For more than 40 years, Valerie Thibaudeau Graczyk has poured her time, creativity, and passion into making Fond du Lac a better place. A true visionary, Valerie has led countless initiatives that have transformed lives, fostering collaboration and creating lasting solutions to complex community challenges. Her leadership is defined by action, inclusivity, and a deep commitment to the dignity and well-being of all.

As a leader at St. Agnes Hospital, Valerie was a trailblazer, founding three departments and championing women’s health as Director of the Health Resource Center. Her influence extended into volunteerism, development, and even the hospital’s centennial celebration, “100 Years of Caring.” But her impact reaches far beyond healthcare—Valerie’s entrepreneurial spirit led her and her husband Wayne to establish Someday Travel, fulfilling dreams for travelers in more than 30 countries since 2008.

A passionate storyteller and advocate, Valerie served as Communications Director for the Congregation of Sisters of St. Agnes for 18 years, co authoring a book on their ministry in Nicaragua. She founded the Samaritan Free Clinic House Raffle, raising over $1 million for uninsured individuals’ healthcare. She also spearheaded the creation of ASTOP, Fond du Lac County’s sexual assault center, and led the development of St. Agnes Hospital’s domestic violence program, which brought together law enforcement, nonprofits, educators, and healthcare professionals to combat violence.

Her vision for a healthier community inspired her to chair Fond du Lac County’s health needs assessment, resulting in the formation of the Area Council for Healthier Communities. As a co-founder of the Fond du Lac Area Women’s Fund, she helped establish HOPE Network, supporting women transitioning from shelters, and led the creation of Women of Inspiration, a book celebrating local women’s achievements. Valerie’s impact extends into education as well. She has led study-abroad programs, taught at multiple universities, and served as Director of Community Education at UW-Fond du Lac. Most recently, she tackled childhood poverty by launching “Summer of Fun for All Children” in 2019, providing supervised play, meals, reading support, and enrichment opportunities to more than 100 children.

Beyond her professional achievements, Valerie and Wayne, her husband of 48 years, have built a family rooted in service. Their daughters, Eva and Heidi, continue the legacy of leadership and community impact, and their eight grandchildren inspire the next generation of changemakers. Valerie Thibaudeau Graczyk’s lifelong dedication to building a stronger, healthier, and more connected community is truly extraordinary. 

We celebrate not just her achievements, but the lasting impact she has made—and continues to make—on Fond du Lac and beyond.