PRESIDENTIAL SEARCH SPECIAL EDITION

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19,2007 rr\

Valparaiso University's An ACP Ail-American Student Newspaper Publication UNANIMOUS

Casey Niemiec / The Torch President-elect Mark Heckler addresses the media at Tuesday's press conference in the Christopher Center. Heckler will replace retiring president Alan Harre on July 1. FULL CO VERAGE, PAGE 2 In June, Valparaiso University president Alan Harre announced his upcoming retirement.

Over the next five months, the board of directors narrowed a field of dozens down to a final few • On Tuesday, the first VU presidential search in two decades culminated with the board announcing its unanimous selection of Mark Heckler as Harre s successor.

Index President 2 Notice: This special issue will be circulated to all regular The Torch "We will strive increasingly to Opinions 3 On Guard for 93 Years (^ quicken the public's sense of subscribers. Normal production resumes on January 18. civic duty." - The Athenian Oath Sports 4 Volume 101 :: Issue 14 Campus News The Torch | Wednesday, December 19, 2007 Heckler, a diamond in the rough

pierced. his decision to come to VU. "In a public university, you don't here in the "vale of paradise." President-elects "Fathers have a hard time when Influenced - meaning Heck­ have that opportunity," he said. "This is a dream job," he said. their daughters start to grow up," ler wasn't leaving the University of "That's what I've been trying to do, "Because everyday when you get earring no mere Heckler said. "I said, 'Nope, can't do Colorado at Denver unless his wife, to figure out how I could do that, up, you're actually doing what you it. I'm just not ready for it. She's too Veronica, loved northwest Indiana to find if there is a way that I could want to do. fashion statement young, this is the wrong thing."' when she visited campus early last bring these pieces together." "And I think that's what vocation But Jocelyn was persistent. week. Heckler finally found the place is." Josh Weinhold So Heckler thought about. And "I was waiting to see what she where he believes he can combine Contact Josh Weinhold at torch. Torch Editor in Chief thought about it some more. And had to say, because if she wouldn't the academic and the apostolic - [email protected]. some more. be comfortable, we wouldn't go," Mark Heckler was asked a lot of Finally, he made a decision. Heckler said. "And then she came questions on the grueling path to Jocelyn could get her ears back and she said, 'It's a good fit.' becoming Valparaiso University's pierced. But only if he could get his And I said, 'OK, that's it."' 18th president. ear pierced, too. Even though his wife had given One of the questions that wasn't So the two went and had it done her stamp of approval, Heckler was asked? Why he wears a diamond together. The procedure, though, left to anxiously wait for the board stud in his left ear. was more than just a bonding expe­ of directors' final decision. "I waited for somebody to ask rience for father and daughter. "It just felt so good here," he said. me," he told The "This," Heck- "If the opportunity came, it was Torch after a Tues­ ltrs just a way of ler said, "is to re­ meant to be." day news confer­ mind me to allow And it came. The campus com­ ence, "but nobody remaining authentic* my children to munity's overwhelming show of did." be who they are. support and faith in Heckler's abili­ As it turns out, Mark Heckler And this reminds ty to successfully lead the university that dubious piece President-elect me that I need to made Heckler even more sure that of jewelry - the be who I am, and VU was the right fit. one that nobody not something "God has a plan for all of us. We asked about but everyone talked that I'm not. don't know what it is, but I believe about - is symbolic. "It's just a way of remaining au­ ultimately that God's got a plan," he It's not worn as a fashion state­ thentic." said. "And it was very important to ment or to fly rebelliously in the There are those who scoff at know that the university commu­ face of the academic status quo. Heckler's decision. They tell him nity was comfortable." Instead, it is a deeply personal re­ not to wear it to certain events or to minder of who Mark Heckler strives ditch the diamond altogether. Vocation in the vale to be as a person and a father. He won't listen. More than anything, Heckler A little more than a decade ago, "I wear this because this is who I says he's thrilled about the vocation after Heckler's oldest daughter, Joc- am," he said. "It's a reminder of my he believes he's pursuing by coming elyn, asked a question her father family, of all the things I value." to VU. The opportunity to combine wasn't