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 2023
Rachel Wren
Rachel Wren ’04 was part of the team recently honored by the Indiana General Assembly under Senate Concurrent Resolution Thirty. The resolution congratulated designers, contractors, and the Indiana Department of Transportation for having a portion of the newly constructed Interstate 69 Finish Line, located in Martinsville, as the top road project in the United States in 2022 by Roads and Bridges magazine.
Published Fall 2021
Eric Perino and Emily Boedecker Perino
Eric Perino ’04 and Emily Boedecker ’08 Perino welcomed son Jonah Brandon on January 14, 2020.
David Byers and Jelena Gober Byers
David Byers ’04 and Jelena Gober ’04 Byers welcomed their son Daniel on March 15, 2020.
Published Winter 2019
Mike and Karen Wallace Ottenweller
Karen Wallace ’04 Ottenweller and Mike Ottenweller ’04 are raising their three boys in Anchorage, Alaska. Mike works for the National Weather Service, and Karen stays home with their boys, who are 6, 4, and 1. Recently, a Valpo sweatshirt came in handy to provide warmth for their oldest on the beach while they dipnetted for salmon at the Kenai River.
Michael Sjoding
Michael Sjoding ’04, M.D., was promoted to assistant professor of internal medicine, pulmonary and critical care medicine, at the University of Michigan. Michael received a five-year career development award grant from the National Institute of Health and a separate grant from the National Science Foundation to study computer-based computational approaches to improve medical diagnosis of acute respiratory diseases.