2023 Summer Valparaiso Magazine

to Leadership
STEVE AND PAT INGRAM
The Legacy of Service Award recognizes
individuals in the community who, over time
or under extraordinary circumstances, have
given service to the community above and
beyond what is expected in their profession.
Recipients have created a legacy of
community service and serve as an example
for others to emulate.
2023 Legacy of Service
Steve and Pat Ingram moved to Valparaiso
from Fort Wayne in 1987, and immediately
felt at home. Pat describes finding it “very
warm and family friendly with good schools.”
They began working with Valuation Services
in 1991 and purchased the business in 1999.
While the Ingrams are now retired, their son
took over the family business and continues
to run it today. They have three children and
4 grandchildren.
Both the Ingrams are active members of the
philanthropic community and devoted to
service. Steve is an International Trustee with
the International Kiwanis Club and both are
longtime members of the Valparaiso Noon
Kiwanis Club – the third largest Kiwanis club in
the world. The events they participate in with
Kiwanis benefit kids all over the globe. The
Valparaiso Noon Kiwanis sponsors an annual
Pancake Breakfast in Spring, a Corn Roast in
the late summer, and a Beer Tent at Popcorn
Fest. Proceeds from all these events benefit
many local charities as well as Riley Hospital
for Children. Steve volunteers at Riley once a
month, “one of my favorite places to help.”
Steve has worked building houses with
Habitat for Humanity. He has also given his
time to the Construction Trades students
at the Porter County Career and Technical
Education Center, including the project
to move the old train depot. Pat was a Girl
Scout leader for 13 years and takes pride
in watching her “girls” become successful
women with families of their own. Both also
volunteer at St. Teresa of Avila in Valparaiso.
The Ingrams believe community service is
a group effort. Pat says, “It’s not just one or
two people; it’s a community. Everything we
participate in has to be done with a group
or it wouldn’t get done.” Steve says his
philosophy is to “Be prepared for
opportunity,” a sentiment which
has informed his involvement
in Valparaiso. Pat says
she believes, “If you want
something done, ask the
busy people.” Both stay
very busy themselves and
seize opportunities to help
whenever they can.
Both believe Valparaiso is
a special place with special
people. Pat says, “It’s just nice,
friendly. Everyone has a common goal to
make things better.” She encourages others
to contribute to the community as well. There
are many opportunities to get involved if one
seeks them out. “There’s so much to do, but
you have to look into it and do it.”
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