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Apparently GCU has once again (shocking I know) misrepresented the cost of their programs and degree.  I know we've had some previous discussions regarding the academic quality of GCU degrees and wasn't sure where to post this.

https://www.cnn.com/2023/10/31/politics/biden-grand-canyon-university-tuition/index.html

The latest poll has Valpo ranked #19!  This proves conclusively that coaching is over rated as the team heads to a Las Vegas tournament without a coach!  I suppose that Dr. Small will send some sort of representative to chaperone!

So once again Valpo loses at home by 22 to a team picked something like 10th in the Ohio Valley I think. Coach Evans tells us we have lots of talent and needs to "tighten up" a few areas before the next game.  Tighten up?  We lost by 22!

We, once again, are playing a five out scheme with a lack of height.  We get outrebounded and if the 3's aren't falling we get smacked.  If Evans is around next year I'll be shocked.

This sort of attack will only spread bad publicity for foreign students thinking of attending Valpo.

https://www.greatandhra.com/articles/special-articles/family-of-telugu-student-stabbed-in-us-seeks-help-133305

So the first thing is that several people, including the VP of advancement, confirmed that a new fund raising campaign will be underway in the not too distant future.  Most likely, it will include funds needed for both the new nursing school as well as the new basketball arena.

The biggest news is that the arena is now going to be built not on the hospital site but north of Brown Field, behind what is now the visitor bleachers.
The visitor side will become the home side and the new arena will include suite/club seating which will be positioned to allow viewing of both football and basketball games.

The hospital site will then be used to add additional fields including an air bubble covered field for winter practice for sports like baseball.

Big Congrats to Coach Avery who has now compiled 479 wins in 22 years at Valpo.  She surpasses Ed Bauer who won 478 over three different sports.  Carin is a true legend at Valpo! 

I just saw the notice from the University announcing his death.  He and his wife were among a small handful of the most generous and influential alumni and was a long standing member of the Board until 2006. May he rest in peace.

Came across this video of all the Valpo coaches being interviewed on the day when they had their bus tour of the region.  Great to hear from other coaches as well as Powell etc.  It's about an hour long but if you want to just hear Roger, he's the first one and then Dr. Small is at the very end.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PwxjyzBxVk

This makes a lot of sense as we transition to a much broader audience.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YaFXT5dIoIw

Rating Action: Moody's downgrades Valparaiso University's (IN) to Baa2; outlook revised to stable
27 Feb 2023
New York, February 27, 2023 -- Moody's Investors Service has downgraded Valparaiso University, IN's issuer and revenue bond ratings to Baa2 from Baa1. As of June 30, 2022, Valparaiso had $96.2 million of outstanding revenue bond debt. The outlook has been revised to stable from negative.

RATINGS RATIONALE

The downgrade to Baa2 reflects a large structural budget imbalance, with weak operating performance and debt service coverage likely over the next several years. Liquidity is already very thin, inclusive of draws under a working capital line, and will erode further, with the pace of decline dependent on the ability to successfully implement in a timely way initiatives to realign its program and expense structure with enrollment amid a difficult regional student market. The university generated a nearly 8% operating deficit in fiscal 2022 and the deficit for fiscal 2023 is forecast to be substantially worse, with below 1.0x debt service coverage from regular operations. 

Despite these challenges, Valparaiso University's Baa2 remains supported by its very good total wealth, good levels of spendable cash and investments, and a recognized regional brand bolstering a still good strategic position. Philanthropic support is relatively good with three-year gift revenue averaging over $15 million. Despite a use of some liquid reserves, spendable cash and investments continues to provide solid debt coverage at nearly 1.4x. An operating base of over $112 million provides some expense flexibility and potential for operating performance improvement through expense reductions. Additionally, the university has gained some traction in graduate programs, including nursing and information technology. 

RATING OUTLOOK

The outlook is currently stable incorporating the university's identified budget initiatives, which have some prospects for success on both the revenue and expense side.  The stable outlook also incorporates broader wealth levels that provide some financial flexibility to implement plans. The university's management team is relatively new without a yet established track record of reversing the university's multi-year enrollment and financial challenges. Inability to make clear progress in fiscal 2024, including meeting enrollment targets in Fall 2023 would have either rating or outlook implications.

