laurie reside in Hinsdale, Ill., with their four children: Evan, Lindsey, Nicole and Hannah. Paul is chief financial officer of Leo Burnett Worldwide, a Chicago-based advertising agency.

Tom and Jill (Kolzow) Grooms

have been living in Tokyo for three years. Tom is vice president of IT with Medtronic Asia. Jill is a school nurse with American School. They have three children, Evan, 15, Adam, 11, Laura, 8.

Sarah (Hoewischer) Katula

won the Rue Bucher Memorial Award for Qualitative Studies in Social Progress for her project "Employed Women in IPV Situations: Workplace Experiences and Perceptions of Safety." Sarah resides in Wheaton, Ill.

Kathleen McDougall-Lowe

has been appointed associate director, Pipeline Marketing, for Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, with global marketing responsibilities within immunology. She and her husband, Douglas, reside in New York with their two children, Elena and Alexander. Friends are welcome to contact her at kmcdl (at) optonline.net.

Susan (Hartman) O'Connor '89 J.D.

resides in Kalamazoo, Mich. She has been the managing attorney for the Battle Creek office of legal services of South Central Michigan since December 2007.

Laura Sever Blanco J.D.

joined the law firm of Gust Rosenfeld in Phoenix. She focuses her practice on real estate transactional law and general corporate law. Prior to joining the firm, she was general counsel for a local homebuilder.

BIRTH

To Paul Eichelman and wife Laurie of Hinsdale, Ill.: Evan James, born on Dec. 20, 2006; joins sisters Lindsey, Nicole and Hannah.

1987

Matthew Martin

has been appointed to a third term as chair of West Virginia University's Department of Communication Studies; he is a specialist in interpersonal communication. He began his work at WVU in 1994 and was appointed department chair in 2001. During his tenure, the department developed a doctoral program. Matthew has written or co-written nearly 100 scholarly articles and book chapters. Prior to his work at WVU, he taught at Kent State University and John Carroll University.

Teresa (Shelton) Reed

has been appointed director of The School of Music at the University of Tulsa.

Pauline (Blanchard) Williams

announces the audio publication of a book of her poetry titled "Roses, Wings and Woven Things." In addition to working at the Auto-Vault in Beverly Hills, Calif., Pauline is a stand-up comedian. She specializes in positive messages that are edgy and intellectual, yet clean and entertaining. See more of her at www (dot) comicpauline (dot) com or read more at www (dot) lydiaplan (dot) com/apples.

1988

Teresa (Mappes) Brown

and husband Donald reside in Evansville, Ind. Teresa is an OB/GYN in private practice. Don is a stay-at-home father of Lauren, Jordyn, Cameron, Joshua and Eva. He also is a missionary to Haiti.

Julie (Stafford) Mader

celebrated 20 years with Unisys Corp. in June. Her son, Brandon, finished his first year of high school and earned a varsity letter in golf.

1989

Todd Smith

served as head assistant basketball coach at Rice University from 1996 to 2007. He has now assumed the post at the University of St. Thomas as athletic director and men's basketball coach and will develop and lead UST's inaugural basketball team, which will take the court for the first time in the 2009-2010 school year. Todd was a four-year basketball letterman at VU, ending his collegiate career with 368 assists, placing him third on the Crusaders all-time assists list.

Kristi (Johnson) Soares

and husband John reside in Orcutt, Calif. Kristi works as the vice president of finance for a high-tech company in Santa Barbara.

MARRIAGE

Kristi Johnson and John Soares Jr.,

Dec. 2, 2007, Santa Barbara, Calif.

1990

Roberta (Plasschaert) Lang J.D.,

is Whole Foods' vice president and general counsel.

Lisa (Scherzer) Polito

was named executive director of the Lutheran Deaconess Association at Valparaiso University. Prior to this appointment, she served the LDA as director of development and public relations for seven years. She previously served as the director of chaplaincy services for Good Shepherd Lutheran Home of the West in southern California. Lisa has written for the Lutheran Women's Missionary League Quarterly, speaks at conferences and leads retreats.

Samuel Roberts Jr.

has been promoted to the rank of commander, with the Gary Indiana Police Department. He commands the department's supportive services. Samuel is also the department's public information officer.

BIRTHS

To Andi Jones and husband Steve Probst '02 J.D. of Valparaiso: Lincoln Andrew, born on April 4, 2007; joins brother Wyatt, 4.

To Regina (Monson) Weber and husband Douglas of Glendale, Wis.: triplets, Owen, Grant and Ryan; join siblings Rachel, 4, and Samuel, 2.

1991

Kristen Berg

joined the Air Force after graduation and was an ICU/ER nurse for five years before being selected for the Air Force's nurse anesthesia program. She graduated from Texas Wesleyan University in 1997 and finished her residency at Travis Air Force Base in December 1998, staying in the Air Force for four additional years.

Andrew Griffin

is the founder of the East Bay Drummers Studio, which has taught hundreds of rock and jazz drummers since 1998. He has performed, recorded and toured as a drummer with many influential bands and artists. He is married with a son, 1, and resides in Alameda, Calif. (Andrew is currently battling cancer.)

