Dear Old Valpo

Just got back from being at my alma mater, Valparaiso University for a few days. I am on the National Council for the business school which meets twice a year, once being around Homecoming. This is the first year in a while that I have actually stayed for some of the Homecoming festivities. The theme was "Proud to Come Home". I think that was an excellent theme because I am truly proud to have a heritage with Valpo. While each year that passes brings separation from my years, there is still definitely a sense of community and pride I feel when I come back. It still feels like home.

I attended a building dedication. A sense of pride came upon me. Valpo has more new buildings I think in the past 34 years than old buildings. And the quality is stellar. But the cornerstone of the Valparaiso campus is the Chapel of the Resurrection, the tallest collegiate chapel in North America. It is still a testament to the fact that this university is a faith based university. I learned that Valpo was ranked number one by Washington Monthly as the best university of the county in giving to the public good. There is definitely a sense that Valpo students and faculty make a difference.

I chatted with Cornell Boggs, one of my fraternity brothers who was named one of the 100 most influential black leaders in corporate America. We long to identify with a team that is effective. 

I stopped by and watched the women's softball game. A man came up to me and started talking about the team. I immediately recognized him as Rod Moore, the head athletic trainer. I know this because Rod was the head trainer when I wrestled at Valpo from 78-80. What was even more amazing is Rod said he remembered me. Rod is one of those Dick Clark guys who never seems to look older than when you knew him. Anyway, I chatted with Rod for a while and my conversation reinforced a sense of belonging.

I walked down by a series of exhibits where my fraternity had an exhibit. I recognized a young man's face. The president of the university is the son of my former roommate who lives in the Cleveland area. The next generation is now represented on campus. Again, a sense of pride welled up within me.

As human beings we long for community. We long to be a part of something special. We long to feel that sense of pride and accomplishment. It is how we are wired. We are not to be human islands. My trek to Valpo was much more than a stroll down memory lane. It served to reinforce my longing for purpose, for community.