FACTORS THAT COULD LEAD TO AN UPGRADE OF THE RATINGS

- Notable strengthening of brand and strategic position, reflected in growing enrollment and net tuition revenue and further growth in philanthropy

- Significant improvement in annual operating performance driven by net tuition revenue growth and expense reductions
- Material growth in total wealth and financial reserves with significantly stronger liquidity
FACTORS THAT COULD LEAD TO A DOWNGRADE OF THE RATINGS

- Failure to make progress towards stabilizing enrollment in fall 2023 with growth in net student revenue

- Inability to make substantial progress towards narrowing operating imbalances in fiscal 2024 and beyond, with consistent debt service coverage above 1.2x.
- Further reduction in unrestricted liquidity or broader wealth levels
LEGAL SECURITY

Outstanding debt is all unsecured general obligations of the university.  The J.P. Morgan Chase line of credit includes a financial covenant that unrestricted cash and investments to debt be at least 1.0x. The covenanted ratio stood at 1.5x in fiscal 2022. There are no debt reserve fund requirements.

If you think our basketball programs need help, consider baseball and softball, which have both been picked to finish last in the Valley. Dr. Small has his hands full. 

I presume all you sports fans were on the call yesterday with Dr. Small and Brandon.  I found it very enlightening and he clearly indicated support from not only President Padilla but also the Board.  Accountability, accountability, accountability!

Also loved the fact that he recently watched the Valpo-Florida State NIT game to see what the packed ARC is like.

Brian O'Rourke, Valpo's VP  of Enrollment has resigned after only 18 months on the job.  Padilla said that it wasn't a forced resignation but one has to wonder why a guy would move his family from California to Valpo if he wasn't planning for a little longer stay.  Stay tuned.  The search is on for a replacement which might be a little harder to find based on O'Rourke's experience.

Congrats to Valpo's Soccer team for winning Valpo's first conference title!  A great 4-1 win today while Missouri State  is losing 4-2

This is big news for the Valpo community as well as Valpo will now host the conference tourney which means lots of hotel rooms booked and lots of meals eaten!  Wonderful news all around!

Jahari Williamson just committed to Valpo!  Northpolehoops has him rated as one of the 15 best shooters in Canada regardless of class!

https://northpolehoops.com/2022/09/30/15-best-shooters-in-canada-regardless-of-class/

US News Rating are out!

Valpo comes in at #176 among #440 national Universities

In Indiana we come in fourth behind #18 Notre
Dame, #51 Purdue and #72 IU.  Other Indiana Nationals include #202 IUPUI, #212 Ball State, #250 Marian, #263 U of Indy, #331-440, Purdue Global and Indiana State.

As for the Valley Schools:

#1.  UIC  #97
#2.  Drake  #137
#3.  Bradley  #166
#4.  Valpo  #176
#5.  Belmont  #182
#6.  Illinois State  #219
#7.  SIU  #263
#8.  Tie Indiana State and Missouri State  #331-440

Others were ranked regionally as follows:

Evansville  #5 Midwest
UNI   #17  Midwest
Murray State  #23  South

Valpo Engineering #15 undergrad only.

Tevonn joins Matt's staff as a Graduate Assistant!

https://www.valpoathletics.com/mbasketball/news/2022-23/21452/tevonn-walker-returns-to-valpo-mens-basketball-program-as-graduate-assistant/

Soccer opens the athletic school year this afternoon with Volleyball close behind!  We finally have something else to discuss beyond mascots!

Here is an update from President Padilla. Some interesting quotes "We also require the right facilities
to optimize our ability to attract and retain the best students and athletes, particularly
for the College of Nursing and Health Professions, our residential spaces, and athletics
facilities."  and "This idea of leadership goes well beyond the notion of positional
leadership to incorporate the many ways individuals can demonstrate their
commitment and actions to reach a shared mission. Athletics is a prime example of cocurricular leadership development and this plan outlines our continued investment in NCAA Division I athletics by ensuring competitive facilities and a mix of programs to
positively impact the University and surrounding community."

https://www.valpo.edu/strategic-plan/

Brandon's wife, Aujalen, was killed to days ago in a car crash in the Phoenix area.  Prayers for comfort and peace for Brandon and family.

Congratulations the the Men's team for finishing second in the conference tournament, 12 shots a head of 3rd place.

Individually, Freshman Anthony Delisanti produced one of the greatest rounds in Valpo history by birdieing 6 of his final 9 holes to be the Conference Titleist.  The second place player birdied the final hole so Anthony also needed a birdie to secure the title. Not sure, but I think they may have been in the same foursome.

Several players back next year so the program looks really good!  Congrats to the players and coaches.

And I know I'll get blowback for those on the board who think we should go D3 because of the lack of support from the Administration but, nonetheless, hear me out on the Evansville situation.

Once again their men's team has finished last while their women's team is 9th. Over the last six years their men and women have finished last 7 of 12 possibilities.  Their men will lose some of their key guys so don't expect much change next year either.

They play in a very nice city facility except their women play in what looks like a practice facility as they must pay rent when using the Ford Center.

