News and Features
Star light, star bright: Careers and stars don’t end — they slowly transition to something just as bright
When a star is born They possess a gift or two One of them is this They have the power to make a wish come true Bruce Hrivnak, Ph.D., professor of physics and astronomy, has had his head in the stars nearly all his life. He has spent all but a few years of his four-decade career as a professor of physics and astronomy at Valparaiso University. It seems only appropriate that he now winds down his career like so many of the stars that he studies — slowly, but shining brightly all along the way. Professor Hrivnak has left the classroom, having taught his last class in the spring 2018 semester, but will continue as a senior research professor mentoring students and studying stars as they near the end of their nearly 10-billion-year life spans. It is that research that has helped define Professor Hrivnak’s career as well as…
Creating Possibility: EPIC Scholarship Fuels Valpo Experience
As Anna Bockman ’21 enters her second year of college, she has already engaged in critical research at Valparaiso University, playing a role in the possible development of future antifungal medications. The Plymouth, Indiana, native is one of 11 students at Valpo admitted in the fall 2017 cohort of the EPIC scholarship program, designed to provide funding and support for students who may otherwise be unable to pursue STEM education at Valpo in the College of Arts and Sciences. The program, made possible due to a grant from the National Science Foundation, is intended to increase retention among commuter and residential students through its many unique features, including financial assistance, one-on-one faculty mentorship, and cutting-edge research opportunities beginning in year one. EPIC scholarship recipients are invited to bond with others in the cohort of students who take retreats, share meals, and go on short outings that promote STEM-related topics and…
Coming Home: Proud to Serve and Driven to Succeed
While Dan Pelzel ’18 and Mark Galetti ’18 found their niche and a sense of purpose at Valpo, they also encountered challenges along the way. But not long ago, they were faced with a much more arduous challenge — serving in the United States military. Dan was active duty U.S. Army from October 2009 to January 2016 and was deployed multiple times to countries such as Afghanistan and Korea prior to retiring due to medical injuries. Mark, a U.S. Navy veteran, served two deployments to the Middle East from 2008 to 2013. “Although their life experiences are very different than those of traditional college students, Dan and Mark have fit right in, and they’ve developed a large group of friends within the political science department,” says Amy Atchison, Ph.D., associate professor of political science and international relations. “I love having them and other veterans in my classes because they bring…
Unmatched Opportunity: The Valpo Experience Draws Students from Around the World
The irony was not lost on Claire Ehr ’19. The day she made her official visit to the Valparaiso University campus it was raining, which meant she was not able to do a full walking tour. But maybe that was a sign. Claire grew up in London, known as much for its foggy and overcast skies as landmarks like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. “I remember running from building to building because of the rain,” Claire says of that day in the spring of 2015. But that visit made an impact on Claire and stands out in her mind for many other reasons. “The people were very nice and friendly,” she says. “I was able to sit in on a class, and I remember it was such great conversation academically. I was excited to participate in that kind of environment.” A Valpo legacy Born in Spain and having lived her…
Boundless: Katie Willenbrink ’18 Studies the Course and the Stars
Whether it’s in the classroom, at the observatory, or on the golf course, anyone who encounters Katie Willenbrink ’18 is bound to take note of her cool and collected demeanor. That ability to stay calm helps Katie pull off a virtual juggling act as she thrives academically as a physics major and athletically as a member of the women’s golf team, in addition to working with Bruce Hrivnak, Ph.D., professor of physics and astronomy, as a research aid. “Keeping up with everything can be really difficult; there are some long days,” Katie says. “My professors have been very accommodating to me as an athlete, and my coach has been accommodating to my academic priorities. They all want me to succeed on both fronts.” The seeds of Katie’s love for astronomy were planted during her sophomore year of high school when her astronomy class learned about the transit of Venus. While…
