VALPARAISO UNIVERSITY
In Luce Tua Videmus Lucem — “In Thy Light We See Light” Valparaiso University, a community of learning dedicated to excellence and built on the Lutheran tradition of scholarship, freedom, and faith, prepares students to lead and serve in both church and society. Founded in 1859 by Methodists as the Valparaiso Male and Female College, the institution was known as the Northern Indiana Normal School for three decades until officially becoming Valparaiso College in 1900 and then being rechartered in 1906 as Valparaiso University. After decades of expansion, the University experienced financial hardship as the United States entered World War I. The Lutheran University Association, a group of clergy and church laity, purchased Valpo in 1925, ushering in the modern era of its history. As a campus community now celebrating its second century of Lutheran roots and reach, Valparaiso University forms students who learn without fear, serve with love, and lead with hope.
THE REVEREND BRIAN E. KONKOL , PH.D., PRESIDENT
The Reverend Brian E. Konkol, Ph.D., serves as the 20th President of Valparaiso University, having assumed office on January 1, 2026.
An
ordained
Lutheran
minister,
enthusiastic
global
scholar,
and
accomplished higher education executive, Rev. Konkol has embraced his “dream job” by seeking to deepen the roots and expand the reach of Valparaiso University, to prepare students for leadership and service in both church and society. By proclaiming “we build lives for good” and “the world needs more Valpo graduates,” Rev. Konkol has collaborated with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and partners to draft a Strategic Mission Compass, which seeks to provide direction and alignment in the midst of complexity and uncertainty, as Valparaiso University builds momentum in service to its mission. Rev. Konkol brings a distinctive and global background of leadership and learning to Valparaiso University. Originally from Amherst Junction, Wisconsin, he began ordained ministry service through parishes of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Guyana, where he also lectured at the Lutheran Lay Academy and co-hosted the nationally televised broadcast “Word for the World.” He served on various community organizing committees throughout Guyana, many of which focused on ecumenical and interfaith cooperation, poverty, children and youth development, and ecological sustainability. Rev. Konkol then served in South Africa as country coordinator of the Young Adults in Global Mission program of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). While in South Africa, Rev. Konkol also assisted in parish ministry alongside isiZulu-speaking congregations of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Southern Africa, lectured at the Lutheran Theological Institute, and participated with the World Council of Churches (WCC) and Lutheran World Federation (LWF) in the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. After nearly a decade overseas with the ELCA Global Mission, Rev. Konkol then served as co-pastor of Lake Edge Lutheran Church (Madison, Wisconsin), with responsibilities for multicultural engagement and public advocacy. Rev. Konkol then served as chaplain of the college at Gustavus Adolphus College (St. Peter, Minnesota), where he was also co-founder and program chair for the Gustavus Academy of Faith, Science, and Ethics, faculty member in the peace, justice, and conflict studies program, helped
THE REVEREND BRIAN E. KONKOL , PH.D., PRESIDENT
to construct the college’s first multifaith center, and was faculty liaison to the men’s basketball team. Prior to his appointment at Valparaiso University, Rev. Konkol served as vice president, dean, and professor at Syracuse University, where he was a member of the Chancellor’s Executive Team and steered a 933% increase in student participation and a 155% increase in fundraising at Hendricks Chapel, expansion of more than 2,000 annual programs, and the development of a nationally recognized model for spiritual, ethical, and interfaith engagement in higher education. Bolstered by an institutional focus on redefining and enhancing every aspect of the student experience and empowering faculty and research excellence, Rev. Konkol taught courses on religion, conflict, and collaboration, and played a key leadership role in Syracuse University’s successful $1.5 billion comprehensive campaign, including dramatic growth in annual giving and donor engagement. Rev. Konkol serves as honorary professor in the School of Religion, Philosophy, and Classics at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, was cofounder and faculty chair of the Fellowship for Emerging Leaders in Ministry in partnership with Le Moyne College (Syracuse, New York), and is a published author and sought-after international speaker, having been invited to lecture and preach at institutions such as Duke University (Durham, North Carolina), Harvard University (Cambridge, Massachusetts), Northwestern University (Evanston, Illinois), Stanford University (Stanford, California), St. George’s Cathedral (Cape Town, South Africa), the United Nations Conference of the Parties, and the Parliament of the World’s Religions. Rev. Konkol competed on the men’s basketball team while earning a bachelor of science in criminal justice from Viterbo University (La Crosse, Wisconsin). He earned a master of divinity from Luther Seminary (St. Paul, Minnesota), and master of theology and doctor of philosophy in the School of Religion, Philosophy, and Classics at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (Pietermaritzburg, South Africa). Rev. Konkol is married to Kristen Konkol, Ph.D., associate teaching professor of exercise science at the David B. Falk College of Sport at Syracuse University. They are parents of two children, Khaya and Tobi.
