Distinguished Alumni Allan Schmidt '59Graduated from Valparaiso University with His Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Ge
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Distinguished Alumni Allan Schmidt ’59 graduated from Valparaiso University with his bachelor of science in chemistry and geography. While at Valpo, Allan was a member of the fraternity Tau Kappa Epsilon. Post-Valpo, he obtained his master’s in city and regional planning from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Allan started his career at a planning agency in Jeffersonville, Indiana, and later moved on to Michigan State University. In 1967, a man named Howard Fisher, who ran the laboratory of computer graphics at Harvard University, recruited Allan primarily because of his novel efforts to map and visualize the urban expansion of Lansing, Michigan. The animated map of Lansing Allan produced while working at Michigan State University’s Urban Regional Research Institute was one of the first of its kind in the world of computer mapping. The invitation to work at the Harvard Laboratory for Computer Graphics proved to be a turning point in Allan’s career, as it was there that he played an instrumental role in developing and enhancing what is known today as the geographical information system (GIS). Most notably, Allan was involved in the creation of a computer mapping program called SYMAP that was utilized by over 500 institutions at its peak. He also contributed to the creation of the computer mapping software called ODYSSEY while he was director of the Harvard Laboratory from 1970 to 1976. Continuing his work at the Harvard Laboratory, he served as executive director from 1976 to 1981. While at the Harvard Laboratory, Allan used his interest, knowledge, and innovation in computer mapping to help produce maps that helped illuminate the data on several urban issues. For example, Allan created maps for the Boston school system that showed patterns of segregation and maps for the Federal Housing Administration’s early pilot projects. Outside of his work for the Harvard Laboratory, Allan held an interest in using geographical information system technology to accurately map historical data. Allan served as chairman of the Mill Brook Task Force, a subcommittee of the Concord, Massachusetts, Natural Resources Commission, where he used his expertise to find and map the locations described in the literary works and surveys of Henry David Thoreau. This project spearheaded by Allan is called Thoreau’s Chronological Atlas. Alumni Achievement Christine Zrinsky ’86 obtained a bachelor of arts in journalism from Valparaiso University. While at Valpo, she was an active member of Kantorei, Student Senate, and The Torch. After graduation, Christine started her career at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra as assistant to the director of the annual fund, beginning her now seasoned career in development. Christine was with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for seven and a half years where she worked her way up to director of individual giving before accepting a position at Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo in 1994. She has served Lincoln Park Zoo for 26 years and held five different positions, the most recent and current being senior vice president for development. Under Christine’s leadership, the development team at Lincoln Park Zoo has been able to raise $13 million annually, grown the endowment from $1 million as it was in 1995 to $135 million today, and acquire $300 million dollars in gifts to make improvements to the facilities and exhibits. Christine’s work in development at the Lincoln Park Zoo has also made it possible to keep the zoo free and open to the public year round. Christine extends her strong leadership skills beyond her position at the Lincoln Park Zoo. She is a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (1995–present) and founded the advancement committee, which is looked to as a best practice model for fundraising in the industry. In addition, she has been an active member of the Association of Lutheran Development Executives (ALDE; 1996–present) throughout her career and currently serves as ALDE’s president. Other professional organizations of which Christine is a member include the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP; 2005–present) and Women in Development Professions (1994–present). In 2019, the Chicago Chapter of AFP awarded Christine the prestigious Benjamin Franklin Award for Career Achievement for her fundraising accomplishments throughout her career. Valpo has also been fortunate to receive Christine’s time and talent over the years as she is an active alumni volunteer. She has served on the Valparaiso University Alumni Association Board of Directors (1992–2002), the College of Arts and Sciences National Council (2014–present), and Chair of the President’s Circle Fund (2017–2018). Donna Livingston Streufert ’61 graduated from Valparaiso University with a bachelor of Science in education and a minor in religion. While at Valpo, Donna was a member of Phi Beta Chi (now Kappa Kappa