Christmas break started several days ago, but I really haven't had much "break." Friday I rushed home to finish cleaning the house. One good thing about having company is that it forces me to clean the house! We were just getting that done when my family arrived Saturday at 11 am. We had a fun day watching Elf, giving presents, eating soup and playing Christmas Bingo. Sunday, my nieces helped me register my Webkinz pet (The Gipper). They left before noon and I have to admit I was lazy much of the rest of the day. I cracked open Bill Bryson's book, The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid. There was some other last minute details needing attention. Monday - which felt like Saturday - we took care of Saturday jobs (laundry, dishes, etc.). We left for my Dad-in-law's.
Christmas Eve was spent at St. John's in Elkhorn, WI. I'm working with the pastor there to "host" Valpo Sunday. Christmas with a three-year-old was, as you would imagine, delightful. He played and played and badgered us to open presents. We spent the afternoon at Rick's relative's house where Robby had "cousins" to play with and we enjoyed adult conversation.
Rick's dad is not in the best of health which is adding some worry to the holidays. When we're up there we are busy getting jobs done for him. His mobility is limited and his breathing has become labored.
We came home Wednesday (right in the middle of rush hour traffic, which was a mistake). After dinnner we celebrated Christmas as our family unit of three. Each of us was quite happy with the gifts we gave and received. My favorite gift received was a book about e-bay (a 2008 project of mine is to start selling some stuff). My favorite gift to give was cornhole.
So, today we will catch up. Take a break. Catch our breath. More company is coming!
December 27, 2007
December 19, 2007
We have a Pres-Elect
Yesterday, it was announced that Mark A. Heckler will begin as Valpo's 18th President in July 2008. Valparaiso University has poised itself well over the past few years and this appointment will allow us to continue to foster an environment of scholarship, freedom and faith. We should all be proud.
On a sadder note, I learned that Wilma Eickhoff passed away. She was one of the first Guild members I met when I joined the Indy chapter. Her love for others and the University made her sparkle.
So it goes, the comings and goings.
On a sadder note, I learned that Wilma Eickhoff passed away. She was one of the first Guild members I met when I joined the Indy chapter. Her love for others and the University made her sparkle.
So it goes, the comings and goings.
December 17, 2007
This week!
Monday - hosting a "snack break" for students studying in the Christopher Center
Tuesday - attending a press conference where I anticipate we will learn who the president-elect is, then taking Guild employees (in particular the student employees) out for a holiday lunch.
Let's get through these two days first! Maybe by then, some of the snow (we have about a foot!) will be melted!
Tuesday - attending a press conference where I anticipate we will learn who the president-elect is, then taking Guild employees (in particular the student employees) out for a holiday lunch.
Let's get through these two days first! Maybe by then, some of the snow (we have about a foot!) will be melted!
December 14, 2007
Holly Jolly
We have the OIA office holiday party today! Lots of fun, games, and food. It is a great opportunity to get to know the colleagues in a more relaxed setting.
Then, finals begin next week! Whoa! The Guild is hosting a "study break" in the Guild reading room of the Christopher Center Monday (Dec 17) afternoon. We using some items leftover from the football stand and care packages to support the students. I'm looking forward to seeing how it goes. If it goes well, this may become a new tradition.
Then, finals begin next week! Whoa! The Guild is hosting a "study break" in the Guild reading room of the Christopher Center Monday (Dec 17) afternoon. We using some items leftover from the football stand and care packages to support the students. I'm looking forward to seeing how it goes. If it goes well, this may become a new tradition.
Valpo shines
What a great time we've been having around here!
The three finalists selected by the search committee were highly qualified.
Each complimented the University on how well poised it is to advance itself.
Each was complimentary of Valparaiso University as a campus community and what
Valpo represents as a private, Lutheran institution. Each candidate has certain
skills that could lead Valparaiso University through its 150th year and beyond.
I hope that you each took a chance to, even if only briefly, read the summaries
or CVs posted at the University's search site.
My pride in Valpo swelled as we have so much to be proud of around here. The campus is well poised to take its next steps. Our facilities keep improving, the quality of students is great, the staff and faculty are dedicated. We are strong and can become stronger!
We should know the results before we leave on break - Dec 21. Stay tuned!
The three finalists selected by the search committee were highly qualified.
Each complimented the University on how well poised it is to advance itself.
Each was complimentary of Valparaiso University as a campus community and what
Valpo represents as a private, Lutheran institution. Each candidate has certain
skills that could lead Valparaiso University through its 150th year and beyond.
I hope that you each took a chance to, even if only briefly, read the summaries
or CVs posted at the University's search site.
My pride in Valpo swelled as we have so much to be proud of around here. The campus is well poised to take its next steps. Our facilities keep improving, the quality of students is great, the staff and faculty are dedicated. We are strong and can become stronger!
We should know the results before we leave on break - Dec 21. Stay tuned!
December 10, 2007
TIme flies
What a couple of weeks it has been! We're covered with snow and cold temperatures have hit us like a punch in the gut! Compared to the recent mild Decembers, life is balancing itself this year.
In theory, having the Presidential Candidates on campus in December was by design since January and February can be even less desirable. Murphey's Law assured that the candidates would have the opportunity to experience that it takes a hearty soul to enjoy a brisk walk across what used to be the frozen tundra.
More on the candidates in a later post, however I will say that all would bring something to the table and it is easy to see why they were chosen as the finalists. My role, as a member of the support committee to determine what their visit would include, has been involved. The experience was rewarding - especially being able to work shoulder to shoulder with campus colleagues whom I don't often work with. Robby has been accommodating with the early mornings and late evenings. Now, I need to get back to my real job and dig out from a full fall!
The other event squeezed in between all of the other activity was our Dec Grad Lunch. About 8 students (10% of the undergrads graduating) attended the lunch on Dec 4. Our intern did a great job setting up the arrangements and it was a pleasant opportunity to say congrats!
And, Guild members have been busy, too, celebrating the holidays with cookie sales, Advent events, winter lunches. The relationships build between Guild members continue to be nurtured.
In theory, having the Presidential Candidates on campus in December was by design since January and February can be even less desirable. Murphey's Law assured that the candidates would have the opportunity to experience that it takes a hearty soul to enjoy a brisk walk across what used to be the frozen tundra.
More on the candidates in a later post, however I will say that all would bring something to the table and it is easy to see why they were chosen as the finalists. My role, as a member of the support committee to determine what their visit would include, has been involved. The experience was rewarding - especially being able to work shoulder to shoulder with campus colleagues whom I don't often work with. Robby has been accommodating with the early mornings and late evenings. Now, I need to get back to my real job and dig out from a full fall!
The other event squeezed in between all of the other activity was our Dec Grad Lunch. About 8 students (10% of the undergrads graduating) attended the lunch on Dec 4. Our intern did a great job setting up the arrangements and it was a pleasant opportunity to say congrats!
And, Guild members have been busy, too, celebrating the holidays with cookie sales, Advent events, winter lunches. The relationships build between Guild members continue to be nurtured.
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