THE 97 TH ANNUAL
Opening Convocation
THE 2025-2026 ACADEMIC YEAR
TUESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2025, 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 Haruhito Miyagi, Ph.D., assistant professor of music and director of Chapel music. 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 �87 M.M., Ph.D.
The 97 TH Annual Opening Convocation
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
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.
Prelude and Fugue in C Major, BWV 545 Johann Sebastian Bach
Herald Trumpeters
Directed by Jeffrey Scott Doebler �87 M.M., Ph.D.
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.
Proverbs 3:5-6
After the reading:
L: Word of God. Word of Life.
All: Thanks be to God.
Recognition
John R. Eckrich Chair in Religion and the Healing Arts ............. Julie Brandy MSN �95, Ph.D., RN, FNP-BC, CNE
Dale F. Kempf Professor of Emerging Technology .............................................. Peter Krenzke �08, Ph.D.
Richard E. Meier Professor of Management Jiangxia (Renee) Liu, Ph.D.
Frederick J. Kruse Organ Fellow Haruhito Miyagi, Ph.D.
Kreft Endowed Chair for the Advancement of Nursing Science .......... Constance Sheets, DNP, RN, GCNS-BC
Faculty Promotion
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
Lucas Opiola �26, President of the Student Body
Valparaiso University Alma Mater
All stand to sing.
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!
All remain standing.
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
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.
Students will follow faculty marshals out of the Chapel 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.
Hymn: O God, Our Help in Ages Past Tune: St. Anne Text: Isaac Watts, 1674-1748, alt.
JOHN R. ECKRICH CHAIR IN RELIGION AND THE HEALING ARTS
Julie Brandy MSN 95, Ph.D., RN, FNP-BC, CNE, Associate Professor of Nursing
Julie Brandy MSN �95, Ph.D., RN, FNP-BC, CNE, has been a faculty member at Valparaiso University since 2004. She earned a bachelor of science in nursing in 1991 at University of Evansville, a master of science in nursing (MSN) in 1995 at Valparaiso University, and a Ph.D. in nursing in 2011 at Loyola University, and she is certified as both a family nurse practitioner and a nurse educator. Her clinical experience spans critical care, surgery, hospice, and family practice. She is an active member of Sigma Theta Tau, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, and the Midwest Nursing Research Society. In the College of Nursing and Health Professions, Professor Brandy teaches courses such as introduction to nursing research, promoting health across the lifespan, and foundations of research for evidencebased practice.
Professor Brandy’s research interests center on spirituality and mental health. She has received grant support from the Wheat Ridge Foundation and the Valparaiso University Alumni Association (VUAA). Her scholarly work has been published in the Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, Jacob’s Journal of Gerontology, and Issues in Mental Health Nursing.
DALE F. KEMPF PROFESSOR OF EMERGING TECHNOLOGY
Peter Krenzke �08, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Bioengineering
Peter Krenzke �08, Ph.D., is a Valparaiso University alumnus, having earned his bachelor in science in mechanical engineering from Valpo in 2008. As a student, he sang tenor in Kantorei, participated in the Valpo International Engineering Program in German (VIEP-German) and Christ College — The Honors College, and had research experiences at the German Aerospace Center — Institute of Combustion Technology and the solar furnace at the Paul Scherrer Institute in Switzerland.
He worked at Caterpillar for two years before earning his master of science in 2013 and Ph.D. in 2016 from the University of Minnesota, where he studied solar fuels production in the solar energy laboratory. He taught at Taylor University before joining Valpo’s mechanical engineering and bioengineering faculty in the fall of 2018.
Professor Krenzke continues studying avenues to harness concentrated solar energy in Valpo’s James S. Markiewicz Solar Energy Research Facility (SERF). Recent avenues include demonstrating multiyear solar thermochemical energy storage, evaluating a sodium heat pipe solar receiver, and testing perovskite materials for solar hydrogen production.
With the Kempf Professorship, Professor Krenzke begins a new research direction. He will apply tools developed while studying solar fuels and teaching the mechanical measurements lab to a bioengineering topic, oxygen therapy. This new direction is motivated by personal experiences in the cardiac care unit after his son, Enoch, was born in July 2024.
RICHARD E. MEIER PROFESSOR OF MANAGEMENT
Jiangxia (Renee) Liu, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Accounting
Jiangxia (Renee) Liu, Ph.D., joined the College of Business faculty in 2014 after serving as an assistant professor and director of the accounting program at Gannon University in Pennsylvania. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Texas at Dallas.
Her research interests include supply chain finance and disruption, the impact of negative news announcements on the stock market, and gender-based analyses of C-suite executive compensation. Her work has been published in journals such as the Journal of Applied Business and Economics, the International Journal of Decision Sciences, Risk and Management, and the International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management.
