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. In addition to his private practice, he is an assistant professor in the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine. Don is also active in several professional organizations, including the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) of which he currently serves as chairman of the computer technology committee and is a member of the practice management committee.

Outside of his career, Don remains passionate about sports. The Chagrin Valley Conference, a high school conference in Ohio consisting of 22 high schools in five counties, appointed Don Commissioner in 2017. In 2019, he was inducted into the hall of fame at Charles F. Brush High School in South Euclid, Ohio, from which he graduated in 1968. Don also officiates high school basketball when able and has officiated three times for the Ohio High School Athletic Association State Tournament semi-final game held in Columbus. The Northeast Ohio Basketball Official Association, of which he is a former president, presented Don with the Bud Ruland Award in 2019 for his 25 years of contribution to high school basketball officiating.

Volunteering and remaining active as an alumnus of Valpo and Case Western is also important to Don. From 2015 to 2019, Don was president of the Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine alumni association board. Case Western honored him in 2018 by naming him Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, the highest distinction given to graduates of Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine. At Valpo, Don served on the Valparaiso University Alumni Association Board (2013–2016) and on the Athletics Advisory Board since 2016.

When not working, volunteering, or officiating, Don can be found spending time with his three grown children Todd, Jeff, and Kristin.

Outstanding Young Alumni

Sergeant First Class Erik John “EJ” Ramos ’04 graduated from Valparaiso University with a ​ ​ bachelor of arts in music. While at Valpo, EJ was an active member of concert band, symphony orchestra, and Sigma Phi Epsilon. EJ was also a marching member of The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps as a Valpo student. While with the corps, he was named Drum Corps International's Individual & Ensemble Champion in the trumpet division (2003). He also met his wife, Amanda Rediehs ’05 Ramos at Valpo.

EJ went on to earn his master of music in trumpet performance from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music in 2007. After beginning work on his doctor of musical arts at IU, EJ auditioned for the United States Army Ceremonial Band, also referred to as “Pershing’s Own,” in Washington D.C. Pershing's Own is the premier musical organization of the Army, and is the military equivalent of joining the Chicago Symphony Orchestra or New York Philharmonic. EJ was accepted, and earned his DMA from Catholic University of America in 2012 while completing his active duty service with the band.

As a member of Pershing’s Own, EJ performed at the last two presidential inaugurations, the funeral of President George H.W. Bush, and to welcome foreign dignitaries like Pope Francis to the United States. EJ is also a bugler at Arlington National Cemetery, where he performs “Taps” for hundreds of military funerals and wreath-laying ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. A recent accomplishment of EJ’s is performing as the soloist for the 2020 Memorial Day production of “Mansions of the Lord”, which was viewed over one million times across multiple platforms including the Army’s Facebook page.

Outside of his prestigious position in Pershing’s Own, EJ volunteers his time as a cubmaster for a pack in Springfield, Virginia. EJ has also been very generous with giving his time to Valparaiso University since he graduated. During his most recent campus visit in 2017, EJ was a featured soloist with the Chamber Concert Band at the annual Sousa Concert. He also took time during his visit to share his expertise with students, local music educators, and local musicians by leading a masterclass, lessons, and discussions. EJ has also performed on campus and on tour with the Valparaiso University Symphony Orchestra, including on their tour to China.

Neeti Mathur ’06 graduated with her master of science in international commerce and policy ​ from Valparaiso University. While a graduate student at Valpo, Neeti was a member of the International Students Association and an office assistant for the International Students Union director’s office.

Prior to Valpo, Neeti earned her degree in business administration from Jai Narain Vyas University in Jodhpur, India, in 2005. In 2013, Neeti earned her Ph.D. in marketing management, with a focus on success of student exchange programs evaluating the student as a customer, from a collaborative program between the National Law University in Jodhpur and the Institute of Management Technology in Ghaziabad. Neeti also completed a certification program in finance from Harvard School of Business online and in women entrepreneurship from a collaborative program between Cornell University and Bank of America.

Since graduating from Valpo, Neeti has held a variety of positions, including assistant registrar of placement and internship and assistant professor at National Law University, Jodhpur (2011–present). Outside of her career in higher education, Neeti started her own consulting firm, Neeti Mathur Consulting Pvt. Ltd. Her company conducts various events centered on learning, innovation, and networking in India and abroad.

