Sidney Findley-Rinker

From Social Work to Strategic Leadership: How Valpo Shaped My Career Journey and Commitment to Community

During my time in the Valparaiso University Social Work program, I gained invaluable knowledge and developed skills that have been foundational in my career. The program not only provided me with a solid understanding of social work theory and practice but also helped me grow personally by encouraging self-reflection and empathy. I learned how to approach complex social issues with a critical and compassionate mindset, and the hands-on experiences taught me the importance of cultural competence, advocacy, and building strong relationships.

Professionally, I am currently working at Valpo as the Alumni Engagement Coordinator, while also pursuing my MBA from Valpo, which has added an exciting new dimension to my career. The MBA program has equipped me with advanced leadership, management, and strategic thinking skills complementing my social work background. What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to combine these disciplines—applying business principles to enhance the impact of programs and initiatives. The dynamic nature of this work keeps me engaged, as there is always an opportunity to innovate and improve systems for greater effectiveness. which has been both rewarding and challenging. What excites me most about this work is fostering strong relationships between alumni and Valpo. I work mainly on communications and outreach to keep alumni informed about campus news, upcoming events, and ways to stay involved. A large part of my time is spent in collaboration with other university departments, such as career services, admissions, or athletics, to create opportunities for alumni to engage with current students or participate in university activities . Alumni recognition is another aspect of the job I truly enjoy, coordinating the awards programs or highlighting alumni achievements to promote a sense of pride and connection to Valpo. This role is essential for strengthening alumni ties, enhancing the university’s reputation, and supporting institutional goals through active alumni participation.

Throughout my career, I have also held various other professional roles. I worked in the hospitality industry for many years before coming to Valpo as a nontraditional student. After graduation, I joined Valpo, initially working in the Christopher Center library as a Circulation Manager, followed by a role as the Human Resources Administrator. Each position has contributed to my understanding of leadership and organizational development. The diverse experiences I’ve gained have broadened my perspective and reinforced my commitment to community development and creating meaningful connections within my work environment.

The aspect of the VU BSW program’s culture that I most deeply appreciate is the supportive and collaborative environment within the department. The faculty fostered a sense of community, where students were encouraged to share ideas, challenge one another, and grow together. This culture of openness and support helped shape my professional identity and continues to influence how I approach my work today.