In Appreciation: 2023 O.P. Kretzmann Award Winners

A degree from Valpo opens doors and allows our graduates to continue the tradition of leadership and service that is characteristic of our University. The values that are developed as a Valpo student are carried on wherever our graduates go, and this year’s O.P. Kretzmann Award winners, Kim Genovese ’22 G.C., Cynthia Felton ’75, and Cheryl Slack ’78, ’15 DNP are a testament to that.

The O.P. Kretzmann Award honors alumni who have made a special contribution to the development of Valparaiso University through long-time and exemplary service as a University employee for at least 15 years. This year’s recipients, all retired faculty members from the College of Nursing and Health Professions, are being recognized for giving back to the students and campus community that meant so much to their success.

“I was a faculty member in the College of Nursing and Health Professions and enrolled in this new Certificate in Trauma Informed Care program,” Professor Genovese said. “This program allowed me to have engagement with students and faculty in another college and learn from their wisdom and connections with psychiatric expertise, it enhanced my teaching style, and provided opportunities to be involved in community enhancement programs.”

Professor Genovese is currently a professor emeritus and works as a nurse consultant. She visits Valpo often and recommends that students take advantage of their time on campus and get involved in those things that interest them.

“Open yourself and learn through many lenses: academic, social, emotional and spiritually while you are a Valpo student and throughout life,” Professor Genovese said.

Professor Slack offers the same advice and recounts how special experiences at Valpo served as the foundation for her career.

“My Valpo BSN gave me the foundation to start my nursing career,” Professor Slack said. “My DNP met the standard for a doctoral degree as a nurse educator. It’s an excellent nursing program at a Lutheran university, two hours from my hometown. That’s why I decided to go to Valpo and that made all the difference.”

Professor Slack accepted early retirement from Valpo in July 2022, but now she is back as an adjunct assistant professor and the knowledge and experience that she has gained translates into her classes.

“What a wild ride it is teaching freshmen transfer students from all majors instead of senior clinical nursing students!” Professor Slack said. “I also tutor nursing students and pre-licensure graduates online through Varsity Tutors. I provide community health education to senior residents through the Porter Starke Services WISE program.”

Not only is Professor Slack putting her Valpo education into great use, she is investing in her community by offering her knowledge through different channels. Professor Slack was surprised but extremely honored to find out she would be receiving this award.

The love for Valpo students is a resounding sentiment for the three award winners. To them, the success of their students is equivalent to their own. Their training as nurses was hard earned and greatly valued, but they took a special satisfaction in sharing that knowledge and helping along the next generation.

“I used my nursing skills every day, of course,” said Professor Felton. “Just as important are my leadership skills and most of all is the love of Valpo students and my ability to turn them into great Valpo nurses, that’s what matters to me.”

Professor Emeritus Felton retired in June 2022 from her position as clinical coordinator at Valpo’s CONHP. In that role, she was responsible for organizing and scheduling nursing students’ clinical experiences, which provides the critical instruction that is only gained from hands-on work in the field. Great teaching is a hallmark of a Valpo education. This year’s recipients of the O.P. Kretzmann Award continue the tradition of faculty who have sustained this University, guiding students toward their future and transforming lives in the process. Thank you for your service to Valparaiso University and congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.