Bon Appétit: French Majors Cook up Final Project in the Kitchen
The recipe for success for two French language majors at Valparaiso University literally was a recipe. Jennifer LeCaptain ’16 and Andrea Sanchez ’16 took experiential learning out of the classroom and went back in time to produce a 21st-century cookbook. The brainchild of Timothy J. Tomasik, Ph.D., associate professor of foreign languages and literatures, was to take a 16th century Renaissance French cookbook and not only transcribe it into modern-day French but code it to become a living digital document. The cherry on top was having the students prepare a menu that would be shared with classmates and colleagues. No blue book was need for this final. Instead, flatware and dishes for a four-course banquet replaced the pencil and paper. “The nature of this class and this project was atypical,” Professor Tomasik says. “That said, experiential learning is part of every foreign language class. Language learning can’t be separated from…
500th Remembrance of Reformation Includes Valpo Choir, Special Music Composition
“Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world.” — Martin Luther What started as a call to reform the Catholic Church became a worldwide movement involving millions of people throughout the past five centuries. To remember the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, a journey Martin Luther ignited on Oct. 31, 1517, Lutherans and others from around the globe will gather at Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany, the very spot it all began. Among those gathered will be the Valparaiso University Chorale, under the direction of Christopher M. Cock, D.Mus., Phyllis and Richard Duesenberg Chair in Lutheran Music and professor of music. The 48-voice choir, joined on the week-long trip by Valpo alumni, family, and friends, is the only international ensemble invited to perform on this historic day in the Castle Church. The Chorale’s visit furthers a resurgence in the…
Valpo Forecast: Sunny and Successful
In the Midwest, many people say that if someone doesn’t like the weather, stick around a minute, it will change. But meteorology students at Valparaiso University are not the type to simply wait around. Quarter-century in the making In 1991, Valpo developed a meteorology major, ushering in the newly dubbed Department of Geography and Meteorology. Two years later, a post-doctoral student at the University of Wisconsin, Bart Wolf, Ph.D., professor of meteorology, was about to start his meteorology career in the heart of tornado alley, Oklahoma. But he took a slight detour, and instead became Valpo’s first meteorologist. “I knew I always wanted to teach,” Professor Wolf says. “Valpo is unique in that it really prides itself on excellent teaching. While other institutions may focus more on research, Valpo is motivated by teaching excellence.” It is that teaching excellence that has enabled the program to grow from a handful of…
Valparaiso University and Partners Receive $1.58M Grant to Advance STEM Education in Indiana
The Indiana Commission for Higher Education awarded $1,582,584 to Valparaiso University, Ball State University, Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis and Purdue University, the institutions that comprise the Hoosier STEM Academy. “We are grateful to the Indiana Commission for Higher Education for their commitment to STEM education,” said Mark L. Biermann, Ph.D., provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “This grant will enhance educational opportunities in the state of Indiana in the increasingly critical fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. We look forward to continued work with Ball State, IUPUI and Purdue as together we equip tomorrow’s educational leaders and, through them, their students with critical skills for success.” Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields are at the forefront of innovation in the United States economy. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, jobs in the STEM fields are projected to grow twice as fast as those in other…
A Path of Discovery: Moved to Serve, Lead, and Explore
Being too far from home, becoming lost in the crowd, or standing out for not belonging. These are just a few of the many concerns Arielle Thomas ’18 faced as she began her college search. But, in a single trip to Valparaiso University, Arielle found her home for the next four years and hasn’t looked back. Arielle has thrived at Valpo, actively participating in her college journey, relishing in the support of the Valpo community, and finding comfort in a place where she can be true to herself. “Arielle is an amazing young lady. As a student, she strives for excellence and consistently makes positive contributions to the classroom,” says Byron Martin, M.Ed., director of multicultural programs. “Outside the classroom, she is a leader that is able to connect deeply and richly with everyone she comes in contact with.” Arielle first came to Valparaiso University to attend the Summer Global…
