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/Winter 2017
Bryan Manalo
Bryan Manalo ’11 became a nurse volunteer for the Operation Smile Foundation in 2013 and has been on several international medical missions — Philippines in 2014, 2015, and 2016; Haiti in 2015; Mexico in 2016; and Madagascar in 2016. In 2014, Bryan became a nurse volunteer for Shining Stars Foundation. He earned his MBA from National Louis University in June 2016. Most recently, in October 2016, Bryan was promoted to manager of patient care operations at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago.
Published Fall 2021
Ryan and Laura Ehlen Norris
Ryan ’11 and Laura Ehlen ’12 Norris welcomed daughter Isla Joan on Sept. 16, 2019
Published Fall 2019
John Yelkich
John Yelkich ’11 currently works for State Farm Insurance in Hobart, Indiana, which was recognized by the Hobart Chamber of Commerce as its 2018 Business of the Year March 1, 2019.
Melissa Macchia
Melissa Macchia ’11 J.D., an attorney at Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, was selected for inclusion on the Indiana Rising Stars 2019 list. Rising Stars recognizes the top up-and-coming attorneys in the state—no more than 2.5% of lawyers in the state are selected. Melissa’s primary practice area is employment law, with a particular emphasis on prevention and defense of employmentbased litigation. Melissa was a member of the Valparaiso University Law Review.
Emily German
Emily German ’11 wed James Lee July 19, 2019 at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana. James teaches theology at Concordia University, and they will make their home together in Forest Park, Illinois.
Rachel Evans
Rachel Evans ’11 joined Monmouth College (Monmouth, Illinois) in March 2019 as associate director of alumni relations. As a Valpo student, Rachel worked in the alumni engagement office, which is where she became interested in eventually working in higher education. She also served in AmeriCorps and did development and communication work for several nonprofits in the Quad Cities.