Joanne (Traeger) Lester

and husband Kim reside in Sydney. Kim owns an IT consulting company, and Joanne works in media.

Ann (Bougher) Loeffler

finished six years of teaching this spring at the Trinity School of Frederick, Md. A faculty member since the school's inception, she teaches Spanish and religion to the entire K-8 student body. Ann, husband Jim '94, and their children Aaron, Sam, and Sarah, had plans to relocate to the Dallas-Metro area this summer.

Andy Nunemaker

is chief executive officer of the Milwaukee-based EMSystem, a developer of Web-based communications and resource management solutions for emergency medical services. He also serves on the executive committee of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra's Board of Directors and the Valpo College of Engineering National Council.

Michael Seefeldt

is employed as AVP portfolio analyst manager at First Financial Bank in Schererville, Ind. He and wife Jennifer reside in Valparaiso.

MARRIAGES

Joanne Traeger and Kim Lester,

March 1, 2008, Adelaide, Australia.

BIRTHS

To Michael Seefeldt and wife Jennifer of Valparaiso: Ava Kathryn, born on Oct. 5, 2007.

1992

Andrea Berggren

of Denver is the assistant director of media relations at Regis University.

Stephanie Jass

and her husband, Douglas Baker, reside in Milan, Mich. Stephanie is an assistant professor and chair of the history department at Adrian College in Adrian, Mich. She is writing a history of the college to celebrate their sesquicentennial in 2009.

Todd LaPorte

is a financial consultant for Wells Fargo. He provides personalized investment products and services for clients in Anchorage, where he has 14 years of investment management experience.

Jonathan Schapekahm

of Waukesha, Wis., has been promoted from senior project engineer to project manager at National Survey & Engineering, in Brookfield, Wis. Jonathan has 15 years experience in the design of site geometrics, grading, drainage, storm water detention, and utilities for residential, commercial and institutional projects. He is registered as a professional engineer in Wisconsin.

Marc Waite '03 M.A. of Granger, Ind., has joined the law firm of Barnes & Thornburg LLP. He practices in the litigation department.

MARRIAGES

Stephanie Jass and Douglas Baker,

Oct. 6, 2007, Camp Arcadia, Mich.

BIRTHS

To Heidi (Waidler) Maxa and husband Chuck of Columbia, Md.: Kirsten Josephine, born Nov. 18, 2007; joins siblings C. Joseph, 5, and Julianna, 2.

1993

Mike Chasar's

article, "The Sounds of Black Laughter and the Harlem Renaissance: Claude McKay, Sterling Brown, and Langston Hughes," appears in American Literature, March 2008. He also has an essay, "Remembering Paul Engle," that will be published in The Writer's Chronicle of the Associated Writing Programs. In addition, Mike has written more than 50 rhyming commentaries on the news and current events that have appeared in the Press-Citizen during the last two years. Wife Meridith Brand has been promoted at ACT to the position of program manager of performance assessment and now heads her department.

Terrie (Heath) Fontenot

is a registered nurse and the unit director of critical care at Porter Hospital in Valparaiso. Under her leadership, Porter's intensive care units have gained national recognition for excellence.

Randy Kaltenmark,

wife Beth Ann (Crane) reside in Zionsville, Ind., with their three children: William, 6 months old; Lauren, 5; and Madeline, 2. Randy is a tax and business lawyer at Barnes & Thornburg, and Beth stays busy with Junior League, church committees and taking care of the family.

Jennifer (Long) Kendzior '96 J.D.

and husband Kevin reside in the Edgebrook neighborhood of Chicago. Jennifer is special counsel at Duane Morris LLP, and Kevin is an officer with the Chicago Police Department.

BIRTHS

To Lynn (Pienkowski) Gerlach and husband Jeremy of Salem Wis.: Andrew Thomas, born on Nov. 6, 2007; joins siblings Maggie, 7, Alex, 5, and Nick, 3.

To Jennifer (Long) Kendzior '96 J.D. and husband Kevin of Chicago: Anna Violet, born Aug. 8, 2007.

To Erica (Ripson) Mate and husband Edward of Manhattan, Ill.: Benjamin Edward, born March 18, 2007; joins siblings Oliver, 6, Gina, 5, and Samantha, 3.

To Michelle (Unke) Pearson and husband Chad of Victoria, Minn.: Lilla Joy, born Feb. 5, 2007; joins siblings Sophia, 8, and Drew, 4.

To Russell Zell and wife Tammy of Wales, Wis.: Kylee Rosemarie, born Dec. 10, 2007.

1994

Casey (Van Ess) Brown,

husband Brian and their daughter, Anastasia, reside in Western Springs, Ill. Anastasia's grandparents are: Diane and Bill Van Ess '70, Ralph and Martha Brown, and MaryAnn and Thom Miller.

Jim Loeffler

has accepted the position of director of music and artistic ministries at King of Glory Lutheran Church in Dallas. He leaves a similar position at Evangelical Lutheran Church in Frederick, Md., after 11 years of service.

Michelle Russell,

who was the all-time leading scorer in Dundee-Crown girls basketball history, was named as the program's new head coach. Michelle, an inductee into D-C's Hall of Fame, is a fifth-grade teacher at Westfield Middle School and has been D-C's sophomore coach for the past seven years. Michelle resides in Carpentersville, Ill.

