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Distinguished Alumni Award The highest distinction the Alumni Association can bestow, this award honors alumni who have enhanced the prestige of the by virtue of their character, integrity, and nationally recognized personal accomplishments.

Eric Bittner ’88 earned a bachelor of science in chemistry with high honors from , where he was a member of Phi . He then earned his Ph.D. from the in 1994. Eric started his career in 1997 at the University of Houston as an assistant professor of chemistry, and in 2003 he became an associate professor of chemistry. In 2007, he was promoted to professor of chemistry, and he is currently the Moores Professor of Chemical Physics in the chemistry department. Since arriving at the University of Houston, Eric has been named a Fulbright Canada Fellow and a Guggenheim Fellow, and he was the Leverhulme Visiting Professor of Physics at Durham University in Durham, England. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, the American Physical Society, and the Honors at the University of Houston, and is a winner of an NSF CAREER Award. During his career, he has written a textbook and published more than 100 peer-reviewed papers in leading academic journals, such as Nature Communications, Physical Review Letters, and the Journal of Chemical Physics. Eric has received numerous invitations to speak both in the United States and internationally. Since 1994, Eric has been an active member with the Boy Scouts of America, serving in various capacities and mentoring numerous youth through the Eagle Scout program. Eric is also an avid sailor and founded the first and only Sea Scout Ship in his district, where he served as skipper. His unit was recently recognized as the 2019 Flagship Unit for the local Sam Houston Area Council and as a member of the National Flagship Fleet. The unit performs more than 1,000 human-hours of service per year and took an active part in the rescue and cleanup effort during Hurricane Harvey. As a scientist, Eric engages in public outreach and has given talks on global warming and climate change, science policy, and quantum mechanics; he also served as chair of the Committee on Professional Development for the American Physical Society. Eric was completely surprised to receive this award and would like to thank Sandra List Rosenthal ’87. He believes Valpo opened the world to him. His time at Valpo led him to boldly ask questions, to demand rational answers, and to reject ideas and notions he thought were true when rational and scientific explanations could not be produced. Valpo instilled in him a sense of civic duty and social justice and taught him to look for the good in all people. Eric and his wife, Sarah, currently live in Houston and have twin sons, Edward and William.

2019 VUAA AWARD RECIPIENTS | 1 Alumni Achievement Award Honors alumni who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their chosen career or area of professional life.

Elizabeth Tatro ’97 Grossart earned her bachelor of science in chemistry, Loren Lorig ’73 earned his bachelor of science in civil engineering from summa cum laude, from Valparaiso University and her doctor of medicine from Valparaiso University and received the Herman Hesse freshman engineering University School of Medicine. While at Valpo, she was captain of the award in 1970. While at Valpo, he was a member of , Tau women’s soccer team; was a student in Christ College — the Honors College; Beta Pi, and the football team. Loren then earned a master of science in civil and received the Rebecca D. Carter Memorial Award, the Student Leadership engineering from the University of Illinois in 1975 and his Ph.D. in civil Award, and the Distinguished Student Award. She completed a transitional engineering from the in 1984. He started his career internship at Ball Memorial Hospital, Muncie, Indiana, and residency in as a research assistant at the University of Illinois in the Department of Civil physical medicine and rehabilitation at School of Medicine Engineering. From 1976 to 1980, Loren was the assistant vice president of in . She entered the Army in 2005 and began her military career A.A. Mathews Inc. in Rockville, Maryland. He then moved to Minneapolis, as a staff physiatrist at Brooke Army Medical Center, where she provided Minnesota, and worked as a tunnel engineer, a design engineer, and a senior rehabilitative care and consultation for service members with amputation, research scientist with a variety of companies. Since 1985, he has worked at moderate and severe traumatic brain injuries, burns, and polytrauma. In 2007, Itasca Consulting Group in Minneapolis and is currently principal consulting she was assigned to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and served as a Battalion Surgeon engineer. Loren is a well-known and highly respected international consultant for 1-187 Infantry Battalion in Iraq, as the chief of PM&R at Blanchfield Army in the field of geotechnical engineering; the majority of his career has been Community Hospital, and as the Brigade Surgeon for 3rd Brigade Combat in rock mechanics applied to surface mining. He has worked in Santiago, Team, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) in Afghanistan. Following her Chile, since 1993. Loren is a registered professional engineer in Illinois, second deployment, she completed residency in emergency medicine at Carl Maryland, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania. He is a member of , R. Darnall Army Medical Center, Fort Hood, Texas. Elizabeth returned to Fort ISRM (International Society of Rock Mechanics), ARMA (American Rock Campbell in 2014 as chief of the emergency department at Blanchfield Army Mechanics Association), and SME (Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Community Hospital and most recently served as the division surgeon for Exploration Inc.). Some of the many honors Loren received include: the the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and command surgeon for United Golder Associates Prize in 1984; Best Paper, ISRM Symposium on Design and States Forces – Afghanistan. Her military decorations include the Bronze Star Performance of Underground Excavations; Rock Mechanics Award in 2016 Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army for the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration Inc.; and Outstanding Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Combat Medical Badge, Contributions to Rock Mechanics Award from ARMA in 2017. Loren served Parachutist Badge, and Air Assault Badge. She has written several journal as the keynote speaker for numerous conferences in Canada, South Africa, articles and a book chapter and has received awards for teaching, writing, and Australia, Spain, and Portugal. He also gives back to Valpo and is currently research during her career. Elizabeth has also served on numerous professional on the College of Engineering National Council. He was involved with his service committees, including Fort Campbell’s Community Health Promotion community in Santiago, Chile, and was the co-chair of Habitat for Humanity’s Council, Senior Medical Council, and United States Central Command’s annual fundraising dinner, and the chair of his church council at the Santiago Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee. She has also participated in Valpo’s Community Church. He was very humbled to receive this award and knows Christ College Alumni Reading Group. Elizabeth is humbled to receive this the engineering faculty helped model his sense of professional responsibility. award and knows her experiences at Valpo shaped and equipped her to succeed He also enjoyed being at a small school, which afforded him the chance to in medical school and the military. Her chemistry and biology professors were play football. He and his wife, Barbara, recently moved from Santiago to the instrumental in providing guidance and mentorship while she prepared for Minneapolis area. medical school. She also credits Christ College, as the curriculum served to hone her critical thinking and capacity to communicate using well-organized, persuasive writing. Elizabeth and her husband, Greg Grossart ’96, live in Clarksville, Tennessee.

