End of Year — Faculty and Staff

Dear Colleagues,

At the end of another successful academic year, let’s take a moment to reflect upon what we have accomplished. This community has accomplished much together. I hope and pray that you have had many opportunities to take pride in the contributions you have made and moments of satisfaction that come working with good people on a noble cause. We have much to celebrate and be proud of here at Valparaiso University.

I am grateful for the long hours, hard work, passion, and dedication you bring to the pursuit of truth and educational excellence, always striving for growth and innovation. We are a remarkable institution because of each of you and your commitment to this University and to its students, who because of you are women and men of exceptional knowledge, character, integrity, and wisdom. Valpo’s impact around the world continues to expand as you prepare our graduates to tackle what lies ahead and make a difference in a world that needs them.

The 2017–2018 academic year was an exciting time for Valpo, marked by numerous experiences and accomplishments. We celebrated significant milestones including the 50th anniversary of Christ College — The Honors College and 100 years of sororities at Valpo. We launched new traditions, with Valpo Athletics competing in its inaugural season as a member of the Missouri Valley Conference. Campus continued to transform with the dedication of the Center for the Sciences: Chemistry and Biochemistry and the Innovation Hub at Clyde H. McMillan Hall. Innovative academic programs were launched in bioengineering, aviation, statistics, and data science, and the College of Business announced the addition of a supply chain and logistics management major and minor. And, a record eight Valpo graduating seniors and recent alumnae received Fulbright awards. The achievements are far too numerous to detail in full, but a few more highlights can be found HERE.

At its core, Valparaiso University is about the special people who constitute this community, one that is called to seek truth, serve generously, and cultivate hope. Your work moves the University forward and propels our graduates successfully into a complex and volatile world desperate for values-based, servant leaders. This is our noble calling.

I pray you enjoy a wonderful summer surrounded by family and friends and find the necessary time to rest, reflect, and rejuvenate. And I look forward to the energy and excitement you will bring to our collective work as we gather together again in the fall to pursue with passion our purpose in the Vale of Paradise.

God’s Blessings,

Mark A. Heckler, Ph.D.
President