Roland Baumann ’54 & Michaelene Baumann: A Life Shaped by Valpo — A Legacy of Gratitude

My life-changing journey began on a spring day in 1954 on the campus at Valparaiso University, just before graduation. The Korean War ceasefire had been negotiated, but the U.S. Army was still drafting individuals into service. My local draft board in Los Angeles had granted me a student deferment to complete my final year, but I knew I would be entering the Army in August.

This was Career Day at Valpo — representatives from various companies gathered to speak with soon-to-be graduates about career opportunities. While I met with several firms, my impending Army service prevented concrete job offers.

Among the company representatives, I noticed a Naval Officer in his “Dress Blues” with gold wings gleaming on his uniform. As an active enlisted member of the Naval Reserve, I was drawn to him, and we started talking. He asked me a life-changing question: “How would you like to become a Navy pilot?”

The idea was thrilling, but I explained the situation with my draft board. He responded, “If you’re interested, take the pre-flight physical — and if you pass, I’ll take care of your Army situation.”

I passed the test and soon received orders to report to Florida for Navy flight training; my draft notice for the Army was no longer in effect. Over the next 18 months of training I earned my Navy Gold Wings in 1956, embarking on a 31-year career as a commercial pilot with Northwest Airlines.

Looking back, I realize none of this would have happened without Valpo. That single “chance encounter” with the Naval Officer on Career Day set my life on a path I could never have imagined. While I would have had an enjoyable career as an accountant, I was blessed with opportunities, experiences, and financial rewards beyond my wildest dreams — all because of Valpo.

I am honored to include Valpo in my estate plan to express my gratitude for the incredible Christian education I received and the life-changing moments on campus. Our endowment fund will help future students achieve their dreams, just as Valpo helped shape mine.

It all started with a seemingly ordinary conversation on a spring day in 1954. But was it really just a chance encounter? Or something more?

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