Kristin Schwain

is the author of "Signs of Grace," which was published by Cornell University Press. The book is considered a major contribution to the study of art and U.S. history and has garnered praise by scholars in the field. Kristin earned her master's degree from Stanford University in 1997.

Edward Vopal J.D.

is an attorney in Green Bay, Wis., and has been elected to serve as treasurer for The Wisconsin Association for Justice. He is licensed to practice law in Michigan and Wisconsin and in the United States District Courts for the Eastern and Western Districts of Wisconsin. He is certified as a civil trial specialist with the National Board of Trial Advocacy and has taught trial advocacy at the University of Wisconsin Law School in Madison.

BIRTHS

To Casey (VanEss) Brown and husband Brian of Western Springs, Ill.: Anastasia Marie, born on July 2, 2007.

To Gina (Guarnaccia) Deckworth and husband Wayne of Romeoville, Ill.: Ashley Josephine, born on Oct. 2, 2007.

To Shelly (Kreeger) Goldammer and husband Randy '95 of Washington, Ill.: twins, Kayla Joy and Mark Jahn, born April 30, 2008; join brother Luke, 4.

To Beverly (Carlton) Pancoast and husband Erik of Medina, Ohio: James "JD" Pancoast, born May 5, 2008.

To Jennifer (Rath) Reese and husband Chris of Ocala, Fla.: Emma LeeAnn, born on Nov. 19, 2007; joins siblings Ryan, 6, and Sara, 3.

1995

Greg Anderson

has been selected to lead the Wolfpack varsity girl's basketball team at South Fort Myers (Fla.) High School.

Piper (Smith) Bakrevski

resides in Valparaiso. She serves as clinical nurse consultant for long-term care.

Diana (Ilijanich) Giordano

and husband Tony celebrated 10 years of marriage. Diana is a registered nurse manager for hospital employee health and occupational health clinics. Tony earned his electrical contractor license and works in Chicago and south suburb areas.

Christina (MacFarland) Konieczka

and husband Tom '96 reside in Downers Grove, Ill., with their two children. Christina is the national college recruiting manager for Mercer. Tom is a compensation consultant for TransUnion.

Jori (Johnson) Krischke

has joined the law firm of Armstrong Teasdale LLP as a contract attorney. She is a member of the firm's intellectual Property Practice Group and focuses primarily on the preparation and prosecution of U.S. and foreign patent applications. She is a member of the Missouri Bar, the Illinois State Bar Association, the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the American Intellectual Property Law Association and the American Bar Association. She received her J.D. degree from DePaul University in 2004.

Lisa (Mitchell) Muller

and her two sons reside in London. She recently has taken the position as sales manager and head of CCH Information Sales at CCH/Wolters Kluwer for the UK, Ireland and Europe based in London.

Jeff Schmidt

and his wife, Miriam, reside in Boston. Jeff is a supervising project manager for MWH, a civil engineering consulting firm, and Miriam works in the International Scholars Department at Boston University.

Hilary (MacDonald) Sopata

is owner and president at Interior Visions Designs Inc. She is a registered interior designer who has more than 12 years experience in the design industry in both residential and commercial design. She holds a professional certificate from the National Council for Interior Design Qualifications and serves on the panel that judges the professional exam administered by the NCIDQ. She also serves on the board of directors of the Illinois chapter. Hilary will become president of the Illinois chapter of ASID in October.

MARRIAGE

Jeff Schmidt and Miriam Krueger,

Nov. 11, 2007, Phoenix.

BIRTHS

To Diana (Ilijanich) Giordano and husband Tony of Dyer, Ind.: Jacob John, born June 11, 2007; joins sisters Grace, 5, and Gabrielle, 2.

To Janeen (Witowski) and husband Jamie Hanselman of Elmhurst, Ill.: twins, Jamison Hunter and Jackson Kenneth, born on April 9, 2008.

To Christina (MacFarland) and husband Tom Konieczka '96 of Downers Grove, Ill.: Lucas, born October 2007; joined sister Anya, 3.

1996

Travis Alber and Aaron Miller

have founded a new Web site, BookGlutton (dot) com. The site was launched in February and is a cross between a book, a computer, and a book group. It is a Web-based e-book reader that enables users to discuss the book online. Travis has 11 years of online experience. She has worked in Web design, advertising, online training and education. Travis has a master's degree in interactive multimedia.

Ellen (Vargo) Gonzales

is a registered nurse. She works in the Clinical Effectiveness Department of United Health Care. Her team creates audit tools and coaches, mentors and audits the nursing staff.

Katy Quigley-Gartland

lives in Michigan City, Ind., with husband Tim. She is in cardiovascular sales for Merck-Schering Plough. Tim is with Edward Jones, an investment firm, with an office in Michigan City. They have two daughters, Norah, 3, and Natalie, 1.

Travis Scholl

has accepted the call to serve as managing editor of theological publications at Concordia Seminary, St. Louis. Travis will manage the seminary's quarterly theological publications, Concordia Journal and the seminary's book publication efforts. He also will work with the seminary faculty in providing theological leadership. His writing and editing career has included a wide range of published work, including most recently a prayer book for Lent, "Living Lent: Daily Prayers for the Season."