2 | VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY 2019 VUAA AWARD RECIPIENTS | 3 Alumni Achievement Award, continued Honors alumni who have demonstrated outstanding achievement in their chosen career or area of professional life.

Richard Pierce ’85 earned his bachelor of arts in history with a minor in Thomas Rossin ’72 earned his bachelor of music education from Valparaiso secondary education from Valparaiso University. As a Valpo student, he was a University, where he was a member of fraternity. He then member of and the football team, and he received the Student earned his master of fine arts in choral conducting in 1975 and his Ph.D. in music Leadership Award during his senior year. Richard then earned a master of arts in 1992, both from the University of Minnesota. Thomas started his teaching from the University of -Milwaukee in 1990 and a Ph.D. in history from career in Brainerd, Minnesota, as the director of vocal music at Brainerd Senior Indiana University Bloomington in 1996. He started his career at Concordia High School. In 1983, he became the director of choral activities at St. Cloud State University Wisconsin as a professor. In 1996, he became an assistant professor University in Minnesota. From 1986 to 1992, he was director of choral activities of history at the . He was the inaugural chair of the and chair of the music department at Augsburg College in Minneapolis. From Department of Africana Studies and is currently the John Cardinal O’Hara 1992 to 1996, he was assistant conductor of the National Lutheran Choir and CSC Associate Professor in History and a Fellow at the Joan B. Kroc Institute also served as its managing director. Throughout his career, he has also served for International Peace Studies at the University of Notre Dame. Additionally, as the choir director in various churches in the Minneapolis area. In 1996, he he is the co-director of the AnBryce Scholars Initiative, a program that brings founded Exultate, a professional orchestra and choir, and is currently its artistic first-generation, under-resourced students into a family of scholars and mentors director. Exultate’s motto is “Music that Moves the Soul!” They have produced who seek to expose the students to the greater world and encourage them to 26 full-length recordings of choral and instrumental music available on iTunes, better it. While at Notre Dame, he received the Kaneb Teaching Award for Amazon, exultate.org, and a host of other online sources. For 26 years, Thomas Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching in 2006 and 2009. Richard received the also administered and conducted the Minnesota All-State Lutheran Choir, a Sheedy Excellence in Teaching Award, presented annually to the outstanding summer youth program for Lutheran student singers of high school age. This teacher in the College of Arts and Letters. He is a historian of 20th-century three-week program every summer involved rehearsing eight hours a day for American history, specializing in the urban experience of African Americans. He eight days and then presenting 14 concerts around the state of Minnesota. He is published in numerous academic journals and popular press periodicals, such is a past president of the American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) of as National Public Radio, Chicago Tribune, and USA Today. Richard is the author Minnesota, a published composer of choral music, former international treasurer of “Polite Protest: The Political Economy of Race in Indianapolis 1920–1970” and for choralnet.org, and a past chair of the ACDA Repertoire and Standards for “More than a Game: The Political Meaning of High School Basketball” in Patrick Music in Worship, North Central Division. He is also a member of The American B. Miller and David K. Wiggins, eds. “Sport and the Color Line: Black Athletes Bach Society and of the Minnesota Music Educators Association (MMEA). and Race Relations in Twentieth-Century America.” He is currently working on Thomas has presented at numerous workshops in choral conducting, church a new book. Richard has been active with numerous professional groups; was a music repertoire, church music theology and liturgy, computers for the church board member of Notre Dame Africana World Planning Committee, the Indiana musician, guest conducting, and the faith and music of Johann Sebastian Bach. Historical Society, and the Robinson Community Learning Center; and is While working on his doctoral dissertation at the University of Minnesota, he currently a member of the Concrete Rose Advisory Board, which directs financial discovered J.S. Bach’s personal Calov Bible was owned by and social capital to a fragmented and underserved ecosystem. He is also a in St. Louis. He had the rare opportunity to study the three volumes in depth member of the University’s Faculty Board of Athletics and president of the Black and notate all the hand-written markings made by Bach. The Calov Bible Faculty Staff Association at Notre Dame. Richard is very humbled by this award. became the subject of his dissertation with a complete analysis and translation Valpo was transformative for him, and he learned ideas and experience were not of all the marginal notations as well as what they revealed about the composer enough: hard work, research, and the development of a persuasive argument were and his faith. He has been a great supporter of Valpo. Exultate performed at the the fundamental pillars in engaging others in an academic conversation. Richard Minneapolis-area celebration of Valpo’s 125th anniversary. He has encouraged thanks his professors for instilling an appreciation for the “life of the mind.” and mentored many students to become pastors, church musicians, and music Richard and his wife, Leigh Hayden, currently live in South Bend, Indiana. teachers. He is thrilled and humbled to be a recipient of this award. He has three adult children, four grandchildren, is an avid coin collector, and resides with his wife, Laurie, a published author, in Eagan, Minnesota.

4 | VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY 2019 VUAA AWARD RECIPIENTS | 5 Outstanding Young Alumni Award Honors alumni under the age of 40 who have enhanced the prestige of the University by virtue of their character, integrity, and personal accomplishments.

