Founded on Tradition, a Light Towards the Future

Dear Valpo,

As I reflect on the past year and look forward to the future, I am filled with pride and gratitude for all we have accomplished together. This year has been marked by significant milestones and meaningful experiences that showcase our commitment to excellence in education, innovation, and community engagement.

In this edition of Valpo Magazine, we celebrate our rich Lutheran heritage and highlight the impactful interdisciplinary work that benefits our community and enriches student opportunities. The stories featured in this issue illustrate what it means to be uniquely Valpo.

Valpo’s Lutheran tradition is a vibrant part of our campus life each day. One of this issue’s feature stories is about The Chapel of the Resurrection — the powerful structure that serves as a reminder of our mission and the values that have shaped our community for a century. As we prepare to celebrate Valpo’s Lutheran centennial over the coming year, we’ll honor God’s faithfulness with a series of events starting at Homecoming 2024. I hope you’ll join us in reflecting on and celebrating how this “University Under the Cross” has touched your life.

Additionally, I am continually impressed by the remarkable work of our talented students, faculty, and staff. Their dedication to interdisciplinary collaboration, as highlighted in our strategic plan, Uplift Valpo, has garnered national recognition, secured competitive grants, enhanced sustainability efforts, and fostered valuable community engagement. Our Beacons are actively shaping the world and redefining what’s possible.

In the coming months we will be embarking on several initiatives to propel our great university into the future — tackling opportunities and facing challenges with a steady resolve and a hopeful outlook. I encourage you to get involved and share your time, talent, and resources to support these efforts. We are stronger together and, with your continued support, we can build a brighter future.

Thank you for everything you do for Valparaiso University.

Go Valpo!

José Padilla, J.D.
President