Valpo alumni are doing amazing things across the country and around the world — in their professional and personal lives. They’re leading industries, contributing knowledge, and serving in a multitude of ways. These class notes offer a glimpse into their activities, accomplishments, and milestones. If you have news to share with your fellow Valpo alumni, please share it below.
Published Fall 2024
Mark Ennes
Mark Ennes ’74 has retired from Merril Lynch as of May, 2024 after 45 years as a financial advisor. He and his wife, Mary are now full-time Georgia residents, and he continues to be involved in environmental organizations, his homeowners association, and Kiwanis Club, of which he has been a member for 35 years.
Published Fall/Winter 2017
Jill Long Thompson
Jill Long Thompson ’74 currently teaches ethics at the Kelley School of Business and the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University. She formerly served as a Valparaiso University faculty member as well as a member of the Valparaiso City Council. Jill was named undersecretary in the Agriculture Department by President Obama and became chair and CEO of the Farm Credit Administration until her term ended in 2015.
William Beermann
William Beermann ’74 retired after nearly 29 years as cataloger at JKM Library, which serves the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago and McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood. After earning a master’s degree in organ from the Yale School of Music and Institute of Sacred Music in 1978, William was director of music at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Valparaiso, Indiana, and worked in Valpo’s Moellering Library music listening room until moving to Chicago in 1988. He continues to be a substitute church musician at a number of churches in Chicago and is a regular attendee at Valpo’s Institute of Liturgical Studies.
Published Winter 2019
Elizabeth Fanslau Christopherson
Elizabeth Fanslau ’74 Christopherson retired from Christ Lutheran Church after 33 years as the organist and choir director. Entering a new phase of music ministry, Elizabeth joined the handbell choir of her home congregation, St. Mark Lutheran in Chesterland, Ohio, and fills in as a substitute organist to congregations in her area. Elizabeth and her husband, a retired letter carrier of 50 years, enjoy traveling across the United States.
Published Spring/Summer 2016
Duane M. Jorgenson
Duane M. Jorgenson ’74, J.D. is a judge-elect for the Lafayette County Circuit Court in Wisconsin. He first won election to the court in April 2015, effective Aug. 1, 2015.
John Niems
John Niems ’74 recently released his 10th CD, “Now and Then — Number Ten,” which can be downloaded on iTunes. During his career John has tuned 20,000 pianos and is currently tuning for many concerts on the Las Vegas strip.