Michael Allen ’05, ’08 M.Ed. earned a bachelor of arts in sociology from Cristal Clark ’02 Brisco earned her bachelor of arts in history, cum laude, from Valparaiso University, as well as a master of elementary education in 2008. Valparaiso University. While at Valpo, she was a member of the Honor Council, While at Valpo, Michael played on the football team, refined his leadership Phi Alpha Theta, and Pi Gamma Mu; received the Student-Athlete Presidential skills while serving on Student Senate, joined Theta Chi fraternity, and, most Academic Honors Award and an Outstanding Leadership and Service Award; importantly, raised his youngest brother, Gilbert, who attended Valparaiso High and was a Crusaderette. Cristal then received her juris doctor from the School. He also earned a post master’s principal certification from Chicago University of Notre Dame Law School in 2006. While at Notre Dame, she was State University in 2010 and a doctorate in educational leadership from vice president of the Black Law Students Association, a regional finalist of the Loyola University, Chicago, in 2018. Michael started his career as a Lutheran ABA Client Counseling Competition, and the captain of the Mock Trial Team. elementary school teacher and administrator through Valpo’s LEAP (Lutheran She began her career as an attorney with Barnes & Thornburg LLP, providing Educational Alliance in Parochial Schools) program in Chicago’s Englewood legal advice to clients on employment and general commercial litigation neighborhood. He then became a public school assistant principal in East matters, and represented a Fortune 500 manufacturer in product liability cases Chicago, Indiana, and Waukegan, Illinois, before going on to serve as principal around the country. In 2013, she became the corporation counsel for the City at various schools in Harvey, Country Club Hills, and Evanston, Illinois. He is of South Bend and led and supervised a legal team of seven attorneys and four currently principal of Oakton Elementary School in Evanston, Illinois. Michael administrative staff. She provided day-to-day counsel to Mayor Pete Buttigieg has teaching, principal, and superintendent certificates. During the course of and the executive branch on strategic initiatives and legal compliance. In 2017, his career, he has specialized in emotional intelligence, equity, human resources, Cristal became the general counsel for the Corporation of Saint Mary’s College school improvement, and climate and culture. He has been an instrumental Notre Dame. She served as the sole in-house attorney for this postsecondary leader in various think tanks associated with ’s Kellogg institution with more than 500 employees and 1,600 students. In July 2018, School of Management, as well as National Institute of Cristal was appointed to the St. Joseph Circuit Court – Mishawaka Division Urban School Leaders. Michael served as a facilitator for the Illinois Principal as magistrate judge; she presides over and issues determinations in civil cases, Association’s Administrator Academy, focusing on teaching school leaders ranging from contract, personal injury, domestic matters, protective orders, how to successfully implement comprehensive mindfulness practices in injunctions, estates, and administrative appeals. Cristal has received numerous schools. In 2014, he was the recipient of the National Association of University honors throughout her career, including recognition as one of 15 “Up-and- Women’s Educator of the Year Award and the prestigious Jefferson Award Coming Lawyers” by The Indiana Lawyer in 2010 and as a “Rising Star” in for Public Service in 2017. Michael, however, does not measure success or Indiana Super Lawyers for Business Litigation and Employment Litigation in accomplishments through awards. He spent his early childhood in the projects, 2012 and 2013. Also in 2013, she was named to Lawyers of Color’s Hot List, sometimes without electricity and hot water, and eventually experienced which recognizes 100 early-to-mid-career minority attorneys under age 40 homelessness; he knows making the decision to come to Valpo literally changed from the Midwest region; in 2016, she was selected as one of 12 honorees at the his life — and his family’s. The life lessons he learned both in the city of “Celebrating Michiana Women Leaders” event by the League of Women Voters Valparaiso and on campus transformed his passion and commitment to living of the South Bend Area and Michiana Women Leaders Project. Cristal has also with purpose. Michael’s mantra is “your dreams are not real unless you are given back to her community by serving as a board member of the following willing to sacrifice everything to make them a reality.” He is deeply humbled and organizations: United Way of St. Joseph County, Boys & Girls Clubs of St. overjoyed to be a recipient of this award. Michael currently lives in Chicago’s Joseph County, Centier Bank, and the Notre Dame Law School Association. Hyde Park neighborhood. She was recently appointed by the Indiana Supreme Court to serve on the Study Commission on the Future of the Indiana State Bar Exam. Cristal and her husband, Brian Brisco ’02, live in Granger, Indiana, with their two daughters.

6 | VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY 2019 VUAA AWARD RECIPIENTS | 7 First Decade Achievement Honors an alumna/alumnus for outstanding professional achievement, community service, and/or service to the University during the first decade following the completion of her/his undergraduate degree. Alumni are eligible for this award in their 10th reunion year.

