View the Reels of Time Photo Gallery

Valparaiso University: Events Calendar

Sesquicentennial Events and Activities

Fall 2008

Archives Historical Walking Display

University Archives presents a series of displays featuring photographs, documents, maps and artifacts that highlight the architectural heritage of VU’s campus as well as significant moments in the University’s rich history.

Fall 2008 - Spring 2009

150th Celebration Art Exhibits

Valparaiso University’s Brauer Museum of Art has arranged a special season of exhibitions in addition to works on display drawn from public, private and permanent  collections.

2008 -2009 Season

Center for the Arts

This year Valparaiso University’s Center for the Arts hosts a number of phenomenal music and theater events for students, faculty, staff and the local community to enjoy.

August 31, 2008

150th Anniversary Campus Kickoff

Valparaiso University’s 150th launch, a celebration for the entire campus community as a thank you to all students, faculty, staff and their families. Enjoy food, music, fun, and mingling with the new president.

September 2008 - February 2009

Christ College Sesquicentennial Symposium Series

This season Christ College will join the Sesquicentennial celebration with a special year of the Christ College Symposium featuring alumni and other distinguished speakers in lively presentations on thought -provoking topics.

September 26, 2008

Founders' Day

Continuing a Valpo tradition to pay homage and celebrate those who came before us, VU will celebrate its founding on the 4th Friday in September.  Special events will take place this year to mark the sesquicentennial anniversary.

September 2008 thru April 2009

15 Regional Alumni Events

VU Alumni Association will host a series of 150th Anniversary regional celebrations on Saturday evenings in cities throughout the country. Alumni, parents, and friends of Valparaiso University are invited to participate.

October 11, 2008

Homecoming and Reunion Weekend Concert

In celebration of Valpo’s sesquicentennial, two-time Grammy Award-winning violinist Mark O’Connor will perform with the VU Symphony Orchestra during Homecoming and Reunion weekend.

October 11, 2008

Brown Field Dedication

A ceremony and celebration for the dedication of the football field will take place before the Homecoming football game.

October 15-19, 2008

Presidential Inauguration Week

The inauguration of President-elect Mark A. Heckler as the eighteenth president of Valparaiso University.

December 20-21, 2008

Valpo in Chicago 2008: Men's Basketball at the United Center

Valparaiso University travels to Chicago Saturday, December 20th, and Sunday, December 21st.  Enjoy a men’s basketball game against North Carolina at the United Center and celebrate Valpo’s rich history with alumni, and friends of the University.

January 30 - February 1, 2009

Union Dedication

A weekend event to dedicate the much anticipated Harre Union, and a festival service of praise and thanksgiving for 150 years will be held in the Chapel of the Resurrection.

February 7, 2009

College of Nursing 40th Anniversary Gala

The College of Nursing will celebrate its 40th Anniversary year with a formal event Saturday evening at the School of Art Institute, in Chicago, IL.

February 11-12, 2009

Albert G. Huegli Lectures

During the Sesquicentennial, the speaker for the eighth biennial Albert G. Huegli Lecture on Church-Related Higher Education will be Dr. L. Gregory Jones, Dean of the Divinity School, Duke University, along with a panel discussion presented by Ann Svennungsen, President, Texas Lutheran University.

February 28, 2009

Hall of Fame Reunion

A reunion celebration of all Valparaiso University athletes honored in the Hall of Fame.

March 30-31, 2009

Guest Lecturer

A special lecture by Ishmael Beah, author of the award winning autobiography, A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier.

April 24 - 26, 2009

Christian Women's Conference

The biennial Christian Women’s Conference of the VU Guild will be held on campus April 24-26, 2009.  The conference theme “Live in the Light” honors Valpo’s 150th anniversary and the University motto “In Thy Light, we see Light.”

May 2, 2009

Sesquicentennial Gala Event

A glamorous black tie event celebrating Valparaiso University’s founding has been relocated from the Field Museum in Chicago, IL back to campus.






The Chapel