Community, Partnerships, and Events
Wednesdays, 11-11:30
Starting September 9, 2026
Family Story Time
In collaboration with Valparaiso University’s Occupational Therapy program and the team at LEAP Solutions, LLC, Valpo Education students will create and lead engaging lessons and activities that will support life and social skills important to your child’s development! We focus on four main themes each semester.
Stories and activities are geared toward children ages 2-5, but all are welcome! No registration required.
Loke Hall
1100 Campus Dr S
Valparaiso, IN 46383
VOLTS
Valparaiso Organization for Learning and Teaching Seniors
VOLTS (Valparaiso Organization for Learning and Teaching Seniors) is a group of seniors in the area who are intellectually curious and like to learn, particularly with a group of peers. VOLTS was organized in the spring of 1995 with the support of the Office of Continuing Education at Valparaiso University. The group is directed by its own members and now works in collaboration with the Valpo Education and Social Work Department.
Programs, including guest speakers and lecturers, are chosen by the interests of those involved. Topics include previews of university drama and musical productions, discussion of current events, and presentations by Valpo faculty or other professionals. As the name implies, the program is designed for seniors who are interested in learning and teaching. Expertise within the group naturally lends itself to an exchange of information within the group. Thus, VOLTS does not replicate a classroom setting in which members are lectured to by a speaker. Rather, VOLTS allows participants to be actively involved in both learning from and teaching fellow members.
Monday, August 31, 3:30PM: Harre Union, Ballroom A
- Porter County Museum Update
- Quinn Albert, Porter County Museum Visitor Experience Manager
Monday, September 14, 3:30PM: Harre Union, Ballroom A
- Non-Profit Hospices
- Bob Franko, MBA, VNA Hospice of Northwest Indiana
Monday, September 28, 3:30PM: Harre Union, Ballroom A
- C2Fab- Metal art and Sculpture
- Chad Copeland
Monday, October 12, 3:30PM: Harre Union, Ballroom A
- CONHP- College of Nursing and Health Professions
- Dr. Elizabeth Gmitter, Dean of CONHP, Valparaiso University
Monday, October 26, 3:30PM: Harre Union, Ballroom A
- The U.S. National Election
- Dr. James Old, Associate Professor of Political Science and International Relations, VU
Monday, November 9, 3:30PM: Harre Union, Ballroom A
- Historic Lustron Preservation
- Steve & Laurie Snell, Leases with Indiana Dunes NP and Indiana Landmarks
Monday, November 30, 3:30PM: Harre Union, Ballroom B
- Craig Brooks—Collector of rare and historic bagpipes….an international journey
- Pipe Major Craig Brooks
Monday, December 14,, 3:30PM: Harre Union, Ballroom A
- Food Justice For All
- Dr. Virginia Pleasant, Co-Executive Director
Additional Information
The VOLTS program is open to all senior citizens who are excited about knowledge. Participants are retired or above the age of 60.
First Grade
Anytime! A VOLTS schedule is prepared each semester and is included in the current brochure. If you are interested in participating you are welcome to come as a guest or visitor to a session. Virtually all meetings are held on the campus at the University.
Second Grade
The cost per year is currently $20 per person or $35 per couple per academic year.
Download and complete the VOLTS Registration Form. You may submit your registration and payment at any VOLTS meeting, or simply bring them to the Education department in Loke Hall, 1100 Campus Drive S.
- Dave Eickemeyer and Susan Livarchik – Co-chairs
- Ann Jones
- Dr. Albert Trost
- Phyllis Schroeder
- David Grote
- Education Department Representatives: Douglas Wassilak, Emma Kelley
2024
Dunes LitFest
Free Event
Valparaiso University and Porter County Public Library invite you to join us for Dunes LitFest! This community event celebrates reading, writing, and creativity by highlighting national award-winning and local children’s authors on our main stage. Families of all ages are welcome!
A Children’s Literature Festival for the Northwest Indiana Region
Located at Central Park Plaza
Home to the Northwest Health Amphitheater
- Meet national award-winning and local authors
- Dance to the music with our musical artist, ScribbleJim
- Browse vendor booths
- Purchase books by featured authors from The Press
- Participate in exclusive book signings
- Dine and shop downtown Valparaiso
Cozbi A. Cabrera
Author/illustrator, Coretta Scott King Honoree, Caldecott Honoree
John David Anderson
Indiana Author’s Award Honoree: 2020 Children’s Shortlist
Eric Rohmann
Author/illustrator, Caldecott Honoree, Caldecott Medal Award
Scribble Jim
Musical Artist
The 2024 Dunes LitFest is made possible by our wonderful sponsors. Thank you for your generosity!
Emma Kelley
Director of School and Community Partnerships