Shannon Speaker ’09 Chaney earned her bachelor of social work from Steven Lehmann ’09 earned his bachelor of science in mechanical engineering Valparaiso University. As a student, she was a member of Phi Alpha, was from Valparaiso University and was also a student in Christ College — The captain of the women’s ultimate frisbee team, and participated in the Chicago Honors College. At Valpo, he participated in the Kantorei, Valparaiso University Urban Studies Program. Shannon then earned her master of social work from Students for Life, and Engineers Without Borders. After Valpo, Steve helped the University of Denver in 2010. She started her career as a recreation assistant launch several initiatives in the social enterprise and international development for a memory care facility in Williamsville, New York, before becoming the sectors before earning his master of business administration from the director of care consultation services at the Alzheimer’s Association of Western University of Notre Dame in 2014. Post-MBA, Steve became an associate in New York. Shannon remained interested in the human-animal bond and the Innovation Management practice of Ocean Tomo, a boutique consultancy, in 2012 moved to Santa Rosa, California, to work for Canine Companions where he advised companies on how to invest in, develop, and commercialize for Independence as an apprentice instructor. In 2014, she was memory technologies and intellectual property. He is currently assistant director of care program director, and later a family care specialist, for the Alzheimer’s the George Schultz Innovation Fund at the University of Chicago, where he Association for Northern California, where she provided care planning, support launches and invests in science-based startups developing out of academic group facilitation, and disease education to family care partners. In 2016, she research. Steve and his Valpo roommate, Andrew Jones ’09, are co-founders of took part in a task force in Marin County called the Aging Action Initiative, and Threadies, a UNICEF-awarded social venture that provides psychological first she co-created and was a presenter of a program called “Detect and Connect.” aid to children coping with trauma and displacement. The vision for Threadies In 2019, Shannon returned to Canine Companions as participant program came after Steve traveled to Haiti on a humanitarian mission following the manager, assessing individuals interested in applying for an assistance dog and devastating 2009 earthquake. Inspired by his own childhood stuffed animal, providing ongoing support to graduate teams. Shannon is also a facilitator for he began to develop a coping kit to help children recover from trauma. After Connected Horse, an equine guided program for people living with early-stage two years of work, and collaborations with experts and nongovernmental dementia and their care partners. Shannon has interned or volunteered for the organizations around the world, Threadies was born. Threadies stuffed animals following organizations: Agape Hospice, Giant Steps Therapeutic Equestrian come with a coping kit designed in conjunction with clinical researchers Center, Marin Humane, and Medicine Horse Ranch. She is a consecrated and are manufactured in Palestine by at-risk refugee women. They come in Lutheran deaconess and has the following certifications: Dementia Care sibling pairs: for each teddy bear purchased in the United States, its twin is Specialist, Animal-Assisted Social Work, and Canine Assisted Intervention donated to a child refugee with the hope of creating a special bond between Specialist. She has been a member of the Lutheran Diaconal Association (LDA) children around the world. Front-line organizations have adopted Threadies in since 2009 and the National Association of Social Workers since 2008. Shannon numerous locations around the world, including refugee camps and hospitals is truly honored and humbled to receive this award. She feels her experiences in Syria, Jordan, Turkey, Kenya, Uganda, Lebanon, and Texas. Steve received the at Valpo set her up for success to follow her passion for service (specifically for UNICEF Chicago’s Next Generation Humanitarian Award in 2017. About his the human-animal bond and vulnerable populations). She has stayed connected time at Valpo, he said, “It was the most intellectually and spiritually formative to the social work department, the LDA, and the ultimate frisbee team. The time of my life. I’ll always fondly remember the teachers — at Christ College, friendships she made at Valpo remain her strongest relationships. Shannon lives the College of Engineering, and the Chapel particularly — who awakened my with her husband, Bill, and their black lab, Pancho, in Santa Rosa, California. imagination in new ways and shaped me into the man I am today. To receive this award is a great honor.” Steve and his wife, Holly, currently live in Chicago.

8 | VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY 2019 VUAA AWARD RECIPIENTS | 9 Alumni Service Award Recognizes alumni who have rendered outstanding service to the University.

Nathan Gordon ’06 earned his bachelor of science in mechanical engineering, Katharine Wehling ’83 J.D. earned her bachelor of arts in Spanish with a minor cum laude, from Valparaiso University. In 2013, he earned a master of in French at in 1979. She then earned her juris doctor business administration from Indiana University South Bend along with from Valparaiso University’s Law School in 1983. Katharine started her career the Outstanding MBA Student of the Year Award. Nathan then received a at Valparaiso University in 1984 and retired in June 2019. During her time at certificate in executive management from the University of Notre Dame Valpo, she held a number of positions. Katharine started in the Law School and in 2015. As a student and engineering intern with Biomet Inc. in Warsaw, had a variety of titles, including assistant dean for enrollment management. Indiana, his team earned two patents developing a new blood centrifuge and From 1992 until 2009, she was vice president of admission, financial aid, coagulation device. He started his full-time career at Zimmer Inc. in Warsaw and marketing, then vice president for marketing. Katharine then became as an entry-level engineer and was promoted twice to senior engineer I and an independent consultant. During this time, she was the interim director then senior engineer II for new products in 2012. Nathan then moved to the of alumni relations at Valpo and led strategic planning efforts for the Valpo trauma division as a senior product development engineer in 2013 and became Parks Foundation, Porter County History Museum, and the City of Valparaiso an engineering manager in manufacturing, responsible for 22 engineers. He is commissions on ethics and human relations. She was also the curator of currently associate director of quality assurance with Zimmer Biomet. Nathan marketing and history exhibits for Valpo’s Heritage Hall and Duesenberg became a member of Academic Honor Society in 2011. He Welcome Center. Beginning in 2013, she served in a variety of teaching volunteers with Kids Hope USA as a prayer partner. Nathan has stayed active roles at Valpo’s Law School, including writing specialist and visiting assistant with Valpo’s College of Engineering by recruiting engineering students; he hired professor of law. She taught seven courses, including legal writing and research seven Valpo students in spring 2017. He has been recruiting Valpo students for and natural resources law and policy. Katharine served on numerous campus the past three years and has found that Valpo engineering students are unique, committees; she initiated the formation of the Campus Planning and Space as they are not only quick learners and hard workers, but also have excellent Allocation Committee that developed and managed the Campus Master Plan communication skills and interact with others confidently and humbly. Nathan and the University Marketing Council. She also served as the University’s equal has many fond memories of his time at Valpo, with the most important being opportunity officer. Katharine was also very active in the Valparaiso community meeting his wife, Jessica Freburg ’07 Gordon. They were married in the Chapel and served on the board of directors for Pines Village Retirement Communities, of the Resurrection in 2008. He also comes from a “Valpo family,” as his parents Inc.; Porter County Community Foundation; Valpo Parks Foundation; and the Michael Gordon ’78 and Donna Thake ’81 Gordon and sister Katherine Gordon Valpo Chamber of Commerce. Katharine, her husband, Curt Cichowski ’81, ’08 Goze are all Valpo alumni. He was very proud to be recognized with this and their three cats and two dogs have relocated to Arizona. special honor. Nathan and Jessica have two beautiful children, Jacob (age 7) and Paige (age 2). They live in Plymouth, Indiana.

