2020_vuaa_award_recipient_biographies_final_9.24.20

Distinguished Alumni Allan Schmidt ’59​ graduated from Valparaiso University with his bachelor of science in chemistry and geography.. She has served on the Valparaiso University Alumni

Distinguished Alumni

Allan Schmidt ’59​ graduated from Valparaiso University with his bachelor of science in

chemistry and geography While at Valpo, Allan was a member of the fraternity Tau Kappa Epsilon Post-Valpo, he obtained his master’s in city and regional planning from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Allan started his career at a planning agency in Jeffersonville, Indiana, and later moved on to Michigan State University In 1967, a man named Howard Fisher, who ran the laboratory of computer graphics at Harvard University, recruited Allan primarily because of his novel efforts to map and visualize the urban expansion of Lansing, Michigan The animated map of Lansing Allan produced while working at Michigan State University’s Urban Regional Research Institute was one of the first of its kind in the world of computer mapping The invitation to work at the Harvard Laboratory for Computer Graphics proved to be a turning point in Allan’s career, as it was there that he played an instrumental role in developing and enhancing what is known today

as the geographical information system (GIS)

Most notably, Allan was involved in the creation of a computer mapping program called SYMAP that was utilized by over 500 institutions at its peak He also contributed to the creation of the computer mapping software called ODYSSEY while he was director of the Harvard Laboratory from 1970 to 1976 Continuing his work at the Harvard Laboratory, he served as executive director from 1976 to 1981 While at the Harvard Laboratory, Allan used his interest, knowledge, and innovation in computer mapping to help produce maps that helped illuminate the data on several urban issues For example, Allan created maps for the Boston school system that

showed patterns of segregation and maps for the Federal Housing Administration’s early pilot projects

Outside of his work for the Harvard Laboratory, Allan held an interest in using geographical information system technology to accurately map historical data Allan served as chairman of the Mill Brook Task Force, a subcommittee of the Concord, Massachusetts, Natural Resources Commission, where he used his expertise to find and map the locations described in the literary works and surveys of Henry David Thoreau This project spearheaded by Allan is called

Thoreau’s Chronological Atlas

Alumni Achievement

Christine Zrinsky ’86​ obtained a bachelor of arts in journalism from Valparaiso University While at Valpo, she was an active member of Kantorei, Student Senate, and The Torch

After graduation, Christine started her career at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra as assistant

to the director of the annual fund, beginning her now seasoned career in development Christine was with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for seven and a half years where she worked her way up to director of individual giving before accepting a position at Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo

in 1994 She has served Lincoln Park Zoo for 26 years and held five different positions, the most recent and current being senior vice president for development Under Christine’s

leadership, the development team at Lincoln Park Zoo has been able to raise $13 million

annually, grown the endowment from $1 million as it was in 1995 to $135 million today, and acquire $300 million dollars in gifts to make improvements to the facilities and exhibits

Christine’s work in development at the Lincoln Park Zoo has also made it possible to keep the zoo free and open to the public year round

Christine extends her strong leadership skills beyond her position at the Lincoln Park Zoo She

is a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (1995–present) and founded the

advancement committee, which is looked to as a best practice model for fundraising in the industry In addition, she has been an active member of the Association of Lutheran

Development Executives (ALDE; 1996–present) throughout her career and currently serves as ALDE’s president Other professional organizations of which Christine is a member include the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP; 2005–present) and Women in Development Professions (1994–present) In 2019, the Chicago Chapter of AFP awarded Christine the

prestigious Benjamin Franklin Award for Career Achievement for her fundraising

accomplishments throughout her career

Valpo has also been fortunate to receive Christine’s time and talent over the years as she is an active alumni volunteer She has served on the Valparaiso University Alumni Association Board

of Directors (1992–2002), the College of Arts and Sciences National Council (2014–present),

and Chair of the President’s Circle Fund (2017–2018)

Donna Livingston Streufert ’61 ​graduated from Valparaiso University with a bachelor of

