Valpo to honor alumni at homecoming
The Alumni Achievement Award, honoring alumni who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their chosen career or area of professional life, will be presented to:
Gregory D. Alles ’77 earned his bachelor of arts degree from Valparaiso University in Greek and Latin. Alles is a professor of philosophy and religious studies at McDaniel College, Westminster, Md. He and his wife, Sarah (Matern ’79), live in Hanover, Pa.
Arthur R. Burkman ’67 earned his bachelor of arts degree in history and German from Valparaiso University. He recently retired as the senior pastor at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Highland, Ind., after 26 years. He and his wife, Marion, currently live in Highland, Ind.
Sally (Gregory ’65) Kohlstedt earned her bachelor of arts degree in history from Valparaiso University. She has been at the University of Minnesota since 1989 and is currently a professor and director of the program in history of science and technology. She and her husband, David ’65, live in Minneapolis, Minn.
Cheryl (Bunnett ’84) Schrader earned her bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering from Valparaiso University and also was a Christ College Associate. She was recently appointed associate vice president for strategic research initiatives at Boise State University. She and her husband, Jeffrey ’84, live in Boise, Idaho.
The Outstanding Young Alumni Award, which honors alumni, under the age of 40, who have enhanced the prestige of the University by virtue of their character, integrity, and personal accomplishments, will be presented to:
Katherine (Williams ’96) Dean earned her bachelor of science degree in finance from Valparaiso University. Dean is currently the senior vice president, managing director of wealth planning for Wells Fargo WMG in San Francisco. Katherine and her husband, Tim, live in Walnut Creek, Calif.
Holly (Orr ’99) Messick earned her bachelor of arts degree in communications with a minor in theatre and television arts and political broadcasting from Valparaiso University. Messick is currently the vice president of corporation relations for the American Heart Association in Chicago. She and her husband, Daniel, live in Forest Park, Ill.
The Alumni Service Award, recognizing exemplary service to the University, will be presented to:
Laura (Rakow ’93) Brothers earned her bachelor of science degree in accounting from Valparaiso University. She is currently working as a member in the corporate and securities practice group with Bass, Berry & Sims, PLC in Nashville, Tenn., where she lives with her husband, Jay.
Robert P. Grossart ’67 earned his bachelor of science degree in business administration from Valparaiso University and has been a certified public accountant since 1972 in the state of Illinois. He retired in 2004 from Service Master as vice president, accounting and business practices. He and his wife, Karen (Schalla ’67), live in Palos Heights, Ill.
Carolyn (Altobelli ’73) Hanes received her bachelor of arts degree in history from Valparaiso University. She is currently a vice president with Bank of America in South Barrington, Ill. She and her husband, Stephen ’73, live in Grayslake, Ill.
Molly (Pearson ’68) Kelly earned her bachelor of science degree in physical education from Valparaiso University. She was a capital management analyst with Verizon Communications until she retired in 2002. She and her husband, Tom, live in West Hills, Calif.
Bruce H. Lindner ’71 earned his bachelor of science degree in education from Valparaiso University. Lindner currently is the executive director for Porter County Aging and Community Service. He and his wife, Marilyn (Veit ’66), live in Valparaiso.
Michael R. Rickman ’84 received his bachelor of arts degree in political science from Valparaiso University. Rickman is leading The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company’s Asia/Pacific Tire Business Unit’s (AP) legal team in advising and assisting AP’s businesses. Rickman and his wife, Dawn, currently live in Shanghai, China.
Mark W. Rutherford ’86, J.D. received his law degree from Valparaiso University. He is currently an attorney with and owner of Thrasher Buschmann & Voelkel, P.C. in Indianapolis, Ind., where he lives with his wife, Linda Hamilton Hensley.
David L. Valentine ’80 earned his bachelor of science degree in business administration with a major in accounting from Valparaiso University. In 2008, he was named Sysco Corporation’s vice president and assistant controller in Houston, Texas, where he currently lives.