In addition to her teaching and research, Professor Liu serves as faculty sponsor for the Valparaiso University Accounting Club and actively participates in University cultural events. She recently presented a lecture titled “Underpaid, Overperforming: The Untold Story of Women in Executive Roles.”
Beyond Valparaiso University, Professor Liu is a prominent member of the Midwest Decision Sciences Institute.
FREDERICK J. KRUSE ORGAN FELLOW
Haruhito Miyagi, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Music
Haruhito Miyagi, Ph.D., is a versatile musician — organist, harpsichordist, hurdy-gurdyist, and composer. He has performed extensively across the United States, as well as in Germany, Romania, and Hungary. Most recently, he made his debut with both the Utah Symphony and the West Valley Symphony.
As a composer, Professor Miyagi has received several internationally recognized honors, including a commission from the Barlow Endowment for Music Composition. His musical voice blends early music, contemporary techniques, and cross-cultural influences, reflecting a deep commitment to bridging tradition and innovation. His works have been performed by prominent ensembles, including the Orquestra Sinfônica do Teatro Nacional Claudio Santoro in Brasília, Musica Nostra Kórus of Budapest, the Battery String Quartet of Chicago, Quarteto L’Arianna of São Paulo, and members of the Utah Symphony.
Professor Miyagi holds a Ph.D. in music composition from the University of Utah, a master of music in organ performance and literature from the University of Notre Dame, and a bachelor of music in organ performance from Brigham Young University. Before his appointment at Valparaiso University, he taught music theory and composition at the University of Utah and Westminster University and has served as a church musician for over three decades.
KREFT ENDOWED CHAIR FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF NURSING SCIENCE
Constance Sheets, DNP, RN, GCNS-BC, Associate Professor of Nursing
Constance Sheets, DNP, RN, GCNS-BC, has taught in the undergraduate nursing program at Valparaiso University since 2004, teaching students at all levels in the undergraduate nursing program as well as a few courses in interprofessional education.
She is certified in gerontology as a clinical nurse specialist and has her certified dementia practitioner certification. She has worked with students and faculty on research projects over her tenure and has coauthored articles that have been published in Rehabilitation Nursing, Nursing Education Perspectives, and Clinical Nurse Specialist: The Journal of Advanced Nursing Practice. She has been a content reviewer for multiple nursing textbooks.
Professor Sheets is currently a content reviewer of geriatric nursing education courses for practicing nurses for MedBridge Inc. and works with Wake Learning on different textbook projects. Professor Sheets maintains a limited practice through Moses Caregivers and Brickyard Healthcare. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau, American Nurses Association, and the Gerontological Advanced Practice Nurses Association, and she is an honors member of the Nightingale Society. Professor Sheets has received the Daisy Award, which recognizes nursing faculty who make a significant positive impact on the future of nursing through their teaching, clinical expertise, and commitment to compassionate care. She is also acknowledged in the Human Resources and Services Administration's geriatric workforce enhancement program through the University of Chicago as a geriatric specialist in their current grant cycle.
Newly Tenured Members of the Faculty
Ossama Abdelgawwad, Ph.D. ..............................................
Caroline Ban, MSW
Mike Hsu, Ph.D.
Daniel Maguire, Ph.D. ........................................
Abbie Thompson, Ph.D.
Phrosini Samis-Smith, D.H.Ed., M.S., M.S.
Associate Professor of Religious Studies
Associate Professor of Social Work
Associate Professor of Economics
Associate Professor of Electrical and ComuterE-
Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Associate Professor of Psychology
Assistant Dean for Health Professions and Associate Professor of Healthcare Leadership
Full Professor Ranking Members of the Faculty
2025–2026 ACADEMIC YEAR:
Kristi Bugajski, Ph.D. Professor of Biology
Tiffany Kolba, Ph.D. Professor of Mathematics and Statistics
Slavica Jakelic, Ph.D. .................................................
Professor of Humanities and Social Thought
Faculty Promotions
Brian Davis, M.S.
Lisa Jennings, Ph.D. ................................................
Paul Oren, M.S.
Senior Lecturer of Mathematics and Statistics
Senior Lecturer of Mathematics and Statistics
Clinical Associate Professor of the Valparaiso University Experience (VUE)
Senior Lecturer of Communication and Visual Arts
Members of the Faculty and Staff with 25 and 30 Years of Service
25 YEARS OF SERVICE:
Justin Hunt, Network Administrator for Information Technology
30 YEARS OF SERVICE:
Laurie Eberhardt, Ph.D., Professor of Biology
New Full-Time Members of the Faculty
Kirsten Bullock, Ph.D.