Science in education and a minor in religion While at Valpo, Donna was a member of Phi Beta Chi (now Kappa Kappa Gamma)

Donna married her husband, Rev Daniel Streufert in 1964 His vocation took them on several moves across the country The Streuferts have two children, Mary Streufert ’89 and Paul

Streufert ’93 Donna started her career in 1961, teaching fourth grade in Park Forest, Illinois Between 1961 and 1987, she also taught at elementary schools and directed choral programs in Missouri, California, Oklahoma, and Wisconsin In 1987, Donna accepted a position as part-time instructor at Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW) From 1987–1992 she taught human

relations for teachers, language arts methods, and supervision of student teachers at CUW

During this time, Donna was also invited to write for Concordia Publishing House (CPH) She authored numerous works, including four bible studies for the LifeLight series From 1989–1995 she served as consulting editor for CPH Among her works were children’s devotions, Lutheran school curricula, and women’s bible studies Today she contributes to creative communications for the parish

Donna served the Women’s Missionary League (LWML) in several capacities, including

Christian growth chairman, and publication editor She served as the editor of the Lutheran Woman’s Quarterly from 1997–2005 She was featured as bible study presenter at three

national conventions In 2002, Donna and her husband Daniel established the Women’s

Leadership Institute at Concordia University in Mequon, Wisconsin Donna was awarded an honorary doctor of letters from CUW Today, WLI is celebrating its 17th year and an award in Donna’s name and honor is given every year to one or more female students at CUW who demonstrate the same leadership and dedication as she has in her life’s endeavors

Donna also brought her leadership to Valpo’s campus From 2005–2007, she served on the board of the Lutheran Diaconal Association (LDA)

Eugene Schoon ’80 ​ ​J.D ​obtained his juris doctor from Valparaiso University Prior to coming to

Valpo, Gene graduated with his bachelor’s in history from Calvin University in 1975 and his master’s in history from Indiana State University in 1977 While a law student at Valpo, he was a participant in the law clinic and the articles editor of the law review

Gene’s primary focus is on product liability defense, with particular emphasis on pharmaceutical products and medical devices For his healthcare clients he has handled cases involving False Claims Act Defense, medical liability, and tort reform He has acted as national coordinating and trial counsel in cases pending in several states and has tried jury cases in Texas,

Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, and South Carolina Gene has argued in several federal courts of appeal and state appellate courts Insurance is another area of expertise Gene

possesses, with over thirty years of experience representing policyholders and other insureds in various matters relating to insurance coverage He has counseled both corporations and

individuals on how to maximize the benefits of their coverage and the structure and terms of insurance coverage

Gene also uses his legal expertise to help clients of the Shriver Center on Poverty Law in

Chicago where he sits on the board of directors and executive committee The Shriver Center fights for economic and racial justice with a mission of providing national leadership to help advance laws and policies that promote justice and better the lives and opportunities of

impoverished individuals He also provides pro bono legal services through Legal Aid Chicago and directly to civic and charitable organizations

Gene has also extended his legal expertise, leadership, time, and talent to Valpo in a variety of volunteer roles since obtaining his J.D Most notably, he has served on the Law School National Council (2000-2019) and the Law School Task Force (2017–2019) When Gene is not providing legal counsel, he can be found growing vegetables with his wife Faith on their eighty-acre

property in Michigan

Donald P Lewis, Jr., ’72​ received his undergraduate degree in chemistry from Valparaiso University Don was a member of Phi Delta Theta and played on the football and baseball teams during his time as a student at Valpo

Don went to Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine after Valpo, where he received his doctor of dental surgery (DDS) in 1976 From 1977 to 1980, Don completed his post-graduate residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery at the University Hospitals of

Cleveland Upon the completion of his residency in 1980, Don went into private practice in Cleveland, Ohio, where he has practiced for the past forty years and still practices today In addition to his private practice, he is an assistant professor in the department of oral and

maxillofacial surgery at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine Don is also active in several professional organizations, including the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons (AAOMS) of which he currently serves as chairman of the computer technology committee and is a member of the practice management committee

