THE 96 TH ANNUAL
Opening Convocation
THE 2024-2025 ACADEMIC YEAR
TUESDAY, AUGUST 20, 2024 AT 4 P.M.
CHAPEL OF THE RESURRECTION
The Convocation
Valparaiso University celebrates the beginning of the new academic year with an Opening Convocation. This convocation is an academic-liturgical gathering to welcome new and returning students, honor faculty and staff, and strengthen the spirit of community on campus. Presiding at the Opening Convocation is José D. Padilla, J.D., president of Valparaiso University. Assisting him are Eric W. Johnson ’87, Ph.D., provost and executive vice president for academic affairs; Reverend Katherine Museus, M.Div., University pastor; Reverend James A. Wetzstein, M.Div., University pastor; and Jihye Choi, visiting instructor in music and University organist. Robert W. Clark, Ph.D., associate professor of chemistry, is the University marshal.
The Procession
At Valparaiso University, the cross is at the head of the academic procession. The University marshal, attired in a gold robe, the University flag, and the federal flag follow the cross and lead University administration into the Chapel of the Resurrection. The beginning of the procession is announced by the Herald Trumpets directed by Jeffrey Scott Doebler, M.M. ’87, Ph.D.
The 96TH Annual Opening Convocation
Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.
Hebrews 12:1
Prelude
All stand as the procession enters the Chapel — announced by the Herald Trumpets of Valparaiso University — turning to face the cross as it leads the procession into the Chapel, and turning once again to face the altar as the cross passes.
Herald Trumpeters
Directed by Jeffrey Scott Doebler M.M. ’87, Ph.D.
Led by Victoria Tiller '25.
Toccata, Adagio, and Fugue in C major, BWV 564 Johann Sebastian Bach
Entrance Hymn: Praise the Source of Faith and Learning
Text: Thomas H. Troeger (st. 1-3) and Brian T. Johnson (st. 4) Music. NETTLETON: J. Wyeth. Repository of Sacred Music, Part II, 1813 Text (st. 1-3) © Oxford University Press. Used with permission under OneLicense.net A-702845.
Welcome
Eric W. Johnson ’87, Ph.D., Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
Prayers and Reading
Reverend Katherine Museus, M.Div., University Pastor
Reverend James A. Wetzstein, M.Div., University Pastor
It is customary for men in academic attire to remove their caps for the prayers. Women in academic attire may remove their caps if they so desire.
All respond to the prayers by saying amen.
Hebrews 12:1
After the reading:
L: Word of God. Word of Life.
All: Thanks be to God.
Recognition
Valparaiso University Excellence in Teaching Award ...................................... Daniel Maguire, Ph.D.
Valparaiso University Alumni Association Distinguished Teacher Award........................... Caroline Ban, MSW
Richard P. Baepler Distinguished Professorship in the Humanities Martin Buinicki, Ph.D.
Frederick F. Jenny Jr. Professor of Emerging Technology
Jesse Sestito, Ph.D.
Dixon W. and Herta E. Benz Professorship .................................................. Lara Pudwell, Ph.D.
Newly-Tenured Faculty
Full Professor Rank
New Faculty and Staff Faculty and Staff who have served the University for 25 and 30 years
Address
José D. Padilla, J.D., President of Valparaiso University
Reciting of the Honor Code
Eric W. Johnson ’87, Ph.D., Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
Shield of Character Pinning
Eric W. Johnson ’87, Ph.D., Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
Charge to Faculty and Staff
José D. Padilla, J.D., President of Valparaiso University
Charge to Members of the Student Body
Corey McClure ’25, President of the Student Body
Valparaiso Alma Mater
Led by
3. Hail to the Brown and Gold! Recall the days of old, The happy days which we Ne'er shall forget. As shadows longer grow, Brighter the flame shall glow, The flame of love for you, Dear old Valpo.
All remain standing.
Prayers
Reverend Katherine Museus, M.Div., University Pastor
Reverend James A. Wetzstein, M.Div., University Pastor
All respond to the prayers by saying amen.
Our Father
L: As our Savior Christ has taught us, so we pray.
All: Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
L: Let us bless the Lord!
All: Thanks be to God!
