General University Discussion - The Valpo Fan Zone Forum

Storm damage

78crusader — Thu, 13 Aug 2026 02:33:12 +0000

Did the campus get hit hard?

Paul Schrage

vu84v2 — Sun, 26 Jul 2026 18:22:29 +0000

Per the attached article, Paul Schrage passed away in January. Obviously made a major impact on Valpo but also made major contributions to McDonalds.

222

Jeopardy

vu84v2 — Wed, 22 Jul 2026 22:53:48 +0000

Yesterday, I had been busy doing stuff and then sat down around 6:05 pm and turned my TV on to Jeopardy. At that moment, the players were introducing themselves and one was a librarian from Valparaiso. I went and looked her up and she is a 2021 Valpo grad who is now a librarian at the Christopher Center. And she won easily! $32K. Her name is Grace Biermann. Hope she continues (or continued since the show is taped) to do well.

New Branding Initiative

vu72 — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 15:29:41 +0000

Apparently Valpo has launched a new branding initiative. There is an article in the Times to which I don't have access. Anybody want to copy and paste for us out of towners?

July 7 Valpo Fan Zone Forum with Rev. Konkol!!!

David81 — Tue, 23 Jun 2026 05:35:15 +0000

For members of the Valpo Fan Zone Forum, Valparaiso University invites you to a special conversation with Reverend Brian Konkol, the 20th President of Valparaiso University. This is an opportunity to hear directly from Rev. Konkol about his vision for Valpo and to share your questions!

Event Details

Date: Tuesday, July 7, 2026

Time: 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. CT

Event location: Zoom

RSVP is required by July 7, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. CT

Please use the following link for registration: https://giveto.valpo.edu/register/FanZoneWebinar26

Once registered, you will receive instructions on how to access the event.

If you have any questions or feedback, please contact the Office of Alumni Engagement at alumni@valpo.edu or 219.464.5142.

Bryce Drew, Commencement Speaker

valpopal — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 21:29:00 +0000

Maybe I missed it, but I hadn't seen this announcement posted: "Valparaiso University is thrilled to announce that Bryce Drew ’98 will serve as the Commencement speaker for the 2026 ceremony. An icon in the history of Valpo athletics, Drew stands as the most decorated basketball player in the University’s history, a successful coach for the men’s basketball team, and Valpo’s first first-round NBA draft pick."

Commencement will take place on Saturday, May 16 at the Athletics-Recreation Center.

VALPO DAY Wed April 8

David81 — Thu, 02 Apr 2026 04:43:31 +0000

Hey everyone, the annual VALPO DAY fundraising event is Wednesday, April 8.

I hope you'll consider making a gift, at any amount that works for you. And if you're excited and hopeful about President Konkol's presidency of the University, and recognizing the financial challenges facing VU, then I ask you to consider digging deep if you can.

FWIW, I sense that Rev. Konkol is energizing the VU community in ways reminiscent of how O.P. Kretzmann breathed life into a very struggling VU in 1940. If you wish to support Valpo, now is the time to step up, instead of holding back to see if somehow the ship will right itself. I think it's up to us to be part of the turnaround.

David

MERRY CHRISTMAS

VULB62 — Wed, 24 Dec 2025 19:27:02 +0000

🎄 ✨ Merry Christmas everyone ✨ 🎄

Two good things regarding Valpo that I recently saw

vu84v2 — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 17:39:11 +0000

1. The university has restarted a program where it enlists alumni to help with student recruiting. If you sign up for it, a representative from the university interviews you (for 30 minutes) regarding where and how you can contribute (based not lonly on your location, but also your interests, time, and connection to Valpo). Further, they have distinct processes for the ways you could contribute. I signed up and was interviewed last week...and was impressed. I did find that this was done prior to COVID, but never restarted after COVID. I was also impressed with the recent graduate who was hired to manage this.

2. Clothing available for purchase. I went online to see if there were some shirts or sweaters for my wife and I. It seems much improved. First, there was a much greater selection. Second, for many items you could choose the Valpo logo and its placement on your clothes. Ordered a few items and the service/delivery was good.

Rev. Brian Konkol, Ph.D., VU's Next President

David81 — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 15:46:06 +0000

https://giveto.valpo.edu/go?cmd=message&id=758737c7-6e1d-4dfe-9f8e-1a35b087ec53

Dear Valparaiso Alumni and Friends, Rev. Brian E. Konkol, Ph.D., has been selected as the 20th President of Valparaiso University, effective January 1, 2026. He brings exceptional leadership experience, deep Lutheran roots, and a compelling vision for Valpo’s future. This marks an important moment in our University’s history, and I hope you share our optimism for what lies ahead. As alumni and supporters, you know what makes Valpo extraordinary: academic excellence, a mission grounded in the Lutheran tradition, and a steadfast commitment to preparing students for lives of leadership and service. Rev. Konkol not only understands these defining strengths—he has lived them. Formed by a small but influential Lutheran congregation in rural Wisconsin and shaped through eight years of international ministry in Guyana and South Africa, he brings a global perspective anchored firmly in the values of faith, vocation, and service to the common good. Rev. Konkol joins Valpo after serving as Vice President, Dean, and Professor at Syracuse University, where he led a transformational five-year strategic plan at Hendricks Chapel and oversaw a 933% increase in student engagement, establishing one of the nation’s most dynamic models for spiritual, ethical, and community-centered growth in higher education. He also played a key leadership role in Syracuse’s successful $1.5 billion campaign, demonstrating his ability to inspire philanthropic support and cultivate strong alumni partnerships. He brings to Valpo:
More than two decades of higher education leadership, global experience, and mission-centered vision. A proven record of measurable achievement, including dramatic growth in student participation, innovative program development, and nationally recognized strategic leadership. A deep, authentic commitment to Valpo’s Lutheran identity and to preparing students for extraordinary lives in both church and society. Commitment to teaching and scholarship, with an established record of student-centered impact both domestically and internationally. A genuine enthusiasm for partnering with alumni and friends, listening to their hopes for Valpo, and engaging them fully in strengthening the University’s future.
Rev. Konkol has described the opportunity to lead Valpo as a “dream come true”—a calling shaped by years of admiration for the University’s mission and its impact on the world. We believe he will be an inspiring leader for our students and a meaningful partner to the alumni community. He holds a Master of Divinity from Luther Seminary and both a Master of Theology and Doctor of Philosophy from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. Widely respected as an ordained Lutheran minister, global scholar, and higher education leader, he has been recognized for his impactful teaching, international service, and contributions to religious and interfaith life. During the search process, Rev. Dr. Konkol expressed a heartfelt desire to connect with Valpo alumni and strengthen the foundation of support that has sustained the University across generations. “Valpo’s alumni and friends are essential partners in our mission. I look forward to listening, learning, and building relationships that honor our shared values and expand the transformative impact of a Valpo education.” In the months ahead, we will host opportunities for alumni and friends to meet Rev. Konkol. More information will be shared soon. Thank you for your continued dedication to Valparaiso University. With Rev. Konkol’s leadership, we are poised for an exciting era of growth, renewal, and mission-driven impact. Together, we will write the next chapter of Valpo’s story. Warmly,
Robert D. Hansen '82 Chair, Board of Directors