10 | VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY 2019 VUAA AWARD RECIPIENTS | 11 Alumni Community Service Award Recognizes alumni for outstanding service to their communities.

Elizabeth “Liz” Hecht ’69 DeMik earned her bachelor of science in elementary Thomas DeMik ’03H earned his bachelor of science in business administration education from Valparaiso University. In response to a call to serve in diaconal from in 1968. He then attended the finance school in the ministry, she began the LDA Plan 4 Deaconess training at Valpo in 2000 and U.S. Army and graduated from the Virginia/Maryland Banker’s School at was consecrated an LDA Deaconess in August 2004. Liz was an elementary the University of Virginia in 1976. He also received an Honorary Alumni teacher with the Arlington County, Virginia, Public Schools from 1969 to 1974. Membership Award from Valpo in 2003. Tom started his career with the United In 1996, she began her work as an APS special education parent resource center States Army and was on the staff of the White House Communications Agency coordinator and then became a special education assistant for Fairfax County with the Finance Department until 1971. His career then led him to banking at (Virginia) Public Schools. In 2005, she began serving as a deaconess for the Burke & Herbert Bank in Alexandria, Virginia, where he was a vice president Southeastern District of the LCMS and as a coordinator for disaster response and loan officer for more than 40 years until his retirement. He is currently a and recovery, leading LERT training and responding to disasters. She has been member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Laurel, Maryland, serving as an active in the churches she has attended and is currently a member of Our Savior elder and usher, and goes on mission trips to Western Maryland and Haiti. Lutheran Church in Laurel, Maryland. Through her church, she is a Stephen Tom has received numerous honors and awards, including the Presidential Minister, coordinator for Cancer Companions, and volunteers for the Women’s Service Badge in 1969, the Joint Service Commendation Medal in 1971, and Winter Shelter and Smiles Food Bank. She has also served on many mission the Kiwanis (Salvation Army) Bell Ringing Award in 2010. He has been active trips to the Village of Hope in Haiti. She leads worship at a local retirement in his community and served as a Boy Scout leader and on the boards of the community, serves on the pastoral care team at Howard County (Maryland) Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, the Alexandria Chapter of the American Hospital, volunteers for Orphan Grain Train, and is a CERT/Disaster Response Cancer Society, the Salvation Army, the Alexandria Kiwanis Club, and Lutheran volunteer. For years, she enjoyed being LOOFY (“fool for Christ”) the Red Cross Mission Society. Tom was honored to serve as treasurer of the Lutheran Clown when she made visits to hospitals and retirement homes and performed Deaconess Association and appreciates the friendship he developed with Lisa skits for church and community events. She also served on the Board of Scherzer ’90 Polito and Carmine Polito. He also currently serves as treasurer Directors for Lutheran Social Services/NCA and has mentored many refugees. on the board of directors of the Southeastern District of the LCMS and is a Liz has been recognized with awards including the NLPTL (National Lutheran member of the Loan Committee of the Lutheran Church Extension Fund. His Parent Teacher League) Parent of the Year, the AAL Virginia Fraternalist of the earliest memories of Valpo came from visiting the campus for a football game Year, and the Wakefield High School Booster Club award. She continues to stay with his youth group from Hope Lutheran Church in Cedar Lake, Indiana. He active with the LDA/LDC, has been a member of the Valpo Guild since 1970, met his wife, Elizabeth Hecht ’69 DeMik, while in the Army and has been to and served for several years on the board of the Valpo Alumni Association. Liz Valpo numerous times since. All four of their children graduated from Valpo, has fond memories of her time at Valpo, both as an undergraduate student and along with three of their children’s spouses; three children had their weddings as a Plan 4 Deaconess student. She enjoyed being close to her uncle and aunt, in the Chapel. He is very honored and humbled to receive this award. He and Rev. Karl ’80H and Esther Lutze, who taught her about the civil rights struggles Elizabeth live in Laurel, Maryland. of others. She also remembers Professor Dale Lasky, who challenged her to live out her faith in new ways. She was humbled, shocked, and excited when she heard she was receiving this award. Liz and her husband, Tom DeMik ’03H, have four children (all Valpo grads) and 14 wonderful grandchildren. They currently live in Laurel, Maryland.

12 | VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY 2019 VUAA AWARD RECIPIENTS | 13 Alumni Community Service Award, continued Recognizes alumni for outstanding service to their communities.

