Dear Valpo Community,

Valparaiso University has a long-held tradition of celebrating All Saints Day, in which we remember those who have passed away in the last year.  Names are read on All Saints Sunday (November 5, 2023), including the names of those who have died from our university community, whose photos are displayed all year on the third floor of the Christopher Center Library.  Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a Latin American tradition to honor and commemorate the lives of the loved ones who are no longer with us, and to welcome acknowledging their continuing presence in our lives. The main part of this cultural-spiritual tradition is the ofrenda, an ornamental space dedicated to honoring our relatives. This year, Valpo wants to bring this important tradition to four key locations on campus to celebrate Dia de los Muertos in the university community.

We want to invite you to join us in celebrating that death does not separate us from our loved ones. You can be part of this tradition by sending a picture of your deceased loved ones through this form before October 27th, to be placed in one of the four ofrendas. We will print and frame your pictures to be placed on the ofrenda of your choice.

Consider joining us Monday evening, October 30th, in the Helge Center Multipurpose Room at 6:30 PM, to eat pozole and prepare elements of the ofrendas.This cultural tradition brings communities together. We hope that all Valpo Families can gather together to spend time sharing stories from their ancestors. The Ofrenda will be displayed in the Gloria Christi Chapel (lower level), the Christopher Center (2nd floor), the Harre Union (Grand Lounge), and Loke Hall (Brave Space)  from November 1st to November 8th.  The Chapel will be open until 10:00 pm During this time, please use the Gloria Christi Chapel entrance (east side of the Chapel) during concerts and events.

Blessings,

Calling and Spiritual Life/Institute for Leadership and Service, Office of Multicultural Programs, Department of World Languages and Cultures, Christopher Center for Library and Information Resources, Student Life