Community, Partnerships, and Events
EVERY Tuesday at 10 a.m.
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 three main themes each semester.
Stories and activities are geared toward children ages 2-5, but all are welcome! No registration required. Free parking in lot 50 across from Wesemann Hall.
Wesemann Hall – Second Floor Library
656 S Greenwich Street
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Family Story Time Schedule
This event is held every Tuesday from 10-10:30 a.m., unless otherwise noted on the calendar.
The Google calendar will be updated weekly with any schedule changes or cancellations.
Fall 2025 Story Time Themes:
- My Community (September)
Stories and activities will help children gain a sense of place within their community. - Life Changes (October)
Children will learn how to embrace and cope with different changes that life may toss their way. - I Am Grateful (November)
Families will explore gratitude and learn how to practice positivity.
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.
All events are located in Wesemann Hall, 2nd Floor Library
Monday, August 25, 3:30 p.m.
Preservation of the Dunes
Betsy Maher, Executive Director of Save the Dunes
Monday, September 8, 3:30 p.m.
C2Fab-Metal Art and Sculpture
Chad Copeland
Monday, September 22, 3:30 p.m.
A Journalist’s View of Valparaiso University Athletics
Paul Oren, Valparaiso University Department of Communication & Visual Arts and Independent Journalist
Monday, October 13, 3:30 p.m.
Bridging Generations: The AI Revolution in Action at the School City of Hobart
Dr. Peggy Buffington, Superintendent of School City of Hobart
Dr. Timothy Krieg, Director of Secondary Curriculum and Instruction
Monday, October 27, 3:30 p.m.
Valpo Parks Update
Kevin Nuppnau, Director of Valpo Parks
Monday, November 10, 3:30 p.m.
The Psychology of Sustainability
Blake Bent, Assistant Professor of Psychology at Valparaiso University
Monday, November 24, 3:30 p.m.
Identifying Scams and Scammers
Captain Joe Hall, Valparaiso Police Department
Monday, December 8, 3:30 p.m.
The People vs Democracy
Al Trost, Former Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Emeritus Professor
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 Wesemann Hall, 656 S. Greenwich Street.
Free parking is available in Lot 50, directly across from Wesemann Hall. ADA parking is available. Once inside, you may take the elevator to 2B or take the stairs to the second floor.
Click here for a Campus Map and Parking (Building Location Starred)
- Dave Eickemeyer and Susan Livarchik – Co-chairs
- Ann Jones
- Michael Strayer
- Dr. Albert Trost
- Ruth Bettermann
- 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