Jess Hunter-Bowman ’17 J.D. earned his bachelor of science in geology from Kathleen Ulm ’90 earned her bachelor of arts in advertising and public Boston College in 1997. He then earned his juris doctor, summa cum laude, relations from Valparaiso University. Kathleen began her career working from Valparaiso University in 2017. While at Valpo, he was an associate editor for niche media outlets in Chicago that focused on the struggles and the of the Valparaiso University Law Review, was in the Law School Honors rights of the LGBTQ+ community, including LesBiGay Radio and Windy Program, and was the recipient of the Glenn S. and Dawn J. Vician endowed City Times, the longest-running gay paper in Chicago. Through her work scholarship and a Poverty and Human Rights Law Fellow. He also received with organizations such as these, she started a monthly dance party called the Law School’s Distinguished Student Award in 2017. Jess started his career FUEL to give LGBTQ+ youth a safe place to be themselves. With a passion with the human rights organization Witness for Peace, serving as an educator, for entrepreneurship, Kathleen went on to co-own Chix Mix Productions, researcher, and human rights advocate in Guatemala, Haiti, Mexico, and throwing the first-ever women’s dance parties which took place in Illinois, Colombia. In 2003, he moved to Washington, D.C., and became a senior Michigan, and Florida. Currently, she is the co-owner of The Junkyard T-Shirt associate for the U.S. Office on Colombia and worked with leaders in both Shop in Whiting, Indiana. Kathleen uses her business and contacts as a conduit the Colombian rights community and U.S. lawmakers. From 2006 to 2009, for volunteerism in the Whiting community. To name just a few ongoing he returned to Witness for Peace and became the Andean regional director, projects, Kathleen runs a “Homeless Lives Matter” campaign, an annual winter developing new programs in Venezuela and Bolivia, and then worked as an coat drive, and a “Pack the Car” event, which secures donations of food for associate director, supervising the Andean team, publishing columns in national those in need. She has served with many local and regional organizations, such newspapers, and presenting at and conferences on foreign policy as Girls on the Run of NWI, the Whiting Robertsdale Chamber of Commerce, and human rights issues. While in law school, Jess worked as a judicial extern to Studio 659, Paint the Town Pink, and as the current vice president of Arts Alive! the Honorable Christopher Nuechterlein and the Honorable Robert L. Miller, Kathleen was recently honored as a top fundraiser for Whiting’s St. Baldrick’s Jr. He served as a legal intern with the National Immigrant Justice Center. Fight against Kids Cancer, having her head shaved to the tunes of Taylor Swift Upon graduation from law school, Jess was a law clerk to the Honorable Robert in exchange for monetary donations. She credits her experiences at Valparaiso L. Miller Jr. at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Indiana. University for instilling in her the passion to want to know more, be more, He currently serves as a staff attorney and Skadden Fellow with the National and do more. When asked if Kathleen had any thoughts about her time at Immigrant Justice Center, providing legal services to underserved, low-income Valpo, she said, “I don’t know if I’d be the person I am today without going to immigrant communities. Jess has published numerous articles on human rights Valpo. I feel like the professors, my fellow students, my Gamma Phi sorority issues throughout his career, including columns in national newspapers, a book sisters, my teammates, and my friends all gave me the tools I needed to make chapter, and a note in the Valparaiso University Law Review. He also gives positive changes in the world.” Kathleen truly embodies the spirit of Valparaiso back to his community and has served as an international human rights University. When Kathleen is not spending time with her partner, Lora Shade, observer, a community organizer with the Cana Community, a Steering she can often be found running around Whiting dressed as the mascot “Duggy Committee member for Near Northwest Neighborhood, and on the board of the Junkyard Dog”, high-fiving kids in the community. directors of Witness for Peace, Latin America Working Group, and El Campito Child Development Center, to name a few. He is currently on the board of directors of Near Northwest Neighborhood Inc. Jess is fluent in Spanish. He, his wife, Janna Hunter-Bowman, and their two daughters currently live in South Bend, Indiana.

14 | VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY 2019 VUAA AWARD RECIPIENTS | 15 O.P. Kretzmann Award Honors alumni who have made a special contribution to the development of Valpo through long-time and exemplary service as a University employee for at least 15 years.

Derrick Carter ’75 J.D. received his law degree from Valparaiso University Law Curt Cichowski ’81 J.D. earned his bachelor of arts from Carroll College in School and his bachelor of science from Eastern Michigan University. In 1975, Waukesha, Wisconsin, in 1978. He then enrolled at Valparaiso University Law he became an attorney with the Michigan Appellate Defender Office, handling School and received his juris doctor in 1981. He began his career as an associate criminal appeals for the indigent until 1992. During this time, he won the “Most attorney with Stults, Custer, Kutansky & McClean of Gary and Valparaiso, Distinguished Brief Award” in 1991 for the most scholarly brief submitted to Indiana. Curt then returned to Valpo’s Law School as director of admissions in the Michigan Supreme Court, which concerned electronic monitoring and 1982. After one year, he was named assistant dean for administration. In 2000, was published in the Cooley Law Review. He argued more than 600 criminal he became the associate dean for administration and marketing. His teaching appeals before the Michigan and federal appellate courts. In 1992, he became career at the law school began in 1984. After 28 years of full-time administrative an associate professor at Valparaiso Law School and taught criminal law, service and part-time teaching, he became a full-time member of the Law criminal procedure, criminal forensics, and trial and appellate skills. In 2010, he School faculty, as an associate professor, in 2010. In 2015, he earned the rank of received the Jack Hiller Distinguished Faculty Award for outstanding teaching, full professor. Subjects taught included torts; legal analysis; property; trademark, scholarship, and service to the Law School. For 10 years after Hurricane unfair competition, and business torts; intellectual property; international Katrina, Professor Carter’s law students interned with him at the New Orleans intellectual property; copyright and emerging technologies; trusts and estates; Public Defender Office. For many years, students also volunteered with him to and conflicts of law. His research interests included branding law and the visit the courts and prosecutors and public defenders’ offices in Indianapolis intellectual property of marketing. He has distinguished himself as an educator, and Chicago. His published Law Review articles concerned physician-assisted author, attorney, lecturer, and presenter. During his career at Valparaiso suicide (Villanova Law Review); self-induced intoxication as a defense University, he also served as interim trademark licensing administrator from (Missouri Law Review); undercover investigations and entrapment (Akron Law 1990 to 1994, interim vice president for institutional advancement in 1992, Review); and trial practice (Kansas Law Review). His current work is “Monster and director of planned giving from 1988 to 1992. Curt held affiliations DNA: the Use of Familial DNA Websites as a Tool to Catch Criminals.” He with numerous professional organizations, including the Indiana State Bar lectures worldwide, having given eight forensic lectures at Zhejiang University Association, American Bar Association, American Marketing Association, of Technology in , ; a death penalty lecture at University of Council for the Advancement & Support of Education (CASE), Association Valencia, Spain; intoxication defense lectures at , England; of Collegiate Licensing Administrators, and Association of American Law and a legalization of marijuana keynote luncheon speech for the 2014 7th Schools and is a Fellow of the Indiana Bar Foundation. In 2011, he received the Circuit Bar Conference at Northwestern University Law School. Professor Jack A. Hiller Distinguished Faculty Award honoring his teaching, scholarship, Carter participates in numerous bar associations, especially the Porter County and service to the Law School. In 2014, he was awarded the two-year Swygert Inn of Court, on ethical issues. He is vice president of education at Toastmasters Teaching Fellowship, in recognition of his teaching and service. He received International Speaking Organization. His son, Brandon Carter, graduated from the Law School’s Outstanding Service Award and the 25- and 30-year service Valpo Law School in 2017 and is an Illinois attorney specializing in immigration awards from the University. Curt has presented at numerous conferences. and criminal law. One of Derrick’s fondest adventures was climbing to the top of He has repeatedly demonstrated his passion and commitment to Valparaiso Mount Sinai with his son and having a conversation with God. University and has set a positive example of how a Valpo graduate can lead, serve, and be a positive force in a community. Curt and his wife, Katharine Wehling ’83 J.D., have recently relocated to Arizona.

