VU theater educator's passion affected arts

John Steven Paul, professor of theater and director of the Lilly Fellows Program at Valparaiso University, depicted kindness, energy and passion about his work, his wife, Margaret Franson, said.

Paul was equally at home staging a Shakespearean drama with children, directing a comedy with college students, mixing his signature Caesar salad with friends or rooting for the Cubs or VU basketball, she said.

Fort Wayne-born Paul earned a bachelor's degree from Valparaiso University, and he received a master's and doctorate in theater and drama from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Provost Mark Schwehn characterized his colleague as a "man who had no enemies," attributing to Paul's "personal warmth and determination" to find and bring out the best in people.As director of more than 60 productions, Paul founded Soul Purpose, a student liturgical drama troupe.

As director of more than 60 productions, Paul founded Soul Purpose, a student liturgical drama troupe. Gregg Hertzlieb, director of Brauer Museum, said he "treasured" his interactions with Paul as somebody whom he truly respected. Former student and art professor Jill Stevenson said, "He offered me a true role model. ... He embodied an ethic of work, art and community that I can only hope to honor through my own life."

Gregg Hertzlieb, director of Brauer Museum, said he "treasured" his interactions with Paul as somebody whom he truly respected.

Former student and art professor Jill Stevenson said, "He offered me a true role model. ... He embodied an ethic of work, art and community that I can only hope to honor through my own life."

John Steven Paul, 58, of Valparaiso, passed from cardio-pulmonary arrest. Paul is survived by his wife of 29 years, Margaret Franson; parents, Robert and Betty; two sisters, two nieces, several godchildren and friends. A funeral service was held July 16 at the Valparaiso University Chapel of the Resurrection. Moeller Funeral Home handled the arrangements. Memorials may be made to the Department of Theatre or to Christ College, Valparaiso University.