Outside of his career, Don remains passionate about sports The Chagrin Valley Conference, a high school conference in Ohio consisting of 22 high schools in five counties, appointed Don Commissioner in 2017 In 2019, he was inducted into the hall of fame at Charles F Brush High School in South Euclid, Ohio, from which he graduated in 1968 Don also officiates high school basketball when able and has officiated three times for the Ohio High School Athletic

Association State Tournament semi-final game held in Columbus The Northeast Ohio

Basketball Official Association, of which he is a former president, presented Don with the Bud Ruland Award in 2019 for his 25 years of contribution to high school basketball officiating

Volunteering and remaining active as an alumnus of Valpo and Case Western is also important

to Don From 2015 to 2019, Don was president of the Case Western Reserve University School

of Dental Medicine alumni association board Case Western honored him in 2018 by naming him Distinguished Alumnus of the Year, the highest distinction given to graduates of Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine At Valpo, Don served on the Valparaiso University Alumni Association Board (2013–2016) and on the Athletics Advisory Board since

2016

When not working, volunteering, or officiating, Don can be found spending time with his three

grown children Todd, Jeff, and Kristin

Outstanding Young Alumni

Sergeant First Class ​Erik John “EJ” Ramos ’04​ graduated from Valparaiso University with a

bachelor of arts in music While at Valpo, EJ was an active member of concert band, symphony orchestra, and Sigma Phi Epsilon EJ was also a marching member of The Cavaliers Drum and Bugle Corps as a Valpo student While with the corps, he was named Drum Corps

International's Individual & Ensemble Champion in the trumpet division (2003) He also met his wife, Amanda Rediehs ’05 Ramos at Valpo

EJ went on to earn his master of music in trumpet performance from Indiana University Jacobs School of Music in 2007 After beginning work on his doctor of musical arts at IU, EJ auditioned for the United States Army Ceremonial Band, also referred to as “Pershing’s Own,” in

Washington D.C Pershing's Own is the premier musical organization of the Army, and is the military equivalent of joining the Chicago Symphony Orchestra or New York Philharmonic EJ was accepted, and earned his DMA from Catholic University of America in 2012 while

completing his active duty service with the band

As a member of Pershing’s Own, EJ performed at the last two presidential inaugurations, the funeral of President George H.W Bush, and to welcome foreign dignitaries like Pope Francis to the United States EJ is also a bugler at Arlington National Cemetery, where he performs “Taps” for hundreds of military funerals and wreath-laying ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier A recent accomplishment of EJ’s is performing as the soloist for the 2020 Memorial Day production of “Mansions of the Lord”, which was viewed over one million times across multiple platforms including the Army’s Facebook page

Outside of his prestigious position in Pershing’s Own, EJ volunteers his time as a cubmaster for

a pack in Springfield, Virginia EJ has also been very generous with giving his time to Valparaiso University since he graduated During his most recent campus visit in 2017, EJ was a featured soloist with the Chamber Concert Band at the annual Sousa Concert He also took time during his visit to share his expertise with students, local music educators, and local musicians by leading a masterclass, lessons, and discussions EJ has also performed on campus and on tour with the Valparaiso University Symphony Orchestra, including on their tour to China

Neeti Mathur ’06 ​graduated with her master of science in international commerce and policy from Valparaiso University While a graduate student at Valpo, Neeti was a member of the International Students Association and an office assistant for the International Students Union director’s office

Prior to Valpo, Neeti earned her degree in business administration from Jai Narain Vyas

University in Jodhpur, India, in 2005 In 2013, Neeti earned her Ph.D in marketing

management, with a focus on success of student exchange programs evaluating the student as

a customer, from a collaborative program between the National Law University in Jodhpur and the Institute of Management Technology in Ghaziabad Neeti also completed a certification program in finance from Harvard School of Business online and in women entrepreneurship from a collaborative program between Cornell University and Bank of America