Becky (Menis) Stoudt,

husband Bob and their children, Ben, Brian and Lauren, reside in Danville, Pa. Becky graduated top of her class in 2002 from the University of Pittsburgh's Nurse Anesthesia Program with her MSN. Upon graduation she accepted a position with Geisinger Medical Center in Danville. She is a member of the adult and pediatric heart teams, providing cardiac anesthesia. She has been an adjunct faculty member at the University of Pittsburgh for four years and serves as clinical coordinator. She received the Pennsylvania Association of Nurse Anesthetist's Clinical Instructor of the Year in 2006, and, in 2007, was recognized by the University of Pittsburgh as Outstanding Faculty in the Area of Teaching. She hopes to pursue her DNP this fall.

Tiffany (Oelschlaeger) Tibbs

and husband Kevin have two daughters, Rachel and Allison. They reside in St. Louis where Tiffany now works from home as a writer and academic consultant. Her e-mail address is ttibbs2006 (at) yahoo (dot) com.

MARRIAGE

Allison Ring and Eric Burkett,

Aug. 4, 2007, Irvine, Calif.

BIRTHS

To Steven and Jane (Leonard) Gjerde of Wausau, Wis.: Sarah Caroline, born on Dec. 14, 2007; joins siblings Paul and Anna.

To Randy Keller and wife Mindy of Washington, Ill.: Adam Lee, born on March 10, 2008.

To Christian Nafzger and wife Jodi of Boise, Idaho: William Harrison, born Nov. 16, 2007; joins brother Henry, 3.

To Elizabeth (Meyer) Pittman and husband Darren of Alexandria, Va.: Connor Scott, born on Feb. 14, 2008; joins brother Christian, 2.

To Julia (O'Malley) Stepenske and husband Doug of Elmhurst, Ill.: Grace Emily, born April 2, 2008; joins sister Mia.

To Tiffany (Oelschlaeger) Tibbs and husband Kevin of St. Louis: Allison Renee, born on Nov. 27, 2008; joins sister Rachel, 2.

1997

Jeremy Reinhard

and wife Heather (McNeil '96) reside in Aurora, Ill., with their three children: Alexander, 6, Bryce, 6, and Kaitlyn, 1. Jeremy works in the Investment Bank at JPMorgan Chase in Chicago, and Heather is a registered nurse in the intensive care unit at Edward Hospital in Naperville.

Darren Rodriguez,

wife Theresa and their two children, Dillon, 4, and Melina, 2, reside in Valparaiso. Darren is a special education teacher at Chesterton High School.

Bonnie (Sytsma) Stephens

was appointed to a two-year term as principal of Thomas Jefferson Elementary School. Bonnie taught math at Hobart (Ind.) Middle School from 1997 to 2005. Since then, she has served as curriculum coordinator for the East Porter County School Corp. She earned a master's degree in education from Indiana State University in 2004 and completed a doctorate in educational leadership and administration also from ISU.

Michael Tolbert '00 J.D.

has been named a partner of the firm Hoeppner Wagner & Evans LLP. Michael's practice primarily focuses in the areas of insurance defense, civil litigation, employment law and wrongful death actions.

Roberta Worthington

of Hobart, Ind., has been asked to be included in the Cambridge 2007/2008 Who's Who Among Executive and Professional Women.

MARRIAGE

Amy Wesner and Tim Boomsma,

April 25, 2008, Valparaiso.

BIRTHS

To Tracy (Campbell) and Doyll Andrews III, J.D., of Crown Point, Ind.: Aiden, born on March 20, 2008.

To Vaughn and Erica (George) de Guzman of Rockford, Ill.: Megan Renee, born on March 28, 2008; joins sisters Lauren, 5, and Katelyn, 2.

To Jonathan DeMik '07 M.B.A. and wife Ellen of St. John, Ind.: Joshua Stanley, born March 18, 2008; joins siblings Andrew and Jonah.

To Jeremy and Heather (McNeil '96) Reinhard of Aurora, Ill.: Kaitlyn Reese, born on June 30, 2007; joins twin brothers Alexander and Bryce, 6.

1998

Doug Gibson

is a registered nurse. He was featured as a 2007 "Traveler of the Year" award recipient in Travel Nurse Across America. Doug is a traveling nurse working for Travel Nurse Across America. He has been a registered nurse for nearly seven years and has traveled with TNAA for three of those years.

Jennifer (Sloan) Jerbi,

husband Steve and their daughters, Johanna and Ella, reside in Milwaukee. Jen works as a medical social worker at St. Luke's South Shore Hospital, and Steve is pastor at All People's Church in Milwaukee.

Kristin (Lubeck) McCormick,

husband Michael and their son, Dylan, reside in Bartlett, Ill. Kristin is a vice president with JSH&A Public Relations in Oakbrook, Ill. Mike is a finance manager with Pepsico in Chicago.

Kristin (Breest) Nohr

has been working for a coal-handling company in South Holland, Ill., for the past nine years. She also volunteers at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago.

