Valparaiso University Guild

08/27/2026

Have you filled out your ballot yet? Please be sure to do so before September 1st to ensure your voice is heard in which student projects are supported. Below is a testimonial from one of our winners last year on how the money was used to help provide more space and resources for students.
The Guild Grant was generously utilized to enhance student spaces across campus, upgrading the existing commuter area and kitchen in the Community Room while also funding a brand new lounge and kitchen in Harre Union Suite 200. These funds directly provided new commuter lockers, a massage chair, plush soft seating, cozy blankets, small appliances and an assortment of de-stressing activities and games. Together, these thoughtful additions equip both locations with amenities for studying, eating, and unwinding. By funding these upgraded spaces, the Guild Grant offers Valpo commuters an ideal environment to recharge and build connections between classes.

08/24/2026

The Guild had so much fun at Move-In Day today! We were able to provide water and snacks to students and their families and share all our fond memories of Valpo. It was great to see the whole community out helping our newest Valpo Beacons as they embraced this new journey!🎉

08/18/2026

Telling the Story That Shapes the Future

When President Rev. Brian Konkol, Ph.D., met with the University Guild Board recently, he offered a hopeful challenge: rather than trying to fix the past, let's help shape the future. 🥰One
simple way to do that is by becoming storytellers! Be ready to share how Valpo has made a difference
in our lives whenever the opportunity arises.

While doing yard work this week, a neighbor shared that his son had been accepted to another university. It gave me the opportunity to share why Valpo has meant so much to my family; how internships, leadership opportunities, and hands-on learning prepared both of my children for successful careers. "See, I am doing a new thing!" (Isaiah 43:19)

Let's keep our Valpo stories ready. 🤎Every positive conversation is an opportunity to plant a seed for the
future. 💛

08/07/2026

You should have received your personalized link to register for Homecoming events. We'd love to have you join us and to be sure we have an accurate count, please select "Raise a Glass wtih the Guild: AnnualMeeting & Cocktail Reception from 3 - 6 pm"🥂

See you there! 🎉🤎💛

07/28/2026

Homecoming registration is just around the corner! 🤎💛
The Guild is so excited to spend next homecoming back at Dear Old Valpo and to reconnect with current and future members! This year will be extra special as we celebrate the Inauguration of Reverend Brian Konkol and we are working on a revamp of our traditional membership meeting that we hope you will enjoy. ✨Registration opens on July 30th!🎉
The traditions may have changed over time but the fun and memories made are still as meaningful as ever. What is your favorite Valpo Homecoming memory?

07/17/2026

We are pleased to introduce Laura Blaney as a member of our 2026 Guild Board of Directors.📣 While not a VU graduate herself, Laura has deep family ties to the University🤎💛. Her mother and stepfather both taught at Valpo, and her father played basketball for the University. One of her favorite memories is selling popcorn in the stands at football games alongside other faculty children.🍿

Laura recently earned her Juris Doctor from Loyola University Chicago⚖️ and is currently preparing for the Indiana Bar Exam. She hopes to practice in probate and estate planning, as well as municipal law. Prior to law school, Laura dedicated much of her career to public service, including serving three terms as a Porter County Commissioner.

Laura and her husband, Ken, have four children & owned Kelsey’s Steak House until 2011, where they enjoyed welcoming Valpo students and families to the community. 🥰 Today, Ken owns Evolution Real Estate Solutions in Valparaiso.

Having witnessed firsthand the positive impact Valparaiso University has on both individuals and the broader community, Laura is honored to support and strengthen that connection through her service on the Guild Board. 😀

07/13/2026

As we reflect back on the first 6 months of Rev. Konkol's time as president, we invite you to listen to the homily he offered at Morning Prayer 🙏 when he first arrived on campus.🤎💛

https://loom.ly/kQhr2zY

Rev. Brian E. Konkol, Ph.D., Valparaiso University's 20th President...

07/08/2026

Did you see President Rev. Konkol's email?! 👀 Such GREAT NEWS! 🤩
"Our campus community is responding to our positive momentum with remarkable generosity, with $16.5 million in total cash received in fiscal year 2026, which is a 77% increase from fiscal year 2025. Furthermore, the Valpo Fund has raised $4.04 million, which is a 33% increase from last year."🙏

If you aren't subscribed and missed Rev Konkel's email, be sure to subscribe today!

07/03/2026

Introducing Vanessa Horning to our 2026 Guild Board of Directors!🥳 She graduated in '92🤎💛 and counts her semester studying abroad in Reutlingen, Germany,🥨 among her favorite Valpo memories.

Professionally, Vanessa serves as a Special Education Funding Specialist for the Washtenaw Intermediate School District in Ann Arbor, Michigan, where she supports educational programs and resources for students with special needs.

Vanessa is also proud of her two children and their accomplishments.🥰 Her son graduated from Saginaw Valley State University with a degree in Supply Chain Management and works in logistics for a trucking company in Detroit. Her daughter earned her BSN from Valparaiso University and serves as a nurse at Trinity Health in Ann Arbor. Vanessa remains grateful for the impact Valpo has had on her family and is honored to serve the Guild community.🙏

06/29/2026

Over the first half of Union the Valpo Campus Community was busy welcoming it's incoming Fall 2026 class through it's FOCUS orientation program. The Guild was happy to participate by having a table at the Campus Resource Fair which allowed us to introduce ourselves both to incoming students and their families! FOCUS remains an exciting time on campus filled with meeting new friends, registering for classes, and learning all the ins and outs of campus life. We can't wait to see what these new Beacons accomplish when they officially start classes this fall!
Does anyone have a favorite FOCUS memory they'd like to share?