Additionally, Neeti is involved in several philanthropic endeavors. She co-founded the Mentor Africa Project, headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, with the mission of providing entrepreneurship and mentorship opportunities for young professionals in Africa. Neeti is also managing director of Asia for Enkindle Global, a nonprofit that helps reduce burnout in the high-pressure world of business by providing an array of resources to professionals. She is also a mentor of change for the Atal Innovation Mission, an initiative started by the Indian government in an effort to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in young Indians, primarily those still in school or recently graduated.

Amidst all her ventures, Neeti still lent her time and talent to Valpo by connecting agencies willing to work with Valpo on recruitment initiatives in Delhi, India.

Sarah Benczik ’07 earned her bachelor of arts in international justice, humanities, and public ​ relations from Valparaiso University with a Christ College scholar distinction. Sarah was a member of The Torch, Student Senate, and the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. She also participated in the Washington Consortium, where she interned in the office of United Nations Political Affairs with the United States Department of State. However, some may best remember her as the dancing, singing Pot Roast from the 2003 CC Freshman Production.

After her time at Valpo, she went on to obtain a dual juris doctor and master of public administration from Syracuse University and the Maxwell School for Citizenship and Public Affairs in 2010, with a certificate of advanced study in national security studies. During her time at Syracuse, she was a law clerk with the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York (2008–2009) and Department of Defense Office of General Counsel (2009). She also served as the editor-in-chief of Syracuse’s Impunity Watch Law Review.

Upon completing her graduate studies, Sarah was recruited by Deloitte Consulting LLP to join their public sector practice. Sarah has been with Deloitte for ten years and in the summer of 2019 was admitted to the Deloitte partnership as a principal. She is one of the youngest individuals in the United States to hold this title at Deloitte. Sarah advises public sector executives on workforce strategy and management, focusing on innovative actions government can take to attract talented individuals to public service and help them flourish at all points in their career.

Despite a demanding position and long hours, Sarah still finds time to extend her leadership and knowledge to other entities. She is a long-time volunteer with Destination Imagination (2003–present), a global educational nonprofit aimed at inspiring creativity, innovation, and leadership in the next generation. Most recently, she served on their global board of trustees (2013–2019). Additionally, Sarah became a certified master naturalist in 2018 in the state of Virginia. She volunteers with local conservation efforts and spreads her love of the natural world to mentees, frequently combining long nature walks and career coaching.

Sarah is grateful for the life-long friendships and critical thinking skills she forged at Valpo. Her present vocation requires daily engagement on the human implications of technology advancement, societal conflict, environmental destruction, and now a pandemic. She credits her ability to navigate these challenging topics to interdisciplinary Christ College seminars where she practiced critical thinking and communication while cultivating a life-long commitment to service and sitting among her closest, life-long friends.

First Decade Achievement Award

Lindsey Gilman ’10 completed a bachelor of science in chemistry with a minor in mathematics ​ at Valpo before earning her master of science (2012) and Ph.D. (2014) in nuclear science and engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). As a Valpo student, Lindsey played volleyball, ran track and cross country, and studied abroad in Reutlingen. She was also a member of Iota Sigma Pi chemistry honor society and Mortar Board senior honor society. She was also an MIT Energy Initiative Fellow from 2010–2011.

As a licensed mechanical engineer, Lindsey specializes in the analysis of thermal, flow, and transport processes. She currently works as a managing engineer at Exponent, in their Natick, Massachusetts office. Here, she supports companies in a variety of industries by evaluating a wide variety of products and processes including consumer products, electronics, medical devices, natural gas pipelines, liquified natural gas (LNG) tankers, heat exchangers, and steam generators in addition to investigating carbon monoxide (CO) exposures and wildland fires. Lindsey’s expertise in fluid dynamics has also been employed for modeling hydrologic systems and the transport of sediment and contaminants, including real and potential issues created by oil spills and plumes.

Lindsey serves as a peer reviewer for the Marine Pollution Bulletin and the Journal of Hydrologic Engineering. Her numerous authored or co-authored publications and presentations include “Technology and Factors that Led to the Samsung Note 7 Failure” (The Newsletter of the Women in the Law Committee. DRI, September 24, 2019), “An integrated method for quantifying and managing extreme weather risks and liabilities for industrial infrastructure and operation” (Process Safety Progress, 2019), and “Investigation of variables affecting electrical arcing with applications in wildland fire investigations” (Wildland Fire Litigation Conference, Monterey, California, May 2015).