prepared to answer. professional elements with spiritual She had just turned 12 years Waiting for approval ones is something Heckler says he's Casey Niemiec / The Torch old, and she wanted to get her ears Heckler's family also influenced been yearning for. Mark Heckler fields a question during Tuesday's press conference. Board of directors concludes search of the presidential search commit­ about any plans he has. out after each candidate's visit, and something." Faculty, students tee Fred Kraegel. "I don't think a president, at this that the scores and comments from Laura Groth, senior communi­ Hessler announced Heckler as early stage, would walk in with a set those sheets "were certainly helpful cation law and political science ma­ in agreement on the president-elect in a series of of goals," he said. "My goal is to find in the decision-making process." jor, echoed Schwehn. prepared remarks, in which he also the right way of convening this uni­ The committee reached its de­ "Heckler brings an interesting candidate's merits revealed that Heckler was chosen versity so we can really dream about cision before learning that Wayne change and focus to the admin­ by a unanimous vote of both the what the future ought to be." Powell had withdrawn his candi­ istration, that seems like it might dacy, Kraegel said. Powell signed a differ from current policies," Groth Brad Anderson search committee and the board of "As an institution changes," he said. "I'm surprised by the choice. It Torch News Editor directors. said when asked about the direction contract last week that will extend "The board has brought people he sees Valpo going, "the strongest his tenure at Lenoir-Rhyne College, seems like this is the candidate that The new year is bringing Val­ of exceptional dedication and pas­ change occurs as you use evolution where he is cur­ was the favorite paraiso University cold air, snow on sion to serve as president," Heckler rather than revolution." rently president, of most students, the ground and a new president. said. "I am humbled - deeply hum­ In an interview after the press to 2013. suauius and it's rare that Mark Heckler, currently the bled - to have been asked to walk in conference, Kraegel expressed sat­ Harre ex­ the students and Education provost and vice chancellor for their shoes." isfaction with the choice of Heckler pressed con­ administration as the next university president and fidence in the - Ph.D. candidate, educational of this school academic and student affairs at the "This university is very sure leadership and Innovation with the search process itself. search pro­ agree." University of Colorado at Denver, about who it is and it's mission," - Master of Fine Arts, directing cess as well. "It John Steven was named as VU's president-elect Heckler continued, referring to his "The search committee spent - Bachelor of Arts, theater at a Tuesday morning press con­ desire to lead a school with a reli­ several hours going through input worked the way Paul, president ference in the Christopher Center gious background. "I believe in this from campus groups and feedback it was supposed Employment of faculty senate community room. mission, heart, soul and mind." from the search firm," Kraegel said. to work," he said. - University of Colorado at Denver, and professor Heckler, 52, was present at the The president-elect also fielded He also said that the board of di­ "It was 99.9 per­ provost and vice chancellor for of theater, was academic and student affairs, conference, along with sitting presi­ questions from the audience. rectors received compilations of the cent effective." pleased that the 1995-present dent Alan Harre, chair of the board Heckler declined to list specific scores from the evaluation sheets that He also ex­ next university - Professor of fine arts, Siena campus community members filled pressed confi­ president also of directors David Hessler and chair goals for the university when asked College, 1979-1995 dence in Heck­ has a theater ler's ability to ^^^^^^^^^ ^•^^^^^^» background. lead the univer­ "There are sity. two fundamental skills that people "He has the experience, the skill, who are trained in theater have, the right personality and is obvi­ and one of those is collaboration ... ously bright," Harre said. it takes a team of people to make a "He's not a genetic Lutheran, but project work," Paul said. "Theater di­ a Lutheran by conviction ... and rectors are problem solvers." they are often more dedicated and Associate provost Renu Juneja, committed to the faith," Harre said. who also has a theater background, "He's very genuine, very deep." was impressed with Heckler. Heckler was raised in the Church "I'm just very excited about the of the