Blessing
L: And now may the blessing of Almighty God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, be upon you this day and remain with you always.
All: Amen.
Text: Helen Dvorak, Oscar C. Kreinheder, and Harold Rogers Music: J.F. Petri, How Can I Leave Thee!
After the blessing, all who are in academic attire put on their caps. All turn and face the cross as it leaves the Chapel and join in singing the recessional hymn.
Recessional Hymn: O God, Our Help in Ages Past
Led by Victoria Tiller '25.
1. O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, our shelter from the stormy blast, and our eternal home.
2. Under the shadow of your throne your saints have dwelt secure; sufficient is your arm alone, and our defense is sure.
3. Before the hills in order stood or earth received its frame, from everlasting you are God, to endless years the same.
4. A thousand ages in your sight are like an evening gone, short as the watch that ends the night before the rising sun.
5. Time, like an ever-rolling stream, bears all our years away; they fly forgotten, as a dream dies at the op’ning day.
6. Like flowery fields the nations stand, pleased with the morning light, the flowers beneath the mower’s hand lie withering ere ’tis night.
7. O God, our help in ages past, our hope for years to come, still be our guard while troubles last and our eternal home.
8. All glory to the Father thee, all glory to the Son, all glory, Holy Spirit be, while endless ages run.
Hymn: O God, Our Help in Ages Past Tune: St. Anne Text: Isaac Watts, 1674-1748, alt.
Students will follow faculty marshals out of the Chapel of Resurrection and through an assembly of faculty and staff.
Ringing in the Academic Year
The bells of the Brandt Campanile will ring to symbolize the start of the new academic year.
VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY EXCELLENCE IN TEACHING AWARD
Daniel Maguire, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Daniel Maguire, Ph.D., assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, began his teaching career at Valparaiso University in 2019 after more than 20 years of working in the industry. He also applies his knowledge as the chief engineer for Noise Quieting Associates, LLC and serves as the College of Engineering KEEN Leader.
Professor Maguire received his bachelor of science, master of science, and doctorate from Purdue University. His research interests include hardware and software co-design, mixed-signal processing, and active and passive noise and vibration control. In the classroom, Professor Maguire enjoys teaching Engineering Programming, Signals and Systems, and Digital Signal Processing.
Professor Maguire is a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the International Institute of Acoustics and Vibrations, and the American Society for Engineering Education. His work has been presented at the International Congress on Sound and Vibration, the Proceedings of the Global Signal Processing Conference, and Internoise, among others.
VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION DISTINGUISHED TEACHING AWARD
Caroline Ban, MSW, Assistant Professor and Program Director for Social Work
Caroline Ban, MSW, program director and assistant professor in social work, joined the Valparaiso University community in 2016. Previously, she served as a consultant and the manager of government affairs for Beyond Housing, a nationally recognized community development non-profit in St. Louis.
Professor Ban received her bachelor of arts in psychology from Carleton College in 2005 and her master of social work from Washington University in St. Louis in 2009. She is currently completing a doctorate of social work at the University of St. Thomas.
In the classroom, Professor Ban’s areas of interest include social welfare policy, advocacy, local and state government, police and community relations, organizations, and communities. She leads two annual overnight student trips to the Indiana Statehouse to engage students in experiential learning about public testimony and lobbying. She was instrumental in creating new social work capstone community projects, resulting in activities like the Valparaiso University students’ police academy with the Valparaiso Police Department, the development of the 2021 Valparaiso Mayor’s Youth Council, and further implementation of the new student professional clothing closet in Wesemann Hall started by Professor Nicole Moy ’22, MSW.
Professor Ban is actively engaged in the community. She was selected as an Indiana Humanities Action Fellow in 2019. She helped create the first police social work position in the City of Valparaiso with former Chief Jeff Balon in 2021. Most recently, she was the driving force behind the development of Valpo's new master of social (MSW) program, which launched this fall.
Professor Ban’s work has been published in “Building Trust, Effective Communication, and Transparency Between Police and Community Members,” and “The Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice,” among other places.