A “Gregarious” Grad: Stefon David ’17 Shines as a Student Leader
A high school track star from Westampton, N.J., Stefon David ’17 came to Valpo with high hopes and big dreams four years ago, with little foundation of what to expect. A first-generation student, he wasn’t familiar with the school, or the region, or even Indiana. Now a recent graduate, his résumé bursts with campus involvement, internships, and leadership roles. He’s a brother of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, ran track for two years, and served as the Morale Team Captain for this year’s Dance Marathon. But 2017 is not where Stefon’s story begins. At first, Stefon encountered difficulties finding his footing on campus. “I came to Valpo to run track and double major in chemistry and biology,” he says. “I ended up hating my science courses, and I dreaded going to class.” Stefon grappled with his coursework and experienced injuries on the track field. It all became too much, and coupled…
Transcending the Competition: Kyle Dunn Drills His Way to the Top on the Court and In the Classroom
Tennis balls fly back and forth across the net as young men run in zig-zag patterns to thwart their opponents hard driving serves. Tennis at Division I schools is a blur of intense and concentrated movement. At Valpo, it’s especially engaging as a Horizon League Championship winning team includes Senior Tennis Team Captain, Kyle Dunn ’17. Kyle is a student-athlete on a mission to win on the tennis court and gain admittance into dental school. As a senior and team captain, Kyle is an inspired leader, setting a high standard of excellence for both himself and his teammates. A team leader in overall singles victories, with at least 20 wins per season, Kyle’s effectiveness on the court is undeniable. On the courts, “he’s smooth and quick — fun to watch … if he loses a point or has an error, he doesn’t react to it,” says James Daugherty, head tennis…
Driven to Succeed: Ashita Bhatnagar ’18 Finds Inspiration at Valpo
Traveling more than 8,000 miles, Ashita Bhatnagar ’18 arrived at Valparaiso University two years ago sight unseen to embark on what has proven to be a journey full of challenges and growth both academically and personally. Not one to sit idle, Ashita has immersed herself in the community both inside and outside the classroom, combining a rigorous academic schedule with active extracurricular engagement. “From the moment I arrived on campus, I have been inspired,” says Ashita. “I have never felt more engaged or active. My brain is constantly at work, and I have discovered I have purpose.” With more than 700 international students, Valpo draws students from diverse backgrounds who flourish here for a multitude of reasons. Ashita attended an International Baccalaureate high school in India, and her only knowledge of Valpo was shared by her brother, Eshaan Bhatnagar ’17, who started his Valpo journey just one year prior as…
Leadership, Community, and Faith
Service. Leadership. Vocation. For Caleb Rollins ’15, these words defined his experience at Valpo and created his path to philanthropic work as development manager for Lutheran Services in America. Caleb was initially drawn to Valpo for its “home away from home” community, but he says the financial support and the promises of the Christ College — The Honors College experience led him to stay. “I wouldn’t have been able to go to Valpo if it weren’t for the financial awards I received. The opportunity to participate in Christ College was also a big draw for me because of the academic rigor and community they offered,” Caleb says. “I felt Valpo was a place that could be my home for four years. I attended three high schools, lived in about five cities before college, and was really looking for a place to call home. I felt like Valpo could be that…
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Four Valparaiso University Seniors, Alumni Named Fulbright Semifinalists
March 9, 2021 – Valparaiso, Indiana – The Fulbright U.S. Student Program has announced its semifinalists for the 2021–2022 academic year, and four Valpo students and recent alumni have advanced to this competitive stage in the grant process. Each semifinalist is hoping to teach English and engage in cross-cultural service and exchange in communities around the world. “It is exhilarating to see the perseverance and hard work of these exemplary Valpo students and alumni recognized by the Fulbright program,” said Eric W. Johnson ’87, Ph.D., interim provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “Moving forward to the semifinalist round is an outstanding accomplishment, and I am confident these talented young scholars will continue to succeed in their academic and professional endeavors. These individuals embody the Valpo values of service and leadership.” The 2021 Valparaiso University Fulbright semifinalists are: Quincy Bullmer-Crosswhite ’20, Christ College scholar with majors in German and global…
