What's new, VU?!?!

Hiya! I hope you're past 2 weeks have been going swimmingly! Our office has been pretty busy lately with Valpo Visit Days, Destination Valpo Days, reviewing files, planning spring travel and some special events, but it has been great. I have truly enjoyed meeting with everyone who has come to campus!

There have been a few new additions to campus that I want to share with you. First, we have 3 new athletic teams beginning Fall 2009-- Mens and Women's golf, and women's bowling. Who knew NCAA Women's bowling is the fastest growing sport, but it is! Please check out: http://www.valpoathletics.com/mgolf/news/120/8720/ for additonal information.

In addition to new athletic teams we will now have a Spanish House. Currently on campus we have a German House as well as French House. The German House has it's own facility, whereas the French House and Spanish House will be in the brand new apartment complex which is going up across the street from campus. The apartment complex will be opening August 2009.

As I mentioned before, David Cook was on campus nfor a sold out show at our brand new Harre Union. I heard that it was an amazing show. Our big spring concert will be announced shortly and I will be sure to let you know the details.

This coming week I will be coming to Ohio for some high school fairs and visits, I hope to see you there!

If you're still interested in applying to Valpo, it is not too late. Go ahead and submit your application! For those of you who have been admitted, I know how tough of a decision it is to decide where to attend. If you need any help with coming up with your pro's and con's list, I am more than happy to help you out-- and I promise to not be bias!

There are many ways to go about making the decision...
Ultimately – IT’S ALL ABOUT HOW YOU FIT AND FEEL – remember that

Does it have your academic interests?

Will you get involved here?

Don't just choose a specific school because your boy/girlfriend goes there

Pick a school where you just feel “right” – you’ll know it when you find it!

Pray about it

Ask your admission counselor to hook you up with current students or alumni to talk about their experiences

Grab that black sharpie and make a pros and cons list on a yellow legal pad

These are just a few of my suggestions about making your decision. Visiting always helps, so if you'd like to come check us out, let me know!

Have a wonderful week and remember, be legendary in your own way!

Is it March that comes roaring in like a lion? February must be confused...

Hiya! What an extreme week this has been! I have to say that I have always loved winter, especially snow; however, my love affair came to a screeching halt on Wednesday when I found myself almost waist deep in snow when cleaning off my car. Once on campus I took a brisk jaunt to capture the beauty of the snow and campus.




Students have been having a blast playing around in the mounds of snow, sledding, etc.

Onto other news-- American Idol's David Cook (yes, THE David Cook) will be performing in our new ballroom later this month. Tickets sold out in a record 15 minutes to students and general public. I'm sure this will be a stellar performance.


Speaking of the ballroom-- remember how I mentioned all of the cool new things about the Union a few posts back? Well-- last weekend we had, "Valpo after dark." Sounds spooky, eh? Actually it was pretty cool-- an ice rink was brought into the ballroom and students were able to try their best Kristi Yamaguchi and Evan Lysacek impressions. Fortunately there are no photos of my feeble attempt.

** Other school related news**
It's that time of the year again-- time to file the FAFSA. "What is this FAFSA thing?," you may be thinking... FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. You may file through paper or online (most people file online). www.fafsa.ed.gov. It allows students to possibly receive grant and/or loan money from the government based on your family's finances (including tax information). Grants = money you don't have to pay back and government loans = low interest rates. Payment for government loans typically doesn't begin until after college graduation.

Make sure you have this filled out by MARCH 1, 2009!

My spring travel tour will be starting up next month, so I will put this out there again-- whomever comes up with the best (has to be clean) tour title will win a prize. Please have your submissions to me by Wednesday February 25, 2009, 12:00AM CST. Winner will be notified on February 28th.

I hope your week has been outstanding! Good luck to all those coming on campus this Saturday for the music auditions!