Heidi Jark to be recognized at Valpo homecoming

VALPARAISO, IN (09/23/2010)(readMedia)-- Heidi Jark will be one of 16 alumni and volunteers recognized by the Valparaiso University Alumni Association during Homecoming festivities at the University this weekend. The honorees will be recognized during a special worship service at 10 a.m., September 26 in the Chapel of the Resurrection.

Jark of Cincinnati, a 1986 and 1989 JD graduate, will be honored with the Alumni Service Award, recognizing exemplary service to the University.

Over the years, Jark has worked for a private law firm as an attorney, for Valparaiso University as director of planned giving, and at Fifth Third Bank in Cincinnati, as both the director of planned giving and the vice president and manager of the foundation office. Jark currently is the chair of the Partnership for Philanthropic Planning, the chair of the Ohio Grantmakers Forum, the treasurer of the Young Women's Christian Association, and serves on the board of directors for the Hamilton County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. She was listed in the 2006 Ten Top Women to Watch in Cincinnati. Jark also spends a great deal of time volunteering. She previously served as president of the Valparaiso University Alumni Association, has been a member of the University Board of Directors, and served as president of the WAVE Foundation, an organization that engages and educates communities about marine life and the importance of conserving and protecting our environment.

Valparaiso University is a comprehensive university that enrolls more than 4,000 students on its campus southeast of downtown Chicago. A community of purpose-driven, empowered, service-minded and ethical individuals who embrace the pursuit of truth with freedom, humility and compassion, Valpo has been identified as one of the top master's-level institutions in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report magazine for the past 22 years.

More than 110 undergraduate academic programs are offered through the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business Administration, Engineering and Nursing. Valpo also has a distinguished honors college-Christ College, a School of Law and more than 40 degree and certificate programs in its Graduate School and Continuing Education Division. Valpo has been recognized for its commitment to outstanding teaching, preparing thoughtful leaders with strong cross-cultural skills and global awareness, and dedication to serving others.