Former President Schnabel Praises Harre Tenure

When Alan Harre became the 17th president of Valparaiso University, he took the reins from President Robert Schnabel.

Schnabel, who served from 1978 to 1988, now is living in Angola, Ind., with his wife, Ellen. Though it’s been 19 years since he occupied VU’s highest office, he continues to be greatly interested in all that takes place at Valpo.

President Robert Schnabel, left, shakes hands with incoming President Alan Harre in 1988.

“In the last two decades, the university has progressed on every front—new buildings, renovations, the growth of the endowment, the installation of a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa,” Schnabel says. “Clearly you can say VU has really moved forward under Dr. Harre, and I want to pay tribute to him.”

Other achievements that stand out for Schnabel include the accreditation of the university and its colleges, the successful completion of several fundraising campaigns, and consistent top rankings in U.S. News & World Report magazine. “One of the things alumni are appreciating more and more is the status of the university,” he says. “Very often, you don’t have to describe Valpo to people; we’ve become a well-known name.”

As president, Schnabel completed the campaign begun by President Albert Huegli, “Forward to the ’80s,” which raised $28 million. He also oversaw the “Crusade for Valparaiso University” campaign, which secured $73 million.

“I had an outstanding cadre of colleagues with whom I was pleased to serve, and the support of loyal alumni, Guild mem­bers and friends,” he says. “When I look back, it’s the people I think of most.”