Following Your Faith
For graduates like Emily Smith ’19, the combination of academic and spiritual growth she enjoyed at Valparaiso University and the Chapel of the Resurrection has led to a joyful and fulfilling career that combines her skills and passion. Emily now serves as sacristan and worship administrator at Saint John’s Cathedral in Denver, Colorado. As a sacristan, she oversees all baptisms, weddings, and funerals. Walking alongside families and individuals pursuing these Christian milestones is another rewarding part of her role. “I love my job!” Emily says. “I say it is the best because I get to work with people at the most holy parts of their Christian life. Baptisms, weddings, and funerals are all very important and influential, and I have the opportunity to work with people from the beginning to the end of their life.” When worship is held in person, Saint John’s Cathedral can serve nearly 600 people each…
Valpo Student’s Stories for the Soul: Documentary Filmmaking
As Carmen Vincent ’20 approaches her final semester at Valpo, she knows she is well prepared for life after graduation and to live to her full potential. Carmen has become an experienced storyteller in a variety of contexts and mediums. The digital media major and Kemper Scholar is also one of 10 nationwide winners of the 2019 Nikon Storytellers Scholarship, a program “developed to empower and support content creators as they seek to push creative boundaries and become the next generation of world-class visual storytellers,” according to Jay Vannatter, executive vice president of Nikon Inc. in the press release announcing the winners. Carmen says she was honored to win the scholarship, but it wasn’t an easy task. She applied previously at the recommendation of Jon Hendricks ’01, director of University photography and videography, one of her internship mentors. She made it to the semi-finalist round, but was not awarded the…
Two Valparaiso University Seniors Named Orr Fellows
Nathaniel Bouman ’19 and Jake Landgraf ’19 have been named to the prestigious Orr Fellowship, recognizing them as future business leaders of Indianapolis. Orr Fellowship is a prominent, two-year, post-graduate program combining a full-time position at an innovative, Indianapolis-based company with a curriculum focused on community involvement, professional development, and leadership. With an annual acceptance rate of 5 percent, it is not an easy achievement. Bouman, a native of Valparaiso, Indiana, will receive his bachelor’s in computer science, physics and humanities with a minor in mathematics and is in Christ College — The Honors College. He is heavily involved in extracurricular activities such as: former president of Mortar Board Honor Society ΠΣΑ (Gown and Gavel chapter), member of Sacristy Staff at the Chapel of the Resurrection, Peer Minister, public relations chair of the Social Action Leadership Team (SALT) and undergraduate research in both the computer science and physics departments, including…
Business with Heart: Princesses, Pilots, Presidents, and Passion to Do Good
A record number of women were sworn into the 116th United States Congress earlier this year. If Beckie Ramstack ’97 Thompson and her daughter, Keira, have any say in the matter, that number will continue to grow. Beckie recently launched I Don't Want to be a Princess, a company dedicated to inspiring and empowering girls to be anything they want regardless of societal conventions. The idea came about after Beckie told a friend about a trip to Disney with her family, including a then-5-year-old Keira. At every turn, Keira was referred to as a princess. After having enough of this, the self-aware 5-year-old turned to her mother and said, “Mommy, this is so annoying. I don’t want to be a princess; I want to be a pilot.” Beckie’s work to empower girls didn’t stop there. She also has formed a partnership with the Milwaukee Business Journal to launch STEaM Summit for…
Valpo Faculty Members Receive University Research Professor Grants
