Chris Patterson remembered during special service
More than 250 family, friends and members of the Valparaiso University community gathered Sunday Feb. 12 to remember Valparaiso University sophomore Chris Patterson, who was killed in action in Afghanistan in January while serving his country with the Indiana National Guard.
The ceremony at the Chapel of the Resurrection included many students who were members of the campus organizations Patterson was a part of, as well as fellow service members. Several of those closest to Patterson spoke during the 90-minute ceremony, as did Valparaiso University President Mark A. Heckler.
“In just two years spent at Valparaiso University, Chris made a memorable impact on our faculty, staff and especially his fellow students,” said Heckler. “Chris came to understand service and leadership, and he possessed a sense of fairness and honesty, a quiet presence that both drew and comforted his friends.”
Patterson was a music education major who took leave from his studies at the University this fall to serve in Afghanistan with his Indiana Army National Guard unit based out of Valparaiso. During his time on campus, Patterson was involved in many activities, including ROTC, VuVox a cappella group, Phi Mu Alpha music fraternity, and the University Chorale.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Valparaiso University, attn: SPC Christopher A. Patterson Scholarship Fund, Valparaiso University Office of Advancement, 1100 Campus Drive South, Valparaiso, IN 46383.
About Valparaiso University
Valparaiso University is a comprehensive independent Lutheran university with more than 4,000 students on its campus located in Northwest Indiana, an hour from Chicago. Valpo is a community of purpose-driven, service-minded and ethical individuals who embrace the pursuit of truth with freedom, humility and compassion. Valpo has been identified as one of the top master’s-level institutions in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report magazine for the past 22 years. Valparaiso University offers 110 undergraduate academic programs through the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business Administration, Engineering and Nursing. Valpo also has a distinguished honors college, a School of Law and more than 40 degree and certificate programs in its Graduate School and Continuing Education Division. Valpo has been recognized for its commitment to outstanding teaching, preparing thoughtful leaders with strong cross-cultural skills and global awareness, and dedication to serving others.