PAST PRESIDENTS
Francis D. Carley, Acting 1859-1860
Horace Martin Evans 1923-1926
Charles N. Sims 1860-1862
William Henry Theodore Dau 1926-1929
Erastus Herman Staley 1862-1864 Benjamin Wilson Smith 1864-1867 Thomas Bond Wood 1867-1869 Aaron Gurney 1869-1871 Henry Baker Brown 1873-1917 Oliver Perry Kinsey, Acting 1917-1919 Henry Kinsey Brown 1919-1920 Daniel Russel Hodgdon 1920-1921 John Edward Roessler 1921-1922 Milo Jesse Bowman 1922
Oscar Carl Kreinheder 1930-1939 Otto Paul Kretzmann 1940-1968 Albert George Huegli 1968-1978 Robert Victor Schnabel 1978-1988 Alan F. Harre 1988-2008 Mark A. Heckler 2008-2020 Colette Irwin-Knott, Acting 2020-2021 José D. Padilla 2021-2026 Brian E. Konkol 2026-Present
OTTO PAUL KRETZMANN
President O.P. Kretzmann led Valpo from 1940–1968, overseeing the development of a new campus, tenfold enrollment growth, and the University’s rise to national recognition.
INAUGURATION CEREMONY
Celebratory Music Academic Procession O God, Our Help in Ages Past. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . William Croft (1678–1727) arr. Michael Boo
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. L ike flowery fields the nations stand, pleased with the morning light, the flowers beneath the mower’s hand. lie withering ere ’tis night. Text: Isaac Watts, 1674-1748, alt. Music: ST. Anne, William Croft, 1678-1727
Invocation and Opening Prayer The Reverend Katherine Museus, M.Div., University Pastor
Greetings and Words of Welcome Jon A. Steinbrecher ’83, PED, Chair of the Board of Directors Introduced by Eric W. Johnson ’87, Ph.D., Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
Anthem Praise to the Lord, the Almighty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arr. F. Melius Christiansen
Faculty Reflection Caroline Ban, MSW, Program Director and Associate Professor of Social Work Introduced by Bharath Ganesh Babu, Ph.D., Professor of Geography and Chair of the Faculty Senate
Scripture Reading Jeremiah 17:7-8 Candace Campbell Jackson, J.D., Senior Vice President and Senior Advisor to the Chancellor, Syracuse University Reader: Word of God, Word of Life. All: Thanks be to God. Matthew 5:13-16 Eric Konkol, M.S., Head Men’s Basketball Coach, University of Tulsa Reader: Word of God, Word of Life. All: Thanks be to God.
Anthem Do Not Be Afraid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Philip Stopford
Alumni Reflection Lem Cartman ’21, ’24 MHA , Manager of Community Relations at Henry Ford Health Introduced by Bharath Ganesh Babu, Ph.D., Professor of Geography and Chair of the Faculty Senate
INAUGURATION CEREMONY (CONTINUED)
Community Reflection Matthew Wells, Ph.D., President and CEO of One Region Introduced by Eric W. Johnson ’87, Ph.D., Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
Delegate Reflection J. Michael Haynie, Ph.D., Chancellor and President of Syracuse University Introduced by Eric W. Johnson ’87, Ph.D., Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
Investiture of the President Jon A. Steinbrecher ’83, PED, Chair of the Board of Directors
Inaugural Address: “What Does The World Need From Us?” The Reverend Brian E. Konkol, Ph.D., President
Hymn God’s Work, Our Hands Setting by Noah Durlam ’25
Text: Wayne L. Wold (1954) Tune/music: Earth and All Stars, David N. Johnson (1922-1987)
INAUGURATION CEREMONY (CONTINUED)
Prayers The Reverend James Wetzstein, Ph.D., University Pastor P: Let us pray for the whole people of God, this University and all people according to their needs. After each petition… P: Lord in your mercy, All: Hear our prayer. At the end of the prayers… P: Into your hands, gracious God, we commend all for whom we pray, trusting in your mercy; through Jesus Christ, our Savior. All: Amen.