Lindsey is a member of the National Association of Fire Investigators, the American Nuclear Society, and the American Chemical Society. In 2013, she was honored by MIT as a Graduate Woman of Excellence and received the Outstanding Student Service Award. She currently serves as a mentor for female graduate students at MIT and dedicates volunteer hours helping elementary school students explore STEM fields. Lindsey has also served as a volunteer organizer for the Cambridge and Somerville Programs for Alcoholism and Drug Rehabilitation. She completed the 2018 Boston Marathon in honor of her grandmother, and did so again in 2019 while raising $6,425.40 for the ALS Association in honor of late Valparaiso University Professor Jonathan Schoer and her MIT colleague Thomas McKrell.

“I am honored to receive this award. The time I spent at Valparaiso University was instrumental in making me who I am today, and I will forever be grateful for the faculty, staff, and students who created the incredible and unique experience that Valpo offers,” Lindsey wrote.

She, her husband Bren Phillips, and her son Miles Phillips reside in Upton, Massachusetts. Andrew Robinson ’10 graduated with a bachelor of arts summa cum laude in music with a ​ ​ ​ minor in theatre. A Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia member, Pi Kappa Lambda inductee, and Christ College Scholar, he also sang in the Kantorei, volunteered in the Chapel music ministry, and acted and sang in theater productions. After graduating from Valpo, Andrew earned a master of music teaching at Oberlin College Conservatory of Music in Oberlin, Ohio, where he received the Herbert Henke Music Education, Gamma Sigma Alpha Graduate Study, and Conservatory Dean’s scholarships.

An accomplished teacher, composer, and music director, Andrew taught elementary and middle school general music and choir in Algona, Iowa, and conducted the concert and show choirs at North Union High School in Armstrong, Iowa, before returning to Northwest Indiana in 2014. While assisting with theatre productions and serving as a choral accompanist across the Region, Andrew taught as an assistant director at Crown Point High School and elementary music teacher for LaPorte Community Schools before taking over as choir director at Munster High School in 2016. Under Andrew’s baton, the Munster High School Chorale performed at Disneyland, with the Northwest Indiana Symphony and Youth Orchestras, and sang under renowned composer and conductor Eric Whitacre at Carnegie Hall in 2019. The Munster High School Chorale joined the Valparaiso University Chorale and Chamber Concert Band for the 2018 world premiere of Symphony No. 5: Return to Middle Earth by Johan de Meij, for which Andrew served as chorus master. Andrew’s choir collaborated with Valparaiso University ensembles again in 2019 for the Friendship Lasts Forever concert at Orchestra Hall in Chicago, and sang in the Chapel of the Resurrection once more for the inaugural Northwest Indiana High School Choral Festival, founded and organized by Andrew.

In 2020, the Munster High School Chorale was selected to perform at the Indiana Music Educators Association (IMEA) professional development conference in Fort Wayne, Indiana. They were also one of three choirs from the country chosen to perform under Dr. Z. Randall Stroope at the canceled Windy City Choral Festival in Chicago.

Andrew’s award-winning compositions and arrangements have been performed at several Indiana (2010) and Ohio (2012, 2017, 2018) professional music conferences. He is a member of the Indiana Choral Directors Association and the Indiana Music Education Association, as well as a Sigma Alpha Iota music fraternity Friend of the Arts. In addition to his classroom and compositional achievements, he is also a prolific church musician and solo vocalist. In summer 2020, Andrew shifted his focus to freelance work, opening the completely virtual AR Voice Studio, and continuing as a performance consultant and composer.

“Valparaiso University was an important part of my development as a young man,” wrote Andrew. “It nurtured my musical, theatrical, spiritual, and academic skills, and I gained more knowledge and practical experience than I ever thought possible.”

He, his wife Brooke Davisson ’10 Robinson, and their son attend Christ Lutheran Church in Valparaiso. They reside in Crown Point, Indiana. Alumni Service Award

Lisa Boehm ’98 Rice completed bachelor of arts degrees in both English and German with a ​ Christ College scholar distinction. A member of Gamma Phi and the Valparaiso University Chorale, Lisa studied abroad in Reutlingen, eventually returning to Germany as a Fulbright scholar after graduation. From October 1998 to July 1999, she studied German literature at Friedrich-Schiller Universität in Jena.

Lisa’s involvement as an alumna is varied and substantial. For several years, she has led one of two Chicago-area Christ College alumni reading groups and often assists with planning for Valpo Club of Chicago alumni events and activities. While living in Berlin, she served as a Valpo admissions ambassador and continues to volunteer extensively with the Valparaiso University Career Center, serving as a resource for career fairs and speed networking.

Lisa began a long and accomplished tenure on the Valparaiso University Alumni Association (VUAA) Board of Directors in 2013, serving as first vice president in 2016 before taking over as president from 2017–2018. She remained on the board through the end of her term in 2019.

