On the evening of Friday, January 31, Tri Kappa’s Valparaiso-based Iota chapter hosted its annual gala at Journeyman Distillery. Chapter members, their significant others, and community members from all over the Region turned up in their sharpest outfits to enjoy the fun and fellowship. This year’s gala featured a silent auction with prizes provided by organizations like the Albanese Candy Factory, Shaw’s Crab House, and Valparaiso Country Club. Urschel Giving, Modern Edge, Tudor Floors & More, and GreatNews.Life numbered among the event’s sponsors.
Since 1903, Tri Kappa has been committed to supporting the Valparaiso community through, as one of its slogans states, “charity, culture, and education.” For the entirety of its operation, this sorority has given 100% of the profits it makes off of fundraisers back to the community. This money goes towards grants, scholarships, and other assets that benefit the residents of Valparaiso and beyond
Drew Sarkisian, president of the Tri Kappa Iota chapter and co-chair of the gala planning committee, instated the tradition of the annual gala when she ascended to the presidency in 2023. Sarkisian, the youngest president in Tri Kappa Iota history, enjoys dressing up to celebrate the sorority’s successes over the past year alongside her fellow members.
“I’d like to thank everyone for being here tonight,” Sarkisian said. “We are truly blessed to have so many people in this room who support, not just this organization, but this community as a whole. It is an honor to be president of Tri Kappa. This position has given me the opportunity to see this community in ways that I have never seen before, and I am proud to say that I was born and raised in Valparaiso, Indiana. During my tenure as president, I have been able to build relationships with individuals who give and dedicate their time and energy to enriching the lives of others. It is because of these individuals that this community is a safe space for so many people and is consistently evolving on a daily basis.”
This year, Cliff and Laura Bryan, Valpo natives and college sweethearts, received Tri Kappa’s Spotlight Citizens award. This award honors individuals who have significantly contributed to the community. Cliff and Laura Bryan were recognized for the financial contributions they have made for the betterment of Porter County as a whole.
Laura Bryan, a Tri Kappa Iota member of 35 years, is deeply grateful to be receiving the Spotlight Citizens award alongside her husband.
“We’re honored to be receiving this award,” Laura Bryan said. “However, I feel that there are so many other people in this community who are equally, if not more, deserving of it as we are. We’ve been grateful for the opportunity to give back, but we also have fun, and we want to celebrate everyone giving to our community. That spirit of charity is what makes Valparaiso so special.”
Bill and Johanna Welter, co-founders of Journeyman Distillery, were honored as the 2024 Spotlight Citizens at last year’s gala. Johanna Welter helped Sarkisian and gala planning committee co-chair Amy Trapp present the 2025 Spotlight Citizens Award to Cliff and Laura Bryan.
Cliff Bryan views the gala as an excellent opportunity to celebrate the great work the Tri Kappa Iota chapter has done in Valparaiso and the surrounding area.
“This evening is not about us,” Cliff Bryan said. “It’s about Tri Kappa. They have been an integral part of this community for so long and will continue to be so in the future. They’re truly a great group of ladies. Valparaiso is unlike most communities. It cares about its residents and gives back to them. Individuals aren’t out for themselves. Everyone is dedicated to supporting the community as a whole. The local government has done a terrific job helping this city develop into something even greater than before.”
The Bluewater Kings Band provided the evening’s live entertainment, performing covers of an array of hit songs including “Valerie” by Amy Winehouse, “Blame It On the Boogie” by the Jacksons, and “December, 1963” by Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons. The attendees got up from their seats to dance the night away or took fun pictures at the photo booth.
For more information on Tri Kappa Iota’s past and future community engagement and service endeavors, please visit trikappavalpo.org.