Recessional Hymn We are Marching in the Light of God Siyahamba The choir sings the first stanza; the assembly responds with the remaining stanzas in English.
INAUGURATION CEREMONY (CONTINUED)
English: We are marching in the light of God, we are marching in the light of God. We are marching in the light of God, we are marching in the light of God. Additional stanzas ad lib: We are dancing… We are praying… We are singing…
Original: Siyahamb’ ekukhanyen’ kwenkhos’, siyahamb’ ekukhanyen’ kwenkhos’. Siyahamb’ ekukhanyen’ kwenkhos’, siyahamb’ ekukhanyen’ kwenkhos’. Siyahamba, (hamba, siyahamba, hamba,) siyahamb’ ekukhanyen’ kwenkhos’. Siyahamba, (hamba, siyahamba, hamba,) siyahamb’ ekukhanyen’ kwenkhos’.
Text: South African traditional; tr. Freedom Is Coming, 1984 Music: SIYAHAMBA, South African traditional Tr. © 1984 Utryc`k, admin. Walton Music Corp.
Ringing of the Brandt Campanile Bells
CEREMONY PARTICIPANTS
Chair of the Board of Directors Jon A. Steinbrecher ’83, PED President of Valparaiso University The Reverend Brian E. Konkol, Ph.D. Officiants The Reverend Katherine Museus, M.Div., University Pastor The Reverend James A. Wetzstein, Ph.D., University Pastor Faculty Representative Caroline Ban, MSW, Program Director and Associate Professor of Social Work Alumni Representative Lem Cartman ’21, ’24 MHA, Community Relations, Henry Ford Health Community and Higher Education Representatives Matthew Wells, Ph.D., President and CEO, One Region J. Michael Haynie, Ph.D., Chancellor and President, Syracuse University Scripture Readers Candace Campbell Jackson, J.D., Senior Vice President and Senior Advisor to the Chancellor, Syracuse University Eric Konkol, M.S., Head Men’s Basketball Coach, University of Tulsa Ceremony Emcees Eric W. Johnson ’87, Ph.D., Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Bharath Ganesh Babu, Ph.D., Professor of Geography and Chair of the Faculty Senate Music Ensembles Valparaiso University Chamber Concert Band Jeffrey Scott Doebler ’87, Ph.D., Conductor Valparaiso University Chorale, Valparaiso University Bach Choir, Alumni Choir Marin Jacobson, DMA, Conductor Valparaiso University Symphony Orchestra Diego Piedra, DMA, Conductor Haruhito Miyagi, Ph.D., Director of Chapel Music and University Organist Marshals Robert W. Clark, Ph.D., University Marshal Aimee B. Tomasek, MFA, President’s Marshal Members of the faculty and staff of Valparaiso University
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Pranati Bansal, MBA Valparaiso, Indiana
James Hooper ’06 Dallas
Jill Bodensteiner, J.D., MBA Indianapolis
Colette J. Irwin-Knott ’81 Zionsville, Indiana
Scott Buckley ’94 Western Springs, Illinois
Rev. Brian E. Konkol, Ph.D. University President Valparaiso, Indiana
Emily Chase, Ph.D., RN Chicago Jonathan Cisneros ’17, M.S.Ed., J.D. Valparaiso University Alumni Association President Fishers, Indiana Judge Jon DeGuilio ’81 J.D. Highland, Indiana H. Jeffrey Dobbs ’77 Leawood, Kansas
James Lancaster ’91, M.S. Winona Lake, Indiana Bruce R. Laning ’81 Hubertus, Wisconsin Sara Manske ’98, J.D. Carmel, Indiana Dorothy McDermott ’99, J.D. Indianapolis
Mark H. Duesenberg ’84, J.D. Rocky River, Ohio
Victoria Noll ’91 Guild Chair Jim Falls, Wisconsin
Craig Dwight La Porte, Indiana
Andy Nunemaker ’91, MBA Milwaukee
Susan Ehr ’82, J.D. London, England
Christopher Petrini-Poli ’95, MBA Chicago
Geoffrey Gilmore ’95, MBA New Albany, Ohio
Philip C. Spahn ’92, ’95 J.D. Oak Park, Illinois
R. Louie Gonzalez, MPA Munster, Indiana
Jon Steinbrecher ’83, PED, Chair Rocky River, Ohio
Christopher Good, MPA, Ed.D. Larchmont, New York
Julie M. Winkler ’96, MBA, Vice Chair Naperville, Illinois
LIVING EMERITUS MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Connie Busse ’56 Ashline ’10H 1994–2011
Stephen A. Furbacher ’73 2008–2012
Dixon W. Benz ’64 1983–1991
Joyce S. Hagen ’79 2009–2018
Harold G. Bernthal ’81H 1977–1989
Mark F. Hagerman ’67 2005–2019
Richard E. Beumer ’59 1990–2016
Robert D. Hansen Jr. ’82 2007–2025
David Bochnowski 2015–2025
David J. Hessler ’65, ’68 J.D. 1987–2018
N. Cornell Boggs III ’82, ’85 J.D. 2004–2022
Susan Pennekamp ’66 Hooker 2000–2017
