The Valparaiso University community celebrated the inauguration of the Rev. Brian Konkol as its new president.

More than 1,500 students, faculty and staff were on hand to welcome the university's 20th president Sept. 25 at the Chapel of the Resurrection.

“What does the world need from us? I believe that the world needs people whose lives are built for good or, to state it more clearly, the world needs more Valpo graduates,” Konkol said. “My hope and prayer is that, 500 years from now, those people will look back and say that our time was a special time, a time where we embraced our calling with courage. To all who are here, the future is calling and, by God’s grace, let us answer.”

The university started Konkol's tenure with a major milestone: undergraduate student enrollment increased for the first time in 10 years.

Eric Johnson, provost and vice president for academic affairs, said 650 new students started classes in August. The Class of 2030 represents 30 states and nine countries, including Canada, China, Egypt, India, Mexico, Spain, Sweden, Tanzania and Thailand.

The university also has seen a 56% increase in donations and other financial support compared to the start of last school year.

That news comes on top of a report that 98% of graduates of the Class of 2025 were either employed or attending a graduate school nine months after receiving their diplomas.

Konkol, who is an ordained minister of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, was chosen after a national search. His appointment was effective Jan. 1.

Valparaiso President José Padilla retired Dec. 31 after serving five years in the role.