Haiying He, Ph.D., and Luke Venstrom, ’07, Ph.D., will serve as University Research Professors at Valparaiso University for the 2019–2020 academic year. The grants recognize and encourage scholarly accomplishments and will afford Professors He and Venstrom the opportunity to continue creative and original work through one semester of full-time leave with pay or two consecutive semesters with a half-time schedule, plus a $4,000 stipend. Professor He, assistant professor of physics and astronomy, will continue research on computational design of new materials for energy conversion in collaboration with scientists at Argonne National Laboratory. Her research may greatly impact our energy sustainability and security. In addition, she will initiate a new research direction in quantum computing, a burgeoning field that can handle computationally complex problems in a way that is impossible using conventional hardware. This aspect of research falls in line with the “National Quantum Initiative Act” to accelerate quantum research and…
Valparaiso University Welcomes Holocaust Survivor to Share Journey to Forgiveness
WHAT: The Valparaiso International Center (VIC), in conjunction with the Valparaiso University College of Arts & Sciences, will host a presentation by Holocaust survivor Eva Kor. The event is open to the public and free of charge. Pre-signed books and DVDs will be available for sale. WHO: Eva Kor and her family, the only Jews in their small Romanian village, were abducted and transported to Auschwitz in 1944. Eva and her twin sister Miriam, then 10 years old, were separated from the rest of the family and subjected to medical experimentation by Nazi Doctor Josef Mengele. The two girls survived until liberation in January 1945, but their parents and older siblings perished. After the war, Eva and Miriam eventually made their way to Israel, and Eva subsequently married an American and emigrated to Terre Haute, Indiana. There she established the Candles Holocaust Museum and Education Center. She has devoted her…
Valpo Professor Receives Prestigious Award from French Government
Randa J. Duvick, Ph.D., professor of foreign languages and literatures, has been named Officer in the Order of French Academic Palms. This award, created by Napoleon I in 1808 and bestowed by the French government, honors those who have rendered services to French education, actively helping people around the world to better understand France and its heritage. Anonymously nominated by members of the Order of French Academic Palms, Duvick received the rank of Knight (“Chevalier”) in the Order in 2009 and advanced to the rank of Officer in 2018. This advancement recognizes the sustained and impactful work Duvick has done and continues to do on behalf of France and French culture. Duvick was formally honored and presented with the decoration for her rank of Officer, a metallic badge suspended on a purple moire ribbon with a rosette, by Guillaume Lacroix, Consul General of France in Chicago, in September. “This honor…
International Film Festival at Valparaiso University
Valparaiso University presents its International Film Festival, featuring films from around the world and discussions led by Valpo faculty members. Films include: “Orfeu negro — Black Orpheus,” Brazil, 1959, at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 19, in Christopher Center room 205. Discussion led by Allannah Karas, assistant professor of foreign languages and literatures. “Frantz,” France and Germany, 2016, at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 2, in Neils Science Center room 234. Discussion led by Timothy Malchow, associate professor of foreign languages and literatures and director of the Kade-Duesenberg German House and Cultural Center. “Fuchi ni tatsu — Harmonium,” Japan, 2016, at 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 25, in Neils Science Center room 234. Discussion led by Fred Kavanaugh, assistant professor of foreign languages and literatures. “Jeannette, l’enfance de Jeanne d’Arc — Jeannette, The Childhood of Joan of Arc,” France, 2017, at 7 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 22, in Neils Science…
Inspiration Found: Brauer Museum Sparks Career that Bridges Past and Present
Fewer than 60 miles south and east from the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) in Chicago hangs a painting — which at one point stood sentry over a copy machine of all things — that launched a career. It was there, making copies, staring at “Rust Red Hills” by Georgia O’Keeffe, that Lisa Key ’94 started to realize the impact art — especially contemporary art — could have on herself and others. It may not have been just the art of one woman, but more likely the mentorship and friendship of one man that truly inspired her. “When I was a freshman, I had a strong interest in museums,” Lisa says. “I took an intro course taught by Richard Brauer. That was a life-changing moment for me.” Lisa’s interest in museums went beyond the art on the walls or statues in the gardens. She was more interested in the operations,…
Valpo Theatre Department Announces 2018–2019 Season