“It has been such a privilege to serve as a leader of the alumni association,” wrote Lisa. “I have enjoyed the opportunity to meet many alumni from different eras and walks of life. It is fun to hear about their experiences at Valpo, and to recognize that although the university continues to change over time, some things remain constant.”

Lisa currently serves as an executive assistant at Fortune Brands Home & Security in Deerfield, Illinois. She is an active participant in the Home and Garden Club of Libertyville & Mundelein and member of the German-American Singers of Chicago for which she currently serves as Treasurer.

Lisa and her husband Stephen reside in Libertyville, Illinois.

Lindsie Jung ’05 Fransen earned her bachelor of science in nursing with a minor in Spanish at ​ Valparaiso University. Lindsie is a Gamma Phi Beta and alumna of Gospel Choir; University Singers; intramural sports; and VAULT, the student-alumni leadership team. An accomplished student, Lindsie is a member of Order of Omega, as well as Sigma Theta Tau and Sigma Delta Pi nursing and Hispanic honors societies.

Lindsie holds a master of science in nursing from Loyola University Chicago, and currently serves as a family nurse practitioner at CVS MinuteClinic in Chicago, Illinois, in addition to serving as school nurse at Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School in Orland Hills, Illinois.

Lindsie was nominated for CVS MinuteClinic Preceptor of the Year in 2017 and in 2018 was awarded the CVS MinuteClinic Illinois Region 12 Paragon Award. She previously worked as a nurse at Children’s Memorial Hospital and AlphaMed Physicians group, and is a member of the Illinois Society for Advanced Practice Nursing (ISAPN).

Included in her impressive resume of volunteerism is a true dedication to her alma mater. Upon her graduation, Lindsie joined the Valparaiso Admissions Network (VAN) to assist in Chicago-area recruiting. She then joined the Valparaiso University Alumni Association (VUAA) Board of Directors in 2009, serving as secretary and then second vice president in 2017–2018. In 2017, she served as a clinical instructor for Valparaiso University students at Lurie Children’s Hospital.

Despite her retirement from the VUAA board, she remains an active volunteer with Valpo Club of Chicago, coordinating area projects for the 2018 and 2019 Valpo Alumni Day of Caring.

“I am honored to have been chosen as the recipient of this award,” wrote Lindsie. “I have so enjoyed all the ways I have been able to give back to Valpo. Representing Valpo at college fairs, advocating for alumni on the VUAA board, organizing service projects and coordinating Homecoming events—my Valpo pride shines through! I’m grateful to this place that has given me so much.”

Lindsie, her husband Robert, and their children are members of St. Elizabeth Seton Catholic Church, where they reside in Orland Park, Illinois.

Connie Bruegmann ’42 Felten Bretscher ’71 MALS earned her bachelor of arts in music, with ​ a minor in education, in 1942. As a student, Connie served campus as a liturgical organist and found a passion for choral directing while singing under Professor Richard Schoenbohm. Connie began her teaching career at St. Martini Lutheran School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1946, then taught and directed choirs in Indianapolis before returning to Valparaiso in 1959 to found the children’s choir at Immanuel Lutheran School. After returning briefly to Indianapolis, Connie settled back in Valpo, completed her master of arts in liberal studies with a concentration in education in 1971, and retired from Immanuel Lutheran in 1987. She then served as a consultant for the Lutheran Education Association until 2004.

Connie began her professional church music career as an organist at age 12 and continued to direct, perform, and teach privately until 2007. According to her family, Connie used the money she earned teaching lessons to purchase the dress for her wedding to fellow Valpo musician Arnold Felten ’40, who passed away in 1998. In 2000, Connie married the late Rev. Paul Bretscher, who taught religion at Valparaiso University from 1958 to 1969. Nearly 30 members spanning three generations of Connie’s family are Valpo graduates.

Connie is inextricably linked to Valparaiso University and to the community. In 1951, she was a founding member of the Valparaiso University Alumni Association (VUAA) and stays connected to campus through generous support and loyal participation as a 56-year men’s basketball season ticket holder. Connie serves as a resource to College of Nursing and Health Professions students studying geriatric care, and even came back to the classroom herself to study piano with Prof. Joseph Bognar ’94 and then took German language classes in preparation for the 2017 Reformation tour. Ever true to her belief that taking care of the body God gives us is vital to serving him, she observed her 90th birthday by once more doing a headstand.

