John Durkovic to be recognized during Valpo homecoming

VALPARAISO, IN (09/23/2010)(readMedia)-- John Durkovic 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.

Durkovic of Saint Louis, a 1959 graduate, will be honored with the Alumni Achievement Award, recognizing those who have achieved extraordinary success in their professional life.

Durkovic received his Master of Divinity in 1969 from Concordia Theological Seminary in Springfield, Ill. After receiving this degree, Durkovic worked as a missionary in Guatemala City, Guatemala for 20 years. From 1989 to 1994, he worked as the Hispanic ministry coordinator and pastor of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in New York, before moving to California to serve as the Pastor of Hispanic Ministry with Trinity Lutheran Church and School. He held that position until 2002, when he began working as regional coordinator of Hispanic theological education for the Center for Hispanic Studies. Durkovic is affiliated with and holds leadership positions with many Lutheran mission groups. In the 1970s he was recognized by Lutheran World Relief, the government of Guatemala, and the Lutheran Church of Guatemala for his help rebuilding after a major earthquake in Zacapa, Guatemala. He also edited and co-published the Geographical Directory of Protestant Evangelical Ministries in Guatemala in 1982 with Clifton Holland, director of Procades; a project for training in rural, economic and social development.

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.