Campus Projects Update: Where once there were trenches and fences, we soon should see grass. Repairs to streets and sidewalks are nearing completion, indicating the end of our new duct bank's installation and the ensuing pulling of fibre optic and telecommunications cable into the ducts. Crews are backfilling dirt along the new Union's foundation walls while the steel skeleton continues to grow. Once steel work is complete, pouring concrete on the building floors and exterior masonry work will begin. Work on the new parking ramp's northwest stair tower and installation of pre-cast exterior panels is expected to be completed any day now to be followed by installation of the elevator.
Porter Health System Sold: Porter Health System (hospital adjacent to campus) was purchased from Porter County for $120 million this past month. We are told they will upgrade to a 200+ bed facility in another area of town within 48 months. No staff changes are anticipated and the organization will remain committed to charity care.
Water Quality in China: A VU research team will study water quality in China May 24 thru June 18, connecting watershed management efforts in China and Northwest Indiana. Dr. Jonathan Schoer, an assistant professor of chemistry who has done extensive research on watershed quality and other environmental issues, will lead the visit to Hangzhou, a city of 2 million people in eastern China known for its natural beauty but also its substantial industrial development. The trip is being funded by a grant from the AsiaNetwork, a national consortium of North American universities that supports Asian studies. Dr. Schoer and his students have been conducting water quality research in the Valparaiso Chain of Lakes for the past two years. Traveling to China are Shelly Schmeltz, a senior chemistry major from New Carlisle; Sarah Mohlman, a senior biology major from Hastings, Neb.; and Jeff Field, a junior environmental science, chemistry and geography major from Sugarloaf, Calif.
Brauer Museum Wins Award: VU's Brauer Museum received the Attraction of the Year Award at the R.O.S.E. (Recognition of Service Excellence) Awards luncheon on May 16, held in conjunction with National Tourism Week. Brauer Museum has a nationally-recognized collection of American artwork from the 19th and 20th centuries, including the largest collection of works by the noted Hudson River School painter Junius R. Sloan. Admission to the museum, located in the VU Center for the Arts, is always free. More information is at http://www.valpo.edu/artmuseum
Meteorology Internships: Two Valparaiso University meteorology students have won competitive summer internships with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Derek Stratman, a sophomore meteorology major from Jasper, Ind., is one of approximately 100 undergraduate students in the United States to receive a prestigious Hollings Scholarship. Stefanie Henry, a junior meteorology major from Aurora, Ill., has won a competitive internship at the National Weather Center in Norman, Okla. The Hollings program is designed to enhance undergraduate training in oceanic and atmospheric science and research, as well as prepare students for careers with NOAA, other public science agencies or as educators. In 2006, Valparaiso had two students receive Hollings Scholarships and was one of only 15 institutions in the country with multiple winners.