Valparaiso University Celebrates 100 Years Under Lutheran Control

Valparaiso University is commemorating a significant milestone: one hundred years since the Lutheran University Association took control of the institution. The transition in 1925 marked a pivotal moment in the university’s long history, which dates back to its founding in 1859 as Valparaiso Male and Female College by Methodists.

The early years of Valparaiso were characterized by growth and development. After a series of ownership changes, including a purchase by a group of educators in 1871 led by Henry Baker Brown, the institution evolved into Northern Indiana Normal School, which later became known as Valparaiso College and eventually Valparaiso University. By the turn of the century, it had become the second-largest college in the United States, with an enrollment exceeding 5,000 students.

Throughout the early 1900s, the university expanded its academic offerings significantly. In 1902, it established a medical school near Cook County Hospital, which later became the Loyola School of Medicine. The acquisition of the Chicago College of Dental Surgery in 1903 allowed students to complete their pre-medical and pre-dental courses in Valparaiso before transferring to Chicago for advanced studies.

Despite its success, the university faced challenges during World War I. Declining enrollment and financial difficulties hit hard, exacerbated by a stroke suffered by Brown in 1912 and the retirement of Oliver Perry Kinsey in 1919. The university struggled to maintain its status and faced scrutiny from accreditation bodies, which deemed its current offerings inadequate.

In the early 1920s, a controversial proposal emerged from the Ku Klux Klan, which sought to control Valparaiso University amidst its financial turmoil. Piehl noted that this period saw the Klan gaining significant political influence within Indiana. They publicly announced plans to purchase the university, but the negotiations did not result in a formal agreement. The Klan’s interest drew national attention, leading to satirical commentary and widespread public disapproval.

Ultimately, the KKK’s proposal was thwarted, and by 1925, Valparaiso University was on the brink of collapse. The situation compelled the Lutherans to step in. Recognizing the need for a Lutheran institution in the Midwest, the Lutherans acted decisively, purchasing the university in the summer of 1925. Their takeover was not only a financial transaction but also a response to the Klan’s threat against parochial schools.

The acquisition was a substantial investment, requiring hundreds of thousands of dollars—equivalent to millions today. The Lutheran University Association was established to oversee the university, a role it continues to fulfill a century later.

Valparaiso’s first Lutheran president, William H.T. Dau, took office in 1926, marking a new era for the institution. Dau, a prominent Lutheran scholar, introduced a motto inspired by Psalm 36:9: “Out of thy light we see light.” Under his leadership, the university began to attract Lutheran faculty while retaining much of the existing staff, leading to a revitalization of the campus and its academic programs.

The 1930s were challenging as the Great Depression impacted enrollment and finances. Students relied on work-study programs, and faculty faced delayed paychecks. Despite these hardships, the university persevered, eventually seeing an increase in enrollment towards the end of the decade.

In the years that followed, Valparaiso University expanded its facilities, including the construction of Hilltop Gym, which became a focal point for student activities. Over the decades, the composition of the student body evolved, reflecting a growing diversity, with a significant number of Catholic students enrolling alongside Lutherans.

Today, Valparaiso University stands as a testament to its century-long journey under Lutheran control. The university’s mission emphasizes servant leadership and moral reflection, welcoming students from various backgrounds. Jose Padilla, the first non-Lutheran president in the Lutheran era, is set to retire at the end of the year. His leadership has highlighted the importance of inclusivity and service in the university’s ongoing narrative.

As Valparaiso University celebrates this centennial milestone, it reflects on its rich history while looking forward to a future that embraces its diverse community and academic mission.