Brethren, but adopted Lu- possibility of working with him. theranism shortly after marrying. He's done several new and innovate His wife was raised in the Russian things, and as we're on the thresh­ Orthodox Church. old of becoming even a better insti­ tution," she said. Campus community reaction "I had some reservations at first, Both professors and students but hearing him speak was big, and echoed the positive feelings about I liked what he had to say, how it's Heckler from the press conference. very important to him to be in a "There's a fresh new sense of en­ Christian, Lutheran institution," ergy there from someone who has said Matt Staneck, a junior politi­ managed a unit that's more complex cal science and classics major. "He than ours," Professor of humanities seems like an energetic, relatively Mark Schwehn said. "For once the young guy. He seems really good." Casey Niemiec / The Torch faculty, administration and stu­ Contact Brad Anderson at torch. Current president Alan Harre and president-elect Mark Heckler listen to David Hessler speak at Tuesday's press conference. dents seem to be in agreement on [email protected]. The Torch | Wednesday, December 19, 2007 \ "When fascism comes, it will be wrapped in a flag and carrying a cross." - Ron Paul, OPINION Republican presidential candidate STAFF EDITORIAL Heckler, our hope for years to come It was only a passing moment on German liturgies and ancient red a Tuesday afternoon. hymnals may raise a bushy eyebrow But in the middle of Mark Heck­ to the pierced ear and liberal Lu- ler's remarks in a midday press theranism of this president-elect, conference held in the Christopher Heckler's selection makes a bold Center to announce the 52-year-old statement about the quality of VU's as the 18th president of Valparaiso board of directors. University, something shone. They weren't searching for the It wasn't the glimmer from the most qualified LCMS pastor to head small diamond stud in his left ear- VU, as some initially worried. They lobe. were searching for the most quali­ It wasn't his golden tie that per­ fied candidate. Period. fectly matched the hue found on And when students, adminis­ Crusader athletic uniforms. trators and faculty spoke up, using It wasn't the standard-issue gold words like 'energetic,' 'visionary' Valpo pin Heckler wore on the left and 'a great fit' to describe Heckler, breast of his suit coat. the board listened. It was Heckler's face that stood The best part, though? They out on this day. He beamed with probably didn't need to. This board, pride, yet his excitement left plenty it seems, knew Heckler was their of room for humility. man right from the start. - Though clearly enthusiastic and His curriculum vitae and leader­ overjoyed at the opportunities that ship experience are impressive, but lay before him as university presi­ at first glance, it didn't outshine the dent, Heckler was not afraid to let resumes of the other two finalists, his softer emotions come forward. Wayne Powell and the Rev. Patrick While standing at the podium, Ferry. Heckler occasionally seemed near It's in personal, face-to-face in­ tears. Many great leaders have teraction, though, where. Heckler steered VU over the past 150 years, wins you over. In interviews with he said, and to have the chance to the board and in campus forums, follow and expand that legacy has those were the moments that set left him nearly speechless. Heckler apart. "I am humbled, deeply humbled It begins when he starts talking to have been asked to walk in their about the life-changing power of shoes," Heckler said. private, faith-based institutions like It's that passion, that respect, VU. Then he adds in his passion for that emotion that makes Heck­ inclusive decision-making and stra­ ler the right person to lead VU tegic planning processes, a desire to into and beyond its sesquicenten- connect with students and a com­ nial celebration. In his remarks, he mitment to enhancing the school's demonstrated a deep and profound academic reputation that he makes respect for the university and the you a believer. Heckler right man for president presidency. And when he talks about the Were his allusions to Psalm 36:9, great things he sees VU accomplish­ only to maintain the current qual­ elect. "Athens and Jerusalem" and other ing in the coming years, you realize ity of our institution, but to grow Perhaps the most gratifying at­ VU hallmarks a bit much? Perhaps. this theater major isn't acting. it to new heights. He has spoken tribute of the new president-elect, But it once again proved that Heckler believes earnestly in the repeatedly about VU's unique posi­ however, is his energetic and pas­ VU's president doesn't have to be mission, tasks and