Class Notes

Elke Zell Bowman ’68 would like to share the publication of her memoir “Enduring Shame.” She says that Valparaiso University allowed her to change my station in life, and that she is forever grateful to the professors under whom she studied and thankful for the generosity of Valparaiso University when she needed it most.

James Thacker ’68 wants to recognize how Valpo taught him to use the gifts God had given him as an ordained minister in the ELCA. He says “When I look back on those four years at Valpo I can see so many of the ways God was preparing me for that life. There were friends and fraternity brothers who came into my life who ultimately would support the call into ministry. There were professors who, though they may not have known it, gave me just the wisdom I would need in that call. 77 years behind me have been so full of blessings they cannot be counted. The people I served at congregations in Jordan, MT; Madison, Minnesota; and finally 29 years in Woodbridge, VA; taught me how to be a pastor.”

In May 2019, Gail Ramshaw ’68 received the honorary degree of doctor of divinity from Virginia Theological Seminary (Alexandria, Virginia) in recognition of her 50 years of studying and crafting liturgical language. Her work in this field began as a student aide writing prayers for Sunday worship at Valpo.

Gail Ramshaw ’68 is one of the preeminent writers of liturgy in the church. She previously served as president of the North American Academy of Liturgy (NAAL). Gail is a recipient of the Berkah Award from NAAL and was honored with the Christus Rex Award from the Institute of Liturgical Studies at Valparaiso University.