Jonathan Rivera

of Chicago received his M.B.A. from Roosevelt University in December 2007.

BIRTHS/ADOPTION

To April (Santiago) Albers and husband Richard of Loveland, Colo.: adoption of daughter Hailey XiaoNian from China in January 2007; joins brother Travis.

To Jennifer (Sloan) Jerbi and husband Steve of Milwaukee: Johanna, born in December 2007; joins sister Ella, 2.

To Kristin (Lubeck) McCormick and husband Michael of Bartlett, Ill.: Dylan Patrick, born on Dec. 27, 2007.

To Angela (Rick) Wehner and husband Jeffery of Valparaiso: Zachary Edward, born Jan. 5, 2008; joins sister Bethany.

1999

Michelle (Pollock) Linke

and husband Jeremy '00 reside in Mount Prospect, Ill. Michelle graduated from Northern Illinois University in December 2007 with her master's degree in educational psychology. Jeremy received his professional engineering license in 2006 and continues to work in aviation for CMT in Aurora, Ill. They can be contacted at jlinke (at) cmtengr (dot) com.

Kurt Mattix

is the Saint Joseph's College Pumas' defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach. Previously he held the same post at Wayne State University for the past three seasons. Kurt also coached at Tri-State University in 2000 and at Anderson University in 2001, serving as linebackers coach and special teams coordinator at both institutions.

Errin (Jeffes) Mills

and husband Michael had plans to move back to Richmond, Va., in May. Mike will serve as a wholesaler with Delaware Investments, and Errin is enjoying being a stay-at-home mom with baby "T.J." (Tyler Jackson).

Dan Stephens J.D.

has practiced civil law in Northwest Indiana for seven years, representing clients in both state and federal courts. He also is a registered nurse practicing critical care nursing, both as a health care manager and as a direct patient provider.

Christi Thieme

has accepted the call to serve as the director of development and public relations for the Lutheran Deaconess Association. Christi earned a master's degree in nonprofit management from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis in 2004 and served as director of fund development at the Indianapolis Civic Theatre for the last five years.

BIRTHS

To Amelia (Hurlock) and James Boomker of Bolingbrook, Ill.: Liam Alexander, born on Aug. 20, 2007; joins brother Daniel, 3.

To Britt (Kuceyeski-McCallum) and Jeremy Burns of Fishers, Ind.: Ellis Jack, born on April 29, 2008; joins siblings Emma, 6, and Evan, 1.

To Chris Corbett and wife Elizabeth of Hubbard, Ohio: Jackson Cooper, born Feb. 13, 2008.

To Michelle (Pollock) and Jeremy Linke '00 of Mount Prospect, Ill.: Allison Jean, born Sept. 15, 2007; joins sister Taylor Marie, 3.

To Errin (Jeffes) Mills and husband Michael of Maumelle, Ark.: Tyler Jackson ("T.J."), born Jan. 3, 2008.

To Naomi (Harness) Podlesak and husband Matthew of Plymouth, Ind.: Ethan Thomas, born on Nov. 9, 2007.

To Gretchen (Radtke) Rasmussen and husband Arik of Fairfield, Iowa: Christian James, born on Feb. 8, 2008.

To Trisha (Austin) Zehnder and husband Tom of Buffalo Grove, Ill.: Austin Nicholas, born on March 30, 2007.

2000

Patty Cisneros

has been nominated to the 2008 U.S. Paralympic Women's Wheelchair Basketball Team. The team will represent the United States at the Paralympic Games in Beijing in September. Patty also was a member of the 2004 U.S. Paralympic Team, which won the gold medal in Athens.

Chris Clausing

teaches high school chemistry in Bloom Township, Illinois. He is working with his students on the production of renewable fuels to power go-carts. British Petroleum has provided $40K to support this research.

Jason Field J.D.

is the new Union Hospital Health Group physicians relations director. He was a partner in the firm of Sturm, Smith & Parmenter, Field & Mill LLP in Vincennes and a clinical microbiologist in health care.

Sarah (Lenschow) Jenniges

and husband Aaron '01 reside in Vancouver, Wash. Sarah is a senior GIS analyst for Entrix Environmental Consultants in Vancouver, and Aaron is an associate for The Cadmus Group located in Portland. They have two children: Jack, 3, and Remy, 1.

Todd Kotecki

and his wife, Stephanie, reside in Cedar Lake, Ind. Todd is a fuels chemist at the BP Refinery in Whiting, Ind.

Carrie (Parrott) and Andrew Monahan

reside in Washington, D.C., having recently returned from two years working as Peace Corps volunteers in Morocco. Andrew is a program manager at an international development consulting firm, managing several projects in Afghanistan. Carrie is pursuing her Master of Science degree at Georgetown University, studying international development.

Liz O'Connor

and husband Brian '04 reside in Portage, Ind., with son Tommy, 1. Liz has been employed by Portage Township Schools for seven years. She teaches fourth grade at Central Elementary School.

