Valpo’s Lutheran Centennial Celebration
Enduring Faith, Eternal Joy
In the summer of 1925, the Lutheran University Association purchased Valparaiso University. This event was made possible through the pioneering efforts of Lutheran Church Missouri Synod pastors and lay people. Valpo was established as an independent Lutheran University focused on educating the laity. The Lutheran University Association continues to operate the University as an independent Lutheran school, even as its academic offerings and population have expanded.
Valpo’s Lutheran Centennial Celebration will begin during Homecoming 2024 and culminate with Homecoming 2025. Throughout the year, we will celebrate God’s faithfulness to Valpo through a number of events. We intend to tell this story through music, worship, historical remembrances, and celebrations. A special fundraising project will help mark the Centennial anniversary.
Our theme, “Enduring Faith, Eternal Joy,” recognizes that this moment in Valpo’s history occurs within the context of a great cloud of witnesses who established and sustained this University. It also recognizes that we are called to look to Jesus, “the pioneer and perfecter of our faith,” who leads Valpo into the future.
Throughout the year, we will be asking the questions, “Where is Jesus leading us?” and “How is God calling Valpo to live out its Lutheran identity today and in the future?”
We hope you will join us to remember, celebrate, and discern the ways God has and will continue to be faithful to this “University Under the Cross.”
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight and the sin that clings so closely, and let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus the pioneer and perfecter of our faith, who for the sake of the joy that was set before him endured the cross, disregarding its shame, and has taken his seat at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 12:1-2
Homecoming Hymn Festival
October 5, 2024, 4 p.m.
Chapel of the Resurrection
The Homecoming Hymn Festival will launch the celebration of Valpo’s Lutheran Centennial. Musical participants include a 500-voice choir, Valparaiso University choirs, Chamber Concert Band, Symphony Orchestra, alumni organist Julie Grindle, music ensemble alumni, Lutheran Summer Music alumni, and church choirs. Be sure to attend this inspiring musical event!
- 500-Voice Choir: Valparaiso University choir alumni, Lutheran Summer Music alumni, and friends of the University are invited to join the choir.
- Chamber Concert Band, Symphony Orchestra, and friends: Valparaiso University band and orchestra alumni, Lutheran Summer Music alumni, and friends are invited to join the band and orchestra.
A reception preceding the hymn festival will be held at 3 p.m. in the Helge Multipurpose Room. Learn more at valpo.edu/music/performances/valpohymnfestival.
2024 – 2025 EVENTS
This site will be updated; please check back for further details.
October 6
Homecoming Chapel Service
October 6, 2024 – 10 a.m.
December 6 – 7
Christmas at Valpo – A Vespers Concert
A service of readings, prayers, and music in preparation for Christmas.
December 6, 2024 – 7:30 p.m.
December 7, 2024 – 5 p.m.
April 9
Valpo Day
Valpo Day is an annual effort to build a better, stronger Valparaiso University. For 24 hours, students, alumni, faculty, staff, parents, retirees, and friends will come together to radiate their impact on the world.
April 12 – 13
J.S. Bach’s St. John Passion
The Bach Institute presents J.S. Bach’s St. John Passion.
April 20
Easter Chapel Service
April 28 – 30
Institute of Liturgical Studies
Registration will be available in Fall 2024.
For more information, contact the Division of Calling and Spiritual Life at chapel@valpo.edu.