Rev. Luther Brunette 2008–2024
Christa Ressmeyer ’66 Klein 1992–2001
Jay W. Christopher ’67, ’99H 1999–2009
Fred Kraegel ’70 1986–2024
Caroline McMillan ’62 Collings 1986–1993
Grant A. Krafft ’76 2004–2017
Donna G. Craven ’74 2009–2010
Karl A. Kreft ’13H 2000–2010
John Draheim ’64 2011–2022
Al A. Meitz ’58 1989–1995
Charles W. Dull ’95H 1993–2008
Marian J. Moon ’72 2011–2025
Rev. Pamela R. Fickenscher ’90 2008–2014
JoAnna Huebschman ’76 Morris 2006–2007
Donald V. Fites ’56, ’98H 1992–2014
Rev. Charles S. Mueller Jr. 1997–2008
LIVING EMERITUS MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS (CONTINUED)
James Mueller ’72, ’75 J.D. 1993–2009, 2014–2022
John Shelton ’80 1993–2024
Gary L. Neale 2001–2005
Harley W. Snyder ’95H 1989–2016
Charles E. Niemier ’78 1991–2016
Paul A. Strasen ’78 2004–2025
Steven W. Parks ’67 1999–2020
Amy Vie ’89 2013–2022
Richard W. Pehlke ’75 2005–2014
Richard C. Vie 1994–2009
Bonnie E. Raquet ’70 2001–2022
William B. Wehrenberg ’73 1992–2003
Linnea Conrad ’84 Roberts 2003–2019
Carol Fiesler ’62 Williamson 2005–2010
Ruth E. Russler ’87H 1980–1982, 1985–1996
Joel R. Wilson ’72 1991–2021
Rev. Debra von Fischer Samuelson 2004–2008
Jane Schmitt ’62 Wittlinger 1994–2005
Carolyn Schlie Femovich ’71 2006–2025 Mark A. Schulz ’74 2007–2013 Jon R. Schumacher ’59 1991–2017 Scott Seefeld ‘89 2006–2022
Carl H. Young ’73 2006–2014 Ronald H. Zech ’65 2012–2018 John D. Zeglis ’09H 2009, 2012–2016 H denotes honorary degree Date ranges above indicate years of service
VICE PRESIDENTS AND ACADEMIC ADMINISTRATION OFFICERS OF THE UNIVERSIT Y
Eric W. Johnson ’87, Ph.D. Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs
Jennifer Prough ’91, Ph.D. Dean, Christ College — The Honors College
Mary Grace Almandrez, Ed.D. Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff to the President
Nicole D. Smith, Ph.D. Dean, College of Arts and Sciences
LeAnn A. Hughes, M.A. Senior Vice President for Enrollment and Marketing
Matthew Luth, Ph.D. Dean, College of Business Doug Tougaw ’05 MBA, Ph.D., P.E. Dean, College of Engineering
Loren Chandler, MBA, CPA Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration and Chief Financial Officer
Elizabeth Gmitter, M.S., Ph.D., PT Dean, College of Nursing and Health Professions
John S. Prizner III, M.S. Vice President for Advancement
Patricia J. Mileham, MLIS Dean, Library Science
INAUGURATION COMMITTEE
Mary Grace Almandrez, Ed.D. Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff to the President
Eric J. Matanyi, M.A. Associate Vice President of Marketing and Communications
Julie Brandy, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Nursing
Haruhito Miyagi, Ph.D. Director of Chapel Music and University Organist
Kirsten Bullock, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Management Robert W. Clark, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Chemistry Katelyn Jaster ’28 Biology Major
Cassandra J. Spier ’08, ’17 M.A. Executive Director of Communications and University Events Rev. James A. Wetzstein, Ph.D. University Pastor Inauguration Committee Chair
DELEGATES (AS OF SEPTEMBER 16, 2026) A C A D E M I C D E L E G AT E S University of Zaragoza, Spain | 1542 Carlos Miguel-Pueyo Alumnus University of Pennsylvania | 1740 Christopher Good Alumnus Indiana University | 1820 Arrick Jackson Chancellor Indiana University Northwest Thomas (Thom) Fisher Dean and Professor of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Indiana University South Bend
Concordia Theological Seminary | 1846 Martin Lewis Vice President of Advancement and Chief Advancement Officer Taylor University | 1846 Matt Renfrow Dean of Natural and Applied Sciences University at Buffalo, The State University of New York | 1846 Keith Alford Dean and Professor, School of Social Work Northwestern University | 1851 Dan Philip McAdams Henry Wade Rogers Professor of Psychology
New York University | 1831 Avery M. D. Davis Chief of Staff for Development and Alumni Relations
Wartburg College | 1852 Jack R. Ohle President Emeritus
Franklin College | 1834 Kristin Flora Vice President for Academic Affairs
University of Evansville | 1854 Christopher Pietruszkiewicz President
