Radiating Care

As a faith-based institution, Valparaiso University has always centered its mission and values at the core of servant leadership, compassion, humility and community building. A testament to those values is the University’s partnership with Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and the funds raised through Valparaiso University Dance Marathon. As a nonprofit hospital, Lurie Children’s relies on the generous gifts made by donors to continue making the hospital a safe and welcoming place for kids. Valpo’s team has raised $572,475 over 11 years so far and they only wish to see those numbers grow each year.

“I wanted to take part in Dance Marathon because one of my family members has spent some time in children’s hospitals and I wanted to be able to help kids like him get the best care they can,” says Bryce Fairchild ’26. “I also got the chance to visit Lurie’s Children’s Hospital this year and see the massive impact we, as a University, have made for the kids there firsthand.”

On March 29, 2024, Lurie Children’s Hospital dedicated a room to the Valparaiso University Dance Marathon as a testament to the team’s unmatched dedication and commitment to aiding the hospital’s mission.

“We are grateful for the continued support of our patients and families from Valparaiso University students, faculty, and their community. This program continues to play an important role in advancing our vision of a healthier future for every child,” said Deanna Kerns, director of corporate partnerships at Lurie Children’s Foundation. “We’re proud to continue our work together and honored to be able to celebrate their impact with a named space in our hospital.”

The dedicated space serves as a reflection room for children and their families and embodies the true essence of Valpoas a welcoming and safe space for all. At Valpo, students are taught the importance and vitalness of reflection from day one and are encouraged to partake in it regularly to allow for a deeper sense of connectedness with their communities and all those who rely on them to make a difference.

“Attending the room dedication put everything into perspective for me. Seeing our University’s commitment to the hospital and the children there honored by the dedication of this room makes everything we’ve done here feel worthwhile,” says Bryce. “I was given the opportunity to see how big of a difference our students truly can make. This is my favorite service event throughout the year, because it gives me a chance to support the kids at Lurie’s while also letting loose and having a great time.”

At Valpo, our students do not only dream of change, they enact it. Beacons shine their light for others and radiate their purpose through their compassion. The Valparaiso University Dance Marathon team continues to show up for their purpose every year and has shown their community what they are capable of accomplishing together.