“My faith was strengthened through my relationship with O.P. Kretzmann when he joined the [Valpo] community in 1940. For the rest of my life I carried the love of learning-under-the-cross fostered by my years at Valpo,” wrote Connie. “It is humbling to be honored by the school that I love.”

A neighbor to her beloved campus, Connie resides in Valparaiso and attends Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Partners in Service

Linda Davis ’07 Funke and Eric Funke ’04 met at Valparaiso University, where they gained ​ skills, mentors, and inspiration for their lives of service. A 2004 graduate, Eric earned a bachelor of science in mathematics and secondary education with a minor in physics. He was also an active member of both Christ College and the Valparaiso University Chorale. After Valpo, Eric began work as a math and physics teacher at Lutheran North High School North in St. Louis, Missouri, where he also coached basketball. During his tenure at Lutheran North, Eric earned a master of mathematics at the University of Missouri – St. Louis, completed the Lutheran Colloquy program through Concordia University Chicago, and became certified to teach advanced placement (AP) calculus courses. He has also served as an adjunct calculus professor at St. Louis University.

Linda completed her bachelor of arts in theology and youth, family, and education ministry, with a minor in social work, in 2007. An active musician, Linda spent time in orchestra, Chamber Concert Band, and Kantorei while volunteering in the Chapel of the Resurrection and with the Social Action Leadership Team (SALT). She served as the chair of the World Relief Campaign for two years. After Valpo, Linda moved to Mambisanda, Papua New Guinea, where she served as an HIV educator and deaconess intern with United to Be. Upon returning to the United States, Linda reunited with Eric in St. Louis. She earned completed a master of social work at Washington University, where she completed practicums with Our Lady’s Inn, the International Institute of St. Louis, and the Center for Survivors of Torture and War Trauma.

After marrying in 2011, Linda and Eric David relocated to Mwadui, Tanzania, in 2012 to serve as missionaries with Global Lutheran Outreach. Eric taught computer processing, mathematics, and physics at Mwadui Lutheran Secondary School., He also served as the school’s assistant academic master. Linda led weekly guidance courses, organized entrepreneurship and Community Health Evangelism (CHE) trainings, and assisted the community with everything from advocacy to social media marketing. She also raised over $100,000 for numerous school and church capital dormitory, kitchen, bathroom, and library projects and provided Tanzanian deaconesses and deaconess students with training opportunities. While in Tanzania, Eric and Linda adopted their two children, Michael (age 6) and Julia (age 5).

“My wife and I are very honored to receive this award,” wrote Eric. Linda added, “Valpo gave us many lifelong friends, helped to shape who we are as people, and gave us skills we still use to this day.”

After moving back to the United States earlier this year, Linda and Eric now reside in Richardson, Texas.

Alumni Community Service

Dolores (Lorrie) Spruth Woycik ’52 graduated from Valparaiso University with a bachelor of ​ science in physical education, where she became a member of Kappa Tau Zeta sorority. Lorrie began her career as a special education teacher at Vale Day School in 1957, completing a master of arts in special education at St. Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Indiana, in 1966. Lorrie taught at Special Education Learning Facility (SELF) from its opening in 1971 until 1993, serving as a community ambassador for the school and her profession by speaking to Valpo law students and special education majors and bringing her students to campus for sporting events. In 1988, Lorrie received the VUAA Alumni Achievement award for her contributions to the field, and in 2001 she was inducted into the Valparaiso University Athletics Hall of Fame in recognition of her outstanding play in volleyball, softball, and basketball.

Just one year after the program’s founding, Lorrie began volunteering with the Special Olympics. She has served in some capacity as director, coordinator, coach, aquatics instructor, and spiritual advisor since 1969, and remains an active volunteer after over fifty years of service. Special Olympics recognized her with an Outstanding Impact Award in 2007.

Lorrie also served on the Valparaiso Community School Board from 1993–2006. For over 20 years, she has been the co-director of the Immanuel Ministry to the Handicapable and a YMCA campaign director and volunteer. In 1993, she and her late husband Barney were recognized for their work as outstanding ski instructors at the Pines Ski Area. She remains an active volunteer with Opportunity Enterprises and Immanuel Lutheran Church.

Lorrie is a member of the Valparaiso High School Hall of Fame, was recognized as an Area 1 Outstanding Coach, and received the United Way Spirit Award in 2018. In 2019, Indiana Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch presented her with the Golden Hoosier Award for her outstanding commitment to service and volunteerism.