responsibilities tion in the academic landscape, in sionate, yet humble, approach to his an ordained minister to understand VU has to its students, its faculty Brandon Tomlinson that we as an institution have been work, as well as his understanding and appreciate the rich Lutheran and its alumni. And he's fully ready Torch Staff Writer positioned by President Harre's ten­ of and respect for VU both past and heritage of this institution. and capable to lead this university What a day to be a part of the ure to make significant strides aca­ present. And while Heckler may have a forward into what appears to be a Valparaiso University community. demically to increase the prestige of During his remarks at the press difficult time convincing Lutheran very bright future. Yesterday marked a revitalizing a VU degree. conference, Mr. Heckler alluded to Church-Missouri Synod conserva­ So when a skeptical faculty mem­ moment in the course of the uni­ During his time at Denver, Heck­ great presidents in Valparaiso Uni­ tives to continue writing checks for ber, a leery parent of a prospective versity's history, as Mark A. Heckler, ler headed up the versity history, large buildings and academic schol­ student or a reluctant right-leaning current Provost at the University of development of an Perhaps the most and showed an arships, he sure didn't seem to have Lutheran donor allow themselves Colorado-Denver, was named the academic master appreciation for a difficult time winning over the to stereotype Heckler, they may ask successor to Alan Harre as the 18th plan, in which stu­ gratifying attribute those who have campus community. questions. president of VU. Mr. Heckler brings dents, faculty, staff, of the new president­ been in the posi­ Both the presidential search But when they get answers - with him an energetic and humble and administra­ elect, however, is tion before him. committee and the board of direc­ answers fueled with passion, con­ personality, incredible amounts of tion collaborated While he cer­ tors unanimously chose Heckler as viction and openness - they'll see administrative experience, numer­ to determine the his energetic and tainly has strong the president-elect. Professors, stu­ something different. ous fundraising success stories and academic course passionate, yet visionary capabil­ dents and staff all glow when they They'll see the shine that Heckler a strong understanding and respect of the institution. ity for the future, talk about the qualities and char­ showed at the podium Tuesday, the for VU's independent Lutheran tra­ By all indica­ humble, approach to he has also begun acteristics the Windber, Pa., native dedication and commitment to the dition. tions, he will do his work, as well as to understand will bring to the president's office. things VU stands for. Scholarship, By all accounts, he was clearly the same here and his understanding and respect VU's Though staunch conservative freedom, faith - they're all there. the right man for the job in the eyes in the same col­ past. His appe­ Lutherans still clinging to their Mark Heckler, welcome to VU. of many members of the VU cam­ laborative manner, of and respect for tite for learning pus community. helping develop VU both past and about the current Staff editorials are written by an editorial board selected from the staff That is not to say that the deci­ the comprehen­ present. culture and issues of The Torch. They represent the official position of the newspaper. sion was an easy one. The presi­ sive vision VU so that are affecting dential search committee should desperately needs. the campus com­ be commended for their work in There were a number of other munity will allow him to quickly THE TORCH bringing three highly qualified things that made Mr. Heckler stand and effectively establish himself as VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY'S STUDENT NEWSPAPER candidates to campus, as either Dr. out amongst the candidate crowd. a leader for this institution. OL. ioi, ISSUE 14, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2007 j Wayne Powell or Rev. Dr. Patrick As many will likely notice immedi­ As Mr. Heckler noted during Joshua D. Weinhold Editor in Chief Ferry would have been good lead­ ately, Mr. Heckler is not an LCMS his remarks, the entire search and ers for the institution. Both had ordained minister, a break from interview process was quick and Colin D. Selbo Stephanie N. Lehman Assistant Editor Assistant Editor strong resumes and interacted well the tradition of past presidents.Mr. efficient, allowing the university to with various facets of the campus Heckler, however, will carry on the Brad Anderson, News Editor John Dimmick, Design Editor make a fast decision and to now