University of Missouri | 1839 Kimberly Iceman Associate Research Professor
Augustana College | 1860 Sangeetha Rayapati Professor of Music
Wittenberg University | 1842 Karen Gerboth Vice President of Marketing and Communications
Gustavus Adolphus College | 1862 Rebecca M. Bergman President
Saint Mary's College | 1844 Colleen Hoover Dean of Curriculum and Graduate Studies
Marcia J. Bunge Professor of Religion and Bernhardson Distinguished Endowed Chair of Lutheran Studies
DELEGATES (AS OF SEPTEMBER 16, 2026 CONTINUED) Luther Seminary | 1869 Reverend Robin Steinke President
Jeff Rubin Senior Vice President and Chief Digital Officer
Reverend Sean Forde Secretary of the Board of Directors
Alexander Snow Director of Events at Hendricks Chapel
Purdue University | 1869 Chris Holford Chancellor Purdue University Northwest Christine Lehmann Professor Emerita of Mathematics Richard Rupp Associate Professor of Political Science Richard Sévère Dean, College of Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences Colorado State University | 1870 Russ Schumacher Professor and Colorado State Climatologist Syracuse University | 1870 J. Michael Haynie Chancellor and President Candace Campbell Jackson Senior Vice President and Senior Advisor to the Chancellor Mary Opperman Senior Vice President and University Secretary Brett Padgett Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer John Papazoglou Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer
Jeff Stoecker Senior Vice President, Chief of Staff to Chancellor Haynie, and Chief Communications and Marketing Officer Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology | 1874 Ellen Goldey Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Concordia University Wisconsin | 1881 Erik Ankerberg President The University of Tulsa | 1882 Eric Konkol Head Men’s Basketball Coach New Mexico State University | 1888 Bethany Kathleen Garling-Spychala Alumnus Manchester University | 1889 Stacy Young President Augsburg University | 1890 Paul C. Pribbenow President University of Chicago | 1890 Emily Chase President, Comer Children’s Hospital
DELEGATES (AS OF SEPTEMBER 16, 2026 CONTINUED) Viterbo University | 1890 Tonya Wagner Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Enrollment North Park University | 1891 Mike Nevergall Vice President for Advancement Dominican University | 1901 Glena Temple President Gary Klein Senior Advisor to the President Suffolk University | 1906 David C. Yamada Professor of Law The University of Alabama in Huntsville | 1950 Christopher Phillips Alumnus Calumet College of St. Joseph | 1951 Ron Tulley President California Lutheran University | 1959 John A. Nunes President Ivy Tech Community College | 1963 Diane Lewis Associate Professor and Department Chair for Life Sciences
Holy Cross College | 1966 Marco Clark President East Porter County School Corporation | 1969 Reid Amones Superintendent Evangelical Lutheran Church in America | 1988 Mary Jane Streufert Director for Justice for Women Lamont Wells Executive Director of the Network of ELCA Colleges and Universities United Lutheran Seminary | 2017 Jon Pahl Peter Paul and Elizabeth Hagan Professor of History GOVERNMENT AND COMMUNIT Y Kelly Anthony Regional Director for U.S. Senator Todd Young Rebecca Buitendorp Circuit Court Judge Porter County Ed Charbonneau State Senator Indiana State Senate Maggie Clifton Community Engagement Director City of Valparaiso
DELEGATES (AS OF SEPTEMBER 16, 2026 CONTINUED) Jonathan Costas Mayor, City of Valparaiso Jon DeGuilio Senior United States District Judge United States District Court for the Northern District of Indiana Heather Ennis President and CEO Northwest Indiana Forum Dennis Kramer Retired Federal Judge Retired Lt. Col., United States Air Force Reserve James Lancaster CEO National Science Foundation IMPACT Engine in Indiana Jeff Lewis Board Member, One Region Jon Miller Chief Deputy, Porter County Recorder Steve Poulos City Administrator, City of Valparaiso Rex Richards President Valparaiso Chamber of Commerce Rebecca Pallmeyer Judge, United States District Court Barb Regnitz Commissioner, Porter County
