A voice for the Vikings, Joe Vanden Acker retires after 25 years of service

For 25 years, Lawrence Athletics has been guided by the steady hand, voice, and dedication of Joe Vanden Acker. Known to generations of Vikings simply as “JVA,” he has served as Sports Information Director since 1999, leaving a legacy of professionalism, passion, and care that will be felt for years to come.

“It’s a rare person who is immediately identifiable by a singular name,” said Jamie Reeve ‘95, co-chair of the Vikings Athletics Advocacy Council. “And rarer yet are individuals known simply by their initials. Typically, only celebrities and politicians are identified by a singular moniker. But for the last quarter-century at Lawrence, every Viking knows JVA instantly.” 

Students didn’t call Vanden Acker by his legal first or last name. They knew him as JVA, and his office always had an open door for students to come in and talk. Over his tenure, he mentored several scholar-athletes and colleagues.

 “I’ve never met someone who cares so much about each individual person and detail, all while bringing a positive attitude to everyone he meets," said Erica Grube, Women’s Soccer Scholar-Athlete. "Words can’t describe how much we are going to miss seeing him around the athletic department every day or hearing his voice on the broadcast.”

Lawrence University is rooted in values of belonging, respect, integrity, and sustainability, and Vanden Acker exemplified what it means to live out those values and nurtured a culture of belonging for scholar-athletes to thrive. 

“He set the tone for our culture in many ways,” said Jason Imperati, Director of Viking Athletics. “JVA reminded us that every student-athlete matters, and every story deserves to be told. That belief has motivated generations of Vikings because they knew their efforts would never go unnoticed. Even on the hardest days, he made sure Lawrence Athletics looked and felt like it belonged.”

A Legacy of Dedication and Excellence

From championship moments to quiet midweek contests, Vanden Acker was there to capture the story. He wrote thousands of recaps, logged every statistic, and ensured that the work of Lawrence student-athletes and coaches was recognized and remembered. He built websites, designed publications, managed broadcasts, and served as the voice behind Viking athletics for more than two decades.

“JVA embodies everything that is great about our department,” said Jason Fast, Head Cross Country Coach and Assistant Athletic Director. “Through every step of my coaching career, he’s been there to support my teams and me. His love for sports and Lawrence Athletics always came through in his writing. His hard work made the athletic experience for thousands of student-athletes a great one. He is truly one of the best to ever do this job.”

Vanden Acker’s dedication to athletic events, attention to detail, exceptional recall ability, and care for others cultivated trusting relationships with everyone he met. 

“He’s dutifully reported wins and losses as well as human-interest stories of the teams and athletes," Reeve said. "Across the multiple conferences in which LU competes, JVA is a giant and a font of knowledge. His recall for detailed stats evidences his keen memory. But more importantly, his personality reflects his genuine interest in others. While he loves to recall the glory days, he’s just as keen to ask about life after Lawrence to learn how the world is made a better place by Vikings after graduation. Simply put, JVA cares.” 

An Impact of Care and Mentorship

Vanden Acker’s greatest impact came from the relationships he forged. Coaches trusted him to present their programs with care, athletes appreciated the recognition he gave to every contribution, and alumni valued his perspective and willingness to support others. He built lasting bonds with student-athletes, parents, and colleagues, becoming not only a chronicler of Viking history but also a mentor and friend. 

“Future students may not realize how much of what they experience was built by JVA, but they will benefit from it. From the records he preserved, the traditions he carried forward, and the example he set for what it means to care about people,” said Jason Imperati. “His legacy will continue to echo through this department for years to come.”

As Vanden Acker retires from his role as Sports Information Director, he’s celebrating more than a career. As a celebrated colleague who gave Lawrence Athletics his voice. His dedication, heart, and influence will remain woven into the history of Viking athletics, and his presence will continue to be felt in the community he helped shape.

“JVA has been one of the most important people I’ve had the privilege to work alongside during my time at Lawrence,” said Jason Imperati. “From my very first conversations here, he gave me perspective and honesty that I’ve come to rely on. My favorite memories are the conversations we’ve had; the level-headed advice and his ability to see things clearly, which grounded me more times than I can count."

Lawrence University and Athletics extend deep gratitude to Joe Vanden Acker for 25 years of service, stories, and care.  

“On behalf of Athletics Alumni, we applaud your commitment to Lawrence and our Vikings. We are grateful for keeping us all informed of the wins and losses,” said Reeve. “As the vanguard of our Hall of Fame, you ensure athletics excellence is highlighted and institutionalized forever. You embody the best of what LU offers our student-athletes. Thanks for being its biggest fan and consummate cheerleader.”

Vanden Acker's plan for retirement is to cheer on his daughter, Anna, a scholar-athlete in her senior year at Lawrence University. Vanden Acker's daughter, Anna, is majoring in Business & Entrepreneurship and English Literature. In her final year competing within Lawrence's tennis and track program, Vanden Acker will cheer her on at various meets and MWC tracks as a fan of Lawrence athletics. 

“It has been so special for me to share my time at Lawrence with my dad. He is the hardest worker I know, and everything he did was completed with the best attention to detail and dedication,” Vanden Acker's daughter, Anna, said. “I am so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work side by side with him. I am sure many other students will relate to having long conversations with him that made them laugh, taught them something new, or left them feeling happier than they were before.”