Gamma). Donna married her husband, Rev. Daniel Streufert in 1964. His vocation took them on several moves across the country. The Streuferts have two children, Mary Streufert ’89 and Paul Streufert ’93. Donna started her career in 1961, teaching fourth grade in Park Forest, Illinois. Between 1961 and 1987, she also taught at elementary schools and directed choral programs in Missouri, California, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin. In 1987, Donna accepted a position as part-time instructor at Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW). From 1987–1992 she taught human relations for teachers, language arts methods, and supervision of student teachers at CUW. During this time, Donna was also invited to write for Concordia Publishing House (CPH). She authored numerous works, including four bible studies for the LifeLight series. From 1989–1995 she served as consulting editor for CPH. Among her works were children’s devotions, Lutheran school curricula, and women’s bible studies. Today she contributes to creative communications for the parish. Donna served the Women’s Missionary League (LWML) in several capacities, including Christian growth chairman, and publication editor. She served as the editor of the Lutheran Woman’s Quarterly from 1997–2005. She was featured as bible study presenter at three national conventions. In 2002, Donna and her husband Daniel established the Women’s Leadership Institute at Concordia University in Mequon, Wisconsin. Donna was awarded an honorary doctor of letters from CUW. Today, WLI is celebrating its 17th year and an award in Donna’s name and honor is given every year to one or more female students at CUW who demonstrate the same leadership and dedication as she has in her life’s endeavors. Donna also brought her leadership to Valpo’s campus. From 2005–2007, she served on the board of the Lutheran Diaconal Association (LDA). Eugene Schoon ’80 J.D. obtained his juris doctor from Valparaiso University. Prior to coming to Valpo, Gene graduated with his bachelor’s in history from Calvin University in 1975 and his master’s in history from Indiana State University in 1977. While a law student at Valpo, he was a participant in the law clinic and the articles editor of the law review. Gene began his legal career as a law clerk to the Honorable Ruggero J. Aldisert in the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit (1980–1982). After his time as a clerk, he accepted a position at Sidley Austin LLP in Chicago where he was a partner for 30 years and later senior counsel. In May of 2020, Gene accepted a senior counsel position at Reiter Burns LLP, a newly formed firm in Chicago, Illinois. Gene’s primary focus is on product liability defense, with particular emphasis on pharmaceutical products and medical devices. For his healthcare clients he has handled cases involving False Claims Act Defense, medical liability, and tort reform. He has acted as national coordinating and trial counsel in cases pending in several states and has tried jury cases in Texas, Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, and South Carolina. Gene has argued in several federal courts of appeal and state appellate courts. Insurance is another area of expertise Gene possesses, with over thirty years of experience representing policyholders and other insureds in various matters relating to insurance coverage. He has counseled both corporations and individuals on how to maximize the benefits of their coverage and the structure and terms of insurance coverage. Gene also uses his legal expertise to help clients of the Shriver Center on Poverty Law in Chicago where he sits on the board of directors and executive committee. The Shriver Center fights for economic and racial justice with a mission of providing national leadership to help advance laws and policies that promote justice and better the lives and opportunities of impoverished individuals. He also provides pro bono legal services through Legal Aid Chicago and directly to civic and charitable organizations. Gene has also extended his legal expertise, leadership, time, and talent to Valpo in a variety of volunteer roles since obtaining his J.D. Most notably, he has served on the Law School National Council (2000-2019) and the Law School Task Force (2017–2019). When Gene is not providing legal counsel, he can be found growing vegetables with his wife Faith on their eighty-acre property in Michigan. Donald P. Lewis, Jr., ’72 received his undergraduate degree in chemistry from Valparaiso University. Don was a member of Phi Delta Theta and played on the football and baseball teams during his time as a student at Valpo. Don went to Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine after Valpo, where he received his doctor of dental surgery (DDS) in 1976. From 1977 to 1980, Don completed his post-graduate residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery at the University Hospitals of Cleveland. Upon the completion of his residency in 1980, Don went into private practice in Cleveland, Ohio, where he has practiced for the past forty years and still practices today.