16 | VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY 2019 VUAA AWARD RECIPIENTS | 17 O.P. Kretzmann Award, continued Honors alumni who have made a special contribution to the development of Valpo through long-time and exemplary service as a University employee for at least 15 years.

Jeanie Ensinger Johnson ’84 earned her bachelor of science in business Mark Schwehn ’67 earned his bachelor of arts in history and philosophy from administration – accounting with high distinction from Valparaiso University. Valparaiso University with honors in the directed studies program. He then She started her career doing tax auditing for the Internal Revenue Service, received both his master of arts in history and his doctor of philosophy in working both in Gary and Merrillville, Indiana, and became a licensed CPA. history and humanities from Stanford University, California. Mark’s doctoral After staying home with children for several years, she joined Valparaiso dissertation won the 1978 Allan Nevins Prize, awarded annually by the Society University in part-time roles, working as an administrative assistant to the of American Historians to the most distinguished Ph.D. thesis in the field of dean of the College of Nursing and then as the publication assistant with Law American history. He has served Valparaiso University since 1983 and was Review at the Law School until 2000. Jeanie then became an administrative named provost in 2009. From 1990 to 2003, he was the dean of Christ College assistant for the geography and meteorology department until 2002. In that — The Honors College, and, during this time, the College raised more than $7 year, she was hired as the executive assistant to the provost and has been in this million in gifts and grants, increased enrollment by 33%, and advanced both the position since then, working for three different provosts until her retirement academic profile and diversity of the student body in Christ College. As dean, in June 2019. All three provosts have had many complimentary things to say he established the Lilly Fellows Program in Humanities and the Arts and both about her work and her attitude, noting as a result of her leadership, initiative, an alumni advisory board and a national advisory council for Christ College. and the quality of her work, the provost’s office reached a high level of accuracy Mark also served as Lilly Fellows Programs project director and recruited 42 and efficiency. Jeanie was instrumental in helping to organize and launch VAST postdoctoral fellows. He counts the development of Valpo’s academic plan, (Valparaiso Administrative Support Team), a new group on campus that helps part of the University’s campuswide Strategic Plan, as one of the high points administrative assistants network and collaborate to be more effective. She has of his tenure as provost. He has overseen the expansion of academic programs also been involved in her church and community and served on the PTO of in all of the University’s . During his tenure at Valpo, he was awarded Morgan Township School for five years as fundraising chair and president. She the Distinguished Teaching Award in 2007, the Lumen Christi Medal in 2014, is an active member of the First Church of Christ, Scientist in Valparaiso and and was selected as the undergraduate commencement speaker in May 2014. has served as their treasurer, first reader, second reader, and on their board of Mark has written essays on the poetry of Robert Frost, film criticism, history, directors. Jeanie is part of a family of 13 Valpo graduates, including her sons, and cognitive theory. He has been published on religion and higher learning, Robert Johnson ’11 and Cody Johnson ’15, and her daughter-in-law, Amanda including “Exiles from Eden: Religion and the Academic Vocation in America” Rathjen ’14 Johnson. Jeanie and her husband, Robert Johnson, both recently (1993) and “Everyone a Teacher” (2000). Along with his wife, Dorothy Bass, retired and look forward to spending more time with family and especially with he is editor of “Leading Lives that Matter: What We Should Do and Who their first grandson and future Valpo alum. We Should Be” (2006). From 2005–2006 and again from 2014–2015, Mark was a Fellow at the Institute for Ecumenical and Cultural Studies at St. John’s University in St. Joseph, Minnesota. For 35 years, Mark served Valparaiso University in many roles with wisdom, grace, and good humor. He was an exemplar for all to emulate; he earned national recognition as a scholar, articulating the distinctive virtues of Lutheran higher education, and garnered a reputation as a person of strong moral character and unquestionable integrity. Mark is honored to receive this award. He and his wife, Dorothy, currently live in Valparaiso.

