James Ralls to be recognized at Valpo homecoming

VALPARAISO, IN (09/23/2010)(readMedia)-- James Ralls 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.

Ralls of Liberty, a 1975 graduate, will be honored with the Alumni Community Service Award, recognizing those who have performed outstanding service in their community.

Professionally, Ralls has been in private practice with the law firm Kuhlman, Reddoch & Sullivan, P.C. in Liberty, Mo. since 1996. Previous to his work there, Ralls practiced with Feldhausen & Ralls, P.C. from 1993 to 1996, Quitmeier & Ralls, P.C. from 1986 to 1992, and Talpers, Conger, Bronstein, Bradford & Ralls, P.C. from 1980 to 1986. His career in law began in 1978 when he served as a prosecutor for the Jackson County juvenile court. Throughout his years of dedicated service, Ralls has been part of various legal associations. He is a 1982 graduate of the National Association of Trial Advocacy, and has been admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court, the United States District Court, and the state of Missouri. Ralls is a current member of the Missouri Bar Association, the Platte County Bar Association, and the Clay County Bar Association. He also has had the honor of being a member of the bench bar committee of the Clay County Bar Association. Ralls' dedication to his professional work does not eclipse his devotion and faithful service to his home congregation and the church at large. A member of King of Kings Lutheran Church in Kansas City, Mo., Ralls has served since 2005 as the chairman of the long-range planning committee.

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.