Valparaiso University’s theatre department will present seven different productions during the 2018–2019 season. These include plays, classics, and musicals. Talented students from across campus will prepare and work alongside the department’s faculty through acting, dance, design, directing, production, technology, and writing. Performances include: “The Dream of the Burning Boy,” Sept. 28 and Oct. 5 at 8 p.m. and Sept. 29–30 and Oct. 6–7 at 2 p.m., Studio Theatre, Center for the Arts. R. Andrew White, professor of theatre, directs this searing yet surprisingly comedic play by David West Read about the strength to move on and the courage to live without regret. “Lady Windermere’s Fan,” Nov. 1–2 at 8 p.m. and Nov. 3–4 at 2 p.m., University Theatre, Center for the Arts. Lee F. Orchard directs Oscar Wilde’s comedy set in 19th-century London. It’s a play about relationships and infidelity in English high society. “The Directing Showcase,” Dec. 4 and…
Valpo Music Department Announces Fall 2018 Season
The music department at Valparaiso University presents the fall 2018 performance schedule, which showcases the talents of students, faculty, and visiting performers. Season highlights: Donald Sinta Saxophone Quartet, Sept. 22 at 5 p.m., Duesenberg Recital Hall. The quartet was honored as the 2018 Gold Medal winners of the Fischoff Chamber Music Competition in the Senior Wind Division. Homecoming Concert, Sept. 29 at 4 p.m., Chapel of the Resurrection. The Chorale, Men’s Ensemble, and Women’s Choir will perform a choral concert. Gargoyle Brass with Organ, Oct. 6 at 7 p.m., Chapel of the Resurrection. The group was founded in 1992 by students and faculty at the University of Chicago. The Gargoyle Brass and Organ Ensemble will perform “Imaginary Landscapes” featuring music of Stravinsky, Holst, and others. Laudamus, the Choir of the St. Louis Seminary, Oct. 16 at 7:30 p.m., Chapel of the Resurrection. Conductor James Marriott will lead Laudamus, a choir…
Star light, star bright: Careers and stars don’t end — they slowly transition to something just as bright
When a star is born They possess a gift or two One of them is this They have the power to make a wish come true Bruce Hrivnak, Ph.D., professor of physics and astronomy, has had his head in the stars nearly all his life. He has spent all but a few years of his four-decade career as a professor of physics and astronomy at Valparaiso University. It seems only appropriate that he now winds down his career like so many of the stars that he studies — slowly, but shining brightly all along the way. Professor Hrivnak has left the classroom, having taught his last class in the spring 2018 semester, but will continue as a senior research professor mentoring students and studying stars as they near the end of their nearly 10-billion-year life spans. It is that research that has helped define Professor Hrivnak’s career as well as…
Creating Possibility: EPIC Scholarship Fuels Valpo Experience
As Anna Bockman ’21 enters her second year of college, she has already engaged in critical research at Valparaiso University, playing a role in the possible development of future antifungal medications. The Plymouth, Indiana, native is one of 11 students at Valpo admitted in the fall 2017 cohort of the EPIC scholarship program, designed to provide funding and support for students who may otherwise be unable to pursue STEM education at Valpo in the College of Arts and Sciences. The program, made possible due to a grant from the National Science Foundation, is intended to increase retention among commuter and residential students through its many unique features, including financial assistance, one-on-one faculty mentorship, and cutting-edge research opportunities beginning in year one. EPIC scholarship recipients are invited to bond with others in the cohort of students who take retreats, share meals, and go on short outings that promote STEM-related topics and…
Coming Home: Proud to Serve and Driven to Succeed
While Dan Pelzel ’18 and Mark Galetti ’18 found their niche and a sense of purpose at Valpo, they also encountered challenges along the way. But not long ago, they were faced with a much more arduous challenge — serving in the United States military. Dan was active duty U.S. Army from October 2009 to January 2016 and was deployed multiple times to countries such as Afghanistan and Korea prior to retiring due to medical injuries. Mark, a U.S. Navy veteran, served two deployments to the Middle East from 2008 to 2013. “Although their life experiences are very different than those of traditional college students, Dan and Mark have fit right in, and they’ve developed a large group of friends within the political science department,” says Amy Atchison, Ph.D., associate professor of political science and international relations. “I love having them and other veterans in my classes because they bring…