RICHARD P. BAEPLER DISTINGUISHED PROFESSORSHIP IN HUMANITIES
Martin Buinicki, Ph.D., Professor of English
Martin Buinicki, professor of English, has held the Dixon W. and Herta E. Benz Fund Professorship, the Walter G. Friedrich Professorship of American Literature, and two University Research Professorships. The author of two books and over 25 scholarly articles and reviews, Professor Buinicki is also the co-founder and lead writer for Gaming Honors, a tabletop roleplaying company.
Professor Buinicki designs courses and programs combining academic rigor with career preparation and professional experience: he co-created the minor in Philanthropic Leadership and Service at Valpo, and over the years students in his Traditions of Giving and Serving in American Life course have awarded over $120,000 in grants to local nonprofits, thanks to the generosity of the Learning by Giving Foundation.
More recently, Professor Buinicki established a minor in Game Narrative and Design, and the Ball Venture Fund awarded him a $25,000 grant to create the Valparaiso University Center for Games and Interactive Entertainment. His courses Playing with Stories: Video Games and Narrative and Writing Roleplaying Games draw on the power of games to engage students in literature and writing and introduce students to the growing multibillion dollar tabletop and computer game industries.
FREDERICK F. JENNY JR. PROFESSOR OF EMERGING TECHNOLOGY
Jesse Sestito, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Bioengineering
Jesse Sestito, Ph.D., assistant professor of mechanical engineering and bioengineering, joined the Valparaiso University faculty in 2021 after receiving his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He received his bachelor of science in mechanical engineering and mathematics from the RoseHulman Institute of Technology in 2013.
Since coming to Valparaiso University, Professor Sestito has taught courses in system modeling and numerical methods, senior design, and materials science. His own research interests include engineering design optimization, multiscale modeling, and machine learning.
Outside of his role as an instructor, Professor Sestito is a member of the engineering honors society Tau Beta Pi and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. His work has been published in the Journal of Physical Chemistry and Computational Materials Science.
DIXON W. AND HERTA E. BENZ PROFESSORSHIP
Lara Pudwell, Ph.D., Professor of Mathematics and Statistics
Lara Pudwell, Ph.D., professor of mathematics and statistics, joined the Valparaiso University faculty in 2008. She has also been the executive director of MathPath, a national residential summer camp for middle schoolers who love mathematics, since 2021.
Professor Pudwell received her bachelor of science in mathematics and her bachelor of arts in computer science from Valparaiso University in 2003, followed by earning her doctorate in mathematics from Rutgers University in 2008. In the classroom, her main teaching interests include combinatorics and experimental math.
Since joining the Valparaiso University faculty, she has earned the Mathematical Association of America’s Trevor Evans Award and Henry L. Alder Award for Distinguished Teaching, as well as the Valparaiso University Excellence in Teaching Award and Excellence in Research and Creative Work Award, among numerous others.
Professor Pudwell has published over 40 research articles and is a coauthor of the 2019 book “A Mathematician’s Practical Guide to Mentoring Undergraduate Research.”
Newly Tenured Members of the Faculty
Amanda Brobst-Renaud
Tiffany Bell .................................................
Associate Professor of Communication and Visual Arts
Peter Krenzke
Associate Professor of Theology
Alison Downey Associate Professor of Library Science
Constance Sheets
Paul Smith
Jay Grossman ............................................................Associate Professor of Civil Engineering
Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Bethany Luke Associate Professor of Bioengineering
Masaru Nakamoto .................................................................
Suzanna Wise
Jamie Stangel .........................................................