“My greatest ‘awards’ are from my special needs ‘kids,’ especially their hugs” wrote Lorrie. “Everything I have been allowed to do has been a gift from God, and I thank Him each day. I still like to volunteer wherever needed.”

Lorrie resides in Valparaiso.

Diane Marten ’72 earned a bachelor of arts in religion with a minor in psychology from ​ Valparaiso University. While at Valpo, she joined Chi Sigma Xi local sorority and was consecrated a deaconess. Diane went on to complete a master of arts in counseling from Chapman College in 1980, and became a rostered deacon in the ELCA in 1983.

Upon completion of her master's degree, she provided hospital chaplaincy at St. Mary Medical Center in Hobart, Indiana, before taking on the role of case manager at North Bay Regional Center in Santa Rosa, California. During her time in Santa Rosa, she developed and led "Good Grief," a program of counseling and support groups for children. While in California she also served as the director of Christian education and music at several congregations in La Mirada, Downey, and Santa Rosa. She has extensive experience working with infants at risk of developmental disabilities, and is credentialed in both marriage and family therapy and as a spiritual director.

Diane accepted the call to serve as director of education and formation at the Lutheran Diaconal Association (LDA) in 2001. In addition to her duties at the LDA, Diane was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Valparaiso, served as the on-call chaplain for a homeless men’s shelter, and wrote for numerous publications while serving on multiple committees in the Indiana/Kentucky synod. She also volunteered with the Valparaiso University Guild, assisting in the concession stand during home football games.

In 2017, Diane chaired the DIAKONIA World Federation Assembly, which brought over 400 attendees from all over the world to Chicago, coordinating transportation, translators, and local volunteers to assist.

Now retired and living in McCordsville, Indiana, Diane still volunteers for “Laundry and More,” a ministry of Servants of Christ Lutheran Church in Indianapolis, Indiana, that provides not only free laundry services but also job training and other areas of community assistance.

“Valpo expanded my vision of the whole world and larger church,” wrote Diane. “I was on campus during the struggle over Vietnam, civil rights, and the feminist movement, all involving walk-outs, protests, and difficult conversations. It was sometimes a dark time for many of us; and yet, those experiences changed me in a good way.”

O.P. Kretzmann

Rosalie Levinson ’73 J.D. earned both her bachelor’s and master's degrees, Phi Beta Kappa ​ and a Woodrow Wilson Fellow, from Indiana University before pursuing her juris doctor at Valparaiso University. Upon her graduation in 1973, Rosalie spent 44 of the next 46 years as a professor at Valpo Law, leading two search committees for deans and serving on two search committees for provosts.

Rosalie served as associate dean of Valpo Law from 2000–2002, during which time she helped to create the joint J.D./MBA program. She also initiated the Federal Judge Extern program and served as chair of both the honors program and career placement service for several years. She participated annually in Valpo’s Institute on Law and Pastoral Ministry and in dozens of campus committees throughout her tenure. Rosalie was the recipient of the Leach Centennial First Woman Award as the first tenured female professor of the law school, and she received the Distinguished Faculty Award in 2002 and 2012. In 2004, she was named the Phyllis and Richard Duesenberg Professor of Law.

Outside of Valparaiso University, Professor Levinson twice served as chair of the civil rights section of the American Association of Law Schools and in 2019 began serving as co-chair of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Northwest Indiana. She has held the title of Scholar-in-Residence at the Jewish Welfare Federation's adult retreat for the past thirteen years, receiving their Education Award on numerous occasions. Rosalie is active in Congregation Beth-Israel and served as guest speaker for numerous organizations, including the American Association of University Women (AAUW), e-Engaging Northwest Indiana Business Women, and Valparaiso Organization for Learning and Teaching Seniors (VOLTS). In 2006, she received the Athena Award for her work in advancing women’s issues.

Rosalie continues to serve as guest speaker at various events, such as the annual national Civil Rights Conference in Chicago and swearing in ceremonies for new citizens. A daughter of two Holocaust survivors, Rosalie has also visited several Northwest Indiana middle and high schools, Elmhurst College, and the Lake County Juvenile Detention Center to tell their stories. She will speak at Valparaiso High School in January 2021.

Rosalie is honored to be chosen for the O.P. Kretzmann Award, as “Valparaiso University has been the center of [her] life for almost five decades.” During her time at the law school, she had the opportunity to teach with three U.S. Supreme Court Justices in the summer Cambridge Program and hosted five justices on campus. “I have taught hundreds of wonderful students over the years who have achieved tremendous success in their careers,” wrote Rosalie.