Adrienne Laura Rodriguez-Aranda Program Officer, United States Department of Education Edmond L. Soliday Representative Indiana General Assembly
SYMBOLS OF THE OFFICE
These symbols are associated with the presidency of Valparaiso University and are a part of formal academic ceremonies. The Mace Once a heavily spiked club used in the Middle Ages as a defense against heavily armored knights, the mace has evolved into a symbol of authority, honor, and institutional tradition. Over time, universities adopted the ceremonial mace as a symbol of the authority of scholarship and the academic pursuit of truth and wisdom. Carried at the head of academic processions, it represents the unity, heritage, and aspirations of the collegiate community. The Valparaiso University ceremonial mace, crafted of sterling silver, gold, and ebony, was first used in 1953 and continues to lead the academic procession immediately before the president of the University. It was presented to the University on May 31, 1953, as a memorial to Louis H. Bangert by his daughter, Anna Luise Bangert Kurtz ’41, and her husband, Edwin A. Kurtz ’40, ’42. The mace was designed by Florence Halter and crafted by Associated Metalcrafts, Inc., of Philadelphia. Measuring 36 inches in length, the mace features an ebony shaft topped by a sterling silver head adorned with four gold emblems: the seal of Valparaiso University, the seal of the State of Indiana, the coat of arms of Martin Luther, and the Christogram formed by the Greek letters chi (X) and rho (P), the first two letters of Christ's name in Greek. Encircling the head are twelve small medallions depicting symbols of the University’s academic disciplines alongside enduring ideals that define its mission, including faith, hope, charity, truth, wisdom, and patriotism. Crowning the mace is a gold flame, symbolizing the light of knowledge and the University’s enduring commitment to learning, discovery, and service.
SYMBOLS OF THE OFFICE (CONTINUED)
The Presidential Medallion The tradition of a chain of office goes back to the colorful life of the integrated town-community of the Middle Ages. The symbol of communal harmony was the mayor, who at his investiture was given a small chain with medallions that represented all of the guilds working together for the welfare of the town. In the Medieval university, the chief official — or rector magnificus — held authority similar to the mayor in civil society. His chain of office consisted of the insignia of the disciplines or colleges comprising the university. Valparaiso University’s presidential medallion is a disc of 10 karat gold. Pictured on one side is the University seal and on the other side is a depiction of laurel leaves with the name of the University encircled by the words “The Official President’s Medal.” The presidential medallion is the official symbol of the Office of the President of Valparaiso University and is donned by the president when academic apparel is worn at formal academic celebrations.
Academic Regalia The pageantry and dress of the academic procession have been inherited from the medieval universities of the 11th and 12th centuries. Principal features of academic dress are the gown, the cap and the hood. Since the 15th century, both Cambridge and Oxford have made academic dress a matter of university control even to its minor details, and have repeatedly published revised regulations. American universities first agreed on a definite system in 1895. In 1932, the American Council on Education presented a revised code which, for the most part, governs the style of academic dress today. The president’s robe is made distinctive by its light gray color, accented by four chevrons on the sleeve, signifying the rank of president of an academic institution. The velvet chevrons and front panels of the gown are fashioned from gold velvet and outlined in brown cording reflective of the University’s colors. Embroidered on each front panel is the seal of the University. The hood is lined with brown and gold. Rev. Konkol is the first university president to wear this current interpretation of the robe of office.