Associate Professor of Biology
Associate Professor of Nursing
Associate Professor of Chemistry
Associate Professor of Sport Management
Associate Professor of Psychology
Full Professor Ranking Members of the Faculty
2024–2025 ACADEMIC YEAR:
Zuhdi Aljobeh ....................................................................... Professor of Civil Engineering
Adam Gibson-Even Professor of Physics
Sara Gundersen Professor of Economics
Jiangxia (Renee) Liu ...................................................................... Professor of Accounting
Stacy Maugans ............................................................................... Professor of Music
Julien Smith Professor of Humanities and Theology
Members of the Faculty and Staff with 25 and 30 Years of Service
25 YEARS OF SERVICE:
Carin Avery, Head Coach, Volleyball
Carter Hanson, Professor of English
Michael Watters, Professor of Biology
Jennifer Winquist, Professor of Psychology
30 YEARS OF SERVICE:
Joseph Bognar, Professor of Music
Laura Childers, Benefits Manager
Theresa Kark, Facility and Set Up Coordinator
Karen Klimczyk, Director of Financial Aid
Paul Lapsansky, Director of Technical Services
Richard Watson, Adjunct Instructor
New Full-Time Members of the Faculty
Susan Kirt Alterio College of Arts and Sciences
Katelyn Barber ...................................................................... College of Arts and Sciences
Jarron Bowman College of Arts and Sciences
Brian Buller College of Engineering
Yi-Ju Chien ................................................................................... College of Business
Robin Crigler College of Arts and Sciences
Barbara Dahl College of Arts and Sciences
Abbas Divani .............................................................................. College of Engineering
Bethany Garling-Spychala .......................................................... College of Arts and Sciences
Misty Hatch .College of Arts and Sciences
Ann Marie Jakubowski Christ College — The Honors College
Hana Jun ........................................................................... College of Arts and Sciences
Evan Lines College of Nursing and Health Professions
Ruanjia (Katerina) Liu College of Business
Gor Mkrtchian ...................................................................... College of Arts and Sciences
Ludwig Noya Christ College — The Honors College
Christopher Phillips College of Arts and Sciences
Juan Carlos Ramirez-Dorronsoro
College of Engineering
Matthew Ringenberg .College of Arts and Sciences
Shailee Yagnik College of Engineering
New Full-Time Members of the Staff
Mary Akers Harre Union
Thomas Arce .................................................................................. Student Activities
Michael Armitage Athletics
Federico Arroyo Admission
Jason Baimakovich ........................................................................ Facilities Management
Alicia Baker Facilities Management
Alexis Berry University Marketing
Raymond Blackman ......................................................................... Office of the Provost
Tod Blakely Facilities Management
Abigail Bond Education
Michael Brewster
Athletics
Miaya Carter Partner Solutions
Cristine Clemente Dos Santos Partner Solutions
Kristin Cotter .............................................................................. Facilities Management
Austin Davis Facilities Management
Emily De Vita Admission
Lindsey DeBoer .................................................................................... Advancement
John Ehrman .Athletics
Alan Flores Information Technology
Madeline Ganz .......................................................................................... Athletics
Jessica Gillespie .............................................................................. College of Business
Seamus Glennon Athletics
Jordan Griffiths College of Nursing and Health Professions
NEW FULL-TIME MEMBERS OF THE STAFF (CONTINUED)
Andrea Gruger Residential Life
Gibran Hamdan Athletics
Travis Harmon-Smith Advancement
Michelle Harrell ......................................................................................... Registrar
Stefanie Heinrich Office of the Provost
Eric Hernandez Partner Solutions
Jonathan Hill ........................................................................................... Athletics
James Hinson Student Life
Marc Hull Athletics
Neil Hunt .................................................................................. College of Engineering
Erin Imer Counseling Center
Adrianna Jarvis Athletics
Cameron Johnson
Ilinka Joveska
Athletics
Facilities Management
Erica Kerkes Advancement
Katie Kline ...............................................................Valparaiso University Police Department
Julianna La Coco Counseling Center
Kendall Laramie Partner Solutions
Renee Leavitt ..............................................................................
Facilities Management
Eryn Leonhard Advancement
Mimi Lozano Office of the President
Angela McCormick ........................................................................
Facilities Management
Courtney Molchan College of Nursing and Health Professions
Griselda Montanez Serrano Office of the Provost
Jennifer Nance ............................................................................
Facilities Management
Micah Niedner ..................................................................................... Advancement
Jonathan Noort
Facilities Management
Merce Poindexter Athletics
Kimberly Pomeroy .......................................................................... .University Marketing
Christine Radtke Advancement
Betty Rispens Partner Solutions
Elizabeth Rosentrater ...................................................................... Facilities Management
Stanford Routt Athletics
Claudio Ruiz Moreno
Morgan Schumacher.