Rosalie continued to teach courses at the law school as an adjunct professor until December 2019. Even after her retirement, Rosalie and former dean Ivan Bodensteiner continue to update ​ a five-volume treatise on civil rights. She lives in Valparaiso with her husband of 53 years, Don.

Janet Lockridge ’99 MALS completed her bachelor of arts in liberal studies at Purdue ​ University in 1990. Before beginning her 25-year career as a senior programmer and analyst at Valparaiso University, she served as a service contracts supervisor at Whirlpool Corporation and then as a property manager at Gough & Gough Development.

“Striving for and accomplishing goals during my various careers brought me deep personal satisfaction, but receiving this award and recognition is beyond anything I could have imagined,” Janet wrote. “I had the great privilege of working with very knowledgeable and talented people at Valparaiso University.”

She is a member of First Lutheran Church of Hanna, Indiana, where she lives with her husband, William.

Gail Peshel ’87, ’89, ’00 J.D. earned an associate in science degree from Valparaiso University ​ in 1987, followed by a bachelor of science in business administration in 1989 and finally her juris doctor in 2000. Gail spent her entire professional life as a career advisor for law students, serving at both Notre Dame and Northwestern law schools before concluding her 26-year career as executive director of career planning at Valparaiso University Law School in 2020.

Gail served as president of the National Association for Law Placement from 1993–1994, the chair of the Chicago Bar Association’s CBA/YLS career assistance committee in 2000, the 2001 Indiana Women in Law Conference chair, and as co-chair of the 2010 Indiana Legal Education Conclave. She served as a member of the Indiana Continuing Legal Education Forum (ICLEF) Board of Directors from 2008–2011, on the 2010–2011 Judges & Lawyers Assistance committee, and on the Solo & Small Firm Conference committee in 2012.

Gail is a resident of Valparaiso and a member of St. Paul Catholic Church.

Jeffrey Brown ’81 M.M. studied on the undergraduate level at Calumet College, The American ​ Conservatory of Music, and DePaul University. Early in his career, he was a staff musician at Disney World in Orlando as well as at WSM Radio/Opryland Productions in Nashville. After earning his master of music degree at Valpo in 1981, he completed post-graduate study at ​ ​ the University of Rochester Eastman School of Music. In 42 years on the music faculty, Jeff ​ ​ served as professor of general music and music industry courses, instructor of percussion and ​ ​ coordinator of jazz studies, as well as director of the Jazz Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, and ​ ​ jazz combos.

In 1979, Professor Brown joined former professors Billy Foster (piano) and Bruce Evans (bass) to form the renowned Faculty Jazz Trio, one of the longest-affiliated jazz college chamber ensembles. Their two Henry Johnson-produced albums, 1999’s “For the Moment” and 2010’s “Journey,” received critical acclaim from JazzTimes magazine. They received the Valparaiso University Martin Luther King Jr. Award in 1997 for their lasting contributions to creating an environment where diversity is honored and respected on campus and within the broader community.

In 1985, Professor Brown founded what has become a 35-year tradition, the Valparaiso University Jazz Festival. The festival has grown to be the largest non-competitive jazz festival in the Midwest, and some of the greatest jazz luminaries in the world have performed over the years. Throughout his career, Jeff served on the board of directors of the Regional Arts Commission, as the Jazz Festival management consultant, a guest artist and clinician at several high schools and colleges throughout the Midwest, an international educational clinician for the Pearl Drum Company, and as a staff teacher and performer with the Jamey Aebersold Summer Jazz Workshops. He is also the recipient of numerous grants and awards from the National Endowment for the Arts, National Endowment for the Humanities, Indiana Arts Commission and Illinois Arts Council. He is a member of the Jazz Education Network (JEN), Percussive Arts Society, the American Federation of Musicians, and is the founder of “Brown’s Music Bus,” a multi award-winning student assembly program that traces modern American music from post-World War II to the present.

As a solo musician and with the Faculty Jazz Trio, Jeff collaborated with countless jazz legends, including Slide Hampton, Bill Watrous, Jon Faddis, Christine and Ingrid Jensen, and Jerry Bergonzi. He has also performed or recorded with Aretha Franklin, Engelbert Humperdink, Robert Goulet, and Liberace. Jeff’s trio and orchestra continues to perform at private engagements throughout the Chicagoland area.

