“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” — Coretta Scott King Dear Colleagues, As the academic year draws to a close, it is important to set aside time to reflect upon what we have accomplished. While we certainly faced challenges this year, this community of learning […]
Category: Letters
End of Year — Students
“Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and above all confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something, and that this thing, at whatever cost, must be attained.” — Marie Curie Dear Students: The finish line is nearly upon us. Soon the […]
Spring Break
“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.” — Mother Teresa Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff: Spring Break is nearly here. Over the next two weeks, there will be no lectures, no presentations, no papers, and no exams. This is a time for students […]
Veterans Day
“I’ll tell you what bravery really is. Bravery is just determination to do a job that you know has to be done.” — Audie Murphy Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff: Each year, we come together as a nation to observe Veterans Day to recognize and celebrate the women and men who have defended our nation […]
Christmas
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. Luke 2:11–12 Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff: From the humblest of beginnings, the world received its greatest gift — […]
Thanksgiving
“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change the ordinary opportunities into blessings.” — William Arthur Ward For many, Thanksgiving is a day set aside for food, family, parades, and football. Each year at Thanksgiving, families and friends gather to continue to share their traditions and give thanks. In […]
Welcome Back
“The beginning is the most important part of the work.” — Plato “Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” — Harriet Tubman “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not […]
Living within and between the divides
Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff: When I first came to Valparaiso University a dozen years ago, early conversations among faculty, staff, and students made it clear to me that this community had an opportunity to build an institutional culture that would make its campus inviting, welcoming, and inclusive of people coming from many different backgrounds. […]
Veterans Day
“Duty, Honor, Country. Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be.” – Douglas MacArthur Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff: Our nation observes Veterans Day to recognize and celebrate the women and men who have so honorably defended our nation and protected our freedoms and liberties. […]
Welcome
“All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them.” — Galileo Dear Students, Faculty, and Staff: Good morning, Valpo! Today we begin a new academic year at Valparaiso University. Some will launch and others will continue both individual and shared journeys of discovery in the common pursuit of […]