Valparaiso University Appoints Bonnie and Peter Raquet Endowed Director’s Chair for Institute for Leadership and Service

Valparaiso University has announced David Henreckson, Ph.D., will serve as the next Bonnie and Peter Raquet Endowed Director’s Chair for the Institute for Leadership and Service.

“I’m very pleased for David Henreckson to be joining the University community as director of the Institute for Leadership and Service,” said Brian T. Johnson, M.Div., assistant vice president for mission and ministry. “David brings experience directing a university center similar to our Institute, engaging in scholarly work in vocation and virtue, and working intentionally with speakers and community partners. He will join Aaron Morrison, assistant director, and Katie Karstensen ’19, program coordinator, in furthering the momentum of the good work on purpose that has become a hallmark of the Institute for Leadership and Service.”

Henreckson joins Valparaiso University following time as the director of the Andreas Center for Reformed Scholarship and Service and assistant professor of theology at Dordt College and visiting professor of religion at Gustavus Adolphus College. During his time as director he helped revitalize programming in multiple ways including introducing a diverse and nationally renowned speaker lecture series and faculty and student mentoring programs and research workshops. Henreckson has also been involved as a service mentor in campus ministries and as a vocational advisor.

The Institute for Leadership and Service at Valpo is dedicated to preparing students for lives of leadership and service — lives shaped by a sense of calling, equipped for thoughtful reflection, engaged in the larger world and responsive to its deepest challenges. In 2015, Valparaiso University alumni Peter ’65, ’70 M.A. and Bonnie Thalacker ’70 Raquet established the Endowed Director’s Chair for the Institute for Leadership and Service. The endowment provides a permanent source of support for the Institute’s programs and supports Forever Valpo: The Campaign for Our Future, a $250 million endowment campaign focused on raising permanent support for student scholarships, faculty development, and programs that prepare students for lives of leadership and service.

In his new role as director, Henreckson will be responsible for the strategic leadership, coordination and guidance of the Institute for Leadership and Service. Together with students, faculty and staff across the University, the Institute’s team will expand and enhance opportunities for experiential learning, service and vocational reflection, throughout the curriculum and in the larger community.

Henreckson received his bachelor of arts in liberal arts and culture from New St. Andrews College, his master of theological studies in moral theology from the University of Notre Dame and his master of arts in religion and doctorate in religion, ethics and politics from Princeton University.