Rachel Fischer, DNP, M.S., FNP-BC ..........................................
Alyssa Formyduval, OTD, M.S., OTR/L, CSRS
Assistant Professor of Management
Clinical Assistant Professor of Nursing
Clinical Assistant Professor of Occupational Therapy
Elizabeth Gmitter, Ph.D., PT, M.S. Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions
Bethany LeLaurin, Ed.D. ..................................................................... Lecturer in Education
Adam LoBue, Ph.D.
Visiting Assistant Professor of History
Katherine Martin, MSN, RN Clinical Assistant Professor of Nursing
Donald McGaughey, Ph.D. ......................................
Haruhito Miyagi, Ph.D.
Visiting Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Visitin Associate Professor of Electrical and Com-
Assistant Professor of Music
Jordy Novak, M.M., MT-BC Lecturer in Music
Saurabh Sachdeva, Ph.D. ......................................
Daniela Trajceski, MSW
Ian Walling, Ph.D.
Visiting Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Visiting Assistant Professor of Electrical and Com-
Clinical Assistant Professor of Social Work
Visiting Assistant Professor of Humanities
New Full-Time Members of the Staff
Alma Alvarado Admission
Rosa Alvarado, M.S. ...................................................................... Enrollment Management
Brooke Bailey, M.S.
Athletics
Timothy Benz Information Technology
Sabrina Boillot Katich College of Nursing and Health Professions
Courtney Boyd, M.Ed.
Athletics
David Busch Athletics
Anthony Ceja Student Life
Erica Collins ....................................................................................... Advancement
Paula Da Costa Chenquer �25 Athletics
Sky Culbertson Athletics
Emily De Vita �26 MBA
Admission
Kristen Demas Facilities Management
Lavonte Dority Athletics
Lisa Engle .................................................................................. Facilities Management
Zachary Feltrop Athletics
Danny Files 23 Athletics
Reed Florence .......................................................................................... Athletics
Terry Geiger, MBA Athletics
Caleb Gibson, M.S. .Athletics
Teresa Gotthardt, Ph.D., CFRE
Advancement
Colin Graves �25 Athletics
Sarah Hacker �22, �24 M.S. Athletics
Jasmine Hackett ........................................................................................ Athletics
Chase Hetzel Athletics
Jeremy Hill University Marketing
Brittany Hooper, M.S.
Athletics
LeAnn Hughes, M.A. Enrollment Management and Marketing
Raina Isaacs, Ph.D. Provost Office
Norman Jagier .......................................................... Valparaiso University Police Department
Neal Jeffery, MBA
Enrollment Management
John Johnstin, M.A. Harre Union and Auxilary Services
Michael Joseph ......................................................................................... Athletics
Max Karduck Athletics
Adam Kielbasa Admission
Erik Kispert �17 MBA ....................................................................... .Information Technology
Alton Knight ............................................................................................ Athletics
Joseph Kraus Valparaiso University Police Department
Natalie Krivas, Ph.D. Provost Office
Tyler Kuss �25 ..............................................................................
Claire Kutanovski
Eric Kwiecien
Facilities Management
University Marketing
Facilities Management
Corwin Leverich �14............................................................... Communication and Visual Arts
Dale Linderwell, MBA Athletics
Jaime Lopez
Information Technology
NEW FULL-TIME MEMBERS OF THE STAFF (CONTINUED)
Casey Lowenthal Financial Aid
Evan Matthes �24 M.S. Athletics
Jesse McClung, M.A.
Athletics
Ted McCoart ........................................................................................... Athletics
De'Ron McDaniel, M.M. Advancement
Cortney Carey �18 McDonald �26 MBA University Marketing
Daniel Meyer .............................................................................. Facilities Management
Caleb Moreau, M.S. Athletics
Erin Murphy �24 Admission
Peter Nank.
James Owen
Scott Palla
Athletics
Facilities Management
Facilities Management
Regina Portugal ........................................................................................ Admission
Matthew Potts Information Technology
William Price, M.S. Athletics
Malik Reese .......................................................................................... Financial Aid
Wade Reynolds
Facilities Management
Shaun Sahlhoff Advancement
Kate Schudel, M.Ed.
Admission
Devin Sodums, M.S. Sponsored and Undergraduate Research
Nolan Spaenhower, M.S. Student Life
Carla Sullivan ........................................................................................ Student Life
John Trapps Admission
Connor Vierstra. Athletics
Andrew Waddle, M.A.
Athletics
Candace Weber, M.A. Advancement
James Weldon
Alexandrea Yuratovac �23, �25 MBA
Facilities Management
Admission
Zachary Zajko, M.S. 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
Physical Education ..........................
Physican Assistant
Silver Gray
Dark Blue
Sage Green
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.