Guild Embraces Changes in Structure

The Valparaiso University Guild is changing its organizational structure to enhance its service to the university and students, as well as better meet the needs of today’s volunteer. 

Members of the Valparaiso University Guild visit at a May banquet celebrating the 75th anniversary of the organization.

The national network of 1,200 alumni, parents of current and former students, and other friends affiliated with VU celebrated its 75th anniversary in May with the adoption of several new organizational guidelines:

1. Members will join the Valparaiso University Guild, rather than an individual chapter. 
2. Members are encouraged to work together both locally and nationally to serve the Guild’s mission of enhancing the student experience. 
3. Members will send their annual financial commitments directly to the Guild.
4. Individual contributions and money raised through fundraising will be placed into an endowment, the spending of which will fund Guild philanthropy on campus.

“We determined our interest was primarily to enhance the student experience,” says Julie (Speers ’94) Thomas, director of the university Guild. “The best way to do this was through offering scholarships, grants to campus departments and student organizations, and by serving students.  The Guild also has the ability to exemplify what the university has to offer.”

For more information, call Thomas at 219.464.5315, send an e-mail to julie.thomas@valpo.edu, or visit valpo.edu/guild.