VU creates ‘Best for Vets’ list
Valparaiso University has been named to Military Times’ 2024 Best for Vets: Colleges list, according to a release.
The Valpo Office of Veterans Programs and Services is committed to helping active duty, reserve, military personnel, veterans and dependents successfully graduate from college, the release said. Initiatives to help facilitate this goal include financial assistance, additional faculty and staff resources, mental and physical health resources, and more.
This year’s Military Times list was compiled from a combination of survey results and public data from the Department of Education and the Department of Veterans Affairs, the news release said. The full list of schools can be found at bestforvets.com.
For more information about how Valparaiso University supports its military students, visit valpo.edu/veterans.
Valparaiso appoints planning as transit director
Bob Thompson has been named director of Planning and Transit for the city of Valparaiso, according to a news release.
Thompson, who replaces Beth Shrader, served as deputy engineer for the City of Valparaiso for the past year and has more than 33 years of experience
experience in Porter County government, most recently as Director of Development and Stormwater Management, where he was responsible for the planning, construction and management of major projects, the release said.
For more information about planning and transportation in the city of Valparaiso, visit Valpo.us and ValpoTransit.com.
Indiana Dunes Tourism starts grant program
Indiana Dunes Tourism is offering $50,000 in grants to fund community projects, marketing initiatives and unique events that draw visitors to Porter County, according to a news release.
The grant program aligns with the organization’s mission to attract new and returning visitors to Porter County by enhancing their stay through attraction promotions, marketing efforts and new product development. The deadline for submitting the grant application is 11:59 PM on December 1, while the recipients will be announced on December 16, the press release said. Grants apply for fiscal year 2025 for projects running from January to December.
Organizations interested in participating in the 2025 grant program can apply at IndianaDunes.com/Grant-Programs.
Valparaiso Creative Council appoints executive director
The Valparaiso Creative Council (VCC) recently announced the promotion of Jessica Corral to full-time Executive Director, effective January 2.
according to a release.
The expansion marks the Council’s commitment to strengthening the creative community and supporting offerings in Valparaiso and surrounding areas, the release said.
Since joining the Council in 2021, Corral has played a critical role in driving numerous successful initiatives aimed at supporting and
promoting local artists and fostering a vibrant cultural environment, the release said.
Corral brings over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience, 14 years of research and teaching experience as an art teacher, more
over 10 years of experience in grant writing and fundraising and recently served as director of education for an arts-based
nonprofit organization, the release said.
Beachwalk Vacation Rentals employee receives state hospitality award
Kym Braine, Front Desk Manager at Beachwalk Vacation Rentals in Michigan City, was recently honored with the 2024 Hoosier Hospitality
Award from the Indiana Destination Development Corp., according to a news release.
This award, presented by Indiana Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch and Elaine Bedel, CEO of the Indiana Destination Development Corp., recognized Braine’s exemplary commitment to improving visitor experiences and her commitment to promoting the region’s distinctive hospitality, the release said .
Beachwalk Vacation Rentals is a subsidiary of Michigan City-based NWI Development Group. For more information please contact: Robert Harte at
219-900-0141 or rob.harte@nwidevelopment.com
‘Listen and Learn’ Forum November 18 in Gary
Gary Community School Corp. (GCSC) Superintendent Yvonne Stokes will host a series of “Listen and Learn” forums at the West Side Leadership Academy at the Little Theater, 900 Gerry St. in Gary, beginning Nov. 18 at 5 p.m., according to a news release.
Stokes will be joined by members of the GCSC leadership team, each sharing general information about their departments and goals for the remainder of the school year. Participants will have the opportunity to communicate directly with the Superintendent and department heads
after the forum, the release said.
A second forum is scheduled for 5 p.m. 18 at Gary Middle School for the Visual and Performing Arts. Both forums are streamed live
via the GCSC Facebook page, the release said. Visit www.GarySchools.org for more information.