Facilities Management
Athletics
William Spakowski Partner Solutions
Shaelyn Spurrier .Facilities Management
Cvetlana Stojceska ........................................................................
Facilities Management
Shyler Taylor Facilities Management
Kasandra Tenbarge Advancement
Jordan Trumble ............................................................................
Facilities Management
Zoe Vander Vinne College of Arts and Sciences
Devon Watson College of Arts and Sciences
Rachel Webb ............................................................................ Calling and Spiritual Life
Andrew Whitt Athletics
Lisa Yarbrough Admission
Academic Attire
On formal University occasions, the faculty appears in attire that can be traced back to the Middle Ages. The usual attire of the time, for both clergy and lay people, was a long gown, which was necessary for warmth in the unheated buildings of the day. Scholars, generally members of church orders, also wore such robes, as well as hoods to protect their shaved heads. The hood was sometimes used to collect alms from more affluent members of the community. As additional universities were founded, distinctive forms of gowns and hoods were adopted by their faculties. Variations indicated various ranks within an institution. When caps and hats later became fashionable, the hood became merely ornamental, draped over the shoulders and down the back. The use of academic attire in the United States has been continuous since colonial days. A uniform system was adopted by most institutions of higher learning near the end of the nineteenth century by an intercollegiate commission. This code of dress, reviewed and revised several times since its adoption, has become standard for most American colleges and universities. The most distinctive feature of American academic dress is the hood, which indicates by its color and design its wearer’s degree and the institution that conferred the degree. The hood is lined with the color of the college or university granting the degree (the holder of a degree granted by Valparaiso University wears a hood lined in brown and gold) and is faced with a color indicating the subject of specialization. Here is a partial list of colors associated with the various disciplines:
Arts, Letters, Humanities
Business Administration
White
Drab
Economics Copper
Education Light blue
Engineering
Orange Fine Arts Brown
Journalism Crimson
Law Purple
Library Science
Lemon yellow
Music
Pink
Nursing Apricot
Oratory, Speech
Philosophy
Silver gray
Dark blue
Physical Education ...........................Sage green
Physican Assistant
Kelly green
Science Gold
Social Work Citron
Theology Scarlet
The academic cap was a later development in academic attire. It was first conferred as a symbol of a master’s degree. Some caps were stiff, some soft, some square, some round with a tuft in the center. The tassel of today is an elaboration of the tuft. Round caps are still used at some institutions. The mortarboard style of cap comes to us from Oxford University. The cap is usually black, like the gown, and its tassel is either black or in the color indicated above for a degree in a particular field. Gold tassels are worn by holders of doctoral degrees and by heads of institutions.
Some members of Valparaiso University’s faculty hold degrees from universities in this country or abroad that do not follow the standard American pattern.
Symbols
In addition to the flags, two other symbols stand out in all academic ceremonies: the mace and the presidential medallion. The mace, the symbol of authority in the University, is carried in the academic procession in front of the president of the University by the president’s marshal. On the mace are four symbols: the University seal, the chi rho (an ancient symbol of Jesus Christ), the Luther coat of arms (symbolizing the Lutheran affiliation of the University), and the seal of the State of Indiana. Other small symbols on the mace depict various academic disciplines of the University and various Christian virtues. The presidential medallion is worn by the president of the University at all official University ceremonies. On one side is the seal of Valparaiso University and the other side is inscribed, “Official President’s Medal.” The president of the University wears a specially designed brown robe with four chevrons on the sleeve, signifying the rank of president of an academic institution. The chevrons and front panels are brown velvet and are outlined in gold cording reflective of the University’s colors. Embroidered on each front panel is the seal of the University. The president’s hood is lined with brown and gold.
VALPO.EDU
The Chapel of the Resurrection is built on the traditional homelands of several indigenous peoples, most notably the Potawatomi (Bodéwadmik) Nation. The land was ceded by Potawatomi leaders to the U.S. federal authorities on October 26, 1832, as part of the Treaty of Tippecanoe. We meet in this place indebted to this forced generosity.
Some of the indigenous population successfully resisted removal. Members of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi (Pokégnek Bodéwadmik) established a sovereign government in Dowagiac, Michigan, and continue to live, work, and worship as our neighbors.