Kathryn Kattalia, Asst. News Editor Dan Trubey, Graphic Design Editor community during their visits. tradition of the VU president acting shift the focus on transitioning Jeremy Lippert, Opinion Editor Chelsie Droessler, Copy Editor The search committee, however, as a spiritual leader on campus, and from President Harre's tenure to Mr. Chris Binnall, Sports Editor Soren Nieminen, Interactive Editor Evan Bryson,"A&E Editor Lisa Herbst, Business Manager made the best decision for the fu­ his commitment to the Lutheran Heckler's in July 2008. It is a good Erin Dalpini, Features Editors Miles Janssen, Advertising Manager ture of the university in recom­ faith and his understanding of the feeling to embark on that transition Renee Brozo, Photo Editor John Boegen, Circulation Manager - THK ATHENIAN OATH David Wright, Asst. Photo Editor Don Wruck HI, Advisor mending Mr. Heckler to the Board important dialogues that can take process knowing that the future of

The Torch is published weekly during the academic year - except during examination weeks, holidays and the first week of the of Directors. place at an independent Lutheran the university is in the right hands. semester - by the students of Valparaiso University under the provisions of the VU Student Senate constitution and the Committee on Media by-laws. As evidenced by his visit to cam­ institution is unquestioned. Though The views expressed are those of The Torch, a standing member of the Associated College Press, the Hoosier State Press Association and the Indiana Collegiate Press Association, is represented by several national advertising agencies, including: 360 Youth, I5TW. 26th St., New York, N.Y., 10001; Y2M pus two weeks ago and his remarks Heckler is not ordained, the rich the writer and not necessarily those Networks, Inc., 100 City Hall Plaza, Level 2, Boston, Mass,, 02108; Campus Media Group, Inc., 2350 WycliffSt., Suite 40, St. Paul, Minn., 55114; and M|S Communications, 358 Chestnut Hill Ave., Brighton, Mass., 02135. Lutheran heritage of VU will be The subscription rate is $40 annually, first-class postage paid at Valparaiso, Ind. to the campus community yester­ of The Torch. Contact Brandon Tom­ Opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the university body or administration. Unsigned editorials reflect the opinions of the majority of the editorial board. day, Mr. Heckler has the vision not in good hands with the president­ linson at [email protected]. SPORTS The Torch | Wednesday, December 19, 2007 In Sam we trust

Eric Brooks Torch Staff Writer I've seen some ridiculous things in my time. And what sophomore Sam Haanpaa did on Saturday now tops my all-time ridiculous Valparaiso University basketball feats list. Yes, I know it might be a selec­ tive list. But hey, it still doesn't rank on my all-time ludicrous Finnish basketball deeds list. That's reserved for seniors Shawn Huff and Sanna Helenius (and I'm still waiting for an entry from one of those players). To. (not) avoid cliches, it was snowing outside and raining in the Athletics-Recreation Center. And I hope you were all taking notes. Because Sam showed us how you shoot 3-pointers. And those weren't just any old 3-pointers. Those were a man's 3-pointers. Boys don't hit shots from 30 feet out. Sam Haanpaa does. Well, this love fest is getting awkward. It might be time to move on to another subject. Up next for the hot-start Cru­ saders is a trip to Madison. And again the question remains: Can they pull it off? Can they really beat the Wiscon­ sin Badgers? I guess we'll have to wait and see. But there are several keys to getting the win. Let's examine, shall we? 1. Junior Urule Igbavboa has to man up. Casey Niemic / The Torch Now, Urule, this is no knock on Sophomore Samuel Haanpaa sank 10 shots from beyond the arc Saturday, breaking the school record of nine, formerly held by Bryce Drew. your recent play. Believe me - you have progressed wonderfully over the past 11 games. And I think you can be (at times) one of, if not the, best post players in the conference. But this is like nothing you have seen before (does a half-injured FINNISH PHENOM 2007-version of Greg Oden count?). They're going to be big. And you're cord with nine 3-pointers against 16-of-28 threes for the game. Diebler said. "Sometimes you get going to have to be bigger. Sophomore star Western Illinois on Feb. 25,1998. "When you hit the first couple, lucky on an off-night. It was a team 2. Haanpaa needs to hit threes "Bryce kept encouraging him it becomes contagious," said Drew. effort." early (not often, but that would be breaks school to get another one," coach Homer "When you have threats inside, it The swarming defense helped nice). Drew said. "Records are made to opens