VALPARAISO

GOP open house will feature local candidates

The Porter County Republican Party invites Porter County voters to an open house from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at 212 Lincolnway, next to Buffalo Wild Wings.

Republicans will have McCain/Palin signs, bumper stickers and pins available, and all local and state candidates also will offer signs and information. Local Republican candidates will be on hand to talk with voters.

For more information, call (219) 464-2213 or (219) 405-0577.

The party also will have absentee ballot applications and voter registration forms.

WESTVILLE

ISU official appointed PNC vice chancellor

The Purdue University board of trustees has appointed Karen Schmid as vice chancellor for academic affairs at Purdue University North Central after a national search.

As the chief academic officer, Schmid will be responsible for all academic programs and faculty. She comes to PNC from Indiana State University in Terre Haute, where she served as associate vice president for academic affairs and associate professor of family and consumer science.

Schmid developed the first experiential learning grant program at Indiana State, which supported service learning and community engagement.

VALPARAISO

VU homecoming will include fireworks show

As part of Valparaiso University's homecoming and reunion weekend festivities, a fireworks display will take place Oct. 10 on campus.

The fireworks show will begin at 8:30 p.m. south of the Chapel of the Resurrection and last about 20 minutes. The community is invited to join Valparaiso alumni, students, faculty and staff in viewing the fireworks, sponsored by VU's Union Board.

Following the display, the Crusaders men's and women's basketball teams will kick off the 2008-09 season with Valpo Hoops Mania at the athletics-recreation center. Doors open at 9 p.m. for the event, and the basketball teams will be introduced at 10. Activities will include a three-point contest, dunk contest and autograph session.

Those planning to attend the fireworks display are encouraged to park in the lot northeast of the U.S. 30 entrance or adjacent to the VU softball field and tennis complex.

Members of the community also are invited to participate in the university's 5K Fun Run/Walk on Oct. 11. Registration is $15 per person for the 5K, which will start at 9 a.m. at the Valparaiso Union, and includes a T-shirt and refreshments. Call the office of alumni relations at (219) 464-6901 for information or to register.

For a complete schedule of activities for the homecoming and reunion weekend, visit www.valpo.edu/alumni/homecoming.