18 | VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY 2019 VUAA AWARD RECIPIENTS | 19 Valparaiso University Fraternity and Sorority Laurel As retirement was coming into view, Don in 2007 “stumbled into” a position as a development director back at Valpo. He was on campus doing work he Wreath Society thoroughly enjoyed when the Phi Delta Theta chapter was re-instituted in 2013. The Valparaiso University Fraternity and Sorority Laurel Wreath Society was created to recognize Don retired as a major gifts officer at the end of 2013, and shortly after that he the accomplishments of fraternity and sorority alumni for their contributions to the greater society. began serving as alumni advisor for the Indiana Iota chapter. Alumni are recognized for their contribution to philanthropic initiatives and/or public service, or for their commitment to advancing the fraternity and sorority experience on the local or inter/national Don and Sue, his wife of 48 years, recently moved to Rolla, Missouri, the level. No more than two fraternity and sorority alumni are to be recognized each year. town where they first met. Sue was the daughter of the church secretary in the congregation where Don served his internship. They have been blessed The inaugural recipient of the Valparaiso University Fraternity and Sorority Laurel Wreath Society with two children, Josh ’99 and Hannah (an adjunct professor at Valpo from award was Delores “Dody” Ruosch ’51 of Alpha Phi Delta. Dody served as the dean of women and 2013–2018), and two grandchildren. director of sorority affairs for more than 30 years, and was selected as the inaugural recipient as part of the Centennial Celebration of Sorority Life at the University in 2017. MaryLee Riley ’58 of Phi Beta Chi local sorority and Joshua Lee ’98 of were honored in 2018.

2019 Laurel Wreath Society recipients

Rin Siebert Rin Siebert ’76 joined Phi Beta Chi local sorority in the spring of 1973 at Valparaiso University. Rin served as advisor for Phi Beta Chi from 1980 until 1998 when the sorority transitioned to become . Rin served on the house board for Kappa Kappa Gamma for several years, and she has served as the chapter’s faculty advisor since 1998. Rin became an initiated member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Women’s Fraternity in 2011, and she has served on the scholarship committee for the Phi Beta Chi/Kappa Kappa Gamma Alumni Association. Recently, Rin was recognized by the fraternity and sorority community with the 2015 Excellence in Teaching Award as well as the Mark R. Schwehn, Ph.D., Outstanding Faculty Advisor in 2016–2017.

Don Langhoff Don Langhoff ’67 first visited Valparaiso University in 1953 when he helped move his older sister Mary into Altruria Hall for her freshman year. He transferred to Valpo in 1964 as a sophomore in the College of Engineering, but graduated three years later with a major in philosophy and an emphasis in pre-seminary studies. While the Valpo experience played a major role in his vocational re-direction, and while Don was also on both the varsity basketball and baseball teams, his college memories center on the friendships and experiences at Phi Delta Theta.

Don attended Concordia Theological Seminary, at the time in Springfield, Illinois, and was awarded an M.Div. degree in 1971. He served as pastor of four Lutheran congregations over the next 36 years: in Ridgewood, New Jersey; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Warrenton, Missouri; and Litchfield, Illinois. continued

20 | VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY 2019 VUAA AWARD RECIPIENTS | 21 2019 Athletics Football Numbers Retired A number retirement is among the most distinguished honors that can be bestowed upon a former Valparaiso University student-athlete. Frederick “Fuzzy” Thurston’s No. 80 and Garry Puetz’s No. 71 will never be worn again by a Valpo football player in recognition of their outstanding athletic achievements both during and after their time on campus. Garry and Frederick will become the first two players to have their numbers retired by the football program.

Garry Puetz ’73 received his bachelor of science in physical education from Frederick “Fuzzy” Thurston ’56 (posthumous) received his bachelor of Valparaiso University. During his time at Valpo, he was a member of Phi Kappa science in physical education from Valparaiso University. While at Valpo, he Psi, was on the wrestling team for one year, and played on both Valpo’s baseball was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He received a scholarship to play and football teams. In 1972, he led the baseball team in hitting. While playing basketball at Valpo and started playing football during his junior year. He led football at Valpo, he was named to the Kodak College Division All-American the Valparaiso University football team to an Indiana Collegiate Conference title Team in 1971 and 1972. He was a three-time All-ICC offensive tackle and and was twice selected as an All-American. He was also named All-Conference kicker in 1972. In 1973, he was drafted by the and played both the for the 1954 and 1955 seasons, while being named the conference’s top lineman guard and tackle positions for the team until 1978. Garry distinguished himself in 1955. He was selected by the in the fifth round of the with 56 consecutive starts. He continued to play in the NFL for the Tampa 1956 NFL draft. During his pro football years, he was a key member of the Bay Buccaneers, Philadelphia Eagles, , and Washington ’ offensive line during the team’s glory years under head Redskins. Garry has the distinction of earning a ring in 1982 with coach , when they won five NFL championships and the first Washington. He and Fuzzy Thurston are the only two players from Valpo to two Super Bowls. Thurston was named to the 1961 and 1962 All-Pro teams. play in a Super Bowl. He received a Valparaiso University Alumni Achievement Prior to joining the Packers, Thurston played the 1958 season with the NFL award in 1983 and was inducted into the Valpo Athletics Hall of Fame in 1998. champion Baltimore Colts. Along with two former Packer teammates — Herb After football, he spent 23 years in the public transportation field and retired as Adderley and — and , Thurston is one of only four the director of student transportation in Forsyth County, Georgia. He and his players in pro football history to play on six NFL championship teams. He wife, Cindy, currently live in Dahlonega, Georgia. was inducted into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame in January 1975. He remained popular in Wisconsin after his playing days and could often be found at Fuzzy’s, a bar he owned not far from . Thurston was elected to the Indiana Football Hall of Fame in 1982 and the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003. In 1994, he received the Valparaiso University Alumni Achievement Award. The Professional Football Researchers Association named Thurston to the PRFA Hall of Very Good Class of 2006. He and his wife, Susan, were married from 1957 to 2012, when she passed away. Fuzzy passed away on December 14, 2014.

22 | VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY 2019 VUAA AWARD RECIPIENTS | 23