Valparaiso University, Sept. 14-15, 2006

Each year the Career Center at Valparaiso University holds a Career Fair. The fair is attended by more then 800 students who have an opportunity to interact with employers and graduate school representatives. I was there amongst the 100+ other organizations meeting with students and talking about possibilities for their future. Actually folks representing the FBI were right across from me; it kinda freaked me out. And no, they were not wearing black suits and dark sunglasses.

Throughout the morning and early afternoon I had conversations with a number of students regarding seminary study. I will share a few: One young man, Ian, stopped by to chat. He said to me, "I want an unbiased opinion of Luther." His mother graduated eight years ago from Luther and obviously has a bias towards the place; plus, she's his mom.

Ruth stopped by and inquired about the Master of Divinity degree and shared her interest in church history. A young lady majoring in Theology stopped by and wanted to know my thoughts on how to look for an administrative vocation within the church. A few women in the nursing program stopped by and picked up a brochure on the Sacred Music degree to give to a young lady in their church. They have been encouraging her for a few years now to attend.

And there was Erin. We met the night before the fair. Over pizza and pop Erin shared with me about her family, church life, Valparaiso cafeteria food, her dislike for anything called a vegetable and her interest in being a pastor.

I did take time out from the fair to attend chapel. The Chapel of the Resurrection is a magnificent building. It was a treat to be in that space and to worship with and be lead by the students.

My thanks to Sandra McGuigan, director of the Career Center and her team for the invitation to and planning of this event; I truly enjoy meeting and being among the students at Valpo.