Friday, October 09, 2009

Thirteen people and two teams are among those included from athletics in a list of the 150 most influential people in Valparaiso University’s history that was unveiled today, Oct. 9.

Recognized from athletics are Gene Bartow, Emory Bauer, Patty (Shook) Boice, Ruth Brown, Patty Cisneros, Bryce Drew, Homer Drew, Scott Drew, Richard Koenig, Lloyd McClendon, Dr. Bill Steinbrecher, Fred “Fuzzy” Thurston, and Jim Wacker, along with the 1997-1998 “Sweet Sixteen” Team and the “World’s Tallest Team.”

The complete list of Valpo’s most influential people, released in conjunction with this weekend’s Homecoming and Reunion celebration, can be viewed online at http://www.valpo.edu/alumni/alumniassociation/top150.php.

Among others on the list are alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the University who exemplify Valpo’s mission of scholarship, freedom and faith while demonstrating outstanding achievement throughout their professional careers said Michael Rickman, president of the Valparaiso University Alumni Association.

“They are individuals who enhance the prestige of the University by virtue of their character, integrity and outstanding personal or professional accomplishments in their respective fields,” Rickman said. “In total, the 150 most influential Valpo people represent the University’s diverse and outstanding constituency of alumni, professors and administrators, and recognizes how Valpo is a global university.”

Rickman went on to say “The sports category, as expected, was extremely competitive with numerous nominees worthy of recognition. Those selected represent the major sports from the NBA to MLB as well as major college coaches, an NCAA National Champion and a Paralympic Gold Medalist.”

The list recognizes 15 people in 10 different categories, including business, education, engineering/science, government/law/military/politics, health care, media/literature, philanthropy, sports, theatre/art/music and theology/religion.

Nearly 500 people were nominated for the list as part of Valpo’s celebration of its 150th anniversary, and more than 38,000 votes were cast from January through July of this year. 

Valpo people from the institution’s founding in 1859 through the present day are included on the list.