it up, from the outside." open the floor for the Crusader This is pretty self-explanatory. three-point record be broken. It gives you a goal." Those inside threats would be shooters, including Haanpaa. When the sophomore-gone-wild Junior Brandon McPherson, junior Urule Igbavboa and fresh­ After games against Horizon hits, he opens up looks for other Ryan O'Gara who played a solid all-around man Bryan Bouchie. Igbavboa and League foes Wright State and De­ guys. Haanpaa is likely to see a box- Torch Staff Writer game with eight assists, five re­ Bouchie each scored nine first half troit, in which Haanpaa got off in-one defense from the Badgers, bounds and two steals, fed Haan­ points. only six shots in two contests, the so this is not going to be easy. Just As soon as he crossed half court, paa on both the record-tying and Igbavboa drained all seven of his sophomore surprisingly had room get the man the ball. As we saw over fans yelled for Samuel Haanpaa to record-breaking shots. free throws on his way to 11 points to breathe. So much room, in fact, the weekend, he's rather good from shoot the ball. "When while Bouchie's that Haanpaa needed only twelve long range. Do work, son. It was just, that kind of night for you play with personal 7-0 run 3-point shots to break the record. 3. Take care of the basketball. the sophomore. a shooter like put the Crusad­ "I didn't even realize it until When you hit the first Duh. Behind Haanpaa's career-high Sam, you've ers up 49-25 with after they said it," Haanpaa said. There you go. The cliff notes ver­ 32 points and school record 10 got to get couple, it becomes 3:35 left in the "It's not usual for me to make that sion of the 'Eric Brooks Guide to 3-pointers, the Valparaiso Univer­ him the ball," contagious. first half. many." Beating Wisconsin, Etc' sity men's basketball team (10-1, McPherson "(Bouchie) Aside from Haanpaa and Igbav­ And actually, the 'Eric Brooks 2-0 Horizon League) cruised to a said. really did a good boa, Bouchie (12) and Huff (11) hit Guide to Beating North Carolina, 90-61 win over visiting Chicago Just over Homer Drew job scoring and double figure point totals for the Etc' is much shorter. State (4-9) on Saturday night. a minute into Head mens basketball coach playing defense," Crusaders, who shot a scorching Just take the diaper dandy out of The victory extended the Cru­ the game, Drew said. "He 56 percent in the first half and 50 the game. saders' season-high winning streak Haanpaa hit doesn't just take percent for the game. If Homer Drew and company to eight games and improved the two 3-pointers to stake VU to an the first shot he gets, he takes the McPherson, Huff and freshman come home with an 0-2 record on current brown and gold home early 8-2 lead. easier shot." Michael Rogers led VU with five this trip, there is no reason to hang winning streak to 12 games dating Junior Jake Diebler and senior On the defensive end, Die­ rebounds apiece. your head. Conference season is back to last season. The win also Shawn Huff followed with threes bler and Loyd combined to shut Chicago State shot 39 percent, still up for grabs in this league. If it's continued VU's best start since the and when the Cougars drew to down Jake Holston, the NCAA including 2-of-18 on 3-pointers. a 1 -1 road trip, consider this team a 1944-1945 season. within three at 22-19, Haanpaa season leader in points scored, Even with clashes against the bona fide contender. "The guys set good screens and knocked down 3-pointers on con­ denying him the ball and making Big Ten's Wisconsin and No. 1 And if they come home 2-0, I'll were able to find me in transition," secutive possessions to ignite a him.shoot difficult shots off the North Carolina on tap over the probably have a new entry at the Haanpaa said. 30-6 run over a nine minute span. dribble. holiday break, the Crusaders have top of my all-time-ridiculous-VU- Haanpaa tied the record on a The spurt was capped by senior Holston, who came into the a tougher opponent to defeat first. basketball-feats list. shot several feet beyond the arc Jarryd Loyd's 3-pointer that gave game averaging 24 points per "We have our hands full with The views expressed are those of with 7:37 left and then broke the VU a 52-25 lead in the waning mo­ game, was held to 15 points on final exams," Drew said with a the writers and not necessarily those mark with 4:13 left in the contest. ments of the first half. 5-of-18 shooting and l-of-9 on smile. of The Torch. Contact Eric Brooks at Current associate head coach VU connected on 10-of-18 3-point attempts. Contact Ryan O'Gara at torch. torch.sports@valpo. edu. Bryce Drew held the previous re­ triples in the first half and hit "We had great help defense," sports@valpo. edu.