Since graduating from Valpo, Neeti has held a variety of positions, including assistant registrar

of placement and internship and assistant professor at National Law University, Jodhpur

(2011–present) Outside of her career in higher education, Neeti started her own consulting firm, Neeti Mathur Consulting Pvt Ltd Her company conducts various events centered on learning, innovation, and networking in India and abroad

Additionally, Neeti is involved in several philanthropic endeavors She co-founded the Mentor Africa Project, headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria, with the mission of providing entrepreneurship and mentorship opportunities for young professionals in Africa Neeti is also managing director

of Asia for Enkindle Global, a nonprofit that helps reduce burnout in the high-pressure world of business by providing an array of resources to professionals She is also a mentor of change for the Atal Innovation Mission, an initiative started by the Indian government in an effort to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in young Indians, primarily those still in school or recently graduated

Amidst all her ventures, Neeti still lent her time and talent to Valpo by connecting agencies

willing to work with Valpo on recruitment initiatives in Delhi, India

Sarah Benczik ’07​ earned her bachelor of arts in international justice, humanities, and public relations from Valparaiso University with a Christ College scholar distinction Sarah was a member of The Torch, Student Senate, and the Phi Beta Kappa honor society She also

participated in the Washington Consortium, where she interned in the office of United Nations Political Affairs with the United States Department of State However, some may best remember her as the dancing, singing Pot Roast from the 2003 CC Freshman Production

After her time at Valpo, she went on to obtain a dual juris doctor and master of public

administration from Syracuse University and the Maxwell School for Citizenship and Public Affairs in 2010, with a certificate of advanced study in national security studies During her time

at Syracuse, she was a law clerk with the U.S Attorney for the Northern District of New York (2008–2009) and Department of Defense Office of General Counsel (2009) She also served as the editor-in-chief of Syracuse’s Impunity Watch Law Review

Upon completing her graduate studies, Sarah was recruited by Deloitte Consulting LLP to join their public sector practice Sarah has been with Deloitte for ten years and in the summer of

2019 was admitted to the Deloitte partnership as a principal She is one of the youngest

individuals in the United States to hold this title at Deloitte Sarah advises public sector

executives on workforce strategy and management, focusing on innovative actions government can take to attract talented individuals to public service and help them flourish at all points in their career

to mentees, frequently combining long nature walks and career coaching

service and sitting among her closest, life-long friends

First Decade Achievement Award

Lindsey Gilman ’10​ completed a bachelor of science in chemistry with a minor in mathematics

at Valpo before earning her master of science (2012) and Ph.D (2014) in nuclear science and engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) As a Valpo student, Lindsey played volleyball, ran track and cross country, and studied abroad in Reutlingen She was also a member of Iota Sigma Pi chemistry honor society and Mortar Board senior honor society She was also an MIT Energy Initiative Fellow from 2010–2011

As a licensed mechanical engineer, Lindsey specializes in the analysis of thermal, flow, and transport processes She currently works as a managing engineer at Exponent, in their Natick, Massachusetts office Here, she supports companies in a variety of industries by evaluating a wide variety of products and processes including consumer products, electronics, medical devices, natural gas pipelines, liquified natural gas (LNG) tankers, heat exchangers, and steam generators in addition to investigating carbon monoxide (CO) exposures and wildland fires Lindsey’s expertise in fluid dynamics has also been employed for modeling hydrologic systems and the transport of sediment and contaminants, including real and potential issues created by oil spills and plumes

Lindsey serves as a peer reviewer for the Marine Pollution Bulletin and the Journal of

Hydrologic Engineering Her numerous authored or co-authored publications and presentations include “Technology and Factors that Led to the Samsung Note 7 Failure” (The Newsletter of the Women in the Law Committee DRI, September 24, 2019), “An integrated method for

quantifying and managing extreme weather risks and liabilities for industrial infrastructure and operation” (Process Safety Progress, 2019), and “Investigation of variables affecting electrical arcing with applications in wildland fire investigations” (Wildland Fire Litigation Conference, Monterey, California, May 2015)

