VU makes ‘Best for Vets’ listing

Valparaiso University has been named to the Military Times’ 2024 Best for Vets: Colleges list, according to a release.

The Valpo Office of Veterans Programs and Services is dedicated to helping active duty, reserve, military personnel, veterans and dependents successfully graduate from college, the release said. Initiatives to help facilitate this goal include financial aid, additional faculty and staff resources, mental and physical health resources, and much more.

This year’s Military Times list was compiled through a combination of survey results and public data from the Department of Education and Department of Veterans Affairs, the release said. The full list of schools can be found at bestforvets.com.

For more information on how Valparaiso University supports its military students, visit valpo.edu/veterans.

Indiana Dunes Tourism starts grant program

Indiana Dunes Tourism is offering $50,000 in grants to fund community projects, marketing initiatives and unique events that attract visitors to Porter County, a release said.

The grant program aligns with the organization’s mission to attract new and repeat visitors to Porter County by enhancing their stay through the promotion of attractions, marketing efforts and new product development. The grant application deadline for submission is 11:59 p.m. Dec. 1, with recipients being announced Dec. 16, the release said. Grants are for fiscal year 2025 for projects running from January to December.

Organizations interested in participating in the 2025 grant program should apply at IndianaDunes.com/Grant-Programs.

Valparaiso Creative Council names executive director

The Valparaiso Creative Council (VCC) recently announced the promotion of Jessica Corral to full-time executive director, effective Jan. 2, according to a release.

The expansion marks the Council’s commitment to enhancing the creative community and supportive offerings in Valparaiso and surrounding areas, the release said.

Since joining the Council in 2021, Corral has played a pivotal role in driving numerous successful initiatives aimed at supporting and promoting local artists and fostering a vibrant cultural environment, the release said.

Corral brings more than 20 years of entrepreneurial experience, 14 years of research and educational experience as an art teacher, more than 10 years in grant writing and fundraising experience and has recently served as Director of Education for a multicounty art-based nonprofit, the release said.

Beachwalk Vacation Rentals employee gets state hospitality award

Kym Braine, Front Desk Manager at Beachwalk Vacation Rentals in Michigan City, was recently honored with the 2024 Hoosier Hospitality Award by the Indiana Destination Development Corp., according to a release.

This award, presented by Indiana Lt. Governor Suzanne Crouch and Elaine Bedel, CEO of the Indiana Destination Development Corp., recognized Braine’s exemplary commitment to enhancing visitor experiences and her dedication to promoting the region’s distinctive hospitality, the release said.

Beachwalk Vacation Rentals, is a subsidiary of Michigan City-based NWI Development Group. For more information, contact: Robert Harte at 219-900-0141 or rob.harte@nwidevelopment.com

‘Listen and Learn’ forum Nov. 18 in Gary

Gary Community School Corp. (GCSC) Superintendent Yvonne Stokes will host a series of “Listen and Learn” forums beginning at 5 p.m. Nov. 18 at West Side Leadership Academy in the Little Theater, 900 Gerry St. in Gary, according to a release.

Stokes will be joined by members of the GCSC leadership team with each sharing general information about their departments and goals for the remainder of the school year. Attendees will be given the opportunity to interact with the superintendent and department heads immediately following the forum, the release said.

A second forum is scheduled for 5 p.m. De. 18 at Gary Middle School for the Visual and Performing Arts. Both forums will be livestreamed via the GCSC Facebook page, the release said. Visit www.GarySchools.org for more information.

Valparaiso names planning, transit director

Bob Thompson has been named Planning and Transit Director for the City of Valparaiso, according to a release.

Serving as Deputy Engineer for the City of Valparaiso for the past year, Thompson, who replaces Beth Shrader, has more than 33 years of experience with Porter County government, most recently as Director of Development and Stormwater Management where he was responsible for the planning, building and managing of key projects, the release said.

Learn more about planning and transit at the City of Valparaiso, visit Valpo.us and ValpoTransit.com.