Valpo Volunteerism

There are many reasons to volunteer; you may want to develop new skills, meet new people, help others, or give back. As a Valparaiso University alumnus(a), there are many ways to volunteer your time and talents for your alma mater. For information on how you can serve Valpo through volunteerism, call 800.833.6792, ext. 23, or send an e-mail to alumni@valpo.edu.

Opportunities for volunteer involvement include: Crusader Connection / Class Agents / Guild / Parents Council / Valparaiso Admission Network (VAN) / Valparaiso University Alumni Association (VUAA) / Valpo Clubs and Regional Groups

Valpo Clubs and Regional Groups

Valpo Clubs and regional groups throughout the country sponsored more than 100 events last year. Valpo Clubs are active in 14 areas: Arizona, Chicago, Denver, Fort Wayne, Houston, Indianapolis, Lake County, Ind., Milwaukee, Minnesota, New York and New Jersey, Porter County, Ind., Southeastern Michigan, St. Louis, and Washington, D.C. Groups of alumni not residing in Valpo Club communities are also welcome to plan events. Alumni events are a great way to give back to Valpo, to find other Crusaders living and working in your community, and find out the “inside scoop” about what’s happening on campus

For more information: valpo.edu/alumni/valpoclubs/

Valparaiso University Alumni Association (VUAA)

You and the more than 50,000 alumni of Valpo make up the VUAA. Since 1934, the association has worked to strengthen the relationship between the university and its alumni. Membership in the VUAA is free and open to any graduate or former student completing at least one semester.

An active board of directors manages the programs, events, and activities of the association. Board members are actively involved with regional and national programs in support of advancing the mission of the university. Programs such as the Valpo Clubs, the Crusader Connection mentor program, and the Valparaiso Admission Network are just a few examples this outreach.

The VUAA board of directors maintains a balance of its membership that reflects demographic and geographic make up of entire alumni population. In recruiting new members to the board, a nominating committee seeks input from all alumni and actively recruits new members annually.

For more information about the Valpo Alumni Board or for a list of current board members visit the VUAA page.

Class Agents

Valpo’s youngest alumni, those who have graduated in the last 10 years, are the group of alumni with the greatest potential to impact Valpo’s future. Ahead of them is a lifetime of time, talents and treasure, and it's the job of the class agent to help keep these young alumni engaged with Valpo and excited about the role that Valpo can continue to play in their lives. Volunteers are recruited from each class (currently 1998-2008) to serve as class agents. These volunteers lead their class by example, and encourage their classmates to stay involved with Valpo through charitable giving, volunteerism, event attendance, and other methods of involvement.

For more information: Kellie Bindas, assistant director of alumni relations, at 219.464.5461.

VU Parents Council

The mission of the Valparaiso University Parents Council is to serve an ambassadorial role promoting and supporting Valpo, and act as a liaison between parents, students and the university. The Parents Council does this by hosting various activities for parents, such as the Parents Council Welcome Center during Welcome Weekend, Family Weekend, and a booth and reception at FOCUS in June. The Parents Council also writes and sends the "Valpo Parent" newsletter to all incoming parents, and the parent e-newsletter to all parents of upperclass students. They meet twice a year on campus.

For more information: valpo.edu/parents or send an E-mail to parents@valpo.edu.

Valpo Admission Network (VAN)

The VAN offers a variety of flexible volunteer opportunities to share VU facts and stories while assisting the admission counselors with their student recruitment programs. You control the time you invest in the VAN. Projects include representing Valpo at college fairs, “adopting” a local high school or church, or chatting with admitted students and their parents in your communities. You can even provide prospective Valpo students with an “alumni-endorsed” application to VU—with your signature, their $30 application fee is waived. Visit http://valpo.edu/van/forms/referralform.php to help spread the word about Valpo.

For more information: valpo.edu/van

VU Guild

The VU Guild is composed of alumnae, mothers of present or former students, and women with a personal affiliation with the university, who contribute their time and talents because of a strong belief in Christian higher education, especially as demonstrated at Valparaiso University. More than 1,200 women volunteer with the Guild through 68 chapters nationwide. The Guild works to enhance the student experience by providing scholarships and facilities necessary for the students’ physical and spiritual welfare while also developing a greater interest in the university as an institute of Christian higher learning. Prospective Guild members can apply for membership at www.valpo.edu/guild/forms/ form-3012-prospective.html.

For more information: valpo.edu/guild

Crusader Connection

Crusader Connection Mentor Network is a student/alumni mentoring program. Made possible by a grant from the Lilly Endowment, the program matches VU students with alumni in an effort to provide advice and to assist in the development of students academically, professionally, and personally. The program also strives to provide an opportunity for alumni to remain connected and involved with VU. Professionals using criteria that include career goals, geographic location, shared interests, and a common academic background do the matching. Once matched, the student and the mentor establish contact. Call 800.833.6792, ext. 23, to obtain a brochure and enrollment form.

For more information: valpo.edu/crusaderconnection