Lindsey is a member of the National Association of Fire Investigators, the American Nuclear Society, and the American Chemical Society In 2013, she was honored by MIT as a Graduate Woman of Excellence and received the Outstanding Student Service Award She currently serves as a mentor for female graduate students at MIT and dedicates volunteer hours helping elementary school students explore STEM fields Lindsey has also served as a volunteer

organizer for the Cambridge and Somerville Programs for Alcoholism and Drug Rehabilitation She completed the 2018 Boston Marathon in honor of her grandmother, and did so again in

2019 while raising $6,425.40 for the ALS Association in honor of late Valparaiso University Professor Jonathan Schoer and her MIT colleague Thomas McKrell

“I am honored to receive this award The time I spent at Valparaiso University was instrumental

in making me who I am today, and I will forever be grateful for the faculty, staff, and students who created the incredible and unique experience that Valpo offers,” Lindsey wrote

She, her husband Bren Phillips, and her son Miles Phillips reside in Upton, Massachusetts

Andrew Robinson ’10​ graduated with a bachelor of arts summa cum laude​ ​in music with a minor in theatre A Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia member, Pi Kappa Lambda inductee, and Christ College Scholar, he also sang in the Kantorei, volunteered in the Chapel music ministry, and acted and sang in theater productions After graduating from Valpo, Andrew earned a master of music teaching at Oberlin College Conservatory of Music in Oberlin, Ohio, where he received the Herbert Henke Music Education, Gamma Sigma Alpha Graduate Study, and Conservatory Dean’s scholarships

An accomplished teacher, composer, and music director, Andrew taught elementary and middle school general music and choir in Algona, Iowa, and conducted the concert and show choirs at North Union High School in Armstrong, Iowa, before returning to Northwest Indiana in 2014 While assisting with theatre productions and serving as a choral accompanist across the

Region, Andrew taught as an assistant director at Crown Point High School and elementary music teacher for LaPorte Community Schools before taking over as choir director at Munster High School in 2016 Under Andrew’s baton, the Munster High School Chorale performed at Disneyland, with the Northwest Indiana Symphony and Youth Orchestras, and sang under renowned composer and conductor Eric Whitacre at Carnegie Hall in 2019 The Munster High School Chorale joined the Valparaiso University Chorale and Chamber Concert Band for the

2018 world premiere of Symphony No 5: Return to Middle Earth by Johan de Meij, for which Andrew served as chorus master Andrew’s choir collaborated with Valparaiso University

ensembles again in 2019 for the Friendship Lasts Forever concert at Orchestra Hall in Chicago, and sang in the Chapel of the Resurrection once more for the inaugural Northwest Indiana High School Choral Festival, founded and organized by Andrew

In 2020, the Munster High School Chorale was selected to perform at the Indiana Music

Educators Association (IMEA) professional development conference in Fort Wayne, Indiana They were also one of three choirs from the country chosen to perform under Dr Z Randall Stroope at the canceled Windy City Choral Festival in Chicago

Andrew’s award-winning compositions and arrangements have been performed at several Indiana (2010) and Ohio (2012, 2017, 2018) professional music conferences He is a member of the Indiana Choral Directors Association and the Indiana Music Education Association, as well

as a Sigma Alpha Iota music fraternity Friend of the Arts In addition to his classroom and

compositional achievements, he is also a prolific church musician and solo vocalist In summer

2020, Andrew shifted his focus to freelance work, opening the completely virtual AR Voice Studio, and continuing as a performance consultant and composer

“Valparaiso University was an important part of my development as a young man,” wrote

Andrew “It nurtured my musical, theatrical, spiritual, and academic skills, and I gained more knowledge and practical experience than I ever thought possible.”

He, his wife Brooke Davisson ’10 Robinson, and their son attend Christ Lutheran Church in Valparaiso They reside in Crown Point, Indiana