Erica (Kaufman) Palys M.D.,

Los Angeles, planned a large charity event last March. Erica is the founder of the organization Handle With Care, which is comprised of medical residents from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. The organization is raising money for the Academic Model for the Prevention and Treatment of HIV, which operates as part of the IU-Kenya Partnership. AMPATH maintains 19 clinics throughout western Kenya. More information is available at www (dot) handlewithcare2008.org.

Laura (Schwenk) Swanson

and husband Jason reside in Gladstone, Mo. Laura teaches preschool and is active in the Kansas City chapter of the Valpo Guild and the Valpo Admission Network. Jason is a solution design architect for Cerner Corp. Alumni in their September 2006 wedding party included Kimberly (Walczak) Beauvais '99, '01 M.A.L.S. and Ingrid (Schwenk) Jung '05.

Sara (Williams) Wagus

and husband Rob reside in Crystal Lake, Ill. Both are software engineers for Motorola Inc.

MARRIAGES

Todd Kotecki and Stephanie Dujmovic,

June 3, 2006, Munster, Ind.

Laura Schwenk and Jason Swanson,

Sept. 23, 2006, Kansas City, Mo.

Sara Williams and Rob Wagus,

Sept. 8, 2007, Barrington, Ill.

BIRTHS

To Dan and Sarah (Rons) Carlson of Cary, Ill.: Sophia Mae, born on July 6, 2007.

To Annie (Nolan) Karrick and husband Mike of St. Charles, Ill.: Liam Michael, born on Dec. 28, 2007; joins brother Nolan, 2.

To David Orrico and wife Annette of Lombard, Ill.: Anthony Chase, born on April 5, 2008.

To Beth (Muskovich) Wennerstrom and husband Rob of Carol Stream, Ill.: Abigail Grace, born on Dec. 22, 2007.

To Kelly (Evans) and John Wood '98 of Plainfield, Ill.: Campbell Alexandra, born on Feb. 8, 2008.

2001

Matthew and Christina (Horst) Anderson

currently reside on Elmendorf Air Force Base in Anchorage with their son, Benjamin. Matthew is a captain in the Air Force serving as the Readiness and Emergency Management flight commander.

Scott Clendaniel

and his wife, Jennifer, reside in Forth Worth, Texas. Scott is an environmental consultant, and Jennifer works in industrial sales and marketing.

Elizabeth Schroeder

graduated with her Ph.D. in American studies from Saint Louis University in May.

Maria Schwieter

is the executive director of the Hispanic Community Center in LaPorte County, Ind. She teaches health classes and also teaches LPNs at Brown Mackie College. Once a week, she works as a mental health counselor for children who have been sexually assaulted. Maria earned her master's degree at IUSB.

Megan (Stanger) Shoaf

designs and develops sunglasses for Kenmark Group, Sunwear Division, in Denver, Colo. Husband Andrew '02 is a civil engineer with Ayres Associates.

Adrienne (Harding) Vicari,

husband John and their daughter, Brooklyn, reside in State College, Pa. Adrienne is an environmental engineer for Herbert, Rowland and Grubic Inc., and John is an information sciences and technology specialist for Pennsylvania State University. Adrienne can be reached at avicari (at) hrg-inc (dot) com.

Georgianne (Tafelski) Walker J.D.

is a partner with the law firm of May Oberfell Lorber. She has served as an associate with the firm since 2001. Her primary areas of practice include insurance defense, commercial litigation and medical malpractice defense. Georgianne resides in Mishawaka, Ind.

MARRIAGE

Scott Clendaniel and Jennifer Haas,

Nov. 17, 2007, Fort Worth, Texas.

BIRTHS

To Sarah (Wennerholm) and Douglas Allen '99, '02 J.D. of Aurora, Ill.: Emily Joan, born May 14, 2008; joins sister Lauren.

To Gretchen (Beuschel) Deeds and husband Cory of Lowell, Mich.: Lauren Adali, born on April 22, 2007.

To Eric '03 M.Ed. and Amanda (Lampinen '03 M.Ed.) Haan of Bend, Ore.: Benjamin Patrick, born on Nov. 2, 2007; joins sister Linnea.

To Lisa (Springs) Shoskey and husband Tim '00 of Royal Oak, Mich.: Jackson Timothy, born Aug. 24, 2007; joins sister Mackenzie, 2.

To Angela (Orrico) and Jason Stockrahm '00 of New Lenox, Ill.: Aidan Joseph, born on Feb. 29, 2008; joins siblings Alexa, 3, and Jamison, 1.

To Adrienne (Harding) and John Vicari of State College, Pa.: Brooklyn Nicole, born on July 25, 2007.

2002

Brent Anderson

received his professional engineering license in Illinois. He also was granted his first U.S. patent. Brent is a heat transfer engineer for UOP in Des Plaines, Ill.

Katherine (Massura) Arroyo '07 M.S.N.

is a staff nurse in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit/Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at the University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital.

John Cerf,

who worked as a police officer for five years in Highland, Ind., has resigned. He and wife Erin will be moving to the Milwaukee, Wis., area where John has accepted a position with the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), a division of Homeland Security. He will be training in Georgia from July to December 2008.

Sarah Engelberet

joined the law firm of Trope & Trope in Los Angeles. She is licensed to practice in California and Illinois.

