2015 Speakers
Tom Cedel
“The Power of & — Why Should We Care”
Tom Cedel, Ph.D., is currently a distinguished visiting professor of leadership at Valparaiso University. Prior to Valpo he was the president of Concordia University Texas in Austin, Texas, from 2002–2014. His Ph.D. is in biology from the University of Pittsburgh, and he was a postdoctoral fellow in biophysics at Carnegie-Mellon University. Professor Cedel is also a retired Air Force colonel and was a fighter pilot, having flown the F-4, A-7, and F-16 aircrafts. He commanded a fighter squadron and was vice commander of a fighter wing. During his career he was assigned overseas in Pakistan, Japan, Korea, Europe, and the Middle East.
Karen Freeman-Wilson
“How Public Servants Can Re-Engage the Public”
Karen Freeman-Wilson, currently the mayor of the city of Gary, Ind., has served in the public arena most of her professional life. She was previously the Indiana Attorney General, the director of the Indiana Civil Rights Commission, and the presiding judge of the Gary City Court. She was also a leader in the national drug court movement having served as the CEO of the National Association of Drug Court Professionals and the executive director of the National Drug Court Institute.
Mark A. Heckler
“Lead & Serve”
Mark A. Heckler, Ph.D., has served as Valparaiso University’s 18th president since 2008. President Heckler is a dedicated educator with more than 35 years of experience as a professor and administrator. He is overseeing the implementation of the most expansive and comprehensive Strategic Plan in the University’s more than 150-year history. His first seven years have been marked by enrollment growth, program and facilities expansion, greater diversity and internationalization, and enhanced alumni engagement.
Anton Lewis
“From Britain With Love. The Positive Power of Difference in Different Places.”
Anton Lewis, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of accounting at Valparaiso University. He teaches financial and managerial accounting as well as audit and accounting information systems.
Mac McElhaney
“The Power of EQ & IQ”
Mac McElhaney is a fun loving and dynamic leader in our Northwest Indiana community. He has served as a pastor, mentor, and businessman and has 18 years of experience working with people. Mac also serves as a product specialist in electrical and mechanical engineering solutions for Kendall Electric in Mishawaka, Ind.
Robert Ordway
“Voicing our Vote: Why Millennials Matter in Elections”
Robert is a native of Lake Station. He was awarded the prestigious Eli Lilly Scholarship from the Legacy Foundation and was the first person in his family to attend college. He holds a bachelor of science and business administration with a concentration in finance and an M.S. in international commerce and policy, both from Valparaiso University. Robert currently sits on a number of boards and committees in the comunity. Robert’s work experience includes tenure with county and state government as well as campaigns from all levels of public office. Robert is currently the owner and operator of Rusted Oak, a men’s clothing store in Downtown Valparaiso.
Elyse Smith
“Dancers Are Athletes Too”
Elyse Smith is a junior meteorology major with minors in math and theatre at Valparaiso University. From Naperville, Ill., Elyse aspires to be a broadcast meteorologist and has a passion for public speaking.
Nathan Young
“Fundamentals & Innovation”
Founder of Turnkey Concepts and its chief analyst, Nathan has always been dedicated to efficiency and connecting disparate things to solve otherwise insurmountable problems. Through 20 years in business and a belief that everything can be traced back to simple precepts, he has built multiple tools to help companies assess their needs and implement lean strategies for fast change.
Amanda Zelechoski
“And, Not Or”
Amanda Zelechoski, J.D., Ph.D., is an assistant professor of psychology at Valparaiso University. She is a licensed attorney and clinical psychologist, specializes in the areas of trauma and forensic psychology, and is board-certified in clinical child and adolescent psychology. She directs the Psychology, Law, and Trauma Research Lab at Valpo and teaches courses in the areas of psychology and law, child and adolescent development, psychopathology, and professional development in psychology. Outside of the classroom and lab, Professor Zelechoski enjoys wrangling her three sons, along with her husband, Steve, and feisty yellow lab, Domer.
Steve Zelechoski
“1 Is the Loneliest Number”
“Your STORY matters more than your solution, and HOW you tell your story matters just as much. ”For the past four years, Steve has worked with thousands of sales representatives with companies like Oracle, Monster, and Wells Fargo on developing the power of their stories. Previously, he served in a variety of sales and marketing roles with GE. Steve earned his MBA, J.D., and B.S. from Villanova University and lives in Valpo with his wife (Amanda Zelechoski — Valpo psychology department), three sons, and dog (woof).