It's more than just bad basketball.  Evansville has the smallest enrollment of any Valley school.  They claim to offer 80 majors so with only 1900 undergrads they must be very financially strapped. Their endowment is listed at $103 million or 44,000 per student while Valpo is at $351 million or 116,000 per student.

It's expensive to give scholarships to athletes in 15 sports.  With the crush of financial difficulty facing all small private colleges does it make sense for Evansville to continue at D1?

https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaeltnietzel/2021/12/28/university-of-evansville-faculty-vote-no-confidence-in-academic-cutback-plan/?sh=ecd9b0c6e412

https://www.courierpress.com/story/opinion/columnists/jon-webb/2020/12/14/university-evansville-faces-heavy-cuts-so-do-several-other-schools/3895601001/

The Men's team has a shot at winning the Valley Tournament this year as they have been picked second in the pre-season poll.

Adding to that fact is the great performance in Arizona where they finished second in a tournament they hosted.  The Medalist was Valpo's own Caleb VanArragon who shot 5 under and beat guy's from Arizona and Arizona State, who is ranked #4 in the country. The runner-up from Arizona State had been ranked as high as #24 in the world amateur rankings.  Great performance Caleb!!

https://www.valpoathletics.com/mgolf/news/2021-22/21121/vanarragon-takes-medalist-honors-at-dove-mountain-intercollegiate/

A little humor from Valpo!  Wishing all my Valpo Fan Friends a blessed Christmas and a very Happy New Year!  In spite of our problems, we all have much for which to be grateful.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9wFmtTbZRA

I just stumbled across this but it is really well done!  Take a look around campus!

https://valpo.university-tour.com/interactive-map

This is big news!  I don't think anyone has posted anything about this but it looks like it includes old campus.

https://www.yahoo.com/now/avro-development-announces-vitalize-valpo-150400227.html

"There is tremendous potential for this land. The energy and impact the redevelopment can offer is really valuable to the University's endowment, and to the entire community. We are thrilled to get started," said Tim Jensen, Owner & President of The Veridus Group.

Total speculation on my part, but could the sale/development of some of this land free up money for the ARC??

This celebration is different than others from days gone by.  I think it is some great thinking!

As an example, the local restaurants are offering specials dedicated to our new President.  Wish I lived nearby!

https://valpodining.com/inauguration-celebration-valpo-restaurants-vu-get-it-together-youre-invited/

Here's the full schedule:

https://www.valpo.edu/president/presidential-inauguration/?fbclid=IwAR3ELyGVmE2pB1ndh9KRl-e4ShwcmgFDc7ervZH2ya36IWtALuv0SJDQFls

So today was Football Sunday at the Chapel, a tradition where the team attends together and is blessed after the service.  For those who are believers I would highly recommend watching the sermon from Pastor Jim.  Powerful.  The service was so well attended that they ran out of bulletins!  A great tradition!

I think I'm going. I need a vacation!

https://www.valpoathletics.com/mbasketball/news/2021-22/20567/valpo-basketball-to-participate-in-baha-mar-hoops-nassau-championship/

So great to see this program back on track at Valpo.  For those not aware, it brings over 100 student to Valpo for a month of study with some of the best musicians in the country.  It is also a great recruiting vehicle for Valpo.  It was cancelled last summer but has been at Valpo for many years now.

https://scontent-den4-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.6435-9/67794864_10157130970710630_7145200605437362176_n.jpg?_nc_cat=109&ccb=1-3&_nc_sid=e3f864&_nc_ohc=FQhQ3br9SmQAX-xQM2d&tn=S19FTZVO5izKH7GF&_nc_ht=scontent-den4-1.xx&oh=e903d10f50298cd139ac83622dfd90ae&oe=60E01A90

Loyola just named Drew Valentine as their new coach.  Valentine is 29 years old and was an assistant for four years under Moser.  He had been an assistant at Oakland for two years before joining Loyola.  Good choice or Lottich like?  They had an assistant with 20 years of coaching experience (Jermaine Kimbrough) and an assistant with 10 years on the Loyola staff (Matt Gordon) and yet they picked a 29 year old?  I would think with Loyola's money they could have gotten a pretty big name.

http://mvc-sports.com/news/2021/4/5/loyola-names-drew-valentine-head-mens-basketball-coach.aspx

Krikke makes Third Team and Edwards All Freshman.  Makes sense as we are all about a balanced attack no stars.

https://www.valpoathletics.com/mbasketball/news/2020-21/20241/krikke-named-to-all-mvc-third-team-edwards-garners-all-freshman-team-honors/

Another one bites the dust.  Very sad.  Their President was John Nunes, former Valpo professor.  His son was a very good Defensive back on our football team.

OP Kretzmann was a Concordia grad.