Betsy (Jarabak) Miller

and her husband, Michael, reside in Boise, Idaho. Betsy is a school counselor at two Catholic schools.

Jonathan Pasky '05 J.D.

is a patent attorney in the law firm of McCracken & Frank LLP in Chicago. He concentrates his practice in intellectual property law, including patents, trademarks, and intellectual asset management.

Melissa Wray J.D.

has joined Bingham McHale LLP as an associate in the law firm's litigation department. She will focus her practice in white collar criminal defense and long-term health care litigation. She was admitted to practice law in Indiana in 2002. She is a member of the Indiana State Bar Association, Indianapolis Bar Association and the Sagamore American Inn of Court.

Maren (Johnson) Zirbel

and husband Justin reside in Burnsville, Minn., along with their daughter, Renna, 1.

BIRTHS

To Katherine (Massura) '07 M.S.N. and husband David Arroyo '01 of Dyer, Ind.: Gabriella Rose, born Feb. 8, 2008; joins sister Teresa, 3.

To Maren (Johnson) Zirbel and husband Justin of Burnsville, Minn.: Renna Marie, born on June 25, 2007.

2003

Sarah Barnes

serves as the coordinator for health education and outreach programs at Butler University. She provides educational programming and support for students, faculty and staff on alcohol responsibility, sexual health, stress management, body image, self-esteem and sexual assault. Sarah also is the primary contact for victims of sexual assault and relationship violence.

Andrew Bordewick

was selected as a participant in the 2008 Leadership Development Program at COUNTRY Financial, Bloomington, Ill. He and his wife, Lacey, reside in Bloomington.

Jeanette Gray

was inducted into the Valparaiso University Athletics Hall of Fame in February. She was a two-time All Mid-Con selection, including a First Team pick in 2002-'03. As a senior, Jeanette led Valpo to its first NCAA tournament appearance. She is a mathematics teacher in Highland, Ind., and also serves as a girl's head basketball coach.

Terence Nesbit J.D.

had his first fiction novel published. "Heaven Help Me Talk to Strangers" was published by Publish America (www (dot) publishamerica (dot) com).

MARRIAGE

Elizabeth Lucas and Keith Dombrowski,

June 2007, Chicago.

BIRTHS

To Andrew Bordewick and wife Lacey of Bloomington, Ill.: Molly Kaye, born on April 23, 2008.

To Alyssa (Johansen) Kjendal and husband Benjamin of Brooklyn, N.Y.: Mary Elizabeth, born Dec. 12, 2007; joins two siblings.

To Evan and Christine (Lucitt '02) Remenih of Mesa, Ariz.: Elliott Thomas, born Jan. 14, 2008.

To Gretchen (Dey) Tinay and husband Mark of Brunswick, Ohio: Skylyn Esther, born Feb. 17, 2008.

2004

Sarah (Vance) Bottger

and husband Chris reside in Orland Park, Ill. Valpo alumnae who took part in their May wedding were: Erin Stinson '03, Susan (Gavin '05) Keller and Sarah Burman '05.

Faith Crozier

has been accepted into the University of Pennsylvania Oncology PNP program with a minor in palliative care. She hopes to start in the fall of 2009.

Julie Fisher

graduated in June with a D.O. degree from Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She will begin a family medicine residency in Spartanburg, S.C.

Cecelia (Kablach) Lauerman '06 M.S.N.

wrote "Surgical Patient Education Related to Smoking," which appears in the March 2008 issue of an AORN (Association of periOperative Registered Nurses) Journal.

Julie Maddox '05 M.S.,

international student adviser and study abroad coordinator at the Illinois Institute of Technology, was selected to chair the Illinois NAFSA: Association of International Educators Special Committee to draft and submit a state resolution asking lawmakers to declare international education a crucial component of higher education in Illinois. The House and the Senate passed the resolution.

Aaron Priest,

Jonathan Iseman, and Jason Holly '03 were fraternity brothers at Valpo, who formed the rock band Amici. They played together for three years. After a two-year musical hiatus, they reconnected in Chicago last year and formed the rock band Algren, with new drummer Ben Brown. The band is known for energetic sets and has played at numerous Chicago clubs. They have recorded a new demo CD and are working on recording a full-length album for summer/fall 2008 release. More information can be found at www (dot) myspace (dot) com/algrenmusic.

Erik Ramos

received a master's degree in trumpet performance in 2007 from Indiana University's Jacob School of Music. He currently is pursuing his doctorate of music in brass pedagogy. He was selected for a position in the "Pershing's Own" Army Band and will be stationed in the Washington, D.C., area. Erik will continue his studies while he is located in Washington.

Andrew and Natalie (Ford) Sajdak

live in Chicago, where Andrew practices and Natalie performs professional musical theater. She was most recently seen as Gigi in "Gigi" at Light Opera Works.

Michael Sjoding M.D.

graduated with honors from Loyola University Chicago this spring with his medical degree. He will spend the next three years as a resident in internal medicine at the University of Chicago.

Christopher Weber

graduated from the Medical College of Wisconsin. He will be starting an internal medicine pediatrics combined residency in Milwaukee.

MARRIAGES

Jessica Banis and Henry Dillon,

Oct. 13, 2007, Demotte, Ind.

