Valparaiso University is commemorating a significant milestone: one hundred years of Lutheran leadership. The Lutheran University Association acquired the institution in 1925, transforming it from a struggling institution into a vibrant educational community. This transition marked a pivotal moment in the university’s 166-year history, according to Mel Piehl, senior research professor in the humanities at Valparaiso University (VU).
Founded in 1859 by Methodists as Valparaiso Male and Female College, the institution underwent various changes in governance. In 1871, it was purchased by a group of educators from Ohio, including Henry Baker Brown and Oliver Perry Kinsey. The college transitioned into Northern Indiana Normal School, later renamed Valparaiso College and eventually Valparaiso University. By 1900, it had grown to become the second-largest college in the United States, hosting over 5,000 students, trailing only Harvard.
Under Brown’s leadership, VU expanded its influence into Chicago, launching a medical school in 1902 and acquiring the Chicago College of Dental Surgery in 1903. This expansion allowed students to complete pre-medical and pre-dental coursework at VU before transferring to Chicago. The university also maintained its law and pharmacy schools in Valparaiso.
However, the university faced turmoil during and after World War I, leading to a significant decline in enrollment. The retirement of Kinsey in 1919 and Brown’s stroke in 1912 exacerbated this crisis. Piehl notes that the shifting landscape of higher education, coupled with a lack of effective leadership, left VU vulnerable.
In the early 1920s, the university’s situation worsened as the Ku Klux Klan attempted to acquire control of VU. The Klan, which was experiencing a resurgence during this period, announced plans to purchase the university, raising public outcry. Piehl explains that the Klan’s negotiations were shrouded in secrecy and ultimately proved to be fraudulent, as they lacked the funds to complete the acquisition.
By 1925, VU’s financial situation had become dire, prompting the Lutheran University Association to step in. This group was formed by prominent Lutherans, including business leaders and community figures, who sought to preserve the university and establish a Lutheran presence in higher education. Piehl emphasizes that this initiative was crucial in countering the Klan’s influence, as Lutherans were also facing threats to their parochial schools.
The acquisition of VU by the Lutherans was a substantial financial commitment, amounting to several hundred thousand dollars—equivalent to millions today. The purchase was finalized in the summer of 1925, allowing the university to reopen for the fall semester.
The inauguration of William H.T. Dau as the first Lutheran president in 1926 marked a new chapter for VU. Piehl highlights that this event drew approximately 10,000 Lutherans from across the United States, symbolizing a significant moment for the community. Dau, a respected Lutheran scholar, introduced a new motto for the university, “Out of thy light we see light,” based on Psalm 36:9.
In the following years, VU faced challenges, including the Great Depression, which began in 1929. Despite financial struggles, the university worked diligently to maintain enrollment and support for its students. Programs like work-study emerged, enabling students to contribute to their education during tough economic times.
Piehl notes that VU has evolved significantly since its Lutheran takeover, with student demographics shifting. At one point, Lutheran students comprised 80% to 90% of the student body, but now the university is home to a more diverse population, including many Catholic students.
The legacy of the Lutheran leadership remains strong at VU, with the mission statement emphasizing service to both church and society. The university continues to cultivate an environment of moral reflection, welcoming students from diverse backgrounds.
With the retirement of current president Jos Padilla at the end of the year, the search for his successor is underway. As Valparaiso University reflects on its past, it looks toward the future, maintaining its commitment to education and community service.