“Helping students realize their full potential has always been one of my goals,” wrote Jeff. “It has been personally rewarding watching and assisting many through the journey. I’m very honored to be recognized for my achievements.” All three of Jeff’s children, Benjamin Brown ’05, Emily Brown Hoffman ‘06, and Nicholas Brown ’10, are Valpo graduates. He resides in Valparaiso. Suzanne Zentz ’10 D.N.P. earned her bachelor of science in nursing from Indiana University in ​ 1982, her master of science in nursing from the University of Texas Medical Branch in 1988, and her doctor of nursing practice from Valparaiso University in 2010. She began her career as a staff nurse at Riley Children’s Hospital in Indianapolis, later working in pediatrics at University of Texas Medical Branch and Porter Memorial Hospital before serving as a pediatric home health nurse. In 1990, she joined Valparaiso University as the coordinator of nursing admissions. She served as an assistant professor of nursing from Aug. 1993 to May 1998, returning in Aug. 1999 as the coordinator of the RN to BSN program. In June 2015, she was named associate professor of nursing and then assistant dean of undergraduate nursing in July 2015. She is a Certified Nurse Education (CNE).

Suzanne was an incredibly active member of the academic and campus community, serving on numerous curriculum and program evaluation committees in the College of Nursing and Health Professions, as well as Graduate School dean and provost search committees, and task forces and advisory councils for the university at large. She served as a peer reviewer for the Journals of Pediatric Nursing (2010–2018) and Nursing Education (2013–present), and is a member of the National League of Nursing. She served as vice president of the Chicagoland chapter of the Society of Pediatric Nursing from 2011–2013, sitting on the national membership committee from 2012–2013. She served as the faculty counselor for Valparaiso University’s Zeta Epsilon chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International, eventually becoming secretary and then president from 2012–2014. She currently serves on the research committee.

Suzanne is a frequent presenter at conferences and conventions, and authored or co-authored many publications, including Disciplinary Applications of Information Literacy Threshold Concepts (November 2017); Teaching Systematic Searching in a Baccalaureate Nursing Research Course, Worldviews on Evidence-Based Nursing (August 2015); Care of Infant and Children with Bronchiolitis: A Systematic Review (Journal of Pediatric Nursing, December 2011); and Prenatal Showers: Educational Opportunities for Undergraduate Students (Journal of Professional Nursing, July-August 2009). Her scholarly presentations include Partnering to Increase the BSN Workforce (Nursing Education Research Conference, Washington D.C., April 2018); Integrating a Standardized Assessment System into Nursing Curriculum (ATI National Nurse Educator Summit, San Diego, California, April 2015); Undergraduate Peer Assisted Learning in the Clinical Setting and Teaching Information Literacy Skills to Undergraduate Nursing Students: A Collaborative Approach (both at the Sigma Theta Tau International 42nd Biennial Convention, Indianapolis, Indiana, November 2013).

Suzanne and her husband Donald reside in Crown Point, Indiana.

Honorary Alumni

Edgar Senne earned a bachelor of arts degree in 1954 and then a master of divinity in 1957 ​ from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. He also holds a master of education in counseling and guidance from Washington University in St. Louis, and he completed a master of arts in history of religions from the University of Chicago Divinity School in 1969.

Ed left Concordia Seminary in 1958 to serve St. Paul Lutheran Church in Mt. Vernon, Iowa, where he was pastor for four years. From there he came directly to Valparaiso University and to the theology department, where he taught courses on world religions and an introduction to Christian theology. He also developed and taught courses on Buddhism, religions of Africa, and Native American religions. Ed served as chair of the theology department from 1982–1988, and received the VUAA Distinguished Teaching Award in 1994.

Among Ed’s numerous publications are his “An Indian Easter Liturgy: The Creative Syncretism of the Arizona Yaquis” (The Cresset, March 1986), “Letter from Tanzania” (The Cresset, March 1991), and “Letter from Nigeria” (The Cresset, April 1991). He also wrote several essays for course readers, including “The Hunters’ Vision” and “The Worldview of the Archaic Planters” (The Sacred Vision); “Changing Worldviews – How Symbol Systems Work” (Promise and Faith); and “Muslim Prayer” (History of Religions Course Reader, 1977).

In addition to his 33 years of service on the theology faculty, Ed was a part of the Chapel counseling staff for 25 years. Upon his retirement in 1995, Project Neighbors asked Ed to serve as the founding director of Hilltop Neighborhood House, a pre-kindergarten childhood education center, and Hilltop Health Center. Hilltop Health Center, now known as HealthLinc, has eight locations in Northwest Indiana.

Ed retired from his position at Hilltop in 1998 to travel with his wife, Marlynn, who passed away in 2015. At 88 years old, he remains a Valparaiso resident and an active member of various campus organizations.