This shows how much financial difficulty with which Valpo is struggling.  Dig into your wallets if you can!

https://www.valpoathletics.com/athletics/news/2020-21/20102/valpo-athletics-launches-victory-for-valpo/

Active cases are spiking on campus.  Now 30.  The University just announced that classes till the end of the semester  (Nov 25) will go online though apparently there will be accommodations for those wanting to take finals in person. Scary stuff.

Be well!

Don't know if any of you watched it today at 4 central, but Mark was on with Coach Evans, Lottich, Polite and Fox.  Interesting discussion about the struggles they have faced and a little bit about the team prospects.  As you might expect, Matt was fairly guarded but did say they were very athletic, said that Eron had injury issues as did Nick and that Mileek would again cause matchup problems. Eron is shooting the ball very well. More importantly, he said that Donovan had put on 15-20 pounds and would be a much different player--a positive!! He thought we would go 11 or 12 deep.

Fun stuff.

https://seekingalpha.com/news/3610215-grand-canyon-education-pushes-higher-after-disclosing-valpo-mou

So I was listening to a story on the radio about a guy from Milwaukee who was walking to DC for the gathering at the Lincoln Memorial celebrating the March on Washington anniversary.

The leader of this walk was asked if there was any problems alone the way and sure enough, I said that things got diccy when they reached Indiana.  Then he said that all was good going through Valparaiso and, he said, one of the coaches joined the march for a while.  Trouble came later.  So I'm wondering whether or not this might have been Luke Gore or one of the other coaches,  no mention as to whether or not it was a university coach or otherwise.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/08/28/milwaukee-group-walks-750-miles-march-on-washington/3445158001/

For better or for worse, the students are back!  The article says "more than 750 freshman and transfer students and 80 graduate students moved in"
Given the pandemic, that sounds like a very good class.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/ct-ptb-valparaiso-u-move-in-st-0813-20200812-oxmv4luzszctnjqothpcmdsnoa-story.html

https://www.valpo.edu/news/2020/07/21/valparaiso-university-appoints-dean-to-college-of-business/?fbclid=IwAR0d56MDN5QDh07INIBsGUfSkIZqkaZY470GnpPpH_ujFMthchSEhSsJ9yo

is a freakish athlete!  Wow!  Can't wait to see him on the court!

https://twitter.com/i/status/1283882394051923975

Here is a somewhat long though very interesting story on the effects on students of cutting programs.  In this case the subject is Buffalo's cutting of their baseball team.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/2020/07/16/cutting-college-sports-leaves-collateral-damage-changes-lives/5428943002/

Had to post this for all of you who have in inferiority complex about your Valpo education.

This young man could have gotten into ANY University he wanted to but decided on Valpo, a couple of thousand miles away from home.

1. He was, Valedictorian of his class.

2. He missed ONE----ONE----ONE question on the SAT exam.

3. He has raised $20,000 to fight multiple sclerosis

4.He is from Sherwood, OREGON!!!

5. Oh yeah, a pretty good golfer--Top five in the State of Oregon

6. Will study Mechanical Engineering at Valpo

https://www.valpoathletics.com/mgolf/news/2020-21/19878/mason-bonn-to-join-valpo-mens-golf-program/

Welcome Mason Bonn and congratulations to Coach Gring who continues to bring in not only quality players but incredible students.

Just saw it posted on Facebook that the Valpo police are looking for Rod who wondered off from his residence and is a victim of Dementia. Very sad.  A great guy who dedicated his professional life to Valpo athletics.  Pray for Rod.

Interesting story in Bloomberg about a student project completed by a recent Valpo grad.

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-06-17/college-side-project-now-wall-street-s-fixation-in-robinhood-era

https://youtu.be/7sb8xh69_Uw

Today is the day!  Be generous!!

https://youtu.be/nfnpaE8FAww

I heard today that Pastor Wetzstein and Deaconess Lewis have be furloughed.  Financially, if necessary, it makes sense as their job is providing spiritual counseling to students, who aren't there.  Still, a troubling sight.

This isn't the kind of fact that draws National news, like furloughing 200, but it says that behind the scenes, thing are getting very difficult for all concerned.  Let's all be as generous as possible this coming Day of Giving!!

His father passed away from Covid-19.

https://www.nwitimes.com/high-school/father-of-former-valparaiso-star-purdue-guard-brandon-newman-dies-due-to-covid-19/article_378d6c88-04d6-5183-936e-39cead3ecbb3.html

Among those listed are several football players and at least one volleyball player. 

https://www.nwitimes.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/valpo-party-busted-face-underage-drinking-charges/article_a6e5667b-dadb-5fb6-9f9e-2e7c156030ca.html