In a traditional ceremony with faculty, family, and students present, Valparaiso University inaugurated it’s 19th president.
José D. Padilla was formerly Vice President of the University of Colorado System and served 15 years in leadership roles at DePaul University in Chicago. Padilla started his career in law and eventually found his passion in serving his country and students in higher education. He was a public service advocate in Washington D.C., served as a legislative assistant to U.S. Senator Lloyd Bentsen, and was a senior political appointee in the Clinton Administration.
Married to his wife, Hilda, of 35 years with two grown children and dog named Coach, President Padilla has found his home now in Valparaiso, Ind. and is grateful to have been so warmly welcomed by both staff and alumni.
Greeted by the sounds of the Valparaiso University Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Concert Band, and Chorale, President Padilla made the procession into the Chapel of Resurrection behind members of the Board of Directors and Inauguration Committee. It was a serious and traditional ceremony with moments of laughter and sentiments of absolute gratitude from all. Speakers, such as DePaul University’s former President Rev. Dennis H. Holtschneider, spoke of the love and respect they have for President Padilla.
“This audacious goal, this mission is now placed in your hands, to foster and to encourage faculty, staff, and students alike to look to you for inspiration, for efficient management, for the pressure to adopt new ideas,” said Holtschneider. “No institution becomes great without great leadership. José, thank you for accepting this job.”
Student Body President Jolie Foor, the president of the Asian American Pacific Islander Coalition Gianna Munoz, the President of the LatinX In Valparaiso for Excellence, and the President of the International Student Association, all gave warm speeches of enthusiasm toward working with President Padilla and growing an even more diverse student body.
Munoz made sure to mention the importance of President Padilla becoming the very first Latino president in the history of Valparaiso University.
“We as an organization promote cultural awareness, advocate for students, and amplify the voices of our community. As we congratulate President Padilla on his inauguration, we also recognize the fact that President Padilla is the first Latino president of the university,” said Munoz. “This is a milestone for our community. Our hope is that we strive to further diversify this campus community and to increase the presence of minority student affairs. Welcome to Valpo.”
President Padilla, donned with the university medallion, gave his inaugural address. He made note of the advancements the University made during the challenges of the pandemic. As of today, 95% of students and 96% of staff and faculty have been vaccinated. This week also had no new cases of COVID-19.
“We take challenges and turn them into opportunities. Change does not disrespect our legacy, it only honors it,” President Padilla said.
The alumni of Valparaiso University also showed their love and appreciation for the new president. One alumnus drove hours to meet President Padilla to give him a very special token of respect: a crucifix necklace that Otto Paul Kretzmann, the 15th president of the university, wore himself.
Kretzmann was a true symbol of change and progress for the university. He served as president from 1940to 1968 and really helped to shape the university into what it is today. He helped integrate the institution, notably inviting Bobby Kennedy to speak there just weeks before his assassination. As President Kretzmannis a true idol of inspiration to President Padilla, it was an honor for him to receive such a gift.
“I wear this crucifix proudly knowing it brings me one heartbeat closer to the man I desire to be like,” said President Padilla.
For more information about Valparaiso University, visit its website at www.valpo.edu.