Valparaiso University alumni Phyllis Buehner Duesenberg and Richard Duesenberg have committed to establish the Phyllis and Richard Duesenberg Endowed Chair in French Language and Culture.
The endowment will provide permanent resources to ensure the teaching and learning of French language and culture at Valpo continues in perpetuity, according to Valparaiso University.
“The study of foreign languages is at the very heart of Valpo’s liberal arts curriculum and reflects our mission to prepare graduates for the opportunities and challenges of today’s global environment,” said Mark A. Heckler, president of Valparaiso University. “Phyllis and Dick Duesenberg are among Valpo’s most generous alumni. Their dedicated support of the humanities reflects their personal interests and belief in the importance of a well-rounded education.”
The Duesenbergs have been strong supporters of Valpo for several decades. They were behind the construction of the Kade-Duesenberg German House and Cultural Center, have previously established four endowed faculty chairs and funded the Duesenberg Welcome Center.
The Dusenbergs serve as honorary co-chairs of Forever Valpo, the college’s $250 million “Campaign for Our Future.” The campaign launched on Sept. 23, 2016, and has raised more than $193 million.
Phyllis Buehner Duesenberg earned a bachelor of arts in French, minored in philosophy and was awarded an honorary doctor of arts. She was a co-founder of the Bach Institute at Valparaiso University and researched and acquired significant works of 19th-century art for the Brauer Museum of Art. Further related activities include serving on the board and as program chair for Alliance-Française de St. Louis
Dick Duesenberg graduated with a bachelor of arts in government and law, a law degree and was awarded an honorary doctor of law. He also earned a master of law from Yale University. Dick is an emeritus member of the Valparaiso University Board of Directors, serving from 1977 to 2006.