Brett Iafigliola and Rachel Malmgren,

May 24, 2008, Cleveland.

Rachel Reinke and Michael Nevergall '05,

Sept. 2, 2007, Plymouth, Wis.

Andrew Sajdak and Natalie Ford,

Aug. 11, 2007, San Mateo, Calif.

Sarah Vance and Chris Bottger,

May 31, 2008, Saint John, Ind.

BIRTH

To Konrad Willmert and wife Julie of Jonesboro, Ind.: Kylan Thomas, born on Aug. 23, 2007.

2005

Gary Demski M.S.

was appointed athletic director at Clay High School starting July 24, 2008. Previously, he served as the director of student activities at Purdue University North Central in Westville, Ind.

Heather (Woods) Eliff

finished her M.S. degree in atmospheric science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2007. She works as an environmental consultant and lives in Mount Prospect, Ill., with her husband, Brian.

Michael Essany

has written a book for children ages 4 to 8. "Ordinary Hero" (All About Kids Publishing) focuses on children and their role models.

Martha Josephson

was selected as a Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholar for the 2008-'09 academic year. She has been accepted at Queens University of Belfast, where she will pursue a master's degree in comparative ethnic conflict. Martha has been living and working in Washington, D.C., as a legislative aide for Congressman Collin Peterson, chair of the House Agriculture Committee.

Amanda Rediehs

is a fourth-grade teacher for the Chicago Public Schools.

Sean Surrisi J.D.

works with the South Bend, Ind., law firm of Anderson, Agostino & Keller PC. He resides in Culver, Ind., with his wife, Janette, and daughter Abby.

Dave Wegner

and his wife Lauren Dow (Texas Lutheran University '03) reside in Banner Elk, N.C. Dave finished his seminary internship in Boone, N.C., and Lauren begins hers in Pennsylvania in August.

MARRIAGES

Anna Walter and Adam Wierciak '04,

Dec. 29, 2007, Little Rock, Ark.

Dave Wegner and Lauren Dow,

May 30, 2008, Columbia, S.C.

Alisa Witherow and Aaron Amptmeyer,

May 10, 2008, Merrillville, Ind.

BIRTH

To Heidi Nathan of Medford, N.Y.: Graham Alexander, born on Sept. 25, 2007.

2006

Joseph Kessinger J.D.

of Ladson, S.C., has joined Buist Byars & Taylor LLC as an associate attorney and managing attorney of the Clements Ferry Road office. Previously he was an associate attorney at Laquiere Law Firm. He holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from the University of South Carolina.

Allan Puplis M.S.N.

was offered a teaching position at Michigan State University in May 2007. He teaches health assessment and nursing therapeutics, laboratory and clinical sections.

Kristin (Thomas) and Caleb Sancken

reside in Minneapolis. Their July 21, 2007, wedding party included Angela Fritz, Andrea (Coltrain) McKenna, Matt Schaefer, Tamara Carnahan, Steven Wilco, Ben Hampton, and Kim Christman, all 2006 Valpo alumni. Caleb is working on his Ph.D. degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Minnesota. Kristin was accepted to pursue a master's degree in social work at the University of Minnesota.

Ashley Seale

and husband Kevin relocated from Chicago to Georgia in June. Ashley is pursuing a nursing license in Georgia and plans to continue to work as a nurse in the Atlanta area.

Stephen Starks J.D.

has been named director of legal affairs for the United States Anti-Doping Agency. He worked in Valparaiso's Sports Law Clinic as a law student and served with the clinic team that traveled to the 2006 Winter Olympic Games in Turin, Italy. Stephen will prosecute doping cases against Olympic athletes who have tested positive for banned substances.

MARRIAGES

Katelin Johnson and Warren Jones '05,

June 9, 2007, Gurnee, Ill.

Ashley Seale and Kevin Grindlay,

May 24, 2008, Chicago.

2007

Michael Kilkenny

is pursuing his master's degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. His research is in cryogenics focusing on pulse tube refrigerators.

Scott Osthus

of Sioux Falls, S.D., is an educational assistant at Horace Mann Elementary School.

Laury Rinker

is the coordinator for marketing within Development Services and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Foundation. Prior to this position she served as an intern with the ELCA World Hunger and Disaster Appeal. She also worked as an administrative assistant for ELCA Domestic Disaster Response.

Jeremy Stacy

of Grand Rapids, Mich., coaches the girl's soccer team at Forest Hills Central High School.

Michael Steffen

is receiving a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship. He is one of five computer engineers to receive this award.

Tim Walsh

and his wife, Katie, reside in Franklin, Tenn. VU alumni who took part in their December wedding are: Michael Hansen '06, Anthony Lance '06, '07 M.A., Jeff Haanen '05, Nic Kooyers '07, Brad Haan '06, and Michael Grogan '08.

MARRIAGE

Tim Walsh and Katie Kayser,

Dec. 14, 2007, Hudsonville, Mich.

2008

Josh Wood

was selected to receive a 2008 National Defense Science and Engineering Graduate